I came to Sahaj Marg before I was born. Well, as confusing as that statement may seem like, it is not. It has been the most startling revelation I have had over the past few years since I became a mother. When did I know my son? Of course, before he was born; when he was within me, a tiny cell; and I dare say, even before that, when conception was yet to take place.I always knew I would be a mother some day and be as loving and sacrificial and benevolent as my mother is. I knew my baby back then, I just had not met him. Similarly, I have not yet met God, but I am coming closer to doing so every day. Sahaj Marg, or “the natural path,” says God is within you; seek him there. And the only way you can do that is in silence. So, sit in silence, call it meditation if you want, feel that Godliness within you, hug it as close as possible and revel in it. It is very simple.
All wonderful things in life are very simple. I will not say if they are difficult or easy. Motherhood is simple and natural, though someone like me cannot claim it to be ‘easy’. But I am forever learning and rejoicing in my new found experiences and motherhood milestones.
The Sahaj Marg method of meditation (ok, I am now calling it meditation) is in the heart. Why? Because the heart is the seat of the Soul in the body (or rather, the heart is the centre of life in the body). It is the soul of our physical existence. And so, Sahaj Marg helps to locate our lost higher self within the heart.
I was lost for a while, stuck in a rut between my job, my relationships both personal and professional, taking care of my new born son and generally with life. Sahaj Marg gave me perspective then. How you may ask? Slowly with years of practise, you start trusting that higher self within you (which some call God and some others call your own advanced spiritual self and yet some others claim to be their own intelligent mind), to help in every day issues and solve them.
You feel the divine hand on you, you feel the greatness of ‘Nature’ manifesting in every aspect of your life and you humbly accept life and make the best of this opportunity called life to grow spiritually.
This Raja Yoga way of meditation was practised by ancient seers, but with a few technical glitches not suitable for us, today’s modern family. They forfeited their family, went to the forest and meditated for years, and enlightenment graced them. Remember Gautama Buddha? Can I afford to leave that bundle of joy (snuggling against me as I type this) and go away into a forest (where are the forests anyway, with so much deforestation going on?) and meditate? And can we afford to stay away from our smart phones, social media, career goals and such? Oh, but are we not thinking of one day having that peace and oneness with ‘God’ (or whatever else you may wish to call that – maybe ‘Y’ourself?)? We want the best of both worlds, don’t we?
Yes, my spiritual guide, Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari says,
“A bird can fly only if it has two wings – the spiritual and the material wing.”
I need my smart phone (and everything else) and I also need my Self-realisation. Only then I can evolve into a better human being and eventually, hopefully into a divine being in this world… and perhaps, be a beacon of inspiration for coming generations to come.
Some facts which I would like to highlight to the readers and fans of World Moms Blog are below. They closely reverberate with the spirit of World Moms Blog.
- Like World Moms Blog, Sahaj Marg also has an affiliation with the United Nations and they conduct activities and events every year in the hope of spreading love and brotherhood.
- WMB is represented in over 25 countries; Sahaj Marg’s presence is also worldwide. For more detailed information, please check here and here.
- People from various cultures, religions, races, nationalities are represented in this organisation.
- No fees are required for learning how to meditate. The prefect to whom you will be directed will not charge you for his time or effort. Spirituality is simple. It cannot be charged. Only willingness to meditate is needed.
My journey has just begun. And my journey makes much more sense when I have a living guide, guiding me through it, who has been through all that I have been through. Moreover, this guide has walked scorching desert sands and raging oceans, and will help me handle the desert scorpions and ocean sharks — and perhaps save me from them.
I think we need someone to help us structure our spiritual life better, so that our goal and path are clearly defined.
I wish each of your journeys begins soon too. For more information, you can read some literature here.
I am concluding this post with the beautiful words of my spiritual guide, albeit spoken in a different context, but closely resonating with the spirit of World Moms Blog –
“I am always reminded of a mother who carries her child for nine months bearing all the agony of physical suffering, supported by her golden hopes for the future of her yet unborn child, supported solely by her love for one who is yet in the future. I pray that such a love may come to bless all of our humanity.”
Are you practising any type of meditation? Is there anything you do or belong to that makes you feel spiritual?
This is an original post to World Moms Blog by Purnima, our Indian mother writing from Chennai, India. Her contributions to the World Moms Blog can be found here. She also rambles at The Alchemist’s Blog.
Photo credit to Moyan Brenn .
Impressive and wonderful way of writing! Appreciate your good work and You have explained Meditation so beautifully!
Thank you Ponmani. I hope I have done justice in this one article.
Thanks for visiting 🙂
Awesome post. Sharing something so precious with all of us. Thanks. My wife will be happy to read this.
Thank you Ramchandra for visiting me here and reading this article.
I am glad your wife will be pleased.
Hello Purnima,
U said it beautifully.
For me coming to Sahaj Marg was like duck taking to water. It has changed my perspective of the world and may be more importantly how I look myself now….
Satyakam
Satyakam, Thank you for reading me here. Yes, isnt it so important that we look at ourselves positively too.
Purnima, you article is brilliant, and puts Sahaj Marg into a modern perspective. Sahaj Marg has surely changed my life for the better. The 2 most important lessons I have learned. Firstly, that we should definitely treat each moment as though it is our last, and thus savour every human moment we have the privilege of living. And Second, to live by the motto: “As inside, so outside”. I am a proud father and husband, and Sahaj Marg has guided me throughout my life. I am sure other moms who read your article will feel inspired to dive within, and experience the joy of the Divine within!
Anish Dave, Centurion, South Africa
Thanks Anish. If at all we live every day with the utmost joy and fulfilment, life would be one excellent journey. What a beautiful perspective!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Dear Purnima,
Thanx for the excellent read ! Am also meditating since 2001, Aug., and in my opinion U r a a”natural’ writer. I too write but my true love is poetry as you ‘ll see if you check out my blog.
Glad to have connected with U this way n hope to meet U ”rubaru” @ chennai sometime!
lots of love,
Neelam
Thank you Neelam for dropping by. Would definitely visit your poetry blog. Glad to have connected with you too. Visit World Moms Blog often, and I am sure you would find more categories of your interest.
I hope you have found meditation useful for you.
Hi!!!Really appreciate your write up as it is Natural 🙂
Thank you Amitava.
Thank you, Purnima 🙂
It totally amazes me that I found myself having the same beliefs as people who practice Sahaj Marg meditation … without having even heard of it before! Your “tying in” WMB to Sahaj Marg really resonates with me too. I guess it is because, for the first time in my life, I found myself truly amongst “kindred spirits”! I’m so grateful to have “met” you all and I feel really optimistic that we’re on the right path! Namaste
Simona, Thank you. Yes, sometimes I wonder while having conversations with you whether you follow some such system and quote these literature. I know that you are naturally like that. Perhaps, you studied a lot of spiritual literature? It is my priviledge to have met you here at World Moms Blog. You are a special person!
Isnt it great that so many of us are tied up together for a common reason here. I think the world is going more and more towards unification and I am so proud that we are all doing our small part in that. Kudos to you, Jen 🙂
I love these comments! 🙂 We are so lucky to have you two! 🙂
Jen 🙂
Thank you Jen 🙂
It is a pleasure to be here and to be useful for the world!!!
poornima , u ve a great write up. excellent work.
Thank you Ramya.
Hey really good. Very simple explanation of Sahaj Marg
Thank you.
Very Good, Purnima, we feel so happy to see this wonderful spiritual song from the Heart, spontaneous outflow from your heart, We look forward to reading more such posts.
Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari once said,that the spiritual Guide is called a spiritual mother, as this Person has feminine qualities of motherly LOVE. His Spiritual Guide Shri Ram Chandra ji called GOD as the spiritual father, and Spiritual Guide as the mother, it is only the mother who introduces the Father to the child.
Thanks for the extra ordinary insights and revelations in this post. S S Ramakrishnan & Radha
Thank you both for visiting here and commenting. It means the world to me 🙂
Wow! hope this reaches to a wider group and ignites a spark of connectivity through ‘the Natural path’.
Thanks for visiting and commenting here Sunny.
A lot of people nowadays are more inclined to connect with their inner selves and look for solace in that inner peace 🙂
Purnima, your post reminded me about a book “The Monk and the Philosopher” by Jean-Francois Revel and Matthieu Ricard (father and son), a book I have not read but it’s on my book shelf staring at me while I type this comments. I have started it but it is a very thought provoking book and I do not feel ready to read it with understanding. To read it I need more silence and peace which I do not have these days.
I am going to look up Sahaj Marg, though. thank you!
Oh yes, you are right about needing the right frame of mind for certain things. I pray you get your inner peace soon and look up meditation soon.
If you are interested in Sahaj Marg, http://www.sahajmarg.org is the best place to look at it.
Purnima,
Thank you for taking us into one of your most intimate places in your life. Hearing about this aspect of meditation in your life is so interesting. I love reading about how everything lives and their culture and beliefs.
One day I hope to find myself in India, and I would love to experience a meditation with you!
Jen 🙂
Thank you Jennifer. Everyone’s cultures and beliefs are so important. And all of us being united not just tolerating and respecting, but embracing everyone as a whole package is more important and we as World Moms Blog have started doing it.
You are welcome to India anytime. I have two bedrooms and a shower empty at my place 🙂
If you wish I can also give you the local contact person at NJ.
I love this line, “All wonderful things in life are very simple. I will not say if they are difficult or easy.”
I went through a time where I did meditation at home for all the reasons you state above, but I have not gone back to it since my 2nd son was born 2.5 years ago. I long for it, though. I know I need that perspective…that I could be living more “presently” with that time dedicated to meditation. You are inspiring me to get back to it!
Thank you Tara. Mditation gives you an amazing personal space and especially us mothers need it like you have indicated. I suggest you try to get back to it 🙂
Be it through meditation or prayers, I think it’s so important for us to crave out these moments of solitude and silence in our daily lives to reflect and tune in to ourselves. If not, it’s so easy to lose ourselves in humdrum of life. I’m not sure if I’m getting your message right, but that was the thought your post inspired in me 🙂
Yes Ruth, I am also trying to say that we need that alone time everyday. Your post week about taking solitude breaks inspired me.
To get tuned inwardly is like a tonic to help us get on with our daily life more effectively.
Thank you Ruth 🙂
Well done Young mother!Congrats for the SAHAJ style to write about SAHAJ MARG.Its wonderful,heartfelt and SAHAJ.Will definitely touch many hearts.Keep doing the good work!
Thank you Harshala.
All the best for the novel….looking for it!
Oh, thank you Shalini. That will come up slowly, but surely.
Thanks for reading me here 🙂
Purnima,
This post is so eloquent, and made me want to learn more. I began meditating long ago when I started suffering from insomnia, it was the only way I calmed my mind, but it has only been recent that I have been searching for deeper meaning. Your beautiful depiction of your journey brought a spiritual lift to my day.
Thank you!
Thank you. I am happy that this post got you more interested in spirituality and meditation. Hope you pursue it full fledgedly.
What a beautiful description of meditation… And as I read this post I felt that it makes so much sense, and that I could certainly have so much to gain from it. As a working mother of 2 young children, peace is something that we rarely get around here… I will certainly look it up. Thanks Purnima!
Thank you Maman Aya.
Work life balance should be called as “children-work-homemaking-life” balance :)Because we mothers balance so much with so little time and energy. Yes, meditation helped me do it effectively. When you are interested, you could try it too. Love.
Love this post, Purnima. So beautifully written and very poignant, love how you use WMB for comparison too. My own meditation is through prayer, something I do first thing in the morning by saying thank you for the brand new day, the brand new opportunities ahead. Prayers keep me grounded. Thank you for writing this post 🙂
Thank you for noting the comparison. In fact that was one of the reasons I joined WMB. I loved how so many people with so many different backgrounds stay together writing a single website/posts everyday!
Prayer is so powerful. I feel the power of a prayer in everyday activities. Call it positive thought, prayer, or by any other name. It connects us with the source of the universe. Thank you for sharing your connection with the Divnine 🙂
Hi Purnima,
That was a very elegant and simple way of explaining Sahaj Marg! A new mom myself, I think WMB is a great arena to share such valuable thoughts 🙂 Great work indeed!
I am reminded of a quote about a writer here: ‘Have something to say and say it as simply and clearly as you can. That is the only secret’. Goes with you perfectly!
Thank you Ramya for reading and commenting here. You are welcome to have a look around here on WMB. It definitely is one of the most happening places to unite mothers all over the globe.
Sahaj Marg is close to my heart and so is WMB. So I would love to see them together in some way, hence the attempt 🙂
Dear one,
The write-up – an impressive excursion!!A rythmic flow of an inner JOY radiating from a heart that surely appears to ‘have been and is’ gliding through the resplendent realm ‘beyond’,to which most human beings of today give scant attention albeit feeling a void and an urgent need. You say you knew your son before he was born.True,very much like the spiritual guide embraces into his loving fold before one realises!
To the members of the WMB a quote from a book, ‘Reality At Dawn’: “The mother retains a child within her womb for a certain duration. The spiritual guide,too, retains the spiritual child within his mental sphere for a certain duration. During this period the disciple, like the baby in the womb, sucks his energy and gets nourishment from the spiritual waves of the spiritual guide’s thoughts. When the time matures he is born in the brighter world and thence his own spiritual life begins.”
Thank you. Your comment is very beautiful and in itself a serene poetry. Very thought provoking and contemplative.
Beautiful post! I am always striving to meditate more and to balance spiritual practice with the sometimes hectic routine. I especially liked the quote at the end, which made me think of my present pregnancy – the most difficult I have had.
EcoZiva,
I wish for you a safe and comfortable pregnancy. Meditation will definitely help you balance, especially at this stage of your life. It may not ease your physical discomfort, but it will help you cope up in a better way.
hi purnima
as a mother i liked your write up.i can feel your love & emotions .
i m very new [2 months baby]to sahaj marg .but it has changed my life.i m in early 40s .mother of two sons .but i didn,t know what is true love,& how to follow the heart? one son i have given natural birth.2nd son i have given birth from my heart.he has introduce me to sahaj marg& changed my life .now i am always feeling loving heart
Thank for visiting and commenting, Vandan. I am glad you liked the article. Feel free to browse more @ World Moms Blog.
Sister,
I can only say excellent, i am an abhyasi from sahaj marg from muscat.
Thank you.
Excellent write up on a great experience. I really wish all could read it….and benefit from it..
Thank you.