Brahma Kumaris Address United Nations Ocean Conference

30 November 2022

Lisbon (Portugal): ‘Technologies of Consciousness in Scaling Up Ocean Actions’, a Virtual side event was organised at 2022 UN Ocean Conference in  Lisbon.

A panel in the conference offered an in-depth discussion on the role of human consciousness in degradation and rebuilding of the ocean life and in achieving sustainable development goals. The participants examined which shift in mindset is needed so that the well-being of humans and ocean can become the new imperative of our global action.

BK Dr. Tamasin Ramsay, Senior Policy Advisor, Animal Justice Party (Australia) was the Moderator and Speakers were :

1. Professor Emeritus James Mair, Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh (UK)

2. John Ndiritu, Professor of Water Engineering University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)

3. Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, CEO – Repair the Sea (the USA)

4. BK Valériane Bernard, UN Representative for Brahma Kumaris in Geneva (Switzerland).

Meditation was conducted by BK Aneta Loj, R&D Coordinator at Brahma Kumaris, India One Solar Thermal Power Plant (India / Poland).

 

You can watch the recording [1:15:34] by clicking on the image below:

 

 

 

A UN side event during United Nations General Assembly

6 November 2022

Remembering the True Self and the Sacred Nature of Service

New York ( USA ): A group of nearly 30 people dedicated to serving many global communities via the United Nations and beyond gathered at the Brahma Kumaris’ Office for the UN to share their stories, inspirations, and wisdom on the topic of “Remembering the True Self and the Sacred Nature of Service.”  Hundreds more attended the event online.

The panel included: BK Jayanti Kirpalani, Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris worldwide; Hawa Diallo, Chief of the Civil Society Unit at the Civil Society and Advocacy Section of the United Nations Department of Global Communications; Audrey Kitagawa, JD, President/Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, as well as the Spiritual Mother of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family; and Carl Murrell, Principal UN Representative of the Baha’is Office of Public Affairs. The conversation was moderated by Judy Rodgers, a long-time student and teacher of Raj Yoga with the Brahma Kumaris.

A common sentiment expressed in the gathering was that answering a call to serve creates a profound inner shift that shapes the trajectory of one’s life, creating clarity of purpose even if the details are yet to be known.  In Audrey’s words, “When the call grabs you, you have to follow it.”  Sister Jayanti shared that at age 14, on seeing people’s cardboard homes melting away in India during one monsoon season, she knew her life was not for herself but for serving humanity.  Hawa recounted that her call to serve even now brings deep feelings and often tears to her eyes.

In exploring what it means to do “sacred service,” Carl Murrell proposed that any action taken with the right awareness, intentions and feelings transforms an ordinary action into a sacred one, regardless of where you are, who you are or what you are doing.  Judy then turned to the audience and invited their stories, starting with Leena Duwadie from Nepal who spoke of her experience working in a large retail store as giving her an opportunity to uplift those she met in the normal course of her day.  Though she has professionally worked as a news anchor, in this simple experience of meeting people in person, she feels called to reflect her highest values, putting her ethics and sacred sense of giving in all she does.  Some spoke to the pure feelings of joy in sacred acts of service.

Together we also explored the meaning and power of silence. Some recounted small moments of silence such as waiting for a flight at Heathrow airport as all of the UK paused for two minutes to express reverence for the late Queen Elizabeth II.  One who had been a child refugee in Biafra spoke of how precious silence is in a war zone for a child, how the fear is removed from a mother’s eyes when the sound of planes flying overhead ceases.  Sister Jayanti described silence as an opportunity to disconnect from the world outside and to connect to the innate qualities in each of us and to the Source of life and light, allowing the highest within each one to emerge.  The power of such silence allows our vision to go to the beauty of the inner being of those around us.  She mentioned how Raj Yoga students engage in “Traffic Control,” a spiritual practice of returning to a few moments of silence regularly throughout the day.  “Silence,” she said, “increases self-awareness, and emerges spiritual wisdom to face and overcome challenges.”  Silence allows for co-creation, diplomacy, increased productivity and improved collaborations.

Although the UN is generally considered to be a political and humanitarian forum, those present recognized that the seed of its creation was also spiritual, starting with Dag Hammarskjöld, its second Secretary General, who understood the importance and power of silence.  He was instrumental in creating the UN’s meditation room to “bring back stillness where no noise can impact our imagination.”

In discussing the rewards of serving through the UN, some referred to the building of deep friendships, resilient relationships, and cohesive communities.  When asked what the world needs from the UN, Sister Jayanti said that the world needs peace and that coming back to the essential message of peace can restore faith in that which is sacred.  She said, “Transformation in human individuals will bring hope, and the world needs examples of hope for the future.”

YouTube link to watch the recording of the event: https://youtu.be/iv437fobwSg [1:44:42]

 

 

 

BK UN November - December 2022 Calendar of Events

4 November 2022

Dear National and Center Coordinators, and Friends,

Greetings of peace.

 

In the upcoming months of November and December, Brahma Kumaris will be participating in COP27 Climate Change Conference, International Day of Tolerance, and Biodiversity Conference. Please find details below. We will be sending you news and photos of the various events as they come in.

 

 

UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27)

November 6 - 18, 2022

At this year's very timely climate change conference, UN Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Brahma Kumaris will be participating by attending and co-organizing events with other NGO friends. The conference will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center, Egypt, from November 6 -18, 2022.

 

BK delegation:
Maureen Goodman, UK – Head of Delegation
Golo Pilz, Germany/India – Energy Adviser
Valeriane Bernard, Switzerland/France – UN Representative Geneva
Sonja Ohlsson, Denmark – Focal point for UN Climate Change Conference
Carolin Fraude, Germany – BK Environment Initiative Berlin/Potsdam
Shantanu Mandala, India – Youth Representative
Birajit Baskaran, UK – Youth Representative
Piyush Ahuja, UAE – Youth Representative
Aneta Loj, Poland - Focal point for UNEP and UN Combating Desertification

Delegation guests:
Dr Awatif Sharaf, Board President Bahrain Meditation Center
Shaikha Al Arfaj, Kuwait, CEO, Al Arfaj Group Holding Company
Muna Alarfaj, Kuwait, CEO, Beatuna Recycling Company

 

See list of events. Learn more here.

Read about COP27.

 

Brahma Kumaris also submitted a written statement. 

 

 

International Day of Tolerance: A Culmination of the Youth Campaign

Intergenerational Solidarity: Leveraging the Full Potential of All Ages

Wednesday, November 16, 1:00-2:00PM, EST.

A number of videos were received during the campaign from August 12 - September 21, 2022. The youth group of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN invites you to an event to culminate the campaign and celebrate the International Day of Tolerance.

 

Join us as we embark on, explore and enjoy the deeper meaning of this timely concern, Intergenerational Solidarity.

 

Surprises | International Guests | Videos

Kindly share this information with those in your contact, especially youths, so they can join in the celebration.

Click to register: http://tiny.cc/BKUNYouth2022

 

 

UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

December 7 - 19, 2022

The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international meeting bringing together governments from around the world. Participants will set out new goals and develop an action plan for nature over the next decade. The conference will be held in Montreal, Quebec, the seat of the UN CBD Secretariat, from December 7 – 19, 2022.

 

Brahma Kumaris will take active participation by co-organizing events and submitting a written statement.

More details will be sent in the coming weeks.

BK delegation:
Maureen Goodman, Program Director of the Brahma Kumaris UK and Main Rep to UN Vienna
Valeriane Bernard, BK UN Rep to UN Geneva
David Fletcher, Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative Canada
Ann-Christelle Le Hir, Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative Canada
Aneta Loj, Brahma Kumarsi R&D Coordinator at India One Solar Thermal Power Plant.
Julia Grindon-Welch, BK UN representative, NY
Juan Milling Vazquez, BK UN Youth representative, Canada

Learn more

 

 

UN International Observances Celebrated by the Brahma Kumaris

International Days

Kindly make a special note of these dates so that events can be organized to commemorate them. As usual, we appreciate a brief report and photos for the facebook page and the blog. 

You are welcome to browse the UN website for updates on themes on other information and international days you may wish to observe.

 

November 16 International Day of Tolerance
November 18 World Day of Remebrance for Road Traffic Victims
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 10 Human Rights Day

 

 

 

 

 

August - October 2022 Newsletter

2 November 2022

Dear National and Center Coordinators, and Friends,

Greetings of love.

Seasons are changing; we are being charmed with Nature's fall colors in some parts of the world while in other areas, the freshness of blossoms and greenery are filling our hearts.
We invite you to read news of Raksha Bandhan, International Day of Youth, International Day of Peace, International Day of Nonviolence, and more.

Leveraging the full potential of all ages

In honor of the International Day of Youth, Brahma Kumaris promoted a social media campaign about this year's theme: Intergenerational solidarity, with the slogan: Leveraging the potential of all ages. People of all ages were motivated to participate by sending a video of one minute or less sharing their experiences about solidarity and deeper aspects of it.

We looked at the intrinsic qualities that make us go beyond silos. Practicing the quality of SOLIDARITY and rediscovering it as a power, enables us as an elevated community to create and sustain a world for all ages.

With nearly 10k views in our social media, the impact of solidarity between generations and our spiritual view of it, is still growing. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development, and the true intention behind it will benefit everyone.
Watch videos on YouTube.

 

Project: A Beautiful World. Construction On-Going

Brahma Kumaris centers in Philippines hosted a hybrid event for youths on the theme, "Project: A Beautiful World. Construction On-Going."
This safe space allowed young adults to meet and engage in conversations on creating hope for a sustainable future and a better world for all. Read more here.

 

Love is the greatest gift of life that restores dignity to the self. It is a
source of safety and comfort, of power and protection. In this spirit of universal 'brotherhood', many of our NGO friends joined us for this symbolic ceremony that celebrates the unique bond between every soul and God.

Friday, September 16
A beautiful interfaith event, organized by many NGOs, was held in the Tillman Chapel of the UN Church Center, NYC to celebrate International Peace Day. A few of the NGOs, including the Brahma Kumaris, were also honored and recognized for the service they do for the world. Honoree was BK Gayatri Naraine, main representative at the UN in NY. A Peace meditation was also offered during the event.

Many of the Brahma Kumaris network held events to celebrate Peace Day. Read more.

The conversation brought together individuals who are interested in
the ways that spiritual perspectives inform and elevate the valuable
work of the United Nations. Thought leaders included BK Sr. Jayanti Kirpalani, Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris
worldwide; Hawa Diallo, Chief of the Civil Society Unit at the Civil Society and Advocacy Section of the United Nations Department of Global Communications; Audrey Kitagawa, JD, President/Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, and Carl Murrell, Principal UN Representative of the Baha'is Office of Public Affairs. The conversation was moderated by Judy Rodgers, a long-time student and teacher of Raj Yoga with the Brahma Kumaris. Read more.

October 2
The New York Society for Ethical Culture organized an event to celebrate the International Day of Nonviolence. Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was the keynote speaker. Brahma Kumaris participated and met with Dr. Gandhi. Dr. Gandhi shared lifelong lessons taught by his grandfather such as, recognizing the value of time, nature and food is showing respect and nonviolence. Not to be angry or greedy is also being nonviolent to the self and others.
Watch more here.

Brahma Kumaris in Malaysia also help an event to celebrate this day. Read more.

Transformation as a Spiritual Phenomenon

October 21-23, 2022

Close contacts of the Brahma Kumaris UN office in New York met at Peace Village Retreat Center, NY, from October 21 – 23, for a dialogue on the Spiritual Dimensions of Transformation. The gathering which convened those from UN-affiliated NGOs (non-governmental organizations) as well as UN staff, had 3 dimensions: Transformation of the Self, Time and Transformation and Transformation of the Collective. Read more.

Social Media

The Brahma Kumaris UN extended team has been very active in supporting the SDGs and the UN International Days by organizing live interviews, meditations, and videos which are posted on all social media.

Transforming Education Summit Maria Paola Cervera.
6th International Youth Conference Maria Paola Cervera.
End Racism, Build Peace creative meditation Sabita Geer.
World Mental Health Day: Dr. Coralanne Griffith-Hunte & Dr. Hunte and BK Kinnari Murthy
Ocean Conference: Technologies of Consciousness in Scaling Up Ocean Actions

BK UN Environment

The BK delegation on climate change has been organizing events around climate justice. Watch most recent program, Facing the challenges of our rapidly changing world, a conversation between faith leaders and scientists sharing their vision of a flourishing and sustainable world. Event was held at Global Cooperation House, London.

Ongoing at the UN

Apart from organizing programs at the UN, the BKUN team has been attending side events and supporting a number of other causes organized by UN Agencies and Mission States.

BK Julia Grindon-Welch, Co-Chair for the Committee for Religious NGOs, along with two others Co-Chairs - Beth Blissman and Rev. Doyeon Parks, held ongoing meetings for the committee.

Thursday evening meditations continue for the wider UN community.

UN International Observances Celebrated by the Brahma Kumaris

International Days

Kindly make a special note of these dates so that events can be organized to celebrate or honor them. As usual, we appreciate a brief report and photos for the facebook page and the blog.
You are welcome to browse this website for updates on themes and other information and international days you may wish to observe.

November 16 International Day of Tolerance
November 18 World Day of Remebrance for Road Traffic Victims
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 10 Human Rights Day

 

 

 

 

 

“Remembering the True Self and the Sacred Nature of Service”: BKs at the United Nations

25 October 2022

New York (USA): A group of nearly 30 people dedicated to serving many global communities via the United Nations and beyond gathered at the Brahma Kumaris’ Office of the United Nations, to share their stories, inspirations, and wisdom on the topic of “Remembering the True Self and the Sacred Nature of Service.” Hundreds more attended the event online.

 

The panel included: BK Jayanti Kirpalani, Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris worldwide; Hawa Diallo, Chief of the Civil Society Unit at the Civil Society and Advocacy Section of the United Nations Department of Global Communications; Audrey Kitagawa, JD, President/Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, as well as the Spiritual Mother of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family; and Carl Murrell, Principal UN Representative of the Baha’is Office of Public Affairs.

 

This inspiring conversation on the Sacred Nature of Service was moderated by Judy Rodgers, a long-time student and teacher of Raj Yoga with the Brahma Kumaris. You can watch the entire, 1 3/4-hour recording of this fascinating event here: https://youtu.be/iv437fobwSg.

 

 

 

 

 

Culminating Intergenerational Solidarity campaign in celebration of International Day of Tolerance (Wednesday, November 16)

13 October 2022

Culminating Intergenerational Solidarity campaign in celebration of International Day of Tolerance.

 

Leveraging the full potential of all ages

 

Click image to register.

 

Dear Friends,

Greetings of peace.

 

A number of videos were received during the campaign and we thank you for all the support you gave. The youth group of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN invites you to an event to culminate the campaign and celebrate the International Day of Tolerance. Join us as we embark on, explore and enjoy the deeper meaning of this timely concern.

 

International Day of Tolerance, Wednesday, November 16, 2022

1:00-2:00PM, EST.

Surprises | International Guests | Videos

 

Kindly share this information with those in your contact, especially youths, so they can join in the celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Shaping Peace Together’: BKs Participate in a Program for the International Day of Peace in Australia

7 October 2022

Huntingdale (Australia): The UN International Day of Peace that was held on 18 September 2022 in Darlington, Western Australia. The co-organiser was Brahma Kumaris Huntingdale/Glen Forrest, Western Australia. Please download a pdf of the report HERE.

 

 

 

 

Sacramento California, USA - 41st United Nations International Day of Peace

1 October 2022

On September 21, 2022, Brahma Kumaris Sacramento was invited to guide meditation for the 41st United Nations International Day of Peace at the world famous Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.

 

A real celebration of peace filled the hearts of participants. The theme of the event was to collectively raise consciousness and manifest peace.

 

 

The program was held in the new art museum building in the midst of inspirational images for the transcendental exhibition entitled “Another World.” Guest speakers included:

• Stacy Shelnut-Hendrick Director of Education, Crocker Art Museum
• Scott Shields, Chief Curator, Associate Director of the Crocker Art Museum
• Dr. Kristie Haggin, Guided Meditation
• Davis Meditation, Mantra Meditation
• Rhony Bhopla, Sacramento Poetry Center, Poem for Peace

Sister Hansa, Coordinator,Brahma Kumaris Sacramento, is shown above with speakers for the event.

 

 

Sister Hansa introduced the gathering to the original  spiritual significance of the chant “Om” and “Shanti”, the ancient Indian  wisdom in Sanskrit,  and ways this magic mantra could bring benefit to the self and others if used throughout the day. A brief introduction to the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University was given and the history of the organization’s participation with the United Nations was shared. Blessing cards were distributed. Many new contacts were made. The program was well attended by the public  and was well-appreciated by all participants.