About the founder of the method that has changed the lives of thousands of people around the world for the better
A life dedicated to humanity
All the authors of the creative projects on this site use spontaneous self-realization and meditation according to the Sahaja Yoga method to correct and balance their internal state on all known levels, as well as for creative inspiration.
1923–1970
The founder of the method was Nirmala Srivastava (Sri Mataji is the name of the spiritual mentor who manifests in a caring maternal form), who was born on March 21, 1923, exactly at twelve o'clock on the day of the spring equinox in the city of Chhindwara, the geographical center of India.
Her parents, Sri P.K. Salve and Srimati Cornelia Salve, were direct descendants of the Shalivahana royal dynasty and played a key role in the Indian independence movement. Her father, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and participated in the writing of independent India's first constitution. He was a renowned scholar, spoke 14 languages, and translated the Quran into Marathi. Her mother was the first woman in India to earn a diploma with honors in mathematics.
Recognizing their daughter's depth of character and spirituality, her parents left her alone when she meditated. She became the head of her family and extended family with her loving and caring nature. When her parents were absent due to the Indian freedom struggle, it was she who took care of her brothers and sisters.
Recognizing their daughter's depth of character and spirituality, her parents left her alone when she meditated. She became the head of her family and extended family with her loving and caring nature. When her parents were absent due to the Indian freedom struggle, it was she who took care of her brothers and sisters.
“I met him… he recognized me immediately,” Shri Mataji recalled. “He said, ‘We will meet after prayer.’ When I met him, he said, ‘Now do some constructive work. Do some constructive work…’”
Shri Mataji studied medicine at the Christian Medical College in Ludhiana and at Balakrama College in Lahore (pre-independence India).
In 1947, India finally became a free country. Many years had passed since Shri Mataji had spoken with Mahatma Gandhi as a child. Among other things, she taught him the order of reciting shlokas, prayers, and bhajans during morning meditation to best awaken the subtle system of the brain. Shortly before his final days, he asked to see her.
In 1947, India finally became a free country. Many years had passed since Shri Mataji had spoken with Mahatma Gandhi as a child. Among other things, she taught him the order of reciting shlokas, prayers, and bhajans during morning meditation to best awaken the subtle system of the brain. Shortly before his final days, he asked to see her.
Shortly before India's independence, Shri Mataji married Sir K.P. Srivastava, one of India's most dedicated civil servants, who was knighted by the Queen of England. He served as Honorary Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization. From 1964 to 1966, he was Deputy Secretary in the Office of the late Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. Prime Minister Shastri himself was a paragon of integrity in Indian political history.
Shri Mataji never discriminated against anyone, regardless of their religion or background, and always encouraged integration.
Her younger brother, Shri H.P. Salve, affectionately known as Babamama, said: “During the communal riots (during the 1947 partition), someone knocked on the door one day. When Shri Mataji opened it, she saw a woman and two men standing at the entrance, looking extremely frightened. They told Shri Mataji that they were refugees from Pakistan, and since one of them was a Muslim, Hindus were chasing them with drawn swords. Shri Mataji, without hesitation, took them and hid them in a room. After some time, men arrived with drawn swords and said that a Muslim was hiding in the house. Shri Mataji categorically denied everything and saved their lives. These three later became famous Bollywood personalities."
Shri Mataji was a very quiet social worker. She raised money for a sanatorium near Chandrapur in Maharashtra. She became president of the Friends of the Blind Society. In Meerut, she founded a shelter for refugees and a home for the disabled.
Her younger brother, Shri H.P. Salve, affectionately known as Babamama, said: “During the communal riots (during the 1947 partition), someone knocked on the door one day. When Shri Mataji opened it, she saw a woman and two men standing at the entrance, looking extremely frightened. They told Shri Mataji that they were refugees from Pakistan, and since one of them was a Muslim, Hindus were chasing them with drawn swords. Shri Mataji, without hesitation, took them and hid them in a room. After some time, men arrived with drawn swords and said that a Muslim was hiding in the house. Shri Mataji categorically denied everything and saved their lives. These three later became famous Bollywood personalities."
Shri Mataji was a very quiet social worker. She raised money for a sanatorium near Chandrapur in Maharashtra. She became president of the Friends of the Blind Society. In Meerut, she founded a shelter for refugees and a home for the disabled.
Shri Mataji founded the Youth Film Society to instill national, social, and moral values in young people. She also served as a member of the Mumbai Film Censor Board. In her address, Shri Mataji spoke of the truth and necessity of implementing the collective doctrine of the United Nations. She spoke of the role of inner energy in this implementation.
"We talk about environmental problems," she said, "about this problem, about that problem, but we don't think about how to get out of them. If the United Nations wants to manifest itself in reality, then I would say that the people of the United Nations must first achieve self-realization, and only then will they be able to understand who they are… They have so many paths and so many powers that they can use. And that is the power of love.”
"We talk about environmental problems," she said, "about this problem, about that problem, but we don't think about how to get out of them. If the United Nations wants to manifest itself in reality, then I would say that the people of the United Nations must first achieve self-realization, and only then will they be able to understand who they are… They have so many paths and so many powers that they can use. And that is the power of love.”
1970–2011
After fulfilling her family duty of raising her two daughters, Shri Mataji embarked on her spiritual mission. She assisted those who sought her guidance in their sorrows and anxieties until every question was answered, all sounds were replaced by deep silence, and a glimmer of light shone in the eyes that had seen the truth.
Her style was never to confront or challenge anyone's ego, so she presented herself as a simple housewife and worked with endless patience, kindness, tact, and humor.
Shri Mataji's thousands and thousands of public lectures, delivered over more than 40 years and bringing her wisdom to the general public, are known to exemplify skillful diplomacy. Her message of eternal truths was conveyed with the perfect balance of gravity, grace, and gentle tact. Whether speaking in a modest small hall before 5 or 20 people, or in huge auditoriums before tens of thousands, her manner remained unchanged.
Dignified and always respectful of the dignity of others, very maternal and spontaneous, but with the absolute authority of someone who knows she speaks the truth.
Shri Mataji traveled extensively, year after year, traversing the world, driven by compassion for people seeking to help them transform themselves and change others. Everyone felt special thanks to her warm gratitude.
Shri Mataji's thousands and thousands of public lectures, delivered over more than 40 years and bringing her wisdom to the general public, are known to exemplify skillful diplomacy. Her message of eternal truths was conveyed with the perfect balance of gravity, grace, and gentle tact. Whether speaking in a modest small hall before 5 or 20 people, or in huge auditoriums before tens of thousands, her manner remained unchanged.
Dignified and always respectful of the dignity of others, very maternal and spontaneous, but with the absolute authority of someone who knows she speaks the truth.
Shri Mataji traveled extensively, year after year, traversing the world, driven by compassion for people seeking to help them transform themselves and change others. Everyone felt special thanks to her warm gratitude.
Shri Mataji worked with genuine dedication, but at times she was discouraged by this cynical world, because people found it difficult to believe that someone could be motivated by pure love alone. She was adamant, understanding the importance of continuing to bring enlightenment and raise the level of consciousness of humanity. Shri Mataji faced this difficult task with the same courage she had shown in her youth.
“Oh God, look how much I can give, how many cups I can fill.” It is such a wonderful feeling. I would like you to know what a mother is, and what kind of motherhood you have to master for the sake of your children and grandchildren, and spread it throughout the universe. This is such a great quality that a woman has.” (Shri Mataji, March 27, 1981)
She had the highest respect for the status of a housewife and mother: "I said that’s the most important thing. Look at Me. The most important thing is to be a mother, to love everyone, so that they depend on you for love and guidance — just for love. It’s so great to feel:
In addition to being a loving mother to two daughters, Shri Mataji also happily supported her husband in his international diplomatic career. As his wife, she traveled extensively and met with many people from all walks of life: kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, civil servants, tycoons, and artists, among others. She attended and hosted international events and diplomatic dinners with grace and confidence, and was always beloved by her husband's staff for her maternal care.
She demonstrated that these nurturing qualities have eternal value and are a true source of strength not only for women, but that men, too, must develop these maternal qualities for the evolution of humanity.
She demonstrated that these nurturing qualities have eternal value and are a true source of strength not only for women, but that men, too, must develop these maternal qualities for the evolution of humanity.
Shri Mataji also encouraged the arts and creativity. She spent many nights staying up until the early hours, watching performances by world-renowned musicians and humble artists with equal attention and pleasure.
Besides being a connoisseur of music, she also demonstrated remarkable architectural and design skills, creating stunning homes for her family around the world. Some she designed from scratch and meticulously oversaw their construction. Others she completely renovated in a luxurious yet inviting style that warmly welcomed a constant stream of family, friends, colleagues, and devotees. She built these wonderful residences in her own unique manner; with a feminine approach, like preparing a dish from a recipe. Shri Mataji would go to the source and buy materials in bulk during the cheapest season, gather workers around her, care for them, provide them with housing and cook for them, creating a family.
She inspired such devotion and respect that they produced exemplary work.
Besides being a connoisseur of music, she also demonstrated remarkable architectural and design skills, creating stunning homes for her family around the world. Some she designed from scratch and meticulously oversaw their construction. Others she completely renovated in a luxurious yet inviting style that warmly welcomed a constant stream of family, friends, colleagues, and devotees. She built these wonderful residences in her own unique manner; with a feminine approach, like preparing a dish from a recipe. Shri Mataji would go to the source and buy materials in bulk during the cheapest season, gather workers around her, care for them, provide them with housing and cook for them, creating a family.
She inspired such devotion and respect that they produced exemplary work.
As her worldwide family grew in numbers and depth, they gradually realized her true nature, which went far beyond that of a loving motherly guru. They discovered that by honoring her waves of bliss—chaitanya lahari—they filled the atmosphere, permeating every soul and elevating everyone to the innermost Spirit. Through this emanation of vibrations, they could not only experience a deep meditative state but also recognize their own vibrational essence, as well as the essence of others.
It was this tangible, shared experience of the phenomenon of collective consciousness that inspired awe and reverence for Her throughout the world.
It was this tangible, shared experience of the phenomenon of collective consciousness that inspired awe and reverence for Her throughout the world.
Shri Mataji single-handedly created a vibrant global movement that transformed people and empowered them to transform others. She said that people do this through their devotion, and devotion must come from the heart, which cannot be organized. It is a living process of ascension and, ultimately, the salvation of humanity. The love that emanated from her created a wave of devotion that continues to inspire. Her disciples still freely spread enlightenment throughout the world, continually expanding Sahaja Yoga, simply by using her photograph.
Shri Mataji first came to the USSR in 1989 and conducted the first Sahaja Yoga program in St. Petersburg. That same year, she met with the USSR Minister of Health. Following this meeting, Sahaja Yoga in the Soviet Union was granted full state support.
Shri Mataji's dedicated work has been recognized with numerous international awards and prizes, the listing of which alone would take several pages. However, the main result of her selfless service is the thousands upon thousands of people in dozens of countries who have found health, joy, spiritual well-being, love, and realized the true meaning of their lives.
Shri Mataji's dedicated work has been recognized with numerous international awards and prizes, the listing of which alone would take several pages. However, the main result of her selfless service is the thousands upon thousands of people in dozens of countries who have found health, joy, spiritual well-being, love, and realized the true meaning of their lives.
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was a transcendent personality, clothed in the glorious form of a loving mother. She demonstrated patience and nurturing love that encompassed the entire world. Her sermons revealed spiritual truth and united the essence of all faiths into one universal religion. But even beyond this, she was a divine catalyst of the subtle inner force that unites, transforms, and empowers. She bestowed mass awareness, allowing human consciousness to evolve into a collective one, and will forever be remembered as the great pure Divine Mother, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
Shri Mataji completed Her earthly work on February 23, 2011.
More information about Shri Mataji and Sahaja Yoga can be found on the international website: https://shrimataji.org/
More information about Shri Mataji and Sahaja Yoga can be found on the international website: https://shrimataji.org/
Briefly about the method
The sacrum bone (sacred bone), named so by the Greeks 2500 years ago, contains the potential energy of Mother Nature. This energy (in a coiled state) lies dormant at the base of the spine, within the sacrum bone, awaiting the pure desire of the seeker to invite and trigger its awakening. Once awakened, it ascends or is resurrected, moving from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. As it ascends, it activates the various chakras (energy centers) located along the spine, nourishing, cleansing and vitalizing these centers. Once it reaches the crown of the head, where the fontanelle is located, it establishes a connection with the Universe on a subtle level. This connection is known as Yoga, and the process of becoming in Sahaja Yoga is called Self-Realization. Sahaja Yoga itself means innate or spontaneous union or connection.
This evolutionary and spiritual breakthrough marks the beginning of a new awareness in which one is no longer limited or imprisoned within the confines of an individual consciousness governed by egoic faculties and conditioning. Instead, one is able to go beyond the wondrous but often limiting mental faculties, beyond the mind and thought, to enter a state of thoughtless awareness known in the Indian tradition as Nirvikalpa Samadhi. This reality is not achieved through human effort, diligence, or concentration. Nor is it achieved through mental acrobatics or intellectual acuity. It is achieved through a process of pure desire and surrender, in which the awakened energy itself “does everything” and facilitates our entry into the state of thoughtless awareness through its natural, innate properties.
These properties have been mentioned for centuries in scriptures, poetry, spiritual teachings and wisdom texts.
Yoga, or energetic union, became a low-effort practice; there was no longer any need to stand on your head or purchase an expensive mantra. Achieving enlightenment in the heart of London became much easier than in the Himalayas. Visits to a psychologist's office were no longer necessary. Shri Mataji wasn't concerned with the number of people in her programs; she was more interested in the quality of seekers. She never charged money for self-realization or for developing her method; in fact, she invested her own funds in the development of Sahaja Yoga. Until her last day, Shri Mataji remained confident that there is no need to pay for your own spiritual growth.
By awakening our inner spiritual energy, we can experience the unity of all aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Thousands of people in more than 180 countries have already experienced this enlightenment. True peace on earth can only be achieved through the transformation of human beings. Sahaja Yoga is a unique discovery.
By awakening our inner spiritual energy, we can experience the unity of all aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Thousands of people in more than 180 countries have already experienced this enlightenment. True peace on earth can only be achieved through the transformation of human beings. Sahaja Yoga is a unique discovery.
Achieve your self-realization, join our creative projects and learn from your own experience how to benefit from awakening the natural seed energy of “Mother Nature” that exists within us.
Feedback form
Форма обратной связи
