THE GOALS OF A STUDY CIRCLE
Note to Centers: It is imperative that youth, young adults and newcomers to the Sai-fold who may not ever have seen or heard Swami be guided closely as to Swami's teachings and direct guidance on the question of mediums and third party spokesman.
The basic goal of a study circle is, of course, to help us understand how better to lead a spiritual life, to come closer to God. As Sai Baba says in one discourse, it is important not simply to read and understand but to find something to put into practice. At the start of the discussioin of the goals of a study circle, the facilitator can discuss the overall goals, quoting from Sathya Sai Baba. Then, one can ask the participants for their ideas of the goal of a study circle. Someone could write their ideas on a blackboard as they come out. Below are a list of goals/subgoals that came out during one study circle (the facilitator should not give this whole list --leave this to the participants!).
One important goal that it is nice to let the participants come up with is: find something from the study circle to put into practice during the coming week. The study circle should not be simply a transfer of knowledge but should result in a transformation of the participants.
- Learn about Swami's teachings and thus learn more about living a spiritual life.
- Learn how Swami's teachings have affected others. This can inspire us, help remove doubts we may have, give us a firmer belief.
- Advance spiritually.
- See all the facets.
- Clarify what we "think" we know --clear up misconceptions.
- Support each other in spiritual endeavors.
- Discover practical applications of Swami's teachings.
- Share experiences.
- Slow down our study of Swami's teachings, mull things over.
- Get deeper inside Baba’s teachings.
- Learn how to put Sai's teachings into practice.
- Be in the company of good people --satsang.
- Gain confidence in speaking in public.
- Install good values in ourselves.
- Recharge our batteries.
- Teach us patience (as we wait our turn).
- Find answers to problems (through teachings, not group therapy).
- Learn how to handle situations where we disagree with others.
- Learn to express oneself, overcome shyness.
One important goal that it is nice to let the participants come up with is: find something from the study circle to put into practice during the coming week. The study circle should not be simply a transfer of knowledge but should result in a transformation of the participants.
study circle guidelines
TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MATERIAL ON-LINE
TO CHOOSE FROM FOR STUDY CIRCLES
Here are some of the main places to go for guidance:
Study Circles
described in full by the international Sai Organization
Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation study guides
for use in study circles
sri sathya sai international organisation study aids
for use in study circles
Study Aids: Sathya Sai Baba's teachings cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to the current day challenges and applicable to individuals of diverse backgrounds- gender, nationality, religion and culture. A comprehensive repository of Sathya Sai Baba's teachings are available in the section "His Words".
Study Aids is a collection of articles and guides on specific topics. Sathya Sai Baba has said that the proper plan of study is reading, reflection and regular application. Study guides summarize the essential teachings of Sathya Sai Baba on topics that are of special interest and can be used for individual or group study. The purpose of a study guide is to delve deeper and through group discussions understand and implement the practical applications into daily life. Articles are insightful written expositions on spirituality and its different facets. Articles also include transcripts of thought provoking talks given by eminent speakers on Sathya Sai Baba's teachings, its practice and importance in daily living. While these are primarily meant for individual study and reflection, it is an excellent resource for small group discussions as well.
Study Aids is a collection of articles and guides on specific topics. Sathya Sai Baba has said that the proper plan of study is reading, reflection and regular application. Study guides summarize the essential teachings of Sathya Sai Baba on topics that are of special interest and can be used for individual or group study. The purpose of a study guide is to delve deeper and through group discussions understand and implement the practical applications into daily life. Articles are insightful written expositions on spirituality and its different facets. Articles also include transcripts of thought provoking talks given by eminent speakers on Sathya Sai Baba's teachings, its practice and importance in daily living. While these are primarily meant for individual study and reflection, it is an excellent resource for small group discussions as well.
aNOTHER SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR sTUDY cIRCLES:
SAICAST - sTREAMING VIDEOS
tHANKS TO RADIO SAI GLOBAL HARMONY, INTERNATIONAL SAI ORGANIZATION
AND SSS SADHANA TRUST (pUBS DIV)
Sri sathya sai seva Organisation, India discusses study circles
and possible study circle topics
A VAST AND WONDERFUL SOURCE FOR STUDY CIRCLE MATERIAL IS
RADIO SAI GLOBAL HARMONY
Radio Sai also has Audio Archives, Article Archives, Video Archives, Thursday Live and Downloads for further info
One more useful source:
sathya sai organization
zone 1 (USA) Region 2 (Mid Atlantic)
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