Shri Mataji used the ancient process of awakening the Kundalini as the foundation of Sahaja Yoga Meditation. In the past, the awakening of this inner spiritual energy was achieved by only a few individuals, through arduous efforts of purification, asceticism, and prolonged meditation.

Shri Mataji discovered a spontaneous method to awaken this energy, which requires no previous knowledge or spiritual practice. This spontaneous awakening can then be passed on to others, without the necessity of paying money, acquiring a diploma, or becoming a disciple. “Like a candle that is lit can light another candle.” It has been introduced in corporations (through the Center for Evolutionary Learning), schools (through the Health Corps and other programs), hospitals and prisons, with positive, documented results. Self-realization is the name given to this awakening.

The subtle energy known in Sanskrit as Kundalini resides at the base of the spinal cord. When awakened, this benevolent, nurturing energy passes upward through the nerve plexuses in the body and comes out of the top of the head at the fontanelle bone area. One can feel this energy as a cool breeze above the head, as well as in the palms of the hands. This energy, sustained through the practice of Sahaja Yoga meditation, has a curative and balancing effect on our system. It also facilitates a restorative state known as thoughtless awareness, in which the mind is in repose yet perfectly aware. What makes Sahaja Yoga meditation different from other techniques is that this state of thoughtless awareness happens spontaneously and without effort. Because of its simplicity and accessibility, hundreds of thousands of people have received their self-realization through Sahaja Yoga, with meditation centres in over 95 countries offering permanently free courses and community support to practitioners of this simple, yet vital, meditation. The experience of self-realization through Sahaja Yoga offers significant benefits to those who dedicate even a small amount of time to daily meditation. It reduces stress and fatigue, restores emotional balance, and gives one a sense of peace and satisfaction, even in the most turbulent of circumstances.