International Sai Young Adults
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The official SSSIO Young Adults (YA) account where YAs embark on leading purposeful lives by practising the spiritual values of Sri Sathya Sai Baba #saiyoungadults

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A couple of years ago, I was sitting for an important public examination as part of my primary schooling, which would determine whether I qualify for the second phase of school or not. One day, I remember vividly, I threw a massive tantrum about not wanting my mother to tutor me. Out of repentance for being naughty and refusing to study, I decided to sleep on the floor of my room as a form of self-punishment.

The next day, when I woke up, my mother brought me to the divine altar at our home and introduced me to the Gayatri mantra, its meaning, and its powerful essence. She handed me the Japamala (prayer beads) which had 27 beads in total. She told me that from today on, the Gayatri mantra and the beads were mine. If I wanted to succeed in life, I should just chant this mantra daily for 27 times. I looked at Swami’s picture on the altar and promised Him that I will do it for my mother. I wanted to make her proud and He must guide me throughout.

Even today, I carry the same Japamala everywhere with me, with my Friend beside me, guarding and guiding me very silently through every phase of my life. My Bhakta Sakha has been my constant cheer and reminds me that by chanting the Gayatri mantra every day, I can overcome any obstacle in life. When life gets busy, He reminds me of why and for whom I started this practice. Although I started it as a ‘ritual’, He has helped me experience and understand the ‘spiritual’ essence behind the chanting of the powerful Gayatri mantra. (Shalani, UK)

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I was born into a Hindu family and resided with my maternal grandparents until the age of five. My grandfather was a devotee of Lord Shiva and guided me to undertake spiritual practices with him. I commenced primary school and detachment had proven to be a substantial emotional quagmire. I struggled to function academically and was in emotional turmoil over the fear of my parents not fetching me at the end of the day. We visited spiritual leaders to help me overcome this fear but to no avail and with the help of my grandfather, we received a priest who instructed me to light a clay lamp for nine Thursdays. Through this process, the fear and anxiety I endured during the last three years disappeared. Truly, it was Divine intervention from God Himself.

At the end of Grade 4 as a nine-year-old, I walked up on stage and collected nine awards. Soon after this award ceremony, I heard about Swami's name, our Poorna Avatar (Divine incarnation). In 2009, I attended my first service activity at the Sri Sathya Sai Centre. I had received Swami's calling card and was drawn into His Divine realm. Swami's spiritually considerable number nine was pervasive in my life guiding and protecting me.

As I progressed into secondary education, Swami allowed me to become His instrument by serving in the Rotary Interact Club. I dedicated my days to serving in outreach programmes dedicated to senior citizens, special needs children and the upliftment of women in the community. Through these programmes, I experienced the bliss of Swami's work and formed a heart-to-heart connection with the Lord.

Through Swami's Sankalpa (Will), I was admitted into the Medical Programme. Swami's will manifested and I became a mentor at the medical school and have dedicated myself to inculcating Swami's teachings of love for humanity and selfless service into every interaction and academic session with my students. Every interaction with society has become meaningful. (Tivana Chellan, South Africa)

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Before 2015, I did not know who Sai Baba was and I was not involved in any social service at all. I was busy with my university studies and part-time jobs to support my living costs. On Baba’s birthday in 2015, my friends invited me to participate in community service and that is when I came to know about Sai Baba. Since then, I started learning about Sai Baba’s service initiatives and participated in various service activities. I felt happy, peaceful, and loving as I could use my spare time to serve the less fortunate and needy people of Cambodia. I observed how people feel ecstatic and more hopeful in their lives after each service activity. The year 2015 was a turning point in my journey of self-transformation.
 
In June 2016, I had an opportunity to visit Puttaparthi, to attend the Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Festival. Over there, I had moments of bliss and met kind-hearted people. During the festival, I interacted with humble, compassionate, and talented devotees around the world. As I grew closer to Sai Baba, I was inspired by the notable examples of selfless services rendered by devotees.
 
Baba is a source of hope in my life. By embarking on this journey with Him, I have become a better person. He has always answered my prayers by being Omnipresent. Every morning, when I look at His photo, I know He is always with me and reminds me that everything is possible in my life if I try and not quit. I have been successful in obtaining my master’s degree and a job that I prayed for. I also had the opportunity to travel to almost twenty countries after my journey with Sai Baba started. Through Sai Baba’s mission, I receive love, respect, and support from my entourage. Sai Baba has inspired me to do more for society and to be an even stronger instrument by serving in His mission. Thank you, Sai Baba, for showering unconditional love and blessings upon me. (Samuth, Cambodia)

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I am often reminded that Swami has always been the pillar of strength throughout my life. He has been playing a pivotal role in all aspects of my life.

11 years ago, we had an unforgettable experience with Swami which is etched in my heart forever. It was the time when my mother was put through untold suffering owing to kidney failure which had lasted for more than a year and we as a family were hoping she would recover. She would do well for 3 days after a dialysis session and then things would take a turn for the worse. One day, she chose to write a letter to Swami and sent it through a relative of ours, who had gone to Puttaparthi. The contents of the letter were known only to my mother and Swami.

One day, my mother disclosed the contents of her letter whereby she wrote, “Taking away my soul will not solve my family's problems, if anything good will happen to my family, I would be prepared to merge with you. Please take me away after my three children have matured and established themselves.”

In 2021, I unexpectedly lost my mother. It was indeed a peaceful transition during the last phase of her earthly sojourn. During this time, my sister and I were in the final academic year at the university while the youngest was pursuing her Advanced Level at school.

By His grace and blessings, our parents took great care of us, and my father continues to do so as we pursue our academic goals. If our beloved mother had left us 11 years ago, it would have been devastating to the whole family and would have taken a severe toll on our education too.

I strongly believe that Swami has taken up the motherly role and guides us in every step that we take with sheer confidence bestowed upon us as He continues to emphasise that unexpected things have a positive impact on our lives. (Hirushayinie, Sri Lanka)

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I have been a devotee of Swami from the time I was in my mother’s womb. I grew up in an environment full of love and have learnt His Divine teachings and messages all my life which made me realise the importance of love in each of our lives.

In 2013, I went on a trip to the United States, specifically to the Disney theme parks in Florida. While I was there, the concept of love that I had, was reinforced when I observed an elderly couple having fun at that park, despite their age. Values such as patience, solidarity and especially love have had to be beautifully present for this couple to reach that point. This left me thinking that love must be known, talked about, and practised eternally in our lives.

Practising this value has been extremely important in my life. I have realised that if I love everyone and consider them as my brothers and sisters, the other human values will also unfold and be practised. For instance, if I love someone, I will be honest with them, I will be calm with them and I will not harm them. In this manner, I would be practising truth, righteousness, peace and non-violence. In college, in my job, or wherever I am, I always try to remember to love others.

Love is the centre of our lives, and we must thank God for His love towards us. Love is not just an act, but an attitude that we must have daily. (Enmanuel, Dominican Republic)

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I lived in the United States for part of my life but about 6 years ago, I moved to the Dominican Republic, a beautiful island in the Caribbean. However, adapting to the new place was not easy for me until I started joining the Sai Young Adults activities. I was able to see new horizons.
 
Swami changed my life for the better and opened my eyes to see the good in the world. When I was younger, I did not have an open mind, and instead was lonely and sad all the time. I knew that I had to change the way I lived, and had to see things in a better way. But luckily for me, I was introduced to Swami and the amazing people in the organisation, and from then on, I was finally able to see the good in the world and the good in people. I could not be happier!
 
Since I came into the Sai fold, I started to see life differently. In my school, practising Swami’s teachings has opened doors for me not only academically, but also socially, which was one of my biggest problems.
 
I am a quite different person today than I was before. I am more outgoing, and I love being part of groups where I constantly interact with people, and I have achieved this thanks to my beloved Swami. (Wilvania, Dominican Republic)
 
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I have known Swami since the age of 11, and this has been the greatest gift for which I will always be thankful. From a young age, I was introverted and socially shy. I never imagined that I would be a leader in groups and make many friends in my life. But, by following Swami’s teachings, He has shown me otherwise.

The human values that Swami has taught me, have helped me improve as a human being. Not only to evolve spiritually, but it has also helped me personally, academically, and professionally. Swami says, “Love All, Serve All”. By following this, I behave lovingly towards others and am helpful all around. This has made many people want me to be part of their groups. In my school too, many people have developed an incredible affection for me and want to develop friendships with me.

My friends see me as a leader, as they see the leadership skills that I portray which are skills that our beloved Swami has taught us. Hence, I usually have an opportunity to lead and coordinate Young Adults or day-to-day group activities.

From an academic standpoint, practising human values such as honesty, perseverance, and peace has helped me tremendously in obtaining excellent grades in the courses I am taking at school. I have realised the importance of having human values as the basis of my life. I thank Swami for teaching me something new every day, regarding good character and a way of being in life because His guidance has helped me to be what I am today. (David, Dominican Republic)

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My connection with Swami began when I got married and my new family were devotees of Swami. He gave me His physical darshan in 2006, at that point in life, I did not know what an amazing blessing that was. My wonderful in-laws let me explore Swami at my own pace, which has been my biggest gift. The year 2014 was a particularly challenging time. It was when I started visiting my local Sri Sathya Sai Centre that I found His true presence, His love and magnanimity shining through every devotee of the centre. I was incredibly touched and inspired by this love which led me to take up every opportunity to serve, love and empower myself.

Beginning with SSE training and learning with the children, offering bhajans, organising cultural programmes, planning and being part of service activities, taking up Young Adults officer roles, understanding the spiritual and administrative responsibilities that come with it, and offering anything and everything with love. He made me say "Yes" to all! He sculpted and moulded me every step of the way. And what a journey it has been!

I bear such gratitude to Swami and His Organisation for the endless amazing opportunities to gain experience, learn and be in good company. Being part of the Sai Organisation has empowered me to become independent and explore a career on my own. It was during a service activity when we volunteered to tutor kids online and offered summer camps in person, that I felt so much at ease, it led me to apply for a teaching job at a local public school and gave me the confidence to take it up as a profession. Swami has undoubtedly shown me when every act is done with love and as an offering to Him, life becomes service. I cannot wait to see what Swami holds for me in the future, but here I am ready and willing to always learn and serve. (Anusha, USA)

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My Amma (Mother), an ardent follower of Bhagawan was my true inspiration to become a devotee of Bhagawan. She always mentioned that “Once you start following the path of Bhagawan, you will understand the meaning of pure love and you will start finding love in every element in the world and alongside, you will reach heights with Swami’s guidance.”

I was a below-average student during my school days and was demotivated to study too. It was both my parents' dream to make me a doctor. As soon as I cleared my entrance exam for medical school on my second attempt, I was in an average standing in getting a place at the medical school.

For the first time in my life, I saw my parents were disappointed with my performance which made me realise that I have the calibre but was lazy to work hard. My regrets flowed as tears. I closed my eyes and remembered Bhagawan and I sincerely requested to Him for a seat, and I promised that I will not repeat the mistake. When I opened my eyes, I saw an autorickshaw with a picture of Bhagawan smiling with His hands raised in a blessing position. I felt His blessings.

I felt so calm when I reached home. My mother got a call from the medical college, and I was offered a place. I was so happy, and it will be a day which I will always remember and cherish as Bhagawan decided to upgrade my name with a doctor (Dr.) designation. (Arunima, India)

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As a child, I always aspired to become a doctor which was always my parents' dream and Swami has been the sole instrument shaping my career path from the very beginning.

In Sri Lanka, the Government provides free education to all students from primary level to tertiary level. A student is given three attempts to apply to different universities for medical studies.

During my first attempt, my marks did not qualify for the minimum entry-level and at that time, l did not dedicate much time to carrying out my spiritual Sadhana and I felt that my bond with Swami was not that close. In preparation for my second attempt, every day, I started my day by praying to Swami. However, I still did not qualify due to the low exam marks. However, l received an offer to study Bioscience at Jayawardenapura University. My family advised me to take up the offer however, I was not ready to give up my dream childhood dream of becoming a doctor.

Finally, I gave the medical exams one last attempt. I can still recall vividly that after the first exam, l came home crying as I knew that I did not perform well in answering the questions. I was discouraged from studying for the remaining exams and informed my mother that l would not go to the rest of my exams. After I finished all the exams, I abandoned my dream of becoming a doctor as l was not expecting good results. When the results were announced, tears of joy overflowed as I obtained 3As which represented the scores to enter the medical field at Jaffna University.

Upon reflection, I understood that “Nobody can change God’s masterplan” and with a heart full of gratitude, I am ever thankful to Swami for blessing me to pursue a medical career. (Saranga, Sri Lanka)

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Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana of Love Programme for Young Adults (SSSSOL) is now open for enrolment!

Dear Sai Young Adults! The SSSSOL is back with a refreshed module delivery! Join fellow Sai Young Adults in deepening your understanding of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings through spiritual study, discussion, practice, and Self-reflection. The programme aims to help you to realise your inherent Divinity through the four steps:

🔸 Self-Confidence 

🔸 Self-Satisfaction 

🔸 self-sacrifice 

🔸 Self-Realisation


This programme provides a safe space for Sai Young Adults worldwide to enhance their spiritual growth through inspiring stories, scenarios and sharing personal experiences.

All YAs are encouraged to participate in this blessed programme.

The deadline for applications is May 30, 2023. Further details, including the Application Form, can be found on our website: https://www.sathyasai.org/ya/sadhana-of-love.

#SriSathyaSai #SSSIO #SaiYoungAdults #SadhanaofLove #SSSSOL2023