For a limited time, we are granting viewers of Swamiji.tv on-demand streaming access to the Swamiji.tv archive. All videos are copyrighted by the International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship. We invite you to support our social projects with a donation. With your support, the Fellowship carries out numerous social projects in India. To continue these activities, every donation is deeply appreciated. Please support us here: https://swamiji.tv/support
Which is the best mantra?
A spiritual discourse on the essence of mantras and the Guru's grace."The essence, the root, or the basis of all mantras is guruvākyaṁ—the Guru's words." "Liberation (Mokṣa) will only come where there is the grace (kṛpā) of the Guru." The speaker explains that the supreme mantra is … read more »
Rainwater harvesting program and the neem
A spiritual discourse on the neem tree's divine properties and practical applications."Someone writes that sustainable development is possible through neem. In India, we say 'Nīm Nārāyaṇa'—Nārāyaṇa is God Viṣṇu." "Consuming a quarter teaspoon of neem leaf powder daily protects against viruses and seasonal flu. It helps build … read more »
Committed young people will become the messengers of wisdom
A spiritual teacher issues a direct call for lifelong dedication to studying Sanskrit and sacred scriptures."Anyone who would like to study the śāstras and learn Sanskrit, I give them the opportunity to stay twelve years in Jadan to study; it is a twelve-year study." "Half-knowledge is dangerous; half-knowledge is dangerous." The … read more »
Meaning of the Guru Purnima
A spiritual guide for observing Guru Pūrṇimā."Fortunate are those who can be with the Master on this day. Luckier still are those who can be mentally united with the King." "On the morning of Guru Pūrṇimā...rise one hour earlier than usual...Then listen … read more »
Why should not we eat eggs?
A spiritual teacher addresses a visitor's question about the consumption of eggs."I have heard that Paramahaṁsa Yogānanda... said if you eat one egg, you cannot meditate properly for ten days." "From the ethical point of view, you see, for the eggs, the hens have to suffer. They … read more »
Cooperation of the master and disciple
A spiritual narrative recounting a miraculous event involving a siddha master and his disciple."Such and such things are happening. I am going to my meditation room; do not disturb me." "The disciple guided him, and within a second, the Master was back in his physical body. Afterwards, the Master … read more »
Be the channel between God and people
A spiritual discourse on the sacred duty of sharing knowledge within the Yoga in Daily Life system."The most beautiful thing we can have in life is to help someone. To give knowledge further; if you do not give your knowledge, this knowledge will disappear with your death." "Knowledge is something like water. … read more »
The definition of Yoga -- where there is balance there is no suffering
A philosophical discourse on the universal principle of yoga."Yoga means balance. The entire universe is balanced by one principle, and that is yoga." "Where there is unity, there is power. Where there is duality, there is no power." An unnamed speaker presents a foundational … read more »
Live together in harmony and love -- the old and young people should be in harmony
A spiritual address on the role of a yoga teacher and intergenerational wisdom transfer."As soon as you begin to teach, you will discover your own limitations. That is why I call a Yoga in Daily Life teacher a teacher of completeness, a pūrṇa." "We must learn to give the … read more »
Story about banjan tree
A spiritual parable about transformation and community, using the metaphor of an ancient banyan tree."I have so much to tell, so many things I have witnessed in this truth over 2,500 years. But now, even this last leaf has left me." "Yes. And you are 2,500 years old." A narrator … read more »
Ten Indrias - ten petals of Manipur Chakra
A spiritual discourse on the Maṇipūra chakra and the ten senses."These ten indriyas are like ten horses pulling the coach of this body. If these ten horses are under control, the coach remains in good condition." "Their roots are located in the Maṇipūra chakra... This is … read more »
Love, contentment and happiness are Universal principles within you
A spiritual discourse on cultivating the inner garden of consciousness through devotion."You are the bee, gathering nectar from every blossom. These blossoms are open; they have bloomed through the love of bhakti, through devotion." "If you think the love of others will make you happy, forget it. … read more »
Practise makes one perfect
A spiritual discourse on the nature of true yoga and self-mastery."The hardest thing is to say no to oneself. To say no to others is easier." "God finds the mistakes in others; you find the mistakes in yourself." The speaker contrasts external practices like asana with … read more »
Introduction to Manipur Chakra
A spiritual discourse on the journey through the Maṇipūra chakra and the nature of the soul."Maṇipūra is a very significant chakra. You know that our manifestation in our physical body began with the Maṇipūra chakra." "It's not that you are some ordinary human being. There is no ordinary. Every creature is … read more »
Can someone practicing yoga become ill?
A spiritual discourse addressing health, illness, and modern living."Everything is in the air. If you had not led a healthy life, who knows what more might have happened?" "We should not deny that kind of treatment in this situation... But at the same time, … read more »
Do everything with the consciousness of "Naham Karata" -- when God is residing in your consciousness
A spiritual discourse on the transformative power of kindness in daily life."When God resides in your consciousness, you speak with kindness and grace." "Just open a small window of your heart toward others, and the horizon revealed will be thousands or millions of times wider." The speaker … read more »
Give freedom to everyone
A guidance session for yoga teachers on cooperation and maintaining spiritual integrity within the Yoga in Daily Life organization."In a large city like Zagreb, centers should be in different districts, not too close together." "Money is not wrong; what is wrong is how we utilize it." A spiritual teacher addresses a group, instructing them … read more »
Visitors from the Washingon Ashram
A welcome for visiting devotees from an American ashram."Having heard that I will not be traveling to America this year, they have come here for a weekend visit." "Among them is one of the strong pillars of our Washington Āshram, indeed one of its … read more »
The responsibility of the Yoga in daily life teacher
A ceremonial address bestowing instructor certification and spiritual responsibility."With this piece of paper, the light of Mahāprabhujī and the yoga life is handed over to you." "People will trust you, placing their confidence and attention into your hands. Therefore, do not disappoint their confidence." … read more »
In an emergeny you have to turn to a doctor and follow her/his advice
A spiritual discourse on willpower, illness, and lifestyle change."When such an illness appears, it is a signal from the higher planets... that your way of life must change." "Alcohol is like fire, and this fire, when used constantly, damages your inner organs." The speaker … read more »
Mantra is the spiritual union of the Master and disciple
A discourse on the lifelong spiritual commitment of receiving a personal mantra."A mantra is personal and for your whole life, not just for a single weekend. It represents that spiritual union between Master and disciple, which you cannot separate." "I am a very strict one. So, after … read more »
If you are God, you know what I ask
A spiritual discourse featuring a parable about jealousy, framed by personal anecdotes about the speaker's guru."Tell them this story and its meaning... This is a story about someone who is very jealous." "God said, 'Yes, my son. This coin has some special quality... if you ask this coin for one million … read more »
Self discipline of the yoga teacher
A discourse on the spiritual system of Yoga in Daily Life."Yoga did not come to humanity through physical postures or positions. It came through self-discipline, with only one aim: to become one with the universal, to be one with the cosmic." "The teachings of Yoga in … read more »
There is no challenge and competition in yoga
A discourse on the nature and commercialization of modern yoga."Yoga is the science of the body, mind, consciousness, and soul. Physical exercises are not what we are truly searching for." "In yoga, there are no challenges and no competition. In yoga, there is no challenge." … read more »
The key to success is the self discipline
A spiritual discourse on the importance of discipline and punctuality for teachers and practitioners."As a teacher or instructor, you should be at the site at least ten minutes before your class begins. Do not depend on your helper or assistant." "If you can come ten minutes late, it means … read more »
It is the yogateacher's duty to treat everyone equally
A spiritual discourse on the essential qualities of a teacher, focusing on equal vision and ego surrender."Remember the golden teaching of Mahāprabhujī: samadṛṣṭi—equal vision." "Therefore, we have a very beautiful mantra for our protection: Nāhaṁ kartā. That is the essence. At that time, you are not teaching; Gurudeva is teaching." The speaker … read more »
Limitations of the yogateacher's knowledge
A spiritual discourse on the source of difficulty in teaching and self-awareness."The key problem is in the teachers, not in the students." "To teach is something most joyful and beautiful, because then you know the capacity of your knowledge; because then you will know the limits of … read more »
What changes us money into?
A spiritual discourse on the dangers of greed and spiritual barrenness."Our greed awakens. Then the Śiva Bhāva is gone. When that divine disposition is gone, the quality of Tyāga—renunciation—is gone." "May God bless us to be that individual who will plant in other people's minds positive … read more »
Is the yogateacher a Guru?
A discourse on the nature of a guru versus a teacher."A yoga teacher means a Gurū. Teacher and Gurū are the same, but you cannot say, 'Now I am a Gurū.'" "The great one never says that he is great. It is like a diamond; a … read more »
If you throw dust towards the Sun, the dust will fall on you
A spiritual discourse using the sun as a metaphor for the divine and selfless service."No one can blame the sun. If you try to throw dust toward the sun... the dust will fall on you, not on the sun." "I have to give. On the day when you think to … read more »
Opening of the Yogateacher Seminar
A welcome address to a yoga seminar."Without such moments, such seminars, guru darśan, and the teachings of the master of yoga, we cannot succeed." "Yoga is much greater than we can imagine. The sense of life, the happiness, the health, and the … read more »
You Are Not Lost
A spiritual discourse addressing disappointment and cultivating inner resilience."Why should they love you? What is so special about you that they should love you? Did you ask yourself if you love others?" "If anyone is disappointed, do not suffer from your disappointment. Because this … read more »
Our Eyes Are Given to See the Beauty of God
A spiritual discourse on the aim of seeing God's beauty and attaining self-realization."Holy Gurujī said, 'I have seen many sights, but now I want to see that which I have not seen, and that I see is within me: ātmā jñāna, self-realization.'" "Paramahaṁsa Yogānanda said, 'O God beautiful, … read more »
For Awakening of the Kundalini
A spiritual discourse on the awakening of Kuṇḍalinī and the pitfalls of improper practice."Therefore, the awakening of Kuṇḍalinī is the awakening of cosmic love. What first appears to you is clarity: calmness and energy." "Kuṇḍalinī is the divine Śakti in our body; that is called the divine mother. When … read more »
Yoga is for All
A discourse on the universal and unifying nature of yoga."Yoga is made for humans, and all humans are one. For yoga, there is no duality." "No one is born stamped with such an identity... What is needed is love, respect, and tolerance." The speaker presents … read more »
Subconsciousness and Inner Functions
A spiritual discourse on the subconscious mind and human psychology."Subconsciousness is that storeroom where all the impressions of this life, which we receive through the five jñānendriyas (the senses of knowledge), are stored." "The mind is nothing but a function which has a double function. … read more »
Story of a prince and Swami
A spiritual parable about a prince meeting a saint."A prince heard about this Swāmījī and his greatness, and he desired to have his darśan." "Swāmījī said, 'No, no, you did good. You know, when we buy a cooking pot made of clay, we test … read more »
The Key to Succes Is Self Discipline
A discourse on the essential prerequisites for spiritual realization across various yogic paths."Even the mighty Himalaya may tremble, but my decision will not waver. The Sun and Moon may change their course, but my direction I will not alter." "Patañjali stated... the practitioner should have devotion to their … read more »
The River of Love and Consciousness
A spiritual discourse on the purpose of human life and divine consciousness."Human life is given to know God, to know thyself, to love and protect all the creatures on this planet." "Whoever enters into that river will become the river, and that river which enters into the … read more »
Dharsan of the saint living in you
A spiritual discourse on the practice of anuṣṭhāna and the symbolism of the tongue."The 'cow' is the tongue. In Sanskrit, they also refer to the tongue as the cow." "To 'hold the tongue' means to repeat the mantra; take care that your tongue does not run here and there." … read more »
Don't throw away the diamond!
A spiritual parable about a cowherd's encounter with divine grace, followed by the speaker's direct remarks to the audience."Terrified, he began to repeat his mantra with all his heart... This was a true ajapa-japa, an involuntary, heartfelt prayer." "And now you think: What do I hear?... Just a handful. I do not want all … read more »
You can reach enlightenment also here in Vep
A spiritual teacher addresses the community about the value of their retreat time."Our stay in Vape is, in every aspect, very valuable, very beautiful, and very beneficial." "Do not think, 'Yes, everything is only disciplined, and not this and not that; we do not get what we deserve.'" … read more »
The fortunate ones who found the path of Sanathana Dharma
A spiritual discourse on the path of Sanātana Dharma and the role of the guru."Swāmī Śivānandajī of Ṛṣikeś writes: 'The master is that candle which is already lit. The disciple is that candle which is still not lit.'" "Gurujī said... 'Those who understand the Guru, they become themselves Gurudeva.'" A … read more »
King Janaka's dream
A storytelling session recounting the ancient tale of King Janaka's spiritual awakening."King Janaka thought, 'What is the truth? Is this life the truth, or was that life—the dream just now—the truth?'" "Reality is that ātmā, the witness, who knows that I am dreaming and who knows that … read more »
This life is like a dream
A spiritual discourse on the illusory nature of life, illustrated by a traditional story."This life is like a dream. There is no difference between dream and this life." "Within these few seconds, in his consciousness, the māyā of Śiva began to play, and he had lived many, many lives." … read more »
Perfect holydays at the Gurukul -- Vep is a Gurukul at this time
A spiritual talk on the necessity of disciplined practice and sacred retreat."Therefore, the ṛṣis told family members to move out sometimes. But nowadays, holidays are no longer holidays. They have become like Hollywood." "Kṛṣṇa said, 'Abhyāsa, abhyāsa, Kaunteya, abhyāsa, Arjuna'—practice, practice, practice. Without abhyāsa (practice), we cannot … read more »
Yoga is more than asana and pranayama
A discourse on the true aim and cosmic origins of yoga."Therefore, God Kṛṣṇa said to Arjuna, 'Arjuna, from time to time I manifest myself through my yoga māyā, through yoga śakti.' He did not say that He manifests through āsanas and prāṇāyāma." "Thus, every āsana has … read more »
Yoga is harmony. Holy Guruji: One in all and all in one
A discourse on the eternal, universal principle of yoga as the foundation of cosmic and individual balance."All visible and invisible elements in this universe, the moon, the sun, the stars, all of them are in balance, and this balance is due to yoga." "One in all, and all in one, Gurujī used … read more »
Ayurveda should not be commercialized
A discourse critiquing the commercialization of Ayurveda and yoga."Ayurveda has become a commercial enterprise in Western countries today. They possess no real knowledge of Ayurveda or its proper effects." "Yoga is not this thing you can learn everywhere on every corner. Yoga is something … read more »
Oh brothers and sisters, wake up!
A spiritual discourse on awakening and the search for true friendship."Your opportunity is passing. Your life is passing. Your days are passing." "We need someone in life whom we can trust, in whom we can have confidence, to whom we can speak of everything—good and bad." … read more »