Vegetarian cooking lesson 16, Indian Gunda and Sangri Sabji
Preparing guṇḍā and saṅgrī involves sourcing and cooking desert vegetables.
These vegetables grow in Rajasthan and are harvested, cooked, dried, and prepared at specific ashrams. They are soaked overnight after this process. Cooking begins by tempering cumin seeds in oil, followed by onions and a wet spice mixture. The soaked vegetables are added and cooked until dry. Chapatis are prepared separately, with emphasis on proper rolling and cooking technique. The final dish is seasoned with souring agents like mango powder or yogurt, added carefully off the heat to prevent curdling. This dry preparation is practical for travel.
"Always know where our food comes from, what we are eating, and through whose hands it has passed."
"Guṇḍā Sabjī and Saṅgrī Sabjī are very good for traveling because they are dry sabjīs, not liquid."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
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Calming down the vrittis
Yoga is the stilling of the mind's modifications. Discipline in all aspects of life is the foundation. The mind's thoughts are like waves in a pond; a single ripple obscures clarity. As long as thoughts are unpeaceful, meditation is not present. To calm the vṛttis, one must practice and seek solitude. A retreat to a peaceful natural place allows the system to recharge and quiet. The practice of Brahmari Pranayama specifically calms the brain and sharpens the senses through sound vibration. This sound connects to the primordial Om, the formless source of all creation. Everything visible and invisible arises from this sound.
"Yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ: through the practice of yoga, you can calm down all your thoughts, your vṛttis."
"Everything—all that is visible, invisible, hearing, tasting, feeling—all this is only from one source: from the Aum, the sound."
Good Health and Peace
Yoga is the science of the human being, the culmination of life's evolution. Animals evolve toward humanity, but humans can regress if they do not heed divine instruction. Do not kill other creatures; animals kill from ignorance, but humans know better. God is one, like an ocean of which we are all drops. Science progresses but leads away from God, while yoga leads toward God. The ego resides in the heart and brain; one part is for self, the other for all. A yogi must never give negative talk or do negative things to anyone. Life is a staircase; one goes down through harmful actions, and one goes up through respect and care for all creatures. The soul passes through one door determined by our actions. Protect all life; that is yoga.
"Don't kill them. Protect them, love them, protect them, don't kill them. That is yoga."
"Science is good... but we have to come, please, all animals."
Filming location: Brno, Czech Republic
Be the example!
A yoga teacher must embody the discipline they teach, beginning with diet. Modern food is manipulated and unhealthy, causing illness. Dairy products like milk are contaminated with chemicals; minimize their use. Cheese is tamasic and unhealthy, though paneer is better. Commercial bread contains harmful additives like chicken feather and human hair powder. This artificial food attacks our glandular systems and weakens immunity. We are slaves to taste, a mighty sense. Control it, eat less, and practice more to draw nourishment from prāṇa. Discipline is not easy, as even teachers struggle, but practical application transforms health. One disciple lost 35 kilos and reversed chronic diseases by strict dietary control. Practice yoga daily, sleep early, and wake early. Health and longevity come from consistent practice and dietary restraint. Begin discipline now.
"Tons of theory is nothing without a grain of practice."
"Yoga begins with discipline. So when should we develop discipline? Aṭṭa means now."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
You are great but remain on the path
The living guru and true path are found within an authentic lineage, not through blind faith or exploitation. Modern science connects us physically, but only genuine spiritual transmission guides the soul beyond death. Many teachers and paths exist, each like a mother to her child, yet the root parampara is essential. Discernment is required, as some promise false powers or exploit faith with rituals. True practice involves a pure lifestyle and steady discipline, not mere claims. The breath's exhalation represents the enduring power; life continues beyond this body.
"Next to God is the doctor."
"Exhalation is forever."
Filming location: Rijeka, Croatia
