Dear All, Om Sai Ram.
This message is directed to Sai Devotees in the UK.
A further appeal has gone out for more volunteers for service at the
CHAITANYA JYOTI MUSEUM  in Prashanti Nilayam, as some volunteers have
dropped out. The month of November has been allocated to volunteers from
the UK. This is the busiest time of the year, and the fact that Swami
has chosen this month for the UK speaks volumes. Now is the opportunity
to go to Prashanti solely for the sake of rendering service at His Feet.
Everything else goes on the back burner. You will be allocated various
duties to cater to the thousands of visitors. You will become an
OVERSEAS SEVA DAL. We have all had experiences with seva dals in the
past that have been uplifting, and at times not quite so. Now is the
time to put into practice what we know are our ideals and render Service
in His Name. Now is the literally "GOD-GIVEN" opportunity to give
something back in return for the countless blessings that Swami has
bestowed on us.
You will be on duty six hours a day, from 9 am till 12 noon, and then
from 3 pm till 6 pm. You can still catch the morning Darshan, and part
of the afternoon one as well, but not the bhajans. This is the sacrifice
that you will have to make, but doesn't  Swami know that?
From my personal experience, it is like having Swami's Darshan six
hours a day. I will be back there again this year for the whole of
November, and there will be others with me who will be there for shorter
periods. If you are already in Prashanti, and decide to take part in
this, please go to the museum and ask for the Supervisor, Mr Pandey, or
the Director, Colonel Bose.
Hope to see you there, and if you make up your mind now, please email me
directly for further information.
Sai Ram
Ram Konar

The next Study circle in the Glasgow Sai centre will
be held on:

Sunday the 19th of October.
Time: 4-5 pm. Place: Maryhill community centre.

Topic: Saadhana

Saadhana means : Spiritual discipline, Spiritual
effort, Spiritual practise.

Some examples of Sadhaana: Namasmarana(repetition of
the name of the Lord), Seva (Service), Meditation,
Japa, Bhajans, Seeing the good or in divine in others,
Self inquiry.

Some quotes from Swami relating to Sadhaana:

The purpose of all Sadhana is to see the good in
everything and to be able to overlook the bad, the
evil. From the view point of divinity, there is no
good or bad - all is divine. But the mind sees this
as good and that as bad, this as right and that as
wrong. It is the mind that must be trained to see the
Divine in everyone and in each difficulty.

Whether we are actively working in the world or have
withdrawn from it, the most important consideration is
not the work that we do or do not do, but how
effectively we have been able to uproot and destroys
the Vasanas (deep seated tendencies) which lie hidden
in our heart. The removal of these impurities, which
have encased themselves so deeply, is the principal
objective of all Sadhana or spiritual practise.

Also anyone willing to or keen to summarise the study
circle please let me know.

Sai Ram


Jeffrey

Dear All,

Sai Ram!

Sai Youth Spiritual Discussion as usual:-
- at Sai Giridhar's place
- Buzzer 0/2, 1006 Govan Road, G51 3DU
- on Monday 13th October at 7.30pm sharp.
- Topic - Personal Tranformation

Any queries on directions etc, you may contact Sai Giridhar directly
on 0141-4451820 or Pratik 07811-122461 or Parag 07899-841465

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 |
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aum sai ram dear members,

Prasanthi Diary 16 & 17-10-2003

swami is almost back to  His daily schedule comes in
the morning for darshans and attending morning bhajan
sessions.In the
evening generally Swami is coming around 1545hrs,
greeted by vedam chantings,
followed by devotional singing by the music college
studnets or speeches delivered by the students.

swami is showing lots of intrest in  vedam ( a link
www.vedamu.org). infact he is training all students by
allowing them to chant in thy divine presence. swami
was stressing over purushasuktam and its importance.
on 16 oct 2003, the session in the evening was a one
with  a difference.swami called for the primary school
studnets to come forward and lead that day's
chantings. after a thrilling performance by the tiny
tots,
swami  personally distributed to each one of them
apples. it didnt not
stop at that, for a change swami threw a challege to
the primary school
studnets if they could lead the evening bhajans. smart
enough that they
were, these young buds took a thunderous lead of 16th
evening
bhajans and this event went on for nearly 20 minutes.
it was really
amazing to see that the primary school studnets who
were not at all prepared
for the occasion, took a giant leap by leading the
evening bhajans over
the mike.(note primary school students , meaning
studnets of class  4,
5, and 6).

on 17 oct, 2003. the morning came to all of us with a
great surprise
when swami emerged from his divine abode at about five
minutes to seven.
swami  performd a pooja for building a residnetial
quarters and a training institute
for  the nurses who are presently employed with the
SSSIHMS. thsi project
was offered as a offering by a humble devotee from
singapore by name Dr Pillai.


17 oct will fall in the Sai history for yet another
reason. bhagawan's 
younger brother Mr janakiramaiah breathed his last at
the super
hospital at about 1030hrs. he was 75 years and was
younger to swami by two and
a half years.swami, had been visiting to the hospital
very frequently
to see him. just two days back swami visited the
hospital abd created
vibhuti for him and on 16th he went again and poured
water in to the
mouth of Mr janakiramaiah.

the evening proceedings had a special note. at the
outset mr C srinivas
aspoke about the significance of swami taking a step
to build a nursing
training istitute.
later a series of  condolence messages were delivered
by Mr
chakravarthy, secy  Central trust, prov g venkatraman
,ex-Vc of SSSIHL , mr sv
giri present VC followed by prof anil kumar in telugu.
they all spoke
about their association with mr janakiramaiah and
prasied him for his
frankness.

at the end our beloved bhagawan delivered his  message
by
addressing all the students seated there. bhawan said
that every human being
has divine powers and for some it manifests out side
and for some it is
latent inside. he said jannakiramaiah was one such
person who
manifested his divine power.swami said that though he
was a person who used to
talk  very bluntly, yet he was very kind and peaceful
at heart. swami
recalled instances where he chided his brother for
being so openly frank
and blunt towards others. he also mentioned that
janakiramaiah was very
proficient in the art of politics.swami then went on
to give the
example of rama and laxmana and quoted the scene where
rama extols the
devotion of laxmana by saying  that he could probabaly
find and
get a wife like sita and a mother like kausalya but
not a brother like
laxmana. comparing mr janakiramaih's devotion to that
of laxmana, swami
was choked up with emotions(physically) at few
instances.
later swami stressed upon the aspect of brotherhood of
man and  the
need of the hour is unity, especially among the
studnets. they must
demonstrate the unity of brotherhood among them and
for this ramayana
stands as a towering example.
swami concluded his 45 minustes discource by saying
that in the years
to come the glory of ramayana would spread much more
that waht it is today. for more of the discourse check
www.srisathyasai.org.in
sai ram, in sai service  moderator Prasanthi Diary

Sai Ram all,

The next study circle will be held on Sunday 16
November from 4-5 PM

Topic: Unity, Purity and Divinty

In particular we will look closely at the aspect of
Unity and how this can be cultivated.

Some quotes from Swami which relate to Unity, Purity
and Divinity:

Do not give room for differences based on language,
religion, caste and nationality.  Develop the feeling
that all are children of God.  You may worship God in
any form of your choice, but always bear in mind that
God is one.  Cultivate love and promote unity and
harmony among all.

All life is one my Dear son, be alike to everyone.

Blessed are those who pray for others, for in so doing
they become aware of the unity of all life.

A pure thought from a pure heart is better than a
mantra.

Be convinced that God can and will appear in any form.
Do not refuse to recognise divinity in the form you
dislike and did not expect.

So long as we do not understand that divinty exists in
all, we cannot even be human, How then can we be
divine?

The nature of man is such that he experiences ananda
(joy) by mixing with other humans. To stay aloof and
to lead a secluded life is a sign of weakness and of
fear, not of courage. Active association with others
alone can produce morality, justice, compassion,
sympathy, love tolerance, equanimity and many other
qualities, which help build man's character.

Dear All,

Following my earlier email, this is a reminder for the great event
that is happening this weekend! - maps included in link!

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 78th Birthday Celebrations
http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~vkchandr/baba/

Scottish Regional Celebrations - Sun 23rd November 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------

MORNING PROGRAMME
--------------------------------------
7.00am - 9.30am
(Suprabhaatham, Pooja, Bhajans, Yajna, Breakfast)
Venue : Dundee Temple, 10 Taylor's Lane, Dundee

MAIN PROGRAMME
------------------------------
11.00am - 2.00pm
Main Birthday Programme
(Songs, Drama, Chidlren's Programme, Bhajans, Prayers etc)
Venue : Chaplaincy, Dundee University, Dundee

((Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a world Spiritual Master who makes man aware
of his inherent divinity and unites mankind through the basic Human
Values of Love Peace, Right-Conduct, Truth & Non-Violence. He
preaches unconditional Love and Service to humanity with the Maxims:-
Love All Serve All & Help Ever Hurt Never))

MORE INFORMATION
--------------------------------
Any devotees wanting to come and stay Saturday Night at Dundee are
MOST WELCOME!  Please do call me on 07977-099765.

Please try to make it for the morning Suprabhaatam, to join us all in
prayer and surrender the whole day to the Avathar! This is our date
with Swami on His Birthday. Imagine if we were in PuttaParthi,
needing to be fully ready and in darshan line way before 5.00am on
this auspicious day!!  7.00am, may sound early, but is a reasonable
time that we could agree to. Normally Suprabhaathams should be held
much earlier!

All are invited and please do pass this message to ALL friends and
family.

DIRECTIONS
-------------------

Directions to Dundee Temple
(10 Taylors Lane, off Perth Road)

From Perth (A90), upon reaching First Circle in Dundee, TAKE RIGHT to
Riverside Drive A85
You will drive alongside river pass another circle, Airport (on
right), Tesco (on left) another circle, then Train Station (on left)
You will reach a big circle (TURN LEFT) and KEEP LEFT Lane
Road bends right to reach second traffic light - at crossroads where
you can see Debenhams on opposite right.
At this juction, TURN LEFT into Nethergate / Perth Road.
Go straight along, passing DCA (on left) University (on right),
Produce Direct Supermarket (on left) till you see Blockbusters (on
left)
The road TO LEFT just at (before) the Blockbuster jucntion is Taylors
Lane where the temple is. Cars can be parked here or in Perth Road.

Directions to Chaplaincy
(Dundee University)

From Perth (A90), upon reaching First Circle in Dundee, TAKE RIGHT to
Riverside Drive A85
You will drive alongside river pass another circle, Airport (on
right), Tesco (on left) another circle, then Train Station (on left)
You will reach a big circle (TURN LEFT) and KEEP LEFT Lane
Road bends right to reach second traffic light - at crossroads where
you can see Debenhams on opposite right.
At this juction, TURN LEFT into Nethergate / Perth Road.
TAKE NEXT RIGHT into South Tay Street and follow road all the way
bending left till you reach a mini circle (University).
At mini circle, TURN LEFT into Smalls Wynd and and at next junction
TURN RIGHT into Cross Row.
Chaplaincy in front of you! Cars can be parked anywhere as it's
Sunday.

If anyone lost, please follow signs to University and(or) Dental
Hospital. From Dental Hospital's Junction, TURN RIGHT and Chaplaincy
can be seen in front! (It's a small University Campus and all short
walking distance only)

Anything further, please call Vinesh - 07977-099765,  Mai - 07740-
542253 or Sai - 07939-516966

Please refer to webpage!
http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~vkchandr/baba/

Love & In Service to the Lord as always!
Vinesh

Dear All,

Just a wee reminder that we are running an Inner Self
Awareness Workshop on the 6th and 7th December. 

The workshop is being held in Edinburgh at the
Edinburgh Sai Centre in Granton Road.  There is no
charge to attend this event however devotees are asked
to commit to both days. The workshop will be run by
experienced facilitators coming from London to do this
for us.

There are still some places available on this course -
if you are interested and have not yet registered
please contact me within the next couple of days on
the number below.  Thanks

God Bless.

Jeannie.  Mobile Number: 07754 735 075

The next study circle will be held on Sunday 21st of December from 4 - 5 pm at Marryhill Community Centre

Topic: Unity in Thought, Word and Deed

This topic could also be referred to as Harmony in Thought Word and Deed and Purity in Thought Word and Deed.  Any insight from anyone on this topic is most welcome.

Some quotes from Swami relating to this topic:

The proper study of mankind in man.  For man is the centre of things. And, in man the mind has to be studied, controlled and regulated.  His thoughts originate in the mind, they express themselves through words and are materialised through deeds.  These three have to be properly co-ordinated by the intellect, or else life becomes a tradegy.  The mind has to be trained to develop a taste for the good and the godly,not for money and material gains.

The thoughts that come in our mind, the words that come out of our mouth, and the actions that come out of our hands should all be compatible with each other.There should be a unity between thought, word and deed.

You will not be respected if your thoughts and words are at variance with each other.  You may speak sweet words but if your mind is filled with evil thoughts,how can you earn the respect of others?  One can be called a true human being only when one's thoughts,words and deeds are in total harmony.

Follow the conscience.  It is above the mind.  It is permanent.  It is the voice of God, the voice of unchanging truth inside ... Conscience is soul, the spark of the divine.

Sai Ram

Jeffrey

sai ram to all the members
AND A HAPPY AND HOLY NEW YEAR 2004.

THIS YEAR STARTED WITH A GOOD GROUP SONG PERFORMANCE
BY THE CURRENT STUDENTS IN THE MORNING AND A MUSICAL
PERFORMANCE OF SONGS AND INTRUMENTAL PIECES BY THE EX-
STUDENTS OF SWAMI IN THE EVENING.

There was also a musical presentation by the sri
sathya sai band of the institute.

After the new year , all were busy with the sports
meet which was on the 11th of jan, in the sri sathya
sai hill view stadium.
Swami went to the ground to see the sports practise on
almost all the days till 10th of jan both in the
morning and evening.

on the 11th of jan the sports meet inaguration took of
on a colourful note ... the day started with a
procession .. lead by the pet elephant of swami Sai
Geetha .. swami came on his open top car sab. In the
morning there were stunts, bike stunts are worth
mentioning and also some cultural programmes by the
students of puttaparthy and bangalore campuses of the
sri sathya sai institute of higher learning.In the
afternoon, there were colourful presentations by tiny
tots of primary school in the form of dances , also
the anantapur (girls campus of the institute) added
some rope stunts and a few bike stunts.

After the function in the ground , there was a drama
titled bhaktha jayadeva by the students of the
brindavan (bangalore) campus. It was a dance drama,
swami was in full praise of the dance sequence and
also mentioned to anil kumar (translator) that .. the
dance was being performed by boys and not girls, the
music also was really good.. swami posed for photos
along with the group who were in the drama.

ON THE 12TH OF JAN SWAMI GAVE A DISCOURSE IN THE
MORNING (MORE DETAILS IN THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE),IN
WHICH HE SPOKE ON REVERENCE TO PARENTS.AND TALKED
ABOUT SANKARANTHI (THE HARVEST FESTIVAL OF SOUTH
INDIA)


IT ALSO WORTH MENTIONING  THAT THESE DAYS IN
PRASANTHI,INSTEAD OF THE USUAL DARSHAN MUSIC THERE IS
VEDAM BY THE STUDENTS OF THE INSTITUTE.
SWAMI IS GIVING LOT OF IMPORTANCE TO VEDAM , THE
PRONOUNCIATION AND IT'S MEANING.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT MORE ON SANKRANTHI



Sankranthi

    * Sankranthi day is a Holy day because people
honour it as such. Every day is Holy for those who
utilise it for holy purposes, but these are some days
set apart as specially significant and Makara
Sankranthi is one such. Sankranthi, is so called
because the day takes you from darkness to light; the
path of light is open from today. On this day, the Sun
starts on His northward journey by entering the Makara
sign of zodiac. Change for good is Sankranthi. It
reveals not only the beauty of the Divine. This day
exhorts to glorify the occasion by new aspirations. It
calls for the installation of God in your hearts, so
that you may achieve victory in the game of life.

In a year, Sun passes through the twelve house of the
zodiac in twelve months. The Sun's entry into each
house of the zodiac is described as a Sankramana.
'Kranthi' means 'change'. Sankranthi means a secured
change. The Sun's entry into each house of the zodiac
is not considered equally holy. What, then is the
reason for giving special importance and sacredness to
'Makara Sankramana' the entry of the sun into 'Makara'
(Capricorn)? Besides the physical qualities associated
with the sun's movement into each house of the zodiac,
there is an inner spiritual significance related to
the 'Makara Sankramana'. The sun's takes its entry
into Capricorn between the months of Margasira and
Pushyam. In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna has
declared, "Among the months, I am the month of
Margasira". The Margasira month is the crown among the
twelve month. What is the reason? Among the planets of
the solar system, the sun is the presiding deity.
Without the sun, the life process in the world will
cease. During the month of Margasirsha, the world
experiences the abundance of the harvested food
grains, which sustain and confer joy on the people.

Every farmer’s granary is filled with grain. The
weather during the season is cool and pleasant. It is
an appropriate time for enjoying peaceful rest. It is
the time when man is free from the burdens of daily
toil and can devote his time to enjoy with his
children and his cattle.

    * The Uttarayana punyakala or the Makara
Sankranthi is a holy occasion to pray to the Lord. As
the Vedas instruct us to pray : Asatho maa sath Gamaya
(lead me from unreal to real); Tamaso maa jyothi
Gamaya (lead me from darkness into the Light);
Murthyor maa Amritham Gamaya(Lead me from death to
Immortality). Use this day to address this prayer,
sincerely to your Ishta devatha (chosen deity) or to
your Aaraadhya-devatha (the form of the Lord you like
most). Festivals connected with the moon and the sun
are celebrated in our country, in order to drive into
the minds of men the importance of mind
control,(chandra or moon is the deity of the mind) and
of clarifying the intelligence (Surya or the sun is
the deity of intelligence). When the sun moves
northward that is God-ward, the Intelligence too must
pursue Godward. That is the significance of
Uttarayana.

In the Dwapara Yuga the cowherds and cowherdesses used
to experience boundless joy in the presence of
Krishna, forgetting themselves in their devotion to
the Lord. They demonstrated the inner significance of
the Sankranthi celebrations. They placed three balls
of cow dung in front of their house, fixing three
pumpkin flowers on their top and went round singing
and dancing in adoration of Krishna. What is the
significance of these three bolls of cow dung? People
are inclined to despise cow dung. But in the eyes of
the gopikas they were sacred. Among the three cow dung
balls the first cow dung ball represented Krishna, who
was worshipped as Gopala (the protector of the cows).
Krishna was adored as the bestower of joy and health.
The second cow dung ball was placed as a symbol of
Govardhana hill which Krishna lifted and thereby
demonstrated his divinity. The third cow dung ball
symbolised the Cow, the giver of milk. Gopala,
Govardhana and Govu (cow) were worshipped in his
manner.

In olden days people used to sprinkle water mixed with
cow dung in front of their houses. The cow dung helped
to destroy bacteria in the atmosphere. Cow dung was
considered a symbol of health and happiness

    * Sankranthi is a holy day for many reasons. It
was the day on which Adi Sankara took sanyasa. On this
day it is a custom to offer a mixture of Jaggery and
sesame (til). Jaggery is sweet and is a symbol of
Love. Til is also known as ‘sneha’ which means
friendship. Therefore the offering of the Jaggery-till
mixture means offering to the people love surcharged
with friendliness. The message is : Develop harmony
towards every one.

Sankranthi promotes love among one's kith and kin and
friends as all of them come together to celebrate this
festival. It is on this day the ‘Gangi’ bull trainers
take their decorated animals from house to house, play
music in front of the houses and make the bulls
demonstrate their skills before the family gathering.
The bulls are also made to give demonstration in the
market place with a view to promote fellow feelings
and harmony. The girls in every home will take their
younger brothers to such demonstrations. The trainer
of these animals will be dressed in a special way and
display large caste marks on his forehead. The bull
will be taught to respond to instructions designated
to promote love and happiness in the home, by relating
the story of the deeds of Rama and Sita. Rama and Sita
represents the Omni-self and Nature. Their union is to
be celebrated by the offering of one's love to the
divine couple. Thus, the performance, of the sacred
bull on Sankranthi day convey a profound message to
the people.

The Sankranthi festival was thus designed to promote
harmony and love in the family, to make people realise
the unity of the Creator and the Creation, to teach
the people their obligations, to instill heroism in
them by making the Sun God their example, and, above
all, to make them realise their inherent Divinity.
This is the sacred purpose of the Sankranthi festival.
Today such a holy festival has been converted into a
day for the enjoyment of Jaggery and Til, totally
missing its inner significance. People are immersed in
the darkness of self indulgence.

Rich cooked with Jaggery is a special preparation for
the Sankranthi day. What is the reason for this? In
the olden days, this sweetened rice was prepared to
celebrate the gathering of the harvest and after the
cows had been fed with the sweetened rice, it was
scattered over the fields. On the third day, all the
cattle used to be decorated and taken around the
markets in procession. For this season, the festival
is called in Tamilnadu as ‘Matupongal’ - the Pongal
festival of the cattle. The bull is much more than a
mere quadruped. As a vehicle of Siva, it has an
honoured place in siva temple as Nandi. Its eyes are
always directed towards the Lord in the sanctum. Nandi
is worshipped before one enters the sanctum.

The Sankranthi festival should be regarded as the day
on which man turns his vision towards God. Man's life
may be compared to a stalk of sugarcane. Like the
cane, which is hard and has many knots, life is full
of difficulties. But these difficulties have to be
over come to enjoy the bliss of the Divine, just as
the sugarcane has to be crushed and its juice
converted to Jaggery to enjoy the permanent sweetness
of Jaggery. Enduring bliss can be got only by
over-coming the trials and tribulations.

Thus Sankranthi is intended to bring about various
changes in man's attitude, so that he may sanctify his
life. It is a festival not intended for Bharatiyas
alone. Its message has a meaning for every one in the
world. It has a message for people of all castes,
creeds and countries.

    * "Samyak Kranthi Iti Sankranthi" Sankranthi
confers peace and heralds a welcome change. It brings
out the inner joy in people. It effects a change in
the life-style. It generates sacred thoughts. People
look forward to many worldly benefits also from this
sacred occasion. It is also celebrated as a day, when
a sacred bull is taken from house to house, while the
owner recites the Ramayana story. The festival is also
a joyous occasion for the youth folk. The Sankranhti
festival is more important than any other festival
because it is the day when the newly married
son-in-law visits the home of his bride and is
entertained lavishly.

    * Sankranthi is an auspicious festival day for the
Bharathiyas. There are three sacred festival nights
for Bharathiyas. They are Sankranthi, Sivarathri, and
Navarathri. Each of these has its special
significance. Sankranthi enables man to turn his
vision towards the sublime (Uttharayana Punya Kala).
The day is considered auspicious for man to embark on
his journey towards the goal of a purposeful, sacred
and blissful life. The north is described as
Himachala. Himachala symbolises a heart that is pure
and cool as ice (hima) and steady as mountain
(achala). The message of Sankranthi is that people
should direct their vision towards Himachal in this
symbolic sense. It does not mean looking at the north
with the physical eyes. It calls for enquiring into
the truth of the spirit with the inward eye of wisdom
(janana dristhi). Sankranthi signifies this internal
vision.

    * Bharathiya festivals are full inner
significance, imparting bliss, and not ostentatious
shows. Every festival has a unique significance of its
own.

The sun moves into a house of the zodiac every month.
In a year he goes around the twelve houses of the
zodiac. Of these, the main houses are four. The first
is Makara Sankramana (the zodiacal sign of the
Capricorn). The second is Karkataka (Cancer). The
third is Thula (Libra). The fourth is Mesha (Aries).
Of these four, the most important is Makara
(Capricorn). The entry of the sun into capricorn has
physical, ethical, social and moral significance.

Sankaramana is the time when the inward journey
towards a pure and unsullied heart is made. Just as
the sun embarks on his northward journey, Sankranthi
is the day on which the intellect should be turned
towards the Atma for Self-realisation.

In the movement of the sun from house to house in the
zodiac, the entry into Capricorn is most important.
Capricorn is a sign of peace and contentment.
According to the Gregorian calendar, Sankranthi begins
on January 13 or 14. This confers a kind of mental and
physical peace. In this period, farmers and others
labouring on the soil enjoy a period of rest. The
farmers are at ease enjoying the fruits of their
labours. Their granaries are filled with grains of all
kinds. During this month, farmers enjoy peace of mind
and body.

Few people understand the true significance of
festivals like Sankranthi. Man cannot secure enduring
bliss through physical pleasures. He has to discover
that the source of this bliss is within himself.
Sankranthi enables man to make this discovery.

Sankranthi gives the call for total surrender.
Sankranthi is also a kind of family festival. The
whole world is one family. The festival relates to the
entire world. It is not confined to one’s kith and
kin. Sankranthi is related to the entire mankind.
Whether people realise it or not, Sankranthi promotes
in one and all a feeling of happiness.

AGAIN A HAPPY AND A HOLY NEW YEAR 2004
SAI RAM

Festivals of 2004
>
> Festival Dates for 2004
>
> 14 Jan - Sankranthi
> 18 Feb - Sivarathri
> 07 Mar - Holi
> 21 Mar - Ugadi
> 30 Mar - Ramanavami
> 13 Apr - Tamil New Year
> 14 Apr - Vishu
> 31 Jul - Gurupoornima
> 28 Aug - Onam
> 06 Sep - Krishna Janmashtami
> 18 Sep - Ganesh Chaturthi
> 23 Oct - Vijaya Dasami
> 12 Nov - Deepavali
>
> Other than these,
>
> 06 May - Eshwaramba Day
> 23 Nov - Sathya Sai Birthday
> 25 Dec - Christmas
>

Saraswati Pooja - Sunday 1 FEB 04
-----------------------------------------------------

Dundee Temple, 10 Taylors Lane, (off Perth Road beside BlockBusters)
- 11.30am for 12.00noon sharp start!

Come and gain the blessings and grace of the Goddess of Knowledge & Wisdom

Bring along your relevant books which are to be placed at the alter (before 12noon) for divine blessings.

And, please pass the word around to ALL .  . . 


SKI TRIP - Saturday 31 JAN 04
----------------------------------------------
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . .

Leaving from Dundee very very early in the morning to either Glenshee (East) or Nevis or GlenCoe (West) - all depending on the weather and road status.

(a) GlenShee - just 1half hourd from Dundee. All coming along from Glasgow / Aberdeen / etc please try not to attempt to come in the morning but come over FRIDAY Night and stay over. Dinner breakfast don't worry. All available in Dundee.

(b) NevisRange or GlenCoe - long drive from Dundee (need to leave earlier) but can fetch Glasgow people along the way in the morning. All else may come and stay over Friday no problem.

CONFIRMATION Friday afternoon, once I've checked with the ski resorts.

Things to bring along . . .
---------------------------
All Skiing - We'll be hiring the Skis or SnowBoards or SnowBlades + poles + Boots. Need to come prepared with Proper Gloves (Ski or Leather), Socks, Jumper or Fleece (warmer) with suitable waterproof Jacket (can be hired also) and Hood to cover the ears and scarves to cover the neck. Contact Lenses better than wearing Glasses.

All Not Skiing but there to take photos of us skiing - Suitable clothing plus proper Boots or Shoes to keep your toes from NOT Freezing!

Food . . .
----------
All bring along at least a Snicker chocolate bar for Instant Energy. Bring whatever else LIGHT and CAN BE EASILY CARRIED, i.e. Sanwiches, or whatever you fancy. Anyone with problem in doing so, let me know and we in Dundee can make arrangements for that also. Just bring a wee bag and we'll fill it for you only if you let us know A.S.A.P.!

CAMERA - a MUST for all!  Video Camera??  Careful, the tape might freeze!

(((BE PREPARED! - Weather Might change and road might be closed and we might not be able to go skiing and in that case, we'll still have fun with the snow somewhere in the Highlands - Just be prepared and we'll have the best of times. So many places to go to and so many things to do, so why worry . . . perhaps even a trip to the frozen Loch Morlich to walk on dangerously thin ice . . .  I'm not giving any suggestions here!)))

Anyone wanting to come but thinking of NEXT WEEK, please note that in Scotland, things like weather change so fast so much so that next week, there might not be an oppurtunity similar to this. You might have to end up waiting for NEXT YEAR. So, all interested, please just decide and COME! Do not think too much . . . bad for health!

Now, all interested / questions / clarificatiosn, please call me, Vinesh 07977-099765(o2) 07973-139160(orange) anytime - better later in the evening or anytime at night but A.S.A.P.! We'll need to make arrangement, i.e. renting a car(s). We need cars so anyone voluntering transport, most welcome.

The key now is to pass this message to friends and contact me A.S.A.P.

Life is Short, So lets make use of it to the fullest!

Love and in Service of the Lord as 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 |
+---------------------------------------------+



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

Sai Ram Everyone,

As all of you know, last weekend was the office bearers conference in London. A few of us were able to travel down to attend this. The conference itself was...umm...ok (speech after speech is not really my kind of thing..definitely not Vinesh's!).

We had 2 regional workshops during the conference where we laid out new projects to be taken on by the youth wing, some in collaboration with the adults.

I was thinking of calling a youth meeting but felt it was not necessary because I would have been telling you the same thing that I'm going to convey to you in this email.

Below is a list of youth projects to be taken on, both short term and long term ones. The new projects all have one person who will be coordinating it. This person is responsible for this project BUT help is still required from each and everyone of the youth in order for this project to go ahead.

At the end of each project is the person responsible for the activity. Those of you who are interested to help in making this project a success, please contact this person asap!!

One powerful message conveyed to us at the conference was "Swami's work will be done, it will never fail. This golden opportunity to work hand in hand with him will not come again in our lifetimes..so its our choice now!!"


Regional Projects:
------------------

Sathya Sai School, St. Andrews - Regular Quarterly visits (even more if needed) to the St. Andrews School in Scotland will be made to help in any manual labour that is needed. This will be done in collaboration with the service wing. Contact - Vinesh

Sai Profile Scotland - A booklet is to be designed that will encompass all the activities of the Sathya Sai Organisation of Scotland. The aim of this booklet is to be able to introduce the organisation to newcomers and inform them of what the organisation does. Contact - Parag

Care & Share Database - A database is to be designed to contain details of 100 Cv's of medical and non-medical people who wish to go on the International Medical Camps with Dr. Upadhay. Volunteers are needed asap to enter CV details into Excel spreadsheet (a very simple job!). Contact - Pratik

Unity, Purity and Divinity Workshop - This regional workshop is to be held in early/mid-April. Volunteers are needed to help in the planning and implementing of the workshop. Contact - Omita & Dr Ram

Drug Awareness and Prison Visit Training Workshops - This activity will be done in collaboration with the Service Wing. Further details to be sent on this. Contact - Vinesh

Ceiling on Desires - A constant activity where any savings from practising Ceiling On Desires in daily life to be utilised for service projects, i.e. Sathya Sai School. Contact - Dr Ram


Glasgow Youth Activities -
--------------------------

Study Circle - There is a study circle at the Sai Centre this coming Sunday on "Forbearance" from 4pm - 5pm. All youth are requested to attend. Contact - Jeffrey aka. Matthew

Bhajan "jamming" session - A bhajan practise is to be held on Friday 20th/Saturday 21st February for youth bhajans on the 22nd. Further details to be sent in due course..but keep this date free!


Sai Brothers and Sisters, many new projects will be undertaken throughout the year..as stated before...this is a golden chance for us, please grab it with both hands!!

Hope to see you soon insah-allah!

Sai Ram,

Pratik

Dearest Youth of Sai,

Sai Ram ! Please read the following communication that has arrived from Parthi. It is Swami's interaction with the Boys. See how he talks and blesses them. See how they make him shed tears of joy and see the discipline of these Youth.

If you want the grace of God are you leading exemplary lives, do you serve your parents, do you uphold his teaching and finally do you Love God ?

Please read and your meetings and Youth study Circles

With Sai Love

****u Chudasama

+ + + + + + + + + + + + +


Parthi Update..02-02-2004

SWAMI TALKING TO WAITING BOYS

Today was a memorable day for all the waiting boys - 21 of them.
They had been planning since almost a month and a half to put up a
small music programme in the Divine Presence. Swami kept playing Hide
& Seek with them - and finally it fructified today. As soon as He
arrived in the morning for Darshan- he sent for one of the waiting
boys. We all were there as it was a holiday - Bakri Id. Swami told
him that He has come early so as to listen to their programme and
asked him to find out whether the others were ready to put up the
programme.

The boy went into the Bhajan Hall and checked with the others, came
back and reported in the affirmative to Swami. Swami then walked into
the Interview Room and asked them to start. He then went to the
Bhajan Hall and sat on the throne. What followed was a heartfelt
rendering of beautiful songs by the waiting group. Most of the songs
were Swami's compositions like Daya Cheta Dhanyulu Kavalara., Naa
Mora Vinava., Narayan Bhajo Narayan.., Rama Rama Seeta, Aharaha
Tava..and other songs like Kaise Jiyun Main  Tere Bin.., Uyirum Neeve
Ulagam Neeve Taye.

Songs over - Aarti was about to start. Swami asked to stop, but by
then the Pujari had lit the camphor. So the Aarti took its own
course. After that Swami spent almost an hour talking to the boys.
Following are excerpts from the conversation that went on:

Swami: Who actually started this idea of a music programme?

Boys: All of us Swami. We practiced in one of the houses.

Swami (To VC): Who is this boy?

VC: Swami, he has done M.Sc. (Maths) and then M.Tech.

Swami: Is he a good boy? What grades has he got?

VC: Swami, he is a very good boy - throughout his studies he has got
first class.

Swami: Yes, Give him a lecturer's job. In our Institute we pay the
lecturers Government Scale only. (to another boy) What are you doing?

Boy: Swami, IAS.

Swami: I do not want IAS, reverse it. I want SAI. I will tell..

Swami then asked most of them about their qualifications. Boys gave
answers like MFM, MBA, M.Sc.(B).

Swami: (in appreciation of the boys - pointing to the lady VIP's)
See, these boys have completed double post graduations and are now
waiting for Swami to give them a job. They do not want to go
outside.  (Hearing MBA, MFMa number of times - commented jokingly)
Why so many MBA's and M.Sc.'s?

VC: Swami, outside it is very costly. They have to write tough exams
and then, they also have to pay almost 5 lakhs to get a seat. After
all that they do not get good quality education as they get here.

Swami: Yes, that is true. But after completing their studies they
should not sit idle. Their parents have spent so much on them. They
must go and serve their parents.

Swami pointed to an industrialist VIP and asked him to come in.

Swami: How much salary do you pay in your company? See, these boys
have all finished double PG's and MBA's and are waiting for Swami to
give them an opportunity to serve.

Swami(to a boy): What have you studied?

Boy: Swami - B.Com., MBA, M.Phil.. You only gave me a gold medal.

Swami: Swami gives everything to everybody. See, I will tell you one
important thing. Your mother has no legs. She cannot walk. But she is
working so hard and feeding you. Why don't you start working and take
care of her and give her some rest.

Boy: I prepare food for her and only then I move out to work in the
village. Even when I stayed in the Hostel I used to go home and cook
food for her.

Swami: You are moving around all the time. Who will take care of her?

Boy: Swami, I am moving around only for you and not for anything else.

Swami (in appreciation): See, this boy wants only Me and nothing
else. Seeing my boys taking such good care of their parents, I am
overjoyed. This is possible only with our boys. Outside this is very
rare. Seeing you all do such good service I am very happy. But are
you doing Swami's service?

Boy: Yes Swami. We all are going to the villages and organizing
medical camps, education for children, self-employment programme..

Swami: Chaala Santosham.

Boy: Swami, a small prayer. We have attained so many degrees. Instead
of we going out and looking for jobs, give us the capacity to
generate jobs for 10 other people.

Swami: O, then you all have to be in top positions as big managers.

Boy: Swami, please allow us to start a small scale industry that will
help give employment to many of the local people here.

Swami: But then how will you market it?

Boy: Swami, if we do with a good intention, market will automatically
be there.

Swami: Very good. If you have that confidence, it will happen. Faith
is very important.

VIP: Yes Swami, Honesty and Loyalty are very essential.

Swami: Yes, Truth, Honesty and Loyalty are very essential.

Boy; But Swami all this is available only here, not outside.

Swami: Yes, but you should be able to achieve the same even outside.

Boy: Once we achieve this here, wherever we go we will be able to do
the same.

Swami: Once you have completed your education, you must go and take
care of your parents. Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava.. You should
never disappoint them. If you cause one drop of tear from your
mother's eye, you will cry throughout your life.

Swami: What did Lava and Kusha say? (Swami was choked with emotion
and with tears in His eyes) We want to take care of our parents -
Rama and Sita, and we want to serve them all throughout our life.

Boy: Swami, please do not feel so bad, we cannot see you like this.

Swami: These are tears of joy. Idi Ananda Bhashpamu - not Shoka
Bhashapmu. Seeing you boys taking such good care of your parents, I
am feeling so overwhelmed.

Boy: Swami, Mee Aanandame Maa Ananadamu..

Swami: Abbo!!! Kadu Bangaru, Mee Aanandame Naa Ananadamu..

Boys: We find it difficult to see you limping and walking like this.
Please cure yourself.

Swami: Even this event is for your sake only.

Boys; Please pardon us for our mistakes.

Swami: Yes, I have pardoned and am therefore talking to you all. I
have no pain for I do not have any body consciousness at all. In
Brindavan, that day, a boy was tying Toranam at the door, standing on
an iron chair. I opened the door and the boy in excitement fell on me
with the iron stool. The bone broke into three pieces. The doctors
said - God's bone is very strong. It is difficult to replace it.
Therefore they put an iron rod in its place. It is because of the
iron rod that I am limping. I have no pain. This too will go away
slowly. See even at this age I am so beautiful and healthy. Can
anyone be like this? The doctors advised three years bed rest but I
am already walking. I am very healthy.

Boy: Swami, Your Love for us is so great.

Swami: Aunu, Naa Prema Chaala Apaaramainatidi. (Yes, My Love is
Infinite). You boys cannot understand it.

Swami created a Vajra Lingam (transparent crystal lingam) and gave it
to the M.Tech. boy and told him to keep it safely.

Boy: Swami, we are ready to do even a sweepers job at your Lotus Feet.

Swami: Can I give such a low job to My boys? Mee Gauravame Naa
Gauravamu (Your dignity is My dignity). I will give you jobs
according to your qualification.

It was almost 9.40 a.m. Swami got up from the throne and asked loudly:
EmKavali?

Boys: Swami, we want You.

Swami: I am ready, take Me.

Boys: We are also ready. Take us.

Swami: Santosham. Santosham.

As He walked out holding the hand of one of the boys, the boys
started praying - Swami keep us with you.

Swami jokingly said - See your desires are already increasing.

In the afternoon, Swami came around 3.20 p.m. Vedam chanting went on
for some time. Suddenly, Swami called Prof. Anil Kumar and asked him
to speak. What followed was a torrent of beautiful messages,
experiences and Telugu poems of Swami. The talk was very inspiring.
He went on for around half an hour plus and stopped. There was a loud
applause. Swami asked him to continue and we had another half an hour
plus. Excerpts of his talk are available in the next mail.

Aarti followed. Swami got up. A Music college boy gave the Aarti and
another gave a flower. Swami asked the boy to sing Rama Katha. The
boy sang the beginning part. Swami blessed him and his singing
partner very lovingly. As He moved towards the car, He saw the
waiting boys waiting for Him. He spoke to them for some time and then
pointed towards the Interview room. Needless to say, they all rushed
into the Interview room.

As an icing on the cake, Swami spoke to them for almost 45 minutes.
He talked to each boy individually. He said that the coming Thursday
(Poornima)  is a very auspicious day and He will give appointment
letters to them on that day. Incidentally, He also created a small
pouch for the M.Tech. boy to keep the Lingam that He had created in
the morning!! He gave them individual photographs to their delight!!

Swami (Bhagawan Baba) came around 3.20 p.m. in the afternoon. Vedam chanting went on for some time. Suddenly, Swami called Prof. Anil Kumar and asked him to speak. What followed was a torrent of beautiful messages, experiences and Telugu poems of Swami. The talk was very inspiring. He went on for around half an hour plus and stopped.  There was a loud applause. Swami asked him to continue and we had another half an hour plus.    

Excerpts of his talk:    

We all may be wondering why Swami has started this practice of Vedam chanting in the Mandir both in the morning and in the evening. This is the very Mission of Swami. The first vow is Dharma Samsthapana? restoring the practice of Dharma? not establishment of Dharma. Once when I mentioned reestablishment of Dharma, Swami said? No wrong. Dharma need not be established. It is always there. Only, it's practice has declined.

The second vow is Veda Samrakshana. Today all around the world devotees of Swami are learning Vedam chanting and are looking into its meaning.  Mere hearing of these chants is also beneficial to all, though we may not be able to chant. Today is a very special day as it is the combination of two festivals, one, Bakri Id and the other Bhishma Ekadasi.   

Bhishma Ekadasi is the day when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows and Lord Krishna asked the Pandavas to go to him so as to learn from him. Once in Kodaikanal, Swami very beautifully narrated this episode. Bhishma asked Krishna as to why He was sending the Pandavas to him.  For the Lord could Himself talk to them. Then Krishna explains how, since He was talking, walking and laughing with them, the Pandavas did not realize His true Divinity and hence would not appreciate what He said so much. Therefore, He wanted Bhishma to act as His instrument. Saying so, Swami made a remark that it is just like Swami asking some people to speak before His Discourse.    

Bhishma chanted the Vishnu Sahasranaama on this day, teaching the Pandavas the Truth about the Lord and inspiring them to rise from the Human level to the Divine level. 

On the other hand, today happens to be the Bakri Id festival. What is it about? Ibrahim, the devotee of the Lord is ready to sacrifice even his son for the sake of the Lord. When  Ibrahim is about to slaughter his son, an ethereal voice is heard  which tells him to stop the act. The Lord declares that this was only a test.  Ibrahim need not kill his son. He could sacrifice a sheep instead.  From this people have concluded that sheep must be slaughtered on this day.  But Swami explains that what needs to be sacrificed is not the animal sheep but the animal qualities within ourselves.  Even during Dussera Yajnam, Swami says that true sacrifice is sacrificing the animality in us.  Thus Bakri Id helps us to get over this animality.  Hence, Bakri Id on one hand inspires us to move from the Animal level to the Human level, while Bhishma Ekadasi implores us to move further from the Human level to the Divine level. 

It is the very same Lord who is with us here today. These days there are many miracles taking place all over the world. Here are two recent happenings:   The first one happened right here in the Mandir just a week back. The grandfather of one Music College student had come to get the wedding card of his daughter blessed by Swami. He contacted me (Prof. Anil Kumar) and asked me whether I could get it blessed by Swami. I said, "I dare not".  He then asked whether I could at least get him a seat in the first row.  I told him that I myself was not sure of my seat tomorrow, then how could I get him a seat.  He was disappointed but went his way. The next day, he sat in the fifteenth row with a cup of Akshatam (yellow rice) and the wedding card in his hands. Swami's car passed by and he stretched out the card as though Swami's hands would stretch out and reach for it.  Nothing happened apparently. Swami finished His rounds and went into the Interview room. This man came running to me and said with excitement, "Anil Kumar, you could not get me a seat in the first row, but see, Swami has blessed me". Saying so, he showed a gold Mangal Sutra that had automatically materialized on the bowl of Akshatam as Swami's car went past him.  I too was drowned in Bliss and joy. 

The other experience is related to a village called Chilukur in Khammam district. The district President himself narrated this to me. The youth of this district went to this abandoned village a month back and did service there. They found the village temple in a dilapidated condition and so got it painted, renovated, Pooja was performed by the village priest. And they went back home. In the afternoon, Ghee started pouring out from Swami's photo that was kept in the temple. Pure, fragrant Ghee!! Later in the evening, Kumkum started appearing on another photo of Swami. This is Bhagawan's omnipresence.

Once, Ramabrahmam, the erstwhile caretaker of Trayee Brindavan told me, "Anil Kumar, when you talk with Swami, be careful. He will laugh, talk and cut jokes with you. But remember always that He is God, He is God, He is God".  Swami, please help us so that we do not get deluded. Help us to see you everywhere.   

What is true devotion? Is it plucking leaves from plants and offering them to God?  No, this will only cause pain to the plants.  We must offer the leaf of our body (Deha Patram). Is it plucking the flowers from the plants and offering them as garlands to the Lord? No. No. The flowers will cry out that they look so beautiful on the plants. The moment they come into our company, they get dried up. So, we must offer the flower of our pure mind (Mano Pushpam). Then is it plucking fruits from the trees and making an offering? If we do so, the parrots will cry that we have taken away their food. Therefore, what we need to offer is the fruits of our action (Karma Phalam).  Finally, what water must we offer to God.  Is it the water from the Ganges. There is already a shortage of water in the rivers.  If we take away that too, there will be water conflicts.  Hence, we must offer the tears of our joy and Bliss to God (Ananda Bhashpamu).  

Once in Brindavan, as Swami was sitting inside Trayee, He saw one boy sitting outside plucking the leaves from a plant and scratching them with his nails. Swami asked whose son it was. A VIP came forward.  Swami asked him to tell his son not to do that.  I went forward and made bold to say, "Swami, after all he is a young boy".  Swami instantly replied, "What do you know of the pain. If I pinch you, then you will come to know. Trees also have life in them and they also feel the pain".  This is the concern that Swami has even for plants.  On another occasion, Swami was giving me an individual photograph. I deliberately stood as close to Swami as possible.  Swami asked me to move a little far. I asked, "Why Swami?" Swami pointed to a beautiful flower on a plant just behind us and said, "Move a little far. That flower is more beautiful than you. Let it also come in the photograph". Such is the Love of Swami.    

On yet another occasion, Swami was giving individual photographs to students. I was standing far and watching the whole show. He called me closer and asked me as to what I was seeing. I replied that I was watching how each student came one by one and walked away while Swami kept standing so patiently. Swami replied, "Yes. I am the never changing one. I am eternal. Boys come and go!!"   Dear Swami, help us to journey from the animal to the human and from the human to the Divine as symbolized by the two festivals today.     Concluded

Sairam