Brahma Kumaris
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) or Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya is a monastic, renunciate millenarian new religious movement (NRM) of Indian origin. It teaches a form of meditation adherents called Raja Yoga, but which differs from the classical Raja Yoga described by Patanjali and derives from teachings given through mediumship and spirit possession.
A neo-Hindu religious movement, the Brahma Kumaris (Hindi: ब्रह्माकुमारी, pron., abbrv. BK) pre-date the New Age movement but have developed characteristics that link them to its thinking. It advocates a lifestyle which includes a vegetarian diet, celibacy, and avoidance of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Historically, the Brahma Kumaris have not been without controversy and a range of accusations against them have been made – see the section on controversies below for details. The controversies have involved researchers, previous members, government agency reports and the press.
The aim of the BKWSU is to rule the world following a forthcoming apocalypse which they believe only they will survive. The Brahma Kumaris view themselves as the world’s true rulers and that they will be reborn as leaders amongst 900,000 souls who will reincarnate during a Golden Age and enjoy 1,250 years of peace and plenty on earth.
Read more about Brahma Kumaris: Early History, Expansion, Beliefs, Lifestyle, Activities and Recognition, Use of Mediumship, Controversies and Criticism, Legal Action Against Critics