Yoga in Daily Life - exercise program
Morning practice begins with relaxation, proceeds through āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and culminates in meditation.
Lie on the back, relax fully. Tense and release the right arm, then the left, each three times. Draw the right foot toward yourself, press the leg down, release; repeat left. Tense the entire body three times, then deep inhale and exhale. Inhale raising the right arm overhead, stretching the right heel; exhale lower; repeat twice. Raise both arms, bend knees; exhale rotate legs right, head left; inhale center; then switch sides. From the same position, exhale cross left hand to right palm twisting, inhale return; then switch sides. Roll onto the right side, join palms; inhale left hand up, exhale return; then switch sides. From bent knees, bend knees right, exhale left palm to right; inhale sweeping arms overhead while rolling to the other side. Lift pelvis vertebra by vertebra, lower three times. Raise the right leg, draw the knee to the chest; repeat left. Turn onto the stomach, lift torso and arms, lower; lift extended legs in Śalabha, lower, relax in tiger pose. Sit in Uttāna Praśṭhāsana with elbows held, head hanging; inhale lift torso parallel, exhale release; sway side to side. Kneel with a wide stance, sink the pelvis to each side. Stand, fix the gaze, draw the knee to the chest; practice Katupranām stepping forward, kneeling, crawling back. Relax in Ānanda Āsana, then sit for prāṇāyāma with full yogic breath; perform Nāḍī Śodhana: twenty breaths left nostril, then right, then a shorter round. Chant Om three times, rub palms over the eyes, and open the eyes.
"Always practice only to the extent that feels comfortable; never try to practice to the point of pain."
"With the inhalation, energy flows throughout the entire body. With the exhalation, the body cleanses itself, relaxes, and releases tension."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Up next
Yoga will remove suffering
Yoga is the original, simple science of union, not the myriad of modern imitations. It calms the mind and emotions, which positively affects the entire body. Wrong practice or half-knowledge causes suffering. Choose simple, accessible postures suitable for all ages, avoiding extremes. True yoga encompasses life's entire journey, beginning with the conscious conception of a child. Parents must purify their bodies, minds, and thoughts through harmonious living and specific diets to welcome a noble soul. This care continues after birth with loving protection, proper nourishment, and ceremonies like massaging the infant's chakras. The human birth is a crucial milestone for the soul to escape the cycle of rebirth by cultivating humility and kindness. The first spiritual practice is discerning the eternal truth from the impermanent world. Attachment is the primary obstacle, a persistent glue one must strive to rise above.
"Yoga is yoga."
"Brahma satya and jagat mithyā. The final truth is the Brahman. This world is not permanent."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Around the World - 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
International Yoga festival 2017, 21st of November
Yoga is a universal science of balance, harmony, and union, not a religion, though all religions arise from its principles. It encompasses physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. The essence of yoga and Ayurveda together allows the soul to ascend. True education in ethics and morals comes primarily from parents, not formal schooling alone. A pure vegetarian diet is aligned with yogic living. The practice is a vital remedy for modern lifestyle diseases and must be preserved and spread globally.
"Yoga is not part of any religion, but all religions are a part of yoga, because yoga is universal."
"Health is not everything, but everything is nothing without health."
Filming locations: Dharmasthala, Karnataka, India.
Meditation and quality of life
Meditation is the answer to all questions about life's purpose and one's own nature. Humans possess higher aims beyond basic animal functions. Upon waking, one must ask: What does it mean to be human? Do you value this life? Good qualities like love and kindness define humanity and are cultivated through good society and ethical education. The mission of human life is to achieve higher consciousness and self-realization, not merely a routine of work and retirement. Meditation provides motivation, new energy, and a deep connection to the divine self, dissolving stress and confusion. It requires knowing why you practice. Adopt a comfortable posture like Sukhāsana or Vajrāsana. Use a mantra and a mālā of 108 beads. A meditation shawl retains bioenergy and provides protection. "Meditation is a way to thyself, which means to God." "Where there is love, there is unity, and where there is hate, there are wars and quarrels."
Filming location: Bratislava, Slovakia
DVD 508
