Sahaj Marg
Sahaj Marg (Hindi translation, the easy or natural path), a form of Raja Yoga,[1][2][3] is a heart-based meditation system.[4] The essential features of Sahaj Marg system are Meditation, Cleaning and Prayer. The "cleaning" of impressions (called samskaras) is unique to this method which results in quick progress. Meditation is on the "mere supposition of divine light" in one's heart and it is done for 30 - 60 minutes every morning. Cleaning is done to remove the accumulated grossness in oneself. It is undertaken in the evening after the day's work is over and lasts for 30 minutes. The bed time prayer is 10 minutes. Sahaj Marg claims that by investing 100 minutes a day for yourself you can change things about you and around you for the better. [5]
Practice
Sahaj Marg is offered free of charge to peoples all around the world. Sahaj Marg system of meditation is practiced by over 400,000 practitioners (abhyasis) in over 92 countries.
The daily practice includes:
- Morning meditation on the supposition of divine light in the heart (30–60 minutes);
- Evening cleaning of past impressions (i.e., imagining the day's events evaporating out one's back and being replaced with divine light; 30 minutes);[5]
- A prayer-meditation at bedtime (10 minutes) ;[6]
Weekly practices includes the following:
- Group meditation sessions known as 'Satsangh' are held locally twice a week - Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. Satsangh is translated to association with truth (Sat = Truth and Sangha = association or together or group) Satsangh's are held in many centers around the world ;[5]
- Cleaning sessions or individual sittings with a preceptor (Trained prefect) are also available free of charge and they can be scheduled on a one-one basis with a local prefect.
Generally individual sittings are taken every other week but if necessary they can be had every week based on preceptor's availability. [6]
History
The organizational body, Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM), was formally registered in 1945 by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, it's founder and president, called "Babuji". [6] Babuji was born on April 30, 1899 in Shahjahanpur, a large town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India and died in April 1983 at the age of 83[7]. As part of the Sahaj Marg spiritual practice, Babuji adopted a technique called pranahuti[8] or yogic transmission, whereby the "divine essence" was said to be transmitted directly into the practicants' hearts in order to speed up their spiritual evolution.[6]
Controversies
There are some break away groups and some controversies have spun out on who controls the domain and trademark names of the group after the death of its founder in 1983 (Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur). The court verdict was given in favor of his nominated representative. [9]
Activities
The SRCM is a non-governmental organization registered with the United Nations.[10].
See also
References
- ^ "Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices," J. Gordon Melton, Martin Baumann, Page 1169.
- ^ "What is Raj Yoga?" Elizabeth Denley, Australian Yoga Life, Issue 8 - 2004, pp.45-48, www.ayl.com.au.
- ^ "Meditation therapies for attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder" T Krisanaprakornkit, C Witoonchart, N Piyavhatkul, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008 Issue 2, Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- ^ "Local Women Travel to India For Celebration at Ashram," Martha Slater, The Herald, Randolph, VT.
- ^ a b c "A Flexible Mind," Elizabeth Denley, Australian Yoga Life, Issue 7.
- ^ a b c d "Sahaj Marg System of Meditation," C. Suntharamoorthy, Daily News, Sri Lanka, August 4, 2003.
- ^ "Sahaj Marg System of Meditation" - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
- ^ Pearmain, Rosalind. 2005. "Transformational Experiences in Young People: The Meaning of a Safe Haven." International Journal of Children's Spirituality. 10(3):277-290.
- ^ "Forestry Companies Take A Cut At Cybersquatters," Steven Bonisteel, Newsbytes, September 21, 2001, Alexandria, Virginia.
- ^ UN Listing