THE BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL ORGANIZATION & IMAGES AND VOICES OF HOPE

Images impact the soul with lasting impressions
Voices are vehicles for meaning-making
Hope rises from the internal spring of possibility
  - Dadi Janki, Chief of Brahma Kumaris

At the heart of the Images and Voices of Hope conversations is a simple truth: our thoughts create the world. The Brahma Kumaris believe that what is most important about the IVOH conversations is the potential for real transformation through silence and reflection which are fundamental components of the IVOH dialogues. The Brahma Kumaris international network of centers organizes seminars, workshops, dialogues and conversations to provide people with spaces to voice their opinions on critical matters that impact their daily lives. The IVOH - BKWSO partnership is a collective effort to support members of the media, build community, enlighten the mind and nourish the spirit.

BKWSO SUPPORT TO IVOH

In 1998, the BKWSO worked in partnership with the Visions of a Better World Foundation and Case Western Reserve University to develop and convene a national conversation called "Images and Voices of Hope: A Question of Choice" in New York City.
The Brahma Kumaris' goal in supporting such an important initiative is the recognition that all human beings are endowed with conscience/reason and choice, and that active participation and collective wisdom are crucial to the process of sustained social progress. For this to happen it is necessary to create spaces for conversations among all sectors of the media and arts community, including the creators, disseminators, and consumers.

The outcome of this first conversation was encapsulated in one question: "What drew me to the media profession? The exploration of this question indicated the need for ongoing support to members of the media and arts community through reflective and appreciative practices to build inner capacity for generating a better future. 

From 1998 -2008, the BKWSO, with assistance from its international network of centers, provided funding, in-kind donations, and generous volunteer support for more than 50 IVOH conversations in 30 cities around the globe. BKSWO will continue to provide the practical support and cooperation that is currently being offered to IVOH for as long as needed. Perhaps even more important, the BKSWO has provided a reflective and spiritual component integral to IVOH programs.

The spiritual component offered to IVOH programs are: 1. Individuals who are media professionals and who experiment with the BK knowledge and practice in their personal life as well as the integration of the spiritual dimension in their work lend their experience and thought partnership in the development of the IVOH program; 2. Senior yogis of the BK community with 30 years and more of spiritual practice in the realm of the transformative properties of silent reflection and meditation are offered as spiritual resources to help the IVOH community explore the subtle dimension of silence and to tap into the spring of their inner resources; and 3. Safe spaces are opened for respectful and appreciative conversations.

Acknowledging IVOH's 501c3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt status, the BKWSO wishes to continue to offer its support to IVOH in the following ways:

• BKWSO will appoint, by October 2008 a liaison responsible for the BK/IVOH Relationship in the USA and worldwide.
• In order to support IVOH growth and expansion, the BKWSO will liaise with the recognized IVOH associate or focal point as well as encourage other supporting organizations and professionals in the media, to take leading roles and assist with resources where appropriate.
• BKWSO is willing to respond to requests to use their facilities within the USA and worldwide.
• If a BKWSO Center or member receives enquiries about IVOH, the enquiry will be referred to the recognised IVOH associate or focal point for the city, or to the BK/IVOH liaison.
• BKWSO may support, if requested, IVOH activities in countries where there are no authorised IVOH associations. The BK National Coordinators in those countries, as well as IVOH should be consulted. It must be ensured that the approach, methodology and spirit of IVOH are maintained, as well as the principles contained within the IVOH guidelines.
• If a BK Center is asked to use its local address as an official site for IVOH activities, this must be put to the BK National Coordinator or the National Board of Directors/Trusteess of the BK in that particular country for approval.
• If and when requested, BK members may provide spiritual guidance to IVOH participants. This would be regarded strictly as a BK activity, separate from IVOH. IVOH participants, activities, and mailing lists are not considered or approached as a means to disseminate BK teachings and practices.
• Traditionally the annual IVOH Global Summit is held at Peace Village in Haines Falls, NY. BKWSO will consider continuing to host it upon the request of IVOH.

BACKGROUND

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, USA
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization is a registered 501c3, not-for-profit entity in the USA. It is dedicated to personal transformation and the development of human values through the teachings and practice of Raja Yoga Meditation as expounded through the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in Mt. Abu, Rajasthan, India. The Brahma Kumaris recognize the intrinsic spirituality of every human being and offer a variety of educational programs on universal spiritual principles and practical spiritual skills.

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, International

Founded in India in 1937 by Prajapita Brahma, the BKWSU now has more than 8,500 branches and retreat centers in 105 countries. The Brahma Kumaris' spaces worldwide provide supportive and nurturing environments where individuals and professional groups can explore meditation and the application of spiritual values in daily life. Currently, there are an estimated 900,000 regular students seeking to strengthen their ability to live by their own higher nature and to improve their contribution to society through lifelong learning and reflective practices.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, headquartered in Mt. Abu, Rajasthan, India is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and in consultative status with UNICEF. It is also affiliated to the UN Department of Public Information.

Their special competence in the area of human and social values allows them to bring an ethical and spiritual approach to world concerns. In this capacity the BKs regularly work with the NGO committees and caucuses, specialized agencies, and government missions; and they actively participate through oral and written statements at UN conferences and meetings.