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Brahma Kumaris

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Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya or Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is considered a millenarianist New Religious Movement] (NRM) of Indian origin." It teaches a form of meditation called Raja Yoga, although not classical Raja Yoga as described by Patanjali, involving mediumistic channelling.

History

The BKWSU was founded in 1937 as Om Mandali by Lekhraj Kripalani, 1876-1969, a wealthy Sindhi merchant following visions of the destruction of the world and its population through war, strife and natural calamities and the emergence of a post-apocalyptic paradise to be populated by a chosen few. Kirpalani believed that he was entered by another soul and that this spirit was God who started to talk through him. Understandably disoriented by these visions and experiences, Lekhraj decided to sell his business to his partner in order to retire and established an informal congregation of followers called the Om Mandali, or "gathering of souls". Following social and legal opposition, the movement led by Lekhraj moved from Hyderabad to Karachi and then to their current location in Mount Abu.

From the beginning of the organization Kirpalani gave special encouragement to women to develop their spiritual lives and take leadership positions handing over the responsibilities of administering the organisation to a Trust of nine women. He also rejected the Hindu practice of restricting the elevated status of celibate seeker to men. Anyone, regardless of sex, who was prepared to adopt chastity and follow purity rules concerning diet and alcohol was eligible to join Kirpalani and become a member of the organization. A high proportion of early members were women and their children. In the 1950s when teaching centers elsewhere in India were opened, young women were chosen to spread the teachings and the leadership of the BK movement in India remains heavily female.

Global Expansion

Brahma Kumaris World Outreach As expressed by researchers Nesbitt and Henderson: "Whaling (1995) and Walliss (1999, 2002) summarise the historical development and content of BK outreach at a local and national level in terms of the development of meditation, stress reduction and self-esteem classes, and associated work in prisons, homes for the elderly, drug clinics and hospitals; and they show the Brahma Kumaris increasing internationalisation and links with the United Nations and UNICEF, through their central role in such international projects as ‘The Million Minutes for Peace’, ‘Global Co-Operation for a better World’ and ‘Living Values: An Educational Initiative’ (Walliss,1999). The meditation practice, of verbalised reflection with one’s eyes open, is supported by a disciplined way of life (Howell, 1997, p. 151) and in the West this practice is linked with opportunities for empowerment and success in life." (Skultans,1993, p. 58; Walliss, 1999.")

The movement agressively seeks new converts. .

Beliefs and Practices

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The movement teaches the imminent end of the world that must be prepared for by strict asceticism.

It is important to recogize that Brahma Kumaris as a Spiritual University has a variety of membership patterns thus, there is a different type of "identity negotiation" (term coined by Walliss) beliefs and practices engaged in by individuals in relationship with the University. Walliss in his article "Reflexive Traditions New Religious Movements and the 'Negotiation' of Identity" recognizes four different types of members in Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University:
1) Instrumental users: Individuals drawn to the University through what they perceive as tangible benefits through their life in the "here and now" usually emotionally or physically related issues.

2) Eclectic users:individuals looking for "self development" or "self-spirituality", there is a spiritual quest behind their association.

3) Spiritual searchers: Individuals who feel belong to the spiritual path, however; their involvement with the University grew out of sense of disillusionment with conventional religiosity.

4) Interpretative drifters: Individuals originally involved due to instrumental reasons, however; "gradually discovered that the ideas are true." (Luhrmann, 1994:124 as quoted by Walliss.)

For this topic, the outline given by Professor Kranenborg will be closely followed: In his article "Brahma Kumaris: A new Religion?,"1999 (reproduced with author's permission) Kranenborg points out 6 different areas:

1) Concept of God: The Brahma Kumaris concept differs from Hinduism in that God is an eternal and conscient being of light, the ‘all-highest soul’, ever-pure and good. Although having all knowledge and in that sense being omniscient, he is not omnipresent. Matter and human souls are also eternal—neither are they created by God nor do they emerge from God. Brahma Kumaris teachings provide specific understanding of God’s roles as creator, preserver and destroyer. Kranenborg notes "Traditionally, Hinduism speaks of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and these three are seen as a unity. In Brahma Kumaris, however, Shiva stands above the trimurti and the third aspect is termed Shankar." 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 ).)

2) Concept of human beings: Each eternal human soul originally lived with God in the Soul World, a world of infinite light, peace and silence (otherwise known as nirvana). Souls take birth in a body in order to experience life and give expression to their original positive qualities. Souls have three components: intellect, conscious mind, and unconscious mind. The intellect receives and digests wisdom or Truth; reasons and discerns; and exhibits will and understanding. Depending on the intellect’s strength, it guides the thoughts that the conscious mind creates. The conscious mind produces thoughts and ideas; emotions, feelings and experiences and can be influenced by either the subconscious mind or by the guidance of the intellect. The unconscious mind contains impressions (sanskaras) that form personality as a consequence of action (karma). The more the intellect is strengthened through the understanding of Truth as taught by God and through meditation practice, the more the soul is able to create thoughts and actions (karmas) that transform negative habits (sanskaras) into more divine and beneficial sanskaras. Then the soul leads a happier and more meaningful life.

3) Concept of cyclic time: Brahma Kumaris teachings accord with classical Hinduism with respect to four world ages (yugas): the golden age (sat yuga), the silver age (treta yuga), the copper age (dwapar yuga) and the iron age (kali yuga). Within this last age, however, there is a fifth diamond age or confluence age (sangam yuga). The most striking departure from Hinduism is that for Brahma Kumaris the whole cycle lasts 5000 years. They believe that we currently are near the end of kali yuga, after which the world will be completely transformed into a new golden age.

4) Raja Yoga meditation: The practice involves initial development of the awareness and experience of the inner being, or the soul in its true and peaceful form. Once that awareness exists, thought is turned towards union with God. The experience in this union is one of deep peace, bliss and the eternity of the soul. Meditation is practiced with open eyes and can be done in silence, with music or meditation commentaries, but preferably under the supervision of a meditation guide. Raja yogis also adopt a ‘spiritual lifestyle’ that entails a lacto-vegetarian diet, keeping good company, regular spiritual study, recurrent moments of meditation during the day and the practice of celibacy. The meditation makes a person internally stronger and leads to the formation of good character and service of others.

5) Methods of service: As a teaching and service-oriented institution, the Brahma Kumaris offer courses related to raja yoga such as ‘Positive Thinking, ‘Stress-free Living’, ‘Self-Managing Leadership’, and ‘Secrets of Self-Esteem’. At the global level, the Brahma Kumaris have supported human rights, equality and good education for all through involvement in the activities of UNO, UNESCO and UNICEF. (see achievements section)

6) Murlis: Brahma Kumaris teachings and spiritual study are based on the messages imparted when the Supreme Soul takes the corporeal medium (initially that of Dada Lekraj and currently that of Dadi Gulzar, an elder sister) and speaks the ‘Murli’. Murlis are understood to be the words of God and clearly indicate that Shiva is to be understood as the ‘Supreme Soul’ and not one of many Hindu gods. The Brahma Kumaris understand God to be the Father of all souls, even though the knowledge (gyan) imparted through the Murlis is unlike that of other religious scriptures. This knowledge is considered ‘spiritual’ rather than ‘religious,’ and the movement as a whole is cast as a spiritual ‘university.’ Formally, the movement does not have a ‘holy book’ or scripture. Murlis are not available for sale and one must complete the Brahma Kumaris foundation course in order to begin listening to them, because a certain spiritual level has to be attained before they can be fully understood. Murli class is held in the early morning every day at all BK centres around the world.

As Dr. Howell points out to underline the uniqueness of the University: "Through the channelled messages it became clear that Shiva was not to be understood as one of many Hindu gods, but in monotheistic terms as ‘The Supreme Soul.’ Its knowledge, gyan, the true knowledge, was thus identified as ‘spiritual’ rather than ‘religious,’ and the movement as a whole was cast as a ‘university.’

7 Day Course

Walliss when referring to "world service" which was started in 1952, states:"Lekhraj had from the very beginning published numerous pamphlets and written a huge amount of letters to important national and international figures in which he interpreted contemporary events with reference to his revealed knowledge. Rather, this marked an intensification of the process, with seven-lesson courses in the group's teachings being offered to outsiders." An overview of the seven-lesson course can be found here: under "Foundation Course in Raja Yoga Meditation." Also, here: under "Foundation Courses in Meditation."

Achievements

Professor Kranenborg also mentions some of the Brahma Kumaris activities throughout the years. "courses are given which are connected to raja yoga. One should mention here the course ‘Positive Thinking'. Related to this is the course, ‘Stress-free Living' which is also concerned with developing a proper way of thinking and a proper tuning in to one's most profound nature. Courses such as ‘Self-Managing Leadership', ‘Secrets of Self-Esteem', ‘Self-Management for Quality of Life' have a similar orientation: the emphasis continually falls on understanding who the human being is, how the human being is connected with the All-Highest and how rest, power and balance can be brought into life."
Within this framework there are a number of programs that the Brahma Kumaris spearheaded, such as the United Nations project called ‘The Million Minutes for Peace' (in which the intention is that for a few minutes every day several people think positively of world peace). They were the recipient of seven UN Peace Messenger awards from this project. They also spearheaded the projects, ‘Global Cooperation for a Better World', ‘Sharing our Values for a Better World'. The latter project inspired the creation of Living Values' which is now an independent charitable organization based in Switzerland, ALIVE, where both BK and non-BK educators participate in the development of a values-based education program. The Brahma Kumaris are also very active in ‘interfaith' projects that encourage the unity and common tie of all religions. Finally, effort is made to contribute to different sectors of social life and culture. Thus, there are programs dealing with art, academic conferences (which is appropriate since the Brahma Kumaris organization is called a Spiritual University), medical research and practice and programs for working with prisoners, etc. They are also the administrators of a fully operating Global Hospital and Research Center near their headquarters in Mt. Abu, India, which serves the village communities in the area.

The Advance Party

Walliss mentions the advent of a movement which may be seen as an internal response to "the University's world ambivalence;" Walliss refers to them as the Advance Party.

External links

BK

Critical

Christian

Islamic

References

  1. Reflexive Traditions: New Religious Movements and the 'Negotiation' of Identity.-John Walliss, Ph.D University of Warwick, UK.
  2. Professor Reender Kranenborgh from Free University of Amsterdam. All citations originate from this web article unless noted differently.
  3. From World Rejection to Ambivalence: The Development of Millenarianism in the Brahma Kumaris. Walliss, John; Journal of Contemporary Religion; Oct99, Vol. 14 Issue 3, p375, 11p
  4. Brahma-Kumari Radhe, Om Mandli & the Om Nivas and their suppression, by application of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908” 1939,Pharmacy Printing Press, ISBN: B00089UWHE
  5. Jagdish Chander, Translated from original Hinu by Shanta Trivedi, PhD , Edited by Robert Shubow, J.D. "Adi Dev: The First Man", 1981 p129-134
  6. Gender Role Experimentation in New Religious Movements: Clarification of the Brahma Kumari Case, Howell, Julia. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion; Sep98, Vol. 37 Issue 3, p453-461, 9p. Julia Day Howell is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Asian and International Studies, Griffith University, Australia
  7. Journal of Beliefs and Values, Vol.24, No.1, 2003 Religious Organisations in the UK and Values Education Programmes for Schools by Eleanor Nesbitt, Senior lecturer in Religions and Education, University of Warwick, UK and Ann Henderson, Research Fellow from The Univeristy of Warwick, UK.
  8. Lochtefeld, James G. Ph.D. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism Vol. I ISBN 0-8239-3179-X, entry "Brahma Kumaris" New York Rosen 2002
  9. Lochtefeld, James G. Ph.D. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism Vol. I ISBN 0-8239-3179-X, entry "Brahma Kumaris" New York Rosen 2002
  10. Reflective Traditions: New Religious Movements and the 'Negotiation' of Identity. Walliss, John; University of Warwick, UK.
  11. Reender Kranenborg, Free University of Amsterdam. "Brahma Kumaris: A New Religion?", 1999
  12. Dr. Julia D. Howell. Changing Meanings of Religious Pluralism, 2003
  13. From World Rejection to Ambivalence:The development in Millenarianism in the Brahma Kumaris." by John Walliss. Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol.14,N 3, 1999
  14. From World Rejection to Ambivalence:The development in Millenarianism in the Brahma Kumaris." by John Walliss. Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol.14,N 3, 1999

Bibliography

  • Dr Julia D. Howell, Asian and International Studies, Griffith University, Australia & Dr Peter L. Nelson, Nelson Center for Humanities and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Australia. "Surviving Transplantation: The Brahma Kumaris in the Western World".
  • Dr. Julia D. Howel. Changing Meanings of Religious Pluralism, , 2003.
  • John Walliss, Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies, Aldershot. "The Brahma Kumaris as a ‘reflexive Tradition’: Responding to late modernity ", 2002 ISBN 0-7546-0951-0
  • Reender Kranenborg, Free University of Amsterdam. "Brahma Kumaris: A New Religion? ", 1999.
  • Peter Clarke, "Dada Lekhraj" & "Brahma Kumaris." Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements. Routledge 2005.
  • William Shaw , "Spying in Guruland: Inside Britain’s Cults", Fourth Estate, London, England 1994.
  • Lawrence A. Babb, "Amnesia and Remembrance in a Hindu Theory of History", Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 41, No. 1 (1982), pp. 49-66.
  • Lawrence A. Babb "Indigenous Feminism in a Modern Hindu Sect", Signs, Vol. 9, No. 3 (Spring, 1984), pp. 399-416.
  • Mayer, Jean-François et Reender Kranenborg, Geneve, Suisse. "La Naissance des Nouvelles Religions". 2004 ISBN 2-8257-0877-1
  • Frank Whaling, Emeritus Professor of the Study of Religion, University of Edinburgh. "Understanding the Brahma Kumaris", 2006. ISBN 1-903765-51-X.
  • Suma Varughese. "Satyug is as Sure as Death". 1998
  • BK Jayanti. "Valuing the Future : Education for Spiritual Development", 1999
  • Interreligious Insight. "Brahma Kumaris, World Spiritual University",
  • Ken O'Donnell. "Raja Yoga for beginners", 1987.
  • Jagdish Chander, Translated from original Hinu by Shanta Trivedi, PhD , Edited by Robert Shubow, J.D. "Adi Dev: The First Man", 1981.
  • Dadi Janki, "Companion of God", 2003 ISBN 0-340-82915-X
  • BKWSU. "World Drama", unknown date.
  • BKWSU. "Easy RajYoga", unknown date.
  • BKWSU. "The Seven Day Course" Pamphlet series, unknown date.
  • Near-Death Experience/Heide Fittkau-Garthe, 1998.
  • A Critique of the BK Philosophy as presented in the 7 Day Course,By Andy Harangozo
  • 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

See also

Categories: