News from Br Charlie Re: His trip to Chile, Colombia and Peru

11 October 2018

Dear Family,

I have just arrived back from two weeks in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

 

My first stop was in Chile and lovely to see Caroline and the family. I only had one night there but started a session on the Maryadas and then on my way back two weeks later I did part two of the Maryadas.

 

I then flew to Colombia.In fact service in Colombia has its roots from Australia when Maria who was the Colombian Consul to Sydney took the course in 1977 and later took Baba's knowledge back to her home country.

 

The main reason I went was to speak at a conference in Cali, a city in Colombia which became famous for being the centre of the Colombian drug cartels but where they now have an annual spiritual conference co-organised by the local government. In past years Jayantiben, Antony Strano, Ken, Caroline and others have spoken at the conference. The special guest this year was Dan Goleman, who was the author of Emotional intelligence and I was to speak before his session. Attendees came from all over Latin America. As it happened the conference started late so nearly 2000 turned for my session and each one had an FM translation unit so there was simultaneous translation. There were three mediation sessions and there was absolute silence in the gathering.

 

I did spend some time talking to Dan Goleman who has had a lifelong interest in meditation since visiting India in the early 70's. He has recently written a book about meditation which looks at meditation in a very hard nosed scientific way but with very positive results. He told me in the last 3 years there have been nearly 3000 scientific studies into the effects of mediation on the mind, the brain and the body. He said science is beginning to realise the huge benefits of a regular meditative practice.

 

In Cali I took part in the Rakhi ceremony, not tying the Rakhi but giving the tohli and blessing. They insisted I play this part and so it was very enjoyable. The only other time I took part in the Rakhi was in fact in Colombia in 1991 when I actually tied the Rakhi!!!

 

From Cali I went to Bogota the capitol of Colombia where Baba has a beautiful centre and many old jewels living there. There were many classes and meetings and a visit to a new Class location. There was also a public event for 400 people. They decided, as it was a large crowd to have a professional translator, but the poor soul found it hard to understand spiritual concepts so he was almost interviewing me to try to understand what i was talking about. Luckily the audience found this dialogue between us very amusing; which seemed like both a stand up comedy routine along with a spiritual talk!!!!

 

From Colombia I went to Peru where Baba has a beautiful new centre. Service in Peru also has it's roots from Australia when Norma from Sydney went with Moira  in the 90's. Now ther is a lovely trimurti living in the centre Nonie, Nelly and Nico!

 

There were many programmes, classes and meetings. They have many good contacts and one meeting was with one of the countries main journalists who was responsible for bringing down a corrupt government. He told extraordinary stories of what he went through. I am now back in Sydney

 

Much love in Baba's yaad

Charlie

 

 

Highlights of Dr Hansa Raval's visit to Guatemala

15 September 2018

 

Mr. Sajeev Babu Kurup, the Ambassador of India to Guatemala, concurrently accredited to El Salvador and Honduras, attended a Raksha Bandhan program at the Brahma Kumaris centre in Guatemala.  BK Dr. Hansa Raval tied Rakhi to the Ambassador, presented him with a Godly gift, and tied Rakhi to all program attendees.  The Ambassador, his wife, and several of his senior staff experienced peace through a conducted Raja Yoga meditation commentary.  The centre’s meditation hall was at full capacity, more than 200, with many standing outside to listen to the program.  The Ambassador stayed after the program and joined the Brahmin family for Brahma Bhojan. 

 

The centre organized several additional programs during Dr. Hansaben’s visit to Guatemala:

1.     Dr. Hansaben, Sister Anne (National Coordinator of Guatemala) and Sister Leticia celebrated Rakhi with the staff at the Embassy of India in Guatemala.

2.     Radio interview on “Power of Mind in Overcoming Obstacles” at Radio Universidad.

3.     Talk on “Effect of Healthy Diet and Nutrition in Slowing the Degenerative Process”, a public program at the centre.

4.     Radio program on “Effect of Healthy Diet and Nutrition in Slowing the Degenerative Process”, at Radio Punto.

5.     One of Guatemala City’s largest newspaper, Prensa Libre, published a full page feature story entitled “Between Military, Medicine and Meditation”.

6.     Several meetings and family get-togethers with Brahmin family, including Raksha Bandhan celebration.

 

See picture links below:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qn4rsz11ac3o7d9/AADZMj9Xrz-FEKZZY_o0xjl8a?dl=0

  

In BapDada’s sweet yaad,

Sister Anne

Brahma Kumaris Guatemala

 

 

News from Guatemala about the Eruption of Volcan de Fuego

20 June 2018

 

Dear family  around the world, 

 

We appreciate your concern about the situation that happened in Guatemala from the disaster caused by the eruption of the Volcano called Fuego.

I send you the link for you to read it in essence.

 

We all have to be very aware of the moments that we are living these days in the world and help Baba in the transition through our powerful stage.

 

Om shanti in Baba´s sweet remembrance.

 

BK Anne

Guatemala

 

Guatemala, 12th June 2018

 

We appreciate the concern you all have manifested about the situation that Guatemala is going through, caused by the eruption of the Fire Volcano on sunday the 3rd. of June at 1 p.m.  Sister Leticia and myself, Anne, were in Peace Village.

 

It was an explosion of Kiroplastic material, sand, lots of ashes and the burning lava that took various paths, burying totally a Resort called La Reunión and other communities, mainly one called El Rodeo and its surroundings.  

 

There are more than 4,000 people that are staying in refuge places such as public schools, at the municipalities and other places that none of them have the conditions or infrastructure that is adequate to shelter so many families or individuals that practically lost everything, and also, many members of their families that they still don´t find their bodies.  They already found 110 corpses but the rest are buried under 7mts. of ashes and hot materials.  When the Government declares that they have to stop the rescue they will declare it as a memorial place or a graveyard. 

 

From abroad and locally, help is coming, nevertheless, the Government is not allowing for things to flow and some even take advantage of the circumstances, taking for themselves what they want.

 

In the Country of Guatemal there are 37 volcanos and now 4 are active all year long. Near the Volcán de Fuego there is the Volcán of Pacaya which is also active and it also throws lava and ashes. There is a river that already the lava has penetrated in it and a bridge fell down and also others are at this same point of risk.

 

Now it is the rainy season and that has caused also the blockage of some roads because of the landslide from the mountains.

 

The feeling in Guatemala is a lot of sorrow and suffering, insecurity  and lost of hope and tons of fear.

 

Regarding the Brahmin family and their families none of them were affected directly, besides the rain of ashes that penetrated in the whole city.  Indirectly we will all be affected in the near future regarding agriculture, because that area has a very rich soil, fertile, where they cultivated vegetables and fruits.  Surely, there is much more to come and we have to be ready.

 

On our side, what it remains is to do our spiritual part, creating a powerful atmosphere to help the souls with their inner needs and nature, serving in a subtle way, keeping our stage immovable and unshakable, as Baba teach us everyday and He guides us to be free from influences. 

 

This is a challenge and an opportunity at the same time to be able to use the powers that Baba has given us to be victorious.

 

In Baba´s love,  Om shanti,

Brahmin family from Guatemala

 

 

International Meditation for Peace held in Costa Rica

23 May 2018

 

The Brahma Kumaris centers from Central America, Mexico and Dominican Republic, did a 24-hour Meditation from Saturday 14th finishing on Sunday 15th. The initiative is called: Sending Vibrations of Love. The culmination in Costa Rica was the International Meditation for Peace from 10:30 am to 12 pm.  The event was sponsored by the Cartago Municipality and the radio 870 AM from the University of Costa Rica.

 

The Meditation was done in the gardens at the Ruins of Cartago, old building, which is National Heritage. More than 150 people meditated. Meditation, live music of bagpipe, electric guitar and singing were part of the event. For the closing the Mayor of Cartago City prepared a beautiful ceremony with 12 white doves representing peace for the 12 months of the year. The slogan of the event was “I am peace: from Costa Rica to the world”

 

MORE IMAGES: Please see the attached link and download and rename 5-8 of the most interesting and representative ones:

http://bk.ooo/international-meditation-for-peace-at-costa-rica-central-america-2/

 

 

 

National Meeting - Bogota, Colombia - January 4 to 8

20 February 2018

 

Participation of coordinators and right arms of all national headquarters

 

Meeting with RN / 2018 facilitators. After each center and place of service made its presentation on the main activities carried out in 2017, the national coordination gave recognition to each one for the efforts made during the year, and started with the central theme: From OM to OM SHANTI. To elaborate the vision of the group in the institution, carried out in 13 sessions, implementing a session of SILENCE and MEDITATION. There was transmission of classes with Mohini bhen and Ken bhai, after a greeting of peace, they deepened the central theme of the different challenges established to be fulfilled in the five years and which focused us to the pre-established vision in the meeting. Challenges that serve as a base for the region, according to Sister Mohini, from Peace Village New York.

 

We will state them below with their respective objective:

 

1. HEALTH AS A CHALLENGE: That the brahmin community have a more conscious view of the various aspects of health.

 

2. NEW EXPERIENCES OF MADHUBAN: That the brahmins learn to better plan their experience and take advantage of the news.

 

3. YOUNG PEOPLE, RENEWING THE FAMILY: Allow the renewal of the family and consequently of the service.

 

4. THE CHALLENGE OF VOLUNTEERING: The instruments offer more opportunities to people who do not necessarily want to be part of the brahmin family.

 

5. THE DIGITAL CHALLENGE: To promote in the brahmin community the acceptance of the virtual theme for spiritual service and benefit.

 

6. NEW COURSE FORMS: Implement more experimental courses and promote virtual teaching.

 

7. TRIBUTARY AND LEGAL CHALLENGES: Generate awareness of the need to follow the laws for the greater benefit of all.

 

8. THE EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE: Recognize the benefit of reaching the maximum number of people, recognizing that there are different ways of doing it.

 

9. THE CHALLENGE OF THE EDITOR: Manage excessive stock, migrate to a virtual platform and find a marketing path that allows it to become sustainable.

 

10. A CULTURE OF PEACE: Implement the theme of culture of peace as the basic axis of the activities of Brahma Kumaris.

 

11. VISITS OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SERVICE: Awareness of the most important changes in this regard, such as the fact of not being able to receive great seniors, and stimulating national visits.

 

12. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HEADQUARTERS: Promote reflection on the importance of headquarters and the stimulus to sustainable development.

 

Vision:

 

"In January 2022, Brahma Kumaris Colombia is a spiritual organization, inclusive, empowered and expanding, with a focus on the culture of peace. The self-leadership of its members is the basis of their prosperity and the well-being of the community. The venues are solid and have a structured volunteer service. It serves people, communities and organizations in general in an inspiring, effective, modern and impactful way. Participate in the yagya service with quality contributions ".