Q1(c). Write briefly on the following: Bhakti Movement; Rajneesh Movement (Osho Movement); Singh Sabha Movement; Brahma Kumaris

I. Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti Movement (7th–17th century CE) emerged as a powerful reformist current across India, emphasizing personal devotion (bhakti) over ritualism, caste restrictions, and priestly dominance. Saints like Kabir, Nanak, Tukaram, Mirabai, Chaitanya preached equality, compassion, and devotion through vernacular languages, making religion accessible to common people. It promoted social harmony, challenged orthodoxy, and encouraged Hindu–Muslim cultural synthesis. The movement also stimulated vernacular literature and became a foundation for later socio-religious reforms.

II. Rajneesh Movement (Osho Movement)

The Rajneesh Movement, founded by Osho (Bhagwan Rajneesh) in the 1970s, blended Eastern mysticism with Western psychology. It promoted dynamic meditation, emotional catharsis, rejection of social repression, and an open approach to sexuality and individuality. Rajneesh established communes in Pune and later in Oregon, USA, advocating a life of awareness, mindfulness, and inner freedom. Despite controversies, the movement influenced modern meditation practices globally. Today, the Osho International Foundation continues to promote his philosophy.

III. Singh Sabha Movement

The Singh Sabha Movement, starting in 1873 in Amritsar and Lahore, sought to revive authentic Sikh identity, scripture, and institutions. In response to Christian missionaries, Arya Samaj critiques, and internal degeneration, it emphasized the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, standardized rituals, and removed superstitions creeping into Sikh practice. It promoted Punjabi language, Sikh education, and community mobilization. The movement laid the groundwork for the Gurdwara Reform Movement and shaped modern Sikh socio-religious consciousness.

IV. Brahma Kumaris

The Brahma Kumaris spiritual organisation was founded in 1937 by Lekhraj Kripalani (Dada Lekhraj), promoting meditation, purity, celibacy, and values-based living. With headquarters at Mount Abu, it is one of the largest women-led spiritual movements. It teaches Raja Yoga meditation, emphasizes inner peace, mental discipline, and a simple lifestyle. The organisation runs global centres working on women empowerment, peace education, de-addiction, disaster relief, and environmental initiatives like “Sustainable Yogic Agriculture”. Its influence is global, spanning over 100 countries.