4/8/2018 – Diving further into key aspects of the Divine Beings

We did a recap of the material shared so far. Then we proceeded to the concept of “Guru’s Grace” that has actually already acted on our lives and brought us to Bhagawan! We spoke about the ways, methods and leelas of the Shirdi Sai Avatar and Sathya Sai Advent. Several anecdotes from Baba’s interaction with students reveal His Love and compassion and also, the miraculous nature. The demonstrate extraordinary compassion by taking upon their own Divine Body, the suffering of their beloved devotees. Baba’s illness during Guru Poornima of 1963, actually became the reason to disclose to the world, the three incarnations in the Bharadwaj Gotra. Next, the theme of “Mysticism” was introduced and will be described during the next session. Sairam!

3/18/2018 – Great Power and Illusion

We continued discussing the theme “Sathya Sai Baba as Guide, Guru and Goal.” We read an extract from Bhagawan’s Discourse that explains, how He had to limit His powers to incarnate amongst men. Also, as a police officer try to nab thieves, He comes in the disguise of a thief. The concept of “Mahaashakti” or great power and “Mayaashakthi” or Illusory Power were discussed. I shared certain public incidents that show Bhagawan’s phenomenal power. We discussed a question regarding why devotees still have doubts. The fact is that we (devotees) have a mind that may create doubt. We need to be alert, and identify with the Heart, rather than with more superficial thoughts, in the mind, so that we can retain our connection with Bhagawan.

3/11/2018 – Loving Understanding and Great Guidance

During this weeks study circle, we discussed the 16 kalas (aspects) of Purna (Full or complete) Avatars or exalted beings. They participate in everyday activities as ordinary people. This make it imperative for sincere devotees, to be alert to catch the glimpses of Divinity, that they show – such as Omnipresence, Omniscience and Omnipotence. Several examples of Bhagawan’s love, understanding of human nature and selflessness observed as a Sai student were shared. It is important that we connect with the Divine. Whether we are drawn, initially, for relief from an illness or other reason, is immaterial. Further, it is clear that the devotees of Swami, were chosen by Him. We should remember that His Advent, was a solidification of the yearning of sincere aspirants (i.e all of us).

3/04/2018 – Primary Consciousness and Desireless Desire

We continued our discussion on the theme of God As Man. We discussed the rare event of incarnation of such exalted beings who are aware of their identity as “Primary Consciousness”, their selflessness, indomitable spirit despite challenges and commitment to inspiring their followers. Relevant events from the lives of Jesus Christ, Sri Rama, and Bhagawan were narrated to demonstrate their exemplary lives.

The concept of “Desireless Desire” was revisited with examples. In the next session, we will discuss the reason for incarnation and the prophecies that signal the advent of Bhagawan Baba.

2/25/2018

The Study Circle began a new theme – God as Man. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as Guide, Guru and Goal.

The first section focus on THE AVATAR : We spoke about the fact that theologians argue about whether God is Transcendent or Immanent. The Vedas declare he is Immanent while being Transcendent. God incarnates when His Dear ones hit a new low – that is why we are witnessing the three Avatars – Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai, to come!

Emperor Akbar too wondered how it was that the Hindus believed that their God would Himself incarnate- could He not send His deputies? Birbal proves the point to him in a novel way.

During the next session we will discuss how to recognize the Avatar.

1/14/2018

This session focused on “Managing the Mind”, building on Bhagawan’s directives to:

(a) Regular cleaning of the Mind, (b) Turning the Mind towards God (c) Rendering the Mind Objectless. We spoke of the above in the context of the characteristics of the Mind we studied in the last few sessions. As managing the mind is no mean task, Grace of the Lord, attained through deep prayer is a recommended method.

In the next session, we encourage members to come forward to share their insights based on the discussions we have had, on this theme. Sairam!

1/7/2018

With Bhagwan’s Grace the study circle members reconvened after a long gap, to continue discussing the characteristics of the Mind. Bhagwan’s concept of ” Materialization – Vibration – Radiation” and about 15 different characteristics such as ” Operates through the senses”, “tends to seek  self gain and dwell in the past or the future” “Engages in planning and mental chatter” were discussed. Bhagwan’s concept of “CIA” or ” Constant Integrated Awareness” was introduced. Many examples from Bhagwan’s life and actions were presented to show how He operated from beyond the “Body – Mind”construct. Turning the mind to focus on the Atman, is a major “shift” that we should try to achieve with utmost sincerity.

On the following Sunday, the discussion will focus on ways to “Manage the Mind” through Awareness of the Breath, Cleansing the mind, Turning it toward God. Jai Sai Ram!

11/05/17 – Guidance to Western Devotees on the Mind

We revisited  the characteristics of the mind, namely, “planning” and “mental chatter” and discussed some questions from the group. We also spoke of how Bhagawan operated from a different plane beyond the mind. His universal vision and selflessness are exemplary and His help to us, devotees, through His Life and teachings are most valuable.

We discussed Bhagawan’s guidance to Western devotees on how the Mind uses the senses to compare with external environment and this again becomes a trigger for mental chatter and planning. 

Bhagawan also explains that the Mind goes out to grasp thoughts and that they are material. In the next session, we will focus on Bhagawan’s prescription on how we can, “Manage the Mind”.

Please see the entire compilation for this topic at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oUd3bbsRF32hXFxL8iwhAqArL_kYb9QhUAizg8M5JOU/edit

10/29/17 – “Body is like a Water bubble”, ” Mind is like a Mad Monkey”

Bhagawan says – “Body is like a water bubble” and “Mind is like a Mad Monkey”. We tried to understand the import of this insight from Bhagawan.

According to Bhagawan, two characteristics of the Mind “Aalochana” or “Planning” and  Sambhashana or “mental chatter” are constant, even unrelenting, especially, during stressful situations. We discussed this and agreed to observe the “mental chatter” during periods such as driving, eating our food and taking a shower, when the vacant mind, often times,  surfaces its hidden agenda.

In the next session, we will dive deep into Swamiji’s guidance on another characteristic of the Mind, namely Comparison and read how He guided Western devotees in this regard!