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A sacred wisdom with a practical application - that is the message of the
Brahma Kumaris. Their Spiritual University is established with 4,000 branches in
more than 70 countries. Their leader Dadi Janki collaborates with the UN to
promote change in the world by changing consciousness. The plight of the planet
is, for her, a metaphor for the human condition. By respecting the sacred
within ourselves we will naturally stop exploiting the Earth. The Brahma Kumaris
teach Raj Yoga, an ancient form of self-knowledge. Their European director,
Jayanti Kirpalani, explains it as a two-fold process: “First it is gaining an
understanding of the self and secondly understanding the relationship of the self
with the Supreme.”
She believes that: “Over the ages, wisdom comes at a time of need and in a
form that is needed. Now a very simple knowledge about the self and our
relationship with God is needed, so we can come back to our essential qualities of
love, peace and truth which are within us.”
Out of their parallel concern for conservation, the Brahma Kumaris have
developed one of the largest solar-powered kitchens, serving up to 60,000 meals a
day at their Indian HQ in Rajasthan. The organisation was started in 1937 by
Brahma Baba. His vision of equality prompted a policy of ‘affirmative action’,
giving control of the organisation to women. The 87-year-old Dadi, who Ruby
Wax describes as a ‘deep, wise and egoless’ woman, has fulfilled the founder’s
vision.
Free meditation courses are offered in all their centres. Visit
www.bkwsu.org.uk for details
Mark Winter
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Turn within
A guided meditation by Dadi Janki:
It is not necessary to search for peace. It is within. Your original state is
one of peace. Learn to be in charge of yourself and maintain your peace:
Centre your awareness on your spiritual form, a tiny star-like point of light,
seated in the middle of your forehead. Really experience the difference between
you the Sparkling Star and your body, the physical vehicle. Even a few moments
of this practice, if done regularly, will return you to your natural state of
peace. Tiredness will vanish, irritability too. And your actions will be
filled with love - for the self and others.
For more, read Dadi Janki, Companion of God (Hodder Mobius, £7.99)
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