31
edits
Changes
Directory:Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (view source)
Revision as of 08:34, 6 December 2008
, 08:34, 6 December 2008→Controversies and criticism
}}
}}
==Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University==
Brahma Kumaris' so-called "World Spiritual University" promoted new and unique ideas based on messages received from mediumship and spirit chaneling. It also claims its practises are the "ancient" Raja Yoga despite only commencing post-1950. It is now promoted behind the facade of new age, positive thinking, values based and coporate training courses. Many individuals experience benefit from these. Indeed, some individuals can look back at their time as a "student" of the BKWSU positively. However, whether right or wrong, at the core of BKWSU teachings and lifestyles are identical elements to recognised cult behaviour. Elements that are hidden from the general public and slowly introduced during the process of indoctrination.
Brahma Kumaris' so-called "World Spiritual University" promotes new and unique ideas based on messages received from mediumship and spirit chaneling. It also claims its practises are the "ancient" Raja Yoga despite only commencing post-1950. It is now promoted behind the facade of new age, positive thinking, values based and coporate training courses. Many individuals experience benefit from these. Indeed, some individuals can look back at their time as a "student" of the BKWSU positively. However, whether right or wrong, at the core of BKWSU teachings and lifestyles are identical elements to recognised cult behaviour. Elements that are hidden from the general public and slowly introduced during the process of indoctrination.
==Followers homes counted as centers==
==Followers homes counted as centers==
Whilst claiming to have 8,500 centres in 100 countries, the vast majority of these are privately owned residential homes and apartments, many taking donations to pay for personal mortgages.
Whilst claiming to have 8,500 centres in 100 countries, the vast majority of these are privately owned residential homes and apartments, many taking donations to pay for personal mortgages.
The Brahma Kumaris have featured in the 'Wissen schtzt' reports of Austria (edited by then Austrian Minister for Family Affairs Mr. Martin Bartenstein), Russia (International Conference "Totalitarian Cults - Threat of Twenty-First Century", Nizhny Novgorod, 2001) and in a MIVILUDES report submitted to the French National Assembly as a "sectes dangereuses" (harmful cult) and "groupe d'enfermement" (group of confinement). This has leading to the presecution of followers in local media leading to job losses after it discovered that they belonged to a secte [85] and denouncement for their influence on children under their care.
The Brahma Kumaris have featured in the 'Wissen schtzt' reports of Austria (edited by then Austrian Minister for Family Affairs Mr. Martin Bartenstein), Russia (International Conference "Totalitarian Cults - Threat of Twenty-First Century", Nizhny Novgorod, 2001) and in a MIVILUDES report submitted to the French National Assembly as a "sectes dangereuses" (harmful cult) and "groupe d'enfermement" (group of confinement). This has leading to the presecution of followers in local media leading to job losses after it discovered that they belonged to a secte [85] and denouncement for their influence on children under their care.
==Lifestyle==
* The movement teaches that the world is approaching a time of great change that will be heralded by war, natural calamities and suffering. As a form of developing inner spiritual resilience, the Brahma Kumaris adopt a disciplined lifestyle which involves:
* Celibacy, including no sex within marriage. So long as chastity is followed, marriage and family life are allowed.
* Sattvic vegetarianism, a strict lacto-vegetarian diet (excluding eggs). even excluding their own mother or relatives.
* Regular early morning meditation at 4:00[3] to 4:45 am, called 'Amrit Vela.'
* Regular morning class at approximately 6:30 am.
* Men and women traditionally sit on separate sides of the room at the centers during classes.
* Brahma Kumaris can be identified by their frequent adoption of wearing white clothes, to symbolize purity.
* Recommends that companions be other BK Brahmins as opposed to those given over to worldly pleasures (non-BKs), known as bhogis or shudras (meaning 'untouchables').
* All except the very senior BKs in the Western branches must support themselves (most work), most BKs live in shared accommodation with other members enabling the organization to powerfully reinforce its beliefs.
==Websites==
==Websites==
* http://www.brahmakumaris.info
* http://www.brahmakumaris.info