Sr.Sudha in Baltic countries, December 2012

Lithuania
Vilnius - a good start

Charge yourself in Vilnius! - a large billboard at the Vilnius airport seemed to be a good sign for a start.
Didi Sudha’s visit to Lithuania began with the welcoming program and a family meeting at Baba’s centre.
The topic of Love and Harmony in Relationship ran all through classes and discussions with BKs in Vilnius. Didi reminded us that we all came to Baba with our “luggage” full of old habits and defects we sometimes don’t want to part with. We need time to bring about inner changes. That is why we have to learn how to understand and forgive, so that we don’t hold insults and offence in our hearts.
The public program “Time Management and Harmony in Relationship” got together about 70 guests. The beautiful hall of the Europe-City hotel was full. The program began with practical tasks and was followed by a lecture. Didi Sudha emphasized that to manage our time we have to rule over our thoughts, words and actions. For that, the essential skill is the ability to put a full stop on the past and keep going. During the meditation, Didi asked everyone to imagine the person we’d made a mistake toward and ask him for forgiveness. It seemed all got powerful experience and inspiration.

Latvia
Daugavpils - a stronghold
Our next stop was Daugavpils, a city in the Eastern part of Latvia, which is famous for its fortress. The history says that even Napoleon couldn’t take it during his war against Russia. And Baba’s children created the fortress of unity, maintaining the unique atmosphere of spiritual love and light in two-storeyed Baba’s House.
In Daugavpils Didi Sudha met friends of the Brahma Kumaris University. Most of them had been to India as guests of the Peace of Mind Retreat. She also gave an interview for the local Radio broadcast “Alise”.
More then 50 guest came to the public program “The Time of Transformation”.

Latvia
Ventspils – a place of cows

We were heading west, the opposite site of Latvia, to the wonderful town, which lies on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Inspite of the small population, Ventspils is the busiest port in the Baltic states. It’s a town of concerts, festivals and other events uniting thousands of people, a place of painted “cows”; colorful cow sculptures are all over the city.
Baba’s service in Ventspils was started in spring 2012.
Didi Sudha gave a lecture at the Central Library on the topic of “Mind management”. 80 people attended, most of them were Latvians. Didi managed to rapport with the audience, although there was not Latvian interpretation. The guests left satisfied with the deep spiritual experience.
The next day Marlena Zvajzgne, the journalist of a local newspaper, The Ventas Balss, interviewed Didi on Raja Yoga practice, the Brahma Kumaris activities and of course … the end of the world. With great wisdom, Didi explained that there is no end but big changes we have to prepare ourselves for.

Latvia
Riga – the spirit of freedom

The Freedom Monument is located in the center of Riga. The 42-metre high monument is a symbol of freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Latvia. The heroine if Latvian folk epic – Milda – rises over the city, staying on the base of a 108-petal lotus flower. She holds three stars above her head and at her foot freedom fighters break down chains. A memorial!
Two public programs took place at Riga Technical University hall. The first, “The Age of Transformation”, was organized in an interview format. Didi answered the most stirring questions: how to get free from worry and discontentment, to deal with difficult situations, to understand one’s own part, one’s inner self and again what the end of the world is about. She explained that the world is eternal and shared a good message about the beneficial time of transformation, when God Himself helps us to recharge our souls and transform our lives.
The next day Didi Sudha gave a lecture on the topic “The Secrets of Gaining Inner Power”. A beautiful atmosphere felt in the hall during the meditation at the beginning of the lecture and audience could feel every power Didi was speaking about.
At Baba’s Home Didi met Alla Arkadieva, a famous radio journalist and an old friend of Brahma
Kumaris.

Estonia
Tallinn – the winter town

Tallinn is the oldest capital city in Northern Europe. It is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, 80 km south of Helsinki. Some derive its name from old Estonian, means “winter town”. But cold weather is nothing, when you enjoy warm and sweet atmosphere of the family. We song Estonian, Russian, Hindi songs, danced khorovod (a Russian round dance) to the Estonian music, lit candles, cut a cake and shared our spiritual experience. The BKs’ family in Estonia celebrated its 4th anniversary.
The next two days Didi gave two public lectures. The first was “The Uniqueness of Our Time”. Having foreseen the questions prevailing on those days, Didi began her talk with: “Are we expecting the end of the world?” She explained that time is a circle and changes are the law of nature and what our actions should be at the time of global changing. On the second day the lecture was on “Meditation: a Key to Peaceful and Happy Life”. Didi began with signs of a healthy soul, explained how soul can cure itself, and then gave some tests followed by spiritual exercises to show how we can experiment with meditation.

Awakening the Dreamer Workshop in USA

Awakening the Dreamer Workshop Kickoff in the USA

The Brahma Kumaris and the Pachamama Alliance collaboratively presented the Awakening the Dreamer Workshop at Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Centre in Novato, California (near San Francisco) on July 28, 2012. This joint venture was done for the first time in the USA to engage members of the public in some of the urgent and necessary questions of this age: Where are we? How did we get here? What is possible now? Where do we go from here? Our common mission is to create an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just world.

The workshop experience was based on Awakening the Dreamer; Changing the Dream Symposium developed by the Pachamama Alliance. It was integrated with Brahma Kumaris meditations, the BK Earth Care Workshop and a BK video on awareness. The Awakening the Dreamer Workshop was facilitated by Jon Symes, Development Director of Awakening the Dreamer, Gordan Lawrence, BK Green Team Representative, USA, and Sister Elizabeth Padilla, Program Director of Anubhuti Retreat Centre. Sister Chandru, USA West Coast Director of BKWSO, opened the event with words of blessings for the partnership and the workshop.

This USA kickoff event was well attended by sixty-seven participants of diverse backgrounds. They were deeply moved by the workshop and expressed real enthusiasm to play a role in creating a better world.

In the words of the participants, the workshop was …

 “Rather than shutting out information because of feeling overwhelmed, I can process from a different place and be more empowered to act. This workshop is a sign of the shift that is happening.”

“Incredibly informative, positively encouraging, and affirmative. One of the things that impacted me the most was the shift in the everyday attitude I felt – I did not feel the separateness after looking into the eyes of a stranger for over a minute.”

 “What a heartfelt experience, well presented, very meaningful, inspiring. Made me really want to get out there and do my part. You are the best ... I feel blessed and grateful! Thank you for being.”

 “Very good, very positive, making the emotion connection – good aha! The enthusiasm of the presenters and gazing into another’s eyes exercise were favorite and effective parts. “

The workshop has factual and powerful documentaries interwoven with inspiring images, group sharing, creative meditations, and thought-provoking exercises. It encourages the participant to examine the environmental, social and spiritual condition of humanity, explore the root causes of our modern malaise, and generate alternative solutions for a better future.

BK Centres in nine countries have presented the Awakening the Dreamer Workshop thus far. The aim is to have as many BK Centres as possible do a workshop by 12/12/2012 as part of the effort to give birth to a new global awareness for a socially just, spiritually fulfilling and environmentally sustainable world. Jon Symes and his wife, Sand, will be attending the Environmental Group retreat in Madhuban on October 1, 2012. He will meet with other environmentalists and Brahma Kumaris leaders from around the world.

For more information and get access to all the materials visit, pachamama.org/bkwsu

PHOTOS: https://plus.google.com/photos

Dadi Gulzar in Hong Kong

By Mid- morning the auditoriun called "Olympic House"  began filling with bk students  together with the general public to hear Dadi Gulzar  on the 2nd Day tour of HK.

Each morning before Dadi arrives, Dr Nirmala addresses the audience on the various topics of stress , relationships  and meditation.
 
This morning Dadi spoke of Tension that exists in the minds of people but with the simple addition of the alphabet "A" tension changes to ATTENTION and this  makes a big difference.
 
Dadi reminded them that the mind likes to be happy however   situations affect the happiness of the mind.
 Therefore draw the attention of the mind towards God's Love.
Look up to God but do not remember him with pain" oh my God, oh my God" remember Him with Love at that moment.
Bring two things to your Attention. (A) your relationship with him that you His child and (b) the Attainment
Of that relationship  i.e the many powers you know God has ready for you.
All you have to do now is to "DRAW" that power lovingly  from Him.
we sit in pain remembering God hoping he would change the pain to happiness but at that moment you are  remembering  your pain and your situations not the relationship nor the attainment from God.
As a result  your mind  remains distressed and your happiness lost.
Dadi told the audience she has come as a  messenger  to share the  good news that " God has arrived  in an  incognitio form ".All you have to do is to go to the many centres of this organization and take up the first 2 lessons of "who am I and Who is God"Dadi said she wants the audience  to discover the message and  does not want to ruin their surprise  but  you will find Him.she promises!

 Dadi said  that for now many of you  may or may not accept this message and wonder who is saying this but remember   this Day in hongkong  and bring this image in front of you and you will remember this message
 The session ended with live commentary followed by toli and blessing cards.

In the evening the hongkong centre celebrated the 75th anniversary of the organization with bk students packed to capacity. Rose petals were showered as Dadi stepped into the centre .There was a cake-cutting , a song praising Dadi's simple qualitites sung by bro.Pascal.
 
Dadi took up the subject  of Baba's recent Murli on Waste Thoughts.she said remember 2 yuktis to remove waste thoughts .

1.At amritvela take saakash for yourself . After that make a"timetable" for your mind because it is in the mind that waste thoughts occur so give the mind the hand of Srimat. Your time table will help guide the mind from wasteful to powerful
2. Use the mind for mansa-seva. Serve those in need  and the world with your mind .
Like in a temple ,the idol is beautiful and the temple surroundings is kept clean , in the same way the soul (the idol) now belongs to God and has Godly knowledge so the Mind (the temple) should be clean and free of waste thoughts.

The evening ended with gifts, blessings and Toli from Dadi and Dr.Nirmala.

Latest News from Jayanti Behn - Bahrain

Today, Friday, it's been a short program in the conference so that people have time to go to the mosque and in the evening we have a barbeque for the family.  Visitors are already beginning to leave today. 

Anthony Strano has a long tour ahead and he will be leaving today.

Latest News from Jayanti Behn - Muscat

The Muscat family have distributed 65,000 leaflets through various outlets and Dadi's photograph has gone into most of the homes in Muscat.
Jyoti bhen says even though Dadi has not come, Dadi is giving dhristi to everyone through her photo.10,000 messages gone out as SMS through GSM.

Spirituality helps to deal with crisis- Brahma Kumar Charles Hogg

India is the home of spirituality

Brahma Kumaris to hold Platinum Jubilee Function today

Chandigarh, 10 March 2012:

The root cause of all conflicts and disputes in the world is that people are unaware of their true relationship with their fellow humans, which in turn is the result of ignorance of their spiritual identity. The eternal religion of all souls is peace and their eternal relationship is of brotherhood in a spiritual family.

These were the views expressed today by B.K. Sister Jayanti, Director, European Centers of Brahmakumaris from London at Rajyoga Bhawan, sector 33-A while conversing with media persons. She along with many foreign delegates was here to participate in Platinum Jubilee Function of Brahma Kumaris organization to be held on Sunday evening at mela ground in sector 34.

“Purity, peace, love, happiness and bliss are the original qualities of the soul. But this spiritual identity, qualities and relationship have been forgotten by most of people. In their place, people identify each other by the labels of gender, nationality, religion and race which is contributing to divide the society. A world of universal peace, happiness and prosperity can be created only when people return to their spiritual identity and relate to each other with spiritual awareness.” she further added.

While addressing the media persons B.K Charles Hogg, Director Australian Centers of Brahmakumaris said spirituality helps us to deal with crisis. There is great respect and love for India and its age old culture in foreign countries. India is the home of spirituality throughout the world. With the practice of Rajyoga meditation the basic link that binds humanity can be restored. Brahmakumaris is the only spiritual organization from the east to hold a consultative status with the UNICEF & ECOSOC of UN. Organization has been affiliated as an NGO of United Nation since 1981.

Brahma Kumari Sister Jasmine, a  Rajyoga Teacher from Germanyclaimed the need of spiritual education as per the present world scenario. Narrating the aim of the organization, she said that this Godly University visualizes to create  a new world through realization of one’s original self through connection with the Supreme Soul. She also explained only by practicing one’s original self which is none but the soul, one can cross the barriers of inequality, caste, creed and religion. Adding more to her words, she also bought onto surface the introduction of Almighty Authority and narrated that God is a sacred living point of light that is neither male nor female and is acceptable to all religions.

B. K. Beena from Oxfordsaid that the institution offers various spiritual and motivational courses free of cost. I was in the search of truth about God and his whole existence and I got it at Mount Abu, international head office of the institution.

Veteran actor of Punjabi cinema Meher Mittaltold that he is practicing the meditation of Brahma Kumaris for last 4 years and have got enormous benefits. He advised all to adopt spiritual life style for healthy and happy life.

To spread the message of universal brotherhood and unity and mark the Platinum Jubilee, under the umbrella theme of “One God, One World Family”, the Brahmakumaris will be upholding a public function at 5 p.m on 11^th March, 2012 at Mela Ground, Chandigarh. Celebrations will be graced by Rajyogini Dadi Ratan Mohiniji, Joint Chief of Brahma Kumaris. Hon’ble Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court will be the chief guest of event.

B K Achal Didi

Zonal Chief

Sis. Jayanti in Windhoek, Namibia

On Friday 9th December Sister Jayanti arrived in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.  This was her first visit to the country and Namibia is one of the new countries where service began as a result of the Serve Africa project.  Sister Jayanti was warmly received by the instrument in Namibia, br Freddy ( originally from Durban) , Sister Pratiba from Cape Town and Virginia One of the new students in Windhoek.  That evening a talk was held at hotel in the city that was attended by about 110 people.  Included in the program was an official welcome to Sister Jayanti by Mrs. Adelaide Abasse, the Planning Director, on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education.  There were several other dignitaries that had attended the evening, including the wife of the Health Minister, the Director of Health and several lectures from the International University of Namibia.  Mrs. Abasse read out the message from the Deputy Minister, who expressed deep appreciation of Sister Jayanti's visit and highlighted the current challenge within the country in the Education department attributed to the erosion of values. 

The Namibian people are grateful for the work of the Brahma Kumaris and specially to Sister Jayanti for coming to Namibia.  A local gospel singer, Neville Davids sang a beautiful song as a welcome to all, and Mvula ya Ngongo,  the advisor to the Minister of Broadcasting and Communications and famed poet in Namibia offered a beautiful poem.  Sr Jayanti began by acknowledging the warm welcome to Namibia and then first provided an overview of the state of the world and then offered hope by offering a vision of a world where that harmony and peace can exist but that it requires a deep level of personal change.  One aspect highlighted was the need to enhance our inner emotional and spiritual capacity, because in the immediate future things may worsen.  So we need to build our capacity to develop further tolerance.  She further encouraged souls to use the method of meditation to connect with the Divine as a way to enhance our inner capacity.  She ended her presentation by taking the audience into an experience of meditation with a guided meditation commentary. 

The evening then ended with a song by Bianca Haines and all left feeling very uplifted and empowered.  Mrs Abasse specifically came forward and expressed how deeply her heart had been touched by what Sr Jayanti had shared.  The next day there was a  morning class with about 8 students and Sister Jayanti encouraged them to make morning class a regular practise and its benefit.  Before leaving for the airport, Mr Pieyush Gupta, who is the Under Secretary at the Office of the Indian Consulate came to meet Sr Jayanti.  He had been instrumental in offering a tremendous amount of help in the initial years of establishing the centre in Windhoek.   The young Windhoek family bade Sr Jayanti farewell  and felt deeply grateful for the spiritual injection given to all.

Br. Anthony Strano in Malaysia

A Professional Retreat was organised for IPs, professionals and contacts of the Brahma Kumaris from 2nd – 4th December 2011, at a beautiful seaside resort in Port Dickson which is about an hour's drive (100 km) from Kuala
Lumpur.
The retreat with the theme “Slaying the Three Dragons” (based on the title of one of Bro. Anthony’s book) was
aimed to (1) provide a balanced approach to life and (2) to empower the self and therefore able to face life positively
The Retreat was divided into 3 sessions: Slaying the 3 Dragons Session 1, Session 2 and Session 3. To help
participants calm their minds and prepare them to absorb the knowledge, there were sessions of morning and evening meditation, which were conducted by Sis PROFESSIONAL RETREAT “SLAYING THE THREE DRAGONS”
OVERCOMING DOUBT, WORRY AND FEAR WITH BRO. ANTOHNY STRANO 2nd – 4th December 2011, LEXIS, Port Dickson and realistically. Out of the 40 participants that took part, nearly half the number were new contacts with one each from Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Australia and two Singaporeans. Also, it is the first time that there were more than half Chinese bodied souls and 3 Muslim souls.

Participants were eager to learn of the ”dragons” in their lives and some of the biggest dragons in today’s world. They got to know “who or what created the dragons” and the “remedies” i.e. what is needed to effectively and permanently transform or dissolve those dragons.

Bro Anthony expounded to participants the importance of “Silence” as a bridge to increase one’s core
strength and release creative energy into the world . He further explained that the “Steps of Silence” are
(1) Reflection (2) Concentration (3) Connection (4) Filling (5) Donation.
And to help us practically in daily life. Bro Anthony explained to everyone the “Principles and Practices” which are (1) Freedom – Choice (2) Responsibility – Consequence (3) Balance of Virtues (4) Observe NOT Absorb (5) Learn to STOP.
A special “treat” in the Retreat was the session on “Meeting through the Eye of Soul Consciousness” which was actually “Blessing Ceremony”. Participants came in through a flowery arch and walked along the candle-lit path with floral decorations in the middle. They took drishti from Bro Anthony during which time their blessing was read out and then collected the blessing from Sis Meera. Participantswere very ‘touched’ and felt as if it was the Divine / God’s message to them. Participants also enjoyed the morning exercise at the playground in front of the Resort. They felt fresh and energised to stay alert “in order to slay the dragons” within themselves. To help participants gain better insights to the knowledge shared by Bro Anthony, the Media Team came to Port Dickson and offered a
variety a of books, mostly those written by Bro Anthony, some by Mike George and a few other  publications/authors. A large quantity of books, CDs and other media items were sold like “hot cake” in just
half the day.
Participants were also happy to have their books autographed by Bro Anthony. The Retreat was a great success as participants went home happy, contented, refreshed and re-energised, having freed their mind, body and spirit from the “dragons” and ready to face whatever trials and tribulations in their lives. They even made a commitment to come to the centre (for those who have not take the 7-day Foundation course) or to come for morning
Murli at least a few days a week (for those who have done the Course).

For detailed report with photographs, click on below link:
https://gf.brahmakumaris.org/@api/de..._Dec11_-_R.pdf

https://gf.brahmakumaris.org/@api/de..._Mode%255d.pdf

The Brahma Kumaris Centre in Durban is currently hosting international visitors for COP17, associated exhibitions, parallel events, and participating in various associated conferences.  The UN Conference COP17 is taking place from 28th November – 9th December.  The delegation of twelve, headed by Sister Jayanti, includes Sonja Ohlsson from Denmark; Julia Grindon-Welch from the BK UN Office New York; Golo Pilz solar energy advisor, India; Theresa Mungazi from, Zimbabwe and Juan Milling from Canada, youth representatives; Valeriane Bernard from the BK UN office Geneva; Pratibha Patel, assistant regional director from Kenya; Ruth Liddle from UK; Piero Musini, sustainable retreat centre Casa Sangam, Italy; and Belinda Westcott, Usha Jevan and Pratiba Daya of South Africa.

MULTI-FAITH MASS RALLY AND CONCERT 27 NOVEMBER 2011

The “We Have Faith Mass Rally and Concert” was held at Kings Park Stadium as a culmination of the “We Have Faith - Act Now for Climate Justice Campaign” and was hosted by Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

The event, which pulled support from all quarters, was aimed at calling on world leaders attending the climate change talks to reach a fair and legally binding agreement to curb climate change. The UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres attended the rally and received a petition with about 200,000 signatures from the faith leaders. The rally was attended by approximately 5,000 people from different faith groups. The BKWSU was part of the rally and scores of BKs from South Africa, BK representatives from Zimbabwe, Denmark, India, UK and USA attended the rally. The European director of the BKWSU, Sr Jayanti was one of the invited guest speakers at the rally. 

She gave a powerful and inspirational speech and meditation commentary.  In her address Sr Jayanti emphasized the power of thoughts, how everything originates in the mind. She encouraged everyone to keep a positive mindset and maintain powerful positive thoughts, which will reach out to the COP17 negotiators, to the people who are going to make decisions on our behalf, and to influence nature.  After her powerful and inspiring introduction, Sister Jayanti conducted meditation.  In addition to leaders from different faith groups and internationally recognized musicians, other guests at the rally included UNFCCCExecutive Secretary Christiana Figueres;the Chair of COP17 and Minister of International Relations, Maite Emily Nkoana-Mashabane;Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Edna Molewa; environmental campaigner, maritime lawyer and endurance swimmer, Lewis Pugh and extreme adventurer and endurance runner of the Great Wall of China, Braam Malherbe.

First day of COP17, UN’s Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa

Opening Ceremony

COP17 was officially opened Monday 28^th Nov. with a welcome ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma and H.E. Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for the Republic of South Africa and President Elect of COP17/CMP7, together with many other dignitaries.

Despite limited access for NGO’s, due to their registration as a Research and Independent Organisation (RINGO), the Brahma Kumaris received invitations for 3 people. Sister Jayanti, Golo Pilz and Usha Jevan from Durban attended the welcome ceremony, which also included spectacular African Zulu dance and singing.

During the two weeks of the conference our exhibition stand at COP17 will serve as a focal point of our central theme of the conference Consciousness and Climate Change – Building Capacity and Building Power (Solar Energy).

Inter-generational Dialogue – Honouring Wisdom and Strengthening Commitment – University of KuzuNatel at Howard College, Shepstone

The first program at the NGO Forum with Panellists:
Sister Jayanti – Director Brahma Kumaris Europe and Middle East
Youth: Theresa Mungazi – Program Manager for Young Voices Network with a degree in Applied Environmental Sciences, Zimbabwe
Dr Sandika Baboolal- Medical doctor with special interest in environment
Simmi Dullay - Lecturer in gender studies, Degree in Fine Arts
Edna Kaptoyo - Programme officer at Indigenous Information Network

Four professional and dynamic young women joined Sister Jayanti in a lively and informative dialogue moderated by Devindree Pillay. Their conversation touched on many key issues around climate change and other major crisis facing humanity today; justice, gender equality, value based education and inter-generational communication, to name a few. 

Theresa emphasised the need for value based education and posed the question; ‘Decisions are based on our value system, but the spiritual dimension is missing. When I share some of my ideas, young people just look at me strangely. How can I get my ideas across in an acceptable way?’  Sister Jayanti took up the topic by saying “Young people don’t want to be seen as the odd one out and so create ideas that catch on with them such as cycling instead of driving wherever you go or buying local foods in season instead of imports.  This way it becomes ‘in’ to be ‘green’”.

Coming from an activist family, Simmi shared some of her disillusionment around initiatives such as COP17.  She felt that negotiations do not bring about justice, only compromise and so issues such as wealth distribution and gender inequality are never resolved.  Therefore the plight of the poor and women, in particular, especially in Africa, is never improved.  Sister Jayanti responded that “Injustice can create anger, but this approach compounds the problem.  Criticism separates me from others and then I cannot influence them.  First I have to remove my own weaknesses and then I can engage calmly and clearly with others and achieve my goals.  With truth we are able to make a difference and bring about the change that we would like to see”.

In the evening a welcome reception hosted by the President of COP 17/CMP 7, took place at the  City Hall of Durban.  The large room was filled to capacity and decorated creatively with recycled materials such as cushions stitched out of sugar sacks.  Soft green spotlights flooded the room from high ceilings highlighting a ‘forest’ of cleverly stitched hearts and African continents made from stuffed newspaper hanging from white painted branches.  Julia Grindon-Welch and Sonja Ohlsson attended and met many fellow delegates.

DADI RATANMOHINI VISITS SINGAPORE

Singaporeans could not help but marvel at the number of distinguished visitors gracing our Lion City in the recent months. It seemed like only yesterday when Didi Nirmala had waved goodbye and before we knew it, we were back at Changi Airport to welcome not one, but 3 more guests in September & October!

It was a wonderful surprise for Singapore when Dadi Ratanmohini set off from Auckland 2 days earlier and arrived in Singapore on Sun 25 Sep morning with Sis Leela. After a well-deserved rest, Dadi was set to explore Singapore?s wonder- Sentosa, where she enjoyed the mesmerizing “Songs of the Sea” show with a live cast, dramatic effects, water jets and pyrotechnics.

BRO CHARLIE IN TOWN!

On Monday we welcomed our 2rd guest, Charlie bhai and together, Charlie bhai & Dadi tackled the topic, “10 Truths about the Self”. A rapt audience of about 140 listened with great interest as Charlie bhai revealed the many secrets of the soul. After unveiling the first 6 truths, Charlie bhai called upon Dadi who rose majestically to the occasion by continuing the session in English, to the delight of the audience, many of whom were newcomers.

We took the opportunity to invite members of the Sindhi community to our premises on Tuesday morning. Many of those who came were relatives/contacts of the senior members of our organisation, and they included Dadi Gulzar?s & Dadi Chandiramani?s sisters. After a talk in Hindi where Dadi talked about how to lead an enriching life, Dadi was happy to catch up with some of our guests whom she?d had a connection with many years ago.

Dadi was also keen to meet up with her own relatives in Singapore. Her nephew, Deepak & his wife, Vinita, made special time to visit Dadi at the Centre. Together with filling them with the jewels of knowledge, Dadi also gave them a lot of love.

Dadi?s connection with Singapore goes a long way back. In 1954, when Brahma Baba sent the delegation of Dadi Prakashmani, Dadi Rattanmohini & Dada Anandkishore to Japan, the Dadis stopped in Singapore for a short time. A well-known philanthropist Kanti bhai who was also instrumental in helping to set up the Singapore Centre in 1980, played host to the Dadis & ensured that they had all that they needed. Dadi Rattanmohini expressed special interest to meet Kanti bhai?s family & it was a lovely scene to see Dadi sharing fond memories with Kanti

bhai?s wife, Lilaben who is almost 90 now. Kanti bhai?s son Dipak and his wife Rekha also became nostalgic as they talked about the “good ol?days.”

On Tuesday evening, a class was specially arranged for BKs. Dadi stressed the importance of maintaining the spiritual disciplines. She also emphasized the need for BKs, who already possess a lot of knowledge, to practise the 1st lesson- I am a soul, a powerful soul, a pure soul. Through this practice, we can truly realize that we are really souls and not merely have theoretical knowledge about it. Dadi continued to amaze us all with her command of the English language, using the translator only when she was not sure she had expressed herself clearly.

It was soon time for Dadi to leave Singapore & return to our sweet home, Madhuban. The Singapore BKs who rarely receive the opportunity to interact with Dadi in Madhuban can now finally understand why Dadi, at 87, still heads the Youth Wing!

For detailed news with pictures, click the below link:

https://gf.brahmakumaris.org/@api/de...p_Oct_2011.pdf

SIS GOPI ELTON VISITS SINGAPORE

Our 3rd guest arrived on 7 October, on the special invitation of the Singapore centre. Sis Gopi who has extensive experience in mental health care, spent 5 days with the Singapore family, sharing her invaluable insights and personal experiences about mental wellness with both the BKs and members of the public.

On Friday, Sis Gopi was whisked straight from the airport into a session with the BKs entitled “Mental Wellness for BKs”. Despite an exhausting day of travel as her flight had been delayed, Sis Gopi gamely shared with the BKs her observations about how mental health issues are becoming increasingly relevant these days. She clarified that mental illness can come in the form of depression, anxiety and worry, addictions, dementia and in more severe cases, psychosis. Although there may be stigma attached to someone with mental illness, many of these illness can be overcome with counselling, medication etc. BKs can help by being active listeners, by being gentle and peaceful and non-judgemental.

On Saturday Sis Gopi conducted a workshop entitled “Managing Emotions for Effective Caregiving”. The 50 people who attended the workshop were given information, exercises and tips so that they could learn more about their emotions. Sis Gopi defined emotions as “Energy in motion”. These emotions can affect our bodies in an adverse way and we may end up becoming sick easily. If such physical illnesses occur more than 5 times per year, it may be an indication for us to take stock of ourselves and perhaps bring about a change in our attitudes. Sis Gopi further clarified that we need to have 2 „A?s in our lives- appreciate ourselves, others and life itself. Secondly, accept what is coming our way.

On Sunday she met about 25 Tamil and Telugu speaking brothers who have come to Singapore to work. Many leave their homes at 6am and don?t return till 10pm and so, they were keen to know how they could keep up with their meditation practice despite a heavy workload. Sis Gopi told them that meditation can be done

in a very easy way if one incorporates it in the daily activities carried out & if one does it with real enjoyment. She inspired the brothers to experiment with meditation while they were cooking/pushing a trolley etc!

On Monday morning she addressed a group of mainly women about „Strengthening Relationships at Work & at Home?. In her talk held at the Yoga Centre, she rightly pointed out that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. She also underscored that in our current fast-paced lives we carry out many tasks with pent up negative emotions. These affect all parties who are involved in the task. She suggested that we should create a positive atmosphere before we commence any task. She added that meditation makes one emotionally stable and enhances our coping mechanism in the face of adverse situations. She also highlighted that we cannot have expectations of anyone as this strains our relationships.

On Tuesday Sis Gopi had a session at Lagoon View where she spoke about “Maintaining Mental Freshness?. As there was a heavy downpour with strong winds, she commenced the session by drawing the group into a short meditation. With a highly evocative meditation commentary, she encouraged those present to use their minds to send out peaceful thoughts to Nature. She then shared that the mind can remain constantly fresh when we have positive thoughts which are like flowers. She encouraged the participants to experiment with soul consciousness and to develop a powerful relationship with God.

Over the 5 days, Sis Gopi continued to meet individuals, teachers & students and tirelessly shared from her 30 years of BK life as well as from her professional training in mental healthcare. Sis Gopi?s timely visit has indeed helped the Singapore BKs to become more aware of mental healthcare issues and the responsibility each individual must assume for his/her own well-being!