27 Jun 2008
I think Chai Bhai means "in theory" for the so-called 'Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University' publishing the Murlis in public ... and in their original unedited form.
Of course, I will disagree with Chai's position. If you look at the topic in question on this forum, it is almost entirely Indian BKs who are asking for copies of the Murlis for valid reasons. It is likely only them, PBKs and a few scholars that will ever be interested.
I respect the intelligence of scholars to make sense of them, and perhaps better than Brahma-Kumari followers. After all, it was the scholars who were able to work out the Egyptian hieroglyphics and the Rosetta Stone, so how hard can a Sakar Murli be? More to the point, it requires a great deal of 'mental conditioning' before Brahma-kumaris followers can be trusted to have the desire result from hearing/reading them. And the Brahma-Kumaris do not want their would be donor followers to be put off too early by them. I don't think the rest of the world is really that interested.
It has gotten to a ridiculous point now where even surrendered BKs, who are late for class, are being refused copies or are 'pinned' to specific chairs in which they can be read them.
I think the secrecy issue surrounding the Murlis is more for the sake of the vanity of those doing UN, VIP and interfaith service by stealth.
I am entirely open about this. I am for de-centralizing the Brahma-kumaris' power base and cracking wide open the monopoly they are exploiting. Everyone should have access to all Knowledge. It will happen. At least to those the Brahma Kumaris have not destroyed already not defaced with edits.
With regards to "Transparency and accountability" ... the starting place will be complete financial transparency and accountability followed by a open and accountable grievance structure. In effect a BK Beth Din or Law Court. Less of this word of mouth rule and back room deals. The PBK are also a little stuck at making all of their teachings public BUT are lightyears ahead of the BKWSU and making use of mainly free hosting. Money or facilities are no excuse. Congratulations to them.