Custodians of Purity
An Anthropological Study into the Mystical World of the Brahma Kumaris
Published on 29. October 2024
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-0364-1118-3 (ISBN)
Description
Dive into the mystical world of the Brahma Kumaris with this compelling book that integrates anthropological rigour with a personal quest for spiritual truth. Drawing on extensive field research and rich personal narrative, Tamasin Ramsay explores purity as a transformative force, an ideal and an everyday practice. Through the experiences of four women, she examines how the concept of purity influences their lives and transcends cultural boundaries: their stories of struggle, revelation, and resilience highlight the impact of purity in fostering profound self-respect and peace. More than an academic study, this book invites readers to deeply engage with purity, urging a re-evaluation of this concept beyond the superficial towards a dynamic process that cultivates inner sovereignty and benevolence. The book explores BK Raja Yoga as a spiritual discipline seen by its members as essential for returning to one's core nature, linking personal transformation to broader change, and illustrating how individual clarity can resonate across communities. Custodians of Purity invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual authenticity in a world craving genuine connection.
Reviews / Votes
'Custodians of Purity is beautiful, brave, and thought-provoking, a powerful exploration of faith and dedication. The interweaving of ethnography and social history with a deeply personal account of doubt, commitment, and dedication is stunning. Ramsay's masterful narrative skill left me profoundly moved.'Lenore Manderson AMUniversity of Witswatersrand'Ramsay's work is a breakthrough in Brahma Kumaris studies, blending personal experience with anthropological insight. This book offers an emotionally accessible and intellectually engaging window into the unique path of purity practiced by the BKs. A remarkable and genuine portrayal.'Wayne HudsonCharles Sturt University 'This is one of the best auto-ethnographies I have ever read. A model of participant-observation research. Ramsay seamlessly incorporates life histories, previous anthropological research, personal experiences, and the finer points of Hindu thought and BK theology into a thoughtful., compelling, and self-effacing narrative.'Stephen D. GlazierYale University'Brilliant. Powerful. This is a masterpiece.' Sister JayantiAdditional Administrative Head, Brahma Kumaris, UK'Fascinating. Scary. Exotic. An important piece of literature.' Sister DeniseSenior Teacher, Brahma Kumaris, UK'Tamasin Ramsay is a rare being: an academic with a well-trained intellect capable of marshalling information in a disciplined way, and the practitioner of a spiritual discipline that imbues her work with love. Custodians of Purity is a riveting story about lives dedicated to untangling and removing the character deficiencies that obstruct our humanity, through spiritual understanding and practice. It is beautifully written, a beacon of hope.'Neville HodgkinsonAuthor and former Medical and Science Correspondent, The Sunday Times, UKMore details
Edition
Unabridged edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Unabridged edition
Product notice
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 148 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0364-1118-3 (9781036411183)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Tamasin Ramsay
Custodians of Purity
An Anthropological Study into the Mystical World of the Brahma Kumaris
Book
07/2025
1st Edition
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
€60.84
Shipment within 15-20 days
Tamasin Ramsay
Custodians of Purity
An Anthropological Study into the Mystical World of the Brahma Kumaris
E-Book
10/2024
1st Edition
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
€226.99
Available for download
Person
Dr Tamasin Ramsay, an applied anthropologist with decades of experience in Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga meditation, has focused her career on finding spiritual solutions to global issues. Her diverse background in the arts, emergency services, and environmental and animal justice advocacy provides a compelling perspective to her scholarly and practical endeavours. As a significant academic thinker and writer about the Brahma Kumaris, Dr Ramsay combines thoughtful analysis with actionable outcomes. Her work has led to legislative changes for animals and has had international impacts on environmental policies through her role as an NGO Representative to the United Nations for the Brahma Kumaris. Her first sole-authored book, Custodians of Purity, establishes Dr Ramsay as a leader who is committed to restoring a world grounded in peace and harmony by harnessing the best of the human spirit.