Jain Spirit 2005 12 No24

SR No.: 529004
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 102
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 21 MB

Page 77

Dadi Janki, co-administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris, says their aim throughout the years has been a simple one - to give people an experience of their true selves. "When we look deep within us, we will find something magical. It is our true spiritual power that has been latent, but by the practice of meditation we can merge it practically into our lives and we will be able to see with our own eyes the remarkable transformation it can create."
The links between the Brahma Kumaris and Jains are numerous. The BK's headquarters are in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. Mount Abu has a rich spiritual heritage, with many thousands of visitors a year coming to see the temples at Achalgarh, Guru Shikhar, Gaumukh and Adhar Devi. It is at Mount Abu that the world famous Delwara Jain Temples are also to be found, with their stunning and intricate architecture and statues of 108 deities, each with their unique carvings and features. There is something special about the location of the Jain Temple and the Brahma Kumaris headquarters - known as "Madhuban' - in Mount Abu. Indian scriptures are filled with legends of how the gods would retreat to the mountains and immerse themselves in solitude and gain spiritual power through meditation. When you go to visit both places in Mount Abu, you become instantly aware of the vibrations of peace and spiritual power that fill the air.
local communities. In 1993, the Brahma observance of vegetarian diet, which Kumaris opened the Global Hospital includes avoiding fish, eggs, onions and Research Centre. It became the and garlic. This helps the process of first hospital in the area to offer modern cleansing the mind spiritually by only medical treatment and services free of eating food that will not conflict with the charge to large numbers of local people. natural balance of the mind and body. Its innovative Village Outreach Project has also helped hundreds of villages Celibacy, also highly esteemed in the in the surrounding region to deal with Jain community, is an important part of common illnesses and diseases.
a BK lifestyle. Raja Yoga meditation,
the core practice of all BKs, involves The organisation's most recent
raising the individual's awareness from complex, the Shantivan in Taleti at body consciousness', where they the foot of the mountain, is a world identify themselves solely as physical record breaker in its own right. Using beings, towards 'soul consciousness', cutting edge technology, the majority where the individual ascends to an of the complex's electricity and power awareness of their true selves - the is supplied by solar energy. It has the spirit, or the soul. Celibacy enables the world's largest solar cooker, which can individual to experience the truest state cook meals for up to 30,000 people of 'soul consciousness'. at a time. The same technology has enabled many homes in local villages The BK philosophy transcends culture, to erect solar panels on their rooftops religion and race. And that is something - ensuring that for the first time they that has been exemplified by the global have free electricity to help develop presence of the organisation, where their land and improve their economic many members are also Jains. The situation. The Rural Wing of the
Serve Africa' project will have a BK Brahma Kumaris in India has also centre in every country on the continent developed a sophisticated network of within a year. With its main base in education programmes and training Nairobi, Kenya, where members are initiatives for farmers throughout the from both the Indian expat and local country. Social programmes include African communities, the Brahma helping to eradicate illiteracy and Kumaris have benefited thousands reduce dependencies on smoking, through seminars, public events and alcohol, tobacco chewing and drug courses on Raja Yoga meditation. addiction.
In the UK, the youth wing of the Brahma Since the time the organisation came Kumaris have also co-ordinated joint into existence, the Brahma Kumaris events with the Young Jains, including have maintained a constant focus on a national one-day event exploring essential spiritual practices, which they the concept of the soul. The BK's believe form the basis for real inner Global Retreat Centre in Oxford has growth. Like Jains, there is a strict also hosted interfaith retreats for
young people, some co-organised with members of Young Jains, as well as those from different professional backgrounds.
Throughout India, there are many BK centres that work in villages and small
photograph: Giorgio Pilu of BKWSU "Meditation Dome, Gyan Sarovar
Ravi Khanna, one of the youth co-ordinators of Brahma Kumaris in the UK, said that it was just the beginning: "We are very aware of the desire among young people to really understand and learn from the wisdom of their faith and culture. We hope to build on our relationships with groups like Young Jains to show how the power of positive change is something that young people can and will be at the forefront of."
Maureen Goodman is programme co-ordinator at the International Centre of the Brahma Kumaris in London. www.bkwsu.com
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