Historical Background
Sahaj Marg,
meaning "natural path" or "simple way," is a system
of practical training in spirituality that emerged in the late 1800s
through the research of a spiritually prodigious man named Shri Ram
Chandra. Known as Lalaji
by his family and peers, he followed the promptings of his own inner
need for spirituality early in his life. He recognized the natural birthright
of every individual to develop to the ultimate level of human perfection,
and saw the need for a simple and effective system of spiritual practice
that could be universally practiced by any person.
Lalaji's research led him to rediscover a long-lost art of transmission
of spiritual energy. He integrated the art of transmission
or pranahuti
with a system of raja yoga, which he simplified and remodeled, doing
away with unnecessary rituals and disciplines while maintaining the
spiritual essentials.
During his lifetime, Lalaji trained many interested individuals, transmitting
pranahuti to each one. One of the persons he trained, coincidentally
also named Ram Chandra, later succeeded him in carrying on the work
of training and transmitting to individuals. Babuji,
as he was called, further refined and developed the method his guide
had given and was inspired to name the spiritual training Sahaj Marg.
To support the endeavor of making spiritual services available to people
worldwide, Babuji founded a non-profit organization in 1945, which he
named after his spiritual guide. He registered the organization in India
with the name Shri
Ram Chandra Mission. Babuji made several trips abroad, extending
the benefit of Sahaj Marg system beyond the borders of India. He was
accompanied and supported on his travels by a devoted follower named
Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, affectionately called Chariji.
In his last years, Babuji appointed Chariji to continue the service
of spiritual training. Chariji is the current president of the Shri
Ram Chandra Mission organization and the spiritual representative of
the Sahaj Marg
system of spiritual training.
Basic Tenets
Sahaj Marg offers a natural
method of meditation
by which the mind becomes regulated and refined into a capable instrument
for our evolution to the highest possible spiritual condition.
According to the teachings of Sahaj Marg, God is simple, and the way
to God must also be simple. There are no mantras, no specific postures,
and no special clothes. The practice involves direct experience. Sahaj
Marg asks us not to believe, but to observe; not to trust, but to test.
Anyone over 18 years of age who is willing to give a sincere effort
is invited to do so. No fees are ever asked for training or participation
in the practice of Sahaj Marg. The organization of Shri Ram Chandra
Mission is supported and maintained entirely through voluntary donations
and publication sales.
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