The Sacred Ritual of Abhiṣeka and the Path of Yoga
The sacred ritual of Abhiṣeka and the path of Yoga.
The ritual begins with invocations to Gaṇapati, various deities, and blessings for long life and removal of obstacles. A saṅkalpa is declared for performing Rudra Abhiṣeka with water offerings for all devotees. The ceremony involves worship of Sphaṭika Maheśvara and the Śiva Parivāra. A series of ritual baths are offered, including water, milk, curd, honey, sugar, and pañcāmṛta. Further offerings include sandalwood paste, sacred ash, flowers, and incense. The ritual continues with Vedic chants, hymns to Śiva, and the Gāyatrī mantra. An āratī ceremony is performed with offerings of light. The worship concludes with a puṣpāñjali and declarations of victory to various deities. The entire performance is a liturgical act of devotion, not a lecture. The stated topic of Yoga is not expounded upon; the content remains a continuous ritual sequence.
"Puṇyaṁ puṇyāhaṁ dīrgham āyur astu nirvighnam astu."
"Vakra Tuṇḍa Mahākāya Sūrya Koṭi Samaprab
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Practicing of the system 'Yoga in Daily Life', Level 3 - Part 1
A systematic practice of the third level of Yoga in Daily Life.
Begin with Om chants, relaxation, and full yoga breathing to calm and oxygenate the body. Proceed through specific asanas, starting with dynamic movements from a kneeling position to increase spinal flexibility and strengthen core muscles. Practice shoulder-supported postures to strengthen the back and regulate bodily functions. Incorporate inverted positions to influence energy flow and circulation. Advance to backbends, balance poses, and a complete sequence of Sun Salutations, integrating breath, movement, and mental focus. Conclude with alternate nostril breathing to harmonize energy and bring balance to the mind and body, followed by final relaxation.
"Feel how this mantra fills your whole inner environment." "This practice is improving the flexibility of the spine and the mobility of the hip joints."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Keep your promises
Saturday's powerful constellation brings both benefit and challenge, reflecting Śani's influence. A story tells of a guru carrying a watermelon that briefly appeared as a severed head due to this energy, illustrating its transformative power. To navigate such influences, one makes a lifelong vow, a saṅkalpa, like giving up a specific food. This principle of promise extends to sacred commitments like marriage, which are not to be abandoned. On Guru Pūrṇimā, all actions and karmas from the past year are offered to the guru. The relationship with one's guru is singular and foundational, like that with one's biological parents. The core practice is to surrender everything to this guiding source.
"A promise is not just saying yes or no to something. It is a promise. When we make a promise, we have to follow it."
"On Guru Pūrṇimā... I give all my karmas, my practice, Gurudev, to you. And what mistakes I made, I also give to you."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Learning in the Gurukul
The Gurukul provides traditional education rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, distinct from modern commercial systems. Education began with the ṛṣis, and the first university was Takshilā in India. Our Gurukul adopts students as Jñānaputra, offering free education. The ancient Pītāmbara uniform symbolizes purity and focus. True education is cultural, ethical, and spiritual, not merely for earning money. Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. Sanskrit is the mother of most languages, and Indian culture spread globally. The Gurukul system was dismantled under British rule, replaced by a limited English system. We now blend modern competitiveness with foundational morality, teaching why to use knowledge, not just how. Education must be daily and consistent, like eating. Supporters make this possible.
"Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. From the hand, you can steal money... but in the mind, the knowledge, no one can take it."
"We have to have modern education to be competitive in this world. But still, on top of that, Gurudev is trying to put one more layer, which was actually there before."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Questions and answers from Debrecen
A yogic path integrates self-sufficient living with disciplined practice. Begin a farm with both greenhouse and organic garden crops, developing it from a hobby into a community offering yoga retreats. The first spiritual step is dietary control: consume limited, home-prepared meals without sweets or junk food. Fast for four to five hours between meals, consuming only water. This discipline eliminates most bodily difficulties, strengthens immunity, and supports meditation, which requires a mantra. Prāṇāyāma cleanses physical diseases, and satsaṅg with virtuous friends is essential. Avoid all intoxicants, as they embody destructive energies. Prefer local, seasonal, organic produce; soy is nutritious only if organic. Raw milk is healthful, but regulations sometimes adulterate it. True practice requires organizing life around these principles.
"Meditation without a mantra is a body without a soul."
"Prāṇāyāma will tell them, 'Get out of this body! What are you doing here?'"
Filming location: Debrecen, Hungary
