My Soul-Awakening experience
By Raj Shah
In March, I had the profound privilege of embarking on a transformative journey that began on an exceptional day—my birthday, March 20. The Brahma Kumaris Center in Miami offered a deeply enriching, in-person course as a unique birthday gift to myself. From the very first session, I felt a powerful connection not only to the teachings but also to the serene and spiritually charged atmosphere of the center. What made the experience even more meaningful was having BK Sister Waddy—affectionately known as Sister Waddy Ben—as my guru and guide. Her deep wisdom, calm presence, and gentle way of explaining deep spiritual truths made the classroom a safe place where learning felt natural and personal.
The busyness of daily life often overshadows aspects of the self, making each class an opportunity to look inward, reflect, and explore. The course focused on Raja Yoga meditation, learning about soul consciousness, and getting useful tools for staying calm and clear in everyday life. The timing of the course—starting on my birthday—felt symbolic, as if the universe was inviting me to begin a new chapter not just in years, but in awareness, purpose, and inner peace. As the days unfolded, so did layers of insight that continue to influence how I think, feel, and interact with the world. It wasn’t just a class; it was an experience that opened my soul, led by a wise teacher and supported by a loving spiritual community.
During the multi-day course, BK Sister Waddy touched on several profound topics, including “Who Am I?”, the five vices and five virtues, the four ages (yugas)—the Golden Age (Satya Yuga), Silver Age (Treta Yuga), Copper Age (Dvapara Yuga), and Iron Age (Kali Yuga)—as well as the “Eternal World Tree” or “Kalpa Tree,” which symbolizes divine knowledge and spiritual guidance from God.
Each topic for me was very thought-provoking. As a student of Hinduism, I can relate to some of the concepts, like karma, reincarnation, and a cyclical view of history.
In the coming issues of Desh-Videsh, I will explore each of these topics in more detail.
Let me start this issue by discussing the five vices and seven virtues of the soul. While these concepts may be familiar to many of us, the way BK Sister Waddy explained them left a deep and lasting impression on me.
The 7 Original Virtues of the Soul
The journey of life is not merely a journey through space and time, but more importantly, a journey within—the journey of the soul. As per the spiritual teachings of the Brahma Kumaris, each soul is inherently divine and carries seven original virtues inherited directly from the Supreme Soul, God. These qualities—Purity, Peace, Love, Joy, Bliss, Powers, and Knowledge—are not borrowed traits, but rather the original, eternal nature of every soul. Recognizing and living by these divine qualities can transform our lives and restore our connection to our highest self.
1. Purity: The Foundation of Spiritual Life
Purity is not just about physical celibacy; it encompasses the purity of thoughts, words, and actions. It is the cornerstone of spirituality and the mother of peace and happiness. A pure soul radiates goodwill, honesty, and high intentions in all interactions.
In the teachings of Brahma Kumaris, purity means seeing the self and others as souls, beyond labels of gender, caste, color, or religion. When we remove the ego of the body, we return to the soul-conscious stage—our original identity.
2. Peace: The Soul’s Natural State
Despite the chaos around us, true peace is not found in silence outside but in stillness within. “Peace is not a gift we gain from the world, but a virtue we return to when we turn inward“. The Supreme Father reminds us through the daily Murli: “Peace is a garland around your neck.”
We do not need to search for peace—it is already within. Raja Yoga meditation, as taught by Brahma Kumaris, helps redirect our mind from wasteful thoughts and reconnect it to our original peaceful nature.
3. Love: The Thread That Connects All Souls
God is called the Ocean of Love, and we, His children, carry that same essence. True love transcends physical attraction, attachment, and expectations. It is based on recognition of the soul—seeing every person as a spiritual brother.
The highest form of love is the soul’s love for the Supreme Soul. When we experience His unconditional love, it overflows from within us and naturally spreads to others. Love becomes inclusive, not selective.
4. Joy: The Fruit of Inner Contentment
Joy is the soul’s natural expression when it is light, free, and spiritually aligned. Unlike fleeting happiness that depends on external success, joy arises from internal fulfillment—from the soul’s connection with God and with itself.
This joy can be felt in the simplicity of life, in moments of giving, and even in silent solitude. A joyful soul uplifts others effortlessly, becoming a beacon of positivity.
5. Bliss: The Supreme Experience
Bliss is a state beyond pleasure or pain, beyond body consciousness, and beyond the limitations of worldly emotions. It is a state of spiritual ecstasy—a soul deeply absorbed in the remembrance of God, experiencing oneness with Him.
In the Golden Age, as per the Brahma Kumaris teachings, this was our natural state—effortless, elevated, and eternally blissful. Through Raja Yoga meditation, this state can be reclaimed in the present moment.
6. Powers: The Inner Strengths of the Soul
Each soul has eight innate spiritual powers:
- The Power to Withdraw (step back mentally),
- The Power to Pack Up (let go quickly),
- The Power to Tolerate,
- The Power to Accommodate,
- The Power to Discriminate (right vs. wrong),
- The Power to Judge,
- The Power to Face (challenges), and
- The Power to Cooperate.
These powers lie dormant until awakened through spiritual practice. They help us respond wisely, not react impulsively. When we are connected to God, these powers emerge naturally in our thoughts and actions.
7. Knowledge: Light of Truth
“True spiritual knowledge begins with self-realization—knowing who I am (a soul), who God is (the Supreme Soul), and what this world cycle is.” Knowledge from the Supreme is not acquired through books but received directly from God through the spiritual teachings called Murli, which are studied daily by Brahma Kumaris worldwide.
This divine knowledge uplifts the soul, removes fear and ignorance, and empowers us to live righteously. It is the source of all virtues, for with knowledge comes clarity, and with clarity comes right action.
“The seven original virtues of the soul are not ideals to be acquired—they are truths to be remembered”. In the hustle of modern life, we often forget who we truly are. Brahma Kumaris teachings serve as a gentle reminder that “we are not human beings on a spiritual journey—we are spiritual beings on a human journey.”
By practicing soul consciousness and connecting to God, we naturally emerge these virtues, allowing them to guide our thoughts, decisions, and relationships. The more we live by these inner qualities, the more peace, harmony, and fulfillment we experience—and the more we contribute to a better world.
Raj Yoga Tip for Daily LifeBefore sleeping each night, take five minutes to sit quietly and review the day:
End with a powerful affirmation: “I am a pure, peaceful, powerful soul. Tomorrow, I will do even better.” |
Powerful affirmationsSister Waddy Ben concluded each class with a powerful affirmation and soothing meditation audio. To help me continue the practice at home, she kindly shared links to several helpful websites. Depending on the following situation or the time of day, I select an appropriate affirmation.
Personally, I practice one or more of the following affirmations, depending on what I feel guided to at the moment. These have especially resonated with me:
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About the Author:
A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.
He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.
