The Path to Peace: Gautama Buddha and Sahaja Yoga

In the prosperous kingdom of ancient India, a prince named Siddhartha was born into the palace of Kapilavastu. Raised amidst grandeur, Siddhartha experienced wealth, happiness, and comfort from his very birth. However, he couldn’t shake off a persistent feeling of emptiness within him. He realized that external pleasures and material possessions couldn’t bring him true and lasting peace. This growing awareness led him to seek a path beyond material pursuits, a path that would lead him to spiritual fulfillment.

Our Own Quest for Fulfillment

Now, let’s reflect on our own lives. Regardless of our circumstances, whether born into poverty or affluence, what do we truly seek? Have we ever paused to consider if external comforts can truly bring us inner peace?

If not, then let’s ponder this question: Can we ever be genuinely satisfied by constantly chasing after ever-increasing external desires? The answer is undeniably “NO”.

Our desires are insatiable. Today we acquire a bicycle, tomorrow we crave a car, and the day after that, a house. We barely savor the things we already have, constantly searching for the next gratification. This relentless pursuit of external fulfillment never ends, and we become ensnared in the illusion of material happiness.

The Path to True Peace

If we truly seek genuine and spiritual peace, we must define our role in this quest. Simply reading or hearing about it won’t create the necessary transformation within us. This is precisely why attaining Sahaja Yoga is crucial.

Sahaja Yoga, meaning “spontaneous union,” is a meditation practice that awakens a subtle energy system within us called Kundalini. This energy, when awakened, helps us cleanse our subtle body and overcome negative emotions that fuel our desires and suffering. It’s a process of self-realization, where we discover our true nature, which is pure joy and peace.

Through Sahaja Yoga meditation, we can experience the same inner peace that the Buddha attained. It allows us to directly connect with that divine energy within ourselves, bringing us closer to achieving a state free from suffering.

The Relevance of the Buddha’s Teachings

The teachings of the Buddha are as relevant today as ever. In a world filled with distractions and anxieties, Sahaja Yoga offers a practical and accessible method to achieve the inner peace and well-being that Siddhartha, the Buddha, sought.

Embark on Your Journey of Self-Discovery

So, why not embark on your own journey of self-discovery? Explore Sahaja Yoga meditation and experience the transformative power it offers.

Remember, unlike the Buddha, who had to renounce his royal life, Sahaja Yoga is open to everyone, regardless of background or social status. There are no strict rituals or expensive fees involved; it’s always free of charge. All you need is an open mind and a sincere desire for inner peace.

Sahaja Yoga meditation centers can be found worldwide. You can also find online resources to help you get started. Don’t wait any longer to begin your journey to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Take that first step towards inner peace today!

In Search of Truth

One day, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace walls for a walk. There, he encountered an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and a monk. These sights made him acutely aware of life’s impermanence. He was filled with questions: “Why is there suffering in life? How can we be free from it?”

In his quest for answers to these questions, Siddhartha made the life-altering decision to renounce his royal life and pursue a life of austerity in the forest. After many years of rigorous meditation, one full moon night, under the Bodhi tree, he attained a state of profound enlightenment. He became the Buddha, the “Awakened One.” He realized the root cause of suffering was our cravings and attachments. He saw that true happiness comes not from external things but from letting go of these desires and achieving a state of inner peace called Nirvana.

Buddha Purnima is considered a special occasion for three reasons. By a remarkable coincidence, it was on the day of the Vaishakha Purnima that Gautama Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away.

Just as Buddha found a way out of the suffering and pain he saw around him, he too had to renounce his royal life and live in the forest to find that path. But today, thanks to Sahaja Yoga, none of us need to leave our homes to attain self-realization.

However, what do we do when we see the obstacles or pain around us? We do nothing, because we lack the guidance of a Sadguru. Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree, showing us that meditation is essential for attaining true self-knowledge. In today’s fast-paced world, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi has made Sahaja Yoga, a form of meditation, available to everyone for free as a means to attain this inner enlightenment.

Gautama Buddha’s Teachings on Nirvana:

Buddha told his followers, “Nirvana is freedom from desires.”

Achieving this freedom from desires means living a virtuous life.

He also passionately taught that the ultimate goal of our lives is Nirvana, and that Nirvana is the means to the Middle Path. Buddha also said that Nirvana is the Eightfold Path and that whoever walks that path is truly enlightened.

Shri Mataji’s Teachings on Nirmal

Shri Mataji told her followers, “Nirmal is also freedom from desires.”

Achieving this state of Nirmal means awakening to the Ganesha principle. Sahaja Yoga begins with the Ganesha principle. Sahaja Yogis do not just listen to or read about Abodhita, Pavitrya, and Mangalya (purity, sanctity, and auspiciousness); they live them.

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi showed the path to self-realization and inner peace through Sahaja Yoga. She has explained many important ideas to society based on Buddha’s teachings. In her view, Nirvana, as taught by Buddha, is the process of purifying the mind. Shri Mataji says, “Achieving self-realization frees us from our inner desires and allows us to experience true peace.”

The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path, as taught by Buddha, consists of eight steps:

1. Right Understanding: Understanding the truth of life.
2. Right Thought: Having a firm resolve to seek truth.
3. Right Speech: Speaking with truth, love, and non-violence as the foundation.
4. Right Action: Practicing good conduct and morality.
5. Right Livelihood: Earning a living in an honest and just way.
6. Right Effort: Making continuous effort and warding off negative thoughts.
7. Right Mindfulness: Being conscious and aware in every moment.
8. Right Concentration: Focusing the mind and engaging in meditation.

Craving, Aversion, and Ignorance

Buddha taught that craving (Trishna), aversion (Vitraagha), and ignorance (Avidya) are the causes of suffering. When a person is free from these bonds, they can attain Nirvana. Following the Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of craving, and the cessation of craving leads to the cessation of clinging. Thus, the individual attains liberation and peace in life.

Sahaja Yoga and the Eightfold Path

In Sahaja Yoga, it is easy to follow the Eightfold Path as taught by Buddha simply by awakening the Kundalini energy within through regular meditation. Shri Mataji has said, “Buddha’s Nirvana means achieving balance and peace in life, and for that, inner purification and direct experience of self-realization are necessary.”

Once, while Buddha was traveling through a village, a disciple asks him,

“Guruji, what exactly is Nirvana?”

Buddha tells the disciple,

“Nirvana is giving up all our desires and passions in our minds. Just as a lamp goes out when its oil is finished, so too, when our inner craving ends, we attain Nirvana.”

According to Shri Mataji’s teachings, “Nirvana means removing all suffering, obstacles, and restlessness in life by attaining self-realization.” By receiving Sahaja Yoga and following the path shown by Shri Mataji, we can easily achieve happiness, peace, and contentment.

The Path to Nirvana in Sahaja Yoga

Sahaja Yoga provides a direct path to Nirvana, the state of complete liberation from suffering. Through regular meditation and the guidance of a Sahaja Yogi teacher, we can awaken the Kundalini energy within us, which cleanses our subtle body and removes the negative energies that cause our suffering. As we progress on this path, we experience increasing inner peace, joy, and freedom.

Here are some of the key benefits of Sahaja Yoga on the path to Nirvana:

• Awakening of Kundalini: The awakening of Kundalini energy is the foundation of Sahaja Yoga. This energy, when awakened, rises through our central nervous system, cleansing our chakras and bringing us into a state of spiritual awakening.
• Mental and Emotional Balance: Sahaja Yoga helps to balance our mental and emotional state. As we meditate and connect with our inner energy, we become less affected by negative thoughts and emotions, and we experience greater peace and tranquility.
• Increased Self-Awareness: Sahaja Yoga helps us to develop greater self-awareness. As we connect with our inner being, we become more aware of our true nature and our potential for spiritual growth.
• Unity with the Universe: Sahaja Yoga helps us to experience our connection with the universe. As we meditate, we feel a sense of oneness with all of creation, which brings us a deep sense of peace and belonging.

If you are seeking a path to true liberation from suffering, Sahaja Yoga is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goal. Through regular meditation and the guidance of a Sahaja Yogi teacher, you can experience the transformative power of Kundalini energy and awaken to your true potential as a spiritual being.

Remember, Sahaja Yoga is open to everyone, regardless of background or belief system. There are no fees or rituals involved, and all you need is an open mind and a sincere desire for inner peace.

Examples of Buddha’s and Shri Mataji’s Teachings in Action:

1. Craving and Peace:

Once, a disciple asked Buddha, “Guruji, I have a great thirst for wealth, so I can never be at peace.” Buddha replied, “Craving is the root of suffering. Follow the Eightfold Path, and your craving will diminish, and you will find peace.”

2. Conquering Vices:

Shri Mataji said, “A seeker attained victory over his vices through Sahaja Yoga meditation and found inner peace. This brought balance to his life, and he began to live a happy life.”

3. The Importance of Samadhi:

A meditation practitioner asked Buddha, “Guruji, what is the importance of Samadhi?” Buddha replied, “Samadhi is purity and concentration of the mind. By attaining Samadhi through meditation, we can walk on the path to Nirvana.”

Completeness and Peace

Buddha always told his disciples that to find peace and contentment in life, we need to keep our minds pure. For this, we need to practice good conduct, yoga, and meditation.

Shri Mataji says, “Self-realization allows us to experience happiness, peace, contentment, and prosperity in life. Through the Sahaja Path, which is based on Buddha’s teachings, we can awaken the power within us.”

The Path of Peace and Teachings Given to Humanity by Gautama Buddha and Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

The path of peace and teachings given to humanity by Gautama Buddha and Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi continue to inspire people around the world today. Their invaluable teachings have given humanity a new direction, enabling many to overcome their suffering and experience joy and peace. Their guidance has opened the door to balance, peace, and self-realization in life, giving humanity a new perspective on spiritual living.

Essential Steps to Become “Nirmal” and “Nirvana”

1. Craving and Aversion: Craving and aversion in life are the root causes of suffering, and they need to be controlled. In today’s world, only through Sahaja Yoga is this possible for humans.
2. Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path, as taught by Buddha, leads us to the path of righteous conduct and peace. Sahaja Yoga empowers us to stay on the Eightfold Path.
3. Self-Realization: According to Shri Mataji’s teachings, self-realization is the most important way to find peace and balance in life.
4. Importance of Meditation: Meditation begins the process of purifying the mind and achieving Samadhi.
5. Shri Mataji’s Teachings: Through the path of Sahaja Yoga, we can follow Buddha’s teachings and experience true peace.

So, friends, instead of just celebrating Buddha Purnima today, it is necessary to gain direct experience of the teachings given by Buddha. To gain direct experience, go to the Sahaja Yoga meditation center near you with your family and experience self-realization. The main thing is that there are no conditions to get Sahaja Yoga; no caste, creed, religion, sect, rich or poor are looked at. If you are just a human being and have a pure desire to experience the states of “Nirmal” and “Nirvana” directly, then we are all waiting for you to come to the Sahaja Yoga meditation center. If there is no Sahaja Yoga meditation center near you, you can start Sahaja Yoga meditation online as well. Visit: https://us.sahajayoga.org/

Happy Buddha Purnima to you and your family!

Jai Shri Mataji

Thank you…!!