Inter-Faith Harmony Week - Sifco members visit Brahma Kumaris Centre |08 February 2017

As part of the Inter-Faith Harmony Week activities, members of the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) visited the Brahma Kumaris Centre at Hermitage yesterday.

Bishop French Chang-Him from the Anglican Church, Father Eric Leon from the Roman Catholic Church, Marion Gendron from the Baha’i Faith, Ran Ekabayake from the Buddhist Faith, Ahmad Labiche representing the Muslim community and Ruby Pardiwalla from the Zoroastrian community were welcomed by Brother Francis Missyoki and his team at their headquarters.

In a very peaceful environment, a small presentation was made about the Brahma Kumaris and afterwards there was an open conversation about the beliefs of the Brahma Kumaris. Many questions were asked and Brother Francis gave some explanations on various subjects mainly concerning the soul and freedom of spirit.

Mrs Gendron shared that “Sifco exists as a body but we still have to learn so much about all the religions and groups in Seychelles”.

Ms Pardiwalla added that “when hearing all of us sharing our beliefs, we can see so many similarities and it is wonderful”.

Mr Labiche noted that “everything is co-related but not explained the same way”.

Bishop Chang-Him inquired mainly about the main beliefs of the Brahma Kumaris and also about the functioning of their centres and noted that “we are all connected to the divine source no matter what religion we choose to follow”.

Mr Ekabayake said “no matter what religion we believe in, it is our deeds that count”.

Father Leon also agreed with the others that we need to learn more about other religions and groups.

The members present decided that next year for the Inter-Faith Harmony Week they will request all religions to do a presentation on their beliefs and the way they function.

Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. Founded in India in 1937, Brahma Kumaris has spread to over 110 countries on all continents and has had an extensive impact in many sectors as an international NGO. However, their real commitment is to help individuals transform their perspective of the world from material to spiritual. It supports the cultivation of a deep collective consciousness of peace and of the individual dignity of each soul.

The spiritual headquarters of Brahma Kumaris is in Mount Abu, India. At a national level, activities are generally coordinated by local people in alignment with the spiritual principles of Brahma Kumaris, working in accordance with the laws of the land. Activities of international interest are coordinated regionally from offices in London, Moscow, Nairobi, New York and Sydney. In Seychelles, the centre is managed by Brother Francis and it has an open membership policy. The ongoing activities at the centre consist of basic meditation course, workshops and talks on positive thinking, stress management and other personality development workshops for organised groups within and outside the centre for the public. As part of its contribution to global peace, all courses offered at the centre are free of charge, however voluntary contributions are accepted.