Difficulties, safety and results of practice

And I can say one thing here that you are practicing yoga now. You compare your shadow with a person who is not practicing yoga. And I guarantee that your shadow will appear lighter than his shadow. Anytime you can test it. So if a shadow is becoming lighter that means the light is passing through you. How do we see? Reflection of light makes us see. And the more you will practice the lighter your shadow will appear. Anytime you can compare this with a non-yogi who is not practicing. His shadow will be denser, darker. Yours will be lighter comparatively.

So for free, you will stop your pulse. It's easy for free. And remember, remember, one thing I will tell you, what you are going to see is a direct result of the pranayam which you learned yesterday and again today. Okay? So that is the ultimate climax result of that particular pranayam. When you get it right, the right note, it will happen with you also. So that is to inspire you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Okay. Mind it? So? So? No, no, no, you are looking at the wrong place. Yes.

SENSATIONS IN THE BODY

how we can understand the expressions of the energy when the body became overheated or overcooled: when you’re shivering from cold – but it’s normal outside?

Guruji: if there is no infection then we can take some different types of explanations. When you get malaria or viral infection – then you start to shiver also.

that cold is not exactly like a cold but more like anaesthetic feeling, when you lose the sensitivity?

Guruji: consult a doctor.

so we cannot connect such temperature feelings with some type of energy?

Guruji: no

why it happens then?

Guruji: maybe depends on what you have eaten or maybe see some shocking news.

it doesn’t connect with the state of the nervous system?

Guruji: depends on what shocking news you have heard or which situation you’re going through.

if after the very good practice you have the different sensitivity even on the skin?

Guruji: yes, it will happen.

when we are doing the hyperventilation through the mouth – the anaesthetic feeling also came, it is not connected with the news?

Guruji: because hyperventilation will take place: it’s a medical condition. Not every mad person is a paramahamsa. It will affect your nervous system.

KUTASTHA

The question was: what is Kutastha? In Sanskrit dictionary kutastha literally means “immortal soul inside”. If we break the word “kutastha” into two – it will be “kut”; kut means the body and which is inside the body. Here is the very interesting thing to know that “kut” also means the great riddle. Now with all modern science we can summarize that the body is the greatest of the riddles, it is carrying so many secrets and things inside. And which lives inside all the riddles is your immortal spirit, which in Sanskrit is called “kutastha”.

RESULT OF PRACTICE

how the practice affects the health – because it is said so many words about self-realization?

Guruji: no, it’s about the consciousness.

The general effect on the health is: you will remain younger looking longer time and you will become more strong and powerful. Your immunity will be much higher than average person. Physical strength also will be more then average. Your health will be good.

it’s effect of absence of oxygen?

Guruji: it’s effect of using the whole nervous system and developing the brain. Everything begins from the brain, remember that. Body is just providing things for the brain. This is the only thing I’ve come across which actually develops the brain. The more develop your brain will be – the more better physically you will going to be.

when we’re asked, for what we’re practicing Kriya – we should say about self-realization?

Guruji: it’s not a good idea to discuss self-realization with everybody.

But that is one of the final goals – but on the way you will have very good health, good looks, very shapely body. Strong nervous system, very strong nerves. And you will remain always younger looking then your contemporaries. That is guaranteed. You see: what is our teenage? It starts from the brain, the hormones comes down and we begin to feel different. Everything is triggered by the brain.

but we can talk about all these boons only if the person do hard practice?

Guruji: if hard practice is there – he will remain young-looking for a very long time. But even if he is practicing some of it – he will be better than his contemporaries, that is guaranteed.

what are the signs of progress in practice?

Guruji: your life will start to improve, your surroundings begin to improve, nature will begin to support you and you will become more prosperous, more happy, more confident, and your ability of make decisions became very fast and very strong. And you will be able to decide or diagnose anything in any practical situation - you will be immediately in the core point. Instead of going around you will know the core thing immediately. These are the first signs of progress. Don’t you think you feel better after initiation a little bit in your life? Life is different.

sensitivity increases

Guruji: more and more and more

…calculation of the Time: we become aware of the Time by greater totality of it. Our consciousness is very limited – we start from calculating and then going to abstract. Suddenly you cannot jump to abstract without knowing and understanding. 9 is the indication of infinity.

why not the 8?

Guruji: 8 is considered as infinity in western tradition but we’re writing it in a different way. 9 is a reverse of the OM. Old hindi style is different from modern one. Not any number gives you itself in a table, only 9: it’s 18- 1+8 is 9, 27- 2+7 is 9 etc. all play of Shakti.

…training is need just remain normal after practice – but you will not remain normal after practice. The very regular workout is good enough.

I have very slow progress in practice

Guruji: progress is steady and that is good. Drop by drop the pot fills.

nothing like hyperventilation?

Guruji: you can try them – but good fitness is required.

WHY SEPARATE THIS LIFE FROM THE OTHER - WHILE ONE IS JUST THE CONTINUATION OF THE OTHER

can we feel the chakras?

Guruji: of course you can feel the chakras – after developing them.

I can feel my chakras

Guruji: because you have seen the pictures and your imagination is very fertile – so you maybe begin to think. But I just said – you need to develop them first.

so it requires big work and practice to develop, to know, where they are?

Guruji: where is it – we will teach you, how to develop – we will teach you, but you will need to develop them. That takes time and effort.

could the nada sound feel like an orchestra in the head?

Guruji: there are many-many types of nada sound – and it can be like an orchestra also.

can be something against my progress in the chart?

Guruji: when you’re stepping on spiritual path – the whole world is against you.

when I’m thinking of You –my thoughts disturbs You?

Guruji: don’t worry about it.

which books I can read to support the practice?

Guruji: read all my books – then every book which you can find. It will develop the general understanding of the subject. Reading is very important.

what should I have in my home as yogi should have?

Guruji: peace.

can my practice affect my family?

Guruji: in a very positive way.

what should I be careful with?

Guruji: just keep your practice secret. Practice in the night, when they’re going to sleep. Don’t impose your practice on your family – that’s the key of success.

nobody have to see me?

Guruji: no. it’s a secret practice.

did we met in past life?

Guruji: probably.

Quotation from “Dracula” : why separate this life from the other – while one is just the continuation of the other.

What more can we do for our externalizing nature when internalizing towards the Time and the Void?

Guruji: Stop trying to do that – and it will come one day. The more you will remain focused on it – the bigger it grows out of proportion. So just keep doing your yoga practice and forget about deep changes: they will come automatically, as a result of your yoga practice. I will give you an example: when you were learning to ride a bicycle when you were a child, and somehow you went on the road for the first time proudly – yes, I am bicycling away! – and there was a stone in the center of the road.

There is enough space to ride beside it – but your bicycle will be pulled by that stone, because you will be focusing only on that stone. Then you will become wiser, you’ll keep riding by such stones on the way. Stones on the path will be just a part of the road, of life, so – learn from this example.

VARIOUS STUDENT QUESTIONS

I was with my friend in Thailand; we decided to go for massage and they suggest us to measure the pulse; maybe because we were going fast – the pulse was very high, around 100 plus. They said – you cannot go with this. I asked, how much we need? And I just by will start to make it go down: it became 90, then 60, then 40, 20 – and I saw her face it became dark; and my friend said to me: stop – they will not allow us again. It was first time, I was not expecting that – but in few seconds it immediately start to go dramatically down.

Guruji: see – your power is increasing! Kriya yoga works. And you will keep discovering such extraordinary things in daily life.

at what age Kriya yoga may be start to practiced?

Guruji: at least 15 years old: when the body is more or less complete.

my son is now 12: maybe later I could teach him?

Guruji: no, you will have to bring him here. After he reach 15: it’s the serious matter, not exercise.

how I will know where am I – if I decide to do 20736 pranayamas in one go?

Guruji: special way of counting will be taught – it will be very easy.

or just to know it will be 12 days and 12 nights – and just relax and breathe?

Guruji: maybe you will be beyond counting( smiling). When you will be ready – you will be taught. I’m not suggesting it to you now.

I will ask You every year

Guruji: don’t worry, I will tell you. Give it time: it takes time for you to develop.

could you say something about obstacles in the way of yoga?

Guruji: if somebody is saying - I became sick in the way of practicing yoga- this is the first obstacle. Second obstacle is to doubt – whether this yoga will work or it will not work- always remain in suspense- that is the second obstacle. Third obstacle is overconfidence: too much confidence and always trying to compare it with physical form. Forth one is laziness. Fifth one is sleeping too much. And sixth is not loving what you practice. If you will not love your practice- you will not go far from. And the seventh obstacle is confusing: listening to many yoga instructors will bring confusion. Eight is too much action in pleasures- involving in sexual things. And the ninth one is the best: not becoming famous. If you are practice yoga, you are bound to become famous. If you are yogi, you will be famous. If you are not becoming famous- that is ninth obstacle; that means something is going wrong. This is a test. Even if you will not try to be famous – and a yogi never tries to be famous – but you never escape. Tenth: is not getting the essence of yoga.

and how we can get the essence? Through the practice?

Guruji: practice, and listening to the Guru, and discussing with him- which you are doing quite some time – I think in 2 years you learn lot of essence of yoga. I hope.

First time we are reading this – and I am looking back in my mind for many years- whoever has practiced yoga even a little- became known in his community, locally – they not remain unknown. This is the very subtle thing they are pointing out.

and how it works, how it happens?

Guruji: you see, when your mind start developing – you will like a big magnet, a big power, and people will be attracted by your personality. And whenever you will sit there- somebody will come and start talking about their problems, or life or something else – you will become famous. Even a person, who is in very bad mood – if you are there, he will start looking at you and in a five minutes his mood start becoming better. And sick person will start feeling better. This is effect of yoga – if you are practicing rightly than it is come to happen – you will be famous.

And I will say – you take any part of yoga: say physically, only postures. Even if you will become good in postures – you will be famous. And if you become complete – you will be very famous. I mean the fame will follow you. And the yoga is such a subject which is very romantic, adventurous and highly mystical. Everybody wants some part of it.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PRACTICE

in Hatha Yoga Pradipika it is said that you must squeeze the nerves in the neck; the blood stream also?

Guruji: it will also be affected in that moment.

could they be damaged – if they’ll be squeezed?

Guruji: no, that’s why it’s specific practice. No damage.

we’re not squeezing the blood stream?

Guruji: it will be done in a very controlled way. If you’re stopping the blood flow to the brain – less oxygen; and suddenly subconscious mind think – what happens? And tries to wake up and understand.

if we’re stopping the fall of amrita and putting it to the heart – then this liquid is just flows through whole body?

Guruji: that’s how the body will become divine. That is the main work of blood: to take energy to every cell, everywhere. When the special liquid will come – it will fill all over.

how it can be put in the heart? Because it is said that in bandha we’re stopping the liquid?

Guruji: we’re stopping the normal liquid. But by the force the special thing will come. When you’re with khechari – there are two small holes under the tongue, which are directly connected with the heart; and heart is the main distributor of the blood and energy to the whole body: that’s why it is taken to the heart – it will spread.

two nadis stopped and 16 adharas are closed?

Guruji: yes

what is the difference when the person is just suffocated?

Guruji: in that case the person just suffocated – he is not controlling the channels and all these energy. Suffocation is absolutely different phenomena. That is like instead of trying to open the brahmarandhra with khechari mudra - just take the hammer and one big nail and do the bang – it will open!

in Your commentary to the 8th chapter of Gita You mentioned that the feeling of dizziness could be from few seconds to few days: on what it depends?

Guruji: it depends on the mental development. The higher you are- the less soon you will feel.

All of you wants to remain that state you called normal. But at the same time you want to practice supernatural things. If you practice something extraordinary, your body also become extraordinary, you can’t remain normal. To become extraordinary – some physical changes will definitely happen. Accept it as a part of practice. You will be look better and better.

what part of nervous system connected with nadi?

Guruji: all nervous system is a part of nadis.

sometimes in practice I feel different squeeze in the body, which I think is also block some nadis…

Guruji: all you need is relax. And in this relaxed state do the practice very precise. If you will do it too hard - all these things will come. It is a nervous contraction. Just continue; when you will be comfortable with the practice – it will pass. Don’t mind so much to contraction of the nadis. If nadi is blocked – it will be the very serious problem.

ABOUT THE MENTAL STATES OF A YOGI

could we say that achieving samadhi what is described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is already in our Kriya yoga practice?

Guruji: yes. If you’re doing right – you should experience.

so we have everything – from dharana to pratyahara and everything?

Guruji: of course! It is their analysing of different mental states of what yogi will go through. If you can sit still for 4 hours in one posture – it is your mental state which will change after that. Physical body used to induce or to achieve very high mental states: that is yoga. You simply cannot assume – ok, I achieved it sitting by 4 hours; same mental state will not come.

yes, long time back we discussed about 144 mahamudras – and one student did 36 and said: oh, I assume I can do this.

Guruji: do it! You cannot imagine how you can feel.

after absolutely stillness in sitting for 4 hours it will be chitta vritti nirodhah?

Guruji: it will be the beginning of it! Mental state will be different. Not one time – it must be done regularly.

how it is working with our practice?

Guruji: it will continue to be difficult and each level is just a new learning. Training of your mind – but it will be more and more difficult. It’s combine effort from Guru’s side and from your side. Whatever Guru will teach – you will need to practice it. Without teaching and practice process nothing is possible.

now it’s difficult to imagine

Guruji: then the mind will develop and become very powerful and your attitude and thinking will change with that with time. Final thing is entertainment.

we also have the tests in our practice?

Guruji: they will come. higher you will go – more tests will come.

FIRST STEPS IN YOGA

if the person died from suffocation or was hanged in previous life – does it reflect his pranayama practice?

Guruji: not his pranayama practice, but it will reflect on his psychological makeup. He maybe afraid of closed places. I know one man: he cannot sleep with doors closed, he begin to suffocate. When we look back at it – he died in a train accident inside the toilet. That carry over. But not on pranayama.

some people are afraid to hold their breath?

Guruji: that maybe other reasons also. You see, what we hear when we’re children gives the very deep impression. One man many years before came, we discussing some yoga; - he is not my disciple. He said we had never practice yoga in our family. I asked why. He said: one of my father’s elder brothers one time was practicing yoga – and he died somehow. So we think this pranayama is not good for health. Then I said: believe, so many people died without practicing yoga – what about that? Ok, he could die for some reason – we don’t know that, but not from pranayama. These things comes when we’re very young – some impressions come in our mind, because he heard someone talking about this, he respect that person and it reflected in his mind. First step in yoga is to be able to step over our initial hang-ups, phobias and complexes – then. But it’s not so easy. We should try difficult things.

if the person is afraid to be in open space – he died somewhere like that?

Guruji: no, it means the security of his home was somehow taken from him and he had to spend hard winters and all these things open air – that thing. It doesn’t mean he actually died somewhere – but the security was taken away from him.

FEAR OF KNOWING YOURSELF

When I’m practicing and I get close to what feels like a fundamentally crucial point, I begin to fear losing my sanity. How might this be karmically determined?

Guruji: You are not losing your mind, you are going beyond your 2%. So don't be afraid. Face your fear and it will pass. Be brave.

And I will add one more thing. When you are actually facing a very dangerous situation, you actually discover who you really are by your reaction.

So that is partof self-realization as well.

Recently I have very unstable attention in my practice. There are many thoughts, even though some of them are worthwhile. How to make attention more focused, especially in mahamudra?

A: I think very regular practice will cure that. And if you are getting lots of thoughts, it tells us that your mind is developing. More developed mind will always have more thoughts and different ideas coming. So you should not worry about it. Just keep practicing very regularly and you will get over these things soon. Your mind is developing.

There is a story that Subhadra was pregnant with Abhimanyu. He had experience of some knowledge. During pregnancy, does the child inside get some experience in yoga practice?

A: Definitely. If you can keep practicing as long as you can, the child will be practicing with you. And he will receive all the results which you are going through that time. It is a fantastic situation.

will it affect somehow his future life?

A: he will be more extraordinary than a normal child. He will be more intelligent and he will be able to think more. And to become more successful in life, we need all these things. And he will be lucky as well.

SHOULD YOU PRACTICE YOGA WHEN YOU SICK OR NOT?

Well, so many questions have been asked , if I’m feeling sick, should I practice or not?! It always comes down to the Yoga practice.

They continue to breathe, and they continue to eat , and they continue to do most important things for in their life.

So I will say: if you are able to eat, you are able to breathe, you are able to practice!

That is very simple.

is it true that when the person starts to practice Kriya – other forces are trying to provoke and disturb him?

Guruji: maybe your immediate friends and family – that’s it.

it’s the very popular idea in esoterical circles that if you’re progressing – all the spirits are trying to stop you?

Guruji: but all of them are trying to take a certain boon from the god – which will make them attract to the common people: that’s why so much opposition happen.

so all the ghosts and spirits are not trying to stop us because we have gone too far? Indra for example?

Guruji: Indra has been retired forcibly – he is no more. It’s not any more. It was only in pre-Krishna times. Divinity descended to humanity with Krishna’s coming.

such experiences are already predicted?

Guruji: no, the results of yoga cannot be predicted.

I will give you one example: one wise man seat on the road side and a traveler was walking – it’s old time story. And he asked the man: how long it takes me to reach that town? He remained quiet. Then in anger traveler begin to walk and man called him – it will take you one and a half hour. He said – why didn’t you answered me? And the man said: I didn’t know, how fast you’re walking. Now I know and can tell you the time. That depends on that.

some time back You said that once the practice could click and become easy: I don’t understand the mechanism of it?

Guruji: you’re just trying to convince your subconscious that what you’re practicing is good: the day subconscious be convinced – clicks and everything is easy. That means all past karmas: subconscious is carrying all your past karmas and memories – they try to stop. That’s why regular practice is recommended.

it happens suddenly, not very slowly?

Guruji: it clicks

I’m trying to understand how it could be?

Guruji: your subconscious accepts and it clicks. Everything is different after that. On religious note – grace of god is coming( laughing)

on what depends that encouragement experience in practice?

Guruji: again it depends on how much effort we able to put in our practice. Are we able to make it better, more artistic, more perfect, are we giving it our best, are we doing the most excellent abhyas or the most poetic abhyas – that would depend on that.

ON PROGRESS

What if somebody is practicing sincerely, but still not progressing?

Guruji: It is impossible, if a person is practicing sincerely – he could not continue to make mistakes. That is not possible.

So the practice corrects itself, doesn’t it?

Guruji: The one will become more refined and more sensitive; he will become aware of what he ’ s doing wrong and will ask the Guru whether he is correct in his practice. And he will be corrected – if he needs to be corrected. To keep practicing sincerely and keep making mistakes is not possible. I ’ ve never seen it happen.

Have you also seen anyone who, in the first couple of years, is practicing twice a day, but still not progressing?

Guruji: No, I had not seen a single person who would not progress. Everyone is progressing.

Q: why some practitioners are looking very ugly and some of them are looking very good? Sometimes I fear to practice because I don’t want to look like some of them…

Guruji: no. you’re not going to be like some other person. So far I have seen in my last 35 years – person begins to look better and better as the time passes by.

If he or she is looking ugly – that means they’re not practicing, just saying that they are doing it.

He simply can not look ugly.

some of them are saying that they are practicing but they are looking awful

Guruji: I doubt it. Whether they are practicing or not practicing – only they can tell it honestly. But if we are doing something which is supposed to be the best thing – we will begin to look our best also. You can relax.

It is believed by yogis that yoga practice is the best thing, which a person can do in this creation. I observe that if you’re doing something which is supposed to be the best and as a result of that practice you will also look at your best. It will make you look more and more better and more beautiful.

If someone is still looking ugly – I mean not so good – that might be some problem with that what he or she is practicing.

Press column, say, Press column She can hear She can hear She can hear You hear? Look there She hear? Oh, great So tell us when it stops Okay Ready? See, this was the demonstration of Svan Shait Pranayama which you have learnt yesterday.

So this result you may also have. Be brave, no problem. Holding a man's hand, the heart escapes a few beats. Yes. Shiv, shiv. And very strong and slow. Yes. Shiva, Shiva, Shiva. How is the rhythm? It is? Yes. to the camera

You will see many strange things and adventures when you are on the path of yoga and you will see many different type of doctors when you are on the path of yoga. Definitely. Remember that.

This is the result of successful first level pranayas and no jai. And that was not to impress you, that was to inspire you. Because I believe what one man can achieve, another one can also achieve. This is our parampara.

hmm Sure tell us is it beating? Beating. So tell us when it stops. Okay. Sorry. Ready? It's true. Your soul stop. It's beating. This was the demonstration of Svan Sheth Pranayama which you have learned yesterday. So this result you may also have. So be brave, no problem.

You will see many strange things and adventures when you are on the path of yoga and you will see many different type of doctors when you are on the path of yoga. Definitely. Remember that.

IMPORTANCE OF GURU

Q: could the wrong technics lead to the destruction of the person?

Guruji: wrong technics, if you’re doing something wrong, that means every day you’re committing a mistake and piling up all bad karmas – that will give you very bad results. That mistakes will not make you successful.

Q: the question was about nadi shodhana, if someone is doing it by fingers?

Guruji: it’s just a breathing program.

Q: so it will not lead you to the bad results?

Guruji: it could be. In these things you’re working with your own life force and you should be very careful. Learn well, then apply. It is not like devotion to god – that in the name of god you’re free to do anything. Finding a guide or Guru is very important here. Even to learn something so simple like alphabet of English or Russian – you need to find a teacher.

I think if the person is doing yoga, he is much better in any other.

Q: and when we are practicing Kriya and you can see us, been in Samadhi, what is the difference from normal people?

Guruji: very big difference. You are miles away from normal person. Your feelings, your reactions, your emotions, consciousness level is much superior than normal men or even those people who just practice physically. I will say that none of my disciple you can call ordinary. They are all good.

could practice of Kriya yoga change the body?

Guruji: I will say yes, because in last 34 years I observe that shape of my body, shape of my head is different. It may not be towards perfection but something changes the body.

it’s only physical criteria?

Guruji: body is an expression of your mind.

I think the best situation – not be perfect and not be imperfect – somewhere in the middle.

Just as lions, elephants, and tigers are tamed gradually,
the prana is also controlled through practice. Otherwise
the practitioner is destroyed.
The practice to control prana should be done very
slowly, steadily, regularly, and exactly according to the in-
structions.
By proper practice all diseases are eradicated. Through
improper practice all diseases can arise.
”

Hiccup, asthma, cough, headache, ear and eye pain, and
various other diseases are due to the disturbances of the
vital air.
The vayu should be skillfully inhaled, exhaled, and re -
tained so that perfection or siddhi is attained.
You should release the vayu with great skill, with great
skill you should take it in and similarly with great skill you
should keep it in (retain). With this, the bodily perfection
or siddhi is achieved.
”

When the nadis are purified, there are external symp -
toms. Success is definite when the body becomes thin and
glows or shines.

The yogi’s aura becomes very pure and bright white in
color. It definitely reflects on the person; the glow becomes
very visible and his body begins to shine.
When one is able to hold the vayu according to one’s
will, the digestive power increases. With the nadis being
purified, the inner sound or the nada awakens and one
becomes free from diseases.
Anahada Nada is the divine sound (the un-struck cos-
mic sound) – vibration of creation.
”
”

When fat and mucus is excessive, shatkarma – the six
cleansing techniques should be practiced before (pra-
nayama). Others, in whom the doshas like phlegm, wind,
and bile are balanced, need not do them.
Without learning shatkarmas thoroughly the inner
muscular and nerve control does not develop and without
that control Nadi Shodhan remains impossible. Learning
and perfecting shatkarmas is extremely important for a yogi.
The six techniques of shatkarma are Dhauti, Basti, Neti,
Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati. These are known as
shatkarmas or the six cleansing processes.
”

These shatkarmas, which effect purification of the body,
should be kept secret. They have manifold, wondrous re-
sults and are held in high esteem by the great yogis.

Perfection in Hatha Yoga is achieved when slimness of
the body, happiness and manifestation of nada (inner
sound), very clear eyes, no diseases, control of the bindu,
active fire element, and the purification of nadis are
achieved.
End of Chapter II