We thank Swami from the bottom of our hearts, to have blessed us to be a drop in the ocean of His divine mission.  May He make us worthy of serving Him through our community and nation with utmost sincerity. 

Sarada Yogeswaran 
President 
* * * * *

Have full faith in God and in yourselves.  Engage always in good deeds, beneficial activities; Speak always the truth, do not inflict pain to others by word or deed or even thought.  That is the way to gain Santhi; that is the highest gain which you can earn in this life. 
- Baba 
* * * * *

Since our beloved Lord Sai has stated: “All religions are the facets of the same truth,” we wish to outline some of the festivals which will be celebrated in the last three months of 1998 and explain their significance to everyone. 
 
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is to be celebrated on October 18th by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Lamps symbolize not only knowledge, but also the oneness of the Atma. Many lamps are lit in celebration, but few remember to light lamps within their hearts, to destroy the darkness within. Diwali is a time to adopt new habits of love and mutual respect, and to freshen one’s attitude towards brothers and sisters of all castes and creeds. 

The Global Akhanda Nama Bhajan, is a 24 hour uninterrupted session of devotional singing that takes place on November 7th and 8th  at the same time the world over. The long inward journey during this bhajan provides better chances to reach the innermost regions of peace and bliss. A bhajan is essentially an expression of love, soaked in devotion for God. Akhanda bhajans provide devotees with an opportunity to develop mutual tolerance and love. 

November 19th is Ladies’ Day. On this day, people are reminded  that wherever women are honoured, there is prosperity and happiness. Women should never be slighted or treated with disrespect. A home in which a housewife sheds tears will be bereft of all prosperity. Women are not to be treated lightly. The Gita says that women are endowed with seven kinds of powers while men have only three. It is sinful to look down upon women. 

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born on the 23rd of November, 1926, in the star of Ardra. On this day, many ask the question “What is the birthday gift I can offer to Swami?” Swami says that the one and only gift we need give him, is “to love your fellow being, share in their distress and do some good for them. We must try and serve mankind while we limit our own desires and curb our unwanted tendencies, since to serve man is to serve God, and thereby we make the fullest use of these bodies given to us.” 

Hanukkah is celebrated on December 14th by Jews for eight days around the world. It revolves around the story of the victory of the brave Macabees against the Greeks and the miracle of the cruse of oil that burned for eight days instead of one. To commemorate this miracle, candles are lit in a menorah, one every night for eight nights. Traditionally, Hanukkah gelt, or money, is presented, but in recent times gift giving has become more prominent as a result of the proximity to Christmas. 

Ramadan, is a month of fasting, or saum, celebrated by Muslims on December 20th all over the world. Islam is a word that denotes not a particular religion, but a state of mind – the state of total surrender to the Will of God. The month of Ramadan is set apart for the holy task of bringing into memory and practice the teachings Mohammed conveyed, and attaining that stage of unity and purity which is truly divine. 

Although Christmas is essentially a Christian holiday, it is now celebrated by members of all faiths. The birth of Jesus Christ is commemorated on this day. Swami says that “the purpose of Christmas is to share the Lord’s love with every human being, and to accept all calamities as the Lord’s will.” 

These are the major festivals celebrated towards the end of the year. Although our Sai Centre will be celebrating all of these festivals, they will be observed on different dates, as we are restricted to biweekly bhajans. Let us make an effort to put into practice the messages of these different festivals, and use them to enrich our lives. 
 
Sai Ram! 

SSE Group IV Students 
 
  * * * * *

The following words of Baba are general and invaluable.  If they are kept in mind and acted upon, they will always do us good: 

"Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere.  If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them, with due respect.  Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked and your verandah to strangers for 
sitting and resting.  If anybody wants money from you, and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him, like a dog. 

Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply.  If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.  Let the world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are.  Standing or staying in your own place, look on calmly at the show of all things passing before you. 

Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from me and then the road of our meeting will be clear and open. 

                                                       (SHRI SAI SATCHARITA Chapter 18 &19) 

Recipe to attain bliss following Swami's teachings 

        SAI DELIGHT 

Ingredients: An ounce each of the following: 
Sathya (Truth) 
Dharma (Right Action) 
Shanthi (Peace) 
Prema (Love) 
Ahimsa (Non-violence) 

One quart each of the following:  One cup each of the following: 

Rinse a huge bowl in the waters of repentance. Once spotlessly clean, throw in an ounce each of Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa. Add a quart each of human Kindness, Understanding and Help. Using patience as a whisk, blend contents into a tender smoothie. Fold in gently a cup each of Seva, Cheerfulness, Optimism and Compassion. Now pour all contents into a heart shaped dish greased with the Divine Name. Bake in an oven set at a temperature suitable to melt the Lord's heart. 

Garnish now with Faith and Hope. Consume a liberal helping every day and experience the delightful taste of Bliss. 

For greater Sath, Chith and Ananda, share a piece with your neighbours and co-workers. 

Jai Sai Ram! 

From the Sai Kitchen

Far far away in Puttaparthi you stay 
Serving and watching your children who stray 

You bring peace to our hearts when we call out your name 
Receiving your love and grace is a wonderful game 

We hear your sayings wherever we go 
But putting them into practice is very very slow 

Baba, you are our mother, father and best friend too 
Always around when we need you 

Baba, dear Baba, you are in our hearts 
No being in this world can tear us apart 

Vibuthi and rings you give the more fortunate 
Rest of us can only pray to you, dear soul-mate 

Your miracles make our faith so strong 
To be with you and for your sparshan we long 

Swami, you help us through our difficult days 
We cross every hurdle because of your grace 

With a smile on your lips and your hands raised in blessings 
You take away our fear but keep us guessing 

For we are sure the day is not far 
 When we all will be blessed with your padnamaskar 

Baba, we wish we lived close to you 
Enjoying every minute the sweetness in you 

How can we forget Dear Omnipresnet Lord 
That you are among us as Our Favourite God 
 

Placed at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Bhagawan Baba 
By SSE Group III students, Sri Sathya Sai Centre of Scarborough 
 

Monday September 7th 1998 began the annual Sai Spiritual Education Orientation for the parents of new SSE children and parents of all youth.  The day began with welcoming remarks from SSE coordinator, Pathmini Jeyanathan, who briefly introduced the gurus and explained the different aspects which would be covered in the day’s orientation. 

Following the introduction, Dr. Kamal Jha, a new addition to the Gurus of  Scarborough Sai Centre, gave a talk on our beloved Avatar Sri Sathya Sai Baba.  He proceeded to define the Education in Human Values program as an excellent investment in morality, ethics and respect.  An immense emphasis was placed on parent participation and the examples set by the Gurus.  Not only must the Gurus practice Swami’s teachings but they must also encourage the children to carry out their duties, obtain good discipline and have complete devotion.  Rules and regulations concerning food, dress and keeping good company were discussed as well. 

For the benefit of the non-Anglophone parents in the audience, Sakuntala Anandagopal, an SSE guru, summarily translated uncle Jha’s speech in Tamil. A typical day in a SSE classroom was the next topic on the day’s agenda.  Ramani Sambhara, an SSE guru, explained to the new parents that the classes were divided by age and that there was a minor dress code of white and white for special occasions.  The main theme of the classes were said to be the five human values.  These values would be taught at a different degree based on the level of the group.  Ramani aunty continued her description by giving a complete point-by-point summary of the happenings during the hour and fifteen minutes in the SSE classroom.  The day starts with three Om’s,  followed by sloka recitation.  A large portion of the class time is allotted to creative work, which involves storytelling, the analysis of epic tales and group presentations.  Finally, the session concludes with bhajan singing and meditation.  Field trips, Christmas sevas and dramas are among many of the extra-curricular activities involving the students. 

The guest speaker for the occasion,       Mrs. Shanta Diwakar, concluded the SSE portion of the day’s orientation.  Being very close to Swami, Aunty Shanta gave an account of her touching experiences with the Lord.  She explained that the ultimate goal of the SSE program is to understand the soul and not to concentrate on the mind and body.  “The best teachers inspire” was a meaningful quote used by Aunty Shanta.  The “three C’s” which build an influential teacher are competence, commitment and communication.  Without these nothing can be accomplished. 

To commence the youth segment of the day, Uncle Subramanium introduced the upcoming presentations and, in addition, outlined the role of the Sai youth in today’s society. 

An inspiring presentation was then given by fellow Youth Brothers, Manoj Choudhary and Neilank Jha, who drafted the proposed Boys Youth Program for the year.  The two spoke of study circles, service work and participation in centre and group activities. 

Lavanya Sivanesan and Sugee Anandagopal continued the program with heart-felt speeches depicting the influence of the Sai Youth Group on their personal lives.  Lavanya spoke of her involvement in service activities and of Swami’s influence on her career decisions.  Sugee concentrated more on the benefits she has derived from her participation in the spiritual activities of the Youth program with special emphasis on study circles. 

Youth guest speaker Bipin Poddar, student at the Sai University in India, followed by relaying his first-hand experiences with Swami.  Sai brother Bipin answered questions from the audience in relation to his past experiences  with Swami. 

Two talks made by Sai sister Subankanee and Sai brother Sanjeevan Sivanesan were the final demonstrations of the orientation.  Subankanee discussed the importance of time-management and commitment to Youth Group Activities in light of her own experiences. Sanjeevan continued by discussing the benefits he derives from his participation in Sai Youth Group and its impact upon his study skills, concentration and coping with peer pressure. 

Concluding remarks with an appeal for parents’ cooperation and support, and commitment from the Youth themselves successfully completed the program. 

SAI RAM! 

Sai Youth

Experiences of devotees - Videos 

1. D. Dorothy & Moyia O'Brian 
Twin sisters sharing their divine experiences with Swami. 

2. Wayne Crowder, 
A lawyer by profession, Wayne is very involved in service activites. 
He is also Regional Coordinator for Eastern America. 

3. P.V. Shankar 
Explains his training as a Seva dal in Bombay, and shares his experiences in the divine presence of Swami. 

4. Saroja Girishankar 
Having been a devotee of Swami since 1972, she describes the many miracles of Swami that have helped her through life. 

5. Dr. Prashad, Saroja and Shyam Kengala 
Dr. Prashad , an organizer of the Eastern America Retreat, speaks of his 
experiences with Swami. 

Saroja (daughter of Prof.Anilkumar) and her husband Shyam speak of their involvement with the Sai activities.

Last month, our Centre was given the opportunity to host a blood donation session.  All other Sai Centres were welcome to come, as well as anyone else.  It was held on Saturday, Sept. 12 between 12.00 noon and 4.00 p.m. at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate in Scarborough. 

The response was excellent, over 115 people volunteered to donate their blood.  Although not everyone was approved (some common reasons for this were if the donor had an active flu or cold, or was on medication), we did collect over 70 units of blood in the four hour session.  In fact, according to the Red Cross, we fully achieved the target set for that day. 

Throughout the entire session, there were bhajans being held in the lower floor in which donors were given first priority to lead-sing.  In addition to the uplifting tunes, plenty of food, drinks and coffee were served, aside from the cookies and juice offered by the Red Cross Volunteers. 

For those who have doubts about giving their blood, be assured that it is a safe procedure.  First, they take your history, your blood type, and a blood test.  If you pass this test (your blood is in good condition), you then fill out a form and get your blood pressure taken.  Each person is expected to give 450 ml of blood (1/10th of average blood volume in body) within 15 minutes.  Most people are able to give it within 10 minutes. 

Giving blood hardly affects you - your body replaces the plasma within 24 hours and red cells within four weeks.  Many first-time donors said it wasn’t as awful as they had expected, and were on their feet again in seconds. 

For those who did show up, be informed that with your donation, you might have helped as many as four patients in need of blood.  That has to feel good and is itself reward enough.  You can donate blood every 56 days, if you feel up to it. 

The atmosphere was charged with Sai vibrations; no shoving, no long line-ups.      A Red Cross Volunteers remarked that we were the most patient group she has ever come across and it was quite a pleasure serving us. 

There is no doubt that this was an excellent idea for it gave many Sai devotees an understanding of what blood donation is about, as well as an opportunity to help others.  It was an extremely productive day.   To think how many patients have benefited from this, as well as how many of us have experienced the joy of giving blood makes one think that this session was quite necessary. 

Our Lord Bhagavan has often stressed the importance of selfless service; service in which we do not expect any rewards.  When one donates blood, we do not know the recipient of our blood, and so we do not expect anything in return except the joy of having served someone in whom Sai resides. Therefore, blood donation is a highly satisfying form of seva.  It is a noble service and many will be grateful. 
Sai Ram! 

Sai Youth