April 2019 ` 8.00

Vol. 38 No.7 Pages 12 See Page 5 Monthly Journal of the Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu, , International Conference in New Spiritual Response to Critical Times 120+ 300+ 30+ 8000+ Countries International Presenters & Elite participated Guests Performers Audience

National Anthem of India being played on arrival of Hon’ble Chief Guest Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Former President of India.

Mr. Victor Perton from Australia, an expert on role of optimism, in conversation with BK Neville Hodgkinson, UK. BK Artem Kudryavtsev, Entrepreneur from Russia speaking at Chat Show.

Singer BK Silvia Nazario Violinist BK Ayako Ichimaru Indian Dance by BK Wang Xue Indian Dance by BK Anais Libolt from Portugal from Hongkong Ying from China from France NGO OF UNITED NATIONS IN CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH ECOSOC & UNICEF. OVER 4500 ASSOCIATE CENTRES IN 137 COUNTRIES. PURITY April 2019 2

BK Ken O’Donnell from Brazil BK Brijmohan honouring Mr. Pranab Mukherjee BK Charles Hogg from Australia

Interfaith Leaders and foreign dignitaries after honouring each other.

Above : Sister BK Caroline Ward from Chile interacting with the audience. Below : Sectional view of the audience.

Main entrance of Indira Gandhi Stadium with flags of Shiva along with 122 countries on the pathway. PURITY April 2019 3 Spiritual Response to Critical Times The international conference was a confluence of dignitaries, guests, professionals, spiritualists and religious leaders from 122 countries and emphasised on the oneness of humanity.

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Former President of India, Chief Guest of the Conference, said : Now is the time when we must turn our attention to the moral, ethical and spiritual dimensions of our life and strengthen these elements which form the foundations of a truly advanced and happy society. The call of the present critical time is that the solutions to all the problems of the world lie in the elevated human consciousness, in the eternal spiritual wisdom and values. Spirituality points us to the realization that when we act with generosity, compassion and respect for all, we lay the foundation for holistic progress of the entire humanity. Spirituality, he said, formed the support base of the moral and social principles which have made mankind civilized. It is one of the many gifts India has given to the world.

H.E. Ms. Gabriela Michetti, The Vice President of Argentina, Special Guest of the Conference, said: In politics, it is very clear that there is a need for spirituality. When one believes in God, it gives a lot of meaning to what one does in politics. One doesn’t see one’s equals as enemies. It may be that we think differently which allows us to perform more qualitative actions. This gives politics meaning and its essence is the search for common well- being. Therefore, spirituality adds value to political activity and makes it more trustworthy to people. If one has a relationship with God which is daily practice, then it is not of great help to those who don’t have Him in their life to return to faith and todifficult turn their to include activities spirituality into service. in politics. Those who believe in God can be

BK Jayanti, Director of the Brahma Kumaris centres in Europe, said: “If we see time on Explaining the process of Rajyoga BK Brijmohan, Additional Secretary- a linear scale, we wonder what the future meditation, motivational speaker BK General of the Brahma Kumaris, said that the purpose of the programme was meant holds for us. On the other hand, when we see Sister Shivani, said: “When we connect our to give a wake-up call to people and to share things in a cyclical way, we can have hope for mind through remembrance to anyone, their the hope that it was time for change to come the future.... We will then know that we are about. “As night is followed by day, it is time moving from a world of falsity and darkness for our present circumstances to give way to to a world of truth.” state of being begins to influence our energy She said that the chaos inside people’s So when we connect to the Divine, His peace.” field. It was satisfying that practising Rajyogis, inner world and the vice of greed was the qualities of peace, love and happiness start meditators and performing artists from 122 root cause of the environment al and climatic countries had come here to showcase their crises, and so a transformation could come We then change from expecting from others to respective spiritual responses to the present about when we enhance our relationship with flowing into us and our life starts to transform... the self within. becoming givers of goodness.” critical times. The programme, which was attended by an elite audience of over eight thousand, was interspersed with many fun activities and cultural performances by musicians, dancers and singers from across the globe. The audience was also led into live meditation experiences. Millions watched the programme live on TV and other social media platforms. (Purity Report) PURITY April 2019 4 Truly Speaking From the Editor’s Heart

n a world where the Sensex, world than any other journal golden-aged world. The time Divine Mother Mateshwariji, Isensationalism and sleaze rule because of the global network of has come for God to play his Dadi Prakashmaniji, Dadi Jankiji the media, it is indeed heartening BKs. divine role. Those of us who and Dadi Hirdaya Mohiniji. to see a journal that informs and The only challenge we have is see the writing on the wall inspires people about higher to develop, sustain and increase purify themselves by having a Readers often wonder why constant mental love-link with values. BK Brij Mohan has been readers’ interest in spiritual some of the articles in editing the spiritual journal subjects. I think we have fairly God, the Supreme Father, and ‘Purity’ for 38 years and it’s been succeeded because the inner become instruments for such ‘Purity’ carry no byline? growing steadily; thanks to his world of humans and the worlds transformation. The articles published in ‘Purity’ unflagging spirit and dedication. beyond in this universe have There are two principal are derived from the Godly He relives some old memories much more to inform and reveal values — truth and love —which wisdom revealed by Supreme and shares his ideas about the than the outer world we know are equated with God. We say Soul Shiva through Prajapita journal in a tête-à-tête below. of. These revelations are not only truth is God and love is God. No Brahma. Hence, we believe the fascinating but also empowering. other value is equated with God. ideas cannot be attributed to What was the inspiration The first fundamental truth, that any person. We do not want any behind ‘Purity’? Showcasing reality is the every human being is a soul who personality or cult following. In September 1981, I main purpose of the media, acts and experiences through the The purpose of our articles body, is the science of life. Besides, accompanied Dadi Prakashmani but how important is its role is to bring readers closer to no man is an island. Human universal spiritual truths and to – the Chief of Brahma Kumaris in guiding public opinion beings live in society and interact their eternal source – God. Our – on a tour to Kenya. I saw two towards a positive end? daily newspapers in Nairobi – with others. Soul consciousness regular authors prefer to share The word ‘reality’ used in this the Nation and the Standard – naturally creates the feeling such wisdom under the common context actually means reporting that were published in tabloid of brotherhood. Spiritual love byline ‘Purity Bureau’. Articles things as they are. The primary form. It struck me then that based on such brotherhood is the containing deeper insights on objective of ‘Purity’ is to create Brahma Kumaris (BKs) should true technology of life. a single topic are published as awareness about what ‘reality’ have an English magazine in ‘Purity Features’. However, is without which a human tabloid form. Though there ‘Purity’ has always authors who wish to share their being cannot know and achieve were many books published promoted respect for women. the right purpose of his life. views under their name are by BKs, there was a need for Who’ve been the most Ignorance about the spiritual always obliged. a journal or magazine that dimension of life has in fact made inspiring female role models would carry brief reports about everything superficial, shallow for you? What are your plans for our service activities and the and transient. The substance The degradation of human essence of spiritual talks along future? of Godly wisdom published in society is rooted in moral with photographs. The monthly We want to publish more concise, ‘Purity’ relates to the eternal, degradation. Ancient spiritual journal was aimed at inspiring meaningful, practical and immortal and imperishable wisdom says that where women inspiring articles on spirituality BK readers and informing busy are respected the deities’ dwell entities, viz. the soul, Supreme in an interesting and simple form. people in the world about BKs, there. The founding father of BKs, Soul and matter. It provides It is our constant endeavour providing them with useful Prajapita Brahma, ordained that spiritual wisdom and building a the right vision for leading a to give due importance to all purposeful life. women are best suited for social proper image of the institution. transformation in the present aspects of spirituality and to The majority of our readers strike the right balance between What spiritual truth and time of utter degeneration, and today are not BKs. he himself trained women to be profound subjects like spiritual value do you feel can change the harbingers of the new era. philosophy and ethical issues Do you think the relevance the world? Following his example, myself and relevant topics of practical of this spiritual journal has The foremost spiritual truth is and all BKs consider each female wisdom, anecdotes, humour changed in these 38 years? that incorporeal Supreme Soul person to be Jagatmata (world etc. We shall be happy to get alone transforms this vicious What were the challenges mother) and give them utmost feedback and suggestions from old iron-aged world into the our readers about how to make and achievements? reverence. The topmost female forthcoming viceless, new, the journal better.n Since the need for spirituality is role models for me have been understood more today than 38 years ago, ‘Purity’ has become more relevant in today’s life and times. Over the years, a committed readership has built up and it is gladdening to note that they include eminent people like Supreme Court judges, governors, ministers, Govt. secretaries, to mention a few. Their secretaries call us when they miss an issue. A few of them are filing volumes of ‘Purity’ and they often quote from them. With the growth in the service of BKs; the readership and input have become wider. Sometimes I muse that this little spiritual magazine has more dedicated Om Shanti Retreat Centre, Gurugram: Dadi Ratan Mohini, Jt. Chief of Brahma Kumaris, with 10 Brahma Kumari teachers and voluntary reporters in the (garlanded) after their surrender ceremony. Also in pic. are BK Chakradhari, BK Asha, BK Shukla and BK Sharda. PURITY April 2019 5 It’s time for Liberation from ‘Karmic’ Bondages Attaining liberation or salvation of life by yogis and sanyasis who Liberation is a undertakeis considered austere as penance the final goaland spiritual practices to shed their state that all souls mortal bondage. Since ages, saints and hermits have wandered to deep pass through recesses of forests and climbed intractable heights to meditate and renounce the samsara (the world) before they in the hope of attaining liberation. Every soul comes into the come down to world to play its role. Without a body a soul is like an unused battery this world. without a device to power. A soul is an actor and it needs a costume and in various cultures and faiths a stage to perform. Even to perform as Heaven, Vaikunth, Bahisht, good, elevated and noble actions Paradise etc. and it lasts for two a soul requires a body. Spiritual ages. Gradually after many rebirths principles too cannot be practiced souls get attached to the body without a body. Then why is it that and material world in successive some humans seek liberation from births and lose their purity. They the cycle of birth and death? become body conscious. Vices like BK Sister Shivani receiving ‘Nari Shakti’ Award, the highest civilian honour for women in India, from H.E. the President of India, on International The truth is that no one wants lust, anger and greed take root in Women’s Day - 2019. to die. This is why people celebrate their minds and they start sinning. birthdays and feel blessed to be Souls and matter become rajoguni Everything that we do in our levels of suffering and negativity. alive. Everyone wants to live a long and then tamoguni (corrupt and life is only towards our ultimate Another doorway to become life, and people go to great lengths imperfect). liberation because the original free from burdens and bondage to maintain their physical health At the end of Kaliyuga (Iron state of every soul is liberation. is deep love and surrender to and have a longer life. Age) when all souls have become So what can a human being do God. When we sincerely seek In reality, liberation is sought tamopradhan (completely impure) in order to shift from bondage to God’s companionship, His love from suffering and not from life life is an unending saga of struggle, liberation? and guidance with a pure heart, itself. One would like to be liberated suffering and temporary pleasures. Living in the awareness of we experience immense peace from hell but no one would ask for Relationships between human soul or being soul-conscious is and contentment. We experience liberation from heaven. What is the the fundamental step that helps lightness of being and taste the use of liberation or moksha if one falsehood. us to stop creating more karmic liberation we had in our eternal cannot experience that liberation? soulsIn are bondage filled with andselfishness suffering and bondages in day-to-day life. When state of being. When we offer to Without a body a soul is an inert human souls turn to God and seek we are body-conscious we are Him even our daily acts; when entity that cannot experience liberation from this world of sorrow. always thinking and acting under we dedicate to Him with love and anything, not even the freedom and Some human souls are so repulsed sincerity everything we consider as joy of liberation. and troubled by sin and suffering pre-conditioned emotional ours, we are liberated. The desire for liberation is that they start seeking moksha – patterns,the influence sanskars of sensory tainted pleasures, by vices Deep meditation or loving also spurred by the mistaken belief permanent liberation – from the and negative memories and desires. remembrance of God absolves our that the soul has to take birth in cycle of birth and death. They We are trapped in limited identities past sins and helps perform good 8.4 million species before it gets stretch the concept of liberation to of self and others and all our a human body. The thought of permanent liberation from birth efforts are aimed at preserving this being born as an animal or insect and death. The concept of moksha limited self which then becomes generousactions without in giving ego and co-operation selfishness in the next birth drives many to does not hold true because all souls our greatest bondage. We are andtowards support the benefit to everyone of others. without Being seek liberation in order to escape have their individual imperishable constantly pulled by likes, dislikes, any expectations, without bias, such a fate. In truth, the human roles to play in this world drama. ego, attachment, fear and greed. likes and dislikes – doing good soul always takes a human birth. When a cycle of time ends, souls no matter whatever obstacles or All souls, including those of other are liberated from their bodies and create more and more bondage for problems come in life also keep one creatures, take birth within their go to Paramdham. It is here that theActions soul driven and it by sinks these into influences deeper from creating more bondages. n species. they are in a state of liberation. (Purity Features) Before we come in this world This state is one of freedom from to play our role, all souls live in physical bondage and any other paramdham – the soul world. When Pearls of Wisdom they descend from soul world they cannot experience anything or • Ignorance makes you believe that life functions are pure. As a result of the law of performinfluence. any Being action. bodiless, It theremains soul haphazardly. entropy everything – souls and suspended in this inert state until • Circumstances are like objects. They are not alive; you matter go through sato, rajo and it returns again to this world at its bring life to them. tamo stages. In the beginning, in appointed time to take birth in a Satyuga, all souls and elements body and begin to play its role in • Values are related to each other as if they are members of of nature are satopradhan (super the drama of this world. a great family. perfect). There is purity and Thus, liberation is a state all • To be peaceful you have to see yourself as a peaceful harmony in relationships between souls pass through before they being. humans and nature. Pure souls come down to this world. The • Firm faith and self-confidence in your goals determine your enjoy a liberated relationship fundamental nature of a human destiny. which leads to positive actions and being is freedom and peace but happiness for all. today we live in fetters – we live • Teach your eyes to have an elevated vision and your mind This period is remembered will be relaxed.

in self-imposed confinement. PURITY April 2019 6 Wake Gleanings from the press

Plant cellulose may be used to create bone up, implants Scientists have used plant cellulose to develop a strong, lightweight sponge Editorial India! that could be used as bone implants in future. Researchers from the University of British Columbia and McMaster University in Canada have ape cases are on a steep rise in India. Also, they are getting more developed an airy, foam-like substance that can be injected into the body and more bizarre. Some of the recent cases include a husband’s and provides scaffolding for the growth of new bone. It is made by treating R nanocrystals derived from plant cellulose so that they link up and form an brother criminally assaulting his wife on their wedding night; a minor being raped and beheaded by her brothers and uncle, and an ICU “Most bone implants are made of hard, brittle ceramic that doesn’t always patient being raped by the hospital staff. conformaerogel that to thecan shape compress of the or hole,”expand said to completelyDaniel Osorio, fill outa PhD a bone student cavity. at McMaster. (News Report) become more common, but the details of many such cases are chilling beyondIn the imagination. past few years, We do the not horrific need totrend be reminded of gang rapes of the has Nirbhaya not just Exercise can treat high BP case, and of the many similar ones that ensued. In some incidents, the Exercise can lower blood pressure and reduce visceral body fat at least as victims were little children who were held captive for days and had to effectively as many common prescription drugs, according to two important endure unending torture until they were found or passed away. new reviews of relevant research about the effects of exercise on maladies. Some very sad stories have come in from villages where broad- The new studies support the idea that exercise can be considered medicine, minded and courageous fathers let their daughters go to school, even and potent medicine at that. But they also raise questions about whether we if it meant paying more, travelling more. But their hopes of a bright know enough yet about the types and amounts of exercise that might best future were mercilessly crushed by gangs of miscreants. Sometimes treat different health problems. While drugs face extensive testing before the girls were picked up on their way back from school, sometimes they can be approved and prescribed, exercise studies have tended to be relatively small and short-term. (NYT News Service) morning hours. Millions to die prematurely by ’50 due to pollution whenThe they victims had goneand theirto relieve families themselves are inconsolable. in the fields After in thethe bitterearly experience of a brutal assault on their life and dignity, they face the Flagging the deadly impact of air and water pollution that annually claim wrath of an indifferent system and patriarchal society. Just imagine the at least nine million lives globally, a new UN report calls for urgent action to save humanity from the disastrous consequences of environmental plight of parents whose daughters go missing. They spend days looking degradation. It warned that cities and regions in Asia, West Asia and Africa for them, only to be stunned by the greatest grief of their life. Their could see millions of premature deaths by mid-century if the nations fail struggle does not end there. At the police station, in the hospital, and to drastically scale up environmental protection measures and noted that the courtroom, they answer humiliating questions. The legal recourse water pollution will become the foremost cause of death by 2050. is too long and ties them with those experiences. The perpetrators (Times of India) dump the blame on the victim, and many times the society sides with Cell therapy may replace need for kidney them. In the end, the victims and their families have nowhere to go. There are many such tales, most of them unreported, never heard. transplants But whatever little reaches the public gaze is bad enough. Regenerating damaged tissues using therapeutic cells may prove to be The question that simmers in the hearts of young girls and their a promising new approach to treat chronic kidney disease, scientists say. parents is – why isn’t anything being done about it? How can we, as Researchers from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in a society, simply go about our business each day as if nothing ever the US found that harnessing the unique properties of human amniotic crimes, why are the authorities still taking baby steps? The scenario is fluid-derived stem cells could potentially help recover organ function in a onehappened, of moral, as iflegal our andconscience social emergency, has been numbed. then why With are such we still a flood stuck of be used as a universal cell source because they have the ability to become pre-clinical model of kidney disease. Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells can them a potential source for regeneration. (News Report) don’t make a real change, then who will? different cell types as well as the ability to be anti-inflammatory, making in ourAt first-aida time when approach, we should blame be together,games and up piecemeal in arms, working solutions. towards If we Human brain finds it tougher to forget than to remember election manifestos. The fact that this is an agenda barely discussed thismaking election our country season safeshows for how women, misplaced this issue our does priorities not even are. figure in Choosing to forget something uses more brain power than trying to Gender crimes are not just crimes against women but against the remember it, according to a study that could lead to treatments Sir, and progressive society. The efforts that we have been making since to help people rid themselves whole of humanity, for they stifle our aspirations of having a just, safe of unwanted memories. The don’t worry... you They snatch away the basic right of citizens to lead an honourable life, andindependence paint a bleak towards picture a infree young and minds.forward nation suddenly fall flat. of Neuroscience’, suggest that can lose election infindings, order publishedto forget inan the unwanted ‘Journal The news of such crimes and everyday harrowing experiences of experience, more attention should even on your own be focused on it. “We may want create a fear psychosis. They know at the back of their minds that to discard memories that trigger merit. theirgirls and education, women economic in offices, independence homes, public orspaces social and status public do transportnot bring maladaptive responses, such as with them a guarantee of safety. They will continue to live in a world traumatic memories, so that we of preying men who can go to any lengths of indecency. can respond to new experiences When over half the population of our country is caged in fear and in more adaptive ways,” said anxiety, and their dreams dwarfed by the anticipation of being harmed, Jarrod Lewis-Peacock, an assistant professor at The University of Texas. (PTI) life and dignity become so cheap, nothing else matters. what meaning does economic and scientific growth have for us? When It is time for us as a nation to wake up, truly wake up, and to Bhoola Bhai shake ourselves out of this damaging attitude of indifference and And our friend Bhoola Bhai on carelessness. If we just watch as mute spectators while our daughters Temple Street says that if you are being disrobed, what right do we have to call ourselves a civil have your sight, you are blessed. society? We appeal to the authorities to approach the cases of gender If you have insight, you are a violence with zero tolerance and build a culture of respect for women thousand times blessed. and children. n PURITY April 2019 7 The World’s Family Tree of 5,000 Years

sing simple statistics and Umath, researchers have common saying that the whole mutual hatred and complete found that all 7.7 billion people worldThis is one finding family. is It proof also proves of the disregardcivilians infor military fellow conflicts,human on earth today have one or more that the human lineage began beings. common ancestors who lived from a small group that lived not While the researchers’ work only 2,000 to 5,000 years ago. more than 5,000 years ago. mathematically proves a fact our The calculation is simple. Thus, mathematically the ancestors encapsulated in the Every person has two parents, researchers have reached a four grandparents and eight conclusion the Brahma Kumaris (the world is one family), it great-grandparents. If we keep have been propounding for the wouldterm ‘ vasudhaivabe wishful kutumbakam’ thinking to doubling back through the last 83 years. God has revealed generations – 16, 32, 64, 128 – that the history of humanity is the way humans behave. within a few hundred years we cyclical, with each cycle lasting expectIn theiran finding increasingly to change have thousands of ancestors. Each one of us is 5,000 years. consumerist world, the universe By the 15th century we have a Every cycle begins with for a growing number of people million ancestors. By the 13th the Golden Age, where a small does not extend beyond their we have a billion. Sometime really connected number of humans live on earth own self or their immediate around the 9th century – just 40 in complete peace, purity and family members and friends. generations ago – the number to every other prosperity. As the world passes What happens beyond this circle crosses a trillion. through the Silver, Copper and is of no concern to them, unless But how could anybody human on earth Iron ages, the human family tree alive today have had a trillion keeps growing. At the end of the or way of life. ancestors in the 9th century? by family ties, Iron Age, cataclysmic changes it influencesHow can theirone expect circumstances the idea The answer is, they didn’t. In take place in the world, in which of universal brotherhood, even fact, most of the people who however distant. most humans die. Then a new when it is proven to be real, lived 1,200 years ago appear not cycle begins with a small number to change a society in which twice, but numerous times on When we keep going back in of surviving humans. brothers are killing each other our family trees, because there time, there are fewer and fewer The implications of this and children are murdering their were only 200 million people on people available to put on more parents over money? earth back then. Simple division and more branches of the 7.7 upon. What it means is that each At present, during the climax – a trillion divided by 200 million billion family trees of people onefinding of us are is really worth connected pondering to of Kaliyuga, man is so strongly in – shows that on average each living today. It is mathematically every other human on earth by the grip of vices that no amount person back then would appear inevitable that at some point, family ties, however distant. of exhortation can change his hundreds of times on the family there will be a person who These ties may not only go back ways. That is why God has to tree of everyone living today. appears at least once on several centuries but also span come on earth to awaken us to everybody’s tree, according over many continents, races and our true spiritual identity, and to Steve Olson, whose book religions. the fact that all of us are not P r i d e Mapping Human History traces In effect the entire humanity merely distant blood relatives the history of the human species. is one family with its members but also brother souls – the • Pride ruined the angels. professing different faiths, children of the one Supreme – Emerson: The Sphinx having different cultures and Soul. • Pride and weakness are L i f e political views and living in This spiritual awakening lifts Siamese twins. varying circumstances. us out of all the divides we have – Lowell The theatre of life But being ignorant of created among ourselves. Then • The infinitely little has its own script. our very real brotherhood, God teaches us to remember have a pride infinitely we divided ourselves on the Him, by which practice the soul great. Each instant is basis of nationality, religion, is gradually rid of the vices – Voltaire unique. Live each race and class. The result: and becomes pure. This purity • The proud hate pride – in countless wars over the course entitles souls to enter heaven, others. moment as if it of history, unspeakable cruelty or Satyuga, the Golden Age that – Franklin: Poor Richard’s were the most as evidenced by the Holocaust dawns after the end of Kaliyuga.n Almanac and more recent massacres of (Purity Bureau) • They are proud in important of all. humility, proud in that they are not proud. You will enjoy – Burton: Anatomy of and feel peace. Melancholy • The ring always believes Discover your that the finger lives for it. spirit and the – Malcom de Chazal • Of all the causes which treasure within. conspire to blind man’s erring judgement, Your spirit is full and misguide the mind, of peace. What the weak head with strongest bias rules, Is pride, the never-failing Your spirit is vice of fools. peace. – Pope: Essay on Criticism Oxford, UK: Visitors browsing through books at Brahma Kumaris’ ‘Inner Space’ shop and Drop-in Meditation Centre. PURITY April 2019 8

Mysore : Lighting lamps at International Women’s Day Celebrations are Prof. K.S. Rangappa, former Vice Chancellor, Mysore University, BK Lakshmi Didi, : BK Asha Didi, Chairperson, Administrator’s Service Wing, along with Prof. Indumati, former Vice Chancellor, Davangere University and others. BK Avdesh Didi, National Coordinator, receiving memento from Mr. Avdesh Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary, Vidhan Sabha and Dr. Sanjay Goyal, MD, MPEB.

Bangalore: At 83rd Trimurti Shiva Jayanti Celebrations, BK Padma 4 Didi presenting a frame of ‘Shiva’ to Mahaswamiji.

Borivali (West), Mumbai: BK Bindu (3rd L) at International Women’s Day celebrations held at Hira Matushri Charitable Trust. Also in pic. is Sarita Bhosle, Asstt. Police Inspector, , Chattisgarh : Lighting candles at International Women’s Day celebrations awardee for Courageous Work by Chief Minister and others. are Ms. Chhaya Verma, MP, Rajya Sabha, BK Kamla Didi, Mrs. Sharda Devi 6 Verma, Chairperson Distt. Panchayat and others. NEWS IN PHOTOS

Jagannath Puri : Group photo of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of Forest Forces with Senior Administrators (IFS Officers), Govt. of along with BK Nirupama, BK Pratima and Er. BK Sharad Bhai after a spiritual get-together in Godly Rajyoga Retreat Centre (GRRC). : S.Balbir Singh Sidhu, Punjab Minister, BK Prem Lata, BK Rama, 3Dr. S.Aggarwal, DGHS, Mr. G.S.Saran, former Distt. & Sessions Judge and others inaugurating Shiva Jayanti Celebrations at Sukh Shanti Bhawan. Warangal, : Group photo of participants in seminar on ‘Meditation and Psychological Well-being’ held at Vishwa Shanti Bhawan. Seated in front row are BK Usha Didi from Mt. Abu, BK Kuldeep Didi from , BK Savita Behn, Dr. Y.Sridhar Raju, 6 Dr. A. Sirinivas and others. PURITY April 2019 9 Managing Time is Managing Life B.K.Brij Mohan ime and tide wait for no man. Time is life discovering what is wasting your time. When Tand so, managing time is managing life. Where are you most you begin to keep an inventory of your time, Our life is made up of so many thoughts, and you may have some surprises. so a thought is the smallest denominator of A time log can be a simple but valuable our time and life. Thoughts have the fastest effective in the use of tool. Keep a record of your time. Spend a speed known to man. Everything is just a few minutes at the end of each day for this thought away! The speed of light, considered time? Where are you least purpose. The record so kept will give a more fastest by science, is no match for the speed accurate indication of time usage. of thought. Evaluate and analyze your time. Where Effective time management depends effective? Decide which are you most effective in the use of time? upon proper understanding about the Where are you least effective? Decide importance of time. Time is a unique resource which areas needs improvement in time and has certain unique features. Time cannot areas need improvement . management. be saved or stored. If not utilized, it gets Set up a target for each day. List the wasted. Unlike other resources, it cannot be and ego, resulting in time-wasting activity. targets you want to achieve and arrange even replaced. It can’t be substituted either. Wrong attitudes lead to carelessness and them in order of priority and importance. It is the only resource each one of us has in extroversion, causing laziness, failure, lack of Delegation is a wise tool for effectiveness. exactly the same amount. And remember, enthusiasm, lethargy and procrastination. time always moves forward. Friends are also known to be stealers It not only frees you from trivia but is also a How much a person accomplishes in, say of time. Prejudices, dependencies, leanings, process of preparing people to take up higher a day, depends on how much he utilizes his attachments as also worries and tensions responsibilities. time. By proper time management, he may leading to sickness of the body and mind also So, identify the time wasters, recognize be able to achieve as much as three average eat away a lot of our time. So do not put off till the possible cause, and develop solutions. persons would. One important thing is to tomorrow what you can do today. I would say, While time wasters are universal, causes stop wastage. Time being a primary resource, do not put off till the next moment what you those who waste time would also tend to can do right now. Particularly in our present and solutions would emerge from one’s own waste money and energy. times of uncertainty and sudden, untimely innermust abilities. be identified within one’s situation Some of the major time wasters are lack death. Since most of our time wasters are the of planning, failure to delegate, interruptions Time Log result of our own personality traits, Rajyoga etc. More subtle reasons are seeded in our Better time management starts from knowing meditation can go a long way to enhance own nature. Adoption of wrong values where time goes or how time is being spent. your inner powers to rescue you from the causes maladies like jealousy, hatred, anger Keeping a time log is a useful device for task trap.n Who Created Devil? ne of the most intriguing and they cannot feel that it’s We became more attached to the Oand troubling questions that wrong, but when it comes from material objects around us. Our often pops up in people’s mind is Even bad another person, they perceive a ignorance gave shape and strength where did evil originate? Many negative feeling because they are to the illusion called the devil, and believe that evil has existed since people feel bad normal or rational at that time. we all started believing that he This leads us to the was controlling us, not realizing when someone understanding that we like feelings that the devil is the creation of our theneternity where and did the devil figurehead come from?of all of joy, love, truth etc. because our ignorance and weakness. evil is personified as the devil. But true nature is made up of these God is most merciful and Shaitan, Ravana etc. behaves badly values. Truth means that which is benevolent. As souls we are His DevilIn isthe personifiedfamous English as Satan, epic eternal, and hence vicious feelings children. Why would He create Paradise Lost, the devil is described with them. are not part of our original nature. something that would trouble us as an archangel, a top angel, who value of God and goodness, also it Just as absence of light is termed so much? God is the liberator who was thrown out of Heaven because would give them reason to live by as darkness and absence of health gives us the wisdom and power he challenged God’s authority and goodness and to shun the devil. is termed as disease, similarly, to free us from the clutches of the fuelled rebellion against Him. Satan To understand the origin of absence of our innate goodness devil. Through His wisdom we are is defeated and punished for his the devil, we must understand manifests as evil. We can remove enlightened, and through His love what goodness and evil actually darkness by switching on the light. we are empowered to realize our mean. Why is it that we tend to We can remove evil by realizing eternal goodness and conquer the andperfidy hostility. to live in Hell, perpetually resist all that is bad and like all our innate goodness. devil that rules within each of us. burningThe allegorical in the fire story of humiliation does not that is good? Even bad people feel The devil is not a person or a When we become aware of end there. Hereafter begins the bad when someone behaves badly being infested with evil powers. It God and experience goodness human connection with the devil. It with them. Why does every human is only a name given to vices like inside our heart, the illusion and being, including the worst ones, lust, ego and anger, which rule power of the devil are destroyed.n schemed to avenge his disgrace expect respect, trust, honesty, love human conduct today. God did not (Purity Features) byis said making that the God’s malicious best fiendcreations, then and forgiveness for themselves create the devil. The devil was born Adam and Eve, sinful and getting and their near and dear ones? due to human weakness. When Pause ‘n’ Ponder them expelled from Paradise. Many We term something as bad when the body is weak, it is infected • As you wake up, the first theologists and common people it dissonates with our innate self. by disease. When we went far thought is your foundation believe that God created devil away from God and our goodness, for the rest of the day. because He is the Creator. Many enemy. Every year people burn we lost our spiritual power, and • You search for something have argued that the devil was People burn the effigy of their instead of virtues, vices began to you know exists because born when he was banished from symbolizes evil. you have experienced it in Heaven by God. There are others the effigyWhen ofpeople Ravana act in Indiain an as evil he As we souls continued our the past. who subscribe to the belief that manner, their reasoning, will journeyinfluence inour theactions. cycle of time • To be peaceful is to be free God created devil so that humans power and feelings are completely through repeated rebirths, we from expectations and to would realize by contrast that overpowered by a vicious emotion lost touch with our eternal truth. want nothing from anyone. PURITY April 2019 10 Managing Self Esteem n each of us there is an enormously powerful Ineed to feel good about ourselves. We need Blessings to feel valued and cared about. If our beliefs and When our self-esteem values are clear to us and we consistently act accordingly to these, then this becomes a source rises, we experience joy of self-esteem. Life is dealing blows to our self-esteem and and self-fulfillment, we then rebuilding it again. When we supervise other people, we need to know how to manage self- feel powerful, wanted esteem issues. There are essentially four sources of self- esteem and by managing these four sources and experience we can re-build self-esteem and help achieve purpose in life. The need for self-esteem governs much offulfillment WHAT we for doourselves and HOW and weothers. do it. Each of us real impact on our self-esteem, we need to set the strives to increase our level of self-esteem or at Humility and self-respect come least prevent the current level from decreasing. We must own the goal in a personally committed from knowing what you were Why? Because when our self-esteem rises, we way.goal, orReaching at least havesome a objectivesrecognizable set influence by others, on orit. forced upon us, is not very satisfying or esteem originally and who you are powerful, wanted and experience purpose in producing. eternally. Also, always think of life.experience On the other joy and hand, self-fulfillment. when we lose our We self- feel Participative management practices are esteem, we may feel pain, guilt, depression, yourself as a continual learner. fear, grief, loneliness, worthlessness, bitterness, has been recognized that when people have a Never think that you have found hopelessness, rage, or other negative emotions. greaterfiltering say through in the setting organizations of objectives, because they take it The four main sources of self-esteem are: ownership. This results in greater commitment, everything, done everything and Achievement – visible achievement and higher self-esteem and increased productivity. know everything. Never entertain accomplishment of goals and objectives, especially To enhance self-esteem, goals should be those goals and objectives we individually had an negative feelings or biased ideas input into establishing. virtually impossible. There also needs to be about people. Keep your heart Influence – evidence of increasing personal regularchallenging feedback yet notso we so know difficult how that successful success we is have been. very open and clean. It is through humility that the heart opens to the power,Being control valued and– a clear influence sense of overbeing valued events Personal Power Control and Influence andsignificant cared about to us asas uniquea worthwhile individuals. human being by When something happens to us or is done to us, most beautiful truth: We have a someone important to you. we may feel very hurt, angry or frustrated. It’s right to God’s love. Acting according to one’s values and not so much the event itself, but the fact that we beliefs – opportunities and permission to behave had no control over what happened. And such an -Dadi Janki in ways congruent with deeply held value and or hurt. We need evidence of caring not so much belief system, e.g. values such as honesty or unique human beings, discounts us as worthwhile for what we do, but for who we are. We need to religious beliefs. andinability effective to be and able reveals to influence, us as powerless. degrades us as know that other people of real importance to us It is important to attain our self-esteem from This is why an announcement of a change in care for and value us, that we are appreciated for all four sources. We can and often do compensate the way people are to be treated in an organization what we are. for a failure of esteem from any one source, by concentrating our energies on the others. imposed changes are obviously an improvement Behaviour Consistent with Values and Beliefs For example, a deteriorating relationship may formay the result individuals in conflict concerned. or hostility, even when the There is a core set of values and beliefs that guide encourage some to try to overly-achieve at work, Each individual would do well to learn ways much of our behavior and by which we judge or seek excessive sources of entertainment or to empower themselves, such as using certain ourselves and others. If our beliefs and values are skills. Managers should actively encourage clear to us and we consistently act according to term solutions for each type of self-esteem is participation in all levels of decision making and these, then this becomes a source of self-esteem. regularlysensual gratification. necessary for But us to these feel essentially are only short- good ensure that everyone feels free to give their ideas. The reverse is also true. If circumstances or about who and what we are. our own weaknesses lead us to act counter to such Evidence of Concern and Being Cared About basic values, then we feel bad about ourselves and Achievement and Accomplishment When we feel loved and cared for as individuals, we can become sad, depressed or angry.n For achievement and accomplishments to have a we feel good. When that is taken away, we feel pain (Purity Bureau)

Moscow, Russia : Brahma Kumaris centre celebrating Shantivan, Abu : Celebrating 83rd Shiva Jayanti by lighting candles are International Day of Poetry with a programme, ‘Discover the Dadi Janki, Dadi Ratan Mohini, BK Nirwair Bhai, BK Sister Jayanti and others. Self and Eternity’. PURITY April 2019 11

Agartala: Lighting candles to inaugurate Silver Jubilee and Mahashivratri celebrations are Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, Hon’ble Governor of , BK : Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of , being Sister Kavita, Dr. Arunadoy Saha, Ex. Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University, and BK Bharat Bhushan from Panipat. presented a picture of God Shiva by Brahma Kumari Sisters.

5Om Shanti Retreat Centre, Gurugram: Inaugurating 5Cuttack: Hon’ble National Conference of Business and Industry are BK Chief Justice of Brij Mohan, BK Yogini Didi, BK Asha Didi, Ms. Sarita Odisha, Mr. Kalpesh Nagpal, Technical Advisor, CII, Ms. Neena Ahuja, Satyendra Jhaveri, Director, Ahuja Consultancies, Mr. Basant Bansal, Founder Chairman, M3M Group, and Mr. Ghanshyam being presented Godly Das Gupta, Chairman, Zever and Zever Group. gift by BK Sulochana. Kathmandu, Nepal: Mr. Raghubir Mahaseth, Hon’ble Minister for Physical 3Infrastructure and Transport, being presented a picture of Shiva by BK Raj Didi and BK Kiran on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

Mr. Wise Mr. Wise? Yes. Good is good and bad is bad? : Flag of God Shiva being hoisted by BK Amirchand Bhai, BK Sister Uttra, Hon’ble Justice Mrs. Daya Chaudhary, Judge, Punjab and High Yes, and it’s not just thinking that makes it so. Court, and others during Mahashivratri celebrations. If good is mixed with bad, that becomes bad, but if bad is mixed with good, that doesn’t become good, why? I cannot say. wwwwwwww Tailpiece And Mr. Wise? Please continue. ive surgeons were discussing who made Doesn’t it mean that in today’s bad-bad world, good people can Fthe best patient on the operating table. The easily become bad, but bad people cannot become good so easily? my operating table, because when you open Let me think… themfirst surgeon up, everything says, “I insidelike to issee numbered.” accountants on And could a person be both good and bad at the same time? The second responds, “Yeah, but you should try electricians! I cannot say. Everything inside them is colour-coded.” wwwwwwww The third surgeon says, “No, I really think librarians are the Lastly… best; everything inside them is in alphabetical order.” Now what’s it? The fourth surgeon chimes in: “You know, I like construction Doesn’t it follow that just like day and night, Satyuga (righteous workers… those guys always understand, especially when you world) and Kaliyuga (unrighteous world) cannot co-exist but have a few parts left over at the end, and when the job takes follow each other in a cyclic order? longer than you said it would.” Good logic. And just like the time of dawn, the world is now at the confluence of “You’re all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on. Kaliyuga and Satyuga? There’sBut everyoneno guts, no had heart, to agree and when no spine, the fifth and surgeon everything observed: else is That’s what the Brahma Kumaris are telling the world. interchangeable.” wwwwwwww wwwwwwww ISSN 0970-8294 RNI NO. 39232-/81 DELHI POSTAL REGD. NO. DL (C)-01/1049/2018-20 12 Licensed to post without prepayment under No. U(C)-133/2018-20 Purity April 2019 Date of Publication 31 March 2019 Posted at ND PSO on 2-3 of the month International Conference at IG Stadium, New Delhi

Performance by BK Goreth Dunningham from Brazil. Magician BK Harry Wong from Hongkong

Bishop Philip James Huggins of Anglican Church of Mr. Paulo Marcelo, Motion Graphics Expert Chinese Dance by BK Wang Xue Ying, China Australia speaking at a Talk Show. from Brazil sharing experience.

BK David Kilowski from Australia playing Flute along with BK Alex from Songs Concert by ‘Desert Rose’ artists from South Africa. Brazil playing Sitar during meditation experience.

Delegates from 122 countries holding placards on stage with BK Sister Elizabeth Padilla from USA singing, ‘We are One Family...’

Sectional view of the audience seated in the arena of Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Printed and Published by BK Brij Mohan for Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, (H.Q. Mt. Abu, Rajasthan) 25, New Rohtak Road, New Delhi-110005. Ph.: 011-23670463 Mobile-9871214700 E-mail:[email protected] Printed at Ankur Offset Private Limited, A-54, Sector-63, Noida, UP. Associate Editor: BK Asha, Editor: BK Brij Mohan.