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Once again, we are gathered in our beautiful ashram in the Czech Republic, a country said to be one where milk and honey flow. I welcome and bless all dear devotees around the world joining via webcast, in the name of the Alakpurījī Siddhāpīṭa Paramparā. We are joined by Mahāmaṇḍaleśvar Vivek Purījī, Umā Purījī, Swāmī Hari Harānandjī (Hari Purī), and our host Swāmī Gajānandjī. We also have very dear guests: our Guru brother and sister, the couple Kailāśa Purohit and Dineśa Purohit, who come from the lineage of Mahāprabhujī's own residence near Nepal in Bolā Guḍā and Kedārī. We welcome Kṛpā Devī from Washington, Sāvitrī from Toronto, a whole family from Vancouver including dear little Mohana, and from Australia, Agnideva and Ratana from Brisbane and Tīrthapurī and Yamunā from the Sunshine Coast. Our Panditjī from India is here to purify the space. It is a global gathering, and I am happy to see you all, by the blessings of Mahāprabhujī, Gurujī, and Devapurījī. This retreat at the Mahāprabhudīp Satsaṅg Foundation ashram, a place with strong spiritual vibrations where our Holy Gurujī once stayed, follows our usual programs. The juniors organize beautiful, silent practices. It is heartening to see generations growing in the sāttvic way of life—practicing yoga, eating vegetarian food—purifying and liberating the soul. This is not about creating new cultures or religions, but about spiritual development, which is crucial in Kali Yuga. There is often confusion between religion and spirituality. True spirituality purifies negative karmas and frees the soul. We are covered by vibrations, karmic influences, and ignorance. We act, but often do not know the consequences of our actions. This causes suffering for the body, family, environment, and most importantly, for the beautiful soul within. We suffer in this mortal world, and after death, we become caught in other atmospheres like a fish in a net. The science of Yoga in Daily Life, practiced by millions worldwide, works on developing the soul towards spirituality, gaining clarity, and purifying karma so we may be forgiven for unconscious acts. There is a beautiful bhajan by the blind saint Sūradāsajī, who saw with his inner eye. He prays: Prabhujī, merī avaguṇa chitnā dharo. Sam-draṣṭi hai nāma tī haro. (O Lord, do not hold my faults in Your mind. You are known as the equal-seer; Your name removes [sin].) Sam-darśī he nāma tī haro, cāhe to pāra karo ho. (You are the equal-seer, Your name removes; if You wish, You can take me across.) Ek lohe pūjā me rakhtā, ik agni bāḍhika paryo. (One [person] keeps iron in worship, another falls into a great fire.) Ek nadī, ek nahalā havā tā, melo hī nirabharo. (One [is in] a river, one in a blowing stream, yet both are filled with the same water.) Abhī varma hī pāra hutāro, naipraṇa jāta ro. (Even now, take me across, I am becoming helpless.) He asks God to overlook his mistakes, for God is Sam-darśī—the equal-seer who does not count sins. We often act unconsciously. In the Bhagavad Gītā, Śrī Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna to know the form of his action. When we know what we are doing, our inner eye opens. Our intellect (buddhi) presents the object, but we may still not relinquish it. Then our discriminative wisdom (vivekā) arises, clearly indicating what is beneficial or harmful. If we follow vivekā, we are protected. But ignorance, desire, or ego often overrule it. As humans among 8.4 million life forms, we possess intellect, vivekā, and karuṇā (mercy) in our hearts. We pray, "O Mother Mary, O Kṛṣṇa, O Rāma, have mercy." What is this mercy? "Thou shalt not kill." Did Jesus mean only not to kill humans? No. His intellect and mercy were not so constituted. Animals may not understand, but in the human heart, karuṇā must extend to all living beings—humans, animals, birds, fish. Life is dear to everyone (Život je drahý pro každého). Every creature has similar feelings. Whether conscious or unconscious, when we kill animals for food, we incur karma. It is said the primary guilt falls on the one who eats. If no one ate meat, who would kill animals? Only a madman. We act, but not with full awareness. People do not fully realize this mercy. Everyone says, "I am hurt," but one must feel the pain where the arrow pierces. Such actions create an astral cover over the soul, preventing it from reaching Brahmaloka. The soul rolls on like a snowball. Belief does not alter reality. The sun sets regardless. If humanity realizes this truth, the soul can be liberated. Today, even doctors advocate eating meat and eggs. Consider Mahātmā Gandhi, who ate simple food—what was the state of his mind? Swāmī Vivekānanda, Jesus, and many great personalities were not meat-eaters. Now, many diseases like cancer arise. Our nourishment comes from animals fed poorly and who live in fear and suffering. Their trembling and pain transfer to those who consume them. How can we claim liberation? One day, in old age, we lose everything and die. But this death is not the end; it repeats. Therefore, purification through sādhanā, prayer, and mantra in any religion is essential. Religion is inspiration, but to reach the highest consciousness, you must act. You may pray in church, but if you then eat beef, pork, or goat, it creates a contradiction. Perhaps only a narrow tunnel leads to Brahmaloka for a few; others go elsewhere. Wake up. Purify yourself through practice.