The value of Satsang
The great mantra Hari Om reveals the unity of sound, form, and the divine. The syllable Om contains the three tattvas of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva. Viṣṇu resides upon the thousand-headed Śeṣanāga, who supports the earth. From primordial emptiness arose the resonance of Om, from which the deities manifested. Human pride in science ignores how extraction destabilizes the earth, which rests precariously. Spiritual practice is essential, yet ego and vice can persist even after millennia of austerity, as shown in a parable. The story of the ṛṣis Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha demonstrates that a single minute of true satsaṅg holds more power than 72,000 years of solitary sādhanā. All philosophies distill to the law of karma: actions return as their own fruit. Therefore, purify consciousness through diligent practice and righteous living, avoiding harm to all beings.
"Are you blind? You don’t see the judgment? For one minute of satsaṅg, the whole earth raised up, and when it was 72,000 sādhanās, that was not moving."
"If you give pleasant to all... you will get the sukha. If you are giving troubles to others, you will also get a trouble."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Up next
The moon and spirituality
The moon's phases guide spiritual practice toward completeness. Monday honors Śiva and the moon. The new moon, Amāvasyā, brings luck and symbolizes growth. A mantra declares all is complete, as creation comes from completeness. The full moon, Pūrṇimā, radiates special energy influencing consciousness, oceans, wildlife, and human emotions, causing restlessness or calm. Observing new and full moon days through fasting, prayer, and meditation harmonizes one's energy and health. These days are for spiritual focus, avoiding aggressive acts and tree-cutting. The moon's cycle connects to the body's subtle energies through Svara Yoga, aligning breath with cosmic rhythms. Mantras recited morning and night invoke divine protection and steer dreams toward the divine.
"Oṁ Pūrṇamadaḥ Pūrṇamidaṁ Pūrṇāt Pūrṇamudacyate. Pūrṇasya Pūrṇamādāya Pūrṇamevāvaśiṣyate."
"Oh my Lord, every day, every night, please appear in my dreams."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
DVD 464
A Journey of Remembrance and Reverence
I recently traveled to pay respects at the samādhi of a revered female ascetic. She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our tradition, renowned for memorizing sacred texts from a very young age and receiving a title for it. She had a large spiritual family of disciples managing various ashrams. We shared a good connection from past meetings at gatherings and when she visited our Guru. Upon learning of her passing, I journeyed through the night to attend the funeral procession in Ahmedabad, which culminated in her burial at a chosen site outside the city alongside other senior ascetics. It was a full 24-hour journey of remembrance.
"She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our Akhāṛā."
"Her wish was to have her samādhi in Hargośālā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Come here to practice yoga
The ashram's sanctity is preserved by its pure elements and dedicated practice. This land receives only divine water, ensuring the air, fruits, and vegetation remain uncontaminated and wholesome. It is a place for meditation, exercise, and walking among holy trees. One should visit often to partake in this purity, offer prayers, and enjoy the simple, good food. The environment is cool and refreshing, akin to the Himalayas outside of winter. A warm room is maintained for all who come to pray. Our collective work extends beyond the ashram through established councils and yoga programs, operating under United Nations principles to aid people, animals, and nature globally. This duty requires unified action, not individual effort alone.
"From the other side, water comes, but water is already flowing in the other direction, so it does not enter."
"The United Nations doesn’t give the money. But they gave us that we can do something."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Morning Yoga practice, Umag, Croatia (4/9)
A morning practice integrates physical postures with breath awareness to prepare the body and mind. Begin by lying down, interlocking fingers behind the head, and lifting the upper body with an exhalation to feel the back stretch. Move through sequences to stretch the shoulders, back, and legs, coordinating each movement with the breath. Practice lateral bends and forward folds with a straight spine. Engage the abdominal muscles with controlled leg lifts. Conclude with seated prāṇāyāma, focusing on alternate nostril breathing without counting cycles. Observe the natural breath flow and use a mantra to maintain focus, allowing thoughts to pass without analysis. Feel peace filling the heart with each breath.
"With every exhalation, try to deepen the position a little."
"Just enjoy the prāṇāyāma. We don’t have to count the cycles; we just relax and do prāṇāyāma."
Filming location: Umag, Croatia
