We should understand the Yoga
The path of yoga integrates hearing, memory, and consistent practice. Śruti is what is heard; Smṛti is memory. Memory alone is insufficient, like transient clouds. Theoretical knowledge from lectures and books is not enough. The practical application of knowledge, shared within the guru-paramparā, is substantial. Practice must be daily, like watering a plant, or knowledge is lost. Yoga in Daily Life is a scientific system encompassing many paths like Haṭha, Kriyā, and Bhakti Yoga. The goal is not merely physical health from āsana but spiritual growth through meditation on the chakras and Kuṇḍalinī, leading to higher consciousness. Do not neglect practice for teaching, and honor the connection with parents and elders.
"Memory is within us. The theory is just like clouds that come and go."
"If we do not practice, then our memory, smṛti, will go."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
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Around the world - Practice in Ukraine
Begin the practice of āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and meditation. Close the eyes and attune to the practice. Scan and relax the entire body. Observe the complete yogic breath. The first āsana is Ānanda Āsana, the posture of relaxation. Lie down comfortably and consciously relax each part of the body. Physical relaxation leads to spiritual relaxation. This posture must be performed at the beginning and end of every session. Next, train in abdominal breathing by placing a hand on the abdomen and observing its movement. Conscious abdominal breathing leads to relaxation and improves circulation. Practice stretching the body by extending the limbs in rhythm with the breath. This releases accumulated tension. Perform head turns and twists while lying down to increase spinal mobility and harmonize the breath. Always observe the effect of each exercise. Move through shoulder exercises while standing to relax and strengthen the joints. Shift body weight from leg to leg to strengthen muscles and improve balance. Conclude by returning to Ānanda Āsana. Scan the body and observe the deepening relaxation. Gradually conclude the practice by moving the fingers and toes. Rise carefully, always moving from lying down through a transitional seated position.
"Physical relaxation leads to spiritual relaxation."
"Conscious abdominal breathing leads to physical and spiritual relaxation."
Filming location: UK
Devas and Asuras
The path of prāṇa is the inner churning to reach the nectar within.
Prāṇāyāma consists of inhalation, exhalation, and retention; these three occur naturally in everyone. Specific breath techniques produce distinct effects on body, mind, emotion, intellect, and consciousness. The myth of ocean churning is a metaphor: the ocean is existence and consciousness. The spinal column is the mountain; kuṇḍalinī is the snake. Negative and positive qualities are the asuras and devas within, fighting through overthinking. This churning produces nectar, which is immortality located in the Bindu Cakra. Āyurveda originated from this churning, brought by Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Viṣṇu. Viṣṇu later appeared as Mohinī to distribute the nectar, using illusion to give true nectar to devas and a deceptive drink to asuras. One asura sneaked true nectar, was cut in two, and became Rāhu and Ketu. Rāhu vowed to disrupt auspicious events, so propitiation is necessary at gatherings. The nectar is within every being. Through Kriyā, balance is achieved in cakras and prāṇa. Prāṇa leads to Brahmaloka, which is pure energy. Killing or suicide brings bad karma and suffering. The divine is found within through unconditional surrender and devotion. Inner churning awakens good qualities and leads to liberation.
“O my friend, what you are searching for outside, you are me. I am within you. My hut is outside the city, but my dwelling is in your breath.”
“If you search for me, I will meet you at once; in a single second you will see me.”
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Everything is in your hands
The initiation of eight sannyāsīs was a highlight. The Master decides readiness; these were not easy individuals, each a long effort to guide. One is profoundly honest, immediately embodying the role. Another prepared for decades through hardship. Three were from Australia, one from Israel, and one Indian who left too quickly. The final one is a devoted and humble soul. Your spiritual progress is ultimately in your own hands. Teachers and masters can only support you; the decisive action is yours. A story illustrates this: disciples, jealous of their Master, trap a bird and ask if it is alive or dead. The Master replies its fate is in their hands. Your liberation, like the bird's life, depends on your decisions. Do not delay in good actions. Regarding dress, disciples should wear white; sannyāsīs wear orange. Becoming a sannyāsī is serious, not a fashion; it helps carry the spiritual light but requires true readiness and independence.
"Master, if you know everything, then tell us what is in my hand."
"My son, whether this bird is alive or dead depends on your hands."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
DVD 180b
The principle of non-violence
A recent global illness was a lesson for humanity alone. This disease did not affect birds, insects, or animals. Humans slaughter creatures, destroy forests, and pollute waters. Many were asked if pure vegetarian practitioners were affected; they were not. The pandemic forced families to reunite and understand each other. Ancient texts speak of great cyclical transformations. The essence of Sanātana Dharma is respect for all nature and living in harmony. True progress requires a single spiritual guide within a lineage, avoiding division.
"Humans come very close, slaughtering the animals."
"In that Sanātana Dharma, their discipline or their way of living, and so they are family—husband and wife and children, mother, father and children, neighbors."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
