The BeKush Foundation
BE /be/
Old English word meaning to equal in, to have identity with, to remain unmolested, undisturbed, interrupted
KUSH कुष् /kʊʃ/
Ancient Sanskrit word meaning the state or quality of finding radiance from within
Our
Story
Paul William Benner &
Kush Benner
Born in an Ashram in Philadelphia, Paul Benner was raised in the USA, India and Vancouver, British Columbia. From a young age, Paul attended a Gurukula, where he pursued Bhagavata Purana, Bhagavad Gita and Yogic theological studies. Paul was a joyous, kind and charitable young boy, who was always eager to learn and make a positive difference in the world by helping others. Having endured traumatic experiences in his early childhood, Paul swore he would never be like his abusers. Ahimsa (to bring no harm to any living being in word, thought or deed) became Paul’s guiding principle in life. He proved resilient in the presence of childhood trauma, using the arts to help him cope with his experiences. Unlike many children in his generation, Paul did not spend any time sitting in front of a television. He believed an individual should strive to be aware of what they are doing and why they are doing it. Paul filled his time with literature, dance and developing an appreciation for the visual arts. Along with appreciating the arts, the Bhramins who raised Paul taught him complex Sanskrit texts, principles and theories.
His life took a remarkable turn when he joined Army Cadets. In Army Cadets, Paul found a new family, who helped him as he transitioned from living in an Ashram to living in an urban city. He had difficulty reconciling the “me first” culture often found in city centres, with what he had learned at the Ashram. Influenced by his newfound family, Paul began pursing martial arts. It was with his new found family where Paul learned obtaining material objects such as wealth, commodities and pursuing academia did not make an individual a material or harmful being. Rather obtaining wealth, commodities and academia and using these to bring others harm made an individual a harmful and material being. Paul began to redefine the very essence of success and what it meant to live a life of service.
Paul began to take his commitments to Army Cadets seriously, studying rigoursly. He achieved his green, red, silver and gold star badges.
Paul became an expert marksman with firearms, serving as an instructor to Cadets across Canada. He also pursued the Canadian Forces Basic Parachutist Course, an elite program intended to develop the skills and knowledge to become a Canadian Forces Basic Paratrooper. He was constantly challenging himself and seeking perfection in every task he undertook. Unsatisfied with his gold star examination score, Paul rewrote the exam several times and achieved a top score in Canada, landing him his National Star of Excellence and a placement for summer training in the United Kingdom and the position of Regimental Sergeant Major.
His success weighed heavily on his shoulders. Paul was asked to start helping high risk youth by attending social events where alcohol and other substances were present. Being a vegetarian and living a life free from using any substances, Paul struggled with helping these high risk youth and often found himself in dangerous positions. Yet, Paul stayed committed to the cause, as he was told it was community service. Paul started to feel as though his success in Army Cadets encouraged the interests of individuals who never cared for him in the past. He felt like his freedom to make decisions for his own life was being taken away. Paul expressed how he wanted to give up his position of Regimental Sergeant Major and that all he wanted was to spend time with his new found family in Army Cadets. With the support of his new found family, days before his death, Paul had made a decision to change Cadet Corps and stop his community service with the high risk youth. Paul was busy making plans for his future, having been accepted to several of Canada’s top Universities. In the end, Paul chose the University of British Columbia in order to stay close to his unborn child. Paul’s focus was his child, his career and education. Paul was overtly excited about having a child, naming his son, Kush, before his son would take his first breath.
On the day of his death, Paul was informed the high risk youth he was assisting was in danger. He was urgently asked to provide assistance. He missed his bus and ran to assist these youth. This decision would cost Paul everything. Paul died on November 21, 1996 and his son died shortly after.
In memory of father and son, Paul Benner and Kush Benner, the BeKush Foundation is dedicated to shedding light on the impact of post traumatic stress disorder and the healing power of art therapy. We aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can find solace and express themselves through art, fostering healing and personal growth.
Did You Know Paul?
Paul believed there is no exercise better for the soul than reaching out and helping others. If Paul touched your life, please share your experience with us!