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{{Short description|Indian spiritual leader}}
{{Infobox religious biography
| name = Ram Chandra (Lalaji)
| image = RAM CHANDRA (LALAJI).jpg
| birth_name = Ram Chandra
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1873|02|02|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Fatehgarh]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| death_date = {{Death date|1931|08|14|df=yes}}
| nationality = Indian
| spouse =
| philosophy = [[Sahaj Marg]], heartfulness
| title =
| disciples = [[Chaturbhuj Sahay]], [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)]], Bhavani Shankar of Orai, Harnarayan-saxena.com
| institute = [[Ramashram Satsang, Mathura]], [[Shri Ram Chandra Mission]], [[Akhil Bhartiya Santmat Satsang]],
| founder =
| literary_works = “Truth Eternal”, "The path of Sufis & Saints (Tatva-Prabodhni)" (ISBN 9789350502723)

| website = [https://heartfulness.org]
}}
'''Ram Chandra (Lalaji)''' (2 February 1873 – 14 August 1931) was a spiritual guide from [[Fatehgarh]] [[Uttar Pradesh]] India. He was popularly known as "Lalaji" among his followers.<ref name=" Amar Ujala">{{cite news |title=सूफी संत की समाधि पर माथा टेक लिया आशीर्वाद |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/farrukhabad/71555778483-farrukhabad-news |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=Amar Ujala |agency=Amar Ujala |issue=20 April 2019 |publisher=Amar Ujala |date=20 April 2019 |language=hi}}</ref><ref name=" Jagran">{{cite news |title=महात्मा रामचंद्र समाधि : 'जाति-पांति पूछै न कोई' |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/farukhabad-7624639.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=Dainik Jagran |agency=Dainik Jagran |issue=14 Nov 2011 |publisher=Dainik Jagran |date=14 Nov 2011 |language=hi}}</ref> He is said to have re-discovered the ancient Indian system of transmission called "[[Pranahuti (yogic transmission)|Pranahuti]]" (offering of Prana) which is often referred to as “Pranasya Pranah” (Life of Life) in the practice of meditation.<ref name=" Gurus of India">{{cite web |title=Gurus of India |url=http://www.gurusofindia.org/Home/ShriRamChandraMission |website=www.gurusofindia.org |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref name=" Spiritual Science Museum">{{cite web |title=SPIRITUAL SCIENCE MUSEUM |url=https://spiritualsciencemuseum.org/Home/Master/134/Shri-Ram-Chandra-Maharaj-Of-Fatehgarh |website=spiritualsciencemuseum.org |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref name=" Dictionaries and Encyclopedias">{{cite web |title=Sri Ram Chandra Mission |url=https://hinduism.en-academic.com/778/Sri_Ram_Chandra_Mission |website=Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias |access-date=26 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> After his passing, his disciples started many spiritual organizations like [[Shri Ram Chandra Mission]] and [[Ramashram Satsang]].<ref name="Prime Minister">{{cite web |title=Under Daaji's spiritual leadership, Shri Ram Chandra Mission is inspiring the whole world – says Prime Minister Narender Modi |url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/under-daajis-spiritual-leadership-shri-ram-chandra-mission-is-inspiring-the-whole-world-says-prime-minister-narender-modi/ |website=India Education {{!}} Latest Education News {{!}} Global Educational News {{!}} Recent Educational News |publisher=India Education Diary |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=17 February 2021}}</ref><ref name=" Sadhan">{{cite web |title=Sadhan – Ramashram Satsang, Mathura |url=http://www.sadhan.in/gurumaharaj.aspx |website=www.sadhan.in |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref name=" India reporter">{{cite web |title=SHRI SURESH JI MAHARAJ |url=https://www.indiareportertoday.com/palampur-bk-82/ |website=India Reporter Today |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=12 July 2021}}</ref><ref name=" Thakur Ramsingh">{{cite web |title=Sufi Saint Thakur Ramsingh Ji of Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA |url=https://saintramsingh.org/ramsamadhi.html |website=saintramsingh.org |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="HARNARAYAN SAXENA">{{cite web |title=HARNARAYAN SAXENA |url=https://harnarayan-saxena.com/ |website=www.harnarayan-sexena.com |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

==Early life, education and family==
He was born on February 2, 1873, at Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh in North India on the day of "[[Basant Panchmi]]" (as per [[Hindu calendar]]).<ref name=" Amar Ujala"/> His father, Harbaksh Rai, was a tax superintendent at Farrukhabad. His mother, Mrs. Durga Devi, was a religious lady, who influenced Ram Chandra towards spirituality in his childhood.<ref name=" Gurus of India"/><ref name=" Saints and Mahatmas of India">{{cite book |title=Saints and Mahatmas Of India |date=1 January 2012 |publisher=B R Publishing Corporation |location=India |isbn=978-9350500590 |page=264 }}</ref> His father belonged to a family of Jagirdars (landlords), but they lost most of their wealth in the post mutiny disturbances at that time, and in a legal battle. Later Ram Chandra worked with one of his father's associates in the collector's office at Fatehgarh for his livelihood.<ref name=" Saints and Mahatmas of India"/><ref name=" Yogvani">{{cite web |title=Shri Ram Chandra Mission |url=https://yogavani.info/2021/08/04/shri-ram-chandra-mission/ |website=Yogavani from Indian Yoga Association |publisher=Yogwani |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=4 August 2021}}</ref> He was married and led a normal family life.<ref name=" Saints and Mahatmas of India"/> He knew [[Urdu]], Persian, Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit and English languages. He completed his education from a Mission School at Farrukhabad.<ref name=" Gurus of India"/><ref name=" Spiritual Science Museum"/>

==Spiritual life==
His interest in spirituality grew during his school days. He rediscovered the ancient technique of yogic transmission which is also called “Pranahuti” (Upanishadic “Pranasya Pranah”). Pranahuti involves transmitting divine energy from the original source into the heart of the practitioner to expedite his spiritual progress.<ref name=" Gurus of India"/><ref name=" Yogvani"/><ref name=" Dictionaries and Encyclopedias"/> When he began imparting spiritual training some school teachers experienced positive changes in their personalities. The word spread and more people were attracted to Ram Chandra. He started formal group meditation (Satsang) in 1914. He continued the work until his death on 14 August 1931.<ref name=" Amar Ujala"/> His spiritual teachings are said to have equally influenced people of all castes and religions in India.<ref name=" Gurus of India"/><ref name=" Jagran"/> It was believed by his followers that through his simplified and effective training he made it possible for humans to attain their spiritual perfection during their lifetime itself while they lead a normal householder's life.<ref name=" Gurus of India"/>

==Teachings==
Some of his teachings are:

Purpose of the human life is to realize god and one should attain this purpose in his or her life without fail.

* Have company of realized people if you want to become realized.
* Do not offer advice to anyone unless asked for.<ref name="Truth Eternal xxix">{{cite book |title=Truth Eternal |date=2018 |publisher=SHPT India |location=India |isbn=978-93-88095-16-7 |page=xxix |edition=Third}}</ref>
* Ritual ceremonies should be avoided.<ref name="Gurus of India" />
* Widow marriage and female education should be promoted.<ref name="Truth Eternal xxix" /><ref name="Gurus of India" />
* Wants should be reduced. People should earn money honestly and spend it on others after meeting their basic needs.<ref name="Truth Eternal xxix" />
* Any type of intoxication is bad.<ref name="Truth Eternal xxix" />
* A person should be the same inside and outside, that is, he should speak what he has in his heart.<ref name="Truth Eternal xxix" />
* Transforming a human being into a better human being is the best miracle.<ref name="Truth Eternal xxix" />
* Home is the best training ground for spirituality and the greatest form of penance for submission, endurance, and sacrifice.<ref name="Gurus of India" />
* Some amount of afflictions is divine blessing, holding many secrets. Some amount of worries and insults is useful for spiritual progress.<ref name="Gurus of India" /><ref name="Spiritual Science Museum" />
* Good conversation skills are effective means for bringing harmony in human relationships.<ref>{{cite book |title=Truth Eternal |date=2018 |publisher=Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust India |location=India |isbn=978-93-88095-16-7 |page=143 |edition=Third}}</ref>
* Be good to your enemies.<ref name="Gurus of India" /><ref name="Spiritual Science Museum" />

==Following==
His disciples started many spiritual organizations like: “SRCM (Shri Ram Chandra Mission)” started by his disciple with the same name as his – “Ram Chandra” of Shahjahanpur,<ref name="Prime Minister"/><ref name=" Gurus of India"/><ref name=" Dictionaries and Encyclopedias"/>“Ramashram Satsang” by “Chaturbhuj Sahay”,<ref name=" Sadhan"/> “ABSS (Akhil Bhartiya Santmat Satsang)” by “[[Yashpal]]”,<ref>[https://abssatsang.com/ Akhil Bhartiya Santmat Satsang (Regd.) Delhi (ABSS)]</ref> and “Ram Samadhi Ashram” by “Thakur Ram Singh Bhati”.<ref name=" India reporter"/><ref name=" Thakur Ramsingh"/><ref name="HARNARAYAN SAXENA"/>

==Literary work==
He is said to have produced a vast amount of manuscript literature but most of it was lost after his death in 1931.<ref name=" Gurus of India"/> From the remaining manuscript which was in Urdu language some was initially serially published in the “Sahaj Marg” Journal of Shri Ram Chandra mission from the year 1958 onwards in Hindi language. Its English translation by S. A. Sarnad was published in the form of a book “Truth Eternal” in 1973.<ref name=" Truth Eternal xxix"/> Some of his other writings are published by the “Heartfulness Institute” in the books: Complete Works of Ram Chandra, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 and Vol. 4.<ref name=" Yogvani"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Truth Eternal |date=2018 |publisher=Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust India |location=India |isbn=978-93-88095-16-7 |page=Publisher's note}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HARNARAYAN SAXENA |url=https://harnarayan-saxena.com/books%2C-video-and-audio |website=www.harnarayan-sexena.com |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

== 150th anniversary of Shri Ram Chandraji Maharaj of Fatehgarh ==
[[File:Ram Chandra 2023 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|right|Postal Stamp released on LalaJi Maharaj in 2023]]

[[File:Shri-Ramchandra-Ji-Rev.jpg|thumb|Commemorative coin of Rs 150 on150th Anniversary of Shri Ram Chandraji Maharaj of Fatehgarh]]

The [[Government of India]] released the commemorative coin of Rs 150 and postage stamp on 2 February 2023 at [[Kanha Shanti Vanam]], Hyderabad. Ministry of Finance issued a gazette notification for the release of coin on 25 October 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=e-Gazette |url=https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2022/239858.pdf |website=www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2022/239858.pdf |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>
Hon’ble Minister of State of Communications, Shri Devusingh Jesinghbhai Chuhan joined by Chief Post Master General, Telangana Circle, Shri K. Prakash released the commemorative postal stamp on 2 February 2023 in the presence of [[Kamlesh Patel (Daaji)|Daaji]], the current global guide of Heartfulness.<ref name="TheHindu">{{cite web |title=TheHindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/commemorative-stamp-released/article66463566.ece |website=www.thehindu.com |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=e-Postoffice |url=https://www.epostoffice.gov.in/ProductDetails/ProductDetails?Prodid=KNehYsOvHG1Q/p2Fd1/zZg==# |website=www.epostoffice.gov.in |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

The Government of India through a gazette notification by the Ministry of Finance on 25 October 2022, released the commemorative coin of Rs 150 along with the postage stamp on 2 February 2023 at [[Kanha Shanti Vanam]], Hyderabad.

A 10 days long Music & Meditation festival was celebrated from 25 January till 3 February 2023 at [[Kanha Shanti Vanam]], the world headquarters of Heartfulness. It was marked by the presence of several internationally renowned artists and attended by hundreds of thousands of seekers and visitors.<ref name="TheHindu"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Businessnews |url=http://businessnewsthisweek.com/business/smt-sudha-raghunathans-vocal-recital-marks-the-grand-finale-of-the-150th-birth-week-celebrations-of-lalaji-maharaj-at-the-largest-meditation-hall-in-the-world |website=www.businessnewsthisweek.com |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref> An [[Inner peace|Inner Peace]] Museum was also inaugurated, showcasing artworks, paintings, sculptures, and other installations that depict the life and teachings of Lalaji Maharaj in his own handwriting.<ref>{{cite web |title=Businessnews |url=http://businessnewsthisweek.com/business/smt-sudha-raghunathans-vocal-recital-marks-the-grand-finale-of-the-150th-birth-week-celebrations-of-lalaji-maharaj-at-the-largest-meditation-hall-in-the-world |website=www.businessnewsthisweek.com}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* https://harnarayan-saxena.com/books%2C-video-and-audio

*http://sufisaints.net/content/pub_docs/Autobiography_of_a_Sufi.pdf

*http://sufisaints.net/content/pub_docs/Tattva_Prabodhini.pdf

{{improve categories|date=February 2022}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1931 deaths]]
[[Category:1873 births]]
[[Category:Indian spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:Indian spiritual writers]]
[[Category:Modern Indian yoga gurus]]
[[Category:Meditation]]
[[Category:People from Uttar Pradesh]]

Ram Chandra (Lalaji) - Revision history

WilmerLassetter: Starting Some Details Needs Work - done