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
Why should not we eat eggs?
Eggs are not considered suitable for a pure, spiritual diet.They are not vegetarian or a milk product, but a life form possessing tamas guṇa, the quality of inertia and impurity. What spoils quickly is considered impure, and eggs spoil even faster than fish. Consuming them … read more »
Cooperation of the master and disciple
A master's hasty astral journey reveals the interdependence of teacher and disciple.A siddha hears a devotee's prayer from a sinking ship. He urgently projects his astral body to help but exits incorrectly. He cannot re-enter his physical body because he forgot his exit point. His disciple astral … read more »
Be the channel between God and people
The greatest gift is sharing spiritual knowledge, for it preserves wisdom beyond one's own life.Yoga in Daily Life is a complete, global spiritual system, not merely physical practices. Teaching it channels spiritual energy drawn from our lineages, ultimately from Mahāprabhujī. When you impart this knowledge with conscious awareness and mantra, … read more »
The definition of Yoga -- where there is balance there is no suffering
Yoga is the universal principle of balance, the uniting force between all things, from consciousness to matter.Without this balance, suffering arises. The word itself derives from "yoke," the device that balances two oxen. All cosmic elements exist in this equilibrium, which produces harmony. For humanity, balance means shared understanding, ending conflict. Intellect … read more »
Sankalpa
The power of a firm spiritual resolution is essential for achievement.A sa kalpa is a deep, long-term commitment, not a fleeting thought. Its strength determines success, as seen in arduous physical journeys requiring immense will. This same principle applies to the spiritual path; many begin but … read more »
To Yoga Teachers
Wisdom is transmitted through the master's spoken word, Śruti, and the disciple's memory, Smṛti.Authenticity requires the consensus of many disciples, empowered by the master's blessing. Without this grace, knowledge dries out, attacked by doubts and negative thoughts. To receive blessing, one must be a pure vessel, free from jealousy … read more »
Live together in harmony and love -- the old and young people should be in harmony
A teacher of completeness is one who gives knowledge onward, for a well does not drink its own water.To teach selfishly ensures failure, as the knowledge will disappear. Therefore, develop discipline with your knowledge and do not search for mistakes in others. The mistake is in you. Generations inevitably fail to understand each other; … read more »
Story about banjan tree
Life is ever-changing.An ancient banyan tree mourned the loss of its last leaf, feeling alone and fearing its accumulated wisdom would be lost. A gardener pruned its ill parts, promising renewal. The tree initially felt ugly from the … read more »
Ten Indrias - ten petals of Manipur Chakra
The ten jewels of the Maṇipūra chakra represent the mastery of the ten senses.The mantra "Maṇi Padme Hum" honors the jewel-like qualities of the Buddha's lotus feet. These ten jewels correspond to the ten petals of the Maṇipūra chakra, which governs the ten indriyas, or senses. The five senses … read more »
Love, contentment and happiness are Universal principles within you
Human consciousness is a divine garden.You are the bee gathering nectar from its blossoms, which bloom through devotion. Without this inner love, life withers into loneliness and despair. Seeking happiness from others' love is futile, as it inevitably turns to pain. … read more »
Practise makes one perfect
The grammar of practice is harder than the theory.There are two kinds. The first is physical and meditative practice, which is easy. The second is working with your own mind and desires, which is very hard. The hardest thing is to say no to … read more »
Introduction to Manipur Chakra
The journey into the Maṇipūra chakra marks a significant spiritual crossing.The individual consciousness, distinct from the Ātmā within, is composed of karmic layers. Through practice and grace, consciousness rises to enter this center, whose name means "city of jewels." Our physical manifestation began here, at the … read more »
Devotion frees you from fear
A master demonstrates conscious departure to teach overcoming the fear of death.About eighty years ago, a master announced his departure, measured his grave, and sat within it. His grieving disciple pleaded not to be left alone. The master invited the disciple to sit with him. They chanted … read more »
Humans are day by day getting distant from God
The ten senses are the five senses of knowledge and the five senses of action.These are the only keys to record information into the computer of the mind. The senses operate independently; only the mouth can taste salt in water. This illustrates that salt changes its form but not its … read more »
No one should suffer because of me
Learning to cook is fundamental to understanding life, health, and self-care.You should cook for yourself to know what you eat. Begin your day with prayer, yoga, and meditation, then prepare your breakfast. When others cook, you do not know what goes into your food. A mother … read more »
What if I die without getting enlightment?
Yoga is the divine power of manifestation and the light of illuminating consciousness.Śrī Kṛṣṇa reveals that even His own incarnation is made possible through yoga śakti, the unifying power that harmonizes elements to form a body. This same yoga was given to the sun, meaning its radiant light … read more »
Come back to God
The twenty-four siddhis, or yogic perfections, are ancient spiritual powers now mirrored by modern technology.Telepathy is realized through the telephone, and the siddhi of flight is achieved by aeroplane. Ancient texts like the Rāmāyaṇa describe advanced vehicles, suggesting prior scientific knowledge. Modern science, however, brings both benefits like connectivity and … read more »
Ahara Vihara Achara Vichara
The first sheath of being is the physical body, composed of the five elements and sustained by diet, drink, and company.As the food, so the mind; as the drink, so the speech; as the company, so the habits. To maintain health, one must manage four principles: diet, recreation, behavior, and thought. Good, limited food and positive … read more »
Who is dreaming?
The chakras represent a journey of consciousness through the mind.The mind pendulates between consciousness at the crown and the intellect, or buddhi, at the eyebrow center. All information enters through the five senses. These impressions are consciously recorded in a fresh present moment before descending … read more »
Why has the Soul falled into this world of illusion?
The true self is unborn and beyond the illusion of life and death.You are not the temporary identity you speak of; you are, in reality, one with the divine. This perceived separation is an illusion born of ignorance. The Ātmā, your true self, is indestructible like space; it … read more »
Respect keeps the balance in society
The Primacy of the Mother and the Principle of Yoga The entire space is one without a second, a fullness.This creates a harmony like that between a mother and child. The first God is the mother. Between space and consciousness is a balancing principle that holds them together, called Yoga. Where there is balance, there … read more »
In every heart He resides
Easter focuses global spiritual energy on divine contemplation.The one formless God manifests through various messengers and incarnations according to planetary need, with all beings as God's children. Duality and discrimination must be removed to realize the unchanging reality; theory is useless without practice. … read more »
Ashram
An āshram is a divine shelter for spiritual work and service.Vedic tradition outlines four life stages: Brahmachārī for student life until 25, Gṛhastha for household duties until 50, Vānaprastha for detachment and preparation until 75, and Sannyāsa for complete renunciation until 100. After 100 years, one … read more »
You are the Vedas
The divine mission of saints and the universal message of the Vedas guide us.We often fail to recognize holy saints during their lifetime, only realizing their nature after they depart. All beings are children of God, not just humans, and causing pain to any creature is a grave injustice. … read more »
You are that One
Happiness resides in the human heart.It is a universal principle within us, not outside. The true self, the ātmā, is indestructible and within every creature. Reality is unchanging, while the body, mind, and even the individual soul are changing and not … read more »
Titiksha and Sradha
Śraddhā and titikṣā are the essential pillars of faith and endurance.Śraddhā is confidence in yourself, your abilities, and in God. Without it, you cannot act or progress. Titikṣā is the power to endure hardship without complaint, to awaken your inner reserve energy to persevere and achieve … read more »
Vedic Culture
Vedānta is the highest essence of Vedic knowledge.The Veda is the complete science of the universe, containing all knowledge. It instructs a life in harmony with cosmic law. Ancient seers, the Ṛṣis, lived by this principle. They transmitted this science verbally long before … read more »
The bee and the lotus
The master's promise is that no disciple is ever abandoned, even through the deepest falls.One meets a master, practices, then abandons it all, committing sins and descending into lower lives. The master follows everywhere. When the disciple became a reptile, the master entered a reptile body to meet him. The … read more »
Yoga body exercise
Yoga honors the body through gentle, non-strenuous movement.Strenuous activity like running consumes excessive energy and causes harm. Gentle cycling or walking without sweating is advised. Dynamic yoga practices use and return energy equally, so they must be brief and followed by sustained postures. … read more »
Love between Master and disciple
The profound bond with a true master, a Trikal Darśī, enables divine grace that transcends worldly limitations.Such masters can reveal past lives and even restore life long after clinical death, an act beyond human understanding. This power flows through love within the guru-disciple relationship. I once recalled my own master's soul through … read more »
Liberation comes from Knowledge, our way of life and our heart
Shared purpose is a divine blessing.Spiritual energy pervades all creation. From cosmic completeness, completeness arises. This gathering embodies a beautiful energy of holistic well-being. Yoga is the balancing principle uniting individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness. Every master and practitioner has a … read more »
Joy and Love
The greatest joy is opening the inner eye of the blind through true teaching.Teaching the right path brings happiness to both guide and student. This means opening the Āgyā Chakra, the eye of knowledge that burns away darkness. Share your wisdom and love, especially with children who need guidance, … read more »
Yoga of the Heart
The heart overflows with love or pain, manifesting as tears.In this age, few love God truly, as most seek money and position. Yet God never disappoints; He loves. God, who never truly sleeps, tends a garden, loving every plant. A bamboo in the corner feels … read more »
Hatha Yoga or Raja Yoga?
The distinction between Haṭha and Rāja Yoga is often misunderstood.Haṭha Yoga traditionally consists of six purificatory kriyās for cleansing body and mind. Many believe they practice Haṭha Yoga through postures and breath, but these are actually the third and fourth limbs of Rāja Yoga. Correct … read more »
Overcome impurities
Three layers cover our consciousness: impurity, restlessness, and ignorance.The first layer is impurity in thought and action. The second is restlessness from worldly problems, which agitate the mind like waves on water. To calm this, meditation and mantra are essential. The best meditation is … read more »
Yoga and Religion
Yoga is the principle of union, and religion is the realization of relation.Both concern our essential connection. We are all essence of the cosmic Self. Yoga is not merely exercise; it is the oldest unifying principle, the Śakti that balances space and consciousness, the cosmos and the individual. … read more »
Satsang is Divine intoxication
Satsa g is the highest key to self-realization.Those who are disciples of a Gurū are holy, and to join them is a great blessing. Do not go for the people; go for the Gurudev and for God. If you think others do not … read more »
The responsibility of the Yoga in daily life teacher
With this diploma, the light and yoga life are transmitted to you.You now carry the responsibility of an instructor. People will place their trust in you; do not disappoint that confidence. Be helpful, kind, and good, staying within your capacity. Work under that spiritual shelter for success. … read more »
Give freedom to everyone
Support one another in cooperation, not competition.In small towns, maintain one center to prevent jealousy. In large cities, centers may exist in different districts. If a student's schedule does not align with your class, refer them to another center offering the same … read more »
Do everything with the consciousness of "Naham Karata" -- when God is residing in your consciousness
When God resides in your consciousness, your speech and writing are kind.Those with God within never speak harshly, while those with the devil express jealousy and anger. A moody person is poor; do not shift your mood. Be kind, humble, and a good helper. Giving love is … read more »
Can someone practicing yoga become ill?
Illness arises from both modern systemic causes and karmic destiny, requiring acceptance and a dual approach to healing.Modern diseases like cancer are increasingly common, affecting even those with healthy habits. This is due to the entire modern system, including pollution, pesticides, and stress, which diminish our immunity. It is also the karma of … read more »
In an emergeny you have to turn to a doctor and follow her/his advice
Illness is a signal that your way of life must change.Your willpower is essential. In an emergency, follow a doctor's prescribed treatment, such as chemotherapy, to survive. Alcohol is a dangerous drug causing immense outer and inner damage; do not be addicted. Support your body by … read more »
Visitors from the Washingon Ashram
The community extends its welcome to distant members who have traveled for connection.We are joined by companions from a distant place who also gather regularly. Upon learning that travel to their region would not occur this year, they have journeyed here for a brief visit. Among them is … read more »
Mantra is the spiritual union of the Master and disciple
A mantra is a lifelong spiritual commitment, not a temporary practice.It forges an unbreakable spiritual union between Master and disciple, distinct from any physical bond. This initiation is for your entire future, guiding you on both the physical and astral planes. Adopting a vegetarian life is … read more »
Self discipline of the yoga teacher
Yoga is a scientific system with one aim: union with the Universal Self.This union is obstructed by internal foes like ego and doubt. We struggle to accept others, so accepting God is a greater challenge. Meeting God is not an easy task, and we lack a clear picture … read more »
If you are God, you know what I ask
A story illustrates the destructive nature of jealousy.I was instructed to recount a story from 1966. It concerns a jealous man fixated on his neighbor. He performed intense prayer for wealth. God granted him a magical coin that would fulfill any wish, but … read more »
There is no challenge and competition in yoga
True Yoga transcends commercialized physical performance for a scientific system of holistic being.Our gathering itself is success, not the transient commercial bubbles promoted elsewhere. In science and quality, there are no compromises; this is true for yoga and spirituality. Yoga is the science of body, mind, consciousness, and … read more »
Purna
Realizing completeness in consciousness is the central theme.The feeling that something is missing indicates a consciousness not oriented toward pūrṇa, or fullness. This state of lack manifests as unhappiness, suffering, and discontent. All phenomena arise from, exist within, and dissolve back into this … read more »
Midlife crisis
Life is an impermanent, flowing illusion, and our dissatisfaction arises from resisting its natural change.We become angry, feeling trapped by circumstances like marriage, believing we have lost our dreams. Yet life is meant to flow like water, which stays fresh only when moving. Imagine sitting on a train, watching landscapes … read more »
