Abstract:
Man belongs to concentric circles of systems that surround him. As a result of breakage in these circles, the functioning of our social eco-systems is disturbed and our planet is in need of healing and transformation. The inner transformation of each individual is the key to the resolution of global crises. Sahaja Yoga (SY) meditation has brought about profound change in the lives of many individuals and it provides a possible solution for our collective survival and regeneration. SY is a form of Kundalini Yoga realised in a safe communial and spiritual context with focus on integrated community Self-realisation. Self-Realisation is the key to self-knowledge and as an individual becomes more balanced, peaceful and compassionate, society as a whole benefits and improves. Hence, SY meditation fosters and nurtures/ nourishes therapeutic community.
The phenomenological approach was used to describe the lived experiences of six Sahaja Yogis in this study. Central themes which expressed the essence of the experiences were determined and discussed through the explicitation process outlined by Hycner (1999). These themes included meditation, collectivity, Kundalini healing, transformation and Self-realisation. This study is valuable because spiritual seeking is a natural urge and profound feelings of connectedness are universal human experiences widely reported across cultures, and, therefore, worthy of rigorous, scientific study. Furthermore, this study is valuable because it has provided empirical, experiential evidence as to the value of SY in building and promoting spiritual community and communal spirituality. The scope of the study emerged from indigenous knowledge that arose from original and phenomenological spiritual exploration of sages over the years.
Description:
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Ph.D. Community Psychology, to the University of Zululand, 2008.
