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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 »
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 a group during a retreat, emphasizing the value of their remaining time together."Our stay here in Vape is, in every aspect, very valuable, very beautiful, and very beneficial. And now you have 48 hours more." "Do not think that this is a place where you have to do … 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 »
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 »
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 »
Without practice the theory is zero
A spiritual discourse on the critical importance of applying theoretical knowledge through practice."Tons of theory is zero compared with a gram of practice." "You have 8.4 million possibilities. But according to your destiny, only this life is meant for you." The speaker delivers a powerful admonition against living … read more »
The play of the consciousness
A discourse on spiritual purity and the nature of consciousness."Consciousness is transparent. As long as you have a clear consciousness, your spirituality will improve." "Spirituality means purity. It means a pure body, pure thoughts, a pure mind, pure intellect, pure consciousness, and the pure ātmā." … read more »
To forgive means also to forget
A spiritual discourse on the purpose of human life and the wheels of existence."Among these 8.4 million, one is the human. As stated in the śāstras, and as modern psychologists and scientists affirm, there is no racism; there is only one race: the human race." "The purpose of human … read more »
Spirituality is awakening in the whole world
A brief statement on the global awakening of spiritual consciousness."Now, around the whole world, the question is mostly about spirituality. Spiritual consciousness is awakening." "But first, all leaders have to go to samādhi." The speaker observes a worldwide rise in spiritual inquiry, noting that young … read more »
Recognise holiness in others
A spiritual discourse on equal vision, humility, and the path to self-realization."Sam dṛṣṭi is equal vision. Ātmā so Paramātmā—the individual soul is the Supreme Soul." "A great person never speaks about how great one is. Just as a diamond never proclaims, 'I am a diamond, and my … read more »
Anusthan practice made V
A closing address for a week-long spiritual retreat (Kriyānuṣṭhān)."This place grows better and better each day; every year, it accumulates more spiritual energy due to your presence. Through Śrī Mahāprabhujī's blessing, it is truly a pollution-free zone—free from material, technological, and electronic pollution." "Gulabjī … read more »
It is not easy to eat less
A spiritual discourse on yogic diet, fasting, and energy management."A yogī who desires energy should decrease the type of food that merely increases bulk. The principle is to eat less, but of a stronger quality." "Food is our killer. As they say in German, 'Selbstmord … read more »
We are eating for living and not living for eating
A spiritual discourse on the role of physical discipline and fasting."Reduce your diet slowly, gradually. During this period of gradual reduction, you must practice physical exercises and prāṇāyāma." "In Hinduism, there are so many fasting days... The practice is meant so that your energy remains. And … read more »
What the holy saints are telling us is the longer, but safe way
A spiritual discourse on following the safe path of the saints to avoid danger and attain liberation."You ask someone which is the safe way to go and which is the dangerous way. If you follow what someone tells you—'this is the safe way, a little longer but safe'—then it means you will … read more »
Get rid of the tamas guna
A spiritual teaching on overcoming tamas guṇa through yogic practices."The sole method to eliminate tamas guṇa is through prāṇāyāma, śa kha prakṣālana kriyās, Haṭha Yoga kriyās, and eating sparingly." "Practice āsanas daily... Afterwards, you sit in meditation and feel happiness—a deep contentment. You become very … read more »
What is the importance of fasting
A spiritual teaching on the practice and benefits of gradual fasting."Slowly, day by day, try to decrease your diet. If you eat 100 spoons of rice, then every day reduce one spoon." "Fasting removes the tamas guṇa from the body, and the body has time to … read more »
No one can change destiny but the Guru (from Ramayan)
A spiritual discourse on destiny, karma, and the limits of personal power, illustrated through the story of Rāvaṇa."Our karmic records are written. By the Vidātā; when you are born, then the Vidātā is writing everything: what you will get in this life, what will happen to you." "I can change everything, but not … read more »
Accept yourself
A spiritual talk on embracing natural beauty and self-acceptance."Accept yourself, and you are very beautiful; no one can defeat you." "God has given you a beautiful color; leave it as it is." The speaker, likely Swami Avatarpuri, delivers a discourse encouraging acceptance of one's … read more »
Is the mantra secret?
A spiritual teacher addresses a question about sharing one's personal mantra."Your mantra is not for telling. You are very personal, but if someone knows or comes to know, no, it doesn't matter, no problem." "If others will practice, it's also good. If they would practice, it … read more »
Function of the mind
A spiritual discourse on understanding and controlling the mind."The mind is like an elephant. But this mighty elephant needs an a kuśa (goad)." "Everyone explains the elephant according to their experience. But where is the elephant?" A speaker explains the complex nature of the … read more »
Aba Hama bhajan
A spiritual discourse on the experience of bhajan singing and attaining fearlessness through wisdom."Gurujī placed the happiness of His own unity into the form of bhajan in such a way that whoever sings will also experience it." "Nirbhaya means fearless, no more fear... when you attain this complete knowledge, … read more »
Bhajan... and kirtan
A spiritual discourse on the nature of bhajan and kirtan."Bhajans have teaching and explanations. They contain information, motivation, questions and answers, and clarities." "When you sing, you are not singing for others. You are singing for yourself, and to express your happiness or unhappiness to … read more »
To give eating is a good karma
A spiritual discourse on selfless giving and the traditional concept of marriage."If you cannot do anything else, then at least give someone something to eat. But who are we to give to someone? It is God who gives to everyone." "To give back to Him is to … read more »
Who controls the mind is a king
A spiritual discourse on mastering the senses and realizing the inner Self."O my inner divine Self, you are the king, the ruler of your mind and senses. Do not be their slave; they should be your servants." "A mountain of theory is nothing compared to a grain … read more »
Purpose of the mauna...
A discourse on the purpose and practice of Mauna, or spiritual silence."The purpose of Mauna, or silence, is inner observation. It is a time to contemplate the purpose of your life, how to achieve it, and what the obstacles are." "These vṛttis can be analyzed and purified. … read more »
Learn to control also your emotions
A spiritual discourse on the necessity of inner awakening and self-management."One who is not Chaitanya is called a sleeping beauty." "Thoughts, emotion, and action—these all should be coordinated. Otherwise, we will be in trouble." The speaker emphasizes the need to be inwardly awake (Chaitanya) and to … read more »
Take your life in your hand
A discourse on the structure of yoga and self-management based on the Bhagavad Gītā."Yoga has eighteen branches, and these are from the first chapter to the eighteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gītā." "One who cannot manage one's own life is lost." The speaker explains that the eighteen chapters of … read more »
Too much eating increases the tamas guna
A spiritual discourse on the importance of dietary lightness for practice."For meditation, for prāṇāyāma, for āsanas... it is truly very important that the stomach is a little light, not overfilled." "Such tension we create. This means we are not able to last for two hours... This … read more »
Everything is the play of energy
A spiritual discourse on understanding and directing emotional energy."Everything is a play of energy. That energy is emotion. The question is how to direct that emotion in one, positive direction." "To repair all the valves is very easy: 'Take it as it is and … read more »
Role of intellect in Kali Yuga -- anything you begin, call Lord Ganesa for help
A spiritual discourse on the path of bhakti, or devotion, in the modern age."The complete realization, complete self-realization takes place through love. In this Kali-yuga, bhakti is the pradhān, is the main thing." "For every beginning, first we remember Lord Gaṇeśa. God Gaṇeśa is the remover of all obstacles … read more »
It is worth to teach yoga only purely
A discourse on preserving authentic spiritual wisdom in the modern world."Unfortunately, people have distorted yoga in many ways—not only commercialized it but created many other variations." "We are truly rich; nothing is missing. We have a living spiritual lineage and direct wisdom given by our spiritual … read more »
Welcome your destiny
A concluding spiritual discourse on grace, surrender, and daily spiritual practice."Problems are the school of life; we learn many things, and often learn better, from them." "Before we sleep, let us turn to God and say: 'Dear Lord, I thank you for all that has happened … read more »
You can purify your mind with love, understanding, and humbleness
A spiritual discourse on the connection between inner mental states and environmental destruction."The most dangerous pollution is the human mind." "You can purify this pollution through love, forgiveness, understanding, kindness, and humbleness." The speaker explains that the abuse of nature stems from a lost spiritual connection to it, … read more »
Be merciful to yourself -- practice!
A spiritual discourse emphasizing the necessity of practice over mere intellectual study."Too much reading leads you nowhere; it is only intellectual information. Therefore, practicing is very important. Practice, practice, practice." "God is happier with those who act with a pure heart, not only with a pure intellect." … read more »
Gyana Yoga: simple life and high thinking
A discourse on the yogic practices of Śama and Dama for mental control."Śama means to withdraw your senses, or your mental modifications, from the external world. It does not mean to detest the world, nor does it mean to run away from it." "Dama means to observe and … read more »
Who is the true doer?
A spiritual discourse narrating the story of Hanumān's lesson in humility."If I had not met Rāma, Rāma would not have been successful. It was I who found Sītā." "As many rings as are inside, that many times Viṣṇu has already incarnated here, and I am still … read more »
If you practice Yoga, you will be far away from Roga
A spiritual discourse on the interconnected states of desire, attachment, and illness, contrasted with the practice of yoga."Where there is bhoga—desires, sense enjoyment—there is roga. Roga means illnesses." "Thus, bhoga, raga, and roga—these three go together. But yoga is separate. Therefore, if you practice yoga, then these three things will automatically disappear." The … read more »
God is not your slave -- but if you call from the deep of your heart, God will come.
A discourse on divine intervention and prayer, using the story of Krishna's birth."Into such a situation Kṛṣṇa had to descend. And there, Devakī was calling upon the Lord with a pure heart. That is true prayer." "Thus it is said: whenever such a moment occurs, Lord, ultimately You … read more »
Sattvic life is the first step towards self realization -- teaching of the Rishis
A spiritual discourse on the purpose of human life, drawing from ancient wisdom."Humans are endowed with intellect and viveka (discernment), so they can decide what to do or not to do. Therefore, the purpose of human life, the meaning of human life, is greater." "The main purpose of … read more »
Niskam Karma leads to liberation
A satsang discourse distinguishing between selfish and selfless action."Sakām karma is selfish work. It is action performed with expectations, only for one's own benefit and interest. This binds you to the karmic law." "Niṣkām karma means performing seva, selfless service, without expectation—without even expecting … read more »