Youth Spiritual Session Monday is Absolute Basic Hinduism. As you all know, all invited to attend ir-regardless of faith as discussions and examples will be multi-religious and spiritual. Please let ALL friends and family know!
Please do pass this message to ALL YOUR HINDU FRIENDS! This is your service to them. Swami says, if you are a Hindu, be a better Hindu and let us help all our Hindu friends, brothers and sisters to realise their true potential and experince a better life! Sai Ram!
Love and in Sai Service always, Vinesh
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Dear fellow students and spiritual seekers…. Brothers, Sisters, Uncle & Aunties...
Absolute Basic Hinduism Session 8 - Practical Living !!!!
PLEASE COME & SHARE! BRING ANYONE ALONG i.e. New Students, Friends and Family!
GLASGOW - Monday 23 Feb 2004 (fortnightly) 7.30pm sharp! - Chaplaincy Centre, Glasgow University. PLEASE COME EARLY!)
Should you have any queries, please contact the contacts as per the invitation leaflet.
Please click the URL link to open this session's invitation and to find out more about the Absolute Basic Hinduism initiative http://www.post1.com/~vinesh/trac/abh
Do not miss this opportunity, you are all invited to attend - Please come along and also bring your friends along.
Your presence is our happiness!
In Service of the Lord! Vinesh + The Organisers i.e. HinduTRAC, GUHS, MISA, SaiYouth & friends!
Q: What is the best way to make God laugh? A: make a Plan! +--------------------------------------------+ | V I N E S H . . . . . . . vinesh@post1.com | | 12 Crescent Lane . . www.post1.com/~vinesh | | Dundee . . . . . . . . . mob: 07977-099765 | | DD4 6DN . . . . . . .office : 01382-345845 | | Scotland . . . fax: (UK only) 07050-609102 | +--------------------------------------------+
Morning Swami came in the Maruthi car at around 7:20 a.m. Till 8:00 a.m. Veda chanting was going on, meanwhile Swami cut the cake prepared by overseas devotees and came to the lobby. At 8:00 a.m., the students gave a devotional singing program, which lasted till 9:15 a.m. Sweets and apples were distributed to most of those assembled. It was announced that the evening program would start at 4:00 p.m. The crowd this time is at least 50% more than it was during last year. The crowd started gathering from morning itself and the Sai Kulwant hall was full by 1:00 p.m. More than 150 TV sets were arranged apart from 4 giant screens with projectors at Ganesh Gate, between Sai Kulwant hall and east Prashanthi, at the turning towards Rama statue and in between Sai Kulwant hall and Poornachandra Hall. Swami wanted TV sets to be located inside Poornachandra hall also and this was arranged in the afternoon. There was also one projection screen inside. Devotees were let in Poornachandra hall also and this reduced the congestion to some extent on the passages.
Swami came in the Lombhorgini golf cart in YELLOW dress at 3:20 p.m. Veda chanting continued till 4:00 p.m. There were three speakers. Sanjay Mahalingam, Final year PG student, Sanjay Sahney, principal of Brindavan campus and S.V. Giri, Vice Chancellor spoke. Swami started the discourse at 5:00 p.m. While He was speaking about the formation of Lingam, His speech was interrupted at 5:40 p.m., and the signs of emergence of Lingam appeared. Swami started drinking water and at 5:55 p.m., He materialized the Lingam from His mouth. Swami said that the Golden Lingam was very heavy and gave different appearance at different faces which the devotees would not be able to withstand when they see it. It was shown to very few devotees seated on the right side of the lobby. Swami also said that more Lingams are to come. He started getting restless and could not even sit. He was taken inside His room on the wheeled sofa and at 6:20 p.m. it was announced by Anil Kumar that two more Lingams emerged from Him. Swami came back walking to the lobby at 6:30 p.m. He said the students are his Prana and He is for them and they are for Him. They need not worry about anything as he would be always with them to protect. HE ALSO SAID FROM TOMORROW HE WILL START MOVING FREELY WHEREVER HE WANTS, and his health would be perfect here afterwards. He then sang three Bhajan songs and told the students to go and have their dinner and come back and do the Bhajans. He said He would be coming back.
Events at Prashanthi Nilayam 19 FEB 2004
Swami came to Sai Kulwant hall, where the Bhajans were going on, at 1:30 a.m. and stayed there till about 3:00 a.m., since He said yesterday that He will come again!
In the morning He came at 7:10 a.m. in the red Maruthi car. Bhajans continued till 7:30 a.m. when the Mangala Aarathi was performed. Swami asked the mike to be brought and Prof. Anil Kumar got ready to translate. Swami started the Discourse at 7:30 a.m. and spoke till 8:20 a.m. He spoke about the importance of "LOVE" and said that that is the only way to get the athmic consciousness. At the end of the Discourse, Swami sang "Hari Bhajana Bins Sukha Santhi Nahi". Students started distributing the prasadams to all the devotees. Every one got tamarind bath and laddu. Swami was watching with immense love the devotees eating. At 9:00 a.m., the students started chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" and the devotees joined. The entire hall was vibrating with the chanting which continued till 9:30 a.m. Swami got up at 9:30 a.m. and after talking with a few devotees in the verandah, left for Poornachandra Hall.
Dear friends. I found this site quite interesting. Anand
> Online Bhajan Tutor > > http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Specially/BhajanTutor.htm > > Welcome to Sai Bhajans Virtual Classroom. If you are wondering what > this means, you will come to know about it in just a few moments. > Swami says that singing the name of the Lord is the most effective > spiritual sadhana in this modern age. No wonder Bhajans are a > regular feature (in fact twice a day) at Prasanthi Nilayam. Swami > always stresses the importance of Bhava, Raaga, and Tala i.e., the > feeling, the melody and the rhythm of the Bhajans. In addition, one > also has to pronounce the words correctly, which, if not done, could > make the bhajan mean altogether something different! So here we > present to you a virtual classroom, if you may say so, of Sai > Bhajans sung at Prasanthi Nilayam. The Sanskrit version and the > English translation are given below. Notice that there are three > buttons on the right hand side of this page. Click the first one > titled 'pronunciation' and you will listen to the correct > pronunciation of the words of the bhajan. Next click the button > titled ' tune'. You will hear a voice alone, singing the tune of the > bhajan for you. Click the third button entitled 'full version' and > you will listen to a full version of the bhajan with all the > accompaniments as it was sung before Bhagawan! > > http://www.sssbpt.org/ > > > > > > This newsletter is a personal work and not affiliated to the official Sai Organisation. For more information: > http://www.saibabalinks.org > http://www.saibabalinks.org/saibabanews.htm > Subscribe: saibabanews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com > See also: Sai Baba List, Distribution of Sai material http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabalist > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > >
Dear Parag, Om Sai Ram. The Bhajan Practice for Friday 5th March has been confirmed and will be held at Mrs Prem Sud's house ( 198 Nithsdale Road ) from 2000-2200 hrs . Could you please pass on this message to all youths. ( and whoever you think might be interested ). Thanks Sai Ram Ram
__________________
Anand Krishnan SadhaSivam
Date:
Daily Sai Thoughts with Swami's photos for Februar
You can save and compile the Daily Sai Messages into your computer: click on the Sai Message image by using the right mouse and save it into your computer.
A N A N D K R I S H N A N ************************************************ Post Graduate Research Student Laser & Optical Systems Engineering Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, James Watt Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom. Ph :+44(0) 141 330 6695 (direct) Fax :+44(0) 141 330 4358 Mob : 07887 877 821 email :a.krishnan@mech.gla.ac.uk ************************************************
This is an email to let you guys know that Ajit Popat has just returned from Swami and has announced that Swami has approved a charter flight of 270 people to go to Prasanthi in July this year.
The youth of the group have been told to prepare a choir programme to perform in front of Swami, two bhajan sets in the Prasanthi Mandir and a play on Prahllad in the Poornachandra Hall. Practises for the performances should be starting soon. Practises are usually held every weekend in London (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). It does need a great deal of dedication.
I'm letting you guys know, coz a number of you have told me you would like to go after I told you about my experiences last time. The forms have come out last Monday if you want to apply.
You can get forms from Nischal - 07930853047. If you want to go, get the forms asap because the 270 seats will be full up in less than a fortnight..guarranteed.
The cost of the trip has been put at £1250. This is because each member will be donating £650 from the £1250 towards buying one heart valve which will be donated to the Super Speciality Hospital. The rest is the cost of the flight etc.
To start with, Shivaratri celebrations went on very well.The evening programme was telecast live from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on Sanskar Channel all over India. However, to brief you all about the happenings.
Shivaratri evening, after talks by devotees and faculty, Swami started His Discourse. A very short while later, He started getting the pain associated with Lingodbhavam. It was just 5.15 p.m. We were very surprised. Swami looked very bright and magnetic in the Yellow robe. He stopped His Discourse and we all knew that it was time for the Lindodbhavam. Swami was still standing. He asked the Bhajan boys to sing some Shiva songs. Boys sang the song “Om Shambo Shiva Shambo Svayam Bho….” And “Om Nama Shivaya - Teen Aksharo Mein Shrushti Samaye…” Meanwhile Swami sat down.
There were mixed feelings in all of us. On one hand we were about to witness such a holy and sacred phenomenon and on the other side seeing Swami’s physical frame going through the stress and strain was painful. And then Swami brought forth the first Lingam. The beautiful gold Lingam!! He showed it to all. That was not the end. He said that some more were yet to come. And then the unexpected thing happened. As Swami stood up, He left His body and almost slipped into the throne. Of course our boys were there who supported Swami and held Him. As He sat seated in the throne, suddenly He again came back into His body with a jerk. It apparently looked like fainting but you know for Swami it’s so normal to leave His body and slip out. At least most of us saw this for the first time. Then Swami was taken inside the interview room. After some time an announcement was made that two more Lingams have emerged from Bhagawan’s mouth. Few minutes later our dear Lord walked out majestically as though nothing had happened. He came to the dais and spoke again for some time. Most of it was in appreciation of the boys and His Love for us and our Love for Him. He was full Bliss so to say!!
The next most stunning thing that happened was that Swami had mentioned He would come again at night. Of course, most of us as usual felt that it was not possible. Maybe, Swami would just come in His omnipresent form and so on. But who can alter the course of His Will. Believe it or not, for the first time, Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 1.30 A.M.. We just could not believe our eyes. Bhajans were going on in full swing. He came and sat down on the throne. And again – hard to digest it – He sat until 2.40 A.M. i.e. one hour and ten minutes – just like that – pouring Love on all of us and absorbing all the devotion manifesting through the Bhajans. It was a great time. That event, I’m sure will go down as one of its kind in History – revealing the immense Love that God has for His devotees.
Next morning, as usual, there was Prasadam distribution – Puliyohara and Laddu. Before that Swami spoke and this Discourse will surely be printed in Sanatana Sarathi. Therefore, I’ll skip the details. But let me come to one more very interesting thing that happened. Normally, after Aarti, Swami begins the Prasadam distribution and supervises over it for some time and then retires. But this time it was not so. He sat down on the throne and continued to do so all throughout the Prasadam Distribution which took almost an hour and more.
First boys sang some songs and then Swami asked all to chant “Om Nama Shivaya”. Therefore the entire Kulwant Hall was reverberating with repeated chats of “Om Nama Shivaya”. Amidst this, all had their Prasadam. It was truly an unforgettable occasion!
Therefore, this has been the trend this year. Swami has been showering His Grace on all in such unexpected ways. To continue…. As you all know the III UG and II PG boys had put up their farewell programme in Kulwant Hall in the Divine Presence. But it did not stop with that. This time the I PG boys also planned for a similar programme. Swami too was showing great interest in the programmes being put up and it was a lovely treat for devotees too – as they could have His Darshan for such a long time and enjoy the programmes too.
Few days back, the I PG students put up a variety show in Kulwant Hall. It was a grand success. But what was it? It may come as a great surprise. So hold your hearts.. They put up shows – first of it’s kind – in the Divine Presence. It started with a Telugu presentation put up by two student poets. Both keep conversing with each other about Swami’s poems and in the process, several students come in and sing the wonderful Telugu verses sung by Swami during various Discourses. Swami was very happy with this module which went on for quite some time highlighting at least a dozen of Swami’s verses. He created Vibhuti for the two boys and blessed them.
Then followed “Mouna Natakamu” – an adapted version of ‘silent play’ which we often use. Here, a team of boys would come and enact some episode narrated by Swami often. They would enact it in total silence. Then students are asked to guess the answer – they must give the episode and it’s significance. In this module we had Sita Kalyanam – Sita garlanding the tall Rama when Lakshamna falls at His feet, Sage Durvasa coming to the Pandavas in the forest asking them to feed his entire group and how Krishna comes to their help, Sage Roma Rishi, the fruit and Krishna falling at the feet of the Pandavas to save them, Lakshamna identifying only the anklets of Mother Sita, etc..
In each case, a student would come and give the answer and also mention the significance. Swami appreciated this too. The idea was that almost every boy got a chance to come and eother speak in front of Swami or offer a rose or a card to Him!! Next came a quiz programme. A number of questions from Swami’s life and answers from students.
Finally came yet another new venture. Dumb Charades but rechristened as “Mouna Mudralu”. A boy would come and mime a quotation of Bhagawan. Another boy would go and offer a bowl of paper slips to Bhagawan. Swami would pick up a slip and written on it would be the quotation which the student was supposed to enact. We had - Start early, Drive slowly, Reach safely, Body is like a water bubble, Mind is like a mad monkey…., Braahmnosya Mukhmaseet Bahu Rajanya Krutaha from the Purusha Suktam etc. Of course interspersed between these modules were group songs, solos, etc. Finally Swami gave photos to all boys – in groups of 6 to 7.
Seeing Swami so happy with the programme, the I and II UG boys too have done programmes. With this the entire Institute would have put up some programme in His presence and would have had the privilege of getting photographs with Him. It’s truly a unique year.
A very novel programme.
One was a team talk anchored by two students – discussing all the ‘puns’ which Swami uses to communicate deep and significant messages. Like – God is Nowhere & God is Now Here, I Want Peace – remove the I and Want – peace is already there, etc.. One question they raised was very unique. They asked what Swami has told about paying gratitude to one’s Mother. i.e. Swami has prescribed a very unique way of offering gratitude to one’s mother for all that she has done for us. What is it? The answer is very beautiful. Swami says, for having troubled a mother for nine months to be born into this world, see to it that you never give this trouble to any mother once again – i.e. you must see to it that you are never born again. That is the gratitude to be paid to mothers!!
The second module was a very thrilling skit. Scene is Indra’s kingdom. The issue is that theft has made it’s way even into his kingdom. Kaliyuga’s Prabhaava!! The story goes on…. Brahma comes and says that His Lotus is lost. Later Jaya Vijaya discover that the Meru mountain is also stolen. The element ‘fire’ is also gone. Not just that, the moon has disappeared and even Lord Shiva Himself is not to be seen. Building up the drama like that the story goes on. Yama too comes into the scene. Finally, finding no other way to resolve the problem, they all go to Brahma asking him to help them.
Brahma comes in and leads the scene to the climax. He says, why are you all so worried? Nothing is wrong. Our Lord Shiva has gone down to earth. He has made the Lotus of Brahma into His eyes, the Meru mountain into a mole on His cheek, fire into His robe and so on…..He is currently in Parthi residing as Sai Baba!!! You can imagine how the audience clapped and Swami was in full laughter!! Very enjoyable indeed! This was followed by a beautiful talk by Prof. Anil Kumar where he recalled the good old days when great poets came to Swami and Swami’s conversations with all of them.
Yesterday 1st March was a silent day. In the evening, Swami drove directly to the General Hospital. He blessed them with His Darshan. He stayed there from almost 3.00 p.m. to 5.45 p.m. They prayed to Swami to bless them as part of the Anniversary celebrations and Swami consented.
Coming to this morning. 2nd March, Hold your breath. Something very very unique happened and what’s that? Today is Moharram. Yesterday some boys planned to have some special programme to mark this significant day. We have all other festivals being celebrated in Swami’s presence. Why not this? Boys got into action. R&D into Koran began. A priest was called in from the Parthi mosque who taught one Muslim student from our Hostel and few from Eswaramma School to do Namaz in the right way. Lot of grilling went on…The end product….This morning, by Bhagawan’s Grace, boys put up a nice programme.
It was again an interactive session. Two Muslim brothers talking to two Hindu brothers. They discuss about the significance of Moharram and move on to teachings from the Koran. Parallels were drawn from the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita showing how all scriptures teach the same Truth. Then came the best part. A small ‘Pir’ procession in front of Swami and then a full fledged Namaz by seven students in front of Swami. The Namaz was played on the PA system – sung by the Mullah himself (prerecorded). First time we heard the Namz being played in Kulwant Hall.
After the Namaz which lasted full 6 minutes, the boys went to Swami. Swami blessed them all. The programme continued with some more parallels between the scriptures. Actual verses were recited from the Koran. As usual songs kept up the tempo. Shirdi Wale Sai Baba…., Eswar Allah Tere Naam Sabako Sanmati De Bhagawan….Swami was very very happy. We sang one group song Tera Pyaar Paakar Gamo Ko Mitakar and Swami got up. It was just 8.05 a.m. He took Aarti. Prasadam was distributed and Bhagawan retired.
Thus the last few days have been very wonderful, full of unexpected and strange surprises and above all Swami has been showering such torrents of Love on all of the devotees and students, that all are overwhelmed!!
ear Parag, Om Sai Ram. The Bhajan Practice for Friday 5th March has been confirmed and will be held at Mrs Prem Sud's house ( 198 Nithsdale Road ) from 2000-2200 hrs . Could you please pass on this message to all youths. ( and whoever you think might be interested ). Thanks Sai Ram Ram
Dear Brothers and sisters, Sai Ramm all To all sai youths,
This is to let all youths know that ajay pappat's visit to Prasanthi is not a UK YOUTH ORGANISATION VISIT BUT WOULD INCLUDE ALL MEMBERS WHO ARE INTERESTED.
SWAMI HAS RECENTLY AGREED FOR UK SAI YOUTHS TO COME AND VISIT PRASHANTHI NILAYAM IN NOVEMBER. OUR NATIONAL yOUTH COORDINATOR IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF FINALISING THE DETAILS WITH REGARDING THIS. THIS PIGRIMAGE WILL BE IN NOVEMBER.
Please keep your diaries open in November to visit Prashanthi as a sathya sai UK Youth group. All Youths are kindly requested to visit Prashanthi in November.
THOSE INTERESTED AND STILL WOULD LIKE TO GO WITH BROTHER AJAY PAPPAT IN JUNE PLEASE DO SO AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.
I SHALL SEND YOU MORE DETAILS REGARDING THE UK YOUTH PILGRIMAGE AS SOON AS i HAVE INFORMATION AT HAND.
Couple of important events coming up which the youth are needed to help in and also perform a short drama etc. They are:
1. Sai Youth Study Circle - Friday 12th March, 7.30pm on "Service". Venue to be confirmed. I'll send email to you by tommorrow latest.
2. Youth required to help with looking after the kids for 2 hours this Sunday (14th March) during Balvikas Teachers-Parents Meeting.
3. Mothers Day Programme (Sunday 21st March). Would like the youth to put a small drama conveying a simple message. Anyone with any ideas or suggestions please contact me!!
4. Ram Navami Bhajans at centre on Tuesday 30th March from 7pm till 8.15pm. Youth are needed to help set up the centre from 6pm onwards.
5. Easter Programme to be performed at Ferguson Anderson Nursing Home on Sunday 4th April. One youth required to take charge for this a coordinate a small choir/ drama. If interested, get back to me.
6. Sai Profile - Parag is currently in the process of compiling together the Sai Profile Booklet to be out in May. He does require help in producing this, so if anyone can help please contact him directly on paragis@hotmail.com .
I know thats a lot of information there, but I will send you guys reminders before the events. The main things are the Mothers Day Programme in 2 wks time. If someone can come up with an idea by Friday's Study circle, we can even work with the BalVikas kids on Sunday and produce something together with them!!
Couple of important events coming up which the youth are needed to help in and also perform a short drama etc. They are:
1. Sai Youth Study Circle - Friday 12th March, 7.30pm on "Service". Venue to be confirmed. I'll send email to you by tommorrow latest.
2. Youth required to help with looking after the kids for 2 hours this Sunday (14th March) during Balvikas Teachers-Parents Meeting.
3. Mothers Day Programme (Sunday 21st March). Would like the youth to put a small drama conveying a simple message. Anyone with any ideas or suggestions please contact me!!
4. Ram Navami Bhajans at centre on Tuesday 30th March from 7pm till 8.15pm. Youth are needed to help set up the centre from 6pm onwards.
5. Easter Programme to be performed at Ferguson Anderson Nursing Home on Sunday 4th April. One youth required to take charge for this a coordinate a small choir/ drama. If interested, get back to me.
6. Sai Profile - Parag is currently in the process of compiling together the Sai Profile Booklet to be out in May. He does require help in producing this, so if anyone can help please contact him directly on paragis@hotmail.com .
I know thats a lot of information there, but I will send you guys reminders before the events. The main things are the Mothers Day Programme in 2 wks time. If someone can come up with an idea by Friday's Study circle, we can even work with the BalVikas kids on Sunday and produce something together with them!!
At the annual National Office Bearer's Conference held in London, one of the projects on the agenda for the youth of Scotland was to compile a Sai Profile booklet for non-devotees and devotees, that would inform, educate and inspire, especially in the context of Scotland to inspire nation building, and the spirit of service. The target date for the booklet is near the end of June. I have written a fuller and more comprehensive description of the possible contents and motivation behind producing such a booklet. For those genuinely interested in assisting in this project, whether as active contributors, designers, creatives etc, or in other ways or responsibilities as they crop up (publishing, logistics etc), please let me know and I will email you the fuller description.
I seek your support, feedback, grace and blessings, and thank Swami for this opportunity to keep all of us busy and engaged. Remember, it is our availibility and not our ability that Swami is looking for. Everything else all falls into place.
Please email me at parag.agarwal@strath.ac.uk You can also contact me at 07899841465 or 0141 5756560
SaiRam Folks, Just to clarify further on the Sai Profile project, please email me at parag.agarwal@strath.ac.uk or paragis@yahoo.com instead. If some of you are still unsure about the project, but are raring to go and want to get involved, let me know and I will email you the draft outlining the project before I hold the next meeting for the team.
Just to let you know that we are celebrating Ugadi ( Telugu New Year ) at the centre on Sunday the 21st March . The time is 5.30pm to 7pm. Snacks will be provided after the bhajans.
We will also be celebrating the Sri Ram Navami at the centre on Tuesday the 30th March. The time is 7pm to 8.15pm. Volunteers will be needed to set up the centre at 6pm. Food will be provided after the bhajans.
nice list! Just one thing...remember that on mothers day they are also celebrating ugaadi at the centre check wid kris veer if there is enough time to do a small mothers day item....
da other ting was.....i have some poems and songs which would be ideal for the easter prog for da kids and youth if ya want!...I'll give them to you before sunday...can you work on this stuff during the two hours on sunday??
At the annual National Office Bearer's Conference held in London, one of the projects on the agenda for the youth of Scotland was to compile a Sai Profile booklet for non-devotees and devotees, that would inform, educate and inspire, especially in the context of Scotland to inspire nation building, and the spirit of service. The target date for the booklet is near the end of June. I have written a fuller and more comprehensive description of the possible contents and motivation behind producing such a booklet. For those genuinely interested in assisting in this project, whether as active contributors, designers, creatives etc, or in other ways or responsibilities as they crop up (publishing, logistics etc), please let me know and I will email you the fuller description.
I seek your support, feedback, grace and blessings, and thank Swami for this opportunity to keep all of us busy and engaged. Remember, it is our availibility and not our ability that Swami is looking for. Everything else all falls into place.
Please email me at parag.agarwal@strath.ac.uk You can also contact me at 07899841465 or 0141 5756560
By now most of you would be aware of the forthcoming youth pilgrimage to Prashanthi in november this year. This is an important event fo all of us. I would like to encourage everyone to try their best and visit prashanthi to represent as one force.
Please find enclosed the details regarding the first meeting to be held at Stanmore, Middlesex.
Those of you who are going please try to attend this meeting. Details regarding the plan, necessary requirements for the trip, sadhanA practice required for the trip will be discussed.
As I'm sure most of you are aware, there is going to be a National UK Youth Trip to Prasanthi Nilayam in November this year.
This is a great opportunity for those of you going for the first time and also for those of you returning to Prasanthi.
The trip will leave on the 13th November and return on the 27th November, a total of 2 weeks. During this period the group hopes to:
1. Set up medical camps in the villages around Puttarparthi 2. Assist at the Super Speciality Hospital, as required 3. Offer services at Chaitanya Jyoti Museum during November (for which UK is responsible) 4. Present a seperate brothers and sisters musical items to Swami on His birthday.
The trip is estimated to take around 150/200 youth from the UK, aged from 16-35.
Those of you who are interested, please contact me for a covering letter and a form for you to fill in, and I'll have them sent to you by post asap. The attachments for these two items is quite large, hence I have not sent them in the email.
The next study circle for the Glasgow Sai centre will be held on Sunday 21st of March from 4 to 5 PM
Topic: Karma Yoga - the path of action
Here are some quotes, extracts from various books and Swami answering a question relating to Karma. I realise there is quite a lot of info here but I think it is worth reading, so take a little time. I found the last part where Swami answers a question relating to Karma Yoga to be very much worth reading.
From Swami's discourses: Path of dedicated activity, rendered services freely, sincerely and efficiently, engaged with no desire for publicity but simply follow a spiritual urge to do saadhana in this form.
Divine communion through selfless dedicated action. An acitivity in tune with the Divine will, directed to the promotion of one's spiritual consumation, an activity of fulfillment, of adoration and of one's duty to oneself and to others.
Karma cleanses the mind if it is done as a dedicatory act, the consequence being left to the will of the Lord. Repentance saves even sinners from perdition. No ceremony of expiation is as effective as sincere repentance.
From Guide to Indian Culture and Spirituality:
What does the Gita say regarding Karma?
Action will always lead to reward or fruit. The fruit of an action is a reaction, a reflection and a resound of the action itself. But the Gita teaches us that the actions we undertake must be free from consideration for reward or fruit.
Many say that man has only the right to act and has no right to claim the fruit of that action. But it is wrong. The Gita has not said that man has no authority to enjoy the fruit of action. Gita has said that man should voluntarily give up the right to enjoy the fruit of the action. It has not said "Na Phaleshu" or there is no fruit. It has said "Ma Phuleshu" or though there is the fruit, the injunction is that you must give up the desire for the fruit of the action. (From a Guide to Indian Culture and Spirituality - pulbished by Sri Sathya Sai books and publications trust)
Extract from a short write up on the Ethics of Isha Upanishad from Sri Sai Satcharitra:
Man must spend his life-time always always doing action, specifically the karmas enjoyed in the Shastras, in a mood of believing resignation to his will. Inactivity, according to this Upanishad would be the canker of the soul. It is only when a man spends his life-time in doing actions in this manner, that he can hope to attain the ideal of Naishkarmya.
Question put to Swami relating to karma:
Swami! Bhagavadgita wants us to give up the fruits of our actions, karmaphalaparityaga, both good and bad, Since we do good rarely, there is very little or none to offer you as fruits of our good actions. We feel it is not proper to offer evil or bad to you. What is to be done?
Here is Swami's response to this question:
"You have to surrender both good and bad to God. Never get yourself attached to the results of your actions, be they good or bad. God is beyond the two opposites as he is non dual. Any water pure or impure when mixed with Ganga, you will notice does not affect sanctity of Ganga. The sanctity never diminshes. Similarly, whatever you put into the fire gets burnt. The fire is in no way affected or polluted by those things that are put into it. Hence, if you offer both good and bad to God ultimately you will be benefited.
A small example. Suppose you have a five hundred rupee currency note in your pocket, and you need to go out on some business and return later. You will be very careful to see that you do not lose it. You keep your hand in your pocket if you go to a cafeteria for a cup of coffee so that no one will pick your pocket. Even in a theatre, you will be vigilant. But on the other hand, if you deposit money in the bank, it will be credited to your account and it will be safe. Then, you don't need to bother about it further. So also, if you surrender all the good you have done to God without attaching any value to the results, what happens is that you will be humble and simple. Here you do not take credit. You thank God. You are full of thankfulness and gratitude to God. But if you own and claim the resutls of all your good and meritorious deeds, you will feel that you are the doer, so much so you will become proud and egotistic. Hence, you should surrender the reward of your good actions to good.
Then how about evil or bad to be offered to God? You may feel it is not proper to do so. Yet, you will notice that it will help you finally. A small example for you in this matter. Suppose you have with you a spoiled dirty and half-torn five hundred rupee note. You don't throw it away as it is a valuable currency note. But you have not been able to use it. But if you desposit the very same currency note in the Reserve Bank, they accept it and give you a brand new note. One thing is very necessary. The number on the currency note should be very clear for them to accept and give you a good note. Similarly, the currency note of your deeds and consequences of your bad action, if offered to God, he will see the 'number' or 'devotion' on the note and give you in turn the good note or transform you. God is the Reserve bank. Only God can receive your evil tendencies and misdeeds and transform them into good ones and give them back to you. Hence, both good and bad must be offered to God for your own ultimate benefit." (from Satyopanisad Volume I by Anil Kumar Kamaraju)
ADVERTISEMENT Sai Ram everyone, Please note that there will be bhajan practice this saturday the 27th march at 8 pm at the residence of Dilip&Shobna Kotecha. The address is: 15 LAMMERMUIR GARDENS, SOUTH BALJAFFRAY, BEARSDEN, G61 4QZ, TEL No 0141 943 1142. Sai Ram, micahael.
This document is meant for study circle facilitator, spiritual co-ordinators, any one attending study circles or hoping to facilitate study circles. The document will particularly serve as a useful aid for centre / group wing coordinators who tend to swap roles approximately every 2 years.
“STUDY” – concerned, concentrated one pointed focus on an object or a subject.
“CIRCLE” – no beginning and no end – on going.
N.B. must be directed to realising the ATHMA, which has no beginning and no end – eternal.
In the Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation every study circle must be directed towards the knowledge of the ATHMA and through it the realisation of the ONENESS of all recreation. “Be alike to everyone, love all serve all, speak the truth and practice righteousness.
In study circle, you must emphasise on the experience of oneness of the entire group. Study means for being steady so that we may become unwavering pure and determined. We must carefully select the subjects and field of their application. In a study circle, every word has to be understood in a divine manner and not in a worldly / literal way. Worldly words have several meanings including some undesirable ones. People tend to accept the unwanted meanings, forgetting the true meaning. Study circle should provide the right meaning and dispel confusion.
Beings are many but the breath is one. They must see the omnipresence of the Divinity with the same breath. While studying the scriptures in a study circle, different people may understand differently. Even so, it is important to see the commonality of all the interpretations just like a variety of sugarcanes produce the same kind of sweet juices.
Study circles should not be used for expressions of rhetoric and intellectual knowledge, platforms for ego and venting of passion. The wonder of the Study circle is that it can provide an opportunity to experience ourselves as part of a team with a common shared purpose, with each individual an instrument and expression of the Divine I AM presence. Listening with LOVE, with no hidden agenda or consideration of the limited self we can grow through this shared experience. During a study meeting we may experience discomfort. We can use this as an opportunity to see which of our ego buttons are being pressed when we perhaps do not understand or agree with another’s point of view. The study circle gives us an opportunity to examine where we are coming from and then to change ourselves accordingly. By learning not to be reactive, by responding from a place of conditioning and habit we learn to let go of egocentric behaviour.
Study circle should proceed in five steps. Why? Where? How? When? And to Whom? “Why” and “How” are the most important because the answers for these will clarify the rest. Sun light has seven colours, which can be combined to give seven thousand, colours. The English language contains only 26 alphabets, which has been used to produce volumes of literature! Violin has only four strings but can produce hundreds of tunes. Likewise if you understand “how” and “why” everything will become clear. Study circle will then be complete with a unified thought. Otherwise arguments and differences will arise and lead to confusion and hatred.
The basic goal of a study circle is, of course, to help us understand how better to lead a spiritual life, to come closer to God.
Some of the benefits are:
Learn how Swami's teachings have affected others. This can inspire us, help remove doubts we may have, give us a firmer belief.
Clarify what we "think" we know --clear up misconceptions.
Support each other in spiritual endeavours.
Discover practical applications of Swami's teachings.
Share experiences.
Get deeper inside Baba’s teachings.
Learn how to put Sai's teachings into practice.
Install good values in ourselves.
Find answers to problems (through discussion).
Learn how to handle situations where we disagree with others.
Learn to express oneself, overcome shyness.
One important action point arising from a study circle is to find something from the study to put into practice during the coming week. The study circle should not be simply a transfer of knowledge but should result in a transformation of the participants.
A STUDY circle does not mean only just reading and discussing and taking information into the head, but also putting into practice what is learnt. If knowledge is stored in the mind, it causes confusion and confusion leads to blowing of the fuse. How will real jnana (spiritual wisdom) develop if there is too much confusion? For instance, if you go on eating all the 24 hours, it will result in indigestion. This will lead to disease. What is eaten should be digested and then only you should eat again. In the same way, you should listen {eat) in the Study Circle and put into practice (digest) what you have learnt. Again you can have another round of listening in the Study Circle. Now what you are doing is only loading and loading and no unloading. How much can you sustain like that? So, you should go on loading and unloading, listening and practising. You have to practise whatever you have learnt. Then only it becomes a real Study Circle.
You have joined the study class at Dharmakshetra, and are engaged in poring over all types of books and gathering information and instruction. But, what have you gained? Knowledge about what this author says or that sage teaches is not what your study circle must aim to acquire. Not information, but transformation; not instruction, but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practised, when it can be lightened into wisdom, and assimilated into daily, life. Knowledge that does not give harmony and wholeness to the process of living is not worth acquiring. Every activity must be rendered valid and worthwhile by its contribution to the discovery of Truth, both of the Self and of Nature. Of what use is it to know everything about nature, if you do not know anything of the Self? Nature is only a projection of the Self, and so, unless the Self is known, knowledge of nature is either distorted or deceptive. The Self is Atma, of which the entire Creation is composed, so knowledge of the Self alone can quench the thirst of man.
...
Every one of you is a pilgrim on that road proceeding at your own pace, according to your qualification and the stage reached by its means. The advice that appeals to one of you or applies to one of you might not be appropriate to another, who has travelled less distance or reached a more advanced state. When I tell one person to follow one line of sadhana (spiritual discipline), it is specifically for his benefit; do not take it as prescription for your benefit also, saying, "Swami told him thus; let me also adopt it." Each has a different make-up --mental, physical, and spiritual. The doctor directs one patient to drink curds and prohibits another from drinking it. When a man is obese, he advises certain types of food; when he is lean, he advises other types. When doctors who treat diseases of the body have to prescribe different remedies, how much more specific and personal must be the remedies for the complex and varied conditions of mental situations and spiritual yearnings and aspirations?
Unless you make earnest inquiry, you cannot discover the remedy applicable to your temperament and its problems. Study with faith and devotion. Delve into the significance and the meaning of what you read, and always have before you the goal of putting what you read into practice. Unless you do so, the study circle will remain a half-circle for ever; it cannot be a full circle. And, pay attention to one other point also. Do not confine your studies to this circle and these books. The whole Universe is University for you. You can imbibe wisdom from the sky, the clouds, the mountains, the rivers, the daily phenomena of sunrise and sunset, the seasons, birds, trees, flowers, the insects --in fact, all beings and things in nature.
Q: Swami we are conducting study circles in our centre and would like your advice to all aspirants?
A: You must be guarded against pride that infests the scholar who has mastered a certain number of ancient texts. Do not judge others as inferior because they do not participate in your type of study circles. You can be very wrong if you estimate a person’s spiritual development by mere externals. Inner purity cannot express itself through pompous shows. Delve into the significance and the meaning of what you read and always have before you the goal of putting what you read into practice. Unless you do so, the study circle will remain a half circle forever; it cannot be a full circle.
Pay attention to another point also. Do not confine your studies to this circle and these books. The whole universe is a university for you. You can imbibe wisdom from the sky, the clouds, the mountains, the rivers, the daily phenomena of sunrise and sunset, the seasons, birds, trees, flowers, the insects, in fact all beings and things in nature. Approach these teachers with awe, reverence and humility, they will respond with their lessons. Do not worry that you have no mastery of Sanskrit: Samskar is enough equipment for the university that lies around you. Sanskrit is the language of the ancient scriptures and of classical literature; Samskar is the language of the heart, the refined medium of fruitful communication with nature, in all the manifold outpourings of Divinity.
(Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IX, Page 53-54)
Q: When I can get knowledge from reading books, why should I attend study circles?
A: Knowledge about what this author says or what that sage teaches is not what your study circle must aim to acquire. Not information, but transformation, not instruction, but construction should be the aim. (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol.X, Page 51)
Q: How do we make “study circle” produce results?
A: Question yourself calmly and decide to benefit, by practicing the process mentioned in them. This is the proper plan of study – Reading, Reflection, and regular Application in life. Study is work. Inquiry into the value and Applicability of what is studied is WORSHIP; the experience of the validity and value of the practice is WISDOM. (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol.X, Page 51)
Q: What kind of books should one read Swami?
A: Good books pertaining to any religion could be read and may be read by others. Distribute good books to some. To the illiterate people you should read out from the books and impart to them some good (spiritual) knowledge.
Many of the members of Sathya Sai Organisations think that they are only to promote Sathya Sai ideals and the name of Sathya Sai. It is not correct. Through the name of Sathya Sai, what has to be promoted is Goodness, Faith in God and Godliness. The name and form of God is not that important, because His names and forms are countless and whichever name and form one takes to, all belong to the ONE God only. What is required is faith. (Seva Dal, 4/83, Page 9)
There must be an atmosphere of love generated in the study circle. Speak softly and lovingly. Exude happiness for Swami and let it show.
Swami says “happiness is not doing what one likes, but liking what one HAS TO DO.” Attend study circles with this attitude in mind at all times.
1. Three Aums, a prayer or a devotional song should precede the meeting. This creates good vibrations, a climate of brotherhood and co-operation among all participants, a feeling of working towards a common goal.
2. It is preferable to re-affirm the objective of the study circle (i.e. for the members to know and to experience s/he is divine). Perhaps members can observe a minute’s silence to clear their minds and focus on the object of the study circle.
3. Study circle is not a debating society; it is an exploration of viewpoints. Each participant should feel free to speak without fear and judgement or personal criticism.
4. Do not hold anyone to ridicule. This will do more harm than good.
5. Active and equal participation should be sought from all members. The facilitator may need to encourage new members to speak.
6. Devotees should be reminded that they don’t have to answer a question. Listening and learning is also participation.
7. Note that every answer is experimental.
8. Dominant members must take care NOT to monopolise the conversation.
9. The facilitator and members should avoid reading long quotations. Rather refer members to the relevant books.
10. There are no wrong answers. Every answer is a perception of one’s response to a question.
11.Duration – ranging from one hour to 1. 30 hour.
- Information purposes e.g. religious festivals, diet and meditation techniques.
- Topics selected for the aspirants to know and experience s/he is divine.
Topics must be chosen with care. All topics must be aimed towards realising our true nature, which is “LOVE”.
The above categories of topics can be presented in various ways. For example, it is preferable to have a practical session on meditation, rather than talk and debate its benefits.
Centres should aim towards choosing a central topic for the year. Once this is done the year’s program can then be set to achieve this goal. Facilitators should be given their topics well in advance, in order to have sufficient time to prepare and meditate on the topic.
Basically the role of the study circle is to know and experience that we are divine. The first step would be to “Know Thyself”.
Swami says:
“Self realisation is possible only through knowledge of your own real nature. Therefore, the first step in the quest for self-knowledge is to understand the nature of man.” (Know Thyself. P10)
If we can discover ourselves, then only will we be able to recognise our true identity and experience it.
The ideal topic to start all yearly programmes is those that devotees would be able to put into practice in their daily lives, thereby progressing on the spiritual path. Once the group has progressed on this path, tools like meditation and the repetition of the name can be introduced.
One group should never loose sight of its yearly objective.
The topic of “Love” is so central to the objective and should be visited several times in the year.
To know thyself, enables one to be in the “present moment”. Members should be guided to releasing heart-closing thoughts by purifying the heart; this enables one to be in the “PRESENT MOMENT”.
An aspirant cannot get rid of anger and fear without knowing the reason for its manifestation. To know oneself, means discovering the reasons we fear, and releasing the anger that closes our hearts.
1. The study circle should never be performed as if it were a ritual. The facilitator should do proper planning, with the centre’s objective in mind.
2. Facilitators should be creative and innovative in their presentation styles.
3. Due to time constraints facilitators should design programmes that encourage the members to examine themselves in the week ahead (see 4).
4. Adequate time should be allocated to a topic. Additional time should also be allocated if the discussions on the topic are not completed. All members should be satisfied with the outcome of the topic. Once concluded the facilitator should conclude and tie up the topic to the yearly objective. Perhaps, even introduce the next topic on the program.
5. Avoid taking discussion personally and avoid talking when others are talking during the session.
6. Have an experience/story concerning the topic ready to relate, if necessary.
7. Create an atmosphere that makes participants comfortable. Use humour, eye contact.
8. Know the organisation guidelines.
9. Keep the group on focused on the topic, keep it moving; when it seems to slow down, move on to another passage or topic
10. Watch the time --don't let a person talk too long (2 minutes?).
11. Pre-requisites of a facilitator :-
- S/he must have leadership qualities (Mahavakia of a leader – TO BE - TO
DO - TO SEE and TO TELL).
- Must have knowledge of Swami’s teachings and realised masters.
- Become a good communicator (usually through practice).
- Have the ability to listen to all points of view, without becoming subjective.
- Have the ability to keep the focus and objective of the study circle.
A study circle is not a presentation by one person. At its best, it will involve participation of all who are present. Here are some points that came out in one study circle.
Come prepared, if the reading and topic is announced in advance.
Participate! Speak! You get out of something what you put into it.
Listen fully when the material is being read! Ask it to be repeated if you didn't get it all.
Listen fully to what others have to say.
Share your experiences Ask questions that arise.
DO be focused and to the point; stay on the topic.
DO have patience; wait your turn.
DO pass if you have nothing to say.
DO be open-minded.
Talk from the heart, not the head.
Avoid political issues.
Don't make it personal, e.g. don't attack something someone else said.
Don't make it a social therapy session.
Don't take too much time.
Don't talk unless you have something positive to say.
Avoid repetition; don't simply repeat what someone else said.
Don't put on a display of intellectual prowess.
Talk from the heart, not the head.
Don't debate, don't judge others.
Remember that the goal is your personal transformation.
It is important that all devotees are happy with the outcome of the study circle. The facilitator should summarise the topic at the end, and link the specific topic to its practical attributes, its relevance in daily life and to the yearly objective topic of the centre/group. A summary of the findings should also be read at the devotional singing session for the benefit of other devotees who couldn’t make to the study circle. This way, it will also inspire those who don’t generally attend to come.
Why get agitated? Let Me take care of your business. I shall be the One who will think about them. I am waiting for nothing else than your surrender to Me. I intervene only when you know how to completely surrender to Me, then you do not have to worry anymore about anything. Say farewell to all fears and discouragement. You demonstrate that you do not trust Me. On the contrary, you must rely blindly on Me.
To surrender means: to turn your thoughts away from all your problems. Leave everything into My hands saying : Lord! Thy will be done, Thou think of it. That is to say: Lord, I thank you for You have taken everything in Your hands and you will resolve this for my highest good.
Remember that thinking of the consequences of a thing is contrary to surrender; that is to say when you worry that a situation has not had the desired outcome. You thus demonstrate that you don’t believe in My love for you. You will prove that you don’t consider your life to be under My control and that nothing escapes Me.
Never think: how is this going to end? What is going to happen? If you give into this temptation you demonstrate that you don’t trust Me. Do you want Me to deal with, yes or no? Then you must stop being so anxious about it. I shall guide you only if you completely surrender to Me and when I must lead you into a different path than the one you expect, I carry you in My arms.
What seriously upsets you is your reasoning, your worrying, your obsession and your will to provide for yourselves at any price. I can do so many things when the being, as much in his material necessities as in his spiritual ones turns to Me saying: You think of it, and rests quietly closing his eyes. You will receive a lot, but only when your prayer will fully rely upon Me. You pray to Me when in pain so that I will intervene, but in the way you desire it. You do not rely on Me, but you want me to adjust to your requests.
Don’t believe like sick ones who ask the doctor to treat, all the time suggesting the treatment to him. Do not do that, but rather, even in sad circumstances say: Lord! I praise and thank you for this problem, for this necessity. I pray to you to arrange things as You please for this terrestrial and temporal life. You know very well what is best for me.
Sometimes you feel that disasters increase instead of diminishing! Don’t get agitated. Close you eyes and tell Me with faith; Thy will be done, Thou think of it. And when you thus speak, I even accomplish a miracle when necessary. I only think of it when you trust Me totally. I always think of you, but I can only help you completely when you rely fully upon Me.
Sai Youth Spiritual Discussion ------------------------------ - Omita & Rajan's place - Flat 1/1, 90 Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow - This Friday - 2nd April - 7.30pm sharp.
Topic - Inner Service!
ALL please be invited. And bring friends along also.
Love and in Sai Service always! Vinesh
Q: What is the best way to make God laugh? A: make a Plan! +---------------------------------------------+ | V I N E S H . . . . . . . vinesh@post1.com | | 12 Crescent Lane . . www.post1.com/~vinesh | | Dundee . . . . . . . . . mob: 07977-099765 | | DD4 6DN . . . . . . . office : 01382-345845 | | Scotland . . . fax: (UK only) 07050-609102 | +---------------------------------------------+
Below are some interesting events taking place in particulat the visit of the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhism to the SECC in Glasgow
Judaism: Past, Present, and Future. Thursday 6 May, Thursday 20 May, 7-9pm. 2 talks by Rabbi