H. H. Swamiji's Visit to Poland
H.H. Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwaranandaji visited Warsaw, the capital of Poland, from 9-10 November 2009. For the first time H.H. Swamiji gave public lectures here and led meditation practice, to a packed hall of local people seeking ways to improve their health and wellbeing.
The subject for the seminar was “Meditation – theory and practice”. The programmes took place in the Warszawski Dom Technika NOT over two evenings, with participants filling the large hall to capacity on both nights.
During the first lecture on Monday 9 November, after introducing the topic and explaining about passive and active meditation, H.H. Swamiji led the audience through a 40 minute Self-Inquiry Meditation practice.
During the second lecture on Tuesday 10 November, Yoga in Daily Life instructors demonstrated the asana routine “Khatu Pranam”, as H. H. Swamiji explained the multiple benefits and effects of this comprehensive practice from the Yoga in Daily Life system.
The lectures in Warsaw contained much inspiring and wise information about what being a “yogi” means and H.H. Swamiji gave advice on how to find success in our meditation practice, by reminding us to taking into account a few important points:
- Just as it is vital in all areas of life to learn the proper methods from a teacher – from that one who has mastered the subject – this also includes our spiritual development and we should follow the wise teachings of a master (guru) to achieve the aim of our practice.
- H.H. Swamiji spoke about the importance of harmonious and respectful family relations, particularly with our parents – what is the point of finding our own inner peace if we don’t also create and spread that peace to others?
- The food that we eat and drink has an affect not only on our physical health, but also on our mental health and spiritual progress. If we consume food that has been the cause of suffering or death of living creatures, this will be detrimental to our body and also our mind and will make success in meditation practice unlikely. H.H. Swamiji explained how a healthy vegetarian diet gives the body energy and vitality and also helps keep the mind and heart clear of restlessness, anger, hatred, fear, worries and doubts.
At the second evening lecture, the participants were also treated to a short video about the Maha Kumbha Mela (“festival of the great vessel”) the most popular sacred gathering in India, which takes place every four years, attracting tens of millions of pilgrims from around the world. The next Kumbha Mela will take place in Haridwar from February – April 2010 and a large group of Yoga in Daily Life practitioners will join H. H. Swamiji for this most holy occasion.
There are currently two certified YIDL teachers in Warsaw, with one regularly teaching three classes per week for the general public plus a special class for people suffering with multiple sclerosis. There are also regular Satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and have been several one-day workshops with asanas, pranayama, yoga nidra, tratak (candle-gazing) and other kriya techniques, as well as a Seaside Yoga and Yoga in the Park during the summer time.
During the last few years H. H. Swamiji has organised for senior YIDL instructors from the Czech Republic and Serbia to travel to Poland to give public lectures and lead sessions in the special internal cleansing technique from the traditional Hatha Yoga Kriyas known as “Shank Prakshalan”, which must only be practised under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Local organisers, teachers and students of Yoga in Daily Life were very grateful for the blessing of H.H. Swamiji’s long-awaited visit and feel that this occasion will give them much inspiration for further developing the YIDL activities in Poland, including establishing a Foundation to help spread the holistic teachings and humanitarian principles of Yoga in Daily Life for the benefit of all.
A longer report and more photos can be found here (in Polish language):
http://www.joga-joga.pl/pl14/teksty953/wizyta_vishwaguru_swamiego_paramahansy_maheshwaran