Dear Devotees of Sathya Sai Baba in the United States,
All devotees are invited to join in spiritual preparation for the Pilgrimage whether or not traveling to Prasanthi Nilayam. The primary purpose of the pilgrimage is to deepen our practice and understanding of Swami’s teachings and enjoy His darshan, so that we grow to be aware of Him all the time, everywhere. Let us all build a sense of selfless unity by joining in spiritual preparation for the Lord’s darshan in the USA in His Omnipresence and in Prasanthi Nilayam in His Physical Presence.
Sai Baba has said He is happy when devotees put His teachings into practice. On that, the three-step National Framework of Spiritual Preparation for the pilgrimage is based.
Each Center is encouraged to select several Discourses for study circles through June 2010 and focus discussion on identifying aspects of living an ideal life according to the teachings of Sai Baba. A list of suggested discourses will be provided in early January. Centers are encouraged to “tune up” their study circles by reviewing the national study circle guidelines.. Also, the Pilgrimage Support Team will provide ideas to enliven study circles and make them more engaging to members, including ideas to help solidify learning of the principles.
Each devotees and center should strengthen an existing spiritual practice or begin a new one that contributes to leading an ideal life according to Baba’s teachings. Given the multitude of tendencies, inclinations, and capacities among devotees, Sai Baba has described many spiritual practices that can lead to self-realization. This includes the ideal practice of service dedicated to the Lord.
Sample practices:
Individual Devotee Practices:
Keep a spiritual journal or log describing your experience of human values
Sacrifice negative qualities (e.g. anger, lust, attachment, greed, pride, envy) and experience your human values of love, truth, right conduct, peace, nonviolence
Sacrifice excessive desires (related to time, energy, food, money). Use savings for leading an ideal human life
Begin a new spiritual practice or strengthen an existing practice (e.g. saying the Name, meditation, saying Gayathri, studying Swami’s teachings)
Remember more frequently that I am God, I am I, and experience this in the depth of inner silence
Center or Group Practices:
Reinvigorate center study circles. Discuss Swami’s Words on living ideal lives. (See list of suggested Discourses and ideas to enliven study circles)
Design activities focusing on the universality of Sai Baba’s teachings so that there is more participation from diversified populations in the USA. (e.g. center devotional programs and public meetings)
Participate in center and national service projects in preparation for the Pilgrimage. The essence of the Vedas is primarily Love All, Serve All
Devotees and centers are invited to share their experiences of practicing the Sai Ideal life. Also, share your ideas of how to practice a spiritual principle effectively. You’ll find a simple means of sharing your experiences on the Pilgrimage Support Website. An anonymous posting option is available. A national album will be compiled of experiences. Swami has lovingly looked at albums depicting efforts made by devotees to follow His teachings.
