Yoga is a science
Yoga is the science of body, mind, consciousness, and soul, a universal principle of balance and harmony. Our subject is Kuṇḍalinī and the chakras, the hidden powers in human consciousness. The chakras are centers that receive and circulate cosmic energy through the body. We possess five bodies or layers: the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and causal bodies. The causal body holds desires and the potential for divine bliss. The soul is a collection of karma and qualities; it does not dissolve until self-realization is attained. Chakras must be purified through mantra and practice for the Kuṇḍalinī to awaken safely. Without proper guidance, this awakening can cause imbalance and distress. Life is love, and love is God. Creating friendship and walking the path with love is essential. The world is a field of karma for development, yet one must remain detached like a lotus in muddy water. The first chakra, Mūlādhāra, is the root foundation. Its red color represents concentrated energy and the earth element. The lotus symbolizes remaining untouched by worldly temptations while fulfilling one's duty. The four petals represent the four aims of human life: dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kāma (righteous desires and progeny), and mokṣa (liberation).
"Yoga without spirituality is like a body without a soul; no achievement can take place without spirituality."
"If you protect your dharma, dharma will protect you."
Filming location: Australia
Up next
Practising asanas from Rijeka
We practice āsanas to bring awareness to each chakra from Mūlādhāra to Sahasrāra. Begin by standing and feeling the Mūlādhāra area. Āsanas activate chakras like a reflex point, not the organ itself. Perform Maṇḍūkāsana, focusing on the perineum and practicing Aśvinī Mudrā by contracting and relaxing. Abdominal breathing here also engages Svādhiṣṭhāna. Feel a warm sensation in the pelvis. Practice grinding and rolling movements to engage Maṇipūra and feel warmth at the navel. Rolling includes head movement, affecting the Viśuddhi chakra and thyroid. Each chakra connects to the physical body, prāṇa, and states of mind. For Ājñā, practice Ākarandanurāsana by focusing on the thumbnail like Trāṭak, maintaining single-point concentration. For Sahasrāra and overall focus, practice Ekapāda Praṇāmāsana, balancing on one leg with hands at the heart center, focusing on a point and then visualizing it internally. Conclude by observing the effects in the body.
"Āsanas influence and activate a point in our body connected to a cakra."
"If we are concentrated on one point, we will remain without movement."
Filming location: Rijeka, Croatia
Your faith is Your liberator
The mission of human life is self-realization. Today commemorates the victory of truth over falsehood. To navigate life successfully, ask five questions daily. First, remember "I am a human," which awakens inner discernment to avoid negative actions. Human qualities like knowledge, kindness, and forgiveness distinguish us; these hidden treasures must be protected. Neglecting these qualities for negative thoughts spoils them, like lemon in milk. Dry intellect without devotion is lost. The prime mission is not worldly achievements but Ātmā-jñāna, realizing the universal Self within all. This human birth offers unique tools for this purpose. Life is a transient theater; we must use our time to realize the immortal Ātmā. Liberation requires sincere practice and unshakable faith in the guiding grace.
"God does not want these tricks. God Kṛṣṇa, Gopāla, is happy when you are doing really with an honest heart, with love."
"In this Kali Yuga, we have only one hope: the name of God, mantra, your mantra. Repeat and repeat and repeat. O human, you will cross the ocean."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
DVD 386
How can we reach the Supreme?
Satsang is association with truth and truthful seekers, not merely scriptural study.
Knowledge from books is important, but it is not the living cosmic reality. One may read for a lifetime and not complete the understanding. A story tells of a rishi in the Himalayas who read the Vedas for ages. When messengers from Dharmaraja came to take him, he repeatedly refused, saying his study was incomplete. They finally showed him that the dust in his hand was all he had learned, while the entire Himalayas represented the limitless Vedas. Study alone leads to an empty interior. One must catch the essential point beyond mere repetition. The Guru's living word, the Sabda, is the key, not just recited mantras.
"They think they have it there, from the Vedas, but they say it is theirs."
"You have not learned that much. Only from the Vedas have you learned this. But the whole Vedas are the Himalayas."
A Journey of Remembrance and Reverence
I recently traveled to pay respects at the samādhi of a revered female ascetic. She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our tradition, renowned for memorizing sacred texts from a very young age and receiving a title for it. She had a large spiritual family of disciples managing various ashrams. We shared a good connection from past meetings at gatherings and when she visited our Guru. Upon learning of her passing, I journeyed through the night to attend the funeral procession in Ahmedabad, which culminated in her burial at a chosen site outside the city alongside other senior ascetics. It was a full 24-hour journey of remembrance.
"She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our Akhāṛā."
"Her wish was to have her samādhi in Hargośālā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
