Remember to be a soul

In Baba’s yaad, remember ME alone, remember the Father, be soul conscious, become bodiless, to be in yoga with the Father, become a detached observer….

What all of those popular phrases in the BK dictionary have in common?
They are intended to point to the same thing.
What is that?
Awareness.
If I say “awareness of not to be the body” then I am destroying your ability to become AWARE by giving you something to negate, without your own inner discovery. Awareness does not negate or affirm.
It is not surprise that most BKs continually deny their own body and its needs, as a consequence of the popular: “I am a soul not a body.” Most BKs know what is a “body” thus they deny it believing that this is how they can reaffirm to be  a “soul”, but many have no idea or experience of what a “soul” is.

How is it possible to have so much misunderstanding?
Brahma Baba had an insight. He tried to put that in words. Those words were passed onto others, who did not have the experience. These “half-teachers” added, subtracted or interpreted the previous words before these were passed onto “quarter-teachers” who in turn, did their own “service” by adding further confusion, and then into the masses. That has happened to every organized religion through time.

When our AWARENESS increases, we will recognize our physical senses, then our body, then our mind, our emotions and what is not them….
I cannot add further words for it will be confusing to figure out with our minds, what is what Avyakt7-NG is trying to convey. However, this is not to be figured out. As the Murli mentions, it is about “practice” but as we progress, we will not need to remember to practice, that is only the “beginner’s 101 state” but AWARENESS IS, it will sink in. There is no need for “remembrance” when you ARE AWARE.
That is why, “remembrance” is not an accurate word, for that is of the mind, to bring back a memory to the mind. The mind is not consciousness, it is merely mind. True changes will happen in consciousness not in the mind.  Nevertheless, in the “beginner’s 101 class”, remember to practice… use your mind.

What is the difference between awareness and observation?
What is the difference between detached and bodiless?
Isn’t AWARENESS a quality of being detached? How could you be aware without detachment?

All those words point to the same thing.

Nevertheless, keep “remembering the point of light.” Visualize it. Talk to it. Visualize Brahma Baba’s face in the picture and believe THAT to be “remembrance”… to have found the “truth.”
It happened to me, thus; it is someone else’s turn. All good!   🙂

On Vegetarianism and Veganism

In Brahma Kumaris, there is a belief that some kind of food items are “pure”. Items which are not considered in their list, are considered “rajasic” or “tamasic” (that is middle and lower quality of value.)

In Brahma Kumaris to consume cows’ milk is considered “satopradhan” or “pure.” Milk is considered a “satvic” food in Hinduism even though its animal origin. However, eggs are considered “rajasic or tamasic” depending on your source of authority.
It is said that yogis believed that milk coming from a “happy cow” is good for humans. Of course, pasteurization made this “satvic” food into a problem. However, the belief on milk being “satvic” continued on. There is also the “problem” of fertilized eggs vs. non-fertilized eggs for those who want to eat “vegan” eggs.

Humans follow traditions but are unable to consider the changes that time will bring. What was “true” yesterday, may not be today.
A “happy cow” back then, may not be now. As much as we like to generalize ideas to make them fit into our philosophies, these usually do not fit “reality.”

Our minds keep on making distinctions, separating, labeling things and putting them into little boxes. That is how Veganism and Vegetarianism appeared. Originally the intention may have been for personal gain, to eat something beneficial for spiritual reasons, then; it changed into the ideal of “ahimsa” to protect animals from unnecessary suffering. Now, both ideals are somewhat close to socio-political movements. Their focus is to prevent animal cruelty in society. They believe that to be a priority, a matter of conviction, of morality, etc. The label then changed into Radical Veganism.

Nowadays, many may consider capitalism as a source of animal cruelty. Of course, ultimately it goes back to human beings who are “pushed by the systems into compliance to make a living.”

We humans are too many. Overpopulation is the source of many “problems.” The forces of the market (the haves vs. the have nots) benefit from this, but not our planet. Vegan movements may want to extend their view and consider the planet. Vegans would like to put their ideas to help animals in practice, however; other humans strongly disagree. How could they push their view? How to convince others?

Observe how the original yogi belief in eating healthy to keep the body well for meditation changed into a social movement of compassion fueled by our political conditioning and personal agendas.

The traditional “happy cow” may be a dream now. We need Scientists to tell us when a cow is happy. We have lost our ability to empathize.

A few weeks ago, I read an article suggesting that plants may feel pain. Scientists are working on that. Because a plant does not have a central nervous system, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they cannot sense distress or pain in their own way. People who are acquainted with plants, living with them, may be more knowledgeable about them but… we need “proof” from our beloved science, then we will believe although, it is blind faith for it will not be our personal experience.

What about if I dare to say that minerals, stones also have consciousness? That may be a far out thought of a crazy man! Let us wait for a scientist to take up the study.

Life and death are a reality in Life. In the wild animals will kill to survive. Humans do not have that need, but as our “science” is advancing, we may find out that all creatures on Earth living in duality will experience pain and pleasure in their own ways.
Humans have brought an element of egotistical nature that is non existent in the wild, in Nature.
What is that?
Exploitation. We exploit animals and now plants. The market offers “cruelty free products” to support those who became a new market segment. After all, it is all about profit.

Where am I going with this writing?
Nowhere. It is merely food for thought.
Adopting veganism doesn’t necessarily mean a change of consciousness, but someone who has experienced a change of consciousness will typically be vegetarian or vegan but he will not reject meat if necessary. That person will be beyond the pretty labels of Vegan, Vegetarian, Satvic, etc.
If all people were vegetarians / vegans then we will have an overpopulation of animals as they will have less space to live thanks to human growth. Great exploitation of plants could be a reality at that point.

Therefore, Life supports the vegan and the non-vegan, for both are necessary to keep a balance.
Let us remember that Life is not concerned in supporting human morality, what religions and philosophies taught us to be “right” but rather; Life is about balance, harmony.
Those trapped in the duality of “right and wrong” will not be able to understand this.

Dealing with politics inside BK

Every organized religion eventually will be run by ordinary individuals.
This means that all the conditioning learned in society will be applied into their “religious” or “spiritual” job.
It would be naive to believe that leaders or figureheads run the organization. Greater hierarchy, greater will be the interests of individuals going into different directions.
At the end of the game for an organization to survive, it will need funds, it will need name recognition and it will need strings to pull from “up above and below.”
This is just like any other organization.

A dedicated follower will need to discern between politics and the possibility of living a meaningful spiritual experience.
Basically, all that is learned in the BK as values, should be applied first when dealing within the organization.
A BK life is meant to be one of service, and for that is necessary to mingle with different individuals from all walks of life, even the political minded ones.

As mentioned before, the core of living a “spiritual” life is in expanding our consciousness. That means, to become aware of the inner workings of our minds, emotions and feelings. Every situation in Life, should measure those 3 aspects.

Typically, Avyakt7-NG ignores all aspects related with the perception of BK politics. After all, spirituality is not politics. It didn’t have any consequence to me while I was a BK. For instance, If a senior behaved in a certain way, or if she did something suspicious, or if someone acted against the principles; all of that did not mean anything to me. I wasn’t there for anyone but for my conviction that I found God and that I wanted to become an “angel.”
That ideal entails, the acceptance of human ways and the understanding that everyone has a right to perform their role in Life. That was a huge protection.

It is not my concern to “save” any individual from being misled by some political minded BK follower. I understand that Life has many ways to teach and that every experience has value in our lives. Others may feel different and that is fine too.

At the end of the day, joining an organization for “spiritual” reasons is not depending on the news or popular opinion. For me all depends on feeling if I belong there.

That sense of belonging is quite important, for it will give us identity and support during our journey.

Belonging to the “Father” does not relate with politics or wrong human behavior. It is a commitment to what we feel is true. It is to acknowledge our own experience and go with that.
That trust ultimately, is what will take us to a different “place.”

Brahma Kumaris Meditation

Out of all the practices that BK teaches, without a doubt, BK meditation is the one that I obtained greater practical benefit and the one that I would recommend.

“The power of vibrations” was only another tall story until I was able to experience that. It is to not only sit in a room and send “peaceful vibrations.” It is the power of BEING which already carries vibrations everywhere we go.
A particular room will have the vibes of those who inhabit it. That principle has helped me into my Life.

What it used to be to sit and “visualize ShivBaba”; now is to sit and think about nothing, except to feel myself, out of that nothingness, something from inside appears. That is to listen to myself.
I had good experiences with “god” or without “him”, which leads me to believe that it just depends how deeply we are into meditation.
Depth is a matter of feeling. Deep feelings means deeper experiences.
“Super sensuous joy” is the expression of a deep feeling. It is also known as the “inner smile.”

Sexuality also produces a similar sensation once the energy rises towards the forehead. That is when sex becomes another meditative state.

Meditation will take our consciousness to a different place, which brings moments of feeling elation, bliss and peace. It is hard to describe through words, what could only be known through our own experience, that is why; two people could use very different words to express yet, a similar experience, which in turn could be confusing for those only listening to the words, the description.

It does not matter how long someone could sit in meditation, if the mind wonders all the time affecting our ability to feel.
Someone could force himself to sit for 3 hours without moving a limb. That is a nice physical feat; however, the value resides in freeing ourselves from the games of the mind and to connect with oneself, Life, God or whoever we believe; through the force of the heart. That in BK is known as “yoga.”
Therefore, there is no yoga of the mind; when yoga; takes place in “no-mind.”

Learning “virtues” through the mind

One of the aspects that I remember in my experience as a BK, was the emphasis on learning “spiritual virtues” through the understanding of the mind.
For instance, before the BK experience; I used to behave with discipline. This is something that I learned through the practice of sports not through any kind of spiritual class. Others observed that I had “discipline.” That is how that word came into my experience. Then, “discipline” was part of the definition I had about myself.

There are 2 aspects to recognize once the mind is engaged with a definition.
First, was my inability to be flexible with “my discipline.” The definition I had about myself was so strong that did not allow me to change patterns according to the circumstance. In the long run, this “discipline” became a tyrant as flexibility wasn’t allowed. “Will power” was misused many times to force myself to DO things.
In the BK world, this scene was resolved through the use of yet another word: Love.
DO things with love. The ideal of the mind about doing things with “love” inflicted even further pain and discomfort, which was covered with the ideal of being “disciplined.” That brought acceptance of self-denial and the misunderstanding that this, was in fact love.

The second aspect is that this definition of myself as “disciplined” was one of the “virtues” I would use to describe myself. The typical question in BK retreats was: “Name 2 virtues which describe yourself.”
Obviously, discipline was there. “Myself” was enhanced with this label. “ I have discipline. I need to acquire other virtues.” It never came to my mind how the extension of this “good” word or virtue, could even hurt me.

Let us take a look at other “virtue” in the Bk world (Thanks to my sister Raysha for this.)
In the BK world, generosity; typically comes from the mind. BKs will “practice generosity.” That “practice” leads necessarily to comparison with others, since the mind compares in order to check if in fact, “I am generous now.”
As a consequence, this understanding of the mind of what generosity is; will bring greater ego in the BK follower. The “I am generous,” necessarily will find those who are not. “I am pure,” will necessarily compare with those who aren’t. Otherwise, how can I use that label to define myself as “improving”?

“I am generous, disciplined,” etc. only shows the extension of the ego.
When generosity comes from BEING, from the heart; that generosity cannot be defined. It cannot be put into words for others to “practice.”
“Dadi only has 3 sets of clothes.” If dadi uses that example to inflict the value of austerity onto others, that shows that this value enhances her perception of self. This austerity is used to enhance ego.

Avyakt7-NG understands that for beginners, there is a need to put words and definitions for everything. There is a need to label what is “good” from what is “bad.” However, if there is lack of depth; our “spiritual world” will be stuck in labels and practices. We will not be able to grow beyond the mind.
“Virtues” do not “work” by themselves. In Life, harmony and balance are way more important.

Discipline and flexibility are ONE. Without discipline, flexibility is self-indulgence. Without flexibility, discipline is tyranny. There is no “line” dividing both. There is no way for the mind to understand when to “use” one and not the other. It is a matter of feeling the balance and for that, we need to go away from the mind and its conditionings.

Brahma Kumaris knowledge denies the existence of a universal God

One of the paradoxical aspects of understanding Gyan deeply, is that the label known as “god” and associated with an all-powerful being who created the Universe and who is the cause of all effects, cannot exist in BK gyan.
Truly, Brahma Kumaris knowledge doesn’t allow for a universal “God.”

What is the main task of “god” according to Brahma Kumaris knowledge?
To give theoretical knowledge, known as “gyan.” Other than that, there is no use/need of “god” whatsoever.
For that reason, “yoga” came into existence: The connection to ”take away our sins.” However, that only works if we become BK followers. The main requisite then, is to be a BK follower to have access to this “God.” That is why, there cannot be a universal God in BK, who could be accessed by everyone.

By the way, this is the main issue with all religions believing in a “god.” It is THEIR god only.
Brahma Kumaris is using a universal label to depict a being that should be confined to the BK world. In India, the universal label “Shiva” was used to identify the BK God. That label has an impact there as Hindus will recognize it.
How is it possible to link Shiva (God) with Brahma Baba?
That became the task. It is a source of confusion for most BKs. In fact, most BKs do not know the differences between Shiva, Brahma, Dada Lekhraj, Subtle Brahma and BapDada. That confusion added mystery as no one could clearly pinpoint who is who. Not even the Murlis. It is all up to the word of the administration or just to err on the safe side, we could use the label “god” on every instance.
At the end of the day, none of that matters.

What matters is the message of this god.
A message is something that will touch every individual in a different way, for individuals will interpret the message according to their own experience. Thus, a literal interpretation of the message without considering the intended audience, the historical time, translation and degree of consciousness of the translator, could lead to many misinterpretations.

For instance, if a prospect BK now (2018) enjoys sex with his wife, if you tell him that ”sex is a sin” or some other colorful label depicted in Sakar Murlis, then if that person follows that “instruction,” without a doubt that person will be repressing sex. That is not good for him. He will not be honest with his own experience as he will THINK that following that direction will be best for him. If the direction is followed and the potential follower is unaware of the repression then inner struggle is sure to follow. Even a disease which will be labeled as “settling karma,” could occur. Thus, the BK system is helpful if we are aware of these inner dissonances. To discover that inner lie, is what is all about.

That label “God,” has been misused and misunderstood throughout history, but many have invested their wealth, their power, their own lives just to continue with the convenient illusion. That label is indeed controlling the collective mind.

The Sakar Murli mentioned: “ I am bound by the Drama.” [Shiva/God said that] And so are we. Above that ‘god,’ there is the Drama. Many BKS are completely unaware of this, even though they may hear the Murlis many times. Why is that? Because of their conditioning, not from the religion but from society and their learned beliefs. We come programmed with that to the BK world, so it is easy to accept a small deviation from the well known “truth” of  a “god.”

The avyakt Murlis have a more accurate label for BapDada, that is the “Father.” BapDada is the father of BKs.

Want to worship and LOVE something UNIVERSAL? Worship the “Drama.” However, let me take away that tasteless label, “Drama” and label things as they are: Worship LIFE.
LIFE is it. LIFE is as UNIVERSAL as a label could be. It is equally accessible to all.

The significance of mantras, practices and rituals.

Some “spiritual practices” rely on rituals to attempt to give a believer a particular experience.

We could send “rays of peace” or open our “third eye with the help of a crystal,” etc. All of that becomes part of the paraphernalia of spirituality or religious beliefs.

According to my experience, there are some practices that indeed offer some of the prescribed benefits, such as “opening the third eye,” and “the ability to send energy of peace,” however, unless the adept is ready for this, nothing will happen.

If Joe Doe sits for meditation for the first time, that becomes a beginning of his path. Because he is asked to send “rays of peace to the world,” that may not happen; but still is beneficial for Joe, as he has never thought that this could be possible. Up to that point, he only knew that cutting a check for some tax exempt institution in the name of “peace,” is the way to “help” the world. Now he knows something new.

What is important to observe, is that “spiritual experiences” will happen according to the readiness of the seeker. If that person is more in tune with subtle energies, an “experience” is likely.
Nevertheless, those experiences are only natural consequences of BEING. Most “normal” seekers are constantly looking for them even though, they are not ready. Having “experiences” is not an indication of the degree of spiritual evolvement of someone.

For instance, Brahma Baba was a self -realized being at the end of his corporeal Life. He had done many “practices” which were copied by subsequent followers. Their thought (followers) was that by copying what he had done, then a similar effect will be experienced by them.
It doesn’t work that way.
Nevertheless, those practices in time became “mantras,” “rituals,” and considered “divine activities.” Followers made up those things based on their limited and conditioned understanding of Life.

How do “I” become ready?
By forgetting about that idea. To DO something for a “purpose” is what we have been conditioned to believe. A different consciousness, does not happen because “I” want, but because “I” deserve. That is why, methods, practices and rituals have no meaning for a person who is experiencing the process of self-realization, but for those who don’t, there is meaning and benefit.

A ritual, mantra, meditation or method are positive ways to give an incentive to a seeker, a discipline to follow, even though the “higher goal”(whatever it is) will not be achieved through those things. At the same time, those things are not important for those who are already experiencing a different consciousness. It is all relative and paradoxical depending on where you ARE in Life.

Finding your “spiritual” path

There are no religions in the World holding the “truth.” There are no religions in the world with exclusivity of “God.”
The above statement is the outcome of my journey, a new consciousness. That consciousness is not my own making. It happened because it was my time. There is no other “reason” beyond that.

What I share, needs to be found by yourself. “Truth” is not a matter of belief or repetition of ideas. No matter who the authority is behind “enlightened” words, truth cannot be found there.

There is no religion nor society who could quench the need of the egotistical person to have things under control. Security of salvation or a “high status” in the afterlife is part of a childish game to keep followers under control. Paradoxically, the one who looks to control, is the one controlled.

According to our society, a Life without “achievements” is a worthless life. Nevertheless, a Life without popularity and recognition of “achievements,” is suitable for inner observation when our consciousness is able to feel a connection with everything. Without this connection, an individual will only follow yet another idea, practice or “method,” hoping that his goal of “self-realization” or to be “better” could be “achieved.”  “Spirituality” (The art of living Life in harmony) is not an achievement but a consequence. It happens. It is not “done.”

No one has the “only true path” for every person is different.
Become aware of your uniqueness, then your path will find you.
We do not find our path. We slide into it.

“Spirituality” through reading and memorizing

Avyakt7-NG is sharing that “spirituality” is not obtained by reading and applying concepts into our daily Life.
That is only a good exercise for our mind. Nothing else.
That traditional way of “learning” is only a conditioning given by our society. We could learn through that method what is needed to do well in a profession or a trade but not in change of CONSCIOUSNESS.

“Spirituality” is the ART of BEING in harmony within and without. That cannot be taught through books, conferences, on-line classes, holy words of God, etc.

Nevertheless, anyone following that path of “reading,” is a beginner in the journey and needs to be respected as such. Books/ holy scriptures are “good” but not necessary.
Beyond “reading” and interpretation of concepts, there is OBSERVATION and ASSIMILATION of Life EXPERIENCES. Growth is through them.
What do “I” OBSERVE? “MY” interaction. What “buttons” have been pushed. My feelings surfacing. My rejection. My beliefs. All of that is what makes up my “I.” All of that is continuously challenged by Life changes. The “I” will fight to maintain itself despite the obvious changes.

Paradoxically, the environment is a reflection of that “I.”  It will show our traumas, our rejections, our beliefs, etc. But the “I” will not recognize them as such, but it will create a struggle, a fight to conquer what is out there. It is like a dog biting its own tail.

Empty, open, grateful to Life… Those are the ingredients to understand without understanding.
Thus, ‘true’ understanding.

Message 12: The tale of Dharam Raj

“Dharam raj judges our actions. If we don’t get “mukti” (salvation) in Life, then Dharam Raj will judge us and punish us based on the actions we performed in Life. Dharam Raj works for God. God created this game. We got to beat Dharam Raj by realizing God and becoming Brahm giani…”

The above paraphrase of an article; reveals a childish understanding of Life. Sort of: “If you don’t eat your broccoli like a good kid, then the cookie monster will come and eat you.”

How could “you” be “judged” in an eternally predestined “Drama”?
The eternal game of judges, prosecutors and defendants, is only a game. Just like playing tic tac toe.

“Judgment” of Dharam Raj is only concerned on performed “actions.” It is DOING over BEING. That “method” is the seed of all sorts of inner dishonesty, repression and rejection, for we will only DO out of convenience. That increases ego. Look out for #1.

It is amazing that this “convenience” is only a belief which none of us will be able to verify by ourselves. Nevertheless, it is an important tool for religions and societies to “shape up” followers.