World Peace Tour 2008 continues in Europe, in Republic of Croatia

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhiji's Birth Anniversary and the International Day of Non-Violence, His Holiness Paramhans Swami Maheshwaranandaji was invited to Zagreb, capital of Croatia.

To honour the International Day of Non-Violence, H. H. Swamiji has inspired the Yoga in Daily Life students throughout Croatia to “save lives through donating blood”. Hundreds of people followed Swamiji's appeal, and this initiative was highly appreciated by the Red Cross organization.

Blood donations

After his arrival at Zagreb airport, H. H. Swamiji was cordially welcomed by the President of the Zagreb City Assembly, Mrs. Tatjana Holjevac in the City Hall to a friendly talk followed by a press conference and banquet.

H. H. Swamiji stated: “I am happy to be in Croatia again and especially on this auspicious occasion of Gandhiji's anniversary. I believe that if he would be still alive, he would make the world a better place in many aspects. If religious leaders and religious people would work together instead of fighting against each other they could have more positive impact on the world situation than the United Nations.”

Asked what he would suggest people in order to lead a happier and more peaceful life, Swamiji said: “There are three points that will make your life healthy and happy:

Be content and satisfied with whatever you have. In the bible it is said: Thou shalt not carry. and Mahatma Gandhiji said: Renounce and enjoy.
Love, be kind. Love your next, love everyone, not only humans, love all creatures.
Practice yoga. Yoga I designed for humans, it is the oldest principle in the world. It does not belong to any religion and can be practiced by people of any religion.

Be content, love and practice yoga. This will make your life happy!

But people are so greedy. They run after money and try to collect more and more. Money is not everything. Politicians only praise their countries for economic growth and development – if they would care more for the spiritual growth and development of the country, the world would not be in the situation we are facing now. If people would care more about their families instead of thinking day and night how to increase their wealth, our society and the nature would benefit immensely!”

In Zagreb City Assembly

In the evening Swamiji had an acclaimed lecture that was completely booked out and filled to its capacity by over 1200 people.

Public lecture in Zagreb

On 3rd October, Swamiji was received by the President of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic in the famous spa Opatija on Adriatic coast. They had a 40 minutes intensive talk addressing issues of the present world situation, world peace and about the good relation between India and Croatia.

With President of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic

Till Sunday, 5th October, His Holiness Swamiji stayed in the Adriatic holiday resort Umag, leading a weekend retreat on Yoga in Daily Life, Chakras and Kundalini.

International seminar