Around the world - Practice in Ukraine
Begin the practice of āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and meditation. Close the eyes and attune to the practice. Scan and relax the entire body. Observe the complete yogic breath. The first āsana is Ānanda Āsana, the posture of relaxation. Lie down comfortably and consciously relax each part of the body. Physical relaxation leads to spiritual relaxation. This posture must be performed at the beginning and end of every session. Next, train in abdominal breathing by placing a hand on the abdomen and observing its movement. Conscious abdominal breathing leads to relaxation and improves circulation. Practice stretching the body by extending the limbs in rhythm with the breath. This releases accumulated tension. Perform head turns and twists while lying down to increase spinal mobility and harmonize the breath. Always observe the effect of each exercise. Move through shoulder exercises while standing to relax and strengthen the joints. Shift body weight from leg to leg to strengthen muscles and improve balance. Conclude by returning to Ānanda Āsana. Scan the body and observe the deepening relaxation. Gradually conclude the practice by moving the fingers and toes. Rise carefully, always moving from lying down through a transitional seated position.
"Physical relaxation leads to spiritual relaxation."
"Conscious abdominal breathing leads to physical and spiritual relaxation."
Filming location: UK
Up next
The Foundation of Family and Dharma
The foundation of dharma is the family, beginning with reverence for mother and father. Fulfilling this duty is the path to God. Children must emulate their parents, continuing the lineage through righteous marriage. To abandon this unity, to allow children to fall into vice, is to forsake our humanity. Even animals demonstrate loyalty, perishing when separated from their kin. If humans fail in this basic duty, they fall short of that natural standard. Upholding the family is the essence of being human.
"From the first time and at the end, first comes mother and father."
"If we humans cannot be there for our children, mothers and fathers, then it is great, very good."
Keep your promises
Saturday's powerful constellation brings both benefit and challenge, reflecting Śani's influence. A story tells of a guru carrying a watermelon that briefly appeared as a severed head due to this energy, illustrating its transformative power. To navigate such influences, one makes a lifelong vow, a saṅkalpa, like giving up a specific food. This principle of promise extends to sacred commitments like marriage, which are not to be abandoned. On Guru Pūrṇimā, all actions and karmas from the past year are offered to the guru. The relationship with one's guru is singular and foundational, like that with one's biological parents. The core practice is to surrender everything to this guiding source.
"A promise is not just saying yes or no to something. It is a promise. When we make a promise, we have to follow it."
"On Guru Pūrṇimā... I give all my karmas, my practice, Gurudev, to you. And what mistakes I made, I also give to you."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Power of Satsaṅg and Awareness
The power of satsaṅg and awareness determines outcomes. Two friends chose differently. One attended satsaṅg physically but mentally dwelled on a missed movie. The other went to the movie but his awareness briefly touched satsaṅg. Afterward, the satsaṅg attendee got a thorn in his foot. The moviegoer found a gold coin. They sought explanation. The teacher revealed the satsaṅg attendee was destined for a car crash. Physical presence reduced it to a thorn. The moviegoer was destined for a box of gold coins. Fleeting awareness of satsaṅg reduced it to one coin. Physical presence without awareness still mitigates misfortune. Mental presence without physical attendance still grants reward. The power of satsaṅg transforms fate. It can make a king a beggar or a beggar a king. Everything depends on consciousness and awareness.
"That is the power of bhakti, that is the power of satsaṅg, and that is the power of Gurudeva."
"It all depends on the awareness and how we go forward with our lives."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Build your intellect supportive
A clear aim is essential to prevent the intellect from becoming a destructive distraction. Without a definite purpose, the mind wavers among endless possibilities, changing direction with every new suggestion. This lack of clarity makes one susceptible to external influences and gossip, which act like poison, spoiling spiritual practice as lemon curdles milk. Negative talk and jealousy introduce destructive thoughts that can damage years of spiritual effort. One must therefore cultivate an intensive, unwavering aim and avoid all sources of negative influence. Protect your consciousness from harmful information that creates doubt and disturbs your peace. Spiritual progress requires guarding the mind and maintaining humility, allowing the intellect to become a supportive tool rather than an obstacle.
"Your aim must be very clear, intensive, and good. Nothing should be able to change you."
"One stupid thought, one stupid person, can destroy all your spiritual sādhanā."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
DVD 180a
