Some Basic Heartfulness Concepts

Heartfulness Meditation

Of the many methods of meditation available today across the world, Heartfulness Meditation is one of the simplest and most effective. It is a heart-based meditation. It is also called Sahaj Marg, or, Natural Path. Abhyasis are guided on how to bring our heart and our intuition into everything that we do. Our experience is proof that this method of meditation helps bring about inner transformation very silently. Over time, the changes in ourselves is clearly perceptible and palpable in terms of behavioral changes, attitude and approach towards situations and relationship with all fellow-beings. One starts to understanding what spiritual growth could really mean.

It has scientifically been proven that the heart communicates twice as much to the brain than the brain does to the heart. The heart is able to give more accurate decisions in life, and far supersedes the capability of our brain. The heart is capable of leading us much better than the head.

Pranahuti in HFN

Heartfulness Meditation is very unique since it is assisted by Yogic Transmission (“Pranahuti”). Pranahuti has existed in Indian spiritual practices 72 generations before the time of Raja Dasharatha. It was lost to us for a long time. It was re-discovered and revived into actual practice by Shri Rama Chandra of Shahjahanpur [affectionately called Lalaji] about 100 years back. We have attempted to give the meaning of the word Pranahuti in the Vocabulary section at the beginning of this booklet. Pranahuti by a Living Guide is the real transformational factor in Heartfulness.

Scientific Approach

The Masters of Sahaj Marg, encourage Abhyasis to experiment with the methods and practices prescribed and come to their own conclusions. Constructive experimentation and a scientific approach to understanding the method is considered important and highly recommended. Blind faith is actively discouraged. Any form of pooja or worship of Masters is also discouraged. No practices similar to religious practices are recommended or encouraged.

However, our Masters also advise us that once the Abhyasi is convinced of the method through direct experience in the course of his/her experimentations, then (s)he should drop all doubts and get down to sincere and disciplined practice.

Master

The SRCM is founded on the Guru-Shishya parampara and thrives on the existence of a Living Master. Lalaji Maharaj is considered the Adi-Guru if this system. However, he did not start an establishment. Babuji Maharaj founded the Shri Rama Chandra Mission on 21^st July 1945 and remained the Global Guide and President till 19^th April 1983. He attained access to the Brighter World on that day.  Shri Parthasarathy Rajagopalachari [affectionately known as Chariji], was one of the leading disciples of Babuji Maharaj who chosen by Babuji as his successor. Chariji Maharaj presided over the Mission for about 30 years till he attained Mahasamadhi on 20^th December 2014. The current Global Guide Shri Kamlesh Patel [affectionately known as Daaji] took over the mantle from Chariji Maharaj.

Each of the Masters have made very significant contributions to the Global growth of the Mission as well as have bringing this practice closer and closer to the common man.

Balance Material Life with Spirituality

All the Masters of Sahaj Marg have been Grihasthas (family-man or householder), leading normal lives. They were all married, had children, had jobs and careers and friends and relatives. They took care of all these things on one side and on the other side, evolved to the highest levels of Spirituality possible for man. For instance, the current Global Guide, Shri Kamlesh Patel, setup and ran a large pharmaceutical business in the US during this prime.

We are taught that there is no need to shun material life to attain Spiritual growth. On the contrary, home and society are the ideal grounds to practice spirituality. Masters teach us how to balance our family lives with our spiritual growth.

This fundamental tenet brings the entire world into the fold of Sahaj Marg. Every human is given hope that (s)he can achieve the Ultimate Goal even when living the life of a normal householder which may include family, career, and other material paraphernalia.

Babuji teaches us that we have to fly like a bird whose two wings are material life and spiritual life.

Attitude

One of the most critical components in the Heartfulness System, for that matter, in any system of spiritual practice, is the attitude we bring into it.

An attitude of Love for the Ultimate is an essential ingredient. An eagerness and willingness to transform for the greater good is needed.

Teachings

Lalaji Maharaj’s teachings were systematized by his prime disciple, also by name Shri Rama Chandra [affectionately called Babuji] of Fatehgarh. He was a spiritual scientist par excellence and developed a set of very simple but most effective spiritual practices.  For the last 75 years, the Shri Rama Chandra Mission [started in the name of Lalaji Maharaj] has helped thousands and thousands of people across the world find higher meaning in their lives.