Sahaja Yoga Experiences: Chef Manish Singh & Sanjay Talwar in Dialogue
Introduction of Manish Singh: Manish Singh, originally from Punjab, is introduced as a veteran Sahaja Yogi since the late 1970s. The speaker expresses privilege in having an informal chat with him to learn about his experiences with Shri Mataji in her physical form and his journey into Sahaja Yoga.
The Search for a Guru: Manish describes feeling a search for “something or someone” but never expecting to find “Adishakti herself.” He had met other gurus during his travels but didn’t feel stuck anywhere, indicating an innate wisdom guiding him.
First Encounter with Shri Mataji: In March 1979, while studying law at Delhi University and practicing Hatha Yoga, Manish saw Shri Mataji’s poster with “Kundalini Jagran” written on it. He found it coincidental that he had been visiting that place for years but had never seen her poster until then, attributing it to destiny.
Horoscope and Realization: Manish’s horoscope predicted a life change at 22. He met Shri Mataji on March 13th and turned 22 on March 16th, highlighting the precision of the timing.
Initial Realization Experience: During his first meeting, he felt a cool breeze (vibrations) as Shri Mataji instructed. He initially looked around for a source of wind, indicating his unfamiliarity with the concept, but the experience was “tremendous.”
Continued Programs and Deepening Experience: Shri Mataji used to hold morning and evening programs at 10 Ashoka Road. On March 15th, Manish attended again, and this time, the vibrations were overwhelming, feeling like an “internal bath.” He describes the early practice of devotees touching Shri Mataji’s feet.
Early Guides and Support: Manish’s first two guides in Sahaja Yoga were Abdut from Mumbai and Tony from England, who helped him learn and nurture his understanding.
First One-on-One with Shri Mataji: A few days after his realization, he asked an uncle if he could meet Shri Mataji. He was granted five minutes. During the meeting, Shri Mataji, with her eyes mostly closed, observed him while her grandchildren played. When he tried to leave after five minutes, she told him to stay, leading to an extended, non-verbal experience of oneness.
Confirmation of Shri Mataji’s Divinity: Manish felt a profound internal change and bliss but didn’t question who Shri Mataji was. An article titled “I Am God, Shri Mataji” in Illustrated Weekly of India (a premier magazine at the time) served as a confirmation of his unspoken understanding.
Career and Sahaja Yoga: Around 1979, Manish, despite having no prior interest, applied for a management trainee position at Oberoi hotels and was selected from a large pool of applicants.
The Turban and the Cross: Early in his Sahaja Yoga journey, Shri Mataji put a cross of kumkum on his Agnya chakra, which he wore for several days, even during interviews, demonstrating his complete faith.
Growth of Sahaja Yoga and Younger People: Manish notes that his embracing Sahaja Yoga, despite his “westernized” background, helped usher in a new wave of younger, similar individuals into the practice in Delhi, breaking the perception that one had to be “extremely Indian” to accept Sahaja Yoga.
Lunavala Shabir and the “Ardas”: In the 1981 Shabir in Lunavala, Manish and two other Sikh youths offered an “ardas” (prayer) from the Guru Granth Sahib, which describes God as the ultimate Mother and Father and the universe as their play. This prayer, which talks about “surati” (Kundalini), created profound silence and vibrations.
Arranged Marriage by Shri Mataji: Shri Mataji arranged his marriage in 1981, and he was married in 1983 in New Delhi as part of the last group of 16 couples married together in a collective ceremony around a single fire, with Shri Mataji present.
Living with Parents and Shri Mataji’s Guidance: After his first child was born (named Shri Kal by Shri Mataji), Manish considered moving out due to his father’s drinking habits. Shri Mataji immediately told him, “You’ve come to Sahaja Yoga to make, not to break,” ending the discussion and leading him to obey.
Removing the Turban: Manish, a Sikh, felt pressure in his head from his turban. Shri Mataji laughed, confirming the pressure. To avoid hurting his parents, he feigned a medical issue. In 1981, while Shri Mataji was resting, he went to a barber and had his hair cut. Shri Mataji’s reaction was, “Today Guru Nanak is very pleased because you’re the first one who’s done it knowing he’s doing the right thing,” emphasizing that external appendages are not necessary for a seeker.
Guru Gobind Singh and Adi Shakti: Manish explains that Guru Gobind Singh’s creation of the Khalsa (Sikh identity) was to instill bravery against oppression. He highlights that Guru Gobind Singh was a “Devi worshipper” and recounts offering Shri Mataji the Guru Granth Sahib and Chandi Di Var (a composition by Guru Gobind Singh praising the Devi) on her 75th birthday. He questions why Sikhs don’t understand the clear references to Adi Shakti in their scriptures.
Origin of His Name: Manish shares a humorous story about how he chose his name. Originally called “Dicki Singh,” his aunt insisted on a proper name. After opening the Guru Granth Sahib and getting the letter ‘M,’ he chose “Manish” and added “Prit” (meaning love) as a middle name, becoming Manish Prit Singh.
Thoughts on Conditioning: He concludes by emphasizing the need to overcome conditionings and to fully embody the meaning of his name, “Manish” (master of one’s mind), hoping to achieve total actualization of his realization in this lifetime.
Miracles and the Power of Sahaja Yoga
Miracle Photograph: Manish recounts a Navratri incident in Kolkata at Mr. Mahindra Jalan’s residence where his sister-in-law desired a “miracle photograph.” A picture taken of Shri Mataji eating showed her appearing as Shri Kali or Mahakali, consuming “bhoots.”
Constant Coolness: In the early days of his realization, Manish experienced a persistent “column of coolness” around him, even in Delhi’s heat, indicating a constant state of bliss and the pervasive nature of vibrations.
Healing Through Collective Consciousness: While in Shimla, Manish, a few months into Sahaja Yoga, remotely worked on his friend Hush’s severely ill father (who was in Delhi) by raising his own Kundalini, writing the father’s name on his hand, and giving bandhan. Hush later confirmed his father’s condition “improved substantially,” proving the power of collective consciousness when connected to Shri Mataji.
Ganeshpati Pune Incidents:
Stingray Stings and Sunburns: Despite Shri Mataji’s warning not to go into the sun after a certain time, some Sahaja Yogis were stung by stingrays and others got severely sunburned.
Sari Healing: Shri Mataji, with maternal compassion, gave her white khadi saris to the sunburnt individuals. They wrapped themselves in the saris, which absorbed all the heat and disintegrated into shreds, while the people’s burns were miraculously cured.
Moving Torans: During an evening program, rows of leaf torans (decorations) moved in perfect harmony with the music, accelerating and stopping with the tempo, a “cosmic show” created by Shri Mataji.
Trishul and Moon Halo: At the end of that evening, a huge trishul (trident) appeared in the sky, blasting vibrations. Later, a perfect halo appeared around the moon directly above Shri Mataji’s cottage.
Disappearing Wallet: In Ganeshpati Pune, Manish lost his wallet (containing his train ticket) and, despite searching thoroughly and locking the room, found it placed back on his bed the next morning, emphasizing Shri Mataji’s way of taking care of her children.
The State of Sahaja Yoga and Future Direction
Internal Threats to Sahaja Yoga: Manish stresses Shri Mataji’s warning that “from outside nobody can harm Sahaja Yoga; it’s only people from inside.” He condemns infighting over properties like Nirmal Dham, emphasizing the need for humility.
Importance of Depth, Not Numbers: He highlights Shri Mataji’s desire for “a few good ones” over “useless people,” lamenting that despite large numbers at pujas, the vibrations are not as strong as in the early days when smaller, intimate gatherings exuded tremendous vibrations.
Becoming the Essence: True Sahaja Yogis should embrace chastity, purity, innocence, and joy, manifesting these qualities rather than just talking about them. The primary gauge for a Sahaja Yogi is their vibrations.
Rejecting Sectarianism and External Practices: Manish strongly asserts that Sahaja Yogis are the “essence of everything” and should not try to bring external religious practices (Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity) into Sahaja Yoga. Shri Mataji is the totality of all incarnations.
Condemnation of Innovations: He condemns “karwachauth” and other such vratas (fasts) being introduced into Sahaja Yoga, stating Shri Mataji’s clear prohibition of them. He also criticizes excessive arati or lapsi/laddu distribution, advocating for dignity and grace in offerings.
Symbolism in Pujas: He notes that Shri Mataji always used the Christian cross on her right hand and the Swastika on her feet in pujas, never the Om symbol, questioning why Sahaja Yogis, who received realization through the incarnation of Christ, try to change these established practices.
Dietary Habits: Manish clarifies that there is no vegetarianism in Sahaja Yoga, citing examples of Shri Rama and Guru Nanak consuming meat, and Shri Mataji herself eating non-vegetarian food. The focus should be on inner cleansing, not external rules.
Shri Mataji’s Example of Humility and Love: He recalls Shri Mataji’s early married life where she won over her husband’s family, who were previously neglectful of their women, by massaging their feet with ghee and saffron – a selfless act of love and humility that transformed relationships. He contrasts this with modern Sahaja Yogis who might be rude to in-laws.
Sahaja Yoga as a Complete System: Sahaja Yoga provides a “complete platter” for enjoyment, but this requires deep internal cleansing and becoming an effective instrument for vibrations to flow.
Manish’s Current Contributions:
Successful Career: He shares his success in running a large food service program, attributing his consistent profitability to Shri Mataji’s backing.
Cooking and Vibrated Food: He plans to start cooking sessions with meditation, believing that giving “vibrated food” to people corrects their dharma and helps them go on the Mahalakshmi path.
Documenting Shri Mataji’s Teachings: He intends to put all the cooking recipes and other teachings Shri Mataji gave him on video for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion on Unity and Growth: The conversation concludes with a prayer for mutual support and love among Sahaja Yogis, emphasizing that the focus in centers and pujas should always be on vibrations and pleasing the Goddess, strictly adhering to the format Shri Mataji established.
