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| − | The '''Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation''', also known as the '''Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization''', '''Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University''' (BKWSU), or '''Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya'''. Teachers of a form of [[meditation]], involving [[spirit]] [[Channelling (mediumistic)|channeling]], called Raja Yoga and not to be confused with classical [[Patanjali]]'s [[Raja Yoga]]. | + | The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation, also known as the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), or Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya. Teachers of a form of meditation, involving spirit channeling, called Raja Yoga and not to be confused with classical Patanjali's Raja Yoga. |
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| − | A [[New Religious Movement]] with core [[Millenarianism]] beliefs concerning the imminent destruction of the current impure [[Kali Yuga]] world by a [[World War]] between [[United States | America]] and [[Russia]], [[civil war]] in [[India]], widespread [[natural disasters]] and [[nuclear holocaust]] followed by the reward of a paradisiacal [[Golden Age|Sat Yuga]] or " [[Golden Age ]]" which will take place on the [[Indian subcontinent]] for its faithful [[followers]]. Followers of the BKWSU are known as " B.K.s ", Brahma Kumaris [female] or Brahma Kumars [male], literally, the daughters or sons of [[Brahma]]. | + | A New Religious Movement with core Millenarianism beliefs concerning the imminent destruction of the current impure Kali Yuga world by a World War between America and Russia, civil war in India, widespread natural disasters and nuclear holocaust followed by the reward of a paradisiacal Sat Yuga or " Golden Age " which will take place on the Indian subcontinent for its faithful followers. Followers of the BKWSU are known as " B.K.s ", Brahma Kumaris [female] or Brahma Kumars [male], literally, the daughters or sons of Brahma. |
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| | ==Origins== | | ==Origins== |
| − | Formed in [[Sindh]], now [[Pakistan]], during 1937 by businessman Lekhraj Kripalani, a [[Sindhi]] follower of the [[Vaishnavite]] [[Vallabhacharya]] [[Sect]]. Kripalani experienced a series of what he considered to be divine visions and then [[possession]] by a [[spirit]] he considered to be [[God]], the Supreme Soul, [http://www.brahmakumaris.com/aboutus/descentofgod.htm]. This [[spirit]] the B.K.s name as " [[Shiva]] Baba ", took over control of his [[Organ_%28anatomy%29|bodily organs]] in order to express a message to [[humanity]] and teach their form of [[Raja Yoga]]. Followers, known as his " mouth born progeny ", believe that Lekhraj Kripalani is [[God]]'s only direct [[Medium_%28spirituality%29|medium]] or instrument. [[God]] being a [[soul]] which cannot express its message other than through this [[human]] [[body]] and this time being the only time in history that [[God]] intervenes in human destiny. B.K.s believe that their [[god]] " [[Shiva]] Baba " renamed Lekhraj Kripalani " [[Brahma]] Baba " and that he was the [[incarnation]] of the [[Hindu]] [[god]] [[Brahma]], [[Prajapita]] or, literally, the [[Father]] of [[Humanity]]. [[Baba]] means " [[father]] " in [[Hindi]].
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| − | Originally called "[[Om]] Mandali" or " Rajswa Ashvamegh Avinashi Geeta Gyan Yagya ", in the early days Lekhraj Kripalani attracted mostly [[women]] and their children belonging to the [[exogamous]] [[Bhaiband]] business caste of [[Hyderabad, Pakistan|Hyderabad]] and along with them created much [[controversy]] until the [[Indian Congress party]] and the [[Arya Samaj]] denounced the Om Mandali community. [[Dada]] Lekhraj, known then as " Om Baba ", in turn denounced the [[Congress]] as "[[Kansa]]" or [[evil|wicked]] and under pressure of [[Hindu]] public opinion, the [[Sindh]] [[government]] reluctantly banned the [[Om]] Mandali, which went to court and had the ban order quashed.
| + | Formed in Sindh, now Pakistan, during 1937 by businessman Lekhraj Kripalani, a Sindhi follower of the Vaishnavite Vallabhacharya Sect. Kripalani experienced a series of what he considered to be divine visions and then possession by a spirit he considered to be God, the Supreme Soul, [1]. This spirit the B.K.s name as " Shiva Baba ", took over control of his bodily organs in order to express a message to humanity and teach their form of Raja Yoga. Followers, known as his " mouth born progeny ", believe that Lekhraj Kripalani is God's only direct medium or instrument. God being a soul which cannot express its message other than through this human body and this time being the only time in history that God intervenes in human destiny. B.K.s believe that their god " Shiva Baba " renamed Lekhraj Kripalani " Brahma Baba " and that he was the incarnation of the Hindu god Brahma, Prajapita or, literally, the Father of Humanity. Baba means " father " in Hindi. |
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| − | A year after its establishment, the organization moved from [[Hyderabad]] to [[Karachi]] for fourteen years, now part of [[Pakistan]] but at that time part of colonial [[India]] until after the [[Partition of India | Partition]] of India and [[Pakistan]]. The founding group of approximately 300 individuals lived as a self-sufficient community spending their time in intense spiritual study, [[meditation]] and alleged self-transformation. During this time, [[Channelling (mediumistic)|mediumistic]] female followers known as " Sandeshputris " or [[trance]] messengers helped add to their spiritual knowledge through psychic visions and allegedly direct contact with God. In 1950, the community moved to [[Mount Abu]], mainly due to the religious resistance to its activities in [[Pakistan]]. In 1969 it was formally establish as the World Renewal Trust with a male trustee. Colloquially known as " Om Shanti Organization ". | + | Originally called "Om Mandali" or " Rajswa Ashvamegh Avinashi Geeta Gyan Yagya ", in the early days Lekhraj Kripalani attracted mostly women and their children belonging to the exogamous Bhaiband business caste of Hyderabad and along with them created much controversy until the Indian Congress party and the Arya Samaj denounced the Om Mandali community. Dada Lekhraj, known then as " Om Baba ", in turn denounced the Congress as "Kansa" or wicked and under pressure of Hindu public opinion, the Sindh government reluctantly banned the Om Mandali, which went to court and had the ban order quashed. |
| | + | A year after its establishment, the organization moved from Hyderabad to Karachi for fourteen years, now part of Pakistan but at that time part of colonial India until after the Partition of India and Pakistan. The founding group of approximately 300 individuals lived as a self-sufficient community spending their time in intense spiritual study, meditation and alleged self-transformation. During this time, mediumistic female followers known as " Sandeshputris " or trance messengers helped add to their spiritual knowledge through psychic visions and allegedly direct contact with God. In 1950, the community moved to Mount Abu, mainly due to the religious resistance to its activities in Pakistan. In 1969 it was formally establish as the World Renewal Trust with a male trustee. Colloquially known as " Om Shanti Organization ". |
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| − | * The Indian version of the religion's [[history]] is found here ; http://www.brahmakumaris.com/aboutus/history.htm
| + | The Indian version of the religion's history is found here ; http://www.brahmakumaris.com/aboutus/history.htm |
| − | * The version made more vague and palatable to [[Westerners]] is found here; http://www.bkwsu.org/whoweare/history.htm
| + | The version made more vague and palatable to Westerners is found here; http://www.bkwsu.org/whoweare/history.htm |
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| | ==Global Expansion== | | ==Global Expansion== |
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| − | From its modest beginnings, the organization kept progressing in leaps and bounds to reach by early 1996 about 3,200 meditation centers in 70 countries with over 450,000 students. The nucleus of the Brahma Kumaris’ centers worldwide is " Madhuban " in [[Mount Abu]], " the Father’s Mountain " and is regarded as a pilgrimage place by many who are in search of spiritual rejuvenation. The BKWSU now claims to have more than 5,500 [[Raja Yoga]] centres in 90 [[countries]] and over 800,000 [[students]] whilst still expanding. No details as to the level or of length of commitment are given. | + | From its modest beginnings, the organization kept progressing in leaps and bounds to reach by early 1996 about 3,200 meditation centers in 70 countries with over 450,000 students. The nucleus of the Brahma Kumaris’ centers worldwide is " Madhuban " in Mount Abu, " the Father’s Mountain " and is regarded as a pilgrimage place by many who are in search of spiritual rejuvenation. The BKWSU now claims to have more than 5,500 Raja Yoga centres in 90 countries and over 800,000 students whilst still expanding. No details as to the level or of length of commitment are given. |
| | + | A multi-million dollar registered " educational " charity that in 70 years has only been known once to distribute aid outside of its operations. There is no data on how many Brahma Kumaris leave the organisation annually, nor the average time members stay active before leaving and no verifiable data as to how many adherents each centre hosts. Most centres outside of India are located in followers' homes and or domestic apartments. |
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| − | A multi-million dollar registered " [[educational]] " [[charity]] that in 70 years has only been known once to distribute aid outside of its operations. There is no data on how many Brahma Kumaris leave the organisation annually, nor the average time members stay active before leaving and no verifiable data as to how many adherents each centre hosts. Most centres outside of [[India]] are located in followers' homes and or domestic apartments.
| + | ==Fundamental Beliefs== |
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| − | ==Fundamental Beliefs==
| + | Although borrowing much symbolism and terminology from traditional Hinduism, Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga see themselves entirely as separate from Hinduism and unique as the only true instruments of God. They state that they are only religious group to have direct instructions from God. Followers believe that this Supreme Soul or God and Lekhraj Kirpalani continue to be channeled on a regular basis by a senior sister at the headquarters in India, and that Lekhraj Kripalani's soul will reincarnate as Hindu god Krishna in his next birth. |
| − | Although borrowing much [[symbolism]] and [[terminology]] from traditional [[Hinduism]], '''Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga''' see themselves entirely as separate from [[Hinduism]] and unique as the only true instruments of [[God]]. They state that they are only religious group to have direct instructions from [[God]]. Followers believe that this [[Paramatman|Supreme Soul]] or [[God]] and Lekhraj Kirpalani continue to be [[channeled]] on a regular basis by a senior sister at the headquarters in [[India]], and that Lekhraj Kripalani's soul will reincarnate as [[Hindu]] god [[Krishna]] in his next birth. | |
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| | Central to its faith are the beliefs that: | | Central to its faith are the beliefs that: |
| | + | *The human being is an eternal soul living within a physical body and is not the physical body. |
| | + | *Reincarnation happens from one human body to another only. |
| | + | *Time is not linear but rather cyclical and the physical world manifests as an eternally repeating and identical 5,000 year cycle at which the end of it is destroyed and then re-created every time. |
| | + | *Each repeating cycle is exactly the same as the previous one. |
| | + | *Humanity is currently reaching the end of the current cycle and thus the world will be destroyed, a time their scriptures call " Destruction ". |
| | + | *God incarnates personally onto the Earth and speaks only through their founder Lekhraj Kripalani which was the same individual that was historically or mythically known as " Krishna ", Adam " and " Adi Dev " but is now known as "Brahma". |
| | + | *All other religious founders such as Christ, Buddha and Mohammed must come to the Brahma Kumaris to receive B.K. " Knowledge " prior to their future incarnations in the next cycle. |
| | + | *India Subcontinent will be the site of the future Golden Aged paradise and that Hindi is the original language of humanity. All other continents will soon be submerged under the sea except for small islands where Raja Yoga centres once were. |
| | + | *Followers are taught that if they make spiritual efforts, they and only they will live in the coming Golden Age paradise. |
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| − | * The [[human being]] is an eternal [[soul]] living within a physical [[body]] and is not the physical [[body]].
| + | Practice |
| − | * [[Reincarnation]] happens from one human body to another only.
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| − | * Time is not linear but rather cyclical and the physical [[world]] manifests as an eternally repeating and identical 5,000 year cycle at which the end of it is destroyed and then re-created every time.
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| − | * Each repeating cycle is exactly the same as the previous one.
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| − | * [[Humanity]] is currently reaching the end of the current cycle and thus the world will be destroyed, a time their scriptures call " Destruction ".
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| − | * [[God]] incarnates personally onto the [[Earth]] and speaks only through their founder Lekhraj Kripalani which was the same individual that was historically or mythically known as " [[Krishna]] ", [[Adam]] " and " [[Adi Dev]] " but is now known as "[[Brahma]]".
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| − | * All other religious founders such as [[Christ]], [[Buddha]] and [[Mohammed]] must come to the Brahma Kumaris to receive B.K. " [[Knowledge]] " prior to their future [[incarnation]]s in the next cycle.
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| − | * [[India | India Subcontinent]] will be the site of the future [[Golden Age]]d [[paradise]] and that [[Hindi]] is the original [[language]] of [[humanity]]. All other [[continents]] will soon be submerged under the sea except for small [[islands]] where [[Raja Yoga]] centres once were.
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| − | * Followers are taught that if they make spiritual efforts, they and only they will live in the coming [[Golden Age]] [[paradise]].
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| − | ==Practice==
| + | Teachers of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga state that their practice is aimed at purifying oneself by realizing one's identity as soul and maintaining a state of communion with their God. Followers take upon themselves a disciplined lifestyle which involves; |
| − | Teachers of '''Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga''' state that their practice is aimed at purifying oneself by realizing one's identity as soul and maintaining a state of communion with their God. Followers take upon themselves a disciplined lifestyle which involves; | + | *Complete Celibacy involving no procreation, no sex within marriage, or masturbation. |
| | + | *Sattvic Vegetarianism, i.e. lacto-vegetarianism excluding eggs, onions, garlic and food cooked by non-believers including one's biological family which are considered impure. |
| | + | *Keeping a " Daily Chart " or journal. |
| | + | *Complete avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. |
| | + | *Ritual cleanliness after toileting involving washing genitals or entire body and changing clothes. |
| | + | *Regular daily meditation at 4 a.m. and throughout the day. |
| | + | *The pursuit of purity in all aspects of life. |
| | + | *Evangelism or proselytizing activities of their religion and beliefs, called " service ", as defined by their senior sisters. |
| | + | *Segregation between men and women in housing and activities. |
| | + | *Detachment whilst living with one's biological family including children and spouse in many cases. |
| | + | *VIP service of "influential individuals" in government or society. |
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| − | * Complete [[Celibacy]] involving no [[procreation]], no [[sex]] within [[marriage]], or [[masturbation]].
| + | Students wake up for 45 minutes meditation at 4 am. They then attend a daily morning class at 6.00 am, work or keep their household during the day and then return to evangelize, teach or do more meditation in the evening. B.K.s make regular donations or contributions to the Raja Yoga centre irrespective of means [ no checks are made on an individual's financial position or wherewithal to do so ]. Donations are generally not accepted from non-B.K.s as their money is considered as " impure ". B.K.s are encouraged to visit the headquarters located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India once a year if possible. |
| − | * [[Sattvic]] [[Vegetarianism]], i.e. [[Lacto vegetarianism | lacto-vegetarianism]] excluding [[Egg (food)|eggs]], [[onions]], [[garlic]] and food cooked by non-believers including one's [[biological family]] which are considered [[tamas|impure]].
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| − | * Keeping a " Daily [[Chart]] " or journal.
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| − | * Complete avoidance of [[alcohol]], [[tobacco]] and [[drugs]].
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| − | * [[Ritual cleanliness]] after [[toilet | toileting]] involving washing [[genitals]] or entire [[body]] and changing clothes.
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| − | * Regular daily [[meditation]] at 4 a.m. and throughout the day.
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| − | * The pursuit of [[purity]] in all aspects of life.
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| − | * [[Evangelism]] or proselytizing activities of their [[religion]] and beliefs, called " service ", as defined by their senior sisters.
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| − | * [[Segregation]] between [[men]] and [[women]] in housing and activities.
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| − | * [[Detachment]] whilst living with one's biological family including [[children]] and [[spouse]] in many cases.
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| − | * [[Very Important Person (person)|VIP]] service of "influential individuals" in [[government]] or [[society]].
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| − | [[Student]]s wake up for 45 minutes [[meditation]] at 4 am. They then attend a daily morning class at 6.00 am, work or keep their [[household]] during the day and then return to [[evangelize]], teach or do more [[meditation]] in the evening. B.K.s make regular [[donations]] or contributions to the Raja Yoga centre irrespective of means [ no checks are made on an individual's financial position or wherewithal to do so ]. Donations are generally not accepted from non-B.K.s as their [[money]] is considered as " [[impure]] ". B.K.s are encouraged to visit the [[headquarters]] located in [[Mount Abu]], [[Rajasthan]], [[India]] once a year if possible.
| + | In the main, " service " means teaching their version of Raja Yoga or evangelizing their " Knowledge " and B.K.s were instructed not to do general social work nor perform what is generally understood as charity. Spiritual efforts are directed at overcoming what are seen as " The 5 Vices " ; greed, lust (sometimes called 'sex lust') anger, ego, attachment. |
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| − | In the main, " [[service]] " means teaching their version of [[Raja Yoga]] or evangelizing their " [[Knowledge]] " and B.K.s were instructed not to do general [[social work]] nor perform what is generally understood as [[charity]]. Spiritual efforts are directed at overcoming what are seen as " The 5 [[Vices]] " ; [[greed]], [[lust]] (sometimes called '[[sex]] lust') [[anger]], [[ego]], attachment.
| + | Followers use the traditional Hindu mantra " Om Shanti ", understood to mean " I am an eternal and peaceful soul ", as an all purpose general greeting and to recognize each other. |
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| − | Followers use the traditional [[Hindu]] [[mantra]] " [[Om]] Shanti ", understood to mean " I am an [[eternal]] and peaceful [[soul]] ", as an all purpose general [[greeting]] and to recognize each other.
| + | 7 Day Course |
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| − | ==7 Day Course==
| + | Central to the Brahma Kumaris practice is the teaching of all their core beliefs in 7 one, or one and a half hour, long lessons called " The 7 Day Course ". Once these 7 lessons are understood, students are then introduced to unpublished scriptures considered to be the direct teachings of God called "Murlis", named after the flute that the Hindu god Krishna is generally illustrated holding. These comprise of the core philosophy of their religion and are known as " Gyan " or "The Knowledge ". The use of the word " knowledge " is specific to these beliefs and absolute faith in this knowledge is seen as central to the liberation of the soul. |
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| − | Central to the Brahma Kumaris practice is the teaching of all their core beliefs in 7 one, or one and a half hour, long lessons called " The 7 Day Course ". Once these 7 lessons are understood, students are then introduced to unpublished [[scriptures]] considered to be the direct teachings of [[God]] called "Murlis", named after the [[Bansuri|flute]] that the [[Hindu]] [[god]] [[Krishna]] is generally illustrated holding. These comprise of the core [[philosophy]] of their [[religion]] and are known as " Gyan " or "The [[Knowledge]] ". The use of the word " [[knowledge]] " is specific to these beliefs and absolute faith in this knowledge is seen as central to the [[Moksha|liberation of the soul]].
| + | In many countries, especially in the West, the Brahma Kumaris have introduced lightweight versions of their meditation courses designed to capitalize on the interest in New Age, positive thinking or personal growth movements which introduce basic elements of their faith and practice but avoid detailed and controversial instruction. Often these courses focus on specific interest groups such as women, business people, teachers and so on. |
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| − | In many countries, especially in the [[West]], the Brahma Kumaris have introduced [[lightweight]] versions of their [[meditation]] courses designed to capitalize on the interest in [[New Age]], [[positive thinking]] or [[personal growth]] movements which introduce basic elements of their faith and practice but avoid detailed and controversial instruction. Often these courses focus on specific interest groups such as [[women]], [[business]] people, [[teachers]] and so on. | |
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| | These seven lessons are: | | These seven lessons are: |
| − | | + | *The Soul |
| − | * The Soul | + | *The Supreme Soul |
| − | * The Supreme Soul | + | *The Law of Karma |
| − | * The Law of Karma | + | *The Cycle |
| − | * The Cycle | + | *The Tree of Religions |
| − | * The Tree of Religions | + | *The Founder Brahma Baba |
| − | * The Founder Brahma Baba | + | *Brahma Kumaris' Lifestyle and Principles |
| − | * Brahma Kumaris' Lifestyle and Principles | |
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| − | ====The Soul====
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| − | Brahma Kumaris teach [[dualism]]. That is human beings are a [[soul]] or [[spirit]] living inside the physical body which is not the individual but a " costume ". The [[soul]]'s form is a point of light and it is situated in the forehead of the body. The [[soul]] is described as having 3 functions: [[Mind]], [[Intellect]] and [[Sanskar]]s. The sanskars, or record of experiences, are transmitted from birth to birth. Brahma Kumaris believe in human [[reincarnation]] but unlike classical [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]], they do not believe in [[Transmigration_of_the_soul|transmigration]], or re-incarnation between different [[species]]. Brahma Kumaris teach that there are only 5.5 Billion human souls.
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| − | ====The Supreme Soul====
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| − | Brahma Kumaris believe that their " [[God]] " is a [[soul]] or [[spirit]] identical to the [[human]] [[soul]], also in the form of a point of light but that this [[soul]] cannot take birth in a [[human]] form. Their " God " remains disincarnate, eternally unchanged and so therefore is the only individual that can purify impure incarnated [[human being]] souls through its knowledge and by their mentally connecting to him through the practise of their Raja Yoga. This [[entity]] then is able to [[channel]] his [[psychic energy]] through the [[Raja Yoga]] practitioners to other [[human beings]] and into the [[World]]. The practice of this form of [[Raja Yoga]] and the allowing of their god [[Shiva]] to [[channel|channeling]] his energy through them is said to be an intense [[yagya|spiritual fire]] burning away the practitioner's previous [[personality]] and eradicating their [[sins]].
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| − | ====The Law of Karma====
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| − | Similar to many [[Eastern]] religions, the Brahma Kumaris believe that [[Karma]] is a law controlling actions and reactions ; that every action creates a reaction and that individuals experience the effects of those reactions either as happiness or suffering. These reactions can be experienced in the current or a following lifetime. Thoughts being the origin of actions.
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| − | ====The Cycle====
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| − | Using the symbolism of classical [[Hinduism]], Brahma Kumaris believe that time is cyclical and follows a pattern of a cycle which lasts for 5000 years. This is referred to as " The Cycle " of 4 or 5 Ages or [[Yuga]]s ; Satya, Thretha, Dwapara and Kali in Hindi. Each cycle is identical to the one that came before it and to the one that will come after it. They call this the 'Eternal Drama'. God, souls and the 'Eternal Drama' have no beginning or end (''Anadi'' and ''Avinaashi'' ). The souls keep on entering the physical body (birth) and leave (death) them as per the rules of the 'Eternal Drama'.
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| − | It starts with a [[paradise]] or " [[Satya| Golden Age]] " of 900,000 human beings, all followers of their religion. This then declines to a slightly less paradisiacal " [[Treta Yuga | Silver Age]] " in which humans are also naturally spiritual minded. Then after 2,500 years, the Earth declines further to enter into a " Copper Age " where humanity experience the [[Dualism|duality]] of [[spirit]] and [[matter]]. Suffering is experienced for the first time, the search for God and religions are created for the first time. 1,250 years later, a totally impure " [[Ages_of_Man|Iron Age]] " of suffering, injustice and irreligiousness begins. Brahma Kumaris believe this " [[Ages_of_Man|Iron Age]] " is our current age and that it is " [[Hell]] ". The opposite of their " [[Golden Age]] " 5,000 years before - or a few years into the future. They teach that at the end of the Iron Age, the World must be completely destroyed by a nuclear war between Russia and America, natural disasters and a blood bath of civil war in India.
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| − | At the end of [[Kaliyuga]], BKWSU teach that the moral status of humanity deteriorates to such an extent that negative tendencies dominate human relationships and their god Shiva adopts the body of Lekhraj Kripalani to teaches souls how to remove these negative tendencies and instill divine qualities in their place. Those who follow the BKs will contribute to the creation of a "heaven on earth" and will naturally end up in [[Satya| Golden Age]] or [[Treta Yuga | Silver Age]] of the next cycle. All others, and non-BKs will start taking birth from [[ Dvapara Yuga | Copper Age ]] and Iron Age.
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| − | Between the lowest [[entropy]] of the " [[Ages_of_Man|Iron Age]] " and the high spiritual state of their " [[Satya| Golden Age]]", there is a brief period of 100 years when the work to establish the [[Paradise]] must takes place. This period of time is known as the " Confluence Age " and was originally taught to be 40 years. When the World did not end, it became 100 years; 50 years for [[destruction]] of the [[World]] through " the jaws of death, the wail of horror, the rivers of blood and pus, the panic and the desperation, and then, the final death ", [http://www.brahmakumaris.com/aboutus/divinevisions.htm] followed by another 50 years for the creation of [[Heaven]] on [[Earth]].
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| − | However, " [[Armaggedon|Destruction]] ", as it is known, did not happen according to their timetables :
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| − | * first in 1976, one hundred years after the death of Dada Lehkraj,
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| − | * then some time between 1985 and 1996, 50 to 60 years after the alleged incarnation of Shiva Baba
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| − | * Year 2000 [http://www.brahmakumaris.org.in/Landmarks.htm]
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| − | Therefore their knowledge has become modified according to necessity in order to sustain their [[faith]]. At first it was taught 50 years for destruction and 50 for creation, then 60 / 40, now the Brahma Kumaris tend to try and avoid the issue. They teach that every soul will receive salvation, regardless of their religion or way of life. Every soul will return to its [[Nirvana]], also known as [[Brahman|Shantidham]] or the Land of Peace.
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| − | ====The Tree of Religions====
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| − | The Brahma Kumaris use the [[symbolism]] of " The Tree " to represent the [[evolution]], or rather decline, of the [[human]] [[family]] of souls. The [[root]] of the [[tree]] is made up by Brahma Kumaris followers currently practicing their [[Raja Yoga]] only. These individuals alone are to become the residents of " [[Heaven]] on [[Earth]] ", symbolised by the trunk of the tree, where humanity is one and experiences [[Golden Age]] and [[Silver Age]].
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| − | " The Tree " is then illustration to split in 5 major [[branches]]. [[Humanity]], they teach, forgets its original nature and each branch represents one of the 5 major religious traditions or seeking for [[god]] and [[divinity]] ; [[Judaism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Christianity]], [[Islam]] and renunciate tradition of India called " [[Sanyasi]]sm " and manifestation of this newly impure world.
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| − | The outer branches of " The Tree " are said to symbolise the " [[Ages_of_Man|Iron Age]] " of a fractured [[humanity]] where even major [[religion]]s are split into many small branches, representing [[scientific]] beliefs, religious [[cult]]s and [[political movements]]. [[Jesus Christ]], [[Muhammad]], [[Buddha]], [[Adi Shankara|Shankaracharya]] and all other religious founders are said to [[birth|incarnate]] at the beginning of their [[religion]] and then continue to [[Reincarnation|reincarnate]] through out the [[history]] of their [[religion]] until coming to the " [[end of the world]] " at this time and seeking out the Brahma Kumaris for re-[[education]] in [[spirituality]]. It is specifically taught that none of the other religious founder have a direct connection with [[God]] nor are they able to escape human [[reincarnation]] many times over as is believed by [[Sanyasa|Sanyasin]], [[Buddhist]]s, [[Mohammedans]] or [[Christians]].
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| − | " The Tree " of [[humanity]] must be destroyed each " Cycle " in order that a new " Tree " repeats the pattern exactly. The " [[seed]] " for this new tree is their " [[God]] " [[Shiva]] Baba alone and they are the only true source of this knowledge.
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| − | ====The Founder Brahma Baba====
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| − | Under the inspiration of their " God " businessman Lekraj Kripalani, became known as " [[Brahma]] Baba " and was said to have had 84 human births, which is the maximum number of births for any human soul. The Brahma Kumaris believe that Lekraj Kripalani was the first pure being in the world known as " [[Adam]] " or " [[Krishna]] ".
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| − | Since they believe that their " [[God]] " needs a human body through which to communicate and Lekraj Kripalani was considered to be the most experienced of all human beings, their " [[God]] " took possession of his mental faculties and body in order to communicate with body conscious, impure humanity. Lekraj Kripalani is considered by the Brahma Kumaris to be number one soul, higher in divinity than [[Jesus Christ]], [[Mohamed]], [[Buddha]] and all other religious founders who must come to him, or his followers, for re-education in spirituality. Lekraj Kripalani by his actions in a previous incarnation 2,500 years ago is also taught to be the individual that led humanity to " [[The Fall of Man|The Fall]] ", that is out of [[divinity]] and [[heaven]] on [[earth]] and into [[dualistic]] suffering.
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| − | Followers believe that this Supreme Soul, known as Shiva or God and Lekhraj Kirpalani continue to be channeled on a regular basis by a senior BK sister at their headquarters in India. Also that Lekhraj Kirpalani's soul will reincarnate as Hindu god Krishna in his next birth.
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| − | ====Brahma Kumaris Principles====
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| − | The final lesson traditionally taught by the Brahma Kumaris relates to the lifestyle and disciplines they follow, called Maryadas, as regards to religious practices, [[food]], [[sex]] and [[relationships]].
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| − | | |
| − | === '''Achievements''' ===
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| − | The organization now has 100s of branches internationally and ;
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| − | * most level management and the majority of local management and teaching is done by women,
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| − | * supports public healthcare provision in its sponsored hospital.
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| − | * organizes interfaith meetings that have brought together previously opposing groups.
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| − | * active within [[Women's rights|female emancipation]] in India.
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| − | * 7 UN Peace Messenger Awards 1987 for the co-ordination of the ‘Million Minutes of Peace’ project
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| − | * granted International Peace Messenger Initiative status by the U.N.for the Global Co-operation for a Better World campaign
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| − | * promoting the use of renewable energy in India.
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| − | * does not charge for its services.
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| − | * funded by donations.
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| − | ==Controversy==
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| − | This organization teaches about the inception of the main religions, but maintains that the organization itself is not religious. It is based in India and incorporates lifestyle principles also found in the original Hindu practices but claim that they are both not Hindu and that Hinduism is actually the aftermath of their way of life, also that the worship practices in Hinduism are memorials, or "Yaadgaars" in [[Hindi]], of themsevles. This has caused severe rifts with the wider Hindu community at times, especially with those of the Hindu reform movement Arya Samaj but many do not feel comfortable with this.
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| − | The Brahma Kumaris only eat food cooked by those within their organization and themselves and sometimes not even by less experienced BKs. This practice offends some outsiders. The BKs claim that the Hindu spiritual scripture, [[Bhagavad Gita]], is actually the teachings of [[Shiva]] and that it is mis-interpreted by Hindus.
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| − | * Documented incidents of [[child abuse]] within the organisation brushed aside by leaders as due to the [[karma | bad karma ]] of the children suffering [[sex abuse]] and outside of their responsibility, the perpetrators avoid punishment or reporting to [[police]].
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| − | * [[Social]] and [[psychological]] problems faced by ex-followers including two [[suicides]] within one family.
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| − | * [[Rape]] and physical violence from families and partners of Brahma Kumaris.
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| − | * Questionable advertisement of relationship with [[United Nations]] Organisation. [http://www.bkun.org/bkfocus.html]
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| − | * Name changing from University to Organisation.
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| − | * Discreet [[historical revisionism | historical revision]] and re-writing of their " [[God]]'s " spoken word to avoid controversy, to accommodate increased [[world population]], to change speculation over the timing of destruction of the world and other matters.
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| − | * Self-proclaimed " [[University]] " status not recognised by any external authority.
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| − | * From a [[theological]] point of view, B.K.s claim that the [[Hindu]] spiritual scripture [[Bhagavad Gita]] is actually the teachings of [[Shiva]] and that it is misinterpreted by other [[Hindus]] and that the current version of the [[Bhagavad Gita]] has been modified and enlarged by human beings.
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| − | * Beliefs that they are the only true and direct representatives of [[God]].
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| − | * Beliefs that they, and only they, are angels, or are training in order to become angels, and that their senior practitioners are already well developed as angels so as to appear in visions or traveling around the world in their angelic forms; that they are the inspiration of the form of angels throughout all of history and art.
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| − | ====Destruction====
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| − | Similar to the belief in [[Armageddon]], core to the BKWSU teaching is that the current [[impure]] [[world]] is going to be imminently destroyed. Within their [[community]], this is referred to as " [[Armageddon|Destruction]] " the timing of which is the topic of much speculation. As above, it is taught that this [[Armageddon|destruction]] will take place through [[civil war]], [[natural disasters]] and, ultimately, [[nuclear holocaust]] between [[Russia]] and [[United States|America]].
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| − | Although the [[planet]] [[Earth]] will not be destroyed, all other [[continents]] except for Indian sub-continent, and life as it is known, will disappear below the [[oceans]]. Modern civilisation with them. Within a period of less than 30 years though, [[India]] will be rebuilt as a [[paradise]] and a [[Golden Age]] for faithful B.K.W.S.U. followers begin. Initially, it was thought that Destruction would take place 100 years after the birth of Dada and in 1976 there was a false alarm that encouraged many followers to leave. Then it was taught that this [[period]] of [[Armageddon|destruction]] and re-creation would take 50 years and 50 years respectively ending in the mid to late 1980s. However, the organisation is now celebrating its 70th year. Despite taking part in many [[peace]], and even [[anti-nuclear]] campaigns, they believe that " [[Armageddon|Destruction]] " is unavoidable.
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| − | Quote from B.K.W.S.U. teaching poster called, " Truth about The Creator and His Creation by Most Beloved World God Father Shiva Kalpa (5,000 years) Ago. "; " ... the Iron Aged irreligious world '''destroyed''' through [[Shankar]] by goading [[Yadavas|Yadvas]] [ i.e. the scientists of Europe etc. ] ". See; [http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/images/Trinity.jpg].
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| − | ==Sub-sects==
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| − | ====PBK====
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| − | Believing himself to be a reincarnation of Lekhraj Kirpalani's business partner, Virendra Dev Dikşi split away from main body of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation to form the [[Adhyatmik Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya]] or " [[P.B.K. movement]] " after being barred from B.K. Raja Yoga centres. He continues to teach and is considered to be the true [[channeler]] of the guiding [[spirit]] or " [[God]] " they and the BKWSU call [[Shiva]] Baba. Followers call themselves " [[Adhyatmik Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya|PBK]]s ".
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| − | ====Heidi Fittkau-Garthe====
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| − | [[Germany|German]] [[psychologist]], and a previously high-profile Brahma Kumari, Heidi Fittkau-Garthe was charged in the [[Canary Islands]] with a plot of [[murder]]-[[suicide]] in which 31 [[cult]] followers, including five children, were to ingest [[poison]]. After the [[suicide]]s, they were told they would be picked up by a [[spaceship]] and taken to an unspecified destination.
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| − | | |
| − | == External links ==
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| − | ====BK====
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| − | * http://www.bkwsu.org/ Official International website.
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| − | * http://brahmakumaris.com Official Indian based website
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| − | * http://www.rajyoga.in/ e-learning site by B.K.W.S.U.
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| − | * http://www.brahmakumaris.com/ site based in India.
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| − | * http://www.peacevillage.com/ B.K. sponsored Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.
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| − | * http://www.globalretreatcentre.com/index.htm Global Retreat Centre, UK.
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| − | * http://www.geocities.com/bro_khem/ Articles written by BK author including scriptural quotations.
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| − | * http://www.brahmakumaris.org.in/Landmarks.htm Detailed historic timeline.
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| − | * http://www.bkun.org/bkfocus.html B.K.W.S.U. and the United Nations
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| − | * Original B.K. teaching posters:
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| − | *# [http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/en/?name=galeria-4 The World Drama Cycle and Trimurti] [http://www.fileden.com/files/1561/Cycle.html (Text)]
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| − | *# [http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/en/?name=galeria-2 Lakshimi and Narayan] [http://www.fileden.com/files/1561/LaxmiNarayan.html (Text)]
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| − | *# [http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/en/?name=galeria-1 The Human World Tree] [http://www.fileden.com/files/1561/Tree.html (Text)]
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| − | *# [http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/en/?name=galeria-3 The Ladder of 84 Births]
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| − | ====ex-B.K.====
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| − | * http://www.bkwsu-critique.com/ Balanced critique of the B.K.W.S.U. to counter the mostly negative critiques currently available on the internet
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| − | * http://www.brahmakumaris.info/ Independent website on the B.K.W.S.U. with no affiliation to the B.K.W.S.U.
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| − | * http://www.brahmakumaris.info/indexbb.html Discussion forum for BKs, ex-BKs and PBK with no affiliation to the B.K.W.S.U.
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| − | * http://www.xbkchat.com - A meeting place for past members of Brahma Kumaris and also B.K.s, P.B.K.s and friends and family of B.K.s by invitation. [ xbkchat's Open discussion forum closed May 2006, Thank you for all your service to others.]
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| − | * http://xbkinfo.infogami.com/ A guide to life after leaving the Brahma Kumaris
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| − | *http://www.abia29.hemscott.net/Inner_Dialogues.htm Time and Eternity "Inner Dialogues" by Paul Brocklehurst 2003
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| − | ====P.B.K.====
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| − | * http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/ P.B.K. websites.
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| − | * http://www.shivbaba.ca/
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| − | * http://www.creator-creation.com/
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| − | * http://www.rajayoga.org.pl/
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| − | * http://www.rajayoga.org.pl/en/?name=vocabulary dictionary of Raja Yoga terminology.
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| − | | |
| − | ====Critical====
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| − | * http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~eromain/childprotection.htm Report on Child abuse within BKWSU and response by Senior Administrators.
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| − | * http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=206345
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| − | * http://www.cesnur.org/testi/bryn/br_kranenborg.htm
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| − | * http://www.virusmyth.net/aids/books/nhbrevobser.htm Neville Hodgkinson, 'AIDS; The Failure of Contemporary Science, UK 1996
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| − | | |
| − | ====Christian====
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| − | * http://www.reachouttrust.org/articles/othergrp/brahma.htm Reachout Trust report [ Christian group ].
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| − | * http://www.reachouttrust.org/articles/testimony/brahmaanon.htm
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| − | ====Islamic====
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| − | * http://www.islamicvoice.com/august.99/dialogue.htm view from " Islamic Voice "
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| − | ==Bibliography==
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| − | * 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 ", [http://www.rajayoga.org.pl/pl/files/BKTransplantation.pdf]
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| − | * 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 0754609510 [http://www.arsdisputandi.org/index.html?http://www.arsdisputandi.org/publish/articles/000108/index.html]
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| − | * Reender Kranenborg, Free University of Amsterdam. " Brahma Kumaris: A New Religion? " [http://www.cesnur.org/testi/bryn/br_kranenborg.htm], 1999.
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| − | * Peter Clarke, " Dada Lekhraj " & " Brahma Kumaris." Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements. Routledge 2005.
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| − | * William Shaw , " Spying in Guruland: Inside Britain’s Cults ", Fourth Estate, London, England 1994. [http://www.csj.org/infoserv_bookreview/csjbkrev122spy.htm]
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| − | * Lawrence A. Babb, " Amnesia and Remembrance in a Hindu Theory of History ", Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 41, No. 1 (1982), pp. 49-66.
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| − | * Mayer, Jean-François et Reender Kranenborg, Geneve, Suisse. " La Naissance des Nouvelles Religions ". 2004 ISBN 2-8257-0877-1
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| − | * Frank Whaling, Emeritus Professor of the Study of Religion, University of Edinburgh. " Understanding the Brahma Kumaris ", 2006. ISBN 190376551X.
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| − | * Suma Varughese. " Satyug is as Sure as Death ". 1998 [http://www.lifepositive.com/spirit/spirit-centers/bramha-kumari.asp]
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| − | * Interreligious Insight. " Brahma Kumaris, World Spiritual University ", [http://www.interreligiousinsight.org/October2004/Oct04Madhuban.pdf]
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| − | * Ken O'Donnell. " Raja Yoga for beginners ", 1987.
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| − | * Jagdish Chander. " Adi Dev: The First Man ", 1981.
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| − | * Dadi Janki, " Companion of God ", 2003 ISBN 034082915X.
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| − | * BKWSU. " World Drama ", unknown date.
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| − | * BKWSU. " Easy RajYoga ", unknown date.
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| − | * BKWSU. " The Seven Day Course " Pamphlet series, unknown date.
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| − | | |
| − | ==See also==
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| − | * [[Channeling]]
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| − | * [[Channeling (mediumistic)]]
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| − | * [[Hinduism]]
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| − | * [[New religious movement]]
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| − | * [[Yoga]]
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| − | * [[Patanjali]] and the [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali]]
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| − | * [[Meditation]]
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| − | * [[Raja Yoga]]
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| − | * [[Adhyatmik Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya|Prajapita Brahma Kumaris]]
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The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation, also known as the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), or Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya. Teachers of a form of meditation, involving spirit channeling, called Raja Yoga and not to be confused with classical Patanjali's Raja Yoga.
A New Religious Movement with core Millenarianism beliefs concerning the imminent destruction of the current impure Kali Yuga world by a World War between America and Russia, civil war in India, widespread natural disasters and nuclear holocaust followed by the reward of a paradisiacal Sat Yuga or " Golden Age " which will take place on the Indian subcontinent for its faithful followers. Followers of the BKWSU are known as " B.K.s ", Brahma Kumaris [female] or Brahma Kumars [male], literally, the daughters or sons of Brahma.
Formed in Sindh, now Pakistan, during 1937 by businessman Lekhraj Kripalani, a Sindhi follower of the Vaishnavite Vallabhacharya Sect. Kripalani experienced a series of what he considered to be divine visions and then possession by a spirit he considered to be God, the Supreme Soul, [1]. This spirit the B.K.s name as " Shiva Baba ", took over control of his bodily organs in order to express a message to humanity and teach their form of Raja Yoga. Followers, known as his " mouth born progeny ", believe that Lekhraj Kripalani is God's only direct medium or instrument. God being a soul which cannot express its message other than through this human body and this time being the only time in history that God intervenes in human destiny. B.K.s believe that their god " Shiva Baba " renamed Lekhraj Kripalani " Brahma Baba " and that he was the incarnation of the Hindu god Brahma, Prajapita or, literally, the Father of Humanity. Baba means " father " in Hindi.
Originally called "Om Mandali" or " Rajswa Ashvamegh Avinashi Geeta Gyan Yagya ", in the early days Lekhraj Kripalani attracted mostly women and their children belonging to the exogamous Bhaiband business caste of Hyderabad and along with them created much controversy until the Indian Congress party and the Arya Samaj denounced the Om Mandali community. Dada Lekhraj, known then as " Om Baba ", in turn denounced the Congress as "Kansa" or wicked and under pressure of Hindu public opinion, the Sindh government reluctantly banned the Om Mandali, which went to court and had the ban order quashed.
A year after its establishment, the organization moved from Hyderabad to Karachi for fourteen years, now part of Pakistan but at that time part of colonial India until after the Partition of India and Pakistan. The founding group of approximately 300 individuals lived as a self-sufficient community spending their time in intense spiritual study, meditation and alleged self-transformation. During this time, mediumistic female followers known as " Sandeshputris " or trance messengers helped add to their spiritual knowledge through psychic visions and allegedly direct contact with God. In 1950, the community moved to Mount Abu, mainly due to the religious resistance to its activities in Pakistan. In 1969 it was formally establish as the World Renewal Trust with a male trustee. Colloquially known as " Om Shanti Organization ".
From its modest beginnings, the organization kept progressing in leaps and bounds to reach by early 1996 about 3,200 meditation centers in 70 countries with over 450,000 students. The nucleus of the Brahma Kumaris’ centers worldwide is " Madhuban " in Mount Abu, " the Father’s Mountain " and is regarded as a pilgrimage place by many who are in search of spiritual rejuvenation. The BKWSU now claims to have more than 5,500 Raja Yoga centres in 90 countries and over 800,000 students whilst still expanding. No details as to the level or of length of commitment are given.
A multi-million dollar registered " educational " charity that in 70 years has only been known once to distribute aid outside of its operations. There is no data on how many Brahma Kumaris leave the organisation annually, nor the average time members stay active before leaving and no verifiable data as to how many adherents each centre hosts. Most centres outside of India are located in followers' homes and or domestic apartments.
Although borrowing much symbolism and terminology from traditional Hinduism, Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga see themselves entirely as separate from Hinduism and unique as the only true instruments of God. They state that they are only religious group to have direct instructions from God. Followers believe that this Supreme Soul or God and Lekhraj Kirpalani continue to be channeled on a regular basis by a senior sister at the headquarters in India, and that Lekhraj Kripalani's soul will reincarnate as Hindu god Krishna in his next birth.
Teachers of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga state that their practice is aimed at purifying oneself by realizing one's identity as soul and maintaining a state of communion with their God. Followers take upon themselves a disciplined lifestyle which involves;
Students wake up for 45 minutes meditation at 4 am. They then attend a daily morning class at 6.00 am, work or keep their household during the day and then return to evangelize, teach or do more meditation in the evening. B.K.s make regular donations or contributions to the Raja Yoga centre irrespective of means [ no checks are made on an individual's financial position or wherewithal to do so ]. Donations are generally not accepted from non-B.K.s as their money is considered as " impure ". B.K.s are encouraged to visit the headquarters located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India once a year if possible.
In the main, " service " means teaching their version of Raja Yoga or evangelizing their " Knowledge " and B.K.s were instructed not to do general social work nor perform what is generally understood as charity. Spiritual efforts are directed at overcoming what are seen as " The 5 Vices " ; greed, lust (sometimes called 'sex lust') anger, ego, attachment.
Followers use the traditional Hindu mantra " Om Shanti ", understood to mean " I am an eternal and peaceful soul ", as an all purpose general greeting and to recognize each other.
Central to the Brahma Kumaris practice is the teaching of all their core beliefs in 7 one, or one and a half hour, long lessons called " The 7 Day Course ". Once these 7 lessons are understood, students are then introduced to unpublished scriptures considered to be the direct teachings of God called "Murlis", named after the flute that the Hindu god Krishna is generally illustrated holding. These comprise of the core philosophy of their religion and are known as " Gyan " or "The Knowledge ". The use of the word " knowledge " is specific to these beliefs and absolute faith in this knowledge is seen as central to the liberation of the soul.
In many countries, especially in the West, the Brahma Kumaris have introduced lightweight versions of their meditation courses designed to capitalize on the interest in New Age, positive thinking or personal growth movements which introduce basic elements of their faith and practice but avoid detailed and controversial instruction. Often these courses focus on specific interest groups such as women, business people, teachers and so on.