The Organisation
“The Brahma Kumaris aspire to serve the world as a model of good management and effective leadership, and to this end, they have constructed organizational boundaries, status hierarchies, and managerial practices that support their esoteric, service-oriented religion by emphasizing the importance of well-managed personal relationships within and beyond their institution’s boundaries.
Organizational administrators (are) clearly positioned within a chain of command that flows from God (Bap-Dada), through the board of directors, the joint administrative chiefs, regional or zonal directors (within the Indian and international divisions of the organization, respectively), subdirectors (where relevant), and center coordinators.”
a cultural map of the brhama kumaris
The image above is an attempt to map the complex systems of the Brahma Kumaris organisation. These are political, social and geographical in nature. The organisation is impacted by ideas of tradition and modernity, discipline and knowledge, language and history. I have attempted to chart an rudimentary organisational canvas with the broad brush of culture. The aim is to help illustrate the variety components within the organisation system of the Brahma Kumaris. This map is based on decades of experience by a number of people, plus social research on organisations and movements. Nevertheless, this is a draft and experimental. All feedback welcomed.
Management and Structure
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is acknowledged by many as an organisation, and a community. But for those within the community, the definitions are mutliple and complex, sometimes overlapping one with the other. For example, murlis (BK daily teachings) often define the social group as a family, a hospital, a university and a clan. It is also described as a yagya, an organization, an institution and a spiritual community.
Brahma Kumaris most senior level identify as students, sisters and God's children. For functional purposes they accept the title of Administrative Heads, understanding the one Spiritual Head to be the Supreme Soul.
Brahma Kumaris administration is hierarchical and command-oriented flowing from the ideal of servant leadership.
Customs and Systems
Organisational Weblinks
Organisational websites
Approved project-based websites
Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative
Sustainable Yogic Agriculture (International)
External websites
Controversial Websites
Not supported by the Brahma Kumaris:
1954 was a critical year for the Brahma Kumaris. 1954 was the year that the Brahma Kumaris’ institutional constitution was finalised and the name Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishnu Vidyalaya officially came into being. This is also the time that Mama ('Om Radhe') implemented many of the systems and accoutrements of the organisation, such as the Shiv Baba flag, wearing badges, and wearing white saris (for sisters) or kurta pyjamas (for brothers) . This was also around the time that Brother Jagdish Chander came into the organisation. His influence cannot be overstated, and his input was a critical addition to the administrative system. Jagdish bhai helped ratify the seven days course for instruction throughout India, and also implemented consistent policies for centre management throughout India. At the same time, senior sisters of the Brahma Kumaris attended and participated in their first international religious congress in Japan.