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Title of Presentati

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Light Meditation

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Powerpoint Presentation Content

Light Meditation Review of last study-circle What is the sub-value being discussed now? Why is it important to learn this sub-value? Discussion Questions: How do we learn and

practice this sub-value in our own lives?Techniques, Sai Challenges, Extreme Sai Challenges

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Review of Previous Session’s Presentation

• This slide should contain 4 or 5 thought provoking questions/discussion points from the previous study circle

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What is the sub-value? We cannot act on something without understanding what it is, and we will not be motivated to act properly and consistently unless we know why.  These two form the foundation for practicing the sub-values.  And it is the practice of the sub-value that Swami wants us to do. 

 To help define what the sub-value is, take it apart and

perhaps define the parts - for example: Selfless Service - what is service, what makes it selfless, what does it

mean to act in a way that is selfless “Hands that Serve are holier than Lips that Pray” says our

beloved Swami. Ceiling on Desires - what are desires, what do they do to us, what

does it mean to put a ceiling on them, does it mean to become desireless or does it mean to limit the scope or the hold that they have on us, what are the consequences of not imposing a ceiling.

If possible, try to include 2 to 3 slides on “what” content.

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Why should we learn about this sub-value? Swami explains very complex spiritual matters to us in

simple yet profound ways. The “why” slides should focus on quotes, discourse material as well as any other pertinent information shared by Swami Himself. The main objective of this section is to understand why we should learn and practice this sub-value.

For example – relating to Unity of Thought, Word and Deed Swami states: “All the Chaos in the world is due to the fact that people lead double lives. There should be unity in thought, word and deed. True spirituality consists in promoting human unity through harmonious living and sharing the joy with one and all.”

If possible, try to include 2 to 3 slides on “why” content.

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Discussion Questions

• This slide should contain 5 to 8 questions regarding the sub-value material covered this far to encourage positive sharing amongst the group.

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TechniquesA technique is a way of learning and practicing anything that we may wish to improve upon. As YA’s, we may wish to use techniques shared in this section to help us practice “sub-values” in our daily lives.

 When we are trying to come up with techniques we should look for

the following things: 1 - The technique needs to be an activity that helps us practice the

sub-value in a positive way. 2 - The activity needs to be clearly linked to the sub-value. 3 - Try to use techniques that Swami has given as much as

possible. 

For example: Sub value- Anger ManagementTechniques 1- If we get angry, pause and remember that we are not animals, but in fact are human. Anger is a quality of animals , not humans.

2 - Drink a glass of cold water or remove ourselves from the situation.

If possible, thy to include 5 to 8 techniques.

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Sai Challenges + Extreme Sai ChallengesBy this point, participants of the study circle would have had a very good understanding of what the topic is about, why we need to focus on the topic, what Swami says about the topic, and the group would have had a discussion as well. The techniques would be very helpful for the ready YAs to practice the sub-value in specific situations.  The purpose of the Sai challenge is two fold, the first is to help the YAs start practicing the sub-value, and the second aspect is to inspire the YAs continue to practice the sub-value.   The goal of the Extreme Sai challenge is to encourage the YAs to pick up a regular challenge and expand it into a “stretch goal” which requires more dedication, focus and commitment. It can also inspire the YAs to practice strict discipline as well as enter deep contemplation about the topic of discussion.

Continued on next slide….

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Sai Challenges + Extreme Sai Challenges (cont.) To help YAs with picking up the sub-values and practicing them, the Sai

Challenges and Extreme Sai Challenges need to have the following characteristics:

  1. Challenge should be easy enough to be exciting for the YAs to practice 2. As far as possible, narrate the challenge in a positive light/spin 3. Should help the YAs focus on the sub-value and get/feel closer to Swami 4. Should flow well with the rest of the study circle 5. Should be varied enough to help cater to the wide audience in YAs. Would help YAs

choose the one that is appropriate for them. The challenges could be varied in their nature, concept & way of practice at a minimum.

6. Although the challenge(s) should be simple, it should still be "challenging" enough so that there is a clear progression in the spiritual journey if a YA practices it (them).

7. For Extreme Sai challenges, the challenge could be significantly more challenging than regular ones.

8. Some of the Extreme Sai challenges could match the regular ones in nature with a more strict discipline or practice involved.

9. The focus of all the challenges should be primarily on the topic of discussion although it may encompass more sub-values in general

10. Challenges need to be fairly specific to invoke interest in the participant.

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Please add one of Swami’s quote about this sub-value or value here.

JAI SAI RAM