What is Sahaja Yoga?
Sahaja Yoga is a method of meditation that takes you beyond mental, emotional, and physical activity and allows you to experience the true self which lies within. In Sanskrit, Sahaja means ‘born with’ ('Saha' is with, 'ja' is born), and Yoga means union. The name, therefore, translates to ‘the union which one is born with.’
This union is between your true self and the all-pervading power that permeates all elements of life. It is achieved through a process that awakens the dormant energy called Kundalini that exists within each human being. This process is known as Self Realisation. Once the Kundalini is awakened, the individual experiences a blissful state of thoughtless awareness, where the mind is silent and they simply witness the present moment.
How is Sahaja Yoga different from other types of meditation?
The method of Sahaja Yoga is unique: Through the experience of Kundalini awakening, the process of going into thoughtless awareness is completely spontaneous and does not require any kind of mental control. It is a living experience that takes us beyond the mind, allowing us to evolve a greater awareness, free from the constraints of our mental perceptions of ourselves and the world around us.
It is this state of thoughtless awareness that sets Sahaja Yoga apart from other types of meditation. It is a transformative state which alters our overall experience of life by naturally increasing our ability to feel joy and peace within. The effects of true meditation are long-lasting and increase with regular practice.
Another defining characteristic of Sahaja Yoga is that it empowers you to become the master of your own personal growth. There are no levels, qualifications, or hierarchies involved. All individuals who run meditation classes - either online or in-person - do so on a completely voluntary basis. The knowledge and experience of Sahaja Yoga is always and unconditionally 100% free.
What are the origins of Sahaja Yoga?
Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, born as Nirmala Salve in Chindawara, India. Through closely observing humanity from an early age, she could see that all human beings are innately seeking something, but most do not know what. Determined to find a way for people to experience true peace within, and thus fulfill their seeking, she developed a unique method of meditation.
Seeing the tremendous effect of this method on a few individuals around her, Shri Mataji spent the rest of her life traveling the world to share the life-changing experience of Self Realisation. Her lectures and classes were always entirely free of charge, insisting that one cannot pay for something which is a birthright. Now Sahaja Yoga classes can be found in 95 countries around the world, completely for free.
Learn More“Sahaja Yoga means 'born with you'. 'Saha' means with, 'ja' means born. This right to unite with God is born with you. As soon as you are born a human being, this right you have. And that is why human beings are seeking. They are somehow aware of that right.”
Shri Mataji Nirmala DeviLondon, 1980
What are the benefits of Sahaja Yoga?
Sahaja Yoga meditation works directly on the central nervous system that controls all of our mental, physical and emotional activity. It, therefore, has the potential to dramatically improve our wellbeing by going directly to the source of any problem. The immediate effects of raising the Kundalini, and going into thoughtless awareness, can be felt as a gentle release from our mind and a spontaneous state of bliss where one merely witnesses and enjoys the present moment. However, the effects of reaching this state go far beyond those moments of mental silence.
When the Kundalini rises, she removes the tensions occurring on our central nervous system that cause negative mental, emotional, or physical sensations, and brings our system into balance. Without any concentrated effort, we are relieved from any stress, weight or pain that we may be feeling.
In the long term, this experience becomes stronger. With the regular practice of meditation, the central nervous system is regularly cleansed and becomes more resistant to imbalances. This is how we evolve into a more centered, satisfied and loving person and get closer and closer to the essence of ourselves.
Who can benefit from Sahaja Yoga?
The benefits of Sahaja Yoga can be experienced by absolutely anyone. Neither gender, age, ethnicity, religion, wealth, or background matter, nor do you need to have any prior experience of meditation. Every human being is born equal with the same potential lying within in the form of their Kundalini energy. Everyone has the capacity to get their Self Realisation, establish the union with the all-pervading power of the universe, and with their true self.
Hundreds of thousands of people have experienced the blissful state of thoughtless awareness. Sahaja Yoga classes are offered all around the world, all that is required is an open mind and the desire to discover the truth about yourself.
Where and when can I practice Sahaja Yoga meditation?
Anywhere, anytime! No equipment or special environment is needed to do Sahaja Yoga meditation. The only important thing is that you are comfortable, ideally seated on the ground or a chair. When meditating at home, it helps if you have an allocated space that is free from distraction, where you can take some time for yourself. Many people find that meditating in nature has an extra calming effect, so you can also try sitting in the garden or find a quiet spot in a local park.
Meditation can be practiced at any hour, whenever you have the desire to connect. Even sitting back from the desk for a few minutes at work and re-establishing your attention can be a huge boost in the day. It is recommended to try meditating for 5-10 minutes in the morning before you start the day’s activities, and 5-10 minutes in the evening, to detach from the day’s events before sleeping.
Meditation classes are also a great way to deepen your experience. The collective attention and desire to go into thoughtless awareness have a tremendous effect on your individual state. Sahaja Yoga classes are widely available in 80 countries around the world and are always completely free of charge.
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