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Time according to Vedas and Puranas I part

Time is a cyclical concept without beginning or end, where everything repeats across countless independent universes. Each universe operates under its own laws and has its own trinity of creator, preserver, and destroyer. The structure of time is mathematically precise, defined by repeating ages called yugas. Four yugas—Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali—form a Mahāyuga of 4,320,000 years. One thousand Mahāyugas constitute a single day of Brahmā, known as a Kalpa. This cycle of creation and dissolution repeats across vast scales, from the lifespan of a Brahmā to the final Mahā Pralaya where all existence withdraws into unity. Realizing this immense scale puts personal concerns into perspective. "The concept of time in the Vedas and ancient scriptures is cyclical. Everything moves in a circle, a cycle that neither begins nor ends." "Four Yugas make one Mahāyuga. One thousand Mahāyugas form one Kalpa. A Kalpa is one day of Brahmā." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Children Programme from Strilky

A children's yoga practice integrates movement, breath, and imagination to develop the body and calm the mind. The session begins by attuning to the practice with breath and sound. Simple postures are introduced through imaginative journeys and animal metaphors, guiding the body from activity to stillness. The practice cultivates awareness of posture, coordination, and relaxation. It concludes with a focus on inner quiet and gratitude for the body's effort. The journey uses playful imagery to explore movement and rest. "Before we begin the practice, let us sing to calm ourselves." "Relax the belly, the eyes, the mouth, everything softens." Filming locations: Mahāprabhujī Ashram, To be determined.

Human Nerve System and Yoga practicing

The nervous system is the central controller of the body. We often focus only on the passive movement apparatus of bones and muscles. A controlling system is required to direct how and what to move. The nervous system governs the movement apparatus, inner organs, and endocrine system. Exercises influence all systems, not just muscles. Nerve signals travel between muscles and the central system, exchanging vital information beyond just pain. This conscious awareness allows regulation of the entire body. Modern medicine acknowledges psychosomatic illness, where mind and body are linked. Holistic practices are therefore up-to-date. Yoga serves as prevention, therapy, and complementary treatment. Following the complete system step-by-step resolves issues more effectively than isolated exercises. For healthy movement, conscious yogic movement is key. It begins in the brain, allowing us to change unhealthy movement patterns fixed since childhood. Modern neurodevelopmental rehabilitation mirrors this ancient approach. Orthopedic pain often involves a psychosomatic circle. The system addresses this by naturally sequencing relaxation, elongation, then strengthening. One need not be a doctor; faithfully following the gradual system is sufficient. "Movement does not start from our muscles; that is only the second step. The first step is some form of this movement in our brain." "In the right way, we can influence problems with our organs and glands of inner secretion. From this point of view, we are trying to perform the harmonization of our body." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Practising third level of Yoga in Daily Life System

A guided practice integrating āsana, prāṇāyāma, and relaxation begins with breath awareness and gentle movement. Settle the body and deepen the breath to receive prāṇa. Coordinate movement with inhalation and exhalation, maintaining inner attention. Practice stretches, Pāvanamuktāsana, and Vajrāsana with focus on spinal alignment. Perform inverted postures like Viparīta Karaṇī Mudrā with care, distinguishing it from Śīrṣāsana. Practice standing āsanas such as Garuḍāsana and Trikoṇāsana with balance and concentration, avoiding force. Conclude with Prāṇāyāma, specifically Nāḍī Śodhana, to purify the energy channels. Chant Oṃ to complete the practice. "Throughout the entire practice, strive to maintain your attention within yourself." "For all balancing postures, it is essential first to calm the mind, and only then can the balancing postures be performed well." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Five Kleshas

Kriyā Yoga consists of tapas, svādhyāya, and Īśvara praṇidhāna. Tapas is self-discipline and purification through sādhanā. Svādhyāya is self-study to discover what needs purification. Īśvara praṇidhāna is surrender and devotion to the divine. The aim of Kriyā Yoga is to reduce the kleśas for samādhi. The five kleśas are avidyā, asmitā, rāga, dveṣa, and abhiniveśa. Avidyā, ignorance, is the root cause of all others. Avidyā means regarding the perishable as eternal, the impure as pure, the painful as pleasant, and the non-Ātmā as the Ātmā. Asmitā is false identification, creating duality and ego. Rāga is liking pleasure; dveṣa is disliking pain. These likes and dislikes drive daily decisions. Abhiniveśa is the fear of death, clinging to life. Even advanced yogīs may harbor abhiniveśa. Viveka, discrimination, chooses the good over the pleasant. This choice between pleasant and good is constant. The bhajan reminds to awaken from ignorance and use the body for realization. "Avidya means to regard the perishable as eternal, the impure as pure, the painful as pleasant, and the non-ātmā as the ātmā." "The thought of ‘I’ and ‘my’—that is the root of ignorance." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Lecture about Vegetarianism

Nourishment is understood through the dimensions of quantity and quality. Quantity involves macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—which provide energy and structure. Quality involves micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, which are essential for health. In Western civilization, the primary issue is excessive quantity, leading to major causes of death such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studying groups like the Okinawans and Seventh-day Adventists reveals that a diet lower in calories and rich in fresh vegetables promotes longevity and health. Scientific studies on reduced-calorie, high-quality diets show improved heart and brain function, effectively reversing biological age. A diet focused on plant-based foods and minimal processing directly lowers the risk for prevalent diseases. Avoiding food additives and junk food further supports physical and cognitive well-being. "Eat three to five portions of vegetables or fruits a day; it is really insurance for health care." "People on this diet definitely will not die from heart problems, high blood pressure, or infarct." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Evening lecture by Sadhvi Shantiji, 6th of July

Life is brief, and attachment binds the soul across lifetimes. A farmer repeatedly postpones spiritual liberation for worldly family duties. After death, he is reborn as a calf, then an ox, a dog, and a cobra, each time bound by the same attachments. His master, a sādhu, follows his soul through these forms, offering liberation. Even as a cobra guarding his grandson, the farmer's attachment persists. Finally, as a worm placed inside a lotus flower, he receives divine grace and is liberated. The story illustrates how attachment perpetuates suffering and how a master's blessing pursues the soul until freedom is attained. Spiritual practice requires austerity, renunciation, and dispassion. "Swāmījī said, 'Now you see what your son is doing with you. For whom you were suffering for many lives, now he is beating you.'" "The farmer said, 'Mahārāj Bābājī, if he kills me, or burns me, or beats me, he is my son.'" Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Yoga in Daily Life program

The play of prāṇa and the path of the sannyāsī are the reality of spiritual life. Prāṇa is the divine energy manifest as thunder, lightning, and the life force within. Enlightenment reveals this inner lightning, yet living in the world continues to generate karma through simple acts like drinking milk. This karma transfers to others; admirers receive the good, critics receive the bad. Prāṇa is God present in the body, the formless energy. Practice of prāṇāyāma, prayer, and meditation brings one nearer to God. Holy places retain the spiritual energy of saints who performed tapasyā there. Going there on a difficult pilgrimage, holding the master in mind, merges one's aura with that divine aura. Satsaṅg is for the fortunate seeker to experience truth; the unprepared create disturbance. The sannyāsī's path is the highest, bound by strict rules like Cāturmāsa, a four-month retreat. It is not a change of dress but requires tapasyā, tyāga, and vairāgya—austerity, renunciation, and detachment—to purify like gold in fire. This opens one's true destiny. "Good karma goes to those who adore them, who respect the self-realized one." "Without satsaṅg, you cannot get that vairāgya." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Radiance of Supreme Consciousness

The body's vitality depends on prāṇa and a strong apāna śakti for internal cleansing. Rain cleans the air and generates fresh prāṇa, vital for the five senses, especially the skin. A proper diet with spices like turmeric and capsicum, not harmful chilies, supports circulation and health. Pure water is essential. Avoid artificial supplements; gain nutrients from food. Apāna power expels gases and toxins; suppressing it causes disease. Garlic and onions are healthy but produce gas, requiring a strong apāna. Practice ṣaṭkarma and prāṇāyāma like kapālabhāti to strengthen apāna and remove toxins. A yoga teacher must embody discipline, practice daily, and be a living example of health to guide others effectively. Fasting cultivates discipline. Positive intellect leads toward liberation. "Turmeric is the best for the liver. It is good for the kidneys." "Practice ṣaṭkarma kriyā: netī, dhautī, bastī, naulī, kapālabhāti, and of course tratāk." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Fear Is Our Own Creation: The Ghost of Ignorance

Fear is our own creation, the ghost of ignorance. A young son-in-law was sent to sleep in a farmhouse. Gossip had planted the idea that a ghost lived there. That blackmail resurfaced in his mind. Lying in the dark, he saw a white chimney in moonlight. Terrified, he screamed that a ghost attacked him. Villagers rushed over and saw a form in the corner. They performed rituals with holy water and mantras. Exorcists claimed to know the ghost’s history. Nothing dispelled the apparition. A wise person arrived and declared, “Your mind is your ghost. Your fear is your ghost.” He lit a torch and revealed the chimney. All fear disappeared instantly. So every worldly fear—loss, crisis—is self-manifested through ignorance. Trust in God, who sustains the ant and the elephant. Trust in your own inner capacity. Chant the Hanuman Chalisa daily for protection, as its name banishes negativity. Fear arises only from not knowing the truth, like mistaking a rope for a snake. “Your mind is your ghost. Your fear is your ghost.” “Therefore, fear is our own ghost.” Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Prana, apana and vyana, Strilky

Prāṇa is the source of life, originating from the divine. This energy is channeled through the body's 72,000 nāḍīs. Specific prāṇāyāma techniques purify and balance this vital force. Nāḍī Śodhana harmonizes the mind and intellect by alternating breath through the lunar and solar channels. Subsequent practices like Anuloma Viloma further refine this energy. A balanced life requires dedicating time to spiritual practice amidst worldly duties. Meditation and prayer are the means to surrender and find strength, alleviating existential fears. The preparation and consumption of food are also sacred acts that influence prāṇa. Cooking with love and intention transforms nourishment into a blessed offering. "The cream of the mind is intellect, and the cream of the intellect is viveka, or intelligence." "Prayer is that we are sitting in His lap. We give all in His hands." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Science of Prāṇa and the Guṇas

Prāṇa is the cosmic energy manifesting as physical strength, mental willpower, and vitality. This pure energy is filtered through the three guṇas upon entering the body. Sattva Guṇa represents purity and balance. Rajas Guṇa drives activity and creativity but also manifests as destructive anger and jealousy. Tamas Guṇa enables necessary rest and sleep but also causes laziness and indiscipline. Nourishment, including food and mental environment, influences the guṇas. Practices like prāṇāyāma and āsanas harmonize the body to receive and store prāṇa, purifying these qualities. Developing kindness and mercy elevates consciousness beyond the guṇas. Proper attire of loose, natural fabric aids this process by protecting one's bioenergy. "Anger is that which steals everything from you at your door." "Blessed are they who keep away from anger." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Ahimsa Dharma and the Yamas and Niyamas: A Talk by Swami Gajanandji

Ahimsa, non-violence, is the highest rule. The teacher explains the yamas and niyamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. These are the first two limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. The limbs are not sequential steps; they must be practiced together simultaneously. Many practitioners skip to asanas and neglect this ethical foundation. These principles help stop creating negative karma. In Western countries, stress has become a lifestyle; economic pressure forces multiple jobs and commercialized yoga. The oversaturation of certified yoga teachers harms the field. Yet selfless service organizations bring yoga to those in need. Ahimsa means no cruelty, love and respect for all living beings. This is expressed in the vow of vegetarianism, taken for love, not health. The yamas are what to avoid: ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha. Satya is truthfulness; asteya is non-stealing; brahmacharya directs energy; aparigraha is non-greed. The niyamas are positive observances: saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, Ishvara pranidhana. Saucha is purity; santosha, contentment, is the root of supreme happiness. Tapas, self-discipline, purifies body and senses; svadhyaya, self-study through mantra, reveals the ishtadeva, the chosen deity. Ishvara pranidhana, perfect devotion and surrender, leads directly to samadhi, self-realization. This is a shortcut, bypassing the other limbs. Bhakti, devotion, is the direct path to the goal. In the spiritual game of Lila, bhakti is the only field that reaches the goal immediately. Thus, bhakti yoga is a shortcut within the classical yoga system. "Do not hurt, do not kill, do not be cruel; respect each and every living being." "As a result of Īśvara Praṇidhāna, devotion to God, one achieves samādhi." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Parrot’s Counsel: A Dialogue Between Ātmā and Mind

Listen to the counsel of the two parrots, an allegory for the soul and mind. The world is unreal; only devotion is true. The mind flutters, consuming the poisonous fruits of desire and pride, which appear sweet but bring bitterness. These desires are a mirage, leading to exhaustion like a thirsty deer chasing water. Death comes cruelly, severing all attachments to relationships and possessions. Therefore, renounce the unreal world. In the Guru's grace and holy company lies the immortal tree of nectar, which is heaven itself. Repeat the mantra 'Haṁsaḥ'—I am that pure consciousness, the soul, not the body or mind. "Listen, my dear Menā, reap the harvest of joy in God's name. All other pursuits in this world are unreal." "Repeat the name of God. You have obtained this opportunity as a human being. Do not miss it." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Prāṇa Sañcalana Kriyā: Directing the Life Force

Prāṇa Sañcalana Kriyā directs the life force through the body. Practice begins with the yogic breath, inhaling into the abdomen then chest and exhaling from chest then abdomen. Maintain a relaxed, natural flow. Lie with the back flat, knees bent or straight. Concentrate on the navel as the center. Visualize the breath creating expanding and contracting waves like a stone dropped in a calm lake. Mentally repeat the Bīja mantra "Raṁ" with the breath. This practice energizes the Maṇipūra Chakra, purifies the system, and distributes prāṇa. It aids digestion, calms the nervous system, and releases fear. Perform for ten minutes daily. Pregnant women may practice with bent knees for support. The technique is for universal well-being and can be shared. "Prāṇa is the life force, life energy, the vitality, the source of life. Sañcalana means to direct, to guide the breath or the prāṇa through the whole body." "This Prāṇa Sañcalana Kriyā will make you free from fear." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Roots of Dharma and the Nature of Prāṇa

The root of dharma is mercy, and the root of sin is ego. Prāṇa is life itself, not merely oxygen, air, or breath. It is the vital energy present in all beings and the five elements. Mercy, or Dayā, is the foundation of all righteousness and is an expression of divine grace. Ego creates blindness, selfishness, and conflict, preventing understanding. God is the ultimate source of all prāṇa and mercy. Through spiritual practice and the grace of a true teacher, one can uncover the inner light of mercy obscured by impurities and ignorance. Understanding prāṇa and cultivating Dayā is the path to harmony. "Dayā dharam kā mūla hai, ar pāp mūl abhimān." "God is the source of our prāṇa. Without His kṛpā, His dayā, nothing can exist." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Welcome Address and Teachings on the Universality of Yoga

Welcome. Yoga is universal, authored by Lord Śiva before any religion existed. Śiva manifests from universal light as the first resonance, Aum. That resonance prevents the body from dissolving. A tendency within consciousness gives rise to multiplication. A seed must die to multiply. It is said: die to live. The individual soul originates from Śiva Jyoti. Anyone who meditates is Śiva. Closing the eyes in sleep rests in Śiva’s lap. Yoga predates Śiva’s manifestation. Yoga can be practiced by all religions without conflict. Rejecting yoga because of disbelief in Hinduism is narrow thinking. Everything is in Hinduism, and Hinduism is in everything. This week focuses on authentic yoga practice. A water diet and mosquito relocation are prescribed. The program develops willpower through karma yoga. “So it is said in the Śāstras, you have to die in order to live.” “Yoga is universal. It should be practiced by all religions; there is no conflict.” Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Yoga for the knees

Foundations for healthy knees, hips, and feet begin with correct standing alignment. The body's weight must be distributed across three points on each foot: the base of the big toe, the base of the fifth toe, and the outer edge of the heel. Grounding these points aligns the knee correctly. If weight shifts inward, the knee collapses, straining ligaments and the meniscus. The knee must always point in the same direction as the foot, between the big and second toes, to avoid imbalance. Practice this alignment by shifting weight side to side, bending one knee while keeping the body straight. Refine balance by lifting a heel to stand on the ball of the foot, then lifting the opposite leg entirely. Practice postures like a triangle variation and single-leg stands to build stability. For flexibility, sit and alternately bend each knee toward the chest, then straighten it. Lying down, perform similar leg bends and straightenings, culminating in a bicycling motion to nourish the joints. Practice moving from kneeling to a straightened-knee position to build strength. Conclude with postures that maintain knee alignment over bent legs and balance on the balls of the feet. "The knee points in the same direction as the foot—specifically, between the big toe and the second toe." "Inhale as you lift the foot, bend the knee, and stretch the leg upward. Exhale as you slowly lower the leg." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

A Week's End at the Ashram: From Source to Practice

Purity flows from the source of wisdom through the Guru Parampara; only spiritual practice aligns theory and practice for liberation. Mental pollution is the worst pollution. Nourishment on mental and spiritual levels requires clean water from the divine source. The Guru Parampara transmits this light. Be pure, be good, realize crystal-clear spirituality. Change yourself; you cannot change the world. Make a sankalpa to radiate love and peace. Yoga requires theory and practice in perfect alignment. Yama and Niyama are the foundational roots. Without them, yoga becomes mere physical exercise. Physical training alone does not bring liberation. The body is an instrument, not the goal. Torturing the body for ego is futile; the clay will one day torture the potter. Trust in God, the formless Brahman, whose energy incarnates. Success in yoga comes through good actions. Svādhyāya means studying your life chapter and spiritual texts. At death, karmic evidence cannot be deleted. You can change your chapter now through meditation and understanding. Theory inspires but requires practice under a master. A true guru never proclaims greatness; qualities speak. "Mental pollution is the worst in the whole universe." "The body is not everything, but everything is nothing without the body." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

A Final Blessing and a Story of the Seed

The seed of spiritual practice must be cultivated, not stored. A master gave two men a single soybean to safeguard. One locked it away, preserving it untouched. The other planted it, nurturing and multiplying the harvest each season. When the master returned, the stored seed was dust, consumed by moths. The cultivated seed had produced abundance. The master declared the farmer worthy. The teaching is not in possessing the mantra but in practicing it until it multiplies within. Many receive teachings but do not remember them, for they never practice. The development depends on you. "Don’t record it, don’t write it, and put it somewhere. Multiply." "The mantra you got is not that you have a mantra, but you have to practice multiplying." Filming locations: Strilky, Zlín Region, Czech Republic.

Yoga for a Healthy Spine: Stability and Flexibility in Daily Life

Yoga trains spinal stability and flexibility for daily movement. A common error is bending the spine instead of the hips when leaning forward. Practice stabilizing the back to move from the hips, as in picking up objects. Begin with a straight spine, visualizing length from the neck and sacrum. Forward bends like Yoga Mudrā teach keeping the spine long while moving. Śaśāṅkāsana adds challenge by training to bend forward with weight in the arms. Returning upright requires lifting the head first, then engaging the hips with a long spine. Leaning backward, as in Boat pose, requires stabilizing the spine by engaging abdominal muscles. Progress from supported variations to the full pose, training all stabilizing muscles. Conscious breathing into the back supports these movements. Practice must deepen flexibility while strengthening the muscles that stabilize. "Protect your lumbar curve by activating your stomach muscles, and let your arms align with your shoulders." "Spinal instability is a very frequent problem. Therefore, it is important to practice āsanas that improve both flexibility and stability."

The Light of the Guru and the Door to Heaven

The light of the Guru dispels the darkness of ignorance. Great masters manifest profound spiritual power and grace. The Himalayas hold sacred sites like the door to heaven, Svarga Rohiṇī, where the Pāṇḍavas ascended. Saints like Devpurījī possessed siddhis, commanding rain and fire. Such masters remove the sins of devotees, just as Gaṅgā cleanses. Darkness cannot be prayed away; only light removes it. The Guru is that light. Surrender to that light liberates one from all bondage. Open the eye of the heart through devotion and discipline. "If one takes shelter in Gurudeva, then that person will be free, no more bandits." "The best treatment to remove darkness is light. So Gurudev is light." Filming locations: Strilky Forest, To be determined.

Yoga for a Healthy Spine: Addressing Lumbar and Thoracic Issues

Addressing common spinal issues begins with posture. Hyperlordosis often stems from the chest leaning back, forcing the head and pelvis forward, compressing the lumbar spine. Correct this by aligning head, chest, and pelvis and activating the abdominal muscles. The ilio-sacral joint requires minimal movement; excess or blockage causes pain. Forward bending incorrectly places weight on the lumbar spine, risking injury; bend from the hips with a stabilized back. Thoracic problems include a spine too round or too flat, reducing flexibility and straining the neck and lumbar areas. Practice specific stretches and twists to improve thoracic mobility. "Always stand so that head, chest, and pelvis are in one line, and the weight comes towards the middle of your feet." "When you have problems with the neck, always have in mind two āsanas to improve the flexibility of the thoracic spine." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Morning lecture from Strilky

The search for the divine is the soul's ultimate aim. Every soul has a pre-destined arrangement. The search does not stop until the goal is found. Music deeply influences the psyche. Calm, spiritual sounds uplift consciousness, while harsh music creates agitation and stress. The world contains reminders of beauty and history, like ancient trees and lakes that inspired great art. These reflect the human capacity to perceive the divine in all things. The seeker is like a leech, holding on until completely full. When true divine love is found, all other searches become meaningless. That love becomes one's own skin; separation from it is agony. Wait for that which is eternal. Do not chase transient emotional substitutes. Give, rather than take. When that point is reached, light will come. "O Lord, I want to give you that flower, the flower which I want to give you, dedicate to you. I searched through the desert, mountains, meadows, hills, banks of the rivers, and the shores, but I couldn’t find that flower." "Love is that which becomes your own skin. Separation is like someone is pulling out your skin, and that is a universal love, the God’s love." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Destiny is result of our karmas

The soul experiences a twofold birth shaped by destiny, with the Satguru providing shelter from its grip. Destiny is created first, only then the body. According to prārabdha, a soul receives a particular form. The soul is not bigger or smaller in different creatures; it is a quality, the light of life. The soul is individual; if it were universal, there would be no individual destiny. The Ātmā is the universal Self, but the soul has its essence. The human body is given for realization. Other creatures only experience karmic results; humans can choose. Yet humans are victims of destiny. Destiny cannot be changed, but it can be directed, like a road diversion. Meeting a Satguru diverts one from harm. Following the Guru’s word frees one from destiny; ignoring it brings suffering. The first birth is from the astral world into the mother’s womb according to destiny. The second birth is emerging from the womb, forgetting that prior state. Fear of death is attachment and ignorance. A spiritual birth occurs when eyes find shelter at the Satguru’s holy feet. Dormant destiny then awakens. “Prārabdha pahale rachā, paścāt śarīra.” “mamaivāṁśo jīva-loke, jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ — I dwell in every creature, every jīva.” Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Multi-Stars Hall and the Path to Relief

The hall provides a perfect environment for sound and healing. Neck and shoulder pain often stems from poor posture during sitting, working, and sleeping, as well as an unsuitable mattress. Consult a doctor for anatomical issues. The Yoga in Daily Life system offers exercises, known as Yoga Vyāyam, based on dynamic movement, stretching, and posture. Correct standing alignment is essential: position the pelvis upright, keep the spine long with a slight upward pull, and distribute weight across three points of the foot. Simple exercises like shoulder raises and rotations, done regularly, can release tension. Correct sitting, such as in Vajrāsana, naturally relaxes the shoulders and aligns the spine. "One should consult with a doctor, a therapist, or an orthopedic doctor. What is the problem, anatomically?" "Your body has a correct base to stand on, and the weight of the body rests on three points: on the toes, on the calf, and on the back of the foot." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Axe and the Tree: A Lesson on Desire and Destruction

Technology is for use, not abuse. Assess necessity to avoid being controlled by desire. Knowledge of the material world is valuable and should be used wisely. The problem arises when desire joins with external temptation, creating a tool for self-destruction. A parable illustrates this: a forest of ancient trees is felled by an axe. The iron blade alone was weak, but a wooden handle, made from their own relative, gave it power. Similarly, our inner senses and desires empower external temptations. The enemies are within: lust, anger, pride, greed, delusion, ego, and ignorance. One cannot escape them by running away. The only remedy is to renounce attachment. What others pursue is not you, but what you possess. Do not give trouble a chance by projecting yourself unnecessarily. Find contentment in family, spiritual community, and practice. "The iron alone did not have the strength. But when our own relative—wood—was added as a handle, it gave the axe the power to destroy us." "Renounce and enjoy. Do not give chances to trouble. Do not project yourself unnecessarily." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The True Wealth That Endures

True wealth is that which accompanies you beyond this life. We arrive empty-handed and must leave all temporary possessions behind. Only permanent, everlasting attainments remain yours. Humanity now faces a crisis of lost self-confidence, chasing unreality while ignoring the truth within. A realized king, both ruler and yogi, achieved the highest samādhi. He tested his ministers by entering a state resembling death, instructing them beforehand to donate his jewelry upon his passing. They agreed but, thinking him gone, plotted to keep the riches and donate fakes. The king, hearing this, returned to his body. He exposed their deceit and recorded the lesson: what you consume is gone; only what you give with your own hands is true. All property ultimately falls to others. Your good karma alone supports and accompanies you forever. Therefore, break attachment to the world and attach yourself to God. "Whatever you have eaten is gone. And whatever you gave, you could give with your own hands—that is true." "Break your attachment to this world and attach yourself to God." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Yoga against neck and shoulder pain

A gentle sequence for neck and shoulders begins lying down, focusing on relaxation and breath. Start with full yogic breath, feeling the wave-like movement in abdomen and chest. Perform side stretches and a spinal twist to release one-sided tensions. Practice Pavan Muktāsana, bringing the knee to the chest, to stretch the lower back and strengthen the abdomen. A variation lifting the head strengthens the front neck muscles. Move to the stomach for a back extension, then to kneeling for Marjari, the cat pose, to flex the spine. In standing, practice chest expansion and swimming motions to activate shoulder muscles. Conclude with side bending to harmonize the body's left and right sides. Finish by feeling the effects on the body and breath. "Feel the fine movement of the full yogic breath; it is like a wave coming and going." "Side bending harmonizes the two sides of the body." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

A Morning of Prāṇāyāma and Meditation in the Ashram Park

A morning session of prāṇāyāma and meditation unfolds in the ashram park, surrounded by ancient trees and sacred energy. Sit in meditation posture, upright and relaxed. Close eyes, relax shoulders, hands on thighs. Release jaw tension and relax the tongue. Feel the body from toes to head and head to toes. Become aware of the ancient trees, up to 400 years old, radiating energy. Withdraw attention from the outer world and become one with nature. Bring awareness to the breath, knowing each inhalation and exhalation. Breath is life's thread, each breath a link in the chain. Practice Nāḍī Śodhana Prāṇāyāma by closing right nostril with thumb, breathing through left nostril only. Use abdominal breathing: expand abdomen, then chest; exhale chest first, then abdomen. This purifies nerves, calms thoughts, releases stress. Place index and middle fingers at eyebrow center, the ājñā chakra. Continue breathing, perceiving a sparkling light there. Then close left nostril with ring finger, breathe through right nostril. After prāṇāyāma, expand awareness to the park, feel the blessing. Chant Oṃ three times, then bend forward to benefit sense organs. "This breath is our life; it is the thread and the chain of our life." "It tranquilizes your thoughts, calms your nerves, relaxes your body, and frees you from daily stress." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Beauty of Emptiness

Emptiness is completeness and formlessness. From this original state, forms emerge, creating the illusion of separation and loneliness. Consciousness is pure but becomes divided by duality, creating layers like the subconscious. These layers are borders created by intellect and ignorance. When these borders dissolve, consciousness expands into oneness, experiencing the emptiness that is actually wholeness. The senses of knowledge, located in the head, are instruments for this expansion but are limited by our conditioning. True knowledge leads to humility, as illustrated by a learned man who carried a stranger's luggage without pride. The body itself reflects this system: the head is the Brahmin, the arms the Kshatriya, the trunk the Vaishya, and the legs the Shudra. All are parts of one whole. The goal is to remove the obstacles of ego and duality to realize the formless unity. "Chitta vṛtti nirodha." "Your consciousness is not limited by anything, but it is limited by your experiences." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Mahāmṛtyu Jaya Mantra

The Mahāmṛtyu Jaya Mantra is for victory over death and liberation from suffering. Death means separation from all attachments—possessions, relationships, and the sense of "my." True freedom is becoming detached without pain, like a ripe fruit naturally separating from its vine. This mantra aids in purifying karma and fostering health in body, speech, and mind. Practical exercises support physical well-being, addressing common ailments through structured yoga practices. These movements, such as spinal twists and controlled breathing, relax deep muscles and improve alignment. Consistent practice within a system leads to gradual improvement and therapeutic effect. "Urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyormukṣīya māmṛtāt." "May there be health everywhere." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Art of Living: Food, Body, and Mind

True nourishment integrates proper diet, mindful practice, and inner harmony. This retreat offers a rich program for spiritual development through practice and philosophy. Utilize this opportunity fully; do not return to old habits. Physical and mental relaxation here requires a mindset beyond mere consumption. The provided food is Sāttvik, yet many lack proper culinary knowledge, a vital philosophy called Pākaśāstra. A balanced vegetarian diet requires diverse vegetables, grains, lentils, and correct use of spices, not an over-reliance on dairy and bread. Spices, used minimally like homeopathic medicine, carry fine vibrations that influence health. Many modern illnesses are linked to impure animal products and artificial foods. Stress also enters through dietary rigidity; accept the nourishment offered. Practice physical postures slowly, with full concentration on the body's sensations, mastering movement through mind-body unity. The untrained mind is like a wild horse; through patient, confident, and gentle presence, it can be harmonized. Rebuild a loving relationship with your body. "Spices will keep your body very healthy. And spices do not mean only chili." "Practice physical postures slowly, with full concentration on the body's sensations, mastering movement through mind-body unity." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Gurupurnima evening satsang

Guru Pūrṇimā is a day to honor the guru and the spiritual lineage. Devotees from many countries gather to express gratitude for the guru's presence and blessings. The continuity of the tradition is seen as families across generations receive the guru's darśan. The day reminds all that for a true devotee, every day is a sacred festival, a golden day of light and celebration. Life presents tests, and one should remain a steadfast witness, understanding that all states pass. Service, or sevā, performed selflessly for the wider world is the highest action. One must avoid judging others, for hatred and inner conflict cause greater suffering than any external mistake. Offer kindness and maintain commitments, for a sincere promise should not be broken. "Every day is a golden day. For a saint or a spiritual person, it is as if every day were Christmas, as if every day were Dīvālī." "This too shall pass. In life, many things come and go. Be merely a witness to all situations." Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Celebration of Gurupurnima

Guru Pūrṇimā celebrates completeness and the passage from darkness to light. Pūrṇimā means completeness; Brahman is complete. The mantra Pūrṇamadaḥ pūrṇamidam declares that from the complete, completeness arises, and the complete remains unchanged. The Guru leads from mortality to immortality, from ignorance to truth, dispelling attachment, anger, and delusion. This day also marks the birth of sage Vedavyāsa. The Varāha avatāra lifted the earth from the causal waters into direct sunlight—the original Guru Pūrṇimā from darkness to light. Sanātana Dharma once spanned the globe; its knowledge shaped pyramids, and names like Hindu Kush and Tashkent preserve Vedic roots. Initiation with water and fire endures in many traditions, including Christianity. A cosmic law governs planets and solar systems; yuga shifts affect the entire universe. Creation is a divine play, and the Trinity—Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva—are one. Śiva is consciousness that liberates; Viṣṇu sustains; Brahmā creates. Human life offers a direct shortcut to liberation. Occasionally thirteen full moons arise, creating an extra month. This Guru Pūrṇimā occurs at a significant cosmic moment. Take a positive saṅkalpa today to increase sādhanā. The kept vow brings fulfillment. “Guru is Tamaso mā jyotirgamaya—the one who leads us from darkness to light.” “Pūrṇamadaḥ Pūrṇamidam. He is complete. Whatever comes from the complete is also complete.” Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

The Light of Guru Pūrṇimā: Seeking Solitude, Sādhanā, and Self-Surrender

Guru Pūrṇimā reveals the necessity of solitude, sādhanā, and self-surrender. Spirituality requires ekānta vās, living in remote peace free from pollution. In solitude, senses and mind become content, desires subside. Desires are the sole cause of suffering. In this age, aggressive temptations thwart successful practice. Seekers follow saints’ words to invert the senses inward. The mind and senses torment through passion, anger, greed, attachment, ego, jealousy, and ignorance. These are wild animals that instantly tear the seeker apart. Life is fleeting, and these inner beasts will destroy unless peace is found. Guru Pūrṇimā marks the birth of Vedavyāsa, who wrote the Vedas. It is a day of light that binds disciple to master. The living tradition rests on a direct master-disciple bond, not mere books. Perception creates reality; as vision, so creation. When vision fades, devotion breaks, and all shatters. You journeyed here for sādhanā, not for critique or diversion. Compromise nothing in quality; broken discipline cannot mend. Use this time so no regret remains. “Vāsanā hi duḥkha kā kāraṇa hai.” “Gurudev, śaraṇ tumhārī cintā merī miṭā denā.” Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic

Swamijis public lecture in Ljubljana

The Kumbh Melā is a cosmic festival symbolizing the quest for immortality and the purification of consciousness. Ancient tradition speaks of Sanātana Dharma, the eternal cosmic law governing all existence. Within this framework, divine and antagonistic forces emerged. Seeking the nectar of immortality, these forces churned the cosmic ocean. From this churning arose both divine gifts and poison. The poison threatened all creation, but was consumed and neutralized by Śiva, who thus became the blue-throated god. Drops of the eventual nectar fell upon four sacred river sites in India. The Kumbh Melā commemorates this event, representing the inner journey where one's spiritual practices churn the ocean of individual consciousness to distill the nectar of wisdom. This festival transcends earthly religion, aiming to awaken the divine power within and dissolve all duality in pure awareness. "Śiva said, 'Give it to me.' And Śiva drank. He drank and became all blue." "Your life should be full of nectar. Develop the Divine Śakti, not Āsura Śakti." Filming location: Maha Kumbha Mela, India

The Art of Chutney and the Culture of the Home

A practical introduction to making chutney and understanding spices. Preparing chutney involves grinding whole spices on a stone to release their natural oils and flavors. Select spices according to the vegetable and desired taste, such as ajwain, coriander seeds, mustard, black pepper, chili, turmeric, cumin, and fresh herbs like basil and coriander. Turmeric is especially beneficial for bone health. Adjust heat levels for children. The process requires physical effort and patience. Spices have Ayurvedic value; for example, hot chili induces perspiration for a cooling effect in hot climates, relating to the rajas guna. Use spices in proper measure, as with salt or sugar. "When we are grinding the spices in this way, it’s very natural without any machine, just pure stone and pure seeds, and all natural oils will come out." "Spices are something which is a permanent Āyurvedic remedy for you." Filming location: Kranj, Slovenia

Yoga in Daily Life: A Global Community and Spiritual Guidance

Life is a struggle because the mind’s wishes, whether fulfilled or denied, bring burden or sorrow, and the wish-fulfilling tree of the body can become a trap without discrimination. Wishes feed your brain, emotions, and intellect. Before doing any action, know the form of your deeds; discrimination will show the result and you will decide whether to do it. Without discrimination, wishes become trouble. A man traveling the desert saw a Kalpavṛkṣa tree. He wished for water, and it appeared; for fresh food, and it came; for a bed and a cool breeze, and they were there; for coffee, and it arrived. Then he thought, “Maybe a ghost,” and a ghost appeared and killed him. This human body is that tree; the mind is the traveler. You fulfill wishes endlessly, but your own wish will kill you one day. Life is danger; protect yourself with discrimination. Love every creature. “Without using viveka, if you wish for something, that can cause you trouble. That is why life is called a struggle—life is a danger.” “Arjuna, before doing any karma, know the form of your deeds.” Filming location: Kranj, Slovenia

The Path to a Sharp Mind: Memory, Health, and Daily Practice

Memory is failing due to lifestyle, but it can be restored through disciplined practice. We rely on writing and technology, weakening our recall. Poor diet, lacking nutrition for the brain, and neglecting daily yoga accelerate this loss. Visiting clubs and restaurants fragments attention. To strengthen memory, ensure ample sleep—at least seven hours, ideally eight to ten. Practice specific āsanas daily, especially forward bends and Śīrṣāsana, to increase blood and oxygen to the brain. Adopt a vegetarian diet of fresh, organic foods, homemade with whole spices. Consume almonds with milk or honey. Spend meaningful time with family and focus on your studies or profession. Consistent application of these principles will transform your health and sharpen your mind within a year. "The best technique for memory to develop is to sleep enough." "All vegetarians have the best, brilliant memory." Filming location: Kranj, Slovenia

Yoga in Daily Life: The Path to Becoming Human

Yoga in daily life is the system that is a science of body, mind, consciousness, and the soul. A yogī realizes oneness in this world of duality, removing dualism. Yoga is widely misused for commercial gain, with short retreats falsely granting teacher certificates. Yoga makes a human into God, the individual soul into Śiva, but this requires many lives of strict discipline and faithfulness. Material life is an obstacle to spiritual development. The restless mind creates temptations, leading to unfaithfulness in relationships and even toward God. Humans must keep their word, for God gave language as a holy gift. When you fail to keep your word, God’s blessing separates and you sink into suffering. Yoga is not merely physical exercises. Practice awareness of being human from morning onward: when eating, ask if the food is pure; when acting, ask if the attitude is human or animal. Such balance in thoughts, words, and deeds supports spiritual growth. The ṛṣis discovered this path through tapasyā, research. Every human bears five debts: to mother, ancestors, teachers, the gods and elements, and the saints. Repay these through service and right attitude, not money; without freedom from these debts, spiritual progress halts. God Kṛṣṇa assures that yoga practice’s fruits carry into the next life, bringing good parents and early spiritual interest. “Yoga is that which makes Nara into Nārāyaṇa. It makes a human into God.” “God gave humans vākā, the verbs, the language, the words. And God said, ‘This is my word.’” Filming location: Kranj, Slovenia

Swamijis public lecture from Zasavje, Slovenia

Health is balance across physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions. Imbalance leads to suffering. Humans possess the intellect to maintain health but have neglected this knowledge, becoming victims of illness. The body follows natural cycles like all life. True health integrates Āyurveda and yoga as complementary wings for the soul's journey. All beings share one consciousness, and the aim is to realize this unity and return to the source. Health cannot be bought; it is gained through conscious living. Nourishment must be considered for the body, mind, and environment. Positive actions and thoughts heal all layers of our being. Practice leads to self-realization. "The first happiness is a healthy body, mind, and intellect." "Health is not everything, but everything is nothing without health." Filming location: Slovenia

Swamijis public lecture in Nova Gorica

Peace is the way, and health is its foundation. We are incarnations of peace, meant to bring peace to the entire universe, including within ourselves. The ancient Vedas teach peace for earth, water, herbs, atmosphere, and cosmic consciousness. True peace requires ending the inner war. Good health is the first happiness. Āyurveda, the knowledge of life, teaches that every individual should be their own doctor. Health rests on four pillars. First is āhāra—diet. It must be balanced and pure, as what you eat determines your health and attitude. Second is vichāra—your way of thinking. Negative thinking poisons the self, while positive thinking enlightens it. Third is ācāra—behavior. Kindness and humility create a beautiful atmosphere; respect all divine creation, including trees, which are our life. Fourth is vihāra—knowing where to go and where not to go, being aware of place and situation. Discipline in these areas, including allocating time for yoga and family, builds holistic health. Do not deny allopathic medicine for serious conditions, but for minor issues, avoid chemicals. Āyurveda and yoga are the two wings to fly healthily. Most illnesses first attack our emotions, which then influence the mind and body. Practice purification of the body periodically. Your breath is your life force; calm breathing brings relaxation. Withdraw inward to relax and rejuvenate. "Peace on the earth. Peace in the water, peace in the herbs, in the forest, peace in the atmosphere, peace in the entire universe and cosmic consciousness." "Health is not everything, but everything is nothing without health." Filming location: Slovenia

Public lecture about Kumbha Mela, Zagreb

The Kumbha Melā offers a glimpse into eternal wisdom. Sanskrit is a language that engages the whole mind, connecting to ancient knowledge. India gave birth to languages, spirituality, and education. The Kumbha Melā originates from the churning of the cosmic ocean, from which emerged fourteen jewels and a pot of nectar. Drops of this nectar fell at four places on Earth, granting immortality. The event symbolizes the internal battle between divine qualities and demonic forces like anger, greed, and attachment. The aim is to realize the immortal Self, the Ātmā, which is one and universal. The holy river Gaṅgā, descending through Śiva, washes away sin, especially where three rivers meet. This tradition represents Sanātana Dharma, the eternal principle upholding the universe. Yogīs and renunciants protect this dharma. The true nectar is found within through meditation and self-inquiry, overcoming mental pollution. "Who am I to judge you? I cannot judge you. Only you have to judge yourself. So, are you a member of the Asuras or Devas?" "The aim of the Kumbha Melā is to get that realization, ātmā jñāna." Filming location: Zagreb, Croatia

Public lecture from Novo Mesto

Health is the primary foundation for a spiritual life. Water is the blood of Mother Earth and should not be polluted or sold. Many lack this basic resource. Milk and children are also sacred and should not be commodities. Human ethics decline when we sell these life-giving elements, including our own blood. To be healthy, one must care for the body through disciplined practice. Yoga is a way of life that purifies the blood and maintains wellness. Prāṇāyāma cleanses the blood; a sāttvic diet supports health. Listen to what your body truly needs, not just your taste. Practice systematic exercise, eat nourishing food with native herbs, and incorporate fasting. A healthy body allows for better meditation and understanding. "Be the change you want to see." "Kumbh Mela is not a festival of a particular religion, but it’s a festival of spirituality for humans to purify their sins." Filming location: Maha Kumbha Mela, India

The Spice of Life: On Food, Health, and Awareness

True health requires awareness in both practice and consumption. Fast food is swallowed without taste, lacking nourishment. We must choose quality food, like turmeric, but ensure its purity through personal vigilance. A disciple sourced whole roots and had them stone-ground slowly, filling the home with a true, potent aroma. This recalled childhood, where fresh spices were ground for each meal. Health begins with discipline: sleep early, practice yoga for hours at dawn, then enjoy pure nourishment. Modern cooking has lost ancestral knowledge, relying on ready-made items. This is not blame, but observed ignorance. Control desires by constantly observing your senses and asking if you need more. Reduce desires through satsang and repeating God's name. Past time is gone; the future is not here. Be aware of the present. Use it to do good, as we have countless opportunities for liberation. "Decide if you want to eat quality food or not. And you know, quality food is a little expensive. The choice is yours." "Be aware of the presence. And there we shall try to do something good." Filming location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Mansik Puja, Vienna

The subject is Mānasik Pūjā, or mental worship of one's chosen deity. Many practitioners ask how to meditate effectively. Meditating on external symbols like nature can eventually feel empty. The superior practice is internal, devotional service performed within the mind. This mental ceremony nourishes the practitioner with strength and clarity. It transforms perception, allowing one to see the living presence in a sacred image, not mere stone. This feeling is essential; without it, ritual is empty. Service performed with love and imagination is an expression of inner beauty. When you act from the heart in meditation, you explore your devotion. Love contains no demands; it is self-understood. This practice is a personal secret between you and your deity. By serving mentally, you receive peace and your love reflects outward, affecting your entire day. God's light is in every heart; realizing this is true self-realization. "Therefore, the best solution is Mānasik Pūjā. When you perform Mānasik Pūjā, the mental ceremony, you emerge from your meditation full of strength, energy, love, and clarity." "In every heart, in every heart, God’s light is reflecting. That is called self-realization. Self means yourself. Realization is that you realize: your self, and everyone is your self." Filming location: Vienna, Austria

Public lecture from Hamburg on Chakras and Kundalini

The Ājñā Cakra is the door of command between human and divine consciousness. Understanding the Self is the goal of life. The individual soul is a bundle of karma, carrying cycles of happiness and unhappiness. The Ātmā, or universal Self, is one and identical with God. Advaita Vedānta teaches non-duality; all is one. Reality is not what is seen with the eyes. The world of duality is māyā, created and destroyed, while the Ātmā remains as limitless space. Kuṇḍalinī is the divine Śakti, the power within. Chakras are energy centers; their function, influenced by emotions, determines health and consciousness. The Ājñā Cakra is the filter for intellect and the seat of true knowledge and command. Past experiences are stored in the subconscious. Practice is essential for self-realization. "What you can see is not reality, and what you can’t see is the reality." "Ājñā means to command. The person who has achieved the Ājñā Chakra can give an order to himself." Filming location: Hamburg, Germany

Swamijis lecture from Vienna (3/3)

Yoga is a practical path requiring precise understanding and disciplined practice. Success depends on clear communication between action and thought, avoiding inner conflict. Daily life must be ordered, reflecting inner tidiness. Without controlled mental fluctuations and proper practice, efforts fail. Discipline means consistent timing for practice, as changing routines creates internal confusion akin to disrupting nature's rhythm. Practice requires comfortable, motionless posture to prevent disturbance. After mastering Khecarī Mudrā, proceed to Unmanī Mudrā to deepen meditation by withdrawing from external sight and sound. "Without understanding, if you do anything, it’s not only half done, but it can spoil everything that was done before." "Similarly, each movement, either body or thought, disrupts the energy field." Filming location: Vienna, Austria

The Door to Immortality: Khecharī Mudrā

Khecharī Mudrā is the door to immortality and cosmic consciousness. Every mudrā purifies, awakens dormant energy, and balances the systems of body and mind. These practices are essential for Kriyā Yoga to be complete and successful. Perfection of this mudrā can prolong life, regenerate the physical system, and vastly improve memory and concentration by emptying unnecessary thoughts. Practice must be gradual and correct, as a wrong technique can be harmful. A systematic approach is paramount. Practices must follow a sequence: relaxation, dynamic movements, stretching, āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and then meditation leading to kriyās with mudrās and bandhas. Do not mix techniques or mantras haphazardly, as this disturbs progress. Dedication and correct practice under proper guidance lead to the goal. "Every mudrā is that which awakens the dormant energy, or kuṇḍalinī śakti." "Without practicing mudrās, Kriyā Yoga cannot be successful." Filming locations: Vienna, Austria.