Shri Mataji (which means “honored mother”) founded Sahaja Yoga meditation in 1970 in order to fulfill her vision for the emancipation of humanity. Recognizing the many problems in societies, religions and in individual human beings, Shri Mataji has worked tirelessly to bring about global peace and harmony, beginning with the achievement of each person’s inner peace.

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was born Nirmala Salve on March 21, 1923 in the renowned Salve family in Chhindwara, India (now part of Madhya Pradesh State). From childhood, she participated with her parents and family in India’s freedom movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. During these years she spent time at Gandhi’s ashram in Wardha, India.

As a young woman, Nirmala pursued medical studies at Lahore Medical School until her studies were interrupted by India’s struggle for independence. She married C.P. Srivastava in 1947 and has two daughters, several grandchildren and now several great-grandchildren. Mr. Srivastava had a distinguished career as a civil servant in India. He was the personal secretary to Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and served for 16 years as Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations.

Shri Mataji sees clearly all of the difficulties in transforming the planet from a dark age of hatred, fundamentalism, greed and injustice to a blossom time of enlightenment. She is optimistic, and trusts that given the choice, each person will choose to evolve to a higher state of collective consciousness and compassion.