A Lifelong Engagement

From a very young age Shri Mataji was actively engaged with the world around her. As a little girl she took responsibility for the household when her parents were involved in the struggle for Indian independence, and in her teenage years, she, too, joined that movement. She cared for her family, but her concern was not limited to the family circle. It is an expression in India that for a generous person, “the whole world is his family.”

Her spiritual insight and understanding was recognized at an early age by Mahatma Gandhi, who used to consult with her about the daily prayers in his ashram. Her schoolmates looked to her for advice and support, and in college she led her peers in the ‘Quit India Movement'.^[1] When as a young woman she was married and started a family, she continued to have an uplifting effect on those around her.  

Once her own daughters were married and settled, Shri Mataji could devote her time and attention to spiritual work. She discovered a unique method to help people awaken their inner energy source (known as Kundalini) as well as a meditation technique enabling them   to benefit from this energy on a daily basis.

Throughout her life, Shri Mataji found herself face to face with a wide range of  people from different countries, circumstances, income levels and cultures, and she related to them all with genuine regard. Whether discussing matters of state with world leaders or family issues with a taxi driver, Shri Mataji was sensitive to what is essential to human beings, and her concern was always for their benevolence.

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