In the home of the soul
Space builds beings, and beings build space.
A true ashram is a space for retreat and contemplation, enabling renewal of physical, mental, and social health. It fosters balance and leads toward self-realization. Yoga is the paramount method for this, requiring only the body, breath, and consciousness. It is the science of conscious movement and stillness, a road to original wholeness. A Guru is one who has cognized oneness, from which all arises and returns. Such beings live for others. The relationship between guru and disciple is supreme, pure, and meaningful. The guru's essence is what he is—Sat Chit Ānanda—and he serves to cure the disease of ignorance, which divides us from ourselves, others, and the divine. Sādhanā, the practice of yoga, is the source of strength to help others and ourselves. Liberation comes through knowledge and the Guru's grace.
"Yoga is the science and art of conscious movement. It is the science and art of conscious stillness."
"The essence of a guru is not what he says, not even what he does. The essence of a guru is what he is."
Filming locations: Jadan Ashram, Rajasthan, India.
DVD 171
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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
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
Invocation of the Divine Lineage
The text is an invocation to a divine lineage and a critique of its textual inconsistencies. It begins with repeated praises to deities and gurus, establishing a spiritual lineage. The chant uses honorifics and names in a devotional, repetitive structure. A separate analysis then points out logical flaws in the transcribed text. It notes variations in the spelling of sacred names. It highlights inconsistent use of synonymous honorifics like "Jaya" and "Jai." The analysis observes a lack of uniform punctuation and phrasing. It states the repetitive order of names varies slightly across iterations. The core devotional purpose remains, but the transcription shows formal inconsistencies.
"Oṁ Bole Śrī Dīp Nārāyaṇa Bhagavān Kī Jaya."
"Viśvaguru Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara, Śrī Svāmī Maheśvarānandajī Gurudeva Kī Jaya."
Bhajans from Strilky Ashram
The seeker questions the divine veil that obscures the true name and presence. A direct plea is made, asking why this separation is maintained when the longing is so intense. The seeker states they see yet do not truly see, perceiving the form but not the essence. The name itself is questioned as being used as a veil. The discourse then turns to praise, acknowledging the inner dweller within all beings and the true Self that is the object of meditation. The work of the divine is noted as occurring through fundamental steps and elements.
"Why do you keep a veil from me?"
"I can’t see you. Even if I see you, I see you, but I don’t see you."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
