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2021 December Asia Pacific Additional News Archive
Table of Content
The Brahma Kumaris Five Dock Programs in January 2022
30 December 2021
Raja Yoga Meditation Advanced Class
4 January @6:30pm - 8:00pm (AEDT)
This class is suitable for those who have completed the BK Meditation Introductory and Intermediate Courses
Book Now
Positive Thinking Course (starts the first Tuesday of every month)
4 January @7:00pm - 8:30pm (AEDT)
The Mind is our most valuable asset. This popular course will provide insights into the power of thought and the power to choose our attitudes and perspectives to empower the self and improve any situation in life.
Book Now
Raja Yoga Meditation - Introductory Course (starts on first Wednesday of the month)
5 January @7:00pm - 8:30pm (AEDT)
This is an interactive introduction to the practice and philosophy of Raja Yoga Meditation.
Topics covered will be:
How to Meditate
Understanding Myself
Understanding God
The Law of Karma
Raja Yoga Meditation - Introductory Course (starts on first Saturday of the month)
8 January @10:00am - 11:30am (AEDT)
This is an interactive introduction to the practice and philosophy of Raja Yoga Meditation.
Topics covered will be:
How to Meditate
Understanding Myself
Understanding God
The Law of Karma
Raja Yoga courses, classes and meditatons in Other languages
Reflections - Stories to Recharge and Rejuvenate
Amplifying Intuition in a Time of Great Noise with Stephen Berkeley
Monday, 10 January, 6:30pm – 7:00pm (AEDT)
Join us online: http://tiny.cc/reflections-stories
Internal Power of Spiritual Awareness with May Chong
Monday, 24 January, 6:30pm – 7:00pm (AEDT)
Join us online: http://tiny.cc/reflections-stories
The recordings can be found at tiny.cc/reflections-series
Silence in the City
A day retreat for experienced meditators
Saturday 22nd January 2022, 9:30:am - 4:00pm (AEDT)
Venue: Brahma Kumaris Australia
181 First Avenue
Five Dock NSW 2046
Book Now
Booking Enquiries: bookings.fivedock@au.brahmakumaris.org
Tel: 02 8737 3600
Goodbye 2021, Welcome 2022 Reflections from Meera Didi, Malaysia
30 December 2021
Happy new year 2022...
Sending some reflection notes to say goodbye to 2021 and welcome to 2022 from Malaysia.
Enjoy self-reflection...
BK Meera
Effect of Rajayoga of Brahma Kumaris for Increasing Happiness – Case Study in Thailand
29 December 2021
Bangkok (Thailand): A group of PhD students of Yoga-Samskrutham University, Florida, visited the Brahma Kumaris Sukhumvit center in Bangkok Thailand. They have taken the spiritual knowledge from Brahma Kumaris and did research on the effect of Raja Yoga.
BK Amarjit Kaur Doowa, PhD Scholar, Department of Ayur-Yoga Yoga-Samskrutham University, Florida, USA, did a case study in Thailand on the “EFFECT OF RAJA YOGA OF BRAHMA KUMARIS FOR INCREASING HAPPINESS AND LIFE SATISFACTION – OVERALL HEALTH & WELLNESS”, under the Guidance of Prof. Dr. Ittikorn Wattana, PhD, D.Sc., Human Resource Development Institute of Thailand.
ABSTRACT
This research aimed to discover the effect of Raja Yoga of Brahma Kumaris, for increasing happiness and life satisfaction in the candidates, resulting in overall health and wellness. This study employed a quantitative research design, using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS), as the aim of the study was to explore the level of Happiness and Life Satisfaction of the participants in Thailand, before, and after practicing Raja Yoga Meditation. Random and selected target groups of 20 people in Thailand participated, to find out the Effect of the practice of Raja Yoga of Brahma Kumaris.
The variables have been selected from different professions and genders and cover a wide age group, to show that Raja Yoga is effective for all, and can be practiced in every household, with positive results in enhancing Happiness and Life Satisfaction. To qualify as a respondent, participants would have completed the Basic Raja Yoga Course, and been practicing the meditation for at least over 2 weeks. Twenty (20) participants, from different professions, and mixed genders, participated in this study. Of these participants, 3 were males (15%), and 17 were females (85%).
Age range : 20 years to 64 years
Gender : Female = 17, Male = 3
Occupation: Varied – CEO, Military Officer, Housewives, Professor, Teachers, Physical Yoga practitioners, Household helper, etc.
Pre and Post Raja Yoga practice questionnaires were filled out by participants and analyzed.
1). Scores and Analysis of Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OQH):
Mean Happiness Overall scores Post Raja Yoga were significantly higher at 85.90%, improved by 26.70%, as compared to those of Pre Raja Yoga Overall Happiness scores at 59.20%.
Post Raja Yoga Practice scores were ranging from 4.55 to 5.76, which was above the score of ‘4’ (66.6%) – the mark point of difference (between being Happy and Unhappy), in the OHQ.
2). Scores and Analysis of The Satisfaction of Life Scale (SLS):
Mean Satisfaction with Life Overall scores Post Raja Yoga were significantly higher at 29.4, improved by 12.05 or 34.43%, as compared to those of Pre Raja Yoga Overall mean score at 17.35 or 49.57%. Significantly showing that the subjects currently are much more satisfied with their lives, which indicated that all Raja Yoga meditators [n=20(100%)] were happier than Pre Raja Yoga meditation. Post Raja Yoga Practice scores were ranging from 22 to 35(100%), which were all above the score of ‘20’ (57.14%%) – the mark point of difference (between being Satisfied and Dissatisfied with Life), in the SLS.
The results of this study showed that Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation (BKRM) increased Happiness and Life Satisfaction significantly in all participants. When interviewed, it was also seen that all the participants were able to recognize and feel a distinct increase in Happiness and Life Satisfaction, and felt that BKRM significantly improved their lifestyle and state of mind, thus improving overall health and wellness. Some participants were able to shift from a marked ‘depressed’ state of mind, to being able to self-manage themselves to have a more positive and peaceful state of mind, and empowered to a great extent.
Conclusion: A proven record that practicing Raja Yoga has resulted in increasing positive energy and happiness. The objectives have been completely achieved.
Recommendations: Further studies, research, and practice of Raja Yoga is highly recommended for all, to have a better mindset.
New Year Greetings from Singapore Family
29 December 2021
Christmas Greetings from Sri Lanka
26 December 2021
Divine Family,
We wish you Merry Christmas.
IBY
BK GANESH & the Sri Lanka family.
X-Mas and New Year Greetings from Indonesia
24 December 2021
Seasons Greetings from Sister Bhavana and the New Zealand & Fiji Family
23 December 2021
X-Mas and New Year Greetings from Malaysia
22 December 2021
Typhoon Odette (International name: Typhoon Rai) Update in the Philippines
21 December 2021
Typhoon Odette entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as a tropical storm on 14 December with Cyclone Signal no. 1 and intensified on 16 December evening with Cyclone Signal no. 4, hitting the provinces of Western and Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao and central Palawan. The intensity reached a maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 230 km/h, and atmospheric pressure of 925 hPa with strong winds that extended up to 400km from the center.
The most affected BK places in the Philippines are Cebu City and the study place in Butuan City. Electricity has been down since 16 December and water pipes have been severely damaged leaving the city with no water supply for several days. Cell satellites have also been severely damaged such that telecommunication and internet signals have been rendered unavailable. Due to uprooted trees that have fallen, roads have become impassable. Strong winds have also damaged the Cebu international Airport such that flights have indefinitely been postponed. (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2admqArlV8;
https://l.facebook.com/l.phpu=https%3A%2F%2Ffb.watch%2Fa1az9Lsdyz%2F%3Ffbclid%3D IwAR3oCNKnPbl- VssZI6Z0tJIvuKpWi18pUIBKOBHoKMq0EbXWqaiAe8nGJOg&h=AT0lzBk7zX7Vqw0C6q9kIXy61 gJddjFSu2teoMwLTQC XhJktN32TFfbjZTFwf_41eO1EwVFgQorIolGii2BXJfy40UJ_QtZi0YtbT36u 3UrHW2JoDNaju8YrFRBs1GBYW8LCjQ
The level of devastation in one of the islands of Cebu, the Dinagat Island and Siargao Island, one of the most well-known tourist destinations, has horribly reached 90% as most houses have been washed out. Although the death toll is very low with over 200, 1.8 M people have been affected and 487,000 people are staying in evacuation centers.
The most difficult hurdles were the aftermath of the havoc that Typhoon Odette had left in the affected areas. Here are some BK personal accounts of their harrowing experience of the typhoon, while continuing to remain stable and sending support and good wishes during this crisis:
“Center was flooded and trees have fallen but we continue to remain stable even without water and electricity.
“In our hometown in Southern Leyte, the Mayor sends his news anchor man to go to the nearby municipality that has internet signal somewhere, and takes a video so that those living outside the town and even abroad can know what is going on Many roads are not passable.”
“We have managed to keep ourselves happy as we experienced God's canopy of warm love and protection . Let's continue to send powerful vibrations of love, peace and hope to everyone. This situation gained in us all the experience ... And somehow showed that great inner strength that we all can make it through this critical time.”
The Brahma Kumaris Board of Trustees of the Philippines has laid down its plans to help the affected centers as well as the most devastated places in coordination with trusted charitable institutions to extend support to the hard-hit families and communities.
Australian Virtual Centre Presents ‘Christmas SPIRITuality’ – 15 Minute, 12 Day Virtual Christmas Celebration from December 13-24
20 December 2021
Promo video. Click the image to play it [1:19]
Australia: You might be familiar with all the Christmas symbols, the Star, the Tree, the Angel on the top of the tree and the virtues befitting the spirit of Christmas.
Have you considered what they really mean? Do they have a deeper significance?’
We would like to invite you to join us for a 12 Day (13th to 24th December) virtual celebration of Christmas this year, where you will hear experiences, insights and reflections from speakers around the globe. The sessions run each evening at AEDT for 15 minutes each day and are suitable for those of all ages.
You can join us from Monday, here – http://tiny.cc/ChristmasSPIRIT
Replays of each session are available here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7Eb8IuQmvNjFwYokjYyF4dqC5KizzGzA
Looking forward to you joining us for this wonderful event, to bring spirituality into Christmas.
Om Shanti and a Merry Christmas !!!
On behalf of the Australian Virtual Centre Team.
Blue Mountains Retreat Centre January Programs
8 December 2021
Dear Friends,
Summer is coming and we look forward to the warm weather.
The rain has been wonderful in helping the plants and trees to grow beautifully and everything looks so green.
In January we will focus on the Introduction to Raja Yoga Meditation Retreat as many people wish to start 2022 with meditation.
This will help us individually as well as our families and our world.
We also commence the new year with a powerful retreat titled New Beginnings, in which we let go of old, unwanted habits and discover new, inspiring ways to live in these challenging times.
Here are some wise words from Dadi Janki:
The practice of silently observing life enables me to understand other people's inner concerns. I become slower to judge and better able to respond openly and thoughtfully.
We wish you a Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with joy.
Sally
New Beginnings
Weekend Retreat
@ Blue Mountains Retreat Centre
Saturday 7th January - 9.30am, until
Sunday 9th January - 2:00pm
This weekend will be a combination of meditation, ceremony and deep discussion. We have all been through difficult times in the last 12 months. Our time together over this weekend will help us to leave 2021 behind and to start moving forward into newness.
Introduction to Raja Yoga Meditation
Weekend Retreat
@ Blue Mountains Retreat Centre
Saturday 7th January - 9.30am, until
Sunday 9th January - 2:00pm
In this course we will learn about the types of thoughts we have, our spiritual identity, soul consciousness, the Supreme Soul and the law of karma.
Introduction to Raja Yoga Meditation
Weekend Retreat
@ Blue Mountains Retreat Centre
Saturday 14th January - 9.30am, until
Sunday 16th January - 2:00pm
In this course we will learn about the types of thoughts we have, our spiritual identity, soul consciousness, the Supreme Soul and the law of karma.
Introduction to Raja Yoga Meditation
Day Program
@ Blue Mountains Retreat Centre
Thursday 20th January, 10am - 4pm
In this course we will learn about the types of thoughts we have, our spiritual identity, soul consciousness, the Supreme Soul and the law of karma.
A vegetarian lunch will be provided.
Australia Virtual Centre Courses. Classes. Meditations in December 2021
5 December 2021
Acceptance… letting go of resistance
December 1, 2021 | Local Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Acceptance is a conscious choice to let go of resistance to “what is”. In this session we will explore how resistance is the seed of negativity and acceptance is the seed of positivity.
Speaker: Charlie Hogg
Raja Yoga Meditation Course in English
December 2, 2021 | Local Time: 5:30 am – 6:30 am
Raja Yoga meditation is a form of meditation that is accessible to people of all backgrounds. Meditation is a state of being in that place just beyond every day consciousness, which is where spiritual empowerment begins. These lessons will cover the fundamentals of raja yoga meditation.
Speaker: Gopi Elton
Make your Mind your Best Friend
December 3, 2021 | Local Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Learn to still your mind and bring calm into your everyday life with these weekly sessions of guided meditation and short discussion. Open to all, no matter what your level of experience.
Speaker: Maggie Taylor
Experience Peace and Calm in Your Own Home
December 3, 2021 | Local Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Return to being calm and peaceful. Join us for a Free experiential Meditation session.
December 4, 2021 | Local Time:4:30 am – 6:30 am
An open class that focuses specifically on the practice of meditation and the carrying of its effects into everyday life. No prior tuition or preconditions required. Each Saturday concentrates on a different challenge. Open to all. Begins with a one-hour guided meditation.
Speaker: Lee James
December 4, 2021 | Local Time: 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Ever wondered what Spirituality means and why it matters? Why do people follow it? Should we make spirituality a priority in life? In this talk series we will answer these questions for you and walk you through practical examples of some practitioners of Spiritual life for various years. Facilitators for this session will be Adults […]
Speaker: Jessica Yuille
December 4, 2021 | Local Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Spirituality is one of the foundation aspects to nurture each child’s wellbeing of inner self. This course is for children aged from 5-12 years to build the foundation for life’s journey stronger with values, personality, attitudes and beliefs.
Speaker: Sita Gurung
December 5, 2021 | Local Time:12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This 1 hour session includes a short introduction to BKA and Rajyoga meditation followed by short meditation commentaries on a topic.
Speaker: Experienced Meditators
Experience Peace and Calm in Your Own Home
December 5, 2021 | Local Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Return to being calm and peaceful. Join us for a Free experiential Meditation session.
December 6, 2021 | Local Time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
We are all looking for change, because we carry the belief that when our world changes only then can we be happy and healthy. Instead let us explore the simple formula, “When I change, my world changes.” It’s time to explore the process of change and become Masters of Change.
Speaker: Charlie Hogg , Kim Cunio
December 7, 2021 | Local Time: 4:30 am – 5:00 am
Interviews with Raj Yogis exploring various aspects of living well including mental and physical health, diet, movement and consciousness.
Speaker: Maureen Chen
December 8, 2021 | Local Time:1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
A 45 minute conversation and reflection about our inner feelings to reconnect to our core and the Divine.
Speaker: Sona Bahri
Raja Yoga Meditation Course in English
December 9, 2021 | Local Time: 5:30 am – 6:30 am
Raja Yoga meditation is a form of meditation that is accessible to people of all backgrounds. Meditation is a state of being in that place just beyond every day consciousness, which is where spiritual empowerment begins. These lessons will cover the fundamentals of raja yoga meditation.
Speaker: Gopi Elton
The Spiritual Law of Attraction
December 9, 2021 | Local Time: 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
The Law of Attraction is the belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences. Nowadays this fundamental law of “like attracts like” can often be used to draw people, money, or my dream job towards myself but do these things give me long term increased happiness and peace of mind?
Speaker: Fran Fitzgerald
Make your Mind your Best Friend
December 10, 2021 | Local Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Learn to still your mind and bring calm into your everyday life with these weekly sessions of guided meditation and short discussion. Open to all, no matter what your level of experience.
Speaker: Maggie Taylor
Experience Peace and Calm in Your Own Home
December 10, 2021 | Local Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Return to being calm and peaceful. Join us for a Free experiential Meditation session.
December 11, 2021 | Local Time: 4:30 am – 6:30 am
An open class that focuses specifically on the practice of meditation and the carrying of its effects into everyday life. No prior tuition or preconditions required. Each Saturday concentrates on a different challenge. Open to all. Begins with a one-hour guided meditation.
Speaker: Lee James
December 11, 2021 | Local Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Online Spiritual Book Cafe: Here we share on a chapter from a selected book in an open, honest and accepting atmosphere, along-with supporting and inspiring each other on the journey and some guided meditation. This is a monthly Workshop, so stay tuned in for future event dates.
Speaker: Sapna Ruparelia
December 11, 2021 | Local Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Spirituality is one of the foundation aspects to nurture each child’s wellbeing of inner self. This course is for children aged from 5-12 years to build the foundation for life’s journey stronger with values, personality, attitudes and beliefs.
Speaker: Sita Gurung
December 12, 2021 | Local Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This 1 hour session includes a short introduction to BKA and Rajyoga meditation followed by short meditation commentaries on a topic.
Speaker: Experienced Meditators
Experience Peace and Calm in Your Own Home
December 12, 2021 | Local Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Return to being calm and peaceful. Join us for a Free experiential Meditation session.
Click HERE for full list of all the events.