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'''Sahaj Marg''' is a system of meditation founded by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, known as "Babuji." The organizational body of the system is called Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
'''Sahaj Marg''' is a system of meditation founded by Shri Ram Chandra (of Shahjahanpur, affectionately knows as Babuji). The organizational body to propagate this system is Shri Ram Chandra Mission a ]<ref>http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_576.html Patterns of Diffusion and Religious Globalization: An Empirical Survey of New Religious Movements " in Temenos 32 (1996), 195-220. (Viewed online, Temenos web site, 30 Jan. 1999)</ref>. Practice of Sahaj Marg is not suitable for young people (under 18 yrs of age). <ref>http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD006507/frame.html The Cochrane Library, ''In terms of the adverse effects of meditation, reports exist suggesting that meditation can cause temporary depersonalisation and derealisation (Castillo 1990), and there exist several reports of a possible association between meditation and psychotic state (French 1975; Lazarus 1976; Walsh 1979; Chan-Ob 1999). Studies of meditation in pediatric populations are still limited. For young children, it is not considered advisable for children to sit for extended lengths of time with closed eyes which might in any case 'go against the grain' of the active nature of children. Different meditation techniques have different recommendations of meditation practice for children i.e. Sahaj Marg Meditation, a system of Raja Yoga. Sahaj Marg guru recommends a minimum age of 18 before beginning the practice of meditation, implying this technique is not suitable for younger people.'' </ref>

In report 2468 from ], in december ] group is listed as ]<ref>http://www.cftf.com/french/Les_Sectes_en_France/cults.html cftf report on cults</ref> and again in ] report of ]<ref>http://www.miviludes.org/IMG/pdf/Report_MIVILUDES_2003.pdf See footnote on page 81</ref>



== History == == History ==


Sahaj Marg was created in ] ] (] ]), by Shri Ram Chandraji Maharaj, affectionately known as ]( ]-]), founder of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. He did this in memory of his guru, Ram Chandra of fategarh (1873 1931), affectionately known as Lalaji. The Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) was founded in ] in ] (], ]), by Shri Ram Chandra, known as Babuji ]-]). He said he started SRCM in memory of his guru, coincidentally also named Shri Ram Chandra of Fategarh, known as Lalaji (1873 1931). The current leader of SRCM is Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari. There are two other SRCM groups -- one in Shahjahanpur, headed by Navneet Saxena, and the "Institute of Shri Ram Chandra Consciousness."

According to its followers, Sahaj Marg is a path created to assist seekers in achieving spiritual perfection in one single lifetime, while assuming a normal family and professional life. <ref>http://body-mind-soul.net/Yoga-and-Consciousness:-The-Way-of-The-Heart.php Time line of the group.</ref>.

The current Master, Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, was not recognized unanimously by some members of the movement, which caused a split in the movement in ].<ref>http://courtnic.nic.in/supremecourt/temp/ac%20661900p.txt pending case about leadership of the group.</ref>.<ref>http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/html/2000/d2000-0230.html In another National Arbitration Forum decision (FA003000094237, Shri Ram Chandra Mission (California) v. Shri Ram Chandra Mission (India), April 4, 2000), the request was denied but it was not contested that trademark or service mark rights under the Policy may be obtained on “Sahaj Marg”, an Indian religious expression meaning “natural path” in fact used by several different religious groups, irrespective of any registration. </ref><ref>http://www.finnegan.com/publications/news-popup.cfm?id=199&type=trademark An Indian entity registered the domain name “sahajmarg.org.” Plaintiff brought an in personam action against the registrant under the ACPA, but the court dismissed it for lack of personal jurisdiction </ref> He later re-registered his group in ], USA in ]<ref>http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/94237.htm The Complaint alleges that SRC registered the trade or service mark "Sahaj Marg" with the United States patent and Trademark Office of the United States Department of Commerce effective July 29, 1997. A copy of the registration is attached to the Complaint. SRC further alleges that it, on October 12, 1999, filed for further registration of the trade or service mark "Sahaj Marg". The term Sahaj Marg is stated to mean "natural path" in India. SRC also asserts that it has registered several other trade or service marks for such names as Shri Ram Chandra Mission.</ref><ref>http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/udrp/opinion/itext.html Rights and interests found where Complainant as well as Respondent have been using the same trade name in parallel but in different countries (USA/India) since the mid 1940s</ref>According to the report published in Indian daily ] dated 8th November ], it was reported that Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari group attempted to capture the headquarter of ] located in ] ], ], founded in ], which was under control of founder's family <ref>Incident report published in Indian hindi daily ] 8th November 2003, title ''Ex-Minster and Ex-DIG tried to forcefully capture the RamChandra Mission Ashram.''</ref>, and later in ], in a report published in Indian daily Hindustan, it was reported that after some violent incident, in which family of the founder was physically roughed up, the founding ashram was captured by Chari group. Three people were reported to be injured. <ref>Incident report published in Indian daily Hindustan (Hindi arm of ]) 3rd November 2006, title ''Ram Chandra Mission captured, after Violence''</ref>


Sahaj Marg spirituality foundation (SMSF) is patented in India in name of PARTHASARTHI RAJAGOPALACHARI (current guru) and his son P.R. KRISHNA<ref>http://www.patentoffice.nic.in/tmr_new/tm_journal/journal_1350/class9.pdf PARTHASARTHI RAJAGOPALACHARI
( A REGISTERED TRUST )
PARTHASARTHI RAJAGOPALACHARI.
P.R. KRISHNA,
SANJAY LALBHAI
U.S. BAJPAI
AJAY BHATTER
trading as SAHAJ MARG SPIRITUALITY FOUNDATION
ASHIRWAAD, 68/ 11, INDRAPRASTHA, STANLEY ROAD, ALLAHABAD - 211 002, ( U. P. ).
</ref>



According to the statutes, the income for the association through membership dues, public donations, bank interest and miscellaneous sources. Although spiritual services of the Mission are known as free, the association manages ashrams, significant properties. For example, the castle of ] has been acquired ] for nearly two million francs and was sold for 457000 euros in 2003.<ref>http://www.sectes.net/autres/srcm.html It must be said that in 2003, the organization has touched 90300 euros in donations. The year before, the amount was 65000 euros. The generous donors then deduct that amount from their taxes and the sect pocketing the money. '' The sect has sold his castle in France in 2001 and bought the field of Vrads Sande near Bryrup (Denmark). Now is the bastion of the European members of the sect.'' There were "religious seminaries" in which the Shri Ram Chandra won almost 17600 euros. They often earn far more because members from all over Europe give 150 euros to enter into meditation. In the spring of 2004, 1200 people gathered for meditation group, which gave a retraction of 180000 euros in the coffers divine. ''Published in the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, September 12, 2004 - Translation: Cyril Malka'' </ref><ref>AFP, November 23, 2001 http://www.info-sectes.ch/presse-ram-mission.html#H titled La secte Shri Ram Chandra Mission déménage de son château</ref>

Tax evasion charges were pressed against the group in India, for which matter was listed in upper house of Indian parliament on 5th Dec. 1995<ref>http://rajyasabha.gov.in/journals/175/05121995.htm</ref>


== Practice == == Practice ==


The practice is individual, daily and includes: The daily practice includes:
* A meditation in the morning;<ref>http://www.healthnwealth.in/sahaj-marg.html</ref> * Morning meditation on divine light in the heart (30-60 minutes);
* A cleaning impressions of the day;<ref>http://www.ayl.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/articles/AYL_issue_7_FLEXIBLE_MIND.pdf In Sahaj Marg raja * Cleaning of impressions of the day (i.e., imagining the day's events evaporating out one's back and being replaced with divine light; 30 minutes);<ref>http://www.ayl.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/articles/AYL_issue_7_FLEXIBLE_MIND.pdf In Sahaj Marg raja
yoga the cleaning of the mind is a part of the yoga the cleaning of the mind is a part of the
daily practice or sadhana. Cleaning can also daily practice or sadhana. Cleaning can also
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backwards. </ref> backwards. </ref>
* A prayer-meditation at bedtime;<ref>http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/08/04/fea03.html At 9.00 p.m., every abhyasi, wherever he or she may be, should meditate for 15 minutes thinking that all the people of the universe who are already my brothers and sisters, may all their hearts be flooded as my heart is being flooded with spiritual craving, love and devotion for the Divine Master and real faith is growing in them. '''O Master! Thou art the real goal of human life. We are yet but slaves of wishes. Putting bar to our advancement. Thou art the only God and Power. To bring us up to that state.''' This prayer meditation is done for about 10-15 minutes by repeating the prayer a few times and meditate on the meanings of the statements therein. Immediately thereafter one is advised to retire to bed so that there will be constant remembrance Unlike the traditional Prayer hymns or songs, the Sahaj Marg Prayer does not ask for anything; it consists of three statements of facts.</ref> * A prayer-meditation at bedtime;<ref>http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/08/04/fea03.html At 9.00 p.m., every abhyasi, wherever he or she may be, should meditate for 15 minutes thinking that all the people of the universe who are already my brothers and sisters, may all their hearts be flooded as my heart is being flooded with spiritual craving, love and devotion for the Divine Master and real faith is growing in them. '''O Master! Thou art the real goal of human life. We are yet but slaves of wishes. Putting bar to our advancement. Thou art the only God and Power. To bring us up to that state.''' This prayer meditation is done for about 10-15 minutes by repeating the prayer a few times and meditate on the meanings of the statements therein. Immediately thereafter one is advised to retire to bed so that there will be constant remembrance Unlike the traditional Prayer hymns or songs, the Sahaj Marg Prayer does not ask for anything; it consists of three statements of facts.</ref>
* A weekly meditation group;<ref>http://www.stanford.edu/group/naturalpath/constitution.html The unifying interest of the group will be to meet weekly to meditate together on campus for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The motivation to get together is to reflect on feelings, thoughts, experiences and spiritual condition felt after group meditation. These thoughts and experiences could be very unique and personal for each aspirant. Weekly meetings provide members with an opportunity to relate and discuss their spiritual progress with other members of the group. Following group meditation, published works of the SRCM would be read to help increase sensitivity and build trust amongst members</ref>
* Meditations individual with a preceptor;<ref>http://www.lifepositive.com/Spirit/Enlightenment/Natural_Path_to_enlightenment12003.asp To become a Sahaj Marg abhyasi, the three mandatory meditation sittings with a preceptor are indispensable. Explains Sahaj Marg literature: “A preceptor is an abhyasi who has been prepared and permitted by the
Master to introduce people to the Sahaj Marg system and conduct both group and individual meditations. Thus, the master provides for the spiritual well-being of
every abhyasi.”</ref>
* A direct contact and meditations with the master;<ref>http://www.sahajmarg.org/smrti/rc/studygrp/docs/set5/set5handout6.pdf The guru occupies and plays a fundamental, decisive and all-pervasive role in
the spiritual life of an aspirant. He may appear to be a mere guide playing a
limited role at the commencement of practice but, in a perfect and growing gurudisciple
relationship, his role becomes greater and greater, and encompasses
more and more of the aspirant's life. Finally a culminating spiritual condition is
reached where the aspirant's life, in its entirety, is governed and motivated by the
guidance of the Master. This is the generally accepted position under Sahaj
Marg.</ref>
* International seminars.<ref>https://www.srcm.org/registration/seminarHome.jsp?seminar=080003 Theme: Here and Now ... or Never!</ref>
* Leaders birthday celebration yearly. (22nd July-25th July)<ref>http://www.rherald.com/News/2005/0602/People/p02.html Local Women Travel to India
For Celebration at Ashram
</ref><ref>http://srcm.org/members/24july2008/July2008Utsav_Circular.pdf The most important occasion in an abhyasi’s life is the celebration of one’s Master’s
birthday. </ref>


== Central beliefs ==
The Sahaj Marg system believes in concept they call ''Transmission''. The group defines transmission as the utilization of divine energy for transformation of a human being. Transmission is made into the heart of the practicant (called ''abhyasi''), the practicant is said to be filled with a force higher than oneself .<ref>http://meditation.tamu.edu/practice.htm Students organization in Texas university. USA</ref>.


Weekly practices include:
Transmission is said to set Sahaj Marg apart from other yogas and from of all other systems of human evolution. Transmission under the Sahaj Marg system can be received directly from the leader, who is supposedly adept in the art, or from preceptors who are also endowed with this power of transmission by the leader. Transmission is said to be the most unique aspect of Sahaj Marg system of meditation, <ref>http://www.sahajmarg.org/welcome/sahajmarg.html Sahaj Marg official stand on transmission ''The most unique feature about Sahaj Marg is called transmission (pranahuti)''</ref>. However there are other organizations in ] which are based on similar concept of transmission.<ref>http://spiritual-meditation.org/ SPIRITUAL TRANSMISSION LINKED MEDITATION. STM is a simple and advanced method of meditation based on Spiritual transmission from accomplished spiritual master and Guide with purification of intellect and feelings to transcend beyond mind and getting absorbed in divine light and subtle voice, leading to higher experience of peace, bliss, love and knowledge</ref>
* A weekly meditation group;<ref>http://www.ayl.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/articles/AYL_issue_7_FLEXIBLE_MIND.pdf</ref>
* Cleaning meditations with a preceptor.<ref>http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/08/04/fea03.html</ref>


== Method ==


The practice of Sahaj Marg is limited to those 18 years of age and older. <ref>http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD006507/frame.html The Cochrane Library, ''In terms of the adverse effects of meditation, reports exist suggesting that meditation can cause temporary depersonalisation and derealisation (Castillo 1990), and there exist several reports of a possible association between meditation and psychotic state (French 1975; Lazarus 1976; Walsh 1979; Chan-Ob 1999). Studies of meditation in pediatric populations are still limited. For young children, it is not considered advisable for children to sit for extended lengths of time with closed eyes which might in any case 'go against the grain' of the active nature of children. Different meditation techniques have different recommendations of meditation practice for children i.e. Sahaj Marg Meditation, a system of Raja Yoga. Sahaj Marg guru recommends a minimum age of 18 before beginning the practice of meditation, implying this technique is not suitable for younger people.'' </ref>
===Morning Meditation===


== Books and publications ==
Sit in meditation for an hour thinking that Divine Light is present in your heart. Never mind if you do not see the light there. Start with a mere supposition, so to say, and sit meditating in one posture with your attention turned towards the heart in a natural way without any effort to concentrate. Try to be unmindful of the thoughts arising at that time.<ref> ''Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg'' by Ram Chandra published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur, U.P.
</ref>


Numerous books and journals are published by the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. A quarterly magazine, called ''Constant Remembrance'', is published in several languages. Most publications are by members or one of the lineage of gurus.
====Night Prayer====


== Achievements ==
The SRCM is a non-governmental organization registered with the ].<ref>http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/asp/form.asp?RegID=--&CnID=all&AcID=0&kw=Ram%20Chandra%20Mission&NGOID=3717 UN Listing</ref>. The group also runs a school in India named after Lalaji, called Lalaji Memorial Omega School. <ref>http://www.omegaschools.org/</ref>.



:"0, Master!
:Thou art the real goal of human life,
:We are yet but slaves of wishes
:Putting bar to our advancement,
:Thou art the only God and power
:To bring us up to that stage."


Just before going to bed at night, the prayer is offered. The proper and the most effective method of prayer is to sit in a suppliant mood and repeat the same mentally twice or thrice. Then begin to meditate over its true sense and try to get lost into it."<ref>''Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg'', Second Edition 1981, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur.
</ref>

Prayer is explained as follows

{{Cquotetxt|"Oh, Master" and not "Oh, God". Now today I am giving you the answer for that. Because God, it is a living God who is before you in the form of the Master ...this is an embodied flesh-and-blood divinity . . . who can understand our needs; who can understand our temperaments; who can sympathize with us, being human himself; who can accept our failings, perhaps having failed himself in some way . . ."|<ref>http://www.srcm.org/welcome/commencepractice.jsp group website ''Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg'', Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur</ref>}}

===Constant remembrance===

Constant remembrance is defined as the practice of constantly remembering the inner connection with the divine in the midst of daily activities. Sahaj Marg offers a way to remain connected to divine essence throughout the day.<ref>http://www.srcm.org/welcome/whysahajmarg-cr.jsp Groups explaination of Constant remembrance</ref>. As example, while at the breakfast table, members must think that it is their leader who is breaking his fast, also when one goes to the office, s/he is suppose to think that it is the leader who is doing it all, and when members comes back from office, and gets happy to see his/her children attention should not be diverted towards them, but what they should think is that it is the leader within is himself enjoying.<ref>http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Dec282007/city2007122843495.asp Article published in ] While at the breakfast table, you must think that your Master is breaking his fast. When you go to the office, think that your Master is doing it all. When you come back from office, your children rejoice to see you after so many hours. You too enjoy the merriment and it is but natural. Your attention for a while is diverted towards them, and you feel a bit away from the sacred thought. What you are to do then is to think that your Master within is himself enjoying and you shall be in touch with the same sacred thought again.
Even during your meditation, if you cultivate this feeling and maintain the outlook that your Master is doing everything in your place, you shall not only be in constant remembrance all the while, but your actions will cause no impression whatsoever, and so you will cease making further samskaras</ref>. In Sahaj Marg, leader is considered God <ref>http://www.imperience.org/SeminarArchives/SeminarsMeditationNotEnoughBRajendraRao.pdf</ref>

===Cleaning===

Sahaj Marg claims that our experiences - actions and reactions, thoughts and emotions, leave impressions, called samskaras, on our minds and hearts. These accumulate over time, coloring our view of reality and influencing our behavior. Habit patterns emerge, insuring that we react in the present as we did in the past and setting the blueprint for future action. In this way we become slaves to our past..<ref>http://www.srcm.org/welcome/whysahajmarg-cleaning.jsp Group's definition</ref>

Cleaning is to be done when whole day's work is over, and not before that, in this the member is suppose to sit for half an hour with a suggestion that all complexities and impurities including grossness, darkness, etc. are going out of the whole system through the back in the form of smoke or vapor and that in their place the sacred current of the Divine is entering your heart from the leaders heart. Members are not expected to meditate on those things which they want to get rid of, it is suggested to simply brush them off.<ref> http://copland.udel.edu/stu-org/NaturalPath/method.html Sit for half an hour with a suggestion to yourself that all complexities and impurities including grossness, darkness, etc. are going out of the whole system through the back in the form of smoke or vapour and that in their place the sacred current of the Divine is entering your heart from the Master's heart. Do not meditate on those things which we want to get rid of Simply brush them off.</ref>

===Marriages===
Sahaj Marg encourages its members to get married inside the group only. Marriages are solemnized mostly during birthday celebration of its previous leader's. Current Master of the group also encourages members to marry inside the group.
<ref>{{cite speech
| title = Lalaji birthday celebration
| author = Rajagopalachari, P
| first = P
| last = Rajagopalachari
| authorlink =
|date=2nd February 2007
| location = ], ]
}}</ref>

{{Cquotetxt|Lalaji Maharaj, whose birth anniversary we are celebrating today has ordained–it was not merely an expression of his wishes–has ordained that abhyasis should marry amongst each other, so that in two or three generations we have an exploding Sahaj Marg population. The population already prepared genetically because parents are both people who are meditating, people who have learnt to cultivate their souls, people who have learnt the art of communicating with their inner selves, which is God, in silence, in happiness, in blessedness. Hopefully, these children will form the core groups of emerging Sahaj Marg societies everywhere in this world.|Rajagopalachari, P|<ref>''{{cite speech
| title = Lalaji birthday celebration
| author = Rajagopalachari, P
| first = P
| last = Rajagopalachari, P
| authorlink =
|date=2nd February 2007
| location = ], ]
}}http://www.srcm.org/literature/recent.speeches/070202_Tiruppur.jsp</ref>}}

====Divorces====

European media has reported few cases of divorces, which were triggered due to involvement of partners in the group. Similar cases were also reported in print media from France and Switzerland <ref>http://www.info-sectes.ch/presse-ram-mission.html#H Incident report published in Le Nouvel Obs, n°1861, 6th July 2000 </ref><ref>http://www.info-sectes.ch/secte-sriram.html#haut</ref>

== Use of channeling and mediumship ==

The Sahaj Marg system believes in the concept of ''Brighter World'', where, according to the current leader of the group, departed soul of previous leader's of the same group currently live, after leaving their physical body.<ref>http://www.srcm.org/bookstore/subscriptions.jsp The final samadhi when a saint renounces his body and enters the brighter world</ref>. These departed souls send messages for members of the group, these are channeled to the members via a trance-messengers who is an un-named female medium. These messages are then sent to each registered member, one message per day in their email,<ref>http://www.sahajmarg.org/sm/viewWhisperArchive.do?method=list Messages from deceased people</ref> PDF format of 600 messages is also available for those who wish to purchase.<ref>http://www.sahajmarg.org/subscriptions/whispers/invitation.html My invitation to the reader is to set aside all preconceived notions and prejudices, and read what follows, and then judge with the heart, for the heart is par excellence the instrument for verification of the truth. A medium, who is not a professional, has passed on these messages to me after my Master gave orders that they be made available to me. She is a sister-abhyasi of the Sahaj Marg system of spiritual practice.
</ref>. According to students chapter, practice of Sahaj Marg emphasis on the need of a medium, as meditating independently leads to no meditation at all <ref>[http://sta.umbc.edu/orgs/sahajmarg/faq.html#Can%20I%20practice%20Sahaj%20Marg%20on%20my%20own%20or%20do%20I%20need%20a%20guide Honors university at Maryland's students chapter explanation of sahaj marg system </ref>

== Achievements ==
Main proponent of Sahaj Marg, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, is registered in the UN’s DPI program, main activity of the group as per United Nation’s website is its association with religion and freedom of belief.<ref>http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/asp/form.asp?RegID=--&CnID=all&AcID=0&kw=Ram%20Chandra%20Mission&NGOID=3717 UN Listing</ref>. Apart from registration in UN, the group also runs a school in India named after the alleged founder of the mission Lalaji, called Lalaji memorial omega school. <ref>http://www.omegaschools.org/</ref>. The school is run mainly on donation and charity given to the group.<ref>http://www.srcm.com/literature/recent.speeches/050225_Chennai.jsp So, we need generosity of our people. Parents of children should not only give fees, they should also consent to giving a donation. Receipts will be issued; there is no black money transaction-no trustees following the money. I am here to see to that. So you see, to provide adequate resources, I propose to start a scheme of donations, say, a minimum of three lakhs which will go to a corpus fund called the Scholarship Fund. The funds will be invested suitably and the interest will be used to provide scholarship for deserving children, for children from what we call the section of people who cannot really afford education, provide facilities for them: free food, clothes, books, the whole thing. So this scheme will open today in the ashram. Those who are willing to give may bring their cheques-three lakhs, which will be gratefully received. The cheques must be in the name of Baal Vatika Educational Trust. Remember, the Trust receives the money, the Society spends the money. </ref>.


== Controversies and criticism == == Controversies and criticism ==


There have been disputes over domain and trademark names of the group.
In a report published in Indian daily ] dated 12th Feb 2001, an ex-member of the group named ''Pragya Prabhati Mishra'' was quoted as saying that Sahaj Marg propagates incest relations, where family members indulge in in-appropriate relation with each other, after the daily prayer, the report further states that ''Sahaj Marg is an atheist cult which does not believe in any kind of familial ties, its only religion being open sex'', The report ends with a statement by ''Pragya Prabhati Mishra'' where she claims that during her initiation in the mission, she was raped.<ref>Incident report published in indian daily ], dated 02/12/2001. report available online in a court order http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ILR/ilr-2004/Jan-Feb2004.pdf </ref>
This report triggered a controversy and the Shree Ram Chandra Mission filed a case of defamation against the news-paper <ref>http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ILR/ilr-2004/Jan-Feb2004.pdf Judgment for the said report.</ref>.

Sahaj Marg has also been subjected to heavy criticism in ] media as well,<ref>http://www.info-sectes.ch/presse-ram-mission.html#H</ref>,<ref>http://www.prevensectes.com/shriram.htm </ref> Most of cases reported in French newspapers were about various divorce cases, triggered due to involvement of females in the group, Michel Gilbert in his video testimony stated that illicit relations are encouraged during birthday celebration of the leader held yearly between 22nd July-26th July.<ref>http://www.info-sectes.ch/videos/Ciel-mon-mardi-2001.avi Video testimony</ref> Group was also attacked by parents for child abduction <ref>http://www.info-sectes.ch/presse-ram-mission.html#H The latter requires an absolute devotion to its fans and wants to "educate the masses and spread among them the art and science of yoga." For seven months, Michel sees this growing influence. In December 1998, the report Vivien class Shri Ram Chandra among the sects. 2 000 people were members. The father is concerned. In January 1999, the group makes him feel that it is undesirable. At the end of February, Fran篩se spoke of separation, made room apart. He realizes that it is preparing a trip to India for the anniversary of the master, and then she had an affair with another follower. On 29 June, Michel was hospitalized for an ulcer. It brings children in Spain. On August 15, Michel Gilbert attack the sect for child abduction. On Dec. 21, an order to entrust custody to the mother. Since then, he has been able to get to see them in a point-rencontre. He had no information about their address, their school. "When I see, my son is as off. I tried to get in touch with the sect in India: I had no response. " </ref>. The Belgiun government has listed Sahaj Marg in its list of secte nuisibles (Harmful cults)<ref>http://www.ciaosn.be/biblior.htm </ref>. Sahaj Marg is also listed in ]'s list of cults<ref>http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_grp/grp_sriramchandramission.asp ICSA listing</ref><ref>http://www.icsahome.com/idx_grp.htm List of groups</ref>

== Court Case ==
*
*
*
*
*



== Group litrature ==

The group publishes numerous books and journals. A quarterly magazine, called ''Constant Remembrance'', is published in several languages. Most publications are by members or one of the gurus. ''Brighter World'' is a channeled book.<ref>http://www.srcm.org/bookstore/subscriptions.jsp</ref>


== See also == == See also ==
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
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== External links == == External links ==
* *
*
*


] ]
] ]
]

Revision as of 12:40, 2 May 2008

Sahaj Marg is a system of meditation founded by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, known as "Babuji." The organizational body of the system is called Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

History

The Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) was founded in 1945 in Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh, India), by Shri Ram Chandra, known as Babuji 1899-1983). He said he started SRCM in memory of his guru, coincidentally also named Shri Ram Chandra of Fategarh, known as Lalaji (1873 1931). The current leader of SRCM is Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari. There are two other SRCM groups -- one in Shahjahanpur, headed by Navneet Saxena, and the "Institute of Shri Ram Chandra Consciousness."

Practice

The daily practice includes:

  • Morning meditation on divine light in the heart (30-60 minutes);
  • Cleaning of impressions of the day (i.e., imagining the day's events evaporating out one's back and being replaced with divine light; 30 minutes);
  • A prayer-meditation at bedtime;


Weekly practices include:

  • A weekly meditation group;
  • Cleaning meditations with a preceptor.


The practice of Sahaj Marg is limited to those 18 years of age and older.

Books and publications

Numerous books and journals are published by the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. A quarterly magazine, called Constant Remembrance, is published in several languages. Most publications are by members or one of the lineage of gurus.

Achievements

The SRCM is a non-governmental organization registered with the United Nations.. The group also runs a school in India named after Lalaji, called Lalaji Memorial Omega School. .


Controversies and criticism

There have been disputes over domain and trademark names of the group.

See also

References

  1. http://www.ayl.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/articles/AYL_issue_7_FLEXIBLE_MIND.pdf In Sahaj Marg raja yoga the cleaning of the mind is a part of the daily practice or sadhana. Cleaning can also be done by the guru for the practitioners. Yoga – union with the ultimate – is only possible when the samskaras are cleaned away. In fact, before any higher spiritual states can be reached, the cleaning must be done. Otherwise the tendencies and habits of the past pollute and continually pull the aspirant backwards.
  2. http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/08/04/fea03.html At 9.00 p.m., every abhyasi, wherever he or she may be, should meditate for 15 minutes thinking that all the people of the universe who are already my brothers and sisters, may all their hearts be flooded as my heart is being flooded with spiritual craving, love and devotion for the Divine Master and real faith is growing in them. O Master! Thou art the real goal of human life. We are yet but slaves of wishes. Putting bar to our advancement. Thou art the only God and Power. To bring us up to that state. This prayer meditation is done for about 10-15 minutes by repeating the prayer a few times and meditate on the meanings of the statements therein. Immediately thereafter one is advised to retire to bed so that there will be constant remembrance Unlike the traditional Prayer hymns or songs, the Sahaj Marg Prayer does not ask for anything; it consists of three statements of facts.
  3. http://www.ayl.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/articles/AYL_issue_7_FLEXIBLE_MIND.pdf
  4. http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/08/04/fea03.html
  5. http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD006507/frame.html The Cochrane Library, In terms of the adverse effects of meditation, reports exist suggesting that meditation can cause temporary depersonalisation and derealisation (Castillo 1990), and there exist several reports of a possible association between meditation and psychotic state (French 1975; Lazarus 1976; Walsh 1979; Chan-Ob 1999). Studies of meditation in pediatric populations are still limited. For young children, it is not considered advisable for children to sit for extended lengths of time with closed eyes which might in any case 'go against the grain' of the active nature of children. Different meditation techniques have different recommendations of meditation practice for children i.e. Sahaj Marg Meditation, a system of Raja Yoga. Sahaj Marg guru recommends a minimum age of 18 before beginning the practice of meditation, implying this technique is not suitable for younger people.
  6. http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/asp/form.asp?RegID=--&CnID=all&AcID=0&kw=Ram%20Chandra%20Mission&NGOID=3717 UN Listing
  7. http://www.omegaschools.org/

External links

Category:1945 establishments Category:New religious movements