Sahaj Marg Method
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.
