Namaste, wonderful souls.
The world we live in is one of wondrous nature and, at the same time, terrible events. To “live in the world without being of the world”—to feel at peace and in harmony in body, mind, and spirit, and to be truly FREE—it is essential to take care of oneself and prioritize one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.
It is worth remembering that only by remaining balanced, serene, and connected to our true selves can we fully dedicate ourselves to a meaningful purpose—leading a happier life while also serving others. Thus, self-care is an act of love—both individual and collective.
Yoga and meditation are examples of scientifically grounded practices for a healthier life in every respect. Although their traditional forms may have fallen somewhat out of fashion lately, they remain—infinitely and timelessly—the most powerful and profound practices for this purpose… at least, as far as I know.
Today, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you about meditation itself…
One might think that meditation has something to do with “emptying the mind”… But if the mind’s very job is to keep up its constant chatter, then the practice of meditation begins—above all—with stepping back from identifying with those ceaseless thoughts.
A good metaphor is to imagine being on a plane on a rainy day: as the aircraft slowly climbs, it passes through the clouds, leaving them below and in the distance, until the day becomes sunny and clear. In that moment, there is greater clarity; even though the clouds (or thoughts) still exist, you reach a point where you are no longer immersed in their mist. This is exactly what happens in meditation.
Of course, it is important to remember that meditation is also a form of training. If, for an entire lifetime—and who knows how many incarnations—the clouds have drifted back and forth and you have simply gone along with them, there will likely be a strong identification with all those problems, judgments, ideas, creations, rushes, and tensions. In such a case, meditation may seem like an incredibly difficult task, and moving beyond thoughts might initially feel like something out of science fiction. Furthermore, we live in a world that is becoming less conscious and increasingly “hooked on screens and influencers,” so—my friends—meditation can truly seem like an impossible feat.
Yet, the master Yogananda and all the great Gurus teach us that nothing is impossible… unless we believe it to be so. The good news, then, is that there are systematic techniques which, when put into practice, make meditation fluid and spontaneous.
Another important aspect is that yoga is a complete practice that begins with the body: we move it consciously, stretch it, strengthen it, listen to it, and breathe into it; gradually, the body releases its psycho-physical tensions, the breath expands, energy is liberated, and the mind begins to find more space.
It is worth noting that if the mind wanders during practice, it is not a problem: the moment you notice it, simply bring your attention back to the body, the breath, a mantra, a visualization, or any other element that keeps you present.
So, if someone thinks meditation isn’t for them because their mind never stops… the truth is that they might be the very person who needs it most and who will reap immense benefits, provided they take the time to practice with patience and gentleness: we ALL can.
Our world increasingly needs conscious individuals who manifest the purest, truest qualities of the Divine soul that you—and we—are.
“Banat, banat, banat Banjai” — “Practice, practice, practice, and one day it will be done…”
says Lahiri Mahasaya…
With Love (*prema*),
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PREMA KRIYA YOGA IN PRESENCE IN MILAN , ITALY (FROM JANUARY 13TH TO JANUARY 23RD)
– After the cosmic encounters in Milan in September, I am back with the following events:
1. WORKSHOP prema kriya yoga at Peace Love Yoga, San Donato Milanese
Īśvara Praṇidhāna (ईश्वरप्रणिधान), LIVING BEYOND FEAR
FRIDAY, january 15th
6pm – 8pm
– There will be a brief explanation regarding the state of surrender to the Divine, enabling us to live beyond fear. Afterward, we will practice Kundalini Yoga and meditation, featuring a special kriya and mantra for courage (acting from the heart) and for truly relaxing into the arms of the Divine Mother.
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2. Prema Kriya Yoga Workshop at Casa Cosmica, Milan
Expanding the Heart: A Journey Back to the Self
Friday, January 22, 2027
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Practice: Prema Hatha Flow, mantra chanting, pranayama, and kriya meditation.
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3. Additional “Prema Kriya Yoga” Sessions in Milan – January
Friday, Jan 15; Monday, Jan 18; Wednesday, Jan 20
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
&
Tuesday, Jan 19
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: La casa di Alice, Via Galvano Fiamma 40, Milan (near Piazza Risorgimento)
Monday, Jan 18 & Wednesday, Jan 20
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Muna Loft, Via Coni Zugna 4, Milan
(Driveway on the left; intercom: Pambianco)
Info & booking: Raquel Bhavani (WhatsApp +34 658 213100)
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Just a reminder: if anyone is interested in the online course “Planets and Chakras according to Jyotish (Vedic Astrology),” you can let me know. For now, it’s available in Italian but I can also start an English group soon upon request.
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I look forward to seeing you for our weekly online practice sessions:
Here are the new times, starting October 26th:
Here is a wonderful poem:
HOLD ON YET A WHILE, BRAVE HEART by Swami Vivekananda
If the sun by the cloud is hidden a bit,
If the welkin shows but gloom,
Still hold on yet a while, brave heart,
The victory is sure to come.
No winter was but summer came behind,
Each hollow crests the wave,
They push each other in light and shade;
Be steady then and brave.
The duties of life are sore indeed,
And its pleasures fleeting, vain,
The goal so shadowy seems and dim,
Yet plod on through the dark, brave heart,
With all thy might and main.
Not a work will be lost, no struggle vain,
Though hopes be blighted, powers gone;
Of thy loins shall come the heirs to all,
Then hold on yet a while, brave soul,
No good is e'er undone.
Though the good and the wise in life are few,
Yet theirs are the reins to lead,
The masses know but late the worth;
Heed none and gently guide.
With thee are those who see afar,
With thee is the Lord of might,
All blessings pour on thee, great soul,
To thee may all come right!
