Sahaja Yoga meditation

Sahaja Yoga meditation is a meditative method initiated by Nirmala Srivastava, more widely known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, on 5 May 1970, and which is followed and promoted among and by the Sahaja Yoga organization. Sahaja Yoga is described as a syncretism of different religions that "unites the essence of all religions through direct perception of the subtle, divine reality".

Beliefs

Main articles: Kundalini and Self-realization

Sahaja Yoga teaches that there are seven main energy points, or chakras, in the subtle body [1] that can be balanced by awakening the Kundalini, a normally dormant 'mother' energy which exists in every human being. In the Sahaja Yoga tradition, "Self Realization is the first encounter with Reality." also defined as "the awakening of Kundalini" [2] When self-realization is achieved, a person will feel a cool breeze on top of their head, or on their hands.[3] If there is a feeling of warmth or heat, then the Kundalini is working to achieve this state.[4] Sahaja Yoga claims to provide a trans-cultural 'spontaneous' method of attaining this state, which is said to integrate every aspect of spiritual, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, unlike other traditional methods such as Hatha Yoga, which rely on the physical pathway of postures and breathing exercises to attain self-realisation.[5]

Chakras

Sahaja Yoga teaches that in addition to our physical body there is a spiritual one, a 'Subtle system' comprised of channels (Nadis) and energy centers or plexuses (chakras), which affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being.

Each chakra possesses different qualities. Once the Kundalini is awakened and rises through these centres, connecting the person to the all pervading living energy, the qualities of the chakras begin manifesting spontaneously.

Chakra	Associated color	Associated qualities	Associated Element	Symbol
sahasrāra, सहस्रार	White or Multicolored	Self Realization, Meditation, Yoga, Joy, Collective Consciousness, Integration, Recognition, Knowledge	-
Ajñā, आज्ञा (or Agnya)	White	Thoughtless Awareness, Forgiveness of others and self, Morality	Light
Viśuddha, विशुद्ध (Vishuddhi)	Blue	Collectivity, Collective Communication, Self Respect/Confidence, Responsibility, Diplomacy, Witness Power, Freedom	Ether	File:Vishuddhisimple.png
Anāhata, अनाहत	Red	Security, Confidence, Immunity, Mariyadas, Love, Joy, Benevolence, Father/Husband/Brother Relationships, Sankoch, Sincerity, Protection, Respect	Air
Nabhi/Manipura maṇipūra, मणिपूर	Green	Center of seeking, Satisfaction, Grace, Balance, Dignity, Generosity, Justice, Peace, Wealth, Household qualities, Respect for others.	Fire
Swadhistana svādhiṣṭhāna, स्वाधिष्ठान	Yellow	Pure Knowledge, Creativity, Aesthetics, Intellectual Perception, Pure Attention	Water
Mūlādhāra, मूलाधार (Also Mooladhara)	Red (indian red or coral red)	Innocence, Purity, Wisdom, Auspiciousness, Magnetism, Spontaneity (Sahaj), Power to raise the Kundalini	Earth, Carbon

Position on head and hands

According to Sahaja Yoga, once the Kundalini is awakened, the practitioner is able to diagnose imbalances in the different chakras, via sensations called 'vibrations' in the hands, head and/or body.

File:Chakras hand.gifFile:Headchakras.gif

7	Sahasrara
6	Agnya
5	Vishuddhi
4	Anahat/heart
3	Nabhi/Manipura
2	Swadhisthana
1	Muladhara

Practices

Some Sahaja Yogis meditate with a photo of the founder, as Sahaja Yogis believe the founder has vibrations that soothe their subtle system. Soaking the feet in a bath of salt water, or in a river or ocean is one of several cleansing techniques utilizing nature's five elements that is said to help balance the chakras within the meditator.

Part of the Sahaja Yoga path includes detecting imbalances within the chakras and balancing them using various means, including use of mantras, affirmations, placing the hand on the affected area, and introspection. [6]

Nirmala Srivastava on Meditation

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." [7] She has described meditation as "an individual journey towards God." [8]

External links

• The Beginning of Sahaja Yoga video
• Say 'No' to Drugs, Turn To Sahaja Yoga for Help September 10, 2006 editorial from Times of India
• SahajVidya - "A Composite Distillation of Excerpts & Extracts"
• Talk given at the International Development of Human Consciousness and Sustainable Global Health conference by Prof. Sandeep Rai detailing the effects of Sahaja Yoga meditation on stress and stress-related illnesses
• Sahaja Yoga discovery course