Maryadas
There are many rules, spoken and unspoken governing BK life. In each center or bhavan, generally you will find the following set of guidelines printed out and on displays as a reminder.
Others including cleanliness, e.g. ;
- bathing and changing clothes after toileting, the expectation of the BKWSU that students will have a shower or bucket bath and change clothing after passing stool or at least wash the genital area after urinating
- the use of the left hand to do unclean things such as clean one's self after toileting and the right hand to give and take food or eat with.
- excluding new BKs or shudras from the kitchen areas.
Many of these rules are rooted in practical Hinduism and although they may seem strange to secular Westerners, they are grounded in commonsense in a hot country. Some seem to act to separate BKs from the outside world whereas others seem to be relaxed if the individual in question is important enough a contact for the institute to want to court, e.g. visiting Madhuban.
It is understood that the Maryadas did not rigidly exist during the time of Brahma Baba but were developed by the Senior Sisters after his death.
The Maryadas
Code of conduct
- Pilgrimage of Remembrance & Amrit Vela
The foundations for Brahmin life is loveful remembrance of Baba in the early hours of Amrit Vela. Rise before 4 am. Sit together in meditation from 4am to 4.45am each day.
- Observing Purity
Baba says; " sweet children, the Power of celibacy purifies your intellect and helps you become accurately connected in Yoga with Me ". Apart from celibacy there should be Purity in our Thoughts, Speech, Vision towards others, the state of mind and in all relations and contacts in order to be a true Yogi.
- Good Company
Company will color the Soul. To enable easy transformation keep like company of your true Father and Friend as as much as possible, the company of knowledgeful and Yogi Souls.
- Doing Godly Services
Co-operation with Baba in the Service of the world is the most Elevated of actions and helps to develop many talents in the soul as well as strengthen the relationship with Baba.
- Giving Happiness
As Baba is the Remover of Sorrow and Giver of Happiness, so the children should also uplift others and never cause Sorrow through Thoughts, Words and Actions.
- Creating a Peaceful Atmosphere
The Center of an oasis of Peace of the Soul. Any Soul causing a disturbance due to the vices can be forbidden from attending classes.
- Staying at the Center
No one is allowed to stay at the center without the permission of the zone-in-charge of Madhuban.
- Visiting a Center
It is the Brahmin system to get permission from the Teacher in charge if you are visiting another center so that aletter of introduction can be taken.
- Daily Morning Class
Baba Says: " sweet Children, you should never miss Murli class ". By studying the Murli the Soul gets food for the intellect and Shrimat for Personal Efforts. Baba's Murli contains the solution to all problems and the answers to all questions.
- Pure Diet
To help in purifying the Mind, all food should be vegetarian and dairy products only. Prepare and eat your food in a soul conscious and Yoga stage. Never take stale or heavily spiced food or impure substances like meat, meat products, garlic, onion, tobacco, alcohol & drugs not medically prescribed.
- Inculcation of Divinity
The true religion and the decoration of Brahmin life is the inculcation of the Divine virtues and Spiritual Power in Life.
- Keeping a Chart
Keeping a chart of our own progress creates Power and Enthusiasm in efforts and frees us from making mistakes.
- Observing the Principles
If you find any difficulties in following the principles rather than feeling guilty or burdened, write a letter to Baba and the instrumental Senior Sister and you will feel light and guidance to progress.
- Spiritual Convention
The aim of Baba's children is to make spiritual progress. Worldly businesses should not be discussed in the Center, nor should money be borrowed or lent in the Divine Family.
- Printing Literature
Permission of the zone-in-charge is required for any printing of literature, apart from handouts. For any other service always take the guidance of the instrumental teacher at the center to make it more successful.
- Going to Madhuban
To take maximum benefit from the Madhuban visit students must have observed all principles for at least 12 months and have permission of the zone-in-charge.
Marayada purshottam
Elevated human beings who follow the spiritual principles (marayads) accurately.