History

Mateshwari Saraswati

MATESHWARI SARASWATI was the first administrative head of Brahma Kumaris. She came into the fold during the early period of its inception. She was able to digest Godly Knowledge, revise and churn it very accurately and stood out from the rest. She had a very sharp intellect, which she mobilised in the service of God. Her original name was Radhe. She came to be known as Om Radhe. From the moment she first heard Godly Knowledge, she was overwhelmed, her mind began dancing with joy, which never stopped. Rather the spiritual intoxication grew stronger as years passed. She recognised instantly that all the sensual happiness, which the world had to offer was without taste or merit. She determined immediately to adopt a life of yoga and devote herself to spiritual service. She wedded herself totally to God and practiced every word of Godly directions. Total dedication led to total transformation in her.

Mateshwari had a powerful personality. She seemed a veritable goddess because of her virtues. She was awesome in her demeanor yet discrete and merciful at the same time. Her memory was legendary. If she met a person once, she would recognise him/her even in a crowd or after several years. She had a soft and sweet voice and was distinguished singer. A special kind of divinity seemed to flow with her voice and her songs were balm to the heart. She quickly developed her divine qualities to the full and set an example for others.

She applied the Godly principles of economy and simplicity in managing the affairs of the institution. Her exemplary powers of judgment and discrimination coupled with her innate gentleness and benevolence induced enthusiasm and devotion in the inmates. She was loved by one and all and lovingly called "Mamma", meaning mother. She was a constant source of inspiration and guidance who set standards by her own practical life.

Mateshwari's outstanding quality was introspection. She thoroughly churned the Godly teachings received in the spiritual class, ingested and then disseminated the fine points of knowledge to others. She inspired everyone to replace weaknesses with virtues and not to compare themselves with others.

Wherever she went, large audiences flocked daily to listen to her discourses. She encouraged new aspirants; offered personal guidance and gave spiritual solutions to their problems. Her speeches and articles that were published in newspapers brought many souls towards her. All those who met her felt amazed. They had never met any other like Mateshwari.

More beautiful than her words even was Mateshwaris's silence. At one of the gatherings, she was about to be introduced from the rostrum but just as the moderator turned to look at her, he was so moved by the angelic presence, which he saw before him that he simply stopped mid- sentence, transfixed. Mateshwari walked to the center of the stage and stood in glowing silence. She looked around at the audience, which touched the hearts of the souls so much that many of them were filled with tears of joy. Actually, her deep stage of meditation was giving them an instant experience of the bliss of being with God with just a shining look. The audience was hushed and entranced. Later she electrified her listeners with her discourse.

Mateshwari served by her superb life, loveful guidance and tireless zeal. She left her mortal coil on 24th June 1965, but her teachings continue to guide the institution.