Self Realization

Self-Realization & Meditation

A unique spontaneous actualization of your true self

Self-realization is the first encounter with reality

Shri Mataji used the ancient process of awakening the Kundalini (in Sanskrit meaning coiled) as the foundation of Sahaja Yoga Meditation. In the past, the awakening of this inner spiritual energy was achieved only by a few people through arduous efforts of purification and asceticism.

Shri Mataji discovered a spontaneous method of awakening this energy en-masse, which requires no prior knowledge or spiritual practice. The name given to this awakening is self-realization. This spontaneous awakening can then be easily passed on to others without having to pay for it, study it for a diploma, or become a disciple. One could compare this phenomenon to a candle which has been lit and can light another candle.

Shri Mataji explains that meditation without self-realization is like trying to drive a car without starting the engine. You don't get anywhere by just turning the steering wheel or pressing the accelerator. In the same way, all efforts at meditation are fruitless unless one realizes one's true self by Kundalini awakening and experiences the state of one's own inner subtle system.

Through self-realization one becomes aware of the Kundalini (the subtle inner energy) which resides in every human being at the base of the spine. This subtle energy has been known in many ancient cultures and called different names. The ancient Greeks gave a special name “Os Sacrum” (meaning “holy bone”) to the bone which acts as container for this sacral energy. When awakened, this benevolent, nurturing energy rises through the subtle system, touches and enlightens our true inner self (Atma) residing in our heart, and emerges out at the top of the head from the fontanel area, thereby elevating our attention to a sublime, effortless state of silent meditation.

One can actually feel the Kundalini energy manifesting as a cool breeze above the head, as well as on the palms of the hands. This energy, sustained through the practice of Sahaja Yoga meditation, has a curative and balancing effect on our system. It also facilitates a restorative state known as thoughtless awareness [1], in which the mind is in repose yet one is perfectly aware of ones´ surroundings. What distinguishes Sahaja Yoga meditation from other forms of ancient yoga meditation practice is that previously seekers had to spend years purifying their subtle system under the guidance of a master in order to finally achieve self-realization. Shri Mataji has turned this on its head and given us the experience of first enlightening our subtle system first and then immersing ourselves fully in meditation.

Because of its simplicity and accessibility, hundreds of thousands of people have received their self-realization through Sahaja Yoga, with meditation centers in over 100 countries offering continuously free courses and community support to practitioners of this simple, yet effective, meditation. It has also been introduced in corporations, schools, hospitals, prisons and many institutions with positive results.

The experience of self-realization through Sahaja Yoga offers significant benefits to those who dedicate even a small amount of time to daily meditation. It reduces stress and fatigue, restores emotional balance, and gives one a sense of peace and satisfaction, even in the most turbulent of circumstances.

In fact, the self-realization experience is so simple and effortless that one can get it even from the comfort of one’s own home or office wherever one has an online internet access.

We invite our readers to experience self-realization and begin a new inner journey of peace, harmony and balance.

Now, the question arises that many people ask me, “Mother, if it is so simple, why was it difficult before?” This was never difficult. Someone asked Shivaji Maharaj’s guru, Ramdas Swami, “How much time does it take the Kundalini to awaken?” He replied, “Tat kshan,” meaning, that very second. But there should be a person to give, and also a person to receive. Before, there might have been many people to give but very few people to receive. Today, there are thousands of people to receive; that is why this has become easier.

1.^ 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.

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