The Yogic Anatomy and Practice
The subject is Kuṇḍalinī and Chakras. Humans possess a highly developed consciousness capable of realizing the divine energy within. The self is experienced in the heart, yet is present throughout the entire body. The human system is composed of five sheaths: the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and blissful bodies. The 72,000 nerve channels converge at points called chakras, which are centers of energy and consciousness. Desires and mental power are strong forces that can bind or liberate. Various yoga paths exist to purify these layers and direct energy upward from the base chakras, associated with primal instincts, toward the higher centers of perception and unity. The ultimate aim is to transcend all sheaths and realize the oneness of the individual soul with the universal consciousness, which is present everywhere.
"Though it is here, yes, but I am... I am here, but I am everywhere."
"Everyone is God. So everywhere is God."
Filming location: Vancouver, Canada
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Morning practice from Strilky
Today's practice is Vajrāsana, Bhāvan Muktā Āsana, and Marjari with breathwork.
We follow the sequence from the book, omitting the lying-down part due to space.
Begin with hands crossed above the head, lower slowly.
Place straight hands in front, palms facing up.
Inhale, bring fingers to the shoulders, elbows forward.
Exhale, extend the arms to the front.
Repeat this breath-linked movement multiple times.
Sit in Vajrāsana, then straighten the legs.
For Bhāvan Muktā Āsana, sit with straight back and relaxed shoulders.
Inhale, bring the right knee to the chest.
Exhale, forehead toward the knee, hold above the knee.
Remain for four breaths, then release.
Repeat with the left leg.
Bring the tailbone toward the heels, hold the knee, straighten the leg.
Place the foot on the thigh, hold the toes.
Perform Marjari with breath, moving up and down.
Then practice bārikhāṭu with mantra: count one, two, three, then four, five, seven through nineteen, twenty-four to twenty-seven.
Those in poor health sit aside.
"We will follow the sequence from the book, but we cannot do the part that requires lying down because there is not enough space for everyone."
"Stay in this position for only four breaths, then inhale and slowly relax your body."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Help for Nepal
Compassion and selfless service are the supreme spiritual practice. A devastating calamity has struck Nepal, causing immense suffering. The global community, especially India, has provided immediate relief through funds, personnel, and rescue operations. True spirituality manifests as active compassion, seeing all beings as one family. Service to others cleanses the heart and brings profound inner peace, connecting the individual soul to the Supreme. The physical practice of yoga is valuable, but its essence is the union of body, mind, and spirit, symbolized by the sacred sound Om. This universal science of harmonization transcends all religious boundaries.
"Helping hands have more value than folded hands."
"Seva is the supreme Dharma. There is nothing greater than Seva."
Filming locations: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Prakrti - The mother nature
A remedy for joint health and the duty of a teacher to connect with nature.
A yearly treatment for joints involves a specific food preparation. Combine roasted fenugreek and whole wheat flour with ghee, almonds, jaggery, and spices to form laddūs. Consume one each morning for about a month during the cold season, avoiding other oils and specific foods like tomatoes, yogurt, and sour fruits. This regimen strengthens knees, back, and joints, and is beneficial post-childbirth. Nature provides incomparable peace and is essential for practice. A teacher must guide students into natural settings for silent retreats, fostering harmony and equal vision. Avoid gossip and personal complaints; create an atmosphere where all feel respected and leave happy. Like a tree, offer shelter and sustenance without retaliation, serving selflessly.
"Eat one laddū every morning... do not consume any other kind of oil."
"Oh my mind, be like a tree... I endure their nastiness. I give them my fruit instead of a stone."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Thirsty Horse and the Path of Spirituality
The human soul seeks direction amidst universal stress, which persists from childhood through old age despite our efforts. We are like a thirsty horse frightened by the noise of a water pump; to drink, we must accept the noise. Our spiritual thirst must be quenched within the world's clamor.
Time is an unstoppable reality, and individual karma is an inescapable truth that guides our journey. Good and bad actions create impressions upon the soul. The mind and its desires bind us, as illustrated by the transformations of Vālmīki and Tulsīdās. Liberation requires dedicated practice without proclaiming spiritual attainments, for such claims dissipate power. We must walk the path with humility, performing our duties while maintaining spiritual focus.
"Time will not wait for us. It does not matter who is who."
"Karma goes with us like the shadow of our body."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
