The Awakening of Consciousness: Kuṇḍalinī and Cakras
The science of yoga is the science of body, mind, and consciousness. Yoga is the eternal balancing principle in the universe, not a religion or dogma. The cosmic vibration, declared as OM, exists within and outside us. Human life is a precious chance within the cycle of rebirth. The human intellect can be trained endlessly, and dormant abilities within are connected to the cakras, or energy centers. The subtle body has 72,000 nāḍīs, or channels, for transmitting consciousness and energy. The mind functions between the subconscious and conscious, taking in impressions that become desires. The intellect's duty is to give judgment. We normally experience three levels of consciousness: waking, dream, and deep sleep. Past deeds create our destiny, or prārabdha karma. The Kuṇḍalinī energy and the cakra system are responsible for developing consciousness and freeing it from subconscious fears. The major nāḍīs are Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and Suṣumṇā, balancing emotion and intellect. Haṭha Yoga unites these sympathetic and parasympathetic principles. The awakening of Kuṇḍalinī is a divine process of becoming wise and calm, not a physical sensation. The cakras are located along the spinal column and are psychic energy centers. They are connected to the five elements and influence the body. Mastery leads towards liberation, the union of individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness. This requires lifelong practice and guidance.
"Yoga is not a religion, it is not a philosophy, it is not a dogma, but it is the eternal principle in this universe."
"The awakening of the Kuṇḍalinī is a divine process; you don't feel it as a physical sensation. You feel happy, as if in the lap of the mother."
Filming location: Zagreb, Croatia
DVD 188
Up next
What a Knowing Person Thinks
The true Self is the unchanging reality beyond all transient forms. Śaṅkarācārya's works, like the Viveka Chūḍāmaṇi, teach Advaita, or non-duality, asserting no difference between the individual Ātman and the supreme Brahman. Where duality exists, there is change and suffering. Our body, mind, and feelings are changeable, but the Ātman is not. The practice is to discriminate between the Self and the non-self. The Self's nature is Sat-Cit-Ānanda: existence, consciousness, and bliss. This reality is undisturbed, like the ocean is undisturbed by waves. All problems arise from identifying with the body and mind. Knowing your true Self is the answer to every question and the end of suffering. Liberation is realizing you are that blissful consciousness. Religious conflict stems from not knowing this Self.
"Where there is duality, there is change or an end. Where there is no dualism, there is unity."
"Know thyself' is the answer to all your questions. 'Know thyself' is salvation from all the problems."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
DVD 151b
Bhajan evening in Jadan Ashram
The yogic sleep of the realized being is a state of wakeful awareness. In that sleep, one knows wakefulness and makes the night bright as day. The senses are withdrawn yet perceiving, unattached like a white lotus in muddy water. One abides in the self, radiant on the throne of the heart. Wherever one looks or hears, there is no ordinary thought or sight. This is the sleep known to saints and sages, where consciousness remains fully conscious.
"In that sleep, one knows wakefulness and makes the night bright as day."
"Wherever one looks or hears, there is no ordinary thought or sight."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Bhajans from Slovenska Vas
Archive 20220723 17 Edited
Musical recording.
Bhajan singing in the Strilky Ashram
The essence of spiritual transmission lies in the Guru's grace and the disciple's receptivity. The sacred words and hymns originate from the enlightened masters. These teachings are preserved in extensive texts. The precise historical details are less significant than the living truth they convey. The fundamental reality is known directly through this grace. Logical analysis of form cannot grasp this essence. The path is sustained by devotion and attentive listening.
"Antaḥ Mūlaṁ Guru Vākyaṁ, Śravaṇa Mūlaṁ Guru Kṛpā."
"Jaha sun chetan hai, aur nazar nahī̃ ānī hai..."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
