Sri Sathya Sai International Organization, USA, Region 7 (Northern California & Nevada)
Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Programs

Devotion

Devotional singing, study circles, prayers, and guidelines for our centers.

Where my devotees sing, there I install Myself.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba [1960.9.27]

What it is

The heart of a Sai Center

Devotion in our centers

Devotion is one of the three wings of the Sai Organization (the other two being selfless service (seva) and education in human values).

Typically, a Center should have a weekly devotion meeting that includes devotional singing, prayer, and meditation (or silent sitting). The Center should also have a weekly study circle, which may be combined with the devotion meeting.

Singing as one

The weekly devotion meeting, with its devotional singing, is the highlight of the week for many devotees. It can be an intensely spiritual activity in which the focus on each song and its meaning brings one closer to the Lord.

Achieving this state requires cooperation from all: those preparing and coordinating the program, the lead singers, the musicians, and the participants. The aim is to experience unity.

How to take part

Four simple ways to begin

Sing together

The weekly devotion meeting, with its devotional singing, is the highlight of the week for many devotees.

Join a study circle

“Study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them, like a round table conference.”Sathya Sai Baba

Study circle guide

Pray and meditate

“There are two roads to fulfillment: prayer and meditation.”Sathya Sai Speaks V

Prayers and chants

Prepare the altar

Keep the altar simple: some flowers, the sarva dharma symbol, perhaps a picture of Sathya Sai Baba.

Altar guidelines

Swami says

On singing together

Group devotional singing has a different purpose from silent individual prayers. It is a mutual effort of spiritual practice to overcome the six foes of man: lust, anger, greed, attachment, conceit, and hatred.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba [1975.4.1]

Resources

Guides for devotion coordinators

  • View Full CalendarRegional calendar

Media

Songs and videos for Devotion

    Devotion resources

    Devotion Program Formats - Region 7 Sai Centers

    Devotion Program Formats - Region 7 Sai Centers

    Central San Jose(CSJ)PeninsulaSacramentoFremontTri-Valley

    Devotion resources

    About the meeting as a whole and also about devotional singing

    About the meeting as a whole and also about devotional singing

    Completely prepare the meeting hall at least 15 minutes before the devotion meeting starts. Keep the altar simple - some flowers, the sarva dharma symbol, perhaps a picture of Sathya Sai Baba. There should be plenty of chairs so that those who do not want to sit on the floor can be accommodated. If there is a consensus about this among the members, an image or symbol of the local main religions may also be placed in the devotional area. Guidance on these issues may be requested from the presiding body.

    Microphones are recommended for the leading voices and the main instruments (tablas, harmonium, guitars; other instruments may be used). There should be at least one microphone for the women lead singers and another for the men. The musicians should have their own microphones. This can be modified to include options for small centers where microphones are not practical and/or not needed. Also, to include the option for unison singing

    The complete program should be available to all, with words of the songs to be sung. A white board or flip-chart may be used to display the program and the numbers of the songs in song books (available to all). Alternatively, use a computer-projection system, with which the words of songs can be displayed, obviating the need for song books.

    The removal of shoes is not necessary, though this custom is often observed.

    Devotees should take their seats several minutes before the meeting starts and can use the time to internalize the silence that precedes the meeting.

    In Prasanthi Nilayam, Arathi and Samastha Loka are sung at the end of the meeting. A region or zone may decide not to sing Arathi or to sing it in the local language. This can also be at the discretion of individual centers, if the region or zone has not given direction.

    Vibuthi may be made available to all, either by distributing it after devotional singing or by making it available as people leave the hall.

    The most gifted singers should be lead singers, so that the audience gets the most spiritual benefit from the session. The larger the Center, the more important this guideline becomes. Don’t go to the extreme; chances should be given to people who are aspiring to lead and who are attending practice sessions. In small Centers, this guideline is relaxed, depending on the situation.

    Some Centers reserve a song or two for children or Young Adults to lead. It is also permissible to have a session in which only Young Adults lead, or in which only children lead.

    When singing, alternate between men and women lead singers where possible.

    Maintain continuity between songs - reduce the interruptions to a minimum.

    Songs may be sung in lead-repeat style or in unison. In the lead-repeat style, the song is generally repeated twice, the first slow and the second faster. The first time, repeat each line twice; the second time, repeat each line once. For long songs, do not repeat each line twice during the first time.

    Sing songs that reflect the local culture (e.g. sing in the local language), and encourage singing songs from different religions.

    A Sathya Sai Center is a spiritual center where universality of faith and practice of human values are emphasized. Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings are universal. He came not to start a new religion but to tell us of “this universal unitary faith, this spiritual principle, this path of Love, this virtue of Love, this duty of Love, this obligation of Love.” [1968.7.4] Accordingly, we must conduct Center activities, especially our devotion programs, in a way that makes spiritual seekers from all faiths and all walks of life feel welcome.

    The Center premises should be neutral to all religions and religious traditions. Quotations from Sathya Sai Baba may be placed on the walls, together with universal quotations from the major World Religions. Sai Baba has said that no picture is necessary, but if you must have one, have one of Him.

    No Center program should include rituals or practices that relate to one faith or religion in particular. The aim should be to create harmony between Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings and local traditions.

    Over-focus on the use of Sanskrit does not consider the fact that Sathya Sai Baba’s message is universal and is to be shared with all, regardless of one’s religious orientation. Accordingly, it is strongly recommended that the Center’s devotional program be conducted in a manner that persons from all the different faith backgrounds can easily understand and relate to. The focus must be on unity, with appropriate consideration given to cultural relevance.

    As Sai Baba’s devotees, we study and respect all religions. Study circles on other faiths are encouraged to emphasize the unity of all faiths.

    The one rule given to us by Sathya Sai Baba is that men and women should sit separately at all Center activities.

    Center devotion meetings, including devotional singing and study circles, are open to all - members, newcomers, and visitors.

    After the devotion meeting, it is best that people leave quietly in order to allow the joy and peace produced during the meeting be retained in everyone’s heart to remain.

    Devotion resources

    Devotional Singing, Coordination and Practice

    Devotional Singing, Coordination and Practice

    •The Center (the Devotion Coordinator and President together) may appoint a person to coordinate all aspects of devotion meetings. It may also be appropriate to appoint a Devotional Singing Coordinator, to handle all aspects of devotional singing, including practice.

    •A devotional-singing coordinator, appointed by the Devotion Coordinator and President, is in charge of all aspects of devotional singing, including selection of songs, selection of singers and musicians, and arranging devotional singing lessons. This responsibility could be rotated among several people.

    •Devotional singing lessons may be held on a regular basis (e.g. monthly), depending on the need. Anyone may attend. The lessons could focus on whatever is needed - singing in tune, learning about rhythm, learning new songs, training in singing with a microphone, instruments etc.

    •In a large Center, musicians and lead singers should practice the songs beforehand, to make sure that there is agreement on the key in which a song is to be played, how often the lines may be sung, etc. This practice session could be done 1⁄2 hour before the devotion meeting starts.

    •Do not introduce more than one new song in a devotion meeting. This song should be practiced beforehand with a substantial number of members so that it is not entirely new.

    - Operations Manual for Centers and Groups of the International Sathya Sai Organization

    Devotion resources

    Universal Devotion Meetings

    Universal Devotion Meetings

    The meeting should be arranged for a balance between two goals:

    (1) it helps Sathya Sai Center members along their spiritual journey and

    (2) it is a balanced meeting, representative of the culture of the country, universal in nature, and thus not oriented to any particular religion.

    Notes

    1.The altar area should be inviting to all people; it should be appealing to people of religions as far as possible. Swami has said that no picture is necessary, but if you have to have one, have one of him. 2.Men and women should sit separate. This directive comes from Sathya Sai Baba. There is no need to take shoes off if that is not done in the culture of the country, and chairs should be available for those that want them. 3.The meeting format is flexible. A Center can have any format with which they feel comfortable, es- pecially when considering the various cultural needs of their devotees/location. 4.Devotional songs could be in the language of the country, in Sanskrit, in English - whatever the group feels comfortable with. When a newcomer is present, the Center should sing songs to which the newcomer can relate. 5.Tradition in Prasanthi Nilayam may call for a Ganesha bhajan, a Guru bhajan, and then others, but this is not necessary at the Center meeting. The audience in the Center may be entirely different from that in Prasanthi Nilayam. Any sequence of devotional songs will do, as long as attendees can focus on the direct and inner meaning of the songs, establishing a connection with the Divinity within. 6.Songs may be sung in the leader-response style, in unison, or a mixture of both. 7.Prayers in a language foreign to the country should be kept to a minimum. If a Sanskrit prayer is said, consider repeating it also in language of the country and making the translation available to all. 8.Practices that are not part of the culture of Center members and would be foreign to visitors should be kept to a minimum. 9.The optional meditation could be a silent meditation or Sathya Sai Baba’s light meditation. The length would depend on the Center members, probably no more than 5–10 minutes. 10.The spiritual talk, 10 minutes or less, could be a reading of and discussion of some paragraph from Sathya Sai Baba’s discourses or the Vahinis. It could be a reading from the text of some religion and then a discussion of how it is similar to and reinforces some teaching of Sathya Sai Baba. 11.Study circle is an important part of devotion. As Sai Baba said, “A study circle does not mean only just reading and discussing and taking information into the head but also putting into practice what is learnt. ... What is eaten should be digested, and then only should you eat again. In the same way, you should listen (eat) in the study circle and put into practice (digest) what you have learnt.” [1985.1.30] The study circle can be held during the weekly devotion meeting or as a separate meeting. 12.The vibuthi prayer is optional; consider singing it in the language of the country. Vibuthi may be passed out or received at the back of the meeting room as devotees leave. 13.Arathi need not be sung, but if so, consider singing it (also) in the language of the country. 14.In Prasanthi Nilayam, after Arathi, one sings Samastha Loka three times. The following song illustrates how this can be adapted to fit a different culture. Some Centers sing this as the last item in their devotion meeting:

    MAY THE LOVE WE’RE SHARING:

    May the Love we’re sharing spread its wings Fly across the Earth, and bring new joy to every soul that is alive. 2X Samastha loka sukhino Bhavanthu May all the people in all the worlds be happy Samastha loka sukhino Bhavanthu May all the people in all the worlds know you, Swami.

    Devotion resources

    Sample Schedule/Format for a devotion meeting

    Sample Schedule/Format for a devotion meeting

    Almost all aspects of it are optional, including the order of items. For example, some Centers will end with items 5 and 6 so that people may leave the Center in silence.

    1. 3 Oms

    2. Devotional songs (30 min.)

    3. Prayers (optional)

    4. 3 Santhis

    5. Meditation (optional)

    6. Prayers (optional)

    7. Spiritual talk (optional)

    8. Study circle (optional)

    9. Announcements (optional)

    10. Prayers (optional)

    -Operations Manual for Centers and Groups of the International Sathya Sai Organization

    Devotion resources

    Are Sai Centers reflective of any one religion ?

    Are Sai Centers reflective of any one religion ?

    Sathya Sai Baba has said, “I have not come on any mission of publicity for any sect or creed or cause; nor have I come to collect followers for any doctrine. I have come to tell you of this universal unitary faith, this path of Love.” He asks us to plant the seed of His teachings in the soil of our own culture so that it can grow up reflective of our culture; He asks us to cultivate the attitude of oneness between people of all creeds, all countries, and all continents. He has said, “Let the different faiths exist and let the glory of God be sung in all languages and tunes.” This loving and expansive direction should be reflected in our Sai Centers.

    In practice, many Sai Centers in the USA tend to be strongly influenced by Hindu practices, both because the majority of the members are of Hindu origin and because western devotees love and respect the practices and rituals they see performed in Sathya Sai Baba’s ashrams in India.

    The result is that our Centers can seem less welcoming than we would like to newcomers unfamiliar with the rituals and practices that are common in our centers.

    Sai Center members should ask themselves what impression a Sai Center makes on a visitor. Does the visitor see the Sai Center as a Hindu organization or as a group that is (1) centered in the local culture and (2) focused on the spiritual principles taught by Sathya Sai Baba?

    Sai Centers should focus on the essential truths in Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings that are the foundation for all the world’s major religions and should express those essential truths in ways that are consistent with local culture. Centers must reflect the fact that all religions teach one basic discipline. Members should strive to overcome egotism and selfish de- sire and to fill themselves with the Glory of God. Members should strive to ground their every thought, word, and deed in love and selfless service.

    The Sai Organization cannot mandate how Sai Centers are to be centered in the local culture. It cannot give rules and regulations for this. The need for centering in the local culture must be felt in the heart. Center members must dedicate themselves strongly enough to the cause of unity for the Center to change.

    - FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States

    Devotion resources

    How do we strike an appropriate balance in the centers between members from eastern and western backgrounds in spiritual understanding ?

    How do we strike an appropriate balance in the centers between members from eastern and western backgrounds in spiritual understanding ?

    Sathya Sai Baba instructs us to seek to see “Unity in Diversity” through striving to see the divinity inherent in all,regardless of caste, creed, nationality, gender, etc. He says, There is only one religion, the religion of Love. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one language, the language of the Heart. There is only one God, and He is omnipresent. If we, as members of Sai Centers, make a sincere effort to put this simple principle of Unity into practice, we will find ways to speak with the language of the heart and to see through cultural and religious differences so that we can respect and learn from one another. We will then create an atmosphere that is spiritual rather than religious in nature.

    Sathya Sai Baba emphasizes that His message is universal, based on love, truth, right action, peace, and nonviolence, and that all religions teach the same basic values. In our Sai Centers, the emphasis should be on the values taught by Sathya Sai Baba, and not rituals. We must build awareness that His teachings must be put into practice to be effective. It is the responsibility of the Center leadership to foster an understanding of the essential unity of all religions, which is based on Love. Center members must remain steadfastly true to the universal essence of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings.

    At the same time, in order to reflect the culture of our country, members will have to let go of some of the familiar rituals and forms that they may have come to associate with Sai Centers. This may involve reducing the number of Sanskrit chants and prayers, including chants and prayers from the various religions, and providing English versions of non- English chants and prayers. When foreign language chants are included in our devotional programs, or scriptures from religious texts are referred to in study circle, members must remember that the universal nature of the thought should be made clear to all participants.

    Centers must also pay attention to the impact of such details as the items placed on the altar, seating arrangements (floor vs. chair seating), the content and style of the devotional singing programs, and the attire of the participants, including removal of shoes. All these details contribute to making our centers seem either welcoming and friendly or unwelcome and foreign.

    Placing importance on understanding and practicing the basic human values taught by Sathya Sai Baba in our study circles and service projects can provide valuable opportunities for transcending cultural biases. Always remember that, when members of the Centers are truly practicing Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, there will be no imbalance between East and West because the teachings are universal and apply to all humanity.

    - FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States

    Devotion resources

    Some important points about welcoming visitors

    Some important points about welcoming visitors

    • Visitors may attend any activity of the Devotion or Service Wings.

    • Have certain people assigned the task of welcoming visitors, perhaps a Welcoming Committee. Members chosen for this task should be open minded; have a broad vision of religious and spiritual subjects; have relevant knowledge of Sathya Sai Baba’s message, teachings, and works; have good knowledge of the workings of the Organization; and have a welcoming, positive demeanor.

    • Welcoming should allow for mutual acquaintance. The visitor may be requested to tell when and how they happened to learn about Sai Baba, why they approached the Center, and what their expectations are. Welcoming members should offer some explanations on the behavioral rules and habits internal to the Center and give essential information about the structure and aims of Sathya Sai International Organization.

    • All members of the Center should be aware of visitors and help them with where to sit, how to find devotional songs in the songbook, the nature of a study circle, etc. or answer any question they may have.

    • The Center or the presiding body should have a Newcomers Booklet, and it should be available to hand out to visitors, along with other appropriate booklets, pamphlets, and videos

    • Depending on the number of visitors, the Center may establish a weekly, biweekly, or monthly Visitors Session, perhaps 1⁄2 hour before or after a devotion meeting, in which the fundamental principles of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings can be discussed, and also the purpose and structure of the Sathya Sai International Organization..

    • Members should avoid proselytizing, asking a visitor to become a member, flaunting personal rewarding experiences, and showing off bookish knowledge and learning.

    • The welcoming function does not include spontaneous offering of vibuthi and photos to the visitors

    - Operations Manual for Centers and Groups of the International Sathya Sai Organization

    Devotion resources

    How do we make our center open and welcoming to all members of our communities ?

    How do we make our center open and welcoming to all members of our communities ?

    Sai Baba Centers must be examples of the universality of Sai teachings. They must be conscious of the local environment they operate in, and they must promote a congenial, loving, and mutually supportive environment for all attendees. Newcomers should not feel that they are entering a “cultish” environment. The actual number of attendees or ethnic composition of a center is irrelevant.

    Avoid giving the impression to others that they are “preaching”. Sathya Sai Baba says, “My life is My message.” Strive to follow that example so that we make others aware of Sathya Sai Baba and His message only by putting His teachings into practice and through practical example.

    Some recommendations:

    • Welcome western newcomers with a smile and a hand- shake, rather than “namaste” or “Sai Ram”, to make them feel comfortable.

    • Offer a written program to everyone as they come into the center.

    • Make song sheets or songbooks available to all.

    • Do some singing in the language of the local culture.

    • Include universally accepted prayers from different religions.

    • Offer translations of songs, prayers, etc. if they are not in English.

    • Emphasize activities, such as service and study circle, that transcend cultural differences.

    • Allow time to introduce newcomers (e.g. a simple go-round of first names at the beginning of study circle).

    • Provide a balance of western and eastern food items during potluck gatherings.

    • Give newcomers a copy of the Council-approved Newcomers Guide.

    Centers can introduce Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings on spirituality and human values to the local community through occasional meetings that are open to the public. Center members can bring friends or coworkers who may be interested in knowing more about Sathya Sai Baba. These meet- ings can focus on His teachings and their practice in daily life. The devotional programs at these meetings can be made up of prayers and devotional songs that are universal in nature, reflect Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, and are in a language that is dominant in the local community (e.g. English or Spanish). The meetings could feature a speaker, who introduces Sathya Sai Baba and His teachings and answers questions. Approved books can be made available through the center library for those interested in knowing more.

    - FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States

    Devotion resources

    How can we best welcome newcomers and help new members, who may still have much to learn about Swami and his teachings?

    How can we best welcome newcomers and help new members, who may still have much to learn about Swami and his teachings?

    “Office bearers in this Organization are leaders who bear the brunt themselves, guides who walk along a path they wish others to take. They shall not command or punish; they can only persuade or advise.”

    Loving common sense must be the guideline here.

    Some recommendations:

    • Provide a copy of the comprehensive newcomer booklet adopted by the USA Council.

    • Have ushers available at the center to greet newcomers, guide them, and seat men and women separately.

    • The ushers must have read the newcomer’s information booklet themselves and be ready to answer questions with love and patience.

    • Make sure that a designated Center member is available following the program so that newcomers have the opportunity to ask questions or get clarifications.

    • Hold periodic (monthly or quarterly) orientation meetings to help newcomers/members understand the organizational setup and the guidelines. Explain the rationale behind the guidelines as well as the various practices at the Centers and their significance. An officer may be able to cite an appropriate quote from Sathya Sai Baba that will answer a newcomer’s question.

    • If a newcomer does not adhere to the procedures recommended by our Guidelines, for example, if they are inappropriately dressed, have children who are causing disturbance, do not maintain silence, or repeatedly speak out inappropriately during study circle, a Center officer can gently take the person aside at the end of the program and make a suggestion. Usually, a gentle request will suffice. Be mindful of cultural differences in interpreting the guidelines.

    - FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States

    Devotion resources

    What prayers and rituals are required in Sai Center devotional programs?

    What prayers and rituals are required in Sai Center devotional programs?

    “Bhajans (devotional songs) charge the atmosphere with divine adoration; that is why I insist on group singing of the Names of the Lord.”

    “After bhajans ... there should be meditation for five to ten minutes.”

    No prayer or ritual is required.

    Develop devotional programs that suit your culture, that are broad in scope, incorporating elements from all major religions, thereby demonstrating unity in diversity. Use only prayers and rituals that are universal in nature. Do not focus on practices common to any one religion.

    Don’t repeat rituals and prayers by rote. Members should understand the meaning of the rituals and prayers offered, and the Center leadership should make instruction available. Make translations of non-English prayers and songs avail- able in Center songbooks alongside the foreign-language versions.

    Center programs may include some of the following prayers and rituals. With each, we provide some comments.

    •Chanting Om is an appropriate way to begin, for it calms the heart and mind and prepares it for the rest of the program. When properly explained, OM, the sound of the Universe, is universal in nature.

    •Devotional singing can be (1) appropriate for the local culture and (2) include songs from all cultures and religions. It is not necessary to begin with a Ganesh bhajan.

    •Chanting Om, santhi, santhi, santhi at the end of a program segment. This chant is not mandatory, but it is simple and short enough to include in any program, as long as the meaning of santhi (supreme peace) is clear to all participants.

    •Maintaining silence prior to and following the program. This is a sound (sic) practice in any culture.

    •Singing Arathi is not required, and waving the flame isn’t either. If sung, consider singing an English version as well.

    •Distributing vibuthi and singing the vibuthi prayer is not required. If performed, sing the prayer in English as well as in Sanskrit.

    •The Gayathri and Sai Gayathri Mantra are not required.

    •A short period of meditation is appropriate.

    •The Asathoma and Sarva Dharma prayers are not required.

    •One need not end with the Samastha Loka prayer. Some Centers end with the following song, which includes the prayer. This is a wonderful example of adapting an Eastern custom to the local culture.

    May the Love we’re sharing spread its wings,

    Fly across the Earth, and bring new joy to every soul that is alive. 2X

    May all the people in all the worlds be happy

    Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu

    - FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States

    Devotion resources

    Devotion program introduction

    Devotion program introductionPage

    Devotion Program

    Typically, a Center should have a weekly devotion meeting that includes devotional singing, prayer, and meditation (or silent sitting). The Center should also have a weekly study circle, which may be combined with the devotion meeting - the combined meeting could last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The weekly devotion meeting, with its devotional singing, is the highlight of the week for many devotees. It can be an intensely spiritual activity in which the focus on each song and its meaning brings one closer to the Lord. Achieving this state requires cooperation from all - those preparing and coordinating the program, the lead singers, the musicians, and the participants.

    It should be kept in mind that:

    •Cooperation is essential for the most spiritual benefit. The aim is to experience unity.
    •Selfless service is what we give to the Center during the devotion meeting. Singers, musicians, etc. must concentrate on this selfless service and leave out the concept that their performances are a chance for personal aggrandizement.
    •Knowledge and wisdom can also be achieved through understanding the meaning of the words and concepts in the speeches and songs.
    •Devotional singing must be done with great discipline; punctuality, concentration, and mutual respect must be observed.
    •Devotion involves offering our best efforts to the Lord.

    Devotion resources

    Devotion program resources

    Devotion program resourcesPage

    Devotion is the state of mind in which one has no separate existence apart from God. Sathya Sai Speaks VI, Chap. 6, 119 (old ed.)

    Devotion is one of the three wings of the Sai Organization (the other two being Service and Education). This page will discuss various aspect of the devotion program, which includes devotional singing (bhajans), study circles, prayers, and meditation.

    Please click on the following sections to access resources on the topics listed

    Resources for Devotion Coordinators


    Devotion Program Formats - Sample

    Links in this section provide an overview/idea of devotion program forms from centers in Region 7.

    Devotional Program - Prayers, Chants, Songs, Presentations, Plays/Skits, etc.,

    Links to many of the prayers, chants and songs in Sai center devotional programs.

    • Prayers & Chants
      Open
    • Meditation
      Open
    • Devotional Songs
      Open
    • Special Events & Celebrations


    Visitors are requested to send us links and/or recordings of events for sharing with all devotees in the region.

    Devotion Song Learning

    Links to the 108 Bhajans Guide Book, downloads and related resources.

    • Brindamrutam Online - Brindavan Bhajans
      Open
    • Workshops
      Open
    • Central San Jose Practice Session Example
    • Peninsula Devotions Singing Practice Session

    Region 7 Initiatives

    Ongoing Region 7 Initiatives

    • Multi-faith Initiative
      Open
    • Regional Bhajan Leaders (RBL)
      Open
    • Regional ChoirWe would love to have a regional Choir. If you are interested please contact Prema Rao at premsai108@gmail.com Thank You

    One can be liberated now by the spiritual practice of singing the glory of the Lord and listening to the Name being sung. … It can help the process of liberation not only for the members of the group … the whole world can benefit by the vibrations. [1982.1.26] I insist on group singing of the Names of the Lord. [1968.7.8] The Lord has said, “Where my devotees sing, there I seat myself.” [1957.7.11] Sathya Sai Baba.

    Pages linked above

    PrayersPage

    Devotion Program

    • Omkaram
      Open
    • Suprabhatham
      Open
    • Gayatri Mantra
      Open
    • Meal Time Prayer
      Open
    • Vibhuthi Prayer
      Open
    • Morning and Evening Prayers
      Open
    • Prayer of Surrender
      Open
    • Samastha Lokah SukhinoBhavanthu
      Open
    • Saithree
      Open
    • Aarathi, Asathoma and Sarva Dharma Prayer
      Open
    • Multi Faith Prayers & Chants
      Open
    • Mantras with sheet music
      View PDF

    Do not pray for secular advantages, only for grace. Sathya Sai Speaks VI, Chap. 10, 60 (old ed.)

    Pages linked above

    Multi-faith InitiativePage

    (SSS Vol XIII - Chap 23)

    • Multi-faith Initiative Summary
      View PDF
    • Multi Faith Chants Slides
      ListenView PDF
    • Multi Faith Logo
      View PDF
    • Sacramento Sai Center Multi-faith songsSlides
      Listen
    • Multi Faith Audio Resources from radiosai.org
      - click on Multi-faith in the Other Downloads section
      Open
    • Multi-faith Initiative Update - February 2016
      Open

    Devotion resources

    Introduction

    Completely prepare the meeting hall at least 15 minutes before the devotion meeting starts. Keep the altar simple some flowers, the sarva dharma symbol, perhaps a picture of Sathya Sai Baba. There should be plenty of chairs so that those who do not want to sit on the floor can be accomodated. If there is a consensus about this among the members, an image or symbol of the local main religions may also be placed in the devotional area. Guidance on these issues may be requested from the presiding body

    Devotion resources

    General Guidelines

    General Guidelines

    A Sathya Sai Center is a spiritual center where universality of faith and practice of human values are emphasized.

    Maintain Center premises and an altar that is simple, universal, and in accordance with guidelines.

    A Center meeting does not have to have an altar with pictures or statues.

    Completely prepare the meeting hall at least 15 minutes before the devotion meeting starts. Keep the altar simple - some flowers, the sarva dharma symbol, perhaps a picture of Sathya Sai Baba.

    There should be plenty of chairs so that those who do not want to sit on the floor can be accommodated.

    If there is a consensus about this among the members, an image or symbol of the local main religions may also be placed in the devotional area. Guidance on these issues may be requested

    The altar area should be inviting to all people; it should be appealing to people of religions as far as possible. Swami has said that no picture is necessary, but if you have to have one, have one of Him.

    It is strongly recommended that the Center’s devotional program be conducted in a manner that persons from all the different faith backgrounds can easily understand and relate to. The focus must be on unity, with appropriate consideration given to cultural relevance.

    Study circles on other faiths are encouraged to emphasize the unity of all faiths.

    * Operations Manual for Centers and Groups - International Sathya Sai Organization

    Devotion resources

    The Logo of Sathya Sai Organizations

    The Logo of Sathya Sai Organizations

    At the top of this page is the logo of the International Sai Organization. We ask that you respect it and don't use it except for Sai Organization matters.

    The logo contains the five human values that form the foundation of Bhagavaan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's education-in-human-values program: truth (sathya), righteousness (dharma), peace (santhi), divine love (prema), and nonviolence (ahimsa). Also pictured in the logo is a tall pillar, called the sarva dharma (world religions) stupa, with a lotus flower on it. (Literally, sarva means entire, whole, every kind of; and dharma means righteousness, morality, virtue, duty, the dictates of God, code of conduct.) This pillar is near the temple in Prasanthi Nilayam (Sathya Sai Baba's main ashram in India). At its base are symbols of five of the world's major religions, along with the associated sayings shown below. The pillar, with its concentric rings, represents yoga, or Union with God. The rings indicate the stages of yogic discipline required for unfolding the "lotus of the heart", whose petals are at the top of the pillar. The flame of inner illumination is in the center of the lotus. Just as the lotus plant lives in water but does not get contaminated by it, so we should live in the world but be untouched by it.

    Devotion resources

    What decorations, pictures, and statues are appropriate in a Sai Baba Center and why?

    What decorations, pictures, and statues are appropriate in a Sai Baba Center and why?

    Sathya Sai Baba has said that our altars should consist of a flame. He has said that a picture is not necessary, but if we want one, have one of Him. The Sai Center altar should be adorned simply and without unnecessary embellishments. Appropriate adornments include a candle/flame, some flowers, and perhaps vibuthi containers. Some centers also have a chair for Sathya Sai Baba, signifying His subtle presence at the meetings. “It is recommended that only the Sarva Dharma Symbol, photographs of Sathya Sai Baba and possibly Shirdi Sai Baba, quotations from Sathya Sai Baba, and uni- versally accepted quotations from the world’s major religions be posted in a Center.” Guidelines for American Sathya Sai Baba Centers, section 6. Displaying pictures and statues of various gods and goddesses is inappropriate because it implies that accepting or worshipping these gods is a necessary requisite for being a member or devotee. Such images also reinforce the incorrect impression that one or more particular religions are favored in the center over others. - FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States

    Devotion resources

    Altar introduction

    Altar introductionPage

    A Sathya Sai Center is a spiritual center where universality of faith and practice of human values are emphasized. Accordingly, we must conduct Center activities, especially our devotion programs, in a way that makes spiritual seekers from all faiths and all walks of life feel welcome. Accordingly, we must conduct Center activities, especially our devotion programs, in a way that makes spiritual seekers from all faiths and all walks of life feel welcome.

    - Operations Manuals for Centers and Groups.

    Devotion resources

    Altar resources

    Altar resourcesPage

    • The logo of Sathya Sai Organizations
      Open
    • Logos & Sarva Dharma Symbols
      Open
    • Pictures and Photos of Swami
      Open
    • Pictures and Photos from Orlando Sai Center
      View image
    • Pictures and Photos of Altars from Region 7 Sai Centers

    Pages linked above

    Devotion resources

    Introduction

    Sathya Sai Baba tells us that the spiritual growth of a person is best achieved through an integrated practice of devotion, study, and service. The purpose of a study circle is made explicitly clear by Baba as follows:
    “It is not just reading books. Circle, study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them - like a round table conference. Each person gives his point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt, but if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task [purpose] of study circle”.

    Devotion resources

    Study Circle Guidelines

    Study Circle Guidelines
    • Study Circle Guidelines
      View PDF
    • Study Circle: A Tool for Transformation - from Chapter 1 of Jonathan Roof's book, Pathways to God
      View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Swami's Discourse on Study Circle

    Swami's Discourse on Study Circle
    • Swami's Discourse on Study Circle - In Kannada
    • Swami's discourse on study circle - Practice What you Learn
      View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Study Circle Goals, Guidelines and Suggested Processes

    Study Circle Goals, Guidelines and Suggested Processes
    • Regional Study Circle Workshop - February 25, 2012
      Slides
    • Suggested Process for Conducting an Ideal Study Circle
      View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Multi-faith

    Multi-faith

    Devotion resources

    Swami's Writings

    Swami's Writings

    Devotion resources

    Cultivating Virtues

    Cultivating Virtues
    • Help Ever Hurt Never - Study Circle Material for Swami's 92nd Birthday
      View PDF
    • Help Ever Hurt Never In Thought Word and Deed- Study Circle Material for Swami's 92nd Birthday
      View PDF
    • Study Circle for Divinity - All Topics
      View PDF
    • Nine Point Code of Conduct
      View PDF
    • Devotional singing
      File not available
    • Sai Spiritual Education
      Open
    • Sai Literature
      Open
    • Self-less Service
      View PDF
    • Celiling on Desires - From SSE Teacher's Manual
      Open
    • Ceiling on Desires - Eight Flowers of Worship
      View PDF
    • Silence - You cannot always oblige, But you can always speak obligingly
      View PDF
    • Who is Dear to the Lord -Twenty Virtues Essential for Wisdom - Ten Types of Purity
      View PDF
    • The Three Ps / The Four Fs / The Five Ds / W-A-T-C-H / Forget the Harm Done by Others and Also Forget the Good You Have Done to Others
      View PDF
    • Ten-fold path to Divinity
      Open
    • Human Values - Putting them to practice
      View PDF
    • Five Human Values - From SSE Teacher's Manual
      Open
    • Right Action - What is DharmaSlides
    • Love - Love in ActionSlides
    • On Vegetarianism and being a Vegetarian
      View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Confronting Obstacles

    Confronting Obstacles

    Devotion resources

    Other Topics

    Other Topics
    • Service, Adoration, Illumination - What is Sadhana
      Slides
    • Faith - Part 1
      Slides
    • Faith - Part 2
      Slides
    • Dharma - Introduction
      Slides
    • What is Dharma
      Slides
    • What is Dharma
      File not available
    • Talking Less / Silence
      Slides
    • Maintaining a hotline with God
      Slides
    • Work as Sadhana
      Slides
    • Who is a Guru ?
      Slides
    • Wifi within
      Slides
    • Adoration - TBD
    • Illumination - TBD
    • Hope - TBD
    • Three Stages - Dualism, Qualified Dualism, Non-dualism - TBD
    • Surrender - TBD

    Devotion resources

    Select Swami's Discourses

    Select Swami's Discourses
    • Sathya Sai Speaks
      View PDF
    • The Best Way To Love God Is To Love All And Serve All - November 22, 2002View PDF
    • Listen to the Master and Transform into Ideal Human Beings - November 23, 2002View PDF
    • Responsibility of Women - Character Building - November 19,2002View PDF
    • Character - True End of Education - November 20, 2002View PDF
    • Unity In Diversity - The Fundamental Truth - November 4, 2002View PDF
    • Reminiscence Of The Divine - October 20, 2002View PDF
    • Truth Is Your Very Life-Breath - October 14, 2002View PDF
    • Purify The Mind And Focus It On Divinity - October 13, 2002View PDF
    • Soham - The Right Sadhana - October 12, 2002View PDF
    • Where There Is Purity, There Is Divinity - October 11, 2002View PDF
    • God Alone Can Confer, Love And Peace - October 10,2002View PDF
    • Significance Of Vinayaka Worship - September 10, 2002View PDF
    • Divine Leelas Reflect The Glory Of The Avatars - August 31, 2002View PDF
    • The 'I' _Aham_ Is Brahman - August 21, 2002View PDF
    • Bhagawan's Discourse To The American Devotees - July 27, 2002View PDF
    • Develop Broad Mindedness To Experience Divinity - July 24, 2002View PDF
    • Keep Spirituality As First Goal - July 23, 2002View PDF
    • Shun Desires And Attain Divine Proximity - July 22, 2002View PDF
    • Service Activities For Unity In Society - July 21, 2002View PDF
    • Summaries of Summer Discourses - 2002
      View PDF
    • Easwaramma Day - May 6, 2002View PDF
    • Glory of Sri Rama and His Name- April 21, 2002View PDF
    • The Message of Ramayana - April 14, 2002View PDF
    • Ugadi Festival - April 13, 2002View PDF
    • Realize the Magnetic Power Within - March 13, 2002View PDF
    • Idols are Pointers to Divinity - March 12, 2002View PDF
    • Sanctify Your Life By Chanting The Divine Name - February 24, 2002View PDF
    • Light the Lamp of Morality in Your Heart - Jan 19, 2002View PDF
    • Live in Atmic Consciousness - January 14, 2002View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Resources from Region 1

    Resources from Region 1
    • Nine forms of Devotion (Archanam)
      View PDF
    • Act of Surrender (AtmaNivedanam)
      View PDF
    • Path of Humility, Dedication, Servitute (Daasyam)
      View PDF
    • Constant Chanting (Keerthanam)
      View PDF
    • Constant Chanting (Keerthanam)
      View PDF
    • Serving the Feet of the Lord (Padasevanam)
      View PDF
    • Listening to the Glory of the Lord (Shravanam)
      View PDF
    • Listening to the Glory of the Lord (Shravanam)
      View PDF
    • Contemplating on the Lord (Smaranam)
      View PDF
    • Contemplating on the Lord (Smaranam)
      View PDF
    • Cultivating Friendship (Sneham)
      View PDF
    • Cultivating Friendship (Sneham)
      View PDF
    • Adoration and Reverence (Vandanam)
      View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Recommended Reading

    1. The Vahini Series, written by Sathya Sai Baba

    2. Sathya Sai Speaks, five decades of discourses by Sathya Sai Baba

    3. Summer Showers Series, Spiritual discourses by Sathya Sai Baba given to college students during summer courses, 1972-2000

    4. Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Parts 1-5 Series on the Life of Sai Baba

    5. My Baba and I by J. Hislop

    6. Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, by J. Hislop

    7. Loving God, by Professor N. Kasturi

    8. Pathways to God, Volumes 1-3 by Jonathan Roof

    9. Sai Navratnamala (Nine Gems), by A. Adivi Reddy

    10. Journey to Sathya Sai Baba - A Visitor's Guide, by Valmai Worthington

    11.Essence of Divinity, by Elaine Gries

    12. Finding God, by Charles Penn

    13. Sai Baba, Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Samuel Sandweiss

    You may order these books from the

    Sathya Sai Book Center of America, Tustin, CA - http://www.sathyasaibooks.com/site/538306/page/45029

    Devotion resources

    Study circle introduction

    Study circle introductionPage

    Study Circle

    • Swami's discourse on study circle
      Listen

    “It is not just reading books. Circle, study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them - like a round table conference. Each person gives his point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt, but if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task [purpose] of study circle”.
    Study Circle is not just reading books. It means taking a point and each person discussing what it means to them. Like a round table conference. ... The study circle looks at the different facet, ... but, as in a diamond, there is one facet that is flat, and from it, all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task of the study circle. [Hislop, Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, pp 165–166]

    Devotion resources

    Guidelines for study circles

    Guidelines for study circlesPage

    Study Circle

    The Proper Plan of Study

    Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba tells us that the spiritual growth of a person is best achieved through an integrated practice of devotion, study, and service. The study circle brings many benefits to participants. The primary benefit is the acquisition of Self-knowledge.

    • Study Circle Guidelines
      View PDF
    • Study Circle: A Tool for Transformation - from Chapter 1 of Jonathan Roof's book, Pathways to God
      View PDF

    What is the proper plan of study? Swami answers this question as follows:

    “This is the proper plan of study - reading, reflection, and regular application in life. Study is work. Inquiry into the value and applicability of what is studied is worship. The experience of the validity and value of practice is wisdom.”
    “Not information, but transformation, not instruction but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practiced, when it can be lightened into wisdom and assimilated into daily life. Knowledge that does not give harmony and wholeness to the process of living is not worth acquiring. Every activity must be rendered valid and worthwhile by its contribution to the discovery of Truth, both of the Self and of nature.”    Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Speaks, IX, p.56

    Devotion resources

    Study circle resources

    Study circle resourcesPage

    Swami's discourse on Study Circle

    • Swami's discourse on study circle - Practice What you Learn
      View PDF

    About study circle, goals, guidelines and suggested processes

    • Regional Study Circle Workshop - February 25, 2012Slides
    • Mock Study Circle - What not to do
      Watch
    • Mock Study Circle - Sai Ideal Study Circle
      Watch
    • Suggested Process for Conducting an Ideal Study Circle
      View PDF

    'i to I Transformation' speaker series

    • About i to I Transformation series & Objectives
      Open
    • More 'i to I Transformation' series meetings/workshops
      Open
    • 'Experiencing the Divine: From the form to the Formless' - Professor Anil Kumar
      Open
    • 'Experiencing the Divine: From the form to the Formless' - Mrs Vijaya Kamaraju
      Open
    • 'Experiencing the Divine: From the form to the Formless' - Dr.Sue Evans
      Open
    • 'Spiritual Self-confidence' - Dr.Sue Evans
      Open

    Multi-faith Initiative (Unity of Faiths)

    Cultivating Virtues

    • Study Circle for Divinity - All Topics
      View PDF
    • Nine Point Code of Conduct
      View PDF
    • Devotional singing
      Open
    • Self-less Service
      View PDF
    • Ceiling on Desires - Eight Flowers of Worship
      View PDF
    • Silence - You cannot always oblige, But you can always speak obligingly
      View PDF
    • Who is Dear to the Lord -Twenty Virtues Essential for Wisdom - Ten Types of Purity
      View PDF
    • The Three Ps / The Four Fs / The Five Ds / W-A-T-C-H / Forget the Harm Done by Others and Also Forget the Good You Have Done to Others
      View PDF
    • Human Values - Putting them to practice
      View PDF
    • On Vegetarianism and being a Vegetarian
      View PDF

    Confronting Obstacles

    Other Topics

    • AdorationTBD
    • IlluminationTBD
    • Service, Adoration, Illumination - What is SadhanaSlides
    • Three Stages - Dualism, Qualified Dualism, Non-dualismTBD
    • Nine Paths of Devotion
      Open
    • SurrenderTBD
    • Faith - Part 1Slides
    • Faith - Part 1Slides
    • HopeTBD
    • Yoga Sutra
      View PDF
    • Dharma - IntroductionSlides
    • What is DharmaSlides
    • Talking Less / SilenceSlides
    • Maintaining a hotline with GodSlides
    • Work as SadhanaSlides
    • Wifi withinSlides
    • Spiritual Diary - Nine Point Code of Conduct (From Marin Center)
      View PDF

    Select Swami's Divine Discources & Index of Sathya Sai International Organization website

    • Select Swami's Divine Discourses
      Open

    Recommended Reading

    7. Loving God, by Professor N. Kasturi

    11.Essence of Divinity, by Elaine Gries

    12. Finding God, by Charles Penn

    14. Sai Baba, Man of Miracles, by Howard Murphet

    You may order these books from the

    Sathya Sai Book Center of America, Tustin, CA - http://www.sathyasaibooks.com/site/538306/page/45029

    Pages linked above

    Study Circle TopicsPage
    • Resources from Region 1
    • Nine forms of Devotion (Archanam)
      View PDF
    • Act of Surrender (AtmaNivedanam)
      View PDF
    • Path of Humility, Dedication, Servitute (Daasyam)
      View PDF
    • Constant Chanting (Keerthanam)
      View PDF
    • Constant Chanting (Keerthanam)
      View PDF
    • Serving the Feet of the Lord (Padasevanam)
      View PDF
    • Listening to the Glory of the Lord (Shravanam)
      View PDF
    • Listening to the Glory of the Lord (Shravanam)
      View PDF
    • Contemplating on the Lord (Smaranam)
      View PDF
    • Contemplating on the Lord (Smaranam)
      View PDF
    • Cultivating Friendship (Sneham)
      View PDF
    • Cultivating Friendship (Sneham)
      View PDF
    • Adoration and Reverence (Vandanam)
      View PDF
    Select Swami's DiscoursesPage
    The Best Way To Love God Is To Love All And Serve All - November 22, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Listen to the Master and Transform into Ideal Human Beings - November 23, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Responsibility of Women - Character Building - November 19,2002View PDFView PDF
    Character - True End of Education - November 20, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Unity In Diversity - The Fundamental Truth - November 4, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Reminiscence Of The Divine - October 20, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Truth Is Your Very Life-Breath - October 14, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Purify The Mind And Focus It On Divinity - October 13, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Soham - The Right Sadhana - October 12, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Where There Is Purity, There Is Divinity - October 11, 2002View PDFView PDF
    God Alone Can Confer, Love And Peace - October 10,2002View PDFView PDF
    Significance Of Vinayaka Worship - September 10, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Divine Leelas Reflect The Glory Of The Avatars - August 31, 2002View PDFView PDF
    The 'I' _Aham_ Is Brahman - August 21, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Bhagawan's Discourse To The American Devotees - July 27, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Develop Broad Mindedness To Experience Divinity - July 24, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Keep Spirituality As First Goal - July 23, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Shun Desires And Attain Divine Proximity - July 22, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Service Activities For Unity In Society - July 21, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Summaries of Summer Discourses - 2002
    		View PDFView PDF
    Easwaramma Day - May 6, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Glory of Sri Rama and His Name- April 21, 2002View PDFView PDF
    The Message of Ramayana - April 14, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Ugadi Festival - April 13, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Realize the Magnetic Power Within - March 13, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Idols are Pointers to Divinity - March 12, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Sanctify Your Life By Chanting The Divine Name - February 24, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Light the Lamp of Morality in Your Heart - Jan 19, 2002View PDFView PDF
    Live in Atmic Consciousness - January 14, 2002View PDFView PDF

    Devotion resources

    Welcoming newcomers

    Welcoming newcomersPage

    Newcomers

    Swami directs His devotees to our centers. We have an opportunity to help them connect deeper with Swami. In a discourse, Swami tells us that if we take ten steps (towards good), He will help us climb a hundred steps. (1995] Similarly, when a devotee takes one step in our center, we should enable his connection with Swami multiple fold.

    Furthermore, Swami adds that if we yearn and pine for God, God will pine for us a thousandfold. Similarly, we must work to engage the newcomer multiple fold if he/she shows interest in Swami and His center.

    “Everyone should realise that God is with him, beside him and around him all the time. Mukundan (who had addressed the gathering earlier) said that "If you take ten steps towards Bhagavaan, he takes hundred steps towards you." But whither should you take these ten steps? No one seems to think about that. If you take ten steps towards evil, falsehood, injustice and wickedness, will I take hundred steps in that direction? No. Your steps should be in the direction of what is good. What is good? The steps should lead upwards spiritually. So, if you ascend ten steps, I shall help you to climb a hundred steps. You should move in the right direction, not the wrong one. To the extent you yearn and pine for God, God will pine for you a thousandfold. You can have no conception of Thaapam (God's pining). Your pining is Thamas, God's pining is thapas (penance). The difference between the two should be understood.” Discourse in the Sai Ramesh Mandap, Brindhaavan on 1.5-4-1995.

    Devotion resources

    Guidelines for welcoming newcomers

    Guidelines for welcoming newcomersPage

    We welcome visitors and newcomers from all faiths and religions, we study religions to understand the underlying unity of all faiths and religions, and we view all spiritual paths with respect. We focus on Sathya Sai Baba because His teachings, our experiences in attempting to put His teachings into practice, our experiences with Him, and the way He lived His life - all these have had a transformative effect on our lives. Visitors to the Center should get an impression of universality and a loving environment. The meeting place, the meeting itself, and the way the person is welcomed should help reinforce that impression.

    Some recommendations

    • Include universally accepted prayers from different religions.

    Some recommendations

    • A Brief Introduction to Sathya Sai Baba and His Teachings
      View PDF
    • Sai Organization - Brochure for New Comers
      View PDF
    • Guidelines for Sai Centers to Develope and Informational Hand-out/Brochure About Local Center Activities
      View PDF

    Recommended Books

    1. The Vahini Series (written by Sathya Sai Baba), Gita Vahini (writings on the Bhagavad Gita), Prema Vahini (writings on Divine Love)

    Dharma Vahini (writings on Morality), Jnana Vahini (writings on Wisdom), Dhyana Vahini (writings on Meditation)

    1. Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 1 – 35 (Five decades of discourses by Sathya Sai Baba)
    2. My Baba and I, by J. Hislop
    3. Loving God, by Professor N. Kasturi
    4. Pathways to God, Volumes 1 to 3, by Jonathon Roof
    5. Essence of Divinity, by Elaine Gries
    6. Finding God, by Charles Penn
    7. Sai Baba, Man of Miracles, by Howard Murphet
    8. Sai Baba, the Ultimate Experience, by Phyllis Krystal
    • Recommended websites
    • International Sai Organization
      Open
    • U.S Sai Organization
      Open
    • Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust - India
      Open
    • Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, Publications - India
      Open
    • Swami's discourses and writings, with a search engine
      Open
    • Radio Sai Global Harmony
      Open
    • Saicast streaming videos
      Open
    • Path of Transformation
      Open
    • Regional Website (Region 7 California & Nevada)
      Open

    Devotion resources

    Resources for newcomers

    Resources for newcomersPage
    • Newcomer Package
      In a colorful package please place the follow items.
    • Center Brochure (Central San Jose example)
    • Vibhuthi Packet
    • Swami's teaching on Vibhuthi
      View PDF
    • New Comers Booklet
      View PDF
    • Photo of Swami
      Open

    Business Card for Region 7View PDF Newcome Introduction to Sai Baba, "Who is Sai Baba" ?View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Sadhana of Love

    Sathya Sai Baba’s Mission: With prayers to Bhagawan, USA national pilgrimage will take place from July 6th to July 10th (inclusive of these two dates). This pilgrimage is a spiritual homecoming where all pilgrims will journey inward in preparation for this milestone event and reach a crescendo at Prasanthi Nilayam.

    solOpen

    Devotion resources

    Multi-faith Initiative (Devotion)

    Sathya Sai Baba’s Mission: “I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have not come on behalf of any exclusive religion. I have not come on a mission of publicity for a sect or creed or cause, nor have I come to collect followers for a doctrine. I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into my fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of this unitary faith, this spiritual principle, this path of Love, this virtue of Love, this duty of Love, this obligation of Love.” - 4 July 1968, Baba

    Devotion resources

    i to I Transformation Series

    The 'i to I Transformation' speaker series was born out of our devotees' request for inspirational satsanghs. With our omnipresent Swami's grace and blessings, we are pleased and grateful that we are able to make this offering to the devotees in our region.

    Watch Past Speaker Sessions

    Devotion resources

    108 Bhajan Guidebook (Devotion)

    A bhajan guidebook to aid children and adults select devotional songs according to complexity.

    108 Bhajan Search

    Devotion resources

    Walk With Values (General)

    Inspired by the life and teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, “Walk with Values” is a journey, with an objective to help each one of us consciously adopt human values in every action we do and live this in every minute, in every interaction, and in every role that we play in our lives. It provides a platform to introspect, practice and track daily habits to work towards being a better person, and collectively reinforce and help each other out as we walk on this path. The goal is to make every action and decision of ours sourced in Truth, Love, Peace, Right Conduct and Nonviolence.

    Read More

    Devotion resources

    Prema Akshara (SSE)

    Region 7 Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) children, parents and coordinators offer this First edition of ‘Prema Akshara’ at the divine lotus feet. Swami, in a discourse said, ‘Prema’ means Love. ‘Akshara’ means God himself. ‘Akshara’ also means letters. Humble offering of ‘Love Letters’ to the ‘GOD’ who is ‘LOVE’.

    indexOpen

    Devotion resources

    Event Planning

    Event PlanningPage

    Participating in an event planning team is spiritual sadhana and as such, extremely rewarding.

    To add your name to the regional event planning team data base

    • Complete this questionnaire and your name will be added to a regional data base so that you will be contacted when the event (or events) you selected are ready to begin meeting.
    • If, at any time, you wish to remove your name from the data base please send your request to regional president, Suzanne Slyman at suzslyman108@gmail.com.
    • Join a Regional Event Planning Team - Questionnaire
      Open form

    We are grateful to devotees for their enthusiasm, energy and time to work as able instruments on the planning teams. To promote a united and harmonious effort, we offer these suggestions for effective co-coordinator/co-lead teams.Suggestions for effective co-coordinator/co-lead teams:

    Co-coordinators share equal responsibility and are responsible for overseeing the entire event/project and for keeping track of and supporting the co-lead teams.

    Co-coordinators must work together, making decisions jointly.

    Co-leads are responsible for overseeing and implementing specific tasks within a project (for example, food, logistics, devotional music, etc.)

    Co-leads share equal responsibility in planning and executing the projects related to their task. All decisions regarding their project must be made jointly.

    Co-leads are encouraged to coordinate their overall task and allow their team members to take on responsibility for specific tasks.

    Co-coordinators and Co-leads are encouraged to openly share information with their teams so that everyone is on the same page.

    Team members should be included in the planning process whenever possible.


    The procedure for contacting individual centers is as follows:

    Event co-coordinators will contact the center presidents and the relevant center officers, introducing your co-lead team and letting them know that they will be contacting the relevant center officer in order to invite their participation in the regional event.

    The co-lead team will compose an introductory email that will be reviewed by the event co-coordinators before being sent to the relevant center officer.

    Co-leads are required to copy the event co-coordinators, the Regional Devotion Coordinator, Regional President and the relevant regional officer(s) on all communication to the center Presidents and other center officers.

    Co-leads are requested to copy the event coordinators on all communications that involve decision-making.

    Event co-coordinators need not be copied on the routine exchange of emails that ensure smooth execution of their plan.

    Devotion resources

    Regional Meetings

    Regional MeetingsPage
    • March 14, 2015 Officer's meeting
    • Mission/Vision
      View PDF
    • Role alike - DC responsibilities
      View PDF
    • Devotion wing update
      View PDF

    Devotion resources

    Communications

    CommunicationsPage

    Devotion resources

    Global Akhanda Bhajans

    Global Akhanda BhajansPage

    Global Akhanda Bhajan program was initiated by Swami. In a divine discourse given on November 14, 1974, He said the following.

    “Embodiments of the pure Atman! Last November, on the 23rd, people from all parts of the world had assembled here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, and office-bearers of the centers were here for the Second World Conference and other functions that took place. Later they expressed their desire that they be allotted a date, before the close of the Jubilee Year, when they in their own places could celebrate the happy occasion. In order to overcome their disappointment it was decided that, in all centers all over the world, namasamkirtan (singing the glory of God's name) would be held for a full twenty-four hours, beginning at 6:30 pm on Saturday (yesterday) and ending at 6:30 pm today."

    In a divine discourse on November 8, 1985, He reiterated the lofty purpose of having the Akhanda Bhajans.
    “Today we are having non-stop twenty-four-hour global devotional singing (akhanda bhajan) by Sai devotees all over the world. This is being done not for the sake of one individual, one nation, or one community. It is for the welfare of humanity as a whole.”

    Please click on the sections below to read more -

    Swami's Teachings on Akhanda Bhajans - Divine Discourse: 8 November 1986

    The bhajans that are sung permeate the ether in the form of sound waves and fill the entire atmosphere. Thereby, the whole environment gets purified. Breathing in this purified atmosphere, our hearts get purified. Reciting the Lord's name is a process of give and take. Singing the Lord's name should become an exercise in mutual sharing of joy and holiness. It should be remembered that the sounds we produce reverberate in the atmosphere. They remain permanently in the ether as waves and outlast the individual uttering the sounds.

    Community bhajans should not be treated as a pasttime. When thousands of persons join in singing bhajans, they should be fully absorbed in the devotional process and the ecstasy of that experience. The singing should be vibrant and soulful, and not mechanical or drawling and uninspiring. It should combine feeling (bhava), melody (raga) and rhythm (tala). What delight can be experienced when all sing in chorus, with the same feeling, in the same tune, and to the same timing! When there is such unity, the Divine can be experienced.

    Not all realize the potency and efficacy of reciting the Lord's name. The first requisite is purity of thought, word, and deed. The name that is uttered by the tongue should be meditated upon by the mind. What is uttered and dwelt upon should be hailed by clapping the hands. This threefold concentration on the Divine name --unity of mind, speech, and action-- purifies the heart and nourishes the feeling of devotion.

    When chanting the Name is done in community singing, it should be in a form in which the entire group can participate easily. The tune, the rhythm, etc. should be such that all can follow the bhajan. If the lead singer takes up a song that is not familiar to others, the response from the group will be poor. There will be no enthusiasm or genuine participation. Their minds will be distracted. When all the devotees participate in the bhajan, the vibrations that are produced will generate joy and harmony.

    Many who organize mass singing on special occasions are not aware what kind of bhajans that should be sung then. A person who has an individual style of his own may sing as he likes in private, but he is not suitable for community singing.

    Some rules are to be observed in conducting community bhajans. Elaboration of a melody (alapana) may be done in individual singing (keerthana), but it is wholly out of place in community bhajans. Hence, in such bhajans, the accent should be entirely on the Name.

    --- Divine Discourse: 8 November 1986

    Swami on Akhanda Bhajans - Divine Discourse: 10 July 1959

    Again, akhanda bhajans means that it should not be just a twenty-four hour affair or even a seven-day affair; it must go on from birth to death, this contemplation of the Source and Goal of things. The procession to the cremation ground starts immediately on birth, and the beating of the heart is the drumbeat for the march toward that place. Some take a longer route, some reach quickly, but all are on the way. Therefore, bhajans has to start in childhood and has to continue. It must be the constant companion of man, his solace and strength. Don't postpone it to old age, for it is the essential food for the mind.

    Take the name of the Lord and repeat it always. I was listening to the bhajans you did here yesterday and today. Your voices were low; they could scarcely be heard outside this hall. I know that in a certain institution where they decided to do akhanda bhajans, they had to hire a few persons at so much per hour so that their plan could succeed. Do bhajans with faith and enthusiasm. Let the whole city shake with the devotion you put into every Name that you sing. The Name promotes comradeship and establishes concord; it stills all storms and grants peace.

    --- Divine Discourse: 10 July 1959

    Devotion resources

    i to I Transformation talks

    i to I Transformation talksPage
    • Workshop with Dr.Sue Evans
      Open
    • Parenting Workshop and SSE Deovotional Singing Workshop
      Open
    • Sing Along Project
      Open
    • Sai Music Day
      Open
    • Meeting with Dr.G.Venkataraman and Dr.Narendranath Reddy
      Open

    Devotion resources

    Other regional events

    Other regional eventsPage

    Devotion resources

    Sai Organization

    Sai OrganizationPage

    For more information on Sai organizations please visit the links below -

    • Charter of Sathya Sai International Organization
      Open
    • Sathya Sai Internation Organization - USA
      Open
    • USA Sai Organzation - Region 7
      Open
    • FAQs Sathya Sai Organization of the United States
      View PDF
    • RadioSai - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation
      Open

    The Organisations named after Me are not to be used for publicising My Name or creating a new cult around My worship. They must try to spread interest in recitation of God's Name, meditation, and other spiritual exercises that lead man Godward. They must demonstrate the joy derivable from devotional singing and remembering the Lord's Name, the peace that one can draw from good company. They must render selfless service to the helpless, the sick, the distressed, the illiterate, and the needy. Their service should not be exhibitionistic; it must seek no reward, not even gratitude or thanks from the recipients. -Sathya Sai Baba [1968.2.23]

    Devotion resources

    Sai Center

    Sai CenterPage

    The purpose of a Sathya Sai Baba Center is to provide a meeting place for studying and practicing the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba and to provide information about Him to the public. The Center is a focal point for individuals who are striving to lead disciplined spiritual lives and who want to devote a significant portion of their time and energy each week to performing acts of selfless service to the needy and the distressed. -Guidelines for American Sathya Sai Baba Centers

    Devotion resources

    Devotion Wing

    Devotion WingPage

    Devotion is one of the three wings of the Sai Organization (the other two being selfless service (seva) and education in human values). This page will discuss various aspect of the devotion program, which includes devotional singing (bhajans), study circles, prayers, and meditation. Please click on the following links to access resources on the topics listed:

    A Sathya Sai Center has five officers: President, Vice President, and a coordinator for each wing of the Center: Devotion Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and Service Coordinator. A Group may have fewer officers, the exact number of officers to depend on the makeup and needs of the Group. The Devotion Coordinator has overall responsibility for the various elements of the Center’s devotion program, including the following (various aspects may be delegated to others)

    1. Maintaining Center premises and an altar that is simple, universal, and in accordance with guidelines
    2. Coordinating devotion meetings
    3. Coordinating study circles
    4. Coordinating practice of devotional singing
    5. Establishing and maintaining a program of newcomer welcome and orientation
    6. Maintaining a library of literature, audio tapes, CDs, and DVDs

    Devotion alone confers the Supreme gift; devotion alone destroys the disease of mundane existence; devotion alone stirs the yearning for the Divine devotion alone is the means of Liberation. To realise the Supreme, the path of devotion is the only Royal road. It is the panacea for all worldly ailments and for the disease of birth and death. Devotion is the most effective means for awakening the spiritual urge. - Sathya Sai Baba

    Devotion resources

    Devotion Wing contacts

    Devotion Wing contactsPage

    Resource Database ContactsPrema RaoPadma EyyuniGeetha MohanSathya ChandrasekharIf you have any questions or would like to contribute to the database, please email us at RDinfo@region7saicenters.org

    Devotion resources

    Global Akhanda Bhajan 2019: Setting explicit Intentions (Sankalpas) for Song Offerings

    Global Akhanda Bhajan 2019: Setting explicit Intentions (Sankalpas) for Song Offerings2019

    Dear Devotees! Let us reflect on what Swami has said on devotional singing and Global Akhanda Bhajan for a few moments.

    • What are some challenges we may face in devotional singing?
    • How can we best align with the motivation for and the intention behind devotional singing and GAB?

    When we make song offerings in our home or Center or in a Sai event, often the mechanics of the offering and/or our own problems or desires tend to take over our attention and awareness. We wish to explore how we can set an explicit intention, a Sankalpa, for community peace, purity, or unity as the foundation for our practices and offerings. This applies to both the song leader as well as all the followers. Our hope is to start this exploration with 2019 Global Akhanda Bhajan onward.
    Devotional Singing Sankalpa: PDF Version

    Ways to serve

    At A Glance

    At A GlancePage

    God will not ask you when and where you did service. He will ask, with what motive did you do it. What was the intention that prompted you. You may weigh the service and boast of its quantity. But God sees quality - the quality of heart, the purity of mind, the holiness of motive.

    Ways to serve

    Reference Letters

    Reference LettersPage

    • Reference letters received from organizations, for service projects undertaken by Sai Centers

      Open embedded content

    Ways to serve

    List of Service Organizations in the Bay Area

    List of Service Organizations in the Bay AreaPage

    Ways to serve

    Unincorporated Areas

    Unincorporated AreasPage

    Ways to serve

    Sai CLAPS

    Sai CLAPSPage

    "Education is not for mere living, it is for live ­ a fuller, more meaningful, a more worthwhile life. There is no harm if it is for a gainful employment but the education must realise that existence is not all, that gainful employment is not all. What is needed today is that we should live a life of good quality. The fostering of sterling character and good conduct is the need of the world." - 12th September 1963

    • Sai Computer Literacy And Professional Skills (CLAPS) program with reusable course material

      Open embedded content

    • Sai CLAPS - Project Pride Report

      View PDF

    Ways to serve

    Tutoring

    TutoringPage

    Tutoring

    The Sathya Sai Baba Center of Central San Jose conducting the Homework Enrichment Program service at the San Jose Family Shelter since 2006. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:15pm to 8:00pm, members visit San Jose Family Shelter and help children at the shelter engaging them in their home activities.

    Ways to serve

    Ashland Free Medical Clinic

    Ashland Free Medical ClinicPage

    Summary

    • Services – Primary Care mainly, for urgent and chronic conditions, Dermatology, Lab Services
    • What is needed – new space, supplies,
    • Who works there? 3 groups
    • Who do we need? Primary Care Physicians or Nurse Practitioners, or Physician Assistants
    • Also Spanish Interpreters, Behavioral Medicine, Phlebotomists
    • Other medical camps possibilities in PM

    Ways to serve

    Shelter service

    Shelter servicePage

    Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity

    At Shelter

    Volunteers preparing food in Salvation Army Shelter, Modesto, CA. Members prepare fresh food and serve it hot in over 20 locations in the Bay Area regularly.

    Ways to serve

    Food service

    Food servicePage

    Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity

    Food Service

    Since Aug 2007, every week 500+ sandwiches are distributed along with soup and fruit, in the tenderloin neighborhood of downtown, San Francisco, CA.

    Ways to serve

    Haiti Relief 2009

    Haiti Relief 2009Page

    Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity

    At Haiti

    Volunteers from the Bay Area working in the earthquake affected region of Haiti providing environmental and medical services. See also: Sathya Sai International Organization at Haiti

    Ways to serve

    Fiji Relief 2016

    Fiji Relief 2016Page

    Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity

    Sent to Fiji

    Volunteers from the Bay Area working in the earthquake affected region of Haiti providing environmental and medical services. Sathya Sai Center at Tri-Valley, CA, promptly acted and sent truckload of essential items including dry groceries, personal care items, school supplies, clothing, bed linen and towels See also: Sathya Sai International Organization at Fiji

    Service resources

    Guidelines

    GuidelinesPage

    • USA Sai center service guidelines

      View PDF

    Service resources

    Manual

    ManualPage

    SSE resources

    General Information, Guidelines

    General Information, GuidelinesPage
    Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) is the program focused on building character and inculcating the five human values in children aged 6 to 17 years. The program is based on Sai Baba’s teachings of the universality of the human values – Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love and Nonviolence – and the consequent unity behind all religions and mankind.

    SSE Learning

    There are four broad tracks of learning imparted in Sai Spiritual Education.

      National Culture & Spirituality Lessons to be learnt from our country of residence (USA) and of origin (any immigrant origin such as India, Carribbean etc.)
      Sai Culture & Spirituality Culture and traditions as followed by Sai Baba’s institutions and organization.
      Practical SpiritualityApplying Sai Baba’s message in a practical context in daily life.
      Value Based Spirituality Lessons learnt from teaching of the five human values, the unity of all religions, and the brotherhood of man.

    SSE Classes

    Each class can adopt multiple strategies to demonstrate the lesson to the children. Taking the students through the cycle of Awareness –> Inspiration –> Experience –> Sharing provides for all around spiritual development.

      Awareness Raise awareness about a topic or principle e.g., unity of faiths. This can be accomplished by providing basic information, examples, and descriptive presentations.
      InspirationUse Sai Baba’s personal example and that of other spiritual and social leaders, so the children may be inspired and motivated to try to do the same in their life as well.
      ExperientialActivity based session allowing the students to experience the message in addition to hearing about it.
      Sharing An important part of the cycle is to give time for students to share what they have experienced. After becoming aware, being inspired to try, and experiencing for themselves, the final step of sharing helps reinforce the message.

    SSE Groups

    • The typical structure or flow of the class is as follows:
      ▪ Three OMs ▪ Silent Sitting ▪ Universal Prayer(s) ▪ Review of previous class ▪ Lesson plan for the day ▪ Q&A /Life Application /Assignment
      ▪ Om & 3 shanthis

      Group 1 Objectives Ages 6 to 8
      You must examine every story or account that you place before the children from the point of view of individual faith and social harmony. Does this lead the child to a better, more harmonious and more God-oriented life? That is the question you should ask yourself. Sathya Sai Speaks 9:1, 4 Rajahmundry, January 3, 1974

      Develop faith in and a relationship with God.

      Encourage respect for parents, teachers, others, and the environment.

      Foster self-esteem and self-discipline.

      Nurture truthfulness.

      Promote ceiling on desires.

      Cultivate a spirit of loving service to self, family, school, and others.

      • Group 2 Objectives Ages 9 to 11
      Select stories that can be related in some way to the children’s background in life. Tell stories that will implant in the mind a genuine disgust for evil sights, evil entertainments, evil deeds and evil habits. Sathya Sai Speaks 7:69 Dharmakshetra, January 3, 1971

      Demonstrate increasing integration of objectives from Group I.

      Foster the understanding of Divinity in all.

      Develop the faculty of discrimination.

      Promote the practice of placing a Ceiling on Desires.

      Foster understanding of the Unity of Faiths.

      Encourage the practice of selfless service.

      Group 3 Objectives Ages 12 to 13

      Demonstrate increasing integration of objectives from Group II.

      Develop awareness for the Atmic reality.

      Strengthen moral living.

      Emphasize selfless service.

      Promote the practice of having a Ceiling on Desires.

      Foster a sense of one’s role in society.

      Facilitate learning to control negative emotions.

      Provide practice in applying Spiritual Principles to concerns and challenges faced in the wider community.

      Develop communication skills, in oral and written form, that reflect Spiritual Principles.

      Develop a spirit of mutual trust and love, especially with parents and peers.

      Group 4 Objectives Ages 15 to 17
      Students must mold themselves into images of their teachers. Teachers must live their message and students must imbibe it and become it. The Atma (Divine Self) is the truth of truths. When one achieves this awareness all knowledge is added unto a person. Sathya Sai Speaks 9: 36 Dharmakshetra, January 6, 1975

      Demonstrate increasing integration of objectives from Group III.

      Encourage self-motivation and regular routines in spiritual practice.

      Establish a sense of the interdependence of self and society; deepen an understanding of one’s role in and responsibility to society.

      Increase ability to make dharmic choices when facing moral dilemmas.

      Demonstrate human values by meeting life challenges with love, confidence, and understanding of others.

      Establish habits of non-waste of resources and continue all disciplines of the

      Ceiling on Desires program, including developing keen awareness of the effects one’s choices of media, companions, and activities.

      Deepening the practice of controlling negative emotions.

      Foster excellence in all endeavors without straying into egoistic competition.

      Apply all aspects of the curriculum, and develop awareness of self as exemplar, through leadership roles.

      Provide increasing emphasis on selfless, loving service through participating in local and regional service projects and activities. In addition, initiating service projects with age-group peers.

      SSE Guidelines
      Download GuidlinesView

    Sai Centers in Region 7

    SSE resources

    Group Activities

    Group ActivitiesPage

    “Education must instill the fundamental human values; it must broaden the vision to include the entire world and all mankind. When earning money is held as the goal, the system fosters falsehood and injustice; it restricts the vision to family and community, and brings in its train, anxiety, sorrow and hatred. Education must equip man to live happily, without making others unhappy, to evaluate things, pleasure and possessions correctly and without prejudice, and to fix one's attention ever on the highest and the most precious achievement of all, the Atmic victory. The spiritual stream must flow in the heart as the source and spring of all endeavour.”

    (Divine Discourse, 5 February 1981, Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 15, Ch. 1)

    Sample Activities

    Crowns We Wear - Groups 2,3,4 Values - Empathy, Sensitivity

    Everyone sits in a circle. Each one has a paper crown on the head with directions for others to follow. No one is allowed to see their own crown. The crown directions could be like:

    ALWAYS LISTEN TO ME

    SAY YES TO EVERYTHING I SAY

    SAY NO TO ALL MY SUGGESTIONS

    DON’T LOOK AT ME

    JUST KEEP SMILING AT ME WHEN I SPEAK

    ASK ME TO BE QUIET WHEN I SPEAK

    Give the group a simple topic to discuss and ask the children to follow the crowned directions whilst interacting with the one who is speaking at that moment.

    YOU CAN GIVE TOPICS LIKE: (topic will depend on the Bal Vikas age group)

    Is it always good to tell the absolute truth?

    Who are the ones that need help?

    What is a good character?

    How do we see God in everything?

    Let the group discuss till it becomes obvious that they are following the crowned directions on every speaker’s head. Let it last for may be for 8 to 10 minutes depending on the class size.

    Analysis:

    1. Ask each one to guess what they think is written on their crown. Once everyone has had a turn let them remove their crowns and read them.

    2. Question how each one felt about others reacting to them when they were talking.

    3. Bring out the concepts of Respect, listening kindly and attentively, being non-judgmental.

    4. Talk to the children how each of us is God. Should we then feel anger, hatred, and inferior to others, superior to others, disrespectful or ridicule others? Will God do all that? If we are God we need to act like God!! Follow Baba’s footsteps in life. Be like the rose which speaks silently in the language of fragrance.

    Effective Communication - Groups 1,2,3,4 Values - Communication, See God In Others

    Game:

    Divide the children in two groups. Make the groups sit in straight lines facing each other. Draw a medium sized circle between the two groups. You will be placing a small piece of paper in this circle only when the game begins.

    Eg.

    Group XX Group AA

    XX AA

    XX AA

    XX O AA

    XX AA

    XX AA

    Steps to play:

    • Ask each team to choose 2 players.

    • All other players have to be perfectly quiet during the game and watch carefully.

    • Each team will blindfold one chosen player and the other becomes his partner and guide.

    • The guide cannot touch the blindfolded person, but has to give only verbal directions to guide him towards the center and pick up the paper from the circle.

    • Make the blindfolded player stand far away from the circle you’ve drawn.

    • Place a folded paper with a value or a value quote written on it, in the circle. (egs. Be Good, See Good, Do Good that is the way to God or the ABC of life is Always Be Careful)

    • Each guide from the 2 teams will walk next to their blindfolded team mate and verbally direct him to the value paper in the circle. They can give directions like, “turn slight to the left, bend towards the right, and stretch your left hand forward, touch the floor, and so on…” to lead them to the value.

    • You have to tell the teams that the one who picks up the value from the circle first will win. Let the winners read the value to the rest of the class.

    • The teacher makes no comments about the players’ behavior during the game, unless you observe the guide frustrating the blindfolded player. Request the other children to remain silent.

    Play the game till all the children get a turn to be either the blindfolded player or the guide.

    Analysis:

    Ask everyone questions.

    1. You can ask the blindfolded persons how they felt about their guide. (some will tell you that they felt the guide getting angry and frustrated and made them feel anxious… ) You will analyze it further and lead them to the value of patience and tolerance with further questioning.

    2. Ask the guides how they felt whilst giving directions and what did they do when the blindfolded person did not follow them correctly.

    3. Observe if the children who played guides, put more emphasis on being first and winning the game or being caring and careful with the blindfolded person even when it cost them the game. Ask specific questions on the behavior you observe.

    4. Question to make the children aware that even in stressful situations like competition, which was introduced in this game, PATIENCE IS ALWAYS REWARDED. Hurry is Time Wasted as as Swami says, “Time waste is life waste.”

    5. Question and bring out the value of LISTENING PATIENTLY WHEN SOMEONE IS TALKING TO YOU.(THE BLINDFOLDED PERSON HAS TO LISTEN TO ONLY THE GUIDE AND NOT THE OTHERS OR FOLLOW WHAT THE OTHERS THINK IS RIGHT)

    6. Finally, ask who the blindfolded person in life is and who is the guide?

    Extract this answer from the children- We are the blindfolded and anyone who leads us to God is our Guide. God Himself is our guide and He comes in the form of parents, family, teachers, friends and sometimes even strangers to show us the way to goodness and Godliness.

    Aim For Values - Groups 1,2 Values - Good, Bad

    Game:

    Make nine pins from cardboard and write (love, hate, sharing, caring, meanness, jealousy) or draw and illustrate good or bad habits on them for younger children (E.g.: spitting on roads or littering, cleaning litter, helping, hitting)

    Each child gets a turn to hit the 9 pins arranged in a particular bowling order with a soft ball. They have to aim for values.

    If they hit a value pin, they can continue to play till they hit a bad habit. If they do not get a value pin then they forgo their turn till the next round.

    After each child has had a turn, you can begin the second round. Play a few rounds as the children will have fun.

    Now reverse instructions.

    Ask the children to hit the bad habits and try to make them fall. If they hit good habits and make them topple then they are out of the game.

    ANALYSIS:

    1. Why did they think of a particular behavior was a value and aim for it?

    2. Why did they think a particular behavior as bad?

    BRING OUT THE SIGNIFICANCE:

    1. In the first part of the game: This world is full of good and bad things. Aim only for good. If you aim for bad you lose a vital part of your character.

    2. In the reversed version: Identify what is bad in the world and in ourselves and get rid of it.

    Run For Values - Groups 1,2 Values - Good, Bad

    Game:

    Divide the class in pairs. One child from every pair will form the inner circle. The others form the outer circle.

    Inner circle children will sit and outer circle children will stand behind their partner, ready to run around the sitting inner circle.

    Teacher has to random keep circulating slips of paper to the inner circle children. Each paper will have either a good habit or bad behavior on it.

    When the teacher claps hands or plays any musical instrument, the outer circle children have to run around the sitting circle.

    When the clapping or music stops they have to run and stand behind their partner.

    Partner will open a slip of paper and read it. If it is good then the child gets to run again; if it is a bad habit, the child sits facing the inner circle partner. Let them play for some time and then switch circles. Those who were running now sit and the sitting circle children get to run. Their partners remain the same.

    Analysis:

    1. Why do you think some of you got to run again? (discuss good behavior is rewarding)

    2. Why do you think some of these behaviors are bad? What do they do to self and others? (Ask one question at a time and keep building questions based on children’s’ responses)

    Magical Chant - Groups 1,2 Values - Namasmarana

    Game:

    It is similar to a tag game. All the children can run. Two from the class are selected; one to tag others called “BAD DEEDS” and the other to free the ones tagged called “GOOD DEEDS.” Bad Deeds will hold a small black flag and Good Deeds will hold a golden flag.

    Everyone runs and Bad Deed tries to tag them. When he tags a child then that child has to stop running and stand still. The good deeds child has to rescue the tagged child by touching him and saying Sai Ram. The other child replies Sai Ram and is free to run again. If he forgets to reply Sai Ram, he cannot run till he remembers to do so.

    Children can take turns to run and to be “good deeds” and “bad deeds”.

    Analysis:

    1. Why were those touched by Bad Deeds unable to move?

    2. How did Good Deeds help them move?

    Bring Out:

    The power of namasmaranam in all our daily life.

    PUT-APART-I - Groups 1,2,3,4 Values - Namasmarana

    Game:

    Give an age appropriate topic to each child and let them speak on it for 2 minutes. The RULE is they cannot use the pronoun, “I”. If they do they have to stop and sit down. The other children who are listening have to be alert to point out if the pronoun “I” is used.

    Topic egs: (Try to think of topics where there will be self-involvement and doing something to help others. That is where our egos ride high!)

    · Once you saw an old, wrinkled lady crying on the road as she couldn’t cross it…..

    · You saw a baby bird falling from its nest….

    · A homeless man asks you for food and help…..

    · Your friend has failing grades in math and asks for your help…..

    Analysis:

    1. Why did we try not to use the pronoun “I”?

    2. What is this “I”?

    3. What happens to us when we use too much of “I” in our lives?

    (Bring out the role of ego and self-involvement in our actions and thoughts and even social behavior. Talk about doing good even when there is no one to notice and acknowledge it. Explain finally why Swami says, “Put Apart The I” for Puttaparthi)

    Alien Communication - Groups 2,3,4 Values - Empathy, Sensitivity

    Game:

    Select some children to act as aliens. They are now on Planet Earth and they need some essentials but do not know the language.

    Give each of the aliens a paper with one picture like car, sandwich, mosquito repellent, house, pizza…. drawn on it.

    Each alien has to act out the word depicted on his paper during his turn and the others have to guess what he wants in only 3 guesses.

    Since aliens do not know our language, other children (humans)are given a bunch of random pictures with the actual ones mixed in them. They can choose the answer from these and show the selected picture to the alien for each guess.

    If the humans guess the word correctly, the alien joins the Earth group, but if the word cannot be guessed the alien sits far away from the Earth group.

    After each alien gets a turn to act, the teacher analyses the game.

    Analysis:

    The teacher has to observe everyone’s behavior during the game, so that you can question the children about why they reacted to the situation as they did.

    1. Ask the aliens whose problem was solved about how they felt (you can ask them if the others made him feel comfortable whilst communicating)

    2. Ask the aliens whose problems remained unsolved, about their feelings towards humans and self.

    3. Question the humans about their feelings when the alien was trying to communicate to them. How did they feel when they got the right answer and also when they got a wrong one?

    (Bring out the values of responsibility towards others who are in need, helping, patience in understanding and communication, especially with those who don’t speak the same language as ours. This is very prominently seen in USA as there are people from different nations speaking different languages, or in India where each state has its own language, so relate them to real life situations.)

    Cross The River Of Life - Groups 1,2 Values - Unity of thought word and deed

    Game: Draw a line dividing the room into two. One side of the line is the river and the other side is the land. One person becomes the coast guard and stands near the line in the river. All the kids, except the coast guard, will start by being in the river of life and have a paper pinned or stuck on them with either values or bad action written on it. (egs. Loves others, talks softly, helpful, peaceful, mean, tells lies, hurtful, beats animals, jealous, angry). The game begins with the kids asking the guard’s permission to cross the river to reach land. The guard has to say, “Not unless you have something good on you.” All the values will cross the river and reach the other side of the line which is land. The others have to try to cross the river and if the guard catches them they are out of the game. If any child with bad behavior written on the paper manages to cross the river and reach land, then all the good value kids on land will try to catch him and send him back to the river. Let the children play and enjoy for a while. Then the teacher analyzes: (Ask children subtle probing questions that will lead to these answers, instead of the teacher directly telling without children’s participation) 1. One side of the river is the world. Our life is entwined with our desires, emotions, feelings, thoughts, habits, attitude towards self and others. It has the good mixed with the bad. 2. The other side we cross to is towards God, which is the Goal of our Life and human birth. 3. The coast guard is our conscience, which allows good to enter and take us closer to God. It tries to catch and put away the bad to save us from doing wrong in life. But sometimes our conscience is not very vigilant. How do we keep it vigilant? Talk about contemplation on God and following Swami as role model. 4. Why did the good send away the bad? Talk about Swami emphasizing the significance of always being in good company. ABC of life is always be careful, says Swami. Talk how….. by keeping a unity between our thoughts, words and deeds. Questions you may ask: 1. What are the two sides of this river? Why does one side have good and bad and the other only good? 2. Who is the coast guard? 3. Why do you think the guard did not succeed in stopping all the bad from crossing? 4. Why did the good chase away the bad who somehow managed to cross the river and reach land? 5. How do we make this coast guard more alert?

    Respect for The Environment

    Parents are requested to read along with their children the attached Discourse of Swami. In this Discourse, Swami empasizes the need to show Respect to The Environment. The Discourse is from the Book, “Summer Showers in Brindavan 2000”, Discourse # 2 delivered on 15th May 2000. You can download the Discourse here: View PDF

    Building a Story - "Can a Turtle Fly?"

    Spiritual Principle

    With unity and love you can achieve the impossible.

    Value & Sub-Values

    The main value is Love and sub-values are unity, persistence, listening, following, etc.

    Directions to the teacher

    In this activity, the teacher gives only the first part of the story. The students work in groups without any supervision from the teacher and develop the remaining part of the story. The students can develop the story the way they want but there should be a moral in their part. At the end they get to present their story through skit, dance, song or storytelling. After all the kids have presented, the teacher gives the second part of the original story.

    Part I - Story Briefing

    Once there lived a turtle who badly wanted to fly. He goes and asks his close friends whether they can help him fly. The friends make fun of the turtle and ask him to try something else. The turtle does not give up. He asks yet another set of friends. They also tell the same thing. Finally the turtle meets two birds who agree to help the turtle fly.

    Part II - Group Activity

    Students work in groups for 15-20 minutes. Then they get to present their stories through song, dance and skit etc. At the end they give a moral from their part of the story.

    Part III - Deriving the Principles

    The birds agree to help the turtle fly. The birds instruct the turtle 1) to get a stick, 2) hold it with his mouth, and 3) not to open his mouth at any cost. The birds hold the ends of the stick with turtle holding the stick with his mouth in the middle. The birds take off and so does the turtle. But within a minute or two, the turtle falls plop on the ground. The birds take off. The turtle luckily falls in a pond and is saved. As the turtle is laying in the pond sad, another friend turtle approaches him find out what had happened. The turtle says "We started flying but soon other birds start to notice us. I opened my mouth to answer and I fell"

    Moral of the original story

    Persistence is good but you must also listen to others.

    SSE resources

    SSE Plays/Scripts

    SSE Plays/ScriptsPage

    ““Parents also should encourage their children to pursue education in the right spirit. They should not desire so much that their children secure high ranks. It is not greatness that matters but goodness. They should wish that their children should earn a good name rather than achieve purely academic excellence.”

    Sample Plays/Scripts

    Judging Others
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    2015 Birthday Skit - Raleigh, NC
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    Avatar Declaration Day
    Open embedded contentView
    Gauranga - Chinna Katha

    Open embedded content

    Download Script

    SSE resources

    Attributes of an SSE Teacher

    Attributes of an SSE TeacherPage

    • This presentation prepared by a Sai sister from Australia captures beautifully some of the qualities required for an SSE teacher.

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