Snapshots from our partner organisations around the world Kites for Peace: kites designed with positive slogans and well wishes are being sent to children across the globe. An ongoing project by Brahma Kumaris, Washington (USA): www.kitesforpeace.org
Issue 5: May /Jun 2009
The Inner Wave Insights and experiences from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
New meditation centre in Brussels: Sister Jayanti speaking on
Welcome to The Inner Wave. This issue looks at ‘living simply’ and also features the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris Live UK tour. You can download this newsletter from www.bkwsu.org/uk/newsletter and, if you would like to comment on anything you have read in it, please write to: newsletter@uk.bkwsu.org. Editorial Team
How to be Successful in Challenging Times at the launch of the new Brahma Kumaris (Belgium) centre in the heart of Brussels, 9th May 2009.
Practical Spirituality
The Meditation Dome, the focal
on Tour
point of the tropical garden of the Centre for Spiritual Learning, a retreat centre of Brahma Kumaris (Philippines) in Tagaytay City.
Barry Woodhouse I work as a chartered surveyor in a large firm of property consultants in Cambridge. Property has been badly hit by the recession but my practice of Raja Yoga and the broader understanding it brings has helped me to keep the current situation in perspective. I realise that things go up and down, and come and go, and the world is facing many other challenges besides that. I enjoy my work and it’s productive, but I don’t get lost in it. For me relationships, health and wellbeing are far more important.
“
It’s been deeply satisfying to find answers to the big questions of life.
”
Awakening with Brahma Kumaris, a daily talk show in Hindi and English on Aastha International TV, has attracted a huge UK following. The show explores key issues affecting every day life and provides practical, spiritual solutions and insights, based on the teachings of Raja Yoga, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris.
the big questions of life – my role, purpose and identity, and my own spiritual journey. Between being a family man and a ‘professional’, I especially relish being a student – I am always learning.
In My Life
The “ treasures we
For information about Raja Yoga meditation courses around the UK: www.bkwsu.org/uk/uk/whatwedo/courses
Join our mailing list helped me to recognise their individuality and independence and to allow them to grow up to be themselves, without trying to control them out of possessiveness. And this way of thinking has also been invaluable in my relationship my wife too. As a result, we all get on well, and we appreciate and respect each other a lot.
20 years ago, when I began practising I’ve always had a lot of questions about meditation, my kids were two and four and myself: who am I and what am I doing here? parenthood was quite challenging. Raja Yoga It’s been deeply satisfying to find answers to
To receive future copies of The Inner Wave by email, please subscribe at www.bkwsu.org/uk/mailing_lists. You can also sign up here for Thought for the Day and notification of events in your area.
Want to stay in touch and hear what we are doing? Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrahmaKumarisUK
© Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) teaches Raja Yoga as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive approach to life. For more information about our activities around the UK, please see www.bkwsu.org/uk
Registered Charity No 269971
Many people have called to say how much the show has helped them and to find out more. So we thought: why not take the show ‘on the road’ and invite audiences to see it live? Shivani Verma, a regular speaker on the show and Kanupriya, the show’s host, will join Sister Jayanti, Director of Brahma Kumaris (UK), on a tour of Shivani Verma 14 locations around the UK between 21 June and 8 July: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bradford/Leeds, Leicester, Manchester and Nottingham. London Area: Croydon, Hayes/Hounslow, Ilford, Stratford, Watford, Wembley and Willesden Green. To find out more and register for your free tickets: www.bkwsu.org/uk/ awakening
are looking for are not out there, they are within.
”
Sister Jayanti
Life Made Simple Sister Jayanti Director, Brahma Kumaris (UK)
Today’s world is anything but simple. We’re actually in quite a mess – with the economic downturn, global warming and growing political, social and personal instability. When there’s a crisis, there’s always the opportunity to learn from that and to take the initiative to do something differently. A lot of people are now asking: What can we learn from this? What can we do to change things for the future? If we observe how we spend our time, energy and money, we may see that we are trying to fill a gap in our lives. Yet the contentment we are looking for will not come from anything we have or do on a physical level, but by awakening our spiritual identity. The treasures we are looking for are not out there, they are within. We just have to create some quiet time to rediscover and nurture them - and then use them in our lives. Life will then become simpler and much more satisfying.
Read more on page 2 Kanupriya
What’s Inside... page 2
page 3
page 4
The Courage to Change David Cadman, Quaker, sustainability consultant and writer simplicity, “whatTo findwe need is reflection, attentiveness, compassion and courage.
”
David Cadman Most of us who read The Inner Wave live in a society that is driven by a very particular form of economy – one based upon rising consumption and endless growth. Although it is hardly ever challenged (least of all by those that govern us) this economy is founded upon a very particular (but as it happens flawed) proposition. Although it seems to offer satisfaction it must never do so. It only works if – whilst believing that the next purchase will satisfy our need, and having made the purchase – we remain dis-satisfied and once more in need. Despite the promise of satisfaction, we must always feel we need more. The link between this form of economy and resource depletion, global warming and climate change might seem self-evident, but there are still those who suggest that we can “decouple” them; that by ingenuity and technical innovation we can continue to grow our economies and raise global levels of consumption without having an adverse impact upon our environment. I doubt that this is true.
Economic growth & happiness
Actively and urgently, we need to explore the possibilities of greater simplicity, the practical working it out in our daily lives, and a vigilant resistance to the dominant propaganda of growing consumerism. In my experience this can be very uncomfortable because so much of our present culture is taking us in the opposite direction; but this discomfort is as nothing to the evident catastrophic consequences of our failure to change our lives and find a more sustainable path. To find simplicity, what we need is reflection, attentiveness, compassion and courage. David Cadman will be giving the opening address at the Spirituality and Men conference on 'The Secrets of Inner Power', Saturday 11th July 2009, 10am - 5pm. All men welcome. Free of charge. To attend, please register online at http://www.bkwsu.org/uk/whatson/ national-events or phone 020 8727 3418. 1As reported in The Guardian, 30th May 2009, the study comes from Kofi Annan’s
thinktank, the Global Humanitarian Forum.
C is for Caring
“Despite massive wealth creation, happiness has not risen since the 1950s in the US or Britain or (over a shorter period) in western Germany. No researcher questions these facts. So accelerated economic growth is not a goal for which we should make large sacrifices. In particular, we should not sacrifice the most important source of happiness, which is the quality of human relationships – at home, at work and in the community. We have sacrificed too many of these in the name of efficiency and productivity growth. Most of all, we have sacrificed our values. In the 1960s, 60 per cent of adults said they believed ‘most people can be trusted’. Today the figure is 30 per cent, in both Britain and the US.”
Practical Spirituality on Tour
A Meditation
by Sister Jayanti
As I look within, I can see how my thoughts show awareness of sounds outside… how they register memories of things of this morning, of yesterday… I see how they are filled with human images, and the impact of the people I’ve been with, the things I’ve heard, the feelings and moods of those around me… my mind has been influenced by all of these… For a moment I take charge of my mind… I create an image of a point of light… a thought of peace… I hold this thought and, as I continue to keep it in mind, it becomes more than a thought of peace… It is a feeling of peace… A feeling that gives me great comfort… and strength… and stays with me, as I return to my everyday activities.
Professor Richard (Lord) Layard of the London School of Economics, Financial Times, 11th March 2009.
Caring is the greatest thing, caring matters most. Friedrich Von Hügel, Theologian, 1852-1925.
From Practical Meditation by Sister Jayanti, published by Sterling Ethos and available from www.bkpublications.com and all good bookshops.
(continued from Page 1)
Next issue… Meditation and Health
Indeed, since we have clearly come to live beyond our natural capacity – physically and economically – we must reduce both global consumption and the pollution that flows from it. This means that if those who are truly poor are to have more then those of us who are relatively rich must have less. A recent UN study suggests that “increasingly severe heatwaves, floods, storms and forest fires will be responsible for as many as 500,000 deaths a year by 2030, making it the greatest humanitarian challenge the world faces”.1 And although everyone will be touched by this, those most likely to be affected are those least able to help themselves – the global poor. If they are to be helped, we must reduce the harm that we are causing. And to do this we must have the courage to change our economy and lives – now.
The A-Z of Spiritual Living
RECIPE: Kanupriya and Shivani on the TV show Awakening with Brahma Kumaris.
Quick Fruit Fix
“Until last year, like many young professionals, I’d been going through a lot of stress, anger and emotional upheavals. Outwardly this seemed 'normal' - but inside it didn't feel normal. My mum had been following Awakening with Brahma Kumaris for six months and had seen a remarkable transformation in herself. So I asked her, “How can I change things?" and she said: "Why don’t you watch the programme too?” I found the philosophy so powerful, logical and convincing and, by implementing it in my life, have seen marked changes in myself. Now getting angry seems to me the silliest thing. I really am learning to be more stable and peaceful.” Mandeep, London
For the cream 1 cup Greek yoghurt 3-4 tbsp double cream 2 tsp vanilla essence 2-3 tbsp icing sugar
To find out more about the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris Live UK Tour and register for your free tickets: www.bkwsu.org/uk/awakening Awakening with Brahma Kumaris is broadcast every evening 8.40-9.10pm on Aastha International TV (free to air Sky channel 807). To view a sample of the TV show online: www.brahmakumarisuk.blip.tv
1-2 apples 1 pear 2-3 plums 2-3 peaches ½ cup caster sugar A handful of mixed berries Cloves and/or ground cardamom, optional
From Pure & Simple – Cooking for a Busy Lifestyle, available from www.bkpublications.com
1.
Cut the apples, pear, plums and peaches into small pieces; no need to peel them
2.
Place the cut fruits into a pan on medium heat, add caster sugar and allow them to cook. Do not cover.
3.
Add the berries approximately 5 minutes later. Add cloves and/or cardamom, if you want to use them, at this point.
4.
Once the fruit mix starts boiling, turn off the heat. Do not overcook.
5.
Prepare the cream by whisking the yoghurt, double cream, vanilla essence and icing sugar together.
6.
Serve when fruits are warm or cold.
The Courage to Change David Cadman, Quaker, sustainability consultant and writer simplicity, “whatTo findwe need is reflection, attentiveness, compassion and courage.
”
David Cadman Most of us who read The Inner Wave live in a society that is driven by a very particular form of economy – one based upon rising consumption and endless growth. Although it is hardly ever challenged (least of all by those that govern us) this economy is founded upon a very particular (but as it happens flawed) proposition. Although it seems to offer satisfaction it must never do so. It only works if – whilst believing that the next purchase will satisfy our need, and having made the purchase – we remain dis-satisfied and once more in need. Despite the promise of satisfaction, we must always feel we need more. The link between this form of economy and resource depletion, global warming and climate change might seem self-evident, but there are still those who suggest that we can “decouple” them; that by ingenuity and technical innovation we can continue to grow our economies and raise global levels of consumption without having an adverse impact upon our environment. I doubt that this is true.
Economic growth & happiness
Actively and urgently, we need to explore the possibilities of greater simplicity, the practical working it out in our daily lives, and a vigilant resistance to the dominant propaganda of growing consumerism. In my experience this can be very uncomfortable because so much of our present culture is taking us in the opposite direction; but this discomfort is as nothing to the evident catastrophic consequences of our failure to change our lives and find a more sustainable path. To find simplicity, what we need is reflection, attentiveness, compassion and courage. David Cadman will be giving the opening address at the Spirituality and Men conference on 'The Secrets of Inner Power', Saturday 11th July 2009, 10am - 5pm. All men welcome. Free of charge. To attend, please register online at http://www.bkwsu.org/uk/whatson/ national-events or phone 020 8727 3418. 1As reported in The Guardian, 30th May 2009, the study comes from Kofi Annan’s
thinktank, the Global Humanitarian Forum.
C is for Caring
“Despite massive wealth creation, happiness has not risen since the 1950s in the US or Britain or (over a shorter period) in western Germany. No researcher questions these facts. So accelerated economic growth is not a goal for which we should make large sacrifices. In particular, we should not sacrifice the most important source of happiness, which is the quality of human relationships – at home, at work and in the community. We have sacrificed too many of these in the name of efficiency and productivity growth. Most of all, we have sacrificed our values. In the 1960s, 60 per cent of adults said they believed ‘most people can be trusted’. Today the figure is 30 per cent, in both Britain and the US.”
Practical Spirituality on Tour
A Meditation
by Sister Jayanti
As I look within, I can see how my thoughts show awareness of sounds outside… how they register memories of things of this morning, of yesterday… I see how they are filled with human images, and the impact of the people I’ve been with, the things I’ve heard, the feelings and moods of those around me… my mind has been influenced by all of these… For a moment I take charge of my mind… I create an image of a point of light… a thought of peace… I hold this thought and, as I continue to keep it in mind, it becomes more than a thought of peace… It is a feeling of peace… A feeling that gives me great comfort… and strength… and stays with me, as I return to my everyday activities.
Professor Richard (Lord) Layard of the London School of Economics, Financial Times, 11th March 2009.
Caring is the greatest thing, caring matters most. Friedrich Von Hügel, Theologian, 1852-1925.
From Practical Meditation by Sister Jayanti, published by Sterling Ethos and available from www.bkpublications.com and all good bookshops.
(continued from Page 1)
Next issue… Meditation and Health
Indeed, since we have clearly come to live beyond our natural capacity – physically and economically – we must reduce both global consumption and the pollution that flows from it. This means that if those who are truly poor are to have more then those of us who are relatively rich must have less. A recent UN study suggests that “increasingly severe heatwaves, floods, storms and forest fires will be responsible for as many as 500,000 deaths a year by 2030, making it the greatest humanitarian challenge the world faces”.1 And although everyone will be touched by this, those most likely to be affected are those least able to help themselves – the global poor. If they are to be helped, we must reduce the harm that we are causing. And to do this we must have the courage to change our economy and lives – now.
The A-Z of Spiritual Living
RECIPE: Kanupriya and Shivani on the TV show Awakening with Brahma Kumaris.
Quick Fruit Fix
“Until last year, like many young professionals, I’d been going through a lot of stress, anger and emotional upheavals. Outwardly this seemed 'normal' - but inside it didn't feel normal. My mum had been following Awakening with Brahma Kumaris for six months and had seen a remarkable transformation in herself. So I asked her, “How can I change things?" and she said: "Why don’t you watch the programme too?” I found the philosophy so powerful, logical and convincing and, by implementing it in my life, have seen marked changes in myself. Now getting angry seems to me the silliest thing. I really am learning to be more stable and peaceful.” Mandeep, London
For the cream 1 cup Greek yoghurt 3-4 tbsp double cream 2 tsp vanilla essence 2-3 tbsp icing sugar
To find out more about the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris Live UK Tour and register for your free tickets: www.bkwsu.org/uk/awakening Awakening with Brahma Kumaris is broadcast every evening 8.40-9.10pm on Aastha International TV (free to air Sky channel 807). To view a sample of the TV show online: www.brahmakumarisuk.blip.tv
1-2 apples 1 pear 2-3 plums 2-3 peaches ½ cup caster sugar A handful of mixed berries Cloves and/or ground cardamom, optional
From Pure & Simple – Cooking for a Busy Lifestyle, available from www.bkpublications.com
1.
Cut the apples, pear, plums and peaches into small pieces; no need to peel them
2.
Place the cut fruits into a pan on medium heat, add caster sugar and allow them to cook. Do not cover.
3.
Add the berries approximately 5 minutes later. Add cloves and/or cardamom, if you want to use them, at this point.
4.
Once the fruit mix starts boiling, turn off the heat. Do not overcook.
5.
Prepare the cream by whisking the yoghurt, double cream, vanilla essence and icing sugar together.
6.
Serve when fruits are warm or cold.
Snapshots from our partner organisations around the world Kites for Peace: kites designed with positive slogans and well wishes are being sent to children across the globe. An ongoing project by Brahma Kumaris, Washington (USA): www.kitesforpeace.org
Issue 5: May /Jun 2009
The Inner Wave Insights and experiences from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
New meditation centre in Brussels: Sister Jayanti speaking on
Welcome to The Inner Wave. This issue looks at ‘living simply’ and also features the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris Live UK tour. You can download this newsletter from www.bkwsu.org/uk/newsletter and, if you would like to comment on anything you have read in it, please write to: newsletter@uk.bkwsu.org. Editorial Team
How to be Successful in Challenging Times at the launch of the new Brahma Kumaris (Belgium) centre in the heart of Brussels, 9th May 2009.
Practical Spirituality
The Meditation Dome, the focal
on Tour
point of the tropical garden of the Centre for Spiritual Learning, a retreat centre of Brahma Kumaris (Philippines) in Tagaytay City.
Barry Woodhouse I work as a chartered surveyor in a large firm of property consultants in Cambridge. Property has been badly hit by the recession but my practice of Raja Yoga and the broader understanding it brings has helped me to keep the current situation in perspective. I realise that things go up and down, and come and go, and the world is facing many other challenges besides that. I enjoy my work and it’s productive, but I don’t get lost in it. For me relationships, health and wellbeing are far more important.
“
It’s been deeply satisfying to find answers to the big questions of life.
”
Awakening with Brahma Kumaris, a daily talk show in Hindi and English on Aastha International TV, has attracted a huge UK following. The show explores key issues affecting every day life and provides practical, spiritual solutions and insights, based on the teachings of Raja Yoga, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris.
the big questions of life – my role, purpose and identity, and my own spiritual journey. Between being a family man and a ‘professional’, I especially relish being a student – I am always learning.
In My Life
The “ treasures we
For information about Raja Yoga meditation courses around the UK: www.bkwsu.org/uk/uk/whatwedo/courses
Join our mailing list helped me to recognise their individuality and independence and to allow them to grow up to be themselves, without trying to control them out of possessiveness. And this way of thinking has also been invaluable in my relationship my wife too. As a result, we all get on well, and we appreciate and respect each other a lot.
20 years ago, when I began practising I’ve always had a lot of questions about meditation, my kids were two and four and myself: who am I and what am I doing here? parenthood was quite challenging. Raja Yoga It’s been deeply satisfying to find answers to
To receive future copies of The Inner Wave by email, please subscribe at www.bkwsu.org/uk/mailing_lists. You can also sign up here for Thought for the Day and notification of events in your area.
Want to stay in touch and hear what we are doing? Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrahmaKumarisUK
© Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) teaches Raja Yoga as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive approach to life. For more information about our activities around the UK, please see www.bkwsu.org/uk
Registered Charity No 269971
Many people have called to say how much the show has helped them and to find out more. So we thought: why not take the show ‘on the road’ and invite audiences to see it live? Shivani Verma, a regular speaker on the show and Kanupriya, the show’s host, will join Sister Jayanti, Director of Brahma Kumaris (UK), on a tour of Shivani Verma 14 locations around the UK between 21 June and 8 July: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bradford/Leeds, Leicester, Manchester and Nottingham. London Area: Croydon, Hayes/Hounslow, Ilford, Stratford, Watford, Wembley and Willesden Green. To find out more and register for your free tickets: www.bkwsu.org/uk/ awakening
are looking for are not out there, they are within.
”
Sister Jayanti
Life Made Simple Sister Jayanti Director, Brahma Kumaris (UK)
Today’s world is anything but simple. We’re actually in quite a mess – with the economic downturn, global warming and growing political, social and personal instability. When there’s a crisis, there’s always the opportunity to learn from that and to take the initiative to do something differently. A lot of people are now asking: What can we learn from this? What can we do to change things for the future? If we observe how we spend our time, energy and money, we may see that we are trying to fill a gap in our lives. Yet the contentment we are looking for will not come from anything we have or do on a physical level, but by awakening our spiritual identity. The treasures we are looking for are not out there, they are within. We just have to create some quiet time to rediscover and nurture them - and then use them in our lives. Life will then become simpler and much more satisfying.
Read more on page 2 Kanupriya
What’s Inside... page 2
page 3
page 4