Study Circles

Bhagawan’s teachings are a treasure trove which needs to be elaborated to understand how man can tune his life to reach his goal. This needs proper understanding through discussions and clarification with appropriate elaboration to digest and absorb. Only correct and proper assimilation of His teachings can result in adhering and following the right path to reach the Divine.

Swami says that the spiritual growth of a person is best achieved through an integrated practice of devotion, study, and service. The purpose of a study circle is made explicitly clear by Baba as follows: “It is not just reading books make a Study Circle. Study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them—like a round table conference. Each person gives his point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt, but if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at the same point in different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task [purpose] of study circle”.

Sathya Sai Baba further tells us, “Not information, but transformation, not instruction but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practiced, when it can be lightened into wisdom and assimilated into daily life. Knowledge that does not give harmony and wholeness to the process of living is not worth acquiring. Every activity must be rendered valid and worthwhile by its contribution to the discovery of Truth, both of the Self and of nature.”

The study circle carries many benefits to participants. The primary benefit is the acquisition of Self-knowledge. Swami says, “In the study circle you can learn a lot of things, but the most important thing to be learnt is your own true nature – your atma-tatwa. Learning all about external things without knowing your real Self is like studying the branches of a tree, ignoring its roots.” Swami also cautions us with the following statement not to turn the study circle into a reading group, study with faith and devotion. Delve into the significance and the meaning of what you read, and always have before you the goal of putting into practice what you read. Unless you do so, the study circle will remain a half-circle forever; it cannot be a full circle.”

Study circles can be arranged for three categories of members

1. For Sadhakas or Devotees
2. For Professionals and Educationalists
3. For Rural and Industrial members

Study Circle Topics for Sadhakas or Devotees

• Power of Bhajans and Prayers
• Bhakti, Jnana, Karma synthesis
• Namasmarana – Highest Sadhana
• Bhagavad Geeta – its message to Sai devotees/Sevaks
• Meditation
• Sai Teachings and practice by us
• Sai Seva – a powerful Sadhana
• Sathya Sai Education and Personality Development
• Karma Yoga & which is stronger Karma(action) or Prarabhdhya (fate)?
• Purity, Patience, Perseverance
• Discipline, Duty, Devotion
• Vedic Heritage of India
• Need for Satsang and Sadhana
• Secret of Success
• Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema – 4 pillars
• Self-confidence, Self-sacrifice as steps of Self Realization
• Sai Literature, its importance and a plan for its study
• Why Baba is called Avatar or Bhagawan?
• Bhagawan’s mission & Sri Sathya Sai Organizations
• Festivals at Parthi
• Spirituality in day to day life
• ManavaSevaMadhavaSeva
• The purpose of Religion
• Love of God, Fear of Sin and Morality in Society
• Science and Spirituality
• Who is a devotee?
• Nine forms of Bhakti
• Nine-pointcode of conduct
• All religions lead to the same goal
• One who protects Dharma will in turn be protected by Dharma

Study Circle Topics for Professionals and Educationalists

• The end of education is character
• The triple purity of thought, word and deed
• The end of knowledge is love
• Spirituality and Science
• The end of wisdom is freedom
• Role of parents and teachers in reforming student generation
• Health is Wealth
• Need for value education
• Role of Yoga and Meditation
• Sri Sathya Sai Education
• Morality – foundation for progress
• Unity of Faiths
• Self-confidence, as basis for faith in God
• Educational Discipline
• True love for all beings brings us closer to God
• Love for the Mother Land
• Ceiling on Desires
• Love lives by giving and forgiving

Study Circle Topics for Rural and Industrial members

• Work is worship, Duty is God
• Serving man is serving God
• Time waste is life waste
• Be Good, Do Good, See Good, this is theway to God
• Fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man
• Start Early, Drive Slowly and Reach Safely
• How to behappy atwork
• Good company (satsang)
• Sathwik food
• Value of pilgrimage
• Faith in God
• Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• Secret of success
• Unity of faiths

***** Jai Sairam