Mandrake

I used to see the West as one big hypocritical block too—colonial history, corporate greed, military interventions—it all fits a certain narrative. But over time I started realizing how overly simplified that view is, and how it’s actually being used now by populists to justify some really dangerous politics. In fact, we had to overcome vast differences between our "western" countries, and it's still and extremely difficult juggling act to stay united. Take Jaishankar, for example. He presents himself like this calm, intellectual statesman, but what he’s really doing is selling a revisionist story—that India is finally rising after centuries of humiliation, and that the West deserves to be put in its place. It’s not diplomacy—it’s a grudge masquerading as grand strategy. There’s a subtle revenge fantasy behind it, like we’re supposed to carry the pain of British rule forever and weaponize it into superiority. That kind of rhetoric, where you divide the world into “us” (morally superior victims) vs. “them” (forever colonial oppressors), is exactly the playbook putin uses to justify invading Ukraine and the future invasions he's planning. It’s propaganda designed to distract from internal problems and dismantle democracy. And it’s spreading. Trump did the same—blaming foreigners and allies alike while hollowing out democratic institutions. You even see this mentality in everyday behavior. Scammers often go after foreigners because they were raised to believe that "the West robbed us", and that Westerners are all rich and deserve to be cheated. It's a toxic mix of victimhood and entitlement—and it's not justice, it's just learned resentment. I personally felt this discrimination in Mysore and Jaipur while I was doing my own cultural research on a VERY tight budget. The tickets to the palaces were 5-10x higher for foreigners. Today, in "the greedy West", double pricing is very rare.

Nobody in Europe would want to invade Russia, even if it were easy. We’re done with revisionism and fighting over resources. Of course, there are always some minorities living in the past, but they are negligible. Moldova is the most vulnerable—that’s where Putin would continue if he had the chance. The others are more of a wild guess. I think he’ll ramp up the information war in Eastern European countries even further, aiming to weaken NATO and EU support.

Ajay, let me say first that I believe in unification of the world as a whole – something we won’t be ready for in the next 30 years. I hope for free travel and trade someday, which does not exclude having countries, preserving culture and differences. The “West” is not a single country or entity that wants to dominate the world. Russia can be democratic, transparent and prosperous, instead of viewing NATO as a threat. But right now, there’s something bleak about watching a real dictatorship grind on while Trump looks at it like a blueprint. Chomsky is a skilled writer who leans heavily on moral storytelling—casting the West as deceitful and the USSR as victimized. It’s emotionally compelling for some, sure, but historically thin. Yes, Baker floated the “not one inch eastward” line in a single early conversation in 1990. But that was in the narrow context of German reunification, not some sweeping promise to freeze NATO’s borders forever. Gorbachev knew that—and later said NATO expansion beyond Germany wasn’t even on the table back then. The actual agreement - Two Plus Four Treaty was signed by the USSR. It permitted a unified Germany in NATO, with clear limits on military deployments in the former East. No coercion. No deception. Just diplomacy, in writing. If you prefer, watch this video on the topic (Gorbachev is discussed after 18:18) https://youtu.be/7gxssycoxz0?si=QyRXGLuyi3_t0h_C

There was never such a promise. I've heard this statement many times, but there is no evidence to it whatsoever.

Jeezz

Here's a good analysis of Mearsheimer's interview - starts in the second part of the video

It's a bit tough right now, but Isha teachers might give private classes in your area. You can search by country or city here - https://isha.sadhguru.org/global/en/yoga-meditation/yoga-teacher-training/hatha-yoga-teacher-training/teachers-in-your-area Scroll down to the "Find a Teacher" section and use the search box. Two results came when I typed "Sweden". If they currently don't give classes, they should be able to give some honest advice, at least.

My experience is similar to what this guy shares about Surya Kriya. I do Shambhavi non-stop as well. Can't tell which practice is the one that makes the difference overall. As a sensation, Surya Kriya feels deeper. For many others it's the Shambhavi. Maybe the trickiest part is getting more and more focused in the moment to improve the subtlest alignment of your body. Especially when you don't feel like it and want to go on to the next thing in your day.

Don't go into Sadhguru's practices unless you want to do them long term. It's not a test drive.

@Milan Here is Shambhavi Mudra, good luck!

Like this one -

This is a free book by Ennio Nimis with specific instructions - http://www.kriyayogainfo.net/Eng_Downloads1.html

I'm new to Kriya Yoga. Does "Kriya Supreme Fire" have other names? I just started reading the book that Leo recommends, but it's a Russian version and something might have been lost in the translation. Thanks.