Croydon ( UK ): BK Shivani, host of the popular TV programme ‘Awakening with Brahma Kumaris’ shared empowering insights to an audience of more than 1,200 at her live show at the Grand Sapphire on Imperial Way on the theme ‘Happiness Unlimited – Staying Happy… No Matter What’.
BK Sister Jayanti, European Director of the Brahma Kumaris and CEO of the Brahma Kumaris (UK) started the evening by guiding the audience in a brief reflection, taking them ‘to the space inside that is sacred, to your inner peace.’
Councillor Humayun Kabir, Mayor of Croydon, warmly welcomed Sister Jayanti and Sister Shivani to Croydon. He congratulated Sister Shivani for ‘bringing a great message for people to relax and unwind, helping hundreds of families to be with each other through Raja Yoga — to find themselves in peace when they are so busy, and to focus on themselves and on their families.’
BK Shivani started by taking up the metaphor of the caterpillar and the butterfly — used in the short film Journey of Transformation shown before she came on stage — which shares the story of the Brahma Kumaris. She asked:
“Who is ready to become the butterfly? How much time would it take to change from a caterpillar to a butterfly? A butterfly is not just beauty for itself; it radiates beauty to others. When I change, the world will change.’
In order to be happy always, she explained, we need to become detached so that we’re then able to radiate unconditional love. When you create a feeling, say anger, who does it affect first? The giver. Someone who is angry is actually in pain – they are not well. People in pain are not able to take care of themselves. When I do not get hurt I am able to send love and power to the other person. Detachment equals unconditional love. We cannot give unconditional love without being detached. Detachment means: you can be angry, I can be calm’.
She went on to ask: Are we looking at the world to give or to get? All we have to do to be happy is to shift from asking to giving, with no expectations. I need to fill myself first – that is meditation. When I am able to give and give and only give – that is the butterfly. Every home needs only one giver to help the others shift from takers to givers.
The method she gave was to commit one hour every day to taking care of myself, my family and friends by learning how to take care of my own mind and recommended the meditation courses being offered free of charge by the Brahma Kumaris.
The evening ended with BK Shivani leading all into a meditation and then, most unusually, asking people to stay in silence for 20 minutes in order to spread the beautiful vibration created in the hall … all left in contemplation, with great dignity, row by row, and headed for home.
Brahma Kumaris (UK) is a registered charity that teaches Raja Yoga meditation as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive approach to life. Courses, talks, workshops, meditation sessions and retreats are offered in locations around the UK. BK Shivani’s UK tour is supporting the Brahma Kumaris (UK)’s Global Retreat Centre Refurbishment Project www.globalretreatcentre.org. Brahma Kumaris (UK) is part of a network of organisations in 110 countries across the world, including a presence throughout the UK and Europe, which work with local and national organisations to make a positive contribution to both individuals and the communities in which they live.
