Yoga is an art of living and not a religious practice. It is an art of living which is important for humanity.

>
> Question: We are devout Christians who are very uncomfortable
> with Hindu rituals, and see the same in Sahaja Yoga. Is there
> any way we can do without such rituals?
>
> Answer: Silence on Self
>
>
> Question: I do not want to meditate on anything non-Christian but
> agree that the Holy Spirit is feminine. How do I only worship the
> Holy Spirit but not the Adi Shakti?
>
> Answer: Silence on Self
>
>
> Question: I am a Muslim who absolutely am against worshipping of
> any idol or image. How then is Sahaja Yoga and Shri Mataji
> compatible with Islam?
>
> Answer: Silence on Self
>
>
> Question: I am a Sikh. I am completely against any Hindu ritual or
> worshipping of their idols and gods. Sikhism is completely against
> such practices. But Sahaja Yoga is also so full of such rituals and
> gods. What have you got to say, being a Sikh yourself?
>
> Answer: Silence on Self
>
>
> Question: I do not want to follow any religious organization or yoga
> teacher but still am interested in spirituality. You think that is
> possible?
>
> Answer: Silence on Self
>

Indian gurus condemn banning of Yoga by British churches
From our ANI Correspondent
Varanasi /Haridwar/New Delhi, Sep 1, 2007:

Yoga teachers in India on Saturday condemned the decision by two British churches to ban teaching of yoga in church halls.

The yoga teachers say that the ancient physical and mental discipline is an art of living and not a religious practice.

"This step has been taken by those who do not want Yoga to spread in across the world or those who believe there associate it with propagation of Hinduism, says Acharaya Bal Kishan, general secretary of Patanjali Yog Peet, established by renowned guru, Baba Ramdev.

"Though Yoga is born from Hinduism, it is not Hinduism, it is an art of living which is important for humanity," he adds.

Vicars banned Yoga classes for children in two local churches-the Silver Street Baptist Church, and the St. James Angilican Church, Somerset-calling the ancient Indian practice un-Christian.

According to church authorities, their premises can be used only by people who fall in line with Christian ethos.

The UK churches' decision has not found much favour with the Catholic Church in India.

"Across the board in all the countries, you will find some sections that are liberal and some sections of people who are not so liberal. It is applicable to Christianity as well, but I think in whole when you look at the western countries which are predominantly Christian in nature, they have been open to different philosophies, different ways of thinking and living," says father Babu Joseph, spokesperson of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi.

Yoga is an ancient school of Hindu philosophy that prescribes physical and mental disciplines for attaining oneness with the 'Supreme Being.'

Over the years, Yoga - which literally means the union of body and mind - has become hugely popular in the West and has been patronized by many Hollywood celebrities.

Yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years, but the Government recently said it was becoming increasingly concerned that people were trying to make money from what is a part of their cultural heritage.

www.dailyindia.com/ANI

Yoga is just a healthier way of life
The Times of India
Sep 4, 2007
Nicole Dastur

`There's no word called `God' in yoga'

Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Mantra Yoga... the list goes on and on. For most Indians (and for many in the West as well), the practice of yoga has almost become a way of life. A healthier life.

Yet, two churches in Britain have recently banned a group from conducting yoga classes, terming the ancient practice as `un- Christian' and a `sham'.

Even though the practice did originate in India centuries ago (the word `Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit word `Yuj' which means to `unite', the union being that of the individual with the Universal Spirit, or God), does that make it more Hindu in ideology?

In other words, does it make it `un-Christian'? BT gets yoga instructors and practitioners to stretch (pun intended) their imagination on this issue.

Yoga guru and teacher to a host of celebrities, Bharat Thakur, maintains that yoga is, in essence, simply a more holistic approach to life and has no religious leanings. "Yoga is about attaining a blissful state of being. Agree that it was invented by a Hindu, but that was by default. Just because electricity was discovered by a Christian, is it wrong for a Hindu to use it? For that matter, why are we eating burgers when our indigenous food is the vada-pav? This entire controversy questions the so-called `liberal' mind of the 21st century," says Bharat, further reiterating that yoga is a process, not a dogma.

"Which is why yoga has not become a religion or a cult, despite its popularity. In fact, in yoga, there is no word called `God'," said Thakur.

Actress Vidya Malavade (goal-keeper in the film Chak De India ), who is also a yoga instructor, is shocked at this ban. "Yoga has absolutely no connection with religion. It's a way of life, a means to finding a balance between the mind and the body. The word `Yogacharya' itself means `a way of living'. Yes, it originated from Sanskrit philosophy, but today, it's popular across the world not because of its origins but because of its functionality. It's the form, the technique that people want to learn, not necessarily its philosophy!" Just like you don't need to learn Japanese to learn karate, right?

Renowned spiritual leader, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, also regrets the ban. In a statement issued, he said, "It is unfortunate that even in the 21st century, superstition still prevails in some churches. This reminds me of an imam who issued a fatwa against TV, saying that Satan has entered television. Practices such as yoga which promote health and happiness can never be against any true religion. Yoga has been diluted by many and marketed as a mere physical exercise."

Staunch follower of yoga, actress Tisca Chopra, is also of the opinion that only prejudiced minds can think this way and said, "Yoga promotes good health, not religious propaganda. This is the equivalent of saying lighting candles promotes Christianity!" Ami Patel, Art of Living teacher said that to restrict yoga to a particular religion is limited thinking. "Yoga goes beyond boundaries, it is followed all over the world. It belongs to the whole world — that is the kind of broad vision the practice of yoga gives. Everybody leads a stressful life today, whether one is a Hindu, Muslim or Christian. The benefits of yoga affect everyone," explained Ami.

Father Joe Pereira, who himself practices and teaches yoga since 1976, said that the Catholic church has nothing against yoga.

"It's the fundamentalist Protestants and the old-fashioned Christians that think in such a backward manner. We are an inculturated church, we have even integrated certain principles of Vedanta into the church's theologies," revealed Father Joe.

www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

"The Self is the Spirit. This Spirit resides in the heart of every human being and is in a witness-like state. The Spirit is the projection of God Almighty, while the Kundalini is the projection of the power of God, of His desire which is the Primordial Mother, or you can call it Adi Shakti, Holy Ghost or Athena. So the Kundalini is the projection of the Holy Ghost, while the Spirit is the projection of God Almighty. The All-pervading Power of love is the power of the Primordial Mother, which creates and evolves, and does all the living work." - Shri Mataji Nirmal Devi

Question: How does one discard all the organization and useless activities (of Sahaja Yoga) and seek her (Holy Spirit/Adi Shakti) only in the Sahastrara (Kingdom of God)?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am still unable to rid myself of catches and other chakra problems despite years of daily (Sahaja Yoga) footsoaking and treatments. What do I do now?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am far from a Sahaja Yoga collective. How do I continue practicing Sahaja Yoga?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: My collective leader has told me to leave Sahaja Yoga due to some personal problems. What do I do now?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: Despite being years in Sahaja Yoga I do not agree with what our leaders are doing. I am thinking of leaving my collective. Can you suggest something that will help me continue on my own?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am a Muslim who absolutely am against worshipping of any idol or image. How then is Sahaja Yoga and Shri Mataji compatible with Islam?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: We are devout Christians who are very uncomfortable with Hindu rituals, and see the same in Sahaja Yoga. Is there any way we can do without such rituals?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: You loudly claim on your website that all religions and holy scriptures preach the same message. I don't see such evidence. What have you got to say?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I do not want to meditate on anything non-Christian but agree that the Holy Spirit is feminine. How do I only worship the Holy Spirit but not the Adi Shakti?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: My parents and husband are against worshipping Shri Mataji. How can I solve this serious family problem but still continue to practice Sahaja Yoga without their knowledge?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I completely agree with your belief that if you have to take a single step in any direction to seek the Divine you are going the wrong way. How and why did you reach this incredible conclusion only now despite spending so many years meditating, checking the scriptures and listening to Shri Mataji's speeches?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: How can we spread Shri Mataji's message successfully? So many have failed all these years and Sahaja Yoga is very slow. Most of the seekers have never heard of Shri Mataji. Other than Her Divine Message what can we teach new seekers that will attract them?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I do not want to follow any religious organization or yoga teacher but still am interested in spirituality. You think that is possible?
Answer: Silence on Self

Question: My mother-in-law is totally against Shri Mataji and regards Her as just another false guru. But I know Shri Mataji is the Adi Shakti and want to continue. However, i do not want to antagonize my mother-in-law. Any suggestions?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am a Sikh. I am completely against any Hindu ritual or worshipping of their idols and gods. Sikhism is completely against such practices. But Sahaja Yoga is also so full of such rituals and gods. What have you got to say, being a Sikh yourself?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am getting somewhat ridiculed for my own spiritual experiences regarding the crown chakra and the divine feminine. People think I'm weird by emphasizing that the Devi is the true nature of brahman and it is creating doubt about my path (despite my own experiences). Should I continue with my meditations and ignore them or try to explain to them? What do you suggest?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: There is so much information about yoga and meditation. I am so confused and do not know which path to take. What then is the truth? How do I attain it?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I have been in Sahaja Yoga for years but still do not know what is Self-realization. Can you tell me in detail what you understand by it?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I have been a SY for many years and some of us find shoe- beating and some rituals quite absurd. You also are against them. How then can we solve our subtle system problems without such treatments?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am a Muslim living in Pakistan who want to practice Sahaja Yoga. But there are no centers here. How can I continue?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: What will happen after Shri Mataji passes away? Will She still be in the photograph? Where will the vibrations come from then?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I have just started meditating on Shri Mataji in the Sahasrara but find it very difficult. Is there a better way?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I do not want to join Sahaja Yoga but believe in a number of Shri Mataji's teachings. Can you help me?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I am an established SYogini who am concerned at the way the organization is heading. However, I still want to spread Shri Mataji's teachings. What do you suggest I tell others?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: I want to practice meditation but find it impossible to stop the thoughts. I value you opinion. If you don't mind my asking, but how do you do it?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: What is the shortest and surest route to realize God?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: Some religions claim that humans are divine in nature and that liberation is from within. Can you tell me how all this is realized in such a hectic and materialistic world?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: As a SY I am concerned that after Shri Mataji takes Mahasamadhi there will great grief and sense of loss. How can I cope with this eventuality and continue my faith and devotion? Do I continue to meditate on Her photo even though She is not physically present anymore?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: Jagbir, you are already telling us to discard Shri Mataji's photo and meditate on Her is the Sahasrara. A number of SYs have been offended by this and have left the forum. What makes you so sure you are right?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: What is the most profound and deepest enlightenment you have discovered after all these years, based on the teachings of Shri Mataji? She also claims that all religions teach the same truth about the spirit. How is that so given all the religious differences and centuries-old rivalry?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: Hi, man-made religions, sects and denominations are wide spread. So much misdeeds and divisions are committed and blood is shed in the name of God and religion. Is there a way to make humans realize that they are all worshipping the One and same Creator, no matter how different religious organizations have made God to be?

Answer: Silence on Self

Question: It seems that religions are all preaching about a God that is to be found only in their organizations. Why then is it that the Divine can only be realized through one's own experience? What and where is God then?

Answer: Silence on Self

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