My journey into the realm of spirituality was not sparked by a moment of profound personal crisis, nor was it a desperate search for solace. Instead, it arose from a deep-seated intellectual curiosity that had been with me for as long as I can remember. Even in my younger years, the question of God's existence and our relationship with the Divine occupied my thoughts. Growing up within a Christian tradition, I found myself increasingly perplexed by the notion that while God was considered our Father, He remained ultimately incomprehensible. This idea felt inherently contradictory to my logical mind.

As a researcher at the London School of Economics in my late thirties, this questioning persisted. Walking the vibrant streets of London, I would often ponder: if God is indeed our Father, surely we possess a fundamental right to know Him, to understand our connection. The assertion that the Father was beyond human comprehension felt strangely incomplete, creating a dissonance within my understanding of familial bonds. 

My scientific background further fueled this intellectual quest. The concept of a singular earthly existence, often emphasized in certain religions, seemed to lack a logical coherence when considering the vast tapestry of human history and the countless souls who had lived and passed before specific revelations. To me, spiritual principles, much like scientific laws, needed to possess an inherent rationality, a framework that could be understood by the mind. This refusal to accept dogma without intellectual conviction became a defining characteristic of my early spiritual seeking.

During my time in London, I actively sought out various spiritual movements, attending their gatherings with an open yet discerning mind. I listened intently to their prayers, their interpretations of the divine, hoping to find an answer that resonated with my inner questioning. Yet, despite these earnest explorations, a truly satisfying understanding remained elusive. It felt as though I had reached a point where I had heard enough, a saturation of different perspectives that ultimately left me feeling no closer to the core truth I sought.

Then, in what now feels like a gentle nudge from destiny, a seemingly ordinary Christmas gift arrived – a small notebook from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. This unexpected present, became a catalyst for a profound transformation. Initially, I must admit, I was hesitant But later I decided to attend a single introductory session at their center in London, 

However, the moment I stepped into the Global Co-operation House, a newly established space at the time, I experienced an atmosphere unlike any I had encountered before. It wasn't the fervent devotion I had often witnessed, but rather a palpable sense of calm and a distinct intellectual energy, akin to a "study place." This environment resonated deeply with my academic nature.

What truly captured my attention was the invitation to an interfaith conference organized by the Brahma Kumaris. Here, representatives from diverse spiritual traditions were not only welcomed but given a platform to share their unique perspectives. This radical openness, this willingness to embrace dialogue rather than assert a singular, exclusive truth, struck me. Observing the quiet confidence and genuine respect emanating from those associated with the Brahma Kumaris, I felt an urge to understand the source of their inner strength. It struck me as deeply logical: an organization willing to offer a stage to others must possess a profound understanding.

As I delved deeper into the teachings of Rajyoga, I began to recognize a remarkable convergence between the principles I valued in scientific inquiry and the wisdom being shared. The emphasis was not solely on blind faith but on personal experience and inner realization. The "proof" was not just external, but also deeply internal, within the laboratory of my own consciousness. This resonated powerfully with my scientific mind. I even embarked on my own informal research, utilizing questionnaires to gauge the impact of Rajyoga principles on personal happiness and life satisfaction. The shifts I observed provided a tangible validation of its transformative potential.

I vividly recall my first Rajyoga class. The teacher, a gentle and insightful soul, posed a question to the group of newcomers: "Where is God?" My immediate response, almost instinctive, was "Everywhere." Her subsequent explanation, delivered with a serene smile, resonated deeply within me. This intellectual clarity, coupled with a profound meditative experience that followed, created a significant inner shift. 

Upon returning to Lithuania, I felt an undeniable inner prompting to share this newfound understanding. I began by sharing the "yarn" of this knowledge with my family and friends. Even without a formal center, I utilized my personal room within a scientific institute to conduct evening classes. The initial receptivity of the Lithuanian people was truly heartening.

The wisdom of Rajyoga offers answers to fundamental questions about our identity and purpose, painting a comprehensive picture of life that extends far beyond the limitations of the material world. It has illuminated the path from intellectual inquiry to a deep inner knowing

Sr. Egidija Laumenskaite
National Coordinator Luthuania