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Saturday, Feb 4 2012
Swami Says :-
"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."
As Prof Anil Kumar points out that today there is no study. There is only a circle, that’s all, a circle. So we have to realize that we cannot afford to have men and women of this country with a circle or a zero in their minds. No! They should not be empty-headed or dull-headed. Hence in a Study Circle: We sit in a circle and study together. We evolve and progress together. We investigate together. We explore together. That togetherness is a circle. Study is learning in-depth.
Listening or absorbing, reflecting/ digesting and putting into practice the message gained in the study of spiritual literature are the three stages which can assist our spiritual development. It is thus not the quantity of knowledge you absorb, but the quality and the degree you reflect and integrate the message into your life, that is critical.
Swami Advices :-
 "In the Study Circle, whatever we listen and assimilate in the mind should be distributed to others. In that way we show gratitude for what we have receded.
Whatever we hear and practice should also be distributed to society at large. You can learn a lot of things, but the most important thing to be learnt is your own Atma-tatwa. Learning all about external things without knowing your real self is like studying the branches of tree, ignoring his roots.
There are many fruits on the tree. We can see the fruits. What happens if you water those fruits? They will fall down. But if you water the roots down below, the tree flourishes and will give fruits which can be enjoyed."
Study circle is held once a week at Katong. It is held every Saturday during the SSEHV classes. The venue and time of the study class is as shown below:-
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| Saturday Study Circle:- |
Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre, Katong
82, Cheviot Hill - Block A,
(Bhavan's International School - East Coast Campus)
Singapore 459663
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| Time:- |
5:45pm to 7:00pm |
Study circles are facilitated by various brothers and we strongly encourage members of the Katong center to come forward to discuss on any spiritual subject that he or she may be passionate about and share their experience with the rest of the members.
Some of the topics discussed in the study circles covers a wide aspect of spirituality and some of the most popular topics are shown below. Most of the topics discussed are drawn from various books (eg:- Pathways to God, by Jonathan Roof, Self-A Study in a Circle by Krishan Kaul) , Sai literatures and Swami’s discourses. Swami’s quotes on each of the topics usually forms the basis of the discussions.
- Advent of Avatar:- What is an Avatar? The nature of Avatar. How to recognize the Divine and benefit from the Incarnation. Why does God take a physical form? Do avatars incarnate often enough.
- Who am I?:- How does the identity of the Self with the body come about? How can the delusion “I am the body” be overcome? Who am I and who is that I is asking the question? The meaning of “I am that I am”
- Atma Brahman:- What is the atma? How do we discover our true divine nature? How is liberation achieved? The God within us – Atma. Is there anything to fear in liberation? Characteristics if a liberated person.
- Law of Karma:-What is the Law of Karma? Mechanism of Karma? Different types of Karma. How to avoid bad karma. Relationship between karma and reincarnation. What is “akarma” and “nishkaama” karma. Can grace overcome karma?
- Faith & Belief:- Faith within everyone. Orgin of Belief. The necessity of faith. Realization of Goal, Why must faith come before experience.
- Namasmarana:- The power of the word. Divine names key to immortality. Chanting of Divine name a practice for all. Say it with feeling.
- Prayers:- Does prayer really works? Where do we start? What we should pray for? When do we know our prayer are answered?
- Meditation:-What is meditation? How do we start? What is the goal of meditation and for what reasons do we meditate? How do we recognize progress?
- Lords Grace:- What is grace? How do we get grace? How does it appear? Can grace overcome any obstacles? How is it earned? Why does God grant grace?
Besides discussing topics on spirituality we also read and share experiences of sai devotees around the world blessed by Swami’s leelas. This is usually done during the Saturday study circle days. Those who have personal experiences of Swami’s leelas that they wish to share please come forward and share your blissful experience with your sai brothers and sisters.
If you have any queries pertaining to the study circles at Katong or have any feedback on the way it is conducted please forward your views to Bro Kish at the following email address:- kranai@starhub.net.sg.
You can view some of the pictures taken during some of the parents study circle sessions at Katong by clicking here View Image Gallery
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