Video

The topic of vegetarianism and a proper yogic diet is the subject of much dispute in the contemporary western society. Guru Yogi Matsyendranath Maharaj explains where this tendency to complicate nutrition issues comes from, what yogis eat in India, and what is most important for the diet of a yogi in general.

Guruji Matsyendranath talks about the meaning of mantras in the Nath Tradition. In the West, it is generally accepted that yoga is asanas or, at best, pranayama. However, in the classical texts, mantras are given great attention, they are considered the highest form of pranayama, when pronounced in harmony with the breath. This gives the practitioner pure knowledge, because mantras are associated with sound, vibration, and sound is the most subtle element of material nature.

Siddhasana claims to be the main posture in yoga according to the classic yogic texts. It should be considered not only as a a certain body position, but also as an ability to stay in a posture for a long period of time; it is not enough to be just flexible - one needs to be able to control the energy and the mind. Guru Matsyendranath Maharaj talks about asana as a practice that can not be separated from the other aspects of complete sadhana, about the broad understanding of disease causes and about the importance of higher goals in yoga.

Shri Yogi Matsyendranath Maharaj talks about Dhyana as of a traditional yogic key state. There is a conception in the West that people practice meditation in India, but this is not exactly true. The word "meditation" has a Latin origin and means "thinking", "comprehension" of some ideas. But, Dhyana is akin to the state of samyama – the concentration on the object (more often spiritual one) in a pure state of consciousness. It is explained in the video how practitioners are approaching to this state and what is the object of the concentration for yogis.

Sri Yogi Matsyendranath Maharaj talks about the interrelation of worshiping Shiva and Shakti in Nath-sampradaya. Shiva and Shakti symbolically represent male and female aspects of the divine and manifested in many forms.

Ulta sadhana is the most important principle of yoga. Basing his sadhana on it a yogin learns to develop awareness and self control in various situations. These qualities help to be unconditioned by environmental circumstances and one's habits, and thereby maintaining vital energy.

Guru Yogi Matsyendranath talks about why it is important to control prana (as life energy), about the relationship of pranayama, mantra and contemplation (meditation). The topic of personal practice and training in traditional yoga as a whole is also raised. Yogi Matsyendranath Maharaj talks about the practice as a path that profoundly changes a person and that is chosen for life.