Reality of Sahaj Marg

The Sahaj Marg way neither promises marvels nor suggests images that can stir the seeker’s dreams. On the contrary, Sahaj Marg places the seeker face-to-face with a reality: the need to advance with the help of a simple but decisively effective practice. Why would a human being not move towards the discovery of his or her own being? This subtlety of the being is ignored by science, as it is still so far from the material realm; they stand a world apart. 

- Babuji Maharaj

Babuji Maharaj talks about the “Obstacles” of a Negative Material Plane. A seeker on the path of reality has to overcome these and many more obstacles, each step leading to the goal. What has Sahaj Marg, Shri Ram Chandra Mission (www.srcm.org) to offer in this journey of the seeker. Sahaj Marg Raja Yoga meditation practice, the Heartfulness approach, offers the human beings of the 21st century, a simple system of routine and practice that regulates the mind and moderates the tendencies of the human being.

There are no apparent miracles in Sahaj Marg. The Masters of Sahaj Marg, Chariji Maharaj and Shri Kamlesh D. Patel have always emphasised on the simplicity of the approach towards self perfection. How a simple practice of meditation like Sahaj Marg, when coupled with the power of Transmission from the Master, helps in real transformation. This transformation, when it happens, is the real miracle of Sahaj Marg. Such a human transformation has to be worked for, cannot be just dreamt about. It is hard reality and hard work, not just some magic wave of the hand and lo and behold, something new has come out. It is long and drawn out persistent effort, with sincerity and joy driving the efforts and love at the base of everything. That is the reality of Sahaj Marg.

In Search of Realisation

“The practice of Sahaj Marg allows a significant advancement; a true spiritual journey is a real boon for a fervent soul in search of realisation. It cannot be achieved easily and requires genuine commitment on the part of the abhyasi, but you can be sure the result is worth it. A life is not given in vain; it is an element, both tiny and imposing, of this immense creation that is so amazing at all levels. The benefits obtained by practising Sahaj Marg are not yet recognised for their abundant effects. Substantial changes yet to come will further highlight these effects by promoting the evolutionary cycle of life in the world. Everything is so slow 
at the worldly level. The action of Sahaj Marg is geared towards refining the sensitivity of beings incarnated in an Earthly journey that fosters each one’s evolution. None of this is easy to understand, but these matters must be mentioned in order to prepare and further open up the path to knowledge that will become more accessible to all.” 

- Babuji Maharaj

Some of the points raised in this above divine text from Babuji Maharaj, the founder of Sahaj Marg system of Raja Yoga Spiritual Practice are key to observe and understand. The advancement needed to achieve the realisation being talked about here is not obtainable easily. It requires true commitment as Babuji says above, but at the same time, the results produced by the efforts that an abhyasi puts in, is obviously worth it. Unfortunately neither the abhyasi knows nor the world understands or recognises the contributions that Sahaj Marg is making towards these evolutionary changes that are happening. But as Master Chariji and Shri Kamlesh D Patel puts it, these changes are happening at the inner-most core of the hearts of abhyasis and not visible to all. This silent work that happens in anonymity is the signature work of Sahaj Marg and its Masters, Preceptors and Abhyasis. Let us all benefit by this inner work, derive our essence of life itself from the Transmission (Pranahuti) that we receive from our Master, Shri. Kamlesh Patel and the hierarchy of Masters, and most importantly, participate in this divine movement to the best of our possibilities.

What is Sahaj Marg

"Behind the drop the sea extends, the sea supports the drop.
To make the drop realize the ocean is all the Reality." 
― Shri Ram Chandraji of Fatehgarh

Sahaj Marg is a simple and natural method of spiritual training that enables the practitioner to efficiently reach profound depths of meditation and achieve a total spiritual transformation. The practice evolved in the early 20th century in North India, and its philosophy is influenced by the rich and deep eastern spiritual traditions of Patanjali’s Raja Yoga, the Vedas and Sufi mysticism. Sahaj Marg translates to ‘Natural Path,’ as it was designed to allow the practitioner to live a natural life without the need for renunciation of the world and family. The ultimate goal of the practice is the merging of our individual consciousness with the divine consciousness. Although the method is simple, the practice allows the seeker to attain this pinnacle of spiritual achievements while maintaining a balanced material life. The Sahaj Marg philosophy states that family life is an ideal training ground for developing love and tolerance. From its origins in India, the method has spread throughout the world and is available free of charge to people from all walks of life; the only requirement is a willingness to participate with an attitude of openness and wonder.

The key elements of the practice include a morning heartfulness meditation that focuses on the divine light in our heart, an evening cleaning that allows a ‘letting go’ of the daily complexities, and a bedtime prayer that refocuses our attention on the divine before we drift off into sleep. The practitioner is also encouraged to maintain a journal of their spiritual journey and to attempt to remain in remembrance of the divine presence within their heart throughout the day. Preceptors (meditation trainers) are available for individual and group weekly meditation sessions. The unique aspect of the practice is a phenomenon known as pranahuti, or yogic transmission. Pranahuti is the utilization of divine energy for the transformation of the human being. As sound and energy can be transmitted, spiritual essence can also be transmitted. Through pranahuti (prana, or life force, and ahuti, or offering) this spiritual essence is offered to the seeker. This transmission may not be felt by everyone in the initial meditation, but most seekers feel the effects of transmission within 3 months of sincere practice.

The phenomenon of transmission is an ancient yogic discovery that had been passed down for centuries through various spiritual traditions but eventually passed into oblivion. In the late 1800’s, Shri Ram Chandraji of Fatehgarh (Lalaji), a precocious spiritual genius who studied and researched extensively on creating effective spiritual training, rediscovered this ancient art, and his research laid the foundation for the Sahaj Marg practice. But given the limitations in transportation and communication in that time period, this method was restricted to a small geographic area surrounding his home town of Fatehgarh. One of Lalaji’s most capable disciples was Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjanhanpur (Babuji), who dedicated his life to spreading the teaching of his Guru. In 1945, Babuji, in honor of his Guru, established the Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM), a non-profit organization created for the purpose of offering the Sahaj Marg method of spiritual training free of charge to interested individuals from all walks of life. Babuji established a network of meditation trainers (preceptors) who were given the capacity to impart spiritual training through pranahuti. In 1983, Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji) was appointed the spiritual successor of SRCM by Babuji. Chariji prodigiously spread the SRCM infrastructure throughout the world by building ashrams, traveling extensively to assist practitioners in their journey, and developing a larger base of preceptors so that seekers throughout the world would have access to Sahaj Marg. Chariji appointed Kamlesh D. Patel to be his spiritual successor, and since December 2014 Kamleshji has been carrying on the work as the Spiritual Representative and President of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Kamleshji has started a Heartfulness meditation initiative, which makes the Sahaj Marg method of spiritual training more open, accessible, and available to all spiritual seekers.

Practitioners of Sahaj Marg also note several other practical appealing elements of the practice. Sahaj Marg allows this complete spiritual transformation to occur while living a balanced material life. It does not ask for any austerities or renunciation. Seekers do not have to shave their head, wear a robe, practice celibacy, renounce material possessions, or live a monastic life. Practitioners come from all strata of society; they are mothers and daughters, fathers and sons. They work and maintain a family life while still actively pursuing a spiritual goal. The spiritual journey complements their material life rather than becoming a hindrance to material progress. Practitioners often claim that they notice that both their material and spiritual lives are blossoming.

Another appealing aspect of the practice is the absence of dogma; for example, there are no obstinate rules on the type of diet or lifestyle one should adopt. Instead of having a laundry list of do not’s (do not do this, do not do that), Sahaj Marg gently encourages several do’s (do meditation, do think of divinity, do journal about your spiritual progress). With this fundamental shift in approach, Sahaj Marg creates a culture of love and tolerance rather than that of guilt and fear. This culture fosters an atmosphere of acceptance where practitioners can cultivate change at their own pace. As seekers deepen their practice, they note negative habits and tendencies that are unsupportive of spiritual growth naturally fall away. Also, a recurring theme among seasoned practitioners is the profound positive changes in character, temperament, and confidence that they experience; changes which occur in a natural and organic manner without any external pressures. These changes resonate with the deeper changes that occur in the inner canvas of the seeker as various spiritual energy centers are awakened.

In the history of spiritual and faith traditions, Sahaj Marg is relatively new. Its founders felt that there should be a natural way towards divine consciousness. They wanted to create a system devoid of superfluous rituals and unyielding dogmas. Sahaj Marg offers a dynamic practice, offering encouragement and guidance for seekers to advance at their own pace. Preceptors are available throughout the world to assist new seekers on their journey. Practitioners are able to live a fulfilling, balanced life as they progress speedily in the material and spiritual aspects of life.
Sahaj Marg has removed the guilt and fear in the search for God and filled it with love, hope and wonder. In essence, Sahaj Marg put the spirit back into spirituality.

"All knowledge, all powers, everything is within. Your destiny is within, your future is within, the ultimate is within." - Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari 

Radheshyam Miryala MD
www.heartfulness.org

Sahaj Marg Clarifies: Yawning during or after meditation

Clarifications from a conversation between Chariji Maharaj and Sanskrit Kannan (SRCM Preceptor), narrated by Sanskrit Kannan.

I asked Rev. Chariji Maharaj once in 1985" is Prana and mind inter-related? " He asked me, " why are you asking me this?"I told Him that even Patañjali refers to this. The texts on HATHA YOGA are replete with such reference. " Chariji said, " You see, in deep meditation the breathing automatically slows down. So this is a natural Pranayama in our Sahaj Marg practice.  The deeper the sitting,  the slower is the flow of air. To compensate for this slowness in breath resulting in lack of oxygen, sometimes you can see some people yawn after a meditation session. You might have seen me yawning after some sittings.  That means the sitting was deep."

One more incident related to this topic is as follows:

In 1985,  when Rev. Chariji Maharaj was in Europe,  after a Sunday morning Satsangh one Prefect chided an abhyasi for yawning after the sitting and said that it was wrong and it reflected grossness. That abhyasi naturally was upset and hurt. I consoled him by repeating what Rev. Chariji Maharaj had told us.  He was happy, but the Prefect did not accept what I said. So, I sent a letter to Rev. Chariji Maharaj narrating this incident, asking for clarification. Chariji Maharaj replied," yawning, during or after meditation is not wrong. "

However, I may add in lighter vein that this is not applicable to those who sleep during the sitting. 

Sahaj Marg Meditation: What to do?

Sahaj Marg Meditation: What to do?
By Sanskrit Kannan - SRCM Preceptor

In the previous article (Sahaj Marg Meditation - Condition: Some tips), we heard from Chariji Maharaj and Shri. Kamlesh D Patel on what we should not do after meditation.

Let us see what Chariji Maharaj tells us what should we do before Sahaj Marg meditation. I asked Him once about this, especially before morning meditation . He told me that we should first do meditation in the morning.  Some people go for walking and then do meditation in the morning which is not right.

Chariji Maharaj also added that we should not do meditation in empty stomach. " Take milk,  or at least water before meditation. But don't waste time in making coffee etc. Water will do.  He told me a story in this regard. 

Once a person went to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and told him, " Master,  I am interested in spiritual progress. What should I do? " The Master repled, " please read some verses of Bhagavad Gita daily and also take grape juice. " The seeker asked, " Master how much grape juice should I drink daily? "The Master laughing replied, " you are not yet ready for spirituality. Had you asked me how much verses of Bhagavad Gita should I read daily, I would have advised you. Instead you are more interested in grape juice. Please go now and come back after some days. "

Rev. Chariji Maharaj said,  " So, if I say you may take coffee or milk in the morning before meditation, your time will be spent /wasted on this. So water will do".

What about yawning during or after Sahaj Marg meditation?  We will address this question in another article. 

Sahaj Marg Meditation - Condition: Some tips

Sahaj Marg Meditation - Condition: Some tips

From Dr. Sanskrit Kannan

With respect to the excellent advice given by the Sahaj Marg Master, Shri. Kamlesh Patel (Kamleshji) recently not to disturb our condition after meditation by either switching on or switching off the fan, Kamlesh D. Patel added one more interesting and valid advice not to take water after meditation.

I had occasion to ask the same to Rev. Chariji Maharaj in 1983 while travelling by car with Him. " is it not right to drink water immediately after meditation/sitting? "

He told me, " you should avoid taking water after the meditation at least for some time. "

I asked Him, " why?"

He told me, " you see, what happens during meditation is some heat is generated... ( incidentally the word tapas also used for meditation which means heat). So if you take water immediately after meditation it affects the condition. "

He  also told me regarding the hand-position during meditation. " You see the great Masters Buddha and others, how they keep one palm over the other. Or you can keep all your fingers in locked position.

What is the benefit?

He added, " you see during meditation, Yogic energy permeates the whole body.  If you keep your palms on each other or close the fingers in locked position, then the energy is circulated within the body.  On the other hand, if we keep both hands on the thighs or knees with stretched fingers, then the energy is let out.  But in cinema or TV shows we see the so called saints sitting with their fingers either stretched or not joined. This is not the right way. "

We always see the pictures of Rev. Lalaji Maharaj,  Rev. Babuji Maharaj sitting with their palms one on the other. Rev. Chariji Maharaj and Rev. Master Kamleshji also sit in the manner described above by Rev. Chariji Maharaj.

These are simple, yet useful tips.  Also Rev. Chariji Maharaj used to say that some people read news paper immediately after the sitting or see the mobile for messages or calls. This is also not right. We have to educate the Sahaj Marg abhyasis.

Kamlesh Patel: Master's Poise

I don’t know how many of you met our Master, Chariji Maharaj, and how many of you really observed his life and made it a part of you. We all say, “I would like to become like Master,” but how? How are we going to do that? When we observe the lifestyles of the great masters, what appeals to us is their mastery. But we should go a little bit into their pasts before they became masters. What is it that made them masters? So I would request you all to read their lives before they became masters. What were those high or pristine qualities that stood out and made them what they became? And after they became what they became, for example our Master, what was the outstanding quality that you can highlight in Master?

There are so many of them, but one of them that strikes me the most in our Master’s life was his poise. He was never in a moment of rush. Even when there were ten abhyasis waiting, he would attend to them one by one. When he would give a group satsang, he would take his time and finish it. While giving an individual sitting, he would take his time and finish it. Whatever task was given to him, he would do it with absolute poise. There was never a moment of rush, or being short of breath, doing his tasks. Even when he cooked there was love oozing in his movements. When he fired us also there was poise and a lot of love in it. There was no element of rushing; he took his time in doing all those things so nicely.

Kamlesh D Patel is the current President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission (www.srcm.org) and the spiritual successor of Chariji Maharaj. Kamlesh Patel is the current Master of Sahaj Marg along the lineage of the Masters of Sahaj Marg. This is an excerpt from a talk given by Kamlesh Patel on the 1st of February 2015, at Monroe Ashram, New Jersey, USA.

Mangoes with Love – Babuji Maharaj

Once, a group of abhyasis from Andhra Pradesh went to Shahjahanpur and gave mangoes to Rev. Babuji Maharaj. As soon as Babuji Maharaj received the mangoes, he started distributing them to all who were present there.

Someone said, "Babuji, they have brought the mangoes for you with a lot of love".

Babuji Maharaj replied, "I know. That is why I have kept the love with me and distributed the mangoes to others!"

- Narrated by Dr. Sanskrit Kannan

The fundamental essence of Sahaj Marg is Pure Love and nothing else. If you look at it from any angle, Sahaj Marg system of meditation practice culminates in this aspect of love, not as in loving someone or something, but in the essence of becoming the principle of Love itself.

Shri Kamlesh D Patel, the current President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission (www.srcm.org) and successor of Chariji Maharaj recently gave a talk, “Practice with Love”. Without this element of love, the efforts do not bear fruit, as one would expect.

In this beautiful incident mentioned above, Babuji Maharaj teaches us many things. How to identify the essence of things, and how to keep it? How to identify what is important, what is essential? On the path of Sahaj Marg, the abhyasi comes across many experiences and encounters, all of which can be tools for self-correction along the way. The way of Sahaj Marg is a simple path for spiritual aspirants to start developing love in their hearts and to culminate in the very possibility of becoming Love itself. Shri Ram Chandra Mission is the organization that facilitates this possibility. 

Sahaj Marg says – From Source to Matter: Babuji Maharaj

Dr. Sanskrit Kannan narrates this very interesting and profound incident that he heard directly from Rev. Chariji Maharaj.

Once some scientists visited Rev. Babuji Maharaj in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. During the course of conversation, Babuji Maharaj told them about Sahaj Marg Raja Yoga meditation. They asked Him, "What is the use of all this?"

Babuji told them about the efficacy of Sahaj Marg. After listening to Babuji, the scientists asked what benefits he derived by meditation.

Babuji told them that he has realised what he had to, and by His Master's grace, he could know anything. Then, Babuji added, "If you want to test me, give me small experiment".

One of the scientist asked Babuji to explain about the atom. Rev. Babuji Maharaj took a paper and a pencil, drew the structure of atom and its particles and gave them a lecture for one and half hours.

The scientists were spell bound. Then, one scientist got up and said, "Babuji, you are a liar".

Babuji Maharaj asked him innocently, "Why are you saying this"?

The scientist said, "Babuji, you said that you had not gone to any college. But unless you had a Ph.d on this topic, you could not have explained like this."

Then Rev. Babuji Maharaj made this wonderful statement:

“SCIENTIST GOES FROM MATTER TO THE SOURCE WHEREAS THE YOGI GOES FROM SOURCE TO THE MATTER".

As above so below: Sahaj Marg meaning by Chariji Maharaj

"In the tradition of India, there is a famous statement, which makes its earliest appearance in the Rig Veda. It later reappears in the Katha Upanishad. It says that the immortal fig tree, representing Brahman, has its roots above and its leaves and branches below.

My Master very kindly explained to me that this imagery of the fig tree, inverted in shape, really shows that all life below should draw their sustenance directly from above. If they do so, then they acquire the possibility of becoming like that which is above the Ultimate Self!"

- Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari

Also, in the first and second verses of Bhagavad Gita Ch. XV, the example of Aswattha tree having its root upwards and the branches facing downwards is given as analogy. Rev. Chariji Maharaj often used to quote this verse.

When Chariji Maharaj asked Rev. Babuji Maharaj about this symbolism, Babuji told that it says that the Source is above and everything is derived from the Source. This represents the famous Invertendo principle that is present in many of the Sahaj Marg literature.  

In a similar context, Rev. Chariji Maharaj also quotes the passage "All this and Heaven too" and said, it should be "Heaven and all this too". The significance of this statement becomes clear when we look at it from the context of the inverted fig tree example.

Coming back to the inverted fig tree, it means that the Source is the root, which is above and the branches and leaves, which are spread below are the Vedas that is knowledge.

So, more than the various branches of knowledge, it is the source that is most important and everything is directly derived from the Source. One who realizes this Truth would attain Immortality.

This is the wisdom of the Masters of Sahaj Marg who say that we should seek only the Highest, the Source from which everything comes, including knowledge etc. and not seek what gives us worldly things.