Practicing from Villach
A guided sequence for physical relaxation and awareness through movement and breath.
Begin by lying down, consciously relaxing the entire body from toes to head. Focus on the breath. Perform gentle spinal twists while lying down, moving the head and legs to opposite sides. Follow with rolling side to side while holding the knees. Stretch the body side to side and then fully. Move to a kneeling position for cat-cow stretches, coordinating movement with breath. Practice standing movements involving arm raises and knee bends to shift weight. Conclude by lying down again for deep relaxation, focusing on the natural breath. The session integrates mindful movement with sustained awareness of bodily sensations and breathing patterns.
"Feel and relax the whole body, from your toes to the top of your head."
"Be aware of your breathing, normal breathing."
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There is no end of learning
The ashram is heaven on earth, a place of immense energy where the Guru is always present in essence. A journey unfolds through divine guidance, not personal will. A trip to India for Guru Pūrṇimā was redirected by unseen forces, leading one back to the ashram family. Later, guidance came through a spoken sentence about Romania, which led to the establishment of an ashram there through inner instruction, not conversation. A pilgrimage to holy sites in the Himalayas was similarly guided, with paths clearing miraculously to allow darśan. In all endeavors, the Guru's direction is for self-learning. Yoga is a path to discover who one is. Scientific research into modified prāṇāyāma, inspired by the Guru's words, later fostered a university collaboration and a successful public yoga event, where a protective cloud appeared as a sign.
"With our yoga in daily life, it is not just āsana. It is a way to learn about ourselves and to look at ourselves."
"One sentence from Gurudev can change and influence so many things."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Rules and regulations are important
Sādhana rests upon four essential principles: conduct, thought, diet, and recreation.
Discipline in behavior is paramount, encompassing punctuality and consideration. Thought must be guarded, as exchanging distracting thoughts creates disturbances within the mind and intellect, leading to afflictions and obstacles. Therefore, many masters impose strict silence during practice. Such rigorous retreats, even for corporate leaders, serve as treatments for stress and psychic turmoil by forcing confrontation with internal heat and agitation, which are then calmed by the Master's guidance. Personal transformation through consistent practice affects one's entire environment, bringing peace to relationships. The essence is to speak only what is necessary, avoiding idle talk. Adherence to these principles of conduct, thought, moderate eating, and mindful activity forms the foundation of successful spiritual practice.
"Exchanging your thoughts will disturb you, definitely. Because such thoughts in sādhana create vikṣepa."
"Speak what is necessary. That’s very important for sādhana."
What is the most precious thing in life?
The most precious thing in life is good health, which yoga provides as a gift from Svayaṁbhū Śiva. This primordial consciousness, unborn and without parents, manifested all creation from the single thought, "I am one, and I will multiply." This manifestation is Sanātana Dharma—the eternal principle of oneness in all existence, not a religion. Humans have lost this spirituality, creating separate religions instead. True religion is to realize your relation to God, leading to Self-Realization where the individual soul and God are one. Life's quality depends on aligning with the positive, divine power (Devī Śakti) of love and non-violence, not the negative (Āsurī Śakti) of harm. In the current Kali Yuga, suffering prevails as humans become selfish, governed by material desire like gold. The only solution is to renounce attachment and thereby enjoy true freedom and enter the kingdom of God.
"Realize your relation to God is the religion."
"Renounce and enjoy."
Filming location: Maribor, Slovenia
Guru Kripa He Kevalam
The current global condition reflects a fundamental lack of respect for all life. Humans have disregarded other creatures, viewing them merely as food, and have destroyed forests, harming the earth's balance. This disrespect may be the root of our afflictions. True health and peace require respecting all creation—animals, forests, and vegetation. Our dietary habits must be sattvic, avoiding harm. Physical health depends on disciplined eating, allowing proper digestion. Yet, bodily care is ultimately temporary. Spiritual progress requires a true guide. Without the authentic lineage and grace of a Guru, one cannot advance, like a traveler without a passport. Distraction by desires causes us to miss the door to liberation. Self-discipline is the essential inner staff for the disciple.
"God did not say, 'Kill this and eat this.' That is criminality."
"Therefore, guru paramparā is very, very important."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
