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
Free yourself from the attachment
Attachment creates bondage, while love brings freedom.The idea of complete renunciation is often misunderstood. True practice must be integrated into one's current life. A story illustrates this peril. A sage rescued and raised an orphaned deer, becoming deeply attached. Upon his death, … read more »
Rakshabandhan - the day of honour, dignity and respect for the women
The sacred duty and dignity of women is foundational for society.The primary issue is that women do not respect themselves, allowing their dignity to be compromised for commercial purposes. When women reclaim self-respect, men will follow, as they inherently respect women. A woman's rightful and respected … read more »
mantra OM SRI GURU DIPAYA NAMAH
Om is the cosmic sound, the origin and essence of all creation.Everything emerges from Om, exists within it, and merges back into it. This sound is the form of the Supreme, present in every atom and cell. Śrī represents wealth, prosperity, and the principle of Lakṣmī. Guru … read more »
Candles on your birthday cake
The candle and cake tradition is a mistaken symbol that harms life.The candle represents your life; blowing it out shortens your life. The cake symbolizes your body and also life itself; cutting it severs your life's rope. This custom is not from ancient European or Indian culture … read more »
Bhakta and Bhagawan
Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are an inseparable union.Without Rādhā, Kṛṣṇa is half, for the devotee and God are the same. Where there are no devotees, God feels lonely and questions His manifestation. With the devotee present, He is happy and performs His divine … read more »
Hatha Yoga
Haṭha Yoga is the union of willpower and the body's subtle channels.The term haṭha signifies the will to achieve, illustrated by four types: a child's persistence, a woman's determination, a ruler's command, and a yogī's self-reliant resolve. True will is lost upon dependence. Anatomically, ha represents the … read more »
Hatha Yoga - Neti & Kapalbhati
Netī is a nasal cleansing practice in Haṭha Yoga.The nose filters air, trapping dust with moisture and fine hairs. Netī cleanses like clearing a pipe, using salt water to prevent irritation and aid cleaning. The water should be slightly warmer than body temperature. This … read more »
Hatha Yoga - Tratak
This is a guide to the Trāṭaka practice of gazing at a flame.Prepare by sitting upright with eyes closed. Relax the entire body completely from toes to head. Become aware of the natural breath without changing its rhythm. Maintain absolute physical stillness. Open the eyes only when instructed … read more »
Swamiji's opening speach at the Youth Conference 2006
The future depends on educating youth in wisdom, love, and environmental care.Current education lacks spiritual and ethical foundations, leading to conflict and ecological crisis. Parents and teachers hold responsibility for shaping the coming generation. Sustainable peace requires imparting values of tolerance, respect, and forgiveness. Practical actions like … read more »
Swamiji's closing speach at the Youth Conference 2006
The duty of juniors is to receive wisdom and become the light for the world.The time of seniors is passing, and their wisdom must be left for the future. The modern world faces deep suffering: refugees are abused, families are destroyed, and violence affects all life. Humans possess intellect and … read more »
Hatha Yoga - Dhauti
We learn the cleansing practices of neti and dhauti.Neti involves rinsing the nasal passages with warm salt water, creating a good feeling for the day and aiding sleep. Applying a little oil in the nostrils afterward can protect against allergies. Dhauti refers to internal … read more »
Hatha Yoga - Nauli
Agnisāra and Nauli are powerful yogic kriyās for health and longevity.Practice Agnisāra daily on an empty stomach with external breath retention, moving the abdomen in and out to purify the digestive fire and clear bodily blockages. Nauli involves churning the stomach muscles in four directions: right … read more »
Hatha Yoga - Basti
Basti and Śa kha Prakṣālana are advanced yogic cleanses for the intestinal system.Basti uses naulī to draw and expel water through the anus, cleansing more effectively than a standard enema. Śa kha prakṣālana, named for the conch's winding path, cleanses the entire 8.4-meter intestinal tract. Long intestines are … read more »
What is Yoga?
Yoga is the principle that unites space and consciousness.The universe is endless space, Brahman, filled with universal consciousness. The balance maintaining equilibrium between this cosmic body and its conscious embryo, Hiraṇyagarbha, is yoga. This balance manifests as harmony, resulting in unity—the union of individual … read more »
The Deep Practice of Relaxation
True relaxation requires harmonizing body, breath, and mind, which are often in conflict.Outer relaxation involves the limbs and creating distance from the world. Inner relaxation, more essential, stems from renunciation—detaching from problematic thoughts. This is difficult but achievable by not fixating on thoughts and consciously rejecting them. Systematic … read more »
What is Yoga in Daily Life?
Yoga is the balancing principle of the universe and the foundation of human existence.It is union and harmony, present in all creative thought and action toward realization. Human intellect requires the education of yoga, beginning with basic principles like health and non-violence. This noble way of living is the … read more »
Spiritual Health
Spiritual health is the foundation of human life, avoiding fanaticism and misuse of spiritual achievement.It means not fighting other groups or creating fantasies of godhood. Humans uniquely understand God and problems, unlike animals who cannot avoid them. All world conflict stems from differing beliefs where each wants universal acceptance of … read more »
The rules are for the fools
Rules are for fools.Someone shared a critique: many rules exist, yet many do not follow them. Another stated, "The rules are for the fools." This is perfect wisdom. For those who behave properly, rules are unnecessary. Rules are created … read more »
The Day of Holy Guruji's Holy Incarnation
Spiritual birth arises from a lineage of grace cultivated through lifetimes of austerity, devotion, and renunciation.Tapasyā is the disciplined, humble life of prayer and kindness, forging a heart ready to give everything. Such spiritual souls incarnate into families where parents, through many generations, embody this devotion without ego or selfishness. It … read more »
God loves you as you are
You are not defined by negative qualities; you are the light of God, seeking happiness like all beings.The human distinction is intellect, which can be educated endlessly. Through it, we understand we are not sinners; mistakes arise from ignorance, which is not our fault. God loves you unconditionally, as a mother loves her … read more »
Khatu Pranam is a capsule program
This capsule program addresses the modern desire for a condensed spiritual practice.People seek a minimized, efficient solution like a multivitamin. Khatu Praṇām is presented as such a capsule. It provides physical benefit by promoting healthy organs and improving circulation. Activating glands and organs improves the immunity system. … read more »
SVADHISTHANA CHAKRA
The Svādhiṣṭhāna Chakra is the place of the self where human personality manifests.Its orange color symbolizes awakening, renunciation, and purification, acting as a protective shield. This chakra holds negative qualities like anger, jealousy, greed, cruelty, and hatred, symbolized by the crocodile. These arise from uncontrolled passion and attachment. … read more »
Keep away from the impurity
The Ātmā is your true nature of peace and bliss.You are that divine Self, the form of peace and happiness for which all entities search. Barriers of impurity, distraction, and veiling obscure this knowledge. Impurity in action, emotion, and thought prevents the clear vision of … read more »
Bring in the world love, harmony, understanding and tolerance
Understanding the blessing of true friendship is rare and essential.Even in heaven, one may reject bliss for a trivial attachment, leading to lasting suffering. To comprehend a blessing requires divine grace itself. Righteousness must provide patience and support in critical moments, or it is useless. … read more »
From today onwards I will begin again my new yoga life
The essential practice is continuity in sādhanā, sustained by love and willpower.Beginning is easy, but maintenance requires constant inner effort. The aim provides motivation, just as an ill person seeks a doctor. Sādhanā is the bucket drawing water from the well, connected by the rope of motivation. … read more »
Don't be the slave of your Siddhi
Beware of false spiritual powers and deception.The mind seeks novelty even after finding truth. Negative energy often speaks sweetly to mislead. Some falsely claim siddhis like reading auras or futures to exploit pure-hearted believers. Authentic realization is demonstrated, not proclaimed. Claiming powers … read more »
Disease Prevention Program
Cancer arises from many causes, including environmental toxins and karmic destiny, yet prevention through yogic discipline and diet is paramount.Some claim yoga can cure cancer, but rigorous practice does not guarantee immunity, as destiny and karma play a role. A story illustrates how a non-believer, cured through prayer, found faith. The primary path is prevention: … read more »
Kapil Muni
Kapila Muni is the supreme perfection among siddhas.Our spiritual lineage venerates Kapila Muni as its deity, and its tradition is ancient. The scriptural wisdom of India is an immortal ocean for realizing the dignity of human life. Merely engaging in animalistic pleasures like … read more »
Mental Training
The mind is a wild elephant, a mighty power that can be trained through logical thinking and mental techniques.Observe that everything constantly changes; this turning world is called saṃsāra. Wise ones think logically, not selfishly. Selfishness is a problem requiring self-treatment: think for others, not just yourself. It is difficult to know others' feelings, … read more »
A healthy body has a healhty mind
The relationship between body and mind is not absolute.A body can be ill while the mind remains perfectly healthy; to insist otherwise is discriminatory. The saying refers to how a physically healthy person's mental focus weakens when illness arises, as the intellect becomes consumed … read more »
Sanathana Dharma
Sanātana Dharma is the universal principle, not a religion.The Vedas and Upaniṣads teach of one nameless God, Īśvara. This wisdom is a world heritage. Our practice is a complete life, not just postures. Originally, there was only this eternal law. We also affirm millions … read more »
Work as Worship
Work is worship, meaning all life activity is ceremony for the divine.Pūjā is adoration and glorification. Humans possess many hungers—for money, position, beauty—which are endless longings. To be free, one must not be a slave to these senses and mind. The immortal fulfillment comes from that which … read more »
Use It or Lose It
The day is gone and will not return, so you must use it well or lose it.One day passes and is lost forever. I met a 102-year-old woman in an old age home who remains conscious and mobile, attributing her vitality to yoga practice. In Belgrade, a yoga teacher over 90 stays … read more »
Value of the Human Body
The human body is the essential instrument for spiritual realization.This physical form is a unique and invaluable vehicle, likened to a precious diamond that cannot be borrowed or replaced. Its loss is permanent. For performing karma, one must be fully awakened and seated within this … read more »
Your Body will Give You Answer
The body is a divine creation where every part has a purpose.Do not remove functional parts like tonsils lightly, as they serve a role and alternatives exist. The body naturally ages, its functions retiring over time. In a dialogue, the body explains its weariness is due to … read more »
Touch the Nature
Sleeping under the open sky connects us to nature's peace and divine energy.Many cherish sleeping in a tent, a personal castle like a bird's nest. In some places, people sleep outdoors for most of the year by choice. While mosquitoes are a modern concern, nature offers profound rest. … read more »
Phalahari Diet
Phalāhāra is a diet of fruits, roots, and vegetables, excluding all grains and seeds.Milk products are permitted in very small quantities. Consuming large amounts of dairy, nuts, or excessive fruit contradicts the fast's purpose. For physical labor, strength from grains is necessary, making a simple meal preferable to an … read more »
Alpahar Diet - Reduce the Eating
Drowsiness in practice arises from tamas, increased by diet.Grains that create gas promote tamas, like pouring water on a fire creates smoke. Therefore, Alpāhāra—eating little—is prescribed. Light meals that produce minimal waste are advised, as most breads and aged chapatis are tamasic. However, one's … read more »
Mantra Initiation
A mantra is a spiritual initiation requiring complete understanding and lifelong commitment.A mantra is a divine name and spiritual energy. Before receiving one, study the master's biography thoroughly to comprehend the guru's eternal role. The disciple-master bond transcends physical death. True initiation is a spiritual marriage merging … read more »
Kriya Anusthana
To practice Kriyānuṣṭhāna successfully, you must first purify the fourfold inner instrument.Anuṣṭhāna requires a specific aim and a mental offering, beginning with renunciation. The mind must be purified so no negative thoughts or words arise. The intellect must protect you from negativity. The inner space of citta … read more »
Wish of the Parents
Raising children is a profound responsibility and joy.The world presents dangers like drugs and unhealthy lifestyles. A parent's mission is fulfilled when their child is well-educated, lives healthily, and establishes a good family. Every parent wishes for their child's happiness, security, and comfort. … read more »
Gurupurnima Sankalpa
On Guru Pūrṇimā, our resolution is to remain faithful to our spiritual lineage.Our sa kalpa must be unwavering, more steadfast than the sun, moon, or Himalayas. We place this resolution at the holy feet, praying for the gift of devotion in every life. This devotion is crucial for … read more »
The Science of Jyotiṣ and the Law of Karma
Destiny is the result of past karma, but present action shapes the future.The ancient seers discovered astrology, a science mapping planetary energies that influence life. Destiny, or pralabdha, is set for this lifetime, but one has freedom now to create new karma through four means: body, mind, speech, … read more »
What is the Greatest Dan?
The greatest dāna is the gift of the divine name.Dāna is a spiritual donation, given without personal relation, directed toward temples, the needy, or noble causes. The highest form is nāma dāna, giving the name of God, a mantra, or prayers. This is the greatest … read more »
What happens when you see the Self-Realized Saint?
The power of self-realization transcends all other attainments.A master of black magic commands spirits but cannot summon them in the presence of his self-realized disciple. The spirits, upon seeing the disciple, attain liberation. The master, confronted with this higher truth, abandons his practices. … read more »
Sola Kala
The Sixteen Kalas are the complete set of divine abilities, with their possessor being a Pūrṇa Puruṣa.These sixteen principles are compared to the lunar cycle, which exerts a changing influence upon our body's elements, hormones, and consciousness over its phases. The awakening of the Viśuddhi cakra, corresponding to the space element, signifies … read more »
Do not Neglect Your Sadhana
Do not neglect your spiritual practice.Bodily capacity decreases daily, especially after thirty. Modern nourishment lacks vital energy, affecting the body. Respect your body's mobility but do not neglect physical exercise. As one ages, understanding of life deepens, often turning attention to … read more »
Family Situations
The harmony of the home is broken by unkindness, often stemming from a failure to adapt roles with love and respect.Many relationships deteriorate after the initial years, frequently due to harsh communication where one partner, often portrayed as the wife, adopts a dictatorial attitude. This creates unhappiness and stress. A cited example is a high-ranking professional … read more »
The Five Points
The human mission is self-realization, not worldly pursuits.A story illustrates a saint's blessing: a childless man received three sons after taking three sweets. This shows the power of a saint's word, yet worldly blessings are not the ultimate goal. Constantly remember you are … read more »