We need Gurudev
The disciple must never abandon the need for the guru or the teachings, for that is the gravest error. The guru is the principle that leads from ignorance to knowledge. This Guru Tattva is the essential diamond, not the physical form, yet it is embodied to provide tangible guidance. God aids the seeker by sending the guru, who is thus revered as indispensable. The aim is to merge the individual self with the cosmic Self, like a river entering the ocean. This is the Advaita understanding, where the one supreme reality is reflected in all individuals. This merging is the true purpose of yoga, achieved through the guru's grace and teachings. The embodied form concentrates this divine energy, making darśana transformative. The state beyond the three guṇas is inexpressible; it can only be pointed to as 'not this, not that.'
"The moment you think you know everything, very soon you will find yourself asking, 'Where are the bricks? Where is the parachute?'"
"God will send your friend with the boat. And the Guru is here."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Up next
Why Guru is important?
Evening satsang with Swami AvatarpuriJi from Jadan Ashram, Rajasthan, India. Why you should never doubt your Guru? A story about Lord Shiva. If you do good karma in a previous life you will get the fruits in this life. Karma is always coming back. Even Lord Rama and Lord Krishna had a Guru. Mauna makes you happier inside. Singing Bhajans.
Let's Try To Save Our Planet
A global alarm sounds for the earth's condition, caused by human action. Major conferences address water crises from pollution and misuse, and food systems causing disease through chemicals. Education must include universal spirituality and ethics. Economic systems reliant on fossil fuels face protest. Vast gatherings of officials and citizens highlight urgent collective concern. The destruction of rainforests for paper and lumber devastates ecosystems. A simple life using natural materials and rejecting disposables is the true path. Individual initiative has value when united for the planet's welfare.
"Leave oil in the soil" and "Leave the coal in the hole."
"Use and throw, but where to throw?"
Filming location: Turcianske Teplice, Slovakia
The qualities of the Satguru
The mantra describes the qualities of the true guru. It is the ultimate bliss and the giver of the highest happiness. The guru is the sole embodiment of knowledge, beyond all duality. The guru is equal to all, like the sky. The guru is described by the great pronouncements like "thou art that." The guru is one, eternal, pure, and steady. The guru is the witness of everything. The guru is beyond worldly involvement and identification with experience. The guru is without the three qualities of nature. One salutes that true guru. These are the required attributes. If considering oneself a guru, one must check for all these qualities.
"Brahmanandam paramasukhadam."
"Sadguruṁ taṁ namāmi."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
The Practice of Śalabhāsana and Complementary Āsanas
The practice of śalabhāsana and complementary āsanas builds strength and influences consciousness. Śalabhāsana strengthens the posterior muscles and works on self-confidence. Hold the posture with full lungs and descend on the exhalation, though breathe naturally if there is high blood pressure. Remain soft while using strength. It corrects the pelvis and benefits the prostate and menstruation. A variation with hands under the body stretches the digestive tract and is ideal before meditation. Avoid excessive bending in the lumbar area; focus the bend in the thoracic part. Follow with relaxation and pavanamuktāsana to release lower back tension. Sarvāṅgāsana benefits peripheral circulation and balances thyroid function, but avoid it with hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or during menstruation. It improves circulation to the head and allows a subtle exhalation. Its counterpose is bhuḍaṅgāsana, which stretches the front and strengthens the arms; bend in the chest area, not the most flexible part. Halāsana stretches the back and affects the neck, emphasizing exhalation. Matsyāsana opens the chest, works on the thyroid and breathing, and is performed with inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth. A one-legged balance pose aids concentration and nervous stability. Ardha Matsyendrāsana regenerates the spine and has anti-inflammatory properties. An inverted posture improves circulation to the head and spiritual development. Conclude with Tāḍāsana and Prāṇāyāma. Bhastrikā Prāṇāyāma intensifies the digestive fire and burns waste; relax the abdomen and let breath flow spontaneously without forcing inhalation. Avoid it with a brain tumor or elevated body temperature. Chant Oṁ to withdraw inward.
"Remain soft in the posture, even while using strength."
"In this posture, simply allow one subtle, extended exhalation."
Filming location: Zagreb, Croatia
