A Soldier’s Message: A Sahaja Yoga Practitioner on the Ukrainian Battlefield

These reflections (translated into English), written by a Sahaja Yoga practitioner, come from a place of unimaginable challenge—an environment where darkness and chaos prevailed—and yet, they carry a light to shine on our own paths.

Thank you, Yura (nicknamed “Rubin” by his comrades). Your courage and wisdom will be remembered and honored, today and always.

Certain personal details have been omitted, and some wording has been adjusted for public sharing, but the essence of the message remains untouched.

Departure in 2022 / Eastern

For the first time, I felt with my whole body, down to my bones, how evil crept toward me like a dark gray wall. Without hesitation, I took my weapon and went into battle. Then came injuries, tears, and pain, evacuation, and the Dnipro hospital.

I forgive everyone and myself.
I forgive incompetent, inexperienced commanders.
I forgive weak soldiers.
I forgive those soldiers who left me alone in position.
And finally, I forgive the souls of those in whom evil has taken root and who have come to kill us.

After forgiving everyone, the noise, the shouting, the crying, and the shooting, which I constantly heard in my head, immediately stopped.

And I heard it again…just silence, meditation, peace, relief, birdsong…it’s something incredible.

.

Departure in 2024 / again Eastern

Now in Bakhmut, Ivankivske, and we’re advancing toward Klishchiyivka. A new awareness – a realization:

 […]

Everyone has their own path, their own battle, and their own struggles. We can get sick, become angry or irritable, fall into depression. Negativity can lead us away in various ways, whispering thoughts like:

• “They don’t value you there.”
• “You give them more than you get.”
• “No one does anything except you.”
• “If this person was removed from here, we’d all be happier,” and so on.

And negativity prevails, cutting all connections. […]

Do you know what is the most precious and important thing in battles? Saving your own life and that of your comrade. You do everything possible and impossible, even at the cost of your own life:

You carry the wounded because they’re still alive, still fighting for their life. You take the risk and carry the body of the fallen so their family can say goodbye. You won’t abandon them…you give all your strength, all your abilities, even when you feel you have none left. And still, you stand up, carry them, pull them, and pray they survive. Then you return to the fight because you’re a machine gunner and must provide cover.

Similarly, we (all) fight every day […] – This battle is no easier – perhaps even harder – than the battlefield with cannons and machine guns. The enemy is smarter, subtler; you may not see him right away. He can make you lazy, divert your attention to material things, and test you with temptations.

But you have weapons that are stronger, mightier, better, and invincible:

• The innocence of a child
• The pure knowledge within
• Generosity and contentment
• Balance
• Fearlessness, courage, detachment
• Responsibility
• Inner strength

We also have the strength of the ocean, the power of forgiveness.

.
𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 / 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

Where to? I have no idea…everything is by the will of the Divine 🙏. To wherever we are most needed.

And once again, new growth, new awareness – everything is accelerating on the battlefield.

Yura (nicknamed “Rubin” by his comrades)

Died on January 6, 2025