2019 Aug-Dec International News Archive 2019 Aug-Dec International News Archive

Table of Content

Dadi Janki Advance Birthday Celebrations with DF's

31 December 2019

Dear Global Family,

 

Tonight we had the joyous occasion of having Dadi Janki with all the double foreigners and begin the first wave of her 104th birthday celebrations.  Dadi was like a cotton wool ball of softness, sweetness and love.  She said many times that she was very happy to see everyone.

 

Thank you to everyone who sent in a birthday video  - it was compiled and shown to Dadi and she loved it.  Everyone’s bhavna of love reached her. She opened her arms in an embrace many times as she watched the video. The pictures will be coming shortly, however, please do enjoy the Happy Birthday video clip from 5 continents and numerous languages. 

 

There is a second video of Dadi’s life journey against the backdrop of a soulful song by ‘Desert Rose’.  

 

In Baba’s yaad,

December DF Program Team

 

Dadi’s Birthday Gift

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DOUxCEWpVsePyfsAy04eDn4zrZn_9nuI/view?usp=sharing

 

Happy Birthday to Dadi Janki from all 5 continents

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10U94GjxFlTdr_TCz8ZtcY_COPBKEhQhh/view?usp=sharing

 

 

 

10th Latino Retreat, ORC, Delhi 10-16 February 2020

29 December 2019

 

We are holding our 10th Latino Retreat, “Return to the source”.  The Retreat will be in Spanish with simultaneous translation in Italian and Portuguese.

 

If you would like to invite any professional or community leaders, special contacts who are regular participants to our programs (not Murli students), or BK family relations with interest in our activities, please email Sr Pilar for more information at pilar.quera@es.brahmakumaris.org. 

 

A sample invitation in Spanish and English is available below for your information.

 

In Baba's yaad,

Latino Retreat Coordinators

 

Spanish Invitation

 

English Invitation

 

 

 

 

New Year 2020 Greetings & Good Wishes from Brother BK Nirwair, Madhuban

29 December 2019

Dear divine sisters and brothers of the BK global family,

Please accept hearty Godly love and multimillion fold joyous greetings for 2020!!!

 

May the coming year bring inspirations that take us closer to our goal of discovering and embodying the deep secrets of spiritual wisdom as shared by the original source Himself! How fortunate each of us is to have rediscovered our true selves, as well as the treasures of health, wealth and happiness in this birth! Let us celebrate every moment of the auspicious Confluence Age and remain ever-intoxicated in the love of our Supreme Parents and beautiful divine family.

 

The New Year resolution of my heart is to continue appreciating the role of each and every soul, remembering that God has invited us to be seated on His heart-throne in order to spread God’s light, just as we have all experienced from BapDada’s forehead and eyes in both Sakar and Avyakt forms.

 

We extend our loving greetings to BapDada’s special pillars: Respected Dadi Jankiji, Dadi Gulzarji, Dadi Ratan Mohiniji and Dadi Ishuji and wish them good health and long life. We specially take this opportunity to share our most respectful congratulations to our beloved World Mother Dadi Jankiji for her 104th birthday on 1 January 2020!! With BapDada’s unlimited blessings, Dadiji keeps engaged in serving souls of all backgrounds unconditionally.

 

We hope our sisters and brothers will have a wonderful 2020, and definitely fulfill their goals of reaching the Jeevan-Mukti (Liberation-in-Life) stage!

 

Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations and a very Happy New Year!

 

With the love of One,

BK Nirwair

 

 

 

New Year Message 2020 from Dadi Janki

28 December 2019

 

 

25th SpARC Meeting 8-12 February 2020 (inclusive)

28 December 2019

Om Shanti. Please find below a link to an invitation letter and registration form for the next meeting of SpARC which will be held from 8-12 February in Shantivan.

 

If any BK Double Foreigner is interested to attend this meeting they should send the completed Registration Form by email to the SpARC office, with a copy to their CC and NC. This message is meant only for BK Double Foreigners and hence only they should fill this form and send it in. A separate form has been circulated to the BK Bharatwasis.

 

In Baba's yaad,

 

BK Ambika

Chairperson, SpARC Wing

Email: sparcwing@bkivv.org

 

25th Annual SpARC Meeting Invitation for Double Foreigners

 

25th Annual SpARC Registration Form for Double Foreigners

 

 

 

 

Season's Greetings & Christmas Message from Sister Jayanti

28 December 2019

 

Click on above image to play.

 

 

Exchange of foreign currency in Mount Abu and Abu Road

24 December 2019

Dear NCs and CCs,

 

Please accept greetings of love from Madhuban for Christmas.

 

This is to inform all foreign Centres and pilgrims visiting Madhuban this season that presently the facilities for exchanging foreign currency in Mount Abu and Abu Road are very limited. The State Bank of India is not able to process this due to a technical problem, and the Exchange Counter at Pandav Bhawan has been closed temporarily.

 

Therefore, pilgrims are advised to exchange whatever amounts they require at Ahmedabad or Delhi or Mumbai etc before travelling to Abu, so as to avoid any inconvenience.

 

Cash can be withdrawn from the ATM machines in Mount Abu, but charges will be applicable.

 

In Baba’s loving yaad,

Dr Nirmala

 

 

 

Registration & Revised Departure for the Integrated Retreat (CNC, NCCC & Board)

24 December 2019

Dear NCs, NCTs, CCs & Board Members,
(Please forward to your Board Members)
 
REGISTRATION LINK for the Integrated Retreat (CNC, NCCC & Board) https://brahmakumaris.org/r/love-compassion-care

 

RETREAT DATES (REVISED): 24 Feb to 1 March – Manmohini Auditorium 
Please note revised date for the closing of the retreat (1 March pm) and departures (2 March am)

 
As you know the RCs decided to integrate the organizing of various meetings/retreats such as the CNC meeting, NCCC retreat and the BK Board retreat under one umbrella i.e. the CNC Management Committee, so as to streamline the process, which will bring about greater efficiency and optimization of resources.
 
Arrivals and Departures & Venue of the Integrated Retreat
The Integrated Retreat for CNC, NCCC and Board will be held at Manmohini Complex in Shantivan from 24 February to 1 March. The overall theme for the retreat is Return to the Source of Love, Compassion and Care.

Arrivals are on 24 February morning and departures are on 2 March morning (please note revised departure as ‘afternoon’ was mentioned in the previous notice).
 
Avyakt Meeting
The Avyakt Meeting will be on 20 February or 6 March for those attending the retreats.

Registration Link
Please use the link below to register for the Integrated Retreat (CNC, NCCC & Board):

 

https://brahmakumaris.org/r/love-compassion-care
  
Program for the Integrated Retreat (CNC, NCCC & Board) and who can attend:

 

Date/Time

Sessions

Who can attend

24 Feb (AM)

Arrival/Check-in & Registration

 

24 Feb (PM)

Opening Ceremony

ALL

25 Feb

NCCC Session

ALL (1 NC + 1 representative or 2 members of NCT + all CCs + all Board members)

26 Feb

CNC Session

All NCs/Representative nominated by RC or one NCT

 

Parallel Session during CNC Session

Those who do not attend CNC

(i.e. NCTs, CCs, Board members)

27 – 28 Feb

NCCC Session

ALL

29 Feb (AM)

Gyan Sarovar 25th Anniversary Celebration

ALL

29 Feb (PM) &

1 Mar (AM)

Board Session

Board Members, NCs/NCTs

 

Parallel Session during Board Session

Those who do not attend Board Session (i.e. CCs and others)

1 Mar (PM)

Regional Meeting & Closing Ceremony

ALL

2 Mar (AM)

Departures

 

 
Planning, Host & Design Teams
The CNC Management Committee will now oversee the overall Integrated Retreat (CNC, NCCC & Board), with Asia taking overall responsibility for Hosting this year.  Each group (CNC, NCCC & Board) are responsible for the content creation and planning of their respective sessions i.e. CNC Management Team for the CNC session, Design Team for NCCC session and COBs Team for BK Board session. All teams have representatives from each region.

We look forward to seeing you.
 
In Baba's yaad,
 
RCs

 

 

 

New Year Message 2020 from Sr Mohini (in English, Hindi, French, Spanish and Portuguese) as well as Customizable versions you can use at your center or share with your friends and family

23 December 2019

Om shanti,

 

As 2020 fast approaches, Sr Mohini and the New York Family are shaing best wishes for the new year. We are sending greetings for both the BK Family and Friends of BKs, so please feel free to share.

 

Attached are three types of messages for your use in English, Spanish, Hindi, French and Portuguese.

1 a message for BK's as in the image below from Sr Mohini

2. a message for public contacts from Sr Mohini - note that these have a blue background

3. a message for YOUR contacts (also with blue background) which you can personalize (named "Public Editable") i.e., you can replace the text "Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization" with your signature as you feel appropriate (for example: Sr Zelda and the Inuvik Family). The one exception is that this editable file is not available in Hindi.

4. a jpg file which can be inserted into an email and sent. [Note, this can't be personalized.]

 

Sr Mohini and the New York family

 

 

NYMessage_2020_BK_H.jpg

NYMessage_2020_BK_SP.jpg

NYMessage_2020_BK_PRG.jpg

NYMessage_2020_BK_FR.jpg

 

NYMessage_2020_BK_ENG.pdf

NYMessage_2020_BK_H.pdf

NYMessage_2020_BK_SP.pdf

NYMessage_2020_BK_PRG.pdf

NYMessage_2020_BK_FR.pdf

 

NYMessage_2020_Public_ENG.jpg

NYMessage_2020_Public_H.jpg

NYMessage_2020_Public_SP.jpg

NYMessage_2020_Public_PRG.jpg

NYMessage_2020_Public_FR.jpg

 

NYMessage_2020_Public_ENG.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_H.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_SP.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_PRG.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_FR.pdf

 

NYMessage_2020_Public_ENG_EditaableSignature.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_SP_EditableSignature.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_PRG_EditableSignature.pdf

NYMessage_2020_Public_FR_EditableSignature.pdf

 

 

 

 

Invitation to Participate in the Global Silent Minute organized by The Shift Network

21 December 2019

Dear Global Family,

 

You are invited to participate in the Global Silent Minute to take place globally at 4PM EST. Where ever you are.  You can pause for one minute collectively for peace or if you organize a program for one hour around the the time for your participation of the global silent minute in your zone please post it on the global silent minute website and they will share it. CLICK HERE 

 

BK Sister Jenna

Washington DC, USA

 

 

 

MURLI EXPERIMENTS BEGIN AGAIN!

13 December 2019

 

 

BK Shivani article featured in November issue of  Yoga Magazine, pp 8-12

7 December 2019

Dear family, Om shanti,

 

Please see the article by Shivaniben in Yoga Magazine November issue pp 8-12: BK Shivani: Yoga - a work out or a lifestyle?

 

http://yogamagazine.online/admin/images/pdf/November2019.pdf

 

There is an article on Dadi Janki in the December issue. I'll circulate the link when it arrives.

 

Love,

IBY,

Rachel

 

 

 

Press Release RE: Celebration of 15th December, Birth Anniversary of Prajapita Brahma Baba – The Founder of Brahma Kumaris, as ‘World Spiritual Upliftment Day’

7 December 2019

The Brahma Kumaris Organisation was founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani, a retired Indian businessman, in 1937 in Hyderabad (Sindh), a city now in Pakistan. His spiritual name is Prajapita Brahma and he is endearingly called Brahma Baba. After experiencing a series of visions in 1936, he was inspired to create a school where the principles and practices of a virtuous and meditative life could be taught. Its original name was 'Om Mandali'. It consisted of a handful of men, women and children, many of whom decided to stay together as a community. 

 

In spite of the unprecedented social upheavals, which were going on in pre-Partition India, these people came together, initially in Hyderabad and a year later they moved to Karachi. With the passage of time, a simple and clear body of spiritual knowledge about the nature of the soul, God and time became revealed. In 1950, the group moved to its present location at Mount Abu in India. Until then, these 300 individuals lived as a self-sufficient community, devoting their time to intense spiritual study, Rajayoga meditation practice and self-transformation. 

 

Brahma Baba, born into a humble home as Lekhraj Kripalani on 15th December, 1876, was the son of a village schoolmaster. Lekhraj was brought up within the disciplines of the Hindu tradition. After doing different jobs, he entered the jewellery business, later earning a considerable fortune as a diamond trader. He was the father of five children and a leader within his local community, known especially for his philanthropy. In 1936, around the time when most people at his age started planning their retirement, he actually entered into the most active and spiritual phase of his life. After a series of deep spiritual experiences and visions, he felt an extremely strong pull to give up his business and dedicate his time, energy and wealth to laying the foundations of what later became the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, which has been engaged in the God’s noble task of World Transformation through Self-Transformation of human soul of the world.         

 

Between 1937 and 1938, he formed a Managing Committee of eight young women and surrendered all his property and assets to a Trust administered by them and dedicated himself to this task.  

 

After guiding the establishment works of many Brahma Kumaris centres throughout India, he passed away on 18th January, 1969. The Tower of Peace at the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters Campus at Mount Abu, Rajasthan is a tribute to the invincible spirit of this ordinary human being who achieved greatness by rising to the challenge of establishing the deeper spiritual truths of life. 

 

Many years have passed since Brahma Baba's series of visions in 1936. The positive, value-based lifestyle revolution he began has inspired millions to transform and spiritually empower themselves and create hope for a better world. The life skills that Brahma Baba taught have stood the test of time. The young women that he brought to the forefront, now in their nineties, have become beacons of purity, love, peace and spiritual wisdom.

 

The 143rd birth anniversary of Prajapita Brahma Baba is being celebrated this year on 15th December  as ‘World Spiritual Upliftment Day’ by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation across the globe in a grand manner.

 

 

 

 

DF Programs - February Group 8 to March/April Group 11

7 December 2019

Information on Double Foreigner Programs, Madhuban 2020

February Group 8 – March/April Group 11  (including Retreats & Workshops as of 2 December 2019)

 

Warmest Greetings of Love,


The overall theme for this season’s Double Foreigner Program is Bap Samaan – the Journey and the Destination.

 

We are writing to you with details for February Group 8 through to March/April Group 11. Although there may be some adjustments to the following Groups, we wanted to give you a sense of what is being designed for each group in the attached information.

 

If you have any questions please email us at: dfseason@brahmakumaris.org 

 

In Baba's yaad,

DF Program Team

 

Download PDF Format of the Announcement here.

 

 

 

REMINDER: International BK Children's Retreat 2019

7 December 2019

Greetings of Love and Remembrance.

 

REMINDER NOTICE

Theme of International BK Children's Retreat 2019 is –

'THE ROYAL SWANS'

26th to 30th Dec 2019, GYAN SAROVAR

(Age group 6 - 12)

 

As Baba, the Supreme Teacher is teaching us to become pure once again, by removing our weaknesses and filling our intellects with the jewels of knowledge, the team of ICR has chosen a very beautiful theme of this year 2019 - 'THE ROYAL SWANS'

 

We warmly welcome the children from across the world to this 5 days retreat. In this beautiful retreat, children will enjoy the experience of their golden sanskars of ROYALTY, REALITY and DIVINITY. Baba calls the children as Mahatmas, ie the souls who are great because their minds are free of vices. This uniqueness is similar to that of SWANS, that notice only goodness and are hence sign of holiness, purity and royalty. We, the children of Baba in older bodies have to un-do the practice of picking negativity, but children of Baba in younger bodies have a natural tendency to notice the beauty of everything. This year, we intend to celebrate and create sanskars to sustain this natural trait of the children.

 

All the BK children of age group 6-12 who are willing to participate in the International BK Children's Retreat this year are most welcome. Kindly register before 15th of December 2019 by filling the attached form. Please send the filled form to Sr Meera <meera.nagananda@my.brahmakumari.org> together with a copy to your NC. More information about the Retreat is attached.

 

Note:

·  There will be a special cultural evening on 30th December for the children. Those who want to present any cultural items, please bring your own costume along with you.
·  Children’s parent/ guardian should accompany their child with an FM radio for BaapDada’s meeting.

 

For any further information please contact Sr Meera: <meera.nagananda@my.brahmakumari.org>

 

In Baba's yaad,

Retreat Coordinators

International BK Children’s Retreat 

 

Click here to download form for Information

 

Click here to download form for Details.

 

 

 

Celebration of the BIRTH Anniversary of Brahma Baba on 15 December

25 November 2019

Birth Anniversary of the Founder of Brahma Kumaris, Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani alias Prajapita Brahma Baba (15 December 1876 - 18 January 1969)

 

Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya is going to celebrate the Birth Anniversary of Prajapita Brahma Baba in a grand manner to express our gratitude towards the founding father of our organisation. 15th December 2019 will be the 143rd Birth Anniversary of Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani, who later became Prajapita Brahma Baba. Let us make it a grand celebration to express our gratitude for the life and teachings of our founder.

 

We are planning grand celebrations across the globe, starting with the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters at Mount Abu/ Abu Road. We can partake several activities with the help of government and socio-political institutions, to mark the celebrations. Some suggestions are as follows:

 

• Lectures, Seminars, Conferences, Dialogues, Meetings

• Rajayoga camps, Yoga Bhatthi,

• Commemorative Grand Ceremonies, Cultural Programmes

• Museam, Exhibitions on Baba's life history

• Light and Sound Show on Baba's life

• Documentary film/ Video shows on life, message and teachings of Brahma Baba

• Musicals, Stage plays

• Tree plantation Drive

• Cleanliness Drive

• Processions, Bicycle/ Motorcycle Rallies, Peace Marches, Marathon

• Essay Competition, Painting competition, Cooking Competitions

• Construct Baba's memorial at Shantivan and also Retreat Centres

• Free medial camps

• Distribution of free clothes, food, school books to the needy

• Award presentations to promote Rajayogi lifestyle, Purity, Cleanliness, Satvvik food, etc.

 

We may also approach the government to re-release the Postage Stamps of Brahma Baba (earlier released in 1994). We also suggest that articles must be published in various newspapers, in as many languages as possible. We can give commemorative Ad on Brahma Baba's Jayanti in newspapers all over India.

 

We suggest that all of the BK centres be decorated with flowers, lights, Diyas, etc. on the occasion. Furthermore, all the wings are requested to celebrate Brahma Baba's Jayanti in a manner that best highlights Baba's inspirations, teachings and contributions to their respective wings.

 

In Godly Service,

BK Karuna

 

 

Prajapita Brahma

A Commemorative Postage Stamp on Dada Lekh Raj alias Prajapita Brahma, Founder of the Brahma Kumaris

 

Issued by India

Issued on Mar 7, 1994

Issued:  The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of Prajapita Brahma whose selfless work for upliftment of humanity and women, in particular, may strengthen those engaged in pursuit of moral refinement and social reforms.

 

Design: The First Day Cover shows the Universal Peace Hall, which is a part of the headquarters complex of the organization at Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

 

Credit:

Text, Stamp, First Day Cover & Cancellation — Based on materials supplied by the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Delhi Zonal HQ

Type: Stamp, Mint condition

Colour: Multi Colour

Denomination: 100 Paise

Overall size: 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size: 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation: 13 x 13

Paper: Indigenous Un INIM Adhesive Gr Coated gummed Stamp Paper in Sheet 50.8 x 53.5 cm

Number of stamps Printed: One Million

Number per issue sheet: 35

Printing Process: Photogravure

Printer: India Security Press

Name: Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani

Born on: Dec 15, 1876 at Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, Died on Jan 18, 1969 at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India

 

About:

• India is a land of saints and savants and has produced some of the world's greatest spiritual leaders. The message of brotherhood and compassion that these spiritual leaders have propagated over the years formed into movements and institutions and many of these have striven for social reforms through emancipation of women. Dada Lekh Raj, better known as Prajapita Brahma, was the founder of the Prajapita Brahma Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya with its headquarters at Mount Abu in Rajasthan. He was born in Sind in 1876, and when he grew up and he became a dealer in diamonds, and acquired great wealth.

• Around the age of sixty, he suddenly underwent an inner transformation, renounced opulence and devoted himself to the pursuit of self-awareness and helping to raise mankind to a nobler status. His goal was renewal of the world through virtue, human compassion and universal brotherhood.

• Prajapita Brahma was a man of vision and a social reformer. He had great compassion for humanity and concern for the weak. Emancipation of women being uppermost in his mind, he founded the institution of Brahma Kumaris in 1937. He emphasized the need for freeing the human mind from all kinds of bias and prejudices. The Raja Yoga meditation taught by him is a powerful means to get rid of mental tension.

• Prajapita Brahma expired on 18th January, 1969. His legacy, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, has grown into a very large organisation today, managed mostly by women. It has a network of 3000 education centres in India and 330 overseas centres in 62 countries and is open to all. It has received the appreciation of the United Nations for its good work and respected world-wide for the moral and spiritual education it imparts. It has received numerous other awards for service to humanity in propagating peace and value-education.

 

 

 

 

Dadi Janki's message for brothers and sisters across the world in Hindi and English - November 17th

22 November 2019

Om shanti OM shanti Om shanti.  It has been a long time since I sent a message with love from the depth of my heart to all my equal brothers and sisters.  Baba has remembered all of us children today.  Baba doesn’t want the children to just sit down quietly in one place, but to become alert, and do everything with zeal and enthusiasm.  You will then do everything in a natural way.

 

The heart says: Whatever you want to do, do that now.  What do you have to do?  Who am I and who is mine?  Do not think too much!  Do not speak too much.  I am a soul.  Who am I?  Who is mine?  Baba is mine.  Baba says: Child, I am yours and you say: Baba, You are mine.  I am in you and You are in me.  We become one and wherever we go in the world, it is a wonder.  I have seen that we have true bhavna, and so according to the time – whether I reach there or He reaches here, what exchange will take place?  Whatever exchange there is, it will be good, because there is honesty and love and He has given us the power to remain happy.

 

Baba is now giving us such an experience that these two eyes only see the one and the face smiles.  What emerges from my lips?  Baba, it is Your wonder.  You have filled me with courage, zeal and enthusiasm that the heart says, “Whatever service You want me to do or get me to do, I am ready.”  People outside are starving of love.  The exchange that we have between us of honesty and love is lacking in the world outside.   We have so much of that in our lives.  What is the value of my life?  The experience that I have had will also give benefit to many others.  This is a guarantee.  Thank you.

 

 

* * * O M   S H A N T I * * *

 

Download the message in Hindi here.

 

 

 

Invitation to March 2020 Teacher Training for the Foundation Course in ORC Delhi

19 November 2019

March 2020 Nine‐day Teachers Training for the

Foundation Course in Raja Yoga Meditation

Om Shanti Retreat Centre (ORC), Delhi

Arrivals Monday, 9th March / Departures after breakfast, Thursday, 19th March

 

Om Shanti. Following a very successful training for 75 participants in Peace Village in September 2019, we are delighted to announce another Raja Yoga Teacher Training to be held at ORC in March 2020.

 

BKs already teaching the Foundation Raja Yoga Course, as well as those who would like to teach or those who are keen to review the course in depth, are welcome to attend. Participants should be in gyan at least three years and attend the Centre regularly. (Exceptions to this must be confirmed with the trainers.) Whether they would like to start teaching but need confidence and lesson plans, or are already teaching and would like to update their skills and get feedback on their effectiveness, they will find this immersion in gyan and yoga invaluable. Prior training attendees will be permitted to attend as support staff (see below).

 

The training covers the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of the Raja Yoga course as well as sessions on meditation and on experiential facilitation and learning skills. It also includes a number of practicums – sessions in which participants develop their presentation skills by practice-teaching a segment of a lesson and are given constructive feedback by their peers. The schedule provides for a comfortably paced training that allows free time in the afternoon and occasional evening classes by seniors Coincidentally, this training will be running alongside a silence retreat for senior teachers from India. All training participants, therefore, will be requested to observe silence in the corridors of the training complex and outside the dining room. No doubt trainees will want to cooperate fully in this, as it will also guarantee a very powerful atmosphere for the training.

Those interested in attending will need to plan their arrival and departure timings so as to not miss any of the sessions. The first session of the training is a Welcome session on Monday 9th March evening and the last session will be on Wednesday 18th March evening. Because the Welcome program is on the evening of 9th March and the first full day of training begins after breakfast on the 10th, we ask that participants plan travel to ORC from Madhuban on the 8th March, especially if traveling by train.

 

It is important and expected that participants attend all sessions. Those who cannot attend for the full nine days will not be permitted to attend.

 

Very important: All participants must register and secure their place in the training before booking their travel, as there are limited places available (booking your travel first will not guarantee you a place in the training). Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email.  Please book your travel only after receiving the confirmation email. Once your travel is booked, provide the information to your Centre Coordinator for uploading to the Double Foreigner Travel Database.

Sr Kiran (US), Sr Margaret Barron (UK), Sr Rona Schweitz (US), and Sr Mary-Jeanne Tremblay (Canada) will conduct the training. They have been running this training since 2014. Sr Kiran will deliver the content sessions, Sr Margaret will offer sessions on experiential learning methods, Sr Rona will lead the meditation sessions and Sr Mary-Jeanne will coordinate the practicums. Sr Kiran, who has been in gyan since 1979, has conducted other such trainings at Peace Village and Anubhuti Retreat Centres, in various US and Canadian cities and in Guyana. Sr Margaret has been in gyan since 1992 and is involved with the Raja Yoga Education Department, UK and co-facilitates experiential trainings for new and established teachers in London and around the UK. She has also facilitated trainings for BK teachers in Europe, US, and South India, designed to make the delivery of the Raja Yoga Course more interactive, creative, and supportive of all types of learners. Sr Rona, in gyan since 1990, will provide sessions on meditation, a meditation experience at the beginning of each day, and will guide the 7 to 7:30 pm evening meditations. She has also authored the book “Experience Meditation” and accompanying CD, BKIS 2017 (a new edition of her original “Experiential Approach to Mastering Meditation”). Sister Mary-Jeanne has been in gyan since 1995 and has been assisting with the Teacher Trainings since 2013.

 

A USB flash drive containing over 600 pages of Teacher Resources will be available to all participants for a nominal charge. Video and audio recordings of the sessions may also be available for purchase.

 

Please note that attending this training does not automatically qualify participants to teach. The Centre Coordinator will decide this in conjunction with the participant. This will be emphasized during the training. Note: the registration form will ask participants whether they follow the principles of pure diet, purity in relationships, regular amrit vela, and Murli class. All information will be kept confidential.

 

A note about language: The training will be in English. If participants need translation into other languages, their center / language group must provide at least two translators. There will be no translation into Hindi.

 

Suggested contribution for the training: For participants from developing countries, seniors suggest Rs 11,000 to 14,000 (USD $155-200) as a sensible contribution to ORC for the nine-day training. For participants from the US, Europe or Australia, they suggest Rs 23,000 ($325 US or $425 AUD or €270 Euros). This does not include the transport fee that will be collected by ORC (Rs. 1500-2000) from each participant or the USB flash drive (Rs.500), but does cover all other costs (i.e., food and all other facilities for the training). If participants want the audio and video recordings of the sessions, another flash drive can be provided at an additional charge.

 

In addition, some experienced teachers are needed to help facilitate the practicum sessions, so if you are already teaching but are interested in the training and willing to play this role, kindly let us know by indicating this in the appropriate place on the registration form. You would need to arrive BY NOON on the 9th March - without exception - to participate in a facilitator's briefing session later that afternoon. Interested facilitators are kindly requested to provide Sisters Kiran, Mary-Jeanne and Margaret with an email detailing their previous facilitation experience. Please send to teachertraining@brahmakumaris.org.

 

few additional support helpers are also needed who have good office and people skills to help with various tasks including administration, registration and valuables, accommodation, dining services and special diets etc. Once these tasks are completed such helpers are welcome to join any of the sessions except the practicums, however, their first responsibility would be to fulfill their support duties. If there is anyone in your Centre whom you feel would be suitable and enjoy this opportunity for service, please let the training organisers know at: teachertraining@brahmakumaris.org.

 

Please pass this information to anyone who you feel would be a suitable participant for the training, or to help as a facilitator or in the support role.  After obtaining permission from their Center Coordinator, all participants (regardless of role) must register for the training directly online at https://angelofshiva.com/teacher-training/ as soon as possible, but latest by Saturday, 1st February 2020.

 

In Baba’s yaad, 

Sisters Kiran, Margaret, Rona, and Mary-Jeanne

The Teachers Training Team

 

 

 

 

Invitation to the Spirit of Care Retreat 7-9 March 2020, Gyan Sarovar

11 November 2019

Dear Centre Coordinators, dear all,

 

The cycle of time is ending, and new beginnings call.

 

We are coming to completion, and like the conch shell echoing in the distance, we hear the call of time and of our hearts. The call to shake old identities, reunite with our original self and return once more to the pure essence of our being.

 

To do this we need to remember… remember who we are and the art of caring and kindness: caring for ourselves, others, the world and for nature - our companion.

 

But how can we keep the balance? How can we find the energy needed for this enquiry, for this journey back to our essence?

 

The spirit of care is a beautiful, unique retreat that gives us the luxury of time and space for spiritual enquiry. Time to reflect on the journey towards authenticity and freedom.

 

We invite you to spend 3 days to explore, share and learn as we clear the blocks on our journey forward. We will reconnect with the self and the One, ignite the flames of yoga and create the energy needed to bring us resilience and stamina.

 

This is time spent in the sacred sanctuary of Madhuban, with yourself and others. Time to create a map that guides us, and leads us to reunite with the purity, strength and beauty of our divine essence…..

 

REGISTRATION:

Registration is only available ONLINE. Please follow the link: brahmakumaris.org/r/spirit-of-care 

 

Madhuban forms and travel details are to be submitted in the usual way, via the local centres.

 

If you do not speak English fluently, please make sure with your national coordination teams that there will be someone in Madhuban who can translate for you during the retreat. If you have any questions please contact valeriane.bernard@ch.brahmakumaris.org.

 

Spirit of Care Retreat March 2020:

6 March               : 10.30am                  Registrations

7 March               : from 10.00am       Pure essence

8 March               : from 9.30am         Reuniting

9 March               : till 21.30 pm          Flying

 

In Baba’s yaad,

Spirit of Care Retreat Team

 

 

 

 

 

Message to BK Family from Sr.Mohini (New York)

3 November 2019

Dear Baba’s Family, Greetings of love

 

I had a great pull to go to Madhuban to meet Bapdada, Dadi Jankiji, Dadi Gulzarji & of course all our other seniors & Madhuban Niwasis.

 

I spent two weeks but I must say that it was very inspiring trip. Dadi Jankiji is physically very fragile but full of spiritual love & power.

 

Whenever I met her, she said you must share with the world family two messages. 

  1. Be Truthful, Be clean & Be Simple. 
  2. Always have spiritual love for each other.

 

She opened her arms and gave a big hug to all of us.

 

All of us are always keen to know about Dadi Gulzarji in Mumbai. I went to Mumbai for two days. Dadi Gulzarji looks very well and she is very stable also. She gives loveful drishti. I must say that even physically she is in silence but internally she is very actively connected in a subtle way with Baba, the Yagya, and the family. The presence of both Dadijis is an incognito gift for us. So keep them in our minds as the Yagya's support and strength. They are serving every moment & with every breath. 

 

You all must have seen Br. Nirwairji on the stage. He is also holding Yagya responsibility. 

 

I really had good experience of feeling Bapdada’s presence in Diamond Hall also his unlimited energy making Yagya grow and be sustained. All the niwasis at all campuses were excellent. So thanks to Baba and supporters of the Yagya. 

 

I returned full of inspiration and of course thoughts of more commitment for our task of self-transformation & world transformation. I encourage everyone to go to Madhuban. 

 

With Love & good wishes,
Sister Mohini 

Om Shanti

 

 

 

Information on Double Foreigner Programs, Madhuban 2019/20 for October Group 1 through to February Group 7 (Including Retreats & Workshops)

5 October 2019

Warmest Greetings,

 

The overall theme for this season’s Double Foreigner Program is Bapsaman – the Journey and the Destination.

  

We are writing to you with details for October Group 1 through to February Group 7, which can be downloaded here. Although there may be some additions and adjustments to the following Groups, we wanted to give you a sense of what is being designed for each group.                                                                                   

For details on February Group 8 through to March/April Group 11,  we will be writing to you in the near future.

 

If you have any questions please email us at: dfseason@brahmakumaris.org 

 

In Baba’s yaad,

DF Program Team

 

 

Madhuban Youth Retreats December 2019

24 September 2019

Here are the booking links for the International Youth Forum Retreats 2019.

 

1)  IYAR 16-35 yrs. The theme for the International Young Adults Retreat this year is ‘A Satopradhan Lifestyle - Keeping the Sacredness Alive’. It will be held in Gyan Sarover from 26th - 30th December 2019.  The retreat is sensitively designed to ensure that peer group needs are fulfilled. 

 

Good for those joining to arrive by the 24th December to settle in before the retreats begin. All youth who will be staying in Madhuban in December are welcome to join. Online registrations need to be completed before 15th Novemberhttps://brahmakumaris.org/r/iya-retreat-2019.  Kindly forward this invitation to all young adults in your centres.

 

2)  IYF 13-15 years - There will be a separate programme being held for this age group and those wishing to join the programme must register at the following link: https://brahmakumaris.org/r/iya-1315-retreat-2019

 

3)  Instruments Retreat from 18 - 22 December This retreat is for pakka BK youth instruments (aged between 18 - 40 years) who hold some form of yagya responsibility or coordinating role in service and/or sustenance. Generally 2 from each country are invited. This retreat is 'by invitation only' and invitations are sent based on NC recommendation.

 

This year it will be a special Silence Retreat. We have had the good fortune of being in Pandav Bhavan last year and we hope for the same this year.  If you have youth who are pakka and are responsible in service and would wish to join this, please send their full name and email address to iyf@brahmakumaris.org.

 

In Baba's yaad,

IYF Team

 

Download the flyer in PDF format here.

 

 

 

 

 

International BK Children's Retreat 2019

18 September 2019

Theme of International BK Children's Retreat 2019 is –

'THE ROYAL SWANS'

26th to 30th Dec 2019, GYAN SAROVAR

(Age group 6 - 12)

 

As Baba, the Supreme Teacher is teaching us to become pure once again, by removing our weaknesses and filling our intellects with the jewels of knowledge, the team of ICR has chosen a very beautiful theme of this year 2019 - 'THE ROYAL SWANS'

 

We warmly welcome the children from across the world to this 5 days retreat. In this beautiful retreat, children will enjoy the experience of their golden sanskars of ROYALTY, REALITY and DIVINITY. Baba calls the children as Mahatmas, ie the souls who are great because their minds are free of vices. This uniqueness is similar to that of SWANS, that notice only goodness and are hence sign of holiness, purity and royalty. We, the children of Baba in older bodies have to un-do the practice of picking negativity, but children of Baba in younger bodies have a natural tendency to notice the beauty of everything. This year, we intend to celebrate and create sanskars to sustain this natural trait of the children.

 

All the BK children of age group 6-12 who are willing to participate in the International BK Children's Retreat this year are most welcome. Kindly register before 15th of December 2019 by filling the attached form. Please send the filled form to Sr Meera <meera.nagananda@my.brahmakumaris.org> together with a copy to your NC. More information about the Retreat is attached.

 

Note:

·  There will be a special cultural evening on 30th December for the children. Those who want to present any cultural items, please bring your own costume along with you.
·  Children’s parent/ guardian should accompany their child with an FM radio for BaapDada’s meeting.

 

For any further information please contact Sr Meera: meera.nagananda@my.brahmakumaris.org

 

In Baba's yaad,

Retreat Coordinators

International BK Children’s Retreat 

 

International BK Children's Retreat 2019 - Information

 

International BK Children's Retreat 2019 - Per Details Form

 

 

September 2019

 

Here are the booking links for the International Youth Forum Retreats 2019.

 

1)  IYAR 16-35 yrs. The theme for the International Young Adults Retreat this year is ‘A Satopradhan Lifestyle - Keeping the Sacredness Alive’. It will be held in Gyan Sarover from 26th - 30th December 2019.  The retreat is sensitively designed to ensure that peer group needs are fulfilled. 

 

Good for those joining to arrive by the 24th December to settle in before the retreats begin. All youth who will be staying in Madhuban in December are welcome to join. Online registrations need to be completed before 15th Novemberhttps://brahmakumaris.org/r/iya-retreat-2019.  Kindly forward this invitation to all young adults in your centres.

 

2)  IYF 13-15 years - There will be a separate programme being held for this age group and those wishing to join the programme must register at the following link: https://brahmakumaris.org/r/iya-1315-retreat-2019

 

3)  Instruments Retreat from 18 - 22 December This retreat is for pakka BK youth instruments (aged between 18 - 40 years) who hold some form of yagya responsibility or coordinating role in service and/or sustenance. Generally 2 from each country are invited. This retreat is 'by invitation only' and invitations are sent based on NC recommendation.

 

This year it will be a special Silence Retreat. We have had the good fortune of being in Pandav Bhavan last year and we hope for the same this year.  If you have youth who are pakka and are responsible in service and would wish to join this, please send their full name and email address to iyf@brahmakumaris.org.

 

In Baba's yaad,

IYF Team

 

Download the flyer in PDF format here.

 

 

 

 

 

Retreat for BK IT Professionals, Australia 24-30 November 2019

1 September 2019

Om shanti. This is a reminder for an invitation to a retreat for BKs who work as IT professionals. It will be held in Australia from 24-30 November 2019.

 

Please distribute to BKs connected with the centre who meet this criteria. If you have any questions, please contact Br Sathesh sathesh@bkconnect.net.

 

In Baba's yaad

BK Charlie

 

 

Download PDF format about the retreat here.

 

 

 

Important Madhuban update on Health, Hygiene and Water

1 September 2019

 

In March of this year, we informed you that a team of consultants was created to support Madhuban in addressing the Health, Hygiene and Water issues.  Br Arun and Sr Sybil are health and safety experts from the UK and Br Mohit (Abu Dhabi) and Br Sharad (Pune), are experts in water and wastewater treatment.

 

We are happy to inform you that, with Baba's blessings, some good progress has been made in these areas.  We know that quite a few of you have had health episodes during your last visits to Madhuban and you also have concerns about booking your next Madhuban visit, therefore we hope that this update will be useful and reassuring.  

 

A good level of safety and hygiene has been achieved in the Kitchen and cross contamination risks have reduced.  Amongst the main changes, a new Water Treatment Plant is in process to be set up to ensure that all water coming into the Shantivan Complex especially, is treated to WHO (World Health Organisation) standards and qualifies as potable drinking water.  The water will be regularly tested and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the drinking water is safe in all three complexes, and the water will be regularly tested going forward.

 

If you are planning to stay in Shantivan anytime from October 2019 to January 2020 – we would still recommend as an extra caution that you purchase mineral water bottles for brushing teeth; especially if you have health issues and/or low immunity. The Water Treatment Plant will only be functional from beginning of February 2020, thereafter it will be safely guaranteed to brush teeth with the normal tap water.

 

Please find below a link video introducing especially the Health and Hygenie changes.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zz5uK3haXry3bTGcC4ylxrsBFMcoM_wj/view?usp=sharing 

 

In addition the attached written pdf report outlines the progress with pictures in both Health, Hygiene and Water.  

 

We hope that you enjoy all the fruits of the hard efforts over the last months by the team and the Madhuban niwasis - who are all waiting to welcome their brothers and sisters home.

 

Some of you have indicated that you would like to make financial contributions towards this progress and more details of how to do that will follow shortly.

 

In Baba’s yaad,

 

Didi Nirmala and Sr Jayanti

 

Report in PDF format.

 

 

 

Announcement  - Theme 2019 / 2020 DF Season

13 August 2019

Om shanti, and greetings of love.  Each year the planning team for the double foreign season searches for a theme for the season in Madhuban that will inspire and support the family in our spiritual journey. This year we have chosen as our theme, 
Bapsaman - The Journey and the Destination.

 

During 2019 we all have been experimenting with the theme of Return to the Source. We want to deepen this exploration during the Madhbuan Season by looking at the return journey itself, when we are following in the footsteps of Brahma Baba in order to reach our destination of becoming like Shiv Baba.

 

Baba tells us that we are elevated souls of the confluence age, living a spiritual life. The Guide is with us, giving us blessings and shrimat. We are experiencing the joy of being with the Brahmin family, inspiration from the murli and the magic of Madhuban. We are following the father and becoming like Shiv Baba.

 

We will bring this double vision to the season – the vision of our collective aim of becoming Bapsaman, while at the same time appreciating all the gifts of this time. We’ll do this through a wide variety of master classes with our seniors, retreats, bhattis, silent experiences, reflective workshops as well as a variety of other activities.   

 

We will be sending out further details for each of the groups in the near future.  We look forward to being with you in the Madhuban season ahead.

 

In Baba’s sweet remembrance,

The Double Foreign Planning Team