What is Brahma Kumaris? Is it a religious cult or a spiritual movement? How did a movement that began in the 1930s in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan), grow to have over a million followers and 5000 centres in 135 countries worldwide? What is the purpose of Brahma Kumaris? How do its followers view religion, and why do women hold key administrative positions within the organization?
In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, BK Shivani answers these questions. A practitioner and teacher of Rajyoga Meditation since 1996, BK Shivani is a well-known TV personality and the host of the show 'Awakening With Brahma Kumaris', which focuses on mental stress, happiness, and relationships.
She also shares her thoughts on Ram Rajya, Akhand Bharat, and parenting in this insightful conversation.
00:00 - Introduction
01:56 - How Brahma Kumaris Began
10:58 - Ram Rajya & Akhand Bharat
15:18 - The Role of Religion in People’s Lives
21:20 - Why BK Shivani Joined Brahma Kumaris
28:02 - Adopting Celibacy
30:28 - Why Do Brahma Kumaris Wear White Clothes?
35:37 - Rules of Celibacy
40:45 - How to End Violence and Crime
47:17 - Garbh Sanskar Explained
54:22 - Outside vs. Home-Cooked Food
56:46 - Attachment vs. Love
01:03:08 - Can You Always Think Right?
01:09:08 - Why Don’t Brahma Kumaris Eat Outside?
01:14:06 - Is the End of Kalyug Near?
01:16:09 - What Is Forgiveness?
01:23:57 - How Are Atheists Taught Spirituality?
01:29:58 - Do Issues Vary Between the Rich and the Poor?
01:32:15 - Holidays: Before vs. Now
01:38:51 - Can Anyone Change Someone’s Thinking?
01:43:28 - BK Shivani’s Thoughts on Crime and Violence
01:46:35 - Is There Any Role of Destiny in Life?
01:52:50 - Talking to a Loved One at Life’s Final Stage
02:07:38 - Live-In Relationships
02:09:02 - Substance Abuse
02:15:58 - Social Media
02:17:19 - The Joy of Missing Out
02:19:54 - Divorce
02:28:37 - News Debates
02:30:18 - Sex Education
02:34:46 - What Is Love?
02:37:42 - Stress
02:40:43 - Therapy
