The Early Quest for Divine Understanding

I was raised in the Philippines, a deeply Catholic country. From a young age, I was intellectually and spiritually curious. I pursued a baccalaureate in philosophy and a master's in theology, immersing myself in scriptures, primarily Catholic, but also exploring other religions. This academic pursuit wasn't merely for qualifications; it was driven by an innate desire to understand the essence of truth and wisdom.

When I reached 30, I felt an intense longing for a truly deep, personal experience of God. A pivotal moment came during a trip to India. I was there on a scholarship, attending a seminar on Jain non-violence. This seminar, sparked a crucial question in my mind: "Who is the God of all religions?" I realized I wanted to know and experience a God that transcended the boundaries of any single faith.

A New Beginning with Rajyoga

Upon my return to the Philippines, my openness to different spiritual persuasions led me to a seminar on body-mind connection and well-being. The resource person, as I later discovered, was a Brahma Kumari. She introduced us to meditative commentaries and eventually brought us to a Brahma Kumaris Center. I admit, my first impression was a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension. I hadn't been exposed to a yoga group before, and removing our shoes before entering the hall felt unfamiliar. Yet, my curiosity outweighed any hesitations.

The seminar was on spiritual wellness, and I purchased a book from it: "Rajyoga and New Beginnings." This book struck me as incredibly profound. I read it in one sitting, knowing immediately that it was different from anything I had studied before. This was in 1988.

It wasn't until three years later, in 1991, that I formally began taking lessons at the Brahma Kumaris Center. By this time, my search wasn't just for spiritual truth; I was also contemplating my life's direction. Should I marry and have a family? Become a nun, an option I seriously considered? Or remain single and dedicate my life to serving humanity? At the time, I was working as a training, research, and publications manager for an NGO based in a university, assisting marginalized communities like children, women, and farmers. Social service was already a significant part of my life.

Interestingly, I even entertained the idea of a "pure marriage" – having children first, and then embarking on a life of purity. It might sound strange and crazy, but I was exposed to books that spoke of how purity could deepen relationships. I recall a beautiful definition of celibacy by the Catholic theologian Henry Nouwen: "Having a vacancy for God in your life and in your heart." This concept of creating space for the divine deeply resonated with me.

The Essence of Rajyoga: Experience and Transformation

What truly drew me in at the Brahma Kumaris Center was the experience of God in silence. I had never felt such a profound connection before. Here, I found the "God of all religions" – the incorporeal light, the Father and Mother of all, the one with whom I could have every relationship, the ocean of all virtues. This powerful experience in Rajyoga meditation affirmed that I had found my path. I made a silent commitment: if I ever felt unhappy or doubted this journey, I would leave. That moment, I'm grateful to say, never arrived.

Within just a month of starting the knowledge, I was invited to live in a "Shakti bhavan," a house for sisters, very close to the center. I saw it as an opportunity to be closer to the center, practice early morning meditation, and learn vegetarian cooking from the other sisters. I was living with my parents at the time, so this was a significant shift. 

Living the Principles: Humility and Service

My time in the bhavan was transformative. Living with others, of course, means encountering different opinions, ideas, and behaviors. But the knowledge of Rajyoga taught me how to live like "milk and sugar," blending in and sweetening the environment. The key was to see the specialties and goodness in every soul. Humility became a crucial virtue. It was about "swallowing your ego," understanding that when you live in a community, you can't always have your own way. I learned the art of giving up my own preferences, trusting that if an idea was truly meant to be, it would be embraced by everyone without me having to push it.

My journey also involved caring for my aging parents. I was with my father when he left his body, and a few years later, my mother too. As the eldest of five siblings, and the only unmarried one, it was culturally expected that I would care for family matters. I fulfilled this role until both my parents passed.

Recently, less than a year ago, I moved to our retreat center, taking on a new role in the kitchen. My journey continues to be one of humble service and profound inner peace.

My story, I hope, highlights how a life dedicated to a higher purpose, embraced with humility, cooperation, and adjustment, can bring immense fulfillment. 

Sr.Leela
Brahma Kumaris, Philippines