Training, strength and exercise

I will tell you another secret: go to a Sanskrit dictionary again, find the word 'Atma', which most people translate as spirit or soul; you will see the body and Atma are synonyms; they mean the same. We are standing in the most ancient cremation site of India, where 16,000 wives of Krishna were cremated. And this property was built by the Bharatpur dynasty because a holy man told them that if you are cremated in this area, you will get liberation. So, this is the cremation spot of King Baldev Singh, and six kings were cremated here in this area. So, it is my privilege that I have been

living here for the last nearly 19 years. And what I am going to show you —not exactly a demonstration, just showing you what we do every day—is that this equipment is a very ancient equipment of India. It is called Mudgar . It is not only a physical exercise, but it is a very good thing to develop very high-intensity concentration, extreme focus, and extreme awareness. And it will regularize your breath. And as I was telling you earlier, maybe by starting this, you may be a friend to your own breath, which in turn will introduce you to your soul inside. You are connected, your body and soul are connected with your breath. Make your

breath your friend, it will introduce you to your soul, and maybe when your soul is your friend, it will introduce you to the creator himself. Okay! Such a simple thing, but it goes a long way. And maybe this is the only good gym in the area, maybe one and only in the world. Okay! So That is how it is done. You have to run and focus. Okay!

15 seconds how many less than 10. because I also feel Michael tell to the cameras after 40 repetition with 50 kilos yes pulse was only 60 per minute Ed 10 seconds

15 seconds yes

the physical body who is weak will not be able to cope with the stress of supporting the brain. So here we have to be very careful to maintain the balance. Start with the physicality of it and keep developing the bra. This is how the way I see that. Good.

GAMA PEHALVAN - TRAINING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOLD

Yes, I rememeber Jo Davis and another one: they just coming out from the bar and some people start beat they just stood. They were asked: why didn’t you fight them?

They said: you see, we could have kill them; they couldn’t tolerate this punch.

and You remember story with Mohammad Ali- when someone took out his knife and he just gave him wallet: he was asked- why you didn’t fight? And he said it was only 20 dollars in it- and I don’t fight for 20 dollars.

Guruji: I’ m more expensive than 20 dollars( smiling). Same story with Gama pehalvan also, world champion wrestler.

what is the story?

Guruji: Story about Gamma Pehalvan: he used to get up 2 o’clock in the night; then he will run for 20 kms, then will come back and do 5000 pushups and whole workout with weights. Those days he used to go through jungle. Because he was champion- he went out of the gym wearing so many gold from kings, he would wear more gold things: some robbers saw him running and think: let’s rob him - he has so much gold. Next day they stop him with sword or something; he was running. Then someone of robbers recognise him: oh, it’s Gama - idiots, he would crush you like a fly! Next day again they stop him: he said - now what? They gave him all gold back and said: Sir, why you let us go? You’re Gama Pehalvan! He said: see, this is my tapas: wrestling is my tapas. I could have kill you all to save the gold- but suppose, some knife will scratch me or some sword- it will put disturbance in my training: training is more important.

when I was young I also was always searching for a fight- and I found once: guy twice bigger than me; i said something to him- he said something to me- so the fight started. Ok, I win; but his teeth gave my fist a lot of damage and I couldn’t train normal for 1,5 months.

Guruji: that’s how wisdom comes. But: whatever happened with training- beating someone gives the great satisfaction. And harder you hit- still you feel it should be even more hard.

MAN ENOUGH

Almost every man has testosterone hormones, but not every man is a champion or doing good things. Because testosterone not make you man enough. According to scientists it’s very important part; but then not only testosterone – every hormone which is available in body is extremely important.

did You notice any effect on the level of testosterone as a result of yoga practice?

Guruji: I don’t know – never go through test or something. Do I look like a man? That means it is working. You see: I’ve never taking any supplement. If I look like a man – that means every level is good.

Yoga works and some exercise also works. In fact – it’s all about conditioning of the body, conditioning of the mind and condition of your spirit inside you. If all three will come together – some extraordinary supernatural will begin.

Genetics play the very important role – I mean your bone structure, physical condition and all these things you inherit; but you can always improve what you’re inherit, making it even more better.

There should be the sense of achievement. If you’re trying to achieve something big – that will prove, that you’re man enough; but if you’re only inheriting something – then I don’t think you will be even be able to retain or maintain that. Work hard!

And I say: only the person, who is work hard and has physically tired can actually enjoy the rest and sleep. If you’re not working, doing nothing – you will need to take pills just to go to sleep. Only a hungry man can actually admire the taste of food; if you’re overfat – you won’t have interest in that. So to enjoy my rest – I work hard. And to enjoy the taste of my rotis – I go hungry. Simple approach!

UNION, NOT SEPARATION

I’m complete 51 year of working out with weights – but I’m not looking like bodybuilder, I’m just fit with no muscle cuts.

what I see – the cuts appears when I’m completely tired, off?

Guruji: agreed on that. We just want to remain strong and conditioned. We’re yogis: union, not separation!

Kriya yoga increased my chest nearly to 8 inches – and lower body measurements are same.

12 YEARS OF TRUTH

is that episode from Mahabharata – when Ganga sat on the wrong lap of Shantanu’s grandfather – true?

Guruji: yes, something like that: on right thigh the daughter sit, on the left thigh – the lover sit. We have so much things. Definitely it was done intentionally.

several times that is said about satyavada: if I have some tapas or spiritual powers – so let something come into be?

Guruji: yes: by the tapas whatever will be said will come true.

is it like formula that you’re giving your tapas for some aim?

Guruji: no, it develops. It’s side effect. If you speak the truth and only the truth – then this power will come. don’t try, it will be very difficult to survive in society. To survive speaking the truth – for 12 years it will be very difficult.

GURUJI ABOUT HEAVY WORKOUT

Watch the video

When I went through my first experience — way back in 1985 — it was overwhelming. And I was just in my room more than a month. Hairs on the chest began to be grey, beard grey, head — so much grey: and I was not feeling even to do anything. But that was my good luck: because I was exercising; one day I looked at myself in the mirror and thought: what’s happening with me? And then, by good luck, I decided to start training again. It was a big problem to start; but I continued — and many of the symptoms were reversed. So — we work out like gym maniacs every day.

Guruji, but the persons who are not practicing yoga but exercising every day — they are also growing old?

Guruji: They are not practicing yoga — but they are in a far better condition than the persons who are not exercising at all! This combination with Kriya Yoga is for the first time. And I like it! It is now more like body meditation: because weight training makes you feel every muscle of your body — so you are becoming aware; your awareness is increasing. It’s more like a body meditation. And if you can’t feel the gross thing like your physical body — how can you jump and just feel as subtle a thing as the mind directly?

Could Hatha Yoga substitute the gym?

Guruji: No, that is yoga postures; it is stretching and isometric contraction together. The basic principle of yoga postures is isometric: you put a certain pressure in a certain way on certain things and they are strengthened. But feeling every muscle — only weight training can do. And remember: that was the divine gift of the Olympian gods! Barbells and dumbbells are very ancient equipment — and we have not been able to improve the design for thousands of years! Human beings have worked out — and they will start to look like the Olympian gods: that was a gift. Now bodybuilding has gone in a different way; but you go to the initial workouts: fantastic! You do some research here.

Is it good to mix?

Guruji: Full body workout every day — and yoga. I’ve been doing full body workout for maybe the last 53 years: no protein, no supplement, nothing. And vegetarian, yes. They all see my dinner — how much I eat every day.

What do You think: there exists the opinion that with the weak body the mind becomes very sensitive and roaming everywhere?

Guruji: The physical body is just a support system for your brain: it doesn’t mean that you need to look like a wrestler — you just need to be in top physical condition. Whatever is top for you. And it is a great support for the brain: a healthy mind and a healthy body — as everybody has heard since we were very young.

Because what I observe: if the person is very flexible but not strong — his mind becomes very different: they are very emotional…

Guruji: No, I think strength is needed. We are strength worshippers: strength is needed. And enough confidence will not be there — unless he is carrying the gun (smiling).

POETIC STRENGTH

He was the very famous man in his time: even to lift that 1000 pound even 1 inch from the rap – it is something. I’ve seen a photo. He had the real extraordinary life. Only a poet can be that strong. The strength, brute strength is one thing; and then after some time it will become poetic strength. And people like it: brute strength nobody likes – poetic strength everybody likes.

You said that if we will train very strong – it will improve our practice?

Guruji: not very strong – just strong enough. Then practice will create different strength in you.

what type of physical exercises you recommend?

Guruji: any activity – weight training, mudgars, push-ups

do we need some certain quality of the body for the practice?

Guruji: if you can do 100 push-ups – you are in a very good condition. And a girl with dubina is look very dangerous – but you can try them.

Prithivi Namaskar?

Guruji: very good.

GURUJI ON HOW TO TRAIN

I could do handstand and even I was doing push ups in it – 52 times.

I believe, but my mind resist

Guruji: why? Can you do handstand?

no. what should I do for it and what is the secret?

Guruji: conditioning is the main thing. Overall conditioning and overall strength. Who is a strong person? Criteria is: who can lift his bodyweight over the head. If you can lift your body over head – then you can also do handstand and some push ups. It’s a matter of strength. I’m shocked that I’m breaking so many prototypes.

many people asked me: who is your trainer? And I said: Guruji!

Guruji: I made him to do 200 chin ups – and he did that. Every day – no break, no rest. If you cannot touch the limits of your physical body – how you can touch the limits of your mind? If such a gross thing you’re unable to do. See, I’m a yogi Guru: if I cannot do something – what is the use? Many disciples won’t imagine that I can sit in lotus, because in the day time I’m usually like that.

is it important to have strong arms and shoulders?

Guruji: it will support your heart and lungs. Look at any heart patient or a person, suffering with high blood pressure: shoulders and arms you will find always weak. They are always looking down, never up. That’s why strong shoulders and arms are highly recommended – and overall fitness, top to bottom.

so I need pull ups, push ups, squats and gym?

Guruji: start gym when you touch 500 push ups and 500 squats: that is your basic discipline. I was doing 1000 squats every day. Argue for you limitations and sure enough they are yours- from the Seagull Jonathan Livingstone.

AGAIN ABOUT MUDGARS

If you can move mudgars few thousands of repetitions – you can move the sword the whole day, without being tired. It’s a warriors training – but very good for the physical condition and giving the v-shape to the body and gives great balance for the legs also – because legs are holding your balance; it’s an overall training.

better try to achieve bigger weight or more repetitions?

Guruji: because we’re not wrestlers you don’t need to go too heavy: it will be very dangerous for the shoulder and elbow joint. Comfortable moderate weight: I think 10-12 kilos for one mudgar is enough. You should start with lighter weight – 6-7 kilos and slowly increase.

does mudgars support pranayama?

Guruji: they are open up your chest and will increase your lung capacity: your kumbhak will increase. When you’re moving them with both hands – both brain hemispheres will become active at the same time, which is considered as a great thing. Very good concentration, high imagination, sense of humor, great lung capacity, enough shoulder and arm strength, overall strength of the body – all these thigs will come.

I’ve seen people practicing with mudgars since I was a child – and every single one of them had great sense of humor and their voices were deep; and they were not lacking anything – whatever they needed were come to them. And looking good as well. It is some mysterious force involved. Most of them died in their 80s. and those were the people who was not careful for their diet, some was even meat-eaters.

and only one basic movement is enough?

Guruji: in my opinion it’s the best – but some people also doing it in reversed way; also you can take them in straight arms, widely open to the sides and slowly rotate them inside to touch each other – it’s very good for the wrists strength. Also you can hold them arms together facing down and rotate them outside, making one straight line – it’s also the great strength. And it’s a weapon also, ancient time weapon. And also you can workout your triceps and do hammers for biceps.

Only swinging mudgars you can become the real swinger.

I want also to do 108n repetitions with mudgars

Guruji: put your mind to it: body will follow!

WHICH IS BOUND IN DETH

will diving support me in yoga practice?

Guruji: you can practice but it will not support you in yoga: the fitness you have during will help you, but not diving or freediving technics.

what about swimming?

Guruji: swimming will make you fit. Fitness is very important. Some exercises are always recommended. Butterfly style is good, back style is also good. Whenever I swim on back – it makes my chest bigger, more muscles develop.

why freediving technics are so different – because of water?

Guruji: objective motive is different. Fitness and freediving can help you in a practice of yoga, but in itself it’s a different thing.

after Kriya yoga practice if you feel your mind so calm, what is the best activity to do – some meditation?

Guruji: to create a balance- join a gym and workout; so the body and mind will remain in balance. I’ve seen many people whose mind became steady, but they do not any physical activity – so inertia developed. And that was not the very good thing later in their life. To create a balance do some physical activity very regularly; because when your mind will be developing you need a strong body to support it. Otherwise everything will not be balanced and not very good results will come.

after achieving samadhi yogi cannot say – now I can relax?

Guruji: as many knowledgeable people said before: before realization – cutting wood and fetching water; after realization – cutting wood and fetching water. but your perspective and point of view will be different.

after the first achievement we attain the best tool for our mind?

Guruji: no doubt about it. It is the first stepping stone, major step.

RUNNING OR SWIMMING?

What is your recommendation

about physical activity?

Guruji: When you are given a choice:

running, swimming, diving, I highly recommend swimming .

Because it will create a breathe, and your lungs

will become very powerful . I use to swim a lot , so I know . Swimming highly recommended .

And moving dubinas also . It will also create a very good lungs strength , and overall balance as well .

And also, if you want to go even further,

you can start weight training In a very intelligent way . In a very intelligent way

So it’s even better than to swim?

Guruji: Every day weight training is recommended .

If your chest is not visible from at list two kilometres in a t-shirt!

Then what is the use of bench pressing?

GURUJI ABOUT SQUATS

What is preparation? The process before you pair up with someone; when you want to be at your best – that is preparation. You prepared – so you may pair up.

What is amazing – every time I come to Govardhan, I see You in the best shape: so You’re always prepared?

Guruji: I’m prepared every time – and with no chemicals, no protein, no supplement – nothing. I’m doing bench presses up to 300 pounds- that’s it. My experience is that: whenever you’re just doing clean and press – body weight increases. Only 4-5 sets – that’s it; no curling, nothing. Now I feel myself very comfortable with my body weight. Workout is like body meditation for me. Till 2016 I was doing 1000 squats every day – it took me 52 minutes; then after that – workout. The technique of Indian squats is completely different and it opens the hips very well. Also it makes the shape of legs more proportional. I’ve noticed – when you go through 500 or 1000, some wrestlers do it up to 5000 – their legs remain slim.

Yesterday I was shown my photographs from 1994: I was standing outside bare bodied – we had been working since morning till evening. I was 92 kilos then. I think – now my shape is better.

Back to the question – don’t You want to be young again?

Guruji: Not young in the sense of being young: if physically I continue to look younger – it will be the best.

STRESS-RELEASING

PROGRAMS

It is

called progressive-resistant training: the more stress you give to your muscles

– the stronger they become. Then I began to think that all these

“stress-releasing” programs are actually making you weaker.

If

you’re giving stress to your physical body – your body is growing and becoming

stronger. But if you’re relaxing too much – that means you are getting weaker.

We need to think more deeply on this topic. I think the program should make

your mind more strong so you can cop away more stress. Only this is the way to

make your mind more powerful. If body is developing – mind will also develop. Progressive-resistant

training is a very good work for us.

has some bhasma effect like brahmi, directly to the brain?

Guruji: no. brahmi will remain brahmi. Herbs are also very powerful. But you must know exactly, how to pick them and how to use them. But you have to be careful even with herbs: overdose is not recommended. You see: exercise is very good for health. But there is a thing, which is called overtraining. It will spoil your health.

PROTEIN MYTH

Bill Pearl was the only vegetarian bodybuilder. And he’s still alive, 80 plus. Majority of them died before touching 50. Too much overtraining, too much drugs.

there is no recipes in Ayurveda like protein shakes?

Guruji: they don’t categorize food like proteins or carbohydrates. They only categorize, which food enhances your life force, which food will make it more strong. And which food is good for digestion also. Too much protein is not good for health.

modern system looks like misleading?

Guruji: it is. Before discovering the protein humanity survived for thousands of years. And they were great warriors also. All gladiators on arenas were given the vegetarian food – and they were looking great. Why not learn from that?

It’s famous story: swami Dayananda Saraswati was the extraordinarily strong man. He was celibate and the very good man. Two wrestlers came to him. because he was looking very strong – they say him to wrestle with them. He said: I’m swami, I not wrestle. But if you want to test strength, I’m ok with that. What should I do? He just came out from the dip in the Ganges – or some river – he was changing clothes. So he took his wet langhoti, just squeeze it all the water, and then give it to them: now you bring out at least one drop of water from it. They tried and tried – and nothing came out. He said then: give it to me. He again did it and 2-3 drops of water came. They said: swami, you’re great! He was very powerful. He was a yogi also.

You’re training with heavy weights: You never had overtraining?

Guruji: I’ve gone through it when I was young. Now I’m ok. I see – somehow I don’t need to warm up much now. It’s a different type of conditioning – when body is always prepared. When I’m walking from here to there – it’s enough warm up for me. I’m training carefully nowadays. No need to show off, no need to compete with anyone. Few years back we were always doing arm-wrestling: but I’ve hurt many-many egos – so I stopped.

EXHILARATION WITH A STRENGTH

How much you must press – in percentage of your weight?

Guruji: Well, I was doing 110- even though I’ve done 240 maximum; but my body weight was then 95-6 kilos: it was more than bodyweight, which is considered good enough. 110 when I was doing – my bodyweight was only 80 kilos. In that proportion I’m stronger now – even less weight lifted. But that high feeling, which comes with strength is very different – exhilaration. Now I’m careful: we cannot cause injuries and with lifting too heavy it may happen. He was there: I did 36 repetitions with 110 kilos straight. Then the bench was broken; I said: Babaji is saying no more showing off – so we stopped. But moving mudgar is more impressive.

Maybe stupid question, but for how long You could fix padmasan for the first time?

Guruji: 21 hours. We reach 21 hours in less than a month's time. But I was already practicing Kriya for a few years before.

HOW TO OVERCOME PHYSICAL LIMITS

APHORISM - To say “no” to anyone is very easy; but to actually know a person is very difficult.

what do You think of role of visualization in building muscles?

Guruji: if you just sit down and keep visualization that your muscles are growing- nothing will happen. You must visualize yourself that you’re working hard, very much hard in the gym and then physically execute it – then some muscles will develop. Process is very important.

but if they will go together – they will improve?

Guruji: definitely.

concentration can be moved physically?

Guruji: yes. The real concentration will actually happen when you realize the real purpose of your life. Then your whole life will be concentrated to achieve that. Then first time you will begin to experience what is concentration. Till then it’s just exercise for the mind.

when we overcome our physical limitations…

Guruji: by understanding them

you really become stronger physically?

Guruji: if you’re not stress yourself physically – you’ll never realize your limitations. And if you never realize the limitations of your physical body – you’ll never be able to overcome them. It is gradual evolution. Again you must be intelligent enough to understand that: you need to overcome your physical limits. Then you will know – what are my limits? – that will create great self-awareness. Not many people are aware of their limitations.

when my body will become very-very strong – what happen after this?

Guruji: you will be very confident and your mind will be very strong: because for a strong mind supporting system should also be very strong. Ultimately it is happening in the mind. Strong mind and strong body always go together. When you are born strong – you will take your strength as granted and you will not value it; but if you work hard to develop your strength – then you will learn so much in the path of development. You will be much more self-aware and confident than just a person who was born strong.

I have experienced it when I lose strength doing only postures – it takes 5-6 years to bring it back

Guruji: when you’re trying to bring it back because you have already experienced it – that journey sometime maybe more difficult and more wise also. You learn so much out of it.

why we not value what we were granted?

Guruji: come easy – go easy. When you earn something you will also understand the value of it. Someone will win 1 million dollars in lottery – and it will just disappear. If a person is working hard to earn the million dollars – he will value it and he will learn how to cope up.

we can use Prithivi Namaskar for physical training?

Guruji: most of the hindu religion says- only through the body you can practice your dharma. Whether you are after material beings – you need to have very strong and fine body to achieve that. If you are trying to do good for others, you need to be strong enough and fit enough to do thing for others and if you set very high goals for yourself spiritually, then also you will need a body as a stepping stone. So very good body, good looking, shapely is always desired. I’ve never come across any person who doesn’t want to look good or doesn’t want to have very shapely body or doesn’t want to be strong. It is universal desire for everybody- so why not try to achieve it?

we can combine Prithivi Namaskar with mudgars, physical training, stretching?

Guruji: of course! You can do all these trainings beside that. You can do weight training, you can do push-ups, you can use mudgars – they are all going to make you very shapely and strong. And remember: strong mind – for that you need to have strong body to support strong mind. Because mind is feeding on the pure oxygen and the purest of the blood heart is supplying to the brain. So if your physical body is strong – then only you will be able to support very strong mind. There has to be a proper combination for both: if you will go only after making your mind strong and body will remain weak then I’m sorry to say that you may not reach very high levels of that mentally strength. So use it.

how about running and the practice?

Guruji: running I will not recommend because in yoga running is not recommended. But specially exercise you can do whatever you want. Anything. Because of running it will be difficult for you to sit in lotus or in siddhasana. We have to be careful, not to destroy our ligaments and joints. We have to be careful in training. So always be intelligent and do enough research before you start any program.

and swimming?

Guruji: swimming is good. Not important, but it is very good exercise. I’ve been a swimmer for many years.

SPECIAL EXERCISES FROM YOGI

All yoga postures principle is based on isometrics contraction.

So we have invented, I mean all Yogi have done it, you should do these exercises every day, it will keep you in good condition and good muscles strength will come.

With enough ligamental strength, which is very much important in all yoga practice.

So I will just sit ( Namaste ) this is exercise number one, you need to inhale, hold, press your hands together with all your strength, count up to 15, then relax.

So this principle will be in every exercise, I will just go through.

Number one, two, three you pull up, four, five, six, seven, then press your knees in exhale, for abdominal muscles, and then for legs. Eight-nine exercises and you are fit!

Carry on!

but if we don’t use the hands?

Guruji: no, you must use the hands. That is

very important. N obody wants to age fast or age at all. Another point here: if

you’re not able to attain physical stability – there is no guarantee you will

attain mental stability. They go together. Your mood depends much on your

physical condition. You cannot be Paramahamsa suddenly.

how normal person can manage his emotions, if he’s not practicing yoga?

Guruji: physical exercise will always

help. If there is too much anger inside – good workout will release it to

some level. Even depression will go away. Physical activity is very important.

In Gita

they say: samattam

yogi chitte; your cell will be trained to the level when they will neither run

nor fight – they will remain intact. That is the result of yoga, the physiological

evolution.

I see so much people – religious people, so-called spiritual people: all they are trying to control their mind. But if you can’t even control your physical body, which supposed to be very material thing – how can you directly control the mind, which is the very subtle thing?

Let’s begin from the beginning.

I’m maybe the only Guru, who suggests you to do 100 nauli and push-ups.

KRIYA YOGA AND BODYBUILDING

it’s impossible to develop in Kriya yoga without physical development?

Guruji: physical development will come because only strong body can support the very strong mind – they both go together. If your mind tired – do physical work and vice versa. It works every time.

Bodybuilding in old times was very good – very shapely and strong. Now bodybuilding is just for stage show – that’s why most of them are taking drugs and they look dangerous and horrible. Recently I was searching for one old bodybuilder –Boyer Coe, who was Mr.Universe; they’re giving the list of one-class bodybuilders, who even didn’t reach 50. Most of them died. Old bodybuilders – like Bill Pearl – he’s 80+ and still going strong; like John Grimek – he died near 90. We should learn from this, healthy life style. At the same time they are good looking also. Now most of them are dying of overtraining and using drugs. But Bill Pearl’s example I like – he was the first vegetarian bodybuilder, who become Mr.Universe. you can see Arnold’s encyclopedia of bodybuilding – the photo, where Schwarzenegger and Pearl are talking with each other: you can see the difference in the size of the head – Pearl’s head is bigger than Arnold’s. if we go back to history – gladiators were given only vegetarian food. I’m vegetarian and I think I’m looking ok.

From heavy weight training it takes time to recover; but without weight training you maybe able to do 1000 squats – but you will recover very long. You will achieve the result slow, not in a day. And I will say: for recovering the vegetarian diet is the best. Too much protein is not good for health. In wrestlers diet there is at least half kg of almonds – they say almonds gives the power and much protein. Then they train for 4 up to 8 hours in a day. They do 5000 squats, 2000 push-ups, mudgars and then practice wrestling in akhada(arena). They have very different way of life. No meat at all. Most of them are vegetarians – except some musalman wrestlers, but most of them are absolute vegetarians. They were extremely powerful people, great muscles and very big. But I’ve never see six pack on indian wrestlers. You remember Gama? Recently we found the stone in Baroda museum – 200 kgs: and they write that Gama Pehalwan lift it and moved it down. He was real superman. He also run 20 kms every day, did 1000 squats and 2500 push ups and his mudgars were very heavy.

No clowns. Start. 10 seconds. 15 seconds. How many? Less than 10. Because I also film my role. Very soft. Tell it to the camera. Tell it to the camera. After 40... 40. 40 repetitions with 50 kilos. Yes. Pulse was only 60 per minute. Not fast. Less. Less than 60. Less than 60. Because after 15 seconds, it is 10.

Again. In Anutya. Okay. Mm-hmm. Stop. 10 seconds. 15 seconds. Yes, done. How much? 12. 12. 12. In these. 48. 48. 48, it should be 88. After 40 reputations of 50 kgs. Only 48 in one minute. And in the middle of 4 hour workout. Yes.

Q: Sometimes I don’t feel like doing any exercise. Is it because of lack of energy on those days?

A: “Not necessarily, but sometimes over-exertion and over-training also tires the body. You should take rest. Doing this work-out 3 to 4 times a week should be enough for you. Our aim is to stay in shape. We are not body-builders.

“Body-building is totally different these days. Earlier, there were no anabolic drugs. People used to work out for health and strength. Over-muscularity wasn’t much sought after. Look at some old body-builders – Steve Reeves for example. He was one of the most handsome body-builder in this history of build-building. He played the role of Hercules; you should watch the movie series (Hercules) if you get a chance – there are about 5-6 of them. Now compare him to the body-builders today sticking their frog-like muscles out! The beauty of body-building is lost in the monstrosity that it is today. I haven’t seen a more shapely body-builder than Steve Reeves. Although in muscularity he doesn’t compare to the body-builders today, but his shape was extraordinary. And I think was much better looking than, for example, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He looked like a real hero, like a Greek god, and in comparison, the modern body-builders look like monster! Same with the other first few body-builders. Jon Gremek, who progressed a lot in Bob Hoffman’s training, was as strong as he was good looking. And he never took any drugs in his life. He used to be able to squat with 400 pounds, even in his 60s! I’m not sure if he’s still alive or not. Joe Weider has totally destroyed body-building by creating an industry around it.

“In the old days, there used to be 2 title – “Mr America” and “The Most Muscular Man”. Most Muscular is now Mr America, and the original Mr. America is now gone. Health, strength, and shape used to be the measures before. I just saw the photographs of Ronnie Coleman, Mr. Olympia. If he stood next to you, you’d be petrified! Looks like a monster. I don’t know what Weider has done to this sport. Earlier, there was no money involved. Now, without chemicals it is not even possible to compete with these kind of muscles. You should do the comparison with old body-builders – Steve Reeves, Jon Grimek, Bill Pearl. Bill Pearl was the first red indian to win a world championship. These are legendary names in body building. Look for some old photographs of Jon Grimek. I have read his life as well. He used to do a pose called “flag post” – holding his body horizontal like a flag with both his hands. Imagine how much strength it’d take to do that. I’ve never seen anyone else ever been able to do it.

“There were some good body-building magazines in early days. They’ve stopped now that Joe Weider has taken over everything. There was an Amateur Athletic Union, AAU, founded by Bob Hoffman. Bob Hoffman was known as the father of American weight lifting, he also coached the Olympics team I think. He was a very strong man himself. He started the magazine “Health and Strength”, and Jon Grimek ran “Muscular Development”. If you can get old of some issues, definitely read them. Today’s body-building is not possible for an average man. Also, the workouts published in the magazines today are misleading. They are work-outs for professional, and are being popularized in general public so beginners have a lot of difficulty in deciding what to do. I have tried Bob Hoffman’s workouts and have seen tremendous benefits, especially that 3 times a week one. It is one of the finest workouts I’ve found so far. ”

“[…] I did this work-out in college days and I can still feel it’s effects. It developed a permanent V shape and tremendous strength. I was able to do full squats with 400 pounds, bench-press with 300 pounds, and shoulder presses 180 pounds! I used to arm-wrestle with everybody in college and beat them. All machines fail in front of this work-out. The only equipment that comes any close is BullWorker X5. Two legendary body-builders used to do this workout – Casie Jaffer(?) and Mike Manger(?) – they introduced the heavy-duty principle. Other workouts are only for conditioning but this one is for strength. And strength really gives a high feeling – it’s an intoxication in itself. Then you also learn you body’s limits. You will only know that by exerting yourself.

“Today the body-building is all about chemicals. A body-builder came from Gwalior and brought me some protein powder – these Weider-style products are available even here these days!. The product claimed you’d gain muscle mass and also develop cuts. I tried for 3 days, understood the principle and stopped using it. It had some chemicals which would make you very thirsty. You’ll drink water and feel like urinating all the time. It’d drain all the water out of the body so it’d feel like you are getting thinner and the cuts are showing up. Work out, drink water, and urinate all day – that’s the way you’d get cuts. It has bad long-term effects on health.”

“[..] Muscle tissues break during exercise that’s why you feel pain. When you rest, they rebuild and grow in size. They grow to cope with the exertion. That’s why it is called progressive resistance training. Progressively increasing resistance – 10 pounds, 20 pounds, etc, and the muscles will respond to the increase in exertion and grow.

“Check out old archives for Bob Hoffman, Jon Grimek, Steve Reeves, etc. Watch Hercules series as well. Victor Mature had not a single cut on his body but his looks were amazing and had great strength too. I got so inspired by his movie (Samson and Delilah) that I don’t remember how many of my students I lifted up overhead with one hand!

“He did not have a body-builder look but a manly look.. used to throw man like it was nothing! The film was a classic. The movie was copied in India as well. Premnath played the role of Victor Mature (in movie ‘Aurat’). There was some Indian touch but it was the same movie, scene by scene. But the original is something else.

“There’s no answer to Victor Mature. He was not overly muscular but was very strong. Remember how he lifted that fat man in the movie? Even Arnold could not give those scenes. I was so inpsired by that scene, that Upendra Vyas, my disciple who had a similar body like that fat man weighing 107 Kg, even him I lifted overhead with one hand! That has been my heaviest lift so far. Single-handed! This happened in Gwalior cottage days. Have lifted Kashyap more than 100-150 times. He is only 55 Kgs so it was easy. Last year I lifted Ganja but not anyone after that. My mood has changed somehow, don’t feel like doing that anymore.

“The strength has supported Yoga practice as well, you can’t ignore that. Like the point that you caught – 200 in Yoni Mudra on the first day itself! If I didn’t have the physical back-up, it was next to impossible. Bullworker will also increase the capacity to hold breath, especially its advanced workouts. It is one of the qualities of Bullworker, that’s why I like it so much. I used to keep two of those, so that if one broke, I could replace it with the othe one and there wouldn’t be a break in the routine. You should aways be ready. I have broken Bullworker X5 at least 6 or 7 times. Some time ago the only shop which used to sell those closed down. After that, I’ve been repairing it myself. It is the finest workout to do with Yoga practice. It’ll drastically increase the breath retention, especially the isotonic one.

“I took Bullworker with me even when I had gone to Puri [Yukteshwar Giri’s ashram, when GurujI hadn’t found his Guru yet]. It was one of the old models. I was the only one there who was practicing Yoga and working out as well. Everyone else was very komal-anga (‘delicate limbs’). They were a bit scared of me as well. Some of them used to lecture me: “Shailendra baba, don’t exercise so much otherwise your bhava (divine emotion) will get destroyed”, or “if you exercise, you’ll remain stuck in body level only, will never reach the soul”. I stopped working out for 5-6 weeks, and started feeling down – losing confidence and energy. Then I told them all to go to hell, I’ll never quit exercising. Later when I met Guruji [Shri Satya Charan Lahiri Mahasaya], he told me “Make exercise a part of your life. You must keep doing that.” He told me exactly what appealed to my heart. He also shared the secret that only with physical fitness, the spiritual practice will reach its zenith! This is especially true with Yoga practice. And I have experienced that exactly. Everybody can. My swimming work-out had also made a lot of difference. I used to do a lot of underwater swimming and that has significantly increased

my breath retention.

“You should always physically exert yourself. Never over but within a limit.”

STRESS

Weight training is progressive resistant training: more stress you’re able to tolerate – stronger you will be. It stand to reason. When we weight training – we’re giving special type of stress to our muscles; they are able to tolerate and they begin to grow. Same with men: you simply cannot become great or achieve something if you’re always lying down on your bed, overeating and watching TV and thinking things. You must go forward and you must have very clear vision what you want to achieve. No pain – no gain.

Q: is it possible to be tolerable to stress that you have every time?

Guruji: I remember when I first went to the gym – next day I could hardly move. But I kept on and then I became much strength.

Q: it can be transferred into practice or in any life situation?

Guruji: anywhere – the principle will remain the same. Now the thought come to me, that most programs of stress-release – maybe they are taking you to the wrong direction. There must be programs to make you strong enough to tolerate more and more stress. Stress is a test of your own strength. Mental, physical – everything.

Money is the only inspiration, which will make you face any adventure or any stress – and come out successfully, if there is enough money. Money unites the humanity together. All over the world – I don’t talk about aborigines – we all love money.

Q: could we say that if the person will have the very comfortable life with all comforts he can imagine – he will not progressing at all?

Guruji: I’ve not seen anyone doing that. We’re saying in India: when you have done the hardest work and you’re tired – only then you can actually enjoy the sleep. And if you’re very hungry – then you will enjoy your food. If you’re very thirsty – you will enjoy your drink – water or whatever. If you’re always lying down in comfort – you will get insomnia in no time. If your stomach is always full – you will lose taste of food.

One who remains physically weak realizes at the dusk of his life that he could achieve nothing. On the other hand those who attained high levels of physical developments are not found to suffer form frustration at the dusk of life. While gradually developing their physical capabilities, they begin to realize that their mental capabilities are growing with the physical ones, and having realized this when they endeavor to fully understand the mind, they no longer remain ignorant about the divinity, which is latently present in body and mind. They attain ability to understand this divinity, which is latently present in body and mind. They attain ability to understand this divinity in its entirely. The only caution to exercise is not to halt at any level, and endeavor to advance more, more and still more.

The fastest flow in this world is that of imagination. Those who are imaginative, have the capability of doing anything under the blue, because numerous thoughts are not just a crowd of thoughts for them, but every thought has an intimate relation with them. All those manifestations which we observe in this world, be it anything form meals to spaceships, all are the consequence of an imaginative person establishing friendship with one specific thought chosen form the crowd.

Those who consider this body to be frigid do not realize that this is that root supported by which grows the creeper of consciousness and to which blooms the flowers of knowledge.

If the goal of life has become clear to you, the path, which leads to it, will also become clear to you.

The purpose of life is to undertake a task, which provides us with hearty delight and it depend upon person to person as to what or which task would provide him the feeling of hearty delight. We must understand in this regard that hearty delight is entirely heart felt and a spiritual feeling, just like that of love.

Spirituality begins together with the creation of body because the feeling of I–consciousness is experienced only by means of the body and the more the physical exercise that we put in, the stronger that feeling grows. It would also be appropriate to put it this way — that what we call as physical development begins together with mental development only. Whenever a yogi is using the term body, it denotes everything that is associated with soul, consciousness, and all awakened and dormant capabilities.