The Brahma Kumaris: An Introduction.

“The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all people. We teach a practical method of meditation that helps individuals understand their inner strengths and universal truths. A worldwide family of individuals from all walks of life, we are committed to spiritual growth and personal transformation, believing them to be essential in creating a peaceful and just world. Acknowledging the challenges of rapid global change, we nurture the well-being of the entire human family by promoting spiritual understanding, leadership with integrity and elevated actions towards a better world. With over 8000 centers in over 110 countries, and a learning community of over a million worldwide, two unique aspects of the Brahma Kumaris are the following: 1) All the programs and courses are FREE, 2) Most importantly the organization is led by “. ://us.brahmakumaris.org/

Brahma Kumaris is the largest spiritual organization in the world led by women. It was the founded by  Prajapita Brahma Baba who to put women in front from the very beginning. Thus, it has set Brahma Kumaris apart on the stage of the world’s religions and spiritual organizations. Characterized by a for forgiveness and a profound commitment to unity globally. The spiritual headquarters of Brahma Kumaris is in Mount Abu, India.

I first encountered the BK in the summer of 1990. I did the seven-day course, consisting of: real knowledge of self, knowing what is God, (of any faith,) the human tree, the rise and fall of humans, the understanding Raj yoga, the benefits of Raj yoga, which is mandatory.

My mother is a dedicated member of the BK’s for 30 plus years. She  meditates every day at 4 am in the morning for 1-1/2 hours. In the evening she meditates for 1-1/2 hours. She also attends one meeting daily (Monday to Friday,) at the BK’s HQ in Coventry.  She was very dedicated no matter what the weather. She is so adamant about going when her diabetes, (at the age of 85 plus) that my dad drove her, there and back. She is a strict stalwart for the cause. The last time we went to Oxford, in 2012. Two days before my “incident.”  It was the Duke of Marlboro ex-home with 500 acres of land. And a stunning view with the Thames and a house full of guests and dedicated servers. The food was so prefect-vegetarian. Despite the absence of garlic and onions, the food or ‘bhajan’ was delicious.

The full capacity was around 3000 people.

There is basically four areas of study:

• Universal truths, regarding the nature of the soul, God and the impact of a close relationship between the two, create a context for our spiritual endeavor. This understanding helps us master the ongoing flow of experiences we call life.

• The practice of Raja Yoga meditation

  

  • A step-by-step process helps us to focus on our deep inner strength and potential.
  •  Silence takes us into a world of stillness. My mum meditations to BK’s music only.
  • The more time I give to silence, the more silence will give me time.

The BK’s offer a framework for a life-changing experience. By exploring and discovering the most fundamental question of all, “Who am I?. I developed a sense of slight self-mastery, that allows me to stay in charge of my life. The BK’s begins by reflective meditation, then they have talks. For instance, afternoon tea with to welcome  all asylum seekers and refugees, and demystifying Raja yoga.

MY OWN EXPERIENCE

On the way to Mount Abu in northern INDIA, my father and I were cynical about the BK’s. When we finally reached our destination on a bus, a sense of peace and harmony was overwhelming. Situated amidst lush green, forested hills on the highest peak, Mount Abu is the summer capital for the Indian state of Rajasthan. In New Delhi, my uncle retired at only 40, he amassed in his own wealth. Next door were a family of Jains.

“Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation. The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the universe and for the health of the universe itself. Jains believe that animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion. Jains are strict vegetarians and live in a way that minimizes their use of the world. Jains believe in reincarnation and seek to attain ultimate liberation – which means escaping the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth so that the immortal soul lives for ever in a state of bliss.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/living/aparigraha.shtml

But I digress.

The place was fantastic. My mum got up at 4 am for collective meditation. I was still asleep. My father who did not go to the intensive 7-day course, stayed in a bed and breakfast.

The rites and rituals are: attending morning class daily, observing celibacy, eating pure food, keeping good company, inculcating divinity, doing service, giving happiness to others, keeping Godly principles etc.

Om Shanti is a mantra used in meditation. Om has THREE Sounds to it. It believes it to be the sound of the universe. Shanti is a Sanskrit word that means “peace,” but is also translated as “calm” or “bliss.”

In yoga practice they focus their thoughts, for cosmic peace.

“Om shanti, shanti, shanti.” The latter symbolizes three forms of peace: peace of the mind, peace in speech and peace in the physical body. It is also represent hope for individual peace, collective peace and universal peace.

My mum tells me, when you chant OM, or AUM, you chant each sound. My mum showed me the correct way to activate each sound: The ahhhh, the ooohh and the mmmmm, activates different degrees makes of consciousness. The ahhhh sound is connected to material consciousness. The ooohh syllable In other words, it corresponds to the material body and its place in your physical environment. The ooohh sound corresponds to the energy of one’s mind. My ownreal relationship with a higher spirit was this: When I was very, very ill and the all my doctors’ told me that only  have  4 months to live, I went to Global House in London where Dadi Janki was visiting. Dadi Janki is the head of the BK’s. I was given a private audience with Dadi Janki and I recall two things.  First, her overwhelming presence, it was as though she could see into my soul. She spoke very softly when she gave me her blessings. The second was her generosity, she kept on instructing her attendants to gift me the flowers in the room, then chocolates, and many other things.

I am convinced to this day that her blessings were integral to my recovery.

Our Life Here

Our spiritual education is a gift from God, what ever the religion. My mum studies Mulri’s daily.  My mother is committed to using the best of herself, and others. My mother cooks in remembrance of God. Her diet is very strict. No garlic and onions. Habits that drain the soul of spiritual power. Therefore BK’s, don’t smoke, drink, take drugs or gamble. Seeing all souls as our spiritual brothers and sisters. They also have Ayurveda’s herbs such as:

1) Ashwagandha is Indian ginseng. Used as a natural remedy for well-being and its health benefits are many. It’s an adaptogenic herb. It is very well known for relieving stress, and improving the body’s natural immunity systems.

2) Neem is a plant, best known in the Ayurveda best known for its ability to purify the skin and control blood sugar. Neem boasts a vast array of healing properties.

3) Triphala is an Ayurvedic blend of three fruits: Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki. I use it as a laxative. It’s also known for detoxification. Recent studies have shown this natural herb has anti-cancer effects and chemo-protective one.  http://brahmakumarisresearch.org/lifestyle