June 2022

Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

I pray that each and everyone of you and your loved ones are keeping well with His Grace.

May was another busy month, with more Centres and Groups opening up and restarting face-to-face activities, including Group Devotional Singing, Study Circles and Bal Vikas classes.

This month is another full edition of Love and Light with updates from different events and the different wings.

We also have a wonderful opportunity to connect to Prasanthi Nilayam by downloading the Prasanthi Connect App:

• Play Store: shorturl.at/bdtX3
• Apple: https://apple.co/3KfWj3F

Love for the Divine should be an inextricable bond. All other worldly attachments are impermanent.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

I pray to Bhagawan that He continues to keep us close to His Divine Lotus Feet.

Jai Sai Ram

Ketan Gokani

It gives us great pleasure to announce that, after three long years, with the Divine Blessings of our Beloved Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we can now meet again to participate in our National Prayers for Universal Peace – Rudra Ekadashi. We offer the prayers at His Divine Lotus Feet with the sole desire of seeking universal peace and happiness for all beings. The Prayers for Universal Peace will take place at the sacred premises of the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Birmingham on 17^th July 2022.

Details for the event are as follows:

• Date: Sunday 17th July 2022
• Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Venue: Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Dudley Road East, Tividale, B69 3DU

Let every action of yours be a prayer to God. This is the true and eternal path prescribed by the Upanishads, and contained in the prayer, “Tasmai Namah Karmane.” You should offer your prayer to the God of action so that He makes you perform noble deeds that are beneficial for one and all and lead to world peace.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba (SSS Vol 34. Ch. 7)

As part of the day’s proceedings, temple priests will be chanting various sacred hymns (including the Holy Rudram: Namakam and Chamakam) to glorify the Lord and to seek His Grace. Devotees, Young Adults and Bal Vikas children will join in the chanting, thus amplifying the positive and divine vibrations within us and all around us.

Devotees will also have an opportunity to participate in a Paduka Puja (worshipping His Lotus Feet) and offer their prayers with a member of their family (in pairs) alongside the Rudra Homam. In order to participate in the puja, please email events@srisathyasai.org.uk with your details, i.e. name, centre and contact details. Alternatively, please contact your Centre/Group President. Places will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.

We request all devotees to utilise this opportunity to come together and pray selflessly for the removal of the prevailing disharmony and chaos in the world today.

For further information, please contact your Regional Spiritual Coordinator or our National Spiritual Coordinator Brother Sakthi. To register please visit: srisathyasai.org.uk/rudra-ekadashi-2022. This is ONLY for general participation as devotees participating in the Puja will need to follow the instructions further above.

We look forward to seeing you on the day.

As we continue with our service in providing aid to Ukraine, we are pleased to announce that the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK and Sri Sathya Sai Global Council Foundation, Inc. USA have jointly donated an ambulance kitted with a stretcher and blue light siren, and adequately equipped to provide urgent care to the injured. The ambulance will be donated in Ukraine so the injured can be cared for and transported to Moldova. It is with the understanding that once the current crisis is over, the ambulance will be donated to a local hospital in Moldova.

We thank Bhagawan for giving us this opportunity to serve those in desperate need, and Sri Sathya Sai Global Council Foundation, Inc. USA for their generous and loving support.

In response to feedback, the UK National Council held a satsang on Saturday 21 May with Centre and Group Presidents, to hear directly from them about their issues and concerns, as well as simply providing an opportunity for closer, more direct interaction between National Council members and centres.

After a sumptuous lunch, the discussion started in earnest. Topics included the resumption of face-to-face activities; encouraging devotees to come forward and take on roles; and administrative matters such as DBS checks.

The afternoon was rounded off with vibrant group devotional singing and Aarti.

Lots of positive feedback has been received following the event, with one President saying that the "discussion was fruitful", "meeting in person helps [us] to know each other better" and that she "thoroughly enjoyed the day" - remarks echoed by many others.

The Council hopes to repeat this session in those parts of the country that were not able to attend - further details to be announced soon.

After two-and-a-half long years without face-to-face celebrations, we finally reached that beautiful day Baba had chosen for our Regional Easwaramma Day event! 

We started the programme with our usual prayers and four short bhajans. We then had games and activities for both adults and children. Luckily, Swami blessed us with some amazing weather.

We then recited Brahmarpanam back in the hall and proceeded to lunch - something we had missed in online celebrations very much. After a hearty lunch, we had an amazing bhajan to get us back all in the groove! 

This was followed by a very popular item: the quiz and bhajan antaakshari! There were so many different types of rounds including mythological characters, Baba’s sayings, bhajans for various deities, etc. Each and every person participated in the quiz and the bhajan rounds with full enthusiasm. We didn’t realise how quickly the hour had passed by! 

We then had an elocution competition: 3 junior and 3 senior Bal Vikas students talked on various topics. Following this, we had short enlightening sayings by Aberdeen Bal Vikas students. Finally, we had bhajans and Aarti.

Thanks to Swami for this beautiful day.

Roopa Joshi

R8 Bal Vikas (SSE) Coordinator

Many volunteers from different parts of the country gave up their valuable time to ensure the National Easwaramma Day celebrations were blissful for all, not only on the day but also in the lead-up to the event. Whether it be procuring the required items, setting up, catering, breakfast service, children’s goody bags, children’s take away bags, lunch service, beverages, children’s activities, chaperoning or packing up at the end, it was always with love and smiles on their faces. We share below some feedback from those who volunteered and pray this inspires others to participate in service whenever an opportunity arises.

It was an absolute pleasure to collectively be taking part in service during lunchtime, after over 2 years! The team are excellent to work with; everyone worked in unity which resulted in everything running seamlessly.

Palvi, R4

I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to take part in the seva. During the day I was involved in helping to prepare and deliver the food. At the event I volunteered in many ways such as helping to distribute the food and helping devotees. I hope with Baba's blessings I can take part in more opportunities such as this in the future.

Suresh Murki, R2

Felt divine and blissful by coming and doing Seva. Thanks a ton to Swami for giving me this opportunity.

Praveen Annapurnapu, R2

As Swami always said, Service to Man is Service to God, so I wanted to serve Swami by serving our brothers and sisters and Bal Vikas kids. I feel serving others makes me feel better and puts into practice "hands that help are holier than lips that pray.

Region 3 Volunteer

Immense experience! In fact, the experience from a Seva such as that quenches, in my case, my spiritual thirst. Volunteering at the NED enabled me to meet the greater Sai family and reconnect with those not seen for a while and meet those not seen before. The greatest experience was to serve with a smile, which made me feel good long after. By being part of the Seva team, I felt very happy to be of service and enjoyed saying Sai Ram with a smile to all the people I served.

Region 3 Volunteer

While doing the Seva, I was feeling so happy and satisfied with myself that I asked Swami not to finish the day early and keep dragging it on and on. Also, working with all the volunteers gave me the feeling that we all are a big family and they all tried to make me as comfortable as possible.

Muskan, R1

Being a part of the service wing assisting with various duties at NED made me feel very happy: in fact, I call it “my happy place”.

Mahendra, R7 

I was given the opportunity to be part of the Service team catering to various tasks during the day. This included being part of the catering team during lunch hour and decking up the walls around the dining area with lovely works of art done by the Bal Vikas children. The key thing was being able to feel Swami's love through his devotees and Bal Vikas children who had come together in large numbers to participate in this event.

Arun Rajagopalan, R1

Watching a National programme is always a pleasure, but serving at a National programme is so much more rewarding, not only because you meet new, like-minded people, or because the sadhana you engage in boosts your energy, but because it gives you the chance to see Swami in everyone.

Triveni Patel, R4

On behalf of the National Service team, I would like to thank all those who gave up their time to render selfless service and pray that you will all continue to plant the seeds of love in your hearts and let them grow into trees of service and shower the sweet fruit of bliss and share that bliss with all. Thank you and look forward to working with all of you and many others soon.

Jayesh Patel

National Service Coordinator

The Summer Showers Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality was originally held in Brindavan for 15 days during May and June 1990. Bhagawan’s discourses lovingly guide us step-by-step on a journey of self-realisation, from outward to inward; from the importance of the body, through to the role of the senses and the connection to the mind, and ultimately to knowing the real Self.

To understand the profundity of these divine pearls requires in-depth contemplation. “Summer Showers 1990 – Revisited” was held as a national virtual course. Eight topics were covered:

1. Sanctifying the body
2. Mastery of the senses
3. Vagaries of the mind
4. Buddhi the charioteer
5. Egoism and attachment
6. The three gunas
7. Know thyself
8. Practice and precept

Preparatory meetings, research and material compilation began in January 2021. Regional spiritual coordinators were tasked with designing and preparing materials for a module. The final course materials were offered at the Lotus Feet of our beloved Swami on His birthday, in November 2021. 35 facilitators came forward to deliver the course to 250 delegates who were enrolled at that time. 

The course commenced on Wednesday 19th January 2022 and continued fortnightly for eight sessions. All delegates were sent Bhagawan’s Summer Showers in Brindavan 1990 discourses as pre-reading, prior to an online interactive satsang. Thereafter, they were sent post-reading material to reflect independently on how the learnings of the module could be implemented in daily life. There was lots of positive feedback from delegates.

In the concluding discourse, Bhagawan said to His students:

You are highly fortunate. Even though there are several millions of people in the world, is it not your exceedingly good luck that only you, who are but a few hundreds in number, have been able to get the benefit of this golden opportunity?

Jai Sai Ram!

Manisha Patel & Ketan Parmar

R4 and R5 Spiritual Coordinators

Our dearest Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, always placed huge emphasis on Youth (young adults) being the catalysts for creating a just and moral society. He believed in the potential of Youth to such an extent, that He had no hesitation in claiming the Youth as His only possession and of showering His immense love and attention on them at every opportunity. As a humble offering at Bhagawan's Divine Lotus Feet, a selection of today's Youth leaders tell us what it means to be Sai Young Adults in today's society and how they strive to be beacons of Swami's light and love amidst our ever-changing world.

I see myself as being very fortunate to know about Swami and His teachings. Life poses its many challenges; however, knowing that there is always an answer/hope is always reassuring.

Brother Saiwarren Pathmanathan, R1 Young Adults Coordinator

For me, being a Sai Youth in today's society means striving to better your character and the world around you by engaging with, and practising Swami's teachings. It also means doing your duties to the best of your ability and keeping Swami in mind always.

Sister Saumya Singh, Joint R2 Young Adults Coordinator

Being a Sai Youth, for me, means identifying opportunities to serve. I cannot say that I'm well versed in all of His teachings, but the one that resonates is that service is love in action, and I am in awe of so many Youth in the Sai fold who are doing amazing service; so, for me, it's about maintaining the company and assisting in service of these great individuals who serve society and therefore Swami directly.

Brother Manish Patel, Joint R2 Young Adults Coordinator

To be a Sai Young Adult is truly a great blessing and privilege. It is impossible to imagine life without Sai as He is inculcated within every aspect of my life. “Sai Guru Sai Sakha Sahodar” – not only is Sai the eternal Mother and Father, but also my Guru, my friend and my brother. He is everything. The guidance, love and support we receive through engaging with other members of the Sai fold empower us to love all and serve all, whilst learning in abundance along the way. In today’s society where there is plenty of uncertainty, the fact that Swami’s blessings are with us and we have such a huge family of Sai Youth to support us, makes me feel so hopeful and happy.

Sister Harini Vickneswaran, Joint R3 Young Adults Coordinator

I believe that the greatest blessing bestowed upon myself by our dear Lord is that being a “Sai” Youth is now simply a routine. Swami is constantly helping me navigate through the challenges posed by today’s society, and being a “Sai” Youth means that, at times, I am blissfully unaware of Swami impacting my life in a practical, spiritual and intellectual sense – helping me implement His countless teachings on a daily basis.

Brother Himal Bulathsinhala, Joint R3 Young Adults Coordinator

First, I offer my love and salutation at the Divine Lotus Feet with gratitude, for having the boon of being born at the same time as this avatar. Being a Sai Youth in today's society is to try and bring happiness and joy to all around me and to serve all his devotees.

Brother Bhavesh Mistry, R4 Young Adults Coordinator

I consider being a Sai Youth as a divine blessing in my life. Swami’s values play a vital role in shaping my thoughts and actions. Being part of a large and loving Sai Youth community gives the opportunity to be around other like-minded individuals, learn from each other and grow together.

Brother Arvind Kywalya, R5 Young Adults Coordinator

Being a Sai Youth member in today’s society is to practise and propagate ideals such as goodness, morality and truth in the strict sense of the term and stick to Swami’s words. "Let your behaviour be exemplary wherever you are, serve without expecting any reward."

Sister Sindhuja Nadella, R6 Young Adults Coordinator

Being a Sai Youth, I offer my words, thoughts and deeds to Bhagawan Baba and try to lead my life as an instrument of His peace. His values, teachings and leelas guide my actions as I constantly ask myself, “Will my actions make Swami happy?”. With the rapidly changing world that we live in, having Swami by my side is truly a blessing.

Sister Akshita Canchi, R7 Young Adults Coordinator

Being a Sai Youth in today's society is striving to emulate the ideals laid down by Swami in my thoughts, words and deeds and constantly working on developing an unshakeable faith in Him no matter what. It is growing a little more in Swami's love every day, so that this shines forth in my character and heart and hence in the society I seek to serve. Being a Sai Youth is an immense honour which I thank Swami for every single day.

Sister Priya Kotecha, Joint National Young Adults Coordinator

For me, being a 'Sai Youth' involves constant introspection of 'whether I am living up to His ideals', be it through success or failure, highs or lows, happiness or sadness. Because, for me, Swami's purpose was only for the highest - that self-discovery of being 'divine'. And it is with this outlook that I try to always observe, question and reconcile my role within society too, as His Youth and as a spark of His Divinity.

Brother Kapil Dev Prasher, Joint National Young Adults Coordinator

It is the privilege and duty of the young men and women to promote the welfare, progress and peace of the world. Transform all your actions into sacred duties. Experience the love of the Divine. That is the meaning of Swami's declaration: "My life is my message." Adhere to the ideals set before you by Swami. 

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 16 July 1997, First World Youth Conference at Prasanthi Nilayam