About Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi (1923 – 2011) – Founder
“If you lead a good, healthy life, you have to exercise and meditate. If you meditate you become peaceful. With that peace, you’ll be amazed, you’ll have so much of energy.” Shri Mataji – founder.
Nobel Peace Prize nominee
Shri Mataji was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, recipient of the United Nations Peace Medal and was twice honoured by the United States Congress. She was internationally recognised for her contribution to humanity through a lifetime of work for peace and the wellbeing of mankind. She received awards and citations from the governments of many countries in recognition of her selfless efforts for social improvement.
‘Shri Mataji’s discovery brings genuine hope to humanity.’
Claes Nobel, (grandnephew of Alfred Nobel, Nobel Peace Prize Foundation) Chairman of the United Earth Organization.
In 1970, after studying the field of medicine and focusing on the scientific terminology of the anatomy and human physiology, she started Sahaja Yoga, which she insisted be shared with all, at no cost. In keeping with her principles, Sahaja Yoga meditation is now offered in over one hundred countries worldwide, free of charge.
International recognition
Shri Mataji dedicated her life to helping humanity realise its innate spiritual nature through an experience known as Self Realisation. In recognition of her lifetime’s tremendous work of transforming humanity, through collective en masse Self Realisation, she has been publicly acclaimed and awarded honours by the Governments and leaders of many nations. Shri Mataji’s core teaching is that within us all lies a transformative potential, which can be awakened through Self Relaisation and by doing so, we can bring peace and wellbeing to ourselves, our families, our social institutions, our nations and our world.
Learn more
Meta Modern Era Book by Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Meta Modern Era Book by Shri Mataji
A loving, compelling and powerful book that introduces a tangible spiritual breakthrough for the 21st century — spontaneous Self Realization through Sahaja Yoga meditation — which opens a new dimension in human awareness.
Shri Mataji’s Australian visits (1981 to 2006)
After her first visit in 1981, Shri Mataji continued to visit Australia on many occasions, giving free public lectures to share her knowledge and teach the Australian public her simple method of Sahaja Yoga.
During these years, she gave over fifty public lectures around Australia, without charge. Over the years, many tens of thousands of people attended her talks.
Australian visits (click to enlarge)
Shri Mataji would stay for many hours after these lectures, to individually meet all the audience members who lined up seeking her guidance. Free follow-up meditation classes were also offered to those who came to her talks.
Short video from Sydney public lecture at Hilton Hotel 1990
Community involvement
People who have been introduced to Shri Mataji’s inspirational teachings and learnt the Sahaja Yoga meditation techniques are also involved in providing a wide range of community services such as:
- Weekly classes, one day workshops and meditation courses
- Corporate and organisational stress management
- Personal development workshops within the Department of Corrective Services, gaols, remand centres and immigration detention centres
- Stress management and personal development courses within many educational establishments
- Clinical medical research
- Cultural and artistic projects and performances in music, dance, theatre, literature, and art
- Outreach programmes for Indigenous communities
- Support for multicultural & local communities
- Online facilities to provide meditation for remote areas