The Love Of God

One may be a master of all the Scriptures

And competent to teach the Vedanta;

One may be a great ruler

Living in a many-splendoured mansion;

One may be a valiant hero

Who has vanquished his enemies;

Or one may be a pitiable

Victim of poverty and privation.

If he has no devotion in him

His life is devoid of meaning.

A servant who is filled with love of the

Lord Is more to be adored than the overlord of the world.

Devotion alone confers the Supreme gift; Devotion alone destroys the disease of mundane existence; Devotion alone stirs the yearning for the Divine; Devotion alone is the means of Liberation.  To realise the Supreme, the path of devotion is the only Royal road. It is the panacea for all worldly ailments and for the disease of birth and death. Devotion is the most effective means for awakening the spiritual urge.

Devotional activities include study circle, devotional singing, prayer, and meditation, as well as observing spiritual festivals. Schedules for devotional activities are available via the Calendar section.

You are welcome to participate in any of the devotional programs.

This spiritual activity of the devotional program is designed for adult members. It is held every fortnight, for one hour either just before or after devotional singing. A designated member serves as the moderator to maintain productive discussions.  Members read, reflect, and discuss topics from selected books of discourses or writings of Sathya Sai Baba, together in a group.  These discussions are meant to improve members’ understanding of Baba’s teachings and their meaningful application in daily life and to foster love, peace, and harmony.

“Study Circle is not just reading books. It means taking a point and each person discussing what it means to them. Like a round-table conference… The study circle looks at the different facets … but, as in a diamond, there is one facet that is flat, and from it all can be viewed.  To discover the top facet is the task of the study circle.”

“The proper plan of study is reading, reflection and regular application in life.”

Devotional songs in praise of God are sung with love and devotion.  The singing of these songs has always been at the heart of spiritual practice for Sathya Sai Baba’s followers.  At the beginning of each song (called bhajans in Hindi), the leader sings a line which is repeated by all participants in unison. This “call and response” format continues until the entire song is finished.

Generally, each line is sung twice the first time and once at a faster pace the second time before the song concludes. The songs are usually sung in English –the preferred language in the U.S. Centers, Hindi, or other Indian languages.  Many devotees enjoy the devotional atmosphere arising from the rhythm, vibrations, and spirit of these songs.

“When you dwell on the names of the Lord, His Majesty, His Grace, His Omnipotence, His All Persuasiveness, get fixed in your consciousness; and your own capacities and capabilities get eclipsed in the Divine. So, humility develops and a spirit of surrender sprouts in the heart. This takes the devotees nearer to God and prepares him/her to merge in His Glory. The mind is gradually liberated from all distracting thoughts, desires and imagery that give free play to all the senses. All accumulated impurities that veil the bliss (ananda) within are removed, and the latent divinity manifests Itself.”