Nairobi, Kenya ( Africa ): The obstacle-free symbol of an elephant made with fresh flowers welcomed all to the International BK Gujarati Retreat which attracted 54 enthusiastic participants from the USA, the UK, Doha, Dubai, India (Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Vidyanagar Rajasthan, Mt Abu, etc.) to the Serve Africa Retreat Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
It was a blessing in disguise to have BK Sr. Chandrika from Mahadevnangar Centre in Ahmedabad as a resource person for the retreat.
BK Sr. Vedanti, Regional Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Africa, and the working team officially warmly welcomed all. BK Dhriti welcomed all with a dance, Dr. BK Damini sang a song, and the Gujarati garba dance spontaneously emerged for the start of the retreat. Highlights and the main themes of the Retreat included:
Remaining Healthy and Happy
Always appreciate that God has given everyone a meaningful role. I am unique,
great and everyone has their importance.
To be introverted, go into solitude and ask the self: Do I know myself, my capacity? Have I recognized my specialities, virtues and powers? Can I stay focused on the One in silence?
Making Intense Effort
BK Sr. Dipti interviewed BK Nizar on his BK life in which BK Nizar shared how he sustained his spiritual life in spite of his busy life as a chairman of many businesses. He said that by letting go of ego and having a close connection with God, service like “Serve Africa” and “The Future of Power” were successful. His next plan in his life is to retire and do God’s service, focus on corruption-free projects, write a book, and learn to play the violin.
Pause for Peace
A session on Pause for Peace with a very simple but effective meditation
commentary — including the original nature of the soul being peace, the soul world, and the connection with the Ocean of Peace — was conducted by BK Dipti. This project is now being conducted in 34 countries of Africa.
Golden Age Bhatti
A beautiful atmosphere was created in which all experienced the lifestyle in the Golden Age. Participants had a chance to take photos of themselves in Laxmi and Narayan dress.
Self Cleaning and Self Respect
BK Perkin shared that God loves Truth. It is said God is Truth. Where there is truth, there is cleanliness. Truth does the work of a lift. Remembrance is easy for those who are truthful.
Appreciating the Environment
BK Pratibha shared that the general concern in the world is the environment. A negative attitude creates mental pollution. What is our role and responsibility?
Ecology: ‘Eco’ means home and ‘Logy’ means knowledge — the knowledge of your home:
1) Body as the soul’s temporary home
2) Planet Earth as human being’s home
3) Houses (example: Baba’s room, Baba’s house) create a pure environment
4) Soul world as the soul’s eternal home of peace
The retreat ended with a two-day visit to the Masai Mara, in the jungles of Kenya, and a two-day visit to Mombasa at the sea shore of the Indian Ocean.
