.

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly in ME

2009-12-08T21:33:00.001+08:00

I move into that quiet stillness of the chrysalis
letting the agents of change work upon me deep within.

Waiting patiently, I work within until

the moment comes to emerge triumphant.

Brahma Kumaris Retreat Center

2009-12-08T16:05:00.008+08:00

time marches on
13 MAR-14 MAR Sat 4.00pm - Sun 4.00pm

"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be...world without end." Ever heard of that before? As you look around your world, life happens in repetitive cycles.Seconds run into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into weeks, weeks into months, months into years... The moon waxes and wanes. Tides rise and ebb. The seasons flow endlessly into each other... The whole of creation moves in a circle of eternity. 'Tis no secret: all we need to do is to go with the flow. And everything becomes easy.

inner power, inner peace
raja yoga intensives
26 MAR-28 MAR Fri 4.00pm - Sun 4.00pm

Put the world on hold as you take time out to rest and re-create your life. These 2 to 3-day self-serving, spiritual spa is meant to allow professionals and extremely busy people to explore new ways of seeing and being. Treat yourself to very precious, very personal time and space.

r a j a y o g a : t h e me d i t a t i o n e x p e r i e n c e
one-on-one sessions, by appointment only

Explore and experience for yourself the ancient philosophies and practical
applications of Raja Yoga Meditation. See for yourself why this open-eyed
meditation technique will make you realize and appreciate what's really going
on in your life.

Brahma Kumaris
Center for Spiritual Learning
1020 Magallanes Drive, Tagaytay City 4120
Telfax: (046) 483-2128 / 0917 502 0243
Email: tagaytay@bkwsu.org
Website: http://www.bktagaytay.com/

Brahma Kumaris Quezon City

2009-12-08T16:04:00.006+08:00

inside out
06 MAR SAT 4 - 6 pm
Start with the understanding that your first purpose in this life is to realize and emerge the dignity of your divinity. Then, let that experience be the driving force behind whatever else you do.

the face of honesty
13 MAR SAT 4 - 6 pm
Honesty is not just doing what seems to be natural. It also means re-emerging the true, the good, the beautiful in you... Hold up a mirror to your face. What do you see? Whose eyes are looking back at you? The image in the mirror of your heart is just as honest and true as the face in the mirror. There's no denying this.

healthy mind, healthy body
20 MAR SAT 4 - 6 pm
Research shows that negative emotions suppress immune function. Constant stress depletes the body's resources, ability to adapt, coping functions are compromised and finally person gets ill. A healthy mind diminishes the tension hormones and conserve our mental state.

seriously, laughter works!
27 MAR SAT 4 - 6 pm
Get tickled with something new! Grow, and glow, as we share with you the why's and wherefore's of the wide, wonderful world of laughter... Check out the facts: how you can be healthy, wealthy and wise just by taking everything in your life with a huge dose of laughter!

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center
34 T. Gener St. cor Kamuning Road, Quezon City
Tel.: (02) 414 9421
Email: quezon@ph.bkwsu.org

Brahma Kumaris Makati

2009-12-08T16:03:00.005+08:00

inside out
04 MAR THU 6.30 - 8.30 pm
Start with the understanding that your first purpose in this life is to realize and emerge the dignity of your divinity. Then, let that experience be the driving force behind whatever else you do.

learning mode
11 MAR THU 6.30 - 8.30 pm
There are three strong voices that I am careful to listen to and learn from at all times: 1) my own inner voice; 2) the indications of time; and 3) the signals from God... I know that I can only be sensitive to these inner voices if I spend some quiet time with myself.

healthy mind, healthy body
18 MAR THU 6.30 - 8.30 pm
Research shows that negative emotions suppress immune function. Constant stress depletes the body's resources, ability to adapt, coping functions are compromised and finally person gets ill. A healthy mind diminishes the tension hormones and conserve our mental state.

put on a happy face
25 MAR THU 6.30 - 8.30 pm
To see how much I am really changing from within, I check the caliber of my interactions with others. I start enjoying happy relationships instead of those that trap, limit, or in any way bring me down. I become free of all constraints.

food and soul
27 MAR SAT 9.00 - 11.30 am
Pure food is more than vegetarian. It is food cooked in spiritual consciousness and when eaten, serves both body and soul. Learn the art of vegetarian cooking for holistic health.

Brahma Kumaris Makati Center
7484 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City
Tel.: (02) 890 7960
Telfax: (02) 890 7906
Email: manila@ph.bkwsu.org

Inner Space Manila

2009-12-08T16:00:00.005+08:00

inside out
03 MAR WED 5.15 - 6.30 pm
Start with the understanding that your first purpose in this life is to realize and emerge the dignity of your divinity. Then, let that experience be the driving force behind whatever else you do.

the man in the mirror
10 MAR WED 5.15 - 6.30 pm
Loosen up! when was the last time you had a conversation with yourself? Just as you tick off the day that lies in wait ahead, take the most important step towards your journey and that is to wear a smile. Put on a happy face! Then watch how time seems to fly by as you enjoy your encounter with people, marking each and every accomplishment you set to do.

right between the eye
17 MAR WED 5.15 - 6.30 pm
Somewhere in the middle of the forehead, between the eyes, throbs the essence of human life--the soul! make time to focus on this immortal presence, this radiant energy... and experience the seat of ecstasy in the body--which you've always thought was the exclusive experience of sages, seers and saints.

raja yoga: a meditation experience
19 MAR FRI 5.15 - 6.30 pm
Explore and experience for yourself the ancient philosophies and practical applications of Raja Yoga Meditation.

world meditation hour
healthy mind, healthy body
21 MAR SUN 4-5 pm
Research shows that negative emotions suppress immune function. Constant stress depletes the body's resources, ability to adapt, coping functions are compromised and finally person gets ill. A healthy mind diminishes the tension hormones and conserve our mental state.

the summer garden
24 MAR WED 5.15 - 6.30 pm
Just as a good gardener is able to distinguish and discriminate the quality of each seed, tolerance takes into consideration the unique specialities of each individual. Spiritual relationships blossom and bear fruit only when the heart is open and the mind is inclusive.

the law of equilibrium
31 MAR WED 5.15 - 6.30 pm
Becoming spiritual isn't simply a matter of learning techniques, chanting, or performing rituals. spiritual growth takes into account the law of balance or equilibrium--whereby we gain fresh perspectives, remain grounded, and caution against going into extremes.

Refresh@12: Time for Cool Change

LUNCHBREAK MON-SAT

Chill Out! Take time out in the middle of the day to create a space for the Ocean of Coolness to flow within.

Inner Space Manila
3/F CDC Building, 1195 Maria Orosa, Ermita, Manila
Tel.: (02) 521 2015
Fax: (02) 524 3489
Email: innerspace@ph.bkwsu.org

Who We Are

2009-12-08T15:57:00.001+08:00

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is a global organization committed to supporting world transformation through personal transformation. Brahma Kumaris gives meditation courses and spiritual workshops in over 7000 centers across 129 countries.

As a significant part of its aspiration to create a better world, the BKWSU is also affiliated with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization. It holds a general consultative status with Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and consultative status with UNICEF and has received seven UN Peace Messengers Awards.

The university's teachings are founded on the premise that there is innate goodnes in all human beings, regardless of race, color, and creed.

You are INVITED

2009-08-12T16:29:00.004+08:00

There is a part of you that is perfect and pure.

It is untouched by the less than perfect

characteristics you have acquired

by living in a less than perfect world...

Make time to reach this inner silence.

It will bring you untold benefit.

The power of silence
By Emmie G. Velarde
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:39:00 08/31/2009

Filed Under: Lifestyle & Leisure, Education

“QUIET TIME” has become the mantra of choice for the truly busy in a wide range of workplace types – from a corporate environment to the confines of the household, and everything in between. “Alone time” doesn’t seem to cut it anymore.

“One can be alone and yet weighed down by heavy feelings or negative thoughts,” says BK Jayanti Kirplani, a meditation teacher for about 40 years now. On the other hand, she says, “One can be in the thick of a crowd and yet perfectly peaceful, appreciative of, and yet unaffected by, the goings-on.” (Read more....)

Meditation guru in town for lecture
(philstar.com) Updated August 26, 2009 10:05 AM

MANILA, Philippines – A meditation expert has arrived in the country to deliver a lecture on meditation next week.

Already on her sixth visit to the Philippines, meditation guru Jayanti Kirplani, director for Europe of Brahma Kumaris, will speak in a free public program on “The Silence of the Mind” at the Rizal Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City next Thursday (Sept. 3).

Brahma Kumaris is an India-based United Nations Peace Messenger organization.

In a statement, Kirplani, who has been teaching meditation for 40 years, explained the importance of achieving “silence of the mind.”

“True silence refines the thinking process by harmonizing the five subtle energies that every person possesses — mind, conscience, heart, attitude and memory,” she said.

Kirplani added that a “silent mind” would result in “accurate decision-making and ultimately, personal power and contentment.”

For details on next week’s program, please call 890-7960 or 414-9421.

Kirplani had previously delivered a lecture on “The Secret Laws of Abundance” last November at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati, drawing a standing-room-only crowd.

2009-08-12T16:21:00.002+08:00

The spiritual, academics go hand in hand
by Emmie G. Velarde
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Raja Yoga meditation teacher Shiela "Shielu" Chawla is recognizable on sight to about million practitioners across the globe, even if she stays the whole year on the Brahma Kumaris main campus in Rajasthan, India.

This is because their annual retreat season -- from September to April -- students of the university studies from over 60 countries are bound to attend a lecture or two that she gives. Sister Shielu is also the chief translator for the major Hindi classes, her accurate English versions picked up simultaneously in 26 languages, including Russian, French and Mandarin. (Read more...)

You are INVITED

2009-07-29T10:45:00.001+08:00

Metrobank Foundation Wellness Program

2009-07-29T10:34:00.003+08:00

June 20 at Metro Bank Foundation Wellness Program at Manila Doctors' Hospital, Roxas Blvd.: a number of 78 workforce from the AFP attended Positive Thinking handled by BK Rose Uy of Quezon City Center. There was also a booth where students can avail of free Virtuoscope, shortened version.

Visiting a Wellness Center

2009-07-29T10:26:00.003+08:00

June 27 at Bk Makati Center: 35 college senior students of Philippine Normal University majoring in Biology attended My Life, My Choices facilitated by BK Vicky Mandap. This was a request made by their professor, Dr. Brian Limson, M.D. for his students to visit a wellness center in line with their subject Bioethics.

Savor the Sound of Silence

2009-04-08T18:07:00.000+08:00

Savor the sound of silence

Posted 00:19am (Mla time) (Mla time) By Marge C. Enriquez Philippine Daily Inquirer

We consume most of each day entertaining ourselves with noise—whether constantly talking to people, leaving the TV switched on or wiring into an iPod. [ Read more ]

The Secret Laws of Abundance

2008-09-29T11:38:00.003+08:00

Inquirer Headlines / Learning (November 3):
Teaching is the joy of her life

MANILA, Philippines—Jayanti Kirplani is the director for Europe of the Brahma Kumaris, a United Nations Peace Messenger organization.

She has participated, several times as presenter, in UN conferences on women, development, environment, youth and peace. (Read more...)

Inquirer (November 3): Abundance and Letting Go

THE downward spiral of the world economy is merely a manifestation of man’s ignorance of the laws of prosperity, which are based on spiritual principles. (Read more...)

All you need is within you

“I AM the creator of my own ideas, thoughts, feelings and situations. All that I need is within me.”

But there are few more things in the self that one most probably doesn’t need. Let go of these, and there’s more room for more joy and sense of fulfillment. And a sense of plenty.

This is one of the secret laws of abundance, which will be discussed by BK Jayanti, “The Secret Laws of Abundance, in a public program on November 10, 7 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental Ballroom.

BK Jayanti, a meditation practitioner and teacher for forty years, has spoken about the subject in numerous engagements throughout the years and around the world.

Her views on this and other timely spiritual concerns have been compiled in lectures and books and recorded in audio-visual learning kits for use in seminars and workshops.

On the subject of abundance, she routinely quotes Mahatma Gandhi: “The earth provides for every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”

To this she adds her own insights: “We must recognize that we are creators. But we should be selective in what we create. Whatever is in my life right now, good or not so good, it’s there because I’ve given it permission to come in and stay.”

She explains: “If I am living in clean, comfortable room, that’s because I made it that way. If the room is dusty, it’s also because I’ve allowed the dust to gather.”

This is true, BK Jayanti says, of both the physical and spiritual condition.

“This body is made up of proteins, carbohydrates, water, etc., and in order for it to survive, I have to provide it with what it needs – its own components. Similarly, I, the being within the costume of the body, need love, joy and peace—the things I am composed of, without which I become harsh, bitter and joyless.”

How to do both? BK Jayati unlocks the treasure store during the program, “The Secret Laws of Abundance.” Call 890-7960 (Ask for Vicky).

The RETREAT CENTER

2008-09-10T11:05:00.000+08:00

RETREAT TO NATURE
Garden of spiritual learning
By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 19:03:00 09/09/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Nature can be a serene setting for prayer or contemplation, with abundant symbols that yield profound insights.

This is the experience of any visitor to the Center for Spiritual Learning (CSL) in Tagaytay City, the retreat place of the Brahma Kumaris, an international NGO dedicated to values education. “The University’s teachings are founded on the premise that there is innate goodness in all human beings, regardless of race, color and creed,” says the brochure.

As soon as they enter the Center, the visitor catches a whiff of camia, and with it, the subtle vibrations of purity. This is enhanced by the warmth of the CSL residents who make every guest feel at home.

The garden is nature tamed by human creativity, conceived as intimate space encircled by lush plantings.

The focal point, the vine-covered gazebo is a place for spiritual chitchat, meditation and a lookout onto the garden. It is adjacent to the meditation dome surrounded by shrubs, ti plants, yellow trumpet bells and benches made from knotty wood.

Paver stones form little curving paths and steps around the perimeter of the dome. Natural moss rocks and pebbles of various textures, shapes and sizes are placed on the side for aesthetic balance. A small massing of mango, jackfruit, camachile and rambutan trees provides a shade, creating an outdoor room.

Bold foliage in various colors takes shape into a tall tropical background. During summer haliconias are abloom, then go dormant in the wet season only to return in full glory. Free flowering perennials such as star clusters, santan, bandera española are layered in flower beds.
From the office window, one enjoys the sight of the angels’ wings, evocative of the character of the place.

Mounds give the garden a natural look. The plants thrive in fresh soil. Boulders add dimension. An herbal garden is within reach from the kitchen, offering taheebo, oregano, tarragon, spearmint and peppermint infused in the teas.

At night, uplighters illuminate the garden path and enhance the perimeter around the meditation dome, creating a warm landscape one can view from the inside. At night, the fragrance of the damas de noche and ylang-ylang enhances the meditative silence at the dome.
As visitors explore the greenery, they take time to be aware of the dew drops that glisten on the carpet of carabao and blue grass, the bromeliads in their stunning colors, the bougainvilleas, san franciscos, the changing tones of green, the irregular surfaces underfoot, the surprise views that unfold and the originality of the tropical design. These encounters combine to a full sensory delight, while bestowing a tranquil chance for the meditative play of the spirit with nature.
For instance, the red palm tree becomes a symbol of patience and strength, the bamboo of pliancy and the peace lily of purity. The rocky path is akin to the challenges in life leading to the destination, the dome of peace. The shady clumps of tumbergias could allude to the pervading power of spiritual energy.

One of my favorite spots is on the corridor watching the changing hues of the sky at dusk and dawn. The crickets and cicadas break the silence at night while the music of the birds heralds the start of a new day, a new cycle in life.

(The Center for Spiritual Learning is located at 1020 Magallanes Drive, Tagaytay City. (046) 4132128. www.bktagaytay.com or www.bkwsu.org)

What's NEW

2008-08-14T20:05:00.000+08:00

Bagong Ako. Bagong Mundo

“Self-empowerment and Value-based Leadership”

(Talk of Sr. Meera Nagananda on 25 July 2008 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City, Philippines)

Om shanti. Can we all say together from our hearts “om shanti”.

A very good morning and greetings of peace to all of you. This morning, I am very thrilled to share with you the wisdom and knowledge I have been learning for the past 30 years of my involvement with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University which was established in the year 1936, which has been existing in the whole world for the past 72 years. And I have been connected with the university for the past 40 years and like all others, I have also learned many aspects of life and living.

This morning, I have been asked to talk about the topic “Self-empowerment and Value-based Leadership”. As many of the previous speakers mentioned, we all agree that we are living at present in the most difficult situation in the world and everything is going into its extreme. We don’t need to describe it. And we are all looking forward to have some kind of leadership that would help us - to guide people in the right direction. What I have found is that in the past decade, there has been an explosion in the publication of literature on the subject of leadership.
(Read more....)

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly in ME

2008-08-14T20:04:00.000+08:00

I move into that quiet stillness of the chrysalis
letting the agents of change work upon me deep within.

Waiting patiently, I work within until

the moment comes to emerge triumphant.

Inner Light of Virtues

2008-08-14T19:54:00.001+08:00

Sparkling within the
Inner Light of Virtues...

Bagong Ako, Bagong Mundo

2008-08-14T19:51:00.000+08:00

Bagong Ako. Bagong Mundo

“Self-empowerment and Value-based Leadership”

(Talk of Sr. Meera Nagananda on 25 July 2008 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City, Philippines)

Om shanti. Can we all say together from our hearts “om shanti”.

A very good morning and greetings of peace to all of you. This morning, I am very thrilled to share with you the wisdom and knowledge I have been learning for the past 30 years of my involvement with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University which was established in the year 1936, which has been existing in the whole world for the past 72 years. And I have been connected with the university for the past 40 years and like all others, I have also learned many aspects of life and living.

This morning, I have been asked to talk about the topic “Self-empowerment and Value-based Leadership”. As many of the previous speakers mentioned, we all agree that we are living at present in the most difficult situation in the world and everything is going into its extreme. We don’t need to describe it. And we are all looking forward to have some kind of leadership that would help us - to guide people in the right direction. What I have found is that in the past decade, there has been an explosion in the publication of literature on the subject of leadership.

The world needs definitely an enlightened response to the many challenges it faces; it needs a credible and sustained leadership that is pro-active and not simply reactive, that is inspired and not simply functional, that would be an example to our future generation.

We can see that there are three types of people in the world today: One, those who make things happen for they take up leadership and become the source of inspiration to others also. Second are those who follow whatever is happening and they are the followers. The third type of people are the ones who do not realize what is happening and by the end of the day, they keep asking: what has happened today? They hardly realize that the world around them has completely changed.

So let us ask ourselves, out of the three categories, which category do I belong to? Because all those who have gathered here are special souls, leaders in your own right. You know to be a leader doesn’t mean that you have to be a politician; or you have to be in a corporate world leading in the manager’s role. You can be a leader being a housewife. You can be a leader when you are a student. Each one of us is a leader and each one of us needs to be followers because sometimes, we have to lead and sometimes, we have to follow. That following is not actually subservient; it is leading with understanding when I follow.

What I feel is that becoming a leader is not something that I can do overnight. That is why they say leaders are not born; leaders are made. It is a gradual developmental process. Leaders grow and develop based on the choices they make in their life. Someone asked me a question the other day: what is the difference between a manager and a leader? Can a leader be a manager? Or can a manager lead? I will put forth in front of you the contrast and you can judge yourself. The contrast between a manager and leader has never been as sharp now as it was in the past.

1. A manager stays back and pushes people into the system while the leader stays in front and pulls people along with him/her.

2. A manager administers and maintains; a leader innovates and develops.

3. A manager relies on system and is founded on control; a leader relies on people and is founded on their trust.

4. A manager does what is right but a leader does right things

5. A manager manages others; a leader inspires others to manage themselves

What our world is seeking today is not managers but leaders. Managership today seems to have become a secondary qualification to leadership so I would say that every leader is a manager but not every manager is a leader.

So now the question comes: how do you define a true leader? Of course we are all leaders in our own right but we need to become genuine leaders to lead the spirit. This was defined by some experienced person: a true leader is someone who never reacts but observes, understands, analyzes and then acts decisively. So if there is reaction to anything, then the charismatic qualities of leadership is lost. Before these definitions we can see five C’s that define the character of leadership. If each one of us, no matter what situation you are, if you have these five C’s, the charisma of leadership, you are a true leader.

The five C’s of Leadership:

1. A true leader is someone who is cool and calm; who does not lose temper. Because of being cool and calm, there is no confusion.

2. Clear vision. A leader has to be visionary. If there is no clear understanding of what he is doing, why and how it is to be done, the mission cannot be fulfilled. As we believe in Raja Yoga, “vision without action is only a dream; action without vision is drudgery; vision and action is what makes us a better person and the world a better world. A leader, because of having clear vision and action according to the vision becomes good in his own leadership.

3. Confidence. It is very important to have confidence to lead others.

4. Commitment. It is not something that is done by force; leadership is voluntary and so it has to have commitment.

5. Creative. Highly creative ways.

What I see around in the world today, what has been missing in these ideas and concepts of leadership, is leading the spirit. So what I would like to underline especially is leadership of spirit, that is called value-based, that is leading from the heart, value- based leadership is leading from the heart, whether it is an organization, institution, whatever it is you are a leader of.. What is it composed of? It is only a set of relationships, isn’t it? That is what you are leading. And what is this set of relationships? It is just a gathering of spirits.

In any gathering of spirits, leaders are not selected or appointed, they emerge. They emerge because of the authenticity of their own being, the power of their essence, the integrity of their actions, the courage in their hearts and their genuine care for others. That is why I say leadership from the spirit is value-based leadership. Because it is all connected with values. Leaders in any organization are not defined by their position or their privileges.

How do you define leaders in an organization; it is defined as their ability to command the trust and respect of others as human beings, not as employees and colleagues. These intangible forms of energy, what we call trust, respect, loyalty will eventually crystallize into commitment. Leaders of spirit have a profound effect on those around them, from the energy they constantly radiate and their capacity to be able to be sensitive to the feelings and emotions and needs of others. The empathy and care which they are capable of expressing into all situations emerges straight from their heart and they seek for nothing in return. Perhaps most magnificently nothing bothers them. Their inner stability is deep and they are never moved by anger, defamation or complaint about anything or anybody because their emotions are at rest, they are free from the attachment to the roles they play.

In fact, we should never consider leadership as a position. If I approach leadership as a position, then I am not able to fulfill my responsibility. It is not a position, it is not a profession. It is service to mankind. Just as I am keeping a profession, we name it a profession but it should not be approached as a profession. Because then we will only think with a money-making mentality. That is when corruption comes. This is what is happening today. Because we are using our profession to acquire more money, become more rich, to gain more position. As a result, the ordinary people are suffering from their share.

When I heard the word corruption, I was thinking, what is the root cause of corruption in our society? It is ignorance. What kind of ignorance? Ignorance about the knowledge about my self. How many of us know your true self? If I ask you today, could you please introduce yourself to me, who are you? What do you say immediately? All the many labels associated with your body or maybe a long line of positions and privileges or whatever. But that is not me. When I get influenced by my roles, I forget the real me. All these: professions, privileges, are all labels. When I get influenced by body consciousness as we call it in the Brahma Kumaris, we are influenced by five negative traits, namely anger, lust, greed, attachment, ego.

What we are seeing in the world today is corruption due to ignorance of the true self. It is only when we are able to get out of that ignorance and enlighten ourselves and become aware that we are not bodies. We have a body, but we are souls, being of lights. Then we begin to emerge positive values. I tell you honestly, all human beings are good originally, no one is bad, but if we look around us today everyone seems to be bad and no one seems to be good. The reason is we have forgotten our true self, we have become too much role conscious and we meet each other with our roles. We recognize each other on this basis. That is why it is said, don’t judge a book by its cover; but by its content. But we don’t do that.

We judge people from the type of car they drive, the costume they wear, and the handbag they carry. Because then we know, they must be someone, a big boss. But in fact, this is the role consciousness that is causing corruption. So let us come out of that role. That is temporary. Become real. When I move from that role consciousness to my real soul consciousness, I can create equal vision, I can create all the positive values necessary into my life. Why I say that is because within that being of light, the point of light, there are seven positive values which are necessary to fight against corruption: peace, love, mercy, happiness, power, truth and purity. All these are the intrinsic qualities of the soul.

The more we become real, develop this real consciousness and then play our role, we will easily become free from corruption. Why? Because selfishness leads to corruption, selflessness solves corruption. Mahatma Gandhi once said, there is enough to feed the mouth of everyone, all the people on earth, but there is not enough to feed the greed. Greed means when you want to have more than you need. So why corruption? Because we are greedy. We feel the greed all the time. When I engage in corruption, I am actually depriving the share of other people because I want everything for myself and so I find that value-based leadership is when leadership is based on spirit. And soul consciousness means enlightenment, where I live with my real consciousness. This is what I mean here: when they are free from attachment from the roles they play, they are free from all personal agenda or pursuits.

So that is why this is clear that those who lead individuals are able to make them follow not by force, not by fear but out of pure love and respect. Today, sometimes leaders force people to follow them; leaders pursue people to follow them. But if you have spirituality in your leadership, you don’t have to do that. You have so much love and respect that people are inspired in the footsteps of such leaders that they never become followers. What do they become? They become leaders themselves.

So that is the authenticity of a value-based leadership. A leader makes another a leader and not a follower. I am so proud today to be with you to tell you that our father-founder Prajapita Brahma was a visionary. In his leadership he did not create followers. We do not call ourselves the followers of our founder-father. He made each one of us a leader. He did not ask us to follow him blindly; he did not ask us to follow him by force; but the example that we saw inspired us to follow his footsteps. So my request to all the leaders here today: let there be so much of spirituality. Lead souls in the form of spirit so that they become leaders themselves, not followers. Some leaders enjoy followers worshipping them, always praising them, admiring them. That does not become a healthy style.

Leading can be on three levels because leadership is based on three aspects: leading the task, leading the people and leading from the heart. What does it mean to lead the task? Today, everybody wants power; people are power crazy. But what is real power? Not to control others but to rule yourself. Real power does not come from position, practice or fame. Dictators do not have real power although they may seem to. No one loves a dictator no matter what he promises. Real power comes when you give it away. This is the paradox of power. Real power comes when people are able to rule themselves, not by dictating but by teaching them how to control themselves and become self-masters. Real power, leading from the heart, lies in giving power to others.

I belong to a huge organization which has 8,000 branches in 100 countries and 900,000 students all over the world. You can imagine the responsibility the administrative head has. Of course our founder-father left his body in 1969 and Dadi Prakashmani was given the responsibility, as a woman, to lead the organization. And I have had many encounters with her and I have seen practically with my eyes what kind of leadership she has. She would definitely give responsibility and authority to people, and not control them. And that is how she created trust in people that even today when she has left the body, we have 45 departments in our headquarters which are running so smoothly, that when people come to our headquarters and they see the work that is going on, they don’t know who is doing it. Every morning, 3000 people’s breakfast is ready, every afternoon the same amount. It is not only one conference but throughout the year, one after the other. So this is because of the credit of the kind of leadership of Dadi Prakashmani who trusted people and gave them responsibility and let them do it. She did not control them. Because after giving responsibility, if you don’t trust people, they don’t feel confident and they cannot become your hand.

And so I am so proud to see that in her absence, the whole organization is running smoothly because of her balance of lightness and responsibility. She was a very responsible person but very light. Very often she used to tell us, “You know, I don’t think I am doing anything. All of you are doing everything. I am just enjoying, seeing everything. “ And she also used to say herself, “ I never considered myself to be the head. That is why I never get headache.”

Is there a leader here who doesn’t have headache. Who among you never had headache? Usually, leaders have all the time headache. Because we make other people’s problem our problem. That is why we get headache. Sometimes, I see in social service, people who are doing social service… Social service leaders should be selfless, isn’t it? But I am so struck to see that in social organizations too there is conflict. Conflict for what? Position, prestige, name, fame… But we are all supposed to serve selflessly, to give faith to others. But because we have not seen the inner self, we cannot see the outer self. So I really admire the leadership of Dadi Prakashmani where she trusted people, she gave them authority, she did not control them. And so today she has many hands in her absence who can work for her.

That is leading people. Because she gives them trust and respect, they are able to give the same. Trust, respect, commitment, loyalty… all these values come together to make leadership a spiritually-based leadership.

The third aspect is leading from the heart. I said earlier, leaders of the heart are not selected or appointed, they emerge. They emerge because of their authenticity, integrity, courage and care for others. They have the ability to command trust and respect. So that is why I tell you that when the people’s work is done, the people say… they don’t say that “the work is done” but that “we have done it ourselves”.

The other aspect is that a true leader never creates followers but when the work is over such leaders will say, we have done the work. Not that the work is over so that leaders get their headache off, but after every project this is what we see usually, one headache is gone from the leader. In essence, what we find is that empowering myself means to bring in spirituality. Without spirituality, there cannot be self-empowerment. If you only think of empowerment then you can see it only at the gross level, you know, fighting for their rights, re-addressing the wrong, empowering myself. That is not necessary, if you start empowering yourself from the inner side, self-empowerment, then your leadership will definitely be value-based. When we talk about empowerment, it is connected with the spirit, spirituality.

We have a lot of religion in the world today. But even with all the religion, our spirit is suffering. What is missing is spirituality, wisdom. We don’t need intelligence; we don’t need religion. We already got it. What we need today is spirituality in practice. And value-based leadership means to have the master quality of the spirit in action. There are mainly five master qualities in action, showing spirituality in relationship: peace, love, truth, mercy, non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi became a leader to make India independent on those basis. The four pillars that he kept as his support are peace, love, truth and non-violence. And those four qualities make up the qualities of spirituality.

If I want to empower the spirit, I need to give time to myself. So I come back to the self now: how much time do I give myself as a leader? Tell me honestly. No time, that is the answer. True leaders would never say that but they always give priority to the self. I suggest that if you really want to lead from inside, lead the spirit, have value-based leadership, first of all, take care of yourself. If you start serving others without serving yourself, your service will suffer. If you have many obstacles, my suggestion is that every morning, make an appointment with yourself. Because you are the most important person in your life, so make an appointment before you go to bed, that the first thing I am going to do next morning when I wake up is to sit with myself and talk to myself. Don’t deprive yourself, because you must remember this physical law that “wherever your attention goes, your energy flows and life grows.”

So if you keep giving attention to yourself, your energy will grow and your life will flow smoothly. So wake up every morning with one positive thought. Concentrate yourself on those thoughts and keep the question: who am I?

At that time, forget about all the roles you have to play. Forget all the masks that you have to put on. Let go of all the hats that you have to wear during the day. Just become naked, just become yourself and just visualize yourself as a tiny point of light. Concentrate your thoughts on that energy and let the energy flow into your mind and into your body. Allow yourself to bathe in it. That is real spiritual empowerment. I am bringing out what I already have within; tapping the energy that I have. That will actually prepare you to face the challenges in life with positivity. The second thing as a leader that I need to do to make sure that I continue the values that I have set in my leadership is to remind myself. Because when we go out into our day, we forget. So what we do in Raja Yoga is what we call JAM practice. JAM means just-a-minute. So I request all the leaders who are here today to JAM several times. I am not talking about getting stuck in the traffic jam. I am not asking you to eat more jam. I am asking you to JAM. That means you can do it standing, sitting, eating… anytime you can JAM. That means talk for a minute, only sixty seconds, what on earth are we going to do?

Anyway we are losing so many thoughts thinking about so many unnecessary things. So this is going to be just beneficial to you. Slow down, calm down. And let the self relax, let the thoughts flow. Remind yourself of the positive thought. That thought is going to energize me to such an extent that for the next 59 minutes at least, you will really be in such a powerful state of the mind that you are able to see things clearly, communicate properly and you will see the impact of that.

The third prescription of value-based leadership is that before going to bed, I must be aware that my last thoughts will have an impact on my sleep. So always make sure that before going to sleep, you roll the scroll of the whole day. Accepting everything that has happened in my life today was good. Even if somebody has disappointed me, even if somebody has fought with you, caused you defamation, anything, all those things were necessary. You think so? That is why in Christianity there is the prayer, isn’t it, “Please, God, take care of my friends, I will take care of my enemies.” Why? Because my friends will only praise me and make me feel good but my enemies are the ones who have the courage to criticize me, isn’t it? I consider my critics to be my friends because they see what I have to change. Friends will just praise you and give you… so don’t be carried away by your friends. Wherever you go, you look out for your enemies. Actually they are your real friends because they help you to grow. In Chinese, there is a proverb which says that crisis is another name for opportunity. So enemies are actually best friends who help make me move forward. Whatever has happened during the whole day, accept that everything was very good and beneficial. Be a well-wisher for everyone, for criticizing me, whatever, and then thank God. And so that ends it, the role of the day is rolled up.

Never carry back what has happened today for next week. Don’t carry grudges, revenge… because you have lost spirituality. Instead, forgive and forget. When you forgive yourself you are spiritual; when you forgive others you allow them to become spiritual. That is why they say “to forget is human, to forgive is divine.”

So I finish my day and I wake up the next morning totally fresh. Then you will see that you can play your role, whatever role you play, very fresh . What is keeping the old is thinking about what has been done by other people.

So in that way, you are slowly building spiritual values, moral values, social values and human values. We call it in Brahma Kumaris as living values. These are living values for value-based relationship. So we need 12 living values to make our leadership authentic. Some of these are peace, love, honesty, integrity, responsibility , cooperation, respect, unity. These 12 values are what we call living values that will empower myself, make my inner self unique.

I was really moved to hear that Davao has been number one in many aspects. I heard the list that the sister was mentioning. I really want to congratulate the city. Give yourself a big hand. Why? It is because of you. You can make it a reality. I was thinking Davao should get itself the title “Brave-o”, well done, by taking the initiative to bring spirituality in leadership, number one. I hope my wish will be granted and you will become number one in bringing values into your life. Because you see when values come, corruption disappears. Corruption is only the absence of ethics. When we all correct ourselves, corruption finishes. So this is what we say, when I say, let each one of us bring change in our lives. Little by little. Replacing anger with peace, replacing arrogance with humility; selfishness with selflessness; kindness instead of duality; love instead of hate. So let us work on one value at a time and replace the negativity into positivity. So together we can make a better world.

So this is what we say: Union with One, harmony with all. Let us all connect ourselves by bringing such values so that we are all united and that unity will automatically bring harmony. I hope something that I have said this morning will be of use to you in your own life, whether you are a housewife, whatever you are doing, and you will be able to make your life a contribution to make this world a better place.

Thank you.

Homage to silence, time and the circle of life

2008-06-30T13:24:00.000+08:00

Homage to silence, time and the circle of life
By Pocholo Concepcion Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 02:43:00 06/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Quotable quotes from videos, interpretative dance sequences, song numbers and a very engaging address by a 63-year-old yogi spelled success for the educational-entertainment event, "Circle of Life," Thursday night at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati.
The absence of an emcee throughout the hour-long program was deliberate, according to Antonio Salac Santos' concept of creating an atmosphere "based on the experience of meditation," meant to allow the audience to "go with the flow" and appreciate the benefits of "keeping quiet." Upside-down world Indeed, everyone kept still, eyes focused on the video screen that ran a series of text graphics about the perception of time—mostly, how many people tend to waste it. Of the numerous quotes, the one from Mother Teresa encapsulated everything: "I think the world has turned upside down. We have lost time for ourselves."

A group from Douglas Nierras' Powerdance highlighted this terrible reality by celebrating joyful moments as expressed through precise, orderly movements, capturing a sense of fulfillment in such simple situations as having fun with friends. The pained look of one dancer as the rest deserted him underscored the statement that things go haywire when people refuse to share their time with others.

Another dance sequence, rendered to the tune of "Bituing Marikit," was an homage to precious moments offered by the contemplative hours of the night.

Singer Erik Santos provided the wonderful possibilities that pop music could achieve, in relation to the themes of spirituality and valuing time. If, in the past, Alamid's "Your Love" sounded corny for its naivete, this time it seemed like a devotional offering to a Higher Being: "Your love is like the river/That flows down to my veins/I feel the chill inside..."
"At first, I felt a little scared of the silence," Erik described his part in the "unique" experience. "I wasn't used to it."

In his second number, "Next in Line" (originally by After Image), Erik was right on track, adding drama to the yearning sentiments of idealism: "What is life to offer me, when I grow old?"
That is one question which the night's lone speaker, BK Vedanti, beautifully answered— with doses of off-the-cuff humor. (The show was presented by Brahma Kumaris, an international NGO affiliated with the United Nations.) Vedanti, regional director of "Serve Africa" in 42 countries, who travels around the world on a weekly basis, again stressed the need to value time. Time defines our existence, she said. We should appreciate the "circle of life," that endless, God-given cycle of nature that everyone should find time to reflect on.

Wanting to simplify her discourse to sustain attention, Vedanti challenged her audience to attain the fullness of life by: 1)smiling more often and 2) cutting down on sleep, talk and food.
The part about smiling is relatively easy. But to eat, talk and sleep less? And yet, hearing it from her, it made a lot of sense. "She talked to me," Erik recounted "and said my daily 8 hours of sleep was too much! But she gave me such a warm feeling." Indeed, at the end of the event, the lady in white robes radiated peace and happiness as she sat still, very slowly moving her gentle gaze around, giving her audience the feeling that the past hour was truly time well spent.

Circle of Life

2008-06-23T19:38:00.002+08:00

You Are INVITED!

2008-06-17T20:51:00.000+08:00

Special Guest: BK Vedanti

Fondly called by His Excellency President Daniel Arap Moi of Kenya "Mama Vedanti”, BK Vedanti will visit the Philippines for the first time from June 20-29, 2008. She is the Regional Director for Africa of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. (Read more...)

Next in Line: Erik Santos

Fifteen years ago, when he was in high school, Erik Santos heard the After Image song, "Next in Line."

The melody and meaningful lyrics appealed to him so much, he vowed to himself, "Someday, I will sing that song... as a recording artist, before a large crowd, like in a concert." (Read more...)

Spiritual intelligence is the wisdom to understand oneself

2008-06-17T20:50:00.002+08:00

WHAT I’VE LEARNED
Spiritual intelligence is the wisdom to understand oneself

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:36am (Mla time) 05/26/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The whole focus of our education system has been toward intellectual ability or the IQ, which in a way gives us the foundation in rational, creative and semantic thinking. We have put intellectual ability on top of the pile, and it’s not that it’s not important, but it’s only one aspect of learning.

Kids spend years going through educational institutions so they have amazing academic ability but they have very little ability to understand other people and almost none to understand themselves. (Read more...)

2008-06-17T20:36:00.004+08:00

BK VEDANTI’S FIRST VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

BK Vedanti with the First Lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni

Fondly called by His Excellency President Daniel Arap Moi of Kenya "Mama Vedanti”, BK Vedanti will visit the Philippines for the first time from June 20-29, 2008. She is the Regional Director for Africa of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. She was born in India and graduated from the Gujarat University with a BA degree in Philosophy and Psychology. Having lived in Africa since 1974, she has dedicated her life in the intense task of moral and spiritual upliftment of humankind. She has rendered selfless and tireless service with humility and love. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” she says. As the living example of this spiritual principle, she initiated the Serve Africa Project in 2004, a grand scale spiritual outreach project that has served 40 African countries, bringing spiritual empowerment and personal transformation to countless individuals by providing practical solutions to the physical and emotional challenges of our present time.

BK Vedanti, a woman of great warmth, has touched people from all walks of life with her deep and beautiful reflections. “Our life is a gift from God. God is continuously sending us personal messages. He touches our intellect and we have to catch those signals. These signals are like blessings that move us forward.”

Since she set foot in Africa, BK Vedanti has inspired the African people to learn meditation as a way of life. Apart from her spiritual service through the Serve Africa Project, she has travelled to USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Far East and the Middle East, sharing her deep spiritual experiences. “Each one of us should sit in silence and touch the light of the Supreme. Success in every task is then guaranteed to navigate through the uncertainty and insecurity of this world. Thus, it is very important that we make time for this inner journey.”

Catch her powerful presence on June 26, 6:30 pm at Onstage Greenbelt 1, Makati City in “The Circle of Life”, an educational entertainment with Erik Santos and Douglas Nierras Powerdance as special guests. Admission is free. Please call 8907960 or 9264273.

Next in line, a serious Erik

2008-06-17T20:36:00.001+08:00

Next in line, a serious Erik

By Antonio Salac Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: June 16, 2008

MANILA, Philippines—Fifteen years ago, when he was in high school, Erik Santos heard the After Image song, "Next in Line."

The melody and meaningful lyrics appealed to him so much, he vowed to himself, "Someday, I will sing that song... as a recording artist, before a large crowd, like in a concert."

The song is now one of the celebrated tracks in Erik's album, "Your Love" (Sony BMG), which turned platinum recently. The 25-year-old ranks it as one of his favorite inspirational tunes, alongside R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly."

"Next in Line" makes Erik imagine kids growing up to be successful doctors, lawyers, professors, scientists, engineers, entertainment stars, athletes — working to make the world a better place.

The song, he says, assures him that the way to move forward is to inspire others to learn. And for him, to learn is to educate one's self beyond academics. "That's the point of the Chinese proverb about teaching others to fish instead of just giving them fish," explains Erik. "In the same way, I encourage members of my family to stand on their own feet, to manage their lives independently..."

His voice trails off now, his eyes get that faraway look. Then slowly he speaks again, savoring every word: "One's got to work for something hard enough to be able to call it a success. It's not all about wealth or fame, either. More important is how happy and content you are."

Erik says there are questions he asks himself frequently: "Am I at peace? Am I satisfied? Do I like where I'm at?"

He pauses when asked if he's happy. "Things could be better," he admits. "I'd like to free myself from worry, strengthen my faith and trust— firstly in myself, and then in God. I'd like to stay healthy for my family, too."

Healing period

He continues: "I'd also like to be able to communicate with people better, make them appreciate the reason I'm not into any single 'meaningful' relationship at this time: I'm focused on self-development. I think that somewhere in my 30s is the best time to get serious, to think about raising a family of my own."

Erik also explains that he's still going through a healing period, absorbing the important lessons from his much-publicized relationship—and breakup— with Rufa Mae Quinto.

He admits that it was extremely difficult to move under the glare of the public eye. He recalls that when he realized he had started that phase of his life on the wrong foot, he noticed the self-inflicted restrictions. "I don't need that kind of relationship right now," Erik says. "There are definitely more important aspects in my life that have to be addressed. I've got other priorities on my current list ... many other things that are next in line."

(Erik performs in a public program, "The Circle of Life," featuring life coach BK Vedanti, at On Stage, Greenbelt 1, 6 p.m. June 26. Call 890-7960.)

You Are INVITED!

2008-06-16T19:59:00.004+08:00

The melody and meaningful lyrics appealed to him so much, he vowed to himself, "Someday, I will sing that song... as a recording artist, before a large crowd, like in a concert." (Read more...)

Living Dignity

2008-05-02T20:54:00.000+08:00

LIVING DIGNITY
Public programme at Global Co-operation House
Sunday 27 April 2008

What does it mean to truly live with dignity? That was the subject that was addressed by Dadi Janki in front of a full auditorium of 500 people at Global Co-operation House, North West London on Sunday 27^{April 2008.}

The event was introduced by TV news executive Jo Sawicki, who described Dadi as a "powerhouse" and explained to the many first-time attendees in the audience that the Brahma Kumaris were an organisation dedicated to teaching deep peace.

Lou Beckerman began the evening with a beautiful song that set the atmosphere for the rest of the night. She has travelled worldwide using song as a means of healing.

Jo Sawicki then introduced Dadi Janki and explained that she wanted to tackle the issue of dignity with Dadi around three different aspects. At the end of each of these, Sister Waddy from Miami gave a three minute meditation commentary that took the audience into the experience that Dadi had shared. Jo began by asking Dadi what it meant to have dignity for the self and where it comes from.

Dadi replied: "People make a lot of external effort to find dignity, but it is only when we have honesty and love for the self that we can experience true dignity. Dignity is simple to explain but bringing it about is complex. First it is a question of having very pure feelings of compassion and then with help from God I can bring it about easily.

"Attaining dignity doesn't require much time or expense. The most important thing is to fill my time with quality using elevated, divine, spiritual thoughts. What is spirituality? Bringing light and might from God into my life. Internally, the mind must recognise 'WHO AM I' and my intellect must also see this. In my natural original state, my dignity is inherent."

Jo then asked Dadi to touch on another aspect of dignity – the work environment. She asked her how to maintain dignity in times when there can be a lot of pressure and stress.

Dadi said that, before we do anything in response to a situation, we should first go into silence: "I make time to find these moments of silence throughout the day to experience my dignity, finding and experiencing the values I have. I look into my heart and see from the perspective of value and respect for others. If I have faith in myself, it can even change the circumstances. This is a very subtle matter to understand and practise. Arrogance will bring my dignity down. I then experience sorrow. So I must finish my arrogance to bring my spiritual identity into play.

She added: "If I do these things, I can bring benefit to everyone around me, those living with me or working with me. Then the relationships will be more than just about work. If I start with silence and finish in silence, then I will not be tired. It is "wrong thinking" which causes tiredness. Some Raja Yoga students ask me for advice: 'Should I leave my job?' I tell them that they don't go to their company to work but to give good company to others."

Jo then asked Dadi to talk a little about a third aspect of dignity – dignity in family life. She asked Dadi how we can instil values in children that can counter the negative influences they face today.

Dadi responded: "Children today do not get the type of sustenance they used to in the past at home, let alone at school. If the parents come home late, then it's not surprising that the children do the same. Parents should never scold children but spend time with them. There are many families that have found unity and harmony. When I came to this institution, I was given 40 children to look after and teach. Brahma Baba (the founder) and Mama (the organisation's mother figure) taught us how to raise them with love but also discipline: how to walk, talk, sit, etc. Those children gained a lot of benefit. It is important that parents set the example for them – only then can they imbibe virtues. I always say to people that they should never go to sleep late and they should get up early. I tell them that we (the Brahma Kumaris) don't have lots of variety in our diet, nor do we waste time and money on fashion and material things. My life should have simplicity, good vision for others and sensible manners. This is what brings us our honour and what instils it in our children.

Audience members were then invited to ask Dadi some questions. The first one asked her how she approached the judgement of character in other people.

Dadi answered: "We must first understand 'character'. A good character illustrates what God has given us: his qualities of forgiveness, compassion, truth, love, etc.

I should not do anything that brings shame, dishonour or embarrassment in front of God, my parents or my clan. My conscience should prick, if I tell lies, gossip, steal or cheat. If there are others around you that don't have this character, you should be able to transform them.

Jo then asked how we could keep our children safe from bad company. Dadi said that it was down to the parents to give children the company they needed, so then they would not need to seek it in other people: "Many children say that they never experienced love from their father or mother. We need to change this."

The evening ended with Dadi sharing toli (a sweet made with love) with all the audience. A number of those who came said how much they enjoyed Dadi's insights, including many new people, who said they were keen to come and listen to her again.

A Peaceful Soul Finds the Answers

2008-04-29T18:15:00.000+08:00

CHEERFUL in pink, in a sea of white. Among new friends, Tessie Tomas felt like sharing on a “more intimate level.”

A peaceful soul finds the answers
Posted 00:49am (Mla time)
By Tessie Tomas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines - On Sept. 29, 2007, I embarked on a remarkable journey. I had been invited to the annual Peace of Mind retreat on the Gyan Sarovar campus of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in Rajasthan. [ Read more ]

Brahma Kumaris Davao

2008-04-29T18:02:00.004+08:00

12 July 4-6PM, Saturday Charge it to My Account, Please!

No one is to blame. No one takes the blame. Responsibility for my own spiritual maturity translates into not blaming anyone, including my Self. It also means responding to the situation creatively as it is now, with all that which is past put behind me at the moment.

26 July 4-6PM, Saturday The Art of Serving

To serve from the heart is to love. To be clear about the how service is shaped by the past, present and future is to be powerful. Our time calls for wisdom and altruism in helping others. And there are more ways than what we already know.

Brahma Kumaris Inner Space Meditation Center
Sta. Ana cor Sobrecarey St., Davao City
Tel.: (063) 228 6052
Email: davao@ph.bkwsu.org

On Silence

2007-10-26T14:05:00.003+08:00

Silence

My eyes don't see but hear

You in between

These dangling notes that climb

From line to line,

As the hands of time

Compel each ivory dip

Or slur

As a stream of

Melodies swirling

In tip-toes on the floor

Bending and swaying

To sky outreaching

Note to note;

Tone to tone.

Without you

There is no key in between

And the notes would

Splatter in space;

Incomprehensible.

And the dancer, its toes

Missing the right floor

Will stagger and fall

And the hand that moves you

Will never find

The life that's in-between

For life that's in-between

Will cease to be.

Without the notes

The music remains

To be

A dream

That may find meaning

In between the keys

Something the eye would miss

But the heart will cherish,

For with all of these

Apparentness

Of slurs and sharps

In life's clef of temporariness,

Only you which these eyes can't find

Wins the true encore of time.

---Bron Joseph C. Teves, 12/31/2007, Center for Spiritual Learning, Tagaytay City

2007-09-12T10:57:00.000+08:00

Service in Dumaguete City

"Food & Soul", a vegetarian cooking class was handled by Jun Serrano,
an executive and meditation practitioner.

The Power of Positive Mind. About 15 student leaders
attended "The Power of Positive Mind"
conducted by BK Jonathan, a general manager and meditation practitioner.

Stability in the Intellect of a Woman

2007-09-12T09:16:00.000+08:00

Women of Spirit Series

Ms. Chin Chin Gutierrez, a multi-awarded artist-performer
and Ms. Vangie Ram, a UP Professor and meditation practitioner
shared their thoughts on "Stability: In the Intellect of a Woman"
last September 8, 2007.

About 70 people took benefit from the session.

Stability in the Intellect of a Woman
by Fe Laconsay
Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 24, 2007
Entertainment Section F1

Had she allowed herself to wallow in self-pity after losing her mother and material possessions, actress and environmentalist Chin Chin Gutierrez wouldn't have rebuilt her life as quickly as she did.

Instead, she decided to flow freely with the drama of life.

When Chin Chin spoke recently before a gathering of women at the 3rd edition of the Brahma Kumaris' Women of Spirit series, her face bore no trace of the fairly recent crisis she had gone through. She was perfectly serene and surprised her listeners with the depth of her insights, her sincerity and gentleness. The subject of her talk was "Stability in the Intellect of a Woman." The gathering was held at the BK center on T. Gener St., Quezon City.

Calmly, she explained how she weathered what could be the biggest storm in her life: "Crisis is an experience of brokenness that allows us to remember that we were once whole. You [must undertake the] process of being whole again. Change is inevitable; I have surrendered to it."

The Women of Spirit Series is a quarterly event that seeks to offer glimpses of outstanding women's lives and experiences.

Brahma Kumaris and PeopleSupport News Photos

2007-09-11T09:39:00.001+08:00

In support of their wellness quarterly program VirtueScope activity was conducted to the employees and staff of PeopleSupport, Makati City last July 2007. Through VirtueScope, people became aware of their innate virtues which they can use to face life's situations effectively.

VirtueScope on the go......

Brahma Kumaris and PeopleSupport News Photos

2007-09-06T13:51:00.000+08:00

VirtueScope, a card activity, was given to the people who are interested to learn what virtues they should practice for each month. This activity took place in the office of PeopleSupport, Makati City.

VirtuesScope on the go......

2007-09-06T13:35:00.000+08:00

Dadi Prakashmani, has served as the chief of the Brahma Kumaris since 1969. On Saturday, August 25, the soul of Dadi Prakashmani departed. (Read story....)

Dadi Janki Becomes Brahma Kumaris Chief Today (Read story....)

Dadi Janki Becomes Brahma Kumaris Chief Today

2007-09-06T13:31:00.000+08:00

Mount Abu, 28 Aug.: After the passing away of Rajyogini Dadi Dr. Prakashmani who remained Chief of Brahma Kumaris for last four decades, Rajyogini Dadi Janki, the additional Chief has taken over as its Global Head as per an unanimous decision taken by Managing Committee and Governing Board of the institution in a special meeting held here today.

Other changes in institution’s administrative hierarchy include the elevation of Rajyogini Dadi Hridaya Mohini, the Joint Chief and Rajyogini Dadi Ratanmohini, Director of Teachers, Training and Chairperson, Youth Wing, to the position and posts of Additional and Joint Administrative Heads, respectively.

Born in a religious family in Hyderabad Sindh in 1916, Dadi Janki from her childhood was deeply religious and philanthropic in nature. At her age of 14, deeply touched by the divine teachings of Pitashri Prajapita Brahma, Corporeal Founder of the Brahma Kumaris Institution, she joined the movement during its inception days in 1937. As an ardent seeker of God and spirituality, she could speedily scale new heights by inculcating spiritual knowledge and values and by experiencing higher levels of rajyoga meditation in her life. In 1974, for her unique spiritual traits, talents and skills, she was sent to render divine services in London and other overseas countries. Armed with rare qualities of truth, transparency determination, diligence, detachment, courage, conviction and commitment to cause of human upliftment and welfare, she could spread institutions, spiritual services and meditation centres in 129 countries in all continents. In due course, she became institutions Additional & Overseas Chief.

Under her inspiring leadership the institution became an NGO in the DPI of the United Nations having consultative status with the UNs Economic & Social Council and UNICEF. She became instrumental in popularizing the practice of India spiritual wisdom, values, ethos, culture, tradition, meditation and life style among people of other countries across the globe. Inspite of her regular globe trotting for rendering selfless spiritual services towards individual and world peace, she has always remained cheerful, mentally positive and powerful even at her advanced age of 91.

LEADERS CONDOLE DADI PRAKASHMANI'S DEMISE AND PAY HOMAGE

2007-09-06T13:18:00.000+08:00

New Delhi , Sept. 3:

Religious & political leaders, social activists, statesmen, ambassadors, industrialists, businessmen, judges, media persons, bureaucrats, educationists from cross sections of society paid homage to Dadi Prakashmani, the late Chief of Brahma Kumaris at a Shradhanjali Sabha (condolence meeting) held in FICCI Auditorium here today. (She left her mortal body in Abu on 25^th August, 2007 . She was aged 87.)

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India termed Dadi Prakashmani as a visionary & institution builder and condoled her demise a great loss to the organization and to the nation.

Recalling his several visits to Mount Abu and meetings with late Dadiji, Dr Kalam quoted her as how wisely she had said that it was the power of silence which constituted common basis for blending and development of science and spirituality.

Dr Kalam echoed Dadiji's advice and words of wisdom-- "only powerful souls can offer love, can afford to be humble; if we are weak, we are selfish; if we are empty, we take; if we are filled, we automatically give to all"-- that was the nature of Brahma Kumaris who were spreading such human values all over the world, he stressed.

Dr Kalam emphasized that apart from the spiritual discourses and divine atmosphere in Brahma Kumaris premises at Mount Abu, the institution's Global Hospital & Research Centre there which had successfully experimented with preventive cardiology through rajyoga meditation, had always attracted him in the past.

Mr. L.K. Advani, Leader of Opposition in his message condoled Dadi's passing away as an irreparable loss, not only for the institution but for all those who believed that spread of spiritual values was the noblest service that any body could do to this world afflicted by violence and strife.

Mr. Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister in his message grieved Dadiji's departure from the world as a great loss to the country and mankind.

Mrs. Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi; offering tribute to Dadiji in a message said that later was very simple, humble and lovable in nature but at the same time spiritually very strong, noble and dedicated to the cause of human upliftment and world welfare.

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, AICC President in her condolence message said that Rajyogini Prakashmani was the founding figure & leading light of Brahma Kumaris institution and she represented the best spiritual tradition of our country with her enlightened human beliefs and strong commitment to social and community service. She hoped that Dadiji's radiant legacy would continue to illuminate, guide and inspire the work of the Brahma Kumaris for a long time to come.

Rajyogini B. K. Chakradhari, Director of Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga Centres in Russia and adjoining States recollected how Dadiji used to inspire and infuse confidence among her colleagues and fellow beings through her life examples and practice of values.

Rajyogi B. K. Brijmohan, Chief Spokesman of Brahma Kumaris in Delhi said that Dadi Prakashmani took over as Head of the institution after its Corporeal Founder Prajapita Brahma left his mortal coil on 18th January, 1969. She was instrumental in phenomenal growth of the organization from national to global and in gaining several national and international awards and recognitions for the institution including its affiliation to the United Nations, ECOSOC and UNICEF.

Prominent religious leaders including Mr E. I. Malekar, Head of Judaism in Delhi; Mr A. K. Merchant of Bahai Movement; Govt of Delhi's Power Secretary Mr Rakesh Mehta; Shriram Group's Mr Sidharth Shriram; Eminent Journalist Dr N. K. Trikha, etc. paid their tributes while former President of India, Shri R. Venkatraman sent his condolence message on the occasion.

A Peaceful Soul Finds the Answers

2007-07-28T15:56:00.003+08:00

A peaceful soul finds the answers

By Tessie Tomas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:44:00 03/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines - On Sept. 29, 2007, I embarked on a remarkable journey. I had been invited to the annual Peace of Mind retreat on the Gyan Sarovar campus of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in Rajasthan.

MONDAY, OCT. 1

I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for morning exercises at the Meditation Hall. Exercising while seated seemed simple, but it was effective, relaxing.

Then a silent morning walk into the forest ... quite a long walk and, since I had pain in my back, I did that quite slowly.

Breakfast at the dining hall next, with all the participants from around the world, including France, Spain, UK, Kenya, Congo Republic, Russia ... amazing!

After breakfast, we gathered for an informal discussion, during which we shared our thoughts and feelings. I had the urge to share on a more intimate level; I confided how restless I was about not having a television show, but how another part of me didn’t want to be working just yet. I admitted being at that stage where I felt I could use some solitude.

I recounted my recent trip to the UK and USA, and my solo trip to Vietnam. Then I started to cry. I heard myself actually say, “I don’t know why I’m crying.”

In any case, I said I was truly happy to be here, that I hadn’t planned on making this trip a priority, but that my sked cleared up and ... I made it! I also shared my fantasy of going to Madrid for a year to further study Spanish. And also to sort myself out.

Sylvia, from Australia, said she had seen a movie with a similar plot—I was quite amused to hear that.

At 11 a.m., I went to Harmony Hall for the lecture by Sister Meera from Malaysia, on “Meditation—Experiments and Insights.”

After lunch, we visited the famous 12th-century Dilwara Jain Temple, made entirely from white marble—one of India’s architectural wonders. It was stunning!

From there we took a walk around the village, then siesta from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Back to Harmony Hall at 6:30 for the lecture on “Inner Strength” by Brother Nirwair, from Madhuban (“Forest of Honey,” the BK main campus, about 10 minutes from Gyan Sarovar). His name means “The One Without Enemies.”

Some highlights of his talk:

•My natural personality is peaceful, loving, positive, sweet. Getting upset, or being negative, is unnatural—the result of outside influences.

•A tree with deep roots will not shake, even in a storm.

•Whatever is happening, there is a reason and benefit.

•When I meditate, I cultivate imperishable qualities, like self-respect and spiritual love for all.

TUESDAY, OCT. 2

It’s been a busy day but a special one, indeed! I was up at 5 a.m. to prepare for the 6:30 a.m. meditation at Meditation Hall.

We also did some very pleasant, extremely slow, exercises ... had breakfast of cereal, fresh yoghurt and carrot jam at the dining hall. Then returned to the Meditation Hall for a lecture on “Soul Consciousness” by Sister Shielu, also from Madhuban.

While walking, I was overcome with so much joy over new self-discoveries, and for finding the answer to the nagging question, “Who am I?”

I am not this body, I am a soul.

Some quotable quotes from the lecture on “Soul Consciousness,” by Brother Ramesh, from Mumbai:

•Life is always going ... going ... going. The present is everything.

•Soul consciousness gives me the power to face problems and suffering. It’s like seeing things from an elevated place—my perspective is clearer.

•Life does not allow me to go back or rewrite things, i.e., once words are spoken, I cannot take them back. So I always have to be careful !

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3

Same routine, and I’m happily getting used to this.

In our Meditation Circle yesterday, I shared my feelings again: I am excited to work on myself—why have I spent so much time working on my body alone? That’s so much time to make up for, so that I might find a deeper meaning to life, deeper happiness.

Today, Sister Meera gave a class again, this one on “Experiencing Connection.”

•Who is God? God is the Supreme Soul. Why Supreme? He doesn’t go into the cycle of birth and death. He is the source of all virtues.

•When I meditate, I should connect with God so that I might become “God-like.” To see Him, I should open the third eye.

•God has a multitude of qualities that I can meditate on: Peace. Truth. Love. Mercy/Forgiveness.

•The fruits of meditation are sweet and nourishing: Quality in every action. Accuracy. Beauty.

THURSDAY, OCT. 4

Again, the routine is the same, but only on the physical (time) level. On the spiritual level, I feel the boundaries are constantly expanding.

I am awed by the simple, pure yet powerful thought that my original self is peaceful, loving, caring—how could I have forgotten and changed so much?

Today, Sister Shielu was back to give a talk on “Raja Yoga.” Some precious points:

•I have to give something back to the world. I have to give something to Nature. I can’t just take and take.

•The first 10 minutes when I wake up are extremely important. The subconscious mind is fresh, open and accepting at that time. I can choose to create only positive thoughts.

•Raja Yoga is, simply, connection to the Raja or the King, the Supreme Being.

•Five blessings I can meditate on:

1) I am a child of God. Success is my birthright.
2) I am a victorious soul, a destroyer of obstacles.
3) I have the power to give peace to everyone. My peace is my power.

•All the problems in the world are the fruits of negative thoughts, negative energy.

•A person’s greatest resource is his thoughts.

FRIDAY, OCT. 5

Now I know I’ve been carrying around excess baggage (maybe due to unresolved issues with my family of origin)—hence my back pain? But I am happy to be spending so much time with myself, for myself. I am a beautiful soul, though momentarily disconnected from the Source. I must reconnect

Dadi Janki, the university administrator, gave the class today on “Laws of Karma and Time.” Sister Shielu translated for her. The main points I picked:

•The soul is the doer, as well as the reaper. If I sow something good, I will reap good things.

•Suppression leads to cancer; aggravation causes heart attacks.

•I should see everyone as a peaceful soul like myself.

•If I change, my family will change, society will change, the nation will change, the whole world will change. Self-transformation leads to world transformation.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6

My first thought upon arising is: I am a diamond—but at the moment, I may be dirty, tarnished. I need to do a lot of “cleansing” so that I may sparkle again!

Sister Jayanti, from London, gave a talk on “How to Meditate Properly.” I took down a lot of notes from this one. Here are some:

•Meditation is a process of going inwards to myself, upwards to link up with God and outwards to serve the world.

•All the treasures are summed up in one word—power. Power that I can harness. Spiritual power is what it’s all about. Peace. Love. Purity. Wisdom. Joy.

•I can be clean, clear without any motive.

•I should constantly ask myself: Am I giving or am I taking?

•External things do not last. But the happiness I get from inner treasures lasts.

•As I gain power, I become a master of Time.

•I am Peace (Om Shanti). The power of peace keeps me safe.

SUNDAY, OCT. 7
I attended my last morning meditation with the group at 6:30 a.m., followed by a delightful breakfast at the dining hall. Newfound friends exchanged good-byes.

A mental picture of that moment has lingered to this day: Seated in the bus, those of us who were leaving waved goodbye to the others who were staying a little longer. We were serenaded by a fellow delegate, a violinist. We could not hear the music clearly, but we could feel that she was playing straight from the heart.

I had to wipe away my tears. I said to myself, I will miss this, for sure; I will miss them.

***
POST SCRIPT

Back in Manila now, I continue practicing morning meditation. My life unfolds beautifully and pleasant twists and turns have sprung. Instead of a television program that I thought I wanted, I have been cast in two very interesting movies: Panoramanila’s “Ploning,” directed by Dante Nico Garcia and set in Cuyo, Palawan; and a Cinemalaya entry, “100” (short for “100 Things I’d Like To Do Before I Die”) written and directed by Chris Martinez.
But yes, I’ve also been told that I will soon be in a TV show in April or May. What more can I ask for?

Every day, as often as I can, I close my eyes and smile ... and summon positive, powerful thoughts: “I am victorious. I am a child of God. Om shanti.”

Feeling Good, Perfect Mood

2007-07-28T15:55:00.000+08:00

Perfect mood, feeling good

By Pocholo Concepcion
Inquirer

Posted date: June 21, 2007

Joey Ayala couldn't have put it better: "Kung kaya mong isipin, kaya mong gawin…"

The singer-songwriter was clearly in his element as he urged the audience to follow his lyrics about the power of thoughts and the will to change for the better.

Along with several guest artists, Joey provided the kind of entertainment numbers that lent more meaning to "Time and Transformation," Brahma Kumaris' 25th anniversary celebration Monday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Brahma Kumaris (BK) is an international educational institute that operates in more than 100 countries. In the Philippines, eight BK centers have been established since 1982.

Touch of humor

Hosted by Tessie "Teysi" Tomas, "Time and Transformation" presented music, dance and videos to enhance the principles that BK has been promoting quietly, but successfully, through its "students."

Supporters, including Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando, former Miss Universe and now rural development worker Margie Moran Floirendo, new student Mon Tulfo (a columnist of the Inquirer) and many others, personally attest to the knowledge and benefits they have gained from joining BK programs.

Teysi's spiels had the slightest touch of humor: "Ang Brahma Kumaris po, hindi kulto, hindi religion, at hindi rin po pyramid scam…"

In a nutshell, the BK, as an organization affiliated with the United Nations, seeks to make everyone better persons.

Guest of honor

At the anniversary celebration, the BK had for a guest of honor Dadi Hirdaya Mohini, one of its top administrators and concurrently director of centers in New Delhi and Kashmir. (The organization is based in Rajasthan, India.)

Better known as Dadi Gulzar, Mohini was a striking presence during the program. Her eyes brightly captured the term "windows of the soul."

Speaking on center stage with an interpreter, Mohini's message, delivered after the cleverly conceived numbers, focused on recognizing the soul, the "master of the body and mind."

Mohini said everyone can tap their limitless potential by acknowledging the soul.

How? The key word is silence, which Mohini defined as "the state in which the mind is engaged in pure and elevated thoughts."

A few minutes of silence every day, she said, can brush away tension, anger, sorrow and other negative thoughts and feelings that cause conflicts.

Silence is power, Mohini said. Frankly, it may not solve corruption and world hunger outright. At the very least, however, it can help change people's minds and lead them to engage in positive acts, starting with real communication.

Communion

And how to achieve silence? Go right to the source, Mohini intimated. Recognize God, the true giver of peace.

She said meditating was communing with God, and the priests and nuns behind us nodded in agreement.

The potency of that idea was captured earlier, when Grace Nono opened the show with the song/chant "Dosayan" (literally, "praise"), an invocation that hushed the audience.

The choreography of Douglas Nierras' Powerdance was flawless. In a number called "Tenderness," all the dancers complimented precise movements with angelic expressions on their faces.

Timmy Cruz, who sang several songs and also acted as co-host, was so effusive in talking about the BK that, for a moment, our seat mate was worried that the event would sound like a prayer rally. Thankfully, Timmy caught herself.

Very uplifting

Later, she redeemed the awkward moments by leading the crowd in putting "tilak" in the shape of stars on one another's forehead. As a middle-aged man, a stranger, pinned one on ours, he wished us the best in all our endeavors. It was very uplifting.

At the end of her brief address, Mohini gave her audience three steps to bring about change in ourselves: 1) smile more often; 2) offer others a "sweet" drink in the form of sweet words; and 3) maintain happy feelings.

The mood was thus perfect as Timmy finally led a choir and mime artists in singing a tune about the winning ways of smiling and feeling good. At that point, the crowd at the Big Dome did look ready for collective transformation.

Serenity on a Platter

2007-07-28T15:48:00.000+08:00

Manila Bulletin, July 27, 2007
Life and Leisure

SERENITY ON A PLATTER
by Ethel Timbol

The chef, Cecilia Montoya, was given the name Sister Sushila which in India means "one who is serene." As head cook of the Brahma Kumaris, Sis. Sushila prepares vegan meals guaranteed to nourish the body with food to energize and yet calm you.

Thanks to my colleague Emmie Velarde, I have sampled Sis Sushila's cooking a good number of times such as my most favorite cuapao stuffed with kangkong stalks and minced mushrooms doused in sweet sauce.

Sis Sushila used to be an accountancy agent in the BIR, a job she shunned soon after joining the Brahma Kumaris center in Dagupan.

Because she enjoyed cooking even as a child, tutored by her grandmother in Pangasinan where the family meals were mainly Ilocano, it was only natural that she would end up in the kitchen.

At the BK center in Dagupan, she learned to cook "vege-meatarian" meals through recipes from friends and cookbooks.

The Inner Peace BK center in Bagkitan St., Makati, is only one of over 8,000 BK centers in 129 countries. We have eight centers in the Philippines and one retreat house in Tagaytay, the Center for Spiritual Learning, which is the only one in all of Asia.

My friend Emmie would always celebrate her birthday at the BK center in Bagtikan although it normally does not serve meals except when there are whole day training programs and meditations led by Sis. Rajni.

Sis. Rajni, who hails from New Delhi, India, started the "movement" (a word she
dislikes) in the Philippines 35 years ago at the urging of Filipino journalist Marge Enriquez.

The Brahma Kumaris began in the early 20th century, started by the son of a village schoolmaster, Brahma Baba. Brought up in the Hindu tradition, Brahma Baba later became a successful jeweller and diamond trader.

At the age of 60 when his colleagues were talking of retiring, Brahma was recharging his own life, strangely "energized" by the principles of quiet reflection and solitude.

Spurred by visions which visited during his meditations, Baba founded the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in Karachi Sindh (now part of Pakistan) in 1936. The community of 300 people spent their time in intense spiritual study, meditation and self development. In 1951, the community moved the university to Mt. Abu in Rajasthan, India.

To this day, devotees flock to Mt. Abu in October just as the Muslims head for Mecca. They seek peace and a higher spiritual light in the inner soul.

Their motto - "when you change, the world changes" -makes good sense.

Among these "changes" is the diet which is what I am most interested in now.

So, to discover healthy, nourishing food, Annie Ringor, Toni Gregory and I visited the Center for Spiritual Learning in Tagaytay.

We were welcomed by Sis Sushila, Sis Rajni, and Sis Alma Echano. The latter hails from Daet Bicol, and used to work as a chemist in the San Miguel glass plant, being a BS chemistry graduate of Adamson University.. Today, Sis Alma teaches meditation at the BK centers.

They are all volunteers who give their time and service to the Brahma Kumaris cause, yet who remain professionals in the outside world. For instance, Sis Lila, aka Lourdes Aseneta, works weekdays as a teacher/trainor for companies.

On weekends, one will find her in any of the BK centers.

Sis Timi, the "assistant cook," is both an English teacher and computer specialist outside the BK center.

The girlish looking Sis Ria, another volunteer, is a college teacher at UP Diliman.

We were joined at lunch by Timmy Cruz, the singer/ entrepreneur, who volunteers as "hardinera" of the Brahma Kumaris retreat house. Her own little "farm" in Tagaytay is a green haven that she herself had landscaped.

Because of the growing interest in vegan food, the Brahma Kumaris centers in Bagtikan and in Kamuning, Quezon City, conducts cooking classes on request.

You can call them at 890-7960 and 922-9231.

But if you'd like to sample the cuisine first, you can drop by at the "Unknown Chefs" food festival being mounted by the I Can Serve Foundation (composed of cancer survivors) on Aug. 11 and 12 at the Rockwell Tent in Makati.

The basic principle of a vegan diet is simply . nothing that destroys life nor offends the olfactory senses, only food that nourishes. So obviously, all seafoods and meats are out, including egg, as well as garlic and onions.

But no need to feel deprived.

At the retreat house, they serve homebaked pandesal, cereals, "bacon" and "adobo", siopao using delicious vegemeat, cuapao, luga, lomi, salads galore, fruits in season, and an amazing tarragon & mint tea.

You can make reservations there at tel. 413-2128 or (046) 890-2257 or email www.bktagaytay.com.

Global Executive Retreat

2007-07-28T15:47:00.000+08:00

Summary report – July 2007

Global Executive Retreat – a unique blend of spiritual and corporate wisdom.

"A rare opportunity to hit the pause button… observe and reflect on your life's impact…experience meditation and take time out…Amidst a peer group of senior executives, this residential weekend retreat offers a unique opportunity to unwind, discover the spiritual undercurrents influencing your choices and determine what's most important in your life…"

Approximately 35 participants from 18 countries - a select group of influential and senior executives within the business world – attended the second Global Executive Retreat at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, from 13 – 16 July, 2007. Hosted by Dadi Janki, Brian Bacon and Sr Jayanti, the retreat provided participants with an opportunity to take time out, learn how to meditate and deepen spiritual understanding as a basis of effective leadership.

Plenary sessions conducted by Br Brian, provided insights and reflective exercises into the role of spirituality and meditation in personal and professional life. Sessions entitled "Learning to read the signs – being the Detached Observer and "The Harmonic Triangle – Connecting, Giving and Receiving" allowed participants to deeply reflect upon their personal journey. This paved the way for Dadi Janki to inject the spiritual understanding needed to unblock one's energies, develop good character and move forward in life. Sessions with Dadi included 'A Still Mind' and 'Connecting with the Divine'.

Sr Jayanti offered the clarity and crucial bridge from spiritual understanding to practice in sessions entitled "Understanding the inner conversations" and "Harmony in relationships". Interwoven throughout the retreat, participants had the opportunity to process, dialogue and experience meditation in small groups led by an experienced BK 'meditation guide'.

Significant highlights of the retreat were the 'Global Café' session, an evening of informal conversation where participants were invited to share in (rotating) small groups over hot chocolate and cream; and a special dinner and cabaret style entertainment which generated lots of fun and a sense of belonging to a wider family.

The humility and honesty of participants during the feedback sessions created a deeply moving and appreciative atmosphere leaving everyone with a renewed sense of purpose, refreshed and inspired.

Some of the statements…

"Coming here 15 yrs after I went to Mt Abu – I am conscious that I have a new direction and path to follow. This has given me ideas of what that path should be…in partnership with the Divine. I am associated with a great number of networks and we can realise that we all want the same thing and come together to make a big difference" – Napier Collyns – Co-founder and Managing Director, Global Business Network

"The description of the harmonic triangle has brought me to a major realisation about my relationship with God. It brought me to a major realisation that I was doing deals with God…serious commerce. I was making deals with God that I'll be a good person so long as you give me what I want. Even goodness with God can be a deal.

By asking myself the question: Who am I? I have realised what kind of relationship and connectivity I deserve as a soul. That's my commitment to myself…to be the soul. What you are talking about as a responsibility is actually a commitment, not a responsibility but a commitment to who am I and what is my purpose. My purpose is to bring out potential in people and to make a commitment to myself, being a soul in the process. I realised what was missing because, I didn't think that my soul deserved that? Now through this experience, I have connected again with the soul, myself."

Emilia Mosseri, Founder and Partner, Leading Edge Technologies (L.E.T), Dubai, UAE:

"Whilst being here, parts of my own spiritual practice have been highlighted.

What I take from the Brahma Kumaris is a sense of intention and commitment and a sense of humour. For me the, sense of humour is the most important…it is the sign of an ability to hold something deeply and lightly…at the same time. The Brahma Kumaris hold a big mind and big intention. What is exciting to me about the BK's is the global reach that you have. There is a kind of flexibility that you have in engaging communities around you in many different ways. You have an incredible potential in your organisation, intention and humour in how to actually to be a real key part in helping this world make the transition it needs to make. Thanks for your generosity – and making it good fun to be here." Michael Chender, President, Coemergence; Chairman, Shambala Institute for Authentic Leadership, Nova Scotia, Canada

"I come from Venezuela and I ask myself, how much time will our managers keep wanting to see us growing and growing. The key now is harmony and stability not growth. This world needs leaders, not more managers, those who are willing to focus on developing potential…

We depend on internal equilibrium and external stability. Meditation has been very valuable towards that internal equilibrium and to access the highest consciousness. Then nature evolves from there. …harmony is naturally created. This is the gift that you as a wonderful organisation and the people bring…We can do this." Adolfo Jarran – President, Creating C.A, Venezuela

Om Shanti.

Music and Magic!!!

2007-07-05T10:37:00.000+08:00

Feedback from the people who watched the show....

* "This is it! I want to join your group."

* "it feels so lucky to be there. Everything went nice and smoothly."

* My two Japanese friends enjoyed the concert a lot. They commented on the organization and the effort that we did to make it truly a memorable event.

* Highly impressed. Well-balanced program.

* "Wow, wonderful". Thank you. Aged, 16

* "Thanks for the fortune of being invited." Aged 38

* "Tilak" segment was very touching.

* "Amazing!"

* We enjoyed and love the concert. Hope more concert and we will be invited again. Honestly, a different experience we can practice in our daily life – meditation. My congratulations! Aged 53

* "It's a concert which makes you feel relaxed and worry-free", aged 24

* "I felt very light and happy." Manager around 30+

* "Yes, it was worth it. Thank you so much. May fever pa ako that day and I didn't think I would make it thru the day. Felt the positive energy all around. It has helped me recover from stress. Aged 50, VP for sales in a construction firm.

* Got this text message from a seldom seen long-time friends, now in her 50's, a mother of 3 and recent widow – whose community group is active in church and caring for their very sick parish priest: "Salamat kapatid para sa isang mapayapa't masayang gabi."

* "Show enabled me to experience the message in the manner we were familiar with."

* Sense of wonder how crowd listened intently to Dadi Gulzar's talk when the show was long and the evening was getting late

* "I've never encountered anyone like her…as if she was air…floating in air… how can someone be like a living, walking silence?" freelance artist, 20+ years old