Brahma Kumaris World Theological University

“Brahma Kumari” ( Sanskrit ब्रह्माकुमारी ) in Sanskrit and Hindi means “daughter of Brahma ” ^[10] ; thus, "Brahma Kumaris" means "Daughters of Brahma."

Foundation

The organization was founded in 1936 by Dada (“Dada” - the name of an older brother in Marathi ) Lekhraj (Lekraj, Legraj, Lehraj, English Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani , Dada Lekhraj or Lekh Raj) ( 1884 - January 18, 1969 ^[11] ), later adopted the name Prajapita Brahma (modern followers call him by the name of Brahmababa). The organization was located in Sindh province (now the territory of Pakistan ) ^{[8] [12]} Lekhraj led the jewelry business (traded in diamonds); he, like his parents, was a follower of the Vaisnava sect of the Pashtimarga . ^{[12] [13]}

Source of Knowledge

In 1936, Lekhraj experienced a vivid religious experience in the form of a trance ; he had a feeling that he was in contact with God (the Supreme soul); at the same time, he experienced himself in this contact as an eternal soul in close connection with the Supreme Soul. ^[6]

After that, Lekhraj, having a capital of 1 million Indian rupees, ^[14] left his business and turned to spirituality.

Subsequently, all the initial spiritual knowledge was obtained through similar “divine revelations” and “divine visions” by the sisters who transmitted messages that included “detailed knowledge ... based on the concepts of the soul , God , world (universe) , time , space , karma , mukti ( liberation) , jivanmukti (liberation during life) , paradise , hell , creation, maintenance, destruction, various yugas , maya (illusions) and its forms, the true way to meditate yoga , divine qualities and methods of their development. " ^[15] The most important visions related to the destruction of the existing world as a result of strife, wars and natural disasters and the subsequent establishment of a perfect peace (paradise), inhabited by a few chosen ones. ^[eight]

Om Mandali

Lekhraj organized a satsang in Hyderabad , which attracted many people. The original name of the organization arose - Om Mandali. ^[14] In 1937, Lekhradj created an executive committee of nine women to legalize the new religious movement, which included his wife, and to whom he transferred all his wealth. ^[16] Subsequently, many women and girls entered Om Mandali, several of them also donated their entire fortune to the organization. ^[14] In general, at the initial stage of development, the organization consisted mainly of women and their children. ^[17]

In traditional Hindu society, the husband was assigned the role of a “ guru ” in relation to his wife; celibacy as a means of achieving liberation was considered exclusively male spiritual practice. ^[17] In such traditions, many young married women after visiting the Om Mandali ashram were inspired by ideas of spirituality and took an oath to adhere to celibacy . Many members of the local Sindhi community reacted very negatively to such practices, believing that women received too high social status. In addition, the organization began to be accused of violating family peace and family destruction; Some married women have become extremely ill-treated in their own families. ^{[18] [19]}

In relation to Om Mandali, a hostile attitude quickly formed. ^[20] In the end, Lekhraj was accused of witchcraft , debauchery , and the fact that he created a cult and exercises control over his community through hypnosis . ^[16] Children visiting the ashram and teaching them in the ashram were completely excluded, as the effects of trance on the children caused general concern. ^{[21] The} opposition came, among other things, from the family into which Lekhraj had once married his daughter; members of this family created the Anti Om Mandali committee . ^[14]

Hindu deputies in the Sindh Assembly threatened to resign if Om Mandali was not outlawed; as a result, the Sindha government used the 1908 criminal law amendment and declared Om Mandali an illegal association. ^[14] Hindu government leaders continued to pressure, and the group was ordered to vacate the premises. ^[22]

To avoid harassment, lawsuits, and opposition from family members of followers, Om Mandali moved from Hyderabad to Karachi , ^[20] where a well-organized ashram was created. The Anti Om Mandali Committee, which opposed the group in Hyderabad, followed them. ^[23]

After moving from Hyderabad (Sindh) to Karachi , followers until 1950 were engaged in intensive work on self-knowledge and improvement.

Mount Abu

In 1947, Pakistan was separated from India; in April 1950, the University moved from Karachi to Mount Abu (India, Rajasthan ), announcing that the move was prescribed by God. ^[12]

For 14 years until 1952, the organization existed in isolation from the rest of the world. Lekhraj wrote and published many brochures, he also sent out a large number of letters and addresses to important national and international leaders, in which he explained modern events, referring to the Knowledge he received through revelation.

Distribution of Activities

In 1951-52, the active activities of this organization in India began. The first center was opened in Delhi in 1953 . From 1964 to 1969, numerous exhibitions are held in cities and towns of India, seminars and conferences are organized. ^[24]

After the death of Lekhraj in 1969, the activities of the Brahma Kumaris organization began outside India. ^[11] In 1972, branches were opened in the UK, USA and Southeast Asia. ^[25] By 1983, centers were opened in West Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and many other countries.

According to the organization’s website, in 2007 the organization had 825 thousand students and more than 8,500 centers in 100 countries and territories. ^[26] According to independent sources, the number varied from 35 thousand in 1993 to 400 thousand in 1998 . ^[27]

In 2007, 35 centers operated in Russia and other CIS and Baltic countries.

Since 1936, the leadership of Brahma Kumaris was carried out by Lekhrad Kripalani.

After his death, which occurred on January 18, 1969 , leadership responsibilities passed to Dadi Prakashmani.

After the death of Dadi Prakashmani, which occurred on August 25, 2007 , ^[28] , Dadi Janki Kripalani became the leader. ^[29] The second persons in the leadership are Hriday Mohini and Ratan Mohini.

The movement is managed by the World Renewal Spiritual Trust, which was established on January 16, 1969 by Ramesh Nanalal Shah, Shantha Nanalal, Nirmala R. Kajaria and Shil Indra (all from Bombay ). The foundation was created two days before a heart attack at Lekhrad Kripalani, because of which the founder and the main medium of the movement died. ^[30] Subsequently, the foundation registered several other foundations, charitable organizations, and private firms (for example, the Dadi Dzhanki Foundation). ^[31]

From the very beginning of the spread of the movement, the leaders of the centers were mainly women; ^[17] they prevail in the governance structure to this day. For example, in the UK, only a third of the 42 centers operating in the country are run by men. ^[32]

Any person starting from the age of 18 can become a member of the University, regardless of gender, education, religion or nationality.

The university conducts all programs without charging an official tuition fee.

Children and adolescents under 18 years of age can attend classes only with the permission of parents familiar with the curriculum.

The main working languages ​​in Russia are Russian and English.

The organization uses the following methods in its program: ^[33]

• courses, lectures, seminars, creative workshops,
• scientific conferences, ^[6]
• cultural programs (dance, song, dramatic performances),
• Exhibitions,
• special social programs in prisons, ^[34] nursing homes and hospitals. ^{[34] [35]}

Learning Process

Introductory course

Systematic training begins with an introductory seven-day course. The theoretical part of the course is philosophy and history in the view of Brahma Kumaris, the practical part is meditation with open eyes. The duration of one lesson is about one hour.

In the CIS, the introductory course lasts more than a month. Classes are held in the evening.

Basic course for regular students

After completing the introductory course, everyone can continue their studies in the main course. From the moment they switch to the main course, students are called “Brahmins . ”

Classes for "Brahmins" in the main course are held daily. You can attend the morning (starts at 6: 30-7: 00) or evening (starts at 19:00) lesson.

Other tutorials

• The course of positive thinking ^{[6] [36]} and the course “Life without stress” ^{[6] are} aimed at developing an appropriate way of thinking and regulating the internal nature.
• The courses “Self-government and leadership”, “Secrets of self-esteem” and “The course of self-government and life values” ^{[6] [36]} focus on understanding how a person is connected with the Almighty and how to bring peace, strength and balance to your life.
• Specialized courses for professionals in various fields (administration and business, culture, science, healthcare ^[6] ).

Items

The four subjects of the University are Knowledge, Yoga, Dharna and Service.

Knowledge

Knowledge (jyan) implies the study of philosophy and history from the perspective of Brahma Kumaris.

Yoga

Raja yoga is a special way of thinking, understanding and realizing that the soul is on the path to God. This way of thinking contributes to the formation of a “spiritual lifestyle”, which includes chastity, vegetarian food, the desire to surround yourself with a good company, and constant study. ^[6]

Meditation (yoga) is considered the main effort that students should make. ^[3] This is, first and foremost, reflection, a focused thought process that broadens cognition, enhances understanding and communication with God. Such thinking and cognition form a certain character: the power appears to lead a chaste life, there are more and more opportunities for practice. A person becomes able to inspire others to follow the path of purification. ^[6]

Meditation is carried out sitting in silence in a comfortable position with open eyes. Perhaps listening to text or music. During classes, meditation is carried out under the supervision of an older person, who is on the stage in front of the class - as a rule, this is the head of the center or some regular student with experience. ^[6]

The meditator tries to feel like a soul and feel his contact with God. Concentration allows you to experience the purity and openness of God, as well as a personal connection with God. Of great importance is the internal visualization of images and emerging experiences. ^[6]

Dharna

Dharna implies the assimilation of qualities that should be characteristic of yoga - "divine qualities."

Ministry

Service (sowing) implies active practical support for the movement. ^[3] However, such support is exclusively voluntary. Students, to the best of their personal abilities, provide the organization of various programs, seminars, exhibitions, and provide economic support to the organization.

Students voluntarily contribute money, which is the main source of funding for all programs.

In addition, ministry is also proselytic activity. Much attention is paid to the views and psychological qualities of those who are trying to attract the movement. ^[3]

History of operations in Russia

The organization's activities in the territory of the former USSR began in September 1989 at the invitation of the USSR Ministry of Health. Lectures were held in hospitals, institutes and public organizations of Moscow. Further, the opening of training centers in Moscow (1989) and St. Petersburg (1990). Currently, there are also branches (centers) in Perm, Sochi, Nizhny Novgorod, Minsk, Kiev, Odessa, Riga, Novosibirsk, Almaty, Kaliningrad, etc. Every year, groups of students from different countries go to intensive training courses at the University headquarters in Mount Abu ( India ).

Since 1993, at the invitation of the University, Mount Abu has been visited by public and political figures, entrepreneurs, educators, and creative workers, including from Russia and countries, to participate in international programs (Call of Time, Four Faces of Women, etc.) CIS and Baltic countries. For professionals interested in spiritual issues, Mount Abu annually hosts the Peace of Mind retreat .

Brahma Kumaris and international organizations

Since 1980, the organization has received representation in the UN Department of Public Information as a non-state.

According to 2007 data, the Brahma Kumaris World Ecclesiastical University organization has consultative status of category I (general) ^[37] in the Economic and Social Council under the United Nations (ECOSOC) ^[38] , consultative status in UNICEF and is a member of the UN Department of Public Information .

In coordination with the UN and UNICEF, the Brahma Kumaris organization implemented the following international projects: ^{[6] [35]}

• “A Million Minutes for Peace” (1985),
• “Universal Collaboration for a Better World” (1988),
• “Sharing moral values ​​for the sake of a Better World” (1995, in the future the project was continued under the name “Living Values” ^[6] ),
• “Awaken the spirit of human dignity” (1998),
• “The 2000 Manifesto” (2000).

Various inter-religious projects are also underway ^[6] to emphasize the unity of all religions.

In addition, Brahma Kumaris participates in UNESCO activities. ^[6]

In 1987, Brahma Kumari Prakashmani, the head of the Brahma Kumaris administration, was awarded the title of Peace Envoy by the UN.

In connection with the abuses by Brahma Kumaris regarding the declaration of their own status in the UN structure, in an official letter ^[39] the United Nations does not recommend Brahma Kumaris to use the symbols of the UN and UNICEF when conducting their own public programs.

• Cleanliness, peace, health, prosperity and happiness is the right of every person, this is his inheritance from the Supreme Father, the Supreme Soul.
• Moral education is based on the recognition of the fact that human activity is purposeful. If we want to excel morally, we need a high, noble and inspiring goal.

Personality, “I”

Man is essentially an eternal soul . The concept of “soul” is identical to the concepts of “ consciousness ” and “ psyche ”. ^[6]

• Initially, all souls live in the non-material world, in the same place as the Supreme soul ( God ). Under the influence of the law of karma, all souls leave the non-material world and enter human bodies in the material world.
• Soul is an actor in World Drama. All souls play their own roles and therefore in the physical world they accept bodies that allow them to express their initial positive qualities. Only in the physical body can the soul experience life.
• The soul has a mind, intellect and subconscious mind. The mind gives rise to thoughts, ideas, feelings, emotions and experiences. Through intelligence, the soul makes decisions, chooses the path. The subconscious contains Sanskars - the experience, impressions, acquired inclinations and habits of everything that happened and what was done in this life or in previous lives. Sanskars affect the functioning of the mind and the appearance of thoughts. To transform a person, one needs to change the ingrained negative Sanskars and work out virtues and moral values ​​instead. This can be achieved through the meditation of Raja Yoga.

God

Brahma Kumaris considers God using the concepts of Hindu philosophy and mythology, but the holistic concept of God is significantly different from traditional Hindu concepts. ^[6]

• God is eternal; it is one of the souls , but it is the Supreme soul.
• Souls , like God, are eternal, but not created by God and do not come from him.
• The same applies to matter : matter is eternal, but not created by God and does not come from it.
• God, as the Supreme soul, is omniscient; however, it is not omnipresent.
• God is the Supreme Soul, the most virtuous and completely blameless. We are all souls and children of the Supreme Soul, the Highest Father, and therefore, brothers.

The creative , supporting and destructive role of God is viewed differently than in Hinduism and other traditional religions.

• God does not create anything out of nothing, but recreates the human race when it reaches the lowest point of degradation at the end of Kalpa, awakening and exalting it.
• Support occurs through the power of yoga and through knowledge, which allows you to develop a harmonious personality. This Knowledge God again transfers to people in the last period of Kalpa.
• God’s destruction of everything old is primarily the destruction of human vices in the process of yoga.

Trimurti

Brahma Kumaris has a special interpretation of the Hindu trinity ( trimurti ). On the one hand, the traditional point of view is accepted that trimurti symbolizes aspects of God's activity - creation, maintenance and destruction. But at the same time, the identification of the trinity deities with God is categorically rejected. ^[6]

The deity of Hindu mythology Shiva is identified with God, the Supreme soul. Moreover, unlike Hinduism, it is believed that Shankar is not Shiva's middle name, but a separate trinity deity. Shiva is the only God, and Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar are deities, inhabitants of the Subtle world. Thus, Brahma Kumaris adheres to the monotheistic concept of God.

In his training materials, Brahma Kumaris has deities of trimurti not only nearby , as in Hindu images, but also in a hierarchical order (in the Subtle world) : Brahma in the Subtle world is closest to the Physical world, above Brahma - Vishnu, above Brahma and Vishnu - Shankar . Shankar and Vishnu are depicted in the same way as in the Hindu tradition; Brahma is portrayed as Brahmababa (Dada Lekhraj). Shiva is portrayed as a luminous image above the trimurti.

Other deities

Brahma Kumaris believes that, with the exception of the deities of trimurti, all other deities of Hindu mythology are the symbolic memory of modern people about the inhabitants of Paradise.

Murley

Formally, the movement does not have scripture . Nevertheless, texts equivalent to scripture exist: followers study murly - messages containing the words of the Supreme soul (Shiva), directly received through Lekhraj. They are studied in detail and used in teaching students. Not just accepting the text you hear is suggested; Learning involves finding confirmation of what you hear in your daily life. Based on personal experience, it can be concluded that knowledge is absolutely true.

The Murley did not stop with the death of Lekhradzh in 1969. Followers claim that since 1969 messages have been transmitted through another medium - Dadi Gulzar, who has been in motion since its inception. Over the years, messages have gradually become less frequent, but still occur.

Murly are of great importance. In Brahma Kumaris courses, they are not offered for study right away - as a rule, closer to completion of the introductory course, and more often only in the main course. Up to this point, you need to reach a certain spiritual level. Followers should take the study seriously and consistently. The study takes place, as a rule, in the morning classes, which begin at about 6 in the morning; however, there are evening classes.

From the Murli texts it follows that Shiva is not understood as a deity of the Hindu pantheon. Shiva is considered from the standpoint of monotheism - as the Supreme soul. On this basis, the Brahma Kumaris movement separates itself from both Hinduism and all other religions. The Brahma Kumaris movement considers its own Knowledge (Gyan) to a greater extent as spiritual rather than religious, and it is in this connection that it calls itself “University”. ^[40]

Three Worlds

Karma

• The moral law of karma (the law of action) operates in the world, according to which a person can, by changing the quality of his actions, become better and make others better.
• "What goes around comes around". A person will be punished in this or subsequent lives if he inflicts suffering on others, violates the norms of moral behavior.

Calpa Cycle

The religious teachings of Brahma Kumaris, like classical Hinduism, contain the concept of kalpa , ^[6] however with a number of differences.

Four equal epochs make up kalpu:

• Golden Age (Sat of the South),
• Silver Age (Treta Yuga),
• Copper Age (Dvapar South),
• Iron Age (Kali Yuga).

These four eras are considered in exactly the same way as in Hinduism, but the similarity with Hinduism ends there. Brahma Kumaris distinguish between the Iron Age and the Golden Short Transitional Age (Diamond Age, Sangam of the South), during which preparation for the transformation of the world takes place.

The duration of Kalpa is 5000 years. The duration of one era (yuga) is 1250 years. Currently, the world is at the very end of the Iron Age (Kali Yuga), in the Transitional Age (Sangam South). Soon, the world is transforming into the Golden Age (Sat Sub).

Destruction (doomsday)

The closer to the end of the Kali-yuga (Iron Age), the greater the scale of various disasters and natural disasters. America and much of Europe will be destroyed by nuclear weapons. Most of the land will be submerged; this also applies to the Indian city of Mumbai. Australia will turn into a small island. There will be a civil war in India. Over time, the grain will become unfit for consumption, there will be an acute shortage of drinking water. Money will lose its value. ^[41]

The Tree of Humanity

According to the teachings of the movement, the world is approaching a time of great change, which will be accompanied by wars, natural disasters and suffering. ^{[3] The} principles of life taught by Brahma Kumaris are aimed at developing spiritual endurance. ^{[19] [42]} They include:

• Celibacy , involving the rejection of sex even in marriage . ^{[3] [5]} Marriage concluded before the start of education and subject to chastity is considered acceptable; the marriage of a student follower is considered a violation of principles. ^[five]
• Sattvic vegetarianism (strict lacto-vegetarianism , eggs, onions, garlic are also excluded); ^[43] food is prepared only by one’s own hands or by the hands of other followers ^{[3] [44]} Brahma Kumaris (even close relatives are removed from cooking). ^[45]
• Quitting smoking, drinking alcohol and medications that were not prescribed by doctors (especially narcotic drugs). ^{[3] [43]}
• Daily meditation in the early morning hours from 4:00 to 4:45 (Amrit led - “nectar time”). ^[3]
• Daily attendance of classes (morning class starts at approximately 7:30, ^[46] evening at approximately 18:00; morning classes are preferred). During the lesson, women and men are housed separately on two sides. ^[3]
• Not mandatory, but desirable to wear white clothing, symbolizing cleanliness. ^{[47] [48] [49]}
• It is recommended that followers (brahmanas), if possible, surround themselves with good friends and companions, above all, the same brahmanas, and in every possible way avoid the non-brahmana society (consisting of sudras, or bhogi). ^[3]
• In centers in Western countries, all followers, except those in senior positions, must provide for themselves (work); many followers share a home together. ^[50]
• The student must constantly make efforts to clear his habits and acquire divine virtues. ^[9]
• Any member of the organization has the right to take an active part in the activities of the centers of the Brahma Kumaris organization. He can voluntarily make a material contribution to the maintenance and development of spiritual service.

US Government Position

The US authorities do not allow the organization to use the word "university" in its name, since there is no accredited course and diplomas are not issued; in this regard, in the United States, the organization is known as the “Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization”. ^[nineteen]

Performance Assessment in Russia

According to the official conclusion of the expert commission on licensing and certification of educational institutions, pedagogical personnel and students of the Moscow Department of Education , ^{[51] the} main provisions on the nature of the organization’s activity of Brahma Kumaris (fragment of the document) are derived:

Conclusions of the expert group at the request of the Main Department of Justice of Moscow (Extract from the Conclusion on the creed and activities of the organization “BKVDU”, ^[52] based on the results of a comprehensive study of books, documents and other printed materials, video and audio materials distributed by the organization “BKVDU”, publications, documents, expert opinions and testimonies of Russian citizens):

Conclusion of the Orthodox rehabilitation center for victims of non-traditional religions. Khomyakova. According to a study ^{[52] [53]} commissioned by the Orthodox Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Unconventional Religions and the Main Department of Justice of Moscow, the organization Brahma Kumaris is classified as an unconventional religious association of a spiritual nature, whose activities pose a social danger to Russian citizens.

• Plotnikov M.A. Brahma Kumaris // Orthodox Encyclopedia . - M .: Church-Scientific Center "Orthodox Encyclopedia" , 2003. - T. VI. - S. 218-220. - 752 s. - 39 000 copies - ISBN 5-89572-010-2 .
• Chryssides, George D. Exploring New Religions . - Continuum International Publishing Group , 1999. - ISBN 0826459595 .
• Hardy, Hardayal. Struggles and Sorrows: The Personal Testimony of a Chief Justice. - Vikas Publishing House, 1984. - P. 37-39. - ISBN 0706925637 .
• Walliss, J. From world rejection to ambivalence: the development of millenarianism in the Brahma Kumaris (English) // Journal of Contemporary Religion : journal. - 1999. - Vol. 14 , no. 3 - P. 375-385 . Archived on April 29, 2014. Archived April 29, 2014 on Wayback Machine
• Walliss, John. The Brahma Kumaris As a Reflexive Tradition: Responding to Late Modernity. - Ashgate Publishing, 2002. - P. 99–129. - ISBN 978-0754609513 .
• Abramtseva, V.V., Sitnikov, A.V. Conclusion of the Leading Researcher at the Psychological Institute of the Russian Academy of Education, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Senior Researcher V.V. Abramenkova and acting Dean of the Bible and Patrological Faculty of the Russian Orthodox University of St. John the Theologian, associate professor, candidate of philosophical sciences A.V. Sitnikov of March 22, 2001 on the content of the creed and activities of the organization “BKVDU” (neopr.) . Encyclopedia "New religious organizations of Russia of a destructive, occult and neopagan nature" (2001). Date of treatment December 27, 2009. Archived February 27, 2012.

• Russian-language site of Brahma Kumaris
• New Russian-language site Brahma Kumaris
• Brahma Kumaris International Website
• Independent site about Brahma Kumaris (in English)
• Brahma Kumaris - A Short Review (in English)
• Article on the site Self-knowledge.ru
• An article from the online version of Teacher’s Newspaper
• Brahma Kumaris at the missionary apologetic project “Towards the Truth”
• Brahma Kumaris in the collection "Petersburg paganism"