Sahaja Yoga

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Shri Mataji Nirmala Shrivastava

Sahaja Yoga ( Sanskrit , m., सहज योग, sahaj "simple", "natural", "innate") is a technique for meditation and the name for a new religious movement and is based on the teachings of the Indian Nirmala Srivastava (1923-2011 ), respectfully called Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi by their followers . The organization Sahaja Yoga International (also Vishwa Nirmala Dharma ) was founded in 1970 in Nargol / India. According to the movement, Sahaja Yoga is the state of self-realization , brought about by the awakening of Kundalini , and is accompanied by the experience of thoughtless awareness or mental stillness.

Practitioners of the Sahaja Yoga meditation technique say they feel a cool breeze on their hands and over their heads during meditation; other effects include dilatation of the pupils and deep physical and mental relaxation. Sahaja Yoga is not only the name of the movement, but also the technique taught and the state of consciousness that is achieved through this technique. The movement teaches that self-actualization through Kundalini awakening is a transformation that ultimately leads to higher moral behavior and an integrated and balanced personality.

Teaching

According to ancient Hindu views, Sahaja Yoga is based on a subtle system of energy channels, the nadis , as well as energy centers, the chakras , which are responsible for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of people. Nadis are associated with parts of the autonomic nervous system. Accordingly, the Ida Nadi or the Pingala Nadi correspond to the left and the right side of the sympathetic nervous system, the middle Sushumna Nadi to the parasympathetic nervous system.

According to Sahaja Yoga, there are seven chakras, whose gross counterparts are the nerve plexuses. The practitioner is able to feel the state of the energy centers concretely through sensations on the hands as well as on the head. Warm or hot sensations on the hands, head and / or palms are interpreted as a blockage in the system. These so-called "catches" can be found through vibrations, an objective divine energy . The basis of this methodology is called "Vibratory Awareness".

The religious view of the chakras, to which several aspects of the divine are assigned, is emphasized. Sahaja Yoga integrates most of the Hindu deities such as Ganesha , Shiva , Lakshmi etc. as well as the most important founders of religions and their essential teachings, such as Abraham , Moses , Jesus , Mohammed , Zarathustra , Confucius , Lao-tse , Buddha , Guru Nanak . Each chakra therefore not only has certain qualities, but also a divine correspondence, for example the brow chakra is understood as the seat of Jesus of Nazareth and his mother Mary. Sahaja Yoga teaches that after awakening the Kundalini from the state of rest in the sacrum as it ascends through the chakras, they bring them into balance, equating the Kundalini power with the Holy Spirit. True yoga is impossible without her awakening. During the ascent through the individual energy centers, their qualities also manifested themselves. Many illnesses caused by damage to the corresponding chakra could be cured in this way and the body could be healed through regular meditation. Although healing is not the main purpose, there is a Sahaja Yoga hospital in India. The meditator can attain the state of thoughtless awareness, Nirvichar Samadhi , through the ascent of Kundalini , and the ascent through the uppermost, the crown chakra, can be felt through a cool breeze over the head and / or on the palms of the hands. In contrast to other yoga paths, according to the followers of Sahaja Yoga, it is possible for the first time in history to awaken Kundalini en masse and everyone can achieve immediate, spontaneous self-realization in front of a picture of Mataji.

techniques

According to Sahaja Yoga, self-realization (also realization) can be achieved simply by looking at a photo of Nirmala Devi and by the desire for self-realization. From her, but also from her photo, a permanent flow of positive, cool vibrations ( subtle energy ) should emanate, which could be visible in photos. The aim of meditation is to achieve a state of thought-free awareness , samadhi , which the meditator attains through Dhyana , the first level, and Dhaarna , the second level. The meditator should set up an altar with a photo of Nirmala Devi, ideally in a specially designated room, sit comfortably in front of the altar, ideally on the floor, with the hands on the knees and the palms facing up. During meditation, make sure to keep your attention on the Sahasrara , the crown chakra, at all times. Before and after you should give yourself a bandhan. This so-called bandhan is a protective ritual in Sahaja Yoga that is carried out with hand movements and can also be used in many other situations, such as before and after getting into a car, during exercise, when going to bed, when shopping and whenever you feel recommended. One should meditate in front of the altar in the morning and in the evening. Nirmala Devi describes meditation as giving oneself to the grace of God and describes it as a personal journey to God .

Pujas , as Hindu worship services are called, should prove to be supportive . The worship of the various deities always takes place through the worship of the corresponding divine aspect in Nirmala Devi. For example, she is worshiped as Krishna during the Shri Krishna Puja, as Durga during the autumn festival of Navaratri , at Christmas as Jesus and Mary and during the Shri Adi Shakti Puja as Adi Shakti (divine primeval feminine power). Nirmala Devi especially emphasizes the importance of the Shri Adi Shakti Puja, since a Sahaja Yogi grows particularly in the worship of the Adi Shakti. As in all Hindu pujas, gifts of a material and / or financial nature are customary in Sahaja Yoga in addition to spiritual worship, and a large part of the participation fees for the pujas, known as Dakshina or Samarpan (remuneration by the student), go to the guru.

If, despite regular meditation, there is an imbalance in the chakra system, various techniques are used for spiritual cleansing, many of which involve the application of the four elements or have their origins in traditional Indian folk medicine, such as footbathing in salt water, ice packs, and shoe soles Rub with various oils and clarified butter. Vibrations, according to Sahaja Yoga, manifestations of the all-pervading cosmic power, should not only improve the energetic state of water, but also change the concentration of the minerals dissolved in it. This method is also applied to food, for example. Material treated by vibrations is said to be vibrated .

history

The term “Sahaja” has a long tradition. As a system of worship it was common in the tantric traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism from the 8th to 9th centuries in Bengal in eastern India . The teacher of the Shivaite Nathyogis, Gorakh ( 7th / 10th centuries), taught extensively about the ascension of Kundalini and the state of 'Sahaja'. Various Hindu mystics, such as the still popular Mirabai (16th century) and Tukaram (17th century), also passed on the term. More recently, Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950), among others , taught about the state of Sahaja Samadhi . According to the understanding of Sahaja Yoga, however, many of these lines have been falsified by various influences, so that they are not regarded as forerunners.

According to his own description, Nirmala Srivastava opened the Sahasrara, the crown chakra, on May 5, 1970 on the beach in Nargol / India (150 kilometers north of Mumbai ) . This took place after a meditation event given by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later also known as Osho ), where she condemned his methods of submission, the "manipulation and exploitation" of seekers ( sadhakas ). She claims that she visited well-known gurus before founding Sahaja Yoga to look at her methods.

Nirmala Srivastava sat down under a saru tree ( casuarina ) in Nargol on May 4th, 1970 and sank into deep meditation. With the opening of the Sahasrara in the early morning of May 5th, her Kundalini power unfolded and she was able to experience her oneness with the divine self. Then she founded the Sahaja Yoga movement. Nirmala Srivastava himself describes the circumstances of May 5, 1970 as overwhelming.

organization

Until 2003, Nirmala Srivastava, supported by her closest confidants, was at the head of the organization, followed by the national and regional leaders. In December 2003 the "World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga" with 19 members at that time was set up under the chairmanship of Nirmala Srivastava. It currently consists of 31 members, with three members simultaneously advising on finance, bookkeeping and property, legal and publications.

criticism

This article or the following section is not adequately provided with supporting documents ( e.g. individual evidence ). Information without sufficient evidence could be removed soon. Please help Wikipedia by researching the information and including good evidence.

Sahaja Yoga critics have concerns about how children are treated. The fact that parents often send their children to boarding schools for young children or to schools in India, the Czech Republic and Italy is considered by some to be unacceptable. Various beliefs in Sahaja Yoga also appear incomprehensible to outsiders, such as the god-like worship and the equation of Nirmala Srivastava with the Holy Spirit .

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Judith Coney: Sahaja Yoga: Socializing Processes in a South Asian New Religious Movement. London: Curzon Press, 1999. ISBN 0-7007-1061-2 .
  2. ↑ Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi: Sahaja Yoga Book One , 2nd. Edition, Nirmala Yoga, Australia 1989.
  3. ↑ What Is Sahaja Yoga . Sahaja Yoga. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  4. ^ Judith Coney: Sahaja Yoga: Socializing Processes in a South Asian New Religious Movement 1999, pp. 55-56.
  5. ↑ Administrative Panel Decision 'Vishwa Nirmala Dharma aka Sahaja Yoga v. Sahaja Yoga Ex-Members Network and SD Montford 'Case No. D 2001-0467 . WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center . June 16, 2001. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  6. ↑ Archived copy ( memento of the original from February 17, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.sahajayoga.com.au
  7. ↑ Archived copy ( memento of the original from March 29, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.adishakti.org
  8. ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original from April 15, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.sahajayoga.net.au
  9. ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original from March 20, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.tnsahaj.org
  10. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/researchandbenefits/
  11. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/whatissy/kundalini_self_realization.asp
  12. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/experienceitnow/default.asp
  13. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/divine_energy.asp
  14. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/meditation_steps.htm
  15. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/how_to_begin_balance.htm
  16. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/bandhan.htm
  17. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/twice_a_day.htm
  18. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.net/what-is-sahaja-yoga-meditaton.html
  19. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_387_2005.asp
  20. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.com/swan/view/swan_410_2005.asp
  21. ↑ Archived copy ( memento of the original dated February 24, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.sahajayoga.org.in
  22. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_620_2007.asp
  23. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_500_2006.asp
  24. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_550_2006.asp
  25. ↑ http://theworldsavior.net/swan/view/swan_570_2006.asp  ( Page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / theworldsavior.net  
  26. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_532_2006.asp
  27. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_663_2007.asp
  28. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_675_2008.asp
  29. ↑ http://www.postgasse.at/page15/page15.html
  30. ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original from January 31, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.sahajvidya.org
  31. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/researchandbenefits/water_research.asp#1
  32. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/researchandbenefits/water_research.asp
  33. ↑ http://www.scribd.com/doc/489514/Week09-Presenter-Elements
  34. ↑ http://www.indian-skeptic.org/html/is_v03/3-2-17.htm
  35. ↑ http://vichwp.blogspot.com/
  36. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_209_2003.asp
  37. ↑ http://www.sahajayoga.org/worldcouncil/default.asp

literature

  • Mataji Nirmala Devi : Meta Modern Era. 2nd. Ed., Computex Graphics, Bombay 1996, ISBN 81-86650-05-9 . Shri Mataji explains her view of the world.
  • Judith Coney: Sahaja Yoga. Curzon Press, 1999, ISBN 0-7007-1061-2 . Scientific study.
  • Philippa Pullar: The Shortest Journey. Unwin Paperbacks, 1984, ISBN 0-04-291018-8 . One chapter describes the author's experience with Sahaja Yoga.
  • Sudhir Kakar : Saddhus, Mystics and Doctors. Unwin Paperbacks, 1984. Analysis of Mataji's methods and the connections to Rajneesh / Osho.
  • Nigel Powell: Spiritual Knowledge Through Sahaja Yoga Meditation. Corvalis Publishing, ISBN 0-9548519-0-0 .

Web links