Devas and Asuras
The path of prāṇa is the inner churning to reach the nectar within.
Prāṇāyāma consists of inhalation, exhalation, and retention; these three occur naturally in everyone. Specific breath techniques produce distinct effects on body, mind, emotion, intellect, and consciousness. The myth of ocean churning is a metaphor: the ocean is existence and consciousness. The spinal column is the mountain; kuṇḍalinī is the snake. Negative and positive qualities are the asuras and devas within, fighting through overthinking. This churning produces nectar, which is immortality located in the Bindu Cakra. Āyurveda originated from this churning, brought by Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Viṣṇu. Viṣṇu later appeared as Mohinī to distribute the nectar, using illusion to give true nectar to devas and a deceptive drink to asuras. One asura sneaked true nectar, was cut in two, and became Rāhu and Ketu. Rāhu vowed to disrupt auspicious events, so propitiation is necessary at gatherings. The nectar is within every being. Through Kriyā, balance is achieved in cakras and prāṇa. Prāṇa leads to Brahmaloka, which is pure energy. Killing or suicide brings bad karma and suffering. The divine is found within through unconditional surrender and devotion. Inner churning awakens good qualities and leads to liberation.
“O my friend, what you are searching for outside, you are me. I am within you. My hut is outside the city, but my dwelling is in your breath.”
“If you search for me, I will meet you at once; in a single second you will see me.”
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Up next
The ways of Purification
The mantra provides refuge and purification. Recite it mentally in daily life to invoke divine presence and protection. All five elements purify. Earth absorbs impurity, water blesses, air carries life, fire transforms, and space contains all. These elements cleanse body, mind, and atmosphere. Use pure food, breath, and thought for health. Sattvic diet and pranayama remove inner impurities. Joyful practices like song and dance also elevate the spirit. Purification through elements and discipline leads the soul upward.
"Oṁ Namaḥ Śrī Prabhu Dīpa Nārāyaṇam Haṃsabhādas Prabhu Sārṇaparāyaṇam."
"Where there is water, there is God. And where there is God, there is water."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Develop Your mental power
Vajrāsana is a foundational posture with profound effects. It enhances memory, calms the nervous system, and improves concentration. Physically, it relieves stiffness in the neck and back, normalizes digestion, and supports pancreatic and lung function. It aids kidney health and can alleviate hemorrhoids. The posture stretches the lower legs, combating fatigue and aiding athletes in recovery. It harmonizes the heartbeat and awakens the heart center, fostering devotion and clarity, which is why it is often adopted in prayer. It is recommended for five to ten minutes after meals and as a preparation for meditation. However, it is unsuitable for those with ankle, heel, thigh, or hip issues, though props can help. Yoga's benefits are gradual and natural, requiring discipline and consistent practice, not competition. Mastery comes from perfecting one thing, not attempting everything. The postures are part of an ancient heritage, and their systematic application is the teacher's work.
"It removes tiredness and gives you refreshment because the front muscles of your lower legs are stretched."
"If you practice one thing, if you master one thing, you master everything."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
DVD 266
Practice from Auckland with MM Vivekpuri
A yoga session integrates physical postures with awareness to build strength and inner fire. The practice begins with relaxation and breath awareness to release tension. Physical postures like Pavanamuktāsana enhance circulation and digestion, working on specific areas like the groin. Strengthening the body supports the will and builds energy, aligning with the activation of the Maṇipūra Chakra for vitality and digestive fire. Postures also address the spinal column and thyroid, promoting overall harmony. The session concludes with meditation, focusing on breath and mantra to dissolve tension and invite light. Through āsana, energy is both expended and renewed, leading to heightened awareness and inner warmth.
"Problems in our life will only make us stronger and stronger."
"With āsana, we lose some energy, but at the same time we get more energy, and we feel after āsana that we are full with the energy."
Filming locations: Zagreb, Croatia
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
