The Eternal Bond of Guru and Disciple
The bond between guru and disciple is the only permanent bond, chosen with full awareness. Other relationships, like family, are given without choice. In Kali Yuga, finding a true guru is rare. We are blessed to be in a lineage, a paramparā, starting with Śrī Alakpurījī in the Himalayas. The guru is the light from darkness. We need a guide just as we needed parents and teachers. The spiritual path is structured through four life stages, culminating in sannyās. The greatest gift is initiation with a mantra, a direct conversation with the divine. The story of Eklavya illustrates perfect guru bhakti and surrender, offering his thumb as guru dakṣiṇā. The guru is trikāla-darśī, seeing all time. We must not question the guru's instruction, as illustrated by a story where a guru's warning saved a man from an attack. Another story tells of a guru who helped princes rewrite their destined poverty through faith and specific instructions. The guru has the power to transform destiny, but we must c
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Around the world - Yoga exercises specifically for women
This is a gentle yoga sequence for menstrual well-being. We begin with relaxation and full yogic breath to harmonize body and mind. Specific postures target the pelvic area and lower back. The first exercise involves bringing one knee to the chest, then extending the leg, performed slowly and consciously. This is followed by Marjari, the cat pose, to create a supple back. We then practice hip-opening postures like the half and full butterfly. A key squatting pose is emphasized for menstrual issues, grounding, and leg strength. We proceed to Setu Āsana, the bridge, to strengthen the lower body. A final side-lying balance pose benefits the lower abdomen. Conclude by feeling the effects of the practice.
"This exercise is especially good for menstrual problems, and also beneficial for the lower back, constipation, and hips."
"This pose is especially good for women... for irregular menstruation, or for heavy bleeding between periods."
There is no end of learning
The ashram is heaven on earth, a place of immense energy where the Guru is always present in essence. A journey unfolds through divine guidance, not personal will. A trip to India for Guru Pūrṇimā was redirected by unseen forces, leading one back to the ashram family. Later, guidance came through a spoken sentence about Romania, which led to the establishment of an ashram there through inner instruction, not conversation. A pilgrimage to holy sites in the Himalayas was similarly guided, with paths clearing miraculously to allow darśan. In all endeavors, the Guru's direction is for self-learning. Yoga is a path to discover who one is. Scientific research into modified prāṇāyāma, inspired by the Guru's words, later fostered a university collaboration and a successful public yoga event, where a protective cloud appeared as a sign.
"With our yoga in daily life, it is not just āsana. It is a way to learn about ourselves and to look at ourselves."
"One sentence from Gurudev can change and influence so many things."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Chakras, Nadis and Kundalini
Chakras are rotating circles of energy within the body, representing major energy centers. They are symbolic, not literal anatomical structures. Thousands exist at the junctions of the nāḍīs, the body's nerve network. This system exists for the soul's journey, supported by five bodily sheaths and the five elements. The three main channels are the Iḍā (Moon, mind/emotion), Piṅgalā (Sun, action/temperament), and central Suṣumnā. Their intersections form powerful chakras, like the Viśuddhi at the throat for purification. The mind is a messenger between senses and intellect; do not block it, but give it direction. Problems arise from suppressed emotions, which can manifest as physical illness. Practices like prāṇāyāma maintain this network for health. Awakening energies like kuṇḍalinī requires great care, as improper handling can be harmful.
"These chakras are a methodological representation. You will not see this exact picture if you look within your own body."
"The mind is a river; we should not block it. If we block a dam, we must provide an outlet."
Filming location: London, UK
Rainwater Harvesting
Water is life, especially in the desert, where monsoon rains are short and rare. To address a severe drought, a rainwater harvesting initiative was launched. The first step was building a large lake to capture monsoon rains, as groundwater had become too saline. This project uses traditional techniques and watershed management to create a sustainable model. A network of dams and canals directs rain toward the lake. When the rains finally come, the land soaks up the water, and the excess fills the reservoir, temporarily turning the desert green. This lake now serves all life. The initiative will be extended to other locations, providing water, employment, and health benefits. The ashram also provides a fire truck for emergency water supply, believing helping hands are most valuable. Support is needed to complete these humanitarian projects.
"Only those who live in a desert genuinely know that water is life."
"Helping hands have more value than folded hands."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
DVD 260
