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
Peace prayer
A multilingual prayer for guidance and peace, followed by analytical remarks on its text."O, lead us from unreality to reality. Gospod, bodhi nas od neresničnosti v resničnost. Asato mā sadgamaya." "May the whole world be happy, and may the blessed Lord protect us, forgive us our sins, bless us … read more »
Sant bhava
A spiritual discourse on cultivating the disposition of a saint."We shall cultivate our santbhāva—the disposition of a saint. This means we must sahant—endure, cleanse, change, or stop everything." "Saints are those who have śānti—peace—within themselves. Śāntoṣa: those who have satisfaction within them, they are the … read more »
Life and realization
A spiritual discourse on the nature of reality and Self-knowledge."Life here in this mortal world is just like a dream. The question is this: if we understand what life is, perhaps this is not life at all." "Truth, reality, is the Ātmā. No weapon can … read more »
Saying good bye
A spiritual teacher's closing address offering guidance and blessings."God sees the truth, and it is that truth which leads our life. Therefore, always be in God consciousness." "Do not neglect your surrounding world. You should serve the society, and you should lead your life … read more »
Janmasthami - birth of Krishna
A spiritual discourse on the divine purpose and hardships of divine incarnation, given on the festival of Janmāṣṭamī."God definitely demonstrates through this how terrible things can happen in the world. And that is precisely why God must incarnate." "May the spirituality of Kṛṣṇa be born in your consciousness—Kṛṣṇa as spirituality, the universal God—and … read more »
About Shankaracarya
A discourse on the life and teachings of Śrī Śa karāchārya."Śa karāchārya brought again the philosophy of non-dualism. Forms are different, but the reality is the same." "He reformed the new sannyāsa order... He made the ten orders of sannyāsa who should preach in the mountains, … read more »
Why we are here?
A spiritual discourse on the divine duty and discipline of human life, delivered on Guru Purnima."Our life is never without Him. He is always with us, observing what we are doing, what we are thinking, and where we are moving." "Patañjali said yoga begins with discipline. Yoga is discipline, and without … read more »
Patanjali's teaching
A discourse on the principles of non-violence and the detached soul."Ahimsā means do not cause pain to anyone in any way. That is why one should give up eating meat." "It is said that God put two things on a scale... What was greater was the … read more »
About rishies
A discourse on the source of spiritual and ethical knowledge."All these ethical and moral principles were declared by the ṛṣis. Astrology, astronomy, all science is given by the ṛṣis." "Ātmā sohi paramātmā, they said. This ātmā is the Self, the Supreme God. And that Supreme … read more »
About Patanjali
A spiritual discourse on the qualities of a true seeker and a genuine master."One should not compare anyone with anyone in these matters, especially in spirituality. The master is the master." "Gurumukhī sadā sukhī: the Gurumukhī is always happy. Manmukhī sadā duḥkhī: the Manmukhīs are always unhappy." A speaker, … read more »
Practise this kriya
A discourse introducing a special sa kalpa (resolve) and kriyā (practice) for purifying the inner instrument."This year, we have a very special sa kalpa to consciously purify our antaḥkaraṇa. This is also a sādhanā, and this sādhanā belongs to a very advanced, developed level of yogīs." "This kriyā has only two … read more »
Patanjali: About Sradha
A spiritual discourse on the importance of faith (śraddhā) in practice, illustrated by a parable."In any sādhanā, in any practice you undertake, or any aim you wish to realize, to continue is only possible through confidence, through śraddhā." "Have confidence, and I wish you a good appetite." A teacher explains … read more »
About Kevaliya
A spiritual discourse on attaining oneness (Kevaliyā) through devotion and service."When the sole form is realized within the ghaṭ (heart), then light merges into light." "Our duty is to be there and just work—that is sevā. That is also another kind of practice." Swami Avatarpuri explains … read more »
Rakshabandhan message
A spiritual talk explaining the traditions and significance of the Rakṣābandhan festival."This is a festival for sisters, a day for ladies. On this day, a brother promises to protect his sister in every aspect." "If you have no sister, you can choose one. And for the sisters … read more »
About Daya
A spiritual discourse on the foundational principles of dharma and sin, based on a verse by Tulsidas."Dayā dharm kā mūl hai, pāp mūl abhimān. The roots of religion, the roots of spirituality...is Dayā. Mercy, kindness, humbleness." "Tulsī dayā na chhoḍiye, jab tak ghaṭ me prāṇ. Therefore, the great saint Tulsīdāsjī says, 'Don't … read more »
Patanjali: Brahma Abhyas
A spiritual discourse on the unbroken practice of realizing Brahman through detachment."Brahma abhyāsa is constantly thinking: Who am I? Or, I am Brahman." "Vairāgya means not to neglect the world, but to accept it, to do good things in the world, and leave good work behind you." … read more »
Patanjali: Five Vritti
A spiritual discourse explaining the five types of mental fluctuations (vṛttis) and their impact on the spiritual path."From the five vṛttis, there are two qualities: kliṣṭa and akliṣṭa. These vṛttis can have one of these qualities." "Therefore, it is said: purify your antaḥkaraṇa—mana, buddhi, citta, and aha kāra... That is very, very important." … read more »
About yoga exercises
A spiritual discourse on the holistic benefits of yoga and prayer."Āsanas and prāṇāyāmas are not merely gymnastics. They are described as psychosomatic movements, meaning they positively influence both our body and mind." "To bend the knees is easy, but to bow down the heart is not … read more »
explanation of bhajan HAT CHOR MANA
A discourse on a spiritual bhajan and the call to self-remembrance."O mind, give up your hatha. Abandon your stubbornness, your arguments, your disputes, your own will, and come with me. I will reveal to you the secret of the Ātmā." "Within this case made of five … read more »
About memory, wisdom and comparison
A spiritual discourse on mastering the mind, focusing on memory and the practical application of wisdom."When memory is awakened, the impressions stored in our subconsciousness emerge as vṛttis through association with some object." "If you were to use your own wisdom, be assured you would have very, very few problems. And … read more »
About Vikalpa Vritti
A spiritual discourse on the nature of mind and the path to higher knowledge."You realize something through words, through sound, but that thing is śūnya—empty." "To reach that highest knowledge, the parāvidyā, you have to develop your other senses inside." The teacher explains the vikalpa vṛtti, a mental modification … read more »
About nourishment
A spiritual discourse on the sacredness of nourishment and the study of one's relationship to life's essentials."Studying nourishment means understanding where and how it is grown, the circumstances of its growth... It involves knowing how the food came to you." "Food is known as Annapūrṇā... She is the goddess of nourishment. 'Pūrṇā' … read more »
About thoughts
A spiritual discourse on the discipline of yoga and the suffering caused by mental fluctuations."Those who have no discipline cannot be successful. 'Chitta vṛtti nirodha.' Therefore, control all the vṛttis, or the thinkings—the restless thinkings and all kinds of thinkings." "Thinking can make us suffer... if you don't know the … read more »
About vairagya
A spiritual discourse using a parable to illustrate the concept of vairāgya, or divine longing."Vairāgya is a condition of the person, a feeling, a longing for something. Beyond that particular thing, nothing else matters." "That film was a nice story that I compare to love. That love is vairāgya. So, … read more »
About elephant
A spiritual discourse using the parable of an elephant to explore discrimination (Viveka), the nature of God, and religious understanding."Your discrimination, your Viveka, is like a mighty elephant in its decisions. No one can move you, and no one can influence you in a negative way." "God is like an elephant; everyone has a different … read more »
Shree Devpuriji's Mahasamadhi
A satsang commemorating the Mahāsamādhi of Yogirāj Śrī Devapurījī."Simply put: whatever he said came true. Therefore, people were very careful." "He is a yogī of yogīs; that is why he is called the Yogirāj, the king of yogīs, Śiva." A speaker recounts the miraculous … read more »
Sanyas life
A discourse on the principles and challenges of the monastic life."The life of a sannyāsa is like walking in fire constantly. The orange cloth signifies fire. If you do not follow the principles of sannyāsa, this fire will burn you. But if you follow the principles, … read more »
Donate
A discourse on the practice of donation and prasāda in spiritual communities."Someone may sponsor it for a birthday, a wedding day, or in memory of a departed person. Others do it simply to perform a good act, distributing prasāda." "Therefore, on whose name something is given, one … read more »
The thinking process
A spiritual discourse on the nature and proper use of the mind and thoughts."We are taught or led to think, and we are led to think about what we do." "It is that mind which makes the human; it is the mind which works. It is the mind which … read more »
Master your mind
A spiritual discourse on mastering the mind through friendship and observation, illustrated by parables."You are coming to me because you are the slave of my slave." "Our mind is like a horse, a wild horse. If you try to catch it with violence and force, it will harm you … read more »
God feeds everyone
A spiritual discourse addressing existential fear and trust in divine providence."Many people have a fear of existence. They have this fear because they lack self-confidence." "He who gave us the beak will also give the food. So why worry?... Trust Him. He will provide." The speaker … read more »
Patanjali: Four points
A discourse on Patañjali's philosophy regarding suffering and the self."What is the real form of your troubles, difficulties, or suffering? This is what you should renounce or become free from." "Our nature is to be happy, and we are happy. That is how we come … read more »
The first steps: Acar, Vicar, Ahar, Vihar
A spiritual discourse outlining the foundational principles for a yogic life."Āchar means conduct: your attitude, how you are living, and what you are doing." "Vichār, which means thoughts. Your life will be of the kind that your thinking is. You become what you think." An unnamed … read more »
Inner glasses
A spiritual talk using a parable to illustrate how perception shapes reality."Some Indians tried to import European cows because they give more milk. The poor cow, who was used to green meadows... could hardly see any green grass; it was only dry." "Put green glasses on her … read more »
How to practice
A practical lecture on the foundational principles and techniques of yoga."You heard that yoga is a healthy way to health, a way to get rid of stress, to realize inner peace." "In yoga, three things are very important to begin with: Āchār, Vichār, and Vihār. Āchār … read more »
Asanas
A discourse on the necessity of disciplined, lifelong yoga practice."You should practice systematically at least once, from the first step to the last. Master that. It is not enough that you practiced headstand for three months and now consider it mastered." "Knowledge is good, but … read more »
How to overcome suffering
A discourse on the spiritual importance of Satsa g and self-realization."To understand the meaning of life, to become happy and successful... Satsa g is the best way." "Yoga means union—that which unites our Self to the Cosmic Self, which unites our thoughts with the Cosmic One." … read more »
Bhishma
A spiritual discourse using a story from the Mahābhārata to explain karma and personal suffering."I know those arrows are here. They have come to me now." "Whether it happens or not, the seeds are in your consciousness. That is important." The speaker narrates the story of Bhīṣma lying on a … read more »
Gurupurnima Message
A spiritual discourse on the purpose and impermanence of human life."You came alone, and you will go alone. From where did you come? Why did you come? And where will you go? These are the questions, the answers to which we should know in practice." "Utilize … read more »
About Gurupurnima
A satsang discourse on the spiritual and cosmological significance of Guru Pūrṇimā."I believe Guru Pūrṇimā is one of the first holy festivals in the world. We must contemplate its meaning." "Guru Pūrṇimā is the day of harvest. Reflect on your entire year... Offer both to Gurudev today. … read more »
Mantra
A spiritual discourse on the power and personal importance of a mantra."A mantra gives you mental power. A mantra strengthens your willpower." "Your mantra is your personal treasure. Keep it in your heart... A mantra is like a torchlight for walking in the darkness." Swami Avatarpuri explains … read more »
What to think
A spiritual discourse on overcoming worldly suffering through devotion and self-inquiry."When the ocean is dried up, then I have no more worry about crossing it. For the bhaktas of the Lord, the devotees of God, the ocean dries up." "Always think of God. All other thinking … read more »
God, maya, reality
A spiritual discourse on perceiving divinity and the nature of illusion."God is everywhere. God is in everything. Without Him, not even a blade of grass can grow." "This world is compared with a dream. What we see now, after a few minutes, it will be like … read more »
Do not think negative
A spiritual discourse on maintaining inner balance and removing doubt through mantra practice."To dare to keep your temperament calm—that is the master work. Do not come out of your balance; be a yogī." "The more you repeat the mantra, the easier it will be to remove the dust … read more »
Give up your problems
A spiritual discourse on overcoming personal suffering and ego."All the problems you have, my dear, have no solution... But there is only one way... to become free from these problems: just to drop them, say goodbye, that's all." "Your enemy is yourself, and your … read more »
Uttam vicar - The pure thoughts
A spiritual discourse on purifying thought and speech to overcome inner burdens."Mental pollution is the most dangerous pollution. The human mind, which creates this pollution, disturbs the whole world and disturbs oneself." "Give up, give up, simply just give up. Why are you so attached to these … read more »
Easter eggs
A spiritual discourse on the sacredness of life and non-violence, using the egg as a central symbol."Destroying the egg is already killing. The great seers... see that which is already in the egg." "God's language is only one: Love all. Have mercy in your heart. Don't destroy the holy creation of God." … read more »
About negativity
A spiritual discourse on purifying perception and taking responsibility for one's inner state."I went to see negative things, but I could not find them anywhere. Then I searched my own heart and discovered that no one is worse than me." "The mind is a monkey, and the monkey … read more »