Nirmala Srivastava (Nirmala Salve)

Nirmala Srivastava (1923–2011) was an Indian spiritual leader, known as the founder of the Sahaja Yoga movement, a meditation method based on the awakening of Kundalini energy.

Full name: Nirmala Salve Srivastava
Date of birth: 21 March 1923
Place of birth: Chhindwara, India
Date of death: 23 February 2011
Place of death: Genoa, Italy
Nationality: Indian

Activity and achievements

Nirmala Srivastava is known for founding, in 1970, the meditation system called Sahaja Yoga.
This method aims to:
- awaken the Kundalini energy
- achieve a state of thoughtless consciousness
- balance the energy centers (chakras)
Sahaja Yoga has spread rapidly internationally, being practiced in many countries.

Spread and impact

After launching Sahaja Yoga, Nirmala Srivastava has given conferences and seminars in:
- Europe
- North America
- Asia
- Australia

The movement has attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, being appreciated for:
- accessibility
- free nature (in most cases)
- practical approach to meditation

Personal life

- She was married to Chandrika Prasad Srivastava, an Indian diplomat and UN official
- She had two daughters

Style and teachings

Her teachings are based on:
- integration of spirituality into daily life
- direct experience of meditation
- inner and moral balance
She promoted the idea that every person can achieve self-realization without complicated rituals.

Works and Contributions

Although not primarily known for her classic books, her teachings have been published in the form of:
- speeches
- transcribed lectures
- Sahaja Yoga educational materials

⚠️ Controversies and perceptions

- The Sahaja Yoga movement is considered by some to be alternative (New Age) spirituality
- It has also been critically analyzed in certain studies

Importance

Nirmala Srivastava is considered one of the important figures of modern spirituality, with a global impact through the Sahaja Yoga method.