The Brahma Kumaris and their World Spiritual University

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization
Inner Space
Living Values Education Program
Self Management Leadership

Visions of a Better World Foundation

17.

The Janki Foundation
Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Study Foundation
Brahma Kumaris Educational Society
Global Retreat Centre
Oxford Leadership Academy
BK Publications [BKIS Limited]
Relax 7
Soul Power Seminars
World Renewal Trust - and others.
9. The Hidden Face of Brahmakumaris - A beginner’s guide to the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

http://www.scribd.com/doc/17344482/The-Hidden-Face-of-Brahmakumaris

Introduction: Who wrote this and who is it written for?

This is a "Beginners Guide" to the Brahma Kumaris. A simple, plain English but comprehensive introduction to the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University: its beliefs, lifestyle and mode of operation. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask, in neat bite sized pieces without the requirement of specialist knowledge and surrendered BKs within the organization with direct contact and involvement with the leadership over a period of decades.

How do you know all this?

Our collective experience goes back to the beginning of BK evangelism in the Western World. Other information is gain through our discussion forum which is supported internationally.

Why are you doing this and are you members of any group or religion?

The Brahma Kumaris leadership has misled generations of followers whilst exploiting them financially and for their free labor and, in our opinion, misrepresents itself to well meaning outsiders in a manner that benefits them in many way including financially. It would seem to many that having secured their position, the leadership now hides the truth of the religion behind a polished PR machine, various fronts and diluted versions of their teachings. It can take months of involvement before newcomers discover what they really believe and teach. By that time, individuals have become assimilated and conditioned in a way to reduce their critical faculties. Few academics studying the group have even gotten this far. Likewise, for friends and families of Brahma Kumari adherents it is impossible to gather from "official" websites what the organization is really about, how the leadership works or for them to gain an understanding about the changes that their loved ones are undergoing. In order to balance the secrecy and manipulation, we believe that individuals have a right to know what is going and access to all the teachings of the BKWSU. To put it simply, we do not believe that truth can be established on the basis of lies and cover ups. No. We have no alternative religious agenda and are not a member of any other group. We believe in freedom of speech, the right to information and society’s right to know. Brahma Kumari teachings are based on mediumistic messages given through trance mediums or channels. These are called Sakar Murlis (pre-1969 death of the founder), Avyakt Vanis or Avyakt Murlis (post-1969 death of the founder). Over 1,000 examples of these are offered on this website in a number of formats including searchable data bases. Brahma Kumari believe that another spirit entity, or soul, possessed firstly their founder Lekhraj Kripalani and now other adherents to speak through their bodies and act. Outside of the BKWSU, this is known as "channelling". It is an advanced form of mediumship. Since the death of Lekhraj Kripalani, BKs belief that both he, the spirit guide they believe is the God of all religions and other senior deceased BK adherents are channelled through "trance mediums". These mediums are said to go into a deep trance and allow the other spirit entities to possess their bodies and, again, speak and act through them. Whereas BKs claim that the founder was able to remain conscious whilst the spirit did so, the lesser mediums are not able to and must remain in trance not knowing what is being said or done through them.

The Hidden Teachings called "the Murlis"

The core teachings of the Brahma Kumaris called "the Murli", after a magic flute that God Krishna was supposed to play to bewitch his female followers. These are channelled mediumistic messages allegedly spoken by God directly through the mouths of BK mediums. The BKWSU is becoming increasingly secretive about these due to their controversial nature and given that they are often in opposition to activities carried out by the leadership and does not as a rule allow non-BKs access to them. And certainly not in anything but a watered down manner. Examples are not available on any BKWSU websites, adherents are not allowed to send them as emails, generally no longer allowed copies to take for home study and may only be given access in specific areas of the their center There is further controversy within the movement that the leadership is editing, revising and re-writing them removing contentious elements, failed predictions, changing dates and so on.

Are there any other forms of psychism going on within the BKWSU?

Yes. Newly deceased senior Brahma Kumaris are said to be channelled by the organization's mediums following their death, even returning from beyond the grave to speak to their old friends and be fed via the medium's body. Additionally, previously deceased Brahma Kumari adherents are said to make up an Advance Party which, along with founder Lekhraj Kripalani, acts psychically in some manner through current members influencing events.

Many BKs report having varied psychically induced visions. Individual followers are (allegedly) being used unconsciously as mediums or channels for these spirit entities, and "energy" or "vibrations", during meditation and whilst evangelizing for the BKWSU. The main spirit guide, or god of the Brahma Kumaris, clearly claims to enter into followers to do "work" or influence atmospheres in the channelled messages. With the likelihood that the current medium of God is going to die before "Destruction", the BKWSU is said to be training up young women to take over her role as a mediums for God on her death. Wealthy followers can pay to have special food offerings made for their deceased relatives during which time the BK medium will return with some special message often relating to the condition of their rebirth elsewhere or meeting God. Special attention is given to food and BK believe that they can fill food or sweeties with special spiritual energy that affects individuals that eat it. These are often given to IPs or VIPs as gifts. The organization will consult with the spirit guides via their trance mediums to receive their guidance before any major building, business or evangelistic project.
How do the Brahma Kumaris refer to this?

The Brahma Kumaris do not tend to refer to this as channelling or even mediumship but obscure the practises to outsiders with vague references to "being used as an instrument", "inspired" and so on. On occasions, VIPs or politicians will be introduced to "God" speaking through a medium without knowing who it is they are supposed to be meeting, e.g. President Patil of India or Dr. Robert Muller, formerly Assistant Secretary General to the United Nations. Whilst maintaining their faith that is God Himself speaking through their mediums, general terms such as "the Light" or "the Supreme" will be used to non-adherents.

Why Nuclear War, natural disasters and civil wars?

The BKWSU has taught since it beginning that present day that all life on earth and humanity must be destroyed in a series of events it calls "Destruction". This is required to "purify" the world of vice. The core Brahma Kumari teachings claim that the external destruction of the world will come about by their inspiration and efforts. Specifically, it has been said that this means they will give the scientists courage to release the nuclear weapons that will destroy civilization and that Destruction emanates from their efforts. These include Nuclear War, natural disasters and civil war. All other continents except for India are to sink below the oceans except for islands where present day Brahma Kumari centers are located. India is to be the scene of a bloodbath after which all bodies are washed away into the ocean by floods. Following Destruction, an army of special individuals including scientists and Brahma Kumaris will rebuild civilization to its highest, high technology Golden Age in less than 30 years. Brahma Kumari adherents, reborn as "deities" will enjoy palaces of gold and diamonds, nuclear power flying machines and live to be 150 years old. Previously, BKs taught followers that Destruction would take 50 years and Creation 50 years. References to this have been removed from their teachings.

The BKWSU engage in many forms of deception. To this end they disguise who they really are and engage with the world wearing a variety of masks, using a variety of methods, and includes tax fraud and pretending to be a charity. This is covered in the next few pages.

The BKWSU has an agenda. They want to fill their ranks to 900,000 dedicated members. According to their teachings, that is the number at which the world will be destroyed. Soon after that paradise will arise from the radioactive ashes of hell and they will live as deities. However, there is a dilemma: how to openly and honestly reveal such an agenda and still be taken seriously? Clearly they have realized they can't and have opted to be taken seriously even if they have to engage in a process of deception to achieve this. It is also a consideration that the collective ego of BKWSU management simply cannot cope with any accusation that they are nutters. But what else would you think if they told you that God is teaching them directly and exclusively, that the world was supposed to end in 1976 but that they are still waiting, that time repeats identically every 5000 years (yes you read all of this 5000 years ago and will do again in another 5000 years). Senior management is deeply concerned with the public persona of the BKWSU. It has been determinedly managed and is protected with ferocity. They do not tolerate dissent within their ranks and are especially sensitive to public dissent. They simply don't want the public to know what they truly believe or what their true motives are. The irony appears to be lost on them, but their primary effort is to hide what they truly believe - their very reason for existing in the first place. This is evidenced by the fact that nowhere in the BKWSU websites, advertising material, or anywhere in their public presence will you find any reference to what they truly believe. Instead they hide behind a deception of concern for you and the world.

This is the cynical type of deception for which Pol Pot was noted. This is only the beginning however. The nature and form of deception continues to evolve. It begins with the claim to be teaching Raja Yoga.

Raja Yoga

One of the most prominent and effective marketing tools the BKWSU has employed for decades is its false claim to be teaching Raja Yoga. Patanjali is regarded in India as the creator of Raja Yoga, which is well respected in India and considered one of the highest paths to enlightenment by many. Patanjali created Raja Yoga before Christ. The BKWSU do not teach anything resembling Patanjali's Raja Yoga or anything from the Yoga Sutras. Quite the opposite. The BKWSU teach that all knowledge created by humans - including Patanjali - is impure and flawed. Cynically they advertise that they teach "ancient Raja Yoga" playing on peoples' interest in the genuine Raja Yoga. A gullible general membership will say that it is ancient because they taught it 5,000 years ago. The meditation centres in Australia and other countries went under the banner of "Raja Yoga Centres" for many years before switching cover and referring to themselves as a university. It is still the favourite marketing tool however and a search on the internet will take you to many sites labelled Raja Yoga that are BK fronts.

A University?

The use of the term "university" is not only misleading but in most countries illegal. It is certainly not a university. There are no publicly accredited courses, qualifications or even a basic structure that might identify it as a place of learning at all. One has to be a cult member to even attend regular classes which are nothing other than a process of mind control anyway.

Fronts

The BKWSU have more fronts and disguises than can be counted. They also present public programs, projects, conferences, services and the like under a variety of banners as well. The latest is a program, initiated in Wembley and transported around the world, called "Just a Minute". The program is typically innocuous and encourages people to take just one minute at a time to meditate and be calm. Nice idea. In reality it is just an exercise in working their VIPs' - giving them a stage and an audience, making them feel all warm and fuzzy and a bit closer to the final entrapment. They are also casting their nets as they look to increase their numbers and to replace the devastated people they have left behind.

Oxford Leadership Academy and Relax7

These two programs are run by long term senior 'brothers' who have refined the art of entrapment to a high degree and manage to turn a profit at the same time. Relaxkids is a business operated by a 'sister' who was indoctrinated as a child and who allows the BKWSU to exploit her business for the recruitment of children.

Why do the Brahma Kumaris call it "Transformation"?

"Destruction", remains the word used by the God of the BKWSU, Brahma Kumari teachers and adherents internally. It has recently been euphemistically relabeled "Transformation" for non-BKs, especially in the West where the BKWSU appeals to the New Age market and is conscious of its public representation. It means the same: Death for all life on earth in order to purify it so that the world can be reborn as a perfect Heaven on Earth for 900,000 faithful Brahma Kumari followers.

Who is going to inherit heaven on earth after "Destruction"?

Only Brahma Kumaris or their followers!!!

The current Brahma Kumaris leadership is said to become the Emperors and Empresses of the Golden Age heaven on earth. Each Brahma Kumaris follower will take a position in their 2,500 dynasty depending on the efforts and donations of time and money they make in this current life. No other religions will experience a suffering free existence in a heaven on earth. All other religions will experience suffering for all their existence. Heaven on earth is strictly hierarchical, an empire ruled by royal families which will consist of high ranking BK leaders past and present. To enjoy a high status in heaven, BK adherents are told to ensure good relationships in this life with senior BKs through conformity and submission. Just prior to Destruction, Brahma Kumaris believe that the Indian Government is going to hand over power to their control and be recognized by governments internationally.
What is going to happen to other religions after the End of the World?

The Brahma Kumaris teach that, following the suffering of Destruction and Judgement Day, the souls of other religions go back to a spirit world where they remain inert and unconscious until they are reborn again to play their part again in the future. That is to say that Christian souls will remain "like eggs" for 3,000 years until they are reborn again following Jesus Christ's rebirth in the future. There is no afterlife, no eternal release (Moksha/Nirvana) nor any other spirit worlds or heavenly realms. No other religion but the Brahma Kumaris will experience the Golden Aged 'heaven on earth'. All other religions, prophets and religious leaders are merely reborn in time to replay their lives identically as they have done so in recent history. See the BK's philosophy of an identically repeating 5,000 Year Cycle.

What about other countries except for India come Destruction?

The Brahma Kumaris belief that a greater India is the original heavenly paradise on earth and that Hindi is the original language. During Destruction, all other continents will sink below the oceans except for where there are BKWSU centers which will become islands for the reborn Brahma Kumaris to fly to in their thought-control, nuclear-powered flying machines.

Identifying the BKWSU as a Cult

Rather than reinvent the wheel or limit this discussion to a perhaps subjective point of view this discussion has been cross referenced with other sites that are exploring cult issues. Here we look at 'cult identifiers' and see how they relate to the BKWSU. Typically these identifiers include: totalitarian control of members, elitist perspective, ownership of a revelation, psychological manipulation and abuse of members, exploitation of members, and the willingness of members to blindly support the organisation to the point of personal crisis.

A Universal Definition

CULT - Any group which has a pyramid type authoritarian leadership structure with all teaching and guidance coming from the person/persons at the top. The group will claim to be the only way to God; Nirvana; Paradise; Ultimate Reality; Full Potential, Way to Happiness etc, and will use thought reform or mind control techniques to gain control and keep their members. This definition covers cults within all major world religions, along with those cults which have no OBVIOUS religious base such as commercial, educational and psychological cults. Others may define these a little differently, but this is the simplest to work from.

The BKWSU have a hierarchical management system with a clearly defined lineage. At the very top are God Shiva and Brahma Baba (the spirit of the late Dada Lehkraj) who are channelled by Dadi Gulzar. The senior most people in management are referred to individually as "Dadi"(meaning Senior Sister). The Dadis then direct the organisation and its members through a network of preferred members. To be a preferred member one must be worthy, that is, co-operative, obedient and totally support the Dadis and the system. Dissenters are marginalised by default and considered to be lacking in realisation and struggling in their relationship with God. There is also a powerful committee that has a high level of control. This committee includes a number of Senior Brothers. The exact role of the committee and its influence is not made public but its members were not elected nor are they accountable to the general membership. Like all religions, sects and cults, the BKWSU base their lifestyle and practises on a belief system that is the basis of their reality. This reality is formed in the minds of members through constant study and hours of daily meditation. The members believe that they are the true children of God, who is teaching them directly and exclusively. They believe that through their relationship with God Shiva they will become pure and achieve Nirvana. They will then reincarnate into the new world (Golden Age) as deities and rule that world as divine kings - the product of the pure karma they accumulated at this time through their renunciation (of money and personal resources) and service (expansion of the organisation).The main method for becoming pure is meditation, which means to concentrate on the love and purity of Shiva and Brahma and the 'spiritual knowledge' to the exclusion of all 'worldly thoughts' - a very effective system of indoctrination and mind control.

A Secular Definition

CULT - From the Latin 'cultis' which denotes all that is involved in worship, ritual, emotion, liturgy and attitude. This definition actually denotes what we call denominations and sects and would make all religious movements a cult.

A Christian Definition

CULT - Any group which deviates from Biblical, orthodox, historical Christianity, i.e. They deny the Deity of Christ; His physical resurrection; His personal and physical return to earth and salvation by FAITH alone. This definition only covers those groups which are cults within the Christian religion. It does not cover cults within other world religions such as Islam and Hinduism. Nor does it cover Psychological, Commercial or Educational cults which do not recognize the Bible as a source of reality.

The Orthodox Bible-Based Cult

A group is called a cult because of their behaviour - not their doctrines. Doctrine is an issue in the area of Apologetics and Heresy. Most religious cults do teach what the Christian church would declare to be heresy but some do not. Some cults teach the basics of the Christian faith but have behavioural patterns that are abusive, controlling and cultic. This occurs in both Non-Charismatic and Charismatic churches. These groups teach the central doctrines of the Christian faith and then add the extra authority of leadership or someone's particular writings. They centre on the interpretations of the leadership and submissive and unquestioning acceptance of these is essential to be a member of good standing. This acceptance includes what we consider non-essential doctrines i.e. not salvation issues (such as the Person and Work of Christ.) The key is that they will be using mind control or undue influence on their members.

Other Identification Marks:

(a) The group will have an ELITIST view of itself in relation to others, and a UNIQUE CAUSE .i.e. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES RIGHT - everyone else is wrong. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES DOING GOD'S WILL - everyone else is in apostasy.

Integral to the Brahma Kumaris philosophy is the notion that they are a special group of souls, those whose good fortune brings them eternally back to God. They are the souls who will achieve the highest state of purity and spiritual power. They will uplift all the souls of the world and bring about the new Golden Age of humanity - which they will rule as divine kings and queens. The BKWSU consider themselves the most fortunate souls of the world for all of time. They are the only ones who know God, the Truth or who can save the world from sorrow. They are by default the ones who are right and that all other religions, sects etc are the domains of partial truth and exist for weak souls who need that type of limited support. They typically counter accusations of elitism by claiming that as anyone can become a member they are not so. It is an argument that only works for them.

(b) They will promote their cause actively, and in doing so, abuse personal rights and freedoms. This abuse can be THEOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL.

Promoting themselves as a great spiritual organisation that makes a unique and critical contribution to humanity is a major preoccupation. They hold courses, seminars and conferences etc. and they have meditations centres to run. They are a very busy group of people. The members take on this workload as a way of creating good karma and purifying themselves. They start with meditation at 4.00am and are occupied from then until the end of their day. To not participate is a sign of weakness, lack of innate "fortune", lack of recognition of God or their inherent responsibility as a child of God. Failure to cooperate with the hierarchy in the fulfilment of the "elevated purpose" of the BKWSU carries guilt and implications of being a lesser, weaker and poorer soul. Obedience is seen as a sign of strength, disobedience is bad karma. To leave is eternal damnation, eternal loss. The fear of failing is referred to as a "sweet fear" and therefore a good thing. Throughout their time as a member they will have been promised rewards of purity, peace, bliss and a kingdom in heaven whilst being patronised with lessons on failure and loss. The hierarchy takes ownership of the individuals self esteem and manipulates them with concepts of reward and loss. Members must confess their weakness and doubts to the Seniors, ostensibly in order to overcome them.

Ultimately the Hierarchy exerts influence on everything a member will think, say or do, and how they spend their time and with who. They are told to renounce all past relationships, attachments and money and belong only to "Baba" (God Shiva).The BKWSU practise all the types of abuse mentioned, but because it is not violent, or loud, but carried out from behind a facade of pity and benevolence no one sees it for what it is.