For a limited time, we are granting viewers of Swamiji.tv on-demand streaming access to the Swamiji.tv archive. All videos are copyrighted by the International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship. We invite you to support our social projects with a donation. With your support, the Fellowship carries out numerous social projects in India. To continue these activities, every donation is deeply appreciated. Please support us here: https://swamiji.tv/support
The Four Pillars of Life and the Nature of Dharma
Human life is balanced upon four pillars: dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa.Dharma is the foundational principle of nature, discipline, and purity; it is not man-made religion. Protecting dharma ensures protection. Artha is material wealth required for survival and to help others, but greed for excess creates bondage, … read more »
Curtain Of Ignorance
The inner world is a beautiful kingdom, a divine gift where you are the sovereign.The mind and senses are its inhabitants; do not become their slave, for slavery leads to destruction and suffering. This city can also be a city of cheaters, a training ground where ignorance veils the truth. … read more »
Sadhana Means Period Of Practice
Kaṭha praṇām is a superior practice, a blessing for yoga and life.The body is a temporary temple, essential for all spiritual work. Neglecting it is foolish. It is a divine creation, meticulously formed, a precious instrument for the soul. Therefore, respect and listen to the body. Āsanas … read more »
Controlling the Activities Of The Mind
Brahmavidyā is the science for mastering the prāṇas.Meditation with mantra is its key, harmonizing energy and reducing unnecessary mental fluctuations called vṛttis. Patañjali describes two vṛttis: kliṣṭa, which are disturbing, and akliṣṭa, which are not. Both are influenced by social company. A single … read more »
Self Realization Is Not The End
The path extends beyond self-realization to Brahmajñāna.The body is a divine instrument, with each limb possessing great value. Self-realization answers the fundamental question of identity, revealing one as the Ātmā. This knowledge is not the final destination but the beginning of the … read more »
Appearing Of Jyotirlingam
Morning lecture from summer seminar in Strilky Ashram.Jyotirlinga are shrines where Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a Jyotirlingam. There are twelve traditional Jyotirlinga shrines in India and Dwardash Jyotirlinga is the embodiment of all 12 Jyotirlingam found in India. Swamiji … read more »
Sataguru Jaga Me Aya Mera
The Satguru's arrival initiates a profound inner transformation.The divine sound 'So'haṃ' is imparted, revealing the Supreme Light. The vital energy reverses its flow, and the inner channels are unified. Awareness turns inward to the cave of the ear, where a throne of lightning … read more »
Bhajans Contain A Great Teaching
The teachings of yoga are divine revelations, not human inventions.All classical techniques, from āsanas to prāṇāyāma, originate from this source. The primary vehicle for this knowledge within our tradition is the bhajan. These are not merely songs but sacred utterances containing the complete spiritual path. … read more »
Invisible Guru Teaching
The spiritual path begins with a single encounter that ignites an inner flame.Everything we seek already exists within us, yet we often search externally. Progress is seen in retrospect, not in daily preoccupations. A first meeting with the teacher can be chaotic and confusing, filled with doubt and … read more »
Sanskrit Is A Divine Language
Sanskrit is a divine, systematic language originating from Vedic Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and their auxiliary sciences.It is part of the vast Indo-European family, sharing deep roots with many modern languages. Sanskrit's perfection lies in its precise grammar and unlimited capacity for word creation from verbal roots, allowing exact expression of all … read more »
Pain Of Separation Is A Driving Force
The call to spiritual inquiry arises from the pain of separation from one's true nature.Pain is inherent in life and serves as a motivator. Suffering, however, is an optional response. We are conditioned by identifications and roles, creating a confused personality. This identification with what we are not generates persistent … read more »
Tapasya Is A Way To Purification
The master's absence is a direct teaching and test for spiritual practice.Accept the situation as a blessing and a chance for inner work. The core teaching is to accept, understand, and give. Reflect on the true purpose for being here: to progress on the spiritual path through … read more »
Samadhi
Prāṇa is a subtle life force distinct from physical oxygen.Our physical body requires this earth-specific oxygen, but the astral body, composed of prāṇa, can travel without it. Consciousness operates through various states. Sleep is a natural samādhi where dreams occur, yet they offer imagination, not … read more »
Three Kinds Of Sadhana
The practice of sādhanā is supported through group retreats, daily yoga classes, and satsa g.Satsa g presents the wisdom of the tradition and all saints, continuing the Brahmavidyā practice. The teachings include the five elements, the ten prāṇas, the five layers of the body, and the structure of the worlds. … read more »
Children Program
Children are the light of tomorrow, shaped by guidance and connection to nature.Time is a mental construct, yet within it we must act. Recent gatherings saw youth engaged in environmental cleanup, leaving spaces pristine and supporting local communities. Children participated in nature programs, learning directly from the organic … read more »
Ayurveda and Yoga Goes Hand In Hand
Āyurveda defines health as physical and mental equilibrium.Health exists when the bodily humors are balanced, digestion is strong, tissues function properly, and wastes are eliminated timely, while the self and mind remain content. The entire universe, including humans and food, is composed of … read more »
Knowledge Is Our Best Wealth
The path from learning to wisdom involves completing our inner chapters.Time passes, yet we wish to remain established in Brahman. Where are we not? The difference between vidyā and jñāna is crucial. Jñāna is direct perception of reality. Vidyā is the learning process, the highest wealth … read more »
Morning Satsang From Srilky
A bhajan celebrating a guru's life and mission is examined.The composition details a divine incarnation's birth, early spiritual awakening, and renunciation. It describes rigorous training under a master, leading to a visionary encounter and the reception of a global mission to teach yoga and alleviate … read more »
We Cannot Deny Guru Principle
Guru Pūrṇimā has two explanations.The first is the day the earth first experienced the complete light of sun and moon directly, symbolizing the union of Śiva’s power and the earth. The second is the birthday of Vedavyāsa, who preserved the … read more »
The Sun, the Moon, and the Vajra Nāḍī
The Mahāmṛtyuñjaya mantra and prāṇa are central to practice.Chant with resonance to connect. Visualize offering to Śiva. Prāṇa must be strong and present in the chant. The written Oṃ contains symbols: the svastika represents the sun, a source of life. The dot represents Brahman; … read more »
Dharma Is An Universal Principle
The essence of Sanātana Dharma and the path of a teacher is understanding universal principles beyond man-made religion.Yoga is a complete science of body, mind, and consciousness, more demanding than becoming a doctor. Religion is a man-made thought, while dharma is the eternal principle and obligation inherent in all existence. Everything—elements, seasons, relationships—has … read more »
Amavasya - Moon Darshan
The moon governs the mind, and its grace is accessed through the Guru's guidance.Somavati Amavasya, the dark moon, is a powerful time connected to Shiva and the flow of nectar. The moon's changing phases mirror the restless, changeable nature of the mind, which is ruled by emotion and indecision. … read more »
Science Of Prana And Pranayama
Prāṇa is the cosmic energy that sustains life and consciousness.It transforms negativity and possesses a healing quality. This energy becomes mixed with earthly elements, such as from the ocean and vegetation, to form the oxygen necessary for physical life. Pure cosmic energy is too potent … read more »
Prana Is King Of Our Life
The human life is a precious opportunity to realize the divine unity underlying all creation.All beings arise from one source, like branches of a single family. The diversity of languages and names creates the illusion of separation, leading to conflict. The soul journeys through countless forms before attaining a human … read more »
Purify The Karmic Layers
The human journey is governed by the law of karma, which creates destiny.Positive karma purifies the layers surrounding the soul, while negative karma obscures it. This destiny automatically guides each being through various realms, including heavenly worlds where one stays only until their merit is exhausted. The ultimate … read more »
Learning Has No End
Life is a school of perpetual learning, guided by the Divine Mother of knowledge.Vidyā, or learning, is a lifelong practice with no empty space devoid of lesson. Knowledge is of two kinds: intellectual knowledge of the material world and spiritual theory, and the applied knowledge of aiming toward a … read more »
Yama and Niyama (10) Ishvara Pranidhana
Īśvara Praṇidhāna is complete devotion and surrender to God, the culminating principle.It is emphasized by its placement at the end, just as Ahiṃsā is at the beginning. This principle appears earlier in the Yoga Sūtras as a direct technique to achieve samādhi. Perfect practice of the yamas … read more »
Yama and Niyama (9) Svadhyaya - self study
Svādhyāya is a threefold practice of study progressing from scripture to self to the Self.It first means studying holy texts and spiritual biographies for inspiration and personal lessons. True study requires contemplation and application. Deeper svādhyāya is self-inquiry meditation, neutrally observing thoughts and emotions to purify the mind. The deepest … read more »
Yama and Niyama (8) Tapas - self discipline
Tapas is voluntary, purifying discipline, distinct from involuntary suffering.The Yoga Sūtras first mention tapas, svādhyāya, and īśvara-praṇidhāna as Kriyā Yoga, a preparatory path. Tapas derives from 'tap,' meaning fire, symbolizing purification through chosen challenge. It is a yogic achievement, not the unavoidable pain of … read more »
Yama and Niyama (7) Santosha - contentment
Santosh is contentment independent of all conditions.Normal satisfaction depends on fulfilled desires and is temporary. True contentment is an inner achievement, making one happy regardless of outer circumstances. It can be approached by accepting life as the result of past karma or … read more »
Yama and Niyama (6) Shauca - purity
The niyama of śauca is purity on all levels.Cleanliness seems simple, like washing or bathing. But purity is yoga's motto: a path of purification. Our true nature is light, obscured by impurity. Techniques like nāḍī śodhana purify energy channels. Haṭha Yoga kriyās purify the … read more »
Yama and Niyama (5) Aparigraha - non possessiveness
Aparigraha is non-possessiveness, an attitude of not being owned by one's possessions.It is not non-possession but relates to our inner stance toward the material world. Modern society cultivates endless desire through advertising, creating unhappiness. The principle is to limit needs and cultivate contentment. Greed is a global … read more »
Yama and Niyama (4) Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya is directing all activity toward divine consciousness.The common interpretation as celibacy is one small aspect. Two sense organs, taste and reproduction, are most powerful and control the world. Controlling one influences the other; fasting and dietary discipline are initial techniques. This energy … read more »
Yama and Niyama (3) Asteya - non stealing
Asteya is the principle of non-stealing, a specific application of non-violence.Stealing harms another and creates immediate karma within the mind, generating guilt, fear, and disturbance. This mental agitation obstructs spiritual practice like meditation. Karma perpetuates itself; a single act can form a habit that shapes personality. … read more »
Yama and Niyama (2) Satya - truthfulness
Truthfulness is not merely abstaining from falsehood; it is a nuanced principle intertwined with non-harming.A simplistic adherence to factual speech can cause injury, revealing that truth must be guided by compassion and discernment. The intention, timing, and manner of speaking are paramount. One must scrutinize whether the motivation is to … read more »
Yama and Niyama (1) Ahimsa - non violence
Ahiṃsā is the supreme duty and foundation of the spiritual path.The yamas and niyamas are not merely beginner steps but provide comprehensive guidance for the entire journey. They are eight limbs to be practiced together, not in a rigid sequence. The yamas, like non-violence and truthfulness, … read more »
Program from Bratislava
Life is an eternal journey, not a destination.The human form represents the peak of creature consciousness, from which one must choose to descend back into creation or ascend toward Brahman for ultimate liberation. The inner self remains constant while the body ages and … read more »
Only The Bhajan Of God Is The Truth
Morning Session from Anusthana Retreat Strilky, Czech Republic.Bhajans are the essence of all Vedas, Upanishads and Holy Scriptures. The highest technique of achievement in yoga and spirituality is the satsang. It is the essence of all which has the content of the entire … read more »
Create Humbleness
Spiritual development requires the dissolution of ego, not its inflation.A story tells of a crow on a temple roof who believed the prayers inside were for him. He was mistaken. This illustrates the ego that arises from spiritual identity. True greatness never announces itself. As … read more »
Bless All - Don't Curse
The path requires inner inquiry, not outward blame.Spiritual practice is meaningless without inner change. Self-study reveals what to transform. Do not merely think you are divine; understand your senses and desires. We are slaves to desires, surviving just with God's name, praying for … read more »
Experience Of Self Realization
Human freedom lies in choice, while ultimate judgment rests with divine law, not human opinion.Other beings live by necessity, without the capacity for conscious deviation. Humans possess the freedom of intention and choice, directing consciousness toward higher or lower states through their deeds, known as karma. This principle is not … read more »
Victory Of The Divine
The light of the saint and the fire of the ego are the two energies within.Holy saints appear in human form, sharing the same culture and appearance, yet their inner experience is of oneness with all creatures. They possess miraculous abilities, or siddhis, used for understanding, not domination. The fire is … read more »
Mantra Anusthana
The purpose of retreat is inner purification and rest.Life's stress and mental pollution require periodic cleansing, like washing a cloth. This regeneration of energy supports spiritual progress. We undertake retreat for rehabilitation and practice. Certain burdensome thoughts cannot be stopped by will alone. Primary … read more »
Mahashivaratri Celebration by Czech Hindu Religious Society, Prague
Mahāśivarātri is a worship of Lord Śiva, celebrating consciousness, liberation, and the universal principle.The Śivali ga is the central focus of worship, representing the entire universe. Śiva is the uncreated, endless consciousness that manifested itself. Śiva and Śakti are not genders but represent consciousness and universal energy. The divine … read more »
Purification Of Body And Energy
The universe is Śiva's body, and every atom is Śiva consciousness, with cells as Śakti energy.Cells transform; some become pure consciousness, while others are rejected upon contact with negative energies, becoming impurities and disease within the body. Prāṇāyāma purifies by expelling these dead cells and should be practiced daily. Cleansing practices … read more »
Final Essence Of The Teachings
Mahāśivarātri is a transformation of consciousness from impurity to the divine.Śiva is the source of all spiritual science. The essence of all teachings is that happiness comes from giving happiness, and trouble comes from giving trouble. Selfish, emotional prayers are often contradictory and fleeting; divine grace … read more »
Understanding Shiva
The universe is consciousness and energy, called Śiva and Śakti.Śiva is pure consciousness, without attributes, manifesting first. From the divine wish "I am one, will multiply into many" arises the sound AUM, the trinity of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva. This resonance, Nāda, awakens creation. The … read more »
Suffering And Sweetness
Sukha and Dukkha originate within the individual soul.All beings seek happiness and freedom from trouble. These two states are internal seeds, not external conditions. Negative thoughts and actions cultivate inner thorn bushes, whose fruit is fear and suffering. Positive thoughts cultivate divine qualities … read more »
The Essence of Kumbh Melā and Cultural Understanding
The Kumbh Melā is a profound meeting of spirituality and diverse cultures.Its external symbols hold deep significance for human life. The gathering represents the internal struggle between negative and positive qualities, mirroring the churning of the ocean for immortality. The confluence of three rivers symbolizes the meeting … read more »
40th Anniversary Of The System Yoga In Daily Life
Yoga in Daily Life is a scientific system for comprehensive health.This holistic practice harmonizes body, mind, and soul, leading to psychosomatic balance. It is applied worldwide for prevention, therapy, and supporting medical processes. The system includes āsanas, prāṇāyāma, relaxation, and meditation, progressing from simple to complex … read more »