This week on The Mindrolling Podcast, Raghu sits down with Sister Jenna and Gagan Levy to talk about bringing a sense of sacredness and compassion to social action.
The group talks about methods of approaching the intersection of media and activism in a way that does not require fear to engage the public.
Resources from this episode: Meditation Museum | Guru Media Solutions | Brahma Kumaris | BK Meditation Apps | America Meditating Radio | Investors’ Circle-Social Venture Network
Show Notes
The Capacity of Consciousness (Opening) – Sister Jenna shares her incredible transition from a South Beach Miami nightlife mogul to a life of service and spiritual practice. The group talks about different practices that allow us to detach our awareness from our habituations of thought and the fictions we create about our reality. Jenna discusses the role that discipline in her own practices has played in transforming her life.
A Sacred Theory of Change (12:15) – Sister Jenna discusses the history of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement, founded by Brahma Baba, a community that has majorly impacted her life’s course. She and the group speak about activism that comes from a place of sacredness and compassion. They look at the way that media and social action can be brought together in a constructive and transformative way – one that moves away from a dependency on fear to engage individuals.
“Brahma Baba deeply believed that women would be the catalyst for world change, so he empowered eight young uneducated women who today we call the Dadis. Dadi Janki is 103 years old, I was just in India with her. It is so powerful to have the original founding members with you as you are as you are walking into your truth. Sort of like Ram Dass and all these individuals who have been there – you go, ‘ Wow, is that what it is about?” – Sister Jenna
Simply Cyinisism (29:30) – How can we avoid cynicism and reactivity when engaged in social action? The group discusses the environment of discompassionate and vitriolic rhetoric which plagues so much of the American political process.
“At whatever cost, if we are the ones who are supposed to open the gates for everyone then we have to love everyone the same.” – Sister Jenna
Breaking Cycles of Suffering with Joy and Compassion (37:10) – Do we need to be so austere as we move along our spiritual paths, or can we relax into a space of joy and contentment that is available to all?
The group reflects on the recent passing of Roshi Bernie Glassman. They discuss Bernie’s on the ground acts of compassionate social action which aimed to break cycles of suffering and bring joy to those alienated by society.
“I feel so blessed that I have found this Satsang, this family, in this lifetime. Raghu and the rest have really taken me under their wing and brought me over to more of a bhakti path – a happy blissful path.” – Gagan (Jared Levy)
Learn more about how businesses and organizations can operate in a more sustainable and profitable way with Gagan and Joel Soloman, from Investors’ Circle-Social Venture Network, on Ep.197 of the Mindrolling Podcast
Sister Jenna is a spiritual leader, author, radio host and TV personality, renowned speaker and founder of the Meditation Museum I & II in metropolitan Washington, DC. Selected by EBW2020 as one of the 100 most influential leaders for 2015, her mission is to decode critical current issues and offer a perspective for folks to find clarity, power, and insight. Find meditations from Sister Jenna and more at americameditating.org.
Gagan (Jared Levy) sits on the board of directors for the prestigious Social Venture Network, a premier socially responsible business community, as well as the board of Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation. Also, an adjunct professor for the University of Colorado advertising program and frequent speaker/contributor for many universities, conferences and corporate events. Learn more at WeAreGuru.com.
