Raksha Bandhan is a promise we made to ourselves and others
A satsang reflecting on the deeper meaning of Raksha Bandhan.
"The promises and vows we make during Rakṣābandhan are not only between brothers and sisters. It is also us telling ourselves to protect our mind from negativity, to protect our tongue from harsh words, and to protect our actions from adharma."
"Gurudev always said, 'Helping hands are better than folded hands.' So when we can, we promise to ourselves, we promise to our siblings, we promise to our friends, we promise to everyone, our guru. Then we must keep those promises and those vows."
Following morning celebrations, a speaker expands on the festival of Raksha Bandhan, explaining it as a universal vow of protection that extends beyond siblings to include oneself and one's guru. The talk emphasizes protecting one's mind and actions from negativity, and the importance of keeping one's vows through tangible action, illustrated by a story about a brother and sister. The discourse concludes with blessings for peace and unity.
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Raksha Bandhan is a promise we made to ourselves and others
A satsang reflecting on the deeper meaning of Raksha Bandhan.
"The promises and vows we make during Rakṣābandhan are not only between brothers and sisters. It is also us telling ourselves to protect our mind from negativity, to protect our tongue from harsh words, and to protect our actions from adharma."
"Gurudev always said, 'Helping hands are better than folded hands.' So when we can, we promise to ourselves, we promise to our siblings, we promise to our friends, we promise to everyone, our guru. Then we must keep those promises and those vows."
Following morning celebrations, a speaker expands on the festival of Raksha Bandhan, explaining it as a universal vow of protection that extends beyond siblings to include oneself and one's guru. The talk emphasizes protecting one's mind and actions from negativity, and the importance of keeping one's vows through tangible action, illustrated by a story about a brother and sister. The discourse concludes with blessings for peace and unity.
F
Vegetarian cooking lesson 19
Vegetarian cooking lesson
How can I love myself?
A satsang exploring the concept of self-love through the framework of the four aspects of divine grace (kripa).
"Swāmījī did not really use this word, but I know it comes from Holī Gurujī; he is always using that."
"Love each and every living being, if not more, then at least as much as yourself."
Guru Lilā, addressing the community, explains the four aspects of kripa: Deva Kripa (grace of the gods), Śāstra Kripa (grace of the scriptures), Guru Kripa (the Guru's grace), and Kuṭkī Kripa (self-grace). He focuses on Kuṭkī Kripa as self-love, arguing it is a prerequisite for loving others. He outlines a practical path to self-love through self-acceptance, self-understanding, and self-giving, linking it to core teachings. He shares an anecdote about a woman healing from ALS through self-love and concludes with a traditional story about Guru Nānak illustrating the complex workings of karma.
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Sole Necessity of Guru's Grace
A spiritual discourse on the absolute necessity of the Guru's grace, illustrated with parables and observations on life.
"Without the grace of the Guru, nothing can be. We may think we can do without it and believe we are okay, but that is not how it is."
"Guru kṛpā hi kevalam. Guru’s grace... When Gurudeva’s blessing is there, then everything is possible."
The speaker, likely a swami, delivers a satsang emphasizing that all spiritual progress and worldly harmony depend solely on the Guru's grace. He expands the concept of Guru to include parents and the supportive community of village life, using anecdotes about street dogs and a detailed parable about a devoted disciple, his wife, and a test of sacrifice to illustrate the depth of true devotion and the singular source of blessing.
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
