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Croatia has beautiful nature, but we come here mostly because of the people whose hearts are exceptionally open to spirituality, said His Holiness Paramahaṃsa Svāmī Maheśvarānanda at the beginning of his six-day stay in Croatia. Svāmījī arrived in Croatia together with his Mānasaputra, his spiritual son, Svāmī Avatāra Purījī, and the Croatian bhaktas enjoyed his blessings from May 26 to 31, 2006. Already on Friday, May 26, at the Śrī Devkā Rīdhāñjā in Zagreb, Svāmījī met with the CEO of the Croatian Postal Bank, Josip Protega, who presented him with a copy of the very valuable book Croatian Architectural Forms. This is a book that was created at the beginning of the 19th century, during which every trace of it was lost. A few years ago it was rediscovered, and the Croatian Postal Bank sponsored the printing of one hundred copies of this title, which was presented to Svāmījī as a token of recognition for his humanitarian work spanning more than four decades. "For many years, we have been following Svāmījī's work in Croatia and truly appreciate all that he does. The values he promotes, we would also like to promote and protect," Mr. Protega emphasized. "Culture is the beauty of the land, and if you block it anywhere, it will perish. It is very important to preserve your original culture, and this beautiful book that preserves ancient Croatian culture and architecture is a very good way to do so," said Svāmījī. So far, copies of this book have been received by the President of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, and Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader. His Holiness, Paramahaṃsa Svāmī Maheśvarānanda, spent the weekend in Umag, where seminars and Yoga in Daily Life have been held for many years. Almost a thousand people from Europe, the USA, and Australia enjoyed the three-day Svāmījī-led seminar. Yoga exercises, meditations, and the inspiring lectures of Svāmījī were part of everyday life, far removed from stress. The hour of yoga in the open, led by Svāmījī himself, attracted many curious onlookers who were spending their vacation in this beautiful Istrian tourist town. After the morning, Svāmījī held lectures on Yoga in Daily Life and the awakening of hidden powers within man at the abbey, meanwhile meeting with county and city officials. "Dear brothers and sisters, our intellect is limited, while the universe is infinite. We do not know where it begins, nor where it ends. That empty space is a substitute for the mother’s body, the mother’s womb. The entire universe is beautiful. Within it resides what we call universal or cosmic consciousness. We do not say conscious universe, but universal consciousness. Cosmic consciousness is like an embryo in the mother’s body. You may call it God, consciousness, light, truth, the highest or the greatest. The perfect harmony between consciousness and the universe, that balancing principle which harmonizes space and consciousness, that principle is yoga." The explanation of the concept of yoga was only one part of the inspiring lecture on the Pātañjala system. Monday evening was reserved for a lecture in Zagreb. Among the many distinguished Croats who wished to hear Svāmījī’s word of wisdom was also the first consul of the Indian Embassy in Zagreb, Mr. Mahalinga. With deep respect, he thanked Svāmījī for spreading the wisdom of ancient India, the ideas of tolerance, peace, and respect throughout the world. Svāmījī held a lecture in Zagreb on the Maṇipūra cakra, thus continuing the cycle of lectures he began in Zagreb three years ago, speaking precisely about the energetic centers within a person and their influence on both physical and spiritual development. Besides Svāmījī's Darśana, his wisdom, and inspiring words, more than a thousand people had the opportunity to purchase Svāmījī’s latest book, The Hidden Powers in Man: Cakra and Kuṇḍalinī. As every year, Croatian President Stjepan Mesić extended a warm welcome to Svāmījī in Croatia. During the warm meeting, President Mesić and Svāmījī discussed the idea to plant the Croatian coastline and islands with as many olive trees as possible. Svāmījī has finally blessed Split, a city where yoga has been practiced in daily life for nine years, and where Svāmījī stayed on May 30th and 31st. "I am blessed to be in one of the oldest Croatian cities today. Although I have been here since 1978, this is my first official visit to Split, and I am very happy about it," Svāmījī emphasized this at the reception organized in his honor by the Deputy Mayor of Split, Ivan Kuret, together with the Head of the Administrative Department for Culture, Maja Munival. The deputy mayor was exceptionally wonderful to meet with Svāmījī. "Although Croatia is predominantly Catholic, the message you bring to us is universal, and for that, I sincerely thank you," said Mr. Kuret, inviting Svāmījī to sign the special book of honorary guests of this 1700-year-old gem of Dalmatia. After the arrival of Svāmījī and the city representatives, the olive trees in front of Diocletian’s Palace became a gathering place. "In a way, this has also become a symbol of Croatia. I wish that all who come under this tree may find peace and harmony, love and understanding. Let this tree give us connection, so that we may preserve our forests, protect nature, and always affirm that this culture remains alive among people. The wise Native Americans say: when the last tree is cut down and the last fish dies, O man, then you will realize that you can’t eat your dollars. O man, truly understand that you cannot eat your dollars." After this beautiful event, accompanied by great media attention, all the guides and hosts took the group for a walk through part of the palace and showed them the landmarks of Split.