On 18th January here at the Brahma Kumaris we celebrated the day of Prajapita Baba (or Brahma Baba), the Father of the people. This is the day which he left his mortal coil. He was an extremely pure soul and very faithful to God. He had excellent leadership qualities and was also a great visionary. He was a very royal soul with an excellent character. I always feel inspired by this incredible super hero who was full of courage and love. He always put the women at the Brahma Kumaris in front.
He was born into a humble home, son of a school head teacher in the 1880’s. His parents died when he was very young and he lived with his uncle. He was brought up as a Hindu. He became a diamond merchant after a number of different professions and had a family of five children. He was also a leader in the community. He worked his way to the top of his profession and became one of the richest men in India in his time. He was also friends to royal kings.
In 1936 at the age of 60 God granted him a number of visions and he decided to give up his business and establish God’s spiritual university. He inspired millions to empower themselves and create hope or the future.
Brahma Baba became the instrument to uplift thousands with a special virtue of generosity. He surrendered his wealth for the establishment and sustenance of the young organization then. He especially educated the mothers, and the young women who did not receive formal schooling as it was a tradition in those days. He helped others develop their strengths by always highlighting their virtues, not their weakness. He sustained any soul who came in front of him with his wisdom, love and respect.
Brahma Baba was a true visionary and a world server who envisioned a time when foreigners would come to Mount Abu to study Raja Yoga too. He only had good wishes and pure feelings for everyone, and often thought of bringing benefit in the foreign lands. He would wake up at two o-clock in the morning for his deep meditation where he envisioned spreading rays of peace and love to the whole word. Anyone who came to Mount Abu for the first time was automatically drawn by his drishti or his spiritual vision and made him belong to them.
Establishing the Brahma Kumaris had its share of challenges especially from the community that did not quite understand what was going on. Despite oppositions from families, Brahma Baba remained a carefree emperor. Instead of asking why certain things happened, he put a full-stop in every situation by thinking about its benefit. His faith in God as his one strength and support enabled him to be constantly unshakeable. He became a living example for others to follow. To this day, stories of his special qualities and how he touched lives even with his silent presence is told in books, films and articles in the organization.
In May 1950 he moved with the other founding members from Karachi, Pakistan, to Mt. Abu in India, where he remained until his passing in 1969. Every year on January 18, the BKs hold a special and very powerful day of silence and remembrance in honor of Brahma Baba.
You can read more about the philosophy that Brahma Baba followed in the following publications:
Is there another way? – Book and CD by Dadi Janki
Companion of God – Book by Dadi Janki
Living Our Values Book by Brahma Kumaris
By Jasween Dogra. Inspired Stillness (BK Publications)