Sahaja Yoga

The article discusses Sahaja Yoga, a new religious movement led by an Indian lady, Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi. It discusses how newcomers adopt new practises and allegiances on becoming full-time members, and how most develop a radically new awareness of spiritual vibrations as a result of the regular meditation suggested by Sri Mataji. The article reflects upon current theories of socialization, in particular building up an understanding about new social worlds.

A full-length examination of Sahaja Yoga, a new religious movement led by an Indian lady, Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi. Basing her account largely on participant observation with devotees, Judith Coney sets out the experiences of Western members of the movement from the point of first contact to departure. She examines how newcomers adopt new practises and allegiances on becoming full-time members, and how most develop a radically new awareness of spiritual vibrations as a result of the regular meditation suggested by Sri Mataji. To do so, she reflects upon current theories of socialization, in particular building up an understanding about new social worlds.