User:Simon D M/Sahaja Yoga Beliefs

The Subtle System
Sahaja Yoga teaches that in addition to our physical body there is a subtle body comprised of nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers), which affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Kakar writes that Nirmala Srivastava, "following the theories of Vasant Rele, equates sushumna [nadi] with the parasympathetic nervous system, ida [nadi] with the left and pingala [nadi] with the right sides of the sympathetic nervous system and the chakras with the plexuses."

Sahaja Yoga teaches that there are seven main chakras that each chakra possesses different qualities. Neglect of these qualities is said to damage them and bring disease. Each chakra has a presiding deity who may become deactivated in extreme cases causing cancer. For example, the deities residing in the Sahasrara chakra are said to be Kalki and Adi Shakti and the chakra is said to be damaged by atheism and doubt in God.

Sahaja Yoga teaches that the chakras can be balanced by awakening the Kundalini in the sacrum bone, which is conceived of as a normally dormant 'mother' energy. Nirmala Srivastava has said that kundalini "is the desire of God.... and the desire of God is the Shakti" and that yoga is impossible without kundalini awakening. As the Kundalini rises through these centres, the qualities of the chakras are said to begin manifesting spontaneously. Most illnesses are said to result of damage to the chakras and Kundalini is said to repair them.

Self Realization and Vibratory Awareness
Sahaja Yoga teaches that when the sahasrara (topmost) chakra is pierced by the Kundalini, a person will feel a cool breeze on top of their head, or on their hands. These sensations (referred to as 'vibrations') are interpreted in Sahaja Yoga as indicating Self Realisation or an "encounter with Reality." The vibrations sensed are believed to be an objective divine energy that can even be caught on camera.

If there is a feeling of warmth or heat, it is interpreted as the Kundalini working to achieve this state. Sensations ('vibrations') in the hands, head and/or body are also used to diagnose imbalances in the different chakras and nadis.

Nirmala Srivastava
Nirmala Srivastava claims to have made a 'Unique Discovery' of a way to grant Self Realisation en masse after attending a Rajneesh meditation camp in Nargol in May 1970. Nirmala Srivastava, who claims to reside in the Sahasrara chakra, is said to have opened the primordial Sahasrara and thereby cleared the path for the Kundalini to rise effortlessly in all who desire Self Realization. The ability to grant en masse 'Self Realisation' is held to be proof that Nirmala Srivastava is the 'Avatara of our times'. Nirmala Srivastava "is regarded as an authority who cannot be questioned".