By:&nbsp;B.K. Shivani Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 23th, 2026In today’s world, staying informed often feels like a responsibility, and news updates, social media feeds, and other notifications constantly seek our attention. It is well worth asking ourselves if all this information is nourishing our inner world or quietly disturbing it?Many people take pride in being aware of everything happening around the globe. However, does knowing every detail about the outside world truly serve our life’s purpose? Is our role simply to accumulate information, or is it to take responsibility for what is happening within us? The outer world is vast and largely beyond our control. We can observe it, discuss it, and even criticise it, but we cannot directly change it. What we can influence, however, is our inner world — our thoughts, emotions, and responses. This is important because the quality of our inner state determines the impact we have on the world outside.The idea that “you are what you feed your mind” is especially relevant here. Just as the body reflects the food we eat, the mind reflects the information we consume. When we repeatedly expose ourselves to negativity — violence, fear, anger, and criticism — these impressions begin to shape our inner reality. Over time, they influence our thinking patterns, form our habits, and eventually define our personality. If the outside world is filled with unrest and we continuously absorb it, the same unrest begins to take root within us. Without realising it, we start mirroring the very negativity we complain about.Every thought we create carries energy, and this energy forms our aura, or the invisible energy field that surrounds us and affects others. Our interactions, conversations, and even silent presence radiate this energy into the environment. When our minds are filled with the negativity we have consumed, that is exactly what we project outward. In this way, we unknowingly become contributors to the collective emotional climate of the world. This realisation raises an important question: if we are participating in creating the negativity around us, do we have the right to complain about it?The solution does not lie in withdrawing completely from the world, but in becoming more conscious and sensible about how we engage with it. Just as we choose what food to eat based on our physical health, we must choose what information to consume, for our mental and emotional well-being. Not everything that is available needs to be internalised. Even if people around us indulge in negativity, we are not compelled to do the same. A person who values health makes careful dietary choices regardless of what others are eating. In the same way, a person committed to inner peace can develop the discipline to choose what enters their mind.When we spend time in a spiritually elevated environment or in the presence of someone we respect for their wisdom, we naturally align our thoughts and words with higher values. We avoid unnecessary or negative conversations and engage in more meaningful dialogue. This shows that we already have the ability to regulate our mental intake; it simply needs to be practised consistently in daily life.If we wish to become emotionally strong and mentally healthy, we need to correct our mental diet. By consciously choosing uplifting content, engaging in constructive conversations, and limiting exposure to negativity, we begin to rebuild inner stability. Protecting our inner world is not an act of isolation; it is an act of responsibility. When our thoughts become pure and stable, the energy we radiate into the world changes as well. This positive energy influences others in subtle but powerful ways, contributing to a more harmonious environment.The world outside is ultimately a reflection of the collective inner states of individuals. Every mind contributes to the larger picture. When we take responsibility for our own thoughts instead of merely reacting to external events, we begin to shift from being passive consumers of information to conscious creators of reality. Instead of constantly asking what is happening in the world, we can begin to ask what is happening within us and what we are contributing through our thoughts and feelings.This shift in awareness transforms our role. By taking care of our inner world, we not only protect ourselves from unnecessary disturbance but also become a source of stability and positivity for others. In doing so, we participate in shaping a better world — not by controlling external circumstances, but by transforming the only space we have authority over: our own mind.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.8%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Shivani_d413054e7a.png" alt="BK Shivani.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Shivani_d413054e7a.png 139w," sizes="100vw" width="139px">B.K. Shivani is a well-known motivational speaker and Rajyoga teacher.

Mind What Goes Into Your Mind

By:&nbsp;Sister Chirya Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 23th, 2026Living in a close-knit world, it is important to make sure that we have good relationships. Sadly, relationships are no longer as deep and meaningful as they used to be. There are an increasing number of early divorces and sudden break-ups in friendships with loved ones. People are less content with each other, and anger, ego, jealousy, possessiveness and insecurity continue to invade relationships more than ever before.Every person has their own mindset and perspectives, which may not always align with our own goals or life milestones. If you allow negative comments of others to control your thinking, it will weaken your confidence and self-belief. Negative thoughts and opinions of others become obstacles or distract you from your purpose. The most important causes of relationships collapsing are inner emptiness, low self-respect, lack of respect for others, and the inability to communicate with the other person. It is important to keep on your own pathway through life. Our life's purpose is ours alone, and the determination to achieve it must come from within us.No one can make us feel hurt.&nbsp; It is our own internal conversation about the behavior of others that determines how we feel.&nbsp; Only we can heal ourselves by changing our own thoughts and attitudes.It is good to connect to people with a lot of sweetness and humility, but also keep a distance from people in our mind. Attachment in relationships creates expectations and desires, leading to sorrow and emotions based on fear, worry, and stress. These negative vibrations will be felt by others and the goodness and strength of the relationship is weakened. Having expectations causes problems in all relationships. Expectations arise because the qualities of peace, love, joy, and respect are not present in sufficient depth within the self. Appreciation of another is vital, but becoming overly attached brings sorrow.Give a few minutes of meditation every day to fill the self with peace, love, and joy through beautiful affirmations, and our relationships will become a reflection of these qualities. No longer needy, or searching for peace and love, we enter into relationships to share and enjoy. We then find we have spiritual love and good wishes for others. With no strings attached; our love is unconditional. The eternal goodness within and the relationship with a higher source, God, is all I depend on, because it is an eternal relationship that never gives sorrow, only peace, joy, and love of the most profound kind.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.19%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png" alt="Chirya Risely.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png 115w," sizes="100vw" width="115px">Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.

Keeping Our Relationships Strong

By:&nbsp;B.K Sona Bahri Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 23th, 2026Those of us on a spiritual journey have set out to improve our lives by improving ourselves. We know that the source of all thoughts, feelings, and emotions is our consciousness. If we want to grow and move forward, then we need to keep checking on our level of consciousness. If we want to try to move ahead with the same level of consciousness we have now – thinking the same thoughts, holding the same beliefs, reacting in the same old way – the only thing that will happen is that we will encounter the same old problems, the same difficulties in relationships, and the same issues. If we want to move ahead and grow, then we must first step up, then step back, and then step ahead – move forward.Stepping up requires letting go of the ego and being open to the possibility that we do not know everything. We need to have the humility to ask the right questions of the self with an open heart, to change our perspective. How to do that as meditators? By shifting the consciousness from ‘I’ the limited body to ‘I’ the eternal, unlimited soul. The soul is free to see from the perspective of truth. If not, we will continue to see everything through the filter of all that has happened so far in life and the cultural upbringing we have had, that has taught us what is right and what is wrong. I have to raise my consciousness to the level of soul and step up and away from the roles I play and the character traits that go with the roles I am playing. Stepping up is recognising what is right or wrong, which springs from the understanding of what is going on – seeing the whole picture, taking the broadest perspective, and being able to consider everything, not just looking through my own small tunnel vision.The second prerequisite for stepping ahead is to step back. Transforming our character is not about upskilling – it is about the soul, the self, and transforming the habit patterns I have that are not serving me any more. Things about me that I know are blocking me from being happy and at peace.&nbsp; Holding up a mirror of truth in front of the self requires a little courage and a willingness to really see. Standing too close to a mirror does not give the full picture, so I need to step back into a place of stillness and silence. To step back from the character I am playing. In this way I can identify what needs to change. Some find this challenging and are afraid of doing things differently, and of being different. Old thought patterns are like a comfort zone that brings a feeling of safety. All souls want to feel safe and secure, but feeling safe in that way leads to spiritual stagnation and does not allow for growth. Each day we should try out something different. Perhaps we feel we need more patience. So, for one month we can practise using patience in the situations we find challenging. The more I do this, stepping up, seeing the truth, applying that truth, then the more I will continue to move up to my most beautiful self. When we step up higher and higher (or deeper and deeper) we are able to see everything more clearly, and see the consequences of our actions, and the thoughts that initiated those actions.Spiritual movement is all about coming back to the core of the self, the being. Unravelling, unlearning, and reformatting from a place of stillness and power. I will not be pulled into old ways of reacting and responding because I will be reigniting my highest character, the original way I had of being. If I can be that ‘me’, then I will no longer have to step up because I will be in my highest consciousness.The secret to the success of this transformation is to connect to the highest power of the Divine, the Supreme Being, in meditation. We are all on that journey back to our own perfection, and in meditation we can feel what it will be like to be the very pure, peaceful, still, and powerful being that I truly am. Having that daily glimpse of being my most divine self, shows me that it is possible. I can bring this awareness into my daily life, stepping ahead, step by step, on this wonderful return journey to the true self.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.55%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Sona_bhari_179b5bd900.jpg" alt="BK Sona bhari.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Sona_bhari_179b5bd900.jpg 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px">Sona Bahri is a meditation teacher based in Abu Dhabi, and coordinates the activities of the Inner Space Meditation Centre.

Step Up, Step Back, Step Ahead

By:&nbsp;Charlie Hogg Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/15/e-paper-today-delhi-16-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/15/e-paper-today-delhi-16-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 16th, 2026It is probably fair to say that everyone in the world is finding life difficult right now. The world is increasingly unpredictable, and there is not much we can do about what is happening out there. There is, though, a way to equip ourselves to be able to manage our reactions to what is happening. The answer is spirituality. We can develop spiritual tools to stabilise ourselves – as if dropping a powerful anchor to ground us as this world swirls around us. Spiritual education, unlike worldly education, is about diving deep into one thing; taking one idea and going ever deeper into that. There are fundamentally two anchors that, when we understand and experience them fully, will absolutely ground us; no matter how much or how fast the world around us is changing.The first idea is to have a loving relationship with myself as a soul. This is the exploration of meditation – the converting of what I know into what I feel. On some level or another, all of us know that we are souls, spiritual beings in a physical body. The soul is a wonder. It has no physical size – it is just a point of light. That makes I the soul immortal, eternal.The second anchor is to have a loving relationship with the Supreme. The subtext of life is to find the ‘love of my life’, the beloved – a relationship that is absolutely secure and full of meaning. In relationships, we invest all our hearts – but find that no relationship is permanent. Whether it is due to time, change, death, or conflict, finally one day the object of my love goes away. But spirituality tells us that the one permanent relationship is the relationship with the Divine.This is the journey — to taste and feel the reality that I am a soul, beyond all the labels of my body; the gender, the role, the position, my nationality. We know this, but time is now telling us that we have to taste it and feel it. I start to experience that I sit so lightly in the centre of the forehead in the front of the brain, and the more I become detached from the temporary self, the body, and connect with the permanent self, the soul, I am able to look through the eye of the mind and I see before me the form of the Divine. I connect with God, the radiant jewel of light, and see God as a soul like me. The only soul that has not taken rebirth. I have experienced happiness and sorrow, but God is beyond that. That soul is an unlimited source of all the qualities I need to fulfil the longing for the love of the Divine. I connect the subtle thread of my intellect and begin to live-stream love, peace, and power. When we overthink and overanalyse, we disempower ourselves. The greatest gift I can give myself is to allow time to practise this simple exercise each day. I sit quietly and put down the first anchor and unpack the truth of that, and secondly connect with the Supreme and taste the quality of love I get from that Divine Being. It is the kind of love I will get nowhere else. The message we are getting from life today is to begin to practise meditation. To begin to live life as a peaceful soul and take power from the connection with the Supreme Soul. This is the biggest investment you can make for your quality of life, and in so doing we give natural support, of an invisible kind, to the people we love. The deeper we go into these eternal truths, the more we begin to fathom the internal stability, strength, and peace that lies within all of us. The deeper we go into the truth of the self and of the Divine, the more incredible jewels we find. It is a journey and it takes patience, but it is the most important journey we will ever make.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.5%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Charlie_Hogg_2bfdf163b5.png" alt="BK Charlie Hogg.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Charlie_Hogg_2bfdf163b5.png 167w," sizes="100vw" width="167px"> Charlie Hogg, based in Sydney,&nbsp; is the National Coordinator, Brahma Kumaris, Australia.

THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ETERNAL TRUTHS

By:&nbsp;Marie Edery Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/15/e-paper-today-delhi-16-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/15/e-paper-today-delhi-16-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 16th, 2026Nature provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. And yet, nature expects nothing in return. What if, for once, I choose to give back what nature so generously gives me? These times of ecological upheaval call for genuine moral, ethical, and ecological responsibility. Because giving back to nature is not an isolated act of activism. It is a gesture of gratitude. A responsibility. A promise of balance.We often live cut off from the awareness of all that nature does for us. Yet its benefits are omnipresent and fundamental. Its ecosystems feed us: from farmland to forests, rivers to oceans, nature is the source of every bite we take. It purifies the air, filters water, stores carbon, and regulates temperatures. Without it, there would be no pollination of crops, no climate regulation, and no drinking water.Beneath our feet, soil life shapes the world. The carbon cycle, microscopic biodiversity, and the balance of ecosystems play out in the shadows — yet without them, life collapses. Simply being in contact with nature improves our mental health. We have all seen how a walk in the forest can reduce stress, improve concentration, and nourish our overall well-being. And finally, nature inspires: it has nourished our stories, our art, our myths, and our spirituality since the dawn of humanity. Through nature, the beauty of the world resonates within us.How can we give back to nature?Whether they are aware of it or not, whether they want to or not, human beings create, through their lifestyle, a series of invisible consequences that destroy the very things on which their lives depend.Since human beings are the cause, simple logic dictates that only human beings can repair it. As conscious beings, we have the capacity to become responsible actors in climate change and biodiversity. Becoming aware of the impact of our actions is the first step towards change.Everyone can take action. Reducing consumption, eating locally, limiting car journeys, sorting waste. These actions matter. Acting for nature is not limited to ecological actions: it is also an inner journey. Ecopsychology invites us to reconnect emotionally with living things. To feel, to listen, to vibrate with our surroundings. Walking in the forest without a phone, cultivating a garden, celebrating the seasons: these simple acts become rituals of gratitude.But initiating real behavioural change can only happen when we are aware that we have an interdependent relationship with the elements, with ourselves, and with the human family. Encouraging and facilitating such awareness is a shared responsibility and task.A change in awareness, recognising that I am a spiritual being whose every thought and action directly impacts my physical and human environment, is a vital step. I am capable of creating thoughts that have an impact on my environment, of radiating peace and love, for example, and of directing these thoughts towards nature.Giving back to nature is not a sacrifice; it is an opportunity. By protecting it, I am protecting what is most precious — our humanity, our capacity for wonder, love, and coexistence. Everyone is capable of respecting resources and giving back to the Earth and humanity. In spiritual awareness, a precious energy is born, made up of appreciation and gratitude. Instead of just taking, we can help Earth regain its balance through an attitude of sharing.This ancestral contract with living beings requires commitment, lucidity, and tenderness. It is not a question of saving the planet as one would save an object, but of relearning how to live with it, with respect, balance, and gratitude.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.5%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Marie_Edery_b691dcc199.png" alt="Marie Edery.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Marie_Edery_b691dcc199.png 125w," sizes="100vw" width="125px"> Marie Edery is a trainer and coach, and a Rajyoga teacher based in Paris, France.

Honouring my contract with the natural world

By: Dr. Girish Patel Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/15/e-paper-today-delhi-16-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/15/e-paper-today-delhi-16-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 16th, 2026Life does not come with a ready-made path for anyone. Each of us chooses our own journey, shaping it by our thoughts, decisions, and actions. This understanding lies at the heart of spiritual wisdom, which emphasises personal responsibility and the power of conscious living.Often, it is tempting to believe that our circumstances, fate, or other people determine the direction of our life. When things go wrong, blaming situations or individuals may feel justified and even comforting. However, such thinking quietly takes away our inner power. The truth is more empowering: it is our efforts, or our karma, that ultimately define our path and destination.The law of karma teaches us that every action creates a corresponding result. Just as a seed determines the nature of the tree, our actions determine the quality of our future. If we desire a life of dignity, success, and inner peace, we must sow the seeds of good deeds in the present. High goals cannot be attained through careless or harmful actions. They require consistent integrity, goodness, and effort.A true story from Mumbai illustrates this beautifully. In a poor family living in the city, there were three sons who grew up amidst hardship and scarcity. At times, even basic necessities like food were uncertain. Yet, each of the three responded differently to the same situation.The eldest son turned to alcohol, trying to escape the pain of his circumstances. Over time, this habit took control of his life, leading him further into difficulty. The youngest son, overwhelmed by the lack of resources, developed low self-esteem. He felt inferior because he could not afford good clothes or live like others, and gradually lost motivation.But the second son made a different choice. Instead of surrendering to his situation, he resolved to rise above it. He focused on his studies, worked diligently, and remained committed to a better future. Through determination and sustained effort, he became a doctor and eventually uplifted his entire family from poverty.What made the difference? Not the circumstances — they were the same for all three. The difference lay in their choices, their responses, and their actions. This story reminds us that while we may not always control what happens to us, we always have control over how we respond.Every moment presents us with a choice: to move forward or to remain stuck, to act with courage or to give in to weakness. These choices, repeated over time, shape our destiny.In the spiritual perspective, we do not gain worthiness by wishful thinking. We cannot shine merely by wanting to shine. True worth is attained through consistent good actions. Qualities such as honesty, perseverance, compassion, and self-discipline gradually create a powerful and radiant personality. It is this inner merit that determines how far we rise.Walking the path of truth and goodness is not always the easiest option, but it is the most rewarding. It requires awareness, effort, and sometimes sacrifice. Yet, every step taken in the right direction strengthens us. Each good deed adds to our inner wealth, bringing us closer to our higher goal.Excellence in action does not mean that we have to be perfect from the start; it means having sincerity and a willingness to improve. Even small, consistent efforts create significant change over time, and when our intentions are pure and our actions aligned with values, there is progress.Ultimately, life is a journey we create ourselves. By choosing elevated thoughts and performing good deeds, we can design a path that leads to fulfilment and success. So, instead of waiting for circumstances to change or for destiny to favour us, we can take responsibility for our actions and consciously choose the path we wish to walk. With faith in our efforts and commitment to goodness, we can be certain that one day, we will reach a truly high destination.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.5%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Girish_patel_9a7246e80f.png" alt="Girish patel.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Girish_patel_9a7246e80f.png 137w," sizes="100vw" width="137px"> Dr. Girish Patel is a well-known psychiatrist&nbsp; based in Mumbai, and a student of Rajyoga with the Brahma Kumaris.

Our choices create our destiny

By: Dr.Savita Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 9th, 2026On the spiritual journey, one of the most practical pieces of guidance is to keep moving forward without looking back. This principle can prove transformative when applied sincerely in daily life.Even when we are walking or driving, we need to focus ahead. The moment we turn back while still in motion, we risk losing balance, direction, and awareness of what lies before us. Even if an accident does not occur, our pace slows down, our attention is diverted, and our progress becomes uncertain. The same law applies to our inner journey.In the context of self-improvement, “looking back” refers to mentally revisiting past mistakes, weaknesses, and painful experiences. While reflection is important — especially for learning — there is a subtle but significant difference between learning from the past and living in it. When we repeatedly replay our shortcomings, we unintentionally reinforce them. Instead of dissolving old patterns, we keep energising them.The analogy of a stained cloth makes this point clear. Imagine trying to clean a cloth but repeatedly exposing it to the same source of dirt. No matter how much effort we put into washing it, the stains persist. Similarly, when we revisit negative memories or self-defeating thoughts, we stain the mind we are trying to purify.The past, by its very nature, is unchangeable. No amount of regret, guilt, or overthinking can alter what has already happened. What can be changed, however, is our present state of consciousness and the direction we choose moving forward. Time and mental energy are precious resources, and when we spend them on dwelling on the past, they are not available for building the future.Spiritual wisdom encourages us to learn from the past and then let go. Once the learning is integrated, holding on to the memory serves no constructive purpose. Instead, it becomes a burden that slows our growth and weakens our resolve.Focusing ahead is not about denial of the past. It is about choosing our direction and maintaining it. It means consciously keeping our attention on the kind of person we aspire to become. What qualities do I want to embody? Peace, patience, courage, compassion? What strengths do I wish to develop? Clarity, stability, self-respect? And what kind of self-image am I nurturing?The principle “where attention goes, energy flows” becomes crucial here. If our attention is fixed on our goal, our energy naturally supports our transformation. Our thoughts, decisions, and actions begin aligning with our higher vision. Progress, then, is not forced—it becomes a natural outcome of sustained focus.On the other hand, if we dwell on past weaknesses, we unintentionally feed them. We relive the same emotional patterns, feel discouraged, and gradually lose confidence in our ability to change. This creates a cycle where the very things we want to overcome continue to dominate our inner world.There is a saying: sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks forward. This insight beautifully captures the essence of spiritual progress. Looking back generates regret. Looking around creates anxiety and comparison. Only looking forward, with faith and confidence, empowers us to move ahead with purpose.Faith, in this sense, is not blind belief. It is a quiet inner certainty that transformation is possible. It is the trust that no matter what the past holds, the future can be shaped through conscious effort and elevated awareness. Confidence grows when we consistently choose forward-looking thoughts over those that pull us back.To walk the spiritual path effectively, we must travel light. Letting go of unnecessary baggage — old mistakes, guilt, and negative memories — is essential. Each step forward then becomes freer, lighter, and more aligned with our true potential.Ultimately, progress is less about what we leave behind and more about what we choose to focus on. By keeping our vision clear and our attention steady on our spiritual goals, we allow our inner strengths to emerge. And in that forward movement, transformation is not just a possibility, but becomes inevitable.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.23%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Dr_Savita_Didi_d2177ac711.png" alt="Dr.Savita Didi.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Dr_Savita_Didi_d2177ac711.png 127w," sizes="100vw" width="127px"> BK Dr.Savita is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

The importance of focusing ahead

By:&nbsp;BK Usha Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 9th, 2026The human soul longs for peace. This longing is not something acquired from the outside world. It arises from within, as peace is the original nature of the soul. The soul is inherently peaceful, pure, and content. When we are aligned with this original state, we experience a natural sense of ease, clarity, and quiet joy.However, this inner equilibrium is often disturbed in the fast pace of modern life. External pressures, constant stimulation, and emotional reactions pull the mind outward, creating restlessness and unease. Even though temporary pleasures may provide brief moments of excitement, they do not satisfy the deeper need of the soul. Instead, when peace is disrupted, we find ourselves unable to concentrate, think clearly, or respond with stability. Stress, irritation, and dissatisfaction begin to arise, not because these are natural states, but because we have moved away from our true nature.This explains why we instinctively seek refuge in nature. The calmness of forests, the rhythm of ocean waves, and the stillness of mountains resonate with the soul’s own quiet essence. In such surroundings, our mind slows down, and we momentarily reconnect with inner peace. But, must we withdraw from daily life to experience this peace? Or is it possible to remain peaceful even amidst the demands of modern life?Peace can be cultivated from within, and it is not dependent on our external circumstances. The best way to experience peace is to practise meditation. Meditation is not about escaping reality, but about returning to the self — the inner being that is naturally peaceful. In meditation, we gently withdraw our attention from external distractions and turn inward. We begin to remember who we truly are: a soul, a being of peace. By consciously creating thoughts of peace, we gradually stabilise the mind. Over time, the inner awareness that I am a being of peace becomes stronger than external influences.Regular practice transforms our responses to life. Situations may remain the same, but our experience of them changes. Instead of reacting with stress or agitation, we respond with calmness and clarity. Peace becomes our foundation rather than a fleeting experience.Moreover, when we are established in peace, we naturally become instruments of peace for others. Our presence, words, and actions begin to reflect stability and harmony, positively influencing our surroundings. In this way, meditation is not only a personal practice but also a service to the world.In essence, peace is not something we need to search for outside — it is already within us. By reconnecting with our original nature through meditation, we can experience lasting peace even in the midst of a busy, modern life. With consistent practice, we do not merely visit peace occasionally; we begin to live in it, embody it, and share it with the world.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.23%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Usha_Shantivan_b391dbbd55.jpg" alt="BK Usha (Shantivan).jpg"> BK Usha is a Rajyoga teacher at the&nbsp; Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

Cultivate peace – do not chase it

By:&nbsp;Chirya Risely Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 9th, 2026“People are searching for a renewed purpose. There is no higher purpose than awakening to your true identity of being a soul and experiencing God's love."&nbsp;&nbsp; - BK. MohiniNon-violence does not mean that we remain indifferent to a problem, but instead remain fully engaged in a way that benefits us and the interests of others. On the path of non-violence, in spite of injustices, we remain calm, happy, peaceful, healthy, strong, and continue to be joyful. Non-violence, therefore, is not merely the absence of violence; it involves an active sense of compassion and caring. All religions advocate love, compassion, and forgiveness.‘I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness and does not want to suffer. I believe each of us has the same potential to develop inner peace and thereby achieve happiness and joy. If one has a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, one will not lack inner peace.’&nbsp; - Dalai LamaWhen we face problems, we most often look at them from our own point of view and deliberately ignore other aspects of the situation. We look at the situation in terms of how much harm or inconvenience it will cause us, and forget to look at the bigger picture. This invariably leads to negative consequences. If we respond to a situation with anger and hatred, it causes more harm to us than to the person we consider responsible for our problem. We must develop a greater perspective and look at situations from all angles. We forget to acknowledge that we are all so interdependent. We need to arrive at solutions through dialogue when faced with problems or disagreements, that bring maximum benefit to all involved.However, when faced with people deliberately wishing us harm, we can see it as an opportunity to develop patience and tolerance. Tolerance and patience are signs of strength, not weakness. Challenges from people or situations become our teachers if we are wise enough to understand. In this sense, obstacles are beneficial, a blessing to empower us.It is through the power of silence that we are able to develop the mental and spiritual powers needed to tackle&nbsp;negative&nbsp;situations successfully. In silence we can access the true values of the soul, such as peace, love, purity, joy, and wisdom. These values become the powers that we need. Silence is not the absence of thoughts; it is a state in which the mind is engaged in pure, elevated thoughts that nurture these inner values.&nbsp;The way to silence is meditation. When we have the deep awareness that we are a being of peace, peace will become our personality. Stop, take a minute, and listen to the silence within you.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.5%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png" alt="Chirya Risely.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png 115w," sizes="100vw" width="115px"> Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher&nbsp; based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.

Experiencing the power of silence

By:&nbsp;Shireen Chada Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 9th, 2026God is the Almighty, yet He chooses to be known as Khuda Dost, the true Friend of every heart. God is not far away in His own world while we struggle in this one. He is the Traveller’s Companion, the One who walks with us on the long road of life.Human friendships, though precious, are fragile. They can change with distance, with time, or with misunderstanding. Even the best of friends cannot always stay. But God is the Friend who never leaves, never grows tired, never turns away. The Friend knows our weaknesses, yet He does not withdraw. God listens without judgment, accepts without demand. His friendship is not based on what we do, but on who we are: souls, His children. He delights in our goodness even when we fail to see it. With God there is no need to impress, no need to hide. Here is His paradox: the Highest on High, the One beyond birth and death, chooses to walk with us as a companion. God could remain far, untouched, unknown. Yet He draws near, saying simply and intimately, “You are Mine.” His friendship is not lofty or formal; it is personal, warm, and constant.Every soul is a traveller. We move through births and deaths, through changing roles and shifting scenes. Companions come and go; God is the Companion who never departs.He does not remove the hills; He gives strength for the climb. God does not always shorten the miles; He makes the way sweet. A quiet gladness rises where He walks: shade in heat, a star at night, a cup of water when the mile feels long. Here is His paradox: the Highest on High is also the humblest Companion. He holds the map of eternity, yet He adjusts His pace to ours. He knows the destination, yet stays close while we find the courage to continue.Read more from Experiencing God: tiny.cc/GodBook<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.38%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Shireen_Chada_8bc65cf9c7.png" alt="BK Shireen Chada.png"> Shireen Chada is the Coordinator&nbsp; of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre in Tampa, USA.

treasures

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