Sahaja Yoga
The Path to Self-Realization
The time has come for all of you to get your self-realisation, by which your attention becomes enlightened, your health gets completely all right, your mental processes are sensible, but above all you stand in your present.
– H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, 29.09.1994, Los Angeles, USA
What is Sahaja Yoga?
Sahaja Yoga is a meditation technique developed by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. Sahaja means born with you and Yoga means union with the divine.
It is a natural and spontaneous process that gently transforms us from within, enabling us to manifest and express positive human qualities and to enjoy the peace and the bliss of life described in all scriptures.
The Subtle System
The subtle system in Sahaja Yoga refers to the invisible network of energy centers (chakras), channels (nadis), and flows (Kundalini) that govern physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The chart integrates key concepts from Sahaja Yoga teachings.
1. Nadis (Energy Channels)
- Sushumna Nadi: Central channel along the spine, pathway for Kundalini energy, symbolizing the present moment and higher consciousness.
- Ida Nadi: Left channel (moon-energy), linked to the past and subconscious mind; governs emotional and intuitive faculties (Mother’s side).
- Pingala Nadi: Right channel (sun-energy), associated with the future and superconscious mind; regulates mental and physical activity (Father’s side).
Balancing Ida and Pingala through meditation harmonizes energies, allowing Kundalini to rise through Sushumna.
2. Chakras (Energy Centers)
| No | Name | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mooladhara | Base of spine | Survival instincts, connection to Earth |
| 2 | Swadisthan | Lower abdomen | Creativity, emotions, relationships |
| 3 | Nabhi | Navel | Willpower, self-esteem |
| 4 | Anahata | Heart | Love, compassion, balance |
| 5 | Vishuddhi | Throat | Communication, truthfulness |
| 6 | Agnya | Between brows | Intuition, wisdom |
| 7 | Sahasrara | Crown | Spiritual awakening, unity with Divine |
Additional Labels: 3b (Void) — transitional state; 5b (Hamsa) — symbolic of the Divine Self.
3. Collective Realms
- Collective Subconscious: Inherited ancestral patterns (left side).
- Collective Supraconscious: Connection to universal consciousness and potentialities (right side).
4. Hands, Feet, and Head
Hands: Chakras map to fingertips (e.g., thumb = root chakra) for healing practices.
Feet: Heels (1) and soles (7) link to grounding and cosmic connection.
Head: Numbers 1–7 correspond to chakras from base of skull to crown.
5. Practical Significance
- Kundalini Awakening: Clears blockages and fosters spiritual growth.
- Balance: Harmonizing Ida and Pingala creates peace and clarity.
- Self-Realization: Full activation of Sahasrara unites you with the Divine.
The Three Nadis
The subtle system is composed of three main energy channels:
- 1Ida Nadi
Associated with emotions, desires, and the past. It begins at the Mooladhara chakra (base of the spine) and travels along the left side of the spinal cord, ending in the superego area of the brain's right hemisphere.
Qualities: Joy, peace, and emotional depth when balanced.
Imbalance effects: Lethargy, depression, or emotional heaviness
- 2Pingala Nadi
Related to action, planning, and the future. It starts at the Mooladhara and runs along the right side of the spinal cord, ending in the ego area of the brain's left hemisphere.
Governs mental activity and physical energy.
Overactivity effects: Stress, irritability, and overheating
- 3Sushumna Nadi
The spiritual channel running through the center of the spine.
When the Kundalini rises through Sushumna:
- Nourishes all chakras
- Leads to Self-Realization
Maintains balance between Ida and Pingala.
Kundalini Awakening
Kundalini is the power of pure desire within us - a motherly and soothing spiritual energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine in the sacrum bone. Ancient civilizations recognized this sacred energy residing in the bone.
Self-Realization Process
Self-Realization is the awakening of the Kundalini through the central channel (Sushumna Nadi). This spiritual energy:
- Pierces through the six chakras above the sacrum bone
- Emerges at the crown of the head (fontanel bone area)
- Manifests as a gentle "fountain" of coolness
The Twice-Born
This awakening is known as Self-Realization - the birth of the spirit within. Those who receive this experience are known as realized souls or dweejaha in Sanskrit, meaning twice born.
Self Realization
I bow to all the seekers of truth. As I told you yesterday that truth is truth, and cannot be changed, or cannot be molded and cannot be organized. And if we are the seekers of truth, we have to keep our minds open about it. Absolute truth you can only find after Self Realisation. Because the self itself, your Spirit itself is the embodiment of truth.
– H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, 08 July 1988, Paris, France
“It is everyone’s right to achieve this state of one’s evolution and everything necessary is already inbuilt. But as I respect your freedom, you have to have the desire to achieve this state, it cannot be forced upon you.”
– H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
You can receive your Self Realisation (connection with your Self) while sitting in front of your computer. The only condition is your sincere desire to have it. During the experience you will keep your left hand with the palm upwards on your lap and place the right palm on various parts of the body on your left side, while keeping your eyes closed for the entire duration. This way you will be free of distractions and able to keep your attention inside. Taking off your shoes might also help since the Mother Earth sucks all negativity through our feet.
“I invite you to this feast of Divine Bliss, which is pouring around you, even in this Kaliyuga, in these God-forsaken modern times. I hope you will come and enjoy the spiritual experience of the Life Eternal.”
– H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi – Part of the letter written in 1972 during Her trip to America