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
Patanjali's Yogasutras Conscious and Unconscious Samadhi
This planet is a mortal realm for the soul's recreation, to purify negativity and realize divine qualities.Among 8.4 million life forms, the human alone possesses intellect to discern good from bad and understand the creator. This intellect illuminates consciousness, allowing one to break the cycle of birth and death. God incarnates in … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Ignorance is the Biggest Obstacle
The practice of surrender, Īśvara Praṇidhāna, is the path to divine grace.Three entities command equal respect: the lake, which holds water for all; the tree, which gives without expectation; and the saint, who speaks truth for everyone. Surrender means performing all duties with God in mind, not … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras - Obstacles have to be expected
Today is a divine day of wisdom, mercy, and surrender.This day marks the incarnation of a great teacher, whose life and message are recorded in sacred texts. The core teaching is that wishes are fulfilled through purified karma and unwavering faith, not through selfish demand. … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Love Has Many Forms
The path requires śraddhā, vīrya, and smṛti.Desire resides in the mind, not the body. Śraddhā is confidence, devotion, and belief in one's practice. Vīrya is the health and strength of the body and senses, providing the energy for progress. Smṛti is memory, … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Preparation for Samadhi
The citta must become a steady, undisturbed flame to approach samādhi.Patañjali's Samādhi Pāda comes first to prepare the three bodies: physical, subtle, and causal. Mastery of the physical body is not torture but moderation—eating and drinking just enough to survive. Himalayan yogis use roots like kaṇḍamūla, … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Devotion and Samadhi
Spiritual progress accelerates through devotion.Systematic practice calms the senses, turning them inward. This introversion is a cultivated calm, not psychological withdrawal. In this state, the inner instruments—mind, intellect, consciousness, and ego—must also be steadied. Remaining mental impressions from past experiences … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras the Glory of Purusha
The incarnation of divine light is observed through celestial signs and understood through cosmic principles.First comes the unmanifest light, Jyoti Svarūpaḥ or Śiva, the source consciousness from which all else arises. This is the primal manifestation without mother or father. From this, the three guṇas become active, represented by Brahmā, … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras - Focus your thoughts at paramatma
The spiritual path requires sustained practice and a fragile dispassion.Practice is the constant effort to steady the mind. Dispassion is the turning away from sensory entanglements. This dispassion is delicate and easily extinguished. It can be inspired by scripture or profound reflection, such as contemplating … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras - Vairagya protects from vrittis
The path to self-realization requires consistent practice and true detachment.You are the seer, the knower, the draṣṭā, yet you search for yourself externally. Self-knowledge, ātmā jñāna, is not found in theory but within through practice. The world of objects, dṛśya, constantly changes, layering impressions on … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Disturbing and Helpful Vrittis
Mastering the mind requires understanding and disciplining its fluctuations, the vṛttis.Progress depends on this foundational discipline, which is mental, not merely physical. The vṛttis are influenced primarily by three organs of knowledge: vision, sound, and smell. What we see, hear, or smell naturally triggers judgment and … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras - Be steady in meditation
All sound is simply sound; disturbance arises from our perception, not the sound itself.Patañjali teaches that disruptive and helpful thoughts are vṛttis. The problem is disliking external sensations, believing they disturb us. Withdraw the senses to unite with your inner sound; then external noises cease to be a disturbance. … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Dharma of Intellect
The human spiritual journey is defined by specific blessings and duties.First, we are blessed to be born human, possessing intellect and the duty to exercise judgment and protect all creatures. Our human dharma is a responsibility; if we protect it, it protects us. Second, we are … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras - Vairagya and satsang
Yoga is the authentic system for progressing from stone to cosmic consciousness.Yogis researched all planetary life, understanding every entity possesses consciousness. They explored astrology as the third eye and palmistry as the ocean's philosophy, where lines change with destiny. Life originates from one divine consciousness, the light … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Dark Cloud of Laziness
Trees are sacred life, equal to saints, and protecting them with lakes, rain, and saints is our prime duty.Humans, trapped by greed and attachment, destroy nature and ignore liberating wisdom. Attachment is a prison; detachment is freedom. Our restless thoughts form an unhealthy jungle. Overcome them by directing consciousness inward, realizing we are not … read more »
Patanjali's Yogasutras Nectar of Divine Words
The nectar of divine wisdom and the discipline of the senses are essential for spiritual progress.Vācanāmṛta is the nectar of a master's spoken words, which purifies the hearing and cleanses negative vibrations absorbed daily. Jñānamṛta is the nectar of wisdom leading to immortality. Caraṇāmṛta is the holy water from a master's … read more »
Sankalp Mantra
The practice of Śa kalpa Mudrā brings completeness to all physical, mental, and spiritual efforts.Perform it three times daily in a good posture. It serves your personal life, family, and work for society, done with awareness of unity with Brahman. This mantra and practice lead consciousness toward completeness, improving bodily … read more »
Sadhana and family
The spiritual path of the householder is the discipline of family life without escape.The householder's primary dharma is to educate their children; failing this is a spiritual failure. This duty requires self-mastery, as children lose confidence when parents lack inner certainty. Modern society and governments often fail to support … read more »
Monsoon and sadhana
The human body and all life are governed by seasonal cycles, just as vegetation is.Climate change is the greatest threat, caused by human greed which pollutes the mind and then the world. This results in water scarcity and extreme weather. The earth burns from the heat of pesticides, which also … read more »
The value of bhajans
Recognize the value of spiritual life and the necessity of a guide.True wealth lies in recognizing value, not in discarding it. A society that uses and discards extends to ethics. Gratitude is essential. Spiritual practice provides concise guidance, but one must act on it, not merely know … read more »
The beauty of the name of God
Yoga is the eternal path existing before creation.Its first aim is Self-realization, union with the formless Brahman, our origin. The second aim is the impossible fight for physical immortality, forbidden by cosmic protocol where all who are born must die. The third aim … read more »
The five elements in balance
Yoga is the union and harmony of body, mind, and soul.It is a scientific system for human well-being. Health is the first principle, gained through conscious nourishment and movement. The body is a combination of the five elements. Balance within these elements is yoga. Proper nourishment … read more »
The human body is a valuable instrument
Yoga is the ancient science of harmony for body, mind, and soul.The universe is founded on space, consciousness, their balancing union called yoga, and the resulting energy. This same cosmic energy is within us. Human life possesses higher consciousness but is plagued by negative traits like greed, … read more »
The beauty of spirituality
Yoga is the ancient science of harmonizing body, mind, and soul for health and spiritual development.Humans possess immense inner potential to awaken. Modern generations now seek healthy living and personal spirituality, moving beyond past materialism and religious disillusionment. Spirituality means universal love, respect, and purity, distinct from organized religion. True happiness … read more »
Exercise will make You capable
Yoga begins with discipline.Our existence spans from the cosmic consciousness into individual life and back. The soul experiences many layers over countless ages, as researched by the sage Patañjali. The first instruction is discipline, saying no to our weaknesses … read more »
Yoga against stress
Stress is a destructive force that disrupts personal harmony and society.All negativity stems from stress, which first destroys one's personality, then the environment, and finally splits families. A yogic way of life, integrating body, mind, and soul, is the path to harmony. This dharmic life involves … read more »
Everything is purna
Everything is Pūrṇa, or completeness.Our individual consciousness creates a barrier of ignorance, separating us from this oneness and bringing suffering. When consciousness merges with the Pūrṇa, there is no duality; it is a zero, a śūnya, where no problems or … read more »
Relations creates situations
The human condition is defined by the tension between our deep attachments and the path to liberation.We are bound to this world through the five elements and our relationships, creating a web of moha, or delusive attachment. This attachment breeds fear, selfishness, and suffering, especially the fear of death and the unknown … read more »
Active and passive meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice with two forms: active karma yoga and passive inner absorption.This world is a mortal field of action where all that is born will die and all that is created will be destroyed. It is also a living planet, a home for countless creatures, not just … read more »
Meditation and mental health
Creative meditation is the active, concentrated work that brings harmony and inner beauty.Theory inspires, but practice perfects through direct experience. Meditation is beneficial for all, yet those with mental difficulties require a specific, active form. This creative meditation involves focused, hands-on work like painting or carpentry, which is … read more »
Mahaprabhuji is that one
The aim of human life is to awaken from the sleep of ignorance and end the cycle of birth and death.This cycle is caused by karma, both good and bad. Only through the grace of the Guru and the practice of meditation can one attain the knowledge of the Self, or Brahman, which is the immortal … read more »
Raja yoga is the way to the Self
The path to the self is Aṣṭā ga Yoga, the eight-step discipline leading to the king within, the Ātmā.This Rājayoga is the way to oneself, containing all Yogas. The final aim for all beings is union with the one omnipresent God, the source of everlasting happiness sought consciously or unconsciously. Lasting happiness is within, … read more »
Understand Yourself through meditation
Your work is your worship, creating beauty through talent, not just for money.This is active meditation. Passive meditation is withdrawing to understand yourself. Active meditation purifies karma through service. Yet you may not know yourself. Passive meditation reveals unseen qualities that disturb others. We often think we are … read more »
Meditation and quality of life
Meditation is the answer to all questions about life's purpose and one's own nature.Humans possess higher aims beyond basic animal functions. Upon waking, one must ask: What does it mean to be human? Do you value this life? Good qualities like love and kindness define humanity and are cultivated … read more »
Steps towards meditation
A Guru Mantra from a master is essential for successful meditation, as meditation without mantra is like a body without a soul.Mantra practice proceeds through five techniques: writing it with concentration, chanting it with love and devotion, internalizing it in happiness, repeating it mentally with focus, and finally reaching a spontaneous, continuous inner recitation called Ajapa. Using … read more »
How to be one with Yourself
Meditation is the practice of establishing harmony within and without.There are two primary kinds: passive meditation, for deep spiritual inquiry, and active or creative meditation. Creative meditation has two parts: first, sitting to contemplate your duty or seek solutions, receiving inner answers. Second, it is … read more »
Six tigers of the human mind
Meditation requires discipline, as taught by Patañjali in Rāja Yoga.Without self-discipline, no practice leads to the goal. The greatest obstacle is laziness. Six inner enemies hunt the aspirant: desire, anger, pride, greed, delusion, and ego. Theory is worthless without practice. Research by yogis concluded diet … read more »
The Threefold Path: Svādhyāya, Manan, and Abhyāsa
The process of inner refinement moves from study to self-realization.Svādhyāya is studying the scriptures and the chapter of one's own life. Manana is deep reflection, churning experiences to extract wisdom like butter from milk. Abhyāsa is the practice, a purifying fire that turns that butter … read more »
On Marriage and Steadfastness on the Path
On marriage and spiritual steadfastness: decide clearly and remain unwavering on the path.If you wish to marry, do so; if not, that is also fine. The key is to avoid indecision. Decide seriously and stay steadfast, as many falter. Marriage is acceptable if you know each other, are … read more »
The Precious Human Life
Human life is a precious opportunity for liberation or descent.We are born with two paths: liberation or a gradual fall through repeated lives due to karma. Your liberation depends solely on you, not on any master or external answer. The most terrible human tragedy is … read more »
The Difficulty of Construction and the Devilish Power of Destruction
Construction is difficult; destruction is a devilish power.Anyone can destroy, but to build and protect anything—friendship, family, business—is hard. Anger or suffering can lead to steps that cause permanent destruction of health or spiritual practice. We seek everlasting joy, which is found in … read more »
The Essence of Seva and Guru Pūrṇimā
The greatest spiritual practice is selfless service, or seva.Service means helping without any expectation, even of thanks. True help requires no discussion or philosophy; it is immediate action. God incarnates to serve, making seva greater than liberation itself. A recent gathering in Barcelona demonstrated … read more »
The Gift of the Name
The greatest gift is the gift of God's name, Nāmadāna.This mantra becomes your eternal property, surpassing all material wealth. Its remembrance at the moment of death is crucial for liberation, as final thoughts determine the next birth. The mantra must permeate your consciousness completely through … read more »
The Greatest Sādhana
Serving the divine is the greatest spiritual practice.A teacher was asked for any wish. He replied that to serve his master was the greatest joy, greater than liberation or worldly wealth. This service is not ambition for powers, which require prior qualification. True … read more »
A Prayer for Universal Peace and Guidance
There is only one God, and all paths lead to Him.We call the omnipresent, omniscient Lord by different names. Every prayer and spiritual practice ultimately leads to this one God. The world is in a dark time, so we pray for the Almighty to grant right … read more »
A Prayer for Inner Peace
The aim of prayer is to cleanse the heart and attain inner peace.We live in an age of quarrels and materialism, but the true enemy is not external; it is found within ourselves. The scriptures teach that prayer's purpose is to cleanse our hearts of greed and anger. … read more »
A Prayer for Unity and Peace
A universal spiritual truth is that all paths ultimately lead to the one God.There is only one God in the universe, known by many names, who is all-knowing and present everywhere. Every form of prayer, thought, and spiritual practice leads to this same divine reality. We recognize the world … read more »
A Convergence of Peace: Yoga, Gandhi, and the Modern World
The pursuit of peace and spiritual serenity is the compelling theme for our world today, a world torn by conflict, terrorism, and division.We reflect on the enduring message of truth and non-violence perfected nearly a century ago. This philosophy projects non-violence as bravery and conquest by love, replacing coercion with moral persuasion. It values the coexistence of diverse … read more »
A Message of Hope and Shared Responsibility
Awareness of our shared humanity is the foundation for peace and overcoming global challenges.Modern connections offer new opportunities for human development, yet also present profound challenges requiring joint effort. Technological progress creates vast comfort for some while leaving many in poverty and hunger. Such immense suffering must compel us … read more »
The Heart of Peace: A Message of Unity
The message of unity and peace is essential in times of global violence and suffering.Hindu culture teaches that humanity is one family, a concept that must be actively lived, not remain abstract. Every follower must be a bearer of light and love beyond all distinctions. The truth is one, though … read more »
An Offering of Light and Gratitude
This closing address expresses gratitude and calls for personal action to cultivate universal peace.The speaker thanks all participants, including specific spiritual leaders and artists, for their contributions to a successful interfaith conference. The essence of the gathering is summarized as achieving unity from diversity. The duty now falls to … read more »
