Sahaja Yoga Meditation
The Power of Inner Silence
Meditation is a word which has been defined and interpreted in countless different ways, from reflecting deeply on a subject to sitting quietly with closed eyes and focused attention.
Meditation in Sahaja Yoga is based on self-realization, where the Kundalini (the subtle inner energy) of the practitioner is awakened, leading to a state known as Nirvichar Samadhi (thoughtless awareness). In this state, the mind becomes absolutely free from the turbulent waves of thoughts and emotions and settles down like a peaceful lake, remaining fully aware [1a] of the blissful inner joy of the Atma (the eternal, all-pervading Spirit).
As more strands of Kundalini rise through the spine and enlighten the Chakras (energy centers) and Nadis (energy channels), the practitioner becomes effortlessly aware of the inner state of their subtle system and feels a cool breeze enveloping their entire body, especially over the fontanel area of the head and the palms of the hands. With just a few weeks of practice, one can not only master the awareness of one's own subtle system, but also develop sufficient sensitivity to sense the energies of one's surroundings and even the state of the subtle system of persons nearby.
The practice of meditation in Sahaja Yoga is simple, and can be done at home or in the office, alone or with others. Shri Mataji stressed that leaving society behind in order to gain spiritual enlightenment was unnecessary. The basis of the technique is the awakening of this energy which exists in everyone, and it centres on the individual's choice of taking it up and practicing. It is an experience of effortless meditation, rather than any exercise of mindfulness or concentration.
Medical studies carried out in Australia and India have shown that the body's healing mechanisms are activated when one meditates in thoughtless awareness, but not when one is simply using a relaxation method such as deep breathing or visualization.
Relaxation methods are effective in reducing stress, but have not shown quantifiable medical results, while Sahaja Yoga Meditation has. [1b]
A unique feature of Sahaja Yoga Meditation is the fact that it does not offer a single prescriptive route to spirituality. There are no dietary restrictions or religious obligations. Each practitioner has the option to select their own path, rate of progress and spiritual goals. No individual is forced to take any path, there is no prescribed entrance point and each self-designed route is perfectly flexible, a living process adaptable to specific needs or circumstances.[2]
Sahaja Yoga Meditation centers have been established around the world, where this technique (introduced by Shri Mataji) is taught free of charge.
1a. ^ 1b. ^ Dr Ramesh Manocha, 'Does Meditation Have a Specific Effect?: A Systematic Experimental Evaluation of a Mental Silence Orientated Definition' (University of NSW, Australia 2008); e-book: 'Silence Your Mind' published by: Hachette Australia 2013; Researching Meditation – The scientific study of meditation
2.^ Nigel T. Powell, 'Sahaja Yoga Meditation' London: Corvalis Publishing 2005.