The way Gurudev is teaching
True spiritual knowledge arises from practice and the Guru's grace, not from books or intellect alone. This wisdom flows through an unbroken lineage. The master, like a tree, provides shelter without seeking followers. Many practitioners are lost because they lack a true master or fail to follow instructions. Mere theory is worthless compared to practice. The disciple's growth depends on adhering to the Guru's word. The master acts as a transformer, carefully tuning spiritual power to the disciple's capacity. Doubt severs this connection. The disciple must never correct the master, for the master's word transforms all to righteousness. Final liberation comes from unwavering attentiveness, where the soul's focus at death determines its future state.
"A ton of theory is nothing compared to a gram of practice."
"Where your attention is at all times, there your soul goes."
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The Practice of Śalabhāsana and Complementary Āsanas
The practice of śalabhāsana and complementary āsanas builds strength and influences consciousness. Śalabhāsana strengthens the posterior muscles and works on self-confidence. Hold the posture with full lungs and descend on the exhalation, though breathe naturally if there is high blood pressure. Remain soft while using strength. It corrects the pelvis and benefits the prostate and menstruation. A variation with hands under the body stretches the digestive tract and is ideal before meditation. Avoid excessive bending in the lumbar area; focus the bend in the thoracic part. Follow with relaxation and pavanamuktāsana to release lower back tension. Sarvāṅgāsana benefits peripheral circulation and balances thyroid function, but avoid it with hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or during menstruation. It improves circulation to the head and allows a subtle exhalation. Its counterpose is bhuḍaṅgāsana, which stretches the front and strengthens the arms; bend in the chest area, not the most flexible part. Halāsana stretches the back and affects the neck, emphasizing exhalation. Matsyāsana opens the chest, works on the thyroid and breathing, and is performed with inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth. A one-legged balance pose aids concentration and nervous stability. Ardha Matsyendrāsana regenerates the spine and has anti-inflammatory properties. An inverted posture improves circulation to the head and spiritual development. Conclude with Tāḍāsana and Prāṇāyāma. Bhastrikā Prāṇāyāma intensifies the digestive fire and burns waste; relax the abdomen and let breath flow spontaneously without forcing inhalation. Avoid it with a brain tumor or elevated body temperature. Chant Oṁ to withdraw inward.
"Remain soft in the posture, even while using strength."
"In this posture, simply allow one subtle, extended exhalation."
Filming location: Zagreb, Croatia
Around the world - Yoga Class of Level 6, Zagreb
The practice integrates āsanas, mudrās, and awareness to purify and align the inner systems. Begin by relaxing the mind in Vajrāsana. Yoga Mudrā cleanses impurities, working on depression and eyesight. The most important aspect is to not be carried away by inquiry during the hold. Discipline may become challenging with more time, but consistent short practice is foundational. The offering of yoga must come first to avoid problems. Āsanas like Mayūrāsana generate internal heat and are best practiced when the prāṇa is revealed. Physical preparation through postures like Ustrāsana creates the necessary space in the body. The practice aims to activate centers like the Māṇipūra and Viśuddhi Cakras. Ultimately, one must create something tangible in the physical realm to become necessary, activating every aspect of being without pride.
"Not as one who cleanses, but as one who welcomes the arriving guest."
"If you want to be necessary, then you must create something tangible, but concerning physical matters, not about the subtle."
Filming locations: Zagreb, City of Zagreb, Croatia
Vegetarian cooking lesson 12, Indian Upma
Upma is a simple, nourishing dish prepared quickly with roasted semolina and vegetables. Begin by dry-roasting the semolina to make it lighter and digestible. Heat ghee, which nourishes the body and supports the mind, in a pan. Fry chopped young onions, carrots, kohlrabi, and bell pepper. Mix powdered spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, Himalayan salt, and chili with a little water. Add the roasted semolina to the pan and fry briefly. Pour in boiling water while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes compact. Finish with fresh coriander and lemon juice to enhance flavor. This makes a light meal suitable for breakfast or dinner, served with a vegetable salad and yogurt.
"Ghee greatly improves the entire body, helps create more bodily tissues, and is very beneficial for our brain."
"Lemon juice is very useful as it enhances the flavor of the food."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
This is the time to work on our inner self
Returning to the inner self is the essential work of yoga and the guru.
Humans work hard externally—building roads, houses, caring for creatures. This effort is good, but it neglects the inner body. Daily work on the inner self, even one or two hours, is needed. Yoga is the ancient science of the inner self. The sages made it easy and comfortable. Physical exercises differ from yoga; yoga emphasizes breath. In Haṭha Yoga, Trāṭaka is a technique using the eyes without light. The guru is like a pilot, guiding through inner darkness. Just as a pilot flies blindfolded using instruments, the guru leads within. Asking the guru for everything is not good; discernment is needed. The path involves the five sheaths: Annamaya, Prāṇamaya, Manomaya, Vijñānamaya, Ānandamaya. The guru gives meditation techniques. One can sit for five minutes or an hour and feel happy. Upon opening the eyes, a nice light is felt. This is the difference between yoga and other technologies. The prayer recited invokes the inner self and the guru.
"What is yoga? Why do people practice yoga? Why do teachers design yoga practices? This is for the inner aspect of the human body, inside and out."
"The Guru takes us through our inner Trāṭaka, straight ahead. Our inner guide leads us in that quiet way."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
