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Background

Unity in Diversity

Brahmrishi Ashram Netherlands stands for “Unity in Diversity,” or unity in all. This principle is also reflected in our logo. Originally, this concept comes from the Sanskrit phrase “एकत्वमनुपश्यतः” (ekatvamanupasyataḥ), which is part of verse 40.7 of the Yajurveda.

Satgurudev Brahmrishi Vishvatma Bawra Ji Maharaj (hereafter referred to as Satgurudev Ji) emphasized and propagated this vision throughout his teachings. The depth of this idea is not easy to translate, but simply put, he explains:

“There can be no sorrow for the wise person who realizes the unity of all existence by seeing all beings as his own self. This realization brings a sense of universal love, compassion towards others, and peace within oneself.”

This is also the essence of the Vedic scriptures and teachings, and forms the foundation of our organization.

A Place to Come Closer to Yourself

Brahmrishi Ashram Netherlands aims to create a place where everyone can come closer to themselves. The term Ashram, or आश्रम (Āśrama) in Sanskrit, comes from the word ‘śrama’, which can be translated as ‘effort’. An Ashram is traditionally a place where people make efforts in two ways.

On one hand, they work on themselves—taking time to withdraw and free themselves from limiting habits and patterns, gaining new energy and deeper self-awareness. This relates to one’s personal spiritual development.

On the other hand, people make efforts for society. Satgurudev Brahmrishi Vishvatma Bawra Ji Maharaj repeatedly emphasizes in his teachings that human beings are social by nature. We live in a society and depend on one another to survive. From the water we drink and the vegetables we cook, to the bed we sleep in and the clothes we wear—everything exists (in part) through the efforts of others.

Coming closer to yourself therefore also means gaining a deeper understanding of your place in society and what you can give back to it. In this way, we can find happiness within ourselves and together create a happy and harmonious society.

Wisdom – Love – Service

Satgurudev Ji gave his mission the motto “Wisdom, Love, Service,” or “Wijsheid, Liefde, Dienstbaarheid.” This can be understood as ‘head, heart, and hands.’ The head represents knowledge and understanding, the heart represents feeling and love, and the hands represent action and doing.

This reflects the union of the paths of Yoga as taught in the Bhagavad Gita, namely: Gyan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga. Satgurudev Brahmrishi Vishvatma Bawra Ji Maharaj has always placed great importance on education, seeing it as the foundation for all further activities.

Without knowledge, there is no love. Love for all is the driving force. Without love, there is no service. Service is the way of putting it into action. Service is a simple translation of Karma Yoga—selflessly dedicating oneself to the well-being of others. Without service, there is no happiness.

Background

Unity in Diversity

A Place to Come Closer to Yourself

Wisdom – Love – Service

Board Members

Founder / Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer / Vice Secretary

ANBI Information