The Law of Karma: Our First Guru
The law of karma is the fundamental principle governing life and our first spiritual teacher.
Karma means action, a universal law of cause and effect like gravity. It operates through body, speech, mind, and wealth or position. Physical acts are obvious, but mental activities and emotions create even stronger karma. Using wealth or authority to instigate action generates multiplied karma for the instigator. This world is Karma Bhūmi, where we experience, create, and purify karma. The law's purpose is pedagogical, teaching through consequences to overcome negative qualities like selfishness and develop positive ones like compassion. It is a slow and often painful teacher, leading one to seek ethical guidelines and ultimately a guru for clearer guidance. Karma is stored as subtle vibrations in the causal body, accompanying the soul and necessitating reincarnation until all karmas are purified.
"Who cannot give life has not the right to take life."
"The law of karma is our first guru."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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Hatha Yoga Kriyas (2/3)
Trāṭak is the sixth Haṭha Yoga purification, a practice of gazing on one point to concentrate and purify the sight. It uses a candle flame, a black spot, or the rising or setting sun, never direct sunlight. The flame is placed at arm's length, which strengthens eyesight and helps those who are short- or far-sighted. It trains the mind to focus on one point, calming scattered thoughts and vrittis, leading toward one-pointedness and meditation. Practice requires a peaceful place without drafts or disturbances, wearing loose, natural clothing to contain energy. The ideal flame height is at the heart center, as gazing on the outer light opens the heart chakra and leads to perception of the inner light. Pure ghee lamps are best, but a non-smoking plant-based candle is acceptable. Begin by gazing at the middle of the flame for 30 seconds, then close the eyes to observe the afterimage, repeating this cycle three times. Keep the body and eyes still, relaxing the eyebrow center. Do not practice if overly tired, or if experiencing schizophrenia or depression.
"Trāṭak is not relaxation; it is not meditation. It is concentration."
"Take this light, this flame, inside. This light is the symbol of the highest Self."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Merging into light
Truly, there is no inherently bad day; only unfortunate events occur.
All creation holds beauty that requires care, from plants to furniture. When something cherished is lost, sadness arises. Objects touched by a holy one carry value because of that personality, not money. Negative thinking alone is bad; before judging, negativity already dwells within. The wise do not grieve because the soul is immortal. Without knowledge of the soul, attachment to form causes sorrow. A saint’s passing is a merging into Brahman, not cause for sadness. The sixteenth day is marked by Sorsi Bandhara, a feast with gifts and pusp anjali. This offering of flowers connects to the sixteen siddhis of attainment. The moon’s sixteen kalas influence plant growth and immunity. Planting during the waxing moon yields stronger, pest-resistant plants. Devpuriji possessed such light that he could appear in multiple places simultaneously. He once appeared to Holi Guruji, saying he was going to Europe to help. Immortal saints are present wherever remembered; they never leave. Yet the physical heart still feels longing, for love is boundless.
“Anything that has touched your Gurudev, keep it, for one day he or she will no longer be here. But you will treasure that it was her or his blessing.”
“I am going to Mahesh… to Europe… but on the way, I saw you sitting here, so I stopped just to bless you.”
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The name of the God you can't get everywhere
The human aim is peace, harmony, and self-realization; without spiritual path, one is as an animal.
Continual satsang and divine gathering are a blessing. The parampara gives a priceless jewel—God’s name—not bought in any market. Guidance and protection flow from the tradition. Spiritual knowledge increases through deep practice, like pearls found in ocean depths. Human birth is for self-realization. A great devotee’s verse states: those without knowledge, austerity, wealth, wisdom, character, quality, or dharma are a burden on the earth. Two educations exist: worldly knowledge for survival, and higher spiritual knowledge as divine blessing. Mercy is the root of dharma; pride the root of sin. As long as life remains, mercy must not be abandoned. The boat of truth—the Satguru—carries across the ocean of worldly existence. The divine name is wealth that cannot be stolen and only grows when consumed. Wake up, remember the duty, and fulfill dharma. God is always present, but one must live as a devotee, embracing a divine life. Always pray for the health and well-being of the guru. Repeat the mantra for that health whenever possible.
“Yeṣāṁ na vidyā na tapo na dhanam na jñānam na śīlam na guṇo na dharmaḥ, te mṛtyu-loke bhūmi-bhāra-bhūtāḥ.”
“Pāyajī, maine Rāma ratana dhana pāyā, jagata meṁ lāge saba phīkā. Khāyā na khūṭe, cora na lūṭe, dina dina baḍata savāyā.”
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Use your common sense!
Discerning Guru Vākya with common sense is essential. When a Guru speaks, the answer is often for the person asking, not for everyone. Hearing a reply meant for another does not make it Guru Vākya for you. Direct personal instruction from the Guru is for that disciple alone and should not be broadcast as a universal command. Consider the agarbattī example: modern chemical incense is harmful and prohibited, yet pure agarbattī was once used sparingly. This illustrates that context determines a teaching’s application. People frequently misuse the term Guru Vākya to force their own desires upon others. They wield it as a sword, as blackmail, claiming divine sanction for personal wishes. Common sense, viveka, must be exercised. Be aware of who relays the Guru Vākya; the source may distort it. Just as fake news spreads, false teachings circulate without knowledge. Do not be critical, but think about what is heard. Often, one only hears the Guru Vākya that aligns with personal wishes. What Grandma wants, Grandma will dream about. Being near the Guru can challenge the ego, causing inner conflict; this is normal. Only when empty inside, like the bamboo flute, can the divine play through you. Thus, discern with awareness, using common sense to navigate the multitude of sayings.
“If you are passing near the gaddi of Viśvagurujī, and somebody puts a question and you hear the answer, that answer is for that person. For that person, it is Guru Vākya. For you, maybe it is not.”
“Mostly people use Guru Vākya, only that kind of Guru Vākya which is going to my wishes, what I want.”
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
