An idea of holding a Self-Realization program in military bases appeared in our minds as soon as we started conducting Sahaja Yoga Public Programs.

The Army is an inseparable part of our society where ordinary young men serve their land. Yesterday they were playing football in our yards and were singing songs playing the guitar… And after the army young men will come back to the same yards. Officers – are our grandfathers and fathers who live together with us and they are interested in the same things as we are, they are worrying about the same problems that we are. That is why if we are giving Programs for civilians then why can’t we organize them in the Army?

There is an opinion that the way of life in the army is a strict discipline, a whole set of bans and limitations. It is true but even in the atmosphere of strict discipline there should be a place for the spiritual growth of a person, for the growing of the warrior’s soul. And besides, when a young man comes to the army he often turns out to be in an atmosphere of cultural deficit. Officers are responsible for cultural work in the military bases, they do their best to minimize this deficit. That is why Sahaja Yogis, as a rule, get an agreement for performing some cultural and educating songs and dances in the military base.

Military bases are the fullest halls and the most attentive audience. Of course, there is an element of compulsion. It’s possible that in the civil life not each of them would get interested in such a program and visit it. However, each time we notice that some of those guys in camouflage have got really interested.

In some of the bases Sahaja Yogis have held music programs several times. Officers noticed that there were substantial changes in the behavior of their subordinates after Sahaja Yoga Programs. They become calmer and more tolerant to each other. There was a case when after a SY program a problem of intolerance between nations was suddenly solved, unexpectedly for the commanding staff (there were representatives of the Caucasian Republics and Central Regions of Russia in one base).

As a result of the work in military bases, Sahaja Yogis have received numerous certificates of honor, letters of gratitude from the commandment of these military bases.