November 2024

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, Jai Sai Ram!

I pray that, with Bhagawan’s Grace, you are all keeping well.

As we reflect on and remind ourselves of the various events during October, we are filled with deep joy and spiritual blessings. The month began with the auspicious celebration of Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother in her various forms. While chanting the sacred prayers, engaging in bhajans, and performing seva, we invoked the divine energies of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, seeking the removal of obstacles, the enhancement of wisdom, and the blessings of prosperity and peace. Swami always taught us that the essence of any festival lies in its ability to inspire inner change. Hence, as we offered our prayers and meditations, we reflected on our own inner demons and sought to purify our hearts, mind, and actions.

We were further blessed by the visit of Brother Sai Surendranath, a member of the Prasanthi Mandir Bhajan group and a beloved devotee of Bhagawan, who travelled across all eight regions of the United Kingdom to share his wisdom with devotees. His presence and talks were a source of great inspiration and guidance, as he reminded us of the importance of deepening our connection to Swami's teachings and living them in our everyday lives. Brother Sai Surendranath’s visits were marked by satsangs, discourses, and personal interactions with devotees. He beautifully conveyed Swami’s messages on love, service, and self-realisation, encouraging all of us to walk the path of righteousness and compassion. His deep insights into Bhagawan’s teachings helped to clarify many aspects of our spiritual journey, and his emphasis on practical application of these teachings in our daily lives resonated deeply with all who attended.

November began with the joyous and spiritually uplifting National Birthday Celebrations, a time when hundreds of hearts across the country were united in love, devotion, and gratitude to the One who has shown us the path of selfless service, love, and spiritual awakening. We were deeply blessed again to have Brother Sai Surendranath as our guest speaker at the event, who shared with us more of his personal experiences and cherished moments spent in the divine presence of Swami. The day was further enriched by the soul-stirring musical performance by Sister Renu Gidoomal, whose melodious songs transported us into a state of deep reverence and devotion. Through her music, we felt Swami's presence enveloping us with love and peace, and our hearts united in the shared experience of His divine grace.

We also experienced the bliss of the Akhand bhajans, where the continuous flow of chanting resonated with the very core of our being. It was a reminder that God's name is indeed the most powerful source of transformation, peace, and unity, and as we sang together, we could feel His divine energy radiating throughout our hearts and minds.

As we now look forward to celebrating Swami's birthday at our Centres and Groups, let us remember the essence of this joyous occasion: that Swami's presence is not limited to a single day or event, but is ever-present within us, guiding us towards the highest truths of love, selflessness, and service. Whether through devotional singing, selfless service, or acts of compassion, every moment becomes a celebration of His divine birthday when we live in His light.

I wish to thank everyone for their overwhelming response in wanting to participate in the Nepal medical camp in March 2025. Unfortunately, the demand was such that we had to close the registration as places were limited due to local constraints in Nepal. May Swami’s blessings continue to guide and inspire us in all our future endeavours.

Let us continue to offer our hearts and lives in His service, spreading His message of peace, unity, and unconditional love wherever we go.

Lovingly, in Sai service

Pratap Thakkar

Dear Shakti Swaroopas,

We are excited to launch the registration for the fourth satsang of the Sai Shakti Series on the topic of Faith and Spirituality! Join us as we explore our understanding of faith in ourselves and Swami, and how we can continue to progress on the path to discovering our inner Shakti.

Please register to be a part of the next satsang, even if you have registered previously. You can also register if you have not been a part of the series so far. Once you register, we will send you the pre-reading on Wednesday 13th November via email and also the Zoom link for the live satsang which will take place on Wednesday 27th November.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you as we take the next step in the Sai Shakti Series.

Loving Sai Rams

Sai Shakti Team

Registration is now open for the National Christmas Celebrations, via the link below.

• Date: Saturday 14th December
• Time: 11am–4pm
• Venue: Samuel Cody Sports College, Ballantyne Rd, Farnborough GU14 8SN
  

The programme will consist of a Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols with sermon, the children’s nativity play, and Christmas songs by the Bal Vikas (SSE) children, as well as activities for the children. There may also be a special guest appearance by Santa himself!

We look forward to seeing you all there.

The National Birthday Celebrations of our beloved Sri Sathya Sai Baba drew devotees from across the nation to Surbiton, in a spirit of unity, love, and service. This year, marking the auspicious occasion of Swami’s 99th year, the celebrations reflected on the depth of Swami’s teachings, His divine-human presence, and a highlight of the day was an inspiring talk by Brother Sai Surendranath, which touched the hearts of all gathered.

Brother Sai Surendranath began his discourse by reminding us of the power of Swami’s presence and that merely thinking of Swami recharges and renews our spirit. He shared stories and reflections that brought out the multi-dimensional nature of Swami: the human side that connects with us as a friend; and the divine aspect that guides us with wisdom and compassion. This duality, he explained, is something that we should balance, as Swami is both near and dear, yet immense and transformative. Brother Sai Surendranath beautifully expressed this as, "If we maintain distance, we feel His warmth, like the fire that offers light and guidance. But if we get too close without reverence, Swami, like fire, may also be overwhelming."

"Sai Sir" went on to tell us about Swami’s four "cars," representing different aspects of His divine play and mission:

1. Chamatkar (Miracles): Swami’s miracles remind us of His divine nature. Brother Sai Surendranath shared a personal story from his own family about Swami’s loving bond with his father. His father was once adamant about receiving Swami’s blessing; Swami, with His usual grace, presented him with a blessed photograph. This act of friendship combined with divinity showed Swami’s ability to connect on a deeply personal level, while demonstrating His omnipresence.
2. Sanskar (Values): Swami’s teachings on values remind us that God is our truest friend. Swami emphasised that a life rooted in values is a life lived in divine companionship.
3. Paropakar (Selfless Service): The Organisation itself was built upon Swami’s selfless service, encapsulated in His teaching, “My life is My message.” Brother Sai Surendranath reiterated that Swami’s words are certain and true, urging us all to continue in the service of others as a way to serve Swami Himself.
4. Sakshatkar (Divinity): This is the realisation of divinity, the ultimate goal Swami wishes for all His devotees. Brother Sai Surendranath related a touching personal experience, where after breaking his arm, he dreamt of Swami, who reassured him. Despite being advised against it, he found himself able to play the tabla, with Swami’s grace guiding him through.

Brother Sai Surendranath encouraged each of us to see ourselves as "cars" carrying Swami as our passenger, a powerful reminder that He is always with us, guiding our journey.

Following the inspiring talk, the Bal Vikas children of Merton Sai Centre in Region 1 performed a beautiful play on the life of Swami. Lunch was then served, allowing devotees to share food and fellowship.

Music, a language that transcends words, was a significant part of the day’s celebration. Sister Renu Gidoomal and a group of talented musicians led a musical tribute to Swami, filling the atmosphere with soulful bhajans and devotional songs. The music brought many to a state of reflection, with Swami’s presence felt deeply through the melodies that resonated within every heart.

The programme concluded with an engaging Q&A session with Brother Sai Surendranath, allowing devotees to explore topics that connected them to Swami’s message in new ways. There was discussion around the anticipated advent of Prema Sai, giving devotees insight and inspiration to prepare spiritually; Swami’s tradition of encouraging devotees to write letters was highlighted, as writing letters is a form of conversation with Swami, offering devotees a way to pour their hearts out, knowing Swami reads each one, even if they are not sent physically. The genesis of the Prasanthi Mandir Bhajan Group was narrated, highlighting the group's origin as a devotional offering and its significance in Swami’s mission; and bhajans were described as more than a musical performance: they are, at their core, a form of prayer. Devotees were encouraged to approach bhajan practice with the same devotion and discipline they would bring to any form of prayer.

The National Birthday Celebrations concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration to carry Swami’s teachings into our daily lives. Each devotee left with cake, but more importantly, a heart full of Swami’s love, feeling the warmth of His guidance in every moment. As we continue our journey, may we remember that Swami is always with us, guiding us in love, service, and self-transformation.

The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK CIO has partnered with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to unveil an official plaque at Yew Tree Farm, in Derbyshire, marking the area’s new name: Sri Sathya Sai – Five Sisters Wood. The plaque was unveiled on 28th October by Brother Sai Surendranath, Councillor Mike Roe (Chairman of Shirland & Higham Parish Council), and Ms Alicia Johnson (farm owner).

As we arrived at the site, the clouds disappeared, giving way to a clear blue sky and beautiful, radiant sunshine. Just before the ceremony began, a beautiful rainbow appeared, even though there was no rain in sight. We commenced the event with three Oms, followed by the Lord’s Prayer, the Gayatri Mantra, and some devotional singing. After a warm welcome and expressions of gratitude, Brother Sai Surendranath shared a heartfelt message about the significance of the "Five Sisters" in the plaque’s title, connecting it to the five human values. He also spoke of the rainbow, which he interpreted as a sign of Baba’s divine presence among us, which many of us also felt. It was truly remarkable how, as we were leaving, the rainbow had nearly vanished, leaving a sense of awe and grace.

This occasion marks the continuation of the pledge we took for Swami’s Centenary celebrations as part of a national and international initiative. In March 2024, we planted around 1,500 saplings as part of our commitment to reforestation, symbolising our care for the environment and our desire to leave a positive legacy for future generations. The woodland, now officially named Sri Sathya Sai – Five Sisters Wood, stands as a testament to that commitment, offering cleaner air and representing our collective pledge to protect and nurture the planet.

The plaque is not just a marker of our efforts; it is a symbol of unity, vision, and action. It will serve as a reminder to all who pass by of our shared responsibility to make the world greener, healthier, and more sustainable. As we unveil this symbol, we pray to Swami for continued opportunities to serve humanity in His divine name.

I recently attended an inspiring session with Brother Sai Surendranath, where he brought Swami’s teachings to life in such a meaningful way for the Bal Vikas students. His approach was both powerful and relatable, using real-life stories and examples to illustrate each principle, making Swami’s wisdom tangible for everyone there. Drawing from his own experiences in Prasanthi, he shared so much insight, touching on themes of inner growth, mental discipline, and trusting in divine guidance.

One concept that really resonated with me was how he explained “hunger” as a catalyst for growth. Brother Sai Surendranath described hunger, not just as a physical need, but also as an inner push that drives us to seek knowledge and stability. He encouraged us to see hunger as a motivation for self-reliance and ambition, sharing how Swami had taught him to transform that natural drive into something positive and purposeful. Through this, he helped everyone see the importance of setting meaningful goals to create a fulfilling life.

He also spoke about “nourishing the mind” through the sensory input we choose. Swami’s teaching of “See Good, Do Good, and Be Good” was a guiding theme here. Brother Sai Surendranath shared how, back in Puttaparthi, Swami’s guidance helped him make choices that kept his mind balanced and at peace. He encouraged us to be mindful of what we watch, hear and experience, understanding that the mind, like the body, requires healthy nourishment from positive sources.

Another key lesson was the importance of “mastering the mind.” Brother Sai Surendranath used Swami’s analogy of the mind as a restless monkey, always seeking distractions. He encouraged everyone to practise mental discipline, sharing that Swami had taught him and his fellow students ways to cultivate inner peace through focus and self-control. With relatable stories and simple exercises, he illustrated how a disciplined mind becomes a source of strength, helping us handle challenges with resilience.

When discussing “self-restraint,” he shared the powerful story of the beggar and the saint, which left a strong impression on all of us. In the tale, the saint grants a beggar’s wishes, but only if he can continuously find new desires to fulfil - otherwise, the devil will consume him. The beggar quickly exhausts his desires, and the devil is ready to devour him, until the saint intervenes. Brother Sai Surendranath used this story to teach the importance of controlling one’s desires and focussing on meaningful pursuits, rather than fleeting wants. He also shared another story about a man chasing a beautiful scent, which only led him down a path of endless dissatisfaction. Both stories conveyed Swami’s teachings on how self-restraint is the key to lasting peace and fulfilment.

In a deeply moving segment, Brother Sai Surendranath emphasised that “God is the eternal companion.” He reminded us that, unlike worldly attachments which come and go, God’s presence is constant and unwavering. Drawing from his experiences in Prasanthi, he spoke of how Swami’s love provided him with comfort and assurance, especially in difficult times. He encouraged the students to look beyond temporary relationships or material security and instead to find solace and strength in God’s ever-present support. This message inspired all of us to seek a deeper spiritual connection and reminded us that God’s love is an anchor, always there to guide and protect us.

Lastly, he shared a profound lesson on “trusting in divine intervention” through a story about Shiva and Parvati. In the tale, a man is cutting the branch he’s sitting on, completely oblivious to the danger. Parvati wants to help him, but Shiva explains that the man must learn the consequences of his actions. However, Shiva agrees to intervene if the man calls out to “Amma” or “Appa” (mother or father). In the end, the man cries out “Ayyo” and falls, illustrating the importance of calling on God with sincerity when we need help. Brother Sai Surendranath explained that Swami’s teachings urge us to trust in divine guidance and to reach out with faith and awareness. This story encouraged us to remember that God is always ready to support us if we call on Him sincerely.

Each of these stories and teachings left a lasting impression on me and on everyone present. Brother Sai Surendranath’s session was not just about passing on Swami’s teachings; it was about showing us how to live those teachings in our everyday lives. Through his stories and personal experiences, he brought these values into a real-world context, making them feel accessible and achievable. He encouraged us to live with discipline, inner strength, and a deep spiritual connection, reminding us that Swami’s presence is always with us, guiding us toward becoming our best selves.

Attending this satsang was a powerful reminder of the impact that Swami’s teachings continue to have on our lives. Brother Sai Surendranath’s words helped us all see that true growth comes not just from knowledge, but also from living by the values Swami has taught us. This experience has inspired me to approach life with a stronger focus on these principles, trusting that Swami’s guidance is always there to help me along the way.

Shikha Agarwal, Region 7

Regions 1, 2 and 3 present a Young Adults' Treasure Hunt: Gems of Sai.

Taking place on Saturday 7th December, the Christmas-themed adventure aims to bring the Young Adults together for an afternoon of fun, excitement and mystery!

Please register via the link below.

You need not bring anything other than yourself - and maybe a power bank! Don’t forget to wrap up warm too…

We look forward to embarking upon this adventure with you!