Centenary Celebrations for the Founder of Sahaja Yoga: Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – March 21, 2023 

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the Founder of Sahaja Yoga. Shri Mataji dedicated Her life to the spiritual ascent of humankind. To commemorate this milestone, and honour Her legacy, many celebrations are being held throughout the world. 

In Canada, celebrations began with three classical Indian music programs in Vancouver, British Columbia. Commemorations will continue throughout the country, inviting the public to experience Sahaja Yoga meditation in free online and in-person programs and classes. Information about upcoming events will be published on our website when avail-able (www.sahajayoga.ca). 

To recognize this historic event, Canada will present two flutes at celebrations being held in India. These were hand crafted by Canadian Indigenous flute maker, Bryan Towers. Shri Mataji thought very highly of Indigenous peoples of North America for their connection with Mother Earth, their purity and collectivity, commenting that, “they are so innocent, and [such] spiritual people.” 

Shri Mataji was born in 1923, in India, to highly educated parents of the royal Shali-vahana lineage. From a very young age, She was aware of Her unique spirituality. She continued Her quest to find the best way to help people discover the spirituality within themselves. On May 5, 1970, She had a profound spiritual experience that triggered a process of spiritual self-transformation whereby thousands of people could achieve union with the deepest, most subtle aspect of their be-ing. She named this process Sahaja Yoga, meaning spontaneous union. 

For the following four decades, She tirelessly spread the profound message of Sahaja Yoga across the globe, travelling to over 100 countries to offer the experience of en-masse self-realization to all those who were seeking their inner spiritual transformation. 

Her vision for a world of peaceful, balanced and enlightened people grew from a handful of followers to today’s inter-nationally recognized Sahaja Yoga meditation. Her powerful message of love and peace led to two nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and She received the United Nations Peace Medal. 

Shri Mataji visited Canada and conducted public programs several times between 1981 and 2000. She was fond of Canada’s maple syrup, west coast cedar trees and quality of wheat flour. She admired Canadians for their potential to be spiritually deep and their general attribute of discretion.