NewsLetter

General Announcements

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Devotion

  • Sai Center Activities Schedule

    Sai center activities on Sunday May 11th at HSNC Rooms 3,4,5,6 :
    3:30 PM – Setup
    4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Study Circle – Swami and Bhakti movement
    Part 2: Sadhana through music     – Bro. Subbu

    5:00 PM to 5:10 PM – General Announcements

    5:10 PM to 6:10 PM – Sai Darshan Bhajans, Aarati and Closing Prayers

  • Study circle Summary :

    108 Mirrors to Know Thyself

    Through the study guide “108 Mirrors to Know Thyself,” we have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth guided by the timeless teachings of Bhagawan Śri Sathya Sāi Bāba. By reflecting on the 108 nectarine names of Bhagawan, we are going to delve deep into our own divine nature to live a life filled with truth, righteousness, love, and peace. Objective is to elevate our spiritual frequency and embrace the expectations of the Avatar, ultimately offering our lives as a pure holy offering at the lotus feet of our loving Bhagawan. This guide is going to be released in 6 parts by Sri Sathya Sai International Organization as an offering for the 100th birthday of our dearest Swami.

    1. Om Śri Bhagawan Sathya Sāi Bābāya Namaḥ (Salutations to Bhagawan Śri Sathya Sāi Bāba)
      We discussed the profound meaning behind the name “Bāba,” which stands for Being–Awareness–Bliss–Ātmā, and how chanting this name can lead to the realization of one’s true Self and the divine revelation given by Bhagawan Śri Sathya Sāi Bāba, highlighting the significance of realizing one’s true divine nature. Swami encourages us to embody virtues such as love, compassion, and kindness, and to strive for integrity and empathy in our interactions.
    2. Om Śri Sāi Sathya Svarūpāya Namaḥ (Salutations to Śri Sāi, who is the very form of Truth)
      Focus on the principle of Truth (Sathya) and its importance in spiritual practice. Truth is God and God is the Truth. Truth is the foundation of the universe and human existence, and living in harmony with honesty, integrity, and love can awaken the divine reality within us. Swami is the embodiment of Truth and encourages us to practice these principles to experience inner peace and spiritual growth. We discussed the challenges in practicing these principles in our day today life and ways to overcome. To live the TRUTH every day in our lives, we discussed how we can peel back the layers of illusion and connect with the profound, unchanging Truth that is God and experience our divine nature.
    3. Om Śri Sāi Sathya Dharma Parāyaṇāya Namaḥ (Salutations to Śri Sāi, who is wholly devoted to Truth and Righeousness)
      Bhagawan repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Sathya (Truth) and Dharma (Righteousness) in His teachings. These two principles are the pillars of a virtuous life and are essential for personal and societal well-being, and for fostering love, peace, and unity. By embodying Truth and Righteousness, we can elevate our spiritual journey and contribute positively to society. Truth is not merely the absence of falsehood but is a profound commitment to purity and unity of thought, word, and action. We discussed what we need to strengthen to live in alignment with Truth to experience inner peace and spiritual growth, and foster authenticity and sincerity in our relationships and interactions. Jai Sairam!
 
  • Bhajan of the week

    Deity: Devi
    Raag: Tilang

    Taal: 8 Beat / Keherwa / Adi

    Lyrics:

    Devi Bhavani Jagat Janani
    Manda Haasini Ananda Dayini [ Devi Bhavani … ]
    Mangala Kaarini Karunya Roopini
    Narayani Devi Narayani
    Mahishasura Mardhini Ambe Bhavani
    Meaning:

    Glory to Goddess Bhavani, the Mother of Universe and the destroyer of cycle of birth and death. She has a bewitching smile and she confers bliss. She confers auspiciousness and is the embodiment of mercy. Worship Goddess Narayani. She is the annihilator of the demon Mahisha. She is worshipped as Goddess Amba.

    Bhajan Link:

    https://youtu.be/mMX0IyRdwS0?si=4qA9qioMNhCJp9jm

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Service

  • RSC Service Activities
    NEW  ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

    SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    May Service Activities 

    May 17 Breakfast Service: 
    Sign up sheet:     May In Person Breakfast – Google Sheets

    Our monthly in-person breakfast service to support Raleigh Men’s Shelter is scheduled for May 17 at 4:30am to prepare and serve breakfast. You can also sign up for ingredients and drop off by Friday May 16 at 6p at 1507 Gathering Park Circle Cary 27519. If you are coming for the service, you can bring ingredients along with you, but please let Manisha know if you plan to do this. Please use the signup sheet above to participate in this service.


    May 17 Dinner Service: 
    Sign up sheet:     May In Person Dinner – Google Sheets

    Our monthly in-person dinner service to support Raleigh Men’s Shelter is scheduled for May 17 at 2:30pm to prepare and serve dinner. You can also sign up for ingredients and drop off by Friday May 16 at 6pm at 1507 Gathering Park Circle Cary 27519    . If you are coming for the service, you can bring ingredients along with you, but please let Manisha know if you plan to do this. Please use the signup sheet above to participate in this service.
    May 18 Drop Off Dinner Service 
    Sign up sheet:     Sunday Food Service – Raleigh Men’s Shelter – Google Sheets
    Our next bi-monthly drop off dinner service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for May 18. Please use the sign up sheet above to participate in this service. 

    Ongoing Service Activities: 

    Pediatric Clinic Food Distribution Project

    This bi-weekly project involves distributing grocery bags to Lincoln Community Health Center Pediatric Clinic’s families in need. Any identified family visiting the pediatric clinic who is facing food insecurity will be given a grocery bag filled with dry/canned goods as well as a list of local food resources in the Durham area. Signup sheet has instructions and grocery list. For more information and any questions, please contact Anjana at 773.520.5009.

    Service name and Date/time Service Activity Details Locations & Sign up
    Sunday Food Service: Raleigh Men’s Shelter – (every alternate Sunday)   Preparing food at volunteer’s homes and drop at common place. Volunteer will deliver at Raleigh Men’s shelter by 2pm 1420 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601. Please click here to sign up for Sunday service.
    SAI Tutoring Program Volunteers provide weekly one to one tutoring via Zoom to an underserved elementary school student from the Durham Public School district. The focus is on ELA and math enrichment and also providing mentorship. NOTE: Please contact service@raleighsaicenter.org if you are interested in getting involved.
    Growing Sai’s Love – Garden project RSC’s pilot program Growing Sai’s Love to help our Sai Community members get more self-reliant by learning to grow their own fresh, healthy vegetables, fruits, flowers, in their backyard. Members can also use these for service and center activities. NOTE: Please contact service coordinator service@raleighsaicenter.org if you would like to participate in this service.
    Raleigh Men’s shelter Breakfast service Monthly Breakfast service on 3rd Saturday to support Raleigh Men’s Shelter. Please drop off items at 1507 Gathering Park Circle on 3rd Friday of the month by 6pm so volunteers can take supplies to the shelter on Saturday morning to cook and serve breakfast.
    Recycling project Recycling project that involves used batteries, medication(s), small electronics and bulbs.  NOTE: Please contact service coordinator service@raleighsaicenter.org if you would like to participate in this service.
    Pediatric Clinic Food Distribution Project This bi-weekly project involves distributing grocery bags to Lincoln Community Health Center Pediatric Clinic’s families in need. Any identified family visiting the pediatric clinic who is facing food insecurity will be given a grocery bag filled with dry/canned goods as well as a list of local food resources in the Durham area. Signup sheet has instructions and Grocery list
     Food drive for Inter-faith Food Shuttle, Durham by Group 3 SSSE Students every month  Group 3 SSSE students form leads in their communities and conduct food drive. Please contact Group 3 teachers for more information. Collected food will be delivered during first week of every month atInter-faith Food Shuttle

    2436 S. Miami Blvd, Suite 200-9

    Durham, NC
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SSSE

  • Pre-SSSE

    CLASS DATE: 03/09/2025 TEACHERS:    Bhuvana , Lakshmi,  Radhika and Devi
    SUMMARY:  Being polite and kind ATTENDANCE: 
    Theme: Being polite and kind. We started class with 3 Oms and Gayathri chanting.
    Then we all visited Swami in our hearts. We gave Swami and big hug and welcomed him to join us for the class.
    For the discussion, this time we read a book on ‘*Be polite and kind’ by Cheri J. Meiners.* Children enjoyed the reading time. In between the reading we had discussions on
    how to be polite?
    What are the different polite and kind words?
    How do we feel when using these kind words?
    How does other feel when we use polite and kind words?
    Children had so many good thoughts and answers for all the above questions.
    We had a short snack break.
    Then children enjoyed bhajan time with Akshara akka. They practiced the new bhajan, Love is Ice cream very sweet.
    After this was art time with Devi akka. They enjoyed drawing and coloring a caterpillar.
    We concluded the class with closing prayers.
    Activity for the week:
    Practice the new bhajan everyday
  • SSSE group1

     

     CLASS  DATE: 03/02/25

    		 TEACHER(S): Sunitha, Nitya
     Topic: How to embrace setbacks/failures  Attendance:  21/30
    Spiritual principle: Children will learn that setbacks/failures can be valuable lessons that will lead them toward success.

    Class Summary:

    To illustrate the above-mentioned point, we narrated the life story of Dr. Abdul Kalam, a former President of India.

    Abdul Kalam was born in the island town of Rameswaram, in southern India. As a child, he was fascinated by the mysteries of the sky and the flight of the birds. His favorite pastime was to watch cranes and seagulls soar into the sky and fly in formations. One day, his 5th-grade teacher gave a practical demonstration of how birds fly and how they use their wings and tails to turn and change directions explaining the mechanics of flight. It had a profound effect on him, and that day he was convinced that one day he, too, would soar up into the sky.  After graduating from high school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in physics, Abdul Kalam understood that the only way to realize his dream was by taking an engineering course. In spite of financial constraints, he secured admission to the prestigious Madras Institute of Technology for aeronautical engineering. His goal was very clear, that he was going to fly aircraft. Soon after graduating aeronautical engineering he had two employment opportunities. One was a career in the Air Force, and the other was a job in the Ministry of Defense. For the first job, he stood 9th among 25 candidates interviewed, but there were only 8 seats available. He wasdeeply disappointed for having lost the opportunity to fly an aircraft. With a heavy heart, at having his dreams shattered, he reached swami Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, which was very close to the place of his interview. Before he even spoke anything, swami Ji asked him why he was sad. He spoke about his plight. Then swami Ji said, “Accept what has happened, forget this failure, believe in the wish of God and continue your efforts, the right opportunity will unfold itself. Abdul kalam later found out that he got the other job he interviewed for. Without any disappointment, he plunged into his new job. He thought to himself, “If I was not flying airplanes, I was at least helping to make them airworthy.” This was the beginning of the many trials and tribulations that were to come, which were heartbreaking and devastating, to say the least. He never gave up, but always looked at failures as an opportunity to better himself. Every time a door was closed, another door opened. His extraordinary ability as a scientist, his ability to think out of the box, his leadership qualities and his generous and helpful nature did not go unnoticed. He had designed several aircrafts, and rockets during his life time. Recognizing all his achievements, he was elected the president of India who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces. While he was president, he finally fulfilled his long-cherished dream of flying an aircraft.

    The small-town boy who dreamed of flying but failed to become a fighter pilot had become the supreme commander of the armed forces. Failure was his teacher all along, driving him to become what he has become.

    We also had an interesting discussion on how to convert our negative self-talk—”I just can’t do it”—into positive self-talk by replacing it with phrases like, “I can give it a try, or I will figure it out, or one step at a time,” as the first step to embracing setbacks.

    Life application: Spiritual Diary—2 new activities added – food prayer (or a Thanks to God for the food and pray to purify the food) and no watching tv/phone while eating meals.

    Bhajans

    1/26- Punya naam Pavithra naam – Punya Naam Pavitra Naam Rama Naam Sai Ram

    1/19- Mana bangaru parthi baba – Mana Bangaru Parthi Baba

    12/8 – Saibaba Saibaba sathya sai avatar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEW19xS0P_Y

    11/3 –  Vittala Hari Vittala : https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/981
    http://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/1467

    https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/945
  • SSSE-Group2

    CLASS  DATE: 03/23/25 TEACHER(S):  2A – Hima, Lalitha; 2B – Sharanya, Sumithra
    Topic: Guest Speaker Session – Mrs. Nirmala & Mrs. Sudeepini  Attendance:  37/39

    Summary of this week’s class:

    Group 2A & Group 2B:

    We started with opening prayers and did the Ashtothram learning/practice from 1-90. Next we had guest speakers Nirmala Aunty & Sister Sudipini who gave us lots of information about “Go Green”. We all learned about how to recycle plastic and also our clothes. We than had an activity to show children how to reuse the clothes. You might have all noticed the reusable bags that children bought home. They also created reusable dog toys with socks. Please discuss with them what they learned and understood about “Go Green”. Children thoroughly enjoyed the activity.

    The next part was the most fun part auditions for the E-day drama. All the children participated with full enthusiasm and passion. They encouraged and judged each other.

    Please stay tuned for more details on roles. Also from now on see that kids are not absent for the classes as we will all have to work hard on practice sessions. Let us all make the Eswaramma day a successful program.

    Also, as part of Bhagwan’s centenary celebrations, the Go Green team will be sharing tips every week under the program titled ‘Become an Eco champ’. Please see this week’s slide below: 

    https://www.raleighsaicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2025-03-08-at-17.42.37.jpeg

  • SSSE-Group3

    CLASS  DATE:    02/16/2025

    		 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti
    Topic: Revise Topics – Quiz  Attendance: 28
    In our 02/16/2025 class, we had invocation prayers, Vedam chanting, and bhajan practice
    We had a fun and engaging way to revise all topics covered so far. The students were divided into five groups, each with a unique team name. Mats representing different answer choices were placed on either side of the room—one side for boys and the other for girls.
    We then played a quiz game with increasing levels of complexity, including fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. To answer, one person from each group had to hold up their team name board when they were ready. For multiple-choice questions, one student from each group had to stand on the mat corresponding to their chosen answer (A/B/C).
    Here is the link. We are extremely proud that the students answered 98% of the questions correctly! In addition to testing their conceptual understanding, we ensured they practiced applying their knowledge through an ”I am following” round.
    Please go through the quiz and discuss with them how they are applying what they’ve learned.
  • SSSE-Group4

    Sairam All!

    We began the final Group 4 SSSE class of the 2024-2025 SSSE year on April 27th with 3 OMs.  A total of 12 students (4 girls and 8 boys) attended.

    We went over the Easwaramma Day agenda and highlighted specific requirements for Group 4 students from MC responsibilities to Unison Bhajans and the graduation details for our 5 high school seniors.  Parents can get more details from the students on Easwaramma day activities.

    We then reviewed several class topics starting with asking the students the progress they each made on the personal sadhanas that they undertook for 2025 that they wrote down in January of this year as a specific goal for 2025.  I asked the progress they had made and how they can improve.  Students gave quality answers and identified examples of progress.  Success with personal sadhanas as we discussed in class is all about commitment and discipline.

    I then asked the Group 4 students what they liked most about the classes this year.  Good interactive feedback as kids highlighted service projects, guest speakers and specific classes that encouraged interaction and engaging class activities, and including outdoor classes.  Good perspectives for Group 4 teachers to build on for next year.

    The main class topic for the class was an interactive discussion on Swami’s reference to ‘Our Divine Spark’, what it means, what it impacts and how it impacts us by our daily positive acts and behaviors.  The concept of Divya-atma-swaroopa-lara, and Swami’s descriptions of ‘Embodiments of Love’

    After the discussion on this important and central topic of Swami’s teachings, I asked the (5) Group 4 Seniors – Shivani, Krishna, Kaavya, Saipreeti and Arnav to give parting thoughts on their individual SSSE journeys, what they learned, what was most impactful and what recommendations they would have for the existing Group 4 students.  Excellent presentation of thoughts by the seniors.

    The teachers then providing their parting and final thoughts for this last class of SSSE 2024-2025 year, highlighting the importance of ‘ALWAYS KEEP SWAMI WITH YOU’.

    We ended the class with OM & 3 Shanthi’s.  JAI SAI RAM!

    I want to thank the Group 4 parents and specifically our two new Group 4 Teachers this year – Sister Girija and Sister Aneesha for doing such a great job in preparing and conducting many of the classes this year!

    -Mouli Uncle.

    Sairam Parents –

    1. Please sign and return the forms ( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f3O6VRb9s8A0wW-_XfKY0xH0HQIHSP66UemD-B6mFHI/edit ) which include media consent and parent pledge.
    2. Please remember and remind the children that classes rest of this year will be held every Sunday 3:45 – 4:45 pm in Room 4 at HSNC.  Exceptions for classes periodically with Service Projects, RSC Events (GAB, Swami’s Birthday, etc) and National SSSE guest speakers will occur.  These will be announced in advance.
    3. Slides of the class when applicable will be shared with the Students/Parents via the WhatsApp groups.
    4. PLEASE Have the children practice their daily Sadhana for Swami’s 100th birthday.

    Thank You!

    – Group 4 Teachers.

    Jai Sai Ram!
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Young Adults (YA) Updates

  • 1) ARRYA2025 | SSSGC National Young Adults Retreat to Kick-off Bhagawan’s Centennial Celebrations! – REGISTRATION IS OPEN
    Sairam Dear Sai Young Adults!
    We are excited to announce that Region 3’s Annual Regional Retreat for Young Adults has been expanded to the 2025 SSSGC USA National Young Adults Retreat! Let us unite together, as one unified nation-wide Young Adult family to ring in the Centennial of our Lord!
    The USA National YA Retreat will be held Fri Feb 14th – Sun Feb 16th 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina
    Theme: “Hands in the Society, Heads in the Forest”
    Registration link  is now open and closes on Fri Jan 17th 2025.

    2) GAYATHRI BEADS BRACELET SERVICE

    SERVICE TO MAN IS SERVICE TO GOD
    Sairam,
    We will chant and energize beads using the power of Gayathri Mantra, make them into bracelets and offer it to people in need like hospital patients and people in senior care homes.
    Steps to follow:
    TAKE ONE BEAD IN YOUR HAND
    CHANT GAYATHRI MANTHRA 108 TIMES WHILE HOLDING THE BEAD
    AFTER CHANTING 108 TIMES, PRAY THIS BEAD HELP SOMEONE
    KEEP THIS ENERGIZED BEAD SAFELY IN A SEPARATE BAG FROM THE OTHER BEADS
    PRAY AND ENERGIZE AS MANY AS POSSIBLE
    ONCE READY, EMAIL  ya@raleighsaicenter.org  TO DELIVER AND RECEIVE MORE BEADS
    BEADS WILL BE CONVERTED TO BRACELETS AND GIVEN TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS OR SENIOR CARE HOMES
 
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Seniors Corner

  • Seniors group :

    1. PRAYER BRACELET PROJECT FOR THE PATIENTS AT WAKEMED HOSPITAL:   This project was initiated by senior members of the Raleigh Sai Center, in collaboration with the Senior Club of Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC) and the members of Raleigh Sai Center. Bracelets are made with 18 crystal glass beads and filler beads for men and women. Members recite Gayatri Mantra or similar prayer based on their religious background 108 times with each glass bead. Bracelets are put in small cloth bags (stitched by the members) along with a printed message from the WakeMed Hospital. These bracelets are given to the interested patients by the hospital volunteers. Each month hospital volunteers are requesting 30-40 bracelets. Patients are very much appreciative of having the prayer bracelets during their convalescence. Photo of a bracelet offering can be seen below:
      https://drive.google.com/file/d/177CLfNxjNoLJKkdD8RW9q0EuVvV1985t/view?usp=share_link

     2. RSC  Seniors Group is planning to make the Vibuthi Packets for distribution during  Aradhana Day, Easwaramma Day, Guru Poornima and Swami’s birthday celebrations. Our Senior Group is doing this as a spiritual sadhana of writing “Aum Sri Sairam” on one side of the paper and then cut the paper into four parts, include vibuthi in the unwritten side and fold the paper to make vibuthi packets for distribution. 

    3. Some members of the Senior Group are meeting virtually on Thursday afternoons at 3:00 pm to discuss the application of Swami’s messages in their everyday lives. If you are interested in participating in the virtual meetings or to participate in seva activities with senior’s, please email:   seniors@raleighsaicenter.org
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Interest Groups Updates

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Regional Update

  • Centenary Medical Programs and Seva Opportunities :

    With Swami’s Grace numerous opportunities are available for doctors, nurses, and medical professionals along with non-medical volunteers from around the globe to join together with our brothers and sisters from India to offer services to Bhagawan over this historic centenary celebratory year. Please inform and encourage all to participate.
    1. Guru Purnima Medical Camp July 7-11
    Location: N1 building
    2. Global Cardiovascular Symposium for Medical Professionals Sept 27-28
    Prasanthi Nilayam has been chosen as an official site for 2025 by the World Heart Federation (WHF) (https://world-heart-federation.org/)
    Screening Seva Activities will be offered on September 27
    Preventive Medical Conference hosted by the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS), University of Texas, Baylor Medical College, USA and University of Rochester, New York, USA.
    3. World Heart Day Celebrations Sept 29
    Public awareness campaign and activities
    https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/

    4. November Medical Seva
    Support during Centenary Celebrations
    Services to be made available Nov 8 -26 at multiple sites in and around ashram

    Registration is now open for the Guru Purnima Medical Camp.
    You are welcome to have the devotees from your country register with the registration links below. Last date for registration is May 10, 2025 for doctors and healthcare professionals
    1. Medical Professional Registration form: https://forms.gle/FLM3HQTJDwqvMDdL7

    2. Allied Health Professional Registration form: https://forms.gle/ug5My6DR1FAhznw89

    3. Nurse Registration form: https://forms.gle/35nrrTGaUomPtqdv8

    4. Non-Medical Professional Registration form: https://forms.gle/scxHBEnPpfTpyJNS7

    Registration is now open for November 2025 Medical Camp:
    Registrations for providers are now open for volunteers that can render medical services to those who come to the Prasanthi Nilayam Medical Camp for medical needs. Please register by March 1st. That is the deadline set as this year for Swami’s 100 birthday the medical camp will be for 3 weeks. Each medical volunteer is requested to at least volunteer 7 days. Please see below for registration links. Sairam!
    November 8-24, 2025 Prasanthi Nilayam Birthday Medical Camp Registration Forms

    Registration for the other events will be made available at a later date.

    Prasanthi Connection Team:

    Sairam dear all, with Swami’s infinite grace, we are thrilled to share the flyer and registration link for the first in-person SSSGC-USA National Women’s Retreat on April 5th and 6th in Silver Spring, MD. Please share widely with the women in your Centers – we look forward to a vibrant, Sai-filled event!

    Flyer

    Registration Link

    Loving Regards,
    ——-
    Dr. Axay Shanti Kalathia
    SSSGC, Zone 1 Chair

    *************************************************************************************************************

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Media Repository

  • The media repository for all past events is now available in our main page under this link. If you need the password, please email info@raleighsaicenter.org

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Sai Center Officers

  • Officer Role
    Name
    Email Address
    President
    Nandu Srinivasan
    president@raleighsaicenter.org
    Vice-President
    Venkat Chadalawada
    vp@raleighsaicenter.org
    Education (SSSE) Co-ordinator
    Jagruti Mariwalla
    education@raleighsaicenter.org
    Devotional Co-ordinator
    Mallikarjuna S Tallavajjula
    devotion@raleighsaicenter.org
    Service Co-ordinator
    Manisha Dass
    service@raleighsaicenter.org
    YA Co-ordinator(s)
    Manjari Boggarapu, Krishna Kumar Ramachandran
    ya@raleighsaicenter.org

    If you have any questions, please email the respective office bearer. Click here to access their phone numbers (password protected).

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Thought for the Week

  • Is it really necessary to make any offerings to God, who lacks nothing at all? Bhagawan most mercifully explains to us today.

    God never asks anything from anyone. But when people give to Him with a full heart, He returns a thousand-fold. You know the story of Kuchela. For the gift of a fistful of dry rice, Krishna granted him lifelong prosperity. Rukmini Devi was able to win Krishna for herself by offering Him just a single Tulasi leaf. So, whenever God accepts anything from anyone, He grants unending bounty in return. That is why it is said, Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam – a leaf, a flower, a fruit or some water. At least these must be offered to God. Why? Only when we offer, we become eligible to receive. If you go to a bank and simply ask for your money, they will not give it to you although you have every right over it. You need to fill a withdrawal slip and sign it. Only then can you claim your money. So, you must give something first, in order to receive. This is Divine Law. Even if it is tiny or insignificant, it must be offered to God.

    – Summer Showers, May 28, 1995. – BABA

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