In the home of the soul
Space builds beings, and beings build space.
A true ashram is a space for retreat and contemplation, enabling renewal of physical, mental, and social health. It fosters balance and leads toward self-realization. Yoga is the paramount method for this, requiring only the body, breath, and consciousness. It is the science of conscious movement and stillness, a road to original wholeness. A Guru is one who has cognized oneness, from which all arises and returns. Such beings live for others. The relationship between guru and disciple is supreme, pure, and meaningful. The guru's essence is what he is—Sat Chit Ānanda—and he serves to cure the disease of ignorance, which divides us from ourselves, others, and the divine. Sādhanā, the practice of yoga, is the source of strength to help others and ourselves. Liberation comes through knowledge and the Guru's grace.
"Yoga is the science and art of conscious movement. It is the science and art of conscious stillness."
"The essence of a guru is not what he says, not even what he does. The essence of a guru is what he is."
Filming locations: Jadan Ashram, Rajasthan, India.
DVD 171
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The Ocean and the Drop
The individual soul is a drop from the divine ocean.
We are all that divine essence, like a drop from the ocean. Modern science can be used for good or harm, but the ancient yogic science guides only toward good. Our true nature is divine; each cell in the body is God. We are the drop that has temporarily separated. This drop may land in a barren place, but it will inevitably return to the ocean. We are very close to that unity now. All names and forms are of the one God. The soul does not die; it merges. Our prayers should extend kindness to all life. Among billions of life forms, only humans possess the understanding to realize this truth. The path is within, through the heart and meditation, using practices like mantra to return focus inward. External roles are just garments; the inner realization is what matters.
"All animals, all, but humans more, we know that. And we are the drop of that."
"Only life, the soul, the life have only one door."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
Around the World - A Journey of Remembrance and Reverence
I recently traveled to pay respects at the samādhi of a revered female ascetic. She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our tradition, renowned for memorizing sacred texts from a very young age and receiving a title for it. She had a large spiritual family of disciples managing various ashrams. We shared a good connection from past meetings at gatherings and when she visited our Guru. Upon learning of her passing, I journeyed through the night to attend the funeral procession in Ahmedabad, which culminated in her burial at a chosen site outside the city alongside other senior ascetics. It was a full 24-hour journey of remembrance.
"She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our Akhāṛā."
"Her wish was to have her samādhi in Hargośālā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Come here to practice yoga
The ashram's sanctity is preserved by its pure elements and dedicated practice. This land receives only divine water, ensuring the air, fruits, and vegetation remain uncontaminated and wholesome. It is a place for meditation, exercise, and walking among holy trees. One should visit often to partake in this purity, offer prayers, and enjoy the simple, good food. The environment is cool and refreshing, akin to the Himalayas outside of winter. A warm room is maintained for all who come to pray. Our collective work extends beyond the ashram through established councils and yoga programs, operating under United Nations principles to aid people, animals, and nature globally. This duty requires unified action, not individual effort alone.
"From the other side, water comes, but water is already flowing in the other direction, so it does not enter."
"The United Nations doesn’t give the money. But they gave us that we can do something."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Hymns of Adoration and the Nirvāṇa Ṣaṭkam
The true Self is pure consciousness and bliss, beyond all attributes and dualities. It is not the body, the senses, the mind, or the elements. It is without hatred or attachment, virtue or vice, pleasure or pain. It is not the doer, the enjoyer, or any object of experience. This Self is Shiva, the eternal, all-pervading reality. Devotion to the sacred form, the Linga, is praised as a means to destroy all sorrows and sins, leading one to Shiva's abode. These hymns point to the formless truth while honoring the forms that guide the mind toward it.
"I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or consciousness; nor the ears, tongue, nose, or eyes. I am not space, earth, fire, or air. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva."
"To the Linga worshipped by Brahma and the gods, the destroyer of the sufferings of birth, the always auspicious one, to that Linga of Sadashiva, I bow down."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
