eace eavers The Quarterly e-newsletter

Transcription

1 p w ublication of the Brahma Kumaris - Global Peace House eace eavers The Quarterly e-newsletter Sharing the wonders of Spiritual Service... bringing smiles in the hearts of people... 1 st Issue - November 2011 About GPH... Detox Your Heart & Soul... World Environment Day... Women in Light... Service inthailand... Dadi Janki - Bio Data/Class... Tribute... Village Outreach Programs.. About Meditation... Residential Programs... Celebrations... International Youth Day... Peace Day... Ongoing Activities... B.K Visitors... JOIN OuR LIst To receive this e-newsletter & further issues, kindly drop us a line at bkgph@intnet.mu Next Issue - Feb Dear Readers, Welcome to the first edition of PeaceWeavers, the e-service news report cum newsletter of the Global Peace House (GPH). Please feel free to contact us for your comments and suggestions. Editorial Team Opening of Meditation Centre at Morc St Antoine, Goodlands The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (Global Peace House) has much pleasure to inform the public about the forthcoming opening of the first phase of its new Sister Chakradhari 1 st phase of the Goodlands Meditation Centre Meditation Centre at Traffic Centre Road, Morc. St. Antoine, Goodlands on a plot of land generously put at our disposal on lease by the Compagnie Sucrière De St. Antoine Ltd. The Meditation Centre will offer people of all cocio-cultural backgrounds, especially to the inhabitants of Goodlands and surrounding villages, an opportunity to learn meditation and deepen their understanding of universal principles and innate values through a variety of educational programmes, courses and learning resources. The activities that will be provided include courses in Meditation, Positive Thinking, Stress Free Living, Overcoming Anger, Time Management and Lectures on various subjects relating to self development (e.g values etc). All activities/courses will be given free of charge as a service to the Community. The centre will be managed by GPH, Khoyratty. The Inauguration Ceremony of the centre will be performed by Sister Chakradhari, General Director of Brahma Kumaris Services in Russia and former Republics of USSR, on Friday 11 November Dadi Janki, Head of Brahma Kumaris (centre), bestowing her good wishes and blessings at the photo of the Centre ahead of its opening in the presence of Sister Gaitree (R) and Sister Ragini (L) of GPH Brahma Kumaris Global Peace House, Royal Road, Khoyratty, Pamplemousses, MAURITIUS Tel: Fax: , bkgph@intnet.mu, Web: 1

2 About the Brahma Kumaris Global Peace House The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in Mauritius offers a place of lifelong learning in the deeply religious and multi-cultural communities of Mauritius. Since the establishment of the University in Mauritius in 1975, the Brahma Kumaris offers a variety of courses and programs which provide a holistic approach for the development and well-being of the person. Programs include courses in Meditation, Stress Free Living, Time Management, Anger Management, Personality Development, Rehabilitation courses for Prisoners, Health & Nutrition, Peak Performance Training and many others.the Brahma Kumaris actively participates in national and international projects and initiatives that promote peace, national unity and harmony - values which are fundamental to the Mauritian culture and society. These projects include Million Minutes of Peace, Global Co-operation for a Better World and the on going UN program, A Decade for a Culture of Peace. The Brahma Kumaris Global Peace House (GPH), situated at Khoyratty, is the regional headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris for the North and Port-Louis Regions of Mauritius. Since 1993, thousands of people have benefited from its services. Under the leadership of Sister Gaitree, Sister Ragini and the dedicated group of brothers and sisters, other sub centres have opened namely in Triolet, Goodlands and Riviere du Rempart. The Inner Space Meditation Centre in Port Louis, stands as an oasis of peace and coolness in the heat of the capital city and is very active in offering a multitude of courses and lectures for the busy people working in the city as well as the less busy souls. Detox Your Heart & Soul (CAD program) A Healthy Lifestyle residential programme for the prevention and management of Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes and Hypertension was held in April-May 2011 at the Diamond Retreat House, Palmar. Around 40 patients accompanied by relatives attended the programme which consisted of practical sessions of moderate aerobic exercise on the beach, meditation sessions, doctors intervention, healthy diet demonstration, bio feed back stress test and a mini health check up. The retreat usually ends with a short cultural programme including a laughter session with sketch and bangra dancing by all participants. Testimonials of previous participants are also included. This programme originates from from the Global Hospital and Research Centre of Mount Abu, Rajasthan at the Headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris. The three main components of the program are (1) Stress Management thro Meditation (2) Low Fat High Fibre Vegetarian Diet & (3) Moderate Aerobic Exercise. Participants of the retreat Laughter therapy session through Drama Do you want a break from your daily routines? Do you eat well? Can you cope with your daily stress? Are you at risk to develop diabetes, hypertension & heart disease? Are you overweight? Do you think Later, when I have time, I will look after my health..? Till when? Do you know that every 33 seconds someone is dying due to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) making it the number one killer disease. Prevention is better than cure. A unique opportunity to take back your health in your hand awaits you. Contact us for details on the Detox Your Heart & Soul Healthy Lifestyle Program (popularly known as the CAD Program ). 2

3 World Environment Day 2011 Green Lifestyle for a Healthy Planet In the double context of the World Environment Day and International Day of Families, Global Peace House (GPH), in collaboration with the Educational & Holistic Health Care Association, Khoyratty Community Centre, the Village Council of Calebasses and the Forces Vives of Khoyratty organised a clean up campaign on Sunday 5 June 2011 from 8.30 a.m. to noon. The campaign entitled Green Lifestyle for a Healthy Planet started by a Walk for Health which ended at the premises of the Brahma Kumaris, GPH, Khoyratty where several activities took place such as solar cooker demonstration. The 220 families inhabiting the village of Khoyratty were agreeable in giving the village a fresh look. Volunteers eagerly cooperated in the campaign that will help maintain the health and beauty of the village. A drawing and slogan competition was also organised for children on the theme of Green Lifestyle and Family Walk for Health at Khoyraty Community Centre Enthusiastic volunteers for the clean up (L):Audience at Global Peace House, (R): Hon S.Rittoo, Min of Youth & Sports tasting solar cooked food and meeting Sister Gaitree & Sister Ragini Women in Light (W.I.L) W.I.L brings a new touch of spirituality in a dedicated group of women who are looking forward for deeper experiences of their inner values through the power of the collective. Women of all religions, beliefs and cultures having a deep interest in spirituality form the beauty of this group. The group meets once monthly to discuss and share personal experiences and insights on their inner transformation and path of spirituality. Meeting venue often varies from GPH to outside venues such as SSR Botanical Garden. Service in Thailand Bro Vikram from GPH had the opportunity to serve in Thailand while on a trip to attend a conference on youth and family in Bangkok in June Below is an extract of the service news report from Thailand. Brother Vikram's presence in Bangkok once again got the family together more often..triggering a lot of quality sessions. Although young in years..brother Vikram was able to conduct sessions for the family and for other people. Sr La graciously gave me the opportunity to host a session for him to conduct at my residence (ASA House) for youth and open to all. We combined it with the Om Cafe youth project. Brother Vikram's ability to logically connect science and health with spiritual knowledge was very interesting and many related to the knowledge shared and the enthusiasm shown by him. Sr. Amarjit Kaur (Karen), Bangkok At Indorama, one of the top Industries in Thailand, Sis Damyanteee arranged programme for executive staffs. The owner herself was present. This is the feedback of her husband, President. We at Indorama had a very interesting and absorbing program conducted by Mr.Vikram on Time and Health Management. His way of presentation with simple examples could touch and inspire all to interact with him throughout the program. I am convinced that everyone benefited immensely from his knowledge and experience and would certainly like to follow many learning in their personal and professional lives.thanks SPKhaitan, President 3

4 Dadi Janki, Chief of Brahma Kumaris Worldwide Dadi Janki is a visionary whose uniqueness lies in her unswerving optimism and a heart that is rich with compassion. She is a soul who refuses to set limits and boundaries as to what is achievable and, in so doing, inspires others to believe that they too can make the impossible, possible. As a spiritual leader, she pioneered the integration of healthy emotional, spiritual and social development within education. She travels worldwide, teaching and sharing her wisdom and deep knowledge of the science of spirituality. Driven by her vision of a better world, Dadi Janki has dedicated more than 75 years of her life to the upliftment of humanity. She campaigns for truth and works tirelessly for world peace. She is a woman of wisdom - a woman who in her life, through understanding spiritual truths, has come to a position of personal peace and power. Dadi Janki, being companion of God, sees only the goodness of each human being, awakening people to fulfil their highest potential. Dadi has pioneered, exemplified and shared with countless numbers of people a structured and disciplined method of spiritual development that has had a profound impact on the lives of millions across the world. Under her guidance and inspiration the institution now has centres in over 130 countries world-wide. Throughout her many years of work, Dadi has provided guidance and support for many, counselling them in a variety of areas, including emotional and psychological problems, family relationships and substance abuse. She works for an integral approach of education to include healthy emotional, spiritual, creative and social development. Dadi was one described as the Most Stable Mind ever tested by the Medical and Science Research Institute at the University of Texas, USA in 1978 as her mental state remained completely undisturbed whilst under tests. Excerpts from Dadi Janki s Lecture.. If you remember God with love, He gives the return in multiples of thousands. He is this good! When you have good yoga the line of your intellect will be clear and you will know what is correct or incorrect. If you don't have a clear intellect then you cannot really experience deep happiness. If you just simply love Baba (God) you will receive a great return.... When there is faith you receive love. When there is love your faith increases. The two are deeply connected. In fact, the foundation of my life is Baba's love. What else is there? Compared to the love God gives what can a human being give? If someone praises another then they love them, if they criticise then the person turns their face away. Sometimes the soul does not realise the value of what they are receiving. If you don't value what you are getting then you cannot value your own self. When you have faith in the self as a soul then this recognition increases your own value. I have to first have the consciousness of the self as a soul. I then have to move beyond the consciousness of being beyond the body while in the body. Think about it.. Stop and ask yourself the question Am I driving the world or is the world driving me? 4 Tribute to Brother Iswarlall On Divali 2011 evening, after a long struggle with disease, our dear brother Iswarlall left his mortal coil at the age of 66 years to continue his journey of life at the service of humanity. Bro Iswarlall joined the Brahma Kumaris together with his family in 1985 and since then has been a strong support to the institution and a dedicated brother in the organisation s service activities. In 2002 after being affected and condemned medically with coronary heart disease, he went to the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters to follow a revolutionary program. He miraculously gained back his health and hence became instrumental to launch the program commonly known as CAD program in Mauritius where thousands of people benefitted through outreach, residential and media programs. Bro Iswarlall leaves behind a rich legacy as souls will continue to benefit from the CAD program. He has also surrendered his daughter who lives and serves humanity at GPH. His humility, obedience and respect for instruments souls will also inspire those who knew him. As his name suggests, he was indeed beloved child of God Himself and so loved by one and all. He had all the sterling qualities as a yogi which made him outstanding. He has nestled a precious place in our heart. We are sure he is liberated from his mortal coil and is presently in heavenly bliss in the arms of GodFather Sister Gaitree

5 Village Outreach Programmes GPH in collaboration with its medical wing, the Educational & Holistic Healthcare Association and its youth wing, Youth for a Better World Club initiated the Village Outreach Programme in January 2011 with the aim of bringing the meditation experience to the doorstep of the inhabitants of distant villages. This led to the establishment of new relationships with the forces vives of the locality and further follow up programmes. Several villages have been reached, yet more remained. Healthy Food Exhibition at Pamplemousses Youth Centre Explanation to visitors of exhibition Kids corner - Dental health explanation Village Outreach Crew Members with Sister Gaitree Audience at Melvill Arya Sabha Hall listening to talk Bio Feed Back Stress test - (electrode on ear) Demonstration of healthy cooking tips and practices About Meditation The most important journey you can take is the journey within. This is a journey to the truth of who you really are. This is the place, just beyond every day consciousness, where spiritual empowerment begins. Spiritual power gives you the power to choose creative thinking rather than automated thinking, response rather than reaction, peace, love and harmony rather than stress, conflict and chaos. Meditation enables you to embark on this inward journey. Raja Yoga meditation gives you a clear spiritual understanding of yourself, helps you re discover and use the positive qualities already latent within you, enables you to develop your strengths of character and create new attitudes and responses to life. You begin to remember things about yourself that you once knew, but had long forgotten. Meditation also helps you disconnect from damaging habits of thought, feeling and reaction. This results in a conscious, positive release of energy which improves the quality of your attitude, actions, and interactions. 5

6 Programs Co-ordinated by GPH at the Diamond Retreat House, Brahma Kumaris Residential Retreat Centre, Palmar Each year GPH organises several residential programmes at the Brahma Kumaris Diamond Retreat House (DRH) at Palmar, a perfect setting for the soul and body to replenish, rejunevate and recharge. These retreats span over 2 nights at most and consist of a blend of relaxation moments as well as interactive sessions. DRH can accomodate around 50 persons with bathroom attached rooms, a dining hall and beautiful sceneries in the surrounding. Participants most often recall the powerful peaceful vibrations within the premises. Meditation with Sunrise at Palmar Beach Inner Leadership In July 2011 around 40 people from different leadership positions met together to explore together new avenues of leadership. Sessions included a panel discussion, dialogues, personal moments for the self and, of course, delicious vegetarian meals. The particpants had the opportunity to express themselves through arts and sketch at the end of the program. The Peace Experience Peace is our original, eternal and natural state. It is our sovereign power. As we have forgotten our true eternal dimension, we have lost touch with that innate nature of peace. In the month of June 2011 participants at this program had the oportunity to discover and experience peace, their eternal treasure that gives the right context to life and so indispensable for the inner growth and the blossoming of our life. Images and Voices of Hope (IVOH) This retreat (July 2011) was meant for media people and artists involved in the creation of images and voices of hope (IVOH) e.g authors, artists, musicians, photographers, journalists who feel deep inside that they have, within themselves, far more potential innate resources & abilities that they are seeing right now in their life. The activities during the retreat include silent reflections, meditations, silent walks, simple exercises, healthy diet, brief interventions, interactions, and video clips; all meant to facilitate and empower a journey within. Group photo of Inner Leadership participants Group discussion in the Peace Experience Sketch by participants at IVOH program Celebrate the Joy of Living! Outing for students of GPH for a break Mothers tug of War with a smile.. Dadis & Nanis singing old tunes Brothers having a tough time! Children enjoying themselves Brothers aiming at the bucket.where is it? 6

7 International Youth Day - Seminar on Cyber-Wellness More than a hundred youth and parents attended the seminar organised by the Youth Wing of GPH, the Youth for a Better World Club in collaboration with the Youth Council of the UNA Mauritius, the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Pamplemousses Youth Centre on Sunday 4 September 2011 on the theme "Youth and Social Networking.. Your Voice Counts!" The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Family Welfare & Child Protection opened the seminar and a psychologist from the same Ministry also acted as resource person. Resource persons from the CERT-National Computer Board also intervened as well as parents and youth in an interactive panel discussion. A micro trottoir video showing the views of youth on Facebook and the Internet was also shown. Participants of Seminar On going activities... Interfaith Program for Peace Day Invitation to deliver talks on Values at Community, Social & Women Centres Lectures at Inner Space - Port-Louis Joint regional activities with NGO s e.g Peace March for Independance Day Gardening Activites at GPH The month of September marks the International Day of Peace, an opportunity to reflect on and contribute peace, a very rare commodity, to our society. Thus an interfaith dialogue with representatives of different faiths was organised by the GPH on the theme of Peace at the Town s Hall of the Municipality of Port-Louis. Minutes of silence were collectively observed by all. An exhibition on Peace was also held simultaneously on the premised of the Municipality where people were invited to express themselves by drawing pictures related to peace. Weekly Children Classes on Saturday including music, arts, gardening, etc. Benefits of Meditation - Greater levels of creativity - Decrease in anxiety - Decreased depression - Decrease in feelings of irritability - Improved learning abilities - Improved memory retention - Increased feelings of vitality - General sense of happiness Mothers preparing food in sweet silence for daily program - Emotional stability - Lowering of high blood pressure - Decrease in muscle tension and headaches - Rapid recovery from fatigue - Decreased risk of dementia - Help in chronic diseases (allergies/arthritis) World Meditation Hour Our outer world is a reflection of what lies within our collective inner worlds. By directing our thoughts in specific, positive ways, we have the potential to guide the world towards becoming a more loving place. Whether or not you know how to meditate, you are invited to join us on the third Sunday of each month at 4.00 p.m. and spend 60 minutes of your time radiating peace, love and care to our world. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and family. 7

8 B. K V i s i t o r s a t g p h i n Sister Hemlata: Director of BK centres in Trinidad, conducted a program for senior citizens on the theme Ageing Gracefully at the GPH in March 2011 with over 300 attendees. Sis Gopee (R) and Sis Judy (L): These two highly busy persons made a quick visit to the Inner Space Meditation Centre in March Sis Judy (Rogers) is the Director of the Images and Voices of Hope, a worldwide movement connecting people from the media. Sis Gopee currently co-ordinates B.K youth activities in the UK. Some other visitors from Brahma Kumaris Headquarters/India Sister Asha: Director of Om Shanti Retreat Complex BK Retreat centre in New Delhi, India, conducted a lecture on Mind Management at the Municipality of Port-Louis and some intensive meditation session at GPH Left to Right: Bro Bhanu, Sis Gaitree Bro Devendra & Bro Harish Bro Marcelo Bulk Director of Brahma Kumaris Centres in Columbia. Born in Brasil, Bro Marcelo Bulk is a international business consultant & lectured on the theme Pathways towards Self Leadership at GPH in Oct Bro Nagraj (L) & Bro Mahesh Bro Lalit Future Activities at Goodlands Meditation Centre World Diabetes Day (Screening program) - Sat 19 Nov 2011 Meditation Course starting on Mon 14 Nov 2011 Anger Management Course starting on Fri 27 Jan 2012 Positive Thinking Course in Feb 2012 New Year 2012 Greetings to our readers and friends bkgph@intnet.mu Brahma Kumaris Gph 8 Find us in the North & Port-Louis Global Peace House Brahma Kumaris Royal Road, Khoyratty Pamplemousses Tel: Raja Yoga Meditation Centre near Traffic Centre New Morcellement St Antoine, Goodlands Tel: Inner Space 2nd Floor, Sharon House Sir William Newton St Port-Louis Tel: Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Royal Rd (Opp Social Welfare Centre) 8 eme Mile, Triolet Tel: