QUESTION: The seminar series is entitled ‘Spirituality and Ethics in the Penal System.’ If I don’t consider myself to be either a religious or spiritual person then what relevance does it have to me?

ANSWER: These seminars have brought benefit to a wide range of people. Some participants have been open about their religious affiliation while for others, it is not something that has been asked about or indeed that they have felt necessary or important to speak of. This is because the focus has been towards personal growth and development with a view to finding increased inner stability in life.
Within this process, personal values, human potential, inherent qualities and development of a vision are important components. These are all very practical aspects. To some, these are seen as spiritual elements as they relate to our inner world - to the essence of who we are. This is the place from which we draw the power to sustain ourselves and our values in what is often a difficult working environment.

QUESTION: Is the Brahma Kumaris a religion?

ANSWER: No. The Brahma Kumaris is a spiritual organisation. Its understanding is that spirituality is an intrinsic part of every human being and it therefore works with everyone to help them discover that goodness within themselves, and to develop attitudes and behaviours stemming from shared core values and understanding.
It also recognises the importance of understanding the wider context of human existence and addresses the spiritual significance of religious and cultural traditions, exploring such themes as the purpose of life and our relationship with a Higher Power.

QUESTION: So, what is the difference between religion and spirituality?

ANSWER: There is perhaps no easy distinction between the two. Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary defines each as:

• Religion: (n) belief in, recognition of, or an awakened sense of, a higher unseen controlling power or powers, with the emotion and morality connected therewith: rites or worship: any system of such belief or worship.
• Spirit: (n) vital principle; the principle of thought; the soul; an incorporeal being.
• Spiritual: (adj) of the nature of, relating to, spirit, the mind, the higher faculties, the soul: highly refined in thought and feeling, habitually or naturally looking to things of the spirit.

There is clearly an overlap, but also clear distinctions. At a recent workshop where out of 30 participants about 80% were from a Christian background, the following distinctions were proposed:

QUESTION: I understand that there is no charge for these seminars, including the residential retreats. Why is this and how, therefore, do you fund them? 

ANSWER: It is the Brahma Kumaris ethos not to charge for the services they offer. One reason for this is that spiritual understanding is seen as the inherent right of every individual, and cannot be given a price tag. Another is that a spirit of service, without expectation of material gain, creates a positive energy of authenticity. Funding comes by way of voluntary contributions. Individuals are invited to contribute towards the work at a level they feel they can and wish to afford.

QUESTION: In the prison system we are constantly experiencing staff shortages and increased responsibilities. There is so much to do and so little time. Why should I therefore give up more of my time to attend one of these seminars? 

ANSWER: The issues described in the question and the negative effects they can have on us are one of the reasons these seminars came into being. The seminars will provide tools to help you explore and experience your inner strengths and qualities, enabling you to care for yourself and others during times of sustained pressure. These insights also help you to better manage yourself and your responsibilities. On the basis of participant feedback, the immediate experience and the longer-term gains of attending one or more of these seminar/workshops is, without exception, considered worthwhile.

QUESTION: Do you run any programmes outside either London or Oxford that are closer to my own area? 

ANSWER: Since 1991, when the first seminar took place, there has only been one seminar held at a site other than the Brahma Kumaris centres in London or Oxford. During 2001 and 2002, four members of staff from HMP Kirkham, supported by their line managers, attended these seminars. Recognising the benefit to staff they arranged with the working group, and their Governor, to host a seminar in their prison. Subsequent approaches have been made by other staff to host similar events and are being followed through. We welcome any further suggestions.

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