Ma Yoga Shakti (Mataji) is a source of inspiration and a symbol of strength and enlightenment in today’s world. Mataji pledged her life to serve humanity to restore the faith of man in God and goodness. As a spiritual teacher (Guru) her all-embracing wisdom, love and compassion were beyond human limitations. Apart from her spiritual power, the mere human aspects of her life are enough to make her an exemplary Master. Mataji (as she is affectionately called) worked for the upliftment of seekers looking for spiritual guidance.
To be Yogic is to be disciplined, religious and self-transcendental. Mataji travelled the world, carrying the message of Yoga to people everywhere. Her deep knowledge of Yoga, both in its scientific and experimental aspects, her modern outlook and her infinite love and compassion for all who came in contact with her, earned her the devotion of a huge following of disciples of Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Her teachings explained how spiritual salvation lies in following one or more of these paths according to one’s inclination and abilities. It is here that her vast knowledge of Yoga, her experience of human nature and her deep spiritual insight enabled her to become a true guide, philosopher and friend to the aspirant in his or her quest for spirituality.
With characteristic determination, effort and dynamism, Mataji played many roles in life, a devoted housewife, an enlightened educator and a political reformer. Mataji was born (on April 6th 1927) and brought up in the holy city of Benares. She did her M.A in Political Science, and was the founding Principal of a women’s college at Bihar. In her youth Mataji was fascinated by higher ideals and heard the voice of the Divine. She founded the Annie Besant Lodge of the Theosophical Society at Chapra in 1956. In 1961 she renounced her wordly life and entered the holy order of Sanyasa. She was designated Shakti Sant Shiromani at the Ujjain Kumbha Mela in 1969 and accorded the title of Maha Mandleshwar during the 1974 Kumbha Mela at Haridwar. Educationalist, reformer, philosopher, saint, and Guru, Mataji was all of these; but above all she is Mataji-Mother, and she showered her Divine Grace, her compassion, her all-embracing love, on everyone who came to her.
