The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) is a global spiritual movement focused on personal transformation and world renewal. Founded in the 1930s, it has grown into an international organization known for its unique leadership and focus on meditation.

Core Philosophy and Beliefs

The Brahma Kumaris teach a form of spirituality that distinguishes itself from traditional religion, focusing instead on universal spiritual principles:

• The Soul (Atman): They believe that every human being is a spiritual soul—a tiny point of light—residing in the center of the forehead. The body is merely a vehicle for the soul to express itself.
• The Supreme Soul (Paramatma): They refer to God as the "Supreme Soul" (often called Shiva), described as an incorporeal point of light who is the ocean of peace, love, and purity.
• Raja Yoga Meditation: This is their central practice. Unlike physical yoga, Raja Yoga is a mental practice of connecting the individual soul with the Supreme Soul to experience inner peace and clarity.
• World Cycles: Their theology includes a belief in a cyclical 5,000-year history consisting of four ages: Golden, Silver, Copper, and Iron (the current age of darkness or Kali Yuga).

History and Leadership

• Founder: The movement was founded by Lekhraj Kripalani (known as Brahma Baba), a successful diamond jeweler who had a series of spiritual visions in 1936.
• Women-Led: A defining feature is that it is the world’s largest spiritual organization led by women. Brahma Baba placed women in leadership roles from the start, a revolutionary move in 1930s India.
• Headquarters: While founded in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan), the international headquarters moved to Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India in 1950. The main campuses are known as Pandav Bhawan, Gyan Sarovar, and Shantivan.

Lifestyle and Practices

Practitioners, known as BKs, often follow a lifestyle designed to maintain "purity":

• Diet: They typically follow a sattvic (pure) vegetarian diet, which excludes meat, fish, eggs, and often onions and garlic.
• Celibacy: Committed members (both married and single) practice complete celibacy to focus their energy on spiritual growth.
• Early Rising: Many practice "Amrit Vela," a meditation held in the quiet hours between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
• Service: They are an active NGO at the United Nations, holding consultative status with ECOSOC and UNICEF, focusing on humanitarian and environmental projects.

Global Presence

Today, the organization has over 8,500 centers in more than 110 countries. Most centers offer free introductory courses on Raja Yoga meditation and stress management to the general public.