The Heartfulness Way ― Heart-based Meditations for Spiritual Transformation

Heartfulness is an ideal, a spiritual way of living by and from the heart that is inclusive of all ideologies, beliefs, and religions. In this heart-centered book, a student in conversation with his teacher, Kamlesh D. Patel—affectionately known as Daaji, the fourth and current spiritual guide of the century-old Heartfulness tradition—present a unique method of meditation with the power to facilitate an immediate, tangible spiritual experience, irrespective of a person’s faith.

Our modern, fast-paced world can be an overwhelming place. Every day, we’re bombarded with messages telling us that in order to be happy, fulfilled, and worthy, we must be better, do more, and accumulate as much material wealth as possible. Most of us move through our busy lives with our minds full of these ideas, multitasking as we strive to navigate the responsibilities and expectations we must meet just to make it through the day. But what if there is another way? What if, rather than letting the busyness of life overtake our minds, we learn to be heartful instead?

Based on Daaji’s own combination of approaches and practices for the modern seeker—which draws from the teachings of Sahaj Marg, meaning “Natural Path”—Heartfulness is a contemporized version of the ancient Indian practice of Raja Yoga, a tradition that enables the practitioner to realize the higher Self within. While many books describe refined states of being, The Heartfulness Way goes further, providing a pragmatic course to experience those states for oneself, which, per the book’s guiding principle, is “greater than knowledge.”

Heartfulness meditation consists of four elements—relaxation, meditation, cleaning, and prayer—and illuminates the ancient, defining feature of yogic transmission (or pranahuti), the utilization of divine energy for spiritual growth and transformation. Using the method, detailed practices, tips, and practical philosophy offered in this book, you’ll reach new levels of attainment and learn to live a life more deeply connected to the values of the Heartfulness way—with acceptance, humility, compassion, empathy, and love.

Kamlesh D. Patel, also known as Daaji, is the fourth and current spiritual guide of the Heartfulness movement, which teaches a version of Raja Yoga that has been modified to suit the modern era. Born in Gujarat, India, Daaji showed an early interest in meditation and spiritual growth. In 1976, as a pharmacy student in Ahmedabad, he met his guide, Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, the second spiritual guide in the Heartfulness tradition and founder and first president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. After graduating with honors in 1980, Daaji moved to the United States and practiced pharmacy in New York City, while continuing the practice of Heartfulness. After Ram Chandra’s passing, Daaji became a devoted disciple of his successor, Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari. In October 2011, Daaji was proclaimed Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari’s successor. Following his guide’s passing on the December 20, 2014, Daaji became the global guide for Heartfulness practitioners.

Joshua Pollock is a student of Kamlesh D. Patel. After experimenting with various meditative practices, Pollock started practicing Heartfulness in the United States in 2002, and has taught it since 2007. He regularly teaches Heartfulness at universities, corporations, government institutions, and at public seminars. An accomplished violinist, Pollock has performed and taught all over the world. He holds a bachelor’s degree in musical arts from Indiana University and two master’s degrees from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.