Sri Ram Chandra Mission

(est. 1945)

   Sri Ram Chandra Mission in India was founded by His Holiness Sri Maharaj RAM CHANDRAJI of Shah-jahanpur, in 1945. He was popularly known as “Babuji.” The mission was in memory, honor, and testimony to his teacher, Samarth Guru Mahatma Sri Ram Chandriji Maharaj of Fatehgar, Uttar Pradesh, who is devotedly referred to as “Lalaji.” Today, the work is being carried forward by Sri PARTHASARATHI RAJAGOPALACHARI (b. 1927).

   The mission’s objectives are to educate and teach the masses in the art and science of YOGA, tailored for the modern world, and to encourage feelings of unconditional love to everyone inclu-sive of all castes, creeds, and colors. In addition, the mission seeks to establish research centers whose focus is the study of YOGA, helping those who wish to carry forth the mission.

   Practice and life in the mission include rising before dawn for daily PUJA (worship to divin-ity through offerings such as incense or rice) or spiritual MANTRAS (chants). The honor code of devotees includes being truthful and harmless to others and being free from resentful motives. Typically, members assume a peaceful lifestyle that gives harmony and serenity to their surroundings. The disciples try to live a plain and simple lifestyle devoted to spirituality. The mission has several hundred centers around the world. The president of each center is responsible for the transmission of divine wisdom. More than 1,000 people have been trained to assist these presidents with the authenticity of the raja path or the royal road to divine wisdom.

   The international headquarters of the mission is in Madras (Chennai), India, and the United States headquarters is in Molena, Georgia. Sahaj Sandesh is a service that periodically broadcasts news via e-mail about SRCM activities world-wide.

   Further reading: Ram Chandra Maharaj, Shri, Heart to Heart, vol. 3 (Shahjahanpur: Shri Ram Chandra Mis-sion, 1993); ———, Letters of the Master. Vols. 1 and 2 (Shahjahanpur: Shri Ram Chandra Mission, 1992); ———, Letters of the Master, vol. 3 (Shahjahanpur: Shri Ram Chandra Mission, 1996).