REPORT: Call of the Time Experiments-in-Silence Retreat The Global Retreat Centre, Oxfordshire, UK6-10 May 2026Silence is the most universal portal in all traditions to the path – beyond dogma, beliefs and sacraments - it just is. Peter Senge<figure class="image"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Report_COTT_1_a189564b53.jpg" alt="Report_COTT_1.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Report_COTT_1_a189564b53.jpg 208w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Report_COTT_1_a189564b53.jpg 500w," sizes="100vw" width="500px"></figure>The Call-of-the-Time (COTT) Experiments-in-Silence Retreat took place at the Global Retreat Centre near Oxford, UK, from 6-10 May. The retreat was led by Peter Senge, a Senior Lecturer at MIT in the US, and Sister Jayanti, and facilitated by Sister Judy of New York. There were 22 international participants - from Belgium, Iceland, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK. The days unfolded with a gentle combination of spiritual input, personal time for reflection, collective meditation, and meals in silence. Following a brief check-in on Wednesday evening, the retreat moved straight into silence. Each day began with an optional amrit vela, which quite a few guests joined. At 6:00 am, there were silent stretches in front of the house, led by Sister Marneta. Then, after some meditation together, Sister Jayanti gave a talk on a specific theme, such as the soul, connecting with the Divine, the Home, and integrating spiritual practice in daily life, followed by more collective meditation. Every evening, Peter gave a short talk, translating spiritual concepts into everyday language. This year with both check-ins and check-outs we experimented with small group discussions before whole group dialogue, which worked well. It seemed to allow people to speak more freely and authentically.<figure class="image"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Report_COTT_2_ecac00ef4f.jpg" alt="Report_COTT_2.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Report_COTT_2_ecac00ef4f.jpg 245w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Report_COTT_2_ecac00ef4f.jpg 500w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_Report_COTT_2_ecac00ef4f.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="750px"></figure>The retreat was held by a team of BKs – Sr Julia (NY), Sr Luciana Rossi (Brazil), Sr Carolin (Germany) and Sr Rachel (UK). Brother Jonathan from Sheffield offered interludes of beautiful piano music throughout. He also performed at the intimate ‘Family Night’ session after meditation on the final evening, in which many offered poems, songs, and readings close to their heart, reflecting what had been shared and experienced over the previous few days. The house, garden, kitchen, and support teams of the Global Retreat Centre all contributed hugely in a most unlimited way to the experience, and nature, also - with the abundance of May and unexpectedly good weather too. Om shanti.<figure class="image"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Report_COTT_3_1dddc8c6da.jpg" alt="Report_COTT_3.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Report_COTT_3_1dddc8c6da.jpg 199w," sizes="100vw" width="199px"></figure>&nbsp;

Call-of-the-Time Silence Retreat Global Retreat Centre - Oxford, England

Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year! from Sr Jayanti

<figure class="image"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Oxford_Experiments_in_Silence_Sr_Manda_e7b8a005d1.jpg" alt="Oxford_Experiments_in_Silence_SrManda.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Oxford_Experiments_in_Silence_Sr_Manda_e7b8a005d1.jpg 110w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Oxford_Experiments_in_Silence_Sr_Manda_e7b8a005d1.jpg 353w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_Oxford_Experiments_in_Silence_Sr_Manda_e7b8a005d1.jpg 530w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/large_Oxford_Experiments_in_Silence_Sr_Manda_e7b8a005d1.jpg 707w," sizes="100vw" width="707px"></figure>To download the report please click <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/REPORT_COTT_Experiments_in_Silence_at_the_Global_Retreat_Centre_Oxfordshire_UK_30_Apr_4_May_2025_4b74dcb91d.pdf" download="REPORT_ COTT Experiments-in-Silence at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxfordshire, UK 30 Apr - 4 May 2025.pdf">here</a>.

Report on Experiments in Silence COT Retreat in Oxford England

&nbsp;Spiritual Ethics in Everyday Life with Sister Jayanti &nbsp;Inner Space Wembley -&nbsp;21st January 2025 On Tuesday, 21st of January 2025 at Inner Space Wembley, Sister Jayanti, Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris, was interviewed by Hitesh Patel on the theme of "Spiritual Ethics in Everyday Life." Sister Jayanti explored the topic through her decades of leadership experience. The program was opened by the moderator of the evening and began with a live handpan drum music performance. After the interview, there was a short Q&amp;A session with the audience. The event concluded with Sister Jayanti sharing positive thoughts cards and packets of Toli (sweet) and savoury. Over 80 people attended in person, and about 300 watched online. &nbsp;Speakers and Participants: &nbsp;<ul><li>Sister Jayanti: Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris, author, and meditator with over 50 years of experience.</li><li>Jim Dees: MC.</li><li>Krishna Sanghvi: A young meditator who shared a greeting of peace, sweetly expressing her spiritual experiences.</li><li>Mira Beckmann: A meditator who played the handpan drum. &nbsp;</li></ul>The event commenced with Mira, a long-time Rajyoga meditator, playing the handpan to welcome the attendees.A special presentation was given by 13-year-old Krishna, a young practitioner of Rajyoga, who shared her profound spiritual experience with the Divine. She spoke about the peace and clarity she felt during meditation and how the teachings of Brahma Baba inspired her journey of compassion and positivity.The discussion then focused on&nbsp;Brahma Baba, the founder of the Brahma Kumaris, highlighting his pioneering role in promoting self-transformation, equality, and spiritual ethics. Sister Jayanti and interviewer Hitesh explored how Brahma Baba’s life exemplified ethical living and how his teachings remain relevant today. &nbsp;Key Points Discussed: &nbsp;<ul><li>Definition of Ethics: Sister Jayanti explained that ethics are the foundational principles of life, which do not change, though societal attitudes may evolve.</li><li>Spiritual Ethics: Emphasising truth, honesty, and equality, she shared about Brahma Baba’s commitment to universal values, such as gender equality, long before they were widely accepted.</li><li>Practical Applications: Sister Jayanti encouraged attendees to cultivate daily introspection, early morning meditation, and ethical decision-making in personal and professional life.</li><li>Moral Dilemmas: A story was shared about Brahma Baba’s compassionate approach to a young man who had stolen to help his ailing mother, demonstrating how ethical decisions can be handled with understanding and fairness.</li><li>Impact of Meditation: The session emphasised the power of meditation in fostering inner strength and clarity. Sister Jayanti spoke about how consistent meditation practice leads to a natural alignment with ethical values, improving both personal and societal well-being. &nbsp;</li></ul>The event concluded with reflections on how individuals can integrate spiritual ethics into daily life, fostering peace and resilience amidst modern challenges. The engaging dialogue provided attendees with practical wisdom and inspiration to lead a spiritually enriched life.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_1_cdfe86669a.png" alt="Spiritual Ethics - Supporting Image 1.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_1_cdfe86669a.png 234w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_1_cdfe86669a.png 500w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_1_cdfe86669a.png 750w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/large_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_1_cdfe86669a.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img class="image image_resized" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_2_eee871212e.png" alt="Spiritual Ethics - Supporting Image 2.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_2_eee871212e.png 234w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_2_eee871212e.png 500w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_2_eee871212e.png 750w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/large_Spiritual_Ethics_Supporting_Image_2_eee871212e.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>

"Spiritual Ethics in Everyday Life" – 21st January 2025 Sister Jayanti Interview, Inner Space, Wembley

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Call-of-the-Time Silence Retreat Global Retreat Centre - Oxford, England

Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year! from Sr Jayanti

Report on Experiments in Silence COT Retreat in Oxford England

"Spiritual Ethics in Everyday Life" – 21st January 2025 Sister Jayanti Interview, Inner Space, Wembley

GCH, London Celebrates the First Ever United Nations Designated World Meditation Day