European
Morning Yoga practice, Umag, Croatia (4/9)
1:00 - 2:26 (86 min)
A morning practice integrates physical postures with breath awareness to prepare the body and mind. Begin by lying down, interlocking fingers behind the head, and lifting the upper body with an exhalation to feel the back stretch. Move through sequences to stretch the shoulders, back, and legs, coordinating each movement with the breath. Practice lateral bends and forward folds with a straight spine. Engage the abdominal muscles with controlled leg lifts. Conclude with seated prāṇāyāma, focusing on alternate nostril breathing without counting cycles. Observe the natural breath flow and use a mantra to maintain focus, allowing thoughts to pass without analysis. Feel peace filling the heart with each breath.
"With every exhalation, try to deepen the position a little."
"Just enjoy the prāṇāyāma. We don’t have to count the cycles; we just relax and do prāṇāyāma."
Filming location: Umag, Croatia
Our heart is very great
2:30 - 3:03 (33 min)
The primordial sound Oṁ connects all humanity through its varied pronunciations across traditions. Scriptures state the universe began with this sound. As it traveled, the vibration transformed into "Amen" and "Āmīn" in other faiths, revealing a universal connection. This symbol is a gift for all mankind.
A restless mind is like a monkey snatching a banana. The struggle continues as long as one holds on. The teaching is to let go. Place the banana down; the monkey takes it peacefully and calms down. Similarly, stop wrestling with thoughts. Surrender them. Practices like meditation and devotion slow the mind. A peaceful mind resides in the present, reducing stress and increasing bliss. True peace comes from surrendering all expectations to the Master.
"The easiest option is to let go, put it down, and allow the mind to become peaceful."
"Gurudev, you do what you are doing."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
God is only one
3:10 - 3:46 (36 min)
The spiritual path is one of unity and inner realization, received through grace. We are led and protected by the Master's grace, which provides profound opportunities for inner work. What is received must be utilized consciously or it may be lost. The essence of all spiritual traditions is one, like a single ocean whose water circulates through clouds and rain. All religions and their divine figures originate from and return to the same singular divine source. The human body is composed of the five elements, and we must learn to live harmoniously within them. Humans are meant to evolve toward the divine, but harmful actions against life create suffering and regression. True practice fosters peace, harmony, and respect for all beings, transcending distinctions of country or creed. Yoga is the realization of this fundamental oneness.
"Use it or lose it."
"Water is water. Maybe it is ocean, in clouds, or a very fine drop of that water, but it is the ocean."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
How do we practice Bhramari?
3:50 - 4:09 (19 min)
The practice of breath and Brahmari requires consistent, moderate daily effort, not excessive exertion. Specific techniques exist, analogous to a balanced meal with various components. The practice involves three primary focal points: the heart, the navel, and the breath itself. One must learn to inhale and exhale properly through the nostrils, cleaning them as needed. The Brahmari technique follows these points and involves working with the breath's subtleties. Practice it briefly, for about five minutes, twice daily. Do not extend Brahmari for too long. The correct method uses the nostrils, with the lips closed and the mouth slightly open. This disciplined practice, done correctly, yields benefit.
"You must practice every day."
"We should take our breath in and out with both nostrils."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
A Warm Welcome and the Three Books
4:15 - 4:23 (8 min)
Welcome back, and remember the three books containing all wisdom.
We are very happy for your return after three months. While waiting, I recalled Swāmījī's teaching from years ago. He said he had given us everything through three books: a yoga book, a chakra book, and the Līlā Amṛt. He explained that all answers are there. For a physical problem, consult the yoga book. For spiritual development, see the chakra book. For bhakti, turn to Līlā Amṛt, our bible. This thought came at the airport. So we have everything with Swāmījī here and in these books. We are happy to see you and wish you a good time here, with less stress. We look forward to satsaṅg and lectures.
"You only have to look in those three books. Everything is explained there."
"When you have any problem with your bhakti, look into our bible: the Līlā Amṛt, the Living Light."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
How did Yoga in Daily Life begin in Europe?
4:30 - 5:12 (42 min)
Yoga is the seed of spiritual life, cultivated through daily practice and respect. Our existence is a continuous yoga aimed at understanding the divine. This understanding extends beyond the self to encompass all teachers and seekers. Initial efforts in the West faced resistance, with many rejecting yoga due to dietary attachments. Persistence in sharing the practice, particularly in Central Europe, gradually bore fruit. Gatherings grew from a few individuals to hundreds, including diverse seekers from various backgrounds. The core teaching emphasizes integrating spiritual discipline with respect for one's own culture and family. True progress requires consistency in practice and honoring one's roots without conflict.
"Yoga in Daily Life. So, Yoga in Daily Life, and very nice still."
"Respect your mother, your father, your brothers, your neighbors, and everything."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
About the thousand names of Vishnu
5:20 - 5:50 (30 min)
The Viṣṇu Sahasranāmam is a sacred recitation of divine names. It originates from the Mahābhārata, where Yudhiṣṭhira, grieving after the war, asks Bhīṣma for the supreme refuge. Bhīṣma's response forms this text, a core of Hindu devotion. It is widely recited, especially in South India, often in a musical style popularized by M.S. Subbulakshmi. The practice involves daily prayer, typically in the evening. The essence of the thousand names is ultimately concentrated in the name of Rāma. Reciting this single name holds the power of the entire text. The concluding tradition includes verses dedicated to Lakṣmī.
"By glorifying whom does one attain physical, mental, and spiritual peace and purity?"
"All you have to say is: 'Śrī Rām Rām Rāmeti Rame Rame Manorame, Sahasranāma-tattulyaṁ Rāma-nāma varānane.'"
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
Strengthening the fire
5:55 - 6:25 (30 min)
Agni Sāra Kriyā is a practice to strengthen the digestive fire for health.
Blood pressure and diabetes are linked companions; the aim is to harmonize them. This kriyā is best done in the morning after fasting for several hours. Agni means fire, and the digestive fire, jāṭharāgni, is essential. A strong digestive fire ensures strong organs and prevents issues like diabetes and headaches. Poor digestion can harm eyesight and cause headaches, which also stem from relational disharmony affecting the liver. This single fire is powerful for health. Consistent practice takes only one and a half to two minutes. Laziness is the enemy; we only have yesterday and today. Personal, continuous practice is vital. Changing spiritual paths means losing progress. Agni Sāra Kriyā improves memory, cleanses the blood and joints, burns excess fat, balances hormones, and strengthens immunity. Avoid it after recent heart procedures or stomach surgery. The digestive fire is also Vīraha Agni, the fire of spiritual longing. The practice involves exhaling, holding the breath out, and moving the stomach. Do not exceed three or four rounds. It positively affects the kidneys, liver, and circulation, reducing fat levels.
"Fire needs water. Fire can exist only in the water."
"Tomorrow is like the horizon: as you approach, it recedes further."
Filming location: Wellington, New Zealand
Gurudev is always merciful and loving
6:30 - 7:00 (30 min)
The grace of the guru is the ultimate refuge. The master's love is evident in his tireless presence for devotees, disregarding physical exhaustion to remain with them. There are many types of guides: parents, teachers, and finally the supreme Sadguru, who is essential for liberation. All pilgrimages exist at the guru's feet, making his physical arrival a profound blessing. The story of Dhruva illustrates perfect devotion; through his guru's mantra and dedicated meditation, he attained a permanent place in the heavens. Similarly, the guru constantly elevates disciples, forgiving all mistakes and never abandoning them. The guru's grace alone can free one from the endless cycle of birth and death, granting ultimate liberation. A story tells of two pilgrims seeking purification in the Ganges. They finally rest at an ashram whose guru had never visited the river. That night, they witnessed the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati—appearing as blackened goddesses—come to purify themselves by touching the dust of the guru's feet. All gods and goddesses take refuge in the guru. Therefore, having the guru's shelter removes all sorrows and sins, purifying the seeker completely.
"When we place our head at the lotus feet of Gurūdeva, then there is nothing to worry about."
"In the lotus feet of Gurudeva are all the pilgrimages."
Filming location: Slovenska Vas, Slovenia
You and me are one
7:05 - 7:44 (39 min)
Life is a universal essence present in all beings and elements, sustained by divine grace.
God provides this body and the life within it. Life exists everywhere—in air, water, earth, and all creatures. They live according to their nature. A personal story illustrates spiritual perception: while meditating at night, a presence akin to a Guru appeared, prompting a profound experience. Another account involves a mother figure who spoke of life within the earth itself, revealing countless beings. The body is temporary. Some advocate cremation to fully release the spirit, preventing it from lingering as a confused presence. The goal is liberation, like a drop merging into the ocean, becoming one with the whole. True yogis seek this inward unity, not external validation or money. Modern yoga often misunderstands this, focusing on commerce rather than genuine practice. We must look within to realize our true nature.
"Life exists mostly everywhere, as we have on earth."
"The goal is like a drop merging into the ocean, becoming one with the whole."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
What does Sanatana Dharma mean?
7:50 - 8:41 (51 min)
Sanātana Dharma is the eternal, natural law based on one's inherent nature, with its foundation in purity. It originates from the time of Śiva, who was first in this creation. The practice begins with purifying one's diet, which purifies the body and mind, allowing entry into the divine. This dharma is ancient and universal, with all contemporary religions stemming from its Vedic root. The process of realizing this eternal truth is yoga, which is the human task. Understanding karma and reincarnation is essential, as individuals are fully responsible for their destiny. Suffering settles past accounts and teaches. A realized guide is crucial for this awakening. Following one principle, like truthfulness, constitutes the tapasyā that leads to Sanātana Dharma.
"Āhāra śuddhi leads to sattva śuddhi. If we take pure food, then our physical body will become clear like a diamond."
"The process of realizing the ātmā in us is yoga. This is the task of each human being."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Kriya and Kundalini
8:45 - 9:31 (46 min)
Kuṇḍalinī, Śakti, and Kriyā Yoga are interconnected through life's ceremonial obligations. Kuṇḍalinī is the conscious energy within, connected to the nāḍīs and chakras. This energy is feminine, called Śakti. Its awakening requires fulfilling sixteen Vedic saṃskāras, or ceremonies, which liberate the soul from karmic debts to ancestors and elements. These include rites from birth to death, like ear piercing for health and the final funeral rites. Without completing these, ancestral souls remain trapped, causing disturbances in life and blocking spiritual progress. Kriyā Yoga and Kuṇḍalinī awakening thus depend on purifying these obligations through prescribed ceremonies, like the śrāddha for ancestors, to clear foreign energies from the body.
"Kuṇḍalinī is a kind of consciousness which has clarity, and it leads the aspirant to the highest level of consciousness."
"By the untasty, it’s not only untasty, but it’s called untasty kriyā... Then your Kriya Yoga will be successful. At that time, your Kuṇḍalinī will be pure, and it will awaken."
Filming location: San Francisco, USA
Sakar and nirakar
9:35 - 10:04 (29 min)
Consciousness is unbroken and present everywhere, pervading all beings and things. We repeatedly gather to connect with this source, receiving subtle guidance and blessings beyond verbal instruction. The practices shared here are a rare grace, often requiring lifetimes to access. A story illustrates this seeking: a ferryman, upon carrying Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa across the river, refused payment. He instead asked Rāma to carry him across the ocean of suffering. Like that ferryman, one must wisely use the opportunity for a master's presence, seeking guidance on the subtlest level. Our forms are evident, but we seek to understand the formless reality beyond them. Practice prepares the body and mind for this inquiry into where the soul ultimately goes.
"The ferryman said, 'I took you over Gaṅgā. So you take me over this ocean of suffering.'"
"Only practicing āsanas and prānāyāmas... It’s very good, because without our body, we don’t know what it is."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
You are like bees
10:10 - 10:52 (42 min)
The eternal essence, the Ātmā, is the singular sweetness within all existence. The divine flow of grace manifests through many forms, yet the source is one. Just as a single father and mother give rise to many children, the one truth expresses itself through many gurus and disciples across generations. The physical body is temporary, composed of five elements that return to nature, but the ātmā is eternal. This essence is like a single drop that contains the potential of the entire ocean. Every being—humans, animals, trees—possesses this same divine sweetness within. Therefore, one must cultivate purity in every aspect of being and never harbor negativity or harm toward others. The practice of devotion, like the collective work of bees producing honey, allows this inner sweetness to flow forth and unite all.
"Otherwise, there is only one Guru, or one God, and then God will not be all Gurus, everybody."
"This is not a body, but ātmā, and this is like one drop, and this drop is not like a neat drop. This one drop can make immense water again."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Guru can change our destiny
11:00 - 11:22 (22 min)
The guru's grace can alter destiny.
Everything depends on our karmas. What is written in your destiny will happen. A story illustrates the guru's power to change this. A king's guru met the Vedāntā, the destiny writer, going to inscribe the fate of the king's newborn twins. She declared one son would live in poverty selling wood from a horse, and the other would hunt, barely catching one animal daily. The guru warned her she would regret this. The guru then left. The king was later killed in an attack, and the twins were raised in poverty by a potter, fulfilling the destined misery. Years later, the guru returned. He instructed the wood-selling brother to sell his horse each day, forcing the Vedāntā to provide a new one each time to fulfill the destiny. He told the hunter to only hunt a golden deer, ignoring all other animals. The Vedāntā was thus forced to provide a golden deer daily to meet the decree of one kill. The brothers grew wealthy. The Vedāntā, overwhelmed, begged the guru for forgiveness and agreed to rewrite their destiny to become kings again, which then occurred.
"Just be careful that you do not regret your decision later."
"Guru Kṛpāhi Kevalam."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Guru can change our destiny
11:30 - 11:52 (22 min)
The guru's grace can alter destiny.
Everything depends on our karmas. What is written in your destiny will happen. A story illustrates the guru's power to change this. A king's guru met the Vedāntā, the destiny writer, going to inscribe the fate of the king's newborn twins. She declared one son would live in poverty selling wood from a horse, and the other would hunt, barely catching one animal daily. The guru warned her she would regret this. The guru then left. The king was later killed in an attack, and the twins were raised in poverty by a potter, fulfilling the destined misery. Years later, the guru returned. He instructed the wood-selling brother to sell his horse each day, forcing the Vedāntā to provide a new one each time to fulfill the destiny. He told the hunter to only hunt a golden deer, ignoring all other animals. The Vedāntā was thus forced to provide a golden deer daily to meet the decree of one kill. The brothers grew wealthy. The Vedāntā, overwhelmed, begged the guru for forgiveness and agreed to rewrite their destiny to become kings again, which then occurred.
"Just be careful that you do not regret your decision later."
"Guru Kṛpāhi Kevalam."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
A Message of Peace from Prague
12:00 - 12:07 (7 min)
The key to our future is universal unity and peace. I witnessed this spirit in a crowded square where people of all languages smiled together, a vision for our world. Achieving this requires not just public desire but political will. Prague has a historical legacy of promoting peace, from medieval delegations to modern nuclear agreements. Our world faces civil wars, climate change, and threats from weapons and terrorism. I work with parliamentary networks seeking pledges from nations to not be first to use and to reduce nuclear arsenals, aiming to lower global risk. Support these efforts. True peace begins within each person.
"There is only one God, the universal God, only one religion, humanity, and only one nation, humankind."
"Peace among nations is dependent on peace in human beings."
Filming location: Prague, Czech Republic
The Means Are the End: On Non-Violence, Patience, and Peace
12:15 - 12:29 (14 min)
The means are the end; the purity of the instrument determines the outcome.
Life initially teaches non-violence through powerlessness, when a violent response is impossible. Yet true understanding comes with maturity. Society focuses on ends, neglecting means. This creates fundamental questions: can war bring peace or violence bring justice? The answer is no. Wrong means always yield wrong ends, for the means become the end. A seed becomes the tree. Hatred breeds hatred; violence breeds violence. Only non-violence, born from compassion, breeds compassion. Some claim wrong means bring wealth and power, while right means bring struggle. But happiness is a peaceful mind. Those using right means possess this peace and live in the present. Those using wrong means have disturbed minds, living in past or future. To follow non-violence requires immense patience and faith. It is a slow, complete cure like Ayurveda, healing from within like yoga.
"There are countless reasons for which I can give my life, but for no reason can I kill a person."
"Happiness is a peaceful state of mind."
Filming location: Prague, Czech Republic
How do we practice Bhramari?
12:35 - 12:54 (19 min)
The practice of breath and Brahmari requires consistent, moderate daily effort, not excessive exertion. Specific techniques exist, analogous to a balanced meal with various components. The practice involves three primary focal points: the heart, the navel, and the breath itself. One must learn to inhale and exhale properly through the nostrils, cleaning them as needed. The Brahmari technique follows these points and involves working with the breath's subtleties. Practice it briefly, for about five minutes, twice daily. Do not extend Brahmari for too long. The correct method uses the nostrils, with the lips closed and the mouth slightly open. This disciplined practice, done correctly, yields benefit.
"You must practice every day."
"We should take our breath in and out with both nostrils."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Experiences of bhaktas about Vishwaguruji
13:00 - 14:09 (69 min)
The presence of the guru is eternal and found within. Disciples share experiences of finding the master and the transformative path of service and surrender. One traveled from afar, receiving a task to establish a center, fueling years of karma yoga through the guru's visits and guidance. Another sought a true guru, finding him immediately through a poster, beginning a lifelong discipleship. A third, raised in Christian tradition, found the same divine love in the ashram's atmosphere and received a mission to start a center. The guru's guidance extends to every detail, embodying infinite patience. His current silence is a period of testing and inner growth, not absence. He remains the sole guide, eternally present within the heart, listening and protecting. The physical form is secondary to the constant spiritual presence and blessings.
"One second of Swāmījī’s smile or energy or attention has to last for a whole year."
"His not talking doesn’t mean he’s not there. Ask the same questions in your mind, and you will still get answers."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Practical guide to meditation (3/11)
15:25 - 16:28 (63 min)
Evening satsang from weekend seminar in Vep, Hungary on 14th of February 2009.
Bhajan singing in the Strilky Ashram
16:30 - 17:05 (35 min)
The essence of spiritual transmission lies in the Guru's grace and the disciple's receptivity. The sacred words and hymns originate from the enlightened masters. These teachings are preserved in extensive texts. The precise historical details are less significant than the living truth they convey. The fundamental reality is known directly through this grace. Logical analysis of form cannot grasp this essence. The path is sustained by devotion and attentive listening.
"Antaḥ Mūlaṁ Guru Vākyaṁ, Śravaṇa Mūlaṁ Guru Kṛpā."
"Jaha sun chetan hai, aur nazar nahī̃ ānī hai..."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Bhajan singing from Jadan Ashram
17:10 - 17:45 (35 min)
A pilgrim's vision reveals the urgency of spiritual action. The traveler sees a form, a reminder of life's fleeting nature. Act now on what you must do, or face regret. Delay is not an option. The divine provides answers and sustains life. The true Guru's word is liberation itself. It is the final refuge and the ultimate truth. Hold firmly to that promise.
"Whatever you have to do, do it. Otherwise, you will regret it."
"The Guru's word is liberation. The Guru's word is liberation."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Bhajan evening in Jadan Ashram
17:50 - 18:25 (35 min)
Devotion manifests through repetitive praise and ecstatic song. The core practice is the invocation of divine names and gurus. This chanting is a phonetic rendering of a live devotional session. Its repetitive phrases are musical refrains, not discursive arguments. The varying epithets for deities are typical of invocation. The text is a record of spiritual expression, not logical exposition. Its primary function is celebratory praise. The content is an aural and devotional experience.
"Guru Viśva Bādaśā, Arāja Sūno Sarkā."
"Śiro maṇi manuṣya tā na dhārī huvā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Bhajan singing from Villach
18:30 - 19:13 (43 min)
Evening program with Vishwaguruji from Villach, Austria. Bhajans.
Gurudev always works for his bhaktas
19:20 - 20:18 (58 min)
The immortal Self is the truth of your being, realized through surrender and patience. The story of Naciketā illustrates the path. He waited three days for Yamarāja, the lord of death, undistracted by temptations. His sincere inquiry into what lies beyond death revealed the immortal ātmā. This knowledge freed him. Similarly, spiritual progress requires unwavering dedication and the patience to endure life's shaping trials. Attachments at death bind the soul to further cycles, as shown by the story of a man who kept postponing his spiritual journey and was reborn repeatedly near his family. Surrender to the Guru's guidance is essential. Do not analyze the Guru's instructions; simply follow. He sees all time and shapes you for your ultimate freedom. Trust completely and let go.
"Just as all things that come will go, what will I do with all these materialistic things? I want to know what happens after death."
"Guru ājñā avichāraṇīya. We are not going to find logic behind this... simply follow."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Experiences of bhaktas about Vishwaguruji
20:25 - 21:34 (69 min)
The presence of the guru is eternal and found within. Disciples share experiences of finding the master and the transformative path of service and surrender. One traveled from afar, receiving a task to establish a center, fueling years of karma yoga through the guru's visits and guidance. Another sought a true guru, finding him immediately through a poster, beginning a lifelong discipleship. A third, raised in Christian tradition, found the same divine love in the ashram's atmosphere and received a mission to start a center. The guru's guidance extends to every detail, embodying infinite patience. His current silence is a period of testing and inner growth, not absence. He remains the sole guide, eternally present within the heart, listening and protecting. The physical form is secondary to the constant spiritual presence and blessings.
"One second of Swāmījī’s smile or energy or attention has to last for a whole year."
"His not talking doesn’t mean he’s not there. Ask the same questions in your mind, and you will still get answers."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Disciples remembrances and stories about Gurudev
21:40 - 22:38 (58 min)
The path is simple, requiring only genuine feeling. Lord Śiva and the Guru respond to bhāva, or the sincerity of the heart, not elaborate rituals. A simple offering made with pure love is more valued than a grand one without it. This principle of inner devotion is the essence of the relationship. Rituals like abhiṣeka are for our own purification. The Guru's grace manifests in simple, direct encounters that impart deep understanding beyond any book. He meets each person exactly where they are, guiding with immense care and patience. The journey begins with a single step taken in sincerity.
"With Lord Śiva it is simpler. He works on bhāva. Bhāva means feelings."
"The bhāva which he has, those who are offering hundreds of things to me, they even don’t have that love for me which this person has."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
We should be worthy to be a human
22:45 - 23:49 (64 min)
Evening satsang with Vishwaguruji from Strilky Ashram, Czech Republic. God gave spirituality to humans. There is God in the water, earth, air and food also. All creatures got their life from God. The story of Buddha, who dedicated his life to God. The story of a young Indian princess who wants to continue her father's spiritual work. We are like a God but unfortunately, we have lost our way. God gave us much beauty but now we use much makeup. We should know and respect the value of life. There are some people in the world who tortured cats and dogs. But the cat and dog can reborn as a human and vice versa. There are also many very good people in the world. In prayer, we go to God. Be always humble and peaceful. Nowadays many foods are not healthy, some are not even edible.
Purify your body and eat proper food
23:55 - 0:52 (57 min)
Kriyā Anuṣṭhāna is a regenerative practice akin to Kāya Kalpa, renewing the body and spirit. Practicing collectively provides mutual energy and support, preventing the isolation and difficulty of solitary practice. This process purifies the body's five elements. The natural environment, such as a meadow with an old tree, radiates vital energy that complements the practice. The body requires internal space and tolerance in its joints, maintained through exercise and diet. Impurities from dead tissues and improper food cause disease; purification comes through prāṇāyāma, fasting, and herbal soups. Consuming pure ghee from specific cows is advised over other fats, and massaging a cow can balance circulation. Natural methods, like using earth to clean teeth, are superior to modern products. The practice cleanses the body, thoughts, and mind completely.
"Kriyā Anuṣṭhāna is like what we call regenerating. It is like Kāya Kalpa."
"In this small seed, you can carry this whole tree. It will grow."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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