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| '''Sahaja Yoga''' (] meaning ''innate''<ref></ref> and ] meaning ''union'') is |
'''Sahaja Yoga''' (] meaning ''innate''<ref></ref> and ] meaning ''union'') is a ] founded by ], more widely known as "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi" or "Mother" by followers - who worship her as the incarnation of the ].<ref></ref> Sahaja Yoga states that it unites "the essence of all religions through direct perception of the subtle, divine reality".<ref>[http://www.sahajayoga.org/questionsandanswers/#religion Sahaja Yoga - is Sahaja Yoga a religion? Frequently asked questions viewed 28 September 2007</ref>. | ||
| The |
The movement started in India and England (where Nirmala Srivastava moved in 1972) and there are now Sahaja Yoga centers around the world <ref name="centres">http://www.hinduonnet.com/mp/2003/04/07/stories/2003040700860400.htm ''The Hindu'' Monday, Apr 07, 2003 viewed 6 November 2006]</ref> | ||
| There are a number of formal organizational bodies within Sahaja Yoga, the main one being known as '' |
There are a number of formal organizational bodies within Sahaja Yoga{{fact|date=November 2007}}, the main one being known as ''Vishwa Nirmala Dharma'' (aka Sahaja Yoga International). | ||
| <!--See discussion page The name ''Sahaja Yoga'' has been trademarked in the US by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma although the term goes back at least to the 15th Century Indian mystic ]. --> | <!--See discussion page The name ''Sahaja Yoga'' has been trademarked in the US by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma although the term goes back at least to the 15th Century Indian mystic ]. --> | ||
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| The organization says the practice of Sahaja Yoga results in spontaneous ],<ref>http://www.austinsahajayoga.org/testimonials.htm</ref> which according to an old archived version of a Sahaja Yoga website can be obtained as one sits in front of their computer<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20060101093331/http://www.sahajayoga.org/</ref>. | The organization says the practice of Sahaja Yoga results in spontaneous ],<ref>http://www.austinsahajayoga.org/testimonials.htm</ref> which according to an old archived version of a Sahaja Yoga website can be obtained as one sits in front of their computer<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20060101093331/http://www.sahajayoga.org/</ref>. | ||
| Apart from those practices listed below, there are other practices such as ], ], raising one's ] using one's hands and putting on 'bandhan'. | Apart from those practices listed below, there are other practices such as ], ], raising one's ] using one's hands and putting on 'bandhan'. | ||
| The methods for practicing Sahaja Yoga are made available free of charge to those interested. According to the official Sahaja Yoga website there are fees for attending international ]s to cover costs and voluntary ]<ref></ref>. | The methods for practicing Sahaja Yoga are made available free of charge to those interested. According to the official Sahaja Yoga website there are fees for attending international ]s to cover costs and voluntary ]<ref></ref>. | ||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
| ===Puja=== | ===Puja=== | ||
| ] is a ritual form of worship by which Sahaja Yogis express their ] to Nirmala Srivastava{{fact|date=November 2007}}. <!--What does this have to do with Puja?? Nirmala Srivastava has stated that love for her can only be expressed through complete humility. --> | ] is a ritual form of worship by which Sahaja Yogis express their ] to Nirmala Srivastava{{fact|date=November 2007}}. <!--What does this have to do with Puja?? Nirmala Srivastava has stated that love for her can only be expressed through complete humility. --> | ||
| According to a Canadian Sahaja Yoga website, puja is defined as: | |||
| "the act of showing reverence to a God, or another aspect of the Divine through invocations, prayers and songs" and notes that a Sahaja Yoga puja involves "the same kind of ceremony as practised thousands of years ago in the East when mankind had a much closer relationship with God"<ref><blockquote>"The authentic format of the ceremony has changed very little over the years, except that in the case of Sahaja Yoga the whole focus of the program is to move closer to the Divine and experience a Spiritual communication which goes much further than simply singing a few songs. The vibrational impact of a Puja can be simply astonishing".</blockquote></ref> | |||
| Nirmala Srivastava has stated that puja is not to be attended by newcomers to Sahaja Yoga. | Nirmala Srivastava has stated that puja is not to be attended by newcomers to Sahaja Yoga. | ||
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| Sahaja Yoga claims that it has cured patients of "high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, etc."<ref>http://www.sahajayoga.org.in/Benefits.asp</ref><ref>http://www.apsahaj.org/benefits.html</ref> | Sahaja Yoga claims that it has cured patients of "high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, etc."<ref>http://www.sahajayoga.org.in/Benefits.asp</ref><ref>http://www.apsahaj.org/benefits.html</ref> | ||
| The organization runs an international hospital in ], ], the , which uses Sahaja Yoga methods. This health center claims to have been successful in curing incurable diseases such as (refractory) high blood pressure, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.<ref name="Medical Observer"/><ref></ref> | The organization runs an international hospital in ], ], the , which uses Sahaja Yoga methods. This health center claims to have been successful in curing incurable diseases such as (refractory) high blood pressure, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.<ref name="Medical Observer"/><ref></ref> The center's website states: "What really counts in this Health Centre is that Our Holy Mother Shri Mataji has Her Divine Attention here and it is evident that She effects all cures." | ||
| ===Studies on Sahaja Yoga meditation=== | |||
| Some studies have indicated that ] is effective in addressing various medical ailments. Two studies report results with ] patients. <ref>Manocha, R. "Sahaja yoga in asthma", Thorax 2003;58:825-826. URL: </ref><ref name="asthma">Manocha R, Marks G.B., Kenchington P., Peters D., Salome C.M. "Sahaja yoga in the management of moderate to severe asthma: a randomized controlled trial",'' Thorax'' 2003;57:110-115. URL: </ref> Short-term effects on asthma have also been noticed, by both objective and subjective measures.<ref name="asthma"/> According to an article in the ''Medical Observer Weekly'', Sahaja yoga meditation was found to be ""significantly more effective than a generic form of meditation in reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms"<ref name ="Medical Observer">, August 13, 2004, ''Medical Observer Weekly''</ref> It should be noted that the (senior) author of the above articles is a Sahaja Yogi and attends to Nirmala Srivastava's personal medical needs. | Some studies have indicated that ] is effective in addressing various medical ailments. Two studies report results with ] patients. <ref>Manocha, R. "Sahaja yoga in asthma", Thorax 2003;58:825-826. URL: </ref><ref name="asthma">Manocha R, Marks G.B., Kenchington P., Peters D., Salome C.M. "Sahaja yoga in the management of moderate to severe asthma: a randomized controlled trial",'' Thorax'' 2003;57:110-115. URL: </ref> Short-term effects on asthma have also been noticed, by both objective and subjective measures.<ref name="asthma"/> According to an article in the ''Medical Observer Weekly'', Sahaja yoga meditation was found to be ""significantly more effective than a generic form of meditation in reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms"<ref name ="Medical Observer">, August 13, 2004, ''Medical Observer Weekly''</ref> It should be noted that the (senior) author of the above articles is a Sahaja Yogi and attends to Nirmala Srivastava's personal medical needs. | ||
| Line 101: | Line 106: | ||
| ===Vishwa Nirmal Prem ashram=== | ===Vishwa Nirmal Prem ashram=== | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| The ''Vishwa Nirmala Prem Ashram'' is a not-for profit project by the ] '''Vishwa Nirmala Dharma''' (Sahaja Yoga International) located in Noida, ], ], opened |
The ''Vishwa Nirmala Prem Ashram'' is a not-for profit project by the ] '''Vishwa Nirmala Dharma''' (Sahaja Yoga International) located in Noida, ], ], opened in 2003. | ||
| The ashram is a "facility where women and girls are rehabilitated by being taught meditation and other skills that help them overcome trauma"<ref> Arshiya Khanna ] 16 Nov 2006, viewed 4 November 2007</ref> | The ashram is a "facility where women and girls are rehabilitated by being taught meditation and other skills that help them overcome trauma"<ref> Arshiya Khanna ] 16 Nov 2006, viewed 4 November 2007</ref> | ||
| It aims at |
It aims at | ||
| * Providing for basic needs and facilities of the destitute women and children | * Providing for basic needs and facilities of the destitute women and children | ||
| * Giving them training and enable them to attain economic independence | * Giving them training and enable them to attain economic independence | ||
| * Assist them in getting appropriate jobs | * Assist them in getting appropriate jobs | ||
| * The members of the ashram would also be given spiritual guidance so that after going from the ashram, they would be able to face the difficulties of life in a better way and get appropriate livelihoods to gain self-reliance | * The members of the ashram would also be given spiritual guidance so that after going from the ashram, they would be able to face the difficulties of life in a better way and get appropriate livelihoods to gain self-reliance | ||
| In 2005, 21 girls were housed, most of them full orphans, aged between 5 and 12 years, and a "reasonable number of destitute women" .<ref>[http://www.blossomtimes.org/site/pdf/BlossomTimes_issue3.pdf ''Interview with the Ashram Executive Director''</ref> | |||
| ===Yuvashakti=== | ===Yuvashakti=== | ||
Revision as of 13:59, 12 November 2007
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| Sahaja Yoga | |
|---|---|
| Founder | Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi |
| Practice emphases | |
| Kundalini Awakening, Self-realization, Puja | |
| Related schools | |
| Vishwa Nirmala Dharma | |
Sahaja Yoga (Sahaja meaning innate and Yoga meaning union) is a new religious movement founded by Nirmala Srivastava, more widely known as "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi" or "Mother" by followers - who worship her as the incarnation of the Adi Shakti. Sahaja Yoga states that it unites "the essence of all religions through direct perception of the subtle, divine reality"..
The movement started in India and England (where Nirmala Srivastava moved in 1972) and there are now Sahaja Yoga centers around the world
There are a number of formal organizational bodies within Sahaja Yoga, the main one being known as Vishwa Nirmala Dharma (aka Sahaja Yoga International).
Practices
The organization says the practice of Sahaja Yoga results in spontaneous Self-realization, which according to an old archived version of a Sahaja Yoga website can be obtained as one sits in front of their computer.
Apart from those practices listed below, there are other practices such as prayer, havan, raising one's Kundalini using one's hands and putting on 'bandhan'.
The methods for practicing Sahaja Yoga are made available free of charge to those interested. According to the official Sahaja Yoga website there are fees for attending international pujas to cover costs and voluntary dakshina.
Sahaja Yoga meditation
Main article: Sahaja Yoga meditationSahaja Yoga meditation is the meditative method taught by Nirmala Srivastava since 1970, and which is followed and promoted among and by the Sahaja Yoga organization. Sahaja Yoga meditation can be practiced while listening to music.
Nirmala Srivastava has stated that meditation is not thinking "about your problems at all, whatever chakras you have, anything", rather it "means exposing yourself to God’s grace." She has described meditation as "an individual journey towards God."
The practice has notably been taught to prisoners in Italy and the United States, such as at Rikers Island to "help the prisoners' social, psychological and spiritual recovery"
Puja
Puja is a ritual form of worship by which Sahaja Yogis express their devotion to Nirmala Srivastava.
According to a Canadian Sahaja Yoga website, puja is defined as: "the act of showing reverence to a God, or another aspect of the Divine through invocations, prayers and songs" and notes that a Sahaja Yoga puja involves "the same kind of ceremony as practised thousands of years ago in the East when mankind had a much closer relationship with God"
Nirmala Srivastava has stated that puja is not to be attended by newcomers to Sahaja Yoga.
Sahaja Yogis believe that pujas to Nirmala Srivastava are planned to be at the right place and the right time by the divine. Sahaja Yogis should have a bath and try not to talk before puja and should always arrive before Nirmala Srivastava and meditate.
The actual puja is only carried out by a few representatives , the rest of the Sahaja Yogis should try not to think but rather keep their eyes open and meditate on her unless instructed otherwise by her. Nirmala Srivastava has stated that, when she is worshiped in person, little wheels move in her body at different speeds and in different dimensions creating a melody suitable for every individual, which triggers a 'state of infinity' in the meditator.
Nirmala Srivastava has told Sahaja Yogis to meditate after puja to suck in her vibrations. After the puja, Sahaja Yogis are allowed to take darshan of Nirmala Srivastava but are not allowed to touch her unless permitted by her, according to a website. Also, if possible, prasad should be respectfully taken before leaving.
A video of Sahaja Yoga puja can be seen on the Web.
Pujas have also been venues for group arranged marriages.
Cleansing techniques
There are an array of cleansing practices to clear a practitioner of bhoots (possessing spirits) and baddha (negativity). Some of these involve the elements in the form of candle flame, camphor flame, the earth and salt water. Others involve lemons, chillies , coconuts, ajwain, affirmations, mantras and "shoe-beating"
Nirmala Srivastava has developed a liver diet to promote better health. White cane sugar, white rice, yogurt, ginger, fruits and vegetables promote the "cooling" of the liver. Alcohol, fried foods, red meat, fish, cream and chocolate are among the foods that are "heating" and thus may be harmful if taken in excess.
Water vibrated spiritually can, according to the organization, change the characteristics of water, resulting in purification.
Medical applications
In an interview, Nirmala Srivastava states Sahaja Yoga has cured people with AIDS.
Sahaja Yoga claims that it has cured patients of "high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, etc."
The organization runs an international hospital in Mumbai, India, the International Sahaja Yoga Health and Research Centre, which uses Sahaja Yoga methods. This health center claims to have been successful in curing incurable diseases such as (refractory) high blood pressure, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. The center's website states: "What really counts in this Health Centre is that Our Holy Mother Shri Mataji has Her Divine Attention here and it is evident that She effects all cures."
Studies on Sahaja Yoga meditation
Some studies have indicated that Sahaja Yoga meditation is effective in addressing various medical ailments. Two studies report results with asthma patients. Short-term effects on asthma have also been noticed, by both objective and subjective measures. According to an article in the Medical Observer Weekly, Sahaja yoga meditation was found to be ""significantly more effective than a generic form of meditation in reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms" It should be noted that the (senior) author of the above articles is a Sahaja Yogi and attends to Nirmala Srivastava's personal medical needs.
A case study showed that test subjects who were practising Sahaja Yoga meditation had "significant improvement in VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity)", and that meditation appeared to bring about changes in some of the electrophysiological responses studied in epileptic patients. Another study indicated that Sahaja Yoga meditation results in fewer and less acute epileptic seizures A review of the studies determined that there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the efficacy of Sahaja Yoga meditation in treating epilepsy. and that further studies were needed.
Mishra reported that Sahaja Yoga meditation resulted in a "significant increase" in beta-endorphins between control and meditating subjects. SY's commentary on a study by Mishra , et al., 1993, suggests that an observed increase in beta-endorphins for meditating males could explain "so-called miraculous cures".
The lead sentence of a news report on a preliminary study suggested that Sahaja Yoga meditation "may be the most effective form of treatment for occupational stress".
Organization
World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga
The World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga (WCASY) (also known as the "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga World Foundation") is the highest and final authority in Sahaja Yoga. It was proposed December 2003 and formed the following year. In July 2005 the role of the WCASY was affirmed by C. P. Srivastava KCMG speaking on behalf of his wife, Shri Mataji.
The WCASY has 31 members, "World Leaders" who represent Sahaja Yoga collectives from across the world. Among the latest additions to the WCASY is a Dr. Bohdan Shehovych, Gagan Ahluwalia, Paul Ellis, Alan Wherry, and Alan Pereira in 2005 According to an official Sahaja Yoga website, Guido Lanza, a World Leader, was suspended from all activities in Sahaja Yoga in 2005, for disrupting a havan ritual and threatening members. An Italian ashram was "temporarily closed" The same website announced that a Russian World Leader, Sergey Perezhogin, resigned his position in 2005.
Sahaja Yoga International (Vishwa Nirmala Dharma)
Sahaja Yoga International (also known as Vishwa Nirmala Dharma) is the organizational part of the movement. Founded in 1970 it has centers in almost 100 countries worldwide.. 'Sahaja Yoga' was trademarked in the United States in 2000. In 2001 a complaint by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma to the World Intellectual Property Organization regarding the domain name 'sahaja-yoga.org' was rejected, in part due to the determination that 'sahajayoga' is not only a descriptive Sanskrit word but is also a conceptt dating back to Buddhism adopted by saint Kabir and then also taken up by Guru Nanak in Sikhism'
Sahaja Yoga/Vishwa Nirmala Dharma is a registered Organisation in many countries such as Columbia, the United States of America, France (has an "asso.fr" website domain reserved for organisations), and Austria. It is registered as a religion in Spain.
The organization runs meditation, cultural, and charity-related facilities and activities, including
- Radio programs
- A hospital (described in the above section)
- As of 2003, the Vishwa Nirmal Prem Ashram, Delhi, a project for the rehabilitation of "destitute women and orphaned children".
- The "Shri P. K. Salve Kala Pratishthan," an academy of Indian Classical Music and Fine Arts, in the Vaitarna region, in the state of Maharashtra near Mumbai.
Vishwa Nirmal Prem ashram
The Vishwa Nirmala Prem Ashram is a not-for profit project by the NGO Vishwa Nirmala Dharma (Sahaja Yoga International) located in Noida, Delhi, India, opened in 2003.
The ashram is a "facility where women and girls are rehabilitated by being taught meditation and other skills that help them overcome trauma"
It aims at
- Providing for basic needs and facilities of the destitute women and children
- Giving them training and enable them to attain economic independence
- Assist them in getting appropriate jobs
- The members of the ashram would also be given spiritual guidance so that after going from the ashram, they would be able to face the difficulties of life in a better way and get appropriate livelihoods to gain self-reliance
In 2005, 21 girls were housed, most of them full orphans, aged between 5 and 12 years, and a "reasonable number of destitute women" .
Yuvashakti
The organization's youth movement is called "Yuvashakti" (also "Nirmal Shakti Yuva Sangha"), from the Sanskrit words Yuva (Youth) and Shakti (Power).
As well as helping organize Sahaja Yoga events such as Realize America tour, The European realization tour, and Realize Australia, Yuvashakti is active in forums such as the World Youth Conferenceand TakingITGlobal which aim at discussing global issues, and ways of solving them.
An example of this is the participation in the 2000 "Civil Society & Governance Project" in which Yuvashakti were "instrumental in reaching out to women from the poor communities and providing them with work".
Sahaja Yoga culture
Because of the diversity of cultures practicing Sahaja Yoga, a range of different projects focusing on the similarities and differences between cultures was born, including the formation of musical groups playing fusion of different genres, such as Nirmal Bhakti, Sahaj Unlimited and Indialucia including Rock and roll, Flamenco, Hip Hop, Qawwali and Indian classical music.
Other projects
The World Council supports the creation of an 108-room Ashram complex in Chhindwara, near the birthplace of its founder. Another project is the transfer of her audio and video tapes, many in delicate condition, to digital media. The founder has given her intellectual property and several of her homes to the trust run by the World Council to be used in future projects by the organization.
Sahaja Yoga held classes during the third annual "Yoga for peace" event in Detroit, which "aims to effect world peace through the power of meditation."
Criticisms
As of 2001, according to the author David V. Barrett, the movement had been criticized because of encouragement of its members to make donations to pay for Mataji's trips and "expensive properties." Barrett further wrote that some former members say that they were expelled from the movement because they "resisted influence that Mataji had over their lives."According to Barrett, Mataji's degree of control over members' lives has given raise to concerns.
"Cult" allegations
Some sources in the press have reported on "cult" allegations surrounding the movement. In, 2001, The Independent reported that certain ex-members alleged: "Sahaja Yoga is a cult which aims to control the minds of its members". The Evening Standard reported that Sahaja Yoga has been "described as a dangerous cult", and "has a dissident website created by former members listing alleged abuses".
Also in 2001, Australia's AAP reported that a general practitioner named Dr Bohdan Shehovych had been fined after grabbing a Sahaja Yoga critic "round the head and dragged him over a backyard fence" - the AAP referred to Sahaja Yoga in their report as an "Indian cult". The physician had been part of a group delivering a letter to the critic from Nirmala Srivastava. In 2004 an Australian medical practitioner called Dr Bohdan Shehovych was made a World Leader in Sahaja Yoga and appointed to the World Council for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga.
In 2005, The Record reported that some critics who feel that the group is a cult "have started Internet sites to detail their accusations.."
See also
References
- Buddhism Dictionary (Oxford University Press) definition of 'Sahaja'
- Invitation to Shri Adi Shakti Puja 2005
- [http://www.sahajayoga.org/questionsandanswers/#religion Sahaja Yoga - is Sahaja Yoga a religion? Frequently asked questions viewed 28 September 2007
- http://www.hinduonnet.com/mp/2003/04/07/stories/2003040700860400.htm The Hindu Monday, Apr 07, 2003 viewed 6 November 2006]
- http://www.austinsahajayoga.org/testimonials.htm
- http://web.archive.org/web/20060101093331/http://www.sahajayoga.org/
- Puja/Dakshina Costs
- An Unlikely Source for Meditative Study - Queen's tribune online
- Rome prison (Italy) will begin offering meditation and yoga to inmates Mirror of an article appearing in Ansa
- Sahaja Yoga Turya Course session seven
"The authentic format of the ceremony has changed very little over the years, except that in the case of Sahaja Yoga the whole focus of the program is to move closer to the Divine and experience a Spiritual communication which goes much further than simply singing a few songs. The vibrational impact of a Puja can be simply astonishing".
- Sahaja Yoga: Liver Diet
- Research on the effect of vibrations on water
- http://www.sahajayoga.org.in/Benefits.asp
- http://www.apsahaj.org/benefits.html
- ^ "Making sense of meditation", August 13, 2004, Medical Observer Weekly
- Medical research literature on Sahaja Yoga meditation
- Manocha, R. "Sahaja yoga in asthma", Thorax 2003;58:825-826. URL:
- ^ Manocha R, Marks G.B., Kenchington P., Peters D., Salome C.M. "Sahaja yoga in the management of moderate to severe asthma: a randomized controlled trial", Thorax 2003;57:110-115. URL:
- Panjwani U., Selvamurthy W., Singh S.H., Gupta H.L., Mukhopadhyay S., Thakur L. "Effect of Sahaja yoga meditation on auditory evoked potentials (AEP) and visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) in epileptics", Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2000;25(1):1-12
"Sahaja Yoga meditation appears to bring about changes in some of the electrophysiological responses studied in epileptic patients"
- Panjwani U, Selvamurthy W, Singh SH, Gupta HL, Thakur L, Rai UC. "Effect of sahaja yoga practice on seizure control & EEG changes in patients of epilepsy." Indian J Med Res 1996;103: 165-72.
- Ramaratnam S, Sridharan K. Yoga for epilepsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1999, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001524. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001524
- Ram Mishra, (a.k.a., Prof. Ram K. Mishra), Cia Barlas, A. Pradhan), "Effect of meditation on plasma beta-endorphins in humans", 1993, (publication details unknown). Mishra's study abstract no. 257 was web-posted at U. of Arizona Center for Consciousness Studies, Department of Psychology, abstracts page, for speakers on Friday, April 7, (2006?) (server page last modified 2006-03-29). Quote: "The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the meditative practice of Sahaja yoga on plasma β-endorphin levels. .... There was a significant increase (p<0.01) between control and meditating subjects when controlled for age and gender. Female subjects, however, displayed less increase in the β-endorphins as compared to male subjects. ...."
- "Alterations in physiological parameters during Sahaja Yoga meditation", reference-commentary (9)
- "The preliminary study by the Royal Hospital for Women's (RHW) Natural Therapies unit trialled the sahaja yoga technique of meditation based on "thoughtless awareness"." NSW: Meditation found to relieve occupational stress AAP News Australia June 15 2001 "A meditation technique may be the most effective form of treatment for occupational stress, a new study to be unveiled in Sydney tomorrow has shown. The preliminary study by the Royal Hospital for Women's (RHW) Natural Therapies unit trialled the sahaja yoga technique of meditation based on "thoughtless awareness".
- http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_512_2006.asp Historic video affirming the role of The World Council Of Sahaja Yoga
- Message to all the Sahaja Yogis of the world from Arneau, Coordinator of the World Council
- [http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_369_2005.asp A productive second session of the WCASY at Guru Puja in New Jersey
- http://www.sahajayoga.org/worldcouncil/default.asp
- http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_512_2006.asp Historic video affirming the role of The World Council Of Sahaja Yoga
- http://sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_260_2004.asp
- http://www.sahajayoga.com/swan/view_swan.asp?mode=print&swanid=503
- http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_332_2005.asp
- http://www.sahajayoga.org/swan/view/swan_373_2005.asp
- "A message for one and all", April 7, 2003, The Hindu
- List of Sahaja Yoga centers
- 'G & S: educational services, namely, conducting classes, workshops and seminars in the field of techniques of meditation, relaxation and self-improvement. FIRST USE: 19700000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19730000 Filing Date: March 2, 1999, (REGISTRANT) Dharma, Vishwa Nirmala NONPROFIT RELIGIOUS CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 15445 VENTURA BLVD., #900 SHERMAN OAKS CALIFORNIA 91403
- WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center ADMINISTRATIVE PANEL DECISION 'Vishwa Nirmala Dharma a.k.a. Sahaja Yoga v. Sahaja Yoga Ex-Members Network and SD Montford' Case No. D 2001-0467
- Vishwa Nirmala Dharma - Religion in Spain
- Sahaja Yoga Radio Programs
- http://www.2ser.com/programs/shows/sahajayoga/?searchterm=sahaja
- Project description interview with Director
- http://www.pksacademy.com/
- A New Childhood Arshiya Khanna Times of India 16 Nov 2006, viewed 4 November 2007
- [http://www.blossomtimes.org/site/pdf/BlossomTimes_issue3.pdf Interview with the Ashram Executive Director
- http://realizeamerica.com
- http://europeanrealisationtour.org
- http://www.sahajayoga.com.au/realise_australia
- http://www.youthlink.org/globalguide.pdf
- Case Study Civil Society & Governance Project, February 2000 Vinita Tatke Viewed 6 November 2006
- http://www.sahajayoga.org/Music
- http://turiyasangeet.googlepages.com
- Shri Mataji’s Holy Birthplace: Chhindwara Project
- Safeguarding the Original Audio and Video Tapes of Shri Mataji
- An Appeal: Safeguarding The Original Audio and Video Tapes Of Shri Mataji
- Gift of Cabella Properties to the World Sahaj Collective
- "Yoga enthusiasts gather to meditate for peace" - George Hunter The Detroit News August 13, 2007
- ^ Barrett, David V. The New Believers (Cassell 2001) ISBN 0-304-35592-5 pages 297-298 “Sahaja Yoga, like many other new religious movements, is involved in charitable social work, including a hospital and a cancer research centre – both using Sahaja Yoga methods for healing – a classical musical school, and a shelter for the poor in Delhi. Sahaja Yoga makes a big point of its teaching being free: - Amazingly, without any financial support from any person, Shri Mataji neither charges for Her lectures nor for Her ability to give Self Realization, nor does one have to become a member of this organization. She insists that you cannot pay for enlightenment and to-date she continues to denounce the false self-proclaimed ‘gurus’ who are more interested in the seekers’ purse than their spiritual ascent. - But in fact this is one of the major criticisms of the movement, that the often middle-class members are encouraged to make regular donations to pay for Shri Mataji’s trips around the world, and to buy her expensive properties, such as Shudy Camps Park House near Cambridge, England, in 1986 and an Italian castle in 1991. (...) Devoted member refer to her as the Divine Mother, and she has called herself Adi Shakh, Primal Mother of All; many take her advice on child-rearing, and some ask her to choose their marriage partners. This amount of influence over her followers’ lives has caused concern in several countries. Some former have said that they were expelled from the movement because they resisted Shri Maraji’s influence over their lives.”
- "Shri who must be obeyed; She's been hailed as a saint: a selfless distributor of goodness and light. But, on the eve of her appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi is under attack.", The Independent, London, England, Mary Braid, Beatrice Newbery, July 13, 2001
- ^ "Monday night with the divine mother.", The Evening Standard, London, England, July 18, 2001, John Crace
- ^ "Qld: Doctor fined over yoga dispute", AAP General News, Australia, November 12, 2001.
Brisbane's District Court has been told a GP grabbed a man round the head and dragged him over a backyard fence -- accusing him of befouling members of an Indian cult. The court was told Dr BOHDAN MYRON SHEHOVYCH was among a group delivering a letter to the man from the founder of the meditation religion, Sahaja Yoga. The 52-year-old doctor from the New South Wales central coast today pleaded guilty to entering a house at Mount Ommaney in Brisbane' west and assaulting TERENCE RICHARD BLACKLEY on March 3 this year. The court heard the group was delivering a letter to BLACKLEY from spiritual leader SHRI MATAJI NIRMALA DEVI, alleging spiritual and criminal wrongdoings. Judge KERRY O'BRIEN today told the doctor that someone of his intelligence should have known better than to behave in that manner. He's fined Dr SHEHOVYCH $1,500 but did not record a conviction. - "Hundreds fill weekend with devotion, bliss", The Record, John Chadwick, July 24, 2005, Bergen County, New Jersey. (Local Section)
The movement has its share of critics, some of whom describe it as a cult and have started Internet sites to detail their accusations. One site portrayed Mataji as a manipulative leader who exercised a high degree of control over members' lives, including arranging and breaking up marriages. "I have witnessed Mataji order loving couples to divorce," one former member wrote on a Web site.
Further reading
- Coney, Judith (1999) Sahaja Yoga: Socializing Processes in a South Asian New Religious Movement, (London: Curzon Press) ISBN 0-7007-1061-2
- Srivastava, Nirmala (1997) Meta Modern Era, (Vishwa Nirmala Dharma) ISBN 8186650059
- Pullar, Philippa (1984) The Shortest Journey, ISBN 0-04-291018-8
- Kakar, Sudhir (1984) Shamans, Mystics and Doctors: A Psychological Inquiry into India and Its Healing Traditions, ISBN 0-226-42279-8
- Rai, Umesh (1993) Medical science enlightened: new insight into vibratory awareness for holistic health care (New Delhi: Life Eternal Trust) ISBN 81-900325-0-X
- Descieux, Flore (1995) The Light of the Koran: Knowledge through Sahaja Yoga (Paris: La Pensee Universelle, 1995; English translation: New Delhi: Ritana Books, 1998) ISBN 8185250026
- Apte, Arun (1997) Music and Sahaja Yoga (Pune: NITL)
- de Kalbermatten, Gregoire (2003) The Third Advent (New York: daisyamerica, 2003; Melbourne: Penguin Australia, 2004; Delhi: Penguin India, 2004) ISBN 1-932406-07-7
- Powell, Nigel (2004) Sahaja Yoga Meditation (Corvalis Publishing) ISBN 0-954-85190-0
External links
Sahaja Yoga Sites
- Sahaja Yoga - official website
- The Light of Sahaja Yoga, online newspaper
- Official Response from Sahaja Yoga International to False Allegations
- International Sahaja Yoga Research and Health Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Sahaja Yoga World Foundation
- List of research papers, conferences and publications relating to the Sahaja Yoga research and health center.
- Critical sites
- Neutral or mixed sites
- Leaflet on Sahaja Yoga published by INFORM
- Woman's Hour September 12, 2001 BBC radio program, with questions and answers by Nirmala Srivastava and two ex-members.
- Sahaja Yoga at the Religious Movements Homepage at the University of Virginia. Updated 2001.
- Shri Adi Shakti: The Kingdom Of God Supportive of Nirmala Srivastava's claims to be Holy Ghost incarnate, but claiming that mainstream Sahaja Yoga's is averse to openly declaring this
- Yuvashakti
- Yuvashakti Universal - design, animation, and film showcase of Yuvashakti artists
- Yuvashakti International website
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