About Sri Sathya Sai Centre
Purpose
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a highly revered spiritual leader and world teacher, inspired millions of people throughout the world to turn Godward and to lead more purposeful and moral lives. Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s basic teaching is to practice unconditional, selfless, pure love in all aspects of our lives and activities. The parent body, the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO), was founded under the inspiration and guidance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba to help individuals and humanity as a whole move forward on the spiritual path.
The Sri Sathya Sai Centre is the basic unit within the SSSIO organisational structure. The primary purpose of the SSSIO is to promote in its members ever-increasing faith in God, along with the recognition of the inherent Divine Nature of human beings and all of God’s creation. The Centre, consisting of members in a local community, is the principal instrument through which this goal is achieved. It provides a loving environment that nourishes the transformation of its members by creating opportunities to study and practice the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The main objective of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization is to help humanity recognize its inherent divinity. It is established to translate the principles of love and Non-violence into daily practice.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 20 November 1970
The inspiration of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's example and message of unconditional love and service has resulted in the establishment of nearly 2,000 Sri Sathya Sai Centres in 120 countries outside of India. The members of the centres are united by a common bond – love of God, and a common goal – spiritual transformation, improving themselves to eventually realise their innate divinity. Centre activities include the study of the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the sacred literature of all religions, group devotional singing, meditation, spiritual and values education to children, and selfless service to the community. The programs are compatible with all major religions, and the membership includes people from all walks of life. The Centre also provides information about Sri Sathya Sai Baba and His teachings in the form of books, pamphlets, and audio/video recordings, and it serves as a focal point for the planning and carrying out of community service projects by its members.
The SSSIO is an inclusive, spiritual organisation. There is no discrimination based on gender, race, religion etc. Members move forward on their spiritual journey by incorporating Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s universal teachings into their day-to-day life. Members come from all walks of life and all religions. There are no dues or membership fees, and donations are never solicited. An individual who is at least 18 years old may become a member of a Sri Sathya Sai Centre after having become familiar with its basic guidelines and after expressing a sincere intention to practice them.
Any person who is a spiritual aspirant, has faith in the teachings of Bhagavan Baba, and who is willing to abide by the Nine Point Code of Conduct and the Regulations of the Organisation in force will be treated as a member.
Charter of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations
The Sri Sathya Sai Centres bring together spiritual aspirants and help them on their spiritual journey by providing them opportunities to derive benefits from various spiritual activities according to their own sincere spiritual inclination. The main activities of the Centres are classified under the heading of three wings: Devotion, Education, and Service. These activities correspond to the three main paths to self-realisation: devotion (bhakthi), spiritual wisdom (jnana), and desireless action (karma). Though members may wish to gravitate toward a particular wing, they are strongly urged to support and participate to the extent possible in all the activities conducted by the Centre. The spiritually inclined member will then become a more vital, spiritually fulfilled member of his local community and sanctify his or her life by moving toward the goal of God-realisation. You can find Guidelines & Operations Manual here.
Please checkout Newcomer's Guide for more detailed information.