The ideal of improvement as a BK follower.

As a BK follower, have you considered if the cycle of time supports the ideal of “improvement”?

Let us not take this question lightly, as the word “improvement” has popular positive connotation.

In easy to understand language, we could demonize ego, lust, attachment, etc. Those “vices” are something which “i” have to work on, something which “i” need to “conquer,” to “get rid of” to improve.

Now, let us observe the cycle of time once again. A what point in such cycle did “I” do something to improve myself? Wasn’t the route a “downhill” from the beginning? Bks believe that “now” is the time to “improve” for “destruction is just ahead,” and “I only have this lifetime as a BK to elevate myself because God is helping me.” The law of karma and the effects of multiple births could be “settled” in this BK birth, all “i” need is to “make effort,” and so the belief goes. Thus, “I” separates from the downhill “Drama” and creates a path for its own “salvation” based on self interpretations.

Look at the cycle again. Forget for a moment the “i” and the “me.” Do we see that it is a “predestined play” which will repeat again and that it is repeating now, as we read? Do we see that anyway we go, it is in fact; how it should be?

Why is it that “I” am trying to control things and change things according to ideals and beliefs?

Because it is about “me.” “I” need to “improve” by DOING certain actions everyday, for repetition will “erase” previous sanskaras, correct? And “i” know exactly how to “erase” a particular one.

That need to control, to conquer, to get rid of things inside “me” are ego based ideals of improvement. As long as we have ideals to follow, there will be ego enhancement in that. Why? Ego feeds itself through the ideal of becoming something “better,” which is not at the moment, but promised in the future, after some time. Thus, how do we “improve” without getting our egos involved?

Do we see that the problem is not how to “improve myself” but rather to become truly aware of that which we call “i”?

Do we see that actions coming from that “i” are self-centered, egotistical actions? But how is it that “improving myself” could become egotistical?

Observe the need to control. To act within a recipe, to create a vacuum so “I” am “safe.” That creates an artificial separation of that “i” and the rest of the Drama, the cycle of time; when in fact, “I” am part of it.

Do we see that conflict? Can we go spiritually anywhere while we have unresolved inner conflicts?

All virtues are together with what we call vices. In fact, the cycle of time only displays those at certain times. At one time, here are the virtues; at another, the vices. All are needed as they are.

Am I suggesting to leave things as they are and not DO anything?

Not quite. I am suggesting to become AWARE of how ego appears in the movie of the Drama. What makes it tick. I am suggesting to study our own ego, the reality of it and to observe how many religions or spiritual paths have been built to cater the existence of the ego. The conflict is that while many religions proclaim that ego is “bad” and we need to be egoless and conquer ego; on the other hand, there is a continuous promotion of it.

Do we want a higher status in the Golden age? That is ego. Do we want recognition, name and fame now? That is ego. Do we want to become an angel? That is ego. Do we want to be someone who we are not now? That is ego.

Do we see how trapped we could be? Is what we want to “improve” our ego? We need to observe it, to become conscious of it, aware. That observation and apparent inaction is true action, for clarity comes when we see clearly without wearing the glasses of a belief system.

The spirituality of the “middle way” in BK-ism

“The middle way” is another of the most typical misunderstood “spiritual phrases.”
What is the middle way in the BK world?
There is none. The BK world is one extreme of the spectrum. The other may be our society. Is finding the middle between society and the BK world the “true” path?

We say “moderation in everything is the key.” Some say that is the middle. The mind can understand that, but it will put it something like this: Between path A and path B there are 100 miles. The middle is 50. The mind has such a great understanding! What is 50 between Bk-ism and Society-ism?

Let me illustrate this issue by using a couple of keywords with ample use in the BK world: Sex and Celibacy.
What is the middle between sex and celibacy? According to who? How do you measure that, it is indeed the middle? What is moderation in sex? What is moderation in celibacy? The mind wants an accurate, measurable answer, but it goes back to subjectivity: What “i” like.

Unless a seeker is not regimented by his own mind, he cannot know the middle. Why? Because the middle is not a fixed landmark. It changes as Life changes.
The middle could be sex. The middle could be celibacy, but IT CANNOT BE A STATIC MIDDLE.

Do we see that?

The duality of sex and celibacy are extremes. The mind can make up an idea: “ I will have sex twice a week. That is the middle.” However, that is still sex and not celibacy. The mind will feel trapped incapable to figure out what is the “right” solution. It is way easier to say “God says that sex is a sin. I must not indulge in it.” At that point, we are shifting the ‘proof’ of righteousness to a ‘higher authority’ which the mind recognizes as such for whatever ‘reason.’ Then it follows, I will know what to DO. I will know what is “right.” That is what the mind thinks… after all, the mind is only interested in being “right.”

This type of individual is trapped in his mind. He is unable to feel. He cannot know the middle.
What is moderation for such individual? Whatever he thinks it is as long as he finds some reasons, some ideas to support his belief. That is not moderation. That is manipulation.

How can we explain the middle way?
Out of the mind, we can feel it. We cannot say: “It is this,” for that could change and thus, the middle will change as well. The “middle” is not a concept. Something that could be defined, quoted or explained.

It is hard to understand, right? That is because we are using the mind.
Well…. If I am not using my mind how else could I understand?
By feeling. It is not the “answer” which has to be implemented by “me.” Insight implements itself.

In Life, many will know the middle by going through the extremes. Note that it is the mind the one taking us to experiment extremes for the mind only knows “0” or “1.” When we understand this “fact” of Life, then we will have a sense of appreciation for those 2 extremes, in this case; BK-ism and Society-ism, for without the conscious aware experience of those two, we wouldn’t be able to know OUR middle, not “the middle.”
The keywords are CONSCIOUS- AWARE experience, for otherwise; the mind will go into another duality: Truth and falsehood (I was lied by them) or guilt and innocence (They conned me and took away my…..) or perhaps, going back and forward to those 2 extremes looking to be “right” to have the “truth,” to be “saved,” etc.

Life experiences are not “free.” We pay for them. Although I am not referring to paper money or credit cards. However, those who have been aware of what they “invested on” in their life time, will understand what I am saying.

“Tighten the strings of the guitar too much, and you will break them. If they are too loose, we cannot play it.” I am paraphrasing something attributed to Gautama. That explains the middle. However, to know that in our lives; we may need to break strings (extremes.) Nevertheless, there is no formula and tuning the guitar may depend on the type of song that we are playing; what comes in Life. If we are playing with others, we may need to learn to harmonize to make music and not noise. That is a different “middle.”

BK “Yoga of the mind” has its place in society. It is needed, not as the holder of absolute “truth” but as a means for the participant or student to know through EXPERIENCE, his own limits.

Many have accessed to words of wisdom and teachings at different epochs, but those words lose their meaning when given to all without discrimination, for it is not possible to understand them unless we are ready… and “ready” has nothing to do with our mental skills, IQ or degrees.

When falling in love with a BK

 

The Brahma Kumaris path is interesting for self observation. The opportunity to know yourself is there but also to discover our own inner dishonesty.

No more sex, no more meat, no more falling in love with people, no more sleeping in… Those are some of the codes of conduct to follow in the name of “becoming pure.”

When the separation from society is made and all of the sudden, we spend time with a particular group of individuals more than others, the likelihood to be sentimentally involved is there, if not sexually.
As those 2 items (sex and emotional involvement) have been suppressed in the BK lifestyle, then suffering will be experienced (labeled as karmic accounts) which many times is changed through a sense of martyrdom, in order to keep alive in the BK system.

Just because we use a label such as, “brother or sister;” it doesn’t mean that we could stop feeling what we feel for someone. That is part of the inner observation. Interestingly, with our own blood relatives the “brother/sister” feeling is usually there. Have we wondered why?

While sex is prohibited, to fall in love is not; as long as “Baba” is the center of that emotional feeling. Basically, it is an emotional trip to convince yourself that “I love God and none other.”
For many Brahma Kumaris followers, the idea of transposing what they know in the worldly realm as “love” into the “spiritual” level is a given. For instance: “ I love Baba.” Thus, I compose lovey dovey songs, mawkish poetry, and keep telling myself that it is only “Baba and I.” That is the typical teenager “love” scenario in action.
That is an interesting situation to observe; to know how sincere the lies to ourselves could be.

The sexual forces will be there although repressed. The longing to be with “someone” will be there as well. The way we deal with it, will change according to our urges and ability to put off and send our physical or emotional needs into the background of the unconscious. Repressed but never gone.

That sort of “purity” is very dirty, indeed. Why? I will keep lying to myself to fit an ideal. That could be an interesting lesson in Life.

The outcome for many will be neurosis. When observing the mind, we will need to be sensitive as to how the different “tests” in Life which are there due to our own belief, are in fact disturbing our own mental health.

How? There is a want, even a need which is continuously being put off, for the “next Life.” I have seen BKs trying to “erase” those “sanskaras” as if that was a matter of “choice.” The more we try to suppress them, the stronger those will be. That is the paradox to be aware of. We cannot erase what we ARE, with the idea that we are DOING so.

The younger the BK is, the more likely is that he/she will experience sexual urges as well as emotional needs. As a matter of fact, the needs will be so strong that we could be looking at individuals who in a different, “normal” situation, we will never think about engaging with. That is what we may need to observe. That is why, an “older BK” is “safer.” Sexual needs and vitality are curved for most as years go by (DOING it is unlikely, although THINKING may remain;) but emotional needs will be there; but those could be hidden under the system.

Yes, it may be true that a highly evolved individual, may not need to be emotionally or physically involved with another human being; but those are very few; counted with one hand out of thousands. That is part of their evolution which hasn’t happened through repression. That is something to keep in mind about the BK yogi life style, which is for the masses and not the few. Also, it is interesting to observe that highly evolved individuals could be in a sexual and emotional relationship as well.  BEING makes our DOING according to who we ARE.

Repression is not “bad” when observed. It may be necessary up to a point. Then, that needs to be dealt with, in a different manner. That is why, any system bringing repression into our lives is a short lived “solution.” Then, that “system” will need to be changed in order to evolve. It is that “evolution” the one which is very personal indeed. A belief could be helpful up to a point, then once its timing is up; it will only be a hindrance.
We may need to observe that.

Being “non-committal.”

Avyakt7-NG takes no sides in reference to Brahma Kumaris. Then, a reader pointed out:
“Where I think the non-committal position that you are taking is incomplete is where it relinquishes any responsibility for the common space that we all share, defining space at all levels from spiritual and mental right down to societal, or even geographic.
For example, if you have a known thief in your village, or a land owner grabbing common land for their own benefit, or a corporation poisoning its rivers, would you adopt a position of neither “against” nor in “favor” of them, and allow them to continue running amok without saying anything?
What sort of person would you be if you did?”

In reference to that well thought out argument, I will certainly explain the importance of no taking sides.
In spirituality, we know that we are living in a world where we experience duality. There is day and night. There is good and evil, etc. Often our society perceives that duality as “opposites,” when in fact, they are complementary. One side cannot live without the other. What is “good” about destruction, we may ask? Newness. The phoenix bird.
The Universe works through that principle of complements, as everything is one. Thus, if something exists, it has a right to exist. It has a purpose. That is a universal spiritual law. That is the basis for observing without being caught up. That is what has been misinterpreted many times in Brahma Kumaris by using the term “detached.”
The acknowledgment of this law, allow us to see things without a bias. However, in society we are forced to choose one side or the other, creating conflict.
In society we cannot take the law in our own hands without paying consequences. There are representatives of the law, and society provides ways for bringing up such cases which are “unlawful,” to their attention. To follow that is to be “responsible” with society.
If I know someone who is disrupting the laws that we are bound by, certainly; I will take it up to law enforcement as long as I have proof (thus, not relinquishing responsibility.) The level of commitment to pursue a case, is what varies among people. Some may feel that a particular issue is their life mission, whereas others; may have other tasks which they consider more important.
If there is a land grabbing individual; “everyone is innocent until proven otherwise.” That is a law in modern society. If I don’t have proof, then I don’t have a case.
I feel that I answered that comment.

If we take that general idea into a more specific one, then my commitment to being in the “middle” by not taking sides with respect to Brahma Kumaris, should be understood. However, there is a very important point. This action is not a mental one. It is not some intellectual understanding which I “practice.”

I was a BK. I am not one now. The transition took place and I feel that my experience there is over. In fact, I have no agenda whatsoever by writing here about my experience in the Brahma Kumaris. I had no particular desire to do it. My “guide” suggested, I should do for it will be beneficial for others, and I did. Those who have agendas; on the other hand, are taking sides and therefore, their perception is biased.

I feel that websites “pro” or “against” BK have an important “role to play,” by informing individuals of the different sides of the BK organization. It gives the opportunity to others to find out for themselves, if they so desire; the validity of the information given. We cannot take everything at face value. At the end, every person has to decide whether to join the BK or leave them.

As far as I am concerned, there is no doubt in my mind about the integrity of Dada Lekhraj (Brahma Baba) otherwise, he wouldn’t be a being of light now (which I have a second hand experience through the verifiable -in my judgment- experience of my sister.)
We tend to judge based on the standards of our society which are incomplete, for they are human created based on conditioning. Life and the laws of the Universe, are above that. However, I am aware that the “teachings” of Dada Lekhraj through his spiritual experience, have been modified and as the BK organization has grown, the fundamentals of a spiritual organization have been shifting into a business oriented organization with a spiritual facade. That is the price to pay when something becomes too large to properly manage. It becomes too political, too “economy” conscious, too “iron aged.” Nevertheless, I feel; there is still benefit in BK for those who want to pursue an honest spiritual life style, and stay away from the “business” world. I had benefit and learned a lot there.

Most BKs without first hand experience of the spiritual meaning of “dying alive,” eventually will go back to what regular people know (although their form and dress may be different) and cherish the for profit paradigm: More centers, more followers, more social climbing, etc. as the measurement of “success.”
That is, to transform spirituality into a profitable business; with all the “wheeling and dealing” of “Kali yug” included.

Some clarifications about the purpose of this blog

It is important for the reader to understand that the purpose of this blog is to share my experiences in the Brahma Kumaris path.
As such, I will share the experiences/realizations I had while in the BK path and also out of the BK path.
Avyakt7-NG is not “against” BK nor in “favor” of.
Many articles here will go into deeper points in BK knowledge, as product of my own experiences and understanding brought to me by Life itself. That I will share. For those who would like articles about gyan while I was a BK; those could be found in the blog “Exploring the Depth of Living” from 2012 until 2013.
Also, it is important to share the exiting process of the BK world (according to my experience), as there are many BKs in transition.

As far as I am concerned if a reader would like me to “churn” some aspect of gyan; it is on that reader to provide the material. Otherwise, I will go on as inspiration happens and that means that some articles may be perceived as “against BK” or “pro BK” by readers, according to their own perspectives.

A reader posted this comment: “Bks are definitely special, they are not ordinary, they have the aspirations to follow the path of truth.”
It is important to realize that every human being is unique but not “special.” That sense of being “special” is truly a source of “maya” in many followers, not only in the BK path but in other paths as well.
Moreover, Avyakt7-NG is not interested in the path of “truth.” Avyakt7-NG is interested in the path of honesty. What is that path? Inner honesty rather than the perception of outer “truth.”

Another reader posted: “There’s nothing wrong with a healthy contempt towards spiritual deceivers.”
I wonder what is “healthy” about contempt? That sounds like a politically correct line. There is no “healthy” contempt but only contempt. No matter how many pretty words we add around it.

When I posted “Ill feelings towards the BK system will only make our mental dependency stronger” means that any sort of ill feelings creates a resistance, a trigger, a button waiting to be pushed; and as psychologist Carl Jung said:”what you resist not only persists, but will grow in size.” Or Eckhart Tolle: “Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists.”
Obviously, that is not the way to fully exit from the BK path, for truly; we haven’t exited yet if we are rejecting it.
As far as I remember, no one in the BK world coerced me to stay as a BK. It was my own decision. I trust that to be the case of the majority of ex-Bks as well. Thus, those 10 years that I spent as BK were my own decision and I take responsibility for that. No need to blame anyone. At the same time those years were truly a teaching experience for me, something which has helped me to grow as a person.  BK is perhaps a “true” path for  many followers but for myself, it was the beginning. Elementary school is good but it is not the only path when we experience high school. One path is only the preparation for the other. Through the understanding that every Life experience has its own value and need, there may be a “healthy” way out of the BK system.

De-conditioning from the BK system

The deeper a follower is involved in a religious system, the harder it will be to break free.
That premise is valid for those in a religious system as well as living in society.

From society into the BK system. That is the journey of a follower.
How is this transition possible? If we are not satisfied with society, if we are not content there; then the seed to move away has been planted.
Living around perceived supportive, helpful individuals who are looking to become “better” may be a selling point. Whereas, in society; we weren’t that happy. That type of comparison will be lingering in our mind.

Listening to the “Sakar Murli” is definitely another strong conditioning tool, specially if our belief in the words of “God” has been instilled before. Observe how the “word of God” is a strong conditioning, which can go across many settings.

Once the follower observes the differences between the “old world” and what could be his “new world,” then he may become a follower of the BK system. At that point, he will be compelled to follow the “code of conduct,” according to how deep this follower would like to go.
The “code of conduct” is the final touch in the conditioning process. To “practice” that, means to belong.

If we have observed how we were able to go from one system into another, we could use the same principle to move to a different system, once trust with the BK system is broken. Without this requisite, we will not be able to break away. However; this feeling of a “broken friendship” could be full of animosity or hopefully, not.
Ill feelings towards the BK system will only make our mental dependency stronger. Although away from the system; we will have triggers, which in turn deepens as psychological trauma.

The “trauma” of leaving the BK system, has been experienced by many ex-followers. To let go of this will be a challenge unless, we are at peace with our decision rather than using rationalization; that is coming up with “reasons” as to why the BK system is not the “truth”, honest, etc. That is defamation of what we previously praised.

Once back in society, it will never be the same. Now, we can observe things which we weren’t aware before. Because we met another reality, we could use the best of both worlds for our own lives.

When we leave a system such as the BK, there may be feelings of guilt and failure. Values that we held in high esteem such as “purity” (according to BK definition) may be appearing in our minds with guilt.

It is important to realize that once we move away from a system; all the philosophy, all the beliefs within that system will need to be thrown away. A “clean slate.”

Observe the face of a 3-4 year old child. That face irradiates purity. Then, whatever he does, it will be pure. That face doesn’t have philosophies or practices to DO.
That face is the reminder of what we have been, which could BE again through de-conditioning from the grip of systems. That child is about ready to lose his purity by being educated in society. The paradox is that to BE what we have been, we may need to go through those things which will try to change us in what we ARE not.
That smile is not the one gained through “effort” and “practice.”
It is “real” that is why, it has attraction.
We may need to remember that.

Will be taking a break until October 30th. Enjoy yourself! 🙂

Waste “Knowledge.”

Every major religion has its own philosophy, its own explanation as to how things work in Life and what will happen in the future. This “story” is what believers believe and label that as “truth.”

Many times people forget that spirituality is not a history class or sociology. Truly, it doesn’t matter what the “philosophy” is.
Why?
Because “spirituality” is meant for personal growth, self-realization or in more layman terms; spirituality deals with the art of living Life in harmony. That is the bottom line.

For “new” seekers, it is important to have an explanation, an intellectual understanding on how things “truly” are and what will happen in the future. This concern only shows their social conditioning. Through “education” in society, we have been conditioned to believe that ideas an ideals are important, thus we need to be able to recite them as they are taught by some “bona fide” source. That is known as “truth.” Thus, we hear often from followers: “We have the truth.”

That only shows the consciousness of a beginner in the journey of self-knowledge.

Brahma Kumaris has its own philosophy known by them as “knowledge.” As a BK follower I used to read anything about “knowledge” that could give me more understanding to ponder about that. I was even mesmerized by the stories of “Lakshmi and Narayan” and tried to figure out when exactly every “age” of the Kalpa ended. I also went into the “Trimurti”. Now, I can see how useless those things were. However, at the time they gave me the sensation that “I knew.”

Looking back, I could see how my reliance on my own trained intellect was diminishing self inquire.
“Knowledge” is only a game for beginners. It will give the sensation of “knowing” which is quite important when a person feels, how insecure and uncertain Life is.

“How the existence of dinosaurs are able to fit into the 5000 year cycle?” That was a classical question asked to some BK seniors. Then, came the made up answers. All beliefs. Very few honest answers: “ I don’t go into that, but I am more concerned in values, meditation and spirituality.” That sort of answer was unacceptable for a “scientific minded” individual.
Truly, it doesn’t matter if there is a 5000 year cycle, or a dinosaur eating vegetables in the Confluence age/ Golden age… That sort of “Second hand” knowledge is not knowledge at all. It is belief.

Sometimes “knowledge” is considered below “devotion” towards distinguished members of a religious group (alive or not). That is another strong sign of a beginner in spirituality. Most likely, this devotion (bhakti) is exercised by the majority of followers, while “knowledge” is more selective, as the person has to have the “mind” to play with such stories to try to come up with new stuff. It is entertainment for the mind.

Sakar Murlis will mention that a “Gyani soul” now, was a strong devotee (Bhakti) in a previous life. It is considered that Knowledge is the “fruit” of strong Bhakti. That is not surprise as there is the duality of the mind (knowledge) and the heart (bhakti); however, both experiences are necessary in a life path. Some may begin with knowledge and end in bhakti as well. Nevertheless, the outcome of that experience will be self-knowledge and self-love, just to know and love humanity as well. That is another level.

In my experience with BK knowledge; I feel grateful for the “knowledge” that there is a cycle of time. The experience that time is cyclical is able to redeem us for all the activities that we may regret. That is why, the feeling of guilt is useless as those actions will occur again.

Life is a game. Once we know that, what is the importance of knowing the “embellished stories” and “history and geography” of a board game? Just throw the dices and play! Enjoy that game….

OBSERVE “the game” and become AWARE of it and OBSERVE the “I” to become AWARE of it. That is the most important aspect of “knowledge” also known as “becoming a detached observer”, as BapDada likes to say.

The double sword of guilt

There is no emotion which has been exploited in society as much as guilt. Guilt is the feeling of having committed an offense or a crime and thus, redemption is born magically as the other extreme of that duality.

We could understand this very well intellectually, however; it is ingrained deep in our subconscious for this emotion has been instilled through many generations up until our days.

Observe how this emotion is used as well as a means to “motivate” the person to act. This is a compelling opportunity to “become pure”, “better”, “perfect”, etc.

Religions have been using this “trick” to lead followers.

In Brahma Kumaris there are many instances to feel guilty about: Missing the daily Murli, Sleeping over Amrit Vela time, not making enough “effort”, eating food in a restaurant, having sexual thoughts, eating garlic or onions, and of course; to have sex. Every one of those “sins” will require some sort of “confession” from the “sinner” and a willful and determined intention, not to DO it again to be able to deserve redemption.

Basically, “if you want to play the game, you need to follow the rules. If you fail, demonstrate your remorse and you will have the opportunity to keep playing”.

Observe that there will be plenty of opportunities to “DO right from wrong”; Nevertheless, we will learn very well about feeling guilty. That emotion will linger even after the “training” is over.

Never mind that this is a “predestined Drama” and there are no mistakes in the Unlimited. Never mind that we are only “actors” portraying a role. Never mind, that this “mistake” will repeat again for eternity; guilt will be felt as the mind, the intellect and the sanskaras have been well trained to respond in a certain way.

That conditioning is extraordinary.

Every “mistake” is an opportunity to learn. Observe that every society, every religion will have their own rules as to what is permitted and what is not. Therefore, it is in our best interest to dissolve that useless emotion. That will take some inner work. That is the type of work that I refer to as necessary to liberate a conditioned mind.

Emotions will persist and they will entangle with other emotions which in turn will be weaving larger threads of psychological knots, which could be quite difficult to untie. To untangle each knot means a lesson learned in Life.

It is very easy to say: ” Don’t feel guilty”; but that is the failure of words and learned concepts, “knowledge” when we are dealing with our own psychology.

Nevertheless, in the OBSERVATION of how guilt arises and what it does, resides its own dissolution; for Life will show us the path. Without this careful observation, there is no rock to hold onto while falling in the abyss of guilt.

As guilt is a primary tool used in our society to condition individuals, it is important to realize that learning has its own sticker price, which will need to be paid in full. Thus, there is no need to add remorse and the emotion of unworthiness for the law of cause and effect makes sure to keep things in balance, until we learn.

Therefore, guilt is an infantile emotion. The type that a little dog learns to feel if it made a “mistake” inside the house, but unlike a human a being; that experience does not linger in a dog as a trauma. Something to learn from our “best friends.”

Brahma Kumaris is without a doubt a “school” (University) to learn the art of de-conditioning and conditioning. Those skills will prove necessary in our Life.

The flavor of personal experience aka “practice.”

I have full appreciation for the BK movement. For me, it was like my “elementary school” in “Spirituality.”
Many of the elements I was taught by the BK movement are still with me, those are part of my personality now. Those have helped me to understand “spirituality” beyond a simple concept to follow.

“Spirituality” is to learn to live Life harmoniously. We will need to learn to feel our balance. That is known as harmony.
Balance cannot be defined or described. It is not a concept. The world exists through balance. Some put things in, we label that as “good”. Others, will take away. We label that as “bad.” Nevertheless, when these movements are harmonious, there is balance.

The same is within.

Society will give a perspective of Life. We learn to compete, to “advance”, to “make our own future”, etc. It is like trying to obtain a comfortable position then, we think we have “arrived.” That view is typically taken to extremes and we see people out of balance. To harmonize this view of Life a counterpart is needed. We have been exposed to religious or “spiritual” views to gain that balance.
Nevertheless in those religious, “spiritual” teachings; we learned that we can “advance” as well, we can become “somebody.” India has been great in giving hierarchies to many “saints” in this respect. You have the swamis, the Paramahansas, the mahatmas etc. All those labels mean “achievement” to laymen. However, those achievements are not something to “have” like money, power or position in society. Those things are related with “being”, inner work rather than outer achievement.

Spirituality is not an achievement.” It is to outgrow limitations. Those limits are very personal.

A BK follower will need to be attentive to this; otherwise, what he will “practice” is only a sophisticated, subtle version of society’s teachings: Another way to achieve name and fame which may have meaning inside the BK institution, but otherwise meaningless in Life.

Society pulls one way. Religions pull another. Those “pulls” are typically seen as contradictory by intelligent individuals. How is it possible to talk about brotherhood, when there is continuous “back-stabbing” behaviors in society? We see continuous fights, wars at different levels. That contradiction will bring a dissonance in the minds of people. Dishonesty is the outcome. Guilt and shame will be the emotions to experience.
Talk one way, act in a different way. Neurosis.

The same principle holds true while embracing the BK movement. It is like a little society inside society. Any extreme will not bring harmony, balance.

Observe that any practice should have a particular “flavor” to be enjoyed. Without that “flavor”, things will turn bitter.
“As it is your food, so your mind,” it is said in the BK movement. Therefore, as long as there is “flavor” in a “practice”, we will be in balance. Once the flavor is gone, perhaps is time to change. Look for another “flavor”.

Have you read about the Life of Ramana Maharshi? Observe that he was honest with his own experience. He left society because he experienced a greater “flavor.” He wanted that. Observe some of his “followers.” They did not experience any type of flavor. They merely wanted to experience what Ramana had and thought that by following his “austerities”, they will experience the same. Truth is, Ramana did not follow any “austerities”. He only wanted to experience the flavor that he knew, without the worries of society. Thereby; he left society. Some label that “renunciate” although there wasn’t any type of renunciation on his part.
There is much to learn about that.

Be honest with your own experience. It may not be the one that is “supposed to be”, but it is yours at a particular time. That is the starting point. It may change later on.
Life is change, anyway. We only have to be “real” for change to be “real.”

Giving your bones for the Yagya

The Sakar Murli does a very good job in cheering up and even motivating the BK follower, into a particular behavior, a path.
However, extremes are known in its interpretation. A follower who is eager to belong, to be recognized or even to believe in earning a better place in the after life, will do what is necessary in his mind, to comply. Sometimes, compliance has been equated with taking his own life.

“Giving your bones to the Yagya” is such a bright example.
The “Yagya” is one of those words which every BK knows what it is, but no one could be specific about it. “The Yagya” is open to interpretation and thus, extremes.

The “sacrificial fire” ( as yagya is commonly translated) could be anything. However, it is important to notice that “sacrifice” of any kind does not add up to “spiritual enlightenment,” on the contrary, it is a sign of trouble, repression.
“Love” being the magic word, is not sacrifice.

“Love” is hard to understand when there is lack of experience. When someone is controlled by his own mind; the next best thing is “sacrifice.”

All I could share is that there is no ideal in the BK system which is worth for someone to sacrifice his own life.

Our lives are sacred. Ideals are only inventions of the mind.