The name ‘Heartfulness’ signifies the importance of embracing all experiences with love and acceptance. A heart-centered approach can lead to greater harmony and understanding in the world, says Daaji (Kamlesh D. Patel), in this second part of the interview he gave to Lotus.
Lotus: What is Sahaj Marg meditation? What are the benefits of practising it?
Daaji: Sahaj Marg meditation, also known as the Natural Path, is a form of Raja Yoga that highlights simplicity and naturalness in practice. Founded in the early 20th century by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, Sahaj Marg’s unique element is the divine yogic energy of Pranahuti, which is transmitted from the spiritual guide to aid the practitioner’s spiritual progress. Heartfulness is the contemporary version of this system.
Lotus: Your tradition has householder gurus. Does it help or hinder?
Daaji: My guru was a householder. His guru was also a householder. They could relate to the challenges and struggles of everyday life. They understood the complexities of balancing family, work, and spiritual practice and offered practical guidance on integrating spirituality into daily life. The lives of our gurus inspired seekers as they could learn from their guru’s examples on how to navigate the spiritual path while fulfilling their worldly duties. My spiritual guide, Pujya Babuji Maharaj, was also my role model for how to live a balanced and fulfilling life. He demonstrated that spiritual practice is not separate from daily life but can be integrated into every aspect of our existence.
Spirituality highlights the interconnectedness of all beings. It inculcates qualities like compassion, empathy, and unity, which are essential for addressing the complex challenges facing us today, such as social inequality, environmental degradation, and conflict.
Lotus: What inspired you to create the world’s largest meditation center, Kanha Shanti Vanam near Hyderabad in India?
Daaji: I want people from all walks of life to come together to learn, practice, and experience the profound benefits of meditation in a serene environment. The idea behind Kanha Shanti Vanam, the headquarters of Heartfulness as well as Shri Ram Chandra Mission, was to create a space that would not only serve as a retreat for individuals seeking inner peace and spiritual growth but also as a center for research and education in meditation and spirituality. Here at Kanha, people immerse themselves in the practice of meditation, learn from experienced Heartfulness trainers and participate in programs and workshops that deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Kanha Shanti Vanam transcends specific spiritual paths, traditions, faiths, religions, and cultures. It is a place where everyone can come and experience their spirituality. It embodies unity, peace, and harmony. Calling it the world’s largest meditation hall is underrated. It is more.
Lotus: What were the key themes of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav, and how they benefited the broader spiritual community?
Daaji: The Global Spirituality Mahotsav at Kanha Shanti Vanam was a celebration of spiritual unity, wisdom, and inner peace. The event brought together 500+ spiritual leaders, practitioners, and spiritual enthusiasts from around the world, creating a unique platform for dialogue, exploration, and mutual learning. One key highlight of the Mahotsav was its focus on celebrating the diversity of spiritual traditions and practices. All delegates had the opportunity to learn from various spiritual paths, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for different ways of seeking and experiencing the divine.
We also had a series of talks, wisdom sessions, and discussions where participants were able to delve into the depths of spiritual teachings and philosophy, gaining valuable insights and practical guidance for their spiritual journeys. Many conversations promoted interfaith dialogue and understanding. As a result, organizations and their leaders are making plans to come together, learn from each other, and share mutually beneficial practices.
For example, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, is teaching the Brighter Minds program to all the children in the madrasas. We have also signed an MoU with the “4 per 1,000” initiative to champion healthy soils for food security and climate change. These are just two examples of giant strides made in the fields of education, child development, and environmental conservation.
The Global Spirituality Mahotsav also made us recognize the interconnectedness of all spiritual traditions. Participants were able to see beyond the external differences and rituals of various faiths and recognize the underlying unity and universality of spiritual teachings. The Global Spirituality Mahotsav is a reminder of the power of spirituality to unite people, transcend differences, and inspire personal and collective transformation. Such events play a crucial role in creating the next evolutionary leap in humankind. When such events happen, angels and gods are envious of us and want to come down to Earth just to witness the collective energy of such peaceful unities among us.
Spiritual Anatomy blends the wisdom of yogic philosophy with practical techniques to unlock one’s infinite potential. It is Daaji’s second bestselling book; the first was The Heartfulness Way.
Lotus: Does your organization attract more seekers from India or abroad?
Daaji: Meditation has been practised in India for thousands of years and is deeply rooted in India’s spiritual traditions. As a result, there may be a greater awareness and acceptance of meditation as a spiritual practice among Indians. On the other hand, seekers from other countries may be attracted to our tradition due to its practical and universal approach to meditation. Our meditation practice is simple and accessible, making it appealing to people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. The emphasis on personal experience and inner transformation resonates with many individuals, both within and outside India, seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
Some important timelines of events related to the Heartfulness organization:
- Daaji took over as the spiritual guide of Heartfulness in 2011, succeeding Chariji (Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari).
- Sri Ram Chandra mission, a non-profit organization that taught the Heartfulness meditation or Sahaj Marg spiritual practice was first found in July, 1945 by Ram Chandra aka Babuji of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Kanha Shanti Vanam, the largest meditation center in the world and the global headquarters of Heartfulness, was inaugurated on 29th January, 2020.
- The Heartfulness Spiritual Gathering (also known as the Global Spirituality Mahotsav) typically takes place in March every year, providing a platform for spiritual seekers and practitioners to come together for introspection and community. In 2024, it was held from March 14 to 17 at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad.
For Part I of Daaji interview, go to….
