Ladies’ Day is celebrated every November 19 in Prashanti Nilayam to commemorate the importance of women in society and home. Drawing numerous examples from the epics and history to illustrate the importance of women as mothers, wives, leaders and teachers. Swami points out that behind every great hero is a great mother as illustrated in the case of Mahatma Gandhi and Emperor Sivaji. As a child’s first guru, mothers have the potential to shape the destiny of a nation by inculcating love of God and fear of sin in their children. Swami further emphasised that the spirit of sacrifice is an inherent quality in women, which empowers them to deal with life’s challenges with faith and inner strength. 

The ladies and the youth girls of Scarborough Sai centre celebrated Ladies’ Day by presenting an entertaining and inspiring evening. The youth girls sang a song dedicated to Swami entitled: “Because you loved me,” while other youth girls performed a beautiful dance glorifying the devotee’s surrender to the lotus feet of the Lord. Several weeks of rehearsals leading to the final performance proved a great opportunity for the youth girls to bond as sisters. There were dance steps to be choreographed, practised and perfected, voice modulations matched and blended and of course the all important decision to be made regarding the colour of the saris, jewellery and more. 

While the audience was enthralled by the final dance performance, an unfortunate technical occurred when the song was being sung. Most of the youth girls felt heart-broken  because we did not perform as well as we should have. However, by Swami’s grace we were given another opportunity to sing the song before the program ended. With wet palms and nervous hearts, as we waited for the curtain to open for our repeat performance, unknown to us, many members of the audience felt Swami’s presence when the garland on the large picture dropped on the altar. Our second attempt at the song was a soul-stirring experience for both the singers and the audience. The compassionate Lord Sai had amply made up for our initial disappointment! 

The ladies of the centre performed a Tamil play from the epic Mahabharatha depicting the story of Lord Krishna and his search for a true devotee. The elaborate stage set-up period, costumes and excellent acting by the performers made this year’s Ladies’ Day celebration an eventful evening. 
Sai Youth 

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In a house where the woman is made to shed tears of sorrow there will never be any prosperity. 

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Develop the courageous feeling that you can accomplish many things, and then you will be able to do them.  Those who work for my organization will have to carry out their duty well. They will have to face some suffering but my grace will be there.  - BABA 

Published by Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Jyothi (flame) Meditation is the foremost spiritual discipline geared towards gaining inner peace. 

i) We should have a fixed time and place every day where we sit for meditation either in the morning and/or evening. 

ii) We should sit on a thin mattress for this exercise.  The sitting pose or asana should be comfortable both for our mind and body. 

iii) We should then chant Omkar, the Universal Mantra glorified as 'Nada Brahma' at least 3 times but preferably 21 times.  The mind under the influence of this divine sound slowly loses momentum and becomes more and more tranquil and steady. 

iv) The next step is to put the breath in rhythm.  The easiest and the most effortless method is to watch the breath, thereby the process becomes normal, that is, longer and calmer.  When we inhale, the breath sounds 'So' and when we exhale, it sounds 'Humm' which means 'He' i.e. "God" and 'I' respectively or "God am I". 

v) Accordingly, synchronizing with these two breaths, imagine that the flame 'Jyot' is within us.  Feel that the light of the flame is in our heart, right in the centre of the Lotus.  Gently move the light to other parts of your body -- the stomach, the limbs, the eyes, the ears and the tongue.  Feel that the entire body is illumined thereby. Rejoice that the light is the light of love; it removes hatred; it dispels darkness and doubt; it reveals that all are Divine. 

vi) As the light fills the eyes, you must feel that they have been purified.  They shall no longer seek to look upon evil sights.  When the light lights the tongue with love, decide that there is no more scope for uttering harsh words.  Similarly, once the radiance of the divine light bathes the arms, they can no longer delight in performing harmful deeds while the feet can no longer move into polluting areas and places. 

vii) Now visualize the light as surrounding our physical body and spreading far out to family members, neighbours and even those whom we do not like.  Every object is enveloped in that divine effulgence.  Isavaasyam Idam Sarvam.  All this is illumined by God.  This is the stage of bliss. 

viii) In this manner, the ONE flame on which we concentrate can cleanse our mind and body and spread its light and radiance to include our entire environment. 

ix) Finally, take the Jyot on to the figure of our Ishta Devta or the Deity of you choice and/or fix our vision on the Jyot, and commence meditation or silent sitting for a few minutes, followed by Japa of our chosen Mantra with the full understanding of its meaning and firm faith in its power and benefits.  It should be inter-woven with our breathing process of inhaling and exhaling. 

(For the significance & correct technique of Japa & Mantra as given by Baba, look out for the next issue of Sai World) 

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In April of 1998, I found myself working at a job that I was not too pleased with.  Being an impulsive person, I was on the verge of either quitting or looking for work with another company.  However this being such a major decision, I naturally turned to swami for guidance.  Being my eternal mother and father and the only person who knows my past, present and future, who else could have guided me better? 

After praying whole heartedly to Bhagawan, I took three pieces of paper and wrote the name of the company I was working for. On the second piece of paper I wrote the name of another company I had in mind while on the third piece of paper I wrote any other company Swami might have thought appropriate for me.  I prayed hard to Swami and I picked one of the three rolled pieces of paper and found to my astonishment that Swami wanted me to stay with the current company I was working for rather bitterly.  Since it was not the decision I was hoping for, it was rather hard to calm my monkey mind.  In my heart I knew that I had to obey my Sai mother’s divine director.  Barely a few weeks later, my supervisor pleasantly surprised me by offering me a higher position.   To this day I can’t explain why I was chosen for the job since I was neither the most senior nor the most qualified person. Just as I started to enjoy my Swami’s gift, He spoiled me further by offering me another and even better position in the same company.  I honestly did not know how to react to Swami’s never-ending love.  I realized how much Swami loves me and rewarded me for controlling my monkey mind and trusting Him with His decisions. 

We must always realize Swami loves us unconditionally and leave everything at his lotus feet.  Sai will never let us down.  During the hard times at school or work I like to think of this quotation “HOLD ON TO HIM TIGHT AND LIVE YOUR LIVES.  HE WILL NOT LET YOU SLIP.  BUILD YOUR ACTIVITIES ON THAT BASIS; YOUR CAREER WILL NOT CAVE IN, YOU WILL ALSO DEVELOP COURAGE, CONSOLATION AND FAITH IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR DESTINY.”   Every time I need to make a big decision I write a detailed letter to Swami.   What I find amazing about this is that I usually get my answers the same day or the very next day.  Swami says that we need not let a piece of paper come between us.  If we pray to Him directly, He will guide us.  Most of the time I pray and talk to Swami directly in my shrine room or in the car on my way to work.  In our youth meetings we discussed that we can cry, plead, and beg God to help us without feeling ashamed because God alone is our true friend. 

A month ago, in my dream I wrote a poem for Swami. While waiting for morning dharshan, Swami came to me directly and took the poem and started reading.  He then pleasingly smiled at me and asked me to take paada namaskar.  Like in real life, I was frozen and shocked.  Instead of jumping and taking paada namaskar, I said “UHHHH, O’SWAMI YOU ARE SO SWEET”.  Swami waited for couple of minutes and started to go towards other devotees.  Couple of weeks after this dream, I wrote a letter to Swami and gave it to one of the devotees bound for Parthi.  In that letter, I told Swami, I wasn’t that talented in real life to write a pleasing poem like in the dream.  I requested Swami to guide me to become a good writer.  The very next day I got a call from my youth co-ordinator requesting me to write an article for Sai World.  Like a mother responding to her child’s cry, our Sai mother always responds to us.  From my experience, I would like to conclude; MAKE SAI YOUR #1 PRIORITY AND HE WILL ALWAYS GUIDE YOU TO THE RIGHT PATH! 

Sai Youth 
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Aum Sri Sai Ram 

This article you are about to read is actually quite personal but I would like to share it with all of you hoping that it might open some minds or in some way spread the divine messages of our Lord and Savior Sri Sathya Sai Baba. 

Well, it all started around the first week of September 1997, just before my first year of University was about to start....... 

Life as a teenager was always confusing to me trying to find my identity and what I really wanted to do in life. Well, before University started I went through a very confusing time in my life.  I wasn't totally sure if I wanted to do Computer Science for the rest of my life or pursue a different profession.  That wasn't the only thing that was confusing in my life, I had been going through a lot of changes both with my personal life and at home. 

The only constant always seemed to be Swami. Well during the early part of my first year, I was somehow surrounded by darkness, it was unexplainable I had this hole with in myself that had to be filled before it grew any larger. 

The solution finally hit me, go see Swami, go help people around the world.  I recall the weeks leading to my departure Swami often made me aware of His presence by dropping flowers from His picture in our puja room where I slept. 

During a bhajan session at the centre, I was praying to Baba to show me a sign when a flower from Shirdi Sai's photo fell.  Now with the knowledge that Swami approved the trip, I broke the news to my parents about my pilgrimage. They weren't too thrilled about the idea, they actually thought I was a little insane, stopping my studies, and going to visit Sai Baba at this stage in my life.  With many of their questions unanswered, they still helped me and before I knew it I was on my way to see the lord Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and indulge in experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime. 

My intention was to stay in Bangalore for a while and take in the culture since this was my first exposure to the Indian way of life. But Swami gave me many signs to come to Him immediately.  I shaved my head signifying a new beginning in my life, before leaving for Prashaanthi. 

Well, when I arrived there, I was greeted by Sai Baba's friendly voice echoing over the PA systems of Prashaanthi, he was giving a speech on the Water project.  Tired from my trip I located a family friend, who worked for Swami. He helped me get settled and during the course of my stay he taught me a lot about Swami and his teachings. 

The next day I went to sit for my first Darshan.  According to the journal I kept the first sight of Baba on Oct. 12 was from far…He appeared like a supernatural being with a halo of hair around His head.  As He approached me, I noticed how fragile and small-built He was.  He seemed to glide over the floor as if he were floating on it…the divine energy that emanated from him had numbed my senses there upon and I therefore could not remember much else. 

Two weeks later I was blessed to be seated in the front row and as Baba walked in front of me, I saw my chance and went straight for His feet just as the hem of His orange robe elevated from the floor leaving His Lotus Feet bare and visible.  My first padnamaskar left me experiencing a feeling I had never known before.  It was the purest form of inner joy and happiness, which was so sublime and sweet that I can only describe it as divine bliss. 

On another occasion, I found myself sitting in the first row again, I decided to write a letter to Baba saying: "To Swami: I love you."  The only immaterial thing I could give (my love). When Swami came to my spot he stood in front of me and took letters from others around me then His hand swooped by my hand and took the letter ever so gently, leaving me feeling accepted and ecstatic.  To my amazement I even found seven pictures of this blessed moment.  Swami had fulfilled yet another wish of mine. 

During my stay I was able to volunteer for the annual overseas medical camp held around Swami's birthday.  I was able to meet and work with a lot of dedicated devotees from around the world.  All the events surrounding the camp were imprinted with Swami's grace.  For instance, at the end of each day, the count of patients would always add up to the number NINE and on Swami's birthday the count was exactly 999.  Many miraculous events occurred during the camp, but I am unable to share these with you due to insufficient space. 

At the end of the medical camp all the volunteers sat for padnamaskar.  I remember when Swami made his way to the row I was sitting in, I extended by hand that had His famous Lingam photo.  But, when Swami went to bless the 
photo he somehow missed and touched my palm, Swami then moved his hand towards the photo and blessed it.  As Swami walked away I decided to be brave, and held out my hand again this time for vibuthi, as Swami walked by he noticed my hand and put his hand on my hand while talking to another volunteer who asked him a question.  Swami kept his hand there until the duration of the conversation, then turned around smiled at me then walked away.  I don't think I will ever forget that day.  I felt so blessed and loved by Swami.  All the volunteers were given packets of interview vibuthi and a picture of Swami. 

Three days prior to my departure, I wrote another letter to Swami which I held out for Him along with a letter my sister had written to Him.  Since He was speaking to someone on the opposite side, I thought He wasn't going to take my letters and put them back in my lap.  Just then Swami turned around and came towards me with His hand extended, asking for the letters. 

During my return, I stayed in England where I was blessed again when Swami granted me an interview in my dreams. He gave me something to drink which made me feel sick for a while.  I think the purpose of this was to burn my karma. Then I heard a voice say "that's enough" and Swami produced sweet vibhuti which dissipated the sick feeling I felt.  Then I asked Swami if I should pursue Computer Science or Pediatrics. Pediatrics is something I have always liked because I get along with children very well. He replied "doesn't matter".  I then told Swami that Pediatrics is hard to get into.  He insistently said, "doesn't matter".  I then sat besides Swami and held His hand and said, "I am really happy to see you Swami". 

Upon waking up I discussed my dream with my friend from Prashaanti.  He explained to me that to Swami a Computer Scientist and a Pediatrician provide equal benefits to society.  He went on to say that Swami believes all beings are the same as long as they serve others selflessly.  After the interview I decided to stay in Computer Science, since changing the field would be a hassle and knowing Swami will guide me someday to a job involving children. 

With all my questions answered and my faith in Sri Sathya Sai Baba confirmed beyond any doubts, I returned home.  Ever since my return, I experience regular visits and darshans of Swami in my dreams.  I finally filled the void I had and now my life is on the Sai track and I feel guided and blessed every moment by our beloved Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. 

Sai Youth

The Golden Age of Sai refers to the period between the years 2000 to 2020, during which Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba will raise the level of human consciousness and unite mankind as one global family under God. 

To students especially Swami has said: "This is the Golden Age. You should not waste even half a second. Always participate in constructive work which is useful to society." Swami has told us that he will "lift humanity and put it into the crucible in order to remove the slag and inferior metals that have destroyed its sterling worth." As children of Sai, how can we prepare ourselves for this event? 

We should try to give up our self-centered ways of living and turn towards God by serving others selflessly as per Swami's teachings. He says that the hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray.  We should love all and serve all. 

The time has come for us to really try and live by Swami's code of conduct, to not only hear but to practice Swami's teachings in our everyday lives. "Adhere firmly to the truth of your convictions. Be prepared to meet any challenges…Strengthen your faith in God…Establish your life in truth." 

Our lives should be living examples of his teachings of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence. For he has said: "Fear not, my children, all will be well. Love and light will replace the darkness and a new era will be upon you very soon." 

Group 4 Girls