Yogi offers free meditation programmes in NZ which is charged in thousands in the US

Sahaja Yoga Meditation, a wellness programme was brought in New Zealand more than 30 years ago and has been practised and taught to community members for free in New Zealand ever since as opposed to the US where people are charged thousands to learn about meditation technique. 

Sahaja Yoga Meditation technique was founded by Her Holiness Shri Nirmala Devi in the 1970s in India, and its followers are known as Sahaja Yogis and Yoginis, and this form of Yoga is practised in over 100 countries. She is better known to her followers as Shri Mataji and an institution named International Sahaja Public School in Dharamshala, India is also run by the Sahaja Yoga movement. 

One such practitioner in New Zealand is Rajendran Rajagopal, an engineer by profession and ardent follower, practitioner and instructor of Sahaja Yoga since 1994. Mr Raj spread his knowledge of Sahaja Yoga by hosting several classes, sessions and programmes for free for the last 13 years in Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. 

The seven Chakras of the body as per Sahaja Yoga

“I conduct and teach Sahaja Yoga for free as a service to the community, and over the time it has benefitted all those who have practised it, and I aim to share this with all New Zealanders,” Mr Rajagopal told The Indian Weekender.

Over the years, the Sahaja Yoga programme has grown manifold, and there are twelve locations across the north and south Island where weekly, monthly and seasonal classes/sessions are held.

Mr Rajagopal, currently working as a senior project manager in Hamilton, added that these Sahaja Yoga classes are run by people at different locations and are completely free for everyone to learn and practice.

“I got to know from one of the Sahaja Yoga practitioners who would follow my video/online programs from the United States and said that what I am offering for free in New Zealand is charged thousands back in the States by non-Sahaja Yoga centres,” Mr Rajagopal added.

Sahaja Yoga Instructor from Hamilton Rajendra Rajagopal

As per Sahaja Yoga techniques, there are seven chakras (energy centres) and three nadis (energy channels) within every human being that become enlightened by the dormant spiritual energy that rises from the base of the spine (sacrum bone) to the top of the head (fontanelle bone) which it passes through to connect one to the energy around us.

“This unique technique of meditation involves the awakening of the subtle feminine energy called Kundalini, which resides in all human beings, through a process called Self Realisation. It brings us into balance and also physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. “

“Sahaja” means spontaneous or born within, and “Yoga” means union with self. Sahaja Yoga meditation results in a state of thoughtless awareness, achieved through awakening our Kundalini energy. It helps bring inner peace and balance.”

“I strongly believe that Sahaja Yoga being a holistic approach to total wellness being taught free would be a valuable resource for anyone to access such a high level of inner spiritual growth without focussing on any external factors such as race, religion, colour, ethnicity or country,” Mr Rajagopal added.

Yogis practising Sahaja Yoga in Hamilton

Mr Rajagopal stressed about the benefits of practising this form of meditation and Yoga; it helps with self-development, peacefulness, improved sleeping, stress management for all age groups, including health benefits such as allergies, asthma, improvement in general immunity and other ailments such as blood pressure, high cholesterol etc.

There are about 200 - 300 Sahaja Yoga practitioners in New Zealand, some attend the sessions at different locations across NZ, and some have learnt and practice the meditation at their homes with families and friends.

Due to Covid-19 Sahaja Yoga New Zealand, an organisation in all Sahaja Yogis connected to in the country and is affiliated to the global Sahaja Yoga is hosting sessions via zoom and also has the contact details of practitioners and locations in NZ.

“I’m looking forward to recommence the classes at a Community Centre in Hamilton again soon. All are welcome. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”