The term

The word 'Sahaja' in Sanskrit has two components: saha meaning 'with' and ja meaning 'born'.Sahaja means natural, simple or innate and Yoga means union or yoking and refers to a spiritual path or a state of spiritual absorption. The term 'Sahaja Yoga' goes back at least to the 15th Century Indian mystic Kabir.and has been used to refer to Surat Shabd Yoga.The term is also used to describe the basic meditation practice of Ananda Marga.Rajneesh (aka Osho) described 'Sahaja Yoga' as the most difficult of yogas because it involves no effort and is natural and spontaneous. In 2000 the term 'Sahaja Yoga' was trademarked in the United States by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma.In 2001 a complaint by Vishwa Nirmala Dharma to the World Intellectual Property Organization regarding the use of the term was rejected (despite the dissenting opinion of the presiding panelist), in part due to the determination that the words 'Sahaja' and 'Yoga' are descriptive Sanskrit words heard in Buddhism, used by Kabir and also referred to by Guru Nanak in Sikhism.

Beliefs

Sahaja Yoga, like many Eastern and New Age systems, believes that in addition to our physical body there is a subtle body composed of nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers). Psychoanalyst, Sudhir Kakar writes that Nirmala Srivastava's additions to this widespread traditional 'tantric' model include giving it a scientific, neurological veneer, an elaboration of the health aspects and an introduction of notions of traditional Christian morality.Nirmala Srivastava equates the Sushumna nadi with the parasympathetic nervous system, the Ida nadi with the left and the Pingala nadi with the right sides of the sympathetic nervous system. Kakar believes that this follows the theories of Vasant Rele.

Levels of Services and Offerings

Health clubs offer a wide array of services, and as a result the monthly membership prices can vary greatly. A recent study found that the monthly cost of membership ranged from $15 per month at basic chain clubs that offer limited amenities to over $200 per month at spa-oriented clubs that cater to families and those seeking social activities in addition to a workout. In addition, some clubs such as many local YMCAs offer per-use punchcards or one-time fees for those seeking to use the club on an as-needed basis.

Costs can be altered through the purchase of a higher-level membership, such as a Founders or a Life membership. Such memberships often have a high up-front cost but a lower monthly rate. Bally's, Lifetime Fitness, and other large chains offer these memberships, but the tend to work out financial for those who use the club frequently and hold the membership for years.