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Sahaja Yoga

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Sahaja Yoga
FounderShri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Practice emphases
Kundalini Awakening, Self-realization, Puja
Related schools
Vishwa Nirmala Dharma

Sahaja Yoga (Sahaja meaning innate[1] and Yoga meaning union) is a "new religious movement" founded by Nirmala Srivastava, more widely known as "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi" or "Mother" by "Sahaja Yogis" - the established practitioners of Sahaja Yoga. The organization says that Sahaja Yoga unites "the essence of all religions through direct perception of the subtle, divine reality".[2]

Sahaja Yoga started in India and England (where Nirmala Srivastava moved in 1972) and there are now Sahaja Yoga centers around the world.[3] Some of the spiritual practices and beliefs on which it is based have been documented for thousands of years, throughout Asia and the West[citation needed].


Beliefs

The Subtle System

Sahaja Yoga teaches that in addition to our physical body there is a subtle body comprised of nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers), which affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being[4]. Kakar 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."[5]

Sahaja Yoga teaches that there are seven main chakras [2] that each chakra possesses different qualities. Neglect of these qualities is said to damage them and bring disease.[3] Each chakra has a presiding deity who may become deactivated in extreme cases causing cancer. [4] 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.[5]

Sahaja 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 kundalini "is the desire of God.... and the desire of God is the Shakti"[6] and that yoga is impossible without kundalini awakening.[7] 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.[8]

Self Realization and Vibratory Awareness

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, or on their hands. [9] These sensations (referred to as 'vibrations') are interpreted in Sahaja Yoga as indicating Self Realisation or an "encounter with Reality."[6] The vibrations sensed are believed to be an objective divine energy that can even be caught on camera.[10]

If there is a feeling of warmth or heat, it is interpreted as the Kundalini working to achieve this state.[11] Sensations ('vibrations') in the hands, head and/or body are also used to diagnose imbalances in the different chakras and nadis. [7] [8]


Practices

According to followers, the practice of Sahaja Yoga results in spontaneous Self-realization[9] which, according to the official Sahaja Yoga website, can be obtained as one sits in front of one's computer,[10] although it is usually experienced at a Sahaja Yoga program.

Apart from those practices listed below, there are other practices such as prayer,[11][12] havan[13] raising one's Kundalini using one's hands and attention[14] and putting on 'bandhan'.[15]

The methods for practicing Sahaja Yoga are made available free of charge to those interested. According to the official Sahaja Yoga website there is a fee for attending international pujas to cover costs and voluntary dakshina[16]. In the US, the dakshina has only been collected separately from the costs since 2005, when the customary dakshina was $121 per adult.[17]

Meditation

Sahaja Yoga meditation is the meditative method taught by Shri Mataji, and which is followed and promoted among and by the Sahaja Yoga organization. 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)".[18] The practitioner sits comfortably, breathes normally and holds the hands out, palm upwards, as if receiving something precious.[19]During meditation, the attention is focussed on the Sahasrara chakra.[20] Sahaja Yoga meditation can be practiced while listening to music or in silence.[21]

The practice has notably been taught to prisoners in Italy and the United States, such as at Rikers Island to "help the prisoners' social, psychological and spiritual recovery"[22][23] Nirmala Srivastava has said that the younger children practice meditation the better.[24]

Puja

Puja is a traditional Hindu ceremony. In Sahaja Yoga, Sahaja Yogis express their devotion to particular deities.[25]. In some pujas, followers worship Srivastava as the Adi Shakti[26]. Nirmala Srivastava has said that Puja is necessary to achieve a state of "Shiva Tattwa" [27]

Puja is one of the things by which you can excite the forms into formless. Now your centers are the centers of energies, but they too have a guiding deity sitting on all these chakras. They are also the formless made into forms. And when you do the puja, the forms melt into formless energies. And these formless energies start flowing, and then blows the wind. And that is how these misidentifications, these superimpositions on the Spirit are removed.

— Nirmala Srivastava, [28]

According to a Canadian Sahaja Yoga website, puja is defined as: "the act of showing reverence to a God, or another aspect of the Divine through invocations, prayers and songs" and notes that a Sahaja Yoga puja involves "the same kind of ceremony as practised thousands of years ago in the East when mankind had a much closer relationship with God"[29]

Pujas are recommended for realized souls (people who have received their Self-realisation - knowledge of Self) for them to gain from these pujas [30]

Cleansing techniques

Some 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 [12], coconuts, ajwain, affirmations, mantras and "shoe-beating"[31][32]

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. [33]

Water can be spiritually vibrated, according to Sahaja Yoga, changing the characteristics of the water, and resulting in purification.[34]


Organization

World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga

The 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.[35] It was proposed December 2003 and formed the following year. [36][37][38] In July 2005 the role of the WCASY was affirmed by C. P. Srivastava KCMG speaking on behalf of his wife, Shri Mataji. [39]

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[40] 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"[41] The same website announced that a Russian World Leader[42], Sergey Perezhogin, resigned his position in 2005.[43]

Sahaja Yoga International (Vishwa Nirmala Dharma)

File:Vndlogo.gif
Vishwa Nirmala Dharma Logo

Sahaja Yoga International (also known as Vishwa Nirmala Dharma) is the organizational part of the movement. Founded in 1970 it has centers in almost 100 countries worldwide.[44][45]. 'Sahaja Yoga' was trademarked in the United States in 2000.[46] In 2001 a complaint by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma to the World Intellectual Property Organization regarding the domain name 'sahaja-yoga.org' was rejected (despite the dissenting opinion of the presiding panelist), in part due to the determination that 'sahajayoga' is not only a descriptive Sanskrit word but is also a concept dating back to Buddhism adopted by saint Kabir and then also taken up by Guru Nanak in Sikhism'[47]

Sahaja Yoga/Vishwa Nirmala Dharma is a registered Organisation in many countries such as Columbia[13], the United States of America[14], France[15] (has an "asso.fr" website domain reserved for organisations)[16], and Austria[17]. It is registered as a religion in Spain.[48]

The organization runs meditation, cultural, and charity-related facilities and activities, including

Hospital

The organization runs an international hospital in Mumbai, India, the International Sahaja Yoga Health and Research Centre, which uses Sahaja Yoga methods. Daily activities at the center include meditation, clearing techniques, listening to Nirmala Srivastava's lectures and bhajan singing.[18] This health center claims to have been successful in curing incurable diseases such as (refractory) high blood pressure, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.[53][54] The center's website states: "What really counts in this Health Centre is that Our Holy Mother Shri Mataji has Her Divine Attention here and it is evident that She effects all cures."[19]

Sahaja Yoga claims that it has cured patients of "high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, etc."[55][56]

Yuvashakti

The organization'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,[57] The European realization tour,[58] and Realize Australia,[59] Yuvashakti is active in forums such as the World Youth Conference[60]and 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"[61] in which Yuvashakti were "instrumental in reaching out to women from the poor communities and providing them with work".

Sahaja Yoga culture

File:Nbhkti.jpg
The Nirmal Bhakti Bhajan group

Because 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 musical groups playing fusion of different genres, such as Nirmal Bhakti, Sahaj Unlimited and Indialucia including Rock and roll, Flamenco, Hip Hop, Qawwali and Indian classical music.[62][63]

Vishwa Nirmal Prem ashram

File:Vishwango.jpg
A view of the main building

The 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"[64]

It aims at

  • Providing for basic needs and facilities of the destitute women and children
  • Giving them training and enable them to attain economic independence
  • Assist them in getting appropriate jobs
  • The members of the ashram would also be given spiritual guidance so that after going from the ashram, they would be able to face the difficulties of life in a better way and get appropriate livelihoods to gain self-reliance

In 2005, 21 girls were housed, most of them full orphans, aged between 5 and 12 years, and a "reasonable number of destitute women" [20].[65]

Other projects

The World Council supports the creation of an 108-room Ashram complex in Chhindwara, near the birthplace of its founder.[66] Another project is the transfer of her audio and video tapes, many in delicate condition, to digital media. [67][68] The founder has given her intellectual property and several of her homes to the trust run by the World Council [69] to be used in future projects by the organization.

Sahaja Yoga held classes during the third annual "Yoga for peace" event in Detroit, which "aims to effect world peace through the power of meditation."[70]

Criticisms

As of 2001, according to the author David V. Barrett, the movement had been criticized because of encouragement of its members to make donations to pay for Mataji's trips and "expensive properties."[71] Barrett further wrote that some former members say that they were expelled from the movement because they "resisted influence that Mataji had over their lives."[71]According to Barrett, Mataji's degree of control over members' lives has given raise to concerns. [71]


See also


References

  1. ^ Buddhism Dictionary (Oxford University Press) definition of 'Sahaja'
  2. ^ [http://www.sahajayoga.org/questionsandanswers/#religion Sahaja Yoga - is Sahaja Yoga a religion? Frequently asked questions viewed 28 September 2007
  3. ^ - The Hindu A message for one and all... Monday, Apr 07, 2003 viewed 6 November 2006
  4. ^ Chakras and the Channels of Energy
  5. ^ Kakar, Sudhir (1984) Shamans, Mystics and Doctors: A Psychological Inquiry into India and Its Healing Traditions, ISBN 0-226-42279-8 p197
  6. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org.in/SelfRealization.asp
  7. ^ Sahaja Yoga Australia
  8. ^ Sahaja Yoga Canada
  9. ^ http://www.austinsahajayoga.org/testimonials.htm
  10. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/experienceitnow/default.asp
  11. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/role_of_prayer.htm
  12. ^ The Agnya Chakra Australian Sahaja Yoga website
  13. ^ http://sahajayoga.la/materials/Turya-course%20Ceremonies.pdf
  14. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/raising_kundalini.htm
  15. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/bandhan.htm
  16. ^ Puja/Dakshina Costs
  17. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_358_2005.asp
  18. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.la/Discovery-course%20AboutSY.pdf
  19. ^ http://www.tnsahaj.org/Meditation.htm
  20. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.la/Discovery-course%20AboutSY.pdf
  21. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/music.htm
  22. ^ An Unlikely Source for Meditative Study - Queen's tribune online
  23. ^ Rome prison (Italy) will begin offering meditation and yoga to inmates
  24. ^ http://www.tnsahaj.org/Meditation.htm
  25. ^ Invitation to Shri Adi Shakti Puja 2005
  26. ^ Invitation to Shri Adi Shakti Puja 2005
  27. ^ Srivastava, Nirmala (29/02/1984). Mahashivaratri puja (Speech). Belapur, India. {{cite speech}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  28. ^ Srivastava, Nirmala (18/06/1983). Importance of Puja and Havana (Speech). Paris, France. {{cite speech}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  29. ^ Sahaja Yoga Turya Course session seven"The authentic format of the ceremony has changed very little over the years, except that in the case of Sahaja Yoga the whole focus of the program is to move closer to the Divine and experience a Spiritual communication which goes much further than simply singing a few songs. The vibrational impact of a Puja can be simply astonishing".
  30. ^ Srivastava, Nirmala (06/04/1991). Puja in Brisbane (Speech). Brisbane, Australia. {{cite speech}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)

    "All the gain that you have from Puja is only possible when you are a realised soul otherwise it is useless to do any Puja, any worship, people go to church, sing few hymns and come back, they are just the same and afterwards go to the pub because they think pub is the only place where they can get some joy."
  31. ^ elements in SY - viewed 25 November 2007
  32. ^ Sahaja Yoga treatments - viewed 25 November 2007
  33. ^ Sahaja Yoga: Liver Diet
  34. ^ Research on the effect of vibrations on water
  35. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_512_2006.asp Historic video affirming the role of World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga
  36. ^ Message to all the Sahaja Yogis of the world from Arneau, Coordinator of the World Council
  37. ^ [http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_369_2005.asp A productive second session of the WCASY at Guru Puja in New Jersey
  38. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/worldcouncil/default.asp
  39. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_512_2006.asp Historic video affirming the role of The World Council Of Sahaja Yoga
  40. ^ http://sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_260_2004.asp
  41. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.com/swan/view_swan.asp?mode=print&swanid=503
  42. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_332_2005.asp
  43. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_373_2005.asp
  44. ^ "A message for one and all", April 7, 2003, The Hindu
  45. ^ List of Sahaja Yoga centers
  46. ^ 'G & S: educational services, namely, conducting classes, workshops and seminars in the field of techniques of meditation, relaxation and self-improvement. FIRST USE: 19700000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19730000 Filing Date: March 2, 1999, (REGISTRANT) Dharma, Vishwa Nirmala NONPROFIT RELIGIOUS CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 15445 VENTURA BLVD., #900 SHERMAN OAKS CALIFORNIA 91403 [1]
  47. ^ WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center ADMINISTRATIVE PANEL DECISION 'Vishwa Nirmala Dharma a.k.a. Sahaja Yoga v. Sahaja Yoga Ex-Members Network and SD Montford' Case No. D 2001-0467
  48. ^ Vishwa Nirmala Dharma - Religion in Spain
  49. ^ Sahaja Yoga Radio Programs
  50. ^ http://www.2ser.com/programs/shows/sahajayoga/?searchterm=sahaja
  51. ^ Project description interview with Director
  52. ^ http://www.pksacademy.com/
  53. ^ "Making sense of meditation", August 13, 2004, Medical Observer Weekly
  54. ^ Medical research literature on Sahaja Yoga meditation
  55. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org.in/Benefits.asp
  56. ^ http://www.apsahaj.org/benefits.html
  57. ^ http://realizeamerica.com
  58. ^ http://europeanrealisationtour.org
  59. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.com.au/realise_australia
  60. ^ http://www.youthlink.org/globalguide.pdf
  61. ^ Case Study Civil Society & Governance Project, February 2000 Vinita Tatke Viewed 6 November 2006
  62. ^ http://www.sahajayoga.org/Music
  63. ^ http://turiyasangeet.googlepages.com
  64. ^ A New Childhood Arshiya Khanna Times of India 16 Nov 2006, viewed 4 November 2007
  65. ^ [http://www.blossomtimes.org/site/pdf/BlossomTimes_issue3.pdf Interview with the Ashram Executive Director
  66. ^ Shri Mataji’s Holy Birthplace: Chhindwara Project
  67. ^ Safeguarding the Original Audio and Video Tapes of Shri Mataji
  68. ^ An Appeal: Safeguarding The Original Audio and Video Tapes Of Shri Mataji
  69. ^ Gift of Cabella Properties to the World Sahaj Collective
  70. ^ "Yoga enthusiasts gather to meditate for peace" - George Hunter The Detroit News August 13, 2007
  71. ^ a b c Barrett, David V. The New Believers (Cassell 2001) ISBN 0-304-35592-5 pages 297-298 “Sahaja Yoga, like many other new religious movements, is involved in charitable social work, including a hospital and a cancer research centre – both using Sahaja Yoga methods for healing – a classical musical school, and a shelter for the poor in Delhi. Sahaja Yoga makes a big point of its teaching being free: - Amazingly, without any financial support from any person, Shri Mataji neither charges for Her lectures nor for Her ability to give Self Realization, nor does one have to become a member of this organization. She insists that you cannot pay for enlightenment and to-date she continues to denounce the false self-proclaimed ‘gurus’ who are more interested in the seekers’ purse than their spiritual ascent. - But in fact this is one of the major criticisms of the movement, that the often middle-class members are encouraged to make regular donations to pay for Shri Mataji’s trips around the world, and to buy her expensive properties, such as Shudy Camps Park House near Cambridge, England, in 1986 and an Italian castle in 1991. (...) Devoted member refer to her as the Divine Mother, and she has called herself Adi Shakh, Primal Mother of All; many take her advice on child-rearing, and some ask her to choose their marriage partners. This amount of influence over her followers’ lives has caused concern in several countries. Some former have said that they were expelled from the movement because they resisted Shri Maraji’s influence over their lives.”

Further reading

  • Srivastava, Nirmala (1997) Meta Modern Era, (Vishwa Nirmala Dharma) ISBN 8186650059
  • Pullar, Philippa (1984) The Shortest Journey, ISBN 0-04-291018-8
  • 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
  • List of research papers, conferences and publications relating to the Sahaja Yoga research and health center.
  • Coney, Judith (1999) Sahaja Yoga: Socializing Processes in a South Asian New Religious Movement, (London: Curzon Press) ISBN 0-7007-1061-2
  • 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.

External links

Sahaja Yoga Sites

Critical sites
Neutral or mixed sites
  • Leaflet on Sahaja Yoga published by INFORM. c2000
  • Woman's Hour September 12, 2001 BBC radio program, with questions and answers by Nirmala Srivastava and two ex-members.
  • Sahaja Yoga at the Religious Movements Homepage at the University of Virginia. Updated 2001.
Yuvashakti
Puja related
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