Rui Patricio, the Famous Portuguese Goalkeeper, has revealed his secret to staying at the top of his game – Yoga

Divine Love, Life Purpose and Stress Free Life

In a world where many strive for a stress-free life or a sense of purpose but often feel pulled in the opposite direction, numerous spiritual seekers continue to search for deeper connections and greater spiritual understanding. It seems that Rui Patricio, the renowned Portuguese football goalkeeper, has found his path, blending ancient wisdom with modern accessibility under the guidance of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, a globally recognized spiritual guru. He teaches a specific technique given by Mahavatar Babaji: Atma Kriya Yoga.

“It keeps me in good health, keeps me good on the inside, and I use these techniques to keep my personal life on form. “ says Rui Patricio.

The Yoga of the 21st Century: How to Challenge Our Limitations

In 2016, Patricio faced significant personal and professional challenges, including depression and backlash from Sporting de Portugal fans. With the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament approaching, where he was set to be the official goalkeeper, Patricio was advised to visit the Shree Peetha Nilaya ashram, the headquarters of Paramahamsa Vishwananda’s mission in Germany. There, he was introduced to the practices of Atma Kriya Yoga.

The results were both profound and swift. Within a month, Patricio’s performance improved dramatically, leading to his crucial role in Portugal’s victory at UEFA Euro 2016. Media outlets such as AS.com, DW.com, and the BBC highlighted his exceptional contributions, praising his newfound mental resilience and focus throughout the tournament. Patricio’s story demonstrates the transformative power of Atma Kriya Yoga as a tool for both personal and professional growth.

Rui Patrício:  

“I took the course and do the exercises every day. If you don’t, the stress starts… I feel the difference. Inside, to be well, it’s a weapon that I have” .  (Link) 

Birmingham Mail Newspaper  

“A core teaching of Sri Swami Vishwananda is Atma Kriya yoga and Patricio is reaping the rewards. “ (Link)

BBC: 

The figure of Rui Patricio appeared, who was the best player in the final. (Link)

Birmingham Mail Newspaper: 

Rui Miguel Melo said: “When he started doing this (yoga) he became much more efficient and a more concentrated goalkeeper. It has really developed his game.” (Link)

Marca: 

“Rui Patricio ended one of the worst sports weeks of his life” (Link)

Be Soccer 

The Portuguese international claims yoga is helping him to stay healthy both mentally and physically, a technique taught to him by spiritual master Sri Swami Vishwananda who travelled with the Portuguese Selection to Euro 2016. (Link)

Sky Sports
Patricio remarked: “I don’t do much physical yoga anymore, but I do use yoga for a series of meditation techniques, and I do them every day. It keeps me in good health, keeps me good on the inside, and I use these techniques to keep my personal life on form.”
“This also helps in a professional sense, because it helps how we feel, how we are and how we feel about what we are doing.  (Link)

What is this new Yoga?

Atma Kriya Yoga is actually a very ancient set of yogic practices, translated from Sanskrit as “action with awareness of the soul,” seems to be more than just a meditation technique; but more like a holistic lifestyle designed to cultivate an experience of unconditional Divine Love. According to Paramahamsa Vishwananda, who received the practice from Mahavatar Babaji, it guides practitioners to live in constant awareness of the Atman (soul), helping them rediscover their eternal, loving connection with God—a state where the inner sense of emptiness is replaced with profound fulfilment and unity.

“ I’d been searching for many years for “something that was missing” in my life. I found it in Atma Kriya Yoga. It helped me connect to my heart and find peace in the chaos of my life as a single mother of three kids. And I can fit it in two minutes here and 10 minutes there throughout my day. Just those few moments each day have changed my life for the better.” says Viktorija, an Atma Kriya yoga practitioner.

The system consists of 15 techniques, along with the Shaktipat initiation—a spiritual blessing also known as Guru Kripa, or the Grace of the Masters—which distinguishes it from other yoga traditions. These techniques include mantras, meditation, pranayama (breath control), healing practices, physical postures (asanas), and mudras, all aimed at fostering a personal relationship with the Divine. Is known that over the centuries, various masters have introduced techniques suitable for their specific times. Atma Kriya Yoga is presented as the yoga practice specifically designed for the spiritual needs of the 21st century.

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Bhakti: The Core of the Practice

Central to Atma Kriya Yoga is the concept of bhakti, or pure love and devotion to God. The practice integrates techniques based on the nine forms of bhakti mentioned in scriptures like the Ramayana and the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Each technique nurtures a specific form of bhakti, helping practitioners build a unique and deeply personal connection with the Divine inside of themselves.

Levels and Structure of Atma Kriya Yoga

Atma Kriya Yoga is structured into five levels, though only three have been taught so far. According to one of the trainers, the third level has been reserved for a small, select group of students, and the master has never spoken about revealing the fourth and fifth levels.

In response to constant requests for the advanced levels, Vishwananda stated that most practitioners are not yet ready for those advanced stages. The practice integrates every action with the awareness of the soul, ultimately leading to unity with the Divine.

The Legacy of Kriya Yoga

Atma Kriya Yoga is rooted in the ancient Kriya Yoga tradition, passed down through generations. Mahavatar Babaji, an immortal yogi and the father of all Kriya Yoga traditions, plays a central role in this lineage. Under the guidance of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, this practice has been adapted and made accessible to modern practitioners. The grace of these Kriya masters is said to be delivered through the Shaktipat initiation, guiding each yogi on their spiritual journey. Is it worth trying?