Planting seeds of wisdom through our newsletter is a delightful journey of knowledge-sharing, inspiration & the joy of seva (service). With each edition, we aim to cultivate a nurturing space where valuable insights bloom, offering our readers a vibrant garden of ideas to explore. Join us on this enriching adventure as we sow the seeds of wisdom together, nurturing minds and hearts with every issue. Subscribe to our newsletter: newsletter@us.brahmakumaris.org and embark on a path of continuous learning.
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RAKSHABANDHAN - A Celebration of Universal Brotherhood
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the day of the full moon, 16 celestial degrees complete. It shows us what relationships should be like characterized by love, respect, kindness and empathy. When I am tied with this sacred thread of protection, the rakhi, I promise to stay in my original nature of peace, love, purity, wisdom, mercy. I remember to see myself as a soul with a body, rather than a body with a brain!! Now, with soul conscious knowledge, I see others as being a brother soul and part of my spiritual family. This unlimited vision of universal brotherhood breaks all barriers of caste, creed, age, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, color and personality traits.
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THE PURSUIT OF PURITY
Purity is our intrinsic nature, the bedrock of our existence. Once we recognize this fundamental truth, we begin to understand the depth of our entanglement in the material world. Purity encompasses far more than abstinence. It permeates every aspect of life: our thoughts, words, vision, attitude, actions, relationships, and even our diet. By focusing solely on the physical realm, we limit our potential and obscure our true selves.
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30 Minutes to a New You
In our frenetic world, where isolation often shadows individuality, the idea of transforming our lives in just 30 minutes might sound like a tall order. But the truth is, profound change can indeed sprout from such small seeds of time. Dedicating just thirty minutes a day to nurturing our inner selves can create ripples of positive change in every aspect of our lives, from personal connections to our planet.
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Guided Meditation Practice
Find a peaceful spot where you can sit undisturbed for a few minutes. Ensure all potential distractions are minimized. Sit comfortably, maintaining a posture that feels relaxed yet alert. Shift your focus to the center of your forehead, the seat of the soul. Envision a point of radiant light in this space, representing your true, spiritual self. This is the essence of who you are – peaceful, pure, and powerful. As you concentrate on this point of light, feel a sense of peace emanating from it. With every breath, this peaceful energy expands, surrounding and filling you with tranquility and calmness.
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Charlie Hogg, Australia
Charlie is the National Coordinator of Brahma Kumaris Australia. He travels regularly delivering lectures, workshops internationally. His understanding of the human heart and his compassionate nature has made him an expert in the topics of how to create cultures of care, compassion and kindness.
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BK Dr. Ramshlok, India
Dr. Ramshlok has been a dedicated practitioner of RajYoga since 1969. Embarking on a lifelong spiritual journey in 1972, he has dedicated his life to this cause. Currently he is based at the Brahma Kumaris' global headquarters in Mount Abu,Rajasthan. He has delved deeply into the Vedas and Indian scriptures. A pioneer in applied spirituality, Dr. Ramshlok is renowned for his practical approach to spiritual wisdom.
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A PURE HEART
A Public Event, Peace Village Learning & Retreat Center
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Peace Village hosted the second in its series of anniversary program on Sunday, August 4th. Over 115 attendees gathered to hear Charlie Hogg, a visiting speaker from Australia, deliver a talk on "A Pure Heart." The central idea in Hogg's talk was that whatever our minds think about influences us and creates feelings / emotions inside. So, if we notice that we are sad or angry inside, we should ask ourselves what thoughts we have been entertaining in our minds. Following his talk, a Raksha Bandhan ceremony was held, led by Sister Kala. The event concluded with a boxed dinner for all attendees. The final program in the anniversary series will feature Sister Asha from Delhi, speaking on "The Om Experience" on Saturday, August 7th, to commemorate Peace Village's 25th anniversary.
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CALM WITHIN
A One-Day Meditation Retreat
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Charlie Hogg led a transformative one-day meditation retreat at the Manhattan Meditation Center on Saturday, July 27th. Over 60 attendees immersed themselves in a day of enlightening talks on inner calmness, soul awareness & connecting to the Source, punctuated by guided meditation sessions. The retreat provided a much-needed escape from the daily grind, leaving participants refreshed and inspired to deepen their meditation and spiritual practices. The vegetarian lunch, and snacks offered a delightful experience and introduced many to the concept of vegetarian food prepared in soul consciousness.
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PEACE IN THE PARK: IMAGINE PEACE
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The Brahma Kumaris hosted their annual community event in Central Park, called “Peace in the Park: Imagine Peace.” The in-person was held at the Central Park Naumburg Bandshell on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm. Peace in the Park (PIP) is dedicated to the United Nations International Day of Peace and is offered as a service to the community, free of charge.
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SOUL SEARCH ENLIGHTENMENT EXPO
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REPROGRAM THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND
A One-Day Meditation Retreat
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June 30, 2024: Anubhuti Retreat Center had a booth at the Soul Search Enlightenment Expo
San Rafael, California.
Embassy Suites Hilton Hotel
This Expo was free to the public.
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July 2024: A day retreat called, Reprogram the Subconscious Mind, was facilitated by Sr. Denise Lawrence.
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UN International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August. Since 1999 when the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation by the World Conference of Ministers of Youth to declare this day, it has served as a powerful reminder of the significant role young people play in shaping a sustainable future. This year, the theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” focusing on how young people drive digital technologies to advance progress toward achieving the SDGs. It's a time to recognize the incredible contributions young people make to their communities and the world at large. Let's uplift and empower the next generation! | | | | | | |