Around The World - Surya Namaskar at Sri Devpuriji Ashram, Zagreb, CRO
Integrating cakra, mantra, and movement creates a complete practice. Concentration on the cakra is a distinct practice often neglected. This integration is explored through Sūrya Namaskāra. It is important not to practice only the posture, only the cakra focus, or only the mantra in isolation. An integrated structure is necessary. The practice works on the removal of toxins and ignites the individual. The vibration of the mantra affects the eyes and the surrounding area. One must attune the mantra to oneself. The life force is prepared through this facing and stretching.
"It is important that we do not only practice Sūrya Namaskār, not only focus on the cakra, not only practice the mantra."
"So you change the mantra, and then you change the situation."
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The Guru will never die
The many forms of yoga are a beautiful garden of diverse flowers, all leading to the same truth. All teachers and techniques are valuable parts of one whole, like different children of the same parents. Harmony among all paths is essential; we must unite in Satya Yoga. The Guru's blessings are eternal, transcending the physical body. Criticizing other paths reveals a burning heart and causes inner harm. Modern medicine and ancient wisdom both have their place in preserving life. The soul is attached to the body but seeks release. Specific practices like Brahmari pranayama use sound to heal and awaken the system through careful, gradual practice.
"All yoga teachers, yoga practitioners, their schools, and their ashrams should be in harmony together."
"One in all and all in one."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Trees also have karma
The ancient forest reveals profound truths through its life and stories. To understand it is to know everything. Sages walk there, and a solitary yogī lives among immense, ancient trees. We have such a forest in our ashram. There, a massive banyan tree, over 5,000 years old, stands. This reminds me of a story from another ashram. A young guru there spoke to a great tree, prophesying its death within two years. The tree, confident after millennia, asked who could kill it. The guru said its friends would, and that its enemy was in fire and iron. Later, a man with an axe came and felled the tree. The fallen tree later advised that one should not have enemies, and if someone is your enemy, be kind to them. There is a lesson in small things, like a needle that can kill. We should always be careful, happy, and kind. Then, their karma will affect them, not you. The trees are our best friends. We humans need the forests and should love them.
"Ṛṣi, you take care of yourself. I am okay."
"Therefore, we should always be careful and always be very happy and kind to others."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
In the home of the soul
Space builds beings, and beings build space.
A true ashram is a space for retreat and contemplation, enabling renewal of physical, mental, and social health. It fosters balance and leads toward self-realization. Yoga is the paramount method for this, requiring only the body, breath, and consciousness. It is the science of conscious movement and stillness, a road to original wholeness. A Guru is one who has cognized oneness, from which all arises and returns. Such beings live for others. The relationship between guru and disciple is supreme, pure, and meaningful. The guru's essence is what he is—Sat Chit Ānanda—and he serves to cure the disease of ignorance, which divides us from ourselves, others, and the divine. Sādhanā, the practice of yoga, is the source of strength to help others and ourselves. Liberation comes through knowledge and the Guru's grace.
"Yoga is the science and art of conscious movement. It is the science and art of conscious stillness."
"The essence of a guru is not what he says, not even what he does. The essence of a guru is what he is."
Filming locations: Jadan Ashram, Rajasthan, India.
DVD 171
A Warm Welcome and the Three Books
Welcome back, and remember the three books containing all wisdom.
We are very happy for your return after three months. While waiting, I recalled Swāmījī's teaching from years ago. He said he had given us everything through three books: a yoga book, a chakra book, and the Līlā Amṛt. He explained that all answers are there. For a physical problem, consult the yoga book. For spiritual development, see the chakra book. For bhakti, turn to Līlā Amṛt, our bible. This thought came at the airport. So we have everything with Swāmījī here and in these books. We are happy to see you and wish you a good time here, with less stress. We look forward to satsaṅg and lectures.
"You only have to look in those three books. Everything is explained there."
"When you have any problem with your bhakti, look into our bible: the Līlā Amṛt, the Living Light."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
