Sister Shivani is a Rajyoga Meditation Teacher with Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Mount Abu, for past many years. Through seminars and television programmes, Sister Shivani conducts motivational workshops on Happy Living, Leadership Emotional Intelligence, Art of Right Thinking, Living Values, Exploring Inner Powers, Self Management, Harmony in Relationships, Stress Free Lifestyle and the Practical Technique of Rajyoga Meditation. Her TV show, "Awakening with Brahma Kumaris" is aired daily on Astha Channel. She is popular for her rational and practical explanations for spiritual and rightful living. Widely traveled, Not many know that she holds an Electronics Engineering graduate degree as a Gold Medallist from Pune University.

Editor> Namaste Sister Shivani

Sister Shivani> Namaste, Om Shanti

Editor> Sister Shivani, let us start with a difficult question - What is the biggest proof that God Exists?

Sister Shivani> The biggest proof that God exists is the fact that we all have been searching for Him. Whenever there is any upheaval; be it smallest of issues to the biggest ones, we all call out to God. When we experience pain we call out to Him to liberate us. The very fact that we are searching for something means that we have experienced him at some point of time and therefore, yearning for it again. Deep down in our hearts, if we ask ourselves, whether God exists, the answer we get is in the affirmative. We may be unsure of His exact name and form but we know for sure that He exists!

Editor> Have You seen God, Sister Shivani?

Sister Shivani> Well... (Smiles)... Do we always believe in the things we see? Not always, right? God cannot be seen but felt! Most of the times, it's what we feel about people, situations and things around us that matters more to us than just what we see. “Feelings” can be described as “The Power of Experience”. In spiritualism, this “power of experience” holds much more significance than seeing something physically. What we see is not always true, but the things we feel are always remembered and registered with us for long. This is exactly what is required at this moment - Revival of a deep, long forgotten relationship with God.

Editor> Interesting... How can one know God then?

Sister Shivani> Only recognition of our self will open the gates to the introduction of God. When there is a reintroduction of the true ‘Self’, then there will be an automatic recognition of God. When I know who I am, I also understand who I belong to. Rajyoga Meditation enables us to experience our true self and recognize and experience God as a living reality by establishing a personal and direct relationship with God; and that is the biggest proof of God...as there is no greater proof than experience!

Editor> You started conversation with noble words of “Om Shanti”, where can one find peace today?

Sister Shivani> In our own self! It is rightly said that peace begins at home, and even before home, it begins from me. Only when I am at peace within, can I express, share and contribute peace, not just at home, but in the world. In Brahma Kumaris, we believe in self-transformation leading to World transformation. Until we bring about a change in our self; we cannot expect and work towards changing our home.

Editor> Our magazine, God Bless Our Home, is our prayer for a blessed and happy family. What according to you makes a family happy and blessed?

Sister Shivani> House becomes home not by bricks and sand, but from the experiences of peace, love and happiness. These are the qualities that make a home alive.

These virtues are already there within every being; they just need to be expressed and experienced with others. For which, we need to remain ‘Paceful’. Be aware that I am peace, peace is my original nature and something, which is original, is natural and comfortable. Peace does not require any additional effort, other than our being. Who am I? I am a peaceful soul and peace is my original quality. This awareness will help us contribute peace at our home as well as in the world. If every home has this awareness of peace, then sooner we'll experience and leave behind a peaceful world for our next generation.

Editor> Beautiful thoughts Sister, what are the things that a house holder must do regularly to keep his home and his family members happy and blessed?

Sister Shivani> All of us work really hard to fulfil the physical, financial and emotional needs of our families; we want to provide them with the best facilities in the present and also future. But, we pay least attention to their inner well being. First step towards family's welfare is your step towards your inner self. Start with yourself and it automatically reaches others. To take care of my family's health, I need to be healthy first and then only I can look after others. Similarly, if I want to give happiness and keep my home blessed, I need to experience inner happiness and empower the self.

Water the roots, and not branches or leaves. Root is to first take care of ourselves, by being always in peace with the self and filled with inner happiness and contentment. Spend time with yourself. Meditate! Listen to your inner voice, have a positive conversation with yourself and connect to the God; the power house to keep the self empowered and blessed.

So, let's us check that Do we have the love, happiness, peace, inside ourselves? First, let me experience it and then let these virtues flow through me into my home. Then, my home and my family will remain constantly blessed and happy.

Editor> Many people are so busy with work, they do not know how to mediate and In spite of Anxiety, tiredness work pressures, deadlines and sacrifices they do much for family but still family relationships are stressed, empty and dry?

Sister Shivani> See... If we want to give anything to others, I first need to check whether I have that thing in abundance?

Again here, Rajyoga Meditation can become very useful! It is essential for invigorating our latent qualities and replenishing our drained energies by connecting with the Supreme Soul. It results in a conscious, positive release of energy which improves the quality of your attitude, thoughts, actions, and interactions, resulting in a state of peace and bliss, of both the self and others.

Editor> How does one begin journey towards peace?

Sister Shivani> Ask yourself what is our original nature - original is the one, which we are comfortable with. This is a question to be asked to oneself. Almost each one of us is more comfortable with PEACE rather than with ANGER. Even though we have justifications for our anger, it is peace, which is comforting, and hence we are striving for it. It is Peace, Love, Happiness, Purity, which is our original nature. If this is our nature then why are we expressing anger, sorrow and/or hatred?

Rajyoga Meditation gives us inner mastery or experience of self, which helps one create peace, love and happiness without any dependence on objects, people or achievements. It helps the soul to reduce expectations from others and start accepting them, and thereby experience relationships in which one can give unconditional love, respect and happiness; and this would enable the householder to keep his home and family members blessed.

Editor> What do you think should be characteristics of a 21st century student?

Sister Shivani> Today's students need (1) Focus, (2) Concentration and (3) Control. Students must also maintain self-restraint and self-discipline. Students have to keep redirecting their attention and energy to their goals. Self-respect and respect for others is most essential for a student in order to be successful. Self-confidence that I can do whatever I decide to do and respect for teachers, parents and fellow students.

I've observed that today, even a 5 year old experiences stress of studies. The student should give their best but without any self-defeating or negative thoughts about the result, only then they can enjoy their student life. Student should not compromise on his values like honesty, integrity, hard work etc. and resort to short cuts or unfair means. I must also point out that children today are exposed to the Information Communication Technology at a very young age. Sometimes, more we move towards gadgets, technology and science, more we are distracted from our own self. We need a balance between science technology advances/gadgets and spirituality. Students may use technology but should not be not driven by it or be dependent on it.

Editor> Sister, Do you think Meditation can help young students?

Sister Shivani> Most certainly! Rajyoga Meditation is the best technique through which a student can easily imbibe all these characteristics in his life. Rajyoga Meditation would enable a student to concentrate on his goals and constantly maintain a high self esteem, empowering him to face the greater challenges and reaching the greatest heights.

Editor> Thank you Sister Shivani, this talk was awakening!

Sister Shivani> Thank you so much and lot's of blessings for your beautiful work. Om Shanti.