Meditation: Krishnamurti, Osho, Ramana Maharshi and my experience

When I was in college, I met Krishnamurti through a book. After my Brahma Kumaris’ days; Krishnamurti took much of my interest of well known spiritual “teachers.” A few months ago, his teachings no longer resonated with me. How is that possible? Krishnamurti gave my mind “food” for thought. I could understand where he was coming from as what he was saying was my experience most of the time; but as “I” abandoned the mind and into the heart, Ramana Maharshi and Osho had significant impact to explain what “I” was going through.

I wasn’t looking for answers or new things to learn. I was looking without knowing, to read in their teachings my own experience. That is affirmation in some way.

If while in the Brahma Kumaris my main “goal” was to know God, Now it is to “know myself.” That is a big change isn’t it?

Not quite. I shall stop here with my experience because I could be misunderstood.

Krishnamurti mentioned that there was no method for Meditation. In fact, for him meditation was living.On the other hand, Osho taught methods for meditation. One must be “right,” right? and the other “wrong.” Who is “right”? Those who do not have any experience whatsoever in “meditation” (which I call contemplation) will look for the right answer through a bona fide “expert” and follow that in order to be “right.”

J. Krishnamurti wasn’t interested in followers. He shared about his experiences and realizations. Osho on the other hand, had many followers and he was guiding them. The issue is the audience.

As Osho later mentioned, there is no need for methods to meditate BUT for the “normal” individual, there is a need for methods for otherwise, it will be very difficult to experience meditation.

In fact, Osho had 112 methods for meditation which he mostly took from the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra (https://o-meditation.com/shivas-112-meditation-techniques-vigyan-bhairav-tantra/) a well known book which Osho used and explained those techniques (BTW, that website has very interesting material.)

As a matter of fact, the Brahma Kumaris meditation method is somehow related with techniques # 18,23 and 51. Check it out!

Why do most individuals need a method? Because they are living in the mind and “meditation” is awareness, consciousness outside of the mind. In other words, to experience it, the mind needs to be out of the way or very little of it.

I have shared that the first time I received a glimpse of it was in 2013. Now, it happens more often when I am not moving, but as Brahma Baba used to say: “Remember ME alone while walking and moving around.” That “ME,” to understand it…. is a matter of experience not belief. The same with the word “REMEMBER.” Why is that? Simply because to “REMEMBER” means to use the mind.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Is “meditation” an effort? Only until it happens, until it becomes “normal.”

What do you “gain” through it? 🙂 When we experience it, we will know. In the meantime, it can be used to gain “peace of mind” (as it is usually sold) for enlightenment, yoga, self-realization, to get a break from the rat race, for mindfulness, to listen to nice music, to sleep quickly, etc.

As Ramana Maharshi mentions, “…to know the self requires energy. ” If we are tired, sleepy, a busy bee… it will not happen, so if we want for that to happen…

Oh yeah! Who was right J. Krishnamurti or Osho? 🙂

The transition to “Brahma,” “is not like going to your auntie’s home.”

If the game of Life is represented by the passage of the first pure into the first impure, that is from Krishna into Vikram, (according to Brahma Kumaris’ philosophy) there is another passage with relevance for the one experiencing it and those close to that one as well. What is that ?

The passage from Lekhraj Kripalani into Brahma. That transition is the fulfillment of self-realization which I like to call “Life realization.” Within one life time, some individuals will be able to experience within themselves the “yes and the no,” the “yin and yang,” the “pure and the impure.” The importance is obvious, for that will be the first conscious role where the person knows the journey, the passage through his own experience.

Whereas from “pure to impure” is a matter of gradual unconsciousness, from “impure to pure” is the journey of awakening . There have been many self-realized individuals in history, some well-known and others little known; however, every single one of them had a “mission” for the common good. Every journey is unique. No copy cats allowed.

In our world filled with spiritual gurus, there is a great difference between a teacher and a master. Typically, the teacher merely passes information. He becomes a source of conditioning in one system or another. A master on the other hand, is about PRESENCE. He IS, therefore his presence is all that it is needed. He doesn’t teach but expresses in BEING what he IS. That in turn, changes others.

There are many stories about Brahma Baba given by those who lived close to him. It could be almost a magical experience for some. Those around him were touched. What some people felt at the time and the benefit that Brahma Baba’s PRESENCE gave them, cannot be understood by those away from that experience. Therefore, it is no longer what he says and the “wisdom of words,” what matters is his PRESENCE. What he IS can change others.

In this world there may be many people with sharp speaking abilities and great intelligence but they ARE NOT what they talk about. They lack the experience. Their knowledge is just information, something to entertain the mind. However, the words of those with the experience are able to pierce someone’s mind and heart. That is included in the magical gift of arriving into self-realization.

It is no longer “him” finding the “true path” through following some philosophy. What has happened is the miracle of Life itself uplifting the ones who are ready. Others may identify that help as God, Beings of light, extraterrestrial beings, angels, etc; for the arrival to light means that Life itself has protected that individual to be able to cross the path from his own darkness into the Universal light.

It is no longer “his” light, but light itself as he is one with Life.

The journey of Lekhraj into Brahma, is without a doubt the rewarding scene of going around the cycle of time. Yes, Krishna was “pure” and was born “pure.” Nothing special about it. On the other hand those experiencing “hell and heaven” within one life time in the journey of awakening, could perhaps share that “it is not like going to your auntie’s home.”

The issue of channeling Brahma Baba

It came to my attention that “BapDada” is no longer showing up in the “physical body” in Madhuban, due to Dadi Gulzar’s health .
I don’t know if this is a fact; but if it is; there could be potential changes in the way Brahma Kumaris will operate in the future.

Dadi Gulzar has been the “instrument” for this for many years already.
The voice of BapDada will change completely with another person being the channel. That will be the most obvious change. Also, I don’t know if Brahma Baba would agree to have another person for this, according to time. It requires a “unique” kind of person and the current circumstances of the BK world, may not call for that.
Definitely it will be an “issue” for the BK organization, for if the “pieces” are not moved correctly, it may foster distrust in current followers and potential followers.

To better understand the significance of the role of Dadi Gulzar, someone may need to experience or have a close understanding of what mediumship and channeling are. The explanation given through wikipedia or other second hand information, is not always complete. There is personal experience involved which is unique.
Nevertheless, the most important aspect is reliability of the message given by the messenger. How reliable is the connection? How reliable is the message given to others? Many times the words chosen by the medium (if it is not channeling) may not be the same ones “heard.” Is the medium in optimum mental and physical health?
There are many variables.

For the few who have a different “subtle” connection with Brahma Baba, not being able to “meet” BapDada “officially” in Madhuban; will not make a great difference.

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for the BK organization is the fact that Brahma Baba “selects” some individuals to communicate with, however; these individuals may not be part of the top administration or “seniors.” My sister was an example of that, and through that communication; I became a BK and now, I am writing these articles being read by many BKs worldwide; although I am away from the BK experience. There must be a connection, of course.

That is the way the “Drama” works. It connects the “dots” in unusual ways.
“Normal” people are good at labeling others based on what they can only see in front of their noses. Unable to see the “big picture,” thus a very incomplete way to assess or worse, to judge “reality.”
That is very human indeed.

The Brahma Kumaris organization will continue to evolve if it is to survive. New fresh followers will be needed who are waiting to taste that BK experience “according to Drama.” Nevertheless, problems may arise from the “old” ones who were instilled a somewhat different set of beliefs and practices.
From meeting BapDada personally to watching a video of a past “live” visit, will be all under the same umbrella of “Baba’s milan” so no one may think that they are missing out. The “power” of words.
That is just the way it works.

The value of Brahma Baba

As January 18 is an important day for Brahma Kumaris’ followers, I’d like to share what I consider important about the life of Brahma Baba for Bks and Non Bks alike.

Brahma Baba or Lekhraj Kripalani was a man who reached self-realization. It was his time.
No one can tell the exact moment, as self-realization does not depend on the perception of others as to how a self-realized being needs to behave.

Those who lived with him, may have never know about the process that he was going through. Those who experienced “miracles” attributed to his presence; may have strong feelings of devotion for him and believe that because they had experienced a “miracle,” then Brahma Baba was “very special” and them “chosen ones.”
Brahma Baba was unique but not “special.”

Brahma Baba was a source of inspiration to those who followed him, although he may not have been understood. The stories that are told about him may have been changed through time: Those who loved him, may have spiced up the stories. Those who didn’t love him, may have diminish the original stories. It is simple human math. At the end, to believe that “everyone will love a self -realized being” is a childish belief.

The value of Brahma Baba now is not in the second hand stories that we may hear, but there is value “NOW” for those who had the chance to interact with him at the subtle level, that is in his body of light. As he created the BK religion, he is now preserving it by contacting those who need to be contacted regardless of “seniority” or “years in gyan” or any such human sociopolitical beliefs.

It is important to know that Brahma Baba acts as a guide to help those who need it according to their destiny.
Brahma Kumaris for the masses, is a different aspect. It is the “beginners guide.” Every human being comes from different types of conditioning, traumas and experiences making it impossible to create a “formula” that will fit all. Brahma Kumaris for the masses offers an effort to accommodate everyone through a somehow clear cut system, thus there will be issues all the time.

A self-realized being does not know everything as what is told of ‘God.’ He is not a source of accurate data and information. A self-realized being IS empty of self. An Individual who is One with the Totality. Some may like to call that “God;” but labels do not matter to him but only to those who are not self-realized.
A Being of light will disclose the information that is necessary according to time and according to the person that he is guiding. Many times, humans will interpret that information with inaccuracies; however, even in that; there will be benefit as a being of light knows the future.

In contact with a Being of light or a self-realized being, the word “truth” has a totally different meaning from what we are conditioned to believe. It is no longer about literal words or accuracy in fortune telling, but about development of consciousness of those being guided.

Question: How are you going to “follow the father “ if you don’t know him?
Answer: It is not by DOING what we are told he did.
It is by BEING empty of self.

Joining the Brahma Kumaris

As far as I am concerned, a genuine “reason” why a seeker should join the Brahma Kumaris movement, is if that person had an experience with  Brahma Baba while alive or subtle Brahma after his passing.  Brahma Baba should be the one enrolling you, after all; Brahma Kumaris means “daughters of Brahma.” “Daughters” is not related with gender alone. This is related with female energy; thus a man could be enlisted as well.
The ones enlisted through other “reasons,” have other motives appealing to them, mostly to enhance their perception of self or for convenience; such as being the offspring of BK parents.

Typically, a person like that will not have the conviction to go through the path in “full force,” by giving his everything.
If someone was allured by the promise of finding God in Madhuban, that person may find out that his expectation to see/ know “God,” was the force that kept him in the BK movement. Once that person travels to Madhuban, he may be disappointed, if without any “special experiences.” That person may leave the BK world. If not, that person will stick around for other “reasons” that may be ego enhancers for him.

It may be that this person is a good salesman, he can pitch “knowledge” and convince others. He may be charismatic. He may have some social/ economical influence. He can open many centers and get the attention of the BK world. He can have some “status” as teacher or “in charge,” this person may have many abilities which are used by the BK movement, in the name of “god.” For someone who is a genuine seeker, all of that is of no consequence. Those skills may get the person a “good job” in our society, but do not translate into change of consciousness.

Nevertheless, many will go through the ranks without seeing the “real reason” as to why they are in the movement.
There are many stories as there are people, but remember that joining the Brahma Kumaris movement is not a “rational” decision. Those who have used reason alone, are not committed and they may be afraid at jumping at the pool  of the “unknown” and leaving everything they have built “through effort” in this society, as they crave for security in their lives.

Those who have joined the BK movement because they wanted to find something greater than themselves, went with the heart. But those who joined to enhance themselves (by being right, special, having nice friends, etc.) may fulfill their needs, but their consciousness will dwindle towards the path of mediocrity.

The above is how the label “numberwise” came into existence.
“Tell me how you joined, and will tell you who you ARE.”

Will take a couple of weeks off and resume writing on August 29th.

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.

Message 8: Imitation of Being of Lights.

A being of light (angel) has been seen to be made of white light.
A Brahma Kumaris follower, dresses in white.
A being of light is one with himself. Sexuality is not needed in that realm.
A Brahma Kumaris follower does not engage in sexual activity.
A being of light does not need to eat. However, they may be seen in scenes while eating.
A Brahma Kumaris follower believes that food needs to be “pure,” meaning; only prepared by followers following all (believed) standards of “purity.”
A being of light does not need to sleep.
A Brahma Kumaris follower is encouraged to sleep as little as possible. The example given is of Brahma Baba who could sleep only a couple hours a day.
A being of light is incorporeal. It is believed that God is incorporeal.
A Brahma Kumaris follower is taught to forget his body. That is their understanding of becoming “incorporeal” from “body conscious.”

Copying other beings does not make someone a being of light. When consciousness lacks, imitation is dangerous.

To deny who we ARE now to imitate what we ARE not, is to deny ourselves, our nature, Life. That is to deny the gift of being alive: BEING “Now.” We are human beings: Acknowledge it, experience it, become fully aware of it, for it has its own time.

The mind and its extremes in BK Life

One of the characteristics of a person being utilized by his own mind, is that he will go to extremes as part of his beliefs and ego needs.

Brahma Kumaris will offer that experience, but if we are not AWARE, we will miss the chance.
For instance, a follower who has believed in Brahma Kumaris for a long time and has invested resources to support his belief system, is going to “teach others” as he will believe that he is DOING good to others or that he is BECOMING someone “special.”

The ego needs a way to expand. “My beliefs are TRUE therefore, I am helping others who cannot see what I can.” This sort of grandiose is only showing ego. A person who is UNAWARE, will not notice such pretentious life. It is no longer about “self-realization” but to “self-realize others.”

Let us say that this person gets disappointed and leaves the BK system. More likely, if his ego is starving for recognition; he will go to the other extreme.
Now, he will preach “salvation” from the BK system.
Observe that this person is DOING exactly the same thing, but in opposite direction.
That is a DOING of the mind.

Most of the time the extreme is proportional. That is, the deeper we go on one side, the mind will go into the other at the same intensity.

Observe that Brahma Kumaris teachings are of no consequence for those who are AWARE. What matters is to observe “ME,” to observe how is it possible to believe on having the TRUTH just to go to the other side and deny it, but still saving face as a “SAVIOR” in both instances.

It goes something like this:
“I believe in BK teachings. I AM good because I spread them. A few years later: I don’t believe in BK teachings. I AM good because I am saving others from it.”

We are not aware of the dualistic mind.

Isn’t “self-realization” what “spiritual” seekers want?
How is it possible to pass the opportunity to observe their own mind?

The conditioning is great. As a BK, we see Life as “good or evil.” (duality.)
Out of the BK experience, still the same duality exists. The EGO perceives that “I was wrong,” so the way to make things “right” is to go against what was embraced before. I must redeem myself.

In “spirituality” there is no such a thing as “God realization.” But when “the others” is very important in our Life and our dependency is great; then “god realization” weighs more than “self-realization.”

Also, there is no such a thing as “DOING service.” You ARE therefore, that is what is serviceable or non-serviceable. To DO a recipe of things believing to be the “right” thing, despite not BEING congruent with that DOING, is lack of honesty.

Any follower who is expecting for words to show them “truth,” is kidding himself. If those words aren’t according to my experience, I am lying to myself.

The original teachings of Brahma Baba through his experience have been changed. There have been many people (leaders) putting their hands on these “teachings.” This is a frequent experience when regular people surround someone who is in the process of changing his consciousness at a different level. These followers are more concerned in spreading their “truth” and making it available to the masses, rather than learning themselves from that unique experience of witnessing someone closer, going through the process of self-realization.

So why Brahma Baba does not show up and take a stand against those BKs who are misinterpreting his teachings?

Brahma Baba had his chance to act. He did while “alive.” Now, others have the opportunity to act as well. This is not about “making things right.”
That is a human limited vision based on a strong conditioning. In the unlimited, it is about the experience that will be able to change consciousness. To allow everyone to “act” as they need to; for at the end of the game; we know that in fact it is a predestined game, and everything will be as it has to BE. What is “good”? What is “right”? Obviously what is happening in the Drama / Life. Therefore, nothing is “bad” or “wrong.”  Do we have the openness to consider this?  Many like to throw their human morality into the picture and then want to be self-realized at the same time!! This, does not mean either to be “immoral.”  Let us not go to the extreme of mental dualities. It just means to have acceptance, amplitude, “open mind,” to appreciate things beyond our narrow intellectual perception, our “black or white” illusion of a world full of color.
Therefore, OBSERVE your own game. Become AWARE of it… a “detached observer” of it.  

For the common good.

Misunderstood points in gyan: Numberwise

I will start a little series labeled as: Misunderstood points in gyan.
The purpose is to look at the same Murli point from a distinct perspective. This is necessary to have a deeper understanding of Brahma Kumaris gyan. Otherwise, a limited understanding means misinterpretation for Life and the Universe are greater than a particular perspective of a religion or ideology.

The typical way “numberwise” is interpreted in Brahma Kumaris is as follows: Every “soul” has a particular capacity, when compared with others, that will give a “soul” a particular ordinal number, a “ranking.”

In Brahma Kumaris, the most celebrated capacity is labeled as “purity.”
Therefore, Brahma Baba (founder) is considered number “1” in purity. As a consequence, Brahma Baba will be the first emperor of the “Golden age.” (Narayan I- Krishna.)
That is the belief.

In Brahma Kumaris, it is known that because Brahma Baba is the “first pure soul,” he will also be the “first impure.”

Note that the knowledge of polarity and duality is within that simple affirmation.
However, the “churning” will stop there, as it is convenient to demonstrate to a follower, the importance of “making effort” to become “number 1,” or rather close to that number.

As it is said in Brahma Kumaris: “Position 1 and 2 are already taken (Brahma Baba and Mama who will be Krishna and Radhe respectively) but the other numbers are available…”

That affirmation gave place to infantile games: The top 8 souls. Who is number 3, 4,5,6,7,8?
“Those souls will not get much “punishment” at the end,” it is said. “Punishment” is important for religions targeting beginners, in their seeking journey.
Those souls will be Narayan 3 to 8 in the Golden Age.
All of that is only entertainment for the mind, childish games and a little push for the ego to “become one of them.” It is easier to say “become #1” but this is not a matter of DOING things but on BEING it (embodiment) and that depends on where the individual is positioned, in his range of experiences in the cycle of time.

Of course, 8 was expanded to 16, 108, 1024, etc. the popular “rosary of victorious souls.”

In Life, numbers are non-existent. Thus, “Numberwise” cannot be. A “ranking” is a human belief which does not apply to Life. It is merely a “teaching tool” to give a mental carrot to a donkey, who is eager to become SOMEONE.

Observe that the “purity” of Brahma Kumaris “souls” are in direct proportion to their impurity. Following the belief, there cannot be a more impure soul than a Brahma Kumaris follower. 

We can also discover that by following the BK belief, Brahma Baba started the impure world, followed by BKs.
Why is the world “impure”? Because of BKs.
The “tamopradhan world” is the creation of BKs.
If this article is understood in its extent, it will be obvious to observe that anything that we believe to BE (pure, compassionate, angelic, etc.) it is certain that we have been or will be the opposite as well (impure, violent, evil, etc.) This is how the feeling of guilt started in our society. We want to pick one side of a coin only, knowing that it has 2.

In other words, there is the contrast in Life. There is duality; but there is no “numberwise.” That is a BK creation, which is necessary to enhance the sense of being “special;” but that is a necessary enhancing ego trip, to dissolve it.

For the common good.