“Our thoughts are responsible for peace or turmoil” – BK Shivani at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, USA

At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the Brahma Kumaris of Los Angeles hosted an inspirational event called “Awakening to the Call of Time for a World in Transition,” with globally renowned spiritual leader BK Sister Shivani.  The program was attended by about 4,500 people from and around Los Angeles. Highlights included a short sharing by Mr. Michael Beckwith, the founder of Agape International Spiritual Centre, and a few cultural dance and song performances. As the theater doors opened, hundreds of guests were welcomed by the gentle sounds of the Kora harp, played by Bob Bates, and the upright bass, played by Arthur Kegerreis.

The hosts, Jason Micheal and Heather Powers, spoke about the history of the Brahma Kumaris, then introduced the event and its acts. A group of inner-city high school teenagers brought high energy into the crowd by showcasing their spectacular hip-hop choreography, complemented by captivating lighting effects.

In the acts that followed, the audience members experienced a variety of talents including a flute player, singer, pianist, and a talk given by Rod McGrew about his journey towards higher self-awareness. As he was speaking, the stage was being prepared for the main presentation of the evening. Two large chairs along with beautiful, prominent flowers held in an elegant vase were placed at the center of the stage. Mr. McGrew invited the highly anticipated leader, Sister Shivani, onto the stage. As she arrived with a friendly smile, dressed in all white, a sense of positive energy radiated throughout the theater.

She began by vocalizing to the audience in a calm and pleasant manner “Om Shanti.” She explained that Om Shanti means peace for all humankind, peace for all living and non-living beings. She proceeded to ask the opening question of the talk: “What greatness could we have to awaken from within?” and multiple audience members eagerly responded.

She then demonstrated — by providing relevant examples in daily life — how to manage constant over-analyzing and emotions such as stress, ego, and fear that appear as obstacles in our lives. Throughout the program, she continued to engage the audience with more insightful questions and, in return, audience members enthusiastically gave their own answers as if they were having a one-on-one conversation with her.

The atmosphere and dialogue she created empowered the audience to be aware and responsible of how their thoughts and actions directly affect their relationships with others. To close the event, BK Sister Shivani — along with other Senior Yogis including BK Chandru, Director of the Brahma Kumaris on the West Coast, USA, and BK Gita, Center Co-ordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Los Angeles — conducted a guided meditation with all audience members.

From the inspiring songs and choreography to the thought-provoking experiences shared by yogis, and the captivating and engaging talk with BK Sister Shivani, “Awakening to the Call of Time for a World in Transition” has been an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.