Rajatists

Rajatists are a contemporary spiritual and social movement that emerged in the early 21st century in South Asia. The founders, originally a collective of scholars and social activists, sought to blend traditional philosophical concepts from the Sankhya school with modern ecological and human rights concerns. The term “Rajatist” derives from the Sanskrit root *raja*, meaning “king” or “kingdom”, signifying the movement’s emphasis on personal sovereignty and stewardship of the natural world.

Core beliefs among Rajatists center on the principle of *māyā*—the illusionary nature of worldly attachment—and the cultivation of *shanti* (inner peace) as a pathway to societal harmony. They hold that individual liberation is inseparable from communal responsibility, and therefore practice collective decision making, cooperative agriculture, and local community service. Rituals often combine meditation, chanting of Vedic hymns, and synchronized community prayers, with the intention of fostering unity across cultural boundaries.

Membership is largely voluntary and open to all, though a significant proportion of adherents reside in rural regions of India and Nepal. In recent years, Rajatists have engaged in campaigns addressing climate change, gender equality, and rural poverty. Their organizational structure is deliberately decentralized: several autonomous circles, each guided by a senior ‘guruji’, collectively share resources and wisdom through digital platforms.

While generally regarded as a non-violent and inclusive community, Rajatists have faced criticism from some religious scholars for blending heterodox interpretations of Eastern thought with contemporary causes. Nevertheless, the movement maintains a significant following, with estimated membership exceeding 150,000 worldwide.