Criticism of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

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Splinter movements of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University have occurred, one of which is referred to by Dr. John Walliss as the Advance Party, elsewhere they are referred to the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris or PBKs [1]. He goes on to state that as Lekhraj Kirpalani's original message of separation, spiritual introversion and violent destruction becomes repackaged as the emergence of a New Age through self-understanding and self-development, this direction has caused discontent within certain segments of the Brahma Kumari movement. The most vocal of these being the "Advance Party" who offer a radicalised rendition of the original millenarian message.

The Advance Party are seen as a sectarian response to what they see as the increasingly worldly, and therefore corrupt, nature of the BKWSU manifest particularly through their UN and New Age orientation. They assert that the BKWSU has fallen from its original purity in the age of Kirpalani's influence to a state where the adulteration of the knowledge and subtle corruption is rampant and students are being exploited by the senior members. Walliss goes on to state that the PBKs claim that Shiva is now manifesting Himself through a different medium to correctly interpret the original teachings [2].

Contents

Controversies

Dr Walliss notes that while the BKWSU was, "originally a reclusive, world-rejecting organization, over the last 30 years the Brahma Kumaris have begun a campaign of active proselytizing and international growth. Thus, whilst still retaining its original millenarianism, currently within the West the organization promotes itself as part of the New Age movement and emphasizes ideas around the issues of self-development, empowerment and personal success". The Brahma Kumaris have issued a number of failed predictions of the end of the world whilst encouraging their followers to make efforts and donations on the basis of its proximity [3].

In one case, Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga meditation was made compulsory for factory workers by their employers.[4]

It was reported by the Mail on Sunday that the BKWSU has allegedly "used 'pernicious' methods to control its followers", the organisation being "notable for its sex ban". "Former members and the families of members have told me that (BKWSU) has driven a wedge between husband and wife," said Graham Baldwin a cult expert. "There have also been complaints that it encourages single women and widows to donate property and savings".[5][6]

Ian Howarth, of the Cult Information Centre also said, : "I have the same concerns about this group that I have about the Moonies. People have come to us complaining that some loved ones who have got involved with it have undergone personality changes and have become alienated from their families." Answering allegations that Brahma Kumaris has wrecked marriages because of its sex ban, a BK spokeswoman is quoted as saying: "This is very much a minority thing. In any organisation there are people who gain a huge amount and that is what you need to focus on." The paper said she declined to comment on allegations that it encourages followers to donate property and savings." [7].

Misandry

It is claimed by Brian Wilson, Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, that women control men in a complete role reversal. Women hold the highest spiritual positions while men serve in subordinate positions[8][9] and that women are primarily in the leadership and administrative roles [10] of the organization, a key reversal of traditional cultural structure of India.

References

  1. ^ http://www.shivbaba.org.pl/
  2. ^ [1]From World Rejection to Ambivalence:The development in Millenarianism in the Brahma Kumaris." by John Walliss. Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol.14,N 3, 1999
  3. ^ John Walliss, 'When prophecy fails: The Brahma Kumaris and the pursuit of the millennium/s'
  4. ^ What exactly is this organisation doing in Godrej? How did you get acquainted with this Company? I knew that there were some courses conducted by Mr. Brian Bacon, Management Consultant from Australia and his partner, Mr. Marc Fourcade from France, both followers of Brahma Kumaris. Influenced by the Brahma Kumaris, Fourcade conceptualised the Self Management and Leadership (SML) programme. We were also aware of another programme conducted at our Centre in London called Living Life Stress-Free. Brahma Kumaris soon realised that the style in which knowledge was imparted did not fit into the present scenario of professional companies. We had to target different groups in a different way. We had to teach in the executive language to the management guy. It is like old wine in a new bottle. At that time E.J. Kalwachia had visited our headquarters at Mount Abu and was quite impressed with the courses we had. He was aware of the case of Nagarjuna Fertilizers, whose Chairman, Mr. Raju, managed to turn the loss-making Company round by the SML programme. Raju brought the Brahma Kumari culture to Nagarjuna Fertilizers. He made a meditation center within the Company premises and made it compulsory for all workers to first meditate and then operate the machine. Sisters would come from Mt. Abu to give these SML lectures. [2]
  5. ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=426903&in_page_id=1770
  6. ^ http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1073280
  7. ^ http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23380710-details/PM's+wife+swops+best+friend+for+a+bisexual+Druid+priestess/article.do The PM's wife, the Druid priestess and the no-sex guru
  8. ^ "New Religious Movements: challenge and response" Edited by Bryan Wilson (Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford) and Jamie Creswell (Director of the Institute of Oriental Philosophy European Centre), Contributors Eileen Barker, James Beckford, Anthony Bradney, Colin Campbell, George Chryssies, Peter Clarke, Paul Heelas, Massimo Introvigne, Lawrence Lilliston, Godeon Melton, Elizabeth Puttick, Gary Sherpherd, Colin Slee, Frank Usarski and Bryan Wilson. 1999, ISBN 0-415-20049-0
  9. ^ "New Religious Movements" by Bryan Wilson, Reader Emeritus in Sociology at the University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, Jamie Cresswell, Director of the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, 199, ISBN 0415200490
  10. ^ "New Religious Movements: challenge and response" Edited by Bryan Wilson (Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford) and Jamie Creswell (Director of the Institute of Oriental Philosophy European Centre), Contributors Eileen Barker, James Beckford, Anthony Bradney, Colin Campbell, George Chryssies, Peter Clarke, Paul Heelas, Massimo Introvigne, Lawrence Lilliston, Godeon Melton, Elizabeth Puttick, Gary Sherpherd, Colin Slee, Frank Usarski and Bryan Wilson. 1999, ISBN 0-415-20049-0

Critical references

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