Inner Engineering and Manifest Your Desires by Sadhguru

Embark on a transformative journey with this dual exploration of Inner Engineering and Manifest Your Desires by Sadhguru.

In this enlightening episode, Dave and Poppy delve into the profound teachings of Sadhguru, unraveling how inner peace, self-awareness, and the mastery of your own mind are the keys to a truly fulfilled life.

Discover practical insights into the philosophy of inner engineering—how aligning your body, mind, and energy can revolutionise your outlook—and the art of manifesting your deepest desires through clarity and conscious action.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, emotional balance, or a deeper connection with the universe, this episode offers timeless wisdom and actionable steps to engineer your best self.

Listen now and start transforming your life from the inside out!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mind Set in Stone Podcasts. If you enjoyed our deep dive, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Share your thoughts with us on social media, and let us know which book you’d like us to explore next. Until next time, keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open.

This has been a Big L Riz Media Podcast—where big ideas meet lasting impressions.

Transcript

 Welcome to Mind Set in Stone Podcasts where we dive deep into the most compelling books on the shelf. Join hosts Dave and Poppy as they uncover the stories, themes, and ideas that shape our understanding and inspire curiosity. Get ready to explore the big ideas that leave a lasting impact.

Let's get started.

Alright, let's dive in. Today we're exploring Inner Engineering, A Yogi's Guide to Joy. This book by Sadhguru is right here with me.

It's a really interesting mix of personal stories and practical wisdom. It's almost like a guide to well-being. What do you think?

Oh, absolutely. What strikes me is how relatable Sadhguru makes it all. Even if you've never done yoga, you can still relate to his thoughts on human nature, you know, in the search for joy.

It's really compelling.

Yeah, exactly. It's not just for yoga people. It's for everyone who's trying to understand themselves better and the world really.

So, maybe we should start with Sadhguru's own story, right? His childhood is anything but typical.”

It definitely shows his unique approach to life, even as a kid. He thought traditional school was just so boring, like mind numbing. He actually says it's because the teachers just repeated information they didn't teach from experience.

It's like he knew real knowledge comes from living, not just memorizing things.

That's so interesting. So instead of being stuck in a classroom, he was out exploring nature. He even had his own little zoo with all kinds of creatures, like snakes, tadpoles, all kinds of insects.

It wasn't just a kid being fascinated by bugs. It shows this deeper need for real hands-on knowledge, and that idea comes up again and again in his teachings. He always wanted to understand life beyond the surface.

Yeah, I see that. Then there's this amazing story about him meeting an old yogi when he was just 12. So imagine this, Sadhguru and his friends are daring each other to jump into this 150-foot well and then climb back out without ropes, just using the rock walls.”

Right, a real test of courage. And then this 70-year-old man just walks up and jumps in. And get this, he climbs out faster than any of the kids.

Young Sadhguru is, of course, amazed. He has to know how the man did it.

Of course. And that's how he ends up learning yoga from this man, Maladi Hali Swami. It's a turning point for him.

His body naturally starts waking up at 3.40 every morning, ready to practice. Yoga becomes a part of his daily life.

And it's not just about learning some poses. It's about a huge shift in what he thinks is possible. It's like that encounter awakens something in him, putting him on this path of self-discovery.

And that path led him to share what he learned with everyone else.

But even as he's getting deeper into yoga, he doesn't just accept everything he's told. He's always questioning, observing, looking for things that don't add up. And he wants us to do the same.

Yeah, totally. He says he never went looking for loopholes, he just saw them. And he wants us to learn to do that, too.”

Observe without judging or trying to explain things right away, to really see things as they are, not as we wish they were or think they should be.

That's a powerful skill. And it really shows in his writing. It's direct, observational, but also full of insight.

So, let's fast forward a bit. Sadhguru is in his early 20s, running a successful poultry business, loves riding his motorcycle, but he feels this deep restlessness.

He describes it as this longing to know something more, but not knowing what that something is or where to find it. And that feeling leads him on these long travels across India, first by bicycle, then his motorcycle.

He even uses his business skills to pay for his adventures. You can see that practicality that later becomes such a big part of his teachings.

Right. Showing that spirituality doesn't have to be this distant mystical thing, you can make it part of your everyday life.

And then there's this motorcycle ride that changes his whole life. He's 25, riding up Chamundi Hill, and has this experience that completely changes how he sees reality. He actually says he went up and didn't come down.”

He tries to explain this explosion of inner ecstasy, this feeling of being totally connected to everything, to his friends. They just think he must have taken something.

It's like in that moment; he went beyond who he thought he was. Like his sense of self just disappeared. His whole reality changed.

And he woke up to something much bigger. He saw how everything is connected.

And it's not just a temporary high. This becomes his reality. People even notice his physical appearance changing.

It's like by connecting to this deeper dimension, he's actually transformed.

And this experience becomes the foundation for what he teaches. He's not just talking about inner engineering as an idea. He's living it.

He becomes proof that yoga and exploring yourself can really change you.

And I find it fascinating that he didn't just retreat from the world after this. He actually used his business skills and that practical side of him to make this kind of transformation possible for others.

That's what's so great about it. He connects the mystical with the everyday. You don't have to run away or live in a cave to find this potential inside you.”

He actually says, by changing ourselves, we can change the world around us.

Which probably explains why so many different people connect with his teachings. Okay, so we've got the story of Sadhguru's journey. Now let's look at some of the big ideas he explores in the book.

One that stands out is limitless responsibility. It's not just taking care of your own stuff. It's a way bigger idea.

It's about understanding that our ability to respond extends to the entire universe. It's pretty radical, isn't it?

It is, and it really challenges how we usually think about responsibility. Sadhguru uses this analogy of being trapped in a series of bigger and bigger cubicles. And no matter how big that cubicle gets, we still want to break free to go beyond those limits.

So, it's not about getting a bigger cubicle. It's about realizing we can go beyond those limitations completely. But how do we even start to understand that kind of responsibility?

It feels huge, almost overwhelming.”

Sadhguru says it starts with changing our perspective. He says this desire for limitless responsibility isn't about wanting more stuff or experiences. It's about recognizing that we're connected to everything around us, to the whole cosmos.

It's about understanding that we're not just isolated individuals, but part of something much bigger.

So instead of feeling like things just happened to us, we can start to see ourselves as active participants in this huge web of life. That's a powerful shift.

It really is, and it changes how we live our lives. When we see this interconnectedness, we realize our actions, our thoughts, even just being present, have an impact on the world around us.

It's a reminder that we have the power to make a difference, not just in our own lives, but in the world as a whole. So how does this idea of limitless responsibility connect to what Sadhguru teaches about well-being and changing from within?

Well, here's where it gets really interesting. He says that when we cultivate deep inner peace and well-being, we naturally become more responsible and compassionate. It's not about forcing ourselves to be good.”

t's about reaching an inner state that naturally leads us to act in a more responsible and harmonious way.

So, it's an inside out approach. By changing ourselves, we change the world around us.

You got it. And that brings us to another big idea he explores, the five elements and how they work within us, like an inner ecology. He presents earth, water, fire, air and ether, not just as parts of the universe, but as the building blocks of our own bodies.

It reminds us that we're not separate from nature. We're woven into its very fabric. And he tells this amazing story about driving through mist one night and seeing what looked like a mountain on fire.

It's a great example of how easily we can be tricked by what we see. As he got closer, he realized it was just a small fire. The mist was making it look like a huge blaze.

And this idea that the five elements are more than just physical things is key to understanding how Sadhguru sees perception.”

So, it's not just about the elements themselves, but how we see them and interact with them, both inside us and in the world.

Exactly. And that's where things get even more interesting, because Sadhguru says that by understanding and working with these elements within ourselves, we can actually affect our well-being and how we experience life.

Okay, now I'm really intrigued. Tell me more about how we can actually work with these elements.

Well, Sadhguru goes into a lot of specific techniques and practices in the book. But a key takeaway is that what's going on inside us is reflected in the outer world and the other way around. He suggests that by becoming more aware of these elements within us, we can create a more balanced and harmonious inner ecology.

This is starting to sound a bit like alchemy, you know, turning lead into gold. But in this case, transforming our inner state to create a more harmonious and joyful way of living.”

That's a great way to put it. And it all connects back to that idea of limitless responsibility. By becoming more aware of the elements within us and creating that balanced inner ecology, we naturally become more responsible and compassionate people.

It all makes sense. This is all super interesting. But now I'm wondering about the practical side of things.

What are some things Sadhguru recommends for working with these elements and actually going through this inner transformation?

Well, that's where things get really exciting, because he introduces a whole bunch of practices throughout the book, from simple breathing exercises to more advanced yogic techniques.

Okay, hold on. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's talk about the role of the intellect in all of this. Sadhguru has a pretty different view of the mind, wouldn't you say?

He does, and it can be a little hard to grasp at first. He's not against intellect, but he does say we shouldn't let it be the only thing guiding our experience.

So, it's not about ditching logic altogether.

No, not at all. He knows that intellect is important for navigating the world. But he also points out its limitations.”

He says it can get stuck in the past, comparing things, which limits how fully we can experience life right now.

He has this great story about a man trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon. It's funny, but it also shows how silly it is to think we can understand the vastness of existence with our limited minds.

Exactly. It's a reminder that our minds, as amazing as they are, can only grasp so much. And he says by realizing those limitations, we can start to experience life in a more complete way, a more holistic way.

So, it's about balancing the intellect with other ways of knowing, like intuition, direct experience, what he calls awareness.

Exactly. He wants us to move beyond just thinking and cultivate a more direct experience of life by increasing our awareness. He's basically saying, don't just think about life, experience it.

That's a big challenge. How do we even start to cultivate that kind of awareness?

That's where the practices come in. And that's a great way to move into the next part of our deep dive.”

Perfect. We've covered a lot already, but there's still so much more to explore. Let's take a quick break, and when we come back, we'll dive into some of the specific techniques and practices Sadhguru recommends for creating this inner transformation.

Okay, so we've laid the groundwork, talked about Sadhguru's journey, and explored these big ideas, limitless responsibility, the five elements, and the limits of intellect. So where do we go from here? What can we actually do to experience this inner transformation he talks about?

Yeah, that's the key question, right? We've got the concepts, but how do we put them into practice? How do we go from just understanding these ideas in our heads to actually living them?

Well, that's where Sadhana comes in. It's a Sanskrit word that basically means spiritual practice. But Sadguru makes it very accessible, very practical.

He's not saying we have to go live in a cave or chant for hours. It's about simple but powerful practices we can integrate into our daily lives.”

So, taking those big ideas and turning them into things we can actually do, steps we can take. Can you give me an example? What's one of these Satana practices that really resonated with you?

One he really emphasizes is Anapanasati Yoga, which basically means being aware of your breath. He says it's a doorway to deeper experiences, a way to connect with the source of life inside us.

So that's pretty simple. Just pay attention to your breath. How does that lead to inner transformation?

It's not about controlling your breath or trying to change it. It's about just observing it, noticing its natural rhythm, how it flows in and out. Sadhguru says that by focusing on the breath, we can quiet our minds, become more present, and tap into a deeper level of awareness within ourselves.

So, it's like using the breath as an anchor to pull us out of all the mental noise and bring us into a more present and grounded state.”

Exactly. And it's amazing how much this simple practice can impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Sadhguru says it's like cleansing and purifying your whole system, boosting your energy and cultivating deep inner peace.

I can see how these sadhana practices act as a bridge between understanding something intellectually and actually experiencing it. It's not enough to just read about these ideas. We have to do something, take action to shift our inner state.

Absolutely. And inner engineering is full of these practical tools and techniques. Another one that stands out is Shambhavi Mahamudra, a 21-minute Kriya yoga practice.

He says it's a powerful way to transform our energy system.

Okay. You mentioned Kriya yoga. For someone who's not familiar with that, what does it involve?

How does it contribute to well-being?

Kriya yoga is a more advanced form of yoga that focuses on working with your energy body. It uses specific breathing techniques, postures, and visualizations to cleanse and purify the energy channels within your body. This can increase your vitality, mental clarity, and create a deeper connection with your inner self.”

So, it's not just about being flexible or relaxing. It's about working with the subtle energies within us to create a more balanced and harmonious state.

Precisely. And Sadhguru makes it clear that these practices aren't just for a select few. They're for anyone who's willing to put in the effort.

He even has a program called Inner Engineering that guides people through learning and practicing these techniques.

I love that he's making these ancient practices accessible to a modern audience. It's like bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and how we live today.

That's one of the things I find so compelling about his work. He's not bound by dogma or rigid traditions. He's always finding new ways to adapt these practices to the challenges we face in the 21st century.

So, if someone is interested in trying these practices, where would you recommend, they start?

Well, the book itself is a great starting point. He explains various sadhana practices clearly, including breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, even dietary recommendations. He stresses that even small, consistent effort can make a big difference over time.”

So, it's not about making huge changes all at once or becoming a yoga master overnight. It's about making these practices part of your routine in a way that feels good and that you can stick with.

Exactly. And if someone wants more structure and support, the Inner Engineering Program offers a guided approach.

Okay. So, we've talked about Sathana. I'm curious to explore some other key themes from the book.

One that stuck with me is Sadhguru's view on desire. He doesn't see it as something to suppress or deny. He actually suggests it can be a powerful tool for creation if we know how to use it consciously.

That's right. He challenges the idea that desire is bad or something to be afraid of. Instead, he sees it as a natural expression of the life force within us.

So, it's not about getting rid of desire. It's about understanding it, working with it, and aligning it with what we truly want.

Precisely. He uses this analogy of a river. A river can be a source of life and nourishment, but if it's not channeled properly, it can become destructive.”

So, it's about directing our desires, focusing them on what truly matters to us.

Exactly. He really emphasizes the importance of being clear, focused, and unwavering in our commitment when it comes to manifesting our desires.

It's not enough to just wish for something. We have to take action and align our energy with our intentions.

Absolutely. And he also warns against falling into the trap of wanting things just because we think they'll make us happy. He encourages us to really examine our desires, question why we want them, and make sure they're aligned with our well-being and purpose.

It's about becoming more aware of what we're really seeking. Instead of just chasing, fleeting pleasures or needing approval from others.

Right. And that leads to another important point he makes. The difference between pleasure and joy.

He says pleasure is often fleeting and depends on external things, while joy is a more stable and lasting state that comes from within.

So, joy isn't something we find out there in the world. It's something we cultivate within ourselves.

Exactly. And he says that one of the key ways to cultivate joy is through practicing yoga and inner engineering.”

It's about creating that balanced and harmonious inner state that doesn't depend on things outside of ourselves.

That's a great way to put it. And that inner state of joy naturally leads us to act in a more responsible and compassionate way.

It's like that ripple effect we talked about. By changing ourselves, we change the world around us.

Precisely. And that brings us to another important theme, being grateful and appreciating the gift of life.

He talks about gratitude not just as a passing feeling, but as a powerful force that can change how we experience life.

It's about shifting our focus from what's missing to what's there, from what we don't have to what we do have.

He encourages us to really savor each moment, appreciate the simple things, and cultivate a sense of wonder and awe for the beauty and mystery of life.

It's about recognizing that life itself is a gift, and that appreciating it opens us up to receive even more blessings.

It's like gratitude becomes a magnet for joy and abundance.”

Exactly. And it connects back to that idea of limitless responsibility. When we're grateful for life, we naturally want to give back to help others and make the world a better place.

So, it's not just about focusing on our own happiness, it's about recognizing our interconnectedness and contributing to the well-being of everyone.

Absolutely. And that leads us to another important theme, finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

He challenges us to find what we're passionate about, identify our unique gifts and talents, and use them to make a positive contribution to the world.

He reminds us that we each have a unique role to play in the grand scheme of things, and that living our purpose brings us deep personal fulfillment, and allows us to make a real difference.

It's about aligning our actions with our values, finding something that truly inspires us, and using our gifts to make a difference.

Exactly. And that sense of purpose can be incredibly motivating and give us strength, especially during tough times.

It's like having a compass to guide us through the ups and downs of life, giving us direction and meaning even when things are challenging”

That's a great analogy. And it all goes back to inner engineering, using the tools and techniques of yoga and mindfulness to create a more balanced and harmonious inner state, which naturally leads us to live more responsibly and joyfully in the world.

It's an incredibly empowering message. It's about taking ownership of our experience, developing our potential, and using our gifts to create a better world.

Absolutely. And that brings us to another important theme, building healthy relationships and fostering a sense of community.

He encourages us to approach relationships with honesty, compassion, and a willingness to both give and receive love.

He reminds us that we're social creatures who thrive on connection, and that cultivating healthy relationships benefits not only ourselves, but also those around us.

He gives advice on communicating effectively, resolving conflicts peacefully, and creating harmonious and supportive connections with others.

It's about recognizing that our relationships are a reflection of our interstate, and that by cultivating inner peace and well-being, we naturally create more harmonious and loving relationships.

So, another example of that inside-out approach. By transforming ourselves, we transform the world.”

Precisely. And that leads us to another important theme, cultivating a sense of reverence and respect for all forms of life.

He encourages us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature, recognize the sacredness of all living beings, and live in a way that honors and sustains life as a whole.

He reminds us that we're not separate from nature, but a part of its intricate and interconnected ecosystem.

It's a call to become stewards of the planet, to make choices that support all living beings, and to live in a way that honors the sacredness of life in all its forms.

Exactly. And that sense of reverence for life naturally extends to our relationships with other human beings.

It's about recognizing that we're all interconnected, part of this vast web of life, and our actions have a ripple effect.

That's beautifully put, and it all goes back to that idea of limitless responsibility. When we recognize how interconnected we are, we naturally feel responsible for everyone's well-being.

It's about moving beyond just focusing on ourselves and embracing a more expansive and compassionate view of life.”

And that's where Sadhguru's teachings become truly transformative. He's not just giving us techniques or practices, he's inviting us to shift our whole way of seeing the world, to embrace a more holistic and interconnected way of being.

It's about understanding that what's happening inside us is reflected in the world around us and the other way around. By changing ourselves, we change the world.

Exactly. And that message feels so important and relevant in the world today.

I couldn't agree more. We've covered so much, but it feels like there's still more to explore. Let's take another quick pause, and when we come back, we'll look at some of the more advanced concepts and practices that Sadhguru discusses towards the end of the book.

All right, we're back. We've been exploring Sadhguru's inner engineering, and it really feels like we've been on this amazing journey, discovering so much layer by layer.

It has been quite a journey. And, you know, in these later parts of the book, Sadhguru really starts digging into some of the deeper, more subtle parts of this inner transformation.”

Yeah. One thing that really stood out to me was his discussion of the five elements and how they relate to our well-being. But he goes even deeper than we talked about before.

It's not just understanding them intellectually. It's about actually experiencing them within ourselves.

Right. He takes it beyond the basic idea that they're present in our bodies. He's talking about how they show up as different kinds of energy within us, influencing everything, from our physical health to our emotions, even our spiritual growth.

So, it's like these elements are the very essence of who we are. Not just physical things, but energetic forces shaping our entire experience.

Exactly. He explains how the earth element gives us grounding and stability. Water governs our emotions and how we flow.

Fire represents our drive and willpower. Air connects to our thoughts and how we communicate. And ether links us to a higher level of consciousness.

That's incredible to think that by understanding and working with these elements inside ourselves, we can actually improve our well-being.”

That's exactly what he's suggesting. He gives specific practices and techniques for balancing and harmonizing these elements. He uses everything from yoga postures and breathing exercises to what we eat and even simple changes to how we live.

Okay, so we have these five elements inside us, shaping our experience. What else does Sadhguru explore in these last chapters?

Well, he starts getting into some of the more mystical aspects of yoga, like the concept of kundalini energy. He describes it as this powerful force that's dormant at the base of our spine.

I've heard of kundalini energy, but honestly, it always seemed a bit out there, a bit too mystical. How does Sadhguru explain it?

He describes it as a potent form of energy that can transform our consciousness. It can lead us to higher states of awareness. He even compares it to a coiled serpent that, when awakened, rises up through the spine and activates different energy centers, the chakras, along the way.”

So, it's not just some abstract idea. It's a real energy that's within us and can be awakened through specific practices.

That's right. But he's very clear that awakening this kundalini energy is serious business. It takes proper preparation, guidance, and a certain level of maturity and self-awareness.

It sounds like a powerful process, but maybe one that could be disruptive if not approached carefully and respectfully.

Exactly. That's why he stresses finding a qualified teacher and taking a gradual, step-by-step approach.

So, it's not about forcing things or trying to have some mystical experience overnight. It's about creating the right conditions within ourselves for this energy to awaken naturally and safely.

That's the key. And he says when Kundalini energy is awakened in a balanced, harmonious way, it can bring about profound states of bliss, creativity, and spiritual insight.

Wow. It's amazing to think about this incredible potential we have inside, just waiting to be unlocked. So, we've talked about the five elements in Kundalini energy.

What other advanced concepts does Sadhguru explore?”

He goes even deeper into the nature of consciousness itself. He challenges the view that consciousness is limited to the brain. He says it's a fundamental part of existence, present in all of creation.

So, it's not just happening inside our heads. It's a field of energy that connects us to everything around us.

Exactly. And he suggests that practices like yoga and meditation can help us expand our consciousness beyond the limits of our individual ego. We can experience a deeper sense of connection with all of life.

It's like tapping into a universal consciousness, an awareness that goes beyond the boundaries of who we think we are.

That's beautiful.

Yeah.

And he says this expansion of consciousness can lead to profound insights, a deep sense of peace, and a more compassionate and loving way of being in the world.”

It's truly inspiring to think about our capacity to go beyond our limited selves and connect to something so much greater.

And it all circles back to that idea of limitless responsibility. When we experience this expanded consciousness, we naturally feel a deeper responsibility for everyone's well-being.

It's like our capacity for compassion grows to include, not just ourselves and those we love, but all beings.

Perfectly said. And that brings us to a more harmonious and fulfilling way of life, a life that aligns with our highest aspirations and our deepest sense of purpose.

Wow, this has been an incredible deep dive. We've covered Sadhguru's journey, explored those core concepts like limitless responsibility, the five elements, and sadhana. We even touched on some of the more advanced aspects of yoga and consciousness.

It's been a truly enriching exploration. I hope our listeners feel inspired to continue their own journey of inner transformation.

I think Sadhguru provides a really compelling and practical guide for anyone who's searching for a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Whether you're experienced with yoga or just starting to explore these ideas, inner engineering has so much wisdom and practical guidance to offer.

Absolutely. And what's so powerful is his emphasis that this journey isn't about running away from the world. It's about engaging with it more fully, more consciously, and more compassionately.

It's about becoming the best versions of ourselves so we can help create a better world for everyone.

Beautifully said. Well, I think it's time for us to wrap up this deep dive.

Thank you for joining us as we explored inner engineering. We'll be back next time with another fascinating topic and a whole new set of sources to unpack. Until then, keep exploring.

We hope you're leaving with fresh insights and a spark of inspiration. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check back for more episodes as we dive into new worlds of thought, one book at a time. Until then, keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open.

This has been a Big  Riz Media Podcast, where big ideas meet lasting impressions.”