Cosmic energy
Prāṇa is the life force and the core inquiry is the nature of the self. Prāṇa is the cosmic energy enabling existence, divided into specific aspects for functions like sight and heartbeat. Physical prāṇa is linked to oxygen, while astral prāṇa is the eternal cosmic supply. The fundamental questions are: Who am I? From where did I come? For what purpose? Where will I go after this life? The self is not the body, mind, or intellect, but that which says "I." Awareness travels with the speed of thought, expanding consciousness instantly. Life's duty is to perform one's role well, though discerning how to truly help others requires understanding their actual needs. To protect and harmonize prāṇa, adhere to four nourishments: āhār (pure, sattvic diet), vihār (positive environment and company), ācār (kind, socialized behavior), and vicār (positive thinking). Practice prāṇāyāma to regulate breath and connect to spiritual energy, using specific techniques with alternate nostrils to calm the nervous system and cultivate pure consciousness.
"Prāṇa is the life force. Prāṇa is the source of our life."
"Who am I? I am not this body, I am not this mind, I am not this intellect."
Filming locations: Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
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The Guru Gītā and the Path of the Disciple
The Guru Gītā and the Path of the Disciple
The Guru Gītā is the foundation of morning sādhanā and the disciple's relationship to the Guru. The Guru Gītā comes from the Skandapurāṇa. Western mentality demands clear specification, only one true guru, and fears the wrong guru leads to hell. Advaita Vedānta sees all fires as real fire, just as all gurus manifest the Guru Tattva. Kangaroos jump from system to system with strong Mūlādhāra and oily New Age ideas. The Guru is the ship and the bridge across the ocean of māyā. Oils, gemstones, and rudrākṣa do not save; only practice saves. No one can practice for another. The real guru is your guru, with respect for all gurus. Vyāsa means compiler, not inventor; knowledge began with Śiva as consciousness. The Guru Gītā exists in versions of 182, 216, and 352 verses. Swāmījī removed unnecessary verses about āsana benefits and directions. Trust in Gurudev removes fear of planets, evil eye, and black magic. Doubt and depression are normal in discipleship. Transformation is painful, like the wasp and the worm. The wasp is the Guru; initiation is the sting; satsaṅg is the repeated sound. Secret knowledge means only the brave who dive deep can see the ocean floor. Pārvatī asks Śiva on Kailāśa to explain the Guru, and the Guru Gītā begins.
"Real guru for you is your guru. And you have respect for all other gurus."
"Only those who are able to hear that knowledge will hear that knowledge."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Monkey-Minded Seeker: Desire, True Wisdom, and the Art of Coping
Desire for supernatural powers leads to monkey-mind, while true wisdom is cultivated through steady practice and acceptance.
Supernatural powers are not gained by mere wishing. A flower grows when an expert plants a seed, waters it, and lets time unfold. A seeker yearned for levitation, yet gurus refused to grant powers easily. He walked to a Tibetan monastery. Monks asked no questions; a bell rang for meals, leaving fasting voluntary. An old monk knew his desire and offered meditation. The seeker refused, demanding only powers. The monk imparted a mantra with a warning: do not think of monkeys while reciting. Instantly, monkeys filled his mind, blocking all practice. He returned to the monk in frustration. Instructing the mind to avoid something makes it fixate there. True progress comes through yoga and meditation. Rise during Brahma Muhurta, touch the earth in respect, then silently touch your parents’ feet. At this hour, cosmic energies intensify your mantra and kriya. Lord Rama’s life was suffering—exile, wife’s abduction, fire ordeal—yet he coped without comparing. When joy comes, be cheerful; when pain comes, discover your strength. Never compare your life to another’s. Be content as you are, while striving sincerely. Equanimity in all circumstances creates a perfect being.
"Do not think of monkeys. Do not think of monkeys while reciting."
"Meditation will benefit you far more through yoga. What will you do with such powers?"
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Learn to renounce
Health is the foundation for a holistic life encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Modern life imposes great stress on the body and mind. Aging brings a natural weakening and the challenge of attachments to possessions and family. There is also a prevalent fear not of death itself, but of a painful and dependent dying process. Yoga in Daily Life is designed as a graduated system to address these human conditions. It provides tailored practices for body, breath, and mind to reduce anxiety and cultivate inner peace. The ultimate aim is to realize a state of oneness where the knower, knowledge, and object merge, leading to freedom from fear.
"Tons of theory is nothing compared to a gram of practice."
"The knowledge, the knower, and the object. These three merge into oneness."
A Gathering at the Mahāprabhū Dīp Satsaṅg
This ashram is a center for yoga, culture, and harmony. It is maintained by devotees and supports the local village. People visit from across Europe and beyond for its peaceful atmosphere, clean air, and spiritual education. We offer teachings on Sanskrit, Indian scriptures, and European culture, maintaining a balance. The foundation promotes a sattvic lifestyle, including vegetarian and vegan food, emphasizing ahimsa. Veganism is a spiritual step to prevent animal suffering, like not taking milk from calves or honey from bees. Similarly, parents should care for their own children rather than use kindergartens. Preserve your native culture and language even when traveling; do not abandon your roots. Each country has its own beautiful culture. Yoga, especially the Sarvahitāsana practice, is the essential science for health of body, mind, and spirit. Practice daily. Avoid white sugar and junk food. You are welcome to visit this home anytime.
"Vegetarian is like a vegan, but more... very straight and very spiritual."
"Yoga is a science of the body, a science of the mind, a science of spirituality, and a science of the best practices."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
