Who We Are
Brahma Kumaris, officially known as ‘Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya’ is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. Founded in 1936 in Hyderabad, Sindh (then a part of undivided India) by Prajapita Brahma, Brahma Kumaris has spread to over 137 countries in 5 continents of the world and has had an extensive impact on all sections of the society. It is working as an international NGO, associated with the United Nations Department of Public Relations. The organization is committed to help individuals transform themselves, based on the understanding of their true, spiritual identity, which transcends their mere material existence.
It supports the cultivation of a deep collective consciousness of peace and of the individual dignity of each soul. Being a women – led organization it is widely known as Brahma Kumaris. Even though the founding father of the organization was fondly known as Prajapita Brahma, the first Administrative Head was Mateshwari Jagdamba, fondly known as Mamma.
In 1950, this spiritual group relocated to India, and found place in the beautiful Aravalli Ranges of Mount Abu in Rajasthan. From there, the seed of spiritual knowledge sown, grew gradually and the organization starting spreading its branches in different parts of the country. In 1971, the spiritual knowledge and practice of Raja Yoga spread overseas, with the first foreign centre in London.
After the ascension of Mateshwari Jagdamba to the subtle world in 1965 and Prajapita Brahma in 1969, Rajyogini Dadi Prakashmani was appointed the next Administrative Head of the Institution.
When Rajyogini Dadi Prakashmani left her mortal coil, Rajyogini Dadi Janki , who had played the pivotal role in spreading the Godly Message in almost all the countries of the world, became Chief Administrative Head from 2007. With her tirelessness, dedication, Dadi Janki led the organization until 2020, when she ascended to the subtle world at the age of 104. Later, Dadi Hridaymohini, was appointed the Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris until she attained her angelic form in March 2021. The present Chief Administrative Head is Dadi Ratanmohini who at 96 is tirelessly and successfully fulfilling the responsibilities and service.
We the Students of the Brahma Kumaris:
We are individuals of all ages and backgrounds who study spiritual knowledge that nurtures respect for all faith traditions, coherently explains the nature of soul, God, time and karma, and inspires an enlightened lifestyle.
We practise and teach Raja Yoga meditation, which relaxes the mind and nurtures a healthy balance between our inner and outer worlds. Through numerous social service activities and partnerships, we promote spiritual understanding, leadership with integrity and elevated actions towards a better world.
What do we offer?
At the Brahma Kumaris we offer a framework for a life-changing experience. By exploring and discovering the most fundamental question of all, “Who am I?”, we develop a sense of self-mastery that allows us to stay in charge of our lives. The blame game finishes. A deepening spiritual awareness gradually breaks open the cage of illusions. We regain the responsibility for creating our own lives. The present becomes a real present, a gift.
We do this by becoming adept in four areas of study:
The Study of Spiritual Knowledge
- Universal truths, regarding the nature of the soul, God and the impact of a close relationship between the two, create a context for our spiritual endeavour. This understanding helps us master the ongoing flow of experiences we call life.
The Practice of Raja Yoga Meditation
- A step-by-step process helps us to focus on our deep inner strength and potential, which then begin to flourish and expand. By thinking less and more powerfully, we start to feel our own greatness.
- In this meditation we see how silence is the real gateway to contentment. Silence takes us into a world of stillness, like pressing the pause button temporarily on the film of our life.
- It helps us to master time. The more time I give to silence, the more silence will give me time.
The Conscious Assimilation of Virtues
- Through this we learn that real spirituality is to be able to practise virtues in adverse circumstances. This enhances our self-respect.
- We learn to master and understand the energy of love – in giving, not in taking.
- We naturally focus on our own and others’ virtues, rather than defects. Relationships are healed.
Serving Others Spiritually
- The natural consequence of understanding spiritual truths, practising Raja Yoga meditation and inculcating virtues is the wish to serve others. Serving is our highest vocation, so it fills us with a new sense of purpose.
Spiritual service towards others is to help them stand on their own feet and make their own decisions. It is about empowering others so that they also see love, peace and happiness as their real treasures in the creation of their inner and outer worlds.