What makes our soul happy
The jīva, or soul, seeks everlasting happiness, paramānanda, beyond fleeting pleasures.
There are temporary happinesses that vanish and cause suffering. The jīva is eternal, indestructible, and cannot be perceived by physical means. It enters and leaves the body freely, untouched by fire, water, or any obstacle. Every being carries this divine light, driven to attain pleasure and remove all pain. Through the five elements, the jīva manifests the ten senses and is sustained by the life forces. Happiness and sorrow reside in the jīva, not in the body. Seeking joy in material objects yields disappointment because the world is impermanent. Disappointment itself is a process of change and growth. Attachment binds the jīva, like a caged bird prevented from flying. Renunciation requires constant movement to avoid forming attachments. The worldly life is inherently a place of disappointment, even for the Creator. Clinging to relationships brings suffering, for all are transient. Temporary pleasures inevitably turn into pain. Therefore, one must seek paramānanda, the supreme, undying bliss. The jīva is like a drop suspended over the ocean of ātmā; upon merging, individuality dissolves, and it becomes Śiva. All spiritual practices aim for this union, where the jīva finds true peace.
"Each and every entity carries the light of God, and that light of God is not for this body only but for that soul, and that soul is life."
"This jīva is like a drop of water on the whole of our palm, held over the ocean. This drop is jīva, and the ocean is ātmā."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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Practising Asanas 3
Yoga practice requires synchronization, observation, and depth. Begin by relaxing completely in Ānandāsana, feeling the body's heaviness and observing the complete yoga breath. Synchronized movement creates a harmonized energy, unlike individual rhythms which disperse it. This principle applies to physical postures and collective chanting, balancing the ego. Practice with control, not quick movements, to strengthen core muscles and influence the thyroid gland and energy centers. Observe the body's sensations and circulation after each posture. The worst outcome is believing one already knows everything; consistent practice reveals new dimensions within the same postures.
"Once, the first secretary of the Indian embassy in Zagreb was at a seminar. He was so surprised that we were practicing all together, not each in our own rhythm. What he said was, 'Oh, it’s a completely different energy. It is so harmonized.'"
"Try to chant together, not too loud, and be aware of our collective sound. This is also excellent against our ego."
Help for Nepal
Compassion and selfless service are the supreme spiritual practice. A devastating calamity has struck Nepal, causing immense suffering. The global community, especially India, has provided immediate relief through funds, personnel, and rescue operations. True spirituality manifests as active compassion, seeing all beings as one family. Service to others cleanses the heart and brings profound inner peace, connecting the individual soul to the Supreme. The physical practice of yoga is valuable, but its essence is the union of body, mind, and spirit, symbolized by the sacred sound Om. This universal science of harmonization transcends all religious boundaries.
"Helping hands have more value than folded hands."
"Seva is the supreme Dharma. There is nothing greater than Seva."
Filming locations: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Bhajan about Yoga Nidra - yogic sleep
Yoga Nidrā is a state of conscious rest distinct from ordinary sleep. A story illustrates this. Sādhus once criticized a master for apparent daytime sleep. The master explained he was practicing yoga nidrā, a conscious sleep where one remains inwardly awake. In this state, awareness is fully alert while the body rests deeply, rejuvenating more than ordinary sleep. It is a practice for rare yogis. The practitioner's awareness turns inward, ascending beyond the physical. Chakras open like blossoms in this state. One perceives past, present, and future, connected to pure consciousness without physical base. The experience is of limitless light and bliss within the astral space. The mantra guides and sustains this awareness. True understanding of this technique comes only through the guru's guidance.
"Listen, sādhus, I was not sleeping, I was in Yoga Nidrā."
"In that sleep of yoga nidrā, you are completely awakened."
Filming location: Cherkassy, Ukraine
The Essence of Yoga in Daily Life
Yoga in daily life is the integration of spiritual discipline into every action. You must know your purpose. I taught yoga abroad and required a commitment to vegetarianism, refusing to teach those who ate meat. In India, some who never ate meat now do. Upon waking, affirm "I am a human being." Water is divine; a few drops remind you it is within all. Apply it like an injection to feel Jagadīś in your body. Do not let animals into sleeping rooms, though a cat or goat is good. Protect animals and India. Sanātana Dharma exists only in India. Many Indians abroad worship and have left meat. Practice yoga daily. Protect animals, protect India. Do not let animals into the house. The alternative to mobile confusion is to say Om when using the telephone.
"Water is Jagadīś. Jagadīś, Sarveś, Jagadīś, Bhagavān."
"The alternative is to say Oṃ. Say Om whenever you pick up the telephone."
Filming location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
