Founded by Nirmala Srivastava, also known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaja Yoga is a meditation style that focuses on self-realization through kundalini awakening and mental silence (Nirvichar Samadhi). Sahaja Yoga ensures a thoughtless awareness of your inner self. With numerous Sahaja Yoga centers in 100 countries worldwide, the yoga style (technique rather) has been inspiring millions to lead a happy and blissful life. Creating consciousness and self-transformation is the key mantra in Sahaja Yoga.
The Practice
A re-discovered ancient knowledge having its solid roots in self-realization, which, in a way, counters kriya techniques and asanas, finds a powerful expression through Sahaja Yoga. If we believe the experiences of some Sahaja yogis, the mere presence or a photo of Shri Mataji herself triggers that spontaneous awakening of soul. So, when the kundalini energy takes the lead, yogi feels the connection with the inner power and ultimately, the God.
1. Chakras and Nadis
Human body, aside from having an external, physical appearance, has certain nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers) that run through and connect our entire body.
Sahaja Yoga advocates the balancing of chakras through kundalini awakening in the sacrum bone. Thus, chakras are pivotal to the whole administration of human soul. A person or yogi feels a cool breeze on his head or hands when kundalini pierces the Sahasrara chakra. One could perceive the presence of chakras and nadis on his hands which attain balance through the sensations of heat or coolness. The very sensations, which can be captured on camera, indicate self-realization, thoughtless awareness or encounter with reality.
2. Meditation
For divine connection and spiritual growth, yogis need to establish thoughtless awareness which involves clarity and a state of relaxation. Meditation includes humble submission to God’s grace without thinking about the material problems. What a yogi needs to do is lit a candle or oil lamp and raise his kundalini through a hand exercise. Once seated comfortably on the floor or yoga mat, the yoga practitioner holds his hands out with his palm upwards and then, he focuses on the Sahasrara chakra. One can practice while enjoying music or being silent through the process.
3. Cleansing
Cleansing involves making changes to your diet and including natural elements to your environs. While candle flame, the earth, salt water and camphor flame add a distinctive grace and precision to one’s meditation, some other techniques include use of lemons, chillies, ice, coconuts, mantras, shoe beating and affirmations as well.
Benefits of Sahaja Yoga
1. Sahaja yoga helps you strengthen your immune system and thus, improve your health.
2. Since meditation reduces anxiety, stress and irritability, it helps one enjoy inner peace, have better focus and concentration, and achieve mental, physical and spiritual balance.
3. Accordingly, Sahaja Yoga practitioners develop self-confidence, self-esteem, greater awareness. Thus, it helps them shun negativity, self-destructive urges and divisive cravings.
