Sahaj Marg

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Sahaj Marg, which essentially translates to "natural path" is the system of practical training in spirituality offered by Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

Contents 1 Teachings from the Sahaj Marg material 1.1 On other religions 1.2 On chosing a master 1.3 On freedom 1.4 On homosexuality 1.5 On philosophy 1.6 Be like lions 1.7 On idolatry 1.8 On donations 1.9 On democracy 2 Masters and leadership 3 Aims and ideals 4 Philosophy 5 Method (daily practice) 5.1 Practice of Meditation for Beginners 5.2 Morning 5.3 Evening 5.4 Prayer 5.5 Prayer 6 Activities 7 Publications 7.1 Whispers from the Brighter World 7.2 Other publications 8 References 9 See also 10 External links

[edit] Teachings from the Sahaj Marg material

Its adherents see it as a natural, simple heart-based approach to realizing the presence of the divine within their lives. The Shri Ram Chandra Mission is the main proponent of the Sahaj Marg system.

Sahaj Marg is a remodeled and modified version of Raja Yoga (yoga of the mind) simplified to suit and help the man of present-day world to achieve the same level of inner perfection as the Master, which according to Sahah Marg is a synonym for God Realization. It is a non-renunciate form of Raja Yoga, the 'renunciation' (renouncing the material world) of Raja Yoga having been replaced by 'detachment' (detachment from the material world) and attachment to the Divine. Adherents will note that the "austerities" (tapas) and the Yamas with regards to the "non-receiving of any gifts" as described by Swami Vivekananda are not part of Sahaj Marg. (Complete works of Swami Vivekananda-see references)

The Mind is the key instrument in a human being and by proper regulation of mind through meditation under practical guidance and support of a spiritual Master, who allegedly erases one's samskaras (imprints on the soul by our past thoughts or actions), one can evolve to the highest that the Master has attained. The Master transmits to the disciple directly or through a preceptor that the disciple sees once a week in a private sitting. There is also one or two group sittings and reading of Master's material every week. There is a suggested daily practice which involves a daily meditation, a daily cleansing, a weekly private sitting with a preceptor, and one or two group sittings per week. There are gatherings on the birthdays of the Masters. Some abhyasis organize discussions of the guru's writings. Reading of the Master's writings is suggested. Vegetarianism is encouraged.

Sahaj Marg is a non-monastic movement. Those who adhere to the practice are referred to as 'abhyasis'; a preceptor is an abhyasi who has been prepared and permitted by the Master to introduce people to the Sahaj Marg system and conduct group meditation. Sahaj Marg says that adherents of all religions are welcome, and do not have to reject their religion to practice Sahaj Marg.

The practice of Sahaj Marg can be completely free of charge. There can be minor donations suggested for administrative expenses, like producing new membership cards and to cover the costs incurred to organize Mission gatherings. However, these donations are never compulsory and can be waived on request. The practice of Sahaj Marg can be completely free of charge. There can be minor donations suggested for administrative expenses, like producing new membership cards and to cover the costs incurred to organize Mission gatherings. However, these donations are never compulsory and can be waived on request.

Due to the technique used in SRCMtm, it has been reported by some people that they experienced physical difficulties after receiving a "sitting". This is called progress. Kindly note the physical impedments observed in some people who have tried this method and have experienced physical difficulties, after leaving it.

[edit] On other religions

On all religions- Sahaj Marg claims to "erase Samskaras" (imprint on the soul). The current Master, Chariji, (please see note below - Chari requests all to stop addressing him as "Master") stated that abhyasis were lucky. If they were in religion, he said, they would have to go to church and "you know", tell lies in that "wonderful place called the confessional". “Lord, forgive me for what I have done this week.” And there would be an equally sinful priest on the other side of the curtain saying, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I absolve you of your sins.” Something that according to Chariji, he has no power to do. No man on earth has power, he states, to absolve you of your sins except two people: one, oneself, and the other, God. In between there is nobody who can do it, he stated. Then he added, that is why religion is useless, that is why religion has failed. That’s why, the Master (please see note below - Chari requests all to stop addessing him as Master) stated, the abhyasis are all there, not in church. (Speech, (Reverence, Respect & Restraint), Denmark, Nov. 2005, see references)

...and later:

Chariji stated that he was no Christ, ("you know"), to crucify himself on the cross for all of them. Did they think Christ was a wise man, he asked, that he (Christ) became crucified so that forever and ever after humanity would be absolved of its sins? "I don’t think so", he said. It gave people more license for indulgence. But after all, he said, they have been forgiven two thousand years ago for what they are going to do today, what their children were going to do ten years hence. He said that he did not think he (Christ) was wise. According to Chariji, he (Christ) left no room, no incentive for human beings to change, become moral, become spiritual. He said that they were all happy that they had a Christ who got crucified. He added that none of us weep for Christ and that we were happy. “God bless him,” we say, which is another blasphemy. He then said that the abhyasis need blessings, not Christ. (Speech, (Reverence, Respect & Restraint), Denmark, Nov. 2005, see references)

At a preceptors' seminar in January, 2001, Chariji stated:

"In the Indian scene, the Hindus and Hinduism is corrupt. God is personified as somebody who can be bribed with gifts, with so called prasads - offering temptation of Heaven which fact Babuji emphasized in His teachings, saying that religions depends on two instruments - temptation and fear."

"I am afraid that Sahaj Marg is suffering in this way because even when Christian people become abhyasis and preceptors, they somehow, somewhere along the way seem to lose this idea of love, charity, compassion, faith and become preceptors. So what Spirituality offers and can deliver, our priesthood, I would categorize you as, say temporarily as priesthood - they destroy." (Speech, Preceptor's Seminar, Jan. 2001-See references)

Written in the Sahaj Marg material: Abhyasi's question:"..... "Why do I have to give up my existing religious practices....."

Master's (please see note below - Chari requests all to stop addressing him as Master) answer: "All religious practice involve the worship of God as being outside us. It is called Bahya Upachara in Sanskrit. Spirituality puts God where HE really is - inside the human heart, and indeed at the heart of every created thing, as Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita. One cannot mix the two. In the Vedas Murthy Pooja is called the lowest form of worship. Mantra is only a way of pleasing the mind, and bhajans please the senses, while giving the illusion of being a form of worship. I trust that this will be satisfactory. If people have more questions, they should be encouraged to read the Gita slowly, and try to understand it. Love to all." (Sahaj Sandesh No.: 2005.31- See references)

According to the teaching of this system, God is simple, and therefore, the way to reach Him must be simple. On the Nature of the Divine, when asked why in all the written material, God was referred to as "Him", Chariji replied: "God is Male, Nature is female." (SMRTI-Youth Services-Story Telling-See references)

Chariji has repeatedly asked people to stop calling him "Master" or referring to him as such.

In his "Heart to Heart - Vol. 1" by P. Rajagopalachari. (Pages 270-280 "Who is a Master?") 1st Edition 1988 - Published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.

"But somje people persist in addressing me as "Master". I have been annoyed by this practice myself..I have never claimed to be a Master.. It is unfortunate that some people ..are addressing me by that term."

"So in fact, the purpose of my talk is to request all of you to stop addressing me as Master."

In spite of this, many of Chariji's followers seem to persist in disobeying his requests.

[edit] On chosing a master

On choosing a guru, Chariji in his book: Heart of the Lion, states:

"....So I repeat, the Guru is the only friend. In fact, I have said this so often, that in the Sufi philosophy, the Guru is called Friend. "The Friend is coming". Because he is the only fellow who can give his life for you. He is the only fellow, therefore, to whom you must hand over totally, a Power of Attorney....."Do with me as you think I deserve to be done with. Kick me when I have to be kicked. Beat me when I have to be beaten. Curse me when I have to be cursed. But make of me what you think I should be eventually, because only you can do it."

"So once more I say this in all humility....if you must have a Master, find a fellow who is capable of, you know, throwing you around, beating you up, cutting you to pieces. Remember Parushurama's father and the stern test that young boy had to make for obedience...."Kill your Mother". "Yes"..."

"He pulled out the sword and cut off her head. He said, "I am pleased with you my son. Ask for anything you want." He said, "I want my mother alive." And He said, "So be it." and she got up and walked off. The Guru is the Master, when you say of destiny, it means life and death. He must be the Master of your life as he must be the Master of your death." (From Heart of the Lion, Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari-see references)

Chari has repeatedly asked people to stop calling him "Master" or referring to him as such.

In his "Heart to Heart - Vol.l" by P. Rajagopalachari. (Pages 270-280 "Who is a Master?") 1st Edition 1988 - Published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.

"But some people persist in addressing me as "Master". I have been annoyed by this practice myself..I have never claimed to be a Master..It is unfortunate that some people ..are addressing me by that term."

"So in fact, the purpose of my talk is to request all of you to stop addressing me as Master."

In spite of this, many of Chari's followers apparently persist in disobeying his wishes.

[edit] On freedom

On freedom, in Salient Points of Sahaj Marg, it states that with Sahaj Marg, abhyasis have voluntarily, whole-heartedly and devotedly surrendered it to the Master of their Soul. To those who are fortunate enough to arrive at this stage, the Master is apparently no longer a guide for spirituality alone. He has now become the Master of the abhyasis' life in all it's aspects of existence. He apparently has become the father, the mother, the son, the teacher, the doctor, in fact, there is no role that He does not play in the abhyasi's life. He has taken total charge of the abhyasi. It further states that only the surrendering to Him can bring about a state where He can take total charge of the abhyasis! (From Salient Features of Sahaj Marg - Series 2- Page 26 See references)

[edit] On homosexuality

On homosexuality, the Master (please see referenced note - Chari requests all to stop addressing him as Master)of this system in a recent speech said that unlike the churches of the world, Sahaj Marg does not perform same-sex marriages. "That is unnatural", he said. God did not intend it to be thus, he added. He then said it was a personal comment. But there are things credited to Babuji Maharaj “If God did not want two sexes, he could have as well created one and seen that the world propagated by itself."...Why two sexes? he questioned. Apparently not so that one sex should marry among themselves, according to Sahaj Marg Masters. "So, what the church may allow, I don’t have to condone or accept", he said, not mentionning what churches condones or performs same-sex marriages. "To me", Chariji said, "it is a very blatant misuse of so-called privileges of the human being, fundamental rights, et cetera. Of course, if you claim it is your fundamental right to go the dogs, so be it! Even God cannot stop it. Speech by Chariji "Balance-The Crux of Life" Jan 20, 2006 in Malaysia

Some claim it is a fact (unsubstantiated) that there are followers, both abhyasis and preceptors who are homosexual.^{[citation needed]} There are other claims that gay families have been broken up or have left. (see testimonial on discussion page)^{[citation needed]}

[edit] On philosophy

On the philosophy of Sahaj Marg, in a speech on New Year's Day, 2005 at Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam, India, according to Chariji, there is no room for philosophy in speeches of Sahaj Marg. In fact, he stated, "Sahaj Marg has no philosophy. It does not rest on any philosophy. It is neither advaita nor dvaita nor vishishta advaita." (From Speech by Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari -Jan 1, 2005 at Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam, India- see references)

On the other hand, the founder of the Shri Ram Chandra Mision, Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, affectionately known as "Babuji", wrote the book: "SAHAJ MARG PHILOSOPHY", first published by the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur, in 1969.

[edit] Be like lions

Be like lions: Sahaj Marg wants the abhyasis to be like lions:

The abhyasi is asked to look within. Look to the Heart. Build your heart, they are told. Make it brave, make it strong, make it courageous. They are asked to be lions, as Babuji wanted, he exhorts. He said: "One lion is worth more that five hundred sheep." It is not that we do not accept sheep but we accept sheep who are willing to become lions, not sheep who want to stay on as sheep.......And what was but a shepherd's pen has now become the jungle in which the lions roam freely. This is what Sahaj Marg is setting out to achieve, according to Babuji. ".....He wanted our hearts to be like lions - brave, courageous, capable of discrimination, able to give up everything for the sake of the Master." (From Salient Points of Sahaj Marg, Series 2-Page 21 see references)

[edit] On idolatry

On idolatry, the Sahaj Marg material states:

"Sahaj Marg has nowhere said temple worship is wrong, nor does Master expressly forbid idol worship" ....To abhyasis, the preceptor, apparently, becomes such an idol. The author states: "I believe that any abhyasi who says, "my preceptor" when talking about the preceptor who is serving him has fallen into this form of idol worship." It appears that there is concern that the preceptor can be transformed into an idol, or idolised. The author follows: "Here again the Master may be in the background, but is that Master's rightful place?"

"So Master's message is quite clear. All credit goes to our Master. When we give credit where it is not due, that too is a form of idol worship. We should beware of falling into such errors......." ("Salient Features of Sahaj Marg" (SMRI Series 3) Page 52-53 see references)

[edit] On donations

On donations, the abhyasis is to think that it is their Mission, it is their Master, it is His plant, therefore, it is theirs, then, apparently, there is no sacrifice, there is no giving. The abhyasis are only watering their own plant. Who should they credit for it, is the question asked by the Master.

To think that the Master depends on the abhyasis' donation could very possibly be a sin, according to the Master. Masters exist in a dimension where money does not play a part. Whenever the Master makes the abhyasis donate something, he apparently does so as to lighten their burdens. Their contribution to the Master's work is apparently of the same proportion as the squirrel's contribution to Lord Rama's work. (from Salient Points of Sahaj Marg Series 3- Page 25 See references)

According to SRCM Shahjahanpur, registered in India, this statement about donations is not part of the original teachings of Sahaj Marg and does not exist in the original tenets or philosophy of Sahaj Marg, nor can it be considered to be in any way in the spirit of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, or of its founder Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (affectionately known as Babuji), nor that of his Master, Shri Ram Chandra of Fategarh (Lalaji).

See references-Books by Shri Ram Chandra (Babuji) including: "Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg", "The Efficacy of Raja Yoga in the Light of Sahaj Marg", "Towards Infinity", "Reality at Dawn" etc. All published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, U.P., India.

See also: "Truth Eternal" - the original writings of Samarth Guru Shri Ram Chandra Maharaj of Fategarh, U.P. First edition published 1973 by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, U.P., India.

[edit] On democracy

On democracy, the current Master, Chariji (see referenced note - Chari has requested that all stop addressing him as Master) stated that until there are no walls, one cannot say, "We're a free people," because, according to Chariji, we are only selecting the people we will accept. According to him, democracy is like a club, a select club, a rich man's club, a club of power. According to Chariji, because any organisation, including a democracy, has the power of accepting or rejecting, we can't say it is a free organisation? "Yes or no?" he asked. "No", he replied.

Chariji claimed that Sahaj Marg has no such restriction. Everybody, from anywhere in the world is welcome. According to Chariji, everybody can come, everybody can go. Apparently, there are no restrictions. There are no fees. There are no restriction of education. "Is it a free organisation?", he asked. "Is it human? Is it the real democracy of a free people, for a free people, by a free people? Yes or no?" (Audience: "Yes.")"

Then Chari stated: "So Sahaj Marg is today, in my opinion, the only organisation in this world fulfilling the requirements of this definition of "Liberté, egalité, fraternité" [Freedom, equality, fraternity]. Vive le Sahaj Marg! [Long live Sahaj Marg!] (applause)." (from Shri P. Rajagopalachari at Cossonay, Switzerland on July 13, 2003-see references)

[edit] Masters and leadership

According to Sahaj Marg material, there have been three gurus, or Masters, each of whom is believed to have passed on his spiritual condition and teachings to his most capable disciple.

The first guru of the Sahaj Marg lineage was Shri Ram Chandraji of Fategargh, affectionately known as Lalaji who was a Master of the Naqashbandi order of Sufism but who according to non-Sufi followers, became God realized after only 7 months of meditadion and created the "heart to heart" transmission. According to Naqsh MuMRa i.e. Naqshbandia Mujaddidia Mazaharia Ramchandria, Lalaji's Master was Maulana Fazl Ahmad Khan (Hujur Maharaj), sixth from Mirza Zanzana, and thirty-sixth in the line of succession of the Naqshbandi Order. Naqsh Mumra refers to a stream of the great Naqshbandi Sufi Silsila (Order). It is an Indian-Sufi branch. Before dying, Lalaji's spiritual competence was tested by his Master in a meditation with a multi-denominational panel. The panel agreed that Lalaji was a "perfect copy" of his Master. Lalaji, the first "giaour" or "non Muslim" of the Naqshbandia Order, lived from 1873 to 1931.

His successor (debated..see Yogabhyas site) was Shri Ram Chandra Ji of Shahjahanpur, who lived from 1899 to 1983 and was affectionately known as Babuji. Babuji claims to have received his successorship from Lalaji in a dream. On the Sufi lineage or Naqsh MuMRa i.e. Naqshbandia Mujaddidia Mazaharia Ramchandria which refers to a stream of the great Naqshbandi Sufi Silsila (Order), Mahatma Ram Chandraji apparently blessed Thakur Ram Singhji to be a ‘Fanafil-Murid’ i.e. ‘a disciple with whom his Master has merged’ and that his fame would spread like the smell of roses.

The succession of the current guru, Chariji, has been debated by the sons of the late Dr.Varadachari, professor of Philosophy even though the former Guru Babuji, wrote an allegedly authenticated letter in which he stated the desire that Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari be his successor. Babuji gave three copies of the same letter stating his desire for Chariji to be his successor to Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, to Kasturi and to a western associate. Shri KC Narayana of the break-away ISRC (Institute for Ram Chandra Institute), who was a member of the Working committee of SRCM in 1974 does not dispute the Presidency of SRCM but claims that the words "spiritual representative" are not in the document. ISRC claims Shri Ram Chandra as their Master.

The alleged current living guru, born in 1927, Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, a chemical engineer who in 1955, joined the T. T. Krishnamachari group of companies, thereafter rising to the position of Executive Director of the Indian Textile Paper Tube Company and is affectionately known as Chariji.

Chariji has repeatedly requested that people stop calling him "Master" or referring to him as such.

In his "Heart to Heart - Vol.l" by P.Rajagopachari. (Pages 270-280 "Who is a Master?". lst Edition 1988 - Published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.

"But some people persist is addressing me as "Master". I have been annoyed by this practice myself...I have never claimed to be a Master...It is unfortunate that some people...are addressing me by that term."

"So in fact, the purpose of my talk is to request all of you to stop addressing me as Master."

However,his followers apparently persist in disobeying his wishes in this matter.

According to Babuji's family and the SRCM registered in India in 1946, following the death of Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (affectionately known as Babuji), founder of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission and the originator of Sahaj Marg, the Working Committee, Centre-in-Charge/Preceptors/Organisers of Shri Ram Chandra Mission in India and Abroad sent out a Circular, dated 15th February, 1984, naming Shri Umesh Chandra Saxena (Babuji's son)as Successor/President. This followed the Meetings of the Working Committee of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission on 6/7th February, 1984, at Shahjahanpur, and the Meeting of the General Body (comprising 982 members present) of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission on 8th February, 1984.

(See Circular, Working Committee, Centre-in-Charge/Preceptors/Organisers of Shri Ram Chandra Mission in India & Abroad, dated 15th February, 1984).

(See also Minutes of the Working Committee, 6/7th February, 1984, at Shahjahanpur, U.P., India.)

(See also Minutes of General Body Meeting (982 present), 8th February, 1984, Shahjahanpur, U.P., India.)

[edit] Aims and ideals

The Ten Maxims of Sahaj Marg

• Rise before dawn. Offer your prayer and puja at a fixed hour, preferably before sunrise, sitting in one and the same pose. Have a separate place and seat for worship. Purity of mind and body should be specially adhered to.
• Begin your puja with a prayer for spiritual elevation, with a heart full of love and devotion.
• Fix up your goal which should be 'complete oneness' with God. Rest not till the ideal is achieved.
• Be plain and simple to be identical with nature.
• Be truthful. Take miseries as Divine Blessings for your own good and be thankful.
• Know all people as thy brethren and treat them as such.
• Be not revengeful for the wrongs done by others. Take them with gratitude as heavenly gifts.
• Be happy to eat in constant divine thoughts whatever you get, with due regard to honest and pious earnings.
• Mould your life so as to arouse a feeling of love and piety in others.
• At bedtime, feeling the presence of God, repent for the wrongs committed. Beg forgiveness in a supplicant mood, resolving not to allow repetition of the same.

[edit] Philosophy

The stated goal of the Sahaj Marg practice is complete oneness with God, or the Ultimate. Two unique features are said to set the method apart from all other meditative practices: evening cleaning, by which impressions (samskaras) and complexities are removed from the heart; and pranahuti. Pranahuti, although also practiced by Lalaji, his Master, and the other Masters of the Sufi lineages and others, was incorporated and claimed by Sahaj Marg as "unique" to Sahaj Marg.

Pranahuti is the technique by which the master transmits divine energy from his heart in India to the heart of the aspirant. With the assistance of the master, trained prefects (instructors), and the aspirant's own dedicated practice, the promise of spiritual evolution in Sahaj Marg can quickly become a reality although some have performed the practice for up to 25 years and more without any verifiable signs or indications of being 'God realized' being witnessed. Traditionally, however, "God Realization" is something which is supposed to take many thousands of years and lifetimes, as per the example of the ancient rishis who supposedly meditated for 20,000 years before attaining whatever they attained. The Sahaj Marg is a non-aligned spiritual movement in which members of all religions are welcomed to meditate together to build religious unity. It is an ideal from the old Sufi-Bhakti tradition.

[edit] Method (daily practice)

There are three steps to the practice: morning meditation, evening cleaning and night prayer meditation. The rest of the day should be spent in 'constant remembrance' of the Master thinking that all our actions are being done by the Master. The disciple is encouraged to see the Master in India or when he comes to a place near them.

[edit] Practice of Meditation for Beginners

[edit] Morning

Sit in meditation for an hour thinking that Divine Light is present in your heart. Do it in quite a simple and natural way without forcing your mind. Never mind if you do not see the light there. Start with a mere supposition, so to say, and sit meditating in one posture with your attention turned towards the heart in a natural way without any effort to concentrate. Try to be unmindful of the thoughts arising at that time.

(From "Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg" by Ram Chandra (Founder & President)published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur, U.P. See references)

[edit] Evening

Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (affectionately known as "Babuji"), founder of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission and the originator of Sahaj Marg, gave the instruction as follows:

"Sit for half an hour with a suggestion to yourself that all complexities and impurities including grossness, darkness etc. are going out of the wholesystem through the backside in the form of smoke or vapour. Do not meditate on those things which we want to get rid of. Simply brush them off."

(From "Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg" by Shri Ram Chandra, published 1981 by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur, U.P.- See references)

[edit] Prayer

Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (affectionately known as Babuji) the founder of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission and originator of Sahaj Marg gave out the practice for the prayer simply as follows:

"Just before going to bed at night, offer prayer. The proper and the most effective method of prayer is to sit in a suppliant mood and repeat the same mentally twice or thrice. Then begin to meditate over its true sense and try to get lost into it."

(See references-"Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg", Second Edition 1981, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur.)

[edit] Prayer

"0, Master!

Thou art the real goal of human life,

We are yet but slaves of wishes

Putting bar to our advancement,

Thou art the only God and power

To bring us up to that stage."

To Whom is the Mission Prayer Addressed and Why

"Babuji himself has written that ultimately He (pointing upwards) is the real Master . . . and all the human Masters who come on this world, on this earth, are His representatives. If that is so, then why do we address the prayer, "Oh, Master" and not "Oh, God". Now today I am giving you the answer for that. Because God, it is a living God who is before you in the form of the Master ...this is an embodied flesh-and-blood divinity . . . who can understand our needs; who can understand our temperaments; who can sympathize with us, being human himself; who can accept our failings, perhaps having failed himself in some way . . ."

FromShri Ram Chandra Mission website

[edit] Activities

There are a range of activities:

• Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundationis a nonprofit association organized pursuant to the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. Among other things, it funds scholarships for people wishing to visit India, providing those without means with air ticket, shelter and food in one of the ashrams of the associations.
• Lalaji Memorial Omega School, managed by the Baal Vatika Educational Society, with Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari as executive trustee. The Baal Vatika Educational Society accepts and manages funds for the School, which is located in Chennai, India and operates as a private school.
• Shri Ram Chandra Mission is part of the NGO network and is listed as a non-governmental non-profit organization that works in support of the public good and fulfills the principles outlined in the United Nations.
• Value-Based Spiritual Education course materials have been developed.
• Study groups, seminars for practitioners and the youth, school curriculum K-12 etc.
• The Mission participates in the relief activities during selected times of natural calamities by either collecting money and routing it through Prime Minister's Relief fund or through other organisations involved in the operations.
• Every year, on or around July 24, the SRCM organizes a publicity event in the form of the Master's birthday celebration. This event is a three-day affair with songs and presentations to the Master from the children (Lalaji Memorial Omega School) and various groups form the many regions where the Mission has a presence. Some come from far away to attend the festivities. Every year, a new town is selected and everyone is invited to attend. With the concept of complete dedication and loyalty to the organisation, abhyasis are encouraged by their peers and preceptors and expected to attend.
• [1]The Donations given by the abhyasis are not used for boarding and lodging for the common people, who wish to visit the Ashrams in India, Those who wish to visit Ashram are expected to purchase or rent beddings etc. (See "bedding" in the link provided). Donations may be used for Master and his entourage's lodging and boarding.
• In some Ashrams there is also free medical assistance provided both to abhyasis and to the neighbours living in the villages of the area.^{[citation needed]}
• Donations also fund scholarships that allow practitioners who can't afford to travel to India, to spend some time in one of the ashrams.^{[citation needed]}
• Donations are also used to purchase land and property for ashram.
• Donations are also used for travel and lodging of Master and people surrounding Master as and when they visit various locations.
• Other modes of raising money is by sale of books and CD to the members attending various functions.
• [2]Other mode of raising money is by charging a fee of Rs 300 for various functions.
• "SOME IMPORTANT FEATURES OF SAHAJ MARG" by Shri Ram Chandra, published 1981 by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur, U.P.)
• "The Efficacy of Raja Yoga in the Light of Sahaj Marg", "Towards Infinity", "Reality at Dawn" etc. All by Shri Ram Chandra and published by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, U.P., India.
• "Truth Eternal" - the original writings of Samarth Guru Shri Ram Chandra Maharaj of Fategarh, U.P. First edition published 1973 by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, U.P., India.

[edit] Publications

[edit] Whispers from the Brighter World

This book of messages (over 600 messages) from the Brighter World, from the now-deceased Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, (Babuji-1899-1983) and other departed spirits of "highly evolved" souls, according to SMRTI is channelled by an un-named lady medium according to Chariji in his "invitation". The book was published in limited quantities in 2005 by the Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation and it is presented to those abhyasis who have voluntarily donated $250.00 US to the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The text is being released free-of-charge in PDF format, one message per day, at www.sahajmarg.com.

[edit] Other publications

• Complete Bibliography

• Quarterly Periodicals

• Constant Remembrance - in English

• Sahaj Deepam - Kannada
• Sahaj Deepam - Malayalam
• Sahaj Deepam - Tamil
• Sahaj Margamu - Telugu
• Sahaj Shishu - Hindi

[edit] References

Books:

• Spider's Web (volume 1)
• Salient Features of Sahaj Marg (SMRI Series 3)
• The Efficacy of Sahaj Marg
• My Master by Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari
• Speech by Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji)
• "Some Important Features of SAHAJ MARG" by Shri Ram Chandra, published 1981 by Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur, U.P.

(Reverence, Respect and Restraint) at the Seminar in Vrads Sande Castle, Denmark, Nov.1, 2005.

• Benedictory Speech (Become Acceptable) by Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, at Preceptors Seminar, at Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam, Chennai, India, Jan. 2001
• Sahaj Sandesh No.: 2005.31 - Wednesday, June 22, 2005
• Questions asked by children to Chariji about God, SMRTI, Youth Services-Story Telling
• Heart of the Lion, Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, Quote on P-14 (1993), 190 pages.
• Salient Features of Sahaj Marg - Series 2-Be like Lions P 21, Freedom-26
• Speech by Shri Rajagopalachari, Jan. 1, 2005 at Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam, INDIA,
• Salient Features of Sahaj Marg" (SMRI Series 3) Donations- P 25, On Idolatry-Page 52-53
• Speech (Freedom) by Shri P. Rajagopalachari at Cossonay, Switzerland on July 13, 2003-Speech on Demnocracy
• The Complete Works of Vivekananda (see Raja Yoga-First Steps-Yama)
• Circular, Working Committee, Centre-in-Charge/Preceptors/Organisers of Shri Ram Chandra Mission in India & Abroad, dated 15th February, 1984).
• Minutes of the Working Committee, 6/7th February, 1984, at Shahjahanpur, U.P., India.)
• Minutes of General Body Meeting (982 present), 8th February, 1984, Shahjahanpur, U.P., India.)
• "Some Important Features of Sahaj Marg", Second Edition 1981, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Shahjahanpur.

[edit] See also

• Shri Ram Chandra Mission
• Sahaja
• Sahaja Yoga
• Raja Yoga
• Patanjali

[edit] External links

• [http://www.srcmshahjahanpur.org.in/default.html SRCM Shahjahanpur (Babuji's grandson's site)
• Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Sahaj Marg Chari Group Web-site
• Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation Web-site Domain Currently Owned by Chari Group See domain dispute here

Websites of associations with similar or same lineage as Shri Ram Chandra Mission:

• Insitute for Ram Chandra Consciousness (ISRC)
• Yogabhyas
• Ramashram- Guru Maharaj, Dr. Chaturbhuj Sahay Ji
• Sufism in India and Naqsh MuMRa by Dr. RK Gupta
• "Laalaaji Nilayam" Golden Chain (Lalaji's Family
• Parampujya Laalaaji’s Vasihatnaama Lalaji's Will
• ABS Satsang

Blogs of dissociated, questioning and/or ex-abhyasis:

• Inner Circle of SRCM-USA
• Spiritual Discussion (replaces Christian's "Poxy SRCM")
• Mielk - A French Analysis- France-Fr. & Eng.
• The Desperate Abhyasi-France-Fr. & Eng.
• Freedom to Speak Power to Speak