Booklet - Introduction (English)
Booklet - Introduction (English)
Sahaja means 'in-born, natural, spontaneous' and Yoga is 'Union with the
Divine'. Every human being is born with a subtle mechanism inside, which,
SAHAJA when awakened, gives Sahaja Yoga-'Spontaneous Union with the Divine'.
This experience, also called Self-realisation, is described in the teachings of
all the religions; the difference in Sahaja Yoga, is that Self-realisation is the
YOGA
TODAYS MAHA YOGA
starting point of our spiritual ascent, rather than the distant goal. The
conditions for awakening of the dormant Spiritual Energy Kundalini to
take place are only a genuine desire to know the truth and the presence of one
who already has this energy awakened.
On awakening, the Kundalini emerges from the Sacrum bone, as shown
7. Sahasrara
Integration on the chart. It rises through the Sushumna-'Central Channel' piercing the
six Chakras, nourishing and enlightening these subtle energy centers.
6. Agnya When the Kundalini passes through the Agnya Chakra in the head, the
Forgiveness Seeker experiences the peace and silence of ‘Thoughtless Awareness'. This
Pingala Nadi is the first stage of true meditation. Entering this state of Nirvicharita, for
5.Vishuddhi
Collectivity even a few moments every day transforms all areas of our lives; Physical,
Ida Nadi
Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. We come into harmony with the world
4.Anahat Atma-’Spirit’
Love/ Security around us and feel less affected by the ups and downs of our everyday lives.
Sushumna Nadi Passing through the Sahasrara Chakra-'Thousand-petalled Lotus' in the
3. Nabhi limbic area, the Kundalini pierces the Fontanelle bone (Talu) at the top of
Sustenance Void
the head and unites us with the Param-chaitanya-’The All-pervading
2.Swadhishthan 1 power of God’s Love’ . This is felt as a cool breeze on top of the head and on
Creativity 2
the palms. Identifications with the body, mind, emotions and ego fall away
1. Mooladhara Kundalini 5 and we realize our true nature as Atma-'Spirit'. This is Atma-sakshatkar-
4 6 3
Innocence 'Self-realisation'. It is a beautiful and liberating experience.
With meditation centres established in more than 120 countries, Sahaja
Experience the Joy and Peace Yoga has become a global phenomenon. Thousands of people every day are
getting the experience of Self-realisation and ascending into a higher state of
of Self-realization awareness. They are finding the freedom and happiness that comes from
spiritual fulfilment.
“You cannot know the meaning of your life until you are connected
Visit our website: Sahaja Yoga programs
to the Power that created you”. H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
www.sahajayoga.org are always free
1 2
What is Sahaja Yoga?
Sahaja means 'in-born, natural, spontaneous' and Yoga is 'Union with the
Divine'. Every human being is born with a subtle mechanism inside, which,
SAHAJA when awakened, gives Sahaja Yoga-'Spontaneous Union with the Divine'.
This experience, also called Self-realisation, is described in the teachings of
all the religions; the difference in Sahaja Yoga, is that Self-realisation is the
YOGA
TODAYS MAHA YOGA
starting point of our spiritual ascent, rather than the distant goal. The
conditions for awakening of the dormant Spiritual Energy Kundalini to
take place are only a genuine desire to know the truth and the presence of one
who already has this energy awakened.
On awakening, the Kundalini emerges from the Sacrum bone, as shown
7. Sahasrara
Integration on the chart. It rises through the Sushumna-'Central Channel' piercing the
six Chakras, nourishing and enlightening these subtle energy centers.
6. Agnya When the Kundalini passes through the Agnya Chakra in the head, the
Forgiveness Seeker experiences the peace and silence of ‘Thoughtless Awareness'. This
Pingala Nadi is the first stage of true meditation. Entering this state of Nirvicharita, for
5.Vishuddhi
Collectivity even a few moments every day transforms all areas of our lives; Physical,
Ida Nadi
Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. We come into harmony with the world
4.Anahat Atma-’Spirit’
Love/ Security around us and feel less affected by the ups and downs of our everyday lives.
Sushumna Nadi Passing through the Sahasrara Chakra-'Thousand-petalled Lotus' in the
3. Nabhi limbic area, the Kundalini pierces the Fontanelle bone (Talu) at the top of
Sustenance Void
the head and unites us with the Param-chaitanya-’The All-pervading
2.Swadhishthan 1 power of God’s Love’ . This is felt as a cool breeze on top of the head and on
Creativity 2
the palms. Identifications with the body, mind, emotions and ego fall away
1. Mooladhara Kundalini 5 and we realize our true nature as Atma-'Spirit'. This is Atma-sakshatkar-
4 6 3
Innocence 'Self-realisation'. It is a beautiful and liberating experience.
With meditation centres established in more than 120 countries, Sahaja
Experience the Joy and Peace Yoga has become a global phenomenon. Thousands of people every day are
getting the experience of Self-realisation and ascending into a higher state of
of Self-realization awareness. They are finding the freedom and happiness that comes from
spiritual fulfilment.
“You cannot know the meaning of your life until you are connected
Visit our website: Sahaja Yoga programs
to the Power that created you”. H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
www.sahajayoga.org are always free
1 2
The Subtle System Experience your Realisation
Inside every human being is a Subtle System of three Channels and The Kundalini rises in the presence of an
seven Chakras. The Chakras-’Subtle Energy Centres’ control all aspects awakened person and Shri Mataji’s Photograph has
of our lives; the instinctive biological functions in the lower Chakras; the the same effect .
heart and mind in the upper centres, to the highest spiritual states in the Find a quiet place. Stand the Photograph on a clean
Sahasrara and above. The Atma-’Spirit, Consciousness’ in the Left
surface and sit comfortably with the hands palm-
Heart, is our essence, but to know this it is necessary to stop the outward
flow of thought and turn within to witness the truth. upwards on the lap. Close the eyes and allow the
However it is beautifully arranged, so that when the time is right, the thinking process to subside naturally. It is not
Kundalini-’Pure Spiritual Energy’ dormant in the Sacrum bone, awakens necessary to do any physical or mental exercises, or
and, as She rises, the attention is pulled inside. Our thoughts subside make effort. On the contrary, it is better to let go and allow the natural
automatically, and we enter a state of clarity, known as ‘Thoughtless process of Sahaja Yoga to work out.
Awareness’. This is the first stage of Self-realization. At the start of meditation it is useful to clear first the Left and then the
Another benefit of Sahaja Yoga is that we develop ‘Vibratory Right Channel. These become overactive from our daily
Awareness’, the ability to feel the state of our subtle body inside. The lives and disturb us with thoughts and images.
condition of the Chakras can be felt on the hands, as colour-coded on the
(1) Clearing the Left Channel
chart of the Subtle System on the front cover.
A tingling or pain in one of the fingers indicates a blockage on that The Ida Nadi-’Left Channel’ starts at the Mooladhara
Chakra- on the Left Channel if on the left hand, on the Right Channel if on Chakra, which has the quality of the Earth element. Sit with
the right hand, and on the Central Channel if on both hands. A cool breeze the left hand towards Shri Mataji’s Photograph and place the
on the palms and fingers means that the Divine Vibrations are flowing right hand palm downwards on or towards the Mother Earth.
unimpeded. After a few minutes the Left Channel will clear.
The Three Channels (2) Clearing the Right Channel
1) Ida Nadi-’Left Channel’. With the right hand towards the Photograph, raise the
With a healthy Left Side, we are emotionally balanced. If we go too left hand as shown in the picture with the fingers pointed
much into the Left, we become lethargic and prone to self-pity and towards the sky (Ether element). Sit quietly and allow the
domination by others. Both Earth and Fire elements can be used to correct
Right Channel to clear.
this.
2) Pingala Nadi-’Right Channel’. (3) Affirmations
A good Right Side gives us drive, creativity and an ability to get things The following technique, where we affirm certain fundamental truths,
done. If we go too much onto the Right we become dry, critical and focuses our attention, activates our pure desire and clears the path of the
dominating. The Water element cools and soothes the over-heating of the Kundalini.
Right Side. “It is everyone's right to achieve this state of ones evolution and
3) Sushumna Nadi-’Central Channel’. everything necessary is already inbuilt. But as I respect your
When we are in the Central Channel we are in balance, and able to freedom, you have to have the desire to achieve this state, it cannot
ascend. Regular meditation strengthens and develops the Central Channel, be forced upon you!” H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
and we become peaceful and serene people.
3 4
The Subtle System Experience your Realisation
Inside every human being is a Subtle System of three Channels and The Kundalini rises in the presence of an
seven Chakras. The Chakras-’Subtle Energy Centres’ control all aspects awakened person and Shri Mataji’s Photograph has
of our lives; the instinctive biological functions in the lower Chakras; the the same effect .
heart and mind in the upper centres, to the highest spiritual states in the Find a quiet place. Stand the Photograph on a clean
Sahasrara and above. The Atma-’Spirit, Consciousness’ in the Left
surface and sit comfortably with the hands palm-
Heart, is our essence, but to know this it is necessary to stop the outward
flow of thought and turn within to witness the truth. upwards on the lap. Close the eyes and allow the
However it is beautifully arranged, so that when the time is right, the thinking process to subside naturally. It is not
Kundalini-’Pure Spiritual Energy’ dormant in the Sacrum bone, awakens necessary to do any physical or mental exercises, or
and, as She rises, the attention is pulled inside. Our thoughts subside make effort. On the contrary, it is better to let go and allow the natural
automatically, and we enter a state of clarity, known as ‘Thoughtless process of Sahaja Yoga to work out.
Awareness’. This is the first stage of Self-realization. At the start of meditation it is useful to clear first the Left and then the
Another benefit of Sahaja Yoga is that we develop ‘Vibratory Right Channel. These become overactive from our daily
Awareness’, the ability to feel the state of our subtle body inside. The lives and disturb us with thoughts and images.
condition of the Chakras can be felt on the hands, as colour-coded on the
(1) Clearing the Left Channel
chart of the Subtle System on the front cover.
A tingling or pain in one of the fingers indicates a blockage on that The Ida Nadi-’Left Channel’ starts at the Mooladhara
Chakra- on the Left Channel if on the left hand, on the Right Channel if on Chakra, which has the quality of the Earth element. Sit with
the right hand, and on the Central Channel if on both hands. A cool breeze the left hand towards Shri Mataji’s Photograph and place the
on the palms and fingers means that the Divine Vibrations are flowing right hand palm downwards on or towards the Mother Earth.
unimpeded. After a few minutes the Left Channel will clear.
The Three Channels (2) Clearing the Right Channel
1) Ida Nadi-’Left Channel’. With the right hand towards the Photograph, raise the
With a healthy Left Side, we are emotionally balanced. If we go too left hand as shown in the picture with the fingers pointed
much into the Left, we become lethargic and prone to self-pity and towards the sky (Ether element). Sit quietly and allow the
domination by others. Both Earth and Fire elements can be used to correct
Right Channel to clear.
this.
2) Pingala Nadi-’Right Channel’. (3) Affirmations
A good Right Side gives us drive, creativity and an ability to get things The following technique, where we affirm certain fundamental truths,
done. If we go too much onto the Right we become dry, critical and focuses our attention, activates our pure desire and clears the path of the
dominating. The Water element cools and soothes the over-heating of the Kundalini.
Right Side. “It is everyone's right to achieve this state of ones evolution and
3) Sushumna Nadi-’Central Channel’. everything necessary is already inbuilt. But as I respect your
When we are in the Central Channel we are in balance, and able to freedom, you have to have the desire to achieve this state, it cannot
ascend. Regular meditation strengthens and develops the Central Channel, be forced upon you!” H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
and we become peaceful and serene people.
3 4
Sit comfortably in front of Shri Mataji’s picture, with the left hand palm 8. Put the right hand on the back of the head, lean the
upwards on your lap. Close the eyes and, placing the right hand on the head backwards and say the following affirmation,
Chakras on the left side of your body as shown, say the without feeling guilty:- ‘Shri Mataji, if I have made
affirmations silently inside any mistakes, please forgive me.’
9. Stretch the fingers of the right hand, and place the
1. Put the right hand on the heart and ask the following palm on top of the head on the fontanelle area. Rotate the
question to yourself:- scalp over the skull in a clockwise direction seven times.
‘Shri Mataji, am I the Spirit?’ (3 times) Then pray with humility seven times :-
2. Take the right hand to the upper part of the stomach, ‘Shri Mataji, please give me my Self Realization.’
under the ribs and press it in. Ask the following question:- Place the right hand on the lap and sit in meditation for some time. You
can open the eyes and look at Shri Mataji’s Photograph without thinking.
‘Shri Mataji, am I my own Master?’ (3 times)
A cool breeze on the palms and on top of the head, and a state of
3. Place the hand further down where the leg meets the thoughtless peace, indicate that the Kundalini has risen. Try placing first
body, and make the following request. Ask this six times as the right hand and then the left a few inches above the top of the head, and
there are six petals on this Swadhishthan Chakra:- see if you can feel the breeze coming out.
‘Shri Mataji, please give me the Pure Knowledge.’ Initially, it is helpful to go through the whole process. After some time
you may find steps 1,7,8,9 are sufficient.
4. Move the hand again up under the ribs
“You just ‘become‘, like a flower becomes the fruit. It’s built-in
and here you have to assert 10 times:-
within you. Allow it to work out.” H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
‘Shri Mataji, I am my own master.’ Sssssss
many techniques by which we can balance ourselves, clear any blockages and “Experience the fact that Self-realisation is the ultimate goal
develop the qualities of the Chakras. Sahaja Yoga centers are always free of of Human Life.”
charge. “You are holding a snake in darkness, you can’t see it, and if I say
‘Drop it’, you’ll say ‘No , I am holding a rope, why should I drop it?’
(3) Listen to Shri Mataji’s lectures. Shri Mataji has given hundreds of
But if there is light, you immediately drop it yourself. So with
talks in Hindi, English and Marathi, explaining all aspects of the Subtle Realisation you develop your Divine Wisdom as well as your
System and of spiritual life. Her love and wisdom, expressed in these Divine Discretion.” H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
7 8
(B) Putting on a Bandhan talks, is a great help in our growth. The talks are available on Cassettes and
A Bandhan protects our Subtle System with a covering of CDs at the centres.
Divine Vibrations. With the left hand towards the (4) Use Sahaja Yoga treatments. These are simple treatments utilizing
Photograph, take the right hand from the left hip, over the top the power of the elements to balance and clear our Subtle System. Foot-
of the head down to the right hip and then back again. Do this soaking is a very effective treatment. Try a week of meditating, using foot-
seven times, to protect the seven Chakras. soaking in the evening, and you will see the difference.
(C) Foot-soaking Shri Mataji- the founder of Sahaja Yoga.
th
The Water element cleanses and calms over-activity of the On 5 May 1970, Her Supreme Holiness Shri Mataji, while meditating
Left and Right Sides, and gives the quality of peace. by the sea at Nargol in Gujarat, witnessed the opening of the Universal
Sit with the feet in a large bowl of salty water, ideally up to the Sahastrara Chakra. She realized that the time had come for human beings
ankles. The water can be cold if we are feeling over-heated, or to experience Self-realization en-masse. Previously only dedicated
hot if we are lethargic. Sit in meditation for 5-10 minutes and individuals had achieved this after a lifetime of striving.
then throw the water down the toilet. She has spent the last 37 years traveling tirelessly, giving this
There are Sahaja Yoga Techniques for every aspect of the Subtle System experience free of charge to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
which you can learn about at the Sahaja Yoga Centres. She has received recognition for this work from many countries including
the United Nations Peace Prize in 1989, and has been invited to talk at
Establishing Sahaja Yoga within us
international conferences on medical and social issues.
After experiencing Kundalini awakening, it is important to nurture this
Shri Mataji was born at noon on the 21st March 1923, in Chindwara,
seed, to help it to grow and establish. Madhya Pradesh, in the geographical centre of India.
(1) Meditate at home. Ten minutes of meditation in the morning and Shri Mataji is truly a Spiritual Mother, giving ‘second birth’ through
evening will improve all aspects of life. Sit comfortably with the hands palm- Kundalini awakening. By means of Sahaja Yoga meditation and Her talks
upwards in front of Shri Mataji’s Photograph; this will awaken the Kundalini we get the nourishment, the comfort and the counsel to evolve. Sahaja
within you. The Photograph may be framed and if a candle (or oil lamp) and Yogis are fulfilled and happy people, enjoying all aspects of life. The fact is
incense are placed before it, this also aids meditation. The Light element of the that to enter the highest states of Sahaja Yoga, it is necessary to recognize
candle clears the Agnya Chakra and the incense purifies the Air element, Her. When sitting in meditation, ask yourself this question:-
which helps to open the heart. “Who is Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi?”
(2) Attend Sahaja Yoga Centres. Collective meditation is a more powerful An answer will come, not mentally, but as a feeling inside.
aid to growth. At your local Sahaja Yoga Centre, you can learn more about the Aaaaaaaa
many techniques by which we can balance ourselves, clear any blockages and “Experience the fact that Self-realisation is the ultimate goal
develop the qualities of the Chakras. Sahaja Yoga centers are always free of of Human Life.”
charge. “You are holding a snake in darkness, you can’t see it, and if I say
‘Drop it’, you’ll say ‘No , I am holding a rope, why should I drop it?’
(3) Listen to Shri Mataji’s lectures. Shri Mataji has given hundreds of
But if there is light, you immediately drop it yourself. So with
talks in Hindi, English and Marathi, explaining all aspects of the Subtle Realisation you develop your Divine Wisdom as well as your
System and of spiritual life. Her love and wisdom, expressed in these Divine Discretion.” H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
7 8
The Subtle System
Remove this sheet carefully along the fold. The Photograph may be framed, and used for meditation.
1
2
Kundalini 5
4 6 3
9
The Chakras. Benefits of regular Sahaja Yoga meditation
1) We become calm and unruffled. Stress and tension are reduced.
2) Physical health improves.
3) Sleep is sound and untroubled.
4) Family life and all relationships become more harmonious.
5) Bad habits such as smoking, drinking, roving eyes, etc. drop out
automatically.
6) Deep spiritual states can be enjoyed while living the normal life of a
householder.
7) Through Inner Awareness, we are able to guide ourselves.
“Let me engulf you in the Ocean of Joy,
So you lose your being in the Greater One,
Who is smiling in your Calyx of Self,
Secretly hidden to tease you all the while.
Be aware and you will find Him,
Vibrating your every fibre with blissful joy,
Covering the whole Universe with light.”
H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Appearance
12
The Subtle System
Remove this sheet carefully along the fold. The Photograph may be framed, and used for meditation.
1
2
Kundalini 5
4 6 3
9
The Chakras. Benefits of regular Sahaja Yoga meditation
1) We become calm and unruffled. Stress and tension are reduced.
2) Physical health improves.
3) Sleep is sound and untroubled.
4) Family life and all relationships become more harmonious.
5) Bad habits such as smoking, drinking, roving eyes, etc. drop out
automatically.
6) Deep spiritual states can be enjoyed while living the normal life of a
householder.
7) Through Inner Awareness, we are able to guide ourselves.
“Let me engulf you in the Ocean of Joy,
So you lose your being in the Greater One,
Who is smiling in your Calyx of Self,
Secretly hidden to tease you all the while.
Be aware and you will find Him,
Vibrating your every fibre with blissful joy,
Covering the whole Universe with light.”
H.S.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Appearance
12