Yoga in ... with Yoga Style: Sahaja Yoga

Sahaja Yoga in a nutshell

Short description

Sahaja Yoga is a meditation method/religious movement based on an experience called self-realization (Kundalini awakening) that can occur in any human being. Through this process an inner transformation takes place through which one becomes moral, unified, integrated and balanced. Sahaja Yoga is not only the name of the movement, but also refers to the technique taught and the state of consciousness achieved through the practice of the technique.

Special feature of Sahaja Yoga

Know thyself" is the main theme of all scriptures - it becomes apparent and one achieves absolute self-understanding. In Shri Mataji's own words: "Through this awakening that can happen in every human being, a global unity of humanity can be achieved, so that transformation takes place within us. Through this process, a person becomes moral, united, integrated and balanced. One will actually perceive the experience of feeling the all-pervading divine power as a cool breeze." It is completely free, as one cannot pay for the experience of divine love.

Typical content of a Sahaja Yoga unit

• Sahaja techniques should be practiced regularly to strengthen the experience of self-realization. These include meditation and chakra cleansing techniques as well as rituals such as a prayer or havan (fire offering).
• Unlike many other rituals, however, these exercises are intended to enable Sahaja Yogis to actually experience spiritual vibrations in their bodies.
• Sahaja Yogis come back from these experiences in a very pleasant state. They report feelings of increased mental clarity, as well as being "blissed out" and filled with overwhelming love. Pain relief and fatigue are also reported.

Roots/Origin

Sahaja Yoga had its origins in India and England, where Nirmala Srivastava moved in 1974. She is also popularly known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and is respectfully called "Mother" by her followers who are called "Sahaja Yogis". Today there are Sahaja Yoga centers in almost 100 countries worldwide. Srivastava never demanded payment and insisted that her teachings were the birthright of every human being and should be freely available to all. One of her quotes is: "There will be no peace in the world until there is peace within us."

Suitable for whom

For people who want to awaken the divine Kundalini power within themselves and achieve thought-free awareness through devotion and worship of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.

Effort/sweat factor

1 (scale 1=a little to 5=a lot)

Source and further information

Based on http://www.sahajayoga.org , http://www.relinfo.ch/sahaja/info.html , https://wiki.yoga-vidya.de/Sahaja_Yoga