Having attention on one's Energy, an help to face a trial
We were already performing sahaja yoga meditation programmes in the jail of JALGAON (north of the state of Mumbai) in INDIA.
While discussing with prisoners about their problems, we told them to keep their attention on SAHASRARA, on their Energy on top of their head, as SHRI MATAJI taught us. This when they face a trial. They then told us they got good results doing this.
Bhagwat Patil
Published by Sahaja yoga meditation in jail
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est testimonies of organizers of courses. Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est testimonies of organizers of courses. Afficher tous les articles
mercredi 20 juin 2012
samedi 16 juin 2012
Program in prison for young criminals in Moscow
October 2010
Music and meditation in a jail for young ones
Last Friday we went to a prison for young criminals with medium and heavy crime degrees. We were 15 yogis from Moscow and neighbouring cities.
We were met by very pleasant staff member who was very positive about the program.
Before we had an agreement with the prison staff that we will not speak and we will only sing. But when we came there the staff members asked us to tell everything what we know about spirituality.
We had 30-40 prisoners on the program.
The atmosphere was not tense at all; on the contrary the atmosphere was very kind and almost homely.
We wanted to start our program with Russian songs but we changed our plans and started to sing Indian devotional song called bhajans. We felt that eyes of prisoners and staff members started to sparkle. Some prisoners wanted even to start dancing but they were not allowed of course.
After second bhajan we started to speak about kundalini and Sahaja Yoga meditation.
We conducted self-realization protocol and we had a feeling that many of the prisoners accepted Sahaja Yoga meditation in their hearts.
The program was scheduled to take one and a half hours but when we asked how much time is left the staff told us to continue program ignoring time limits.
Then we stopped the program. When they were going out of the hall many of them were thanking us from their hearts ; it was very pleasant.
The prison staff members invited us to come back to conduct meditations.
Alexander, Moscow
Published by Sahaja yoga meditation in jail
Music and meditation in a jail for young ones
Last Friday we went to a prison for young criminals with medium and heavy crime degrees. We were 15 yogis from Moscow and neighbouring cities.
We were met by very pleasant staff member who was very positive about the program.
Before we had an agreement with the prison staff that we will not speak and we will only sing. But when we came there the staff members asked us to tell everything what we know about spirituality.
We had 30-40 prisoners on the program.
The atmosphere was not tense at all; on the contrary the atmosphere was very kind and almost homely.
We wanted to start our program with Russian songs but we changed our plans and started to sing Indian devotional song called bhajans. We felt that eyes of prisoners and staff members started to sparkle. Some prisoners wanted even to start dancing but they were not allowed of course.
After second bhajan we started to speak about kundalini and Sahaja Yoga meditation.
We conducted self-realization protocol and we had a feeling that many of the prisoners accepted Sahaja Yoga meditation in their hearts.
The program was scheduled to take one and a half hours but when we asked how much time is left the staff told us to continue program ignoring time limits.
Then we stopped the program. When they were going out of the hall many of them were thanking us from their hearts ; it was very pleasant.
The prison staff members invited us to come back to conduct meditations.
Alexander, Moscow
Published by Sahaja yoga meditation in jail
mardi 26 janvier 2010
Sahaja Yoga Meditation in Mexico
Testimony of the organizer of the courses of Sahaja Yoga
In a small city, we have organized a meditation program in jail. There is a group of 8 men that regularly follow the meditation course; 4 persons do it since 2 years and half.
We used to be much more, but some of them are free now.
Last friday, the ladies told us that they alos wanted to start a Sahaja Yoga Méditation course. These are good news.
Maria Teresa
Mexico 2009
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
In a small city, we have organized a meditation program in jail. There is a group of 8 men that regularly follow the meditation course; 4 persons do it since 2 years and half.
We used to be much more, but some of them are free now.
Last friday, the ladies told us that they alos wanted to start a Sahaja Yoga Méditation course. These are good news.
Maria Teresa
Mexico 2009
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
dimanche 10 janvier 2010
Sahaja Yoga meditation in France
Testimony of the organizer of the courses.
As far as I know, no one has continued the practice of Sahaja Yoga after incarceration. Prisoners have learned to relax, calm down and develop a positive approach towards their situation.
I'd like to share one of these experiences, revealing the impact of these meditations.
I am in a fairly large room; the inmates are free to come if they will. The guard leaves the door open 5 to 10 minutes then shut it up and went away. Often, new people are curious to experience this condition.
One day, when an inmate who looked very hard and physically sturdy entered the room, suddenly, all prisoners became silent. He was very angry and soliloquy, telling twists and through "I'll kill them, trashing the ..." A malaise could be felt and in a moment, I must confess that I started to doubt on the meaning of my presence there.
Wondering what would happen, because I was alone in the midst of all, I thought I had to let it calm down. Several minutes later, while no change intervened, I said: "I do not know what happened to you in your life, but since you came, I will speak to others like you and begin the meeting. At the end of the presentation, asking if some wanted to experience the realization he replied "yes, but I know it's bogus, it does not do anything.”
I asked him to put his hands towards me and tell me what he felt. Initially he said "nothing, it sucks." Then, suddenly, he felt the coolness over his head and his face was completely lit up. Rising of a sudden, he said to the assembly "You see guys, in life, we must be positive. Since that day, he went to another prison.
I lead these sessions of meditation for over three years. Emotions are strong, the discoveries are always amazing and the prisoners take an obvious benefit of these sessions. Not that these people will change completely overnight, but they have discovered an aspect of their personality they did not know: they could feel peace and calm in the silence, whenever it persisted only in meditation.
Published by Sahaja Yoga meditation in jail
As far as I know, no one has continued the practice of Sahaja Yoga after incarceration. Prisoners have learned to relax, calm down and develop a positive approach towards their situation.
I'd like to share one of these experiences, revealing the impact of these meditations.
I am in a fairly large room; the inmates are free to come if they will. The guard leaves the door open 5 to 10 minutes then shut it up and went away. Often, new people are curious to experience this condition.
One day, when an inmate who looked very hard and physically sturdy entered the room, suddenly, all prisoners became silent. He was very angry and soliloquy, telling twists and through "I'll kill them, trashing the ..." A malaise could be felt and in a moment, I must confess that I started to doubt on the meaning of my presence there.
Wondering what would happen, because I was alone in the midst of all, I thought I had to let it calm down. Several minutes later, while no change intervened, I said: "I do not know what happened to you in your life, but since you came, I will speak to others like you and begin the meeting. At the end of the presentation, asking if some wanted to experience the realization he replied "yes, but I know it's bogus, it does not do anything.”
I asked him to put his hands towards me and tell me what he felt. Initially he said "nothing, it sucks." Then, suddenly, he felt the coolness over his head and his face was completely lit up. Rising of a sudden, he said to the assembly "You see guys, in life, we must be positive. Since that day, he went to another prison.
I lead these sessions of meditation for over three years. Emotions are strong, the discoveries are always amazing and the prisoners take an obvious benefit of these sessions. Not that these people will change completely overnight, but they have discovered an aspect of their personality they did not know: they could feel peace and calm in the silence, whenever it persisted only in meditation.
Published by Sahaja Yoga meditation in jail
vendredi 1 janvier 2010
Russia 2007
Testimony of the organizers of the courses who were also playing music.
On December 16-17 2006, Sahaja Yogis conducted several Self-Realization programs in the prisons of Ryazan Region.
The yogis of the City of Ryazan invited Moscow and Colomna Yogis to help them organizing the programs.
We joyfully reacted to the invitation and on Saturday we were 15 yogis.
This jail is a Men’s Correctional Colony more than 100 km from the Region Center ; it ‘s not very often visited by musicians. That is why we were received quite warmly by the responsibles.
The program was held in the hall where there were a bit more than 400 convicts (and it was only half of all the prisoners). We told them about Sahaja Yoga and altogether we went through the protocol of Self-realization. Then there was a small concert of Indian music and an Indian dance.
The next day, on Sunday, we were waited for in two more colonies: in a Women’s Correction Colony and in a Men’s Correction Colony. In the Women’s Correction Colony we met with young ladies of 14-18 (300-400 people) who greeted us with much warmth and reacted very actively to everything happening during the program.
In the Men’s Colony, where there also were 400 convicts, it was much harder for us than in the previous two colonies. But the high wall of alienation was a little bit softened by an Indian dance and music.
Not many ventured to check the stream above their heads : the conditionings
of the others’ opinion were very strong. Nevertheless, there were the eyes in this hall which followed everything that was happening on the stage with real interest.
We were glad when after the program three prisoners, young guys, approached us. They originally were from Caucasian Republics, Muslims. They wished us in their language “much success in our work”.
Vadim
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
The yogis of the City of Ryazan invited Moscow and Colomna Yogis to help them organizing the programs.
We joyfully reacted to the invitation and on Saturday we were 15 yogis.
This jail is a Men’s Correctional Colony more than 100 km from the Region Center ; it ‘s not very often visited by musicians. That is why we were received quite warmly by the responsibles.
The program was held in the hall where there were a bit more than 400 convicts (and it was only half of all the prisoners). We told them about Sahaja Yoga and altogether we went through the protocol of Self-realization. Then there was a small concert of Indian music and an Indian dance.
The next day, on Sunday, we were waited for in two more colonies: in a Women’s Correction Colony and in a Men’s Correction Colony. In the Women’s Correction Colony we met with young ladies of 14-18 (300-400 people) who greeted us with much warmth and reacted very actively to everything happening during the program.
In the Men’s Colony, where there also were 400 convicts, it was much harder for us than in the previous two colonies. But the high wall of alienation was a little bit softened by an Indian dance and music.
Not many ventured to check the stream above their heads : the conditionings
of the others’ opinion were very strong. Nevertheless, there were the eyes in this hall which followed everything that was happening on the stage with real interest.
We were glad when after the program three prisoners, young guys, approached us. They originally were from Caucasian Republics, Muslims. They wished us in their language “much success in our work”.
Vadim
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
vendredi 4 décembre 2009
Meditation in Australian jails
In the year 2000, programs were given in the jail for juvenile of Canberra.
Here is the testimony of the organizers of the courses.
8 inmates, 2 guards and a social worker were participating. The prisoners were very opened, asked many questions. The planning was spontaneous . We were watching a video about Sahaja Yoga, or discussing, or meditating…
We had to stop after 3 months because it was holydays and every program was stopping. There were also only 2 inmates left. The others were gone after their trial.
The following year, there were not enough yogis available to start again the programs.
Other programs are organised in Australia: in a jail for foreigners in irregular situation ; in a jail for adults near by Sydney ; in centers of rehabilitation for people taking drug or alcohol.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
Here is the testimony of the organizers of the courses.
8 inmates, 2 guards and a social worker were participating. The prisoners were very opened, asked many questions. The planning was spontaneous . We were watching a video about Sahaja Yoga, or discussing, or meditating…
We had to stop after 3 months because it was holydays and every program was stopping. There were also only 2 inmates left. The others were gone after their trial.
The following year, there were not enough yogis available to start again the programs.
Other programs are organised in Australia: in a jail for foreigners in irregular situation ; in a jail for adults near by Sydney ; in centers of rehabilitation for people taking drug or alcohol.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
mercredi 4 novembre 2009
In Colombia
Courses of Sahaja Yoga were proposed in 2004 for people under addiction, in a center of rehabilitation.
There were also Sahaja Yoga Méditation courses in the jail of Medellin in September 2006.
Testimony of the men who tought this meditation there.
The program we made in Medellin was in a maximun security jail and you can imagine the cases of the prisoners. And despite their past they can get the realization very easily.
We taught some techniques during 8 weeks. Then,we made an evaluation with them, how things have been improving, answer questions, how to improve more the meditation and connection with Kundalini.
In every week we had 2 or 3 meditations moments and a little bit talk about the subject ; they enjoyed to understand how we are built inside.
In Medellin, Colombia
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
There were also Sahaja Yoga Méditation courses in the jail of Medellin in September 2006.
Testimony of the men who tought this meditation there.
The program we made in Medellin was in a maximun security jail and you can imagine the cases of the prisoners. And despite their past they can get the realization very easily.
We taught some techniques during 8 weeks. Then,we made an evaluation with them, how things have been improving, answer questions, how to improve more the meditation and connection with Kundalini.
In every week we had 2 or 3 meditations moments and a little bit talk about the subject ; they enjoyed to understand how we are built inside.
In Medellin, Colombia
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
samedi 1 août 2009
Meditation in New York
Tree members of Sahaja Yoga wrote their impression after having made a course of meditation in the widdest jay of New York
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
Herbert R. In the center of rehabilitation, there were 7 huge dormitories with 60 inmates in each. We were teaching them yoga there among the beds. Those who were not interested were staying behind.
The first day, I saw many rock faces arriving. But during the meditation, these faces became like children faces !
Maryanne B: “ In the room for drugged people where I was, I could hear a pin drop. Even the men who did not participate were respectable and whispered not to disturb those meditating. It was as though something special was taking place. "
Jerry M.: “The very first program was held in an area with prisoners who had medical problems. The guys were all lined up. Some also came in wheelchairs.
The first day, I saw many rock faces arriving. But during the meditation, these faces became like children faces !
Maryanne B: “ In the room for drugged people where I was, I could hear a pin drop. Even the men who did not participate were respectable and whispered not to disturb those meditating. It was as though something special was taking place. "
Jerry M.: “The very first program was held in an area with prisoners who had medical problems. The guys were all lined up. Some also came in wheelchairs.
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
jeudi 14 mai 2009
Musical programs in a Russian jail
Testimony of an organizer of Sahaja Yoga meditation courses also singing and playing music.
I personally visits jails, sang and said to prisoners about Sahaja
Yoga.
The programs are held in the following way:
First our compere says some words to the prisoners then the
Music band sings a song. After that the compere continues saying.
After 2-3 songs the compere makes selfrealisation protocol. Then, again a song.
In general we sing 5-6 songs per program. Sahaj Music makes our
programs very effective.
It is the greatest joy to see how all these people change
after such programs. I adore visit prisons with selfrealisation
program.
Some of us noticed that when we came to a prison the weather was nasty but when we left it was joyfullysunny outside !
Dmitry from Togliatti, Russia
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
I personally visits jails, sang and said to prisoners about Sahaja
Yoga.
The programs are held in the following way:
First our compere says some words to the prisoners then the
Music band sings a song. After that the compere continues saying.
After 2-3 songs the compere makes selfrealisation protocol. Then, again a song.
In general we sing 5-6 songs per program. Sahaj Music makes our
programs very effective.
It is the greatest joy to see how all these people change
after such programs. I adore visit prisons with selfrealisation
program.
Some of us noticed that when we came to a prison the weather was nasty but when we left it was joyfullysunny outside !
Dmitry from Togliatti, Russia
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
lundi 4 mai 2009
In Ouagadougou
Courses started in June 2004, after a visit to the director and to the one responsible for the Penitenciar Administration.
There were programs of 2 hours, twice a week in the jail of Ouagadougou, the main town of the country.
35 inmates were participating regularly.
The cells being opened in the corridor during the day-time, the inmates were speaking about Sahaja Yoga to
their friends. And every evening, they met each other in the same cell to meditate together.
It took 3 months for the teaching team to become quite popular among the inmates.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
There were programs of 2 hours, twice a week in the jail of Ouagadougou, the main town of the country.
35 inmates were participating regularly.
The cells being opened in the corridor during the day-time, the inmates were speaking about Sahaja Yoga to
their friends. And every evening, they met each other in the same cell to meditate together.
It took 3 months for the teaching team to become quite popular among the inmates.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
In Johannesburg
Courses were done for women in the jail of Johannesburg. The social worker received the authorisation from the director.
The ladies were very interested but became quite unsatisfied as the programs had to stop because the social worker went to another jail.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
The ladies were very interested but became quite unsatisfied as the programs had to stop because the social worker went to another jail.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
Native American ladies in Canada
Courses were done in jail for Native American ladies of Kitchener. This jail is for inmates who will be free quite soon.
8 ladies were participating to the first program of Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
They were more for the other programs.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
8 ladies were participating to the first program of Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
They were more for the other programs.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
Sahaja Yoga in Istanbul
Sahaja Yoga was taught in 2 sections of the jail in 1999: for the adults and for the juvenile.
At the beginning, courses took place in 3 different rooms because there were 3 gangs fighting against each other in the jail.
One day, 2 rooms were not available, so everybody had to be together : no problem occured between the 3 gangs.
The guards were very impressed by such results. This experience was even reported in the newspapers.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
At the beginning, courses took place in 3 different rooms because there were 3 gangs fighting against each other in the jail.
One day, 2 rooms were not available, so everybody had to be together : no problem occured between the 3 gangs.
The guards were very impressed by such results. This experience was even reported in the newspapers.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
In the jail of Budapest
In 2006,15 inmates were following courses of Sahaja Yoga Meditation twice a week in the jail of Budapest.
These courses started in May 2002. In March 2003, 60 inmates had received an introduction to Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
Many prisoners went to other jails for different reasons. Several of them gave news, saying taht they still meditated on their own.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
These courses started in May 2002. In March 2003, 60 inmates had received an introduction to Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
Many prisoners went to other jails for different reasons. Several of them gave news, saying taht they still meditated on their own.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
Near by Vienna
The jail of Krems is a jail for inmates having at least 10 years of jail to do.
Programs started there in the year 2000. Here are the impressions of the man who made the courses of Sahaja Yoga meditation.
At the beginning, they were 7 inmates. But several changed of jail. After some months, they were only 3.
At the beginning of the programs, one inmate was very depressed. Being 27, he was just condemned to jail for life.
After the awakening of his kundalini, and some meditations, he could emerge from that state. He was helping afterwards in the library of the jail.
Another inmate was transferred in another jail. He wrote a letter asking that Sahaja Yoga be taught in his new jail. He sent a letter to the yogis saying he was following to meditate and: “ thank you. Now I am much more relaxed. I integrate Sahaja Yoga completely in my life now. This yoga became indispensable for me.”
The last 3 inmates after some months of yoga were more quiet. They could go in a jail with a less hard rule.
The psychologist of the jail noticed the big change of these inmates but there is no report stating her remarks.
Even the priest said he saw a big amelioration and asked to be introduced to Sahaja Yoga Meditation himself.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
Programs started there in the year 2000. Here are the impressions of the man who made the courses of Sahaja Yoga meditation.
At the beginning, they were 7 inmates. But several changed of jail. After some months, they were only 3.
At the beginning of the programs, one inmate was very depressed. Being 27, he was just condemned to jail for life.
After the awakening of his kundalini, and some meditations, he could emerge from that state. He was helping afterwards in the library of the jail.
Another inmate was transferred in another jail. He wrote a letter asking that Sahaja Yoga be taught in his new jail. He sent a letter to the yogis saying he was following to meditate and: “ thank you. Now I am much more relaxed. I integrate Sahaja Yoga completely in my life now. This yoga became indispensable for me.”
The last 3 inmates after some months of yoga were more quiet. They could go in a jail with a less hard rule.
The psychologist of the jail noticed the big change of these inmates but there is no report stating her remarks.
Even the priest said he saw a big amelioration and asked to be introduced to Sahaja Yoga Meditation himself.
Published by Sahaja Yoga Meditation in jail
Sahaja Yoga in Timisoara
Short testimony of the organizer of the courses of Sahaja Yoga meditation in a jail from Romania.
The administration was giving the permit for 4 months to teach Sahaja Yoga for the men part of the jail.
There also, some prisoners were crying after the awakening of their kundalini.
Mihael
Published by Sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
The administration was giving the permit for 4 months to teach Sahaja Yoga for the men part of the jail.
There also, some prisoners were crying after the awakening of their kundalini.
Mihael
Published by Sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
vendredi 1 mai 2009
Concert in a Czech jail
Testimonies of 3 members of Sahaja Yoga meditation
In November 2003, we organized a concert with our music band “Wind in Hands”. Nathalie was inspired by the experience of SY from Holland with their programs in Prison. There were also 2 men coming regularly for almost one year to the programs outside in Opava who were working in the prison.
Behind 10 security locks, at the place of former chapel, were our musicians playing vibratory whirlwind for 50 sentenced women. From the total number 200, were chosen only 50 even though the interest from the side of women was much higher.
And really the vibrations were almost touchable through the voices of our musical group “Wind in Hands”. Women were reacting without restraints, were doing self-realisation exercise with great joy and telling each other their impressions. At the end of the program the group was playing song “Good Bye” and after adding songs we were giving them leaflets about Sahaja Yoga.
I have gained very valuable experience from understanding, that in the darkest place is the light most visible.
The worst were only our hidden fears and often unnecessary worries.
Kamila
In prison in Opava
Our first meeting with the involuntary dwellers of this tightly guarded fort has occurred when we came out from the stair’s shaft to a wide corridor bordered by cells.
We were not in the department of the heaviest cases so the cells were opened and the dwellers were freely rooming in the corridor. We were immediately attracting their attention. The security guards brought us to a room where the concert was supposed to take place. The hall was slowly getting full. The preceptor had introduced us and explained that our name is not “wind it to the pocket” as they thought at first but “wind into hands”.
And we could start. It was puzzled, nobody knew what to expect, they from us and we from them. How to say that we are happy they came for concert when they have nowhere to come…..they are here and nothing else is left….
The first song was Ganesha Ganesha…Before we started to play, we heard from the crowd: “And what is it about…?”Ondra explained who Ganesha is. Atmosphere was amazing after the first song….
The eyes of women started shining like stars on early evening sky, joy and spontaneity started to come. It is a dream of all musicians to have audience with such an opened heart….
Almost all felt vibrations during meditation led by Ondra. Some ladies were enthusiastically describing the column of energy rising from their heads…
It was amazing…. We were collectively singing … and then Lenka was singing raga. All women were listening with attention and were meditating…. Ondra was then singing very nicely the beginning for the song Vishva Vandita and ovation was not ending…
There was a big interest for leaflets with description of meditation so that one supervisor had to take care of them and distribute them one after another, otherwise the ladies would fight for them.
When we came out from the gate of the prison, we were all exhausted but happy that we could give something to those who need it most…
Marek
Remarks of another singer
I was surprised that most of them were so young… It was taking me by surprise little bit ; and with tight throat I was talking to myself : "girls, what have you done that you are here..?"
One girl confided to Ondra she was sentenced for 5 years…
Then something unbelievable happened – Lenka managed all the audience to sit with palms up on their knees even before realisation exercise. The young ones were sitting on the ground with crossed legs and with closed eyes. And believe it or not, when I heard all the prisoners to sing the mantra OM so beautifully like one (it is something that we did not manage with any audience till now!!!) I felt like weeping and I was little worried that when my solo comes I will not be able to sing.
I had feeling that we only very seldom sing so nicely, uniformly and with full speed like in this strange environment. Perhaps it was caused even by our wish to give them as much light as possible… I would say they were our most grateful audience. Some of them were able to feel their Kundalini even before Ondra led them through realisation. Many of them were having questions like seekers usually have…
The Sun looked out of clouds in whiles and moved over our heads. I have not felt since long so much full and absolute security.
Behind 10 security locks, at the place of former chapel, were our musicians playing vibratory whirlwind for 50 sentenced women. From the total number 200, were chosen only 50 even though the interest from the side of women was much higher.
And really the vibrations were almost touchable through the voices of our musical group “Wind in Hands”. Women were reacting without restraints, were doing self-realisation exercise with great joy and telling each other their impressions. At the end of the program the group was playing song “Good Bye” and after adding songs we were giving them leaflets about Sahaja Yoga.
I have gained very valuable experience from understanding, that in the darkest place is the light most visible.
The worst were only our hidden fears and often unnecessary worries.
Kamila
In prison in Opava
Our first meeting with the involuntary dwellers of this tightly guarded fort has occurred when we came out from the stair’s shaft to a wide corridor bordered by cells.
We were not in the department of the heaviest cases so the cells were opened and the dwellers were freely rooming in the corridor. We were immediately attracting their attention. The security guards brought us to a room where the concert was supposed to take place. The hall was slowly getting full. The preceptor had introduced us and explained that our name is not “wind it to the pocket” as they thought at first but “wind into hands”.
And we could start. It was puzzled, nobody knew what to expect, they from us and we from them. How to say that we are happy they came for concert when they have nowhere to come…..they are here and nothing else is left….
The first song was Ganesha Ganesha…Before we started to play, we heard from the crowd: “And what is it about…?”Ondra explained who Ganesha is. Atmosphere was amazing after the first song….
The eyes of women started shining like stars on early evening sky, joy and spontaneity started to come. It is a dream of all musicians to have audience with such an opened heart….
Almost all felt vibrations during meditation led by Ondra. Some ladies were enthusiastically describing the column of energy rising from their heads…
It was amazing…. We were collectively singing … and then Lenka was singing raga. All women were listening with attention and were meditating…. Ondra was then singing very nicely the beginning for the song Vishva Vandita and ovation was not ending…
There was a big interest for leaflets with description of meditation so that one supervisor had to take care of them and distribute them one after another, otherwise the ladies would fight for them.
When we came out from the gate of the prison, we were all exhausted but happy that we could give something to those who need it most…
Marek
Remarks of another singer
I was surprised that most of them were so young… It was taking me by surprise little bit ; and with tight throat I was talking to myself : "girls, what have you done that you are here..?"
One girl confided to Ondra she was sentenced for 5 years…
Then something unbelievable happened – Lenka managed all the audience to sit with palms up on their knees even before realisation exercise. The young ones were sitting on the ground with crossed legs and with closed eyes. And believe it or not, when I heard all the prisoners to sing the mantra OM so beautifully like one (it is something that we did not manage with any audience till now!!!) I felt like weeping and I was little worried that when my solo comes I will not be able to sing.
I had feeling that we only very seldom sing so nicely, uniformly and with full speed like in this strange environment. Perhaps it was caused even by our wish to give them as much light as possible… I would say they were our most grateful audience. Some of them were able to feel their Kundalini even before Ondra led them through realisation. Many of them were having questions like seekers usually have…
The Sun looked out of clouds in whiles and moved over our heads. I have not felt since long so much full and absolute security.
Marta
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
In Holland
Here is the mail sent by a guard who organised courses of Sahaja Yoga meditation in his jail. This after having experimented the efficiency of this method on himself.
After reading the story of Temba who got his realization in prison in New York, the desire arose to spread Sahaja Yoga at my work in a prison from the Netherlands.
The unit-department that I work at consists of 12 prisoners.
Having this desire of giving realization to the boys but not knowing how or where to start, I just waited for an opportunity. Two days later, in the first week of June 2003, I was giving Sahaja Yoga leaflets to two boys: Andre and Nico. They both experimented their realization. The following day, there was already a big change in them.
• Andre who could never sleep and always took medicine several times at night had now fallen asleep and did not once ask for medicine. Not even the wake-up call could awake him and the guards had to shake his bed in the morning. And yes he felt vibrations. He started having dreams and even stopped smoking within one month.
These positive changes of Andre made the other boys curious, but as you know prisoners are mostly tough guys who think that they have a reputation to keep up, so they pretended not to be interested. However, one Saturday evening while I was having a little chat with the boys suddenly they changed the subject from football into Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality.
But still they were very careful in choosing their words. After this chat as I was about to put the boys into their cells, Gregory whispered in a very discrete way: "Ward, can I have one of those things?" meaning a leaflet.
In the third week of July 2003, on a sunny Sunday morning, the boys asked me if we could do a special outdoor-activity like football or just taking more fresh air. "Yes" I said, "Today we will do something special in the yard : Yoga & Meditation". For a minute there was a complete silence since none of these tough guys had expected such a proposal. Then Andre, Gregrory and Hank agreed and within a few more minutes Jay, Pete and Ron also joined in.
While sitting in the yard, Jay said: "Ward, it's a bit scary, but I will still stay". So, on July 20th 2003, right there in the yard of the jail, realization was given to 6 people. They all felt the vibrations and at night when going to sleep they thanked me.
In the following days the realized souls asked me: "So, now we have come to Yoga, but how to go on? What should we do now? How to meditate? Can you show us how to meditate?". Hank had even gone to the library in search for Yoga lecture. But I told him that he didn't need those books and gave him a stencil "Sahaja Yoga Week 1" in which the self realization exercise is described.
As it was lunch time Hank took the stencil to the lunchroom and after lunch said: "Ward, I have already read the whole stencil, now I know how to do the 9 steps myself" meaning the Self realization exercise. Then they asked me to collectively do the Self realization exercise again since they enjoyed it so much.
The joy of the realized inmates drew Achmed's attention and in that same week he said: "Ward, every time you come here I feel something and it makes me so peaceful inside". Obviously Achmed's Kundalini was ready to be awakened and no wonder that he joined the next collective meeting. Achmed got his realization very easily.
After the meditation he got his own leaflet and while walking to his cell, he kept on staring at Shri Mataji's picture. After almost one hour Achmed ran out of his cell with his eyes wide opened, saying: "Shri Mataji laughed at me, telling me she knows what crime I committed. She even knows how I committed the crime, but she smiled at me ".
After that we got collective meetings every week. The director gave permission to use the silence room, sometimes we might use the video room and as long as the sun keeps shining we may also meditate in the yard. Some of the boys take foot soaks every night and hopefully the others will follow. They enjoy the video "Experiments with truth" so much, especially Part 3 with the exercise of the self realization.
In fact, on their request, we have done this exercise three times collectively. One day prisoners from other departments saw us sitting in the yard and asked my colleagues what we were doing.
My colleagues responded: "They are meditating and if you are interested we will see if we can arrange something for you". Some colleagues suggested that it would be nice to have Sahaja Yoga spred in their units as well and they asked their unit directors for permission.
It became possible to spread Sahaja Yoga not only to the boys but to the colleagues as well.
E. C.
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
The unit-department that I work at consists of 12 prisoners.
Having this desire of giving realization to the boys but not knowing how or where to start, I just waited for an opportunity. Two days later, in the first week of June 2003, I was giving Sahaja Yoga leaflets to two boys: Andre and Nico. They both experimented their realization. The following day, there was already a big change in them.
• Andre who could never sleep and always took medicine several times at night had now fallen asleep and did not once ask for medicine. Not even the wake-up call could awake him and the guards had to shake his bed in the morning. And yes he felt vibrations. He started having dreams and even stopped smoking within one month.
These positive changes of Andre made the other boys curious, but as you know prisoners are mostly tough guys who think that they have a reputation to keep up, so they pretended not to be interested. However, one Saturday evening while I was having a little chat with the boys suddenly they changed the subject from football into Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality.
But still they were very careful in choosing their words. After this chat as I was about to put the boys into their cells, Gregory whispered in a very discrete way: "Ward, can I have one of those things?" meaning a leaflet.
In the third week of July 2003, on a sunny Sunday morning, the boys asked me if we could do a special outdoor-activity like football or just taking more fresh air. "Yes" I said, "Today we will do something special in the yard : Yoga & Meditation". For a minute there was a complete silence since none of these tough guys had expected such a proposal. Then Andre, Gregrory and Hank agreed and within a few more minutes Jay, Pete and Ron also joined in.
While sitting in the yard, Jay said: "Ward, it's a bit scary, but I will still stay". So, on July 20th 2003, right there in the yard of the jail, realization was given to 6 people. They all felt the vibrations and at night when going to sleep they thanked me.
In the following days the realized souls asked me: "So, now we have come to Yoga, but how to go on? What should we do now? How to meditate? Can you show us how to meditate?". Hank had even gone to the library in search for Yoga lecture. But I told him that he didn't need those books and gave him a stencil "Sahaja Yoga Week 1" in which the self realization exercise is described.
As it was lunch time Hank took the stencil to the lunchroom and after lunch said: "Ward, I have already read the whole stencil, now I know how to do the 9 steps myself" meaning the Self realization exercise. Then they asked me to collectively do the Self realization exercise again since they enjoyed it so much.
The joy of the realized inmates drew Achmed's attention and in that same week he said: "Ward, every time you come here I feel something and it makes me so peaceful inside". Obviously Achmed's Kundalini was ready to be awakened and no wonder that he joined the next collective meeting. Achmed got his realization very easily.
After the meditation he got his own leaflet and while walking to his cell, he kept on staring at Shri Mataji's picture. After almost one hour Achmed ran out of his cell with his eyes wide opened, saying: "Shri Mataji laughed at me, telling me she knows what crime I committed. She even knows how I committed the crime, but she smiled at me ".
After that we got collective meetings every week. The director gave permission to use the silence room, sometimes we might use the video room and as long as the sun keeps shining we may also meditate in the yard. Some of the boys take foot soaks every night and hopefully the others will follow. They enjoy the video "Experiments with truth" so much, especially Part 3 with the exercise of the self realization.
In fact, on their request, we have done this exercise three times collectively. One day prisoners from other departments saw us sitting in the yard and asked my colleagues what we were doing.
My colleagues responded: "They are meditating and if you are interested we will see if we can arrange something for you". Some colleagues suggested that it would be nice to have Sahaja Yoga spred in their units as well and they asked their unit directors for permission.
It became possible to spread Sahaja Yoga not only to the boys but to the colleagues as well.
E. C.
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
Previous programs in Russia
Musical programs started in 1993. The yogis could be trust by the inmates ; the life in jail in Russia was really hard at that time.
The first program started with a Russian song “Tender Golden Wind”. By that time the hall was filled already: there were the “leaders” sitting in the first rows and then followed the rows with ordinary prisoners. Administrative personnel were walking along the hall on the left and right (2-3 people were keeping order). So, after the first song, as usual, silence settled in the hall and only eyes glittering like sparks were seen in the dark, eyes filled with tears… An amazing scene! Then we usely sang Indian music and between the songs we told them about Sahaja Yoga. At some point asked everybody to follow the protocol but not everybody did it!
They all, of course, looked at the “first” rows and the reaction of the “authorities” and other “leaders”. If they approved, many sincerely tried to awaken their Kundalini!.. Once there was a very interesting situation: there were “authorities” sitting in the first rows who expressed with their look that “they did not mind”. Then, all the prisoners made the process of realization. Very quickly, it could be seen on their face that a stone had been removed from their hearts…
When the program ended some guys came up to us and invited us for meeting their friends. We looked at each other and agreed! How surprised we were when we turned out in some room where there were no guards at all, only the prisoners and not the ordinary ones but the “leaders”… We were given the best seats. We were treated as dear guests. And many questions followed ; but first we were asked what places we had visited; being “experienced prisoners” we answered: “We have been to colonies number 3, 6, 19, etc.”; the guys exchanged glances, some of them nodded imperceptibly and by their looks we understood that we were their people.
The idea of the questions was to learn more about Sahaja Yoga and, finally, we heard the request: “Give us Self-realization!”
Once after the program the prisoners held a half an hour concert for us: they sang songs, we talked about Sahaja Yoga… It was felt that Kundalini had awakened very well…
In one colony in the City of Novokujbishevsk Russia, we became so dear to the administration that we were asked to bring video talks of Shri Mataji to the colony. And we did bring the talks. They promised to show them on the colony TV for the prisoners… We were there twice and both the times after the program they came up to us, took booklets, asked questions.
And simply talked to us sincerely and asked where they could come when they were at liberty! They really did come… though not many of them.
In Togliatti, the programs started in 1995. Our music group, five-seven musicians, and another three yogis (who conducted the programs, told the audience about Sahaja Yoga.
Of course, the reaction was not as open as at liberty. All the prisoners looked at each other and if the local “leader” (“authority”) started going through the protocol (put his hand on his heart, etc.) the others also did the same thing, as the local “leader” had approved of it. We sang both Russian and Indian songs. Indian songs were interesting for them and Russian songs touched their hearts.
Usually after the program, the administration did not forbid us to communicate to the prisoners and after the “official” part, during some more 30-40 minutes, we talked about Sahaja Yoga to the ones who had come up to us.
Somewhere the prisoners arranged some kind of “tea drinking” treating us to tea made in prison ( 100g of tea for 1 litre of water). It was impossible to drink it but we tried to be respectful.
We also visited high security colonies and adolescent colonies in the City of Zhigulevsk ; woman’s colonies ; colonies for the people with AIDS ; and once we even were in the colony of very high security, visiting the barracks where there were prisoners who had tuberculosis.
Of course, the impressions were not so pleasant concerning this one. In this colony even the yard where the prisoners walk and the territories between the barracks were separated with iron bars. The doors were locked behind us and we were left completely alone among the prisoners who were condemned to prison for the most severe crimes. There was not a single guard in the hall, only the bars around !
I remember that when we found ourselves beyond the borders of the colony, “at liberty”, we had a feeling that we had visited hell! And I had never been so glad to feel fresh air as that day.
Anyway, we came back with joy to that colony after the program in some other prison.
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
The first program started with a Russian song “Tender Golden Wind”. By that time the hall was filled already: there were the “leaders” sitting in the first rows and then followed the rows with ordinary prisoners. Administrative personnel were walking along the hall on the left and right (2-3 people were keeping order). So, after the first song, as usual, silence settled in the hall and only eyes glittering like sparks were seen in the dark, eyes filled with tears… An amazing scene! Then we usely sang Indian music and between the songs we told them about Sahaja Yoga. At some point asked everybody to follow the protocol but not everybody did it!
They all, of course, looked at the “first” rows and the reaction of the “authorities” and other “leaders”. If they approved, many sincerely tried to awaken their Kundalini!.. Once there was a very interesting situation: there were “authorities” sitting in the first rows who expressed with their look that “they did not mind”. Then, all the prisoners made the process of realization. Very quickly, it could be seen on their face that a stone had been removed from their hearts…
When the program ended some guys came up to us and invited us for meeting their friends. We looked at each other and agreed! How surprised we were when we turned out in some room where there were no guards at all, only the prisoners and not the ordinary ones but the “leaders”… We were given the best seats. We were treated as dear guests. And many questions followed ; but first we were asked what places we had visited; being “experienced prisoners” we answered: “We have been to colonies number 3, 6, 19, etc.”; the guys exchanged glances, some of them nodded imperceptibly and by their looks we understood that we were their people.
The idea of the questions was to learn more about Sahaja Yoga and, finally, we heard the request: “Give us Self-realization!”
Once after the program the prisoners held a half an hour concert for us: they sang songs, we talked about Sahaja Yoga… It was felt that Kundalini had awakened very well…
In one colony in the City of Novokujbishevsk Russia, we became so dear to the administration that we were asked to bring video talks of Shri Mataji to the colony. And we did bring the talks. They promised to show them on the colony TV for the prisoners… We were there twice and both the times after the program they came up to us, took booklets, asked questions.
And simply talked to us sincerely and asked where they could come when they were at liberty! They really did come… though not many of them.
In Togliatti, the programs started in 1995. Our music group, five-seven musicians, and another three yogis (who conducted the programs, told the audience about Sahaja Yoga.
Of course, the reaction was not as open as at liberty. All the prisoners looked at each other and if the local “leader” (“authority”) started going through the protocol (put his hand on his heart, etc.) the others also did the same thing, as the local “leader” had approved of it. We sang both Russian and Indian songs. Indian songs were interesting for them and Russian songs touched their hearts.
Usually after the program, the administration did not forbid us to communicate to the prisoners and after the “official” part, during some more 30-40 minutes, we talked about Sahaja Yoga to the ones who had come up to us.
Somewhere the prisoners arranged some kind of “tea drinking” treating us to tea made in prison ( 100g of tea for 1 litre of water). It was impossible to drink it but we tried to be respectful.
We also visited high security colonies and adolescent colonies in the City of Zhigulevsk ; woman’s colonies ; colonies for the people with AIDS ; and once we even were in the colony of very high security, visiting the barracks where there were prisoners who had tuberculosis.
Of course, the impressions were not so pleasant concerning this one. In this colony even the yard where the prisoners walk and the territories between the barracks were separated with iron bars. The doors were locked behind us and we were left completely alone among the prisoners who were condemned to prison for the most severe crimes. There was not a single guard in the hall, only the bars around !
I remember that when we found ourselves beyond the borders of the colony, “at liberty”, we had a feeling that we had visited hell! And I had never been so glad to feel fresh air as that day.
Anyway, we came back with joy to that colony after the program in some other prison.
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
Courses in Finland
Jari made Sahaja Yoga meditation courses in a jail from Helsinki during several years.
Today 21.9.2005, Helsinki prison program took place again after Summer interruption. The prisoners have in same time all kinds of other hobbies and practises. The authorities of the prison suggested a couple of weeks ago that we would come there every other week but we insisted that the need for meditations in weekly. They approved our desire. So today it started.
There were three persons present. So in the library's tv-room there was Pepe who started to arrange twice a week meditations for the prisoners. Then there was a new man with beard and a guard. I asked the guard if he was also going to attend? It was clear to him so he also got his Realisation! So now also those boundaries are broken in Helsinki prison.
Already on the way to the prison my Kundalini rose and I entered in meditation.
I had taken with me a bag full of gifts given by yogis to our brothers in prison. When I went in through the metal detector and inspection coincidently it was looked after by an old friend of mine who allowed me to take in all the material after a brief investigation.
After the meditation when everybody had tried what they can feel on the top of their heads, I told that this is yoga and we can stay in this thoughtless awareness meditation. So we did. I was in very deep meditation maybe 10-20 minutes or more. Sometimes a thought entered my mind if this was too heavy stuff for the guard and for the other new man. Finally I said that we can open our eyes and I stepped in front to answer some questions. But the two men just kept meditating. I stood in meditation myself maybe 10-20 minutes still until the guard "woke up" and started to look at his watch. I told that the time was about to end. We had been there all together about two hours.
And then THE THANK YOU!!!!! I gave all the gifts. I told it's a present from the Finnish collectivity and a indication that they are our brothers and in our attention.
Jari
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
Today 21.9.2005, Helsinki prison program took place again after Summer interruption. The prisoners have in same time all kinds of other hobbies and practises. The authorities of the prison suggested a couple of weeks ago that we would come there every other week but we insisted that the need for meditations in weekly. They approved our desire. So today it started.
There were three persons present. So in the library's tv-room there was Pepe who started to arrange twice a week meditations for the prisoners. Then there was a new man with beard and a guard. I asked the guard if he was also going to attend? It was clear to him so he also got his Realisation! So now also those boundaries are broken in Helsinki prison.
Already on the way to the prison my Kundalini rose and I entered in meditation.
I had taken with me a bag full of gifts given by yogis to our brothers in prison. When I went in through the metal detector and inspection coincidently it was looked after by an old friend of mine who allowed me to take in all the material after a brief investigation.
After the meditation when everybody had tried what they can feel on the top of their heads, I told that this is yoga and we can stay in this thoughtless awareness meditation. So we did. I was in very deep meditation maybe 10-20 minutes or more. Sometimes a thought entered my mind if this was too heavy stuff for the guard and for the other new man. Finally I said that we can open our eyes and I stepped in front to answer some questions. But the two men just kept meditating. I stood in meditation myself maybe 10-20 minutes still until the guard "woke up" and started to look at his watch. I told that the time was about to end. We had been there all together about two hours.
And then THE THANK YOU!!!!! I gave all the gifts. I told it's a present from the Finnish collectivity and a indication that they are our brothers and in our attention.
Jari
Published by sahaja Yoga meditation in jails
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