[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20063]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE BRAHMA KUMARIS AND SISTER JENNA ON THE GRAND 
                  OPENING OF THE MEDITATION MUSEUM II

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Brahma Kumaris 
and Sister Jenna on the grand opening of the Meditation Museum II in 
Tysons Corner, Virginia.
  The Brahma Kumaris is a non-profit organization with over 9000 
branches in 120 countries. Founded in Hyderabad, Sindh in 1936, the 
Brahma Kumaris seeks to help individuals re-discover and strengthen 
their spirituality through self-reflection, meditation, and 
participation in activities of social and humanitarian concerns.
  Sister Jenna began her spiritual journey with the Brahma Kumaris and 
is the founder and director of both the original Meditation Museum in 
Silver Spring, Maryland as well as this new location in Tysons Corner. 
Sister Jenna and several of her colleagues created the ``Pause for 
Peace'' campaign which has expanded into new programs including the 
Pause for Peace in the Classroom and Pause for Peace Spaces. Sister 
Jenna's commitment and influence have been recognized with numerous 
awards and proclamations including the President's Lifetime National 
Community Service Award, the Every Day Hero Award, and the Friendship 
Archway Award.
  The benefits of meditation are scientifically proven. According to 
Psychology Today, meditation has been shown to increase immune 
function, decrease depression and anxiety and even positively affect 
higher-order cognitive functions in the brain. Perhaps the most 
profound aspects of mediation are those that cannot be measured 
scientifically. Self-awareness, inner-peace and tranquility, becoming 
one with your surroundings and your faith, and true acceptance of and 
respect for all others regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or 
economic status are but a few immeasurable and invaluable benefits.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Sister Jenna and all who have worked to make the grand opening of the 
new Meditation Museum II a reality and in wishing them continued 
success.

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