Sathya Sai Institutions and Central Trust and Service Projects - 5- An Overview

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Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations Sri Sathya Sai Organisation is unique in many respects. From small beginnings in a remote little hamlet, in South India, it has grown into a well-knit, purposeful and service-oriented global organisation of dedicated men and women. With its organisational units in most Indian states and over 150 other countries, it is run by the World Council with headquarters in Prasanthi Nilayam (Abode of Peace) in Andhra Pradesh. The Sathya Sai Baba Centers constitute a genuine spiritual movement. We are moving away from body consciousness and selfishness to God consciousness and selflessness. We are moving away from a world in which force maintains order, away from a world

in which selfish goals are the foundation of human interactions and institutions. We are moving towards a world where acknowledgement of and love for God results in the harmonious and loving interaction of all members of the holy human family. Love is the fuel for our spiritual movement. The quality and constancy of our love determines the speed and duration of our journey. The members of Sathya Sai Centres are united by a common bond . love of God and a common goal - spiritual growth. Centre activities include the study of the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba and the sacred literature of all religions, group devotional singing, spiritual meditation, and selfless service to the community, society, the world, and the environment. The membership includes people from all walks of life and the Centre programs are compatible with all the major religions.When an organisation is started, it has to lay down for itself certain rules and regulations. But our rules are of a different

nature altogether. Our rules emphasise that members must first put into daily practice what they stand for. Whatever you desire others to do, you must first put into daily practice sincerely and with steadfastness. The organisation centers must be such that members find them congenial places to deepen their spiritual discipline (Sadhana), to cultivate their virtues, to overcome their ego, by contact with workers who are free from the least trace of that deadly Poison of Ego. The Sathya Sai Organisation derives inspiration, guidance and strength from Bhagawan Baba's Mission and Message of propagating the Truth of Divinity in Man which is proclaimed and preached by all great religions of the World. In consonance with this Truth, the Organisation has as its main objective selfless love and service to the ignorant, the needy, the sick and the handicapped, without any restrictions of caste or creed either for those who work in the Organisation or for those who are served by

them. Thus, it transcends the bounds of "Religion" and unifies society in 'One Spirit' that is God and binds the whole humanity into one 'Brotherhood of Man.' In fact, this 'Spiritual' basis enables every one in the Organisation to pursue his own religion better by putting its teachings into actual working by way of love and service to their God who dwells in all hearts. That is why the Sai Organisation has brought into its 'Emblem' the Symbols of the great religions, so that the Emblem may inspire one and all, without discarding or disparaging his own particular religion, to come and join this . Movement of 'Universal Love'. What is more significant is that every service to relieve human suffering and distress is rendered as an act of worship to the Divinity in Man. Thus, service unto others becomes one's own 'Sadhana' which purifies his heart as well as his Spiritual Vision and thereby develops in him an awareness of Divine Consciousness within himself and in others. At

the same time, one who is served also feels spiritually elevated because he gratefully remembers God in whose name he is being served with love. The organisation is open to all willing to spend two to four hours a week in community service. Its wide-ranging activities provide opportunities for utilising special professional skills. Anyone can join, indicate the activity in which he or she is interested and participate earnestly on a voluntary basis. The first thing they learn is to shed their ego which, in turn leads them to realise how aimless has been their existence till then and how much more there is to learn about oneself and the world around. The Code Of Conduct Every member of the Organization must undertake Sadhana (spiritual discipline) as an integral part of his daily life and abide by the following Code of Conduct :- Daily meditation and prayer. Devotional

singing / prayer with members of his family once per week. Participation in the educational programs conducted by the Organization for children. Attendance at group devotional programs conducted by the Organization. Participation in community service and other programs of the Organization. Regular study of Sai literature. Putting into practice the principle of " Ceiling on Desires " and utilities any savings thereby generated for the service of mankind. Speaking softly and lovingly with everyone with whom he comes into contact. Avoiding talking ill of others especially in their absence. Objectives Of The Sai Organisation Its principle objectives are :- 1.To help the individual

to become aware of the Divinity that is inherent in him and to conduct himself accordingly ; to translate into practice in daily life, Divine Love and perfection ; and to fill his life with joy, harmony, beauty, grace, human excellence and lasting happiness; To ensure that all human relations are governed by the principles of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Right Conduct), Prema (Love), Shanti (Peace) and Ahimsa (Non - Violence) ; To make devotees of the various religions more sincere and dedicated in the practice of respective religions. These objectives can be attained in the following manner :- By observing the four principles laid down by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

namely:- There is only ONE religion, the religion of Love. There is only ONE Language, the language of heart. There is only ONE CASTE, the Caste of Humanity. There is only ONE God, He is Omnipresent. By constant remembrance of God and looking upon all creation as only a manifestation of Divinity in different forms and shapes. By underlining the essential unity of all religions and securing a proper understanding of all religions as based on Love. By looking upon all work as service dedicated to the Divine. By bringing to bear upon all life's problems, attitudes flowing from Divine Love, such as understanding, compassion, tolerance, helpfulness, etc. By

basing all actions on Love of Divinity, fear of sin and steadfast observance of morality in society. By engaging in spiritual, educational and service activities both at the individual and the community level, in an organized and systematic manner, without expecting any material reward or appreciation, but solely as a means of winning God's Love and Grace. Activities Of Organisation The Organization undertakes spiritual, educational and service activities under the inspiration and guidance of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba through Sri Sathya Sai Centres. Spiritual activities include devotional singing, study circles, public

lectures, seminars, meditation etc. Educational activities cover Bal Vikas and Education in Human Values Programs, besides formal academic education combined with the development of the character of the students for age group of 6 to 15. Service activities include items such as organizing medical check-up camps, adoption of under-developed villages for accelerating rural development; blood donation; old age homes, etc. For the purpose of conducting these programs, Rules and Regulations for Overseas Centres have been framed by Central Office. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (Overseas): The International Sri Sathya Sai Organisation consists of Sathya Sai Centres and Groups in countries outside India. The members are Sai Devotees who are willing to embrace the necessary discipline and spirit of sacrifice to enable them to work together in an orderly manner. All religion

affiliations are welcome, and there exist no creed, class, caste or color discrimination among members. A minimum of nine members, however, is required for the formation of a Sri Sathya Sai Centre. For administrative purposes, countries outside of India have been divided into 15 geographical regions of the globe. Each region is overseen by one or more Central Coordinators whose duty it is to ensure an appropriate organisational structure consisting of a Central Council and/or Coordinating Committee to guide and assist in the proper function of the Centres and Groups. The activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation fall into three categories (or wings) : Devotional, Educational, and Service. The world Council as the apex body takes policy decisions and draws up organisational plans. The decisions are handed down through the state level units and the entire organisation, right down to the grassroots levels, moves like a well-oiled machine.

Though the languages, nationalities, creeds, ethnic origins, and cultural orientations found among devotees of the Sai Avatar are many, there is just one all encompassing theme expressing itself in all of them. It is Love. Love for God and for all of His Creation.

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