SSE Students' Multi-Faith Journey: St. Louis, MO
Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) children of the Greater St. Louis area concluded a remarkable and enriching journey of interfaith exploration. Inspired by their experience at the World Religions booth at the Festival of Nations in 2022, the SSE Coordinator organized a series of visits to various places of worship. Through these visits, SSE children had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand how different faiths expressed their spiritual beliefs and practices, and grasp the truth that despite the differences, all faiths shared common core values such as love, peace, forgiveness and service to humanity.
The multi-faith excursion began in late 2022, when about 25 Sai Center members, including SSE children, their teachers and parents, visited the Dal Al-Zahra Mosque, where they discovered the significance of daily prayer, forgiveness and peace in the life of a Muslim. They also learned of the history of Islam, its traditions, rituals and the five pillars of Islam - faith in Allah and his prophet Mohammed, observing prayers five times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan, alms giving and holy pilgrimage (Hajj).
In early 2023, the SSE group visited a Gurudwara, the place of worship for Sikhs. They learned of the Sikh belief in the One God present in all people and living beings, and the central role of selfless service in their faith, akin to the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai. Like Sai devotees. Sikhs are called to serve humanity without expecting reward or recognition, and with compassion, humility, and love. The Gurudwara's community kitchen, where free meals are served to all, exemplify the Sikh tradition of volunteerism. Like worship in Sai Centers, visitors observed in the prayer hall that men and women sat separately and they expressed devotion through chanting and singing.
The multi-faith tour continued with a visit to the famous landmark, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis where the Sai group attended the Palm Sunday service, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem where he was welcome by people waving palms. The Sai visitors witnessed the blessing of the palms, and discovered the deeper meaning of this beautiful tradition of welcoming Jesus into one's heart.
In March 2024, about 25 Sai Center members, including SSE children, visited the Church of the Latter-Day Saints to observe the worship practices of the Mormons. They had the unique opportunity to participate in the sacred ritual of the sacrament of taking water and bread, that represent the body and blood of Christ. They also listened to inspiring talks amd moving testimonies by youth speakers.
In April 2024, about 15 members, including SSE students, visited Congregation B’nai Amoona, a synagogue. They witnessed a special service and the inauguration of a Torah scroll, the most sacred object for those of the Jewish faith.
In May 2024, during the month of Buddha Poornima, a Buddhist friend of the SSE Coordinator, visited the Sai Center and presented on the life of Buddha and the central tenets of Buddha’s teachings. These include the Four Noble Truths that describe the truths related to suffering in human life and the eight fold path to end suffering and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
This multi-faith journey provided a golden unique opportunity for SSE children to immerse themselves in different religions. As they explored the diverse ways people express their faith, they had a deeper appreciation of the profound message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba that there is only one religion, the religion of love.
Credits:
1 arsh_photography. (2021, February 24). Sikh Photography Punjabi - Free photo on Pixabay. Pixabay.com. https://pixabay.com/photos/sikh-photography-punjabi-punjab-6046435/
2 Interior, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue, Central West End, St. Louis, MO. (2024, October 10). Flickr; Interior, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Lindell Boulevard | Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/59081381@N03/53131203457/