Lifestyle
Maryadapurushottam
The Brahma Kumaris lifestyle centres around a series of practices, disciplines and codes of conduct collectively known as maryadas. The Sanskrit term maryada conveys a sense of boundary, limit, established custom or moral discipline. Within the Brahma Kumaris, the maryadas provide a framework for daily spiritual life, shaping practices around meditation, study, food, relationships, purity and the use of time and resources.
The ideal of maryadapurushottam, the highest or most elevated among human beings through observance of spiritual and ethical boundaries, has broader cultural and scriptural significance in India. Within Raja Yoga practice, adherence to maryadas is understood to support spiritual development in the present and shape the soul's future experience.
ORIGINAL MARYADAS
Established during the 1950s, the Maryadas pictured below were transported all over the world, during the Expansion Years. They would typically hang on the wall of each centre, and of every Brahmin household.
Marayadas
Principles for Brahmins
Alongside the original maryadas, other formulations illustrate how these disciplines have been interpreted and expressed in different contexts. “Our Life Here” was developed by three Australian BK Raja Yogis in the early twenty-first century as a contemporary adaptation of the maryadas. “Additional Maryadas” reproduces seven further disciplines documented by scholar Trevor Walsh in his research on the Brahma Kumaris. Together, these sources offer a glimpse into the relationship between formal codes, orally transmitted disciplines and lived practice.
Maryadas in Practice
Additional Maryadas
In his research, Trevor Walsh documented seven additional disciplines which he described as being taught verbally and through the murlis.
No going to movies especially pornographic movies.
No eating of food and drink made by non-members, especially cooked food. This includes eating at restaurants etc.
No touching of members by other members, especially members of the opposite gender. Includes no hugging, cuddling etc.
No reading of worldly novels and magazines etc. Especially pornography.
No living by members in gender mixed houses with other members, unless of course they are one’s biological family. Communal living in houses is either as ‘Brother or Sister houses/bhavans’. Communal living is one of the BK institution’s ideals and is enthusiastically promoted.
No gambling. All money gained by gambling is considered ‘black money’.
Bathing after bowel movement. Especially if there is to be the preparation and the cooking of food.
Our Life Here
Beginning every day with a loving connection with God, we meditate before the world is awake.
Appreciating that our spiritual education is a gift from God, we study daily.
With soul conscious vision, we are committed to using the best of ourselves and seeing the best in others.
Understanding the power of vibrations over matter, we cook in remembrance of God.
With respect and love for all life, our diet is pure vegetarian.
With thanks and appreciation we eat in remembrance.
Understanding that some habits drain the soul of spiritual power, we don’t drink or smoke, take drugs or gamble.
Seeing all souls as our spiritual brothers and sisters, we live a life of chastity.
Recognising the importance of all aspects of life, we endeavour to use our time, money and energy wisely.
We serve by being part of the world, not retreating from it, and we carry spiritual principles into our work life.