St. Petersburg ( Russia ): A public event “Light and Might of Mothers. Self-awareness and mission of women in the changing social, cultural and spiritual context” (September, 3) became an international forum demonstrating the huge soft power of mothers, sisters in today’s world of turmoil.
Welcoming the audience that included many IP guests, close contacts of the Brahma Kumaris, Didi Santosh, the Brahma Kumaris director in St. Petersburg, spoke on the importance of knowledge for our life. She said, “Knowledge is light. Knowledge is fresh air to breathe. Knowledge is water to quench our thirst. Who would like to live in a house without light, windows or water? Today we are lucky to have with us so many knowledgeable souls from the BK Headquarters and various states of India.”
Addressing the guests, Ms Rashema Arora, Consul and HOC (Consulate General of India in St. Petersburg) said, “The Brahma Kumaris centre here not only provides the spirit of India to the Indian diaspora so far from their homeland but has also done a lot in helping to inculcate the values of Indian cultural heritage and spirituality in the hearts of our Russian brothers and sisters. Your endeavour to spread compassion, harmony and peaceful co-existence truly reflects the soft power of India. I am blessed to have an opportunity to thank BK teachers in India and other parts of the world for their incredible work that not only helps the society at large but also brings laurels to our country. We are proud of your work, your journey and your mission of bringing people of every nation closer to one another.”
A colourful and inspiring cultural program gave the audience a message of unity in diversity. Three Azerbaijani folk dances performed by members of “Chinar” dance group became a special decoration of the event. They were followed by a deep dialogue about strengths and responsibility of women leaders and the challenges that they have to face.
BK Sister Savita of the BK Headquarters, Mount Abu spoke on the benefits of daily spiritual study and Raja Yoga meditation for general well-being and better performance. She said, “Yoga, or meditation that we practice, ensures peace of mind, boosts our will power, as well as the power of discrimination and decision making. It helps us in resolving conflicts in relationships and improves one’s physical health. Shantivan, the Brahma Kumaris largest campus,hosts programs for thousands of people on a daily basis. So you can understand that lots of work has to be done, and lots of situations arise as well. But the spiritual knowledge and yoga power help us to stay balanced, stable and tireless.”
BK Sharda, National Co-ordinator of Women’s Wing, Ahmedabad, shared her secret of staying “zero affected” by insults or criticism that are almost inevitable in the field of management and administration. “When we dedicate our mind and intellect to God, He is responsible. Then He takes over and takes care of you. Secondly, I always remember that the task I am doing is not my task. It is His task, and He is getting it done through me. These are not my powers, specialities or talents. It is He who has filled me with those qualities. The practice of soul consciousness makes us detached from bodies and bodily roles, finishing anger, envy, arrogance of our position, education etc. It changes our attitude. We learn to see everyone as a soul whose original nature is peace. We are aware that even if they say or do something wrong today, it is not their true stage. If we maintain our enthusiasm and good wishes, this wave will spread and ultimately transform those souls.”
BK Chakradhari, Chairperson of the BK Women’s Wing, suggested we should develop an unlimited attitude of world servers. “Every day assess what you have done for the sake of peace and happiness of the society where you live. We should not remain self-centered. Even sparrows and pigeons do something for their little families. So what’s the big deal if we, human beings, live in the same way? How much have I done today for my bigger family? And for that, one has to learn staying on the seat of a detached observer. Then you will not get affected with the negativity of the surroundings. Do whatever you are able to do. And if a task exceeds your powers, then just keep sending good wishes and think in a positive way. This positivity of yours will surely transform something negative into positive.”
Also, St. Petersburg Brahma Kumaris centre, Lighthouse, was graced with an invaluable presence of about 50 respected senior teachers and world servers from various states of India. Their visit took place at the confluence of two great festivals. On September, 1st, Russia celebrates the Day of Knowledge. This is the day when a new academic year starts in most schools and universities here. And September, 5th, is the Teacher’s Day in India! So during those days, Brahma Kumaris St. Petersburg welcomed a powerful group of the Ganges of Knowledge who had practicing Rajayoga 30, 40, 50 or even more years ago! For 5 days the BK family of St. Petersburg and connected cities and countries took benefit from the depth of wisdom and love shared by Didi Sharda (Ahmedabad), Didi Chakradhari (Delhi), Sister Sa
vita (Madhuban) and all the experienced senior instruments who were part of this team.
