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Sahaja Yoga
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Sahaja Yoga was founded by Nirmala Srivastava, more widely known as 'Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi' and affectionately as 'Mother' by her followers (Sahaja Yogis). Sahaja Yoga uses a process of Kundalini awakening to produce Self Realization, experienced as a cool breeze and thoughtless awareness.
Sahaja Yoga started in India and England (where Nirmala Srivastava moved in 1974) and there are now Sahaja Yoga centers in almost 100 countries worldwide. The Sahaja Yoga organization is known as Vishwa Nirmala Dharma (Universal Pure Religion) or Sahaja Yoga International.
The termThe word 'Sahaja' in Sanskrit has two components: saha meaning 'with' and ja meaning 'born'. Sahaja means natural, simple or innate and Yoga means union or yoking and refers to a spiritual path or a state of spiritual absorption.
In 2000 the term 'Sahaja Yoga' was trademarked in the United States by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma.
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Sahaja Yoga was founded by Nirmala Srivastava, more widely known as 'Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi' and affectionately as 'Mother' by her followers (Sahaja Yogis). Sahaja Yoga uses a process of Kundalini awakening to produce Self Realization, experienced as a cool breeze and thoughtless awareness.
Sahaja Yoga started in India and England (where Nirmala Srivastava moved in 1974) and there are now Sahaja Yoga centers in almost 100 countries worldwide. The Sahaja Yoga organization is known as Vishwa Nirmala Dharma (Universal Pure Religion) or Sahaja Yoga International.
The termThe word 'Sahaja' in Sanskrit has two components: saha meaning 'with' and ja meaning 'born'. Sahaja means natural, simple or innate and Yoga means union or yoking and refers to a spiritual path or a state of spiritual absorption.
In 2000 the term 'Sahaja Yoga' was trademarked in the United States by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma. In 2001 a complaint by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma to the World Intellectual Property Organization regarding the use of the term was rejected (despite the dissenting opinion of the presiding panelist), in part due to the determination that the words 'Sahaja' and 'Yoga' are descriptive Sanskrit words heard in Buddhism, used by saint Kabir and also referred to by Guru Nanak in Sikhism
Chakras and nadisSahaja Yoga, like many Eastern and New Age systems, believes that in addition to our physical body there is a subtle body comprised of nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers). Kakar writes that Nirmala Srivastava's additions to this widespread traditional 'tantric' model include giving it a scientific, neurological veneer, the elaboration of the health aspects and the introduction of notions of traditional Christian morality. Kakar also writes that Nirmala Srivastava, "following the theories of Vasant Rele, equates sushumna [nadi] with the parasympathetic nervous system, ida [nadi] with the left and pingala [nadi] with the right sides of the sympathetic nervous system and the chakras with the plexuses."
Sahaja Yoga teaches that there are seven main chakras and that each chakra possesses different qualities and looks after different aspects of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Disease is said to occur when the subtle qualities of the chakras are neglected or denied. Each chakra has a presiding deity who may become deactivated in extreme cases causing cancer. For example, the deities residing in the Sahasrara chakra are said to be Kalki and Adi Shakti and the chakra is said to be damaged by atheism and doubt in God.
Kundalini, Self Realization and vibratory awarenessSahaja Yoga teaches that the chakras can be balanced by awakening the Kundalini in the sacrum bone, which is conceived of as a normally dormant 'mother' energy. Nirmala Srivastava has said that the Kundalini is the reflection within us of the Holy Ghost or Adi (Primordial) Shakti. Nirmala Srivastava has said that Kundalini "is the desire of God.... and the desire of God is the Shakti" and that yoga is impossible without kundalini awakening. As the Kundalini rises through these centres, the qualities of the chakras are said to begin manifesting spontaneously. Most illnesses are said to result of damage to the chakras and Kundalini is said to repair them.
Sahaja Yoga teaches that when the sahasrara (topmost) chakra is pierced by the Kundalini, a person will feel a cool breeze on top of their head and/or on their hands. These sensations (referred to as 'vibrations') are interpreted in Sahaja Yoga as indicating Self Realisation or an "encounter with Reality." The vibrations sensed are believed to be an objective divine energy that can even be caught on camera.
If there is a feeling of warmth or heat, it is interpreted as the Kundalini working to achieve this state. Sensations in the hands, head and/or body are also used to diagnose imbalances in the different chakras and nadis.
Upon 'Self Realization', the practitioner may also experience thoughtless awareness (Nirvichar Samadhi).
HealingOveractivity of the ida and pingala nadis is said to cause mental tension, psychopathological conditions and connection to the world of dead souls while clogged chakras are said to cause mental and physical disease. Sahaja Yoga claims that it has cured patients of "high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, etc." In an interview, Nirmala Srivastava stated Sahaja Yoga has cured people with AIDS. She has also said that Sahaja Yoga can cure mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
Nirmala Srivastava (Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi)Nirmala Srivastava is said to have made the unique discovery of a way to grant Self Realisation en masse on May 5, 1970. She visited different 'religious' people including Rajneesh and said that she found them to be greedy and promiscuous rather than spiritual. She said she found the situation hopeless and began searching inside herself for a solution.
Nirmala Srivastava, is said to have opened the primordial Sahasrara and thereby cleared the path for the Kundalini to rise effortlessly in all who desire Self Realization. The ability to grant en masse 'Self Realisation' is held to be proof that Nirmala Srivastava is the 'Avatara' of our times'.
Sahaja Yoga holds that the incarnation of the Adi (Primordial) Shakti was prophesied in the Markandeya Purana and the Nadi Grantha. Religious texts have been used to support the claims of other self-professed deities, avatars and messiahs.
PracticesAccording to followers, the practice of Sahaja Yoga results in spontaneous Self-realization, also known as 'enlightenment', which can even be obtained online as one sits in front of one's computer. Although it is usually experienced at a Sahaja Yoga program.
Apart from those practices listed below, there are other practices such as prayer, havan raising one's Kundalini using one's hands and attention and putting on 'bandhan'.
The methods for practicing Sahaja Yoga are made available free of charge to those interested. There is a fee for attending international pujas to cover costs and voluntary dakshina. In the US, the dakshina has only been collected separately from the costs since 2005, when the customary dakshina was $121 per adult.
MeditationSahaja Yoga meditation was developed during the 1970s by Nirmala Srivastava, and is followed and promoted among and by the Sahaja Yoga movement. It aims to enter a state of "thoughtless awareness" - where the practitioner 'purifies' his/her attention, achieving clarity of mind.
It is suggested a candle or oil lamp is lit in front of a photograph of Shri Mataji, which is believed to emit a constant stream of "positive, cool vibrations (energy)". The practitioner sits comfortably, breathes normally and holds the hands out, palm upwards, as if receiving something precious.During meditation, the attention is focussed on the Sahasrara chakra. Sahaja Yoga meditation can be practiced while listening to music or in silence.
Nirmala Srivastava has stated that meditation is not thinking "about your problems at all, whatever chakras you have, anything", rather it "means exposing yourself to God’s grace." She has described meditation as "an individual journey towards God."
The practice has been taught to prisoners in Italy and the United States, such as at Rikers Island to "help the prisoners' social, psychological and spiritual recovery" Nirmala Srivastava has said that the younger children practice meditation the better.
Medical studies
Some studies have suggested that Sahaja Yoga meditation may have some effect in addressing some medical ailments. One study reports results with asthma patients. Sahaja Yoga practitioners were asked to assist in the trials and one of the researchers was a practising Sahaja Yogi. Short-term effects on asthma were noticed, by both objective and subjective measures. According to an article in the Medical Observer Weekly, Sahaja Yoga meditation was found to be "significantly more effective than a generic form of meditation in reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms".
A pilot study (N = 14, no control group) on the effect of Sahaja Yoga meditation conducted by Dr Ramesh Manocha of the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, Dr. Barbara Semmar of the department of Psychology at and Dr. Deborah Black of the Faculty of Medicine at the School of Community Medicine of the University of New South Wales on menopausal symptoms showed that "Changes in vasomotor symptoms, especially hot flashes, were most prominent as a significant decrease of 67% at post-treatment and 57% at follow-up" Dr. Ramesh Manocha, was thanked by Nirmala Srivastava's husband for assisting in his wife's medical team in Australia in 2006.
A news report on a preliminary study suggested that Sahaja Yoga meditation "may be the most effective form of treatment
for occupational stress".
A case study showed that test subjects who were practising Sahaja Yoga meditation had "significant improvement in VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity)", and that meditation appeared to bring about changes in some of the electrophysiological responses studied in epileptic patients. Another study indicated that Sahaja Yoga meditation results in fewer and less acute epileptic seizures A review of the studies determined that there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the efficacy of Sahaja Yoga meditation in treating epilepsy and that further studies were needed. One of the authors of this study, Dr U.C Rai, former head of the Physiology Department of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, and professor in various medical colleges in Delhi, was appointed by Nirmala Srivastava as the first director of the International SahajaYoga Research and Health Center in 1996.
Mishra reported that Sahaja Yoga meditation resulted in a "significant increase" in beta-endorphins between control and meditating subjects. The endogeneous opiates, b-endorphins, are known to have a role in body homeostasis. They strengthen the immune system, and are involved in the maintenance of a healthy psychological functioning. They can even combat cancer cells, which could explain so-called 'miraculous cures' in cancer patients after the practice of Yoga meditation..
Cleansing techniquesSome cleansing techniques involve the natural elements in the form of candle flame, camphor flame, the earth and salt water. Others techniques involve ice, lemons, chillies , coconuts, ajwain, affirmations, mantras and "shoe-beating"
Nirmala Srivastava has developed a liver diet to promote better health. White cane sugar, white rice, yogurt, ginger, fruits and vegetables promote the "cooling" of the liver. Alcohol, fried foods, red meat, fish, cream and chocolate are among the foods that are "heating" and thus may be harmful if taken in excess.
Water can be spiritually vibrated, according to Sahaja Yoga, changing the characteristics of the water, and resulting in purification.
MarriagesDuring Nirmala Srivastava's active years, Sahaja Yogis would generally consult her before marrying. Sahaja Yoga hosts a voluntary arranged marriage system. Those interested and their leaders have to fill out a form concerning the candidate's qualities and involvement in Sahaja Yoga. detailing their backgrounds and involvement in Sahaja Yoga. The official Sahaja Yoga website still states that the matching is performed by Nirmala Srivastava, although the matching may be done by a Sahaja Yogi eg a leader. The official site also states that Sahaja Yogis believe in the sanctity of marriage and have mostly been married by this means. 'Mass marriage ceremonies' are sometimes held at puja events.
OrganizationVishwa Nirmala Dharma (trans: Universal Pure Religion, also known as Sahaja Yoga International) is the organizational part of the movement. It is a registered organisation in many countries such as Columbia, the United States of America, France, and Austria. It is registered as a religion in Spain.
The organization is governed by the World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga and, in addition to directly promoting Sahaja Yoga, promotes Sahaja culture, runs schools, a health center, a youth movement, and a project for the rehabilitation of "destitute women and orphaned children".
World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja YogaThe World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga (WCASY, also known as the "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga World Foundation") is the highest authority in Sahaja Yoga. It was proposed December 2003 and formed the following year. In July 2005 the role of the WCASY was affirmed by C. P. Srivastava Hon KCMG speaking on behalf of his wife, Nirmala Srivastava.
The WCASY has 31 members, "World Leaders" who represent Sahaja Yoga collectives from across the world. Among the latest additions to the WCASY is a Dr. Bohdan Shehovych, Gagan Ahluwalia, Paul Ellis, Alan Wherry, and Alan Pereira in 2005 According to an official Sahaja Yoga website, Guido Lanza, a World Leader, was suspended from all activities in Sahaja Yoga in 2005, for disrupting a havan ritual and threatening members. An Italian ashram was "temporarily closed" The same website announced that a Russian World Leader, Sergey Perezhogin, resigned his position in 2005.
Schools- The International Sahaja Public School in Dharamsala was founded in 1990, teaches around 250 international students annually and has accepted children from the age of 4.
- The Shri P.K.Salve Kala Pratishthan is an Indian Classical Music and Fine Arts academy that was founded in Vaitarna, India, in 2003.
- The Cabella Primary School in Italy will open in September 2008, with the children attending the local village school in Rocchetta Ligure.
- An international kindergarten was opened in Borotin, Czech Republic.
- A small kindergarten and primary boarding school was opened in Canajoharie, New York in 2004. As of 2006 it had an enrollment of fourteen students from pre-kindergarten through grade 3.
- There has been a Sahaja Yoga school in Rome that, according to Judith Coney, has accepted boarding infants from the age of 2.
YuvashaktiSahaja Yoga's youth movement is called "Yuvashakti" (also "Nirmal Shakti Yuva Sangha"), from the Sanskrit words Yuva (Youth) and Shakti (Power).
As well as helping organize Sahaja Yoga events such as Realize America tour, The European realization tour, and Realize Australia, Yuvashakti is active in forums such as the World Youth Conferenceand TakingITGlobal which aim at discussing global issues, and ways of solving them.
An example of this is the participation in the 2000 "Civil Society & Governance Project" in which Yuvashakti were "instrumental in reaching out to women from the poor communities and providing them with work".
Sahaja Yoga cultureBecause of the diversity of cultures practicing Sahaja Yoga, a range of different projects focusing on the similarities and differences between cultures was born, including the formation of theater company called (TEV) and musical groups playing fusion of different genres, such as , Sahaj Unlimited and Indialucia including Flamenco, Qawwali and Indian classical music. As state : music is Divine Inspiration to become the spirit
Vishwa Nirmal Prem ashramThe Vishwa Nirmala Prem Ashram is a not-for profit project by the NGO Vishwa Nirmala Dharma (Sahaja Yoga International) located in Noida, Delhi, India, opened in 2003. The ashram is a "facility where women and girls are rehabilitated by being taught meditation and other skills that help them overcome trauma" In 2005, 21 girls were housed, most of them full orphans, aged between 5 and 12 years, and a "reasonable number of destitute women" .
Other projectsThe World Council supports the creation of an 108-room Ashram complex in Chhindwara, near the birthplace of its founder. Another project is the transfer of her audio and video tapes, many in delicate condition, to digital media. The founder is said to have given several of her homes to the trust run by the World Council to be used in future projects by the organization. The aims to publish 10 or 11 books by Nirmala Srivastava. Sahaja Yoga also broadcasts radio programs
"Cult" allegations
A 2008 court case in Brussels has ruled that Sahaja Yoga had been wrongly labeled as a cult by a Belgian state authority and awarded the group compensation. A French National assembly report has also referred to Sahaja Yoga as a 'cult'
France and Belgium have been repeatedly criticized at the U.N. and at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for fostering religious intolerance and discrimination through state entities and state-funded private entities. Willy Fautré, the Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers writes that "up to now, the negative image of Sahaja Yoga has been mainly conveyed by 'antisect' organizations and 'state sect observatories' without any serious control of the rumors concerning this movement as the Belgian court decisions clearly show".
Some newspaper articles have reported on "cult" allegations directed at the movement. In 2001, The Independent reported that certain ex-members say "that Sahaja Yoga is a cult which aims to control the minds of its members". In 2005, The Record reported that some critics who feel that the group is a cult have started their own websites. In 2001, The Evening Standard reported that Sahaja Yoga has been "described as a dangerous cult" and "has a dissident website created by former members".
In 2001, the Sahaja Yoga Association published a response to the online allegations of ex-practitioners who were described as "dissatisfied" and having had been previously asked to leave the movement.
John Crace from the Evening Standard wrote about an event he attended and noted that a Sahaja Yoga representative asked him to feel free to talk to whomever he wanted. He remarked, "Either their openness is a PR charm offensive, or they genuinely have nothing to hide". He proposed that "one of the key definitions of a cult is the rigour with which it strives to recruit new members" and concluded that there was no aggressive recruitment squeeze.
Sahaja Yoga not a cult - Court of First Instance, BrusselsIn 2008 the Belgian newspapers De Morgen, De Standaard and The Evening (Le Soir) reported that the Court of First Instance of Brussels ordered the Belgian state to pay 1,500 Euros compensation to Sahaja Yoga for wrongly labeling the movement as a sect (cult). The Centre of Information and Opinion on Harmful Sectarian Organizations (CIAOSN/IACSSO) had given an unfavourable report on the meditation movement which was found to be unobjective and had resulted in the movement being defamed. The state appealed.
See also
Further reading- Coney, Judith (1999) Sahaja Yoga: Socializing Processes in a South Asian New Religious Movement, (London: Curzon Press) ISBN 0-7007-1061-2
- Srivastava, Nirmala (1997) Meta Modern Era, (Vishwa Nirmala Dharma) ISBN 8186650059
- Pullar, Philippa (1984) The Shortest Journey, ISBN 0-04-291018-8
- Kakar, Sudhir (1984) Shamans, Mystics and Doctors: A Psychological Inquiry into India and Its Healing Traditions, ISBN 0-226-42279-8
- Coney, Judith (1995) “‘Belonging to a Global Religion’: The Sociological Dimensions of International Elements in Sahaja Yoga.” Sociological Analysis 10(2):109-20.
- Rai, Umesh (1993) Medical science enlightened: new insight into vibratory awareness for holistic health care (New Delhi: Life Eternal Trust) ISBN 81-900325-0-X
- Descieux, Flore (1995) The Light of the Koran: Knowledge through Sahaja Yoga (Paris: La Pensee Universelle, 1995; English translation: New Delhi: Ritana Books, 1998) ISBN 8185250026
- Apte, Arun (1997) Music and Sahaja Yoga (Pune: NITL)
- de Kalbermatten, Gregoire (2003) The Third Advent (New York: daisyamerica, 2003; Melbourne: Penguin Australia, 2004; Delhi: Penguin India, 2004) ISBN 1-932406-07-7
- Powell, Nigel (2004) Sahaja Yoga Meditation (Corvalis Publishing) ISBN 0-954-85190-0
- of research papers, conferences and publications relating to the Sahaja Yoga research and health center.
External linksOfficial Sites
Research Sites
Critical sites
Neutral or mixed sites
- published by . c2000
- September 12, 2001 BBC radio program, with questions and answers by Nirmala Srivastava and two ex-members.
- at the Religious Movements Homepage at the University of Virginia. Updated 2001.
- The Independent, July 13 2001
Puja related
- 2006.
- a Sahaja Yoga puja and the various activities that surround it.
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