We should understand the Yoga
The path of yoga integrates hearing, memory, and consistent practice. Śruti is what is heard; Smṛti is memory. Memory alone is insufficient, like transient clouds. Theoretical knowledge from lectures and books is not enough. The practical application of knowledge, shared within the guru-paramparā, is substantial. Practice must be daily, like watering a plant, or knowledge is lost. Yoga in Daily Life is a scientific system encompassing many paths like Haṭha, Kriyā, and Bhakti Yoga. The goal is not merely physical health from āsana but spiritual growth through meditation on the chakras and Kuṇḍalinī, leading to higher consciousness. Do not neglect practice for teaching, and honor the connection with parents and elders.
"Memory is within us. The theory is just like clouds that come and go."
"If we do not practice, then our memory, smṛti, will go."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Up next
We are never old for yoga
This weekend provided a spiritual vaccination against the subtle influences of Kali Yuga. The age's decay enters through small compromises, like a mouse, creating spiritual inflation. We must learn to firmly say no to ourselves, for the gentle approach of this era ends with us caught unaware. A yogi, like aged ghee, improves with time; one is never too old for sādhana. This injection strengthens our immunity, but ongoing practice is essential. We must carry this light home and arrive at the coming opening in a state of spiritual readiness, not merely physical. Our perspective on food, practice, and community must grasp the deeper principle of non-harm.
"To know how to say 'No' to ourselves."
"We are never too old for our sādhana."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Around the world - Surya Namaskar, Zagreb, CRO
Surya Namaskāra integrates posture, cakra concentration, and mantra for holistic purification. This classical yoga sequence is best performed at sunrise or sunset, honoring the sun as a life-giving deity. The practice involves precise physical movements, each linked to a specific cakra and breath. Quality is paramount: perfect the movement, maintain relaxation, focus on the cakra, and know the mantra. This complete structure yields the benefits. Daily practice makes one's being like the sun, purifying the atmosphere so negativity cannot take hold. Correct alignment prevents injury; the spine must remain straight during forward and backward bends. Concentration involves feeling each cakra's location and qualities. Integrating silent or spoken mantras with movement and breath deepens the effect, working on the body, cakras, and consciousness.
"Anything thrown toward the sun either gets burned or, if it is dust, merely falls into your own eyes."
"My photograph, my image, is the sun. Whenever you wish to see me, look at the sun."
Filming location: Zagreb, Croatia
Be careful with the mind
The spiritual path is narrow and perilous, requiring vigilant discernment. Pride in the body or limited knowledge is a profound weakness. Spiritual development itself brings danger, akin to a newborn vulnerable to infection. Negative influences and mental afflictions can infiltrate and destroy progress from within, much like a small axe fells a mighty tree when joined by the forest that becomes its handle. Therefore, the protective power of true satsaṅga, or holy company, is essential. In this dark age of ignorance, the path is slippery and lined with adversaries. One must be humble, avoid negative company, and remain steadfast on the chosen path, for the mind can either liberate or destroy.
"Satguru satsaṅg yārī olu avere, olu avere nen bharja avere." (I am longing for those people who have satsaṅg.)
"Galiyāṁ choṭī, rāt andherī, rāste meṁ chikanāī." (The path is very narrow, the night is very dark, and the road is slippery.)
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Kirtan singing from Strilky
Archive 20240821 21 edited
Musical recording.
