Issue 5: May /Jun 2009

Snapshots from our partner organisations around the world

Kites for Peace: kites designed with positive slogans and well wishes are being sent to children
across the globe. An ongoing project by Brahma Kumaris, Washington (USA): www.kitesforpeace.org The Inner Wave
Insights and experiences from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
New meditation centre in
Brussels: Sister Jayanti speaking on Welcome to The Inner Wave. This issue looks at ‘living simply’ and also features the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris Live UK tour. You can
How to be Successful in Challenging download this newsletter from www.bkwsu.org/uk/newsletter and, if you would like to comment on anything you have read in it, please
Times at the launch of the new Brahma write to: newsletter@uk.bkwsu.org. Editorial Team
Kumaris (Belgium) centre in the heart of
Brussels, 9th May 2009.
The Meditation
Dome, the focal
Practical Spirituality
on Tour
point of the tropical
garden of the
Centre for Spiritual Awakening with Brahma Kumaris, a daily talk show in Hindi and
“ The
treasures we
Learning, a retreat English on Aastha International TV, has attracted a huge UK follow-
centre of Brahma
are looking for
ing. The show explores key issues affecting every day life and
Kumaris (Philippines) provides practical, spiritual solutions and insights, based on the are not out
in Tagaytay City. there, they are
teachings of Raja Yoga, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris.

Many people have called to

say how much the show
within.
”
has helped them and to find
out more. So we thought:
the big questions of life – my role, purpose
In My Life and identity, and my own spiritual journey.  
why not take the show ‘on
the road’ and invite
Sister Jayanti

Barry Woodhouse Between being a family man and a ‘profes-

audiences to see it live?

I work as a chartered surveyor in a large firm

sional’, I especially relish being a student – I
am always learning. Shivani Verma, a regular
Life Made Simple
of property consultants in Cambridge.
speaker on the show and Sister Jayanti
For information about Raja Yoga Kanupriya, the show’s host, Director, Brahma Kumaris (UK)
Property has been badly hit by the recession
meditation courses around the UK: will join Sister Jayanti,
but my practice of Raja Yoga and the broader
www.bkwsu.org/uk/uk/whatwedo/courses Director of Brahma Kumaris
understanding it brings has helped me to Today’s world is anything but simple. We’re actually in quite a mess
(UK), on a tour of
keep the current situation in perspective. I – with the economic downturn, global warming and growing
Shivani Verma 14 locations around the UK
realise that things go up and down, and come
and go, and the world is facing many other
Join our between 21 June and 8 political, social and personal instability.

challenges besides that. I enjoy my work and mailing list July: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bradford/Leeds, Leicester,
Manchester and Nottingham. London Area: Croydon, When there’s a crisis, there’s always the opportunity to learn from
it’s productive, but I don’t get lost in it. For me
To receive future copies of The Inner Hayes/Hounslow, Ilford, Stratford, that and to take the initiative to do something differently. A lot of
relationships, health and wellbeing are far
Wave by email, please subscribe at Watford, Wembley and Willesden people are now asking: What can we learn from this? What can we
more important.
www.bkwsu.org/uk/mailing_lists. Green. do to change things for the future?
helped me to recognise their individuality and
independence and to allow them to grow up You can also sign up here for Thought

“ It’s been deeply

satisfying to find
to be themselves, without trying to control
them out of possessiveness. And this way of
for the Day and notification of events in
your area.
To find out more and register
for your free tickets:
www.bkwsu.org/uk/
If we observe how we spend our time, energy and money, we may
see that we are trying to fill a gap in our lives. Yet the contentment
we are looking for will not come from anything we have or do on a
thinking has also been invaluable in my
answers to the big relationship my wife too. As a result, we all get
awakening
physical level, but by awakening our spiritual identity. The treasures
questions of life.
” on well, and we appreciate and respect each
other a lot. Want to stay in touch and hear what we
Read more on page 2
we are looking for are not out there, they are within. We just have
to create some quiet time to rediscover and nurture them - and then
use them in our lives. Life will then become simpler and much more
are doing? Follow us on Twitter:
20 years ago, when I began practising I’ve always had a lot of questions about Kanupriya satisfying.
www.twitter.com/BrahmaKumarisUK
meditation, my kids were two and four and myself: who am I and what am I doing here? 
parenthood was quite challenging.  Raja Yoga It’s been deeply satisfying to find answers to
What’s
Inside...
© Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) teaches Raja Yoga as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive
approach to life.
For more information about our activities around the UK, please see www.bkwsu.org/uk Registered Charity No 269971 page 2 page 3 page 4
The Courage to Change The A-Z of Spiritual A Meditation by Sister Jayanti

David Cadman, Quaker, sustainability consultant and writer Economic growth & Living
happiness As I look within, I can see how my thoughts show awareness of
C is for Caring sounds outside…

“whatTo findwe need

simplicity,
is
“Despite massive wealth creation, happiness has not risen
since the 1950s in the US or Britain or (over a shorter
how they register memories of things of this morning, of
yesterday…

reflection, attentive- period) in western Germany. No researcher questions these

I see how they are filled with human images, and the impact of
facts. So accelerated economic growth is not a goal for
ness, compassion the people I’ve been with, the things I’ve heard, the feelings and
which we should make large sacrifices. In particular, we moods of those around me… my mind has been influenced by
and courage.
” should not sacrifice the most important source of happi-
ness, which is the quality of human relationships – at
all of these…

David Cadman home, at work and in the community. We have sacrificed For a moment I take charge of my mind…
too many of these in the name of efficiency and productivity I create an image of a point of light…
Most of us who read The Inner Wave live in a society that is driven
a thought of peace…
by a very particular form of economy – one based upon rising growth. Most of all, we have sacrificed our values. In the
consumption and endless growth. Although it is hardly ever 1960s, 60 per cent of adults said they believed ‘most I hold this thought and, as I continue to keep it in mind, it
challenged (least of all by those that govern us) this economy is
people can be trusted’. Today the figure is 30 per cent, in becomes more than a thought of peace…
founded upon a very particular (but as it happens flawed) proposi-
tion. Although it seems to offer satisfaction it must never do so. It both Britain and the US.” It is a feeling of peace…
only works if – whilst believing that the next purchase will satisfy
our need, and having made the purchase – we remain dis-satisfied Professor Richard (Lord) Layard of the London School of A feeling that gives me great comfort…
and once more in need. Despite the promise of satisfaction, we must Economics, Financial Times, 11th March 2009. and strength…
always feel we need more. and stays with me, as I return to my everyday activities.
The link between this form of economy and resource depletion,
global warming and climate change might seem self-evident, but Caring is the greatest thing, caring matters most.
From Practical Meditation by Sister Jayanti, published by Sterling Ethos
there are still those who suggest that we can “decouple” them; that Practical Spirituality on Tour Friedrich Von Hügel, Theologian, 1852-1925.
and available from www.bkpublications.com and all good bookshops.
by ingenuity and technical innovation we can continue to grow our (continued from Page 1)
economies and raise global levels of consumption without having an
adverse impact upon our environment. I doubt that this is true.
Next issue…
Indeed, since we have clearly come to live beyond our natural
capacity – physically and economically – we must reduce both
Meditation and Health
global consumption and the pollution that flows from it. This means
that if those who are truly poor are to have more then those of us
who are relatively rich must have less. RECIPE: 1-2 apples
1 pear
A recent UN study suggests that “increasingly severe heatwaves,
Kanupriya and
Shivani on the TV Quick 2-3 plums
Fruit Fix
floods, storms and forest fires will be responsible for as many as show Awakening
with Brahma
2-3 peaches
500,000 deaths a year by 2030, making it the greatest humanitarian Kumaris. ½ cup caster sugar
challenge the world faces”.1 And although everyone will be touched
A handful of mixed berries
by this, those most likely to be affected are those least able to help “Until last year, like many young professionals, I’d been going
Cloves and/or ground cardamom, optional
themselves – the global poor. If they are to be helped, we must through a lot of stress, anger and emotional upheavals.  Outwardly
reduce the harm that we are causing. And to do this we must have this seemed 'normal' - but inside it didn't feel normal. My mum had
the courage to change our economy and lives – now. For the cream
been following Awakening with Brahma Kumaris for six months and 1 cup Greek yoghurt
Actively and urgently, we need to explore the possibilities of greater had seen a remarkable transformation in herself.  So I asked her, 3-4 tbsp double cream
simplicity, the practical working it out in our daily lives, and a vigilant “How can I change things?" and she said: "Why don’t you watch the 2 tsp vanilla essence
resistance to the dominant propaganda of growing consumerism. In programme too?” I found the philosophy so powerful, logical and 2-3 tbsp icing sugar
my experience this can be very uncomfortable because so much of convincing and, by implementing it in my life, have seen marked
our present culture is taking us in the opposite direction; but this changes in myself. Now getting angry seems to me the silliest thing. 1. Cut the apples, pear, plums and peaches into small pieces;
discomfort is as nothing to the evident catastrophic consequences I really am learning to be more stable and peaceful.”
of our failure to change our lives and find a more sustainable path. no need to peel them
Mandeep, London
To find simplicity, what we need is reflection, attentiveness, 2. Place the cut fruits into a pan on medium heat, add caster sugar and
compassion and courage. allow them to cook. Do not cover.
To find out more about the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris 3. Add the berries approximately 5 minutes later.
David Cadman will be giving the opening address at the Spirituality
Live UK Tour and register for your free tickets: Add cloves and/or cardamom, if you want to use them, at this point.
and Men conference on 'The Secrets of Inner Power', Saturday 11th
www.bkwsu.org/uk/awakening
July 2009, 10am - 5pm. All men welcome. Free of charge. To attend, 4. Once the fruit mix starts boiling, turn off the heat. Do not overcook.
please register online at http://www.bkwsu.org/uk/whatson/
Awakening with Brahma Kumaris is broadcast every evening 5. Prepare the cream by whisking the yoghurt, double cream,
national-events or phone 020 8727 3418.
8.40-9.10pm on Aastha International TV (free to air Sky channel vanilla essence and icing sugar together.
From Pure & Simple – Cooking for a Busy Lifestyle,
1As reported in The Guardian, 30th May 2009, the study comes from Kofi Annan’s 807). To view a sample of the TV show online:
thinktank, the Global Humanitarian Forum. www.brahmakumarisuk.blip.tv available from www.bkpublications.com 6. Serve when fruits are warm or cold.
The Courage to Change The A-Z of Spiritual A Meditation by Sister Jayanti

David Cadman, Quaker, sustainability consultant and writer Economic growth & Living
happiness As I look within, I can see how my thoughts show awareness of
C is for Caring sounds outside…

“whatTo findwe need

simplicity,
is
“Despite massive wealth creation, happiness has not risen
since the 1950s in the US or Britain or (over a shorter
how they register memories of things of this morning, of
yesterday…

reflection, attentive- period) in western Germany. No researcher questions these

I see how they are filled with human images, and the impact of
facts. So accelerated economic growth is not a goal for
ness, compassion the people I’ve been with, the things I’ve heard, the feelings and
which we should make large sacrifices. In particular, we moods of those around me… my mind has been influenced by
and courage.
” should not sacrifice the most important source of happi-
ness, which is the quality of human relationships – at
all of these…

David Cadman home, at work and in the community. We have sacrificed For a moment I take charge of my mind…
too many of these in the name of efficiency and productivity I create an image of a point of light…
Most of us who read The Inner Wave live in a society that is driven
a thought of peace…
by a very particular form of economy – one based upon rising growth. Most of all, we have sacrificed our values. In the
consumption and endless growth. Although it is hardly ever 1960s, 60 per cent of adults said they believed ‘most I hold this thought and, as I continue to keep it in mind, it
challenged (least of all by those that govern us) this economy is
people can be trusted’. Today the figure is 30 per cent, in becomes more than a thought of peace…
founded upon a very particular (but as it happens flawed) proposi-
tion. Although it seems to offer satisfaction it must never do so. It both Britain and the US.” It is a feeling of peace…
only works if – whilst believing that the next purchase will satisfy
our need, and having made the purchase – we remain dis-satisfied Professor Richard (Lord) Layard of the London School of A feeling that gives me great comfort…
and once more in need. Despite the promise of satisfaction, we must Economics, Financial Times, 11th March 2009. and strength…
always feel we need more. and stays with me, as I return to my everyday activities.
The link between this form of economy and resource depletion,
global warming and climate change might seem self-evident, but Caring is the greatest thing, caring matters most.
From Practical Meditation by Sister Jayanti, published by Sterling Ethos
there are still those who suggest that we can “decouple” them; that Practical Spirituality on Tour Friedrich Von Hügel, Theologian, 1852-1925.
and available from www.bkpublications.com and all good bookshops.
by ingenuity and technical innovation we can continue to grow our (continued from Page 1)
economies and raise global levels of consumption without having an
adverse impact upon our environment. I doubt that this is true.
Next issue…
Indeed, since we have clearly come to live beyond our natural
capacity – physically and economically – we must reduce both
Meditation and Health
global consumption and the pollution that flows from it. This means
that if those who are truly poor are to have more then those of us
who are relatively rich must have less. RECIPE: 1-2 apples
1 pear
A recent UN study suggests that “increasingly severe heatwaves,
Kanupriya and
Shivani on the TV Quick 2-3 plums
Fruit Fix
floods, storms and forest fires will be responsible for as many as show Awakening
with Brahma
2-3 peaches
500,000 deaths a year by 2030, making it the greatest humanitarian Kumaris. ½ cup caster sugar
challenge the world faces”.1 And although everyone will be touched
A handful of mixed berries
by this, those most likely to be affected are those least able to help “Until last year, like many young professionals, I’d been going
Cloves and/or ground cardamom, optional
themselves – the global poor. If they are to be helped, we must through a lot of stress, anger and emotional upheavals.  Outwardly
reduce the harm that we are causing. And to do this we must have this seemed 'normal' - but inside it didn't feel normal. My mum had
the courage to change our economy and lives – now. For the cream
been following Awakening with Brahma Kumaris for six months and 1 cup Greek yoghurt
Actively and urgently, we need to explore the possibilities of greater had seen a remarkable transformation in herself.  So I asked her, 3-4 tbsp double cream
simplicity, the practical working it out in our daily lives, and a vigilant “How can I change things?" and she said: "Why don’t you watch the 2 tsp vanilla essence
resistance to the dominant propaganda of growing consumerism. In programme too?” I found the philosophy so powerful, logical and 2-3 tbsp icing sugar
my experience this can be very uncomfortable because so much of convincing and, by implementing it in my life, have seen marked
our present culture is taking us in the opposite direction; but this changes in myself. Now getting angry seems to me the silliest thing. 1. Cut the apples, pear, plums and peaches into small pieces;
discomfort is as nothing to the evident catastrophic consequences I really am learning to be more stable and peaceful.”
of our failure to change our lives and find a more sustainable path. no need to peel them
Mandeep, London
To find simplicity, what we need is reflection, attentiveness, 2. Place the cut fruits into a pan on medium heat, add caster sugar and
compassion and courage. allow them to cook. Do not cover.
To find out more about the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris 3. Add the berries approximately 5 minutes later.
David Cadman will be giving the opening address at the Spirituality
Live UK Tour and register for your free tickets: Add cloves and/or cardamom, if you want to use them, at this point.
and Men conference on 'The Secrets of Inner Power', Saturday 11th
www.bkwsu.org/uk/awakening
July 2009, 10am - 5pm. All men welcome. Free of charge. To attend, 4. Once the fruit mix starts boiling, turn off the heat. Do not overcook.
please register online at http://www.bkwsu.org/uk/whatson/
Awakening with Brahma Kumaris is broadcast every evening 5. Prepare the cream by whisking the yoghurt, double cream,
national-events or phone 020 8727 3418.
8.40-9.10pm on Aastha International TV (free to air Sky channel vanilla essence and icing sugar together.
From Pure & Simple – Cooking for a Busy Lifestyle,
1As reported in The Guardian, 30th May 2009, the study comes from Kofi Annan’s 807). To view a sample of the TV show online:
thinktank, the Global Humanitarian Forum. www.brahmakumarisuk.blip.tv available from www.bkpublications.com 6. Serve when fruits are warm or cold.
 Issue 5: May /Jun 2009
Snapshots from our partner organisations around the world
Kites for Peace: kites designed with positive slogans and well wishes are being sent to children
across the globe. An ongoing project by Brahma Kumaris, Washington (USA): www.kitesforpeace.org The Inner Wave
Insights and experiences from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
New meditation centre in
Brussels: Sister Jayanti speaking on Welcome to The Inner Wave. This issue looks at ‘living simply’ and also features the Awakening with Brahma Kumaris Live UK tour. You can
How to be Successful in Challenging download this newsletter from www.bkwsu.org/uk/newsletter and, if you would like to comment on anything you have read in it, please
Times at the launch of the new Brahma write to: newsletter@uk.bkwsu.org. Editorial Team
Kumaris (Belgium) centre in the heart of
Brussels, 9th May 2009.
The Meditation
Dome, the focal
Practical Spirituality
on Tour
point of the tropical
garden of the
Centre for Spiritual Awakening with Brahma Kumaris, a daily talk show in Hindi and
“ The
treasures we
Learning, a retreat English on Aastha International TV, has attracted a huge UK follow-
centre of Brahma
are looking for
ing. The show explores key issues affecting every day life and
Kumaris (Philippines) provides practical, spiritual solutions and insights, based on the are not out
in Tagaytay City. there, they are
teachings of Raja Yoga, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris.

Many people have called to

say how much the show
within.
”
has helped them and to find
out more. So we thought:
the big questions of life – my role, purpose
In My Life and identity, and my own spiritual journey.  
why not take the show ‘on
the road’ and invite
Sister Jayanti

Barry Woodhouse Between being a family man and a ‘profes-

audiences to see it live?

I work as a chartered surveyor in a large firm

sional’, I especially relish being a student – I
am always learning. Shivani Verma, a regular
Life Made Simple
of property consultants in Cambridge.
speaker on the show and Sister Jayanti
For information about Raja Yoga Kanupriya, the show’s host, Director, Brahma Kumaris (UK)
Property has been badly hit by the recession
meditation courses around the UK: will join Sister Jayanti,
but my practice of Raja Yoga and the broader
www.bkwsu.org/uk/uk/whatwedo/courses Director of Brahma Kumaris
understanding it brings has helped me to Today’s world is anything but simple. We’re actually in quite a mess
(UK), on a tour of
keep the current situation in perspective. I – with the economic downturn, global warming and growing
Shivani Verma 14 locations around the UK
realise that things go up and down, and come
and go, and the world is facing many other
Join our between 21 June and 8 political, social and personal instability.

challenges besides that. I enjoy my work and mailing list July: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bradford/Leeds, Leicester,
Manchester and Nottingham. London Area: Croydon, When there’s a crisis, there’s always the opportunity to learn from
it’s productive, but I don’t get lost in it. For me
To receive future copies of The Inner Hayes/Hounslow, Ilford, Stratford, that and to take the initiative to do something differently. A lot of
relationships, health and wellbeing are far
Wave by email, please subscribe at Watford, Wembley and Willesden people are now asking: What can we learn from this? What can we
more important.
www.bkwsu.org/uk/mailing_lists. Green. do to change things for the future?
helped me to recognise their individuality and
independence and to allow them to grow up You can also sign up here for Thought

“ It’s been deeply

satisfying to find
to be themselves, without trying to control
them out of possessiveness. And this way of
for the Day and notification of events in
your area.
To find out more and register
for your free tickets:
www.bkwsu.org/uk/
If we observe how we spend our time, energy and money, we may
see that we are trying to fill a gap in our lives. Yet the contentment
we are looking for will not come from anything we have or do on a
thinking has also been invaluable in my
answers to the big relationship my wife too. As a result, we all get
awakening
physical level, but by awakening our spiritual identity. The treasures
questions of life.
” on well, and we appreciate and respect each
other a lot. Want to stay in touch and hear what we
Read more on page 2
we are looking for are not out there, they are within. We just have
to create some quiet time to rediscover and nurture them - and then
use them in our lives. Life will then become simpler and much more
are doing? Follow us on Twitter:
20 years ago, when I began practising I’ve always had a lot of questions about Kanupriya satisfying.
www.twitter.com/BrahmaKumarisUK
meditation, my kids were two and four and myself: who am I and what am I doing here? 
parenthood was quite challenging.  Raja Yoga It’s been deeply satisfying to find answers to
What’s
Inside...
© Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) teaches Raja Yoga as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive
approach to life.
For more information about our activities around the UK, please see www.bkwsu.org/uk Registered Charity No 269971 page 2 page 3 page 4