Sri Sathya Sai International Organization - USA

It has been truly heartbreaking to witness the tremendous devastation in and around the Los Angeles area in Southern California, caused by the rampant wildfires fueled by wind gusts of more than 100 mph. Thousands of homes and entire communities have been wiped out in scenes reminiscent of a horrific apocalypse. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, having lost everything to the fires- their homes, schools, places of worship and work, and businesses. Sadly, as of Jan 14, 2025, at least 25 lives have been tragically lost.

Recovery will take years, require dedicated effort and a long-term commitment of resources. Even as our hearts melt in compassion for the suffering of the victims, we are reminded of the words of our loving Sai, “Seeing a person in distress and expressing verbal sympathy is not compassion. Compassion must express itself in action to relieve the suffering.” Amid this vast destruction, members of Region 8 (Southern California) of the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) have responded with loving compassion, working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of wildfire victims in the best way possible – directly supporting a few impacted families recover and providing those in emergency shelter with much needed food and essential items. The relief efforts by our local SSSIO members in Southern California will continue many months into the future with the support of others from across the country.

AIDING THE RELIEF EFFORT

- Many have inquired about various opportunities and ways they can aid the relief effort. For the latest information, please contact your Sai Center and Regional officers. The Sathya Sai Society of America is also available to those who may want to make a contribution. If you wish to participate, please indicate California Fire Relief in the memo. In addition, please email info@sathyasai.org with your contact information and instructions, stating California Fire Relief.

COLLECTIVE ONLINE PRAYERS

- Another way to support is through collective prayers. Knowing that all things are possible through prayers, we could intensify our prayers to Swami to shower His Grace and protection on those who have been severely inflicted by the wildfires. Collective prayers are a powerful means of sending healing vibrations, as well as seeking the protection and well-being of wildfire victims and the firefighters who are courageously battling these dangerous fires. Through chanting sacred mantras, we could collectively pray for the path to recovery and the universal healing of Mother Earth, for natural conditions to improve and the fires to be completely contained. Prayer sessions have been initiated across regions that devotees are welcome to join. Details are provided below for current online regional prayer sessions invoking the Gayathri mantra. Click on the camera icon for the zoom link for the session.

 

| 9PM ET/8PM CT/6PM PT (Every night) | 15 mins
| 10:15PM ET/8:15PM CT/7:15PM PT (Every night) | 15 mins

Instructions:
1. All participants are requested to mute themselves during the session and chant along.
2. Please feel free to turn on your videos if you wish to do so.

"I want you to pray for the welfare and prosperity of all mankind." - Sri Sathya Sai Baba