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== Sources ==


=== No ===


* Anything published by {{tq|brahmakumaris.org}} or {{tq|Om Mandali, Pharmacy Printing Press}} or {{tq|B.K. Raja Yoga Center for the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University}} ought to be treated as flatly unreliable.
== BK teaching posters ==
* ], again, ought to be treated as flatly unreliable. She had no academic expertise whatsoever and as far as I remember, what prompted her very-apolegetic portrayal of the movement was her husband veering away with the BKs into celibacy.

I notice that the links to the "BK teaching posters" in the article forward you to a site that doesn't appear to be recognised by the BKs. As they purport to be the teaching posters used by the BKs (rather than any splinter groups), can the author please provide evidence/verification that these posters are indeed official BK teaching posters - or that the site that they are hosted on is a recognised official BK site (as I may be mistaken). I understand a week is a reasonable time for an author to provide the requested information. If it is not forthcoming within that time, I'll delete the entry. ] 19:02, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

: I have now deleted the link as per my note above. ] 19:21, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

::'''Yes, they are included in the books written by BK Jagdish Chander and published by the BKWSU which are referenced in the topic.'''

::'''Have you actually read any of the references befor your attempt to ignore them!?! This is the problem with you BKs. All the references are given but because you have personally not read them, you think you have the right to remove elements.'''

::'''Do you need to to give you actual page references or are you willing to go back to your Raja Yoga center and ask to read them there?'''

::I will, of course, revert this. ] 00:44, 30 November 2006 (UTC)


::: Its been discussed. You did not respond. There are no such rules.

:::You are a BK. You can easily check against the BKWSU's own records and those given in the referenced books as can any other contributor. That is the way the wiki works. ] 11:40, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

==Vandalism by ] AKA Avaykt7==
],
On November 17th ],],],], ]et All, reverted all my citations which were part of the discussion here. His claim was that citations were vandalism, which is what he was asking for which seems contradictory. Today he deleted several sections, including ones with citations by the ] and ]. I ask now in a most concerned way, is User Riveros afforded some special treatment in that I feel he should have been cited for vandalism for removing my items and for doing so with whole sections today saying that it was under your direction in the edit summary. Please explain as I just spent over $1,500 in research material feeling that I would meet the challenge (since he wants numbers of pages etc) but now feel that fairness is not being afforded to those of us that seek a fair and equitable view of this organisation beyond what has now become a copy of a report/PR view by Riveros. Please note that the references were there in plain view and that not once has Riveros nor any of the IT Team said no they were not true. Using the system to gain what they sought the whole time.
What we have here is a piece meal removal of all that their (BKWSU) via their PR Chief KarunaBK wanted removed and the PR spin put in place. See that the very sections that he removed are the very sections ] wanted removed without discussion. Here Riveros is intimidating and busy placing big Stop signs on peoples pages yet feels he is beyond the rules that all must follow:

As you may recall I asked for help on November 12th due to his multiple deletions . He said he would cooperate but I see not such cooperation or good will given that he has gone and done the exact thing and removed the citations. I can understand he wants to defend his "Faith" but if he wants a PR point perhaps he can do that in his website http:/www.godhascome.com.

*I am requesting the items cited to be placed back.
*I am requesting that ] whole deletions be placed back if in deed they were not under your direction.
*His intimidation tactics have been dully noted on multiple occasions. He has even begun on Sethie. Sethie has done good work on wiki efforts to link to other pages for meaning as is common in all other articles.
*I would like it said that upon the citation being noted that the material should be placed back with out further ado by Riveros since the only point of argument was that the citations were not next to the very entry

I will await your response. ] 21:20, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

Dear TalkAbout,
Are you 64.121.65.67? Please answer that question. All your so called "citations" were never discussed in this page and most important, they are not considered reliable sources (researched material by authorities in the field of study) Also, please note that you are using one incident which is unrelated to this artcile to give a bad impression of Brahma Kumaris. Admin Jossi pointed out about the "child abuse case." Another one is Heide. Just because she was a BK member at one time, just like yourself or .244 that does not make her a representative of BK. As I said before, many well know criminals are out there who profess christianity, and that does not mean that I can put them in the Christianity page as examples. Please be resonable. Your work should be discussed here. You are not an exemption. You had ample time to do so, other than the fact that you come into this picture, whenever user .244 cannot, will not or does not contribute here,that makes you a non-regular editor who only shows up to change things around without previous discussion.
Please submit reliable sources. Look forward to seeing them in '''this page''' before being added. Thank you. ] 22:54, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

I am trying to understand this dispute, and I would appreciate if it can be discussed one item at a time. shows the deletion of material that does not seem to be referenced to any source, with the exception of a subsection named "Heidi Fittkau-Garthe". The unreferenced material was deleted because no sources were forthcoming. The "Heidi Fittkau-Garthe" section I am not sure what is the relevance of one person situation in an article about a religion, unless these types of behaviors have been widely reported as part of the religion or beliefs. ] <small>]</small> 01:04, 23 November 2006 (UTC)


==External links section==
The EL section needs to be pruned. Please read ] for some useful guidelines on what to link to and what to avoid linking to. ] <small>]</small> 01:09, 23 November 2006 (UTC)

Following Jossi's suggestion, I propose the following deletions from the external links: In the ex-bk section, deletion of brahmakumaris.info - as it contains a lot of the unfounded assertions that Jossi termed not appropriate above (eg child abuse claims, etc). This is in breach of the links policy on wikipedia, which prohibits the linking to "Any site that misleads the reader by use of factually inaccurate material or unverifiable research." I would also question the reason for having links to "ex bk sites" at all. Would any other faith/organisation have links to ex-members of their wikipedia articles? What is the relevance? There may be relevant reasons that someone can provide for keeping this section - but if not, I will delete it. I also propose deleting all the PBK links - as they are an organisation that are not part of the BKs or have any official relationship with the BKs. For the same reason, I also propose the link to the "Vishnu Party" be deleted. I will allow a week for the author/s who put up the various links I mention to verify the reasons for them to stay. ] 10:16, 23 November 2006 (UTC)

:Dear All,
:I would like to point out even the bibliography has some items that are not suitable and consistent with Jossi's and Appledell's input. Best Wishes, ] 10:12, 24 November 2006 (UTC)


::Since this is an article about BK, not an article BY or FOR Brahma Kumaris, an ex-BK site is TOTALLY appropriate, if it meets wikipedia standards.

::What people have said about BK, if they meet wiki standards, is what we use to write articles, whether they are "pro," "con" or neutral. ] 20:09, 24 November 2006 (UTC)

:::That is not totally correct. Only these sites that are considered reliable sources can be used in articles. Personal websites, blogs, anonymous websites and the like are not considered reliable sources for Misplaced Pages. ] <small>]</small> 01:02, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

::::Jossi I am not seeing the difference between your and my statement. I said "if they meet wiki standards" it is appropriate to use a website. You said, "only these sites that are considered reliable sources" can be used in articles.

::::Help me understand how what I said is different from what you said? ] 01:43, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

:::::Sorry, I may have misunderstood what you said. But in reviewing the site in question, I doubt it meets the standards required. If there is material in that site that has been published by a reliable source, editors could link/cite these sources. All other commentary and OR, unless described on secondary/reliable sources, has no place in the article. ] <small>]</small> 01:55, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

::::::Thanks, that clears it up for me, my post was not about a specific site. ] 03:06, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

::::::::I have now made made the deletions I suggested above - one week notice has passed without anyone challenging. ] 19:28, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Dear All,
Here are the wikipedia standards: I would like to point out: "'''Self-published sources (online and paper)
Anyone can create a website or pay to have a book published, then claim to be an expert in a certain field. For that reason, self-published books, personal websites, and blogs are largely not acceptable as sources.

Self-published material may be acceptable when produced by a well-known, professional researcher in a relevant field or a well-known professional journalist. These may be acceptable so long as their work has been previously published by reliable third-party publications. However, exercise caution: if the information in question is really worth reporting, someone else is likely to have done so."''' It is well know that brahmakumaris.info it is an ex-bk site and user.244 (one of the main editors) is not an authority in the field and that site is his own site (archives back in october have the proof for this.)
Thank you. Best, ] 23:00, 24 November 2006 (UTC)


:*There are two issues here you are working hard to override Luis. The policy also states;

:'''Self-published and dubious sources in articles about the author(s)'''

:'''Material from self-published sources, and other published sources of dubious reliability, may be used as sources in articles about the author(s) of the material, so long as:'''
:'''it is relevant to their notability;'''
:'''it is not contentious;'''
:'''it is not unduly self-serving;'''
:'''it does not involve claims about third parties, or about events not directly related to the subject;'''
:'''there is no reasonable doubt as to who wrote it.'''

:What that means is that material published by the BKWSU is perfectly acceptable within these guidelines; websites, Murlis, teaching posters etc. by whoever choses and, frankly, where ever it is referenced.

:Just out if interest, why is it acceptable to have links and reference to material on your own site God has come? But not material on other sites such as the BKWSU produced material on http://www.shivbaba.org.pl? Who is trying to reference any self-published material on http://brahmakumaris.info anyway?

:] 02:49, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


Why on earth you spending $1000 on research. you take life too seriously. people like have a shorter life expectancy. this is the problem with ego it carries with no expense, trash your life and worry over nothing, Find a hobby that you enjoy doing. JP 18:59, 27 November 2006 (UTC)


:JP my request is that you do not include such personal comments on this discussion page. My thought is, "there is already enough tension here." It also goes contrary, in my opinion, to ] and ] ] 21:17, 27 November 2006 (UTC)


::Yup, and please learn how to sign into the Wiki, Jesselp. ] 02:49, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


:::Hi Sethie, i am not here comment to create more tension, i do apologies if this has happened, but i feel health and safety advice should be given to individuals, as people can live in a way without knowing, can harm themselfs or develop symptoms which will result into something more tedious to resolve, which i am able to see in here. as a psychologist so i feel some what irresponsible if i can see issues that people are displaying and not give information/advice in how to deal with the situation. i made this comment public as he/she is not the only.
:::And when i sign with the ~ it comes up with jp auto. again i do apologize things were taken wrongly. ;)
:::JP 13:15, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

::::Hey JP- you know I felt that as I read your response, I really had the sense that behind your words was a place of caring and concern.

::::In terms of participating here, I'd ask that: a) you don't post such comments HERE on the discussion page and b)if you do place them on individual talk pages, to express yourself as you did just above: "Hey, I am concerned. I see this. I feel the need to express my concerns" and c) add to that expression: Would you like to here more? If you expressed yourself along that lines, it would not violate wp:No personal attacks or WP:civility. love, ] 15:55, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

:::::Ahh yes, and in terms of singing use four of those ~ in a row. :) ] 15:56, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


::::::So, how do we square this with comparible topics such as the Moonies or Scientologists where what could be conceivably "self-published" sites are referenced to give a balance point of view? ,e.g. http://www.rickross.com or http://www.xenu.net

::::::I am sorry, I don't consider this issue resolved. ] 00:52, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

::::::Given that the proponents behind silencing any impartial view are BKWSU members, can we adopt the format on the Moonies page?

::::::Official links
::::::Supportive views
::::::Opposing views
::::::Balanced views

::::::] 00:52, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

::::::: The Moonies wikipedia article contains no criticism about the organisation, but does contain links to critical sites (without saying what the criticisms are in the Moonies article itself). Is that the model you are proposing? (IE, separating the links section to official links, supportive views, opposing views and balanced views?). If that is what you are proposing, I don't have a problem with that, as long as the links are in line with wikipedia guidelines of course. ] 13:57, 30 November 2006 (UTC)


==7 day course deletion==
Dear All,
On Nov. 22nd a post was made regarding the seven day course. We have not received any support on this as far as reliable sources to back up the explanations in it. As pointed out before, it will be very hard to find an expert explanation on it. However, there are a couple of links to the BK site which fully explain the expected content on these classes. If there are not reliable sources available then this content will be erased on Dec.7th. (Note that 15 days have been given). Thank you. Best Wishes, ] 10:36, 27 November 2006 (UTC)


:There was one clear reference already to the correspondence course published by the BKWSU. I have just added another to an earlier version of the same title by Jagdish Chander. This is self-published material by the BKWSU that meets Misplaced Pages standards stated above. Any contributor wishing to follow up these references can attend any of the 7,000 Raja Yoga centers worldwide or purchase copies online.

:I must check exactly where your PR whitewash has got to but see no reason make significant changes to this section. ] 02:57, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

:: Dear 244,I do not appreciate your comments about "my PR whitewash" You know that is not true. I have placed a "civil" tag in your talk page. There is no need to put down anyone efforts. Best Wishes, ] 16:20, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

::I am sorry, "your" is not just singular but also collective in English. I was address to the entire BKWSU team working on this topic article. Even those not actively using keyboards. ] 00:58, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

== Achievements ==

Achievements were better in bullet point form. dont need an essay for it.

JP 19:02, 27 November 2006 (UTC)

:Dear JP, Thank you for your input. Would you re-write this paragraph maintaining the substance of it and post it here? Best Wishes, ] 02:09, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

sure, ] 18:50, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

hi i don't think i can maintain the substance, its just a different form of showing achievements.
see i am taking the view that people just need to have a quick glance to see achievements. so will leave it as it is.

] 18:18, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

== Million Minutes not a UN project. ==

Hi

The Million Minutes of Peace was not a UN project as stated. It was a BKWSU project. Factual error.

Removed running courses as achievement. Hardly ...

] 03:32, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


:But the bkwsu were given a award for it by the UN..so it was an achievement.
:or we could have a new topic called awards if it is not an achievement

:] 18:51, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


::]I note your insults on my talk page suggesting I need counselling. In all humility, do you also have a problem with English comprehension? Can you read what was written above? I said, "running courses" hardly warrants being listed as a notable "achievement".

::I also stated correctly that the Million Minutes of Peace was not "a UN project" as written. It was entirely a BWSU and so this is a factor error which the BK contributor cannot possibly verify. Please read things through carefully before knee jerking.

:::] 03:58, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

== Removal of mediumship and channelling from intro ==

OK. I am challenging the removal of mediumship and channelling from intro and have replaced it as per earlier edits.


The reason for this is plain. It is the one single element that so distinguishes BK Raja Yoga from Classical Raja Yoga and this has to be made clear. The academics all refer to it so there is no objection from that corner.


It also highlights the issue that Shiva, the channelled being that is being mediumistically channelled through Kirpalani and Gulzar, cannot easily be referred to as "God" without qualification. One can state that the BKWSU believes that is it God but as the concept is so radically different from any other world religion, and would bring it into immediate conflict with all of them, we have to go cautious on this claim and not pander to BKWSU propaganda.


I am sorry but one can no more accept one sociologists view of yogic or psychic matters where they repeat BKWSU obfuscation of this matter, than one would accept Einstein's expertise in violin playing; because they are outside of their specialism. In preference, we have to rely on the organization's own original material.
] 05:21, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


::I note no objection to this being replaced as it is clearly referenced in the academic works chosen by ]. Thank you. ] 04:01, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

== Removal of links ==

I see Luis is wanting to remove third party links that expose or criticize the BKWSU.

I had a look at similar topic on the Wiki, e.g. Scientologists or Moonies, and I see that the topic include links to such critical/opposing or balance views and so I see no difference to why the BKWSU article should exclude them.

Ditto, to "Controversies" and so I am restoring that section as well. The references to these have already been discussed on these pages.

Thanks. ] 05:49, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


:I have removed the "controversy" section again - as per jossi's comments above. If you have a problem with that - answer Jossi's concerns. DONT just make edits without prior warning on this page. You have been extended this courtesy - try and do the same.

:] 10:24, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


::The references to these have already been discussed on these pages. ] 03:59, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


::: Yes they have - and admin Jossi has deemed them inappropriate for use in the article (see his comments above). Unless you can provide more substantial reasoning, this section will be deleted later today - as per my 7 day rule warning (feel free to provide others this courtesy - as has already been suggested by Jossi and Sethie). ] 07:54, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


:::: Not all. If you go back into the archives of the Discussion pages you will find the further references.] 01:00, 30 November 2006 (UTC)


::::: The admin's most recent advice on this subject is what should be used as our guidelines - as it supersedes and takes into account previous references. ] 14:14, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

== removal of mediumship from intro ==

OK. Back to basics.


=="FRONT" organisations==

I propose replacing the word "front" with "affiliated" organisation. The use of the word "front" is clearly loaded and implies the organisation is trying to hide behind the identity of these other organisations. Better to just state that these other organisations are affiliated to the BKs - it's up to the individual to decide if they are "fronts" or just natural extensions of the BKs work. I also propose deleting the phrase: "At events promoted by any one of these entities, one might find other BKs present under the mantle of "representing" one of the other organizations rather than the BKWSU in a self-reciprocating manner." This is just commentary and contains sinister undertones, which is not relevant. I will amend within a week, unless a suitable argument can be put up.
] 10:45, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

:It is difficult. Most are not affiliated organisation in the true meaning of the words, except perhaps the hospital. They are wholly run BKWSU fronts or "trading names" the BKWSU uses for "service". I dont see that the word "front" has negative connotations.

:And the statement of how BKs turn up at meetings representing themselves as representatives of other BK organizations is certain true. I'll have a root around the references to see how this is best documented. Thanks. ] 04:11, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

:: "Front" does have negative connotations - as it implies that the BKs are hiding behind the name (as you yourself clearly imply). I will replace it with "affiliated" unless you come up with a better, neutral, term. BKs may well come to events representing these different affiliated groups/fronts/wings. I don't see why that has any relevance. It is commentary. Again, I will wait until the 7 day limit for discussion I've put has been reached before I make the change. ] 08:01, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

:::And I will revert it beause the references have been given and I disagree that front is negative (just as academics disagree that the word cult is negative).

:::An affiliation is between entirely separate groups. These are groups, or service campaigns, raised entirely by the BKWSU and quite specifically in the case of Inner Spaces, "shop fronts" to the organization.

:::If we look at the Wiki definition; ''a ] (or organisation), also known as a ] (if it is structured to look like a voluntary association); a front company, a shell corporation or simply a front (if it is structured to look like a company), is any entity set up by and controlled by another organization. A front organization may simply be a proxy that keeps the parent group's name out of the picture or it may look publicly as if it is set up to do one thing, but actually be set up to do something else on behalf of its parent group. Front organizations are also commonly used to shield the parent organization from legal liability; this is the most common reason for the creation of shell corporations.'' it would appear to be quite accurate.

:::If we look at the websites of these front groups we can inspect the stated relationship with the BKWSU and it is on occasions clearly obfuscated.] 01:10, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

:::: Using the definition you yourself have used: "A front organization may simply be a proxy that keeps the parent group's name out of the picture or it may look publicly as if it is set up to do one thing, but actually be set up to do something else on behalf of its parent group." Can you identify is each case where the organisation/company/group has been set up to do one thing but is actually doing something else? On each website it states clearly what the aims of that organisation/company/group are. To call them "fronts" requires them to have other aims to the ones they state (as per the definition you quote). Can you outline - with citations - what these ulterior aims are for each organisation/company/group? If you cannot, I maintain that the term "affiliated" is a better and more accurate term to use. ] 14:11, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

==Contributions by user 195.82.106.244==

Dear .244,
I am glad to see you back again! However, you know the rules of Misplaced Pages. You must discuss your proposed changes '''here''' before you attempt to change anything in this article. Note the ample margin which is given to you and supporters to come up with reliable sources. On the other hand, you just appear after a prolonged absence and change things around... Please act in a civil fashion.
I will be more than happy to discuss things with you here. I have the time...plenty of time.
I have posted a warning sign in your talk page, actually you deserve the "last warning" because you are recurrent, but again...you deserve a chance.

I will revert the article back as it was. You have been warned. You know that we are following procedures clearly outlined to us by admin Jossi. One more time, please behave correctly. Best Wishes, ] 13:30, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


:Just to be clear- I do very much support talking changes over for this page first AND there is no official wiki policy that I am aware of that says we have to. See my discussion below for a proposal how can move this page closer to that! love, ] 15:47, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


:Sorry Luis.

:*You played a very clever trick of using intimidating vandalism warnings to have me blocked and during that time you pushed through your re-write.
:*You continue your intimidation of other editors by doing the same.
:*I offered you the change of mediation and arbitration, informed you and these page of such and you refused to engage.
:*I have attempted to engage you in accepting Wiki policy sources on many occasions and you ignored it as you do others concerns.

:*You have no intention of discussing matter and neither do the rest of the BKWSU team. What are you going to do next? We have even had senior BKs writing to the Mediawiki foundation making false claims and accusations. Knowing the BKWSU, I fully expect Jimbo Wales will be receiving flattering invitation to soem conference, VIP dinner or the BKWSU headquarters and to discover BK sisters in white saris camped out at the Misplaced Pages offices like they have done all across the Indian media controlling it.

:*'''OK, let's discuss. Why are we going to remove all mention of channelling and mediumship from the start of the topic and why should we obfuscate the BKWSU's belief that this channelled being is God with general opinions of what is God?'''

:What do you have to say then? ] 04:26, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

==To user Appledell==
Dear Appledell, Once the article has been reverted by someone without previous discussion, that article will be reverted back again. Thus, whatever changes you made will be gone as well. I suggest if you could revert the article back to its version now ( containing Dr. Walliss correction of his last name, ver Nov 28, 2006 13:33) and make your changes there, if they have been previously discussed here. If you gave a notice on previous links and the time has elapsed without response, you may go ahead and make the proposed changes. Thank you and Best Wishes, ] 13:42, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

:OK, I did not know that - thanks. ] 16:44, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

::I am glad to discover Dr Walliss consistent interest in the actions of the BKWSU and BKs. You have no such authority to make statement such as "'''that article will be reverted back again "''' Luis. ] 04:33, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

==Controversy Tag==
I have added the controvery tag to this talk page. Assuming no one objects to me placing it (if so, please discuss here), that does make it actual policy for this page that every significant change BE DISCUSSED HERE, after the change, and that you place descriptions in the edit summary field.

Given the current climate, I concur with Riveros that disucssion should happen BEFORE major change.... and this is the best I know how to move in that direction.] 15:43, 28 November 2006 (UTC)


Dear Sethie, Thank you for your constructive suggestion. Best, ] 16:24, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

==To user ]==
Dear ],
I have placed a "last warning" tag for vandalizing this page and reverted the article. You will be blocked '''again''' if you continue. Best, ] 21:14, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

:I want to change the subsection "Concept of God" as following:
:"However this is nothing new, as Shaiva Hindus also worship Shiva as representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh Himself. Shiva creates by entering the world through a corporeal medium, awakening humanity and restoring human souls to their original state of harmony (creator aspect). Because He is Mahāyogi (Sanskrit महायोगी) in Hindu Dharma He develops and sustains this balanced and complete human personality through the power of raja yoga and the knowledge he imparts to humanity (preserver aspect). He gets evil and negativity eliminated through the practice and lifestyle of raja yoga (destroyer aspect Ekambaranatha )."
:If this appears fine, I will post it.- ]

::Dear ],
::Can you give an explanation as to why your suggested change is needed in this article? What difference does it make if the belief is "nothing new"? Nowhere in the article does it say that the concept of God that the BKs have IS new. By your logic, does every aspect of BK belief need referring in the article as being new or old? It just seems to be over-complicating the article.
::] 22:39, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

:::Dear ], Thank you for following the guidelines. Your post is appreciated. Let me point out some things: 1)It appears to me that we need to provide reliable sources to back up our posts. 2) It was pointed out by admin Jossi that this article needs to be written having the "reader" in mind, which not necessarily may be knowledgful of Hinduism or a BK member, ex-member. 3)This article is about Brahma Kumaris. Brahma Kumaris is not Hinduism, just as Calvinism is not Christianity. Christianity is the root, but Calvinism is a colorful branch on its own right. I could make a similar analogy by introducing the concept of the "holy trinity" in Christianity (Father , Son and holy ghost) as well and compare it with the BK concept of the Trimurti. 4) Sanskrit is not used by BKs but rather Hindi. Would like to hear your side on these points as well.
:::Best Wishes, ] 00:01, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

::::'''How is the Brahma Kumaris not a Hindu organization?''' A Hindu is a person who practices karma and bhakti for the achievement of Moksha. Obviuously you are not of Indian/Hindu background. You were not even born as a BK. Your attempts to create a wedge between Hinduism and BKs is vandalism and you will be reported! Just because the BKs prefer not to use Sanskrit does not make it non-Hindu. Several scriptures such as Puranas were written in Tamil and Tamil is said to be a holy langauge. The BKs are Hindus just as the Shias are Islamics.
::::Furthermore, I think it is necessary to add the Mahāyogi (Sanskrit/Hindi महायोगी) as the paragraph derscribes Lord Shiva as creating the raja yoga and I think it is also necessary to add Ekambaranatha because the paragraph also describes Him as destroying evil and negativity.
::::]

:::::Dear ], You are right, I am not Hindu. In this life, I wasn't born in Bharat. I am a Brahma Kumar. There is a difference here. You elect to become a Brahma Kumar, but yet it is in your fortune. There are many westerners who are Brahma Kumaris, but yet none of them Hindus. I am one of them. Best Wishes, ] 20:42, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

::::::Yes, so the Brahma Kumari is a spiritual group of which anyone can become a part of. It has a Hindu orientation but even a Christian or Muslim can be a part of it. if however the Westerners that become BKs practice both karma and bhakti for achieving Moksha, then by all means they are Hindus.
::::::I will post what I previously discussed unless someone has an objection why it is not appropriate and a logical reasoning.
::::::]

:::::::Dear ], Thank you for your response. '''I do have an objection'''. I do not consider myself Hindu AND I do not practice bhakti, BUT I am a BK. As a matter of fact, in BK the whole aspect of devotion is replaced by knowledge. Physical devotion as when performing "puja" is out of the question. Thus, please do not jump in to posting yet. You need to demonstrate (hopefully with reliable sources)why do think that by practicing "karma" and "bhakti" for achieving Moksha makes a BK a Hindu. As a matter of fact, the state of Moksha is not permanently attainable according to BK knowledge, unlike the beliefs of other religions. Finally, according to BK knowledge; Karma is not something that you "practice" but rather is a mandatory requisite of experiencing life in the physical world. This is my logical reasoning. Best, ] 23:43, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Let me explain to you what ] is. Karma is a rule that souls have to practice good. If they practice good, the supreme nature (or "Brahman") will award them. If however, a soul dooes bad deeds, they are in trouble. Good Karma has to be practiced by a soul. You might not consider yourself a Hindu, but BK is based mostly around Shiva. Non-Hindu BKs do not have to accept Shiva but since He is focused around so much, I think it is necessary to mention Him. ]

::I think Shiva SHOULD be mentioned as the Mahāyogi (Sanskrit/Hindi महायोगी) so that people understand that BKs are not making up things about Him creating the raja yoga as Hindus see Him as the perfect yogi. I think Ekambaranatha should be added because Shiva is a destroyer or evil and negativity as He is described in Hinduism.
::]

:::Dear Maleabroad, What you mentioned about karma is not what BKs think of it. Karma means "action." Actions can be neutral, sinful or elevated. There is a very profound explanation of actions besides the more simple label of "good actions."

:::Shiva, the Supreme Soul is mentioned in the article as a quote by Dr. Howell. Shiva is the Father, Teacher and Satguru in BK knowledge. Shiva is not the destroyer. That aspect of the Trimurti is represented by Shankar. (There is another deep aspect here concerning God Shiva as karankaravanhar which could only be understood if we can grasp paradoxes.) As you can see there are many discrepancies which allow me to say that BK is not Hinduism.
:::Best Wishes, ] 01:01, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

::::I'm sorry but BK Hindus believe that karma can be practiced. How can a person not choose whether to be good or bad??
::::Furthermoer, BK Hindus believe that Shiva is the Supreme, and that He Himself can represent the trinity as Shaiva Hindus do. Furthermore, they believe that Lord Shiva is the destroyer of evil as everyone believes.
::::How can a Westerner born far from India without any Indian/Hindu background (and further without BK background) say that BKs are not Hindus. '''BKs can belong to any religion.''' The founder was a Hindu and it would be a disgrace if you keep propagating. I recommend you find another groups if you will disgrace the BKs. Others reading this article have been angered by your comments and false warnings that you give when they put their contributions.
::::]

:::::Dear Maleabroad, The founder of BK is the incorporeal Supreme Soul Shiva. As you mentioned: "How can a person not choose whether to be good or bad?" my response is: "How can a person not choose to be angry or not?" It is not my response what makes them angry.. It is them... It is their choice...their karma.
:::::Thank you for your advice, but I am OK by being a BK. Best Wishes, ] 01:38, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

::::::Heya Maleabroad how about if you keep the personal advice and opinions to yourself please. If you wish talk about how BK is right or wrong, whether someone should or shouldn't belong, please do that elsewhere. ] 02:50, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Yes, karma is theirs, they can choose their karma.
If you respect the Brahma Kumaris you will have to respect the Hindu Dharma, to which the group is oriented. The Brahma Kumari founder was a Hindu observing Hinduism and made His organization so that people of any religion can become close to God and even hoped to united all religions against irreligiousity.
Whenever someone with no Indian/Hindu background makes bizzare claims, we Hindus see it as DISPICIBLE.
I will post that Lord Shiva is the Mahāyogi (Sanskrit/Hindi महायोगी) and Ekambaranatha . In fact, it belongs in this article!
I will also mention that His Holyness, the Brahma Baba chose Mount Abu as the BK center because it is a holy site, a pilgrimage for Hindus. - ]

:Dear Maleabroad, I respect all religions. I am just stating that Brahma Kumaris is not Hinduism. The founder of Brahma Kumaris is not a Hindu. It is the Supreme Soul "Shiva." known to religions as the "Father," "God." through a physical "chariot." Please produce some reliable sources to back up your statements. Provide reliable sources which prove that BK is Hinduism. Otherwise, without consensus, whatever you write will be erased. It is very simple. Best Wishes, ] 17:14, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

::You are asking me to prove how BK philosophy is Hindu?
::BK is not a religion but a spirituality of which a member of any religion can belong to!
::How many times do I have to stress this?
::Even if say, that the BKs are not Hindus, how are my posts describing Shiva as the Mahāyogi (Sanskrit/Hindi महायोगी) and Ekambaranatha not appropriate? By the way, BK Hindus are all named in Sanskrit. Shiva itself is either from Sanskrit ''Si'' meaning "auspicious" or ''civappu'' meaning "red."
::A Hindu is a person who practices Karma and Bhakti for the achievement of Moksha. Then the BKs which do this are obvious Hindus just as the BKs that are Chrisitians are Christians and the BKs that are Muslims are Muslims.
::A BK is a person who believes that Shiva is God, Brahma Baba is His messenger, Raja Yoga is the most auspicious yoga and that Moksha is the goal. Just because you do not practice Bhakti does not mean Bhakti was not intended by Brahma Baba.

:::How about you try to prove that they are not Hindus?
:::]

::::Dear Maleabroad, I will start form the end to avoid expansion. Very happy to present proof to you ''"I have the inclination to say that in Brahma Kumaris we encounter in principle a ‘new religion' in the process of being born. A few decades are still needed to be able to make a good assessment. However, we can see that in a certain respect Brahma Kumaris has become more ‘Western' in recent years and also that it has gone more in the direction of the ‘psychological line', more or less joining the company of many modern New Age psychological movements. If this tendency continues it could become clear that Brahma Kumaris is in fact a new religion, originating within Hinduism but going its own way."'' This is Professor Kranenborg an expert in this field. This is what is called a reliable source. Now is your turn. BTW, there is no such a thing as "BKs being Christians" You are a BK, period. Best, ] 01:22, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::Of course, that's what some foolish Westerners believe (or want to believe) about the Brahma Kumari path. Go ask a BK Hindu if they are not Hindu. Simply to do raja yoga does not make someone a BK. They have a worship too. You are getting yourself in deep bad karma. You and fascists like "Sethie" has no clue what you are discussing.
:::::Apart from being a Hindu by practiginc karma and bhakti for achieving Moksha, BKs ALSO USE MANY HINDU SYMBOLS. They use as She is . They use Sri Krishna. They also use the . And these are only a few examples. Please don't embarass yourself by claiming something stupid.
::::: - ]

::::::Dear Maleabroad, Where are your '''reliable sources'''? I gave you mine. Where are yours? Best, ] 02:22, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::::The following links that depict the BK celebrating Hindu festivals is my reference. "Brahma", "Shiva"-these are Sanskrit words they use. Your "reference," (if it can really be called that) is Westerners telling something about the BK. These people making such comments are not BKs and are certanily not Hindus! How can they know the truth about the BK path?? - ]

Your unspoken accusation that non-BK's have nothing of worth to add to wikipedia is ... well against the grain of wikipedia! If that is your deep-felt belief, my reccomendation is that you go somewhere else. And, would you be willing to sign your posts like everyone else, using 4 ~. Not only will it make the disucssion easier to follow- not signing like everyone else, at lease for me, and probably other editors as well lowers your credibility here. ] 18:42, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Sethie, a non-BKs saying who a BK is like a kafir saying who a Muslim is. What a kafir says that ]/] are not Muslims?? Muslims will get offended. - ]

== ] continued intimidation of other contributors by the use of wiki tricks such as screaming vandalism ==

*While agree that ]'s contributions are actually plainly inappropriate, if not just inaccurately placed, for the article on the BKWSU, I do not agree that his input in '''vandalism'' and have to caution you on your current tactics.

Luis, I appreciate that you are taking Shrimat on all this from your senior sister. It is clear that you are working for the BKWSU and so I appreciate your position '''BUT''' screaming "vandal" at an individual that is plainly a fairly inexperience newcomer is against wiki guideline of ].

Just stop Luis. It his opinion, it is different from your. It not vandalism. He just needs a polite word and help. Stop dumping vandalism tags on other contributor's talk pages, playing the game to supress others through intimidation.

I am perfectly happy to play by the rules and use the references provided. I am happy that we have now clarified the BKWSU's own self published sources as it will make my life much easier.

] either, eh? ... ] 03:34, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

::Dear 244, Please do not change my words around. Maleabroad contributions are always welcome. I do not think they are inappropriate, I think they are appropriate; however, they may need the elements which I stated before. I am glad you finally understood that we need reliable sources in this article and BKWSU literature do not meet this criteria. I do not appreciate that you are placing me as the "bad guy" to earn user Maleabroad's trust. Please stop playing infant games and concentrate in the article. Best Wishes, ] 14:34, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

==Changes to controversy==
I removed the reference to UN relationship as at present it is uncited. What happened is that the BKWSU was cautioned by the UN for over use or over exaggeration of the UN relationship. I guess someone will have to write to the UN to clarify this or wait until an academic or media picks up on this. The rest are all adequately referenced previously.

I left in the child abuse stuff because I found this citation;

''Church, A., Edwards, L. and Romain, E. (1990) Cooperation in the Classroom. London, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University: Global Cooperation for a Better World.''

Which substantiates the self-published author of the report on the senior sisters response to the child abuse incidents, Romain, E., as an expert in the field of child care within the BKWSU. Indeed a former representative of the BKWSU.

] 05:20, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


:Having taken a fair amount of time reading the report (as I clearly have nothing better to do), it seems to me that the author clearly doesn't take an academic approach (look at all the repeated personal commentary in it). I agree this person may well have published academic works in the past, but the report you refer to isn't an academic work. The report highlights two individuals suffering child abuse in the organisation's 70 years history. Can you explain why including this is fair to mention in the context of this article, bearing in mind the size of the organisation? This reference in the controversies section will be removed later today as per my previous note above. Just to remind you (again)...here are admin Jossi's views on the controversy section:

:Also note that there are assertions made in that section that have no sources, or that are clearly not appropriate to include:

:* Documented incidents of child abuse within the organisation brushed ... the sources is a personal page and thus not a reliable source
:* Social and psychological problems faced by ex-followers including two suicides within one family. ... The sources is a personal page and thus not a reliable source
:* Rape and physical violence from families and partners of Brahma Kumaris ... No sources. Should be deleted if a reliable source is not forthcoming
:* Questionable advertisement of relationship with United Nations Organisation ... That is an opinion and in violation of WP:NOR
:* All other bullet points are without sources, or the source provided is a dead link.

:] 08:19, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

==Page reverted (again)==

OK, I've reverted the page as - again - user 244 has made wholesale changes withour prior discussion or warning on this page. That breaches the guidelines set out by admin Jossi and Sethie for this article. ] 09:47, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


:At least for what I have brought to the disucssion, I do not believe that is wholly accurate. I posetd the controvery tag which basically says: a)read the discussion b)cite sources and use the edit summary field c) discuss changes here AFTER you make them. Maybe Jossi set things up where people were to discuss things first, I'm not sure. ] 15:24, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


:: Hi Sethie, sorry to have misquoted you - I was referring to what you said above: "Just to be clear - I do very much support talking changes over for this page first AND there is no official wiki policy that I am aware of that says we have to.". I might have misunderstood what you mean't, but as a first principle for working on this particular article, I think it would be very helpful if people would discuss changes on this discussion forum FIRST so people are not endlessly reverting pages. ] 18:42, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


:::I concur with you, Appledell. Once there is an agreement, then posting makes sense. Otherwise, readers will be baffled when looking at this article, with so many changes within a short period of time. This in itself takes away the value of an on-line encyclopedia.
:::Best Wishes and thank you for becoming such an active user in this page, ] 20:29, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

== User .244 keeps vandalizing this page and erased previous warning==

Dear .244, You have been given warnings. There is a policy for this talk page which Sethie helped to set up to avoid further tensions. Admin Jossi as well has been very clear as to what is proper in this article and what is not. It is evident to me that you have other intensions besides informing the readers of wikipedia in a neutral way. Your activities leave me with no choice but to report you for repeated vandalism and for disobeying regulations clearly stated in this page.. and of course for removing a warning tag in your talk page.
Hope you understand that using "force" rather than a friendly discussion will not take you any place. Thank you Appledell for reverting the page.
Best, ] 13:55, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

===To user .244===
If you want your edits to remain, you would be better advised to find good sources that report the criticism. If such criticism exist, it will be most certainly reported by scholarly articles, books on the subject, encyclopedias of religion, journals, etc. Do some research, find these sources and then develop a criticism section that is well supported by solid references, and then your edits will stay unchallenged. ] <small>]</small> 17:51, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

:Also note the aspect of ] as it pertains to citing obscure and/or singular cases that have had no further implications and that have not been widely reported. ] <small>]</small> 17:54, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

:: I have deleted link to the "child abuse report" from the "Critical" section of the links page. This is as per Jossi's comment about it when it was included originally in the Controversy section: " * Documented incidents of child abuse within the organisation brushed...'''The source is a personal page and thus not a reliable source'''" In addition to that, I sight the aspect of ]. The report looks into '''two''' cases in the organisation's 70 years history. It gives too much weight to them in the context of the organisation's history and the organisation's size. The report that is linked to is '''not''' an academic work. Reading the author's personal commentary throughout the report makes that pretty clear. Also note that Jossi's comments about the link were made on 21st Nov - more than a week has gone by and no-one has given any adequate reason for maintaining the link. ] 23:09, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


:::I am sure that, as any other religious organization, there ''must'' be some criticism that can be sourced to reliable publications, so one way you can demonstrate your commitment to NPOV, would be to do some research and find such sources for the article. ] <small>]</small> 23:57, 29 November 2006 (UTC)


::::'''Actually, I disagree with this aspect of Misplaced Pages policy and am not the only. I have had some tiny influence in changing policy and must take this up sometime. I know how policy does and has changed through pressure but your point is valid and I have taken the time to forward the report to academics referenced and working within the field. Whereas child sex abuse in cults is old news and the BKWSU lightweight offenders - you would be wrong to limit it to two case on the basis of this report alone - the response of the group's leaders has interested the scholars. The author is a qualifed academic, expert witness and previously one of the BKWSU published specialists in child education.'''

::::I agree that verifiability must takes precedence over truth. The problem with depending on academia alone is that the truth is subject to the delays in the academic or publishing process, academic fashion (e.g. the NRM versus cult debate) and ultimately through financial influences, politics. And politics is manipulated by manipulators.

::::'''In such topics as the BKWSU, the subject matter strays far beyond subjects considered to be worth and possible of academic study, e.g. the entire psychic/mediumistic element. Although clearly referenced in the curent citations, it would be professional suicide for any academic to venture into such a field. The quoted "experts" may be academic but are mainly sociologists and not all knowing gurus - or even theologians. There are also other elements in which academics would not be recognised as experts, especially that of "yoga". '''

::::*I wholly refute any expertise in the field of the quoted author Kranenborg re his comments on ] which is why I remove it.

::::With Yoga, as with many schools of world religion, there are an entirely alternative/non-academic but utterly valid peer review system and "experts", through the 1,000+ year old schools of lineage. Personally, I find the Eurocentric and imperialist values prevalent through Wesern academia limited and offensive to non-whites which is why I think they should make room for those other expertises.

::::I know how certain elements within BKWSU work. But their own Murlis, they are religio-political cult and highly controlled. I bet that they will already be working to exert pressure on the Misplaced Pages Foundation and head hunting Mr Wales to work to silence critical exposure in the media. Just as they have done so across India. Let me know if you are pulled up by the hierarchy, it will be interesting to document.

::::'''Now, can you help me to hold the BKWSU team to discussion rather than blanket censorship and intimidation?'''

::::Thanks ] 00:37, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

== Reversion to earlier edit and more bogus vandalism warnings ==

]

*the problem with your position is that you are reverting to the later edit, not the earlier edit.

I am reverting to the earlier edit, taking into consideration the recent citations/criticism that was changed without discussion.

'What happened is that ],
*avoided any discussion,
*ignored the arbitration and mediation I offered him and
*managed to have my IP addressed blocked using bogus vandalism warnings. As indeed he is using the tactic of making bogus vandalism to intimidate other contributors, not just myself, outside of the team of BKWSU supporters naturally.

*'''Please note, calling for bans or blocks of another contributor is considered ] behaviour by wiki standards. Removing uncivil comments'''

] 23:54, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

:: I have no way of knowing what you are saying is indeed accurate - as no doubt Riveros would contest it (and yes, I have no way of knowing if what he is saying is accurate, either). I leave this to admin to sort out (thank God!) :)

:: I'm not aware of ever calling for anyone to be banned or blocked or ever acting in any way uncivil. Can you point out where I do? If not, just for purposes of clarity, can you retract the inference that I do. Thanks. ] 01:03, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

:::The comment is clearly direct at ]. ] 01:13, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

==]==

To involved editors: '''There is no excuse for personal attacks on other contributors. Please do not make them. It is your responsibility to foster and maintain a positive online community in Misplaced Pages.'''

Some suggestions:

* Discuss the article, not the subject;
* Discuss the edit, not the editor;
* Never suggest a view is invalid simply because of who its proponent is;
* If you feel attacked, do not attack back.
] <small>]</small> 23:58, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

==.244 reverts page arbitrarily *again*==
I'm not getting involved in a "reverting war". It's clearly not conducive to wikipedia ethics. But I have deleted various things from .244's reverted version that has been discussed above - including the controvery section, link to brahmakumaris.info, link to BK teaching posters , link to PBK and Vishnu Party sites. All of these were done after having given 7 days notice to discuss them (look back up this discussion forum if you are unsure). Please do not revert back to your version by deleting my changes (which had also taken effect in Riveros's version on the same basis). ] 01:25, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

:I'd say arbitrarily was a prejudical. You are late in on all this ]. Much of it we have been round and round on many times. See above.

:The posters are the Jagdish Chander books referenced. If you need to check they appear in unedited form. Have you seen these? Do we need specific page references or is this not enough. The accusation is that I have in some way doctored them but I have absolutely no connection with the website in question. ] 01:53, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

:: I'm not disputing if those posters are authentic or not - I do not know. But there are strict guidelines on what can be linked to. The website that is hosting the posters is not a BK site (unless you can show it is?), so there can be the danger that those posters are not genuine. Also, if the posters '''are''' genuine then it is likely that it is copyright infringement to to host them. Therefore linking to a site that has content which could be an infringement of copyright cannot be used under wikipedia links policy. If you have a problem with that, discuss it here first before re-imposing the links. ] 13:25, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

== Specific controversies ==

I was wondering about the "Rape and physical violence from families and partners of Brahma Kumaris." bit.

This refers to firstly, the time a high profile case that was reported in the Australian press of which my sympathies lay entirely with the sister victim; and secondly during beginning of the BKWSU when it was called Om Mandali. This was refered to in Adi Dev and Purity and, I think, the "world rejecting" academic papaer. I must did it out. It does seem to have been formative in the orgs world view about "anit-parties" and sex lust as violence.

Should it not be kept? Let's go thrugh these one by one instead of the blanket whitewash approach please.

] 01:47, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

::Rather than keep adding unreferenced material, that will obviously need to be deleted as per policy, it would be more useful if you move these to talk and discuss one at a time. You can do that to show some good will in this dispute. ] <small>]</small> 02:12, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Reverted page to Appledell's version with erased unreferenced material. User .244 keeps blanking his talk page from all warnings ignoring recent policy to discuss before changes. User was reported for vandalism. Best, ] 02:54, 30 November 2006 (UTC)
:He can remove any comments from his talk page, with the exception of warnings made by administrators. It would also really help of you stop from using the word "vandalism" in your edit summaries. It takes two to edit war, and you may be one of them. ] <small>]</small> 03:38, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

To '''all''' involved editors: Please refrain from undoing other people's edits repeatedly{{{{{subst|}}}#if:{{{1|}}}|, as you are doing in ]}}. If you continue, you may be ] from editing Misplaced Pages. Rather than reverting, discuss disputed changes on the talk page. The revision you want is not going to be implemented by edit warring. Thank you.<!-- Template:3RR -->. Alternatively, I will not hesitate locking the article if the edit warring continues. ] <small>]</small> 03:36, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

:Dear Jossi, I will avoid using the word "vandalism" as you pointed out. I would like to remind you that the "7 day course" will be erased on Dec. 4th for lack of "reliable sources." (according to previous discussions) Normally, when there is a change like this, we had users reverting the page without previous discussion. At that time it would be helpful if somehow this is being stopped from happenning and the corrected version stays. Now is the time to discuss the 7 day course and to show reliable sources so it can stay. I will go ahead and blank some of the user warnings issued in my talk page as well. Best Wishes, ] 15:35, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

I would like to add that user 244 is making wholesale rip-and-replace edits of large sections of the article without prior discussion with text that is poorly cited and full of loaded statements, bias, weasel words and contentious claims whereas the other editors are proposing changes in advance on the discussion page as per consensus. Best Wishes,] 19:22, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

==Pruning External Links and Bibliography==

Can I suggest removing some of the External links, starting with the '''BK links''':
* http://www.geocities.com/bro_khem/ is a personal website of a BK. It certainly isn't an official website. I don't see the need to link to this site in the context of the other links.
* http://brahmakumaris.com.au/php/forum/index.php. This does appear to be an official BK forum setup in Australia, but there is very little on the site that enhances what is in the wikipedia article. I don't see what the aim of linking to it is in light of all the other official BK links.
* http://www.livingvalues.net. There seems to be some abiguity what exactly the relationship between the BKs and this website is - there is no mention of the BKs on the website. It is alleged that it is a BK "front". But no evidence has been forthcoming on that. I suggest deletion unless someone can establish some connection.
* http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=206345. This is a dead link.
Under '''Bibliography''', I suggest the following deletion:
* Report on Child Abuse,Beliefs and Lifestyle. This is a personal website and the "report" is not an academic one, but a personal commentary from the author about his views of the BKs. It is out of context with the rest of the wikipedia article. I will give 7 days to discuss the above suggestions, before I delete them. ] 23:56, 1 December 2006 (UTC)


:I removed the dead link and found a citation for the Living values, so I propose it stays. ] 01:30, 2 December 2006 (UTC)


::There is an update link here http://web.archive.org/web/20050826175344/http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=206345 and it is wrong to state that the Living Values program is a UN program. Details to follow. ] 07:54, 2 December 2006 (UTC)


== Riveros11 faking ] to slap intimidatory vandalism warnings and using Sockpuppet? ==

OK,

so which Admin would like to take up this matter?


] slapped another vandalism tag on me using the IP; ], , here . I removed it. Sockpuppetry and personal attack, or just a cynical and dishonest ploy to block other users to gain control over a topic for his group?


'''The user page for ] is faked up to look like; ], complete with bad Indian-English speling'''

This is an important detail as we wil see later. It says;


" ''User:72.91.169.22 ''

''How am I vandalising? I was deelteing anti-Hindu propangda trying to create a wedge between BKs and Hindus co-religionists. No racism will be tolerated!'' "


If you look at the user contribution for ], here , you will see the same anti-hindu proganda stuff used on the ], here

''Revision as of 16:38, 21 November 2006 ] m (deleted anti-Hindu propaganda user trying to create drift between BK brothers and Hindu co-religionists)''


'''However, looking at the archive of maleabroad, Luis ] slapped a vandalism tag on ] from the same IP address in Tampa; 72.91.169.22 ''' (72.91.169.22 ), where Luis or Avyakt7 as he likes to call himself says;

" ''Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

Please stop. If you continue to vandalize pages, you will be blocked from editing Misplaced Pages. 72.91.169.22 03:05, 22 November 2006 (UTC) AVYAKT7'' "

Luis is of course a teacher and recruiter for the BKWSU Raja Yoga center in Tampa. See documentation of his talks, here , etc.


* At 02:42 am 30 November 2006 as Riveros11 he made his usual revision/accusation ''(rv: vandalism - User 195.82.106.244 changed article without previous discussion as stated in Talk page without obeying policies in talk page - vandalism - version from user Appledell)'' .
* At 02:49, 30 November 2006 he made a Administrator intervention against vandalism, here . ''*ipvandal ] Reported user this morning. Keeps reverting page without discussion and blanks all warnings from talk page''.
* At 02:54, 30 November 2006 .
* At 02.57 am on 30 November 2006 he then used this sockpupet IP address on my talk page .


If we look at the user contribution for ] we see that he has used it soley to attack me ... and once for ].

If we look at his own user page for ... we see that despite making all the edits to ] he has not once used it to make an IP vandalism report and only once a personal attack report.

If we look at the other IP address is uses ] also Tampa Verizon and used for making vandalism attacks on Maleabroad

If we look at user contributions for Tampa Verizon ]; here, , we see they are again solely focused on the ], ] and myself.

If we look at user contributions for] = is also Tampa Verizon; here, , we see they are again solely focused on the ] and myself.


From 25/26 October 2006 when he first engaged in editing, he has been a one track record Vandalism, Vandalism, Vandalism, Vandalism and whole load of admin tricks to block others ... no wonder he has been to busy to actually discussion, mediation or arbitration . Except on others pages where he seeks advice and attempt to discredit me and similarly hitting other first contributors, e.g. .

I have no doubt that this is not exhaustive but it is exhausting ...

I would like to point out that the same team are also at work on Google Answers having critical or even independent pieces about the ] removed, e.g. which is now http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=206345, Yahoo and elsewhere. Yes, Misplaced Pages Foundation will be targetted next if they has not already done so. Scratch me and I will bleed citations.

* I just wanted to add for the sake of completeness a Request for checkuser that Luis did under the ] user where he refers to himself in the third party, "''He also reported user riveros11 ...''". . It is worth noting JUST for the amount of effort he puts into this.

] 05:46, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

: I would strongly recommend posting these allegations at ] if you would like an administrator to intervene. Its clearly a complex situation. ]<font color="black">e</font>] 06:04, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

===Advise===
Both ''pro'' and ''con'' users need to learn that '''neither of you will "win" by attempting to game the system''', if that is what you are thinking of doing. Sooner or later you will be either banned permanently, blocked for long periods of time, or put under a community ban to edit these articles.

The only way to resolve your differences is to accept the fact the neither of you will have an article which you would be 100% satisfied with. Best you can expect is having a article that "you can live with."

So, rather than using multiple IPs, making threats, reverting each other, etc. I invite you to collaborate and fix this article. If you cannot /would not do that, save yourself a lot of aggravation, stress and wasted time and stop right now as it will accomplish nothing beyond getting blocked/banned. ] <small>]</small> 12:14, 2 December 2006 (UTC)


:I agree entirely. But we cannot allow any individual on any subject to attempt to intimate others into submission using vandalism warnings each time they make an edit (and it is not just me) and using blocking to achieve advancing their point of view

:Let alone sneak around using different IP address to do so, Jossi. I went and removed similar intimidation from Maleabroad as he is a new editor and obviously not using his mother tongue.

:'''What do we do? You have the guy's response below.'''

:I can make clear and precise the balanced view that I think the article needs to accurately document the BKs. Will he engage? ] 06:12, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

:: I agree Jossi. Some users have been using different tacticts in the past for such a long time (as could readily be verified in the archives) to throw "their weight around" and to "own" this article without providing a reliable source. It is a pitty, I must say; that the option of being entirely out of Misplaced Pages is not a choice, specially since BK did not started this article, but obviously it is an attempt of some users to demonstrate their animosity by using this on-line encyclopedia. A neutral non biased article worth to be placed in an online encyclopedia could never be expected out of an angry attempt by some to "get even" with an organization. Best, ] 16:17, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

==User .244 is resourcing to personal defamations ==

Dear .244, To even suggest that user Maleabroad is somehow related with me is a strong defamation. look at this. Perhaps you did not have the chance to read the "talk" I am having with him just a bit above this under "To user Maleabroad."

User Maleabroad was blocked at one point as well, just like you. He was using several Ips coming from the university of Calgary in Canada. Please stop trying to make me "famous" here. You use my full name, my email to send me stuff from your brahmakumaris.info site, my place of residence and no only that but places of work...So, who will be the admin that will take that?
Perhaps we should rather look into the brahmakumaris.info and your account .244 as sockpuppet. You see, when are you going to answer my simple question? Let me repeat that for you in case you have forgotten: "Are you user brahmakumaris.info?" Hope to hear your answer on this. You are not the only one who can do a "nslookup" or "dig" on someone else's IPs...that is "basic stuff" my friend. You need proof... do not just defame me without it. You see, there is a difference. WHenever I use another IP, I signed beside it as avyakt7. FYI.
Yes.. no everyone has a static IP with them to play with and the leisure to defame BK as well as you do and make it their life purpose. Best Wishes, ] 15:08, 2 December 2006 (UTC)
<br>Ps: Perhaps we should look at this here you are doing your "old" trick of a forest fire again... this time using phrases like:
"I would like to point out that the same team are also at work on Google Answers" - Proof? How is this relevant to Misplaced Pages?<br>
"Scratch me and I will bleed citations." <br>
"Luis is of course a teacher and recruiter for the BKWSU Raja Yoga center in Tampa." (I wonder how am I a recruiter? and what this has to do with wikipedia?) Aren't you an ex-recruiter?
Best, ] 15:14, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

:'''This page is to discuss the article. It is not a message board, a discussion forum, or a place to debate the subject of the article.''' If editors do not keep some basic talk-page discipline, I will enforce it myself by removing each and any off-topic comment from this talk page. ] <small>]</small> 05:13, 3 December 2006 (UTC)


::*I did not state that Maleabroad is somehow related to ].

::'''I stated that ] faked a page up '''TO LOOK AS IF IT WAS MALEABROAD''', e.g. bad English, "Hindu Fatherland", from the same IP address that he uses to register persistent IPvandal reports and complaints to block me from contributing.

::Of course, ] has used a different user/IP from his main ] account to hide his actions.'''

::OK, this matters ] because ] is intimidating others with bogus vandalism warnings and reports to block their contributions.

::'''Yes, for years I used to teach and recruit for the BKWSU which is why I know what their teachings and modus operandi is, and where the citations are. I have agreed to work within the rules, attempted mediation and arbitration and do not depend on blocking other with bogus IPvandal reports. The relevance of the Google answers stuff is to show how the BKWSU team are working to remove critical articles - or even support groups for ex-members from off the internet.'''] 05:57, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

:::Please read ]. If you are an expert in the subject, you cannot describe your own expertise. You need to provide and attribute the text your add to a reputable/published source. ] <small>]</small> 17:45, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

== External Donations/achievements ==

Just to get back to the topic, I found a citation to back up external charitable giving of the BKWSU, it is here . Relief to the victims of the Indian tsunami from The Hindu, Wednesday, Jan 05, 2005.

Actually, it is not great news for an NGO that pulls $2 million per year from one European country alone. All it says is that "Bed sheets, foodstuff, clothes and vessels "'''worth'''" about Rs.10 lakhs had been rushed to the different places in the last few days." 10 lakhs is about $20,000 but it does not state whether these items were new, second hand, theirs or pulled from third parties. So, I am not convinced that it is notable nor that the org engages in alleviating poverty etc as it claims. Sorry. Back to the BKs for an answer on this one. ] 09:01, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

::As said ''many times before'': Please do not use this page to discuss ''your'' opinions of the subject. You would be better doing that in your blog or personal homepage. ] <small>]</small> 17:43, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

:Dear .244, Fortunately, this is not about convincing you but rather about providing '''reliable sources''' to back up statements. BTW, tomorrow is Dec. 4th and unless you or any other editor provides reliable sources to back up the "7 days course" write up, it will be promptly deleted. Have a good weekend! Best, ] 16:05, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

==Use of self-published sources (relates to 7 day course)==

Before we proceed, we really have to address this issue which Luis has been blocking me on and ignoring, the use of self-published sources.

Now Jossi, you have stated that;

*"''Self-published sources can be used alongside other third party sources, with proper attribution of the self-published sources. Press releases if properly attributed, can present the organization's viewpoints on certain aspects that may be needed for NPOV. Remember that NPOV asks editors to describe significant viewpoints, and these include the viewpoints of the subject of the article.''"

The policy itself states;

*"''Material from self-published sources, and published sources of dubious reliability, may be used as sources in articles about the author(s) of the material, so long as:''
* ''it is relevant to their notability;''
* ''it is not contentious;''
* ''it is not unduly self-serving;''
* ''it does not involve claims about third parties, or about events not directly related to the subject;''
* ''there is no reasonable doubt as to who wrote it.''"

'''Now, I can go find more references but I feel that I have already provided them because Chander's and the BKWSU's later correspondence course are referenced on the article. '''. Luis is not denying that these are in any way false. I see no problem in leaving the section, it is utterly relevant to their notability and is not contentious. I think the BKWSU wants to remove it but it does not want it exposed, a bit like the Scientology folk react.

Jossi, Riveros is going to steamroller me on this one. You have seen the IP stuff that is going on, what do I do? ] 22:46, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

:What are the sources for the "7 day course"? ] <small>]</small> 23:21, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

:The only sources I see are two websites that seem official websites. If these are the sources, then use them and cite them. Summarize what these sources say, but do not add any other material that you may know about but that is not provided by these sources. ] <small>]</small> 23:24, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

===Suggestion===
May I make a suggestion? Rather than editwar, why don't editors spend some time at a good library and provide third-party sources for this article? I quick check on the scholarly sources databases I have available, shows plenty of third-party material about the subject. ] <small>]</small> 23:29, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

:Dear Jossi, I spent my time in the local library searching in diverse databases. The material which has been provided for this article qualifies as a reliable source by Misplaced Pages standards. If I can do that, I do not see why not other editors cannot/will not be willing to do it. Best, ] 13:52, 4 December 2006 (UTC)


::Because,
::*a) I am prepared to use the same souces and
::*b) the other sources are perfectly adequate. ] 09:55, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

==Archiving?==

A user named Bkwatch has archived a lot of "live" conversations. Jossi- any hint/clue how to bring them back?

To Bkwatch- would you be willing to not archive something in the future if it has been active in the last two weeks? ] 00:58, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

::Just go to the history and copy and paste back the deleted discussions. ] <small>]</small> 02:15, 4 December 2006 (UTC)


Dear All,
BKwatch is another alias of user .244 FYI. See this
Best, ] 02:54, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

==7 day course ==
Dear All, The unreferenced material was deleted from the article as previously discussed and after a 2 week period. Best Wishes, ] 14:01, 4 December 2006 (UTC)


==Bibliography link==
Dear All,

I propose deletion of the following items under Bibliography.
# Dadi Janki, "Companion of God", 2003 ISBN 0-340-82915-X
Do not see the relevance of this book. It is a series of teachings by Daddi Janki which are not related with informing about BK and not used in this article.
# BKWSU. "World Drama", unknown date.
# BKWSU. "Easy RajYoga", unknown date.
# BKWSU. "The Seven Day Course" Pamphlet series, unknown date.
These 3 items do not have all required information to be considered under Bibliography. Date, edition, author, publishing house, pages used are not specified. Incomplete information.

# Near-Death Experience/Heide Fittkau-Garthe, 1998.

As stated by Admin Jossi, this is non relevant information and it is not related with BK.

# A Critique of the BK Philosophy as presented in the 7 Day Course,By Andy Harangozo

Do not know the relevance of this work as Bibliography. What are the author's credentials? Andy is an ex-bk.

# Report on Child Abuse,Beliefs and Lifestyle
# Pamphlets Take a Closer Look,The Successful Subtle Soft-sell of Raja Yoga By CCG Training Insititue, Australia March 1989

Both of these are not relevant to BK as stated by Admin Jossi (child abuse case) and pamphlets are not considered Bibliography and I would like to know how this pamphlet was used to write this article.

Any thoughts? Best, ] 14:21, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

:I would appreciate it if you do not quote me as saying this or that. My opinion is as valid as any other editor. If you believe my comments are useful, argue for them in your own words. Thanks. ] <small>]</small> 16:42, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

::Dear Jossi, Sure. I'd like to point out this user .244 has decided to further "clarify matters" even though your advise on dec.2nd requests that we do not try to "game the system." He went ahead and continued posting on dec. 4th. There is no "fair game" on his part. Best, ] 00:29, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

:::I think Jossi meant as far as this discussion page goes Luis, to get on with discussion instead of snipes, innuendos and allegations.

:::Please don't distract from the discussion regarding self-published materials. ] 01:19, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

== Sources for "7 Days Course" ==

The sources that I originally refered to were the original PBIVV published 7 Days Course by Jagdish Chander. various editions, and then the revision "Correspondence Course" by Jayanti Kripalani published by the BKWSU. Additional materials/qualifications were taken from "Eternal Drama of Souls, Matter and God" by Chander, Mt Abu 1983.

None of these are "secret", or non-public, as with the 1990s teachers training manual that also referenced which includes identical details. All of them were purchasable by the general public. It is possible to still buy them. Copies are even held in major major libraries, e.g. University of Washington or British Library.

The important issue for me to establish here is that within the limits above, publications by the PBIVV/BKWSU '''are''' acceptable sources. ] 00:43, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

:Dear .244, Sorry to break the news to you but these sources could be acceptable to you but they do not make "reliables sources" which is the "bread and butter" of an encyclopedia. Chander is not considered an expert in the field by academia...and those books are published by BK itself. I have repeated this and showed to you how this does not fit the rules of wikipedia but you keep on trying. If it is that important for you, how come you are unable to find a reliable source in your local library? Why is it so difficult for you to search on databases? Please do not try to distract us with the same "old record" just show us your "reliable sources." Best, ] 01:31, 5 December 2006 (UTC)


::'''Luis, it is not for you to dictate.'''

::'''I am putting it up for others to discuss and agree. It is Wiki policy. Simple as that.'''

::'''The strange thing about what you say regarding Chander is that most if not all of the academics consider him to be an expert and quote him; and BapDada seemed to think he was reliable too. What you are doing looks desperate.'''

::] 09:46, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

:::Dear .244,
:::Then, why is it to hard for you to produce a reliable source where the academics are actually quoting Chander? Why do you make things so difficult?
:::You see, (another repetition) you cannot quote Chander. A professor or a researcher can do that. Then... you quote the researcher in turn... you quote his article. Otherwise, if you start "quoting" Chander, the we end up with the article that was here before.. a .244 interpretation with a very biased animosity. I am sorry, but that does not belong here... Desperate? Sorry but that is not a Brahmin word. Best Wishes, ] 14:42, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

::::*" '... 'you cannot quote Chander'' ". Of course, I or anyone else can. And it does not require to be verbatim either. ] 01:49, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

==User .244 you asked for arbitration, why are you taking so long to respond?==

*''Sethie, please note I think it was a big mistake to re-introduce all the crapflood. There is no "discussion" going on here and no "two week policy" for live discussion. One's attention should be placed on length of page. '''BUT''' on that basis, I re-introduce this too so that it cannot be said this time that Luis did not see.''

Dear .244,

I wrote in your talk page that I was willing to "negotiate" with you after I received an "invitation" from you. You requested either arbitration or mediation. I answered to you that I was fine with it and selected Arbitration. I told you that I wouldn't revert the page, even though I could and I will unless I hear from you today. I am not willing to play your games anymore and even though I am showing that you have been quite tricky in your dealings with us (are you brahmakumaris.info?) I have been patient enough by following admins advice however, with no support from them when the time comes. I would like to show you this page as well
What are you trying to do? You know that you will get some people upset with those comments about BK and Hinduism.
Here is your complaint that I have refused arbitration. You know it is not true. Here ''''user Thatcher''' is willing to restore the arbitration petition you made. Lastly, I requested to have the page reverted as it was before your revert.. while we wait for the process. Do not complain again that I am not willing to go the '''"middle way discussion or involve third parties, e.g. arbitration or mediation."
''' As far as I am concerned it is you who is unwilling to do it. Perhaps you feel that you can continue "free and clear" now? I seriously doubt it.

Best Wishes, ] 20:27, 20 November 2006 (UTC)


::*Because I did not see this as it was drowned out in the general crapflood.

::Its weird Luis, there is no user called Thatcher ... the user linked to is Fred-Bauder, above that, the link does not point to my complaint, it points to Dmcdevit's user talk page with no reference. But, OK, I will put it back in again.

::*Here is the new arbitration; http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Requests_for_arbitration#Current_requests. <small>—The preceding ] comment was added by ] (]) 10:37, 5 December 2006 (UTC).</small><!-- HagermanBot Auto-Unsigned -->

::] 10:29, 5 December 2006 (UTC)


Dear .244, Now we see who is really "desperate"...Sure..and next time please review your talk page thoroughly... you don't want to miss my replies. Let me gather my extensive documentation on this...just when I started to like the article.. oh well! Best, ] 14:47, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

:Dear .244, well it seems that user :Thatcher131 replied and is asking for diffs...so, 244 I hope you can provide those. I need to put my thoughts together before I reply in 800 words or less. It appears to me that you are just complaining about me rather then the article in question. So, before I use my valuable time in writing something that may be denied, please provide your "diffs" according to user Thatcher131. Thanks! ] 17:39, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

::You have still not stuck to your word and engaged in the arbitration process for the second time. ] 10:53, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Yes.. I have. See, I follow up with what I say. Best, ] 14:05, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

== Removed ]'s changes to article ==

There is clear disagreement about ]'s suggested changes (see discussion above) - but he went ahead and made the changes anyway. So I have removed his changes until a consensus can be achieved on these pages first. ] 19:42, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

: ], can I ask you a question?

:*'''What are you thoughts regarding the use of the term Raja Yoga for the BK's practise?'''

:Personally, I think the European goes too far in qualifying the BK's practises as Raja Yoga as they are entirely different as classical Raja Yoga.

:Perhaps what you are suggesting is that more reference needs to be made on the relationship between the BKWSU teachings and classical Saivite Hinduism and to qualify them within the Hindu canon? In their registration documents, they state that they are founded to promote Hinduism.

] 01:58, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

== Quoting Chander ==

'''Luis, it is not for you to dictate.'''

* Riveros11 said;

" ''... you cannot quote Chander'' ".

Of course, I or anyone else can. And it does not require to be verbatim either. If it was published; complete, detailed and objective is not biased. Ditto other materials such as the teaching posters but we will leave that for later. Actually, I checked and they are in Chander too.

] 01:49, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

:Dear .244, Please review the protocol on how an encyclopedia is written. No one cares about your interpretations of Chander's writings. You are not an expert in this matter and your opinion is as valuable as mine. Just opinions. Everyone has one. That is why we rely on neutral writers experts on the field of religious studies to give their non bias input on these topics. This is not my "dictate" this is rather the way encyclopedias are written. Hope you can contribute to this article by giving a fully reliable source. Please visit your nearby library. That is all it takes. Best, ] 02:16, 6 December 2006 (UTC)
:Ps: Still waiting for your "diffs." You do a good job trying to look like the "innocent boy" in your plead for arbitration. Good impersonation! ] 02:19, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

==Reverted change by Maleabroad==
Dear Maleabroad; You have not provided reliable sources for your claims. What prompts you to make those changes? We have not finished with our discussion yet... Best, ] 02:29, 6 December 2006 (UTC)


:I have tried to stay neutral on issues of content, and this one is pretty clear. Makeabroad- without a source, in such a contested article you just can't add stuff in like that. It needs a reputable source.] 06:58, 6 December 2006 (UTC)


::Let us be frank Sethie, there is no conversation going on here. I just noticed the Riveros11 has used Chander as a citation but yet refuses to allow anyone else to!

::] is nothing to do with me Luis, and I guess he is not a native English speaker. So let us give him a little extra leeway and some help rather than intimidating other contributors. His point is valid, since this dispute arose the Indian aspects of this article have not been you people's strong point. I think you should stop naming up in the titles and them down Luis. What you ask is a bit like asking some for a citation that "Friday, Saturday and Sunday" is the weekend. Perhaps he can be asked to help rather than frightened off.

::'''I agree that more references about the relationship of Brahma Kumaris and classical Hinduism would be fair and also that the starting paragraph is a little too Eurocentric for an organization and a tradition that is by far Indo-centric. Whether a Kranenborg has PhD or not, the referenced artilce is NOT a proper academic paper. As BK Raja Yoga is only 70 years old at the most, there is little to no evidence of what sort of path it is and so we have to be more objective. , He might not have as much authority as an Indian commenator would and the latter sentences quoted are too POV. '''

::The lead paragraph is also not very literary. Obviously, chosen as is it the nearest copy and paste quote to a BK advert, I do not think it says as much as it could using the same amount of words. We are not bound to slavish copy and pastes where there is no doubt over the content. I much prefered the old paragraph and am happy to work some more Indic relationship into the topic if ] want to suggest where it lacks them.

::: I think there is a reasonable point in making references that make it clear that there is a difference between BK raja yoga and classical Raja Yoga. However, lets be careful not to turn this article into a Hindu critique of the BKs. ] 11:11, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

::Anyway, according to guidelines I have ], tidied things up and put back some of the critical BK stuff. ] 10:32, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

:::Hi 244...I'm not sure being bold on contentious issues is playing entirely fairly. We could all play that game, but where would that get us? Are you willing to post suggested changes here first and allow 7 days for rebuttal - a courtesy that has been accorded you on a number of occasions? ] 11:11, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

==BK Teaching Posters (again)==
I have deleted the teaching posters. As I mentioned above, there are strict guidelines on what can be linked to. The website that is hosting the posters is not a BK site (unless someone can show it is?), so there can be the danger that those posters are not genuine. Also, if the posters are genuine then it is likely that it is copyright infringement to host them. Therefore linking to a site that has content which could be an infringement of copyright cannot be used under wikipedia links policy. If you have a problem with that, discuss it here first before re-imposing the links. ] 11:11, 6 December 2006 (UTC)
:I can't believe this issue is part of the current ] case. This is basic application of Misplaced Pages policy, not a matter of dispute. It is not acceptable to use links to material that ''may'' be violating copyright in an article. '''There is no way the BKWSU would ever grant permission to website or the website to host any BKWSU pictures, teaching aids, internal documents or any other material.''' These sites are not reputable and therefore not a valid source for citations, as has been stated before on this disucssion page by several editors.
:Thanks & regards ] 19:58, 6 December 2006 (UTC)


::'''Simon, in truth it does not matter. The are contained within the Chander books referenced, widely publicised both on third party websites and as such they are citable under "Fair Use".'''

::*'''Are you stating that you are representing or working as the official voice of the BKWSU?'''

::As I have seen ShivBaba has given permission for their use via the medium Veerendra Dev Dixit and he is ascribed as the original author by the BKWSU.

::Whether a disincarnate spirit can exercise copyrights under any national law is another question but ... the BKWSU does not own the original copyright unles can be proven otherwise. I am sorry but you have to tighten your position unless you want to appear to be attempting to suppress information on behalf of the BKWSU in the public domain.'''

::Please see ] which allows for the use of

::*'''There are a few categories of copyrighted images where use on Misplaced Pages has been approved; promotional material, posters, film and television screen shots, paintings and other works of visual art, images illustrative of a particular technique or school.'''

::] 01:52, 7 December 2006 (UTC)


:::The posters should not be linked to on unverifiable third party sites. If you can scan a poster from a reputable published book, then do so and use it directly in the article by making a fair use claim. If another editor disputes the fair use claim, the appropriate action is to tag the image as either {{tl|fairusereview}} or {{tl|Fair use disputed}} and let independent third party editors and admins review the claim and decide what to do. Please do not disrupt the article by simply reverting back and forth. Let others decide and abide by that (either way). Thank you. ] 02:16, 7 December 2006 (UTC)


::::I can offer direct page references, I agree to scans being used and uploaded. As stated, the original author is not the BKWSU, has given permission for use here, and in the public domain. ] 02:22, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::"As I have seen ShivBaba has given permission for their use via the medium Veerendra Dev Dixit and he is ascribed as the original author by the BKWSU." Yeah right! Though I admire your faith that ShivBaba speaks via the "medium Veerendra Dev Dixit" it is certainly not quite how I think the BKWSU and copyright law would see it. If the pictures were created by BKWSU then they belong to that institution. Veerendra Dev Dixit is not recognised as being a medium of ShivBaba by anyone not sharing the beliefs of the PBKs, or "Shankar party", as they are known by BKs. Also ShivBaba is not the author of the drawings, they were obviously drawn by human beings in terms of putting paintbrush to paper. The suggestion that an alleged channelled message from the head of another organisation, not affiliated with the BKWSU, can make degrees regarding the ownership BKWSU copyright literature is ridiculous.

:::::Next is the question of authenticity. It is very easy to diddle any electronic document. Since the motive for including links to these pictures is to prove a point about the alleged failed prediction of destruction in 1976 I would like to draw your attention to these two examples documents, and . Note the funky new date at the bottom of exhibit B :-) That took a few minutes to do using the . This is why I have a problem with any stuff you, or the PBKs, upload to some website. Notice that on the document, exhibit A, before I modified it, the gap where the "40 years" date is filled in is suspiciously wide and also there are two spellings of the same word, "Raven" and "Rawen" in the same poster. I suspect the poster has, in fact, been tampered with already either electronically or by painting over.

:::::Also, on what basis do the posters represent the exact teachings of the BKWSU officially? We need some proof of this link before it is accepted as fact. Many BKs have had many ideas about the date of "destruction" based on their own thinking or interpretation. It is entirely possible someone inserted what their own idea was at the time when drawing the picture and no one really objected after.

:::::I suggest linking to some less obscure, less contentious, more easily verifiable pictures in the article.
:::::Regards ] 12:19, 7 December 2006 (UTC)


::::::*The teachings are concurrent with those reported all through Chander's works, the academic references given and, of course, the Sakar and Avyakt Murlis.
::::::'''Rather cast aspertions and attempt to create doubts in third parties that documents HAVE been diddled; can you look at them, compare them to the originals at your Raja Yoga center, ask your seniors sisters and then confirm back to us?'''
::::::Additionally, can you provide documentation of who has copyright and/if that copyright was assigned to the PBIVV?
::::::Just for reference, here is a third party confirmation from 2005 that proves the posters are still on display at the BKWSU headquarters , from . Did you go this season Simon or are you still go to? You could check to see if it is still there and ask about the 1976 issues. Thanks, 02:55, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::::Please stop trying to turn the tables with regards to the burden of proof. If you want to include something in the article the onus is squarely on '''you''' to provide proof that you have permission to use the material or that the site you are linking to does. Please read this policy, from the 2nd paragraph ]. None of the sites you have linked to have permission. I can assure you of that. Also none of the sites are reputable sources and there is no guarantee that the pictures are an honest representation.
:::::::I am not denying that the same or similar pictures exist however the way you appear to be intending to use them is contentious since you seem to me to be using them out of context to make a big deal out of details which, in another decade, culture and continent, look a bit silly with the apparent motive of discrediting the BKWSU. These pictures were painted by people based on the teachings, but also how they saw the world at the time and perhaps even contain some mistakes and their own personal views. This probably would not have been so obvious to others in the 60s. Yes, some parts of some of the pictures were made under what you might term "channelled directions", but as far as I have been able to ascertain from those around at the time, this did not extent to the details of the text surrounding the pictures.
:::::::Is it really necessary to push the article so hard in that direction at this time? Right now I think it would be more constructive to concentrate on material that we all ''can'' agree on and leave the contentious stuff until we have a constructive working team of editors, hopefully including you, and a well written article based on team consensus. Regards ] 09:19, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

== Proposed deletions to personal websites ==
I'm proposing to remove links and references to http://www.bkwsu-critique.com and homepages.nildram.co.uk/~eromain/childprotection.htm
Both of these sites are personal websites. They are also not academic works. I'll allow 7 days for discussion before deletion. ] 11:18, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

:'''Strong objection''': This is just the BKWSU attempting to suppress alternative discussion AND support for ex-members. See, commensurate wiki topics such as Moonies, Scientology, The Family etc. Actually, http://www.bkwsu-critique.com is a very fair and balance piece of work. You have to include some balance to the article. ] 02:26, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:: OK, I can understand you point about bkwsu-critique.com, but the child abuse report is clearly not a balanced article. Can you justify why a link to that should be maintained? Thanks. ] 11:08, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::Not sure about bkwsu-critique.com. I would welcome other editors opinions, especially Jossi's, on this. It doesn't state any sources. It seems to be just based on one former BK's personal experience and interpretation of the teachings. Much as I knew and will allways respect the author. ] 14:12, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

::::Dear All, I wonder what is the expertise of that author to be considered as a bibliography? Perhaps ex-bks just rely on each other's websites as "reliable sources."? How come we do not see any input from academia to support their case?
::::Just a couple of thoughts. Best, ] 14:49, 7 December 2006 (UTC)


:::::*When is the slur and innuendo going to end Luis? I have stated, and continue to state, that I accept using the references you have given and others. ] 04:27, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

==To Jossi==
Dear Jossi;
As you can see the article has been changed by user .244 again. It is hard not to quote you when you have stated some rules and even user Sethie's input has been accepted (discuss before posting specially in major changes) I will not revert this page this time to honor what I believe is a "gentleman" agreement.
Please note that changes by user .244 do not have a single reliable source. The paragraph about "Believes and Practices" was modified according to your suggestion so it is not a straight quote from Kranenborg.. now is not even there... even the credibility of Professor Kranenborg is doubted. It is very hard to deal with individuals who do not want to provide reliable sources and who have not added a single worthwhile reference to this article. User .244 claims that I have used Chander. He does not realize that I have quoted a professor or researcher who has used him.
I do not know the level of education user .244 or Maleabroad have but certainly, I wonder if an encyclopedia could ever be written with such input.
Best Wishes, ] 14:29, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

:'''Its called paraphrasing. I used all existing source. Please cut the constant personal insinuations. See wiki policy etc ... ad finitum.'''' ] 02:42, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

::The problem is that "your" paraphrasing is very biased as we see every time you modify this article. Any way to improve that? Best, ] 03:09, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::Best is to avoid making any specific insinuations or editorializing the quotes. Stay as close as possible to the original when you summarize, without adding weasel words or slating the summary to support a certain POV. It is not that difficult. ] <small>]</small> 03:26, 7 December 2006 (UTC)


::::Jossi, the only aspect that I could accept an allegation of "weasel words" is with regards the "god" issue. '''BUT ... in this case it is fair and accurate and I would refute it'''.

::::God for the BKWSU is not some general concept that is shared by any of the rest of humanity. It is a ] entity/individual/personality that enters into and is ] through a psychic medium called BK Gulzar at large ipso facto ]s in their headquarters in India. It only comes a few times a year, around this time, and some of IT team have met with him recently. I would say it is reasonable caution not to affirm that this spirit entity is God. It may or it may not be. Numerous citations include those given by ] refer to this channelling verbatim.

::::*Ask the BKs to confirm or deny this.

::::I would accept Luis's comment IF he were to be specific rather than general. I have to disagree on NOT editorializing quotes. From an editorial point of view, quotation should be limited as much as possible. looking at benchmarks like the Encyclopedia Britannia, and most Misplaced Pages topics, they are not slavish copy and pastes. This whole chapter has merely been the BKWSU attempt to control the article by the misapplication of guidelines and the ignorance of policy. Quotes should be very sparing as an image would be.

::::'''I think the only way to progress on this topic is to limit matters as closely and tightly to inarguable, bare facts and avoid offending other traditions as ] raises hence my limiting of Krenenborg's ] claims. I agree with ] that from the Indian point of view, Kranenborg is utterly wrong and goes beyond his authority. He exists at the ] end of the debate and the paper is not a proper academic paper.

::::From the BKWSU's point of view, they cannot avoid bare facts and it is MUCH better for them to have a clean simple factual topic page rather than a warzone.'''
::::] 05:01, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::Very interesting... But what we need for this article are good, solid, ''secondary sources'' that describe all of that fascinating stuff. ] <small>]</small> 05:08, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

::::::*'''Jossi ... have you actually ready ANY of the given references?''' it would be disingenous of you to demand references, suggesting that references have not been given, when references have already been given many, many times.
::::::I have stated clearly that I am happy to work with the references given by Riveros11, and in those there are multiple references to channelling etc., my query with arbitration is regards the acceptable use of self-published materials referenced by said academics to confirm details. The academics write not specific on the history or ogranization by one limited element of their interest. ] 03:08, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

<<<(outdent) I did a quick check on a few online databases of scholarly books, articles and journals, and found no lack of sources. I would suggest to look into these as a way to enhance the article with such secondary sources. Involved editors could also assist with the research by taking some time to visit their local libraries in search for such materials. ] <small>]</small> 03:44, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
Some examples:
* ''New Religious Movements in Western Europe: An Annotated Bibliography'', Book by Elisabeth Arweck, Peter B. Clarke; Greenwood Press, 1997
* ''Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations'', Book by Linda Woodhead, Paul Fletcher, Hiroko Kawanami, David Smith; Routledge, 2002
* ''The Politics of Religion and Social Change: Religion and the Political Order'' - Vol. 2, Book by Anson Shupe, Jeffrey K. Hadden; Paragon House, 1988
* ''A Handbook of the Sociology of Religion'', Book by Michele Dillon; Cambridge University Press, 2003
* ''The Study of Religion, Traditional and New Religions'', Book by Peter Clarke, Stewart Sutherland; Routledge, 1991
* '' Children of the New Age: A History of Alternative Spirituality'', Book by Steven J. Sutcliffe; Routledge, 2002
* '' South Asian Religions in the Americas: An Annotated Bibliography of Immigrant Religious Traditions'', Book by John Y. Fenton; Greenwood Press, 1995
* '' Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy'', Book by James R. Lewis; Prometheus Books, 2001
* '' Explorations in Global Ethics: Comparative Religious Ethics and Interreligious Dialogue'', Book by Sumner B. Twiss, Bruce Grelle; Westview Press, 1998
* '' Freedom of Religion and Belief: A World Report'', Book by Kevin Boyle, Juliet Sheen; Routledge, 1997
] <small>]</small> 03:50, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

==Upgraded "Controversial" tag?==
It seems we really need some hold-off ''before'' making substantial edits to the artilce. I get the impression the present situation isn't manageable. May I suggest we upgrade the <nowiki>{{Controversial3}}</nowiki> to a <nowiki>{{Controversial}}</nowiki> tag? It looks like this...
{{Controversial}}
Is this OK with everyone? Regards ] 19:30, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

:Look Simon, the article is getting better and going in a balanced direction. Relax. If there lies any blame for the state of it, is with the line BK Luis is taking. Your organization really ought to pull him off the case. ] 02:34, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:: What I would like to avoid is the regular barrage of unannounced edits that are made which re-write large chunks of the article undoing changes that have been fairly discussed and timed-out on the discussion page, adding/re-introducing contentious and loaded statements and re-introducing sources already deemed to be not appropriate. For example, these edits, ] ] ] ].
::Especially the last edit in the list. That is ''way'' too far-reaching.
::Thanks ] 12:36, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::Dear .244; Be careful what you wish for...I know you will miss me... Best, ] 03:07, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

::::Thank you Bksimonb I wasn't aware of that tag. I propose we put it up. I hear that .244 votes no, and let's hear in from other people. ] 03:04, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::I am for it, of course. Best,] 03:07, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

::::::That tag is not to be placed in the article. It can be placed in the talk page. ] <small>]</small> 03:27, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::::I personally have never seen one of those tags placed on an article, so I had no thoughts of doing so. First though, I want to get some concensus on it before imposing it... it does make it a requirement to discus changes first. ] 05:06, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::::: It seems a sensible way to proceed to me too. ] 11:05, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

:::::::::I count four to one, so I am gong to go ahead and place it.] 16:15, 8 December 2006 (UTC)
::::::::::Much appreciated :-) ] 14:13, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

==Arbitration==
Dear All, I just wanted to point out that I finally got the chance to post my side on user .244 request for arbitration. It is an account on how I view this issue. I have also added several "diffs" which I hope admins will take a look at them. These "diffs" portray a pretty accurate account on user .244 activities, intentions and character. These "diffs" are factual. It is not my own "paraphrasing." Finally, perhaps I should have added this as well, which emphasizes .244 feelings. I thought .244 was younger than me!...but then he calls me "young hot head." Such is the paradox... One more time, the seed of the problem in my view is '''content'''. We need reliable sources here. Best Wishes, ] 13:40, 8 December 2006 (UTC)
Ps: I noted that the way used here to find "sockpuppets" is by simple noting on which side of the world IPs and user names are coming (according to arbitration). I have not seen something about brahmakumaris.info and 195.82.106.244 yet... Are they coming from different sides of the world as well? or perhaps just England? Very curious about it.
Om Shanti. ] 13:40, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

==Proof of sockpuppet by .244, brahmakumaris.info and bkwsuwatch==
:Below is what I have posted in the arbitration:
:Dear SimonP; please take a look at this link and this If this is not considered to be a strong proof of user 195.82.106.244 sockpuppet with brahmakumaris.info and bkwsuwatch.. It will really surprise me that the obvious cannot be seen. BTW, If you have the chance to read all of his writings in the above mentioned post, you shall see that the root of the problem is '''content''' alone. That kind of content is just wrong for an on-line encyclopedia. Thank you. Best] 01:09, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

::Ps: Here you will see the comments below the video in Spanish. Take a look at "bkwsuwatch" endorsing brahmakumaris.info site... Let us see how is this being handled...
::Best Wishes, ] 01:14, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

:::More on it: I just found out that user Thatcher131 removed my comments. Claiming that "evidence" should not be placed here... I wonder if he realized that user .244 is doing that and his comments are there as well...Anyway, here is the link I would really like to know from user Thatcher131 how a "traceroute" is possible without IP addresses... Can you do that by using just user names? How is this performed? and most importantly : '''Is user .244 coming from the same place as brahmakumaris.info?''' Why it was so easy for him to find that appledell, searchin man and myself are in different places and he/she did not mention about .244 and brahmakumaris.info? Something just does not make much sense ...
:::Best, ] 01:33, 9 December 2006 (UTC)


:::::'''When is the slur and innuendo going to end Luis? I have stated, and continue to state, that I accept using the references you have given and others. The issue is regarding written Misplaced Pages policy'''.
:::::'''Given, your CONFIRMED use of a secret IP address used solely to block and attack me and another contributor , methinks thou "doth protest too much."''' ] 04:48, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

'''Dear .244, I promise it will end as soon as you confirm that you are in fact, brahmakumaris.info... and you know, I keep my promises... Best wishes, ] 11:28, 9 December 2006 (UTC)'''

::::::Luis, perhaps you need to add any additional information at the end of the "Statement by Riveros11" section of the Arb case. Probably this article talk page isn't the best place for it either. Regards ] 10:09, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Simon, I will go ahead and add that soon. Hope someone will read it. I just wonder why Thatcher131 did not do it? It seems strange to me that someone who is supposed to be neutral is beginning to favor (in my opinion) a certain side. Hope my questions are answered by him. Best Wishes, ] 11:28, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
:Please stay cool and don't read too much into it. ] 14:12, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

=='''Bold''' edits==
The following extensive edits by ] seem to have been made without seeking editor consensus . The version that ] reverted to , although not such as easy read, was at least discussed, and given reasonable time, only replacing text which was deemed not to be adequately cited or not meeting Misplaced Pages's policy requirements.

I am not going to revert it myself straight away since I understand the situation here is a bit delicate right now. I would like to know what the other editors and admins monitoring this page think of the edit in question.


=== Meh ===
Actually, credit where credit is due, much of the "bold edit" looks quite neutral this time which is quite encouraging. However I feel that it is also really important to have a harmonious working relationship amongst the active editors on this article. We have agreed a "controversial" tag to acknowledge that bold edits are going to need discussion and consensus before being implemented. ], could you please indicate if you are able to work with us on this?


* Encyclopedia entries —— be it the Routledge Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements ''or'' else — ought to be sparingly used.
<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">'''Question''' to any admins watching this page:</span> do you think it appropriate/inappropriate that I revert the page? I don't want to be tagged as "edit waring". Thanks & regards ] 09:59, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
* Whaling's ''Understanding the Brahma Kumaris'' (Dunedin University Press; 2012) is a primer aimed at undergraduates. A merrily sympathetic treatment, in what is one of the two academic monographs on the subject, it is .
* ] and Tomlinson are anthropologists by training; the latter, particularly of practiced religion. So, I have not much qualms with using ''Brahma Kumaris: Purity and the Globalization of Faith'' (Springer; 2012) but we ought not depend on it for reconstructing the curious history of Brahmakumaris (BK).
* ]'s thesis from Monash University.


=== Yes ===
:Dear All, Well, I don't "hear" any admins coming...I wonder what is the purpose of having a big and colorful tag requiring to discuss previous changes if editors will not follow the self imposed rules, our own protocol for this page? I will revert this page back on Monday if I do not hear anything about any admin by then.. please note that I am giving notice of my actions as due to acknowledge our agreement. Best, ] 23:11, 9 December 2006 (UTC)


* Publications by John Walliss, esp. ''The Brahma Kumaris as a Reflexive Tradition: Responding to Late Modernity'' (Motilal Banarsidass; 2007).
::Also Wanted to add what Thatcher131 wrote in my talkpage concerning .244 and brahmakumaris.info: "....By the way, traceroute shows that the web site bk.info is hosted in England, which is the same place the 195 editor is coming from, but I can't get more specific than that. ] 01:38, 9 December 2006 (UTC)" Anybody can find that. All I need to do is run a traceroute and a Whois to do it myself...I have presented proof and I have links to pictures in the month of october about his site bk.info and the undeniable link to the IP address of .244. User Thatcher is overseeing this in my Statement. Moreover, user thatcher131 is not answering my question: Is the '''account''' brahmakumaris.info coming from England? He did not have any problems with "searching man" or "appledell"...what is the problem with this one? Yes.. I would like to add it in my "statement" but then it will go over the 800 words. Best wishes, ] 23:32, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
* Prem Chowdhury's masterly ''Marriage, Sexuality and the Female 'Ascetic': Understanding a Hindu Sect'' (EPW; 1996).
* Publications by Lawrence A. Babb.
* Ramsay's article in ''Handbook of Hinduism in Europe''.
] (]) 08:57, 24 July 2024 (UTC)

Latest revision as of 08:58, 24 July 2024

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Sources

No

  • Anything published by brahmakumaris.org or Om Mandali, Pharmacy Printing Press or B.K. Raja Yoga Center for the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University ought to be treated as flatly unreliable.
  • Hodgkinson, again, ought to be treated as flatly unreliable. She had no academic expertise whatsoever and as far as I remember, what prompted her very-apolegetic portrayal of the movement was her husband veering away with the BKs into celibacy.

Meh

  • Encyclopedia entries —— be it the Routledge Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements or else — ought to be sparingly used.
  • Whaling's Understanding the Brahma Kumaris (Dunedin University Press; 2012) is a primer aimed at undergraduates. A merrily sympathetic treatment, in what is one of the two academic monographs on the subject, it is quite flawed.
  • Manderson and Tomlinson are anthropologists by training; the latter, particularly of practiced religion. So, I have not much qualms with using Brahma Kumaris: Purity and the Globalization of Faith (Springer; 2012) but we ought not depend on it for reconstructing the curious history of Brahmakumaris (BK).
  • Tamasin Ramsay's thesis from Monash University.

Yes

  • Publications by John Walliss, esp. The Brahma Kumaris as a Reflexive Tradition: Responding to Late Modernity (Motilal Banarsidass; 2007).
  • Prem Chowdhury's masterly Marriage, Sexuality and the Female 'Ascetic': Understanding a Hindu Sect (EPW; 1996).
  • Publications by Lawrence A. Babb.
  • Ramsay's article in Handbook of Hinduism in Europe.

TrangaBellam (talk) 08:57, 24 July 2024 (UTC)

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