Our True Humanity

By BK Maureen Kris

The study of religion is not only a challenge but a great responsibility. At the same time, it is important to always remember that we are also children of the heart and of light so there is love and room to learn and grow together. Maybe this book shares a view of it all and opens doors for more understanding and discussion of our future together...

In peace

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9798369400043

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Copyright © 2023 by BK Maureen Kris.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Rev. date: 06/05/2023

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With Gratitude And Love To Beloved Bapdada,

The Faith Leaders And Divine World Family

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Section One: What It Means to Truly Be

Chapter 1: The Real Self

Chapter 2: Who am I, the Soul?

Chapter 3: Where Do I Come From? Where Am I Going?

Chapter 4: The Source

Section Two: Knowing Time – What Is

Chapter 5: Existence in Time

Chapter 6: Journey of the Soul Through Time

Chapter 7: Beyond Time and Space – Journey to the Infinite

Section Three: The World Drama – How We Have Lived

Chapter 8: Ways to Life – Humanity’s Calling

Chapter 9: Spiritual and Worldly Life – Finding the Crossroad Today

Chapter 10: Lives of Faith and the Human Being Today

Section Four: Culminating World Drama: The End or the Beginning?

Chapter 11: Recognition, Realization and Eternal Fortune

Chapter 12: Returning Home

References

Scriptural References

Diagrams

About theBrahma Kumaris History

About the Author

Comments from Readers

Believe it or not I have finished reading your work on ‘peace’ . . . I would love to talk with you about it . . . very well done . . . but you certainly took on the whole history of religion . . . quite a daunting task.

Nancy Detjen Ph.D

Thank you for sharing your manuscript with me. It is quite an accomplishment, extremely well written and organized and detailed. It is interesting material, the similarities and ultimate unity of these various religions. It reads like a Ph.D. thesis or dissertation. I found those ten pages of questions and answers of the different masters particularly enjoyable and relevant. I wish there were more of those questions and answers. It’s fascinating to me . . .

Walter Jacobson, M.D.

I believe Our True Humanity is a wonderful work of carefully documented ideas and insights as to what constitutes the essence of four major religious traditions and what these religions share. [This work] makes an original contribution that will be of great importance and interest to anyone pursuing comparative theological studies.

Anita Skarpathiotis, Mother and Teacher

University of Illinois, Chicago

Our True Humanity not only describes the tenets of the great religions of the world and their commonality in the spiritual realms, it searches through the minds of some of the great thinkers of the past. Socrates, for instance, several thousand years ago, demonstrated that man’s senses do not express reality or truth. Modern science has demonstrated that the eyes operate selectively. For instance, they cannot view ultraviolet rays, atoms, molecules, etc. The author’s optimism that the development of mankind will, with time, evolve to be capable of attaining the final and eternal destination of the spirtual world is refreshing.

Constantine Farmans

Retired Attorney and Author

"[The] book is an excellent source of information for all seekers of the One. May each reader see our true humanity in the Light and Love of this season of Peace and Joy.

Rev. Fr. Michael Courey, D. Min.

St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church

Acknowledgements

• Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya of Mt. Abu, India;

• Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University International Coordinating Offices in London;

• BK Jayanti Kirpilani: For her guidance, support and encouragement

• BK Sharonah Stillerman: Editorial contributor

• California Brahma Kumaris family and especially the divine family of Greater Los Angeles

• Faith Communities that contributed their thoughts and experiences

• Faith leaders and their editorial contributions to the book:

• Swami Bhaskarananda of the Vedanta Society of Western Washington.

• Bhante Chao Chu of the Rosemead Buddhist Monastery in California.

• Rev. Fr. Michael Courey, D. Min. of St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, Redondo Beach, California.

• Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Ph.D. of the Islamic Society of Orange County, California.

• BK Sudesh Didi of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, London

• Cover art by BKIVV Art Department, Mt. Abu, India

• Gratitude to Rabbi Jan Katzew of the Union for Reform Judaism for his contribution and support.

• Gratitude to Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D. of the Institute of Noetic Sciences for her interview, support and contributions.

• Special acknowledgements to family friend, Anita Skarpathiotis; Dean Varun Soni of the University of Southern California; BK Diane Tillman, educational psychologist and friend; the Villa Florenze living community for its silent contribution and love; Professor Chris Chapple of Loyola Marymount University; former high school principal; Nancy Detjen PhD; Walter Jacobson MD; and childhood friend, Dianne (Davidson) Calvi for their feedback, contributions and support.

This book specially acknowledges and recognizes my grandmothers; both worldly and spiritual who have been blessed role-models for my religious and spiritual development: Grandmothers’ Evdokia Halikis and Georgia Farmanis; and Respected Dadi Jankiji of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.

Foreword

In the 1960s, people were inspired to try and ‘renew the world.’ In the 21st century, finding the energy to change the world for the better is once again necessary. One way to move is through reaffirming our common humanity.

With all the negativity in today’s world and the constant barrage of bad news, people are more willing to see what we hold in common, and view old traditions and beliefs through a spiritual lens. There is a call of time for communities to awaken. Time is a gift and we must use this gift now to explore not only what we have in common, but the source of our own inner dignity and that of all others.

Spirituality helps us to find the inner dignity, which enables us to develop ourselves. The tree is a good metaphor: The tree grows and develops – the deeper its roots, the higher it reaches. Going deep within and creating a strong foundation of inner value and dignity enables us to reach our highest potential in life. When we create our own foundation of peace and power and recognise our inner treasures, we are ready not only to value ourselves, but to extend that value and respect for all others—of every faith.

The original state of every human being is goodness. The discovery of this is the wonderful discovery of my own inner dignity. The power of spirituality and the dignity of my own spiritual being enable me to transcend situations of discrimination and will show how all other forms of discrimination can be ended. The power of the spirit is really the greatest power that humanity has and the 21st century is the moment for discovering this.

In Our True Humanity, Maureen has endeavored to look at questions in the heart of human beings and at the root of faith and philosophical traditions. She has explored four major religions in regard to these questions to offer a unique glimpse of our commonality, our shared humanity. While there are divergences, what emerges is a much more unified picture of humanity and its spiritual endeavour than is often assumed. I warmly support and applaud her efforts to add to our shared endeavour of creating a more harmonious world.

Sister Jayanti Kirpilani

European Director of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

Preface

This book has been written with love for the human family and with deep regard for the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU). Most of what will be shared in this book comes from the understanding that has been acquired in studies with the BKWSU and through this way of life. The treasures of spiritual life are best appreciated in the quiet moments with the One or in the moments shared with the human family when the experience of being spiritual children of the same Source is realized together. Each of us, in our own way, is coming closer to becoming that simplicity and innocence that define the self. It is this gentle, simple and truthful way of being that will soon thread all of humanity in an eternal bond of love with the One.

One of the aims in writing this book is to offer the reader an essence of the scriptures and philosophies that have been revealed in humanity’s search for Truth through time. It is felt that by sharing this essence, a sense of unity and purpose can be defined in our lives. The questions many ask such as Why am I here? or What is my role in life? may be answered in the pages ahead and open the door to contentment by simply learning and/or knowing how to ‘be.’

In my experience, the BKWSU can be considered a university for spiritual study that provides an education on spiritual principles that are common to most faith traditions and ways of life. Consequently, it isn’t unusual to hear that the attainments individuals acquire through this spiritual study heighten and deepen their experience and appreciation of their own faith tradition as well as their work and family life. Essentially, the spiritual education offers people of all backgrounds an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the intrinsic goodness of every human being and helps individuals to rediscover their own goodness through meditation and expression of the innate beauty within. This awareness helps individuals to realize their eternal self as a soul and their part as a child of the Supreme. Additionally, the BKWSU encourages and facilitates the development of spiritual awareness, attitudes, behaviors and skills through a process of lifelong learning. This process of awareness leads to a deeper exploration of the importance of thoughts and feelings as the seeds of the human experience. These seeds, when cared for and sustained properly, can surely flourish into actions that contribute to a better world.

The BKWSU can also be considered a spiritual path along with a university study when individuals choose to dedicate their lives to the deeper aspects of this spiritual education and its teachings. Such individuals choose a lifestyle that abstains from some of the common pleasures that most people appreciate today in the effort to achieve the heights of spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection and relationship with the Divine. It is also in these heights of awareness and union with the One that a very powerful service of humanity can take place and emerge the highest love that we each have for one another as spiritual beings.

The decision of surrendering ones life to this spiritual path that many BKs have chosen for their lives, includes the realization that the way will ultimately be easier, clearer and much more profound when we all take the journey to our spiritual Home someday. We know that the process of growth on most spiritual paths isn’t always easy. It is no different in this study. Clearly, however, the attainments realized in this dedication and study are eternal.

It is important to mention that the Source of the BKWSU teachings is attributed to God whom the University calls Shiva. However, the teachings clearly recognize that this Being has many names in other faith traditions such as Allah, God, Ehyeh, etc. The important aspect to note is the understanding that this love-full and merciful Being who we may call by various names is One, the eternal Father/Mother/Friend/Beloved of all human souls.

The spiritual teachings of the various faith traditions that are shared in this book are not an attempt to impose or espouse a particular doctrine of these faith traditions but rather to share aspects of their teachings that resonate with the historical and spiritual understanding of the BKWSU that is viewed as universal in scope.

The challenges that may be faced in this that I have tried to be attentive to and that the BKWSU has spent years of work and world service to understand and appreciate are the sensitivities we each have toward our traditions, recognizing that there are time-tested views to regard when participating in a study such as this one. Interfaith work has been in existence for many years (1893 the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago) in semi-quiet circles. It is hoped that Our True Humanity has upheld such regard as has been laid by the interfaith work in the world community while opening new doors of understanding and purpose together. I am honored to have been able to step into sacred spaces of each tradition. The work with faith leaders in this project was very meaningful and it is thought that more will be shared and learned together in months and years ahead.

Finally, it is understood that the roles human beings play in life today are vast and diverse so it is hoped that there is no particular appreciation for any one role. The realization aimed to put forward in this aspect is that this world and our experiences in it are all, simply, a Drama of which we each are playing a part. Our fortune is embraced in both the role(s) we play in life and in who we are as souls. Truth, for each of us, is derived from our original nature, in our eternal and pure state of being as a soul which affords a sense of completion and contentment when realized in physical form. Truth is also derived from the appreciation of the journey we have made together as a human family through various roles and aspects of time, particularly with regard to the significance of the present in understanding and assuming our destiny.

BK Maureen Kris

Introduction

In a comparative study of religions, there is a study of the commonalities and differences that exist among and between each that may draw a conclusion on a stated theme. In the following book, Our True Humanity, the aim is to develop an understanding of a known spiritual heritage of the human being that most religions recognize through their respective doctrines and scriptural traditions. The teachings of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University focus almost entirely on the understanding and study of this common spiritual heritage that humanity shares and which our religions and their supportive doctrines to a great extent also appreciate.

The color and beauty of each faith tradition is revealed in this work, as well, and may even be the primary focus for the reader. The attraction that many have had to the various religions, in this work, reveals the appreciation that the human spirit has had to what religion has offered humanity and can also be seen as part of its wonderful tapestry, its appreciation of life and aim for truthful living.

There is foundational content that we would like to introduce here that may aid the reader in comprehending some of the material ahead:

First, there are a number of usages of the ‘self’ that we define as the human being or living being in life. There is also ‘soul’ which is the metaphysical being that does not necessarily include the body. When we discuss self-realization, we are defining the endeavor to appreciate the authentic self in the present time—in other words, the self that disregards its worldly placement, associations and identity and recognizes its eternal spiritual essence in living form. The identity of the ‘soul’ is beyond life in a place we will all ‘be’ in our highest form. The true and original self of the human being involves a step back or forward in time to when the self was in its most realized form and living potential. The ‘spirit’ that is referred to in the book is the soul’s essence in life.

When we discuss the soul’s identity, we understand the components of mind and intellect and how they work with the subconscious to create an awareness of life (please see diagram on page 242). So we know that our past memories, habits and ways of being or personality can influence our present understanding of reality. Our consciousness, consequently, is influenced by our past but not necessarily held to it because of the ability the intellect has to transcend limited awareness.

If we capitulate with the philosophy of karma, we know that conduct or past actions can leave impressions on the soul (sanskaras) that collectively constitute an identity of the self or personality traits. The more righteous our actions are, the easier the soul is able to grasp truth and realize that authentic self once again. With this responsibility toward our destinies and our roles in it, we now have two aspects that involve change or transformation that the self can consider in its spiritual endeavor: effort and capacity. Each human being fulfills the degree of effort it is destined to allocate in its endeavor (potential) and to what extent its potential may be attained. Is it unlimited, the human being’s potential? If this is so, in what context would that be true? We know that we can make decisions that produce a very beneficial destiny for the self, and if accurate, for all of humanity. This is a course of study that we find to be of great value and purpose.

Victory and defeat is the inevitable experience of all human beings but the end result, we know to be ultimately good for every being. Each religion relates their appreciation of the human being and how to fulfill one’s destiny in life with the highest possible outcome.

Finally, in a discussion on faith and intelligence and how they figure in the human being’s spiritual endeavor, we know that both, when understood, are best appreciated when there is a benevolent and generous attitude toward humanity and the collective experience of humankind. How we each identify with these two key elements in the simplicity of our being and in our spiritual study is left to the reader to develop and understand in his/her spiritual journey.

Authors’ Note

The sections on the Judeo-Christian tradition are included with the following understanding of that term:

Judeo-Christian (or Judaeo-Christian, sometimes written as Judæo-Christian) is a term used to describe the body of concepts and values which are thought to be held in common by Judaism and adapted by Christianity, and typically considered (sometimes along with classical Greco-Roman civilization) a fundamental basis for Western legal codes and moral values. The term typically refers to the common Old Testament/Tanakh (which is a basis of both moral traditions, including particularly the Ten Commandments); and implies a common set of values present in the modern Western World. The term has been criticized by some for suggesting more commonality than may actually exist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judeo-Christian). The Biblical references in this work include both Judaic and Christian views with an emphasis on Orthodox Christian theology. Both the Jewish and Christian scripture are shared in the work; the former of which may be considered the founding religious scripture for Judeo-Christianity. The major distinction drawn between Judaic and Christian thought is the understanding of God and humankind’s role with Him.

The sections on Philosophy and Science are simply introductions to concepts or ideas that may be explored in greater detail through academic discussion and dialogue. They are not meant to hold the authority of science. Rather, they are introducing an appreciation of it within a spiritual construct that also needs deeper explorations and study.

Section One:

What It Means to Truly Be

Chapter 1: The Real Self

It can take a lifetime to fully know one’s true identity. Today, most people are very challenged in this endeavor. The day we are each born into this life, the understanding we have of our identity is greatly influenced by our physicality and relationships—our orientation toward the physical body, parents’ expectations of us, peer and socioeconomic influences, etc. It is difficult to know where to begin this process of knowing one’s true identity and how to reach under the many layers of awareness to the core of our being.

A man has many skins in himself, covering the depths of his heart. Man knows so many things; he does not know himself. Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, just like an ox’s or a bear’s, so thick and hard, cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there. —Eckhart

In some cases, identifying the self through our identification with the body (gender, relationships, socioeconomic influences) and through the expectations that are placed upon us at an early age can afford great worldly success. In this case, it can be stated that knowing ones true identity can be challenging because the gratification found in the present worldly and temporal attainments can obstruct the awareness of the eternal and true self. On the contrary, shunning the world and our relationships can create a delusive disinterest in life on earth. In this latter thought, we would aim, instead, to emerge an appreciation of ‘life’ that may also be true and meaningful to the self and the understanding of eternal life.

In any case, no matter what one’s personal story may be, for most today, there seems to be something missing in the understanding of true identity and self realization. Even with the countless books and seminars on personal growth that are available to everyone today, to be authentic and true still seems to be a challenge for the human being today. What is missing?

It can be stated that when the self is fully realized, there is no need to seek understanding. Truth is recognized in the experience of simply being. The self is in unlimited freedom and the choices and actions made are natural, in harmony with life. In this case, the self is complete and content with whatever it does.

In most aspects, the process of self-realization is appreciated in various ways by the major religious traditions today. Why we want to turn to them for understanding is evident in that they have more or less withstood the test of time. With this in mind, we include an appreciation of the teachings of some of the major faith traditions where we see varying processes of self-awareness and spiritual endeavor based on their understanding of life and eternity according to their respective doctrines. Even philosophical and scientific thought has offered an understanding of our identity and who we are as human beings. What is the simple truth of what it means to truly be? Is there an essence that we can all share together? Is the destination the same for all of us? These questions and more will be discussed in the following chapters.¹

Judeo-Christian Thought

The Judeo-and-Christian scriptures’ book of Genesis reveals an understanding of self as a union of body and spirit, both physical and of spirit in relationship with One God of Spirit:

 . . . the Lord God formed man from the dust of the earth. He blew into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

The Holy Bible (Tanakh): Genesis 2:7

According to Orthodox Christian theology, God’s creation of mankind in the image of God is the foundation of our very being and determines the purpose of our existence.¹ It is essential to state this in Christian thought because it is understood that the human soul cannot be seen as autonomous but only in connection with God.²

Orthodox Christian St. Athanasius the Great from On the Incarnation, identifies with the concept of humankind’s potential by stating that upon them, therefore, upon men who, as animals, were essentially impermanent, He [God] bestowed a grace which other creatures lacked—namely, the impress of His own image, a share in the reasonable being of the very Word Himself, so that, reflecting Him and themselves becoming reasonable and expressing the Mind of God even as He does, though in limited degree, they might continue forever in the blessed and only true life of the Saints in Paradise.³

Spiritual endeavor and practices to the Orthodox Christian, are a call to humanity and the person to a higher dimension enabling the spiritual process of experiencing God within the world. Emphasis is placed on strengthening ‘the divine spark’ of God, wherever it may be found in the world. Everything has a purpose and the purpose of human life is to refine the image of God within us.⁴

Consequent to this thinking, the process of knowing the self requires awareness or communion of the impress of God within our being. It is in this awareness or communion that life exists and it is through lack of awareness of God or through carnal