The Inner WaveThe Inner WaveNews, insights and experiences from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)

Issue 9: Jan /Feb 2010

Welcome to the Inner Wave. Happiness can be as elusive as it is universally coveted. How can we, no matter what our situation may be,

make our lives more constantly happy? We hope to provide some practical answers here.

Editorial Team

© Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) teaches Raja Yoga as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive approach to life.

For more information about our activities around the UK, please see www.bkwsu.org/uk Registered Charity in England & Wales (269971) and Scotland (SC040512)

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What’sInside...

The last ten years have been constant change

for me: finishing school, leaving home and

then the daunting prospect of finding my way

in the ‘real world. Many personal and profes-

sional challenges came my way and I was

looking for a method to deal with them. I

came across the Brahma Kumaris through

their talk show on the Aastha International TV

Channel. What struck me was the practicality

of the discussions, which provided insights

into how to deal effectively with everyday

situations. Inner Space, which has recently

opened on Glasgow’s busy High Street, has

proven a valuable resource.

I’ve had a number of philosophical questions

for a long time, but I’m finding a greater level

of contentment by going deeper into under-

standing who I really am. Meditation helps me

to realise my true nature as a peaceful and

powerful being and it’s having a very positive

impact on my ability to be a good person and

a good doctor. Work can be very challenging

– dealing with difficult situations and making

decisions under pressure. It’s important for

me to approach clinical problems with a clear

mind, remaining calm and getting on well

Tobago: Youth leaders from across the Commonwealth, including Brahma Kumaris youth representatives, discussing Youth Involvement in Decision-making at the 7th Commonwealth Youth Forum, Trinidad & Tobago, in November 2009.

Australia: Thousands of people arriving at The Parliament of theWorld’s Religions in Melbourne wrote messages of support and hope to the world leaders attending COP15 in Copenhagen in a 120 metre long

‘Great Letter’, organised by Brahma Kumaris (Australia) in December 2009.

with everyone. It helps avoid unnecessary

anxiety and stress. It’s something that has

improved greatly through practicing medita-

tion – and it’s changed my outlook on life.

I’m more positive and energetic. I meditate in

the morning and at night, and take pauses

throughout the day. I reflect on how I’m

handling different situations and am learning

to respond better to them. My family and

friends have certainly appreciated the

benefits! For me it’s an ongoing process of

spiritual self-discovery. It sounds like such a

simple thing, but it’s something I’m so glad

I’ve found.

Dr Ashutosh Deshpande is a junior doctor in general medicine in Glasgow and a student of Raja Yoga meditation.

Learn to meditateFor information about free Raja Yoga meditation courses around the UK: www.bkwsu.org/uk/uk/whatwedo/courses

Visit our online TV channel Watch videos of interviews, lectures and other Brahma Kumaris events (mostly in English) around the UK www.BrahmaKumarisUK.blip.tv

Join our mailing listSign up to receive The Inner Wave, Thought for the Day or events in your area by email at

www.bkwsu.org/uk/mailing_lists

In My Life Dr Ashutosh Deshpande

‘How to have a happier, more peaceful life?’ is one of the most frequently-asked questions

of our time. We have material comforts, yet

true peace still eludes us. On this theme, Dadi

Janki recently shared her wisdom in London,

delivered with her inimitable humour and

grace.

Dadi explained that if we have peace and

happiness, we have everything. In her own life

she has found that tolerance and patience

automatically lead to love and happiness,

based on inner peace, acceptance and under-

standing.

She described how possessiveness leads to

unhappiness, because we have expectations

of our partners, children and family, and, if

they don’t do what we expect, we are discon-

tented. So, to have better relationships, we

must first give love in order to receive it.

Dadi further guided us to be content with our

situation and bless it; never say anything to

hurt anyone; show mercy, love and honesty;

and keep ourselves in a state of inner peace.

Her words confirmed my own experience of

finding peaceful happiness inside when I take

time in stillness to reflect. I’ve discovered that

what is within us remains ours forever,

whereas outside things, like money or

possessions, can disappear.

A merciful, honest heart will give peace and

bring blessings to others without any need to

preach – we can then be ‘Virtues and Values

in Action’

Dadi Janki is Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris.

Christine Miller is a publisher, author and poet and Founder Editor of ReSource Magazine www.resourcemagazine.co.uk. She recently founded the ReSource Foundation dedicated to human development and beneficial change for people and planet www.resourcefoundation.org.uk.

How to be HappyChristine Miller

Dadi Janki’s visit to the UK in January 2010

included eight public engagements - in Oxford,

Shoreham-by-Sea and various Greater London

locations - as well as meetings with many

groups and individuals. Christine Miller

captured some of Dadi’s thoughts on

happiness for The Inner Wave.

“ I reflect on how I’m handling different situations and am

learning to respond better to them.” “ I’ve discovered that

what is within us remains ours forever, whereas

outside things, like money or possessions,

can disappear.”

Next issue: Dealing with Conflict

“ The fewer desires you have, the happier you

will be.

”

United Arab Emirates: Dadi Janki presents a memento to His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, CEO of Al Ihsaan Charity Centre, at an event organised by the Raja Yoga Center, Dubai, entitled Wisdom and Will Power on 23rd December 2009 at Dubai’s Sheikh Rashid Auditorium.

Denmark: Brahma Kumaris’ European Director Sister Jayanti at a press

conference entitled Spirit and Science in Agreement on the Climate Crisis at COP15, the

UN Climate Change Conference, in December 2009. An interview with Sister Jayanti on

Climate Change TV is at: www.brahmakumaris.dk/webtv

The Science of HappinessDr Prashant Kakoday

Inner Space, Glasgow opens “ I reflect on how

I’m handling different situations and am learning to respond better

to them.

”

In My LifeDr Ashutosh Deshpande

Dr Ashutosh Deshpande

page 2 page 3 page 4

Dadi Janki sharing her thoughts about The Power and Protection of Good Wishes at an intimate gathering of around 140 people, with Sister Manda translating, at

The Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea on 13th January 2010.

Christine Miller

½ cup olive oil

½ cup milk/soya milk

Juice of 1 lemon

Pinch of salt

Mustard and/or asafoetida to taste

(optional)

1. Blend together the olive oil and milk, using a hand blender

2. Add lemon juice in very small amounts to the mixture and continue mixing with the blender. Stop adding lemon juice when the required consistency is achieved

3. Take care that the mayonnaise does not turn runny. If it becomes runny, add a little oil

4. Add salt and mustard and/or asafoetida to taste and serve

From Pure & Simple – Cooking for a Busy Lifestyle, available from www.bkpublications.com

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RECIPE: Egg-free MayonnaiseYour Feedback on The Inner Wave The Inner Wave has been going for over a year now and we've really appreciated receiving your comments about it – what you like, what you don’t, and what you’d like to see more of.  In order to keep improving, we’ve designed a very short and simple online survey for our readers to give their feedback at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZJZ7LJ3

We would be very grateful if you would take five minutes to complete it by 31st March 2010.

If you are not able to give us your comments through the online survey, we welcome them either by email or letter at the address below.  Thank you.

Media Dept, BKWSU (UK)Global Co-operation House65-69 Pound LaneLondon NW10 2HH

newsletter@uk.bkwsu.org

“ The fewer desires

you have, the happier

you will be.”

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said:

"Happiness is the meaning and purpose of

life, the whole aim and end of human

existence." Scientists today have also begun

to recognise its importance. So, what can

science tell us about happiness? 

Many observations are contrary to commonly

held beliefs. For example, wealth beyond a

certain basic minimum doesn’t lead to happi-

ness.  In fact, it’s been found that the happiest

are those who’ve discovered their own

strengths and virtues and use them for the

greater good.

Studies show a significant link between good

works and psychological wellbeing.

Motivated volunteers are happier, regardless

of personal circumstances. The link between

exercise and happiness is also recognised. In

some studies, regular exercise was shown to

be just as effective as anti-depressants.

There are also some insights into the chemis-

try of happiness.  Serotonin, a neurotransmit-

ter, plays a major role in our experience of

happiness - high levels of it within the

synapses are associated with a feeling of

wellbeing. Conversely, most people with

depression have low serotonin levels. If we

artificially raise the level of seratonin, the

body responds by lowering its natural

So is there a formula for happiness? May I

suggest:

The fewer desires you have, the happier you

will be.  Having the right information (truth)

leads to contentment. Having the right under-

standing of the self, our purpose, our origins

and our true relationships should free us from

the cycles of boom and bust and lead society

to that ultimate happiness.

Dr Prashant Kakoday is a medical doctor,

who has been studying Raja Yoga meditation

for over 20 years. He co-ordinates Brahma

Kumaris activities in Cambridge and lectures

around the world on topics ranging from

science and consciousness to the holistic

principles of life and health.

production. As a result, the ‘resting level’

goes down – when the external boost wears

off.

Things like coffee, chocolates and cigarettes

all artificially raise serotonin but with long

term ‘boom and bust’ results. The same can

happen with TV, Internet, sex, music, alcohol

and violence. A lack of serotonin leads to a

loss of self-control and increases negative

feelings like anger. By rediscovering our inner

source of happiness and freeing ourselves

from even one main dependency, we can

begin to raise our own serotonin levels. 

Studies show that for many, one key relation-

ship in life is often the key source of happi-

ness. On the other hand, broken relationships

are the biggest cause of unhappiness. As

with other dependencies, we can use another

person like a drug: our serotonin level

becomes linked to the presence or absence

of that person.

The Science of HappinessDr Prashant Kakoday

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My heart is full and open. Flowing with pure

feelings and good wishes for everyone, I follow my

spontaneous instinct to give and I am truly happy.

From Self Mastery Cards – Self Empowerment and

Self Management in Stressful and Changing Times,

available from www.bkpublications.com

Joy of Being:a Meditation

The A-Z of Spiritual LivingG is for Generosity

Inner Space, Glasgow Glasgow’s new Meditation and Personal Development Centre was officially

opened by Sister Jayanti, European Director of the Brahma Kumaris, on 29th

January 2010. Addressing the 100 people who had packed into Inner Space,

Sister Jayanti said, “This is a beautiful setting to allow people to experience the

journey within. If a space is clean and beautiful, you are happy to spend a few

hours there. We can make our inner world like that. If we learn to create

contentment within, that is expressed in lightness, forgiveness and love.”

Inner Space, Glasgow offers a variety courses and talks free of charge, serving

as an introduction to personal growth and spirituality in daily life.

See also In My Life - page 4

Inner Space, 277 High Street, Glasgow, G4 0QS 0141 552 7446

www.innerspace.org/glasgow

½ cup olive oil

½ cup milk/soya milk

Juice of 1 lemon

Pinch of salt

Mustard and/or asafoetida to taste

(optional)

1. Blend together the olive oil and milk, using a hand blender

2. Add lemon juice in very small amounts to the mixture and continue mixing with the blender. Stop adding lemon juice when the required consistency is achieved

3. Take care that the mayonnaise does not turn runny. If it becomes runny, add a little oil

4. Add salt and mustard and/or asafoetida to taste and serve

From Pure & Simple – Cooking for a Busy Lifestyle, available from www.bkpublications.com

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RECIPE: Egg-free MayonnaiseYour Feedback on The Inner Wave The Inner Wave has been going for over a year now and we've really appreciated receiving your comments about it – what you like, what you don’t, and what you’d like to see more of.  In order to keep improving, we’ve designed a very short and simple online survey for our readers to give their feedback at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZJZ7LJ3

We would be very grateful if you would take five minutes to complete it by 31st March 2010.

If you are not able to give us your comments through the online survey, we welcome them either by email or letter at the address below.  Thank you.

Media Dept, BKWSU (UK)Global Co-operation House65-69 Pound LaneLondon NW10 2HH

newsletter@uk.bkwsu.org

“ The fewer desires

you have, the happier

you will be.”

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said:

"Happiness is the meaning and purpose of

life, the whole aim and end of human

existence." Scientists today have also begun

to recognise its importance. So, what can

science tell us about happiness? 

Many observations are contrary to commonly

held beliefs. For example, wealth beyond a

certain basic minimum doesn’t lead to happi-

ness.  In fact, it’s been found that the happiest

are those who’ve discovered their own

strengths and virtues and use them for the

greater good.

Studies show a significant link between good

works and psychological wellbeing.

Motivated volunteers are happier, regardless

of personal circumstances. The link between

exercise and happiness is also recognised. In

some studies, regular exercise was shown to

be just as effective as anti-depressants.

There are also some insights into the chemis-

try of happiness.  Serotonin, a neurotransmit-

ter, plays a major role in our experience of

happiness - high levels of it within the

synapses are associated with a feeling of

wellbeing. Conversely, most people with

depression have low serotonin levels. If we

artificially raise the level of seratonin, the

body responds by lowering its natural

So is there a formula for happiness? May I

suggest:

The fewer desires you have, the happier you

will be.  Having the right information (truth)

leads to contentment. Having the right under-

standing of the self, our purpose, our origins

and our true relationships should free us from

the cycles of boom and bust and lead society

to that ultimate happiness.

Dr Prashant Kakoday is a medical doctor,

who has been studying Raja Yoga meditation

for over 20 years. He co-ordinates Brahma

Kumaris activities in Cambridge and lectures

around the world on topics ranging from

science and consciousness to the holistic

principles of life and health.

production. As a result, the ‘resting level’

goes down – when the external boost wears

off.

Things like coffee, chocolates and cigarettes

all artificially raise serotonin but with long

term ‘boom and bust’ results. The same can

happen with TV, Internet, sex, music, alcohol

and violence. A lack of serotonin leads to a

loss of self-control and increases negative

feelings like anger. By rediscovering our inner

source of happiness and freeing ourselves

from even one main dependency, we can

begin to raise our own serotonin levels. 

Studies show that for many, one key relation-

ship in life is often the key source of happi-

ness. On the other hand, broken relationships

are the biggest cause of unhappiness. As

with other dependencies, we can use another

person like a drug: our serotonin level

becomes linked to the presence or absence

of that person.

The Science of HappinessDr Prashant Kakoday

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My heart is full and open. Flowing with pure

feelings and good wishes for everyone, I follow my

spontaneous instinct to give and I am truly happy.

From Self Mastery Cards – Self Empowerment and

Self Management in Stressful and Changing Times,

available from www.bkpublications.com

Joy of Being:a Meditation

The A-Z of Spiritual LivingG is for Generosity

Inner Space, Glasgow Glasgow’s new Meditation and Personal Development Centre was officially

opened by Sister Jayanti, European Director of the Brahma Kumaris, on 29th

January 2010. Addressing the 100 people who had packed into Inner Space,

Sister Jayanti said, “This is a beautiful setting to allow people to experience the

journey within. If a space is clean and beautiful, you are happy to spend a few

hours there. We can make our inner world like that. If we learn to create

contentment within, that is expressed in lightness, forgiveness and love.”

Inner Space, Glasgow offers a variety courses and talks free of charge, serving

as an introduction to personal growth and spirituality in daily life.

See also In My Life - page 4

Inner Space, 277 High Street, Glasgow, G4 0QS 0141 552 7446

www.innerspace.org/glasgow

The Inner WaveThe Inner WaveNews, insights and experiences from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)

Issue 9: Jan /Feb 2010

Welcome to the Inner Wave. Happiness can be as elusive as it is universally coveted. How can we, no matter what our situation may be,

make our lives more constantly happy? We hope to provide some practical answers here.

Editorial Team

© Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) teaches Raja Yoga as a way of experiencing peace of mind and a positive approach to life.

For more information about our activities around the UK, please see www.bkwsu.org/uk Registered Charity in England & Wales (269971) and Scotland (SC040512)

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What’sInside...

The last ten years have been constant change

for me: finishing school, leaving home and

then the daunting prospect of finding my way

in the ‘real world. Many personal and profes-

sional challenges came my way and I was

looking for a method to deal with them. I

came across the Brahma Kumaris through

their talk show on the Aastha International TV

Channel. What struck me was the practicality

of the discussions, which provided insights

into how to deal effectively with everyday

situations. Inner Space, which has recently

opened on Glasgow’s busy High Street, has

proven a valuable resource.

I’ve had a number of philosophical questions

for a long time, but I’m finding a greater level

of contentment by going deeper into under-

standing who I really am. Meditation helps me

to realise my true nature as a peaceful and

powerful being and it’s having a very positive

impact on my ability to be a good person and

a good doctor. Work can be very challenging

– dealing with difficult situations and making

decisions under pressure. It’s important for

me to approach clinical problems with a clear

mind, remaining calm and getting on well

Tobago: Youth leaders from across the Commonwealth, including Brahma Kumaris youth representatives, discussing Youth Involvement in Decision-making at the 7th Commonwealth Youth Forum, Trinidad & Tobago, in November 2009.

Australia: Thousands of people arriving at The Parliament of theWorld’s Religions in Melbourne wrote messages of support and hope to the world leaders attending COP15 in Copenhagen in a 120 metre long

‘Great Letter’, organised by Brahma Kumaris (Australia) in December 2009.

with everyone. It helps avoid unnecessary

anxiety and stress. It’s something that has

improved greatly through practicing medita-

tion – and it’s changed my outlook on life.

I’m more positive and energetic. I meditate in

the morning and at night, and take pauses

throughout the day. I reflect on how I’m

handling different situations and am learning

to respond better to them. My family and

friends have certainly appreciated the

benefits! For me it’s an ongoing process of

spiritual self-discovery. It sounds like such a

simple thing, but it’s something I’m so glad

I’ve found.

Dr Ashutosh Deshpande is a junior doctor in general medicine in Glasgow and a student of Raja Yoga meditation.

Learn to meditateFor information about free Raja Yoga meditation courses around the UK: www.bkwsu.org/uk/uk/whatwedo/courses

Visit our online TV channel Watch videos of interviews, lectures and other Brahma Kumaris events (mostly in English) around the UK www.BrahmaKumarisUK.blip.tv

Join our mailing listSign up to receive The Inner Wave, Thought for the Day or events in your area by email at

www.bkwsu.org/uk/mailing_lists

In My Life Dr Ashutosh Deshpande

‘How to have a happier, more peaceful life?’ is one of the most frequently-asked questions

of our time. We have material comforts, yet

true peace still eludes us. On this theme, Dadi

Janki recently shared her wisdom in London,

delivered with her inimitable humour and

grace.

Dadi explained that if we have peace and

happiness, we have everything. In her own life

she has found that tolerance and patience

automatically lead to love and happiness,

based on inner peace, acceptance and under-

standing.

She described how possessiveness leads to

unhappiness, because we have expectations

of our partners, children and family, and, if

they don’t do what we expect, we are discon-

tented. So, to have better relationships, we

must first give love in order to receive it.

Dadi further guided us to be content with our

situation and bless it; never say anything to

hurt anyone; show mercy, love and honesty;

and keep ourselves in a state of inner peace.

Her words confirmed my own experience of

finding peaceful happiness inside when I take

time in stillness to reflect. I’ve discovered that

what is within us remains ours forever,

whereas outside things, like money or

possessions, can disappear.

A merciful, honest heart will give peace and

bring blessings to others without any need to

preach – we can then be ‘Virtues and Values

in Action’

Dadi Janki is Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris.

Christine Miller is a publisher, author and poet and Founder Editor of ReSource Magazine www.resourcemagazine.co.uk. She recently founded the ReSource Foundation dedicated to human development and beneficial change for people and planet www.resourcefoundation.org.uk.

How to be HappyChristine Miller

Dadi Janki’s visit to the UK in January 2010

included eight public engagements - in Oxford,

Shoreham-by-Sea and various Greater London

locations - as well as meetings with many

groups and individuals. Christine Miller

captured some of Dadi’s thoughts on

happiness for The Inner Wave.

“ I reflect on how I’m handling different situations and am

learning to respond better to them.” “ I’ve discovered that

what is within us remains ours forever, whereas

outside things, like money or possessions,

can disappear.”

Next issue: Dealing with Conflict

“ The fewer desires you have, the happier you

will be.

”

United Arab Emirates: Dadi Janki presents a memento to His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, CEO of Al Ihsaan Charity Centre, at an event organised by the Raja Yoga Center, Dubai, entitled Wisdom and Will Power on 23rd December 2009 at Dubai’s Sheikh Rashid Auditorium.

Denmark: Brahma Kumaris’ European Director Sister Jayanti at a press

conference entitled Spirit and Science in Agreement on the Climate Crisis at COP15, the

UN Climate Change Conference, in December 2009. An interview with Sister Jayanti on

Climate Change TV is at: www.brahmakumaris.dk/webtv

The Science of HappinessDr Prashant Kakoday

Inner Space, Glasgow opens “ I reflect on how

I’m handling different situations and am learning to respond better

to them.

”

In My LifeDr Ashutosh Deshpande

Dr Ashutosh Deshpande

page 2 page 3 page 4

Dadi Janki sharing her thoughts about The Power and Protection of Good Wishes at an intimate gathering of around 140 people, with Sister Manda translating, at

The Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea on 13th January 2010.

Christine Miller