June 2013 Edition

Quote

The Vedas declare, Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman) and Tat Thwam Asi (That Thou Art). Even these two Vedic

declarations state two things: I and Brahman, That and Thou. True wisdom lies in seeing oneness. Advaita darshanam

jnanam (experience of non-dualism is true wisdom). It is a sign of ignorance to see duality ignoring the underlying unity.

Duality is not the truth. In this manner, Buddha enquired deeply and ultimately got the experience of I am I. That is true realisation. You may do penance for many years, you may do meditation and perform many yogic practices. But all these

spiritual practices give only temporary satisfaction, not everlasting bliss. Some people talk about meditation. Even Buddha

advocated the practice of meditation. What is that you have to meditate upon? What is meant by meditation? Does it mean

concentrating upon a particular object? No, no. That is not meditation at all. To contemplate upon the principle of I am I is true meditation. No other sadhana (spiritual practice) can match this.

~ Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Events

National Pilgrimage 2013

UK National Sai Retreat 2013

Rudra Ekaadhashini Homam 2013

Sai Smaran Bhajans

News

Gratitude paid by Indian Government ...

Articles

Dr T Ravi Kumar - The Lords Divine Touch: My Experiences in UK and Europe

Education Wing - SSE Poems

Education Wing - The Age Link Party

Region 1 - Buddhism at Brixton Sai Centre

Region 1 - Dr. T. Ravikumars Talk at Merton Sai Centre

Region 1 - Easwaramma Day Celebration

Region 1 - Easwaramma Day Celebrations at Merton Sai Centre

Region 1 - Events at Tooting Sai Centre

Region 1 - May Ladies Day at Brixton Centre

Region 1 - Sathya Sai Aradhana Day

Region 1 - Young Adult Programme (YAP): Youth in Service

Region 2 - Age Link Party

Region 3 - A View of Swamis Omnipresence

Region 3 - Ilford Sai Centre Celebrates Buddha Purnima

Region 4 - Easwaramma Day 2013

Region 4 - Satcharitra Reading Gujarati

Region 5 - Buddha Poornima Celebrations and Orientation Day at Warrington

Region 5 - Narayana Seva at Bradford

Region 5 - Sri Sathya Sai Group in Liverpool

Sai Smaran Bhajans

Sathya Sai Leadership Training Programme Graduation and Alumni Ceremony

Sri Rudram

Trust Matters

Editorial

Dear Love and Light Readers

Jai Sai Ram

The month of June has the longest day light hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

We are reminded of the month of May when we celebrated Easwaramma day throughout the

country which brought devotees together in reverence to remember the blessed mother

Easwaramma. We were blessed to have the company of Dr T Ravi Kumar (Associate

Professor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and Warden, Brindavan, Whitefield) at

the National event who inspired everyone with his experiences with our Lord. SSE children

from all parts of UK also participated in the programme who felt a sense of oneness and were

inspired to look forward to the next.

We also had the 4th National Sai Smaran Bhajans and the 2nd Pilgrimage meeting on the

18th May, where bhajan singers from around the country participated which brought joy to

everyone. We were fortunate on that day to hear brother Nimish Pandya, Vice-President of

Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, India who spoke on Sai Mission and our duties in the

Organisation.

The month also witnessed celebrations of Buddha Purnima, commemorating the birth of

Gautama Buddha. Several Centres around the UK celebrated this event.

Embodiments of Love:

We are celebrating today Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. What does Purnima (full

Moon) signify? It signifies fullness. When the mind is filled with love, it achieves fullness. As

long as the mind is filled with the darkness of evil thoughts, there is no meaning in

celebrating Buddha Purnima. Get rid of this darkness. Without the light of love in the heart,

what use is there in having illuminations outside? Light the lamp of divinity in your minds.

Banish hatred and envy from your hearts. Sanathana Sarathi-May 2013(page 21)

We have the final Sadhana Meeting in preparation of our National Pilgrimage to Prasanthi

Nilayam Sai Anandam - in Harmony with Sai (28July 03 August) on 29th June 2013.

Finally, do not forget to register for the National Spiritual Retreat planned for Friday 30th

August to Sunday 1st September 2013 in Llandudno, the beautiful Welsh coastal town which

will provide a perfect setting for an uplifting and elevating experience. By the Grace of

Bhagawan, we are most fortunate to have Sri R J Rathnakar as our chief guest. Apart from

being blessed in the family of Bhagawan as His nephew, Sri Rathnakar was an alumnus of

the SSSIHL and is currently an important member of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust,

Prasanthi Nilayam.

Jai Sai Ram

Yoges Yogendran

Chair, Region 1

Gratitude paid by Indian Government ...

National News

The Government of India is expressing gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for His

magnanimous humanitarian service projects and for inspiring millions to lead a life based on

five human values. As a token of love the government of India is releasing a commemorative

postage stamp in honour of our Lord on His birthday this year.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Om Sri Sai Ram.

Hope you are doing well by Swami's Grace. Swamis glory is unfathomable and His leelas (divine sport) are infinite. I am happy to note that the Government of India is expressing

gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for His magnanimous humanitarian service

projects and for inspiring millions to lead a life based on five human values. As a token of

love the government of India is releasing a commemorative postage stamp in honour of our

Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on His birthday this year.

As devotees we feel happy when His glory is sung or acknowledged. I request you to share

this news with the Sathya Sai centers and devotees. May His glory be sung in all languages in

all the worlds. May He shower His grace on all of us so that we realize the true nature of SAI

BABA by Seeing Always Inside that leads to Being, Awareness, Bliss Atma (Sat Chit

Ananda).

Jai Sai Ram.

With lovng regards

Dr Narendranath Reddy

Chairman, Prasanthi Council.

Dr T Ravi Kumar - The Lords Divine Touch: My Experiences in UK and Europe

Dr T Ravi Kumar, Associate Professor and Warden,

Brindavan Campus, SSSIHL India

Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters!

In the months of April and May 2013, I had the immeasurable good fortune of visiting Sai

centres and giving talks, on my experiences with Bhagavan, at various locations in the United

Kingdom and in Switzerland. It was a delightful and richly rewarding experience for me. As

Prof Kasturi, in one of his poems, would say What do they know of Puttaparthi, who only Puttaparthi know! Travelling through the various centres I was amazed at the varied and numerous hearts our Lord has touched. Even though He had not visited these regions,

physically, the tremendous impact, His Presence on planet Earth, and on the lives of so many

human beings of varied tastes and temperaments, preferences and professions is mind

boggling. Wherever I had the previlege of visiting and speaking, I noticed the immense love

devotees of Swami have for Him. It was so evident in the tears that glistened in their eyes as

they heard the stories( Leelas) of the Lord. The feebleness of the narration of the speaker and

the limitation of the lexicon of the English language did nothing to diminish their eagerness

for hearing more and more !

The Universality of the Message of the Avathar and its relevance in all climes and countries

was very evident. I noticed that devotees in all parts of England and the wherever I went in

Europe, sincerely sought to put into practise the message of Sai; that they would change their

life styles and patterns of thinking to live the Sai way of life, was both a humbling and

uplifting experience.

It was also particularly fulfilling for me to see the students many of whom I had taught occupy pivotal positions of responsibility in the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation and carry out

their duties with humility, sincerity and deep devotion. I was also able to witness first hand

the tremendous Love the devotees have for the alumni and the support they extend to them in

the discharge of their duties.

Striking a personal note, I must express my gratitude to the innumerable devotees [ and

ofcourse my very Dear Students!] who drenched me in the deluge of Sai love. I was

welcomed with great affection and respect into the homes of devotees I had never met before

like a family member - ofcourse I was one! This brought to my memory, the immortal lines

of the famous Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore:

Thou hast given me seats in homes not my own. Thou has brought the distance near and

made a brother of a stranger.

Having had the great good fortune of being contemporaries of the Sai Avathar, let us nurture

the flame that He has lit in our hearts till it becomes a conflagration reducing to ashes the

materialism so apparent in this age. We, Humans as a race, have predominantly forgotten that

the primary purpose of our existence is seeking the Divine within and in the world around.

The practise of the Sai message is the only panacea for all the ills that plague our societies

and communities. May the tribe of those practise the Universal message of Love and

tolerance increase . Let us, as children of Mother Sai, lead the world, to the pellucid waters of

peace.

Let us live our lives for His pleasure!

With Loving Pranams at The Lotus Feet.

T.Ravikumar, Brindavan

Education Wing - SSE Poems

Education Wing - The Age Link Party

SSE Focus

At Pinner Sai Centre, the Education Wings focus was going to be around the importance of SELFLESS SERVICE and with the help from the Service wing, Education Wing planned to deliver a fun and exciting Tea Party for our Very Important Guests from the Age-Link and

PSC Elderly community. The planning started many weeks back in getting the Theme, Food

and Entertainment just the way Swami would have liked for his special guest. We wanted the

elderly guest to share their love and experience with us of all different age group.

On Sunday the 12th of May, there was an age link party to call all the elderly people because

they are so often lonely. Pinner Sai Centre thought about how lonely these people are and

invited them to a party! And what a party it was!! You can probably imagine the faces on the

elderly people.

The Entertainment

The first entertainment was some live music from the SSE children, who played flute and

keyboard as well as singing two songs from the olden days. This was followed by the Birdie

song, sung and performed by very

young children aged about four or five.

The next song was disco divane; we

did this twice because the elderly guest

wanted to join in with the moves. Our

guest continued to have fun as they

also joined in the moves in the next

song and dance called Gangnam style with almost everybody on the stage! When the children came off the

stage they looked exhausted and very

hungry.

The Bingo

The next entertainment was bingo.

Each player had one sheet with six

boxes on it and in the first round the

players had to get a line. In the second

round players had to get a full house!

Daphne won the full house round. Im sure she was delighted to have won.

The Gifts

At the very end, all the children gave

gifts to all of our special guest. No

matter how little or big, the presents

were loved by the elderly people who

appreciated our hard work! Children

gave them soap, hand cream, hangers, note pads and so many more things, but whatever we

gave them, they loved the party the most! People of all ages should have parties, but

sometimes we forget the elderly and think about ourselves. Everyone put a lot of hard work

in to make this celebration a success.

Love Nishika (Pinner Sai Centre) Aged 9

Sai Smaran Bhajans

On Saturday 18th May, the National Sai Smaran Bhajans took place Oxhey Wood Primary

School, South Oxhey, near Watford.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Kiran Patel, the UK National

Chairperson, opening prayers and a musical offering (consisting of flute and mridangam).

This was followed by bhajans which were beautifully rendered with accompaniment by a

range of musical instruments from the table and harmonium to the flute.

Sai Anandam Pilgrimage Meeting

While the bhajans continued, the afternoon saw the 2nd meeting of the UK National

Pilgrimage taking place in the gymnasium. The meeting began with 3 Aums, followed by an

introduction from the National Spiritual Coordinator, Dr. Veeru Mudigonda.

The year 2013 has been designated by the UK Organisation as the Year of Harmony and the pilgrimage has, as part of the theme, been named Sai Anandam (In Harmony with Sai). The

pilgrimage will take place from 28th July to 3rd August.

Dr. Veeru recalled how in January 2011, Swami had said 5 key things:

1. Be happy

5. Be happy

In between,

2. Remember Me

3. Love God

4. Be Good

Besides being an external pilgrimage from the UK to Prasanthi Nilayam, the aim is also to be

in harmony with the Sai within us.

The Sadhana (Spiritual Practise) Plan for the pilgrimage consists of four key aspects:

1. Learning of prayers including the 108 Names of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

2. Likitha Japam (Writing of the Name) for 10 15 minutes each day 3. Reading of 3 Vahinis (summaries will be made available)

4. Practise Ceiling on Desires and utilise the savings for a service programme.

There followed talks by guest speakers under the title of Dhyana Vahini, covering the

importance and significance of meditation.

The first speaker was Mrs. Kamala Pandya, who conducts SSE training in India. Mrs. Pandya

began by referring to meditation as opening the doors of the heart and mentioned that we have to be careful of the monkey mind.

Various techniques for helping to control the mind were given such as:

1. Likitha Japam

2. Watching the flow of breath very slowly and rhythmically

Reference was made to a quotation by Swami:

Bend the body, mend the senses, end the mind that is the way to God

1. Bend the body means be humble do not underestimate anyone, do seva (selfless service) and start this at home.

2. Mend the senses refers to undertaking practises such as Ceiling on Desires and reading to have some control.

3. How we react to something is important taking approval of the heart links to 3HV.

Mrs. Pandya also spoke about concentration, contemplation and meditation and mentioned

that mind is like a radio receiver be silent and sit quietly for 2 minutes.

When something is offered to Bhagawan it becomes meditation.

To end with, Mrs. Pandya spoke about colour therapy and led the group through a Jyoti

meditation session.

Thereafter, Mr. Nimish Pandya (Vice-President of All India Sathya Sai Service Organisation)

addressed the group. Some of the key points were as follows:

1. Going to Prasanthi Nilayam is not a matter of choice, but by His (Swamis) grace. 2. The 9 point code of conduct is sacrosanct when embarking on sadhana to go to the

Lords feet. 3. When chanting the 108 names of Bhagawan, we should aspire to become the names

i.e. have the attributes.

4. Keep unity of Thought, Word and Deed Swami doesnt say Truth, what he says becomes Truth and He keeps His word.

5. The joy within must be expressed people should be happy in the Sai Organisation. 6. Be present, be happy, and forget the past and the future. 7. There may be many functions, but we should move onto the next without dwelling on

the previous one.

8. Listen to the Masters voice within that is the whole purpose of the 9 Point Code of Conduct and Sadhana.

Mr. Pandya wished the group success on the pilgrimage.

Ending remarks were given by Dr. Kiran Patel who mentioned that we have been fortunate to

be contemporaries of Bhagawan, while others in the future will read about Him.

Address to Congregation by Mr. Nimish Pandya

Meanwhile, the bhajans continued in the main hall, and at 4pm, Mr. Pandya gave a talk to the

whole gathering, which began with a video of Rameshbhai Oza, a spiritual leader from India,

explaining the respect Rameshbhai has for Baba.

Mr. Pandya said that this is an important phase in the Sai Organisation and that the UK has

its part to play and went on to recount how on the Mahasamadhi day in 2012, the various leaders in the All India Sai Organisation resolved to follow the message of Bhagawan in

action and held a 2 day Sadhana camp.

Some of the key points covered in the talk to the pilgrimage were again covered such as to

imbibe the qualities in the 108 names, and to be happy. Other key points were as follows:

1. One of the hallmarks of devotees in the Organisation is unconditional love. 2. There have been comments that it is harder to render service in the UK compared to

somewhere like India the response was that it doesnt mean that you have to leave home. The relationship with ones Mother and Father is the biggest seva.

3. 2015 will mark the Golden Jubilee of the Sai Organisation, the theme of which will be Transforming Self for Transforming Lives Swami had given the instructions Sri Indulal Shah to start small and grow.

4. Keep Swamis presence with you as you perform actions and ask two questions: 1. Would Swami like this?

2. How would Swami do this? 5. Make the Organisation a happy place smile! 6. Swami was never unhappy. 7. There is joy and peace that we can share with everyone. Spread happiness and the

fragrance of love in the world.

8. The mission is more important than the Master. 9. It is important for each one of us to have a persona that is Divine. When people see

us, they will see love.

10. Bhagawan started 2 hospitals millions of devotees have been rendered medical service at grassroots level.

11. We must learn to forget the harm done to us and the good we have done to others.

Mr. Pandya also shared an anecdote about Swamis visit to Mumbai in 2009. As a result of a packed schedule with several late nights, on His return to Prasanthi Nilayam, Swami had

commented that it was a tight schedule several times, but on hearing that the devotees were

happy, He too was happy!

Prior to ending his talk Mr. Pandya led the congregation with a bhajan Neno ke premadhar, vachano ke premadhar.

Mr. Pandya said that the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation is the only organisation that encourages

others to undertake self-effacing service, and recounted a personal experience with Swami

from which the key learning was that the sense of doer ship is a hindrance between a person

and God.

At the end of the talk, Mrs. Vidyulata Narayana, National SSE Coordinator, gave thanks and

reflected how the key aspects of the talk apply to every moment of our lives. Dr. Kiran Patel

also gave thanks to the guest speaker and there was a vote of thanks by Mrs. Gayatri Bikoo,

the National Secretary.

Thereafter the programme ended with 2 bhajans and the offering of Aarthi to Bhagawan.

Mahaprasad was served in the canteen.

The next Sai Smaran Bhajans will take place on 21st September at Sandbach, Cheshire, in

Region 5.

Jai Sai Ram

Sathya Sai Leadership Training Programme Graduation and Alumni Ceremony

On the 25th May 2013 the Sathya Sai Leadership Training Programme held its graduation

ceremony, entitled The Light of Leadership and saw 15 cohorts from this years programme successfully graduate and go on to join 72 other fortunate graduates of SSLTP.15 individuals

hand-picked by Bhagawan to partake in this sacred journey of self realisation, self audit and

self confidence, over the course of 14 months. A journey which draws inspiration from the

eternal teachings of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba with emphasis placed upon His

Mahavakya (Great Utterance) on leadership:

To Be : To Do : To See : To Tell

The graduation ceremony was held at the Chambers Lounge, Harrow Civic Centre. The night

also welcomed previous graduates of SSLTP (SSLTP Alumni), members of the UK Central

Council including National Chair, Dr Kiran Patel, National Service Coordinator, Mukund

Patel and National Youth Coordinator, Shyam Jamnadas as well as 2 keynote speakers.

The programme commenced with our keynote speakers; Chief Constable of Hampshire

Constabulary Mr. Andy Marsh, Dr. Richard Giordana and Dr. Kiran Patel, our National

Chair, lighting the leadership candles to signify the success of the programme to date, those

graduating and to the leaders of tomorrow; truly setting the scene to what can be described as

a magical evening.

This was followed by a procession by the cohorts, led by SSLTP Coordinator, Deviesh

Tankaria, into the main hall to the sounds of vedic chanting. Prashanti Nilayam was indeed in

Harrow! This was followed a short video on success of the programme over the past 15

years.

The first speaker for the evening was our National Chair, Dr. Kiran Patel. Kiran Uncle

formally opened the evenings programme with his welcome note, highlighting the importance of leadership in our organisation and the benefit of this unique programme which

has been successfully running for over 15 years. He congratulated all the candidates on their

sterling achievements and talked about how we should make a difference and undertake in

national building projects. Kiran uncle ended his talk by talking about the leaders of all

leaders, our dearest Swami, and how Swami is a good leader who leads by example

providing selfless service and setting up numerous humanitarian projects worldwide. A lot

can be learnt from His life and we should strive to live by His teachings.

Next we had our first key note speaker for the evening, Chief Constable for the Hampshire

Constabulary, Mr. Andy Marsh. Mr. Marsh talked about the importance of leadership in

todays society and related his personal experience as a leader in the police force highlighting the importance of values, ethics, respect, integrity and courage and how all these qualities

play a fundamental part in leadership. Chief Constable stressed the importance of authentic

leadership to bring about transformation and the need to be true to yourself, You are successful for who you are not who you pretend to be. He stated that he joined the police force to make a difference and has installed this belief in all his staff by recognising that each

one of them is a leader and ensuring they are all aware of the core values. Chief Constable

concluded his speech talking about how in life you will face challenges but a good leader will

rise above the challenges and seek opportunities. He narrated an example of how he saved

55 million from his budget and made a positive difference.

A short video was then showed highlighting the candidates journey over the last 14 months which was then followed by the next speaker of the evening, Deviesh Tankaria, the current

SSLTP Coordinator. Deviesh commenced his talk by describing how he felt blessed and

honoured being this years Programme Coordinator and how over the course of 14 months all have been fortunate to have experienced so much love, blessings and guidance from our

Beloved Lord.

Deviesh talked about how the application forms for the SSLTP 2012/13 went out across the

nation to all centres in all regions and how it was evident that Swami picked this years candidates. He went on to talk about the various experiences on this years programme and how there were tears and laughter, doubts and fears, but at the end of the day all united

showed support and dedication for this unique programme and how it is this same dedication

which had made this years programme the success that it is.

Deviesh concluded his speech by summarising this years SSLTP curriculum and announcing two very special awards. Each year SSLTP offer an award for academic excellence for the

graduate who has performed beyond and above expectations and this years award went to Dr. Ruthra Nagendran. Also presented was the prestigious transformation award which this

year went out to an individual who truly had transformed from being on this programme, Mr.

Punit Ghumra.

In his final address as SSLTP Coordinator, Deviesh thanked members of the SSLTP Alumni,

the UKCC and all the previous committee members for all their love, support and guidance

over the years.

Our next speaker was a member of the SSLTP cohort for this year, Dr. Dipika Mistry. Dipika

was one of the fortunate graduates from this years programme and talked about her experience. She commenced her talk by thanking the SSLTP Coordinating Committee, on

behalf on all the graduates, for their love and assistance throughout the past 14 months. In her

account Dipika talked about how we all have the capacity to inspire and empower others but

we must be willing to devote ourselves to our own personal growth as leaders. Dipika

narrated how SSLTP gave her the tools to self-reflect and dive deep to explore her inner self

and narrated this by exploring the work of Bill George, Harvard Business Professor.

The current cohorts then presented a surprise act. Roni Ramdin and Pooja Tankaria

introduced two videos thanking members of the SSLTP Coordinating Committee for their

hard work and commitment over the last 14 months. A humorous yet very moving tribute.

We then had our next speaker for the evening, Dr. Richard Giordana. Dr. Giordano is the

Programme Leader for the MSc in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care in

the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton. In his address he talked

about how leaders should strive to make a difference and stressed the realisation that we are

all born good however through habit, society and own experiences we forget this goodness.

A good leader touches base with his core values. Dr. Giordana went on to talk about the mind, body and spirit and its importance in leadership and how positive spirit helps foster

good leadership. He concluded his talk narrating a paragraph from Ralph Waldo Emersons Divinity School Address of 1838:

"When you meet one of those men or women, be to them a divine man; be to them thought

and virtue; let their timid aspirations find in you a friend; let their trampled instincts be

genially tempted out in your atmosphere; let their doubts know that you have doubted, and

their wonder feel that you have wondered."

The key in that the person you are trying to inspire needs to see that you were once similar to

them and that they can become like you.

Prof. Sri Kandiah then took centre stage. Uncle Sri holds Senior Management positions in

Sales, Marketing, Training and HR. He has coordinated and conducted seminars and

workshops in the consultancy/teaching field of Leadership, Strategic management,

Navigating through change with flair and commercial acumen for the past 20 years as well as

chairing numerous boards and trusts. He was also one of the founders of SSLTP.

Uncle Sri shared a few words highlighting the journey of SSLTP over the past 15 years and

acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all the team past and present. He offered a

special tribute to Deviesh Tankaria who has been associated with SSLTP since 2004 as he is

stepping down from his role as Coordinator.

Uncle Sri went on to say that he also felt very proud of each one of the graduates and how he

truly believed each one was handpicked by Bhagawan. He narrated a few personal examples

from his professional life and its importance in society and paid tribute to Bhagawan for the

love and guidance over the years.

Uncle Sri stressed that we must lead ourselves first before we can lead others and concluded

with the analogy of a three leg stool "Lead ourselves, lead others and lead the organisation" - each "necessary for the leader to stand."

The formal graduation ceremony then followed and we concluded the emotional evening

with a musical offering by this years graduates consisting of devotional singing.

Below are some testimonials from some of the candidates in relation to SSLTP

"I went into the SSLTP course with no expectations, but what an adventure it ended up being.

So much excitement, growth and development in such a fun and enjoyable way. I am

certainly looking at life in a different way now. -Yatin Mistry

"In a time when people are increasingly referring to the need for good role models and good

leadership, the Sathya Sai Leadership Training Programme is helping to fill the void.

Focussing on principles, not quick fixes, and by studying the theories of various leadership

and management authors through a spiritual lens, the Programme has helped me to become

more self-confident and self-aware. -Roni Ramdin

Putting spirituality and leadership together is fantastic! The course allowed me to evaluate

the person I was and who I wanted TO BE. This course is a true reflection of where the youth

of the organisation should aim to be, by making HIS life our message.

-Gobika Mohandas

The Sathya Sai Leadership Programme is a

unique opportunity to go on a journey taking

steps towards understanding your true inner

self whilst becoming ever closer to Swami. The

focus on constant integrated awareness

allowed us as a cohort to realise our innate

core values for our betterment both within and

outside of the Sai organisation.

-Punit Ghumra

As we mark our Lords 87th birthday this year

it is rather fitting that to date SSLTP has groomed 87 graduates since 1998. Congratulations

again to the class to 2013 and thank you to all the volunteers over the years.

Jai Sai Ram

With Love,

Deviesh Tankaria

SSLTP Coordinator

Sri Rudram

Introduction

It is by the Grace of Swami, that the UK Sathya Sai Organization will be conducting the

Rudra Ekadashini Homa in Birmingham Balaji Temple. Who would have foreseen that such

a Vedic ritual would have been consistently possible, year after year, in the UK? We are

grateful to Swami for making this happen. The best way to express our gratitude to Him is to

utilise this opportunity by participating in the homa, assisting organizers in conducting it and

by understanding its significance and thereby reaping the full benefit of its performance.

Swami has frequently recommended that we understand the meaning of the prayers so that

we can feel the presence of God as we pray. Towards that end, we present below our humble

effort in understanding the significance of Sri Rudram so that we can ruminate on it during

our participation in the homa.

Vedic prayers use many symbolisms in their expression. Therefore it is important that the

Vedas be learnt from a Guru who is well versed in them and whose mind is well established

in God. Only such a Guru can unravel the profound meaning behind the symbolism. We

admit that our attempt here is only a modest effort. We seek Swamis blessings for a deeper understanding.

Let us remind ourselves, before we proceed, that the only thing to be known through Vedas is

God. This will help us to keep our minds focussed on God throughout our entire study of the

Vedas and the practice of its teachings.

Lord Sri Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita (15.15): I alone am to be known through all the Vedas.

Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraaya

(Salutations to Lord Rudra)

The meaning of Sri Rudram is vast and profound. We cannot fathom its full significance,

much less restrict it to a few pages. We can at best explore a few facets of its significance.

The entire chant or text has eleven chapters (anuvakas). The opening lines of this hymn is

Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraaya. In many ways, this opening line is the summary of the content of Sri Rudram. So, we can take the approach of understanding the meaning of the

entire text, by understanding the significance of the first line. Just as a sip of seawater can

give us a taste of the entire sea, so also understanding the opening line will reveal to us the

magnificence of the entire hymn.

OM The universal prayer

The best upadesha (spiritual instruction) is the Pranava, the sacred syllable OM, which

summarises many principles of theology, philosophy and mysticism. Little children just

learning to toddle about are given a three-wheeled contraption which they push forward,

holding on to the cross-bar. The OM is such a 'vehicle' for the spiritual child. The three

wheels are a, u and m, the three components of the mantra. OM is the primal sound inherent

in the life breath.

- Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 4/10/1965; SSS 5-46

OM is single-syllabled and represents Brahman (God).

- Bhagavad Gita 8.13

OM is a universal prayer to all forms of God. Phonetically, OM is composed of three sounds

a, u and m. The sound a arises from the inner most part of the vocal apparatus (gut), the sound m from the outer most vocal apparatus (lips) and the sound o is representative of all of the sounds from the rest of the vocal apparatus. Thus the combination of all three

represents all possible sounds. Since names are words and words are sounds, OM contains in

it all the names of God (irrespective of the religion). Each name of God is associated with

some form or concept of God. So when one chants OM, it has the same effect as chanting all

the names of God of all forms. Thus OM is the most universal of all prayers to God.

In the Vedic tradition OM is considered as the harbinger of auspiciousness. It is believed that

Lord Brahma (name used to address God when viewed as performing the task of creation)

uttered the word OM and then began the task of creation. Hence chanting OM before

beginning any task will augur well for the successful completion of the task.

Sri Krishna said: ( Bhagavad Gita 7.8 and 10.25 respectively)

I am OM in all the Vedas.

Among words, I am the single-syllable OM.

Namaha The complete surrender

You have nothing in you or belonging to you that you can claim as yours to offer to God.

Then, what does surrender of the self, signify or imply? To experience God as Omnipresent,

to be aware of nothing other than God this is true surrender. To see God in everything,

everywhere, at all times, is true sharanaagathi (surrender). He gives, He enjoys, He

experiences.

-Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 8/10/1981; SSS 15-28

The word namo is the same as the word namaha. The word namaha under certain rules of phonetic conjunction is pronounced as namo. They are the same.

The meaning of the word namaha is reverential salutation. The word namaha is derived from

the root word nam in Sanskrit which means to bow. Even though that is the etymology from the linguistic perspective, the spirit behind the word is the attitude of na mama or not mine which is a concise way of expressing the subordination of ones individual preferences and prejudices to the will of God.

The first part of Sri Rudram is called Namakam because of the repetition of the word

namaha or namo that occurs after every utterance of a glory or attribute or name of the Lord or His manifestation. This repeated utterance indicates the attitude with which one

should pray to God, namely not mine, but Thy will be done.

Vedic tradition recommends that the reverential salutation be done in the form of prostration

with eight limbs namely the knees, the feet, the palms, the chest, the mind, the forehead, the

speech and the sight. Among all these, Swami has laid particular emphasis on the mind being

the most important aspect of reverential salutation. Sri Rudram too mentions about the

worship in ones mind (prabharamahe matim we worship you in our minds; in the 10th anuvaka). It also talks of worship being done with an attitude of surrender (namasaa vidhema te we worship you with surrender; in the 10th anuvaka).

One of the main purposes of chanting Rudram is to inculcate the spirit of surrender to God as

elucidated by Swami (quoted above) namely by recognizing that God is immanent in all life

and matter and there is nothing other than God. Sri Rudram goes beyond saying that there is

only one God, by showing that there is only God.

Sri Krishna said:

Seek refuge in Him (God) alone with all your being, O Arjuna (scion of Bharata dynasty).

Through His Grace you will attain supreme peace and eternal abode.

- Bhagavad Gita 18.62

Bhagavan The Supreme Lord

What is the inner meaning of the expression, Bhagavaan? The Vedas say, Bhagavaan

principle is the same as Brahman, Paramaatma. Bhagavaan is the Ultimate, the Full. Bha

means having full auspiciousness and prosperity. Ga means deserving praise and adoration.

In the Raamaayana, Bhagavaan is described in clear terms. He sustains the Universe using

His creative power as the means. He creates and fosters what is created. So, He is

Sambhartha or Bhartha, He who raises, He who rules and saves. Bha also means light,

splendour. Bhagavaan is He who sheds and spreads Light. Bhagavaan is embodiment of

Light, Effulgence. Since He can and does illumine all things and beings everywhere at all

times, He is Bha-ga-vaan.

- Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 5/4/1981; SSS 15-4

The word bhagavate is the dative case (4th declension) of the word bhagavan. The word bhagavate means unto bhagavaan (supreme lord). It means that the salutations (namaha) are unto Rudra who is Bhagavan. The word Bhagavaan in the Vedic tradition means the one who has the following six attributes: lordship, power, fame, wealth,

knowledge and dispassion all in full measure without any deficiency or defect.

In this sacred hymn Rudra is praised as the "pati" or Lord of various beings. He is presented

as having complete lordship over them (example: pashuunaam pataye namaha - lord of all beings; in the 2nd anuvaka). The list of beings mentioned is meant to be only to be

illustrative and not exhaustive. In such verses, one finds repeated mention of the words

"pataye namaha" which means "salutations unto the Lord". Such praises are meant to

highlight that the Lord is in complete control of all life forms and their destinies. Recognizing

this helps the devotee to worship God seeking His protection with faith and surrender.

The hymn further explains that all forms (animate and inanimate) are manifestations of

Rudra. The creation is not different from the Creator. Just as the pot is never separate from

the clay, the wave never separate from the sea, so also the creation is never separate from the

Creator. Creation is a collection of names and forms. By presenting the very same Rudra as

manifest in different names and forms, the hymn teaches us that though names and forms

may be many, their truth is one and that is God. Therefore, worship of creation is really a

worship of the Creator provided their identity is understood. Thus, Rudra is worshipped as

the material cause of the universe.

While worshipping Rudra as manifested in various forms, both good and bad are equally

worshipped (example: namo grutsebhyo - salutation to the greedy, and namo mahadbhyaha - salutation to respectable people; both in the 4th anuvaka). This teaches that while God is the Creator the universe, He is also unaffected by creation. Just as all life

becomes active in the presence of sunlight and yet the sunlight is never affected by the

activities performed in it, so also all creation (good and bad; animate and inanimate) comes to

being because of God and yet He remains unaffected by them. Even though God manifests in

various forms, He is limited neither to those forms nor by those forms. And hence, He is able

to be both just and merciful. As a dispenser of the law of karma, He is just and when

devotees repent for their wrongdoings and surrender to Him, He is merciful.

Rudra is also worshipped as the very force that governs the universe. Not only matter, but

also the various natural laws that govern the universe are also manifestations of Rudra.

Rudra, the one and only God, is worshipped as many Rudras to indicate that the one God

manifests as various forces that govern the lives of beings (namo rudrebhyaha - salutations to the Rudras; in the 11th anuvaka). In this way, Rudra is worshipped as the efficient cause of

the universe.

Rudra is in everything; in fact everything is Rudra. He is proximate and profound. He is full

and free. Rudra is Bhagavan. When the devotee comprehends this glorious vision of

Bhagavan, he or she learns to spontaneously Love All, Serve All.

Beholding the Cosmic Form revealed by Sri Krishna, Arjuna praised Him as follows:

You are the primal deity; the ancient being; the supreme refuge of this universe; you are both

the knower and what is ought to be known; and the supreme abode. O Thou of infinite forms,

the universe is pervaded by Thee.

- Bhagavad Gita 11.38

Rudra The fierce and auspicious

...In the context of Shiva, one of these aspects has been described as Mangalaakaara

(auspicious form) or one who gives prosperity and good. There is an opposite side of it called

Rudra Aakaara (fierce form). These two aspects differ in form and appearance, but we have

not tried to realise the oneness or unity that is present in both aspects. Not only in God do we

see these two aspects of anger and peace, we see them also in the whole created world

occurring side by side. The aspect that one really notices depends totally on the attitude of

ones mind.

When the fearsome Narasimha (incarnation of God in the form of man-lion), emerged out of

the pillar, Prahlada (a great devotee) witnessed His form but enjoyed the serenity enshrined

within. Prahlada was deeply immersed in happiness when he looked at this peaceful attitude.

To Hiranyakasipu (demon father of Prahlada), who regarded himself as an enemy of God, the

very same Narasimha appeared in an angry mood. That the same was seen by one as Shiva

and another as Rudra has to be interpreted by saying that these two aspects are not intrinsic to

God but arise from the different attitudes which the devotees themselves possess.

- Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Summer Showers in Brindavan 1974, Part 1

The name Rudra is derived from the root word "rud" which in Sanskrit means to cause

anguish (literally, to cause to cry). In the first anuvaka, Rudra is depicted as the fierce one

who is ready to dispense the results of one's karma. The depiction of Rudra as fierce is

merely a reflection of the devotee faced with the consequences of past actions, the results of

which are inexorable. The root word "rud" also means one who removes sorrow. This twin

interpretation is very appropriate to the Lord, since it is the very same Lord who is about to

unleash the fury in the form of karmic results is also the one who can relieve us from the

results of our actions. Thus Rudra as the dispenser of karmic results is fierce, but as the

saviour from the law of karma, He is auspicious.

The prayer in the first anuvaka implores Rudra to show mercy on all beings including oneself

("maa himsih purusham jagat" - may thou not harm me and the world, and "shivo nah

sumanaa bhava" be thou of benevolent disposition to us; both in the 1st anuvaka). Here, the devotee recognizes the painful consequences of one's own karma and seeks refuge in God

(Rudra) for protection. Then between the 2nd and 9th chapters the glory of Rudra as

Bhagavan is described which is for contemplation by the devotee. Then in the 10th and 11th

anuvaka, there is further prayer to seek His protection and to request that He bless one and all

with peace and bliss.

In this sacred hymn, the devotee seeks to transform Rudra from one who causes anguish to

one who removes all anguish. When a person is immersed in worldly life and is unmindful of

the consequences of one's actions, He beholds Rudra as the fierce one. But when that person

realizes the higher potential of human existence and reaches out to God (Rudra) for help, the

very same Rudra appears as auspicious. This transformation of Rudra is really a

transformation of the individual.

Thus, the chanting of Sri Rudram is said to be very conducive to spiritual progress. And

because it is a prayer on behalf of both oneself and all beings, it invokes the blessings and

protection of God on all.

Sri Krishna said:

Even if a man of very bad conduct worships Me with single-hearted devotion, he is to be

considered good for he has resolved rightly.

Bhagavad Gita 9.30

Conclusion

Thus, we see that Sri Rudram is a universal prayer to the Supreme Lord with complete

surrender seeking His protection for oneself and for all beings in the creation.

When performed as a ritual with selfless motives and for the benefit of the world, it takes the

form of karma yoga. When the glories of Bhagavan are chanted and reminisced, it serves as

bhakti yoga. When one enquires into the unitary principle behind all diversities, as pointed

out by the prayer, it is conducive to jnana yoga. Thus Sri Rudram is a complete prayer and

truly the crest jewel among the several hymns in the Vedas.

The Vedic tradition says that just as the entire tree is nourished when its roots are watered, so

also all forms of God are as though worshipped when Rudra is worshipped. The chanting of

various glories of God in this hymn is the most ancient and original form of Namasmarana or

Japa (contemplation on the various names of God). Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita

(10.25): Among the rituals, I am the ritual of japa.

Swami has emphasised the study of Vedas and within Vedas the study and chanting of

Rudram. That it would please Him if we study the Vedas, chant, understand the meaning and

practice it, should be sufficient motivation for us to encourage and enthuse ourselves in this

noble endeavour.

Let us conclude by reminding ourselves of what Swami said about the Vedas: Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba, 9/8/2006;

A regular study of the Vedas and practice of Vedic injunctions confer all forms of wealth on

the human beings. The fundamental principles governing human life and destiny are

contained in the Vedas. The Vedas are the gift of God for the welfare of the entire humanity.

The Vedas make no distinction whatsoever on the basis of religion, caste, nationality, etc.

The Vedic mantras can be chanted by one and all It is Swami's wish that the Vedas be spread to every country, so that every human being, irrespective of religion, caste,

nationality, etc., learns Vedas and chants them...The Vedas remove all types of sorrow.

Krishna Subrahmanian

Alumnus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Chairperson, Mill Hill Sai Centre, Region 3, SSSSO UK

Trust Matters

Sri Sathya Sai Charitable Trust UK Update

In London in April 2013, the Trustees had the honour of meeting Dr Pal Dhall, the head of

the International Sathya Sai Education Committee who was appointed in February 2013. Dr

Dhall made several visits within the UK, including one to Sathya Sai School, Leicester, under

the auspices of Mr Kishin Khubchandani, who is both our Trust Chairperson and the Zone

Chair of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean (excluding

Sri Lanka), along with Dr Kiran Patel, the SSSSO UK Chairperson.

Trust Meetings:

The Trust met on April 24th 2013 in London and has had very regular communications via

email both before and since that meeting.

Sri Lanka Flood Victim Housing Update:

As was mentioned in the February edition of Love and Light: In liaison with Dr Visvanathar Jeganathan, the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation of Sri

Lanka Central Council, the Trust in February sent 20,000 from its Tsunami Fund to assist

the Sai organisation in building low-cost permanent homes for some of the displaced flood

victims.

Since then, we have seen the plans and approved them, subject to a change in the roofing

material from asbestos to a healthier substitute.

In Sri Lanka, the SSSSO SL has been working hard. It has had to revise the original house

plan and cost estimate, which did not cover the inclusion of piped water or a toilet, it also did

not allow for the cost of plastering and painting.

The cost of building the newly-designed houses will be an estimated SLR 680,000 to 700,000

per house, depending on the area of location of the house. Therefore, the 20,000 that we

donated will probably support the construction of about six to seven houses. Each house will

therefore average between 2,800 and 3,300 build cost.

These are homes that will provide a proper, permanent and more modern lifestyle for

distressed families.

Dr Jeganathan tells us that the selection of beneficiaries is being done very carefully, based

upon the following criteria:

They must have been affected by the December 2012 - January 2013 floods They must be from an income Group - below the poverty line (using Sri Lankan index) They must currently have no permanent house in which to live The number of family members - particularly children - is important, and is taken into account

The family does need to have a source of income and an average income per month

Once the beneficiaries are selected, the SSSSO SL goes into legal matters. The following

documents are then drawn up, scrutinised carefully and secured:

1. A copy of the deed of ownership of the land certified by the GS (the village headman),

confirming the identity and eligibility of the beneficiary as a flood-affected household.

2. A letter from the beneficiary consenting to the housing proposal by the Sai Organisation

including a sign-off on the proposed plan.

3. A building plan approved by the necessary local authority.

4. A contract to be signed by the contractor for the stipulated house.

Accordingly, two beneficiaries have been selected in the District of Batticaloa, foundation

stones have been laid and construction work is in progress.

Beneficiary Family 1:

This is composed of a grandmother, with five school-going grandchildren, who is now living

with them in a temporary hut thatched with coconut leaves and cooking outside. The current

source of water is a dug well. The grandmother goes to the nearby beach when the fishing

boats reach the shore, begs for a few fish, and sells them in the village earning a few rupees,

which is hardly enough for a meal a day. The father of the children left the family a few years

ago and is now living with another wife far away. The mother of the children has apparently

gone abroad, seeking a job, and her whereabouts are completely unknown.

Beneficiary Family 2:

A family of three comprising a father, mother and their three year-old daughter. The father is

permanently in a wheel chair with paralysis of both legs and weakness of both arms. They

live in a hut, with thatched roof. The source of water is a dug well. Their source of income is

very small-scale, inadequate for a basic livelihood.

Further Beneficiary Families:

Two more beneficiary families have been identified in the District of Trincomalee. Matters

pertaining to ownership of the building plots are under legal investigation. Very soon, these

legalities will be completed and construction will commence.

Updates on the progress of the project are being sent to us by the SSSSO SL National Service

Coordinator, Mr Hari Darshan, he is in charge of the implementation of this very useful, life-

changing project. He tells us, We hope, by Swami's grace, that the first two houses will be completed during the month of July and be ready for handing over.

It is often raised that merely helping a handful of people does not warrant the expenditure of around a few thousand pounds, and that maybe such sums could be used to benefit greater

numbers. This is true of so many things. However, this project will radically change these

beneficiaries lives forever and bring them together safely under their very own roof in a substantially built home that will hopefully last for a few generations to come.

A grandmother, suddenly thrust into the position of being totally responsible in every way,

for five grandchildren will naturally pour out her motherly and protective love on them.

For any grandmother, regardless of her economic status, to suddenly be responsible for every

single aspect of her five grandchildrens upbringing, going far into the future, is a very daunting and stressful task. If, in addition, that grandmother has little or no financial means to

support them, then the task is overwhelmingly difficult.

If, further, that grandmother has also just been through terrible floods with those children,

then her fortitude and spirit have been severely tested. Let us pray that this dwelling will be

propitious and provide a security and stability that will enable this family to grow, prosper

and flourish, long into the future.

The disabled father may feel disempowered and inadequate as a husband and parent, let us

pray that there is an uplifting quality that comes with receiving this house that is both

enabling and dignifying for this family of flood victims.

My mothers school motto was: Do one thing supremely not many things indifferently. Certainly, I believe that is the case here.

Article submitted by Rev Rosemary Perry on behalf of the Sri Sathya Sai Charitable

Trust UK

Region 1 - Buddhism at Brixton Sai Centre

The month of May saw the members of Brixton Sai Centre interact with the Buddhist religion

in two particular ways: first a visit by the SSE students to a Buddhist temple; then the

celebration of Buddha Poornimaa.

On Sunday 26 May 2013, the Centre celebrated Buddha Poornimaa. The proceedings started

just before 11.30am with the reading of the Thought of the Day from Prashaanti, followed by

a few minutes of silent sitting, recitation of multi-faith prayers, group devotional singing for

about 1 hour, the aaratee and a few minutes of meditation.

A short talk was given by one of the Nursery SSE students (Ria Neerohoo) about Siddhartha

Gautama, the Buddha. She narrated how Buddha Poornimaa is the most sacred day in the

Buddist calendar and that it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha.

It is believed that Lord Buddha was born and left the world on the same date after living for

80 years. By finding the path to enlightenment, away from the pain of suffering and rebirth,

Siddartha became known as the Buddha or Awakened One. Ria also outlined the five

principles of Buddhas teachings, which are: (1) not to take life; (2) not to steal; (3) not to lie; (4) not to drink alcohol; and (5) not to be disloyal. The teachings of Lord Buddha are as true

today as they have always been. They give complete peace of mind and help any person to

have peace and harmony in life.

The programme ended with the recitation of Tibetan Buddhist hymns dedicated to the 21

Taaraas (female Buddhas) by brother Rajendra, after a brief explanation of their significance

and the meaning behind the different colours they wear. A special altar had been arranged for

the occasion, focussed on the Green Taaraa representing enlightenment.

Jai Sai Raam.

Region 1 - Dr. T. Ravikumars Talk at Merton Sai Centre

Om Sri Sai Ram

On the evening of May 5th, 2013, the devotees from Region 1 were fortunate to listen to the

talk delivered by Dr. T. Ravikumar, Warden, Brindavan Campus. Dr. T. Ravikumar had been

speaking at various Regions across the UK for over a week by then and some of his

experiences had already reached the ears of the devotees at Region 1 making them yearn for

more. The devotees had gathered in the Sai Mandir for bhajans which was to be led by

Balvikas (SSE) children that day. The altar was beautifully decorated with tall lamps at both

ends and Swamis chair placed right at the centre. The children were seated in the front and were all ready to sing the glory of our Lord. The children sang the bhajans beautifully for

nearly an hour and Dr. T. Ravikumar also participated in that by playing the tambourine

towards the end.

Following that, he started his talk by narrating on how the tambourine led him all the way to

the door step of Swamis room during his student days. He went on to highlight that Swami can use any instrument at His will to achieve His goals. He then spoke about how Swami

answered the prayer of a young student by building the hostel at Brindavan within the ashram

premises instead of building it elsewhere according to the original plan. This showed the

value of a prayer and how God was willing to move buildings or even mountains just for the

sake of His devotees. Dr. T. Ravikumar also mentioned about how Swami cured his fathers stroke in a flash when he was unsure if he would be able to continue to serve at the university

should his fathers ailment become worse. In this instance, he described how a simple prayer in front of Swamis photo moved the merciful Lord to perform a miracle on his father who was elsewhere in Bangalore. His incidents were very simple yet conveyed the glory of our

divine Lord in an elegant manner. After all, the most important aspect of an experience is

neither the experience nor the devotee but the Lord Himself.

Dr. T. Ravikumar had to extend his talk twice at the request of the devotees but had to

unfortunately conclude as it was getting late. Listening to him describe the glory of our Lord

was so nectarine that everyone including the Balvikas children (some of them under 7 years

of age) were rooted to their seats for more than two hours. The evening was extremely

enriching and left everyone contemplating on the selfless, compassionate and ever-loving

nature of our Lord Sai.

Merton Centre

Region 1 - Easwaramma Day Celebration

On Saturday 11th May 2013, Region One congregated to celebrate Easwaramma Day at

Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls, Kensington Avenue, Thornton

Heath. The SSE students, smartly uniformed in white, took their positions and conducted a

march past and offered their humble salutations to both Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and

beloved mother Easwaramma. Each child placed either a values or a faith symbol placard in a

vase which reminded everyone of the core-values (truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-

violence) Bhagawan has gifted us all with.

The opening ceremony commenced with all the children from various centres chanting the

Vedas and multi faith prayers followed by Bhajans by nursery children that uplifted us all

with divine vibrations.

Swami has said, Tell inspiring stories and make the children enact plays. What they do, they will never forget. The SSE children aged four to sixteen from each centre in Region One made magnificent offerings in forms of dramas and devotional singing. There were

meaningful values presented in each performance.

It was an honour to hear two guest speakers, sister Vidyulata, the National SSE coordinator

and Brother Kiran, the National Chairman, who greatly inspired the SSE students, parents

and teachers. The day was filled with something special for all.

During the programme, the youth of region one assembled small gift bags filled with a token

of love for the SSE children whilst Group-4 (LOTTUS) students compared very eloquently.

As the programme drew to a close, the SSE students of group four offered devotional songs

which concluded with the bhajan Subramanyam Subramanyam in Bhagawans golden voice, followed by Mangala-arati.

was truly wonderful to see the SSE students, teachers, parents and youth working together in

unity to commemorate one of the most auspicious occasions.

Respect your mother, obey her commands. Give her the utmost importance in human life. There may be a wicked son, but not a wicked mother. It is because of the noble feelings of

the mothers that children become virtuous, intelligent, attain exalted positions and earn name

and fame. The mother fosters you, nourishes you, knows your choices, preferences and fulfils

all your needs. So, be grateful to your mother always. Mother protects and helps her children

always, in many ways and even after her death. Never disrespect your mother or disappoint

her or hurt her feelings. Try to satisfy her in all respects. Only then will the seed of devotion

sprout in you. Everyone should follow the dictum, Mathru Devo bhava (Mother is God) in

letter and spirit and receive their mothers love. Also never look down upon women. They are embodiments of Nature and most virtuous. With all the sacred feelings in your heart,

respect women and be respected. - Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Region 1 - Easwaramma Day Celebrations at Merton Sai Centre

It is as a part of the SSE curriculum, that the children are encouraged to take part in plays as

part of group activities. During the practices the children imbibe qualities such as co-

operation, helpfulness and team work. Swami has said Tell inspiring stories and make the children enact plays, He said, What they do, they will never forget.

With practices for the plays having started at the end of February, and with a great deal of

hard work put in by the teachers, parents and children; on 6th May 2013, Easwaramma day

was celebrated at Merton Sai Centre with various presentations of bhajans, prayers and plays.

The programme began with invocatory prayers and bhajans being led by nursery children

aged between 4 and 6 years. This was followed by a drama by Group 1 boys, entitled All religions are one which depicted incidences from the four major world religions, showing that they all lead to the same God.

Next, came a drama by the girls of Group 1 on the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.

The play depicted the most significant teaching of the noble eightfold path, which showed the

way towards the ending of suffering and the beginning of self-awakening.

This was followed by a play by boys from Groups 2 and 3, on Advaita Vedanta as

propounded by Sri Adi Shankara. The play showed the early life of Sri Adi Shanakara up to

the time he met his guru, Sri Govindapada. The play included a recitation of the Nirvana

Shatakam summarising Advaitic philosophy, which was sung by Shankara in reply to his

guru who questioned him Who are you?

Finally, the Group 2 and 3 girls presented a play entitled The religion of love based on the life of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Sri Ramakrishna in his lifetime, proved the reality of

God and the truth of religion. As Swami declared in 1968, Believe that all hearts are motivated by the one God; that all faiths glorify Him alone; that all names in all languages

and all forms man can conceive denote the one Supreme Being; His adoration is best done by

means of love. The play showed how Sri Ramakrishna pined to have the vision of his beloved Divine Mother and how, after attaining the vision of mother Kali, he followed the

different religions exclusively and subsequently attained the visions of the deities of those

faiths.

The programme came to a happy conclusion with a few bhajans, Aarthi and distribution of

Mahaprasadam.

It was commendable that all the wings of the Merton Sai Centre including SSE, Spiritual,

Service and youth wings along with the parents of the SSE children worked together for

nearly three months to make this event spiritually vibrant and enjoyable.

Jai Sai Ram

Region 1 - Events at Tooting Sai Centre

Easwaramma Day celebrations were held on 5th May with the commencement of bhajans

followed by performances from children of four different classes . A lot of preparation went

into the plays and the teachers , children and parents did a wonderful job to make the

programme a resounding success. Events such as these really do bring out the Communal

Spirit of the Centre as the day before a number of parents helped to set up the Hall, Stage and

the Altar in readiness for the event for the following day whilst the children were doing their

rehearsals at the same time.

The nursery children did a medley of nursery rhymes and actions to the song ' Let my head

feel peace, Let my eyes see good, Let my mouth speak only truth, Let my hands always help,

Let my feet move to serve, Let my heart be full of Love. Another play on 'Are we really

Loving' was based on Mother Teresa who always gave her Love to all no matter who they

were, what they looked like, what they dressed like or what they ate. The third play was a

story, song and prayers on Hanuman who allowed himself to be used as an instrument in the

Divine Mission of Rama. So like Hanuman, we should surrender to God and become his

instruments. The final play was on' Gautama Buddha's prescription' and reminded us to keep

our words, thought and actions under control and set a good example to others.

The values of all that they represented were obvious in the plays and it was no coincidence

that the five values of Truth, Peace, Love, Right Conduct and Non-Violence were constantly

felt throughout the morning.

In tandem with the multi-faith and Sai Family Values, Tooting Sai centre has held two Study

Circles in March and April to elaborate on these points and what they mean to us as a Centre.

With over 25 attendees, we discussed on what constitutes a family, why devotees come to the

Centre, what do they hope to gain in their spiritual journey, how we can benefit each other &

the wider society, the equality of all at the Centre, the non-judgemental approach of devotees

towards each other, similarities between our Centre and say, a Church, how we put into

practice what we have learnt at the Centre. The next steps naturally are to put into practice

what has been learnt.

The Centre further celebrated Buddha Purnima on Sunday 26th May where the altar included

the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism.

An explanation was given for each of the eight symbols ( Conch, Umbrella, Victory Banner,

Golden Fish, Dharma Wheel, Endless Knot, Lotus flower, Vase of Treasure) and how they

also correlate to Sai teachings. The Conch, for example is representative of the awakening

from the deep sleep of ignorance , the Golden Fish represents us swimming fearlessly and

without drowning in an ocean of suffering, the Lotus flower is for purity of body, speech and

mind and in a similar way the deeper meanings of the other symbols were explored. The end

point of Buddhism, as with Swami's teachings, was the attainment of self-realisation and

liberation.

Tooting Sai Centre

Region 1 - May Ladies Day at Brixton Centre

On the 19th May 2013, Brixton Sai Centre celebrated Ladies Day. This day was dedicated to all the women around the world.

The programme started with multi-faith prayers sang by everyone. Lovely group devotional

songs were sung afterwards. During these, Swami blessed us with his presence. Afterwards,

the gentlemen left the room for a study circle of their own, to allow the ladies to carry out the

activities planned for themselves. These started with a quiz conducted by Alisha Manandhar,

with the ladies divided into two groups: Satya and Dharma. The topic was Swaami's life.

After listening to a talk by Phyllis Krystal in Prashaanti, given on Ladies Day last November, the activities ended with our brainstorming our ideas on the concept of unity.

Everyone had really nice ideas, all written out and decorated on paper.

To finish off, some snacks prepared by the ladies were served to all, including the gentlemen.

We were very fortunate to feel Swaami's presence that day: it made us realise that we are

indeed in good company and we are ever so grateful to Swaami for being with us and guiding

us in our lives.

Region 1 - Sathya Sai Aradhana Day

The devotees from region 1 came together for the 24 hour Sathya Sai Aradhana day at the Sai

Mandir on Effra Road, Wimbledon, hosted by Merton Centre. The proceedings started at

8.00 PM on 23 April 2013 with Vedic chanting and bhajans. At 10.00 PM the youth of the

region took over and invigorating bhajans followed for over 2 hours. The rest of the night

flew past as devotees from the region sang Multi-Faith bhajans, chanted the Sai Gayathri and

Namasmaran.

At 3.00 AM all present were requested to chant Aum Bhagwan shri Sathya Sai Baba nahama and at approximately 3.10 AM (UK time two years ago when Bhagwan left His physical form) floral arrangements on the photo of our beloved Bhagwans lotus feet dropped,

I guess signalling to some devotees who witnessed this that He is pleased and with us

forever.

Dawn beaconed and Sri Sathya Sai Suprabhaatam was invoked at 5.30 AM. Proceedings

continued throughout the day with bhajans and 2 hours of Hunaman Chalisa chanting. From

4.30 PM to 6.00 PM the SSE children energised all with singing the glories of God.

The 24 hour prayers concluded at 8.00 PM on 24 April 2013 with aarti and Region 1

devotees are looking forward to next year Aradhana day.

Region 1 - Young Adult Programme (YAP): Youth in Service

YAP (Young Adults Programme), is a regular Youth Satsang held across the country. In

Region 1, youth meet every third Friday of the month to discuss Sai Teachings and how we

can implement in our daily lives.

YAP is a platform where Youth can come and discuss topics dear to them, in an open

environment. In our Region, we always have the kind loving support from the Sai Mandir at

the Ganapathy Temple to allow us to use their venue to host our YAP sessions.

After taking in all the feedback from our youth, we decided to dedicate this months YAP on a topic where a lot of interest was shown: Seva (Service). We aimed to echo the interest that

had been shown on the topic of service, by taking action on this interest. The evening proved

to be a very successful method of providing a guide for the future, for our youth to set

realistic targets for our spiritual progress.

Just like all YAP sessions, we started by introducing ourselves and had an ice breaker. We all

recalled something new that we had done in the last 3 months. It was very interesting that we

forget about the various new aspects in our lives in such a short space of time. We all

probably do something new each and every day, but when we try to recall it, our monkey

mind finds it difficult to focus.

From here we then decided to address the fundamental aspects of service, or lack of service.

So we had an open discussion about; What is service? Why do we do service? How do we

feel when doing service? What motivates us to do service?

What is Service? came to a quick consensus, that any act done with love and self-sacrifice can be considered as service, and sometimes we take for granted the finer aspects of service.

Why we do service? Interlinked with the succeeding questions of; how do we feel when doing service and what motivates us to do service. Generally everyone felt that service was

done to help other people unconditionally, but through further discussion, we realised that it

is also to help ourselves spiritually progress. We felt that instead of thinking about how we

have helped the other party, we should also be introspecting and realising how our action, has

changed us. We concluded that we should not expect any reward for the actions we do,

however praise is inevitable, but we should make sure it does not add to our egos. We

strongly agreed that service to man is service to God, and we should permanently imprint that

in our mind, while doing any act of service.

We then split up into two groups, to discuss: What service activities does our centre/region

currently do? Why do we do them? What problems do we face in maintaining the project?

What service activities do we actually want to do?

Both groups covered all the service activities which the region do, on a centre level as well as

regional, ranging from general centre activities, to Bingo for the elderly, to collecting

Christmas presents for children hospitals, plus many more activities. However we realised that these service activities are either one-off projects, such as collections for various

holidays, or they are not very recognised service projects throughout the region. From this we

tried to find out the reason why people got involved with these service activities; which

resulted in personal fulfillment, the opportunity to give back the wonderful values we have

learnt, the desire to help people who need it and the aspect of conquering a challenge.

Furthermore, we also established that these activities would start, but eventually the buzz

would slowly fade away. This was due to various other commitments; both personally and

within the centre/regions and nationally. It was also felt by some, that some of the service

activities become too monotonous/boring and results in less engagement to participate.

Some of these aspects are difficult to address, but a lot of them funneled down to greater

levels of organisation required, including communication at all levels from centre to regional

to national. This tied in with the fact that with the lack of communication, we cease to see the

end result, or the ongoing benefits of a service activity. When a service project becomes

boring or monotonous, we shouldnt continue to do the activity in that way, but at the same time we shouldnt stop the activity. The best solution seemed to be to add a different aspect to the service project, to make it different to the regular weekly/monthly visits to the elderly

homes and try to mix it up with a different activity to do with the elderly people. Swami has

said Himself life is a game, play it; why dont we make every aspect of our life an enjoyable game like, creating a game to find out who can find out the most interesting thing,

one of the elderly citizens has done in their life. Creating a long term benefit can always help,

by setting a target to work towards with any service project. Having realistic milestones set,

provides motivation for everyone to work together to achieve them. Another thing we

observed is that the youth work very well when we endeavor to undertake a large scale

project.

The session provided a lot of information for us to work with over the coming months, but to

keep the energy charged, we have decided to immediately partake in a few activities. First

being Spires, a homeless shelter in South London, which is an ongoing project where each

centre in the reigon collect food ingredients, and then two youth from each centre will help

prepare the food to be distributed. This is an ongoing quarterly based project, that the youth

will be taking lead in throughout the region. Secondly, the youth will be leading the Food

Bank program where all the centres will donate non-perishable food items, and then these

items are collected and provided to the Trussell trust, who run the UK Foodbanks.

Another project we are currently working on, is to go to Evelina Childrens Hospital at St

Thomas hospital, and host various party events for the kids. We have a team of youth who

are liaising with the hospital currently, and arranging specific dates where our Youth can go

and help put a smile on these lovely children, who are undergoing various treatments. This is

a very exciting project which we hope will become a regular occurrence.

We were also very lucky to have had the

Regional Service Coordinator, Rajendrabhai

Manandhar and Regional Chair, Yoges uncle

attend our YAP session, where they have

showed great interest in our plans and

initiatives for the future, and have agreed to

help us in any possible way. They also

encouraged us to get more involved and

aspire for more, as we underestimate our

own capabilities.

The best way to conclude this article is by

finishing with Swamis own message on Service:

Many social workers visit hospitals to do service. Most of the work done, like fanning patients, writing letters for them and singing bhajans, appears mechanical. It is done as that is

what is defined as service and done without paying heed to what the patient really needs!

That is incorrect. Service must be done with the full cooperation of the mind, gladly,

intelligently, and reverentially. The patient should not feel disgusted at the fussiness of the

social worker, but indeed look forward to their arrival, as that of someone near and dear! If

you do not like one type of service, do not engage in it. Do not burden your mind by the

unpleasantness of a task. Work done mechanically is like the flame of an oil-less wick. Your

mental enthusiasm is the oil, pour it and the lamp will burn clear and long".

- Divine Discourse, Mar 25, 1958.

Written by Region 1 Youth Team

Region 2 - Age Link Party

Tea and cucumber

sandwiches anyone?

An afternoon tea party for our respected senior

citizens

Sunday 12th May was a glorious afternoon;

the sun was shining down beaming its golden

rays over Oxhey Wood Primary School, the

venue for an Afternoon Tea Party for Elderly

and infirm people who generally get to see

very few people because they live alone and rarely get visitors.

We arrived at the venue an hour before our guests, eager to make things perfect for the party

and preparations were under way instantly. Our SSE students, teachers, parents and centre

members alike, were all buzzing around like joyful busy bees. Setting up chairs, laying the

tables with beautiful fresh flower arrangements, hanging up bunting and balloons,

transforming the otherwise normal school dining hall into a truly beautiful party venue.

Nothing was too much trouble when it came to looking after our divine guests.

No sooner had the final touches been made,

than our guests began to arrive. They were

lovingly shown to their seats with a helping

hand from our volunteers and senior

students. Two of our SSE students decided

to sing to welcome them as they arrived,

totally impromptu and straight from the

heart. We are so proud of all our SSE

students and the care with which they looked

after these new grandparents.

As soon as all the guests were made

comfortable, they were served with cups of tea and coffee accompanied with an array of

delicious food items all lovingly prepared, by our all too willing volunteers. There were

sandwiches, savouries, pastas, pastries, scones with jam, cakes, crisps and crackers and of

course no Indian tea party would ever be complete without dhoklas and samosas. This was followed by generous helpings of strawberries and cream, double of course! The glow on the

faces of our guests showed us that words were not needed to know how appreciative they

were about the attention that had gone into every

detail.

While our guests enjoyed their afternoon tea they

were entertained with a variety of acts all performed

by our very talented SSE students which included

the birdy song performed by our nursery children,

followed by some Old Time Music Hall songs which

our guests were very willing and happy to sing along

to.

Some of our guest even got up to lead some songs

themselves; what a great thing for our children to

see; people of their grandparents age abandoning the fear of standing in front of an audience. When it

came to showing off their dancing skills there was

no holding some of our Guests back, I think they

could even show our younger members a move or

two especially when it came to dancing the

Gangnam Style!

This was then followed by a game of Bingo; it got

very exiting as we neared the first completed line

and then the Full House! Wow! We had a winner, and another...

And... there were prizes for all our winners. Of course, in our tea parties every single one of

our guests is a winner; they were all presented with a token gift for giving us the opportunity

to serve. So in fact, the real winners were all our students and volunteers Hands that Help are Holier than Lips that Pray!

As it neared the end of the afternoon carriages and escorts where waiting to take our guests

home. There was almost a reluctance to go because we were all having such a spiritually

uplifting time. Still, we waved them off with all our love and appreciation for sharing their

Sunday afternoon with us, filling it with fun, laughter and most of all, Love... Cant wait for the next one!

Ami Tanna (Age 11) and Beena Tanna Pinner Sai Centre Region 2

Region 3 - A View of Swamis Omnipresence

On a cold wintry morning in the month of May (No surprise in the UK) , a local plumber

visited our home to rectify a leak in the plumbing ( No surprise again )...

After completing the job, he came into our kitchen to return a cup (I had offered him a cup of

tea to stop him from freezing!!). As he walked in, he noticed a small picture of Swami that

we had placed on the doorframe. He kept looking at the picture intently and, after taking a

deep breath, said to me I will never forget this person. He saved my life once!! On hearing this, I asked him if he had been to India and met Swami. He said that he had never seen

Swami in person but had felt his presence. He proceeded to tell me his story...

About a year ago, he was called to an Indian familys home to repair a leaking pipe. In that home, there was an old mother and her young daughter. He had to use an electric drill in

order to conduct the repair. When he pressed the switch on the drill, he was electrocuted by a

massive power surge and became semi conscious!!! He could not speak. He had no sensation

or movement below his neck. He was, however able to breathe, see and hear things going on

around him.

The daughter called the emergency services immediately. Meanwhile, the old mother quickly

went upstairs. She rushed back to me with some white powder and some water in a cup. She also brought a small picture of Swami and put it by his side. She said to him in a loud

voice Swallow this powder and drink this holy water. This is the best medicine for you now. My Swami will cure you immediately. He saw the conviction in her eyes and felt the strength in her voice as he swallowed the powder and water that she gave him. As he lay

there, she started chanting Swamis name again and again. He felt an unusual peace within himself and unbelievably... started recovering!!

By the time the ambulance personnel arrived, he was sitting up and talking!! He explained

what had happened to the emergency personnel. When they examined him, they could not

find anything wrong!! He had recovered completely!!One of the emergency personnel told

him that he may have just been confused due to the shock and may have imagined that he

could not feel anything or move anything below his neck. He then suggested that they check

the electric drill for faults. When they did so, they found that there had been a short circuit

and he would probably have received a shock, which could have been three times the limit of

fatality!! My hairs stood on end as I listened to this. Tears welled up in his eyes.

He asked me for a picture of Swami and also then prayed in silence in front of HIS picture.

As he left I asked him if he prayed to Swami regularly. To this he replied, I do not know his name or where he is. But whenever I face a problem, I think of him and the problem gets

solved easily. To this I said, He is Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and he is EVERYWHERE.

JAI SAI RAM.

DR KUMAR SUBRAMANIAN

Spiritual Coordinator Milton Keynes Sai Centre Region 3