Newsletter November 2020
Dear Friends and servers
Light, purity and inner abundance: Diwali and the Environment
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a very beautiful celebration with the universal message of good having victory over evil. Another message connected with Diwali, which perhaps isn’t as well-known, is that of the invocation of the goddess Sri Lakshmi. The name ‘Lakshmi’ comes from lakshan (qualities) and is telling us that true wealth actually comes from our divine qualities and character. The lead-up to Diwali is the time when there’s a huge amount of cleaning of every corner of the home. On the day of Diwali the whole house is illuminated with many tiny earthenware lamps (deepaks) that create amazing beauty. Our understanding of this is that it signifies the cleaning of hearts and minds of the human being, so that there can be enlightenment, and the light of love and truth can shine in every soul. When there is cleanliness (purity) and light, then Sri Lakshmi the goddess of wealth can enter that home.
The word ‘eco’ means home, and so Diwali is a beautiful reminder to us that we need cleanliness not just in our small, physical home but in our unlimited home, this entire planet. When we truly have love and respect for our home, we want to return that state of purity to the entire ecosystem. In the darkness of ignorance we have actually destroyed our home, this precious planet. Up until now we have simply continued to exploit and aggress nature. Yet, even at this point, nature still is generously taking care of all our needs.
Instead of violence against other living creatures and Mother Earth, it’s time to love, honour and respect all forms of life and nature itself. Then, surely, the virtues that Sri Lakshmi represents can be manifest in our relationship with nature: purity, respect, love, truth and peace.
The day after Diwali is celebrated as the New Year. It is now time to live in harmony and peace with myself, my family, my community, the whole of my human family, other living creatures and nature. This will then be the new era, the new beginning for humanity, filled with wealth of all virtues and the abundance of nature.
Om Shanti from Sister Jayanti
Video message by sister Jayanti connecting Diwali and our nature
Top 8 ways to make your Diwali Eco-friendly
Visions for Transformative Climate Action
COP26 was meant to happen in Glasgow here in November 2020. It has been postponed to November 2021. Please find some webinars arranged by Interfaith Liaison Committee at the UN body for climate change. Sister Valeriane serves in that committee.
Recording: The World We Want
Recording: COP26- Ramp up ambition
Hope for the Future with Sister Jayanti 10th Nov.
COMING UP ONLINE
Sunday 29 November, 4:00pm GMT: Making choices that care for ourselves and the planet. A conversation based on informed scientific knowledge and spiritual awareness. This event is presented by Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with Faith for the Climate, as a contribution to Green Faith's Living the Change project.
NEW MEDITATIONS
Sleep meditations to relax, enchant and leave you feeling deeply connected to the healing energy of nature.
Heart of the forest: A journey to meet the Mother Tree of the forest, understand the wisdom of ancient trees and the silent support they have given us through the ages.
Mountain Walk: Follow an enchanting path past sonorous streams and fragrant pine trees, to the summit of the mountain where a spectacular sunrise connects you with all life on the planet.
Sea Scape: A journey from a deeply peaceful cove to loving encounters with dolphins and other sea creatures that welcome you into their remarkable world. Link to all: Sleep meditations
NEW BOOKS
“Healing The Five Elements” by Helen Wall
is an important book that throws light on
the root causes of many of the health
and environmental crises of our times.
The message is simple yet profound.
Against lock-down depression:
“Breaking Through The Darkness” -
John McConnel highlights the important part
that spirituality can play in understanding and
overcoming depression, anxiety and stress.
NEW ARTICLES
“Key to sustainable living: Inner contentment” by BK Sylvia Ismail, Writer & Editor, New Cairo, Egypt for the Daily Guardian.
Becoming my own master by Carolin Fraude for the Daily Guardian.
NEW RECORDINGS:
Shaping our Future together with Carolin Fraude, Berlin and hosted by BK Australia - What is still missing for effective global transformation towards a sustainable society? How can an emerging understanding of Quantum Social Change, Mindset Shifts and ancient wisdom support our personal and collective power to better affect change for our environment?
Global E-Summit: Planet & Profits can Co-exist
Sister Jayanti’s address recorded here:
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS:
Sent by Mike George: Grow Food Revolution Video
Sent by Wendy: Vandana Shiva's new book - Oneness Versus the 1%
Thanks to all servers and contributors. This time we will finish with a message by HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. He takes up 5 main topics:
- A Time to Remember
2. A Time to Return
3. A Time to Rest
4. A Time to Restore
5. A Time to Rejoice
Next time we will receive a special youth edition - Local Youth & Climate change conferences happening online in Madhuban, Australia and other places.
Related News
Fertigation and orchard farming with meditation
