“There can be no peace in the world until there is peace within”.

Born of a royal dynasty, as a child she conferred with Mahatma Gandhi while living in his  ashram, became a medical student and freedom fighter, was an adored mother,  grandmother, great-grandmother and the wife of a distinguished diplomat who himself  was decorated by presidents of numerous countries and knighted by the Queen of England.  Beyond all this, and once her daughters were grown and settled, she embarked on an even  more extraordinary mission.  

Shri Mataji was born to Christian parents in India. She knew from very early on that she  had a unique spiritual gift which she felt should be made available to everyone. And so it  was that in 1970 she founded Sahaja Yoga Meditation. She discovered a unique process of  Self Realization through which people could easily achieve the peace of a true and lasting  meditative state. She charged no money, insisting that Self Realization was everyone’s  birthright, with no distinction of religion, race or social circumstance. She said, “There can  be no peace in the world until there is peace within.

” For the next forty years, Shri Mataji continuously travelled the globe teaching meditation.  She was a loved and loving spiritual leader, acclaimed public speaker, gentle guide,  philanthropist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and recipient of numerous awards and  commendations worldwide. Extending her care and compassion ever further, she  established a holistic health and research centre in Mumbai, a home for destitute women  and children in Delhi and an international Music Academy in Vaitarna to promote classical  music and arts.

 Although at birth she was named Nirmala, meaning ‘Immaculate,’ she eventually came to  be known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi - respected Mother.

 Millions of people have learned how to awaken and benefit from their inner spiritual  power through Sahaja Meditation. Meditation centres have been established in more than  ninety-five countries, where volunteers teach her techniques free of charge.  

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi passed away peacefully on 23rd February, 2011 in Genoa, Italy,  aged 87.

 H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi is survived by her husband, Sir C.P. Srivastava, daughters  Kalpana and Sadhana, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her worldwide family of  thousands of followers. She was laid to rest in India  

A Selection of Awards and Recognitions Shri Mataji has been recognized worldwide by several prestigious institutions for her  selfless work and for the remarkable results of her spiritual teachings through Sahaja Yoga,  a few of which are listed below.

Italy, 1986  Declared ‘Personality of the Year’ by the Italian Government.

Moscow, Russia, 1989  Following Shri Mataji’s meeting with the USSR Minister of Health, Sahaja Yoga was  granted full government sponsorship, including funding for scientific research.

New York, 1990-1994   Invited by the United Nations for four consecutive years to speak about the ways and  means to achieve world peace.

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1993   Appointed as Honorary Member of the Petrovskaya Academy of Art and Science. In the  history of the Academy only twelve people have been granted this honour, Einstein being  one of them. Shri Mataji inaugurated the first International Conference on Medicine and  Self-Knowledge, which became an annual event at the Academy thereafter.

Brazil, 1994   The mayor of Brazilia welcomed Shri Mataji at the airport, presented her with the key to  the city and sponsored all of her programs.

New York, 1994  September 26 proclaimed ‘Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Day’. Police escort was offered for a  welcoming parade honouring Shri Mataji and celebrating her association with Mahatma  Gandhi.

British Columbia, Canada, 1994 Letter of Welcome was proffered by the Premier of the Province of British Columbia, Mr.  Mike Harcourt, on behalf of the people of Canada.

Romania 1995 Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Cognitive Science.

China, 1995 Official guest of the Chinese Government to speak at the United Nations International  Women’s Conference

USA, 105th Congress, 1997 and 106th Congress, 2000 Honorarium read into Congressional Record by Congressman Eliot Engle commending Shri  Mataji for her dedicated and tireless work for humanity.

Cabella Ligure, Italy, 2006 Shri Mataji was awarded honorary Italian citizenship, which was followed by the unveiling  of the foundation stone for the "Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi World Foundation of Sahaja  Yoga". This Foundation has its home in Cabella Ligure