The Practice and Power of Trāṭaka
Trāṭaka is the practice of steady gazing to develop concentration and purify the mind. The best object is a pure ghee lamp flame, though a candle flame, a black dot, or a sacred image are also suitable. Never gaze at your own reflection in a mirror, as it can cause psychic disturbances. Gazing at the rising sun should last only half a minute to protect eyesight. This practice dispels fear, anxiety, and mental impurities, clearing the inner instrument. When performed with discipline every morning and evening for twelve years without a single break, it bestows a siddhi: the gaze becomes pure and merciful, attracting others. However, this attainment is blocked by a negative internal state. The practice awakens Sarasvatī's power in the throat, granting eloquent speech and artistic intuition. It illuminates the inner space, calms mental fluctuations, and aids in awakening the Kuṇḍalinī. It also empowers speech, making words balanced and meaningful, while teaching the importance of non-violence in speech, as verbal wounds are deep and lasting. Full benefit requires a personal Guru Mantra and guidance from a qualified teacher to avoid mental problems. The practical method involves sitting straight, establishing the correct distance to the flame, repeating the mantra, and alternating between external gazing and internal focus on the after-image.
"By practicing Trāṭaka every morning and evening without interruption for twelve years, one attains a siddhi."
"Only Gurudev can remove the darkness of the heart."
Filming location: Australia
Up next
We should believe in God
The human journey is a rare opportunity to realize oneness. Among countless life forms, the human birth is the most developed. This development offers the singular chance to merge with the supreme reality. Many habits, like excessive eating or using tobacco, create disease and suffering, obscuring this purpose. Health is foundational; without it, nothing is possible. Difficulties are not punishments but divine means to foster remembrance and surrender. Through trials, the soul is refined and drawn closer to liberation. All names and forms point to one essence, like different words for the same sweetness.
"When you are very happy... you forget God. When we have problems, then we remember."
"Give troubles to all devotees of God... When trouble comes that we remember."
Filming location: Alexandria, USA
Be the Tree of Compassion
God speaks through the human heart as a divine instrument.
God is in every heart, but adoration goes to the heart through which God speaks to the world. To share that wisdom is a blessing. Our duty is to serve and protect all. When you work selflessly as a karma yogī, you become God's instrument. Though you have limits, extra energy comes, and you enjoy the service; this is God consciously working through you. Like a runner's high, selfless work awakens extra spirituality. Be like a great tree offering shade and fruit to all, not a barren palm tree. Joy is in giving. As you give, you receive manifold. If you give unkind words, you suffer more inside. If you give kindness, you have inner peace. Serve until your last breath. To be a teacher of this wisdom is to be a channel of God's love through practical help. You never know if you will get such a life again. Protect the dignity of your origins and serve all.
"Baḍā huā to kyā huā, jaise ped khajūr. Panthī ko chāyā nahī̃."
"Service to all creatures is service to me."
Filming location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
DVD 305
Advice for the education of children
The foundation of a child's education is the love, presence, and guidance of the parents. A mother is the first and best teacher, providing foundational instruction. When both parents work, leaving the child in another's care all day, the deep, continuous connection is missing. This can lead to a child feeling unloved and becoming depressed, questioning their place. The solution lies with the mother and father. If a child is distant, a parent must dedicate time daily for teaching and bonding. A compassionate tutor, especially a female teacher for a young boy, can provide parental-like love and emotional support to alleviate depression. Parents work for money, but children instinctively seek their mother. We must keep children close. Without proper guidance, children may be led astray by influences like pocket money, which can lead to harmful experimentation. You cannot force a growing child without causing breakage. A spiritual teacher or yoga guide can help redirect one onto the right path. We are all learning until our last breath. Fill the mind with good thoughts and knowledge before sleep.
"Who is my mother? I have a mother at kindergarten and a mother at home."
"If you give pocket money, I fear it may lead them astray."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
