Study Circle

Transformation through Study and Reflection

"Not information but transformation, not instruction, but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden unless it is practical, for then it can be lightened with wisdom and assimilated into daily life."
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 9, p56

Study circles are an integral part of all Sai Centre and Group activities. These are not forums for debate and controversies, but training ground for a number of important communication and listening skills, in gaining self confidence, in fostering values, in cooperation, in turning knowledge into wisdom and clarifying our spiritual objectives.

Baba tells us that the goal of life cannot be got by reading books alone.

It cannot be cultivated by reading guide books and made-easies, and learning steps by rote. It has to begin with a great yearning for the Light, an unbearable agony to escape from the Darkness

Study circles provide the opportunity for satsang (the company of like minded spiritual seekers), to listen to other points of view, have reflection, obtain wisdom and integrate insights gained into daily life.

You may download the Guidelines for conducting Study Circle.

Resources for Study Circle

Sai Baba Gita for Study Circles

A condensed version of Al Drucker's Sai Baba Gita is available for study circle use. You may read more and download this document Sai Baba Gita (link to new page).

Study Circle on Nine Point Code of Conduct and Ten Principles

There is a document with points for study circle discussion available on the Nine Points Code of Conduct and the Ten Principles. This is available from the 9 Points Code of Conduct (link to new page).

Study Circle Guidelines

The International Sai Organisation has an excellent resource which details some of Swami's teachings on Study Circle and provides a model workshop on the conduct of Study Circle. It is recommended that the model is used in conjunction with the Guidelines for Conducting Study Circles provided on the Australian Officers' Website. The link is: http://www.sathyasai.org/devotion/study/study.html

Other Useful Guides

There are a series of books which are study circle guides, the Pathways to God series, which is available from the Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications website. This has been issued in three volumes.

Recapitulations of the Teachings of Sai Baba is another useful book to use.

Study Circles for Divinity by Dr.Ross Woodward and Dr. Ron Farmer is a locally produced and published study circle guide specifically focussed on the needs and issues of modern youth. You may view sample chapters and order this book at this site.

"Remember the sword of Love has to be kept in the sheath of discrimination. The senses have to be rigorously controlled by discrimination and detachment, the twin talents given exclusively to man. Discrimination instructs you how to choose your avocations and your associates. It tells you the relative importance of objects and ideals. Detachment saves you from too attachment and injects a sense of relief, at times or elation or despair. They are the two wings that lift the bird into the air. They hold before you the impermanence of the world and the permanence of the bliss of reality. They prompt you to direct your lives towards spiritual effort and the never failing contemplation of the glory of the Lord.
VA, Vol 2, p145