U.S.A. Devotees Pilgrimage to see Swami 2010

June 23rd – July 2nd & July 5th – July 14th

Sai Ideal Human LifeFollow the Master

Prema (Love) Alone Can Understand

Prema

- Bhagawan

What ever you say that is

TRUTH to us. Whatever you

do that is DHARMA to

us. You are

EVERYTHING to us

- Devotees from U.S.A.

“My Grace is proportional to your effort. Try to win grace by reforming your habits, reducing your desires and refining your higher nature. One step makes the next step easier; that is the excellence of spiritual journey. With each step, your strength and confidence increase, and you get bigger and

bigger installments of Grace.” - Sathya Sai Baba

Unity - Purity - Divinity

Personal Spiritual PracticesIndividual Devotee Practices:

1)Keep a spiritual journal or log describing your experience of human values 2)Sacrifice negative qualities (e.g. anger, lust, attachment, greed, pride, envy) and experience your human values of love, truth, right conduct, peace, nonviolence 3)Sacrifice excessive desires (related to time, energy, food, money). Use savings for leading an ideal human life 4)Begin a new spiritual practice or strengthen an existing practice (e.g. saying the Name, meditation, saying Gayathri, studying Swami’s teachings) 5)Remember more frequently that I am God, I am I, and experience this in the depth of inner silence

Personal Transformation Through the study and

practice of Sai Teachings

Personal Spiritual PracticesIndividual Devotee Practices :

Devotees—whether registered for pilgrimage or not—can use the collection functions on the pilgrimage website menus listed under “Share Practices for Album” to share spiritual practices and inspirational/transformational stories for the album at U.S.A. Sai Pilgrimage 2010 website under the following link:

http://www.saipilgrimageusa.org./sadhana.php

Post an Inspirational Story   Report Spiritual Practices Undertaken  Inspirational Stories Posted By Other Devotees

Personal Transformation Through the study and

practice of Sai Teachings

Group Spiritual PracticesCenter or Group Practices :

1)Reinvigorate the study of Swami’s Divine Discourses through study circles. 2)Discuss Swami’s Words on living ideal lives. (Concords on God Is!, I am I, Love All – Serve All and Swami’s 9 Divine Discourses) 3)Design activities focusing on the universality based on Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings so that there is more participation from diversified populations in the USA. (e.g. center devotional programs and public meetings) 4)Participate in center and national service projects in preparation for the Pilgrimage.

Personal Transformation Through the study and

practice of Sai Teachings

Group Spiritual PracticesCenter or Group Practices :

Monthly issues of IDEAL, a web magazine, support individual and group spiritual practices and provide ideas to enrich study circles. See link at bottom of spiritual practice page on pilgrimage website.

Ideas to Enliven Study Circles: The IDEAL Program 

Personal Transformation Through the study and

practice of Sai Teachings

Service Activities

Personal Transformation Through the study and

practice of Sai Teachings

1) Encouraging devotees to spend an extra 5 minutes in personal interaction or conversation with a recipient of the service

2) Reminding them to put more effort in remembering and focusing on the fact that they are serving God during the activity

3) Participating in Sai selfless service between now and Pilgrimage time for at least 108 hours. That would be about 4 hours of service per week. Although no record will be kept for the actual number of service hours, it may help us all be more aware of how much more we could do to serve our brothers and sisters in our communities, whether we are involved in an organized service project or going about our normal daily activities

4) Offering a smile or other gesture of goodwill can be another kind of selfless service, and a reminder to see all as incarnations of God

2010 Parthi Pilgrimage

U.S National Council Planning Team

Jonathan Roof, Phil Gosselin and David Gries

Travel, Accommodation,

and Logistics

Murthy Cheruvu, Mike Congleton,

Harshad PatelShriram Bhat and Rohan Balsuriya

,

2010 Sai Pilgrimage ORGANIZATION

MODEL

Cultural Program Committee 

Harish Naidu, Piyush Ghayal, Vijay Sagramsingh,

Berniece MeadeRamya Kumar

Spiritual Practice Committee

Tom Scovill , Murthy Cheruvu, Sathyam

Choudhuri and Prasanna Kankanala

Prasanthi Committee

Mukesh Solanki, Sathyam Choudhuri, Nandani Mahadevan,

Sai Ganeshmoorthi and Shelly Herai

 

Service Committee

Jack Feely Mukesh SolankiAparna Murali

Murthy Cheruvu 

Invitation and Album Committee

Krishna Reddy, Carla Givens

Sangeeta Lekhi and Lakshmi

Jagannathan 

Medical Committee

Venkat Kanubaddi, Joe Phaneuf, Hari

Conjeevaram And Geetha Govindarajan

U.S. Registraton - Puttaparthi

Registration - Puttaparthi

Upon Arrival in AshramThe Registration and Accommodations Office for Overseas Devotees is located in North–8, A-1. All overseas devotees seeking accommodation in the ashram must report here on arrival for registration/allotment of accommodation. Note: A few members of the Pilgrimage Planning Team will be available at the Accommodations Office to provide assistance and answer questions on June 20th & 22nd for group 1 and July 3rd & 4th for group 2 during non-darshan hours between 8am – 8pm. Accommodations Office Timings: 6am to 8pm on all days.

RegistrationFor the registration process, every overseas devotee must produce a completed registration form with original passport with a valid visa or Resident alien document (green card) originals documents will be required at the ashram (copies will NOT be acceptable by the ashram since some may leave these documents with family in India and bring copies). Two passport size photographs will also be required for adult family members.

Prasanthi DAILY SCHEDULE

Activity Outline TimeTemple bell rings 9 times 5.00.a.m.

Temple bell rings 5 times 5.10.a.m.

One temple bell;21 Aumkars, Suprabhatham 5.20.a.m.

Nagar Sankirtan 5.40.a.m. – 6:15 am

Darshan Around 8:30 to 8:45 am

Bhajans 9:00 am

Spiritual Talk 10:00 to 11:00 am

Afternoon Darshan Around 3:00 pm

Bhajans 5:00 pm

Aarthi 5:30 pm

Meditation for Overseas devotees 5:30 pm

Darshan

“Never underestimate what is being

accomplished by the act of darshan. My walking

among you is a gift, yearned for by the Gods of Highest Heaven, and you are daily receiving

this Grace. Be Thankful. But also remember that to whom much is given from him much will be

demanded."

-Bhagawan

Darshan

• Overview– The Group will attend Darshan and Bhajans together in an

orderly manner– Scarf and group dress code are mandatory

• Men and Boys must be dressed in white each day• Ladies and Girls over 16 to wear designated sarees each day and glrls

below 16 to wear white.

– Assigned group seating is being requested; if granted• Efforts will be made to ensure every devotee gets chance to sit in

the first row (If group seating is assigned)

• The seating assignments of the day will have to be followed all through the day

• Seating arrangements will be communicated at Puttaparthi

– Darshan guidelines to be maintained at all times

Programs

Group I Programs

Group I: National Unison Singing

In our desire to represent our country’s languages and culture, we have reviewed many songs and have a working list of 15 songs from which we will, with Swami’s Divine guidance, weave into a cohesive program. The program will last approximately 30 minutes and include commentary that will try and incorporate our World Conference Themes of “God Is”, “I am I”, and “Love all Serve All”. Our goal is to keep an additional 20 minutes of songs prepared depending upon Swami’s Divine Will.

Group I: Voice of America Skit

These are some stories of how children, youth and adults across the country, inspired by Swami’s teachings on love and service, have taken lead and are committed to making a difference. Swami often tells us that engaging in service is more about transformation and less about the act itself. These stories will attempt to highlight how the volunteers have transformed themselves and others through their participation in service.

Group II Programs

Group II: USA Choir

With the Divine Blessings of Swami, the USA Choir is a new undertaking to bring us all together from all parts of the country to sing to the Lord and present a choral program representing the American culture. The Choir will learn the music and the parts, blend and harmonize together in “Sai Ideal” unity, and likewise to coordinate and perform with an accompanying orchestra. The USA choir is an expansion of a “Sai Choir” that has been practicing and performing steadily for many years in Southern California with a membership ranging from about 25 to 40 people at different times over the years. With this national expansion, we will have approximately 100 people including the orchestra members.

Group II: Native American Skit by SSE children

The SSE children of the USA with Swami’s Divine Grace will be presenting a program titled “All Our Relations: Teachings from the American Indian Medicine Wheel.” The program reflects teachings from the American Indian use of the medicine wheel as a way to honor all beings in the sacred wheel of life, and to bring individuals and society back in alignment with Atmic consciousness. It includes a spiritually uplifting presentation of songs, chants, dancing with 35 SSE children playing roles in the play and over a hundred children singing live.

Start the Day with Love;

Spend the Day with Love;

Fill the Day with Love;

End the Day with Love;

This is the way to God

- Bhagawan

Heart with Compassion is the temple

(residence) of God - Baba

Accommodation

Accommodation • Efforts are being made to arrange for accommodation with western

amenities at Puttaparthi for all devotees registered • If room accommodation granted

– Accommodation assignment will be communicated upon your arrival at Puttaparthi

– Fee for accommodation (approx. $5 per day in local currency)– Valid U.S. Passport , Non-resident identification (green card), valid

original U.S documentation must be presented to Prasanthi Overseas Accommodation office.

– Bring or arrange for bed sheets and pillow covers– Ground floor requests need to be placed with the registration team as

soon as possible and will be assigned to extent possible

Most of the rooms are furnished with two cots. Each has its own bathroom. There may be a sheet and a pillow on each cot. Bring your own soap, towels, flashlight

in case of emergencies, and the like. Heavy blankets are not needed, but, depending on your sleep habits, you may need a very light one. All of these

necessities can be bought at the store on the ashram or outside the ashram.

Accommodation (Contd.)

• If room accommodation granted– Only the group members assigned are allowed to occupy the room.

Family and friends that are not part of the group have to make their own arrangements

– For your convenience, please bring your own hot water coils, mosquito repellents, etc that make your stay comfortable

– Contact for all maintenance and housekeeping require your building leader.

– Accommodation will be requested for U.S. Groups from June 22rd through July 2nd and July 4th to July 14th

• Checking Out: Checkout time is 12 noon.– You must vacate the room on the day after the last morning darshan: group 1

pilgrims on July 3 before 12:00 noon, and group 2 pilgrims on July 15 before noon.

• Footwear– Most people wear inexpensive flip-flops or open sandals all the time --

there is no need for regular shoes– When you go to darshan, into most offices, and even into the Western or

North Indian canteens, you leave your footwear outside– During darshan, there will be thousands of flip-flops piled outside the

darshan hall.

Other

Maid ServiceYou are responsible for keeping your room clean and leaving it clean. This is not a hotel, where the maid service automatically comes in and makes your bed, changes the sheets, and tidies the room.

Food Food offered to God is free from

the evil vibrations that

injure the individual in subtle ways.

Since food has subtle impact on the feelings and thoughts, you

have to be ever vigilant.

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Food

• Overview– Devotees are requested to make use of the canteens, where food is

prepared hygienically by devotees for devotees.

– It is recommended to drink bottled water and carbonated drinks from cans and bottles only.

– Do not drink beverages with ice

– Bring baby formula and other food for babies along with you

There are 3 canteens in Prasanthi Nilayam. Devotees are recommended to eat here, since one shouldn't cook in the rooms. The food is plentiful and inexpensive, usually costing between 15 and 40 rupees --no more than 2 or 3 US dollar. Of course, only vegetarian food is served.

Men and women are seated separately in the canteens.

Medical Needs• Preventive Medical Care

– If you or your family members have any medical conditions, please communicate with the registration committee by end of May so special arrangements can be made wherever possible

– Carry your prescription tablets, other necessary items with you on travel and to Puttaparthi. – Do not make assumptions of medicine availability in India, plan to take it with you for the duration.– Carry off the counter medicines like

• Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, for aches, fevers etc.• Immodium, Kaopectate etc for diarrhea• Benedryl tablets/syrup for allergies and skin rash• Dimetapp or Robotissun for cough cold• Bandaids, cotton, achohol swabs,• Insulin and other medication for diabetics• Nauzene tablets/syrup for nausea

– Bring an ample supply of any medications in their original containers – Bring along your prescriptions; if required a letter from your doctor explaining the need for the drugs– Carry a letter from your doctor explaining medical history and records

Medical Needs (cont)

• Emergency Medical Care– Prescription drugs and prescriptions– Medical records

• Doctors within the Group

The Medical Committee will facilitate the Emergency Medical care for All the Pilgrim devotees during the USA National Pilgrimages through the General and Super specialty Hospitals at Prasanthi nilayam. This Emergency Medical care will be coordinated through the identified Pilgrimage group leaders and Pilgrimage Medical doctors, whose contact information will be provided in the Flyers for the Pilgrims through the www.saipilgrimageusa.org web site, in April-May 2010. They, in turn, will facilitate the Emergency Medical care at the Hospitals.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation• Bangalore to Parthi

• A taxi ride from the Bangalore airport to Prasanthi Nilayam takes 3 to 3.5 hours. You can ask your travel agent to reserve a taxi ahead of time.

• Explore Taxi Services

• The cost is range from RS 1,300 to RS 3,000 depending on vehicle and A/C or Non A/C

• To make arrangements for a taxi from Prasanthi Nilayam to Bangalore, contact one of the taxi operators and travel agents in Bangalore or Puttaparthi you can also view a few listed on

www.Saipilgrimageusa.org under travel logistics

Local Transportation

W/o-AC* AC W/o -A/C AC w/o-AC AC

(Rs) (Rs) (Rs)

(Rs) (Rs) (Rs)

Tata Indica

1300 1500 1400 1700 2-seater cars

1500 1800

4-seater carsFord Icon/ Lancer/Tata Indigo Marina

Tata Sumo

1800 2000

Mahindra Scorpio

2200 2400 Scorpio 2500

Toyota Innova

2300 2500 Toyota Innova

3000 6-seater SUV Toyota Innova

3000

2200

For taxi-fares, pl. see the table below:

Sai Darshan Travels ABS Travel                 Suleman Taxi

Taxi Model Taxi Model Taxi Model

Tata Indigo

1400 1600

* Without Air Conditioned

Places of Interest

• Points of Interest• Swami’s Birth Place• Samadhi of Swami’s Parents• Siva Mandir • Kalpavriksha (Wish fulfilling tree)• The Super Speciality Hospital • Gokulam (The dairy) • Planetarium • Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium • Chaitanya musuem • Meditation Tree • Sports Stadium

• Spiritual museum

We offer our spiritual practices for our personal transformation at the Divine Lotus Feet of our Beloved

Sai