Suicide

Setting the Record Straight

Brahma Kumaris is an organization of nearly 900,000 individuals in 130 countries with a 76-year history of offering free courses and programs for spiritual development. Since 1971, when the Brahma Kumaris began offering programs outside of India, we are aware of several regrettable cases where BKs have taken their own lives. We know that many more individual BKs, as well as their families and friends, have been touched by the suicide of someone close to them. Following an internal review of the organization’s functioning in 2008-09, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to a culture of care. A spiritual culture of care means having someone to talk to, nurturing relationships by seeing the strengths and positive qualities in everyone, clearing up misunderstandings as soon as possible, and refraining from making judgments about others’ motives or actions based on an understanding of the law of karma. To say that the Brahma Kumaris are “uncaring” when someone has taken his/her own life flies in the face of personal experience. Most of those in contact with the BK organization have first-hand experience with the feelings of love and understanding that are experienced in BK centers worldwide. Indeed, in times of extreme stress and sudden or traumatic situations, the BKs are often sought out to offer comfort and support. For those who have dedicated their lives to service and live in a center, the organization uses extensive interviews, follows well-considered policies, and provides ongoing guidance and support to ensure the integrity of the spiritual programs and services provided by the BKs around the globe.