Inner Engineering

1. Mechanics of Life

One of the foundational aspects of the course was recognising that everything we call "life" is built on four pillars: body, mind, emotion, and energy. These are the building blocks of who we are, and the way we manage them determines our experience of life.

In one of the initial session, we were introduced to two mantra:

"Asatoma sadgamaya, tamasoma jyotirgamaya, mrityorma amrutangamaya. Om shanti shanti shantihi". This mantra translates to moving from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality, all while embracing inner peace.

"Yogaratova bhogaratova, sangaratova sangaviheenah, yasya brahmani ramate chittam, nandati nandati nandatyeva". Meaning either in discipline or indulgence, in companionship or aloneness, only one who is in constant touch with the ultimate reality will know bliss.

One of the most eye-opening realisations was that yoga is not a philosophy or belief system, but a technology—a tool for inner engineering. Unlike what most of us associate with yoga (asanas and physical postures), this course delved into how yoga is about union—creating a deeper connection with life around and within us. In this mind there is no subtraction and division. There is only addition and multiplication.

2. The Only Bondage

Sadhguru said that “when physicality is all that you know, desire is inevitable, and unfulfilled desire is the basis of all misery.” Sadhguru also states, “If as a human being you do not do what you cannot do, there is no problem. But if you do not do what you can do, you are a tragedy." Additionally, he prompts us to reflect on our emotions with the thought: “When I'm angry, am I for myself or against myself? If I’m against myself, do I tell myself intelligent or idiot?”

Sadhguru introduces the following mantras during this session:

Buddham Sharanam Gachhami (I seek refuge in the Buddha)

Dhammam Sharanam Gachhami (I seek refuge in the Dharma)

Sangham Sharanam Gachhami (I seek refuge in the Sangha)

3. To Live and to Live Totally

In this lecture, Sadhguru delved deep into the concepts of responsibility, involvement, and our connection with life. One of his key insights was that "actions are always limited, but responsibility is limitless." Sadhguru also stated, “any kind of unpleasantness within you means your mind is working against you."

Sadhguru encourages us to “always see what best you can do for everyone around you.” This sense of offering, he says, is what makes individuals shine.

A striking analogy he made was that “trees are our closest relatives. What we exhale, they inhale. This is a constant relationship that no one can afford to break or live without.” This beautifully conveys our inseparable connection with nature, reminding us of our responsibility towards preserving the natural world.

4. You are not what you think

In this lecture, Sadhguru offers profound insights into the difference between pain and suffering, along with key concepts from the yogic tradition. He begins by explaining that “pain is a natural process in the body. It is a part of your preservation.” Pain is a biological mechanism that helps us stay safe, but “suffering is your making because whatever happens, you magnify it in your mind.” This distinction reminds us that while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. It’s created by the mind, and it can be transcended by accepting the present moment as it is.

Sadhguru asks an important question: “If non-existent is hurting me, should I call myself sane or insane?” This thought challenges us to reflect on how often we allow imaginary fears or concerns to affect us. By realising that much of our suffering comes from the past (which is memory) or the future (which is imagination), we can better manage our emotional reactions.

Sadhguru points out that “when it comes to inner realities, every one of us is equally capable. It is just a question of attention.” One way to enhance this focus is through invocation, which Sadhguru describes as “a way of bringing out the best in you.” The practice of nada yoga, or the yoga of sound, uses these vibrations to activate and align the human system.

Sadhguru also touches on the intricacies of the energy body, saying that “the energy body is a complex mechanism of over 72,000 components.” These components are called nadis, which are pathways that make up the pranamaya kosha, or energy body. Understanding this system is key to unlocking our full potential and managing our life energies effectively.

5. The Miracle

In this lecture, Sadhguru begins by highlighting that “the very way you think, feel, understand, and perceive life is hugely conditioned by your past experience of life.” Our mind carries the imprints of our past, making it difficult to see things as they are in the present moment. This leads us to live within the limitations of our past experiences, often repeating the same patterns.

Sadhguru powerfully asserts that “your experience of life is 100% your doing.” This statement is a reminder that we have complete control over how we interpret and respond to the world.

He also emphasises that karma is often misunderstood. Karma is not about fate or destiny, but about the actions we take and the choices we make. Understanding this empowers us to consciously shape our lives rather than passively accept the consequences of our past actions.

Sadhguru touches on the deep spiritual significance of certain physical spaces, particularly the Himalayas. Many spiritual masters have infused these mountains with their energies, turning them into sacred spaces that can profoundly influence those who visit. Being in such an environment can help us connect with our inner nature, revitalising and energising our spirit. One specific location Sadhguru mentions is Mount Kailash, which he describes as “the greatest mystical library on the planet.” He suggests that Kailash holds the key to understanding the mysteries of creation, offering spiritual seekers access to ancient knowledge stored there through ages.

Sadhguru also discusses the importance of silence in our spiritual practice. He reveals that “silence is the basis of sound,” pointing to the fact that true understanding and clarity arise from stillness. In yogic practices, cultivating inner silence allows one to perceive the world more clearly and connect with the deeper aspects of existence.

6. Sounds of Creation

Sadhguru begins this lecture by addressing a common misconception: Many of us often say we enjoy sleep, but in reality, it is the state of rest that we find pleasure in. Sleep is simply a mechanism for the body to rest, and it's the sense of rejuvenation from rest that brings enjoyment, not the act of sleeping itself.

Sadhguru also shares a simple but powerful dietary tip: drinking honey with warm water breaks down fat faster, making it an effective remedy for weight management. Conversely, drinking honey with cold water can help gain weight, showcasing the versatility of honey in yogic practices. This ties into the broader concept of how what we consume can significantly affect our physical health.

In the yogic tradition, food is classified into three categories based on its energetic impact:

• Satva (Positive Pranic): These foods enhance our energy and vibrancy. When we consume positive pranic food, “energy reverberates in a dynamic way,” helping us maintain a higher state of alertness and vitality.

• Tamas (Negative Pranic): These foods deplete our energy and can cause imbalances in our system. Examples include garlic, onion, asafoetida (hing), green chilies, eggplant, coffee, tea, nervous stimulants, and intoxicants. Sadhguru explains that negative pranic foods “take away energy and cause certain deviations in energy,” making them detrimental to our overall well-being.

• Rajas (Zero Pranic): Foods in this category neither add nor take away energy but can bring a sense of lethargy when consumed in excess. Eating zero pranic food makes one feel sluggish, preventing the full potential of one’s energy.

• Understanding these categories helps guide us towards more mindful eating, as what we consume can either energize or deplete us.

Sadhguru then turns to the topic of sound, emphasising that “AUM is the universal sound or the basic sound in creation.” Regular utterance of AUM can bring about profound transformation in a person, helping them connect with their inner energies and the universe.

He further explains the relationship between sound and form, referring to it as the “science of mantras.” Every form in the universe has an associated sound, and vice versa. A pure sound is known as a mantra, while the corresponding form is called a yantra. The technology that combines these two aspects is known as tantra. Through the use of mantras and yantras, we can access higher states of awareness and channel energies in ways that positively influence both our inner and outer worlds.

7. Inner Engineering—A Lifelong Process

Sadhguru began by explaining that in quantum mechanics, there are three core forces that govern the universe:

1. Forces of Creation

2. Forces of Maintenance

3. Forces of Destruction

He correlated these forces with the three primary deities in Hinduism—Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the maintainer), and Mahesh/Shiva (the destroyer). Sadhguru explained that these cosmic principles are also reflected in the structure of the atom through the proton, neutron, and electron, representing creation, maintenance, and destruction, respectively.

In yoga, the human body is seen as an energy system, and certain sounds are associated with specific chakras. Sadhguru connected these sounds to the forces of creation, maintenance, and destruction.

1. Manipura Chakra (Navel/Nambhi): This is Vishnu’s position, responsible for maintenance. The sound A is associated with Vishnu. Chanting A reverberates in the navel area, stimulating the Manipura chakra, which is vital for maintaining life force and balance.

2. Anahata Chakra (Lungs/Chest): Positioned between the navel and the neck, this is Brahma’s domain. The sound U resonates here, representing the force of creation. Chanting U stimulates creativity and life force.

3. Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat): This is Shiva’s position, symbolising destruction or transformation. The sound M is linked with this chakra. Interestingly, M does not leave the mouth but reverberates in the throat, signifying the transformative power Shiva holds. Sadhguru mentioned that this is why Shiva can hold the poison (Neelakantha) in his throat.

Sadhguru explained the profound impact of mastering these sounds:

• Mastery over A brings wealth and abundance.

• Mastery over U brings intelligence and wisdom.

• Mastery over M bestows immense power.

Together, these sounds form the sacred syllable AUM, which is the root of all sounds in the universe. However, Sadhguru pointed out that even the sound AUM has its root in silence. Silence, in this context, is the source of all creation, and it is from this silence that all sound emerges.

In the conclusion of the course, Sadhguru emphasised three important reminders to always keep in mind:

1. My responsibility is limitless: This reflects the boundless capacity each of us has to impact the world around us. By embracing limitless responsibility, we align with the greater forces of creation.

2. This moment is inevitable: By accepting the present moment as it is, we free ourselves from the cycle of resistance and suffering. What is happening now cannot be avoided, and embracing it fully is a path to inner peace.

3. My body and mind are not me: Both body and mind are temporary gatherings. Recognising that they are not who we are at our core allows us to transcend our limitations and tap into our true essence.