Previous Newsletter Posts
January 13, 2026
January 13, 2026
January 13, 2026
January 13, 2026
January 13, 2026
We’re excited to give back to our community with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County!
Exclusive RSC Member Build – Saturday, February 7
This day is reserved just for our center members—an amazing chance to strengthen our community and have fun while giving back! Volunteering with Habitat isn’t just about building houses—it’s about building hope, stability, and brighter futures. Every swing of a hammer, every wall raised, and every paint stroke brings families closer to the security and comfort they deserve.
Sign up here to volunteer: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18IkwVzw7ytaade1QbBt4g77i4Z3-6RPPHSILRd5Zgco/edit?gid=0#gid=0 (please note there are two tabs for two dates but one of them is already full)
Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Bring your energy, your smile, and your willingness to make a real impact. Together, we can help build more than homes - we can build stronger communities rooted in love.
January 13, 2026
Our discussion explored various aspects of parenting, beginning with the idea that challenges and "friction" in relationships can serve as catalysts for personal growth, much like rough stones being polished. We noted the effectiveness of complementary parenting styles, where diverse approaches - such as one parent focusing on rules and another on emotional coaching - can collectively provide a well-rounded upbringing.
Swami guided us with a teaching on gratitude, "Real goodness consists in doing good even to one who has done you harm"; and egoism, "Egoism can bring about the complete downfall of a person. It is like a pest that destroys the very root of a tree. It has two accomplices: attachment and hatred. The combination of these three is enough to ruin the life of any person". We related these lessons to marriage and how they help us stay humble, loving, and cooperative in our relationships.
A common challenge we explored was nurturing gratitude and contentment in children who often grow up with much more than past generations. Simple experiential practices - like skipping a meal together and donating that food to someone in need - can help kids develop empathy and perspective.
We also touched on teaching financial values: showing children that money is a tool for service and family well-being, not an end goal. Ideas included saving and giving practices, small family investment accounts, and open conversations about spending choices. Alongside that, we emphasized living from an 'abundance' mindset—celebrating what we have, co-creating our family vision, and sharing our blessings with others.
In the end, we agreed that children learn best through experience. Our example - and the real-life experiences we offer - teach them values like gratitude, generosity, and the wise use of resources far more powerfully than words alone.
January 13, 2026
Early Roots in Nachiyar Koil
Vijaya grew up in Nachiyar Koil near Kumbakonam, in a very traditional, religious household. As a child, she would ask her grandmother for milk, yogurt, honey, and turmeric so she could “bathe” her small Ganesha, Shivalingam, and Nandi before school, wipe them dry, and apply chandan and kumkum. Each year she watched intently the Kal Garudar carried out by four men, then eight, sixteen, thirty‑two, sixty‑four, and finally 108 as a testament to divine capability [Ed. Note: the Kal Garudar is a stone statue that appears to increase in weight as it makes its passage through the temple premises].
“Show Me a Miracle”
Despite that background, she did not hear of Swami until after marriage. In an effort to improve their financial condition, her husband, Vijayakumar had taken a job in Somalia while Vijaya and their son were to join shortly after. Shortly before her trip to Somalia, during a visit with her in‑laws, her mother‑in‑law had talked about hearing of a Sai Baba who performed many miracles and speculated He might be able to help the family get through the tough times. Vijaya cockily dismissed the suggestion and challenged her mother-in-law and Swami that she would only believe in Him if He showed her a miracle.
A few days later, she flew with her baby to join her husband in Somalia after six months apart. On the car ride from the airport he sat unusually quiet in the front seat, giving short, flat replies that seemed like he was not excited to see them. She complained in Tamil about how disappointed she felt, and at one point reached forward from the back seat to ruffle his hair in irritation, only to feel him flinch.
When they reached the home of an Indian doctor, he greeted her by saying it was a miracle her husband was alive. Two days earlier - at the same time she had made her “show me a miracle” remark - her husband had been in a serious accident, and he was bleeding from a deep cut behind his ear and on his finger that needed stitches. Only then did she understand why he had reacted when she touched his hair.
What stayed with her was the doctor’s word “miracle,” echoing the exact word she had thrown at Swami through her mother‑in‑law. Back at home in Somalia, as she unpacked her deities, she set Swami’s photo on the altar and told Him, “The doctor says it’s a miracle, so you can stay with the others. To really accept You as God will take some time.”
The Miracle Daughter
Many miracles occurred with her daughter, Vishaka that strengthened her faith. Once 2-year-old Vishaka fell into an open septic tank, only to be rescued by a mystery man never seen before or after.
Vishaka had an ailment where she threw up every meal she ever took. One day, at the age of three, she saw Swami at Abbotsbury in Chennai, where He told her to eat well and not throw up. And she instantly was healed of the issue!
Seva Across Oceans
From those early days, the way she related to Swami was mainly through work and service. Back in Chennai, she joined Seva Dal at Sundaram and tried not to miss chances to serve - cleaning, crowd control, simple errands - whatever was needed.
At home she and her family hosted regular bhajans, bringing neighbors together around Swami’s name, and she began to notice a pattern: whenever health or financial problems flared up, help came in quiet but very specific ways.
Her husband went through a series of major surgeries, often one every few months. Each time something or someone turned up at the right moment so that he pulled through and they somehow managed the next step.
Her seva widened when they moved to Africa. In Nairobi they were drawn into a small but active Sai community that quickly became like family. On Saturdays, while her children sat in Balvikas classes at the center, Vijaya went to a nearby slum to teach bhajans and human values. The children would sit in a shed with a blackboard at the front, using cleaned‑out oil cans as drums, and learn simple Sanskrit bhajans line by line; very often, by the time she walked back to the car, they could sing the whole bhajan from memory.
She would help cook and clean for Narayan Seva at the center, return on Sundays to serve and attend bhajans, and join study circles when she could. Looking back, she says most of her week was shaped by these small but steady forms of seva.
At His Feet in Prasanthi
She finally got to get face to face with the Master. The Nairobi study‑circle group took a trip to Parthi, and she bought a green sari in Puttaparthi and asked Swami silently to bless it if He ever brought her into the interview room.
As she had prayed, Swami called the group for an interview, and she ended up sitting directly at His feet. When Swami sat down and rested His feet on the small stool, she instinctively held them and began pressing, just as she had done in dreams for years. For a moment He drew His feet back and she even found herself thinking, half‑jokingly, that He was being a “Donga” (thief) for taking away in person what He had given in dreams. Immediately, He relented and let her hold His feet for almost an hour and a half while He talked to the group.
As the interview drew to a close, Swami distributed vibhuti packets. Standing near Him, she received one handful, and then a second. One of the vibuthi packets burst open and covered her green sari in vibhuti - the same sari she had asked Him to bless when she bought it. As the devotees left the interview room, Swami was walking ahead toward the door with His back to her when she bent down to offer namaskar. At that moment He turned fully around and looked at her. Overcome, she stepped forward and hugged Him, thinking only, “I don’t want to leave You,” and He placed His hand on her head and said, “I am in you, with you, around you.”
Advice for Parents
When asked about parenting, Vijaya feels strongly that being in Swami’s fold is itself a blessing for any individual. She emphasizes it is every parent’s duty to bring their children to the Sai Center, to involve them in service so they learn to appreciate what life has given them compared to the world around them, and to enroll them in SSE so they can learn human values and grow into good citizens. Vijaya is happy and proud that she took her own children regularly to the Center and is deeply grateful to Swami for who they have become.
December 22, 2025
Pillow Making
We make pillows for patients undergoing treatment at Rex Hospital. We need both volunteers with and without tailoring skills. Tailors bring their sewing machines and stich the pillow fabric, which are then filled by volunteers with stuffing.
Our monthly in-person breakfast service for the Raleigh Men's Shelter is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 17, starting at 4:30 AM to prepare and serve breakfast. You may also sign up to contribute ingredients. Ingredients must be dropped off by 6p Friday, Jan 16. Click here for address details. If you plan to bring ingredients with you on the day of the service, please inform Manisha in advance. Kindly use the sign-up sheet above to participate in this service opportunity.
Our monthly in-person dinner service for the Raleigh Men's Shelter is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 17, at 2:30 PM to prepare and serve dinner. You may also sign up to contribute ingredients. Ingredients must be dropped off by 6p Friday, Jan 16. Click here for address details. If you plan to bring ingredients with you to the service, please inform Manisha in advance. Please use the sign-up sheet above to participate in this meaningful service opportunity.
Fresh Fruit Service
Our monthly fresh fruit brown bag service to support Cumberland County council of older adults with fresh fruits is scheduled for Sunday, Jan 25. Please drop off fruits at/before 10a on December 21. Click here for more info.
January 6, 2026
Relationships as Polishing
The discussion centered on the theme of self-cultivation within partnerships, using the metaphor of friction between two stones in a jar to "polish" each other's rough surfaces. Participants shared personal examples of this process, highlighting how differing traits in areas like organization, punctuality, and cleanliness have spurred personal growth. A question to consider is 'how can each partner's strengths be used for benefit vs. frustration'?
A significant portion of the conversation focused on parenting challenges as a significant source of friction, including disagreements over screen time, discipline, and the importance of presenting a united front. Key strategies that emerged included
Improving communication by looking beyond words to the underlying fear or need
Focusing on self-change as the only viable path to altering relationship dynamics
Adopting spiritual perspectives to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
The group also discussed practical tools, such as Phyllis Krystal's visualization techniques (golden circle and divine triangle), and the importance of responding to children's behaviors like lying with empathy and a desire to understand their developmental stage.
Homework:
Reflect on other seeming frictions that can be used to the advantage of the marriage or family.
How do we as parents constructively deal with children lying or not listening to instructions? What is the underlying need being expressed?
How can we support our partners and present a cohesive message to children?
Krishna Kumar (“KK”)’s journey with Swami is gentle, steady, and deeply woven into everyday life, from a small‑town in Tamil Nadu, to a small Sai group in Israel, to going from being a YA to his kids being YAs at the Raleigh Sai Center.
Early Seeds in Udumalpet
KK first heard of Swami through his brother in Udumalpet near Coimbatore, where a large samithi thrived, inspired by Swami often passing through on trips between Kodaikanal and Ooty. He joined Balvikas in Group 2 through completion, while he participated in daily bhajans (!!) in the neighborhood for several years. At that stage he simply accepted Swami as God without much inner questioning, as many do growing up in India.
Israel: Where Faith Became Conviction
The real inner transformation came in a most unlikely place: Israel. There he met a small Sai community of about 25 devotees scattered across the country, gathering monthly in Ein Hod in Haifa, about 1.5 hours from Tel Aviv.
His roommate, Bala, was a former Swami student and former lecturer in Swami’s college. Senior devotees at the center shared they had prayed for Swami to send His instruments to Israel before Bala and KK showed up!
Monthly drives of an hour and a half from Tel Aviv to bhajans, close bonds with devotees, and serious reflection turned a cultural familiarity into a personal conviction.
Home as a Temple: Thursday Bhajans
KK married a year after moving to the US. From the second week of their marriage, KK and Rekha started having bhajans at home every Thursday night, and that simple practice has continued to this day over 25 years later.
Quiet Miracles at Work
KK synthesizes chemical compounds for pharmaceutical clients, often being the first person to make a requested molecule to a specified purity and quantity. After months of work, he sometimes feels he may fall short of the target amount; in those tense moments, he turns inward to Swami and asks for His assistance with producing an oddly specific number, like 9.8 grams.
Repeatedly, when he weighs the final product, the amount matches the number he prayed about. These small, recurring miracles have convinced him that Swami is present even in the lab coat and fume hood, quietly reassuring him that nothing is outside His care.
Cricket as Sadhana
Despite his calm public demeanor, KK is candid that anger is one of his ongoing challenges. For him, Sunday cricket has become a very practical sadhana. On the field, he tends to get deeply involved in the game and can be easily drawn into intense emotions and arguments over decisions.
This struggle has taught him something important: anger grows when he over‑identifies with a role, a result, or being “right.” Indeed, cricket may be taking him closer to Swami than meditation!
End of Education is Character
KK lights up when he talks about his time as an SSSE teacher and his two terms as Education Coordinator of the RSC - teaching is clearly deeply engrained in him!
He references Swami’s assertion that “The end of education is character.” For KK, character ties together SSSE, family life, and his professional world. In his own life - through Thursday bhajans, the Israel years, humble lab miracles, and even tempers tested on the cricket pitch - Krishna Kumar is trying, one small step at a time, to live up to that standard.
December 22, 2025
Ladies Wing Winter Gear Seva
The Ladies Wing will be holding Winter Gear Seva this Saturday from 2:00–4:00 PM at Sowmiya’s house. We will be assembling winter kits to help the homeless stay warm this season.
Each kit will include hand-knitted hats and scarves, as well as gloves, and socks.
How you can participate:
- Attend the seva
- Purchase gloves (gloves must be delivered by Saturday morning to be included)
Sign-up link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FL56Jy40ytuwNvqg76F2iUiuUIvVAVORXrsFgBzXaOo/edit?gid=0#gid=0. Please note, there are two tabs - one for the Seva and one to purchase the gloves.
Your participation will help ensure these kits are ready to bring warmth and comfort to those in need.
December 15, 2025
During the parenting session, we reflected on the week and shared limiting beliefs or situations that triggered negative feelings. As a group, we identified these beliefs and supported one another by suggesting action steps to challenge them through experimentation and healthy risk-taking. We recognized that fear for our children’s safety or concern about their responsibilities can lead to over-reminding or over-reacting, which may prevent children from developing essential life skills, confidence, and independence.
Homework
Continue watching your feelings and identify the thoughts and beliefs that are triggering those feelings
December 8, 2025
We reflected on the week and shared limiting beliefs or situations that triggered negative feelings. As a group, we identified these beliefs and supported one another by suggesting action steps to challenge them through experimentation and healthy risk-taking. We recognized that fear for our children’s safety or concern about their responsibilities can lead to over-reminding or over-reacting, which may prevent children from developing essential life skills, confidence, and independence.
Homework
Continue the work of watching your feelings and the thoughts that are triggering those feelings
December 8, 2025
My name is Siva Prasad, born and raised in Hindupur, just 60 miles from the Divine abode of Puttaparthi.
My Journey With Swami
Swami walked into my life through Balavikas. As a mischievous child, I was sent to Balavikas so that Amma could enjoy two peaceful hours on Sunday afternoons. What started as her small wish became the beginning of my lifelong spiritual journey.
In those classes, my gurus shared moral stores, inspirational, and filled with quiet wisdom. Without my knowledge, they planted seeds of values, devotion, and discipline that would one day shape my heart and guide my path.
When Life Tested Us
Life is not always colorful. A sudden fire accident burned down Appa’s shop and left us with nothing but faith to hold on to. During that difficult phase, the Hindupur Sai Center supported our family in every possible way, especially by helping me continue my education through 12th grade. Later, the Sai Youth of Hyderabad supported my degree under the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Education Project.
Their selfless service, love, and sacrifice watered the tiny seed within me, helping it grow into a steady plant of gratitude, purpose, and devotion. Whatever I am today is just because of Swami's Karuna and the love of a thousand mothers. Without Swami and the Sai families who supported & guided me, I am nothing.
Blessings I Never Expected
I never imagined a life in the United States. But Sai Ma lovingly gifted me a spiritual family here in Raleigh, and a wonderful wife, Devi, who walks with me and serves alongside me. This blessing is far beyond anything I ever dreamed of.
A Life Guided by Service
Swami’s message, “Service to man is service to God,” is not just a teaching to me—it is a way of life. Whenever I can, I step into service. And even when life becomes busy with responsibilities, I try to make space for it. In this Bhava Saagara, Service is the boat, and Namasmarana is the oar that helps us cross safely.
My Prayer
Till my final breath, I pray only for this “Swami give me strength and chances to serve as much I can”
every step lead me closer to thy Lotus Feet.
#Fresh Fruit Service
Our monthly fresh fruit brown bag service to support Cumberland County council of older adults with fresh fruits is scheduled for Sunday, December 21. Please drop off fruits at/before 10a on December 21 at 1507 Gathering Park Circle Cary 27519. Please use the signup sheet below to participate in this service.
December 8, 2025
Our monthly in-person dinner service for the Raleigh Men's Shelter is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, at 2:30 PM to prepare and serve dinner. You may also sign up to contribute ingredients. Ingredients must be dropped off by 6p Friday, December 19 at: 1507 Gathering Park Circle, Cary, 27519. If you plan to bring ingredients with you to the service, please inform Manisha in advance. Please use the sign-up sheet above to participate in this meaningful service opportunity.
October 12, 2025
🌟 Sai Center Activities 📍 HSNC Rooms 3, 4, 5, 6
🕒 3:00 – 4:00 PM Setup
📖 4:00 – 5:00 PM Study Circle
🎶5:00 – 6:15 PM Bhajans and Aarti
Our monthly in-person breakfast service for the Raleigh Men's Shelter is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, starting at 4:30 AM to prepare and serve breakfast. You may also sign up to contribute ingredients. Ingredients must be dropped off by 6p Friday, December 19 at: 1507 Gathering Park Circle, Cary 27519. If you plan to bring ingredients with you on the day of the service, please inform Manisha in advance. Kindly use the sign-up sheet above to participate in this service opportunity.
October 12, 2025
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.
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.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.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.
October 12, 2025
Gayathri Beads Bracelet Service
SERVICE TO MAN IS SERVICE TO GOD
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:
Begin by taking one bead in your hand. While holding the bead, chant the Gayatri Mantra 108 times. After completing the chant, offer a prayer that this bead helps someone in need. Keep the energized bead safely in a separate bag, apart from other beads. Repeat the process and energize as many beads as possible. When ready, send an email to ya@raleighsaicenter.org to arrange delivery and receive more beads. The energized beads will be made into bracelets and given to hospital patients or residents in senior care homes.
October 12, 2025
We had a discussion on parenting from fear vs. parenting with HEART. HEART stands for:
H - Hold Space
E - Empathize
A - Accept Situation / Feelings
R - Respond Thoughtfully
T - Trust
October 12, 2025
Prayer Bracelet Project for WakeMed Hospital Patients
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 here.
Vibhuti Packets for Festivals
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.
Virtual Meetings
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
October 12, 2025
Prashanti 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
1. Medical Doctors registration form
3. Nurses form
National Go-Green Updates
For Swami’s Centennial birthday celebrations, the National Go-Green has taken an initiative to take 100 steps to become a Go-Green champion at home, school, work. As part of that effort, the team releases video every week on specific topics. Please click here for week 21.
Regional Updates
Please see the weekly update for the week of September 1 – September 7, 2025 from Prasanthi Connection Zone 1 Committee. Following up with the zone chairs email, for your convenience Prasanthi Connection Zone 1 team is including the information and links below:
Email – Week updates of September 1 – September 7, 2025 link
“Your Prasanthi Connection’s” – Centennial Birthday Video Offering. Smt. Anitha Krishna Video
Need Help with your visit to Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, India?Call us at: +1 (909) 736-0119 or Email us at: zone1@prasanthiconnection.org or Web: coming soon
Aditi talking about limiting beliefs this weekend
Aditi talked about limiting beliefs
Canned Food Drive
In honor of our Beloved Lord’s 100th Birthday and the spirit of Love in Action, we’re doing a canned food drive for the entire month of November to support the NC Food Bank + Dorcas Ministries. Let’s live Swami’s message — “Love All, Serve All” & “Help Ever, Hurt Never” — by showing up for our community.
Drop-off: HSNC every Sunday in November (starting Nov 2)
Requested items: (No glass bottles, please!)
Canned fruit & veggies/beans
Peanut butter
Pasta sauce
Rice-A-Roni packs
Your donations = real impact for families across NC. Let’s make Swami’s Centenary shine through service + love.
Questions? Text/call Manisha Dass (919-600-3191)
Our monthly in-person dinner service for the Raleigh Men’s Shelter is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, at 2:30 PM to prepare and serve dinner. You may also sign up to contribute ingredients. Ingredients must be dropped off by 6p Friday, November 14 at: 1507 Gathering Park Circle, Cary, 27519. If you plan to bring ingredients with you to the service, please inform Manisha in advance. Please use the sign-up sheet above to participate in this meaningful service opportunity.
Bi-Monthly Drop Off Dinner Service
Our next bi-monthly drop-off dinner service for the Raleigh Men’s Shelter is scheduled for this Sunday, November 16. If you’d like to participate, please use the sign-up sheet above. For any questions, please contact Manisha Dass at (919) 600-3191. Thank you for your support in serving our community!
October 12, 2025
Pre-SSSE
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
Group 1
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
Group 2
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
Group 3
After the meeting, we held a 25-minute class session that sparked thoughtful discussion and reflection:
Spiritual Diary Distribution
Each student received a printed spiritual diary. We discussed how this tool can help them track personal growth, reflect on their experiences, and deepen their learning journey.Interest Groups & Rotating Leadership
Students explored various interest groups and learned about the role of group leads. Leadership positions will rotate every quarter, giving everyone a chance to step up and contribute.
Sign-up details are available in the parent WhatsApp group description.Critical Thinking & Story time:
We asked students:
“If you had three identical-looking cars, how would you choose the best one?”
Their responses—testing performance, comparing features, and checking brand reputation—led to a deeper conversation about discernment and thoughtful decision-making.To build on the analogy, we shared a story about a wise king faced with a similar challenge:
A king received three identical dolls and asked a sage to determine which was best.The first doll let a wire pass from one ear to the other.
The second let it exit through the mouth.
The third held the wire inside.
The sage explained:The first doll hears but forgets.
The second repeats without understanding.
The third listens, reflects, and retains wisdom.
Moral: Be like the third doll. Don’t just attend class—absorb, reflect, and grow. Every session is a chance to become wiser, kinder, and stronger.
Note to parents: Thank you dear parent for you time. Please send them with a notebook (with spiritual dairy printout glued), a pen.
Group 4
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 –
Please sign and return the forms ( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f3O6VRb9s8A0wW-_XfKY0xH0HQIHSP66UemD-B6mFHI/edit ) which include media consent and parent pledge.
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.
Slides of the class when applicable will be shared with the Students/Parents via the WhatsApp groups.
PLEASE Have the children practice their daily Sadhana for Swami’s 100th birthday.
October 12, 2025
new Rise Against Hunger
As part of a global movement to end hunger, we are partnering with Rise Against Hunger to package over 100,000 meals for children and families around the world who are facing food insecurity. Learn more.
We also have several recurring service activities - see the upcoming ones below or learn more about these.