European
Disciples remembrances and stories about Gurudev
0:45 - 1:43 (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
Gurudev always works for his bhaktas
1:50 - 2:48 (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
Introduction of the Strilky Ashram
2:50 - 2:59 (9 min)
This sacred grove is a place of satsaṅg, established through great effort, where one must enter with clean hands and feet and without shoes. It is a beautiful, peaceful forest for prayer. Our ashram is a holy place where many have lived peacefully, having given up things like meat and alcohol. Devotees from around the world come, though some stay only briefly. This path led to the rediscovery of the ancient principle of Alak Purījī, connected to Śiva. After the era of Śiva and Shakti, Pārvatī arose, though she was initially unaware.
"This is our satsaṅg, our samāj. This is what we are for everyone."
"Anytime, if you desire something... you should come to this place and pray with our mantra. Everything will return to peace and harmony."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Around the world - Opening of new YIDL center in Murska Sobota, Slovenia
3:00 - 3:42 (42 min)
A new ashram opens to teach the universal path of yoga, a science of body, mind, and soul for inner peace and health. This place was prepared over many years by volunteers spreading authentic yoga, not as a business. Yoga is an ancient universal science of balance and harmony originating with Śiva, beyond any single religion. It is a tool for modern life, where one must find willpower and time for practice amidst societal haste. The practice requires careful, daily effort without competition, adaptable for all ages and conditions. Its ultimate aim is to realize one's relation with the Supreme, fostering health, peace, and universal brotherhood. The future depends on educating children in this spiritual knowledge.
"Yoga is universal. So I see your centers... as centers of universal brotherhood."
"Yoga means balance, harmony, and unity."
Filming location: Slovenia
We will go one day
3:50 - 4:33 (43 min)
Evening satsang from Strilky Ashram, Czech Republic. We always worry about death. Death is a universal law. Our mind is always restless. We can train it by mantra. Manas is the storehouse of memories. Yogis are not attached to things. Only the bond between the disciple and the Guru is permanent. The story of a man who planned that when Yama came, he would hide somewhere. We should meditate always not only when we are in trouble. We should remember God every day, at least a little bit. Unfortunately present Indian generation is beginning to forget their roots. Birth and death come and go, but remember the name of God.
In the service of Life
4:40 - 5:24 (44 min)
India, Summer 2005. Report about the Swamijis activities.
The spiritual path
5:30 - 6:01 (31 min)
Meditation requires mastering the inward turn from worldly engagement to inner stillness. You attempt to meditate, but mental modifications persist. Merely quoting "Yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ" is insufficient; it demands practice. The path of pravṛtti is extroverted engagement with the world, where senses and desires create countless uncontrollable thoughts. The path of nivṛtti is inward withdrawal, setting aside all obligations to be only with the Self. During prayer or meditation, you often harbor selfish wishes and restless thoughts, which obstruct spiritual progress. Impurities like anger and jealousy create distraction and a curtain of ignorance. Authentic meditation is self-inquiry without injecting personal imagination. A teacher must be fully alert and observant, not transferring personal tensions. Prāṇāyāma harmonizes energies, allowing thoughts to ascend toward peace. You must become established in the truth that the Self is indestructible bliss.
"Yogī should be able to withdraw the senses inward at any time, like a turtle retracting its limbs."
"Brahma satya, jagat mithyā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Strengthening the fire
6:05 - 6:35 (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
We will go one day
6:40 - 7:23 (43 min)
Evening satsang from Strilky Ashram, Czech Republic. We always worry about death. Death is a universal law. Our mind is always restless. We can train it by mantra. Manas is the storehouse of memories. Yogis are not attached to things. Only the bond between the disciple and the Guru is permanent. The story of a man who planned that when Yama came, he would hide somewhere. We should meditate always not only when we are in trouble. We should remember God every day, at least a little bit. Unfortunately present Indian generation is beginning to forget their roots. Birth and death come and go, but remember the name of God.
Singing bhajans by Swami Gajanandji
7:30 - 8:07 (37 min)
Devotion is the direct expression of the heart's longing for the divine. The song is an offering, a plea for refuge in the guru, who is the true shelter. Through repetitive chanting and praise, the individual consciousness seeks to dissolve. The devotee acknowledges personal incapacity for rigorous practice, surrendering entirely to grace. Worldly attachments and the snares of illusion are recognized as binding. The sole request is for the guru's compassionate hand to provide crossing. Liberation is described as the burning away of latent impressions and the cessation of identification with elemental principles. The act of singing itself becomes the transformative path.
"O Swāmījī, you live within, you live in my heart."
"Japa tapa na hove mujhase, yahī Prabhu ārajāhe."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Bhajan evening from Vep
8:15 - 9:10 (55 min)
Evening satsang with Vishwaguruji from Vep, Hungary. Bhajan singing.
Bhajan singing from Vep
9:15 - 10:06 (51 min)
Morning satsang with Vishwaguruji from Vep, Hungary. Bhajan singing.
Bhajans from Strilky Ashram
10:10 - 11:44 (94 min)
The seeker questions the divine veil that obscures the true name and presence. A direct plea is made, asking why this separation is maintained when the longing is so intense. The seeker states they see yet do not truly see, perceiving the form but not the essence. The name itself is questioned as being used as a veil. The discourse then turns to praise, acknowledging the inner dweller within all beings and the true Self that is the object of meditation. The work of the divine is noted as occurring through fundamental steps and elements.
"Why do you keep a veil from me?"
"I can’t see you. Even if I see you, I see you, but I don’t see you."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
This time will not come back
11:50 - 12:48 (58 min)
Spiritual growth is a gradual process requiring foundational discipline before higher states. The eight limbs of yoga must be built sequentially, like a house, starting with the ethical base of Yama and Niyama. The inner journey is like climbing a mountain; it is arduous and easy to abandon. Life's fluctuations are constant, but stability comes from accepting the present moment, being grateful for what we have, and letting go of expectations, which are a primary source of conflict. We must first accept and love ourselves to accept others. Trust in the Guru means surrendering inner conflicts, knowing guidance is always present. Problems have solutions; past experiences happen for a reason and make us stronger. The teachings flow through a lineage, and we are all channels. The core practices—satsang, mantra, meditation—are tools given freely, requiring only our love and devotion in return. Inner peace is achieved through contentment and inner cleanliness, not by merely seeking it.
"Our spiritual journey is the same; we need to gradually go up and up."
"Be in the moment. Be, enjoy the time."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Thread of Love and the Roots of Devotion
12:55 - 14:05 (70 min)
The thread of love is fragile; do not break it with misunderstanding. Today honors a divine incarnation, a light for the world. Relationships are defined by respect: call an elder woman mother, a slightly older woman sister, and a younger person your child. This creates protection and unity, leaving no room for negative thoughts. True marriage merges two souls into one being. Forgiveness is the remedy for a happy life; harboring resentment causes lifelong pain. A simple misunderstanding, like over a piece of bread, can spoil decades. Speak clearly and forgive. Women hold the power to bring peace and save the world through their inherent strength. Devotion, not mere intellect, is key. A master tests disciples to strengthen them, supporting from within while shaping from without. Spiritual roots must be pure and connected to a true lineage. Seeking a master without a genuine lineage is like a nail cutter claiming to be a surgeon. Our roots extend to the ancient Himalayan siddhas.
"Rahiman dhāgā prem kā, mat todo chitkayā. Tutā phir jude nahi, aur jude to gāṁṭ pad jāy."
"Guru Brahma, Guru Viṣṇu, Guru Deva Maheśvara, Guru Sākṣāt Parabrahma, Tasmai Śrī Gaṇeśa."
Filming location: Vancouver, Canada
Do not waste your human life
14:10 - 15:10 (60 min)
Dharma is the path of righteousness, while adharma is its opposite. We each have a personal duty to follow. Jealousy and ego divert us from this path. Dharma protects those who protect it. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna was conflicted about fighting his family, but Krishna instructed him to uphold dharma by opposing adharma. Divine incarnations occur to restore dharma when evil prevails. The current Kali Yuga is still early; a time will come when dharma nearly vanishes. Human birth is a rare blessing after passing through millions of life forms. What we do with this life determines our future. Four blessings are essential: divine grace, scripture, the Guru, and self-effort. The Guru's grace is paramount, guiding and protecting, but we must take the initiative. We must follow the Guru's instruction without logic, as the Guru sees past, present, and future. Calm the mind and let thoughts pass without engaging them. Cultivate contentment and avoid greed. Students should embody five qualities: the crow's determination, the crane's concentration, the dog's alert sleep, eating little, and living away from home for discipline. Be in the company of truth, satsang, which brings lasting happiness. Fulfill your duty to yourself first, then to others. Do not give up; the Guru protects the disciple eternally. Perform selfless service without desire for recognition. Surrender fully. Do not dwell on the past or future; reside in the present. Use the tools given—mantra, meditation, satsang—to attain inner peace.
"Dharma rakṣati rakṣitaḥ." He who protects dharma, dharma protects him.
"Karma karte ro, phal kī cintā mat karo." Perform your duty; do not worry about the result.
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Symbolical stories about Tat Tvam Asi and Ganesha
15:15 - 15:53 (38 min)
The teaching is the great statement "Tat Tvam Asi"—You are That. A father teaches his son to look beyond names and forms to perceive the single cause of all existence. Just as all clay pots are essentially clay, and all gold ornaments are essentially gold, the diverse universe is a manifestation of the one Brahman. The essence is not found in the many effects but in the one cause. Another story illustrates this: circling one's parents, who represent the cosmos, is wiser than circling the entire world. The divine Self, Tat, is not separate from your true Self, Tvam. To know this is to know everything. An experiment with salt dissolved in water demonstrates how Brahman permeates all reality, indivisible yet present everywhere. All rivers merge into the ocean and become indistinguishable; all pollen merges into honey. Your true identity is that unity.
"From that nothing, this beautiful plant grows."
"Tat tvam asi, you are that Brahma."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Morning practice from Strilky
16:00 - 17:05 (65 min)
A yoga practice requires precise, unified execution of postures with mindful breathing. Begin standing with hands crossed above the head, moving slowly together. Place hands in front with palms up; inhale to bring fingers to shoulders, then exhale while moving forward, coordinating breath and movement. Sit in Vajrāsana, then practice Bhavanamukta Āsana by drawing one knee to the chest, aiming to touch the forehead to the knee for four counts before relaxing the leg. Perform Marjari with coordinated movement and breath. Conclude with relaxation.
"Our hands should go exactly together."
"With an inhale, the right knee comes to the chest."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
In the service of Life
17:10 - 17:54 (44 min)
India, Summer 2005. Report about the Swamijis activities.
Hatha Yoga Kriyas (2/3)
18:00 - 18:27 (27 min)
Trāṭak is the sixth Haṭha Yoga purification, a practice of gazing on one point to concentrate and purify the sight. It uses a candle flame, a black spot, or the rising or setting sun, never direct sunlight. The flame is placed at arm's length, which strengthens eyesight and helps those who are short- or far-sighted. It trains the mind to focus on one point, calming scattered thoughts and vrittis, leading toward one-pointedness and meditation. Practice requires a peaceful place without drafts or disturbances, wearing loose, natural clothing to contain energy. The ideal flame height is at the heart center, as gazing on the outer light opens the heart chakra and leads to perception of the inner light. Pure ghee lamps are best, but a non-smoking plant-based candle is acceptable. Begin by gazing at the middle of the flame for 30 seconds, then close the eyes to observe the afterimage, repeating this cycle three times. Keep the body and eyes still, relaxing the eyebrow center. Do not practice if overly tired, or if experiencing schizophrenia or depression.
"Trāṭak is not relaxation; it is not meditation. It is concentration."
"Take this light, this flame, inside. This light is the symbol of the highest Self."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
How to overcame vritis
18:35 - 20:08 (93 min)
The mind's vṛttis cannot be controlled by chasing them, just as one cannot stop a bushfire by running after it. A fire was lit in a remote area and began to spread. Attempts to beat it out with a blanket were futile, mirroring the endless chase of thoughts. Experienced locals arrived not to fight the flames directly but to create a cleared track. They waited calmly for the fire to reach this barren line where it could be contained. The method was to remove fuel, not to chase the fire. Similarly, one cannot stop thoughts by force. The practice is to reinforce sādhanā and focus on the mantra or inner satsaṅg. This creates a protected space within. When the vṛttis arise, one returns to that anchor. The nourishing practice is strengthened so that distracting thoughts, when they come, find no hold and are easily managed.
"If we try to control our mind and put a stop to the thoughts that are there, it's impossible. But we can work from the other side and start to make our practice more solid."
"Every time we are doing meditation and we get lost in our vṛttis, we just bring ourselves back either to our breathing or to our mantra."
Filming location: Croatia
There is only one reality
20:15 - 21:31 (76 min)
Yoga is the science of body, mind, and soul, a practical path to harmonize and unite with the divine. It begins from an understanding of creation. Before the Vedas, there was an endless, dark blue space called śūnyākāśa, which is the body of the Divine Mother. Within that space is endless, desireless consciousness. Between this consciousness and space is a harmonizing, balancing, and uniting energy—this is the true principle of yoga. From this, a vibration, nāda, arises, leading to a flame of light, the Jīvan Jyoti, and then the self-created Śiva manifests. Yoga, in all its forms, is the blessing of Śiva.
Human life is one among 8.4 million creatures, gifted with intellect. Our purpose is to be protectors, guided by the law of karma through body, mind, speech, and wealth. Practice requires attention to behavior, thoughts, nourishment, and recreation. True yoga is not mere postures but awakening inner wisdom. Kuṇḍalinī awakening is bliss and enlightenment, not physical contortion. It involves the subtle energy system of nāḍīs and cakras, leading the consciousness from earthly to divine realms.
"Yoga is not a part of religion, but all religion is a part of yoga."
"Yoga is that science of body, mind, and soul. Keep the harmony between body, mind, and soul."
Filming location: New York, USA
Disciples remembrances and stories about Gurudev
21:35 - 22:33 (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 will go one day
22:40 - 23:23 (43 min)
Evening satsang from Strilky Ashram, Czech Republic. We always worry about death. Death is a universal law. Our mind is always restless. We can train it by mantra. Manas is the storehouse of memories. Yogis are not attached to things. Only the bond between the disciple and the Guru is permanent. The story of a man who planned that when Yama came, he would hide somewhere. We should meditate always not only when we are in trouble. We should remember God every day, at least a little bit. Unfortunately present Indian generation is beginning to forget their roots. Birth and death come and go, but remember the name of God.
There is one Soul
23:30 - 0:53 (83 min)
Evening satsang with Vishwaguruji from retreat at Mt. Shasta, Washington State, USA. The ocean is the origin, the creation. Nada is the resonance, it is the Supreme. Vishwaguruji creates a sound from the sea-shell. The elements were emerging from the sound of the creation. There are uncountable Souls in the body like the cells. Humans are fighting in vain, there is one Earth, each of the drops are from the same origin and will dissolve again. Similarly, there is one Soul. Real yoga is to love and understand the body, like when we are practicing Yoga in Daily Life.
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