A Retreat in Hungary: Reflections on the Upaniṣads and Spiritual Stories
The Upaniṣads are the essence of the Vedas, requiring one to sit at the master's feet and understand with the heart, not the intellect. Self-realization needs both knowledge and devotion, like a bird needs two wings. The ego is strong, making obedience to the Guru's instructions difficult. Spiritual growth often involves searching outside ourselves for what is only found within. Stories illustrate these truths. Education and guidance are vital, as is helping one another. Practice must combine Karma Yoga to cut the ego, followed by the discipline of Rāja Yoga. Trust in the Guru is paramount, and all teachings ultimately point inward.
"The Upaniṣads are the essence of the Vedas. 'Upaniṣad' means to sit at the feet of your master and to listen."
"A bird can only fly if it has two wings. It is the same with us. We need knowledge to understand why we are doing our sādhanā. We need to understand how we can grow in bhakti."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Up next
USA tour, Alexandria
The human mission is to realize our higher purpose beyond mere existence.
We planted a peace tree, a symbol for a world needing peace. Recent violence shows a disconnect between our words and actions. Outer peace begins with inner peace, cultivated through yoga and conscious living. Every creature lives, but humans have a unique duty: to protect, serve, and seek higher consciousness. Yet, few possess true human quality. We must constantly remember, "I am a human," which serves as protection. Consider what it means to be human—it carries great responsibility. What makes us human are divine qualities like love, forgiveness, and kindness. Our prime duty is to awaken these, not merely pursue material gain. Greed disrupts harmony, while contentment brings happiness. The mission is to love all creatures and realize God. This creates good karma; negative actions like war bring negative karma and may forfeit the human birth. Life is for service, protection, and liberation. Time waits for no one; our actions always bring reactions.
"Mother Earth has enough for everyone’s need, but not for their greed."
"Peace cannot be founded anywhere. Peace can only be realized within ourselves."
Filming location: Alexandria, USA
Around the world -- 2011 Satsang tour of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Jasraj Puri Ji in Hungary
2011 jasraj hu tour
Musical recording.
Around the world -- Yoga against diabetes from Czech Republic
Yoga addresses modern diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes through holistic practices. Prolonged stress disrupts physical and mental balance, leading to illness. The system views these conditions from a holistic perspective, where emotional and psychological stress contribute alongside organic dysfunctions. Practices such as relaxation, āsanas, and meditation can influence insulin-producing cells and control disease factors. These techniques shape our attitude toward health, cultivating relaxation, balance, and discipline to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The exercises are systematically arranged for accessibility, even for the elderly or those with limited mobility. Practitioners need only the determination to improve concentration, physical condition, and mental calmness. Teachers should emphasize slowness, calmness, and harmonization, instilling the principle of observing one's body and breath. The practice supports reducing adipose tissue and involves specific movements performed with mindful observation.
"Yoga practices shape our attitude toward health and life."
"Practitioners should be instilled with the principle of perceiving their own body, observing the rhythm of the breath."
Filming location: Czech Republic
God is the weaver of chakras
The most beautiful thing in the human phenomenon is the journey of consciousness and the capacity for liberation. Every entity is connected to cosmic light, but only humans can realize and transmit this awakened power. The guru is any who impart knowledge, removing the darkness of ignorance. One must remain faithful to this guidance, as disobedience leads to accidents both on the road and in spiritual life. The inner garden of consciousness blossoms through devotion; without love, the spirit withers. Lasting happiness is found not in others' love, which turns, but within the divine inner self. The human body is a divinely woven temple, a perfect creation to be honored, not destroyed by vice or superficiality. True beauty is of the heart, not the eyes.
"Lead us from darkness to light. That is the work of the Master."
"The body is your real house. It is the temple of your spirit."
Filming location: Umag, Croatia
DVD 253
