Uncle Michael’s 90th Birthday Celebrations

July 2026
Share your reflections and birthday greetings

Uncle Michael & Aunty Marilyn Fogarty – Burwood Ashram 9th April 2006

Dear Yogis,

This week, we celebrated the 56th anniversary of the opening of the Sahasrara, when HH Shri Mataji created Sahaja Yoga as Her timeless gift of Self-Realization to all seekers and the future of humanity, enabling a direct connection with the Divine.

HH Shri Mataji appointed Sahaja Yoga leaders entrusted with facilitating the core principles of personal experience and inner guidance, supporting yogis in their meditation practice, fostering group harmony, and providing ongoing spiritual guidance.

Australia was fortunate to be led by Uncle Michael Fogarty from 1995 to 2000, who was widely appreciated for making Sahaja leadership approachable, consistent with the principles of Sahaja Yoga as established by HH Shri Mataji. Uncle Michael was accessible, adhered faithfully to the mariadas, and served as a mentor and supporter rather than an authority figure. He was open, friendly, practical, and inspirational, helping yogis navigate Sahaja Yoga and experiences without imposing upon their personal spiritual journey, while also fostering collective harmony, spiritual support, and a passion for learning.

In 1996, HH Shri Mataji tasked Uncle Michael with securing a country property where the collective could expand and enjoy meditation, reflected in the beauty, quiet, and serenity of Mother Nature. After a long search and dedicated efforts, Uncle Michael led the initiative to acquire the Balmoral Country Property, which we continue to enjoy to this day.

When first purchased in 1997, the property was a nondescript working blueberry farm, with only a small shed for machinery and a very basic workers’ cottage. Inspired by HH Shri Mataji’s words that “one day you will make something beautiful of it”, Uncle Michael oversaw numerous building projects to transform the site. These included the creation of a cottage for HH Shri Mataji, as well as collective amenities such as a Puja hall, kitchen, and dining facilities, laying the foundation for a space of meditation, community, and spiritual clearing and growth.

Over 20 years ago, Uncle Michael undertook a personal project, selecting and planting a range of trees with vibrant, varied colours including maples and liquid ambers reflecting the glory and beauty of Mother Nature. He personally chose, planted, and nurtured these trees, traveling frequently to Balmoral to water and care for them over many years ensuring they would not just survive but thrive.

This was truly a labour of love. Today, as we walk around Balmoral, seeing yogis taking selfies under the red leaves of the maple trees and appreciating the multi-hued variety of colors, we pause to reflect, appreciate, and marvel. We thank Uncle Michael for his vision, dedication, and the love he has poured into this living legacy. While many in leadership aspire to leave a mark, one of Uncle Michael’s enduring gifts to the collective is the life, beauty, and love he has cultivated for all of us to enjoy.

Share your reflections and birthday greetings

In July, Uncle Michael will celebrate his 90th birthday. We invite yogis to share their reflections and birthday greetings. These will be compiled
as a collective tribute. Please send your messages to: life.eternal.trust.australia@gmail.com