1st Issue - Brahma Kumaris

peace weavers
The Quarterly e-Newsletter
ublication of the Brahma Kumaris - Global Peace House
Sharing the wonders of Spiritual Service .... bringing smiles in the hearts of people ....
1st Issue - November 2011
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
About GPH........................... 2
Detox Your Heart & Soul ..... 2
World Environment Day......
3
Women in Light .................. 3
Service inThailand ............... 3
Dadi Janki - Bio Data/Class... 4
Tribute ................................ 4
Village Outreach Programs.. 5
About Meditation................. 5
Residential Programs............ 6
Celebrations ........................ 6
International Youth Day ...... 7
Peace Day ........................... 7
Ongoing Activities................ 7
B.K Visitors .......................... 8
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Next Issue - Feb 2012
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 1st 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.
Sister Chakradhari
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
Dadi Janki, Head of Brahma Kumaris (centre),
former Republics of USSR, on Friday 11
bestowing her good wishes and blessings
November 2011.
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: +230 248 1941 Fax: +230 248 2181, Email: bkgph@intnet.mu, Web: www.bkwsu.org/mauritius
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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.
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.
Participants of the retreat
Contact us for details on the Detox Your Heart & Soul Healthy
Lifestyle Program (popularly known as the CAD Program ).
Laughter therapy session through Drama
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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 Walk for Health at Khoyraty Community Centre
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”
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
2011. 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
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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..
Think about it..
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.
Stop and ask yourself the question
“Am I driving the world
or is the world driving me?”
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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
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.
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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.
Group photo of Inner Leadership participants
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.
Group discussion in the Peace Experience
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.
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
Children enjoying themselves
Brothers aiming at the bucket.where is it?
Brothers having a tough time!
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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
Interfaith Program
for Peace Day
On going activities...
Invitation to deliver talks on Values
at Community, Social & Women Centres
Joint regional activities with NGO’s
e.g Peace March for Independance Day
Lectures at Inner Space - Port-Louis
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.
World Meditation Hour
Weekly Children Classes on Saturday
including music, arts, gardening, etc.
Mothers preparing food in
sweet silence for daily program
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
- 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)
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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.
B.K Visitors at gph in 2011
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 2011.
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 2011.
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
Find us in the North & Port-Louis
2012
New Year
Greetings
to our readers and friends
bkgph@intnet.mu
Brahma Kumaris Gph
www.bkwsu.org/mauritius
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Global Peace House
Brahma Kumaris
Royal Road, Khoyratty
Pamplemousses
Tel: 248 1941
Inner Space
2nd Floor, Sharon House
Sir William Newton St
Port-Louis
Tel: 210 5928
Raja Yoga Meditation Centre
near Traffic Centre
New Morcellement
St Antoine, Goodlands
Tel: 282 1059
Raja Yoga Meditation Centre
Royal Rd (Opp Social Welfare
Centre)
8eme Mile, Triolet
Tel: 261 6581