Why Sahajayoga Meditation and How it works

 

M editation is seen by a number of researchers as potentially one of the most effective forms of stress reduction.1 While stress reduction techniques have been cultivated and studied in the West for approximately 70 years, the data indicates that they are not consistently effective.2 Meditation however, has been developed in Eastern cultures and has a documented history of more than several thousand years. Eastern meditative techniques have been developed, trialed and refined over hundreds of generations with the specific intention of developing a method by which the layperson can regularly attain a state of mental peace and tranquillity, ie. relief from stress. It is astrategy that can easily be adapted to the needs ofclinicians and their patients in the West. 

How does meditation work?

Parasympathetic response

 Most theories are based on the assumption that meditation is a sophisticated form of relaxation involving a concept called the parasympathetic response. Psychological stress is associated with activation of the sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system which, in its extreme, causes the ‘fight or flight response’. Meditation and any form of rest or relaxation acts to reduce sympathetic activation by reducing the release of catecholamines and other stress hormones such as cortisol, and promoting increased parasympathetic activity which in turn slows the heart rate and improves the flow of  blood to the viscera and away from the periphery.

Sahaja yoga meditation Sahaja yoga meditation (SYM) is the technique of choice in the MRP. Sahaja yoga meditation aims to promote the experience of ‘thoughtless awareness’ based on the original meditative tradition. Meditators in the MRP consistently describe the ability to achieve this experience. They are encouraged to practise twice daily for approximately 15 minutes. Sahaja yoga meditation is well suited for the general population and for research, because it is easy to learn and is taught free of charge. Sahajayoga meditation is currently used in three Sydneyhospitals for patients, staff and public. Feedback from management teams and anecdotal reports from patients and carers are favourable. As yet no adverse effects have been reported in the MRP’s trials, clinics or in the literature. The MRP has conducted a number of small and large trials on SYM which have generated promising results in Australian conditions. A randomised controlled trial of meditation for moderate to severe asthma compared SYM to a relaxation control. SYM was more effective in a number ofcontrol. SYM was more effective in a number of objective and subjective endpoints. A number of locally conducted pilot studies examining the effect of SYM suggest that it may have a beneficial role in menopausal hot flushes, severe migraine and psychological stress. Randomised controlled trials are underway in order to obtain definitive data. Studies in India suggest that SYM is more beneficial than mimicking exercises in the treatment of epilepsy and hypertension.

https://www.sahajayogaportal.org/papers/whymeditation.pdf

Dr Ramesh Manocha Natural Therapies Unit Royal Hospital for Women Locked Bag 2000 Randwick, NSW 2031 Email: R.Manocha@unsw.edu.au

A simple and effective rule of thumb when choosing or recommending a meditation technique is to assume that ‘the best things in life are free’. Organisations involved in the commercialisation and marketing of often costly ‘meditation’ techniques, courses and ‘master classes’ are least likely to be selling an authentic method. Unfortunately in these situations the welfare of the individual and the community usually become secondary to profit or fame.  

Shri

 

SHRI GANESHA

The Wisdom of Pure Innocence

11 September 1983 | Tivoli, Italy

Shri Ganesha Puja — The Birthday of Shri Ganesha

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

Salutations to Shri Ganesha,

who abides at the sacred root,

whose nature is innocence,

whose ornament is wisdom,

whose strength is purity,

and whose supreme wisdom is surrender to the Mother.

He is the child, yet the Ancient One.

He is innocent, yet none can deceive Him.

He is silent, yet from His wisdom arises right discrimination.

Know, therefore, that innocence is not ignorance.

“Innocence is the wisest thing.”

That which is ignorant may be deceived.

That which is innocent remains untouched.

As the lotus rests upon water yet is not stained by it,

so true innocence moves through the world without becoming bound by the world.

Shri Mataji teaches that Shri Ganesha resides within us.

Therefore seek Him not only in the image before the eyes,

but in the purity established within the Mooladhara.

Let the attention descend to the root.

Let the mind become humble.

Let the heart pray:

“Mother, You are Shri Ganesha. You give me wisdom and discretion.”

For where there is purity, discrimination awakens.

Where discrimination awakens, ego loses its throne.

Where ego diminishes, humility appears.

And where humility becomes natural, beauty enters conduct.

What is knowledge without humility?

A burden upon the intellect.

What is efficiency without love?

Power without fragrance.

What is spirituality without joy?

A lamp covered by its own smoke.

Therefore Shri Mataji teaches that one may be knowledgeable and yet humble, efficient and yet loving, aware and yet discreet.

This is the beauty of the complete personality.

Do not proclaim:

“I know.”

Do not declare:

“I am greater.”

The fruit-bearing branch bends low.

The empty branch alone points proudly toward the sky.

Therefore humility is not the denial of wisdom.

It is the fragrance of wisdom.

And beware of fanaticism, even in the name of the Divine.

For Shri Mataji says:

“There is no love in fanaticism.”

Where there is harshness, where there is the fever of superiority, where one continually judges another, there the sweetness of innocence has been obscured.

The awakened one becomes prasanna-chitta:

joyous, peaceful, unburdened.

For Truth is not made greater by anger,

nor does the sun require a sword to establish the day.

Now hear the secret of the Present.

“Innocence keeps you in the present.”

The past has departed.

The future has not arisen.

Between these two shadows shines the eternal Now.

There the innocent one abides.

When the mind runs backward, it meets memory.

When it runs forward, it meets imagination.

But when it becomes still in the present, it touches the Divine Power.

Therefore abandon the unnecessary burden of becoming.

Behold what is.

Witness the play.

Remain unattached.

Shri Mataji says of innocence:

“It sees the play, just sees, it enjoys the play, just enjoys.”

As the sky witnesses the passing clouds without travelling with them,

so let the Spirit witness the movements of thought.

When thought says, “Come with me,” answer:

“Not this, not this, not this…”

Neti, neti.

Not this thought.

Not this fear.

Not this pride.

Not this agitation.

Not this passing shadow.

Until that which merely watches remains.

And in that silence, innocence shines.

Yet do not mistake innocence for childishness.

“You have to be childlike, not childish.”

Shri Ganesha appears as the Child,

yet He is the eldest.

Time has not aged His innocence.

Power has not corrupted His purity.

Wisdom has not produced pride.

Thus spiritual maturity is not the abandonment of innocence.

It is wisdom returning to innocence.

Guard also the sacred boundaries of life.

Let affection be pure.

Let friendship be healthy.

Let relationships remain within maryada.

For attachment says:

“You belong to me.”

But pure love says:

“May you belong to the Divine.”

And if another rises higher than you, do not become jealous.

Learn.

If another possesses virtue, do not merely adore him.

Become virtuous.

For jealousy sees another's light and chooses darkness.

Wisdom sees another's light and lights its own lamp.

Therefore Shri Mataji declares:

“Wisdom is your glory.”

Yet even wisdom reaches its perfection only in surrender.

Hear therefore the heart of this teaching:

“The greatest wisdom of Shri Ganesha was that he was surrendered to his Mother.”

What then remains to be conquered?

Not the world.

The ego.

What remains to be abandoned?

Not life.

The illusion that “I am the doer.”

Offer ego to the Mother.

Offer superego to the Mother.

Offer yesterday and tomorrow to the Mother.

And remain in innocence.

For when the wave surrenders its separate name,

it discovers that it was never other than the ocean.

When the ray ceases to claim its own brilliance,

it knows itself as the light of the sun.

And when the seeker lays the little “I” at the Feet of the Mother,

Shri Ganesha awakens within.

Then purity is no longer a discipline.

It becomes nature.

Wisdom is no longer thought.

It becomes vision.

Love is no longer effort.

It becomes existence.

And surrender is no longer an act.

It becomes freedom.

O Mother,

awaken within us the great power of Shri Ganesha.

Establish innocence in our Mooladhara,

discretion in our conduct,

humility in our knowledge,

maryada in our relationships,

joy in our hearts,

and surrender in our Spirit.

For he who becomes innocent becomes present.

He who becomes present becomes peaceful.

He who becomes humble becomes wise.

And he who surrenders to the Mother

becomes free.

Shri Ganesha Puja: The Birthday of Shri Ganesha

What Is PURITY OF MIND (chhita shuddhi )

 

What is purity of the mind (Chitta Shuddhi)?

Purity of the mind means that the mind, intellect, and heart become free from jealousy, anger, greed, ego, hatred, fear, and negative thoughts, becoming pure, peaceful, and sacred.

In Sahaja Yoga, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi explained that when our Kundalini is awakened and we meditate regularly, our inner consciousness gradually begins to become purified. When the mind is purified, a person remains balanced in every situation, develops feelings of love and forgiveness toward others, and begins to recognize the truth naturally.

Benefits of purity of the mind:

- One experiences peace and joy within.

- Anger, fear, and stress begin to diminish.

- Love, compassion, and forgiveness develop.

- Discernment and decision-making ability improve.

- Meditation becomes deeper, and the thoughtless awareness state becomes more natural.

- One's connection with the Divine becomes deeper.

Ways to purify the mind:

- Practice Sahaja Yoga meditation regularly every day.

- Study and reflect upon the messages of Shri Mataji.

- Forgive everyone wholeheartedly.

- Embrace truth, love, and humility in life.

- Keep your thoughts and actions pure.

Beautiful message:

"When the mind becomes pure, the light of God naturally begins to reflect within it. Before trying to change the outer world, purifying your own mind is the true beginning of the spiritual journey."

Shri Matajis words on Mahatma Gandhi

 

Salient Features of Shri Mataji’s Words on Mahatma Gandhi

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi shared profound insights about Mahatma Gandhi based on her personal experiences with him. The key points she highlighted include:

1. Personal Bond with Gandhi Ji

• At the age of seven, Shri Mataji was taken under Mahatma Gandhi’s care and stayed very close to him.
• He affectionately called her “Nepali,” a name by which everyone around him knew her.

2. Gandhiji as a Hard Taskmaster and Compassionate Leader

• He was extremely disciplined and expected the same from others.
• He made everyone wake up at 4 AM, clean temples, and even clean bathrooms and lavatories themselves.
• Despite being strict, he was deeply loving and compassionate.
• He valued wisdom in children and often discussed serious matters with Shri Mataji, treating her as someone beyond her years.

3. Gandhiji’s Commitment to Dharma and Integrity

• He emphasized the importance of living in Dharma (righteousness) and encouraged those around him to uphold moral values.
• He set a high ethical standard, ensuring that his followers practiced what they preached.

4. Gandhiji’s Strong Ethics on Public Money

• Shri Mataji admired his deep respect for public money, something she found extraordinary.
• He was meticulous about not wasting resources, once personally weighing food before serving it to leaders during a meeting.
• He believed that public money was “the blood of my people” and should not be wasted.

5. A Life of Absolute Transparency and Purity

• There was no double standard in his life; the closer one got to him, the more respect he commanded.
• His personal discipline and ethical conduct were unwavering, setting an example for all.

6. Gandhi’s Role in Laying the Foundation for Sahaja Yoga

• Shri Mataji mentioned that Gandhi Ji’s principles, especially his economic ideas, were deeply aligned with Sahaja Yoga.
• His emphasis on self-sufficiency, moral living, and collective well-being resonated with the spiritual and holistic approach of Sahaja Yoga.

7. Gandhi’s Legacy and India’s Forgotten Gratitude

• Shri Mataji expressed that India was fortunate to have such a great soul.
• However, she lamented that people had forgotten his contributions and the sacrifices he made for the nation’s freedom.

Through these reflections, Shri Mataji emphasized that Gandhi Ji was not just a political leader but a spiritual force who shaped the moral fabric of India and left behind values that continue to guide seekers of truth.

Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Talk about Gandhi
New Delhi (India) | Sunday, March 11th, 1979

https://www.sahajayogabengal.com/salient-features-of-shri-matajis-words-on-mahatma-gandhi/

Saints Truly Said About Kundalini and Sahaja Samadhi

 

Saints Truly Said About Kundalini and Sahaja Samadhi

This is not told only by Me. I tell you is told by all the saints of the world. Long time back, I should say Gyandeva in the twelfth century [ie 1200s] and all others who lived there but even before that, Markandaya, he talked about it. We don’t know anything about these people. Then also in the sixteenth century we should say Guru Nanak was there, Kabira was there, all of them have talked about it.

Kabira has said, “Ida, pingala, sukhumana [MEANS Sushumana] nadi”, “Shunaya shikar par anhad baje re.” [LITERAL TRANSLATION At the Peak of nothingness, plays the anhad (Traditional name for Heart Chakra)]. Nobody understood what they were saying and only reading, reading and reading – where will you go?

Adi Shankracharya also asked, “O’ Mother please remove, please somehow or other remove from My mind this kind of ignorance that I have, that I read words, the shabd jalam [MEANS trap of words]. Please remove this shabd jalam.” All of them has said, Kabira had said “padhi padhi pandita murakh bhayee” [MEANS by reading and reading a pandit (man of knowledge) becomes a fool].

So even if you go on reading, it doesn’t work out. So then scientifically or may be intellectually, you may say, “Oh, it’s all nonsense.”

Nobody has gone to find out, is there some truth in what these people have been saying. All these saints, even today, are respected but nobody wants to see what they are saying, saying within the lines. Guru Nanaka has said “sahaja samadhi lago” [MEANS You go into Samadhi spontaneously]. He has said clearly, you get it sahaj, spontaneous, but people should understand that all these rituals and all these adambars [MEANS showing off] of no value which they themselves had denounced.

There have been so many saints during the sixteenth century and they have tried to talk about Kundalini, I must say. But they used to write it in poetry. The reason is, poetry is the safest way otherwise people would have threat them, beaten them, crucified them. So they thought better is not to talk in prose but talk in poetry. And that is being misunderstood. You see, it’s such a misunderstanding coming out of reading without knowledge. So you have to have knowledge first.

Misunderstood path of yoga

 

Misunderstood Path of Yoga

Now I have to tell you about our own things, as it has been told that, what you have within is these powers. You’ll be amazed, all this was known long time back in our country but all that knowledge was finished because of the British rule, you can say, or the other rules that came in, that they didn’t care for all this. But there were group of people called as Nathpanthis, they knew this, that Kundalini awakening is the only way you can get your Self Realization. But the idea about Self Realization was so limited and was so absurd that people didn’t want to do it.

They said you have to give up your family, you have to give up your all, everything, yourhttps://pradipg-sahajayoga.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-power-of-devotees-tears.html property, everything. You have to become absolutely single. You should have nothing to do with your relations. All these funny ideas came into the heads of so many people who wanted to propagate their way of thinking. All such thinking has ruined actually the reality that exist within us, absolutely.

Because to say that you give up that and give up this and all this kind of a nonsensical ideas: doesn’t happen. You don’t give up. It’s all there, you just have a outward feeling that you have given it, say to your guru or to someone and that’s how all kinds of fraudulent things have started with this kind of a theory. You don’t have to give up anything, is the point.

That, just now as you are, this Kundalini exists within you. She is your Mother. She is your individual Mother. You are the only child She has and you don’t have to give up anything as such. Because She’s the one who looks after you. She is going to give your second birth. And when your mother gave you the second birth, did she trouble you? She took up all the trouble upon herself and she managed that you are born on this earth.

In the same way, for the second birth, as you call dwija, that is born twice, to be born again, there is a Mother already placed within you. She exist within you and She is the one who can give you Self Realization.

https://www.divinesahajyog.com/what-is-the-problem-in-our-lives/

Adi Shankaracharya Already Spoke of Vibrations

 

Adi Shankaracharya Already Spoke of Vibrations

Adi Shankaracharya also wrote, and called it Spandh.  Spandh means the experiencing or feeling of Chaitanya (vibrations), which is within you.  The feeling of Chaitanya, which we call as Vibrations. That is Spandh.  Everyone speaking the same thing.  Even in foreign countries people have talked about this. 

But let the talk of books remain in the books.  And nowadays we don’t know what strange ideas affect the brain, and people do not want to understand what it is.  Why am I going on the wrong road; why am I troubling everyone;  why have I supported this wrong course of action….they don’t think about these things.  And what is the result of all this. Is that mankind has gone astray.  He has wandered into wrong paths. 

But by that he destroys himself, not others.  No harm to others.  Only harm to himself.  There are many roads to destruction.  You also know this, and you also have seen others going into their destruction.  Just by telling them, nothing can be achieved.  I have seen this.  If I tell them don’t do this, or don’t do that, half of the people will get up and go from here. 

But when your kundalini is awakened, you yourself will understand and become aware that this is wrong, it is harmful for us.  This is because, the light of your spirit rises from your heart and comes into your attention.  And every human being will understand, the one who is a realized soul, he will realize what is wrong and what is harmful, and why it is so urgent and necessary.  This is the speciality of your Self Realisation.  Where you can clearly understand what is good for you, and what is bad. 

And in addition to this, besides this, all the help of the Paramatma (God Almighty) is with you.  Because the energy of Divine Love is spread on all four sides.  Prem (love) this is a very important, strong and competent power with you. 

A very big capacity.  Such a great power exists within you.  This love is called Nirvaaj Prem, (unconditional love), where you do not expect anything, but just go deep down into the ocean of love. 

The language of love is something different.  The methods and practices of love are different.  The style and manners are grand.   Especially Sahaja Yogis have experienced this.  We think that such people are very rare.  Not at all.  There are lots of people who are gracious in love.  What a great thing is love. 

But speaking nicely to people seems to be difficult nowadays.  If you go further, then stealing each other’s things seems to be the order of the day.  And if you go another step further, then in the country all kinds of transgressions and tortures are being committed.  Those who cause destruction, disorder, depression and remorse, and things like that, are proliferating. 

Human beings were not born for this.  Human beings were born to know the Shakti, the power of that Paramatma, Almighty God; and experience and enjoy that power, and forever live in peace.  The best thing for spreading peace is, that there should be a reformation of man. 

Until and unless man does not change; until and unless this light shines within him, till then he will keep going astray.  He will continue to do this kind of misdeeds.  He will keep getting involved in these kind of things, in which he will not even know whether he is on the right path or not. 

That is why we should light the lamp within ourself.  When this lamp becomes enlightened, you will be able to understand everything easily, that what Shakti lies within us.  And how we can benefit from this Shakti.  This is the Shakti of Love. 

It is very superior, this Shakti of Love.  Not a shallow, superficial love, but very deep and profound; and flowing through, like the  ocean.  And with the help of that love, you will live in complete peace.  And you will give this joy to others as well.  This Great Shakti is within you, and I will only make this request, that you accept and respect this love.

https://www.divinesahajyog.com/kundalini-awakening-the-only-path-out-of-kaliyug-darkness/