Author: admindev

Resources

“When we “skill” our knowledge, life is well-balanced. When we “kill” our knowledge, the balance is upset.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba (Summer Showers 20 May 1991)

The SSE teacher’s manual has a comprehensive set of resources for prayers from different religions, sample lessons plans and bibliography by age group. In recent years however, as more resources are available in digital format, there has been an ongoing effort to develop a central repository for SSE teachers and coordinators. These include discourses by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, devotional songs in multiple languages, stories, activities, life application and enrichment webinars.

It is an ongoing process as the team collects and compiles resources that are authentic and applicable to development of a lesson plan.

If you have suggestions or resources (that has been vetted), kindly email aashithaprojectsh@info.com and include in the subject line “resources.”

Education

SSE Teachers’ Training

The authentic human values cannot be learned from books or from lessons given by teachers or gifted by elders. They can be acquired only by experience and example. You (the teacher) must be the example, and the children have to experience.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba on June 01, 1985, SSS v18, N13

Since 1986, SSE Teacher Trainings have been conducted in all regions of the United States. All prospective teachers are required to attend a standard two-day training course, where an in-depth discussion and demonstration of the program is conducted.

Since October 2020, the National Education Coordinator in collaboration with the Regional Education Coordinators and local facilitators have conducted online training (total 16 hours) in lieu of in-person training. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. The new trainees then required to undergo at least 6 months of mentorship and apprenticeship.

During the training, the SSE Teacher’s Manual is studied extensively. The syllabus includes:

Module 1: Introduction to the Sai Spiritual Education Program

Module 2: Principles of Educare: Integrating the FIVE- sheaths, senses, elements and human values

Module 3: Lesson Components- how to prepare a lesson plan

Module 4: SSE Focus areas- Unity of faiths, Ceiling on desires and the five Ds

Module 5: Child development and learning theory related to SSE to also include classroom discipline and atmosphere

Module 6: Role of teachers and parents

Module 7: Lesson plan preparations by small groups (practice in lesson plan development will occur in between modules)

Enrichment

There are several enrichment programs available both at a national and regional level. All SSE teachers, whether experienced or new, are encouraged to attend as many virtual sessions as possible. Enrichment workshops may also be available at a national and regional level. All SSE teachers must attend at least two enrichment workshops each year.

These workshops focus on specific aspects of the spiritual program. For example, a workshop might include a discussion on the five kosas (sheaths) and the importance of a healthy diet, deep breathing, calming the senses, and listening to the conscience. Another example might be a story-telling demonstration, role play, and group discussions.

For more information on Teacher training and enrichment, please contact your local Center Education Coordinator or send an email to aashithaprojectsh@info.com

Education

National Initiatives

During the first quarter meeting, Education Coordinators (National and Regional) discussed and identified key initiatives for the calendar year  a) to engage and inspire SSE children, parents and teachers, b) to create opportunities for multi-regional collaboration and c) to create a repository of resources. As a result, the following initiatives were developed and implemented.

A) Aradhana Day 2020

B) National Enrichment and Refresher

C) National SSE Coordinators Retreat 2024

D) Sathya Sai Speaks- National Study Circle

E) Sai Bhagavatam series

F) SOuL- Resources 

Activities

Envirocare

Sri Sathya Sai Baba exhorts us to “develop the spirit of Oneness” and to experience unity in diversity. He teaches us that the entire creation is the body of God and Nature is the mirror in which the image of God can be seen.

“There are three entities in the universe with which man has to deal: God, nature and man. Of course, God is to be worshipped by man, to be realized by man through nature. Nature is the name for all the various items that impress upon man the glory and the splendor of God. ”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, March 27, 1967

He further explains that the five elements that make up all aspects of nature (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) exist in perfect harmony. Today however, as a result of man’s excessive desires and over consumption, nature is out of balance, resulting in increased natural disasters we experience today.

“Many natural catastrophes are entirely due to man’s behavior. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wars, floods, and famines and other calamities are the result of grave disorders in nature. These disorders are traceable to man’s conduct. Man has not recognized the integral relationship between humanity and the world of nature. ”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, November 22, 1992

To support the Swami’s mission of Envirocare, the SSIO-USA promotes several initiatives including Tree planting, Go-Green projects, Cleaning up programs, Community Garden ideas and Environmental Education (refer Related Links on the right side, for more details).

Activities

Women’s Wing

“Women should develop the qualities of sympathy, compassion, love and sacrifice. Study the lives of our great women who were models of patience, fortitude, compassion and sacrifice. I desire that you should take up the reins of leadership, and bring peace and prosperity to the nation(s) by leading ideal lives”.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Vol 29 (1995)

Peer Group Goals:

1. To give a platform for women to communicate, share and support each other.

2. To empower women to seek Sai- based solutions for problems.

3. To enrich women to be able to pursue options to address with their concerns and issues.

“You must be a Lotus, unfolding its petals when the Sun rises in the sky, unaffected by the slush where it is born or even the water which sustains it!”

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 10 (1970)

Sri Sathya Sai National Peer Enrichment Group
Established with the loving guidance of regional and national coordinators, this group provides a spiritually nourishing platform for women to come together to reflect, uplift, and empower one another in the light of Sai teachings.

🗓️ Launched: August 21, 2021
🏠 First Meeting Hosted By: St. Louis Sai Center – July 19, 2022
🔁 Frequency: Quarterly
📈 Sessions Held: 9 to date

🧘‍♀️ Topics Explored

Conflict resolution
Emotional well-being
Overcoming limiting beliefs
“Who Am I?”: Self-inquiry
Sathya Sai Education in Human Values (SSEHV)
Finding joy within

“If the nation has to prosper, improvement must start with the parents. Without peace and harmony at home, there can be no peace in the nation. This message should be propagated throughout the country on every November 19th, by observing it as Ladies’ Day.” Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 28 (1995)

Activities

Events and Activities

Activities

Young Adults

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in a discourse during the World Youth Conference of 1997, revealed the important role of Young Adults in fulfilling a noble mission:

“Young men and women, the world’s good fate, world’s progress is dependent on the transformation of the youth, today. Only when the youth transform themselves with good character, will the world be able to experience ideal virtues.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, World Youth Conference, 1997

The guiding principle for Young Adults is self-transformation. Sri Sathya Sai Baba revealed a clear path to achieve this grand mission. He said:

“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.

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 30, 16 July 1997

The Sri Sathya Sai Young Adults Programme (SSSYAP) seeks to deliver this powerful message to the world through Young Adults worldwide. The Programme encourages men and women, between the ages of 18 and 40, to lead purposeful lives in service of their families, communities, and countries by learning and practicing the spiritual principles revealed by the life, teachings, and work of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Primary importance is given to holistic character development through both personal transformation and selfless service.

The International Young Adults Committee (IYAC) was established under the auspices of the Prasanthi Council and works with its guidance. The IYAC comprises of the International Young Adults Coordinator, Deputy International Young Adults Coordinators, Subcommittee Leads, and the Zone and Deputy Zone Young Adults Coordinators. Together, they coordinate and lead the SSSYAP around the world.

“Young people should consider the true purpose of life. They should get rid of all the impurities in their hearts. With pure hearts, they should embark on service at all times and everywhere. ‘Hands in society, head in the forest.’ From today develop an unwavering mind and a steady vision. That is the way to divinize the world.”

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 30, 16 July 1997

Young Adults are engaged in service activities in their respective communities around the world, including serving the needy by providing food, clothes and medical care. They also participate in various disaster relief projects such as tsunami, hurricane and earthquake relief.

In addition to the regular SSSIO activities and events, the Sai Young Adult programme has undertaken several initiatives that further:

a) help develop YA interests and talent and
b) address YA-specific issues in leading a spiritual life.

YAs can connect with like-minded individuals providing an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.

YAs all over the world are involved in activities such as:

Devotional: prayer, meditation, devotional singing, study of Sai teachings
Retreats/conference: workshop for personal enrichment, motivational speakers
Education: computer literacy, education in human values, vocational training, mentoring
Service: soup kitchen, disaster relief, blood donation, medical camps, Serve the Planet
Cultural: music concerts, drama, poetry, devotional songs album, radio programmes
YA development: leadership training
Miscellaneous: Go – Green initiatives, YA sports day, media training

YAs engage in these activities in their respective communities around the world with the understanding that they are uplifting themselves spiritually by helping their fellow man.

“The highest spiritual practice is to transform love into service. Service will lead you to devotion.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, World Youth Conference, Prasanthi Nilayam, Nov, 18, 1999

These various activities are thus rendered with love, compassion and a feeling of oneness. The YAs have learned that all of humanity is pervaded by the one and same God, and by serving any part of humanity with love and compassion, they are serving God.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba has said that youth is the most precious time in one’s life. This is the time when all of one’s faculties and energies are at their peak. Hence, the Sai Young Adult programme has been established to encourage and guide YAs to make the best use of this time and lead a purpose-filled life. These young men and women, motivated by Sri Sathya Sai Baba and His all-encompassing love, are thus a beacon of hope for all.

St Louis YAs actively participating in Service projects

For further information or to connect with the St Louis YA officers, please contact stlouissaiyas@gmail.com.

Activities

Member

The qualifications for membership are to be an eager aspirant for spiritual progress, to have full faith in the name that the Organization bears.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, April 21, 1967

Welcome

There are Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centers in various cities across the United States. Members of the Centers meet regularly to study and discuss the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and to engage in group devotional singing, meditation, and prayer. Center members also plan and implement a variety of community service projects that are within their means and resources. There is never any solicitation or fee charged for any function that a Center conducts. All are welcome, regardless of race, creed, economic status, or religious orientation.

As members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, we are committed to a path of self-transformation. We hope that the resources on this website allows you to deepen your study and practice of this eternal message whether you are a member or whether you are simply interested in exploring further.

Activities

Service

Love more and more people. Love them more and more intensely. Transform the love into service, transform the service into worship. That is the highest spiritual practice.

Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 5, March 1965

Sri Sathya Sai Baba says that the best way to love God is to “Love all, Serve all.”  The main purpose of the Sathya Sai Organization is to realize the innate divinity and practice divine love through selfless service. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has stressed that the quality rather than quantity of service is most important. When we render service, we should feel that we are serving God. This is why He says, “Service to man is service to God”. Service done in this manner makes us realize that “service is done by God, to God, and for God”. The person who is serving, the recipient of the service and the process of serving are all one—and are all divine. Sri Sathya Sai Baba also cautions that ego and attachment; and the feeling of feeling of doer-ship and enjoyer-ship are major obstacles in rendering service.

A true volunteer can overcome these obstacles through selfless service. Service done in a pure, selfless manner becomes “Yoga” - union with God.

Sri Sathya Sai Organization – USA Service Video 2020

This brief video celebrates the unique ways in which the members of SSIO–USA have been engaging in selfless service over the past year. May this video, highlighting Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s key message of “Love All, Serve All”, inspires one and all!

National Service Retreat 2021 ~ Living A Life of Loving Service

On October 23rd, 2021, the first annual National Service Retreat was held virtually and featured a live cast of service projects from all over the country, speakers, devotional singing, live exhibits and workshops. Close to 50O people were in attendance and developed a greater awareness of the meaning of selfless service. Read More

National S.A.I. Tutoring Summit 2021

On September 18^th 2021, about 120 members, comprising adults, YA’s and SSE students, from Sai Centers across the nation participated in a virtual SAI (Schoolwork Assistance Initiative) Tutoring Summit. The summit gave Sai volunteers an opportunity to connect, be inspired and share their experience of providing learning support to underserved children in our communities. Read More

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