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Ancestors
A spiritual discourse on ancestral connections, family stability, and traditional worship."Through getting divorced, how many relations are suffering? Grandparents are suffering from both sides. Parents are suffering from both sides." "The ancestors, they observe us... the liberation of the ancestors depends on the children. The children … read more »
Explanation of bhajans SUNO RE MENA and SUNO RE SUVA
A spiritual discourse unpacking the symbolic bhajan "The Parrot's Counsel" composed by Mahāprabhujī."Find joy in prayers, in bhakti, in repeating the names of God. There is joy in spirituality. This is the essence of life." "Your mind is the śuva (the parrot), our body is the cage in … read more »
Janmasthami - incarnation of Lord Krishna
A spiritual discourse on the occasion of Janmāṣṭamī, the birth of Lord Kṛṣṇa."Kṛṣṇa is also the complete incarnation of the Supreme; the entire cosmic consciousness is represented in Kṛṣṇa." "From time to time I incarnate where it is needed... The whole world is the family of one God." … read more »
Swamiji's speach at the 3rd International Youth Peace Conference
A closing address on family, culture, and spiritual education."Children do not need your toys, they need your love; and children do not need your money, they need your wisdom." "World peace is only possible if we follow these three principles of Yoga in Daily … read more »
SAT SANATAN DHARMA - The True Ethernal Religion
A discourse on the universal, eternal religion beyond sectarian labels."You know, there is only one religion. And that religion is called Sanātana Dharma, the eternal religion." "We are born as human. We are born as human. We will live as human, and we will die … read more »
Instructions for bhajan singers and bhajan CETANA KA CILKA SVAMI NE
A spiritual teacher instructs a group in the disciplined practice of devotional singing."Clarity requires the energy to wait. You all sing the first reference point together, and then you wait." "Waiting demands a great deal of energy. To hold back takes tremendous energy. It is like riding a … read more »
Do a good karma - Begin with organic food
A spiritual discourse on non-violence (Ahiṃsā) and ecological living."To protect nature is the greatest act of non-violence; this is profoundly significant." "The highest religion, the highest principle, is non-violence. Protect every creature. Love them. Feed them. Do not kill them. And do not eat … read more »
Speciality of the Vajrasana
A teaching on the spiritual and physiological significance of the Vajrāsana posture."This is an āsana that shows respect and upholds the dignity of culture. Vajrāsana brings clarity to the heart and mind." "After every meal, if you can sit for a few minutes or 10-15 minutes in … read more »
Q&A - Don't avoid the Satsang
A spiritual discourse addressing the misconception that advanced disciples do not need satsang."Swāmījī gave them a very clear sign: they are indeed very highly developed, and they need not go to satsa g. Yes, they are very highly developed—in their ignorance." "Whoever does not go to satsa g … read more »
Swamiji's message for the Rakshabandhan day
A spiritual discourse on the meaning and purpose of the Rakṣā Bandhan festival."Rakṣā means protection, and Bandhan means a bond. It is the protection of all women through this bond." "It is not merely a religious festival. It is cultural, it is universal, and it is a mutual … read more »
Rakshabandhan - Day of Girls
A discourse on the tradition and meaning of Raksha Bandhan."To protect certain vṛttis (mental tendencies) and to develop self-respect, we have a tradition in India: a festival called the brothers and sisters festival." "Do not get closer to him and say, 'Oh, you are my … read more »
One Miracle
A spiritual discourse on the necessity of a guru and the nature of disciplined practice."Without a Satguru, you will not find the path; without Gurudev, you will not find it. Mark this, Jinabai, the path is very narrow." "Sadhanā is a gradual, lifelong process of slow, step-by-step progress... one miracle … read more »
Hara Shakti
An instructional talk on the hara śakti, or life force energy, and a specific exercise to strengthen it."If the hara śakti is weak, then the immune system declines. If the hara śakti is strong, then the immune system develops well." "Khatu Praṇām is the exercise which will help you to improve your hara … read more »
Our Partner is PARABRAHMATMA
A spiritual discourse on the art of surrender and divine union."We shall dedicate our entire being and be surrendered in the hands of the Divine." "A partner cannot come while searching. Who is searching will not find. And who is not searching will find." The speaker … read more »
Vajra Nadi and Vajrasana
A spiritual discourse on the physical and energetic significance of the Vajrāsana posture."Among these nāḍīs, one is called Vajranāḍī. 'Vajra' means strong, solid, like iron." "As soon as you sit in Vajrāsana, you immediately feel relaxed. All tensions dissipate; it concentrates the mind, releases tension, and removes frivolous … read more »
Yoga - healthy way of life
A discourse on the resurgence of yoga and conscious living."Within one century, people tried to destroy this. But it is said, 'Satyameva Jayate'—where there is truth, there is victory." "Humans were never so rich on this planet as they are now, but humans were never … read more »
Learn to endure
An evening discourse on enduring worldly life while seeking spiritual truth."Brahma satya, jagat mithyā. Brahman is the truth, and the world is unreality." "Titikṣā means to be above everything. It means to endure all situations and circumstances in life while practicing ātma-cintan—reflecting on the self." A … read more »
Intellect
A spiritual discourse on the mind, happiness, and mental modifications (vṛttis)."Whether you are happy or unhappy depends on you alone. Mano mātra jagata—the world is made of the mind." "Any kind of thought or thinking that is against our spiritual path... those vṛttis will one day … 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
To forgive means also to forget
A spiritual discourse on the purpose of human life and the path to liberation."The purpose of human life is to attain liberation through knowledge. Who am I? From where have I come?" "Santoṣa (contentment), śānti (peace), kṣamā (forgiveness). Only a great soul can truly forgive." The speaker explains the … read more »
Recognise holiness in others
A spiritual discourse on equal vision and the qualities of a seeker."Sam draṣṭi means to look at everything with the same eyes, since all beings in the universe are in my own state." "A sādhak who speaks as a great yogī about himself... never praises himself, just … 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »