THE OXFORD MEETING, CONVENED BY THE BRAHMA KUMARIS was meant to be a unique event, to coincide with the 90th birthday of one of their spiritual leaders, Dadi Janki (well known to many Mauritians for her several visits here). One hundred “world servers”(thinkers, scientists, authors, politicians, professors, media professionals, actors and musicians, business leaders, UN cadres) were specially invited to this stately home in the Oxford countryside for a long weekend of spiritual exploration and exchange or, as they said, for conversation. Then on the Sunday (17th September 2006) we joined with 12,000 people at Wembley Arena (and with countless others around the world) to launch the JUST-A-MINUTE initiative. Two Mauritians were amongst the participants (A. Parsuramen, now at UNESCO, and myself, with Cassam Uteem present in spirit through a poster size message from him at the entrance of the meeting tent).

THE WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY, which the Brahma Kumaris (BK) created, operates in 84 countries around the world, through more than 5,000 centres. The BK movement itself is unusual in being run by women from the beginning. In their own gentle fashion, the BKs exert a liberating influence on the more traditional aspects of society, making the empowerment of women more palatable when spiritually sanctioned. Their key mantra is: “I am a soul, my body is a garment”. Their aim is to realise and help others realise one’s essential nature as a soul, through simple practices such as meditation, silence, a growing emphasis on social and environmental action, education for human rights, offering courses on positive thinking, stress reduction and leadership, with an emphasis on the importance of spirituality in business.

Their key belief is that “When we change, the world changes”, with which (as a firm and practicing Catholic) I am totally at ease. In fact, after a perfect welcome, with a red rose, gentleness and smiles all round, from the hosts and the other participants, it was clear that all of us present (Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jew, Muslim, Sikh and agnostics alike) were prepared to “reconnect with our core selves and explore, both internally and together, our strengths and values”. The experience was both one of “deep inner stillness”, listening to those inner vibrations, and one of connectedness with others. A participants from UK, the architect Rod Hackney to whom I said, “Wasn’t that a good meeting” summarized the experience by this answer: “No Michael, not good, but extraordinary!” The aim would be both a search for “inner peace” and “peace in the world”, which are of course closely interconnected. Whatever we “discovered” in Oxford must be shared, for only in sharing and exchange can we progress. Just a few thoughts from my notes, which will surely coincide with many of your own ideas!

“Thought is said to be one of the greatest, but least understood, energy resources of the universe”. Only when we learn to understand and harness the energy of the mind, are we able to master our lives and produce those thoughts that give the most happiness and fulfillment.

Thus before speaking or writing or indeed before any action, clarity of vision must be sought, often through prayer and meditation. Relate this to the Gandhian idea of “accumulate, in self, in order to give to others”, or to the precept of “voir, réfléchir, agir” used in Christian circles.

“Clean your mirror”, removing all the accumulated dirt, thus to see yourself as you really are. Don’t buy into what other people think of you. Identify the faults and the dark sides and correct them. Only then go out to meet and serve others.

To achieve the desired clarity of vision and understanding, consider these 4 forms of thought and, needless to say, concentrate on the last: - NEGATIVE thoughts, which like poison, can kill; WASTEFUL thoughts, which weaken and lead nowhere; ORDINARY thoughts, necessary in daily life, but often devoid of inspiration and finally POSITIVE thoughts, which are powerful, elevating and inspiring.

HOW TO SERVE? Should one leave a system, which has become an obstacle and start elsewhere on our own? Or should one stay within a system, which is corrupt, and not working and attempt to transform it from within? One’s role in improving the world is not to do “what I want” but “what is needed” (hence the importance of needs identification at the start of any project). The true server is tireless, does not expect instant fruit (as every educator knows!), and does not so much count what he has done but what remains to be done.

Freedom is a basic right of every individual and I am committed to respect others’ freedom. Although not able to know each reader’s personal experience, yet, thankful for this experience, I can only recommend similar journeys to you.

<B>Dr. Michael ATCHIA</B> [email protected]</I>