J A N 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 1 5 . I S S U E 1

2020 has been a year of surprises, new routines, andpeople struggling to turn on their Zoom callmicrophones. However, as the year comes to a close letus reflect on what we have been able to learn, how wehave grown, and what goals we would like to set forourselves in the upcoming year. Most of us have spentthe majority of this year in quarantine. We have beenforced to slow down our fast-paced lifestyles andrediscover who we are. We have been given theopportunity to spend time with our families and lovedones, and were presented with time and experiences wenever would have gotten under normal conditions. Formany of us, our priorities have changed. Our focus is onsurvival, health, and happiness; something Swami hasblessed each of us with. Swami says “Gratitude to God isprayer. We have to offer gratitude for all that He hasblessed us with. When your kerchief falls down andsomebody picks it up and gives it to you, you say

GRATITUDE'Thanks', it is not his kerchief that he has given, it is yourkerchief; even then why do you offer thanks? That isgratitude. Similarly, God created the five elements andbecause of these five elements man can live in the world.What are we offering to the five elements? We are notgiving anything to them. Nobody gives anything to them”.Waking up every morning, and saying “Thank youSwami” is a simple practice, but one that has variouspositive impacts on your individual perception of eachand every day. Being able to appreciate the little things inone's life is incredibly important, as it allows us tonavigate through each day with a positive mindset, andthe intention to spread love to everyone. Now going into2021 its up to us to think of what we are grateful for, whatwe value the most in our lives, and consciously makesure we are appreciating all that we have in our lives.References: Pathways to God, Discourse 2, My Dear Students Volume 3; DivineDiscourse on March 19, 1998 at Trayee Brindavan

SAI DHARMAMSRI SATHYA SAI BABA CENTRE OF COOKSVILLE

P A G E 1

P A G E 2

Although resolution-making could be a great way to plan thenew year, such commitments should not be seen as anobligation, but rather a moment of reflection on our personalstrengths and weaknesses. In this modern society, popularresolutions include reducing caffeine consumption, losingweight, and eating vegan, yet many are left in a moral quandarywondering whether their life is heading in the right direction. Aspiritual solution can be the best way to resolve such a mentalconflict. Our dear Lord Bhagawan explains the importance ofthe new year, being primarily to transform ourselves and todevelop true humanness. Engage in good spiritual practices,such as writing Likitha Japam, reciting the Lord’s name,participating in bhajans and maintaining a pure and unsulliedheart. Bhagawan is not only happy when we expand our love toHim, but when we cultivate humility, reverence for elders andlove for all. The Atmic feeling is the only cure for internalailments. However, how do we achieve this?

According to Swami, it is important we always behappy, for our innate nature is Bliss. We need not go insearch of happiness, as happiness is reached when weare in union with God. Thus, always engage in theLord’s company, as this will relieve any uncertainties,ego, envy, greed and hatred we may possess.Furthermore, do not delve too much into the future.Many people often get distressed about change, be itthe economy, social or political. It is vital we realizethat, although multiple things around our environmentcan change, our heart does not. You must get rid of anyevil tendencies in your thoughts, words and deeds.Instead, it is important that we all celebrate the newyear with noble and divine feelings and why not do thisby starting off the year with chanting the GayatriMantra, Hanuman Chalisa or Vishnu Sahasranamam.To conclude, let us all leave our worries behind, chantthe Lord’s name and maintain a pure heart for 2021 toenter into.

DEVOTEE SPEAKS

When we look back at 2020, many of us might see adifficult year that brought changes to how we and ourloved ones were used to leading our lives. Some of usrealized how we had taken so much for granted. Letus be mindful of all the gifts that Bhagawan hasblessed us with and give thanks to the Sai spirit ineveryone that served humanity around the world intheir own ways. Let us vow to show our gratitude inlove and loving service as we begin a new year.

“A wave of service, if it sweeps over the land catchingeveryone in its enthusiasm, will be able to wipe off themounds of hatred, malice and greed that infest theworld.” – Bhagawan Shri Sathya Sai Baba

P A G E 3

Sheets will be sent out via Email to all YoungAdultsGoal is 24 Sheets per Young Adult24 pages x 4 boxes (108 names in each box) = 96 =#Sai96

Date: Thursday, January 7th, 2021Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Conducted by: Bro. Prasaanthan Gopee –RamananDate: Sunday, January 10th , 2021Time: 10:00am – 11:00amFollowed by a 30 min Bhajan Session

Start Date: January 1st , 2021Discussion Date: Sunday, January 17th , 2021Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Sai 96 Likithajapam:

YA Bhajan:

Youth Study Circle:

Sai Book Club:

Sharade Jaya Sharade Vagvilasini SharadeSharade Jaya Sharade Vidya Dayini SharadeSharade Jaya Sharade Veda Mata SharadeVeda Mata Sharade

Radio Sai Bhajan Tutor:https://media.radiosai.org/journals/vol_18/01OCT20/Sharade-Jaya-Sharade-Bhajan-tutor.htm

MESSAGE FROM YOUTH WING January Updates from the YA Wing

Refer to the image below to build your puzzle.Click on the link to play the game!https://puzzel.org/en/jigsaw/play?p=-MP7S-46-ay0NYyvR0_f

GAME BHAJAN

https://puzzel.org/en/jigsaw/play?p=-MP7S-46-ay0NYyvR0_f