Temperament as the Foundation of Mastery

In this October 11, 1996, lecture by the Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan, he speaks about the topic of Temperament.

Here are some excerpted concepts from this lecture:

Temperament as the Foundation of Mastery

• Definition: Temperament is like tempering steel—shaping, strengthening, and defining one’s qualities.
• Types: People can be cool, hot-tempered, quick to shift moods, or controlling. Each reflects how they engage with life.
• Spiritual Relevance:
  • A true master is defined by mastery over temperament, especially in adversity.
  • External skills, charisma, or mystical displays (healing, mind-reading, occult powers) are mere jugglery—not mastery.
  • Mastery means when someone comes in the worst condition, you send them back in the best.

The Dangers of Ego and “Spiritual Jugglery”

• Yogi Bhajan criticizes the “spiritual marketplace,” where ego and showmanship replace humility.
• Spiritual ego is described as the most dangerous form of ego—it disconnects a person from God.
• Examples:
  • Occult or miraculous powers may seem attractive, but they distract from God-consciousness.
  • Claiming personal credit for healing or blessings severs the link to the Divine Doer.

True Human Achievement

• The highest achievement of human character:
  • In adversity, remain clear, graceful, and royal in positive character.
  • Respond to abuse, negativity, or betrayal not by reacting, but by rising higher—like surfers riding over a wave.
  • “Always act gracefully, never react. When you react, you become equal to the negativity.”
• This temperament attracts prosperity, respect, and enduring influence beyond one’s lifetime.

The Pitfall of Gossip & Negativity

• Yogi Bhajan recounts ignoring attempts to tell him “serious negative things” people were saying.
• Teaching:
  • Listening to gossip pollutes the mind.
  • One-third of energy is wasted in fantasies; two-thirds in listening to others’ praise or criticism.
  • A yogi must remain unaffected by praise or blame.

Self-Healing and Simple Yogic Tools

• The human body contains its own healing capacity.
• Examples:
  • Bundle Kriya practiced consistently can restore energy in 40 days.
  • Walking on all fours (hands and feet) can relieve headaches.
• Emphasis: no need for expensive therapies—simple yogic techniques and self-relationship bring healing.

The Principle of “Thou,” Not “I”

• The transition to the Aquarian Age requires replacing “I” with “Thou.”
• Guru Nanak’s example: attributing all blessings to God, never the self.
• A teacher’s greatness lies in bringing forward God’s greatness, not their own.
• Warning: spirituality that makes people dependent on a person rather than on God is like “prostitution.”

Practical Kriya for the Subtle Body

• Yogi Bhajan teaches a kriya involving moving the hands in an arc-like motion while chanting “Har.”
• Purpose:
  • Clears and strengthens the subtle body (the body that attracts opportunities and good fortune).
  • Brings brightness and radiance.
• Instructions: practice for 11 minutes (up to 33 minutes maximum). Over time, the practitioner becomes “so bright and shiny that people will not be able to look at your face.”

Final Themes & Closing

• Aquarian Age consciousness requires:
  • Simplicity, authenticity, and direct experience rather than Piscean Age intellectualism.
  • Lifting others as the true measure of spiritual respect.
• Yogi Bhajan reminds students that self-awareness is the initiation; no external initiation is needed.

Key Takeaways

1. Temperament defines mastery—grace under adversity is the mark of a true teacher.
2. Ego, especially spiritual ego, is destructive—never claim credit; attribute all to God.
3. Healing and strength come from within—use simple yogic practices to restore balance.
4. Do not engage in gossip or negativity—act gracefully, never react.
5. The Aquarian Age requires “Thou over I”—focus on service, humility, and lifting others.
6. Practical kriyas strengthen subtle bodies—radiance comes from inner discipline, not outer performance.

Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan

Lecture Quotes – October 11, 1996

• “Temperament is like tempering steel—it gives you permanent strength and shape.”
• “A master is a master of temperament. In adversity, he holds himself high against all odds.”
• “You don’t become a teacher because you can do postures or read scriptures—you become a teacher because you master yourself in adversity.”
• “All miracles and occult powers are jugglery; true mastery is when someone comes in the worst and you send them back in the best.”
• “The highest achievement of human character is: in adversity, show clarity; in negativity, go higher.  Do not confront. Always act gracefully.  Do not react.”
• “Always act gracefully, never react. When you react, you become equal.”
• “Your body has all the power to heal, to suggest, to talk to you—the fact is, you have no relationship with yourself.”
• “Neither superior nor inferior, neither good nor bad—you are just you.”
• “Count your blessings and create blessings. That is your true power.”
• “One-third of your energy is wasted in fantasies; two-thirds listening to what others say about you.”
• “Claim brings blame—never claim credit for what God has done.”
• “Replace your ‘I’ with ‘Thou.’ The true doer is God.”
• “Ego loses all amigos.”
• “Your greatness is to bring the greatness of the Lord before others.”
• “Spiritual ego is the most dangerous ego—it eats away your power.”
• “If you lift others, you will be lifted. That is the law of best.”
• “Self is the awareness; and self must understand the Supreme Self.”
• “In the Aquarian Age, only those who carry others will be respected.”

Here is the Kriya Yogi Bhajan taught during this Lecture:

Kriya to Clarify the Subtle Body – Sikh Dharma International