How can we go on the path of spirituality?
The essence of human life and the spiritual path is revealed through sacred tradition. Human birth is rare and granted intellect and free will within a limited time. The purpose is to realize the divine Self, the all-pervasive ātmā identical in all beings. This realization ends suffering. The Guru is essential, considered greater than God for the seeker. The path requires balancing worldly duties with spiritual practice. Foundational disciplines like purity in diet and conduct are necessary. The eight limbs of Yoga provide the structure, beginning with ethical restraints and observances, not merely physical postures. True progress involves inward withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and ultimately union. Devotion progresses through stages of listening, remembrance, and surrender. The final knowledge stages involve merging one's consciousness with the Guru's, achieving complete detachment from all worldly objects and identifications. The journey is one road with many names, culminating in liberation.
"If there is someone greater than God, then he is the guru."
"That which liberates you is called vidyā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
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Stories about master and disciple
Sādhanā must be properly practiced as the guru teaches. Disciples sing bhajans daily and inquire to become yogis and understand sādhanā. If sādhanā is not performed properly, life cannot be good. The sādhanā given by Alakhpurījī, Devpurījī, and Mahāprabhujī is known by some. One disciple, Premānand, did difficult sevā, living only for his guru. Gurus, parents, and worldly bonds all present challenges. A student spent time at the ashram school but left to follow his own guru; later he became a brilliant yogi drawing many seekers. Another young speaker explained that buttoning from bottom to top is correct; top-down is wrong. He then asked for a lecture but the teacher wished to hear him instead. A tale tells of a father and son evading a ticket on a train. The son extorted money for treats, threatening to reveal his true age. Finally the father lamented that buying a ticket would have cost far less. Mahāprabhujī once sent a disciple out in blazing heat to beg for food. The disciple was told to bring back whatever was given. When the disciple feared being left, the guru promised to bring him food wherever he was. That is the true bond of guru and disciple. Among countless sādhus, perhaps only one or two are genuine.
"If this is not done properly, then it is not good; your life will not be good."
"Wherever you are, I will bring you food."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
The Story of Sri Pukraji Maharaj
True devotion arises from the heart, not from scholarship or possessions. A disciple's sincere prayer, born from inner experience, holds great power. The Guru's grace provides everything needed for the devotee's life and spiritual progress, often in unexpected ways. Formal education is not a prerequisite for divine connection or composing sacred poetry. What matters is humility, goodness, and the authenticity of one's heart. Even at life's end, the repeated name of the divine eases the soul's passage, transcending all worldly identities and religious distinctions.
"Gurujī gave everything, but Gurujī did not give you from the pocket."
"Without Gurudev, we can run away, we can do many things."
Practicing Yoga Asanas
We practice Vajrāsana and Vīrāsana for the nāḍī systems. Vajrāsana activates the Vajra Nāḍī, which begins between the big and second toe, connects to the base of the spine, and guides energy to the navel. Sitting in it after eating aids digestion and can help with constipation by relaxing the stomach and straightening the spine. It also balances the sciatic nerve. Vīrāsana, the hero's posture, involves sitting on the heels with toes standing. It warms the body, increases alertness, and with practice, can help repair digestion and headaches. These postures strengthen the lower centers and foot soles, which connect to the body's organs. They develop leg strength, balance, and concentration. Practice must be held steadily to awaken the nerves. "This Vajrāsana is designed especially to strengthen or to activate that Vajra Nāḍī." "This will repair our digestion. This will repair our headache problems, also many, many things." Filming location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
We must be in unity
Yoga and daily life lead to peace, purity, and realization of the Absolute.
Yoga practice is peaceful and extends beyond the physical body to Paramātmā. Food must be very clean and pure. Many medicines contain hidden animal products, which is not good. In India, pure yogic food is traditionally given. Some teachers maintain this purity completely. Modern food nourishes diseases like cancer. Cancer always existed but now increases. Yoga centers and gurus follow sanātana dharma, teaching pure practices, exercises, meditation, and right food. Some now avoid speaking of dietary restrictions. All paths and techniques lead to one reality. India’s ancient knowledge is vast, with Vedas considered very old. The four Vedas and scriptures preserve this wisdom. Before invasions, the Gurukul system offered broad, deep education. The great library at Takṣaśilā burned for six months, destroying much knowledge. The system persisted until removed by the British. When Europe had nomads, India had culture. Efforts recover lost knowledge, as the tradition remains a source of truth.
"Yoga practice is that which is very peaceful and harmonious, and not only for the physical body, but further, for all, till Parabrahma, Paramātmā."
"We should all be one... They are teaching the same thing, and we are all coming to one point, because that is the reality."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
