Sahaja Yoga
On Saturday, 9 April 2011, Woolgoolga Beach Reserve at Woolgoolga in northern NSW, Australia, will come alive with the colourful and exotic sights, sounds and smells of the sixth annual Woolgoolga Curryfest. Celebrating the region’s unique cultural diversity, visitors can enjoy twelve hours of food, music, dance and fun from around the world.
This year’s festival is bigger and better than ever, with an amazing line-up of world-class entertainers, and more cuisines represented than ever before. Enjoy delicious tasting plates from India, Japan, Morocco, Mexico, and even the great Aussie BBQ, among others. There will also be an array of temping sweet treats and espresso coffee.
On stage, the global entertainment will continue all day and into the night. Highlights include Ghana’s Afro Moses, performing with some of Africa’s best musicians; award-winning singer and composer, Carmella, known for her powerful, transporting, and angelic voice; and Australia’s finest guitar trio, Martinez Akustika, who have previously toured with The Gypsy Kings and Buena Vista Social Club.
Sahaj Yoga will also present singing and dance groups with Indian and World Music flavours.
Curryfest offers something for everyone. Shop for gifts, clothing and spices in the marketplace, and then chill out in the Sahaja Yoga meditation tent. You can even join in the Indian theme with some traditional henna hand painting.
Younger visitors will love the new, larger kid’s area, with fun carnival rides and sideshow games. Bring the family for a great, festive day out and enjoy great food, entertainment and fun by the beach. It’s only once a year!
When: Saturday, April 9, 2011. Open from 9.00am to 9.00pm
Where: Woolgoolga Beach Reserve, Woolgoolga
Admission: Day (‘til 4pm) $3, Day/Night $5, Primary school children and under FREE
More information here.
Grades 4 to 12 children
On 21 February 2011, Sahaja Yoga in South Africa held the first school realisation program for the year at Mount Edgecombe Private School in Phoenix, a suburb of Durban. Two programs were held: one for Grades 4 to 12 children and one for Grades R to 3 children.
The realisation session for Grade 4 to Grade 12 (200 children) was conducted in a cool enclosed area on the lawn. The Deputy Principal and teachers were most accommodating and made the Sahaja yogis feel very welcome. A student led the assembly with “Our Father” (The Lord’s Prayer).
At first, Lincoln spoke about the current problems students are exposed to, such as drugs, alcohol and peer pressure. He also spoke about the benefits of Sahaja Yoga meditation. Kasthurie conducted the realization session, after which everyone felt the Cool Breeze.
Sahaja Yoga realisation session
The children and teachers enjoyed the session and were very grateful for getting this information.
The second session was for Grade R to Grade 3 (300 children). Because they were little ones Lincoln decided not to do his introduction bit. So after being introduced by the head of this section, the Self-realisation session was conducted by Kasthurie. Rina did the concluding session.
This was done under a huge beautiful old tree – a setting that made one feel like being in a village in India, where the saints gathered to share their knowledge with all who were interested in learning about God.
Grades R to 3 children
This was a wonderful start for the Sahaja Yoga School Programs in South Africa in 2011. These programs are being carried out by a dedicated band of Sahaja yogis who give freely of their time to help children and teachers in schools understand about Sahaja Yoga meditation.
Kasthurie, Rina and Lincoln
H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of the worldwide meditation movement called Sahaja Yoga, passed away peacefully on 23rd February, 2011 in Genoa, Italy, aged 87.
Hers was a life unlike any other. Whether walking with kings or walking barefoot with Gandhi, it was a journey of extremes managed effortlessly, living as she did with grace, dignity and, always, loving guidance.
Shri Mataji’s was to be a truly remarkable path.
Born of a royal dynasty; she conferred as a child with Mahatma Gandhi, living for a time in his ashram; was a medical student and a freedom fighter; was an adored mother, grandmother, great grandmother and the wife of a distinguished diplomat who himself was decorated by the Kings and Presidents of innumerable countries and knighted by the Queen of England. But incredibly, after all this, with her family grown and settled, she then embarked on an even more extraordinary mission.
Shri Mataji was born to Christian parents in India. Spiritually enlightened, she knew from very early on that her unique spiritual gift must be made available to everyone. And so it was that in 1970 she founded Sahaja Yoga meditation, which she shared freely. Using simple techniques, she discovered a unique process of Self Realisation through which huge masses of people could easily achieve the peace of true meditation. She charged no money, and instead insisted this was a birthright which should be available to all who desired it, at no cost. She said
“There can be no peace in the world until there is peace within”.
Thus began the next outstanding stage of her life: for the next forty years, she continuously travelled Continue reading
Sahaja Yoga Workshop in Burwood, Sydney
Four-week Sahaja Yoga meditation courses start in March 2011 at over 80 locations around Australia.
The courses are designed to teach you simple techniques for developing the mental silence of true meditation. They are comprised of one 90-minute class per week for 4 weeks.
At the completion of the 4-week course, one-day practical workshops will be held to help you further establish your meditation learnings.
• Suitable for complete beginners and regulars
• One 90-minute class per week for 4 weeks
• Join in at anytime, even if you miss a class
• No physical exercises, postures or special clothing required
• Chairs provided
• Daytime or evening classes available
• Ongoing weekly classes at most venues
• All courses and classes are free
Further details: Go to www.sahajayoga.com.au/events