Biography of Nirmala Srivastava


Full Name and Common Aliases

Nirmala Srivastava, widely known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, was a spiritual leader and the founder of Sahaja Yoga, a meditation practice that has gained international recognition. Her followers often refer to her simply as "Shri Mataji," a term of reverence and respect.

Birth and Death Dates

Nirmala Srivastava was born on March 21, 1923, and passed away on February 23, 2011. Her life spanned nearly nine decades, during which she made significant contributions to spiritual practices and personal development.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Nirmala Srivastava was of Indian nationality. She was a spiritual leader, teacher, and author. Her work primarily focused on spiritual enlightenment and self-realization, which she promoted through the practice of Sahaja Yoga.

Early Life and Background

Nirmala Srivastava was born in Chhindwara, a town in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. She hailed from a Christian family, and her father, Prasad Rao Krishnan, was a scholar fluent in several languages, while her mother, Cornelia Salve, was a dedicated social worker. Nirmala's upbringing was deeply influenced by her parents' commitment to education and social reform.

During her early years, Nirmala was exposed to the Indian independence movement, as her parents were actively involved in the struggle against British colonial rule. She spent part of her childhood in the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, where she absorbed the principles of non-violence and self-discipline. This environment nurtured her spiritual inclinations and laid the foundation for her future work in spiritual teaching.

Major Accomplishments

Nirmala Srivastava's most significant accomplishment was the establishment of Sahaja Yoga in 1970. This meditation practice emphasizes self-realization and inner transformation through the awakening of the Kundalini energy, which she described as a powerful spiritual force residing within every individual. Sahaja Yoga quickly gained popularity due to its accessibility and effectiveness in promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Under her guidance, Sahaja Yoga spread across the globe, with centers established in over 100 countries. Nirmala Srivastava conducted numerous public programs and workshops, reaching millions of people and helping them achieve a state of inner peace and self-awareness.

Notable Works or Actions

Nirmala Srivastava authored several books and delivered countless lectures on spirituality and self-realization. Her teachings emphasized the importance of meditation, self-awareness, and the integration of spiritual practices into daily life. Some of her notable works include "Meta Modern Era" and "The Advent," which provide insights into her philosophy and the principles of Sahaja Yoga.

In addition to her written works, Nirmala Srivastava was known for her public speaking engagements, where she shared her wisdom and guided audiences through the process of self-realization. Her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures was a testament to her universal message of love and compassion.

Impact and Legacy

Nirmala Srivastava's impact on the world of spirituality is profound and enduring. Through Sahaja Yoga, she offered a practical approach to achieving inner peace and self-realization, which has transformed the lives of countless individuals. Her teachings continue to inspire people to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the universe.

Her legacy is preserved through the ongoing practice of Sahaja Yoga, which remains a vibrant and growing movement. The numerous centers and practitioners around the world are a testament to her enduring influence and the effectiveness of her teachings.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Nirmala Srivastava is widely quoted and remembered for her profound insights into the nature of human consciousness and spirituality. Her teachings offer a unique perspective on achieving self-realization and inner peace, making them relevant to individuals seeking personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

Her ability to articulate complex spiritual concepts in a simple and accessible manner has made her quotes and teachings resonate with a broad audience. Nirmala Srivastava's emphasis on love, compassion, and self-awareness continues to inspire people to lead more fulfilling and harmonious lives, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.

Quotes by Nirmala Srivastava

As a mother would see her child, you should see the whole world as a beautiful place that God has created for you.
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As a mother would see her child, you should see the whole world as a beautiful place that God has created for you.
Your nervous system has to become collectively conscious.
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Your nervous system has to become collectively conscious.
Once you are absolutely thoughtlessly aware, you are one with the Divine, so much so that the Divine takes over every activity, every moment of your life and looks after you and you feel completely secured, one with the Divine and enjoy the blessings of the Divine.
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Once you are absolutely thoughtlessly aware, you are one with the Divine, so much so that the Divine takes over every activity, every moment of your life and looks after you and you feel completely secured, one with the Divine and enjoy the blessings of the Divine.
To be generous is the best way to live in this world.
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To be generous is the best way to live in this world.
The greatest law of Sahaja Yoga is that it is a collective happening.
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The greatest law of Sahaja Yoga is that it is a collective happening.
Through Sahaja Yoga what happens to you, that you become a collective personality.
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Through Sahaja Yoga what happens to you, that you become a collective personality.
And so we realize that human beings have to be transformed and have to enter into a higher state of awareness, through inner transformation. This has to be the last breakthrough of our evolution, which is a living process.
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And so we realize that human beings have to be transformed and have to enter into a higher state of awareness, through inner transformation. This has to be the last breakthrough of our evolution, which is a living process.
Matter can never give you joy. It’s the Spirit that gives you joy.
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Matter can never give you joy. It’s the Spirit that gives you joy.
There is no need to condemn yourself in any way, or to elate yourself, but just be your Spirit. The best way to be with your Spirit is to forgive.
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There is no need to condemn yourself in any way, or to elate yourself, but just be your Spirit. The best way to be with your Spirit is to forgive.
There’s only one pure desire and that is to be one with the Divine.
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There’s only one pure desire and that is to be one with the Divine.
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