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Sai Spirituality and the
Millennium, February 1999
Devotees from across the Greater
Toronto Region attended a symposium on the spiritual aspects of
the Sai organization, organized by Region 2 at the Scarborough
Civic Center on February 27, 1999. The event aptly opened with a
song on Global Unity entitled "Thank you Swami we are one" by the
youth from Scarborough Sai Center.
The Master of Ceremonies Uncle
Saba Nadesan initiated the symposium by emphasizing on the
necessity of a well- structured center. How can we expect
devotees to be firm in their conviction if the center itself lacks
a strong foundation? The role of the spiritual co-ordinator is to
lay the very foundation of the Sai organization, much like the
mason who lays the base of a stone tower.
To put the structure of the Sai
organization into perspective, Uncle Pathy, the co-ordinator for
Region 2 discussed the various positions in the Sai system and
their attached roles and responsibilities in general and with
specific reference to Canada.
Brother Pradeep Kugarajah,
regional youth co-ordinator explained the importance of the nine
codes of conduct. His presentation included a repartee with the
assembly and the lively interaction led to a clear understanding
of why we must follow the nine codes with a sense of urgency and
utter sincerity.
Aunty Yamuna Muruganandan
reminded us that an effective study circle is a pathway to
divinity. Participants of a study circle can grow spiritually by
learning from the experiences of others. Different rivers carry
in themselves their unique water quality but when they come
together by emptying into a vast ocean of clarity, each of them
has contributed to the vastness of the sea. Similarly, every
center is capable of creating its own vast ocean of understanding
and awareness by conducting effective study circles by following
the guidelines that she discussed in detail.
Uncle Mafat Patel shared his
wisdom and wit concerning bhajan singing and co-ordination. While
stressing on the importance of raga, tala and bhava (melody,
rhythm and emotion), he advised against enhancing these aspects to
a point where the majority of the congregation cannot participate
in singing the glory of the Lord. Also, a bhajan is always more
moving when led by those with the ability to do so. We must not
feel upset or inadequate in any way if we cannot lead because we
are all contributing to the mass vibration of the chorus which
touches every heart.
Aunty Pushpa Rama conducted a
calming session on Jyothi meditation where she shared her own
experience of having used the technique to attain inner peace and
deal with the problem of high blood pressure. She led the
audience step-by-step through the process of Jyothi meditation
which generated an atmosphere of tranquillity in the room.
Aunty Karuna Sarup-Munshi's
presentation centered around organizing Sai seminars and special
functions. Her jovial attitude by no means diminished the
importance of her message to broaden the appeal of Baba's message
to a broader ethnic base. We must mainstream our focus by
celebrating and learning about the numerous cultures and religions
which strengthen the diversity that is Canada. The Sai message is
not a new religion but a path to discover the divinity inherent in
each one while respecting all faiths and stressing their
underlying unity. Every Sai center and function should reflect
the non-denominational, multi-faith aspect of the Sai
organization.
Aunty Sulochana Kandavel
discussed the diverse religious backgrounds of Baba's devotees and
how they have enriched the literary sources that are available to
understand the Sai message. She stressed on the need to read Sai
literature on a regular basis. The experience is similar to that
of the honey bee endeavouring to get the sweet nectar of Swami's
wisdom.
The program concluded with a
question and answer session. The panel of Sai experts consisted
of Aunty Mani Pathmaraja, Uncle Paramanandan, Uncle Kamal Jha and
Uncle Mafat Patel. A query was raised as to whether there would
be a Canadian group visiting Puttaparthi this year. There was
some uncertainty with the answer but inevitably the conclusion
from the panel remained that by Swami's grace we will proceed.
In response to youth concern regarding more youth activities on
regional level, the panel urged the youth to take the initiative
and the centers and region would support their efforts while
delegating more responsibilities to the youth in the coming year.
The youth as the leader of the Sai center in the coming millennium
must be well versed in the structure and workings of the Sai
organization.
After all the doubts were cleared,
Uncle Noel Bennett summarized the conclusions of the day's
proceedings. Much was learned and shared during the afternoon and
each member left with a pearl of Swami's wisdom secured in the
realms of their heart.
Sai Youth
Source:
http://www.saicentre.net/sai3.htm |
