Emotional highs and demoralising defeats, tennis offers profound tests of character and spirit. From discipline and resilience to humility and generosity it can become a pathway to inner growth. This evening’s talk will explore the test and triumphs of tennis through a unique spiritual lens, uncovering deeper truths about ego, perseverance and grace. Speaker: Eric Le Reste Eric has an extensive background as a journalist and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news and current affairs programs. For more than 40 years he has been practising Raja Yoga meditation. Based in Montreal, he currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Canada.

In a world full of noise, multiple options and instant gratification, true value often hides in plain sight. Discernment is a quiet power that helps us see beneath the surface, weigh what truly matters and make decisions which align with lasting value rather than fleeting appeal. In this evening’s talk we will take a deeper look at this essential ability, its relationship to decision making and how to fine tune the practice. Speaker: Maria Moreno is Emeritus Professor in Organization Behavior at the University of Valencia, with a long experience in researching and lecturing on this matter. She has been a Raja Yoga practitioner and lecturer with Brahma Kumaris for 33 years and coordinates the BK center in Valencia. She is also part of the National Coordinators Team in Spain.. Maria is a member of the BK Council of National Coordinators Secretariat and is currently very active in the organization of international BK programs, training and retreats.

Honouring The International Yoga Day This conversation will explore how we can create a meditation habit and experience 'Raja Yoga' in our life to help us navigate these uncertain times with renewed clarity and peace. It will also include 'yoga moments' with the speakers. Dr Tamasin Ramsay Tamasin Ramsay, from Australia, has been a committed practitioner of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga for over four decades. She is also an applied anthropologist and conservationalist. A former NGO Representative to the United Nations, she has advocated internationally for animal justice and environmental policy reform. Her recently published book, Custodians of Purity, explores how spiritual living can bring about lasting inner – and so outer – change Jaymini Patel Sister Jaymini, a dedicated Brahma Kumaris educator, speaker, and meditator for over 45 years, is known for her ability to connect across cultures and professions. As Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London and Midlands Coordinator, she inspires transformation through communication, leadership, and service. Mentored by Dadi Janki, she promotes unity through interfaith efforts like Diwali in London. Her compassionate approach and strategic insight empower individuals to realise their potential and embrace inner change with the practise of Raja Yoga, as the path to fulfilment. Maureen Goodman Sister Maureen is Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris UK and the Brahma Kumaris representative at the United Nations, Vienna. A teacher of Raja Yoga for nearly 50 years, she has studied with the world's leading female yogis. Understanding the connection between inner and outer change, she participates in UN environment conferences and is part of the Strategic Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, creating a safe space for dialogue among leaders seeking transformation based on core human values. Hosted by: Kishore Krishan Kishore is a transformational business executive who has integrated Raj Yoga principles to practice value-based leadership in organisations

A contribution to International Day of Yoga adopted by the United Nations in 2014 and celebrated across the world every year on 21st June. Often thought of, particularly in the West, as the practice of physical exercises or Asanas, including systems of breathing, the word ‘yoga’ derives from the Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the union of body, consciousness and the Divine. Our speaker this evening will explore the relationship and connections between Hatha Yoga in its various forms and levels and Raja Yoga as taught and practised by the Brahma Kumaris. Speaker: Bhavesh Ramji Bhavesh came to the practice of Raja Yoga meditation at a young age as his parents were regular attendees of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Leicester. In 2016, he decided to become a Hatha Yoga teacher and trained in Rishikesh, India, making multiple visits to complete his training. He has been teaching Hatha Yoga professionally since 2018. Inspired by his joint yoga practice, Bhavesh enjoys writing poetry and has published a series of three books in 2023, entitled 'Oceans of Love'.

Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing. Aristotle Unless you live like a hermit, criticism is probably inevitable, and some of it may be valid as well. So how well do you handle criticism? Do you get defensive and fire back justifications? Take it personally and let it get under your skin? Or do you just let it slide? Join us for tips on how to handle criticism gracefully and constructively, even when it seems harsh or unfair. Speaker: Neville Hodgkinson is an author and journalist who specialised for much of his career in writing about science and medicine. He has been a student of Raja Yoga for more than 40 years and is based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire.

Have you ever thought about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Within its DNA is a secret set of cells that scientists call ‘imaginal’. They contain the blueprint for transformation and vibrate at such a high frequency that nothing can stop them. Within us all is the ability to imagine our own highest self, because the memory is in our DNA. When we begin to work on our highest frequency, then nothing can stop us. Join Suman Kalra and learn how to activate our powerful ‘imaginal’ self. Suman Kalra has been connected to the Brahma Kumaris since her early teens and has subsequently been a pivotal member of the teams operating some of the key and busy UK Brahma Kumaris Meditation centres. Her ability to sustain personal spiritual growth whilst working in a busy environment, her strong organisational and leadership skills and intuitive sense of vision and direction have given her a wealth of insights and experience to share. Suman is currently based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxford – an international Brahma Kumaris centre for values development, that welcomes 10,000 visitors from around the world annually.

Silence, Sound and Harmony - Perspectives on Music and Spirituality “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” Aldous Huxley Sound and soul are vibrational and a reflection of each other. Both contain the potential to enable healing, connection and transcendence. In this session, Rodney draws parallels between the dynamics of our human and spiritual experience and the fundamental elements of music, such as dynamics, pitch, harmony and silence. Speaker: Rodney Browne As a regular student of Raja Yoga, Rodney enjoys the transformative power of spiritual knowledge and silence, which he shares in weekly online i-movie meditations. Since age 6, he has found creative expression through music which he has studied up to MSC level (acoustic composition). Recently retired as Head of Music, he teaches piano, facilitates 'Spirituality and Men' events and delivers talks on spiritual topics.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. In a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion, it is often taken as a weakness. In reality, humility is a powerful, understated virtue that can open us to growth, build trust and strengthen relationships. Speaker: Rachel Priestman Rachel’s varied career has spanned librarianship, urban regeneration, PR and marketing, events and arts management - and a few other things in between. She currently volunteers with the Brahma Kumaris at Global Co-operation House in London, and is a member of the UK Media & Communications team.

It’s hard to explain, difficult, if not impossible, for the mind to see. Few people have an awareness of it. Yet we intuitively know that it feels like an accurate way to understand the reality that lies beyond separation. Sometimes known as ONENESS, it’s just that the mind, accustomed to seeing separated objects, is unlikely to ever know it! But an awakening intellect comes close when it becomes divine. Why? Is one of the questions which Mike will approach this evening as he reveals why there is another reality behind the things we think we know! Speaker: Mike George is a management tutor, spiritual coach and an author of sixteen books. In a unique blend of insight, wisdom and humour Mike brings together the three key strands of the 21st century – self-awareness, emotional/spiritual intelligence and continuous ‘unlearning.’ Mike is a highly entertaining speaker known for his ability to unite head and heart. For the last 30 years he has been guiding and facilitating the executive development of leaders in companies and communities in over 30 countries. He coaches and mentors individuals towards their own vision of inner success, and helps teams find more cohesive ways to work together and motivate themselves. His books include Being Your Self, Don’t Get MAD Get Wise, The 7 Myths About LOVE and Untangling Religion and Spirituality.

We all carry baggage - past mistakes, regrets, fears, and limiting beliefs that weigh us down. Like any traveller embarking on a journey, why carry extra weight? This talk is about recognising our baggage, understanding the cost of holding onto it, learning to let go of what no longer serves us and stepping into the best version of ourselves. Speaker: Mark Fleming Mark has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

Life is simple, for ourselves and for everyone else, when we live with healthy boundaries but it can feel intimidating to create and maintain them. This talk will include an exploration of the delicate balance between boundaries as barriers or bridges. How boundaries define our spaces and interactions and are they fixed or fluid? What are the qualities and strengths we need to create and maintain healthy boundaries? Speaker: Shireen Chada, a long time meditator with the Brahma Kumaris, is an experienced designer and facilitator of meditation retreats and workshops. Based in Tampa, Florida, she is the co-host of a weekly podcast: Spiritual Sense: How to Stay Awake and Become Your Best. Shireen is also the creator and presenter of Release Your Wings YouTube channel and author of five books on meditation: God’s Blessing for You, Soul Fitness, Oh My Goodness!, True Hollywood Blockbuster, and Insperience the Divine. Shireen presents intelligent, refreshingly creative and unmistakably authentic wisdom to powerfully uplift the soul.

Earth Day reminds us that our planet is not just a place, it is a living system that we humans are a part of. This means that every kind action, every thoughtful choice, helps towards making the planet a better and more sustainable place. Our choice of energy also has an impact. Consider the sun's energy, a pure source of light and warmth that sustains and nurtures all life. It is a clean energy that can be harnessed to power the planet but it also has a deep spiritual significance. Our speaker Aneta Loj talks about inspiring solar energy projects as well as exploring the deep connection between renewable energy and soul empowerment. Speaker: Aneta Loj, Director of the Brahma kumaris in Poland, is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of experience in sustainability, renewable energy, corporate leadership, and spirituality. Her deep commitment to caring for the environment and capacity building has led her to engage in impactful community projects. Since 2011, she has been an R&D Coordinator for the India One Solar Thermal Power Plant located at the Shantivan campus of the Brahma Kumaris in Rajasthan. As the Focal Point of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Aneta actively participates in global environmental discussions and has represented the Brahma Kumaris at numerous UN climate change conferences. Embracing the inside-out approach, she is dedicated to contributing to a dignified, just, and harmonious world for all.