“Patanjali (mid 2nd century mystic and philosopher) also talked about the realization, part of it, how to do it. But the idea was first to cleanse their chakras, to make them healthy and then give them realization. But modern Sahaja Yoga is different. I thought that first give them realization. First give them the light, a little bit, let them understand that there is light; then it’s one step ahead you have to move. Like my father used to say that if you were born on the tenth story you must make people raise at least one or two stories to know that there are other stories to go. Otherwise they will think this mundane life is their last end. So the modern Sahaja Yoga is that a little light is enlightened in you. Then you start seeing it yourself what is wrong with you; you correct yourself. I don’t have to tell you: you become your guru, you become your guide.”

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Founder of Sahaja Yoga
Media Interview, Milan, Italy, October 27, 1987

Sahaja Yoga is a unique method of meditation developed by former Nobel Peace Prize nominee H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi (1923-2011) and based on an experience called Self Realization (kundalini awakening) that can occur within each human being. Through this process an inner transformation takes place.
As explained by Shri Mataji the kundalini can be compared to an “individual mothering energy” and when rising pierces through the subtle energy centers (chakras) like a thread passing through pearls. The left and right side sympathetic nervous system, which control our emotions (past) and actions (future), are nourished and, as a byproduct, our mental, physical and emotional health improves. When the kundalini enters the limbic area of the brain and pierces the fontanelle bone (at the top of the head), the yoga (union) is established and the flow of grace on the sympathetic nervous system relaxes our centers and nourishes them.
Sahaja Yoga does not require physical exercise and no previous experience is necessary.