What is Yoga?
Yoga means union with your Spirit and with Creative Power of the Universe. Yoga System was established in India 14,000 years ago by a great scholar called Patanjali. He had written a book which described eight components (spiritual paths) of Yoga that are to be done. Ashtangas.
The purpose of describing all these paths is to achieve Self-realization and how to maintain and establish in your life.
Patanjali explained that you have to get your Self-realization and then how to grow in your Self-realization. Once you start growing in your Self-realization, you develop such a personality that you see the whole world as one. You reach your wholesomeness.
WHAT IS NOT YOGA?
Yoga is not physical exercise where many people are doing these days. Yoga is not standing on your heads or doing Asanas. It is not for weight loss.
Physical yoga exercises (Asanas) or Breathing techniques (Pranayamas) are very very small part of the yoga system. They are not the main purpose. They should be used carefully only after Self-realization.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a simple, time-honored technique. It helps reduce stress and increase wellness. It brings better focus and helps people become more centered and better balanced. Anyone can do it. It’s also free.
It is important to understand that meditation is not something that we ‘do’ but is a state of our awareness in which we are not thinking. To get into this state we must let go of all our thoughts.
At first, it may be hard to become thoughtlessly aware even for a few minutes a day but by listening to Shri Mataji’s many lectures, many of the subtle techniques that will help to achieve this state can be easily learned with a little dedication and perseverance.
MEDITATION IS NOT
Meditation is not thinking or imagining. It does not involve concentration, mental effort, loss of control or loss of awareness.
Benefits of Meditation
- Improves your concentration and focus,
- Improves your sleep patterns,
- Helps you make better decisions,
- Gives you peace and happiness,
- Lessens worry and anxiety,
- Improves your communication skills,
- Enhances your self-confidence,
- Lessens stress, fear and depression,
- Helps you be more successful
Meditation is the only way you can grow..because when you meditate, you are in silence. You are in thoughtless awareness. Then the growth of awareness takes place.
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
How to sit during Meditation?
You can sit either crossed-legged on the floor or on a chair both the feet touching the floor.
How does Meditation work?
Meditation is unique because of how quickly most people are able to achieve Thoughtless Awareness. Thoughtless Awareness is a state of being where your mind is calmed and gradually emptied of all distractions.
The resulting peace returns your mind to a place of stability, clarity and focus. You wipe clean the slate of negative thoughts and feelings, to emerge pure of mind.
Meditation is silencing your thoughts and going to that deep ocean which is within you itself.
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
What are chakras?
There are 7 Energy Centers (also known by their traditional Sanskrit names, chakras) in the human body. Energy Centers are fulcrums that control most aspects of our physical, mental and emotional lives. Often difficulties in life can be traced to imbalances or blockages in one or more of the Energy Centers. The Energy Centers are connected by channels which are sometimes referred to by the Sanskrit name, Nadi.
What is Inner Energy (Kundalini)?
Your Inner Energy, or Kundalini is the power of pure desire, a soothing energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine above the first Energy Center. When awakened, it rises through the central channel, piercing the six Energy Centers and is released through the fontanelle – often feeling like a cool breeze, is what is known as Self-realization.
Experiencing Self-realization is what it is to “feel the energy within.” Tapping into and raising your Inner Energy is the key to improving your life in every possible way across every level. Even if you don’t achieve Self-realization immediately, you will still feel calmer, more relaxed and less stressed. Try it and see for yourself.
Kundalini only awakens in the presence of pure vibrations. In our modern times, Kundalini only awakens in the presence of Shri Mataji or her photo.
Who is Shri Mataji?
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was born on March 21, 1923, in Chindawara, India. When she was young, Shri Mataji worked with Mahatma Gandhi in the fight for India’s Independence. Her vision of universal peace and unity continues his dreams on a spiritual level. To fully understand the human body’s systems, Shri Mataji studied medicine at Lahore Medical College. Ultimately, her knowledge led her to develop Sahaja Yoga, the basis for Sahaja Yoga Meditation. After that, she traveled extensively to educate and enlighten people all over the world. In India, Shri Mataji has had the honorific “Mother” bestowed upon her in recognition of her strength, love and devotion. Known as a dynamic and charismatic speaker, as well as a gifted teacher, Shri Mataji’s life was dedicated to spreading her message of peace and unity to audiences everywhere.
In 1970, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi developed a technique of meditation with the belief that unlocking one’s Inner Energy and achieving Self Realization through Thoughtless Awareness, should be attainable for all seeking it. Since then, she has traveled the world educating people and speaking about world peace.
Shri Mataji has been awarded the United Nations Peace Medal, among others, for her achievements and teachings. She has also established a hospital, research facilities and an orphanage in her native India. Today, millions of people, adults and children, enjoy the benefits of this meditation in over 90 countries all around the world.
What is Sahaja Yoga Meditation?
Sahaja Yoga is a method of meditation which brings a breakthrough in the evolution of human awareness. It was created by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970 and has since spread all around the world.
Sahaja Yoga starts with awakening of the inner energy called as Kundalini. This inner awakening is called by many names: Self-realization, Second Birth, Enlightenment, Liberation, Moksha, Satori.
Sahaja Yoga meditation can help you in so many ways. It’s not a meditation of some sort of a chanting, or some sort of going into, as they said you’ll fly in the air all type of thing, no. It just is meditation by which you enter within yourself.
Why Sahaja Yoga is unique?
Sahaja Yoga starts with Self-realization instead of first following years of cleansing techniques and penances. After Self-realization, you can know where is the problem and clear your chakras accordingly.
Sahaja Yoga is the evolved version of traditional yoga system. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahaja Yoga, reduced this many years of practice into 10 minutes. Without following these difficult steps, you can achieve Self-realization and the experience of your Spirit spontaneously. Shri Mataji has evolved the traditional yoga system into a new system called Sahaja Yoga.
You can meditate twice a day to maintain your balance. Everyone is allowed to follow and it is free of charge. You don’t need to give up or sacrifice anything in your life.
In Sahaja Yoga, you don’t need to do Asanas or Pranayama. Because most of the time, they are not needed. You can correct your chakras with your Kundalini energy.
You can have the experience of your Spirit which is the source of joy and pure love. You can feel the vibrations flowing in your hands.
Collective Meditation
In Sahaja Yoga, collective meditation helps you progress very much. You will reach thoughtless awareness easily. Only meditating at home will not give you the best results. So you should try to attend weekly meditation meetings.
Individual Meditation
To increase the enjoyment of the group meditation at the weekly meeting, meditate at home at least once a day. The ideal location for individual meditation is a quiet space, free from external distractions and interruptions. Choose a time in the evening and/or morning when you can devote 10 to 15 minutes to meditation. Even 10 minutes of meditation each day will bring positive results. Early morning is an ideal time for meditation.