Preparation for advanced postures
Preparing the body and mind is essential for Kriyānuṣṭhāna. Discipline is required, not all must perform advanced postures like a handstand. A foundational requirement is the ability to sit motionless for a minimum of one hour, cultivating kāya-sthairyam for a steady mind. Physical preparation over a year is needed, focusing on postures like the half and full butterfly to increase flexibility in the hamstrings and hips. Practice must be done correctly, prioritizing the quality of movement over quantity. The goal is to coordinate body and breath, leading to awareness and inner experience. Yoga integrates body, breath, and mind for peace and harmony.
"Now yoga begins with anuśāsanam, which means discipline. No discipline, no success."
"Our mind is like water in our body. When you move your body, your mind also moves."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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The mind is a cheater
The inner battle is governed by the polluted antaḥkaraṇa, making bhakti yoga the essential path in Kali Yuga.
The antaḥkaraṇa consists of four principles: manas, buddhi, citta, and ahaṁkāra. These are polluted by malā, vikṣepa, and āvaraṇa. The mind is particularly greedy, tempted, restless, and a thief; it is a reflection one cannot correct by cleaning the mirror. This restless mind governs the other principles and leads one astray. Impurities from countless lives persist as tenacious saṃskāras. Knowledge and dispassion can split these deep impressions. In this age, the destructive energy is strong. The only boat for crossing the ocean of existence is the repetition of the name and mantra through bhakti yoga.
"Mana lobhī, mana lalacī, mana cañcal, mana cor."
"Kali yuga kevala nāmādhāra, sumira sumira nara hoi bhava pāra."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Humans must have discipline
Rāja Yoga is the yoga of discipline, a lifelong practice beginning now. All of nature exists in perfect discipline according to its dharma, but humans have lost this human nature. Acting against our dharma creates the great problems on earth. A lack of discipline leads to destruction, as seen when impurity in holy places provoked a natural disaster. That event was a punishment for going against nature. Many modern illnesses exist because there is no discipline. Rāja Yoga provides the awareness of this need for discipline in all actions—eating, thinking, and behaving. The foundation is practicing Yama and Niyama, the ten lifelong commandments. Success in yoga depends on this discipline. Formal practices like āsana will follow naturally from a disciplined life, and samādhi will come in time. A Rāja Yogī is ever happy, comfortable, and self-aware by following these principles.
"O human, you should have discipline. Take care of nature."
"If you go against nature, nature will punish you."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Women can bring peace
The four yogic paths are interdependent, each requiring the others for fulfillment. Karma Yoga needs the knowledge of Jñāna, the devotion of Bhakti, and the discipline of Rāja. Bhakti Yoga requires the action of Karma, the understanding of Jñāna, and the structure of Rāja. These paths are united like the elements in a body. True discipline, or Rāja Yoga, means following the Guru's word without deviation. In this age, many seek blessings without discipline, believing a mantra is sufficient. This is a mistake. To attain self-realization, one must obey the Master's instructions completely. A story illustrates this: a disciple ignored his guru's specific warning and, by claiming ownership of a thief's shoes, was condemned to hang. The guru's word is paramount; its value is often understood only in hindsight. Holy scriptures constitute this essential guidance.
"Karma Yoga needs Bhakti Yoga. Karma Yoga needs Jñāna Yoga. And Karma Yoga also needs Rāja Yoga."
"If you truly wish to achieve ātmā jñāna, self-realization, liberation, immortality, divinity, and saintliness, then you must follow what the Master says."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
