Around The World - Vegetarianism and top sport, Part 2
Vegetarian athletes discuss overcoming cultural skepticism to achieve high performance through plant-based diets. Initial motivations differ, with one citing yoga's ethical principle of non-violence and the other seeking a competitive edge in sports. Both faced doubt, especially regarding protein for muscle development or endurance. They explain that plant foods provide all necessary nutrients, but require specific knowledge to combine ingredients like legumes and grains for complete proteins. The environment presents a mental barrier, with a prevailing belief that meat is essential for strength, which they counter with personal results. Diet is highly tailored to their sports: bodybuilding focuses on muscle mass, while endurance sports like triathlon prioritize efficient energy use and recovery. They emphasize mindful eating, noting how food affects acidity, energy, and digestion during training. Discipline and listening to the body are crucial, as is the mindset that transforms training into a joyful, inspired practice beyond mere competition.
"Vegetarian nutrition was simply a continuation. That ethical aspect of vegetarianism, non-violence, developed later."
"People have a kind of sneer, like, 'No, well, look, after all, if you are vegetarian, then you won’t be able to reach that level.'"
Filming location: Zagreb, Croatia
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The play of manomaya kosha
Kuṇḍalinī is the one cosmic energy balancing the universe and manifesting within every body. Prāṇa is this life force, governing bodily functions and uniting the five elements. The body contains 72,000 nāḍīs, channels for Prāṇa's flow, and corresponding chakras governed by Kuṇḍalinī. These chakras range from the Earth Chakra at the feet to the Human Chakras along the spine, connected to the elements. The Ājñā Chakra at the skull's base is the seat of consciousness and wisdom, the border to divine chakras. It is clouded by vṛttis, or mental modifications, which must be purified alongside physical and pranic impurities. Prāṇa is cultivated through consumption, speech, and thought; negative thoughts and harsh words generate harmful energy. The company one keeps shapes one's habits and path: satsaṅg leads to upliftment, while kuṣaṅg leads to downfall. The mind processes impressions from the five senses, storing them in the subconscious and generating desires. Control the senses, not the mi
Women can bring peace
The four yogic paths are interdependent, each requiring the others for fulfillment. Karma Yoga needs the knowledge of Jñāna, the devotion of Bhakti, and the discipline of Rāja. Bhakti Yoga requires the action of Karma, the understanding of Jñāna, and the structure of Rāja. These paths are united like the elements in a body. True discipline, or Rāja Yoga, means following the Guru's word without deviation. In this age, many seek blessings without discipline, believing a mantra is sufficient. This is a mistake. To attain self-realization, one must obey the Master's instructions completely. A story illustrates this: a disciple ignored his guru's specific warning and, by claiming ownership of a thief's shoes, was condemned to hang. The guru's word is paramount; its value is often understood only in hindsight. Holy scriptures constitute this essential guidance.
"Karma Yoga needs Bhakti Yoga. Karma Yoga needs Jñāna Yoga. And Karma Yoga also needs Rāja Yoga."
"If you truly wish to achieve ātmā jñāna, self-realization, liberation, immortality, divinity, and saintliness, then you must follow what the Master says."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
We are cosmic travelers
The Mūlādhāra Cakra is the seat of dormant primal energy and the beginning of spiritual awakening.
The red spot symbolizes the third eye of wisdom that burns all impurity. The Mūlādhāra is the foundation, containing all potential like a seed. Its awakening feels like emerging from darkness into the safety of a mother's lap. The journey of this energy to supreme consciousness is long, like a river flowing to the ocean. This chakra is depicted as a lotus, symbolizing beauty and creation while remaining detached from the worldly water. It has four petals representing the four ways life enters this world. An inverted triangle within it symbolizes creative energy; if not awakened, this energy flows downward. A mighty elephant with seven trunks represents prosperity, strength, and the earth's minerals. Within resides the Śiva Liṅgam, the pillar of consciousness, around which a snake representing time is coiled. Spiritual practice awakens this snake to rise, granting vision beyond time. The
Chakras, Nadis and Kundalini
Chakras are rotating circles of energy within the body, representing major energy centers. They are symbolic, not literal anatomical structures. Thousands exist at the junctions of the nāḍīs, the body's nerve network. This system exists for the soul's journey, supported by five bodily sheaths and the five elements. The three main channels are the Iḍā (Moon, mind/emotion), Piṅgalā (Sun, action/temperament), and central Suṣumnā. Their intersections form powerful chakras, like the Viśuddhi at the throat for purification. The mind is a messenger between senses and intellect; do not block it, but give it direction. Problems arise from suppressed emotions, which can manifest as physical illness. Practices like prāṇāyāma maintain this network for health. Awakening energies like kuṇḍalinī requires great care, as improper handling can be harmful.
"These chakras are a methodological representation. You will not see this exact picture if you look within your own body."
"The mind is a river; we should not block it. If we block a dam, we must provide an outlet."
Filming location: London, UK
