Bal Vihar Students Enjoy A Field Trip to Baba's Home in St. Louis, Missouri, USA

31 October 2023

Greetings of peace!

A group of Bal Vihar students had their field trip visit to Brahma Kumaris St. Louis, USA center.

"An Introduction to Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization" presentation was delivered along with a Q & A and meditation session. Everyone had Baba's bhog and blessings before they departed. The students were intrigued with BK's role in climate change and loved our principles on consuming food with pure vibrations. Joining them were Sudhir Patel, Founder and President of Bal Vihar St. Louis and Kanal Patel, Field Trip Coordinator. 

 

 

MoFHope - The Story of Acquiring the Eight Powers of the Soul

31 October 2023

The eight arms of the deities of India represent the eight powers of the soul

Recently India is making headlines in the news due to the remarkable progress she has made since becoming independent from British rule for only 75 years. People worldwide are receiving information that India, known as the Golden Sparrow of the World. is a beautiful and ancient country in the world with a very rich heritage,  An important land of spirituality and devotion, the entire land of India has great love for God and also temples in every city and town for a variety of deities who are praised and worshiped.  We can read and hear stories speaking of the far distant past of India being a heavenly world of pure and virtuous deities, where these divine beings happily lived, a world called Satyug, the Age of Truth, the Golden Age. Here’s my story of experiencing this as I had the good fortune to play the part of one of these goddesses  known as Durga, on one of my first visits to India.

Durga is worshiped as the Goddess of Power (shakti), 

who takes this power from God (Shiva),

and removes all weaknesses (durgunn) within the self, 

and also helps to remove weaknesses of others.

A  spiritual mela was organized at the Red Fort, a huge outdoor stadium in Delhi. On a magnificent stage the first thing you saw when the gates opened was a tableau of these 8 major deities. I was among them, feeling very beautiful, royally dressed and  decorated with jewels. A double crown, one of light and physical crown of ruling power was on my head. I was courageously sitting on a tiger, and had acquired 6 extra arms, also made of wood, so in total I had eight arms! One hand was painted a red color and assumed the posture of giving blessings and the other held a trident. Thousands thronged in when the gates opened.  Suddenly, seeing this tableau of 8 lifelike and living goddesses they paused, stopped to  kneel and worship.  And there I was sitting in open eyed meditation (and amazement!) as thousands started to worship us, watching, absorbing, realizing and feeling the deep spiritual love and devotion the people of India have. We sat totally still in meditation for an hour, and I tell you, being a deity was one of my best experiences of this lifetime! 

But the real treasure in this story is the now emerging spiritual knowledge explaining these eight arms of Durga are symbolic of eight main spiritual powers: Power to pack up, power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face,  power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to cooperate. They are received by the mind and intellect of the soul connecting with God’s loving light and power. Receiving this spiritual strength over a period of time naturally fills the soul with the eight powers.  In this way we also can become like Goddess Durga, a spiritually powerful child of God, full of all the eight powers by having this soul conscious connection with God in meditation. 

Now, to overcome any difficult situations of life, we can check how good I was myself in remembering to call and use a spiritual power.  Currently, October is the season of Navratri in India, where 8 of these deities including Durga are honored and worshiped.  Here are a few descriptions of their soul conscious powers for use in your daily life. (To be continued in further articles.)
Power to Withdraw, Detachment - Be like a turtle. While observing a negative scene, go within and create the needed positive vibrations of love or peace Send healing energy.

Power to Pack Up and Let Go - finish the negative memories of past events and experience the present. Put a full stop to mental activity with one simple thought: ‘I am a being of peace’. Repeated slowly and attentively our thoughts and emotions stop expanding.

The Power to Tolerate - free from influences and continuing to have good wishes and pure feelings

The Power to Accommodate or Adjust-  be sensible and accept the situation at the moment in order to benefit both myself and others. Later, negotiate a solution. 

Encircle yourself with these powers and you will be protected and experience an easy and peaceful life.

Contact:  Yvonne Risely, bkchirya@gmail.com, chirya.risely@peacevillageretreat.org

Sr Chirya is a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for over 40 years. She is published  in several international publications including the Daily Guardian (Delhi) 

 

Manhattan Center Calendar events for November and December: Reminder for Lecture Thursday (11/2): The Terror of Fear and Anxiety

31 October 2023

 

 

NewEngland, USA, Upcoming Events for November 2023

31 October 2023

 

 

News of Diwali Event At Gracie Mansion, NYC

30 October 2023

Om Shanti. 

 

Yesterday New York City Mayor, Eric Adams hosted a Diwali event for the first time at the Gracie Mansion (official residence of the Mayor in NYC). More than 1000 people were at the event. Many new faces from various diasporic communities and several Indian-Americans who are in public office had gathered at the mayor's celebration. 

 

 

Some BK sisters from New York also attended the event. Sisters Anjani, Kamla, Rona, Tina, Elizabeth and Madhavi were present. It was a great opportunity for the BKs to meet and greet dignitaries and individuals from various organizations. Met some old friends who already knew us and some came up to us asking for information or business cards or just to say hello. It was a good exposure to be in this gathering.

 

The State Assemblymember Jennifer Rajkumar was also present at the event. Assemblymember Jennifer was invited to the Queens Soul of India program last year. For those who are unaware - Diwali is declared as a holiday in NY public schools. And Jennifer Rajkumar played the role of introducing this bill in the New York State Assembly. At the end of the event, Madhavi and Rona went up to the Assemblywoman to greet. We didn't have a chance to talk to her because of the big crowd around her but she just shook hands and acknowledged our presence. Also met Shekar Krishnan, who is a council member for Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, Queens. Had a quick nice chat with him. His office is very close to the Queens center.

 

 

Last night for sure it was a good opportunity for us BKs to be in this community event.  We went as a group and there is power and impact in participating as a group.

 

 

In Remembrance

Madhavi

 

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center,Queens

 

Diwali event at the Gracie Mansion, NYC

 

 

 

 

 

MofHope - "Who Do You Think You Are?" - Put the Being Before Doing

28 October 2023

We are not human doings; we are human beings. Doing means remaining physically occupied, ticking off items from our tasks list, and working on things expected of us.  The ego spurs us on by thinking, “Once everything falls into place, I’ll find peace, even happiness!” 

To fill that internal vacuum we seek some external refreshment: peace from vacations, happiness from things and love from people. Doing does not make us happy or successful; too much doing makes us tired and grumpy! 

In all this doing, we need to see how the being (our state of mind) feels.  How we feel determines how much and how well we do.  The soul thinks, “First find your inner peace and happiness; then everything will fall into place.’ By first paying attention to ‘I the soul’, the being who thinks and feels, and then coming into action (the doing) we receive love, peace and inner power.    

When you walk into a room full of people, it is Who You Think You Are who walks into the room and Who You Think You Are who speaks and acts.   But who do you think you are?  Who you think you are, is a being of imperishable spiritual light, a peaceful soul, number one child of God the Father.  You are originally and eternally a beautiful, happy and peaceful soul, and not the ‘house’, the body, you are currently occupying. No other is like you and no one else can play your part. 

For example, I had identified myself with the role of becoming a manager.  But is a manager who I really am?  We play many roles in our life, child, student, parent, teacher, etc.  When we consider ourselves as the body instead of the soul we identify ourselves with our roles, achievements and possessions, but these are temporary. Considering ourselves to be a soul we understand this role is permanent and eternal.   

Spend some time each day in some form of contemplative process – call it meditation, reflection or just listening to the self.  Meditation is a process of thought training - just like a cricketer will practice very carefully how he will play each ball he faces to achieve the desired result of runs scored. In the same way, throughout the day, practice in meditation remembering who you truly are.  This is our training to remain calm, to create positive thoughts to achieve good results when faced with challenging situations and to be happy and healthy.  

Contact: Yvonne Risely, bkchirya@gmail.com, chirya.risely@peacevillageretreat.org

Sr Chirya is a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for over 40 years and is published worldwide.

 

 

 

International Day of Peace Celebrated at Tapasya Dham Retreat Home, Dallas, TX, USA

17 October 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Family,

Om Shanti.

 

Tapasya Dham Retreat Home celebrated International Day of Peace on Saturday, Sept 23rd with Leaders of UNA-USA Dallas,

Interfaith Leaders - Thanksgiving Square and other Faiths.  Representatives/Leaders from organizations and invited guest speakers.

 

Brahma Kumaris welcomed all with music, songs and shared a video of the projects, roles and activities with the United Nations followed by Sister Jayanti's beautiful message.

 

Other leaders/speakers shared their work/thoughts for Peace, followed by a candlelight ceremony with all.

 

All of the participants were very happy and felt belonging at Baba's home and left with a unique experience of Peace, Power and Joy.

 

Please find the attached videos below.

 

In Babas Yaad,

Dallas Service Team

 

 

 

 

 

Special Saturday Workshop in Brooklyn (10/14): Stop the Pain and Start the Healing

12 October 2023

 

 

Music, Meditation & Talk - Peace Village Presents - Special Program with Nicolas Crettax And More October Events

9 October 2023

 

 

MofHope - REPLACE BUSY with EASY

9 October 2023

Today the energy of being busy is in the air. Busy radiates a message of ‘I am not available for others nor able to enjoy life's moments as I have too much to manage!’  Busyness makes us stressed about the need to save time, and not to waste it!, and of constantly being in action. Our ego falsely whispers to us, ‘To be busy is to be important’!  

 

Fly free from the cage of 'busy'.  Replace busy with easy and see the difference it makes to your emotional health. You will no longer rush or hurry other people and create tension. We are taught speed is important in order to accomplish more in less time, so we do not let life move at the pace it should. Take a moment to teach your mind to go with the flow today instead of resisting or getting stressed about things which it cannot control. Even if traffic on the road takes time to clear, the traffic of thoughts in your mind should not pile up. 

 

Being Easy or Busy indicate opposite states of your mind, and have nothing to do with the amount of work we do. More pressures and responsibilities need not mean Busy. A great deal of difference is seen between the face of a person who comes into tension, busy, and a person who pays attention, easy.  

 

We can work 16 hours a day and still remain calm and happy, especially, . .when we are soul conscious!  ‘I, the soul, am fine, but my body, the human part is a bit tired.’!  It all depends how we think and respond. Let your mind be filled with the most elevated thoughts and remembrance of the One, God is always there to show the way, and your smiling face will do service. 

 

‘No matter what today brings, I will think correctly  and create positive thoughts of calmness.’ Radiate these thoughts and vibrations of peace to your mind, and learn the art of remaining calm even in chaos. Start by saying, ’I have an easy nature, I have time for everything’. The relaxed energy of the word ’easy’ keeps us calm, steady and focused. We won’t be asking for time. Automatically, we will have more time.

 

Contact: Yvonne Risely, bkchirya@gmail.com, chirya.risely@peacevillageretreat.org 

 

Sr Chirya is a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for over 40 years and is published worldwide.

 

 

 

 

'Harmony' with Sr. Moira (Argentina) and Sr. Anjani (USA) - Ep.75 of Values for Life series

5 October 2023

Hello everyone,

Greetings of Peace to all.  

 

Join us this Saturday for our fortnightly Experiential Values Workshops Series ( # 75, PLATINUM WORKSHOP ) .

 

Value : Harmony ( समरसता )  

 

Content of the Workshop :

1st Hour :   Reflective Exercises on 'Harmony.' 

2nd Hour :  An insightful talk and meditation - in conversation style - with :

                  Sister Moira, Argentina and 

                  Sister Anjani, New York, USA. 

 

Date / Time : Saturday, 7th October 2023 ( 2 Hrs Session )

7:30 PM ( India )  

3:00 PM ( UK )

4:00 PM ( Germany, Spain )

5:00 PM ( Turkey )

6:00 PM ( Dubai )

7:00 AM ( Westcoast US / Can )

10:00 AM ( Eastcoast US / Can )

11:00 AM ( Argentina, Brazil ) 

 

 

Direct joining Zoom link at :

https://brahmakumaris.zoom.us/j/91529229648?pwd=Ri9mN1VLbUV3RXJ5VXEzbmdUUndyQT09

(Zoom ID – 915 2922 9648; Passcode - values)

 

(Translation available in: French, Hindi, Spanish & Portuguese)

 

Thank you all.

 

With Warm Regards,

Sr. Anu & Values for Life' - Team

('Values for Life' Series and 'Values Workshops Series' are collaborative projects between VIHASA – India and Vancouver Brahma Kumaris. They happen on alternative weekends and they bring insightful spiritual reflections on a particular value by senior Raj Yogi Brothers and Sisters.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brahma Kumaris Florida Service Newsletter - September 2023

4 October 2023

 

DELRAY

The Transformation Station in Delray

Beautiful Souls, Classes, Celebrations of Rakkhi with the Miami and Hollywood Family gatherings. Brother Ed came Wednesday evening for Yoga and a Class Sharing on Peace the night before the International Day of Peace.

 

MARGATE

Broward County Library – Sessions

Introductory course was started at the Coconut Creek Library on Saturday Sept 02 and continued every Saturday. This will be followed by the Advanced course sessions, beginning on Saturday Oct 14.

Pompano Library – special session scheduled for Saturday Oct 7. The Introductory Course series will begin at this branch on Wed Oct 11.

All sessions are listed on the Broward County event calendar.

 

Home Program

Home meditation and gathering was held at Sr. Sheilas home during her familys visit. It was a happy mela.

 

Friday Evening Bhatti

These Bhattis continue at the center and Babas children increase their zeal and enthusiasm as agroup.

 

Margate Community Center Venue

We have received permission for use of the Margate Community Center for service to community. We will be able to use this venue to serve those souls emerging from the library service programs, who wish to continue with Baba's knowledge.

 

Click HERE to download full report.

 

 

 

News of Sr. Mani's Tour to Canada for Rakshabandhan Celebrations

1 October 2023

Click on the below image to access detailed report of the various Rakshabandhan celebrations with Sr. Mani across Canada.

 

 

 

Brahma Kumaris Florida Service Newsletter - August 2023

11 September 2023

DELRAY

Volcanic Points

Brother Craig churned all the volcanic points this month and shared these each day and integrated these practices for Wednesday evening classes.

We are blooming inside and out.

 

MARGATE

Broward County Library – Sessions

Completed introductory course in person sessions at Coconut Creek library. Response from participants was positive, they requested more sessions which were scheduled to start on September 02- Saturdays at 11.00 am.

More sessions are also being scheduled for Pompano library – See library calendar.

Friday Evening Bhattis

Friday evening bhattis continued at the Center. Baba’s children increase their zeal and enthusiasm as a group.

Classes continue at Temple

Sundays are regular.

Cleaning and landscaping

Activities, including bhattis, are increasing at the center. This month lots of time was spent in cleaning and uplifting the outdoor environment.

August travels

Sister Hansa and Bro Chandra visited family in Canada.

 

MIAMI

Fridays Conversation - Meet Celebrated Eco artist Xavier Cortada

Aug 11 : Media Producer - host Meredith Porte was in conversation with Xavier Cortada is a Cuban-American artist based in Miami. As a National Science Foundation Antarctic Artists and Writers Program fellow and a New York Foundation for the Arts Sponsored Artist, Cortada created works at the North Pole and South Pole to generate awareness about global climate change.

Click here to access their spiritual conversation.

 

Click HERE to download full report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brahmin Family in St.Louis, Missouri Celebrates Rakhi with Sr. Waddy & More Service News

22 August 2023

Sister Waddy is the center coordinator of Miami, Florida and Vice President-cum-Board member of Brahma Kumaris USA. She was invited especially for the BK Rakhi program by Sister Priya, center coordinator of St. Louis, Missouri.

 

Sister Waddy was welcomed by Sister Priya and St. Louis BK family on Saturday morning and the session began with meditation, murli reading followed by Sr. Waddy’s insights on BK living and her experiences with Dadi Janki. Sister Waddy shared that those who become Baba’s children receive the same experience even though the tests and details can be different. She said that Baba enables to reveal yourselves to your own self and the world.

 

Everyone had beautiful experiences with Baba during the Rakhi ceremony. Sister Waddy gave loving dhristi to each Baba’s child reminding them of their promise and sweet toli. Sister Priya gave fruit and blessings to all.

 

Sister Waddy and Sister Priya tied Rakhi to each other resonating our yagya values of spiritual love, respect and sisterhood.....click here to read full report with photos.

 

 

 

 

 

Brahma Kumaris Florida Service Newsletter - July 2023

9 August 2023

 

MARGATE

Follow up with Commissioner of City of Margate

Will be having follow up meeting in August in relation to use of the Senior

Center facilities on a regular basis for classes at no charge.

 

Click HERE to download Full Report.