People at Janki Foundation
The Janki Foundation for Global Health CareValues-based care supporting practitioners and patientsPresidents' Message
Dadi Janki, About Dadi JankiDadi Janki is a spiritual teacher and leader whose life and personal well-being reveal a holistic approach to health – where physical, mental and spiritual aspects are considered. Born in 1916 in the Indian province of Sindh, now part of Pakistan, Dadi (“elder sister” in Sindhi) has become a source of wisdom in the art of living and enjoying happiness. She recognizes that while technological advances in diagnosis and treatment are essential and need to be shared globally, many health problems arise from emotional suffering and need to be addressed at a deeper level. Her view and understanding is that simple changes in the way we think and feel will secure a healthy future for humanity, and a better world. From the age of 12, and through much of her life, Dadi Janki has had a series of illnesses. Coping with them has helped to develop and refine her ability to conquer physical infirmity. Serving for 14 years as the appointed nurse to a 300-strong spiritual community, from 1937-1951, she observed the impact of mental, emotional and spiritual factors on recovering from illness. Dadi herself has developed the ability to detach from personal physical suffering and maintain a state of inner joy – a practice that brings such peace to body and soul that seemingly miraculous recovery can occur. Her insights, into the role of spiritual consciousness in regaining health, continue to support others. Despite her illnesses, which have included tuberculosis, hypothyroidism, and congestive heart failure, she can maintain an unrivalled daily lecture and touring schedule even today, in her early 90s. She has travelled world-wide almost incessantly over the past decade, inspiring countless individuals, as well as addressing gatherings in more than 80 countries. Her engagements range from the grass roots to government leaders and she is one of the ‘Keepers of Wisdom’ an eminent group of spiritual and religious leaders, convened at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio and 1996, UN Habitat Conference in Istanbul. Just as the focus of her own self-care is on the quality of her thoughts, so she emphasizes to health and medical practitioners the importance of their own state of mind in their interactions with patients, because of the way this influences the patient’s recovery. She maintains that filling one’s mind with positive self-awareness creates an environment of love and care, which in turn helps others to regain physical strength. |
"Today, there is a lot of research in medicine and science but we have forgotten to research inner peace. I have experienced a lot of illnesses throughout my life. I have also nursed others during my service in a spiritual community for many years. I found patients' recovery was helped when I served with love, and that ‘blessings’ and love from others contribute greatly to healing. I came to the conclusion that to understand the patient and give with compassion is what is truly needed. I would encourage all health professionals to work with compassion and peace."
