🌟 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

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)

November In Person Dinner

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!

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 –

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.

ARRYA2025 | National Young Adults Retreat to Kick-off Bhagawan’s Centennial Celebrations! 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

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 2026 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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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

2. Allied Professionals 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

• Regional updates deck

• “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

 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.

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

We talked about journey to YAs ...