Christmas with Swamiji in Vienna
We celebrate the arrival of Jesus, a festival of peace, love, and unity. The world needs light, both physical and the divine light of wisdom within every being. Since organized religion began, division has followed, unlike the universal, indivisible consciousness of Sanātana Dharma. Human greed creates ownership and mental pollution, which is more dangerous than physical waste. Before a bomb destroys others, it destroys itself; similarly, negative thoughts first harm the one who holds them. We are called not to judge, but to forgive and to hate the sin, not the sinner. Modern celebrations have become materialistic and polluting, especially with single-use plastics, which now seem immortal. The true gift is non-material, offered openly without harmful packaging. Our spiritual duty is selfless service, to pass on immortal wisdom. A true disciple, like Jesus, endures suffering without abandoning principle to deliver a divine message. We must write and share immortal wisdom through devotion and trust.
"Forgive them; they do not know what they are doing."
"We hate the sin, but not the sinner."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
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Learning in the Gurukul
The Gurukul provides traditional education rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, distinct from modern commercial systems. Education began with the ṛṣis, and the first university was Takshilā in India. Our Gurukul adopts students as Jñānaputra, offering free education. The ancient Pītāmbara uniform symbolizes purity and focus. True education is cultural, ethical, and spiritual, not merely for earning money. Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. Sanskrit is the mother of most languages, and Indian culture spread globally. The Gurukul system was dismantled under British rule, replaced by a limited English system. We now blend modern competitiveness with foundational morality, teaching why to use knowledge, not just how. Education must be daily and consistent, like eating. Supporters make this possible.
"Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. From the hand, you can steal money... but in the mind, the knowledge, no one can take it."
"We have to have modern education to be competitive in this world. But still, on top of that, Gurudev is trying to put one more layer, which was actually there before."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Around the World - Nadlac
Yoga is a practice for both body and mind. It is not merely physical exercise. The postures and breathing are tools to calm the mind and bring inner peace. A quiet mind is the true goal. This inner stillness allows you to connect with your true self. Through consistent practice, the body becomes healthier and the mind becomes clearer. This harmony within reflects as peace in the world.
"Yoga for Body and Mind."
"I wish for peace in the whole world, and for you, I wish good health, peace, harmony, prosperity, and progress."
Around the world - Opening of new YIDL center in Murska Sobota, Slovenia
A new ashram opens to teach the universal path of yoga, a science of body, mind, and soul for inner peace and health. This place was prepared over many years by volunteers spreading authentic yoga, not as a business. Yoga is an ancient universal science of balance and harmony originating with Śiva, beyond any single religion. It is a tool for modern life, where one must find willpower and time for practice amidst societal haste. The practice requires careful, daily effort without competition, adaptable for all ages and conditions. Its ultimate aim is to realize one's relation with the Supreme, fostering health, peace, and universal brotherhood. The future depends on educating children in this spiritual knowledge.
"Yoga is universal. So I see your centers... as centers of universal brotherhood."
"Yoga means balance, harmony, and unity."
Filming location: Slovenia
Advice for practicing pranayama
True sādhanā is devotion from the heart, not mere ritual or fleeting emotion. The Pāṇḍavas failed to invite a ṛṣi for their yajña by citing their lack of performed sacrifices. Draupadī succeeded by declaring that each barefoot step taken toward a sage is itself a hundred yajñas, demonstrating the power of sincere reverence. Similarly, an unlearned brother who held only to God's name could walk on water through devotion, while his scholarly brother could not. Success comes from inner feeling, not external knowledge. Even the science of breath, prāṇāyāma, must be understood and practiced correctly from the heart, not just mechanically. Its purpose is to connect with the universal prāṇa that sustains all life.
"Each and every step taken toward sādhus or ṛṣis is equivalent to one hundred yajñas."
"Your mantras have no power, but you... you have this power that exists nowhere else in the world."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
