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
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We are one
The Īśāvāsya Upaniṣad reveals the oneness of all existence. The opening mantra declares the completeness of the distant divine and the completeness of the entire manifest world. This fullness means nothing is diminished by removal, like water from an ocean. All is permeated by the divine, establishing a fundamental unity that makes conflict unnecessary. The Upaniṣad, part of the Yajur Veda, condenses vast knowledge into eighteen mantras. The first instructs against coveting what belongs to others, for if all is filled with God, one already possesses what is needed. True enjoyment comes through renunciation and contentment. The second teaches to perform duties and live life fully for a hundred years, meaning to live completely. Since action is inevitable while in a body, one should engage in useful work. The third warns that those who commit ātmahatyā—not merely physical suicide but living contrary to one's true duty and Self—enter darkness. The final mantra is a prayer for divine guidance onto the right path.
"Oṁ īśā vāsyam idaṁ sarvaṁ, yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat."
"Kurvanneveha karmāṇi jijīviṣecchaṭaṁ samāḥ."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Vegetarian cooking lesson 8, Samosas
A demonstration on preparing samosas, connecting the process to mindful practice.
We begin by making the dough from a mix of white and gram flour, with oil and water, aiming for a texture that is neither too thick nor too soft. The filling starts with boiling potatoes in their skins, then peeling and cubing them. In very hot oil, we fry spices like coriander and cumin seeds, followed by onion, chili, garlic, and ginger. This spiced mixture is combined with the potatoes to complete the filling. We then roll the dough into rounds, cut them, and shape them to hold the filling. It is crucial to seal the edges very well to prevent the filling from escaping into the oil during frying. The samosas are deep-fried in very hot oil until they achieve a golden color, then drained. This activity is presented as good practice, with the careful sealing metaphorically linked to achieving focused concentration.
"The dough should be neither too thick nor too soft."
"Press it down because we want to have full samādhi."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
The Unshakeable Victory of Truth
Truth is ultimately unshakeable and always victorious.
I began this work with the conviction that truth cannot be hidden; it will always emerge. I have traveled widely, even to places where speaking of God was forbidden, yet I faced no difficulties because I held one thought: the Guru always protects you. Be fearless and without doubt. A story illustrates this: a king, Hiraṇyakaśyapu, sought immortality through a boon that he could not be killed by any known means. He declared himself God and forbade worship. His son, Prahlāda, was a devoted bhakta who continually sang God's name despite his father's persecution. The king finally threatened him before a red-hot iron pillar. As Prahlāda embraced it, the pillar burst open, revealing the Narasiṁha Avatāra—a half-man, half-lion form of God—who killed the king at twilight in a doorway, thus fulfilling the boon's conditions and liberating the kingdom. This victory of truth is celebrated. The lesson is to surrender completely with love, which is the only power that can bind even God. Purify your heart of negativity, for God resides where there is love and sincere dedication. Giving yourself fully is different from merely saying you will.
"Be fearless and without any doubts. Never be afraid."
"God carries His disciples, His devotees, on His palm very carefully."
Filming location: Budapest, Hungary
Your faith is Your liberator
The mission of human life is self-realization. Today commemorates the victory of truth over falsehood. To navigate life successfully, ask five questions daily. First, remember "I am a human," which awakens inner discernment to avoid negative actions. Human qualities like knowledge, kindness, and forgiveness distinguish us; these hidden treasures must be protected. Neglecting these qualities for negative thoughts spoils them, like lemon in milk. Dry intellect without devotion is lost. The prime mission is not worldly achievements but Ātmā-jñāna, realizing the universal Self within all. This human birth offers unique tools for this purpose. Life is a transient theater; we must use our time to realize the immortal Ātmā. Liberation requires sincere practice and unshakable faith in the guiding grace.
"God does not want these tricks. God Kṛṣṇa, Gopāla, is happy when you are doing really with an honest heart, with love."
"In this Kali Yuga, we have only one hope: the name of God, mantra, your mantra. Repeat and repeat and repeat. O human, you will cross the ocean."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
DVD 386
