A Soulful Journey to Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Learning and Retreat Center

By Raj Shah

Last month, my wife, Aruna; my cousin, Kashmira; and I had the rare privilege of visiting the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Learning and Retreat Center nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. Spread across 300 acres of pristine woods, flowing streams, and walking trails, Peace Village is not just a physical space—it is a sanctuary for the soul, a spiritual haven where one feels reconnected to higher consciousness. For us, this experience was deeply moving, spiritually uplifting, and profoundly peaceful.

A Sanctuary of Serenity

The moment we entered the campus, a sense of calm enveloped us. The stillness of the environment, the crisp mountain air, and the naturally serene setting all contributed to a deep inner quietude. The campus comprises six beautifully maintained buildings, each clean, orderly, and filled with an unmistakable spiritual vibration. Of all the spaces, it was the main hall that stood out most to me—its powerful energy field created a sense of “high vibrations” that I could feel in my heart and mind. It was as if the walls had absorbed decades of meditation and selfless service.

A Global Movement Rooted in Inner Peace

Peace Village is one of more than 15 retreat centers operated by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, a global spiritual movement with over one million practitioners across 120 countries. Since 1999, Peace Village has welcomed thousands of guests from all walks of life to its Catskill sanctuary. Administered by volunteers and supported by donations, it is a place designed not for profit but for spiritual growth.

The Brahma Kumaris organization itself was founded in India and has been active in the U.S. since 1975. In fact, it has been a non-governmental organization (NGO) affiliated with the United Nations since the early 1980s, working to promote peace, sustainability, and the inner transformation of individuals and communities through Raj Yoga meditation.

 

Guided Meditation, Soul Consciousness, and Karma

While we did not attend any formal retreat sessions or meditation courses during our visit, we learned that Peace Village regularly offers a wide range of programs designed to help individuals explore and deepen their spiritual journey. These include guided Raja Yoga meditation sessions and workshops on soul consciousness, the law of karma, stress management, and self-transformation. These teachings are not just philosophical concepts but practical tools for modern living—rooted in ancient wisdom yet fully relevant to today’s fast-paced world. The retreat center’s experienced and compassionate instructors guide participants in understanding the self as a spiritual being—a soul of light, peace, and purity—distinct from the temporary labels of the physical body. These programs also include early morning classes, evening silence walks, and sessions that encourage mindfulness, inner reflection, and harmony with nature. Just being in this spiritually charged environment, even without formally participating, gave us a glimpse of the depth and clarity that these programs aim to cultivate in seekers from all walks of life.

The retreat offered vegetarian meals, high vibrations, and divine company.

Another aspect that made a strong impression on us was the pure, sattvic vegetarian meals served at the retreat. Carefully prepared with love and spiritual vibrations, every meal felt like nourishment for both body and soul. It’s no wonder that food plays such a central role in spiritual development according to the Brahma Kumaris—what we eat directly impacts our thoughts and, ultimately, our destiny.

But above all, it was the people we met who made the experience unforgettable.

Meeting Divine Souls: Kala Didi and Dorothy Didi

We were especially honored to have a one-on-one conversation with Brahma Kumari Kala Didi, the director of Peace Village. A board-certified pediatrician who once cared for the physical health of children, she now dedicates her life to guiding others on the path of spiritual healing. Her calm demeanor, wisdom, and gentle words made a deep impact on both Aruna and me.

Kala Didi’s journey—from medicine to meditation—is a testament to the idea that true service goes beyond physical needs and touches the soul. Since moving to Peace Village in 1999, she has served as both the spiritual and administrative guide of the center, with over 35 years of experience as a spiritual teacher.

We were also privileged to have a delightful sattvic lunch with Kala Didi, during which we discussed meditation, seva (selfless service), and the importance of silence in today’s noisy world.

BK Dorothy Steinfeld Didi with Raj Shah

We also met Brahma Kumari. Dorothy Steinfeld Didi is the director of programs at Peace Village. Dorothy Didi, a spiritual educator with backgrounds in teaching and business, has been part of the Brahma Kumaris since the center’s inception. Over the years, she has cultivated an incredible faculty of teachers and volunteers who carry forward the mission of peace, wisdom, and personal transformation.

Her warm presence and ability to communicate spiritual wisdom in simple, accessible language made a strong impression on us. We could see how her life experience and commitment have helped shape Peace Village into a nurturing spiritual hub.

The Art of Meditation: Monika Didi’s Spiritual Paintings

Another highlight of our retreat was visiting Monika Didi’s art gallery on campus. A trained fashion designer and spiritual artist, Monika Kalra creates profound oil and digital artworks that arise from deep meditative states. Her paintings are not just visual experiences—they radiate spiritual energy, inviting viewers into silent reflection.

Her journey in the arts and her deep connection to the Brahma Kumaris since 2001 have given her a unique ability to channel divine energy into every canvas. We were particularly moved by her “Paint & Meditate” workshops, where she encourages individuals to explore their inner vision and peace through creative expression. Her works, in many ways, serve as a bridge between outer beauty and inner truth.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Waddy Ben

Our heartfelt thanks go to Waddy Ben from the Brahma Kumaris Center in Miami, who graciously made all the arrangements for our visit to Peace Village. I first met Waddy Ben when Sister Shivani visited Miami last year and immediately noticed in her the same inner glow, calmness, and deep satisfaction that I later found in so many Brahma Kumaris brothers and sisters. What touched me most about her presence was the complete absence of ego and arrogance—qualities that are sadly rare but deeply inspiring. Sister Waddy Ben has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga Meditation for over 40 years. Born and raised in Ireland, she came across the Brahma Kumaris in London before moving to the United States to help establish BK meditation centers—first in Tampa and then in Miami, from where she now coordinates the organization’s work throughout the state of Florida. In addition to her local service, Sister Waddy also contributes to global initiatives such as Images and Voices of Hope, an international dialogue on the social impact of public images and storytelling. Her lifelong dedication, grace, and unwavering spiritual focus have been a source of inspiration for us and countless others.

Our special thanks go to Brother Abhishek ji.

None of this experience would have been possible without the guidance and kindness of our host and tour guide, Brother Abhishek ji, and his wife, Monika Didi. Residing at Peace Village for the past several years, they serve as dedicated volunteers and spiritual practitioners.

Brother Abhishek’s humble and welcoming nature made us feel instantly at home, and his insights during our campus tour added much depth to our understanding.

His calm presence reminded us that “true spirituality is not about words but about being—being peaceful, present, and purposeful”.

Lessons That Stay With Us

One of the most striking aspects of our experience—both at Peace Village and earlier at the Brahma Kumaris center in Miami—was the remarkable character of the Brahma Kumaris brothers and sisters we met. Over the years, I have come across and worked with several non-profit and spiritual organizations, but I have never witnessed the kind of inner glow, calmness, and deep satisfaction that radiated from these individuals. What touched me most was their complete absence of ego and arrogance. Whether it was the brothers and sisters living full-time at Peace Village or those serving at the Miami center, each one embodied humility, grace, and a firm commitment to service. Their faces reflected contentment, their words carried kindness, and their actions radiated selflessness. In fact, I knew very little about the Brahma Kumaris organization until Sister Shivani visited Miami last year. That event opened the doors for me to meet several Brahma Kumaris teachers and volunteers, and now at Peace Village, I feel even more connected to their beautiful way of life rooted in simplicity, silence, and soul-consciousness.

As we reflect on our time at Peace Village, several lessons stand out:

• Peace is within: The stillness we seek outside is already present inside us. Raja Yoga teaches us how to tap into this inner peace.
• Soul consciousness heals: Seeing ourselves and others as souls creates harmony in relationships and eliminates ego-based conflicts.
• Service is sacred: Every volunteer at Peace Village serves with joy, reminding us that selfless service is a path to both personal growth and global transformation.
• Silence is powerful: Whether it was during the early morning class or evening walks, quiet became our teacher and friend. 
• Spiritual company uplifts: The vibrations of the place, the teachings of Sister Shivani and Dadi Janki, and the lives of residents like Kala Didi, Dorothy Didi, and Monika Didi inspired us to live with more awareness and intention.

A Place Worth Returning To

Peace Village is not just a destination—it’s an experience. The experience endures in the heart, even after you’ve reverted to the daily routines. It’s a reminder that no matter how chaotic the world may become, there’s always a refuge of calm and clarity available to us—if only we look within.

Aruna and I left with full hearts and quiet minds, carrying with us not just memories but a spiritual compass to guide our lives. We are deeply grateful to the Brahma Kumaris for creating and nurturing such a space of transformation, and we encourage anyone seeking peace, clarity, or healing to visit Peace Village at least once in their lifetime.

As Sister Shivani says, “Peace is not something you find outside; it is something you awaken within.”
At Peace Village, we truly awakened a part of ourselves we didn’t even know was sleeping.

Om Shanti

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About the Author:

A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.

He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.