Chandra Bhedan Pranayam
Prāṇāyāma is a vital science for harmonizing body, mind, and soul. Many practitioners are unfamiliar with yogic terms like prāṇāyāma, mistaking yoga for mere physical exercise. A complete system includes āsanas, breathwork, and meditation for holistic health. Prāṇa is life force, inhaled through the entire body, not just the nostrils. The mind's principle is the moon, symbolizing emotion and change. Prāṇāyāma practice begins with the left nostril, associated with the iḍā nāḍī and the moon, to calm emotions, reduce anxiety, and prevent psychic blockages. This practice balances the subtle energies, supports heart health, and develops concentration. Proper technique requires a straight posture without shoulder movement. Mastery leads to deeper practices like svara yoga, aligning breath with spiritual awareness.
"Prāṇāyāma is life. When we inhale through the left nostril, why do we begin with the left? The left nostril is called the moon, balancing the moon."
"Prāṇāyāma with the left nostril. Learn first step by step. It controls our emotions. It controls our everything, the restlessness."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Up next
Searching for the Guru
The body is a divine vehicle for the soul's journey. A disciple suffered severe brain damage and paralysis from an accident. Years later, a second accident caused further injury, with doctors offering a dire prognosis. A spiritual teacher was urgently summoned to the hospital's intensive care unit, where access is typically restricted. The teacher arrived, and the disciple, while in a coma, perceived a profound light entering his being during the teacher's blessing. This experience is held as a testament to the miraculous potential of yoga and complete devotion. The physical form is a wondrous coach pulled by the ten senses, with the intellect as the reins and the soul as the king within. This intricate body, a divine miracle no scientist can replicate, operates with profound intelligence, like the heart's ceaseless labor. True yoga involves exploring this inner universe through practice, expanding consciousness, and surrendering to grace. One must discover and share their unique talents; otherwise, these gifts are lost. The highest practice is satsang and offering a heart full of devotion.
"By the blessing of Gurudeva, He is the Supreme; everything He can do. But there should be complete confidence, devotion, and surrender."
"This body—some aspects we understand, and some we do not. No scientist can do that; it is a God-made world, and that is God's work. It is a miracle."
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
Around the world - YIDL at he Sziget Festival Budapest 2011
Yoga is offered as a sanctuary within a large music festival. For eleven years, we provide a daily practice, showing festival-goers how to relax deeply. Many newcomers try yoga here for the first time. We adapt to the fast-paced environment by offering 20-25 minute sessions tailored to individual requests for rest, asana, or meditation. Initial interest often comes from seeing dynamic asana practice. We always begin with simple, grounding exercises, not advanced postures. We emphasize preserving the tradition's purity and spirituality, contrasting with the popular strength-based styles. Our presence in this community space is essential, as many might not seek out a dedicated center. People practice even amidst loud music, achieving a withdrawal of the senses. This demonstrates that deep relaxation is possible anywhere.
"Based on this, our prepared yoga instructors tailor the session accordingly."
"The astonishing experience we have is that at most they achieve pratyāhāra, the withdrawal of the senses, so that they are absolutely undisturbed by what is happening outside."
Filming location: Budapest, Hungary
Around the world - YIDL at the Budapest Carfree Day
Yoga is practiced in the heart of the city on a car-free day. Our international system, Yoga in Daily Life, was founded by an Indian master and has been present here for over thirty years. We have a center that has continuously held classes from the same location. Today, we practiced with children of various ages. It is interesting to practice yoga on this normally busy avenue. The experience proves you can practice undisturbed even here; the curious onlookers inspire us. We welcome visitors to try this tomorrow.
"It’s a very interesting experience that you can practice yoga even in such a place, and nothing really disturbs you."
"Let them also try what it is like to exercise their right on one of Budapest’s busiest streets."
Filming location: Budapest, Hungary
