Natural Path Meditation Club

Basics

What is meditation?

Meditation is a simple technique used to regulate the mind. The mind is bought to bear upon a single subject, and disturbing and intruding thoughts are allowed to drop off by non-attention. Non-attention is the greatest weapon to avoid thoughts, as thoughts without human attention have no power. The mind, therefore is gently diverted to focus on a single subject.

What is the Natural Path?

"Sahaj Marg*", the Hindi word for "The Natural Path", is a simplified form of raja yoga (meaning “the king of all yogas”) that is suited for our daily lives. It is a practical system of meditation designed to give the direct experience of SELF realization, right here and now, in the midst of our daily situations.

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Benefits

Why do we need to meditate? How can it help us?

As a bird needs two wings to fly, so a human being needs two wings of existance, the spiritual and the material. If either is neglected for the other, life becomes exaggerated and unnatural. Neglect of the material existence results in dependence, and neglect of the spiritual results in a fundamental unhappiness. Meditation helps in creating a balance between the material and spiritual existance.

In meditation the mind is trained to relax by ignoring the usual thoughts crowding the mind. This helps in overcoming the dissipation of our precious mental energy. Better concentration is an automatic by-product. The mind is better regulated and gives us the strength to face difficulties.

How do I know whether the practice is helping me?

Members are encouraged to keep a diary of their inner life, and most soon notice a feeling of Shanti or peace, a sense of lightness, and an awakened intuitive ability. Though these experiences are not uniform, they are common in the beginning, and many other experiences and conditions will follow.

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Requirements

Do I have to believe in Sahaj Marg dogma or philosophy?

No. In fact, Sahaj Marg has no credos, no dogma, no tenets. It is not philosophy. It is practical and experiential in its approach, and so members are asked not to simply believe what we hear or read, but to observe what we discover within; not to trust the claims of Sahaj Marg, but to test them as thoroughly as we can. Practice is something we do, not something we ponder. Until we realize for ourselves, all the claims of any spiritual practice are only secondhand information. Read and enjoy, do and become!

What do I require to start the practice? How much do I pay?

Anyone over 18 years of age who is willing to give a sincere effort is invited to start the practice. Contact us at meditate(AT)usc.edu and we can help you schedule introductory meditation classes with a meditation trainer. No fee is asked for these or any other meditation sessions. Sahaj Marg teaches that spirituality cannot be sold any more than the sky can be sold, for no one owns it.

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I have a very busy schedule. How much time do I need to devote for this practice?

Sahaj Marg was designed so that even the busiest person could integrate a profoundly transformative spiritual practice into his or her daily life. The daily practice is quite simple. We are asked to sit comfortably and meditate at the beginning of the day for at least 30 minutes, and practice cleaning in the evening for atleast 15 minutes (a meditation trainer can detail the method). Regular meditation sessions with the trainer and group meditation is strongly recommended.

I have too many bad habits to start a spiritual practice at this time. Much as I might like to, I'm afraid that I cannot leave my vices.

Sahaj Marg is not for perfect people, but for those who are willing to become perfect. Our weaknesses, inclinations, or compulsions do not disqualify us; in fact, they are the very reasons to take up a spiritual practice. Rather than focus on our faults, in Sahaj Marg we simply make progress in the good and allow habits to drop away by themselves. There is no force, no rush. The process is quite natural and happens when the time is ripe.

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I think I might like to give the system a try, but at this point I cannot promise that I will stay with it forever. Is this acceptable?

Of course. The only essential requirement to begin Sahaj Marg is willingness. We encourage atleast a three month trial period to see any benefits.

I'm not sure about "Self-Realization"; I just want peace and relaxation. Is this acceptable? Are other motives acceptable in practicing Sahaj Marg? For example, can I start because I want to overcome my depression? Or improve my career and earning potential?

It is fine to begin practice with all sorts of hopes, goals, and expectations other than the ultimate goal. Eventually, as we evolve, our ideas of what is desirable will also evolve, and we will develop the focus and single-pointedness of mind essential to success in the spiritual quest, and will begin to understand the realms possible to the human spirit.

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More about the Practice

Can I practice Sahaj Marg on my own or do I need a guide?

Serious difficulties arise when meditation is practiced independently in accordance with methods prescribed in books. One has to keep on struggling with the mind in order to suppress its unceasing activities. This continues all the time and there is practically no meditation at all, since all the time given to meditation is lost in struggling against thoughts and tendencies. Hence, in Sahaj Marg, we seek the help of a guide who acts in much the same way as an accomplished mountaineer is a guide to the inexperienced climber. He knows the terrain of the journey first-hand and is able to lead us safely, surely and expeditiously to the goal.

How does Sahaj Marg compare with other systems?

It is against etiquette to rate or compare different traditions, religions, and methods. Sahaj Marg makes no claims other than it is an effective path, simple and direct, that can be tested by anyone willing to try it. Sahaj Marg cannot testify for the efficacy of other paths.

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