December 1991

Bhardwaj, P.P.

In an inspiring and colorful ceremony, The Global Museum for a Better World was officially opened to the public this fall. In less than four years a dream has been converted into reality by the cumulative efforts of many devotees. The idea originated in the mind of Sister B.K. Vedanti, the Director of Raja Yoga Centers in Africa, in 1987. The 7-million Kenya shilling museum is plunked down in a busy commercial area of Nairobi - the contrasting ambience of traffic and transcendence is palpable.

The Museum has several components that blend spirituality and science. Each was inaugurated by local and foreign dignitaries. Brahma Kumari devotees came from several African countries and other continents. Dadi Hirday Mohini - Director of the Delhi Zone of the Brahma Kumari organization - officially opened the edifice.

The core of the building is an octagonal auditorium, seating up to 300 people. State-of-the-art lighting effects and multi-language translation facilities create a meeting ground both surreal and pragmatic. Surrounding the main auditorium are seven displays graphically answering questions on self, God and time. The displays employ a wide variety of media: paintings, sculptures, models, fiber optics, special effects and stereo sound tracks. Organizers anticipate the exhibits will attract all age groups.

During her address Dadi Mohini emphasized the need to be persistent in one's quest for spiritual upliftment. She said, "It depends upon one's priorities. If your priority is to improve your life, you have to become sure in all you do - thoughts, deeds, etc. By following the right spiritual path and by being regular in your spiritual practices you can achieve advanced knowledge, improve the status of your soul and lead a better life."

The Lotus Room, situated outside in front of the octagonal auditorium, was inaugurated by Dr. Mostafa K. Tolab, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program. The fiberglass lotus was custom designed and crafted for the Raja Yoga Center. From the outside it looks like a giant white ornamental lotus. Inside, it is a circular meditation room, with a philosophical interior design built in. The carpet is soft pink under a golden-red light. In the center is a small but powerful dot of light. This represents the supreme soul. Visitors are encouraged to meditate by concentrating on this dot.

Mrs. Mungai, wife of Dr. Njoroge Mungai - Minister for Environment and Natural Resources - opened the residential area. In his speech Dr. Mungai recounted the traditions of Africa in which environment was thoroughly reverenced. Sacrifices were made to trees, forests, mountains, rivers, sun and heaven. It was a gesture of gratitude for being appointed the beneficiaries of the wonderful mother earth. He said, "Religious organizations have an important contribution to make in revealing God's divine plan. They need to convince their devotees that a crime against the environment is a crime against God." He commended the organization for involving youth in their programs and appealed to them to spread their message among rural women who had a lot to learn and benefit.

Sister B.K. Vedanti opened the hut which houses the pictorial chronicle of the history of the institution. The hut is slightly away from the main complex. It has a small meditation room and a translight image of the Brahma Kumari founder, Prajapita Brahma. He established Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in 1937. Its headquarters are in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.

Article copyright Himalayan Academy.