Wings of Brahma Kumaris

The Academic Activities thru Various Service Wings

The RajYoga Education and Research Foundation(Regd.) is the sister organisation of Brahma Kumaris Institution. The Brahma Kumaris have set up various Wings and Departments or Faculties that conduct courses for various sections of society.

The Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation was created to systematically and effectively guide specialised service in various areas of society.  After its establishment, 20 Wings were formed to provide practical applications of spiritual wisdom within focused areas through various professional courses.

The Foundation provides facilities and help for research. It encourages the study and practice of the principles of truth, non-violence and spiritual values. It also helps to encourage universal values in the minds of people and promote a more value-based life-style.

Seminars, Workshops, Dialogues and Conferences are held in order to share with them the applications of spirituality, the art and experience of Meditation for achieving excellence in their fields, overcome work related stresses and inspire them to have for themselves, a code of conduct to follow. It brings various important personalities in respective fields on a common platform for broad exchange of ideas and infuse fresh thinking towards solving various problems plaguing different sections of the society.

Each Wing or Department does various kinds of services with a spirit of dedication. The services and facilities of the institution are free and no fee is charged. Details about various Wings of the institution are mentioned below.

The Service Wings


 

Administrators Service Wing:

Wing objectives: 

  • To foster and support moral and ethical behaviour in individuals in executive and administrative positions in both public and private institutions.
  • To facilitate the ability of administrators and executives to ‘lead by example’.
  • To provide training in Self Management and Raja Yoga Meditation as a means of stress management and other skills which enable value-based, spiritually empowered administrative practices.

Views and Perspectives:

Administrators are the drive-shaft and axles of the government. Without them, the day-to-day operation of the country’s ministries would cease and the wheels of the nation’s progress would grind to a halt. However, today the nation’s wheels are mired by complex chains of administrative command and often stuck in the rut of convoluted procedures. Though Administrators are often comically portrayed as victims of their own bureaucratic red tape, it is really no laughing matter. Sometimes the wheels are greased with graft and greed and made to move quickly for the benefit of a few; but all too often it means those same wheels roll roughly over the rights of the many.

Spiritual empowerment will give Administrators those qualities of mind and character which enable accurate and efficient functioning. Meditation will free them from the tension, irritation and apathy that accompany their bureaucratic bondages. Self management leadership training will impart the humility, integrity and respect for human dignity that are the source of moral authority.

Spiritual empowerment will give Administrators a spiritual self-respect that is not based on their role or position. They will feel themselves to be stewards of the public trust and the taxpayer’s money, and their role as civil servants to be a noble one. Their civic pride will motivate them towards that job satisfaction which accompanies the spirit of service. In a spiritually empowered administration, service will be the essence of governance.

The training’s are designed to arm administrators with the value-based weapons necessary for them to redefine ‘society’ so that it supports the growth potential of all its citizens. The wing offers courses in Stress-Free Management, The Art of Communication, Harmony in Relationships, Attitudinal Change, New Paradigm in Administration etc.

Please visit: www.administratorswing.org

 Art & Culture Wing:  

Wing Objectives:

  • Promotion of the spiritual empowerment of artists and performers.
  • To bring about  spiritually empowered culture based on spiritual and moral values.

Views & Perspective:

All forms of creativity are directly linked to spirituality. The art forms and cultural traditions of any community, organisation or country are a natural and direct reflection of its spiritual and moral values.

Art and culture can uplift and inspire, as well as passively reflect society. Promotion of the spiritual empowerment of artists and performers is a necessary ingredient in building a world of beauty and harmony.

Art and culture are the mirror of a nation’s character. The collective spirit or soul of a country, as well as its underlying values, are reflected in its living traditions of food and dress, in its celebrations, festivals and forms of art and entertainment. India is blessed with an ancient and beautiful culture-classical dance, music, and fine art which reflect divine and noble origins.

Today however, the fad of ‘art for art’s sake’ has more popular appeal than the self- luminous masterpieces of traditional art and culture. As a consequence of global travel, international media and a widespread liberalisation of attitudes, modern cultures are negatively impacting our tried and true values. The hybrid culture that is emerging has neither roots, nor distinguishing features, nor cultural norms which give people a sense of belonging, continuity and heritage.

Creativity and spirituality are inextricably linked. Art is a creation of the human mind and when the mind of an artist is polluted by lust, anger, greed and ego, his or her art reflects this ugliness. Art, which reflects culture, then portrays vulgarity, obscenity and violence and promotes sensuality and promiscuity. Many artists today are ignorant of, and therefore devoid of, spirituality. This is why so many artists have become addicts-disturbed, unhappy and lacking in self-control.

Spiritual empowerment can restore art and culture to their original priceless value and beauty so that once again they become instruments for uplift-ment and inspiration. A spiritually empowered culture will be a culture based on spiritual and moral values and on traditions that promote happiness, harmony, and unity. The arts of such a culture will reflect only joy, truth, peace, love and beauty.

Music, songs, paintings, dance and drama have been used as a medium to communicate spiritual knowledge and have been featured in the activities and events of the Brahma Kumaris since the Institution’s earliest days. The deepest spiritual truths touch the heart easily through such means, which is why art in its many forms is a very positive and powerful vehicle for encouraging personal and social transformation. Songs especially attract one’s heart and convey deep, subtle feelings through a minimum of words.

The wing believes that the culture of any community, organisation or country is a natural and direct reflection of the spiritual and moral values it embodies. With this the wing continues to research and develop a global cultural base drawn from the spiritual teachings of Rajyoga. As a part of an international network, the cultural wing fulfills its global responsibilities towards inventing a global culture through various activities.

Please visit: www.artandculturewing.com

 Business and Industry Wing:  

Wing Objectives: 

  • To encourage the attainment of individual excellence and collective satisfaction.
  • To inspire and activate business and industry to move towards their highest potential.
  • To induce the consciousness of responsibility and service.
  • To provide educational training programmes.
  • To inspire businessmen and industrialists to become instruments of change for a new world order of global peace and harmony.

Views and Perspectives

The business environment at the end of the 20th Century is a turbulent sea. The ship of the nation’s commerce has sailed into unknown waters, pulled by the unrelenting current of the profit motive. It is buffeted by the winds of international economic upheaval and is tossing severely upon the waves of competitive markets. Notwithstanding the negative social consequences, captains of Industry are all too often lured by treasures to be plundered through exploitation and unfair business practices.

Economic values and selfish gain have superseded many other values, like quality goods and services, customer service and employee satisfaction.

When businessmen and Captains of Industry are spiritually empowered, they will be motivated by the understanding that material gain is temporal and temporary and not the overriding purpose of human life; alongside wealth, health and happiness are equal, if not higher, goals. They will consider themselves trustees of the nation’s resources-both human and material-and will make use of them for the well-being of all. Business practices will be guided by the principles of righteous action (sukarma) and will be characterised by just and reasonable remuneration, environmental sustainability, co-operation and the spirit of service to society.

The Business & Industry Wing is committed to the development of value-based management, sound, equitable business practices and individual excellence. The wing aims to promote ethical values in business and industry so as to attain excellence and efficiency with the help of meditation and ancient spiritual wisdom. The wing has also devised a Self Managing Leadership Programme which is a synthesis of the best modern management practices of the West and the self managing principles of Rajyoga.

The Wing organises numerous conferences, festivals, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. These programmes are tailored to suit different categories of people, for example, management personnel, employees and their families, and factory workers.

Please visit: http://www.bkbiwing.org

 Education Wing:

Wing Objectives: 

  • To provide training and refresher courses for educators which will enable the spiritual empowerment of the educators themselves as well as their students.
  • To support dedicated, devoted educators in being inspiring and effective role models.
  • To give moral and spiritual education as well as instruction in Rajyoga meditation to teachers in various schools and colleges.
  • To strengthen confidence, courage and commitment to value-based education and other innovative, uplifting educational measures.
  • To re-establish, through education and research, a society based on spiritual, moral and human values.
  • To remove ignorance, superstition, and social evils through spiritual education.
  • To raise awareness through education and counselling about the negative effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

Views and Perspectives:

From ancient times, education has been a powerful tool to help an individual realise his or her full potential and grow into a well rounded, cultured human being capable of making a worthwhile contribution to society. Today’s educational system, however, more often than not merely equips the students with the skills and information required for earning a livelihood. It offers knowledge about that which is transitory and ephemeral as if it were everlasting. It can fall short in building character and instilling moral values, because not all educators are themselves ideal role models able to behave with good character and self-mastery. As a result, young people today lack self-control, emotional maturity and moral strength. Experiencing a profound inner emptiness, they are attracted to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, destructive activity, violence and other anti-social behaviour. The standard of morality in society now exhibits a downward trend that is very challenging to reverse.

Today the standard of morality is moving in a downward trend. Education can play an important role in re-establishing higher values in the society.

The Education Wing is meeting this challenge by promoting value-based education, for Wing members believe that education can play a vital role in creating a better world only when it is value-based.

The Education Wing is committed to meet the challenge by promoting values through education and research work, so as to arouse the divine consciousness of the student. The main purpose of the activities of the Education Wing is to strengthen confidence, to develop courage and commitment to the mission of life. It also conducts training courses for teachers both at its headquarters and other places of the country. The notable feature of the whole exercise in value education is its belief that values can be taught only when the students are initiated into spirituality.

The Wing organises campaigns, fairs and annual conferences, as well as dialogues and seminars on current issues within the field of education to promote value-based education. It has also developed a syllabus and curriculum for values training, and Wing members conduct teacher training courses based on this curriculum both at Brahma Kumaris headquarters and elsewhere. The Wing also organises annual Personality Development Camps for children.

Please visit:  www.bkvalueeducation.in

IT Wing:

IT Wing activities are volunteered by a team of IT professionals who practice RajaYoga Meditation on a daily basis as taught by Brahma Kumaris. This is the group that also bring spirituality into practical life, impacting positively, their workplace and co-workers. Whatever they experienced, experimented with and benefited from, they share with the rest of IT fraternity through IT Wing programs.

Wing Objectives:

  • To introduce the basic concepts of meditation and spirituality in very gentle, interactive and practical way through various events.
  • To make simple and profound principles of Rajyoga Meditation accessible and applicable to IT Professionals so that they can lead peaceful personal life and productive professional life.
  • To give spiritual sustenance to the IT Professionals who practice Rajyoga Meditation through retreats/programs.

The spirit of inclusiveness, co-operation and warmth in this team helps individuals experience and express the best in them and bring about qualitative change in their lives.

Please visit: itwing.brahmakumaris.com,www.sit.brahmakumaris.com

 Jurists Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  •  To facilitate and support the application of moral values    and ethical behaviour within the legal and judicial      systems.
  •  To foster lawfulness in the general public through    education in spiritual and moral values.
  •  To promote love and logic in the dispensing of justice.

Views and Perspectives:

Historical shifts in socio-economic and socio-political thought during the 20th century have provoked tremendous changes in law and legislation worldwide. However the increasing clamour for justice, liberty, equality of opportunity and protection of fundamental human rights have unfortunately been equalled by increasing crime and litigation. All of our courts of law and penal systems have failed to thwart human rights violations, deter crime or bring swift and affordable justice within the reach of the ordinary individual.

The legal system and the profession of law today are themselves handicapped by many internal injustices. Litigants commit perjury on oath, often at the advice and guidance of their advocates. Lawyers practise law as though playing a sport, using delaying tactics, influencing witnesses, and putting obstructions in the process of law in order to win their cases. On the one hand there are judges who are sticklers in upholding the letter and grammar of the law; on the other hand there are judges who ignore the principles of justice and allow their decisions to be influenced by popular opinion. The judiciary process is lengthy and fraught with interpretations of evidence and incessant appeals. The clever and the rich slide through legal loopholes provided by outdated precedents that have no real bearing on present circumstances.

Society is becoming increasingly criminal, whether or not the crimes are of subtle theft or of gross terrorism. Why are our systems of justice and jurisprudence unable to make an effective contribution to the safety and stability of society? Why-in spite of a plethora of advocates, vast libraries of legal books, mountains of cases heard and decided, lakhs of the taxpayer’s money being spent to sustain police officers and penal institutions-is crime more than ever on the rise?

The obvious causes of the rise of crime are economic disparity, ethnic, religious, and racial hostility, and mental and emotional imbalance.

Astute observers will perceive that underlying these apparent causes can be seen the triumph of greed, anger, lust, ego and possessiveness over the innate goodness of the human soul.

The Call of Time across the legal landscape is for a spiritually empowered jurisprudence, i.e. one that is tempered by spiritual prudence. In fact, both jurisprudence and spiritual prudence have a common aim: the promotion of truth and justice and the reduction of crime. Both believe that people suffer because of their own evil actions. One calls it ‘crime’, the other calls it ‘sin’. Both view crime as deviant behaviour resulting from emotional trauma, or mental stress or depression, compounded by lack of self-control. It is in the attitude towards and treatment of offenders where spiritual prudence and jurisprudence part company.

Jurisprudence throws the offender behind bars, condemns him to stiff sentences, hard labour or capital punishment, and makes of him a public spectacle in the name of deterring further crimes. It is not hard to see that the ultimate manifestation of such jurisprudence is a police state or a military regime.

Spiritual prudence adopts methods to awaken and enlighten the core consciousness of the offender, teach him the practice of meditation so as to free him from stress and trauma, and enable him to live a meaningful and productive life.

If the Law, the lawyer and the judge take this view of the criminal, then jurisprudence will become a healing art, the police and the jailer will not adopt third-degree methods, jails will become reform centres and judges will become social engineers and spiritual doctors. Of course, society must be protected from the unlawful acts of criminals until such time as their reform has taken firm and evident root in their character and conduct. But spiritual prudence considers that such reform is a worthwhile and achievable effort because it believes in the original divinity and ultimate redemption of every human soul. It holds that people have an inherent inclination and predisposition to be lawful and that the very existence of conscience, however eclipsed it may be, is evidence of this. If this were not the case, then there would be no point in working towards the creation of a culture characterised by peace, social well-being and law-abiding, righteous citizens.

Spiritually empowered jurists will be moved by the spirit and not merely the letter of the law. They will, “See the motive, not the move; the heart, not the words.” They will offer solutions, not judgements, restore clarity in misunderstandings, foster love where hatred festers. They will suggest measures which prevent repetitive cycles of crime, punishment, release and crime again, and thus save at least the first-time offender from adopting crime as a career. When juris-prudence reflects a legal mindset that is balanced by love, society will then make headway towards the ideal of a crimeless society and a culture of peace.

The Jurists’ Wing proposes a new science of law called ‘Om Shanti Jurisprudence’. Based on an understanding of natural and divine laws, this spiritually empowered juris- prudence takes a fundamentally holistic view of the universe. It requires an understanding of how a human being can be transformed so that whatever he or she does is righteous, that is, the right thing to do. This new jurisprudence will include preventive measures that increase the psychological and spiritual immunity of people to stress, temptation and the passions. It will also include remedial measures proven effective in reforming persons with criminal tendencies.

Some of the topics covered are : Majesty of Spiritual Laws, The Divine Law and the Mundane Law, The Fundamental Principles of Life, Synthesis of Worldly Law and Spiritual Law, Balance of Love and Law and Jurist’s Vision for a Better World.

 Media Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  • To inspire media personnel to take up the challenge of promoting positivity in an industry which perpetuates negativity.
  • To encourage media responsibility in promoting religious harmony, national solidarity and national character and in protecting the interests of the weak, victimised and voiceless millions.
  • To discourage media malpractice in the form of misreporting, slandering, giving undue attention to violence, obscenity and vulgarity.

Views and Perspectives:

Media is a powerful tool for influencing the minds and emotions of vast numbers of people. Yet today’s media operates seemingly without conscience. In the name of ‘freedom of the press’ modern media has divested itself of any responsibility for the impact of the information and images which it daily dispenses. Driven by relentless production deadlines, competitive reporting and sales-oriented economics, many media establishments resort to various degrees from blatant to subtle of biased news- casting, invasion of privacy, gossip, and sensationalism.

A spiritually empowered media is free from subjectivity, prejudice and partisan bias. It begins its coverage by keeping the end in mind the end being the harmony, well-being and solidarity of all the world’s citizens. Of course constructive criticism and conscientious objection are essential guards of human rights and welfare, but media that is heedless of the shadows which it casts in the minds and hearts of the young and innocent and which propagates the seeds of divisiveness and doubt in the garden of a gullible public, is a media turned traitor to the well-being of society.

A spiritually empowered media is objective, constructive and educational. It highlights the positive qualities of leaders rather than casting them in a dubious light. It builds good will, encourages co-operation between diverse groups of people and offers scenarios of a positive and meaningful future.

In addition to bringing the message and methods of spiritual empowerment to media personnel and agencies at all levels, the Media Wing ensures appropriate coverage of the Vishwa Vidyalaya’s many activities/events.

The Media Wing works in support of the institution in the bid to uplift humanity through spreading the knowledge of applied spiritual values as found in the teachings of Rajyoga. A network of concerned journalists throughout the world are committed to bringing positive news into the press and are taking up the responsibility of influencing society in a positive way

Please visit: www.mediawing.org

 Medical Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  • To develop awareness among the masses of the importance of maintaining a healthy life-style.
  • To reintroduce the ancient concept of holistic health care into the practice of modern medicine and affirm the role of meditation in developing a healthy world.
  • To encourage a high standard of ethics and exemplary conduct among medical and health professionals.
    To provide an environment in which distinguished medical scientists and specialists can dialogue and exchange experiences.
  • To conduct and publish research into the psycho-physiology of Raja Yoga Meditation and its application in the prevention of sickness and promotion of health.
  • To encourage public and professional responsibility in meeting the World Health Organisation’s objectives.

Views and Perspectives:

There is no denying that the medical advances of the last decades of the 20th century are nothing short of miraculous. Wonders, such as major organ transplants, heart bypasses, hip replacements, laser surgeries and sophisticated diagnostic techniques, relieve the suffering and extend the life span of countless individuals who would otherwise be doomed to an untimely and painful end.

There is also widespread recognition of the interrelationship between mind and body. Holistic medicine and health practices are steadily gaining popularity. Diet, stress in the workplace and environmental factors-both physical and psychological- are being measured as to their impact on well-being and provisions are now made in the health care policies of major companies for alternative therapies such as acupuncture and homoeopathy.

Yet while the mental, emotional and social aspects of a patient’s well-being are beginning to be addressed, there is still little understanding as to how a person’s thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs contribute to his or her well-being.

Dis-ease begins first at the level of spirit. A human being, who has a sense of true self-love and self-respect as well as a clear understanding of the value of his or her life, is resistant to diseases of all types. However, when these are diminished or damaged through loss or trauma, the spirit becomes susceptible to negative and waste thoughts and vibrations. The will towards love and life is weakened and the physical system reflects this by being accident-prone, vulnerable to disease-producing elements such as germs and viruses and with reduced psychological immunity to social pressures, interpersonal tensions and other forms of stress. Various forms of sensual indulgence and addictive behaviour result from the soul’s attempt to compensate or escape the inner impoverishment and discomfort.

Spiritually empowered medicine prescribes meditation and spiritual practices which enhance an individual’s resistance to the negative influences that drain spiritual energy. At the same time it promotes self-respect, purposefulness and other values which empower the will and strengthen the character. Spiritual empowerment demonstrates the truth that ‘sound character contributes to a sound mind and body’. Best of all, meditation is a medication that has no adverse side effects.

Nurses, doctors and other medical personnel can also benefit from spiritual empowerment. Often they are victims of the same addictive habits (smoking and drinking alcohol) as their patients. Hospitals, medical schools and out-patient clinics are often stressful environments. The Global Hospital & Research Centre managed by Brahma Kumaris is an example of a spiritually empowered medical environment where all staff regularly practise meditation. Many patients describe its calm and comforting ambiance-a marked contrast to many medical establishments of the same size and scope- as having played a significant role in their recovery.

The Medical wing is trying to meet the challenges of building a healthier world by introducing a Holistic approach in Health care. It aims to eradicate disease and suffering by spreading awareness about all aspects of health and by using the combined therapies of medication and meditation to restore health. Meditation is a process of relaxing the mind and the body. It triggers a relaxation response within the body by which various biological parameters are set right. By conducting health seminars and drug awareness campaigns the medical wing aims to save the young generation from tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse.
Please visit: http://www.bkmedicalwing.org

 Politicians’ Service Wing:

Politicians have a powerful influence on the lives and future of the people. Political leaders of high character, foresight, strong will and inspiring conduct can lead the nation to great heights. Today, however, politicians have to work under great stress. They have to suppress their inner voice of conscience so often that many of them have come to believe that values and principles are impossible to observe in political life.

The Politician’s Service Wing, which is apolitical, functions to change this mind-set through spiritually empowering politicians. By maintaining regular, personal contact with political leaders, by inviting them to programmes and by conducting meditation and value-orientation courses, seminars and conferences, the Wing helps enhance the will power and bring out the inner divinity of individual politicians. This is essential for politicians to observe and uphold values in their personal and political lives.

The wing aims to support politicians in their difficult task of leadership in these tumultuous times. In the modern world, politics attracts very little appreciation. Much of this is due to a history of corruption and graft which has led people to a response of mistrust. Part of the wing’s objective is to encourage and support those politicians who are working from a set of principles that guard their integrity at each step. It is this aspect of values that has heretofore been missing in the political arenas of recent times.

Religious Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  • To stress the parallel and common points, values and practices between the religions as well as the elements of love and reconciliation asserted by all faiths.
  • To inspire people to follow, in practice, the teachings of their respective religious traditions rather than putting emphasis on ritual or proselytisation.
  • To promote religious harmony by bringing religious leaders together in an atmosphere of co-operation, dialogue and meditation or prayer.
  • To encourage members of all faith traditions to develop a broad and liberal attitude as well as a spirit of accommodation and reverence towards those of other faith traditions.

Views and Perspectives:

Centuries ago, the task of preserving people from moral and spiritual degeneration and of guiding them towards noble purpose and elevated aims belonged to the domain of Religion. Religion was ‘Might’ at that time, its authority over people empowered by truth and the living example of founders of the faiths and their inspired disciples.

It was when religion began to lose that authority that a schism developed between church and state, between religion and politics, between religious power and ruling power. In fact, this schism reflected an underlying rift within the human psyche: weakened by doubt and insecurity, self-control had become a matter of social norms rather than a matter of conscience.

Ever since, the main religious traditions have been struggling to regain their authority. Unfortunately, the means they have been using-forced conversions, abusive assertion of dogmas and practices and invasive transgressions of human rights-have not yielded the desired results. Religion itself has fomented a situation in which the members of one religion are pitted against the members of another. If religions themselves do not respect and uphold the fundamental right of people to choose a religion that suits their conscience, is it any wonder that many governments crush religious freedom and deny their people the right to practise their faith?

It is a fundamental view of the Brahma Kumaris that, just as there are different genealogical branches of a human being’s biological family tree, all religions are branches of one and the same human family tree. However whenever a branch has behaved or expected others to behave as if it were the tree itself, it has lost its value to humanity as a whole-irrespective of how inspiring its teachings, sacred its scriptures or intentionally purifying its practices.

The underlying cause of all intolerance, religious or otherwise, is ignorance of our true nature and relationship to each other. Although we clamour for rights, we have yet to fully embrace our responsibilities in this regard. We have widened the schisms between politics and religion-and between religion and religion-into almost unbridgeable chasms by underscoring differences rather than acknow-ledging commonalties.

The spiritual empowerment of religion means that supreme importance is given to non-violence, tolerance and forgiveness in inter-religious relationships. This means that religious leaders will first of all impart and exemplify tolerance of other faiths to their own congregations. They will teach them to respect other faith traditions as they would wish their own tradition to be respected and enlighten them as to those tenets and values where their morality and spirituality overlap. They will refrain from commenting negatively about the sensitive issues of any other religion, especially using language that inflames religious enmity. They will not, in the name of religion, persecute others, perpetrate cruelties or invade other countries. They will in fact denounce such acts committed in the name of religion-whether contemporary or historical-but even then they will do so without condemning the religion or its founder. They will conduct their gatherings, celebrations and processions in ways that do not create ill-will or public disturbance and will support with good will such functions of other faiths. They will never use their influence to lobby for the selfish or illegal gain of their faith or followers; rather they will use their moral muscle to free politics from corrupting influences.

When the principles and practices of each tradition are enlightened by spiritual wisdom and its dogmas are empowered by the spirit of brotherhood and co-operation, then religions will become inter-religious instead of irreligious and will complement each other by working together for the service and upliftment of humanity.

Tolerance, respect and understanding are the primary values which enable the celebration of life in all its diversity. Living according to these values develops spiritual vision. Sharing these values establishes the common ground on which we can live lovingly together as one human family.

One of the fundamental understandings of the Brahma Kumaris is that no matter what is one’s spiritual beliefs, we are all souls – children of the One Father – the Supreme. The philosophy of Brahma Kumaris encompasses all religions and beliefs as part of the human world tree. It seems at times though, that the tree turns on itself – branch against branch – as they battle for supremacy and power. One of the aims of the Religions Wing is to bring the branches together again in a spirit of understanding – understanding which is built on respect, regard and brotherhood. The real foundation for this understanding is the realisation of the self as a spiritual being. The wing hopes to bring religious leaders together and combine their influence to bring a message of spiritual unity to the peoples of their faiths.

 Rural Development Wing: 

Wing Objectives:

  • To improve the condition of rural children and youth through leadership programmes, child development camps, and character development programmes which emphasise moral values.
  • To eliminate mistrust, superstition, blind faith and unhealthy social practices through awareness campaigns, slide shows and lectures.
  • To foster healthy lifestyles through educational programmes in health and hygiene, special medical camps, and exhibitions and lectures aimed at reducing the incidences of smoking drinking, tobacco chewing and drug addiction.
  • To eradicate illiteracy through value-based educational activities for the young, as well as adult education programmes.
  • To enable individual spiritual empowerment of the indigenous masses through courses in Raja Yoga meditation.

Views and Perspectives:

India is an agricultural country where 70% of the population resides in rural areas. After the independence the urban areas were developed but the rural areas are still undeveloped. Due to the media exposure the people in rural areas have started adopting other cultures and the ancient Indian heritage and culture is vanishing.

In the not-too-distant past, India’s rural villages were settings of simple, healthy living. Farming and cattle-breeding were even considered ideal professions. When India achieved independence in 1947, more than 90% of India’s total population lived in rural villages and were primarily dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, referred to this vast human resource as ‘the soul of the nation’. However as towns and cities began to attract industries, educational institutions, engineering advances, and health services, the development of rural areas fell drastically behind that of urban areas. A significant percentage of the rural population migrated to the cities, resulting in urban tenements, poverty and squalor. While the advances of civilisation did not come to the countryside, negative side-effects of modern progress, in the form of inflated desires, selfishness, disease, addictive habits and violence, found their way into rural lifestyles. Handicapped by illiteracy and disenfranchised by the shift of economic resources towards urban development, India’s rural masses have lapsed into a backward state. Currently about 70% of the populace reside in villages and, although a number of rural development schemes exist, they primarily supply basic services such as roads, water, electricity, transport, etc.

The Rural Development Wing believes that spiritual empowerment can help the rural populace develop self-respect, co-operation and positive human values which will automatically motivate them to transform their habitats into havens of cleanliness, healthfulness, social harmony and productive human enterprise. With this aim, the Wing organises exhibitions, video and film presentations, and peace processions, and conducts camps, educational programmes and meditation courses at the village and district levels. Wing members also believe that rural development means not only educating the farmers and herdsmen, but also the administrative officials at the village and district levels (Sarpanch, Gram Sevak, Patwari, etc.), the officials and Board members of rural co-operative societies, the personnel of village development agencies, and others. The Wing arranges special seminars and conferences for such individuals and groups at the local level as well as in Mt. Abu.

With the spiritual empowerment of the rural populace, India’s villages will not only become clean and beautiful once again, they will become Gokul Gaon (ideal villages).

Please visit: www.bkruralwing.org / www.yogickheti.org

 Scientists and Engineers Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  • To bridge the gap between science and spirituality.
  • To enable scientists and technologists to lead a happy & self-fulfilling life.
  • To help scientists and engineers cope with stress, adapt to change and work in ways reflective of the needs of humanity.
  • To stimulate new thinking about the role of science and technology in creating a sustainable future.
  • To educate the scientific community about values and help them integrate spiritual and ethical values into the areas of science and technology.
  • To raise awareness about underlying spiritual causes of environmental dangers.
  • To undertake programmes of scientific research in Rajyoga.

Views and Perspectives:

The 20th Century has been, more than anything else, an era of science and technology. Scientists and engineers have convinced us of their nearly unlimited power for both creation and destruction. They have become Masters of the physical world, even of time and space. Capable of turning night into day, they have revolutionised travel and communication and redefined comfort.

Heedless of history, humanity has been seduced by the illusion that our modern civilisation is imperishable. The Y2K bug was a warning that we should be cautious of relying completely on our material facilities. However, like the boy who cried ‘wolf’ in the folklore of old, the warning has been dismissed as an inconsequential irritation. Yet the watchdogs of global trends, such as overpopulation, depletion of the ozone layer, and the disappearance of forests and arable land, continue to sound the alert that these trends will converge at a point of no return in the not-too-distant future.

The Father of Modern Science, Albert Einstein, is famous for his saying, “Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.” The validity of his remark has been proven during the 20th Century. Despite all the progress made by science, human grief and suffering have not ecreased, they have, in fact, increased. In some cases, the powers of science and technology have been misused.

Environmental degradation, chemical and nuclear weapons, the manipulation of genetic codes and other scientific achievements capable of disastrous consequences are staring humanity in the face.

At a time when communication technology has closed the gap between people of all nations, the decline in moral and spiritual values has increased the sense of separation, isolation and confusion for many people. Although science has freed the human mind from irrational thinking and superstitious fears, it has “enslaved it within the confines of physical phenomena.”In order to create a future world of peace, harmony and contentment, it is essential that the balance between material and technological development and moral and spiritual integrity is found. The present time is calling for spiritual empowerment of science. The integration of the power of science with spiritual power is the imperative need of our time. If these two great powers join together and complement each other, a bright future-a Golden Age-awaits the human race.

In a world which is becoming increasingly aware of the need for environmental protection for the future of the planet and the survival of its inhabitants, the wing focuses on the inextricable connection between the mental pollution of the beings and the physical pollution of our world.

The Scientists and Engineers Wing (SEW), established in 1988, aims to aid the integration of science and spirituality. The Wing’s activities cover a wide spectrum. The Wing organises conferences, seminars, symposia and workshops. It also organises Environmental Awareness and other campaigns, holds exhibitions on various themes, such as Industrial Peace, Industrial Safety, and Productivity, and offers courses like Life Management Skills, Stress Management, Human Re-engineering, Science & Consciousness, Science and Human Values, Science and Spirituality – Partners for Creating a Better World, Science for a Pollution Free Society, Mental and Environmental Pollution – the Connection, Science for Harmony between Man and Nature, the Missing Dimensions of Science, Total Quality Life etc.
Please visit: http://www.bksew.org

 Security Services Wing:

Wing Objectives

  • To strengthen security forces personnel internally to enhance their efficiency and help them take quick and correct decisions in challenging situations;
  • To help security forces personnel cope with the stress caused by the hazardous nature of their work;
  • To raise the morale of security personnel by making them self-aware and fostering their innate spiritual qualities.

Views and Perspectives:

The ‘Men in Uniform’ are the backbone of the nation. They are given multiple responsibilities to safeguard security of the people, industry and the vast borders of our fast developing nation from internal and external threats, If we turn the pages of history, it speaks about their gallantry, success stories and achievements.

The history of 21st century is full of uncertainty, fear, tension and mental stress. The Global scenario is explosive with the invention of weapons of mass destruction i.e. nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. The relation among the super powers and their allied nations is polluted and strained.

On the national front. Our country is facing major challenges in the form of natural calamities, hardcore terrorism, threat of border invasions and frequent riots. This has adversely affected our country’s economy, administration and law & order situation, thus adding to the responsibilities of the ‘Men in Uniform’. It has directly affected their mental physical health.

The Security Wing of Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation has been set up to strengthen the services personnel internally to enhance their efficiency was well as their capacity to cope with stress arising out of their hazardous life style. This will help them to maintain equanimity of mind so as to take quick and correct decisions during war and peacetime roles.

The Security forces play a vital role to defend the vast frontiers of our fast developing country. Spiritual Orientation Programme (SOP) has been developed to enhance the efficiency, build up integrated personality and also develop potential to cope with the excessive stress associated with the hazardous life style of the officers dealing with border security as well as industrial & internal security. The SOP course motivates these officers who wish to break all the personal limitations and wish to become masters of self and all situation. Hence, the course also covers up the role of spirituality and leadership during combat in war as well as peace time situations.

 Shipping, Aviation and Tourism Services Wing (SAT Wing):  

Wing Objectives

  • To promote peace through shipping, aviation and tourism, which bring people together;
  • To help those working in these sectors overcome stress and worry;
  • To help people in these sectors discover their true identity by undertaking a spiritual journey into their inner world.

 Social Service Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  • To awaken in people a sense of service and inspire them to engage in spiritual social service;
  • To raise public awareness in order to bring about the eradication of social evils such as child marriage and bride-burning;
  • To offer spiritual education and a simple system of meditation which can aid the eradication of substance abuse and addiction.

Views and Perspectives:

Social workers do their best to help the destitute and the disenfranchised, the downtrodden and the disabled. But their efforts often resemble trying to cover a large sore with a piece of sticking plaster: they are insufficient and ultimately ineffective. This is because the root cause of the ills affecting society is not being addressed. At the core of the problem is spiritual impoverishment, and the remedy is spiritual empowerment. Souls whose strength of character has been depleted by bad company and weakened by worry and wanton desires, and those who have transgressed the law of karma due to ignorance and are suffering the consequences, will be benefited only by spiritual social service. Spiritual empowerment strengthens the will, makes one self-reliant and equips one mentally to cope with adversity and hardship. It can bring great benefit to social workers by freeing them from the stresses and negativity that confront them in the course of their work. When social service organisations and their personnel collaborate with spiritual organisations such as this institution, the results will be of lasting value. It has been said that society is as strong as its weakest elements. Even if we are able to adequately feed, clothe and shelter India’s impoverished millions, unless they are spiritually empowered, the nation as a whole cannot develop strength of character. Since 1989, the Social Service Wing has pioneered spiritual social service of the physically, morally and socially disadvantaged.

The main purpose of the wing is to bring the social organisations together and inspire them to a spiritual orientation in their social service. Education and training is offered to social workers, helping them to develop a new and more effective way of working in the community. This wing also works to heighten awareness against superstitions, rituals, social evils such as bride burning, child marriage etc. Another aim of this wing is to participate fully, in this country and abroad, in the creation of a new social order where happiness and peace prevail.

Please visit: https://socialwing.bk.ooo/

 SpARC Wing:

Spiritual Applications Research Centre has been established to conduct and promote research into various branches of science to enhance our understanding of reality as well as to find applications of spirituality to overcome problems facing humanity. There is a growing consensus that the worlds of scientific knowledge and spiritual understanding are coming closer, recognising their need to complement each other’s specialities in creating a better world.

Science has been highly successful in unlocking some of the secrets of the universe. It has made it possible to harness the power of the atom as well as to explore the mystery of the universe. Spirituality on the other hand, has provided humanity with a map to follow human and moral values to keep the fabrics of society together.

SpARC aims to promote research into various aspects of spirituality and its application to different fields such as physics, medical science, psychology, economics and also to give a new understanding and outlook on history, geography and politics. It will help individuals and institutions through the following methods:

  • Inviting specialists to do research and enhance their understanding of the physical and the metaphysical.
  • Inspiring scientists and research scholars to channel their creative potential towards the establishing/building a better world.
  • Initiating joint projects with other institutions and individuals for sharing similar goals.
  • Providing an infrastructure based on electronic communication facilities to make collaborative work by experts around the world.
  • Developing a library of reference material on diverse subjects related to the above research and providing facilities to research scientists to conduct experiments for the same.

Please visit: www.bksparc.in

 Sports Wing:

Established in 2000, the Sports Wing (SW) endeavoured to enhance sports performance through meditation and the inculcation of spiritual values in the area of sports.

The Sports Wing’s focus is to impart psychological training to enhance players’ mental performance in order to succeed at any level. The Wing accomplishes this by bridging spiritual values with the practice of meditation in the area of sports.

To achieve its objectives, the Sports Wing prepares exhibitions and presentations exclusively for sportspersons. The Sports Wing also holds a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, dialogues, sports training camps as well as national and international conferences. All programs are arranged in collaboration with other Sports Federations & Associations.

The Sports Wing works with a strong group of highly experienced and dedicated faculty members who facilitate these programs world wide.

The basic purpose of this wing is to help sports persons to understand the psychological aspects for enhancing sports performance as they have to face the challenge of competition. Sometimes, it happens that they are unable to tap their potential in the moment it counts, even though they are able to achieve higher standards, something inside is blocked and their whole preparation becomes worthless. Therefore, the wing focuses on the development of inner strength and the improvement of the inner state of mind through which one can achieve an optimum level of concentration, motivation and relaxation.

Please visit: www.sportswing.org

 Transport and Travel Wing (TTW):

Wing Objectives:

  • To control emotions with balanced state of mind.
  • To enhance concentration for excellence in profession.
  • To Inculcate moral, ethical and spiritual values in members of society connected with this field.
  • To give special training to change thought processes to overcome anger.
  • To enhance self-control to give up drugs and alcohol by self-discipline.
  • To build up self-confidence by higher concentration of mind.
  • To rediscover the inner resources.
  • To conduct separate Residential Training Programmes for all categories of officers and staff members.
  • To organise from time to time seminars workshops and talks for spiritual orientation.

Views and Perspectives:

‘Transport and Travel Wing’, which coordinates and organizes programmes for the people connected with transportation, viz, Surface Transport, Railways, Civil Aviation & Marine. The aim and objective of the Foundation is to impart education in spiritual knowledge and Rajyoga Meditation in order to build a new society, based on divine virtues, full of peace and happiness and to organise seminars, exhibitions, workshops and special spiritual training programmes to train the people connected with the Transport Sector working in their field of specialisation through lectures, transparencies and computer slides.

is a service wing for Surface Transport, Railway & Tourism sectors. The wing co-ordinates and organises programmes to enhance concentration for excellence in their profession. The basic purpose of this wing is to train people to have a balanced state of mind with controlled emotions to overcome anger, and give up drugs and alcohol by self-discipline. To build up self-confidence by concentration of mind train them to explore spiritual powers to achieve success.

Please visit: http://www.wheelsforpeace.org/

                           www.bkroadsafety.org

Women Wing:

Wing Objectives:

  • To provide opportunities in which women can learn meditation and gain spiritual empowerment.
  • To raise women’s awareness of their potential while raising men’s awareness of women’s contributions.
  • To encourage women to embody moral and spiritual values and provide children with good role models.
  • To encourage women to make the home a peaceful, happy, tension-free place.
  • To empower women to combat the social evils of obscene literature/films, treatment as a sex object, early marriage, and the dowry system of bride-burning.
  • To enable women to play an effective role in relieving society of alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking, and other negative social habits.To help women to play a leading role in eradicating ignorance, blind faith, religious intolerance and war.

Views and Perspectives:

The Women Wing is especially committed to bringing the message and methods of spiritual empowerment to women throughout India and the world. At the same time it endeavours to raise men’s awareness to support this, as well as to attend to their own spiritual development.

It is worth explaining here that, although a person’s initial impression may be that the Brahma Kumaris Institution primarily a women’s organisation, this is not the case. Although women are at the helm, both men and women, in roughly equal numbers, participate in all aspects of the Institution’s activities. It is an historical fact that the Vishwa Vidyalaya’s founder, Prajapita Brahma, placed his entire assets and considerable wealth into a trust administered by 8 young women-a revolutionary step, especially in the 1930’s in India where few women were even educated, let alone given administrative authority. He did so because he foresaw that the world of the future would be a world of harmony and balance, characterised by a full and equal partnership between men and women. For this, he knew that women must begin to be given the respect and confidence, in their abilities, necessary for their upliftment. The reader may observe for him or herself the evidence as to the soundness of his judgement.

The Women Wing, in addition to organising conferences, symposia, exhibitions, Rajyoga camps, et cetera as the other Wings do, also annually celebrates International Women’s Day and publishes literature and conducts surveys on questions pertaining to women.

The founder of the organisation foresaw that towards the end of the century, the dominance paradigm would have a complete strangle hold on humanity. And so, because of this commitment towards bringing about a new world order, he began to respect, uplift and educate women to be the leaders, by bringing the virtues of the goddess into our hearts and into our actions. Through example and the way they treat their children, women directly influence the character development of their young. The women generally have the capacity to provide a loving environment. They are encouraged to do so by making the family a place where family members can be without tension and can feel that essential quality of belongingness. In order to have the inner strength to ‘keep giving’ they themselves need to learn how to fill themselves with power.

Please visit: www.bkwomenwing.com

 Youth Wing:

Young age is a dynamic age. Every youngster wishes to start his/her career with an enthusiasm and an inspiration of doing something special. Most of them are positive in their aims and some are really creative. Creativity in its true sense means to create something new out of old with long lasting benefits. But for bringing a new change, we require golden and revolutionary ideas. We have to change from old to new. We have to be reborn. Though everyone has a chance to absorb new ideas, it is particularly youth who is best suited for this. In young age, one is more open-minded, willing to learn and enthusiastic about studying. Minds with deeply ingrained dogmatic ideas from the past or minds that may have lost enthusiasm and energy either resist change or accept the ideas in the face of storms or public oppositions. This precisely denotes the importance of the role of youth and it places great responsibility on the strong and young shoulders.

But all is not well with the youth. The picture is somewhat gloomy in the clouds of negativities. These negativities are merely crushing the creativity of today’s youth. They are, instead, used as musclemen for strikes, demonstrations and for criminal acts for the vested interests. At this juncture, our youth needs proper guidance and motivation to use their powers and energies in creative activities. They should be strong enough, not to allow others to exploit them. For this purpose, spiritual awareness is needed.

To awake them towards their responsibilities, Youth Wing has been organising different types of programmes since 1985 in slums, villages, schools, colleges, youth institutions and many other organisations. Through spiritual knowledge and Rajyoga Meditation, one can develop self confidence, self-reliance etc which in turn increases the courage to work for the betterment of the society.

Thousands of young people have joined the wing as part of their commitment to their own personal growth and enhancement of the abilities of mental concentration and self-confidence so as to achieve an integrated and developed personality. These young people are providing hope for many of their peers who are seeking happiness and a positive vision for the future. They are inspiring youth to follow values.

The wing has devised a special course known as “Project Positive Change”. The topics covered are: What is Positive Change, Positivity in Relations, Positive Personality – a new goal, Spiritual Powers and Positive life style, We Can Be What We Want To Be, etc.

Please visit:http://www.bkyouth.org