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Creating their fortuneCH ONE outlined his or her personality onstage with a solo consisting of

ghted gestures, contractions, high releases, somersaults, hand move-

nts, arching torsos and still poses that exuded authority. A choreographer’s

kshop previewed by a non-judgmental audience?

The workout may have taught the young dancers to make a dance

beginning, a middle and a conclusion, but it was actually an exercise in

participants’ vision of self-change. Earlier, they had written down weak-

ses that prevented them from experiencing richness in their lives, and

at virtues could replace those weaknesses. The final response was a silent

ce.

For several years now, the Douglas Nierras Powerdance, the Philip-

es’ premier contemporary dance company, has been holding its annual

m-building workshop at the Center for Spiritual Learning. This time around,

itator Lourdes “Leela” Aseneta said, the realizations were deeper and

me of the longtime participants were more receptive to the Raja Yoga

n-eyed meditation. The workshop, titled “Creating Your Fortune,” was the

ult of Aseneta’s observations during the company’s previous retreat, which

nted to self-defeating attitudes towards wealth and feelings of being victim-

d by people or circumstances.

The sessions were decidedly creative expressions. The participants

ed about themselves from a third-person perspective—for instance, taking

viewpoint of a best friend. Actually, it was training each one to not have

yopic image of the self. Explained Aseneta: “You learn to be a detached

erver, watching yourself from a distance, like a character in a drama.

en you see yourself objectively, you can accept your strengths and not be

amed of your weaknesses.”

As you look deeper inside, she added, you are able to capture the es-

ce of the self. “You experience the fortune of who you are.” Coming out

nger after a storm and appreciating life enriches the self. “There is no

d to feel like a victim.”

Co-facilitator Lucy Perez, Brahma Kumaris Philippines pioneer,

red her insights on how to get into the “spiritual prosperity consciousness.”

pointed out that waste thoughts, fear included, blocked positive affirma-

s and prevented visions from turning into reality.

Said Perez: “Who dances? Is it the soul or the body? The soul is a

point of light. It sits on the sella turcica (bony depression in the middle of

forehead), which holds the pituitary gland. Behind it lies the soul, which

trols the body systems. If you are aware that you are point of light, you

n’t get tired.”

She explained how to get out of the cycle of poverty: A “taker” is

ivated by selfishness, reacting in an aggressive manner and interacting

others based on dependence. “Taking” comes in many forms: expecta-

s, demands, catching sorrow from situations or people, helping with a sub-

ego, or overdriving the self to protect an image. Ending the cycle requires

eep level of self-respect that is realized through experiences of meditation.

On the other hand, Perez added, a giver is motivated by love coming

m a deep place, reacting peacefully and interacting with others without ex-

ting anything in return. A giver is content, lives creatively and each action

mbued by wisdom. Perez pointed out that original nature of the self is that

giver and forging a link with the Source will bring back the souls restora-

powers. She also underscored that the abundance stems from experienc-

the reality of being the child of the Supreme Father is like being a scion of

Life is a balancing act,

according to dancer 

Froilan Dabalus

the world’s richest and most influential family, having the right to all the

The company also watched the documentary, “The Secret” w

talked about the law attraction. Even if they unanimously found more su

stance in spiritual teachings at the workshop, they were impressed with

gratitude rock that was featured in the movie. Although simplistic, a gr

rock or stone is a reminder to be grateful of the present blessings, there

invoking the feeling of richness. It was a tool that helped them remove

of lack or negativity and focus on the joy of the now.

The dancers bonded over Filipino vegetarian meals of organi

purple rice, pinangat, a native dish made of taro leaves with vegemeat

stewed in coconut milk and chili, eggless custard flan, corn soup with

leaves, and snacks of coconut water juice, boiled corn and cheese mu

Through moments of meditation and sharing, they had their A

ments. One dancer complained how his partner gave their year-old son

attention than he. Douglas Nierras, the artistic director, pointed out. “Yo

projecting. You’re also giving more attention neglecting her.”

The associate choreographer whined about feeling abused b

dancers he mentored. He felt they were unresponsive despite his gene

in guiding them. Perez asked, “Are you perpetuating a behavior that the

taking from you?” She suggested that he let go of his expectations fro

Each workshop culminated with a choreography expressing t

glory of their fortune. To Nierras, they’ve adopted the mantra “Om Sha

light. I am peace.)” with the word “sincerely” before it.

“To say Om Shanti brings hope. It puts things into proper per

tive,” he says. 

August 20

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August 2011

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BEAUTIFUL, enchanting atmosphere… a lovely environment created by

(Brahma Kumaris) family… an ideal setting where there is no pressure, a

at place to set worries aside and stay focused.”

s was how BK Mala (Melinda Hewitt) of Jakarta, Indonesia described her

erience during a four-day stay at the Center for Spiritual Learning in Tagay-

The occasion was a meeting of the national coordinators of the

hma Kumaris in the Asia-Pacific that was made special by a Golden Age or

adise setting. The stage and dining areas were veritable scenes of abun-

ce and splendor, depicting a life of ease and happiness.

For the national coordinators of Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore,

aysia, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka, China and other Asia Pacific countries,

atmosphere was most welcoming and comfortable.

BK Helen of Indonesia said she felt “refreshed and renewed.” It wasfourth visit to the center. “Everything was done beautifully, quietly, and with

much dedication,” she said. “I felt inspired and I will go back (to Jakarta)

new zeal and enthusiasm to try to create a family like this.” She particu-

y mentioned enjoying the game called Tunnel of Love (participants formed a

nel and whoever was under the tunnel was told of his or her virtues) and the

nderful food.

She quoted BK Frank, also from Indonesia, as saying that the retreat

ter as a perfect combination of art and architecture, with the modern tropi-

design and colorful decorations.

Sister Ranji of Sri lanka, whose was visiting the Philippines for the

time, said found the BK family here “lovely.” She said the “very nice”

ather kept her comfortable. She also cited the host family’s “creativity” and

d she would use BK community would “feel the love.”

Brother Kumar of Cambodia said he was “not only refreshed and

ewed like everyone, but also very well entertained by all that singingdancing… and the jokes.” He said he had “good feelings” about “the

pitality, the food, the smiling faces.” He said the last day of the event was

icularly festive with all the Brahma Kumaris in the Philippines joining the

ing coordinators. “You all make the atmosphere different,” he said, and

k exception to the meditation dome as his favorite spot, although “every

a is beautiful.”

Terue from Japan said her English might not be good, but her feeling

ainly was.

Charlie Hogg of Australia said, “Each time I come here, I am

azed.” He was referring to the cultural numbers presented by the Filipi-

—skits, dances, songs.

On the retreat, Brother Charlie remarked, “It made me feel what

d has been telling us about working together. When our spirituality comes

ether, we have love together. The region is coming together in a beautiful

y”.He praised the “fantastic,” relaxing atmosphere and expressed

reciation for the efforts of Sister Rajni, area coordinator for the Philippines

Japan, to create the special atmosphere.

Sister Bhavna of New Zealand said she “thoroughly enjoyed the

eat” and found that it was “balanced” enough, so that she had time for

self, plenty of time for spiritual knowledge and meditation, plenty of time for

iness and appreciation of the place.” She said every area of the center was

special, “and everyone had a specialty.”

Sister Meera Nagananda of Malaysia was certain that the retr

had brought the family closer together. “The region has become closer

last year. This retreat place is not only beautiful but also powerful, beca

the souls who live here.” She thanked the team for working together tir

“always with smiling faces.”

Sister Rajni said she felt as if the atmosphere of the BK head

quarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan was transported to Tagaytay when th

participants of the meeting arrived. She herself got “lots of benefits from

classes,” she said. She thanked Didi Nirmala, regional coordinator for A

Pacific and head of the Gyan Sarovar BK campus in India “for tirelessly

the region.”

Didi Nirmala replied that she was glad to be with the Filipino f

and the Asian coordinators. “It always brings some closeness and so

sharing of what everybody has.” Didi praised the Filipinos for being “the

est people in the whole world.” She added, “Everybody can sing and d

Everybody is creative and (for this meeting) everybody had done artistic

to create a Golden Age atmosphere.

Didi urged the BKs to always maintain such joyfulness. “Our f

should be cheerful and our character divine.” She reminded everyone t

in mind God’s teachings and see that they are fulfilling His hopes. “Wh

carrying on your responsibilities, never neglect spiritual studies.”

Leticia Shahani, chairperson of the Brahma Kumaris board of trustees i

Philippines, said it was, “as usual, a privilege and a pleasure” to have s

the bigger Asian family. –Leti Boniol

 

we love the Source together’When we work together,

AWAKENING

Ambassador Roberto Mayorga o

Chile visited the retreat center a

talked about reawakening spirit

ity or values formation among th

youth. The envoy said progress

resulted in the decline of values

in his country. In the Philippine

he observed, there is still a lot o

interest in spirituality, and he ho

idealism among the youth will c

ate a better future.

Asia-Pacifc

teachers share

a light moment