Events at Prashanthi Nilayam
18 FEB 2004

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 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

Sai ram my dear ones,
 
          http://www.osssbi.org/Bhajans/mantra.htm
This site is wonderful i can download 100 more Sai bhajans..
 
Sairam,
                 Anand
 
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
************************************************

Dear members, sai ram to u all..

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!!

sai ram

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

Sai Ram Guys,

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!!

God Bless,

Pratik

Sai Ram Friends, and Respected Elders,

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

Love and Light,
In Sai Service,
Parag




http://www.HumanValuesForScotland.org.uk
http://www.post1.com/~vinesh/saiyouth

Sai Ram all
 
Hope you are all well.
 
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.   
 
I look forward to seeing you all.
 
Yours in Sai Service
Kris

Sai Ram Friends, and Respected Elders,

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

Love and Light,
In Sai Service,
Parag

Dear Sai Brothers and sisters,
Sai Ram to all.

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.

May Swami's blessings always go with you

Sai Ram
Ram
RYCC


http://www.HumanValuesForScotland.org.uk
http://www.post1.com/~vinesh/saiyouth

Meeting: Saturday 3rd April 2004, 7:00pm

Venue : Whitchurch Middle School, Wemborough Road, Stanmore, Middlesex,HA7 2EQ

Tube Station: Canons Park (Jubilee Line) – 5min walk from station.

Directions:

M1 South bound to London – Get off at Junction 4 (Edgware)

At first roundabout take 3rd exit on to SPUR ROAD

At next roundabout go straight on to LONDON ROAD (A410)

At major Traffic Lights take left on to MARSH LANE (A4140)

At next major Crossroad Traffic Lights take Right on to Wemborough Road

The car park for the school entrance is 30 yards on your right.

 

 

Sai Ram

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)

Study Circle Guidelines

Version : 1.0

Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation, UK

Date Issued : 22nd  March 2004

Table of Contents

 

1      Audience.. 3

2      INTRODUCTION.. 3

2.1       The goals of a study circle. 4

3      STUDY CIRCLE FOR STEADY FAITH.. 4

4      QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - FROM BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI. 6

5      GUIDELINES TO CONDUCTING STUDY CIRCLES. 7

6      TOPICS. 8

6.1       Information Topics: 8

6.2       Topics selected to experience Divinity. 8

6.3       Books. 8

7      YEARLY OBJECTIVE TOPICS. 9

8      The Role of a Study Circle Facilitator.. 10

9      The job of the participant. 10

10        EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION.. 11

11        COMPILER’s NOTES. 11

 

 

1        Audience

 

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.

 

2        INTRODUCTION

 

“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.

 

 

2.1   The goals of a study circle.

 

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:

1. Learn how Swami's teachings have affected others. This can inspire us, help remove doubts we may have, give us a firmer belief.
   
2. Clarify what we "think" we know --clear up misconceptions.
   
3. Support each other in spiritual endeavours.
   
4. Discover practical applications of Swami's teachings.
   
5. Share experiences.
   
6. Get deeper inside Baba’s teachings.
   
7. Learn how to put Sai's teachings into practice.
   
8. Install good values in ourselves.
   
9. Find answers to problems (through discussion).
   
10. Learn how to handle situations where we disagree with others.
    
11. 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.

 

5        GUIDELINES TO CONDUCTING STUDY CIRCLES

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.

 

 

6        TOPICS

 

There are basically two categories of topics:

-          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.

6.1   Information Topics:

Significance of religious festivals

Pranayama – breath control, the technique and its benefits. This practice should     precede meditation.

Omkar – also part of breath control.

Daily meditation and prayer.

Sathwic diet.

Aarthi – its significance, and why it is performed.

6.2   Topics selected to experience Divinity

Nine codes of conduct

Ten Steps to Divinity

Twenty virtues

Penance/discipline -  mental, vocal and physical

Selfless service

Health and Recreation

Importance of Prayers (the 108 names, mantras, singing devotional songs)

6.3   Books

Since the study circle is held under auspices of the SSSSO, it is only right that we first exhaust ourselves of Swami’s teaching given in:-

Sathya Sai Speaks series

Summer Showers series,

The Vahinis

Sathyam Shivam Sundaram series

Pathway to God

7        YEARLY OBJECTIVE TOPICS

 

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.
 

8        The Role of a Study Circle Facilitator

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.

9        The job of the participant.

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.
  
• Support the facilitator.

10  EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION

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.

11  COMPILER’s NOTES

It is important to highlight that this guideline is a work of many – too numerous to mention. The initiator of this document is merely a compiler.

Himanshu Vora

Regional Spiritual Coordinator (Region 2)

 Additional References for Further Reading:

 

1.    Guide Book for Sri Sathya Sai Study Circles

2.    Work Book Companion for the Guide book for Sri Sathya Sai Study Circles

 

- Prepared by Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Prasanthi Nilayam

Wishing you all
A HAPPY
SRIRAMA NAVAMI