Self-Transformation Awareness and Reflection (STAR)
On October 2nd, 1987, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said:
You have listened to hundreds of discourses for the past forty years or so. But your mind remains where it was. There is little change in your attitudes or actions. The heads are filled with spiritual lore and book knowledge, but no attempt is made to fill the heart with love. Many have been residing in this ashram (hermitage) for years and have been attending various festivals and functions here. But there is no change in their lives. They have not inscribed Swami's message in their hearts. If there is no spiritual transformation in your way of life over the years, you would be guilty of having wasted all your energies, time and opportunities.
I do not want to know that you have listened to my discourses well. I want to know that you have thoroughly transformed yourselves. It is such transformation that is the mark of true devotion. If the ground is not wet, what is the use in saying there has been a downpour? Those who claim to be devotees should show in their actions some evidence of their faith. They must truly live up to their profession. "Sai Ram" in words and dishonesty in thoughts is brazen deception. "Sai Ram" must emanate from the depth of one's being. Whether in the Sai organization or elsewhere, there must be sincerity and unity of thought, word and deed. Develop fraternal feelings towards all. Differences of opinion can be resolved by compromise. If egoistic pride is given up, all difficulties can be overcome. From today make a bonfire of your ignorance and egoism and develop love in your hearts. Live up to Swami's teachings as far as possible and thereby redeem your lives.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks: Vol 20
The goal of the Sathya Sai Organization is to help people realize the Divine Principle innate in every human being. Swami has stressed the importance of introspection as a path to self-transformation.
In loving remembrance of Swami’s Avatar Declaration and the transformative purpose of His mission, SSSIO USA is observing October as Self-Transformation Awareness and Reflection (STAR) Month - an opportunity for every member and Sai Center to refresh our spiritual focus, deepen our connection with our innate Divinity, and renew our commitment to living the Human Values.
Let us honor Swami’s life and message by creating opportunities to reflect, renew, and deepen our journey of self-transformation.
We will explore this journey of transformation through a July 1970 discourse (Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 10, Chapter 16), in which Swami shared five points of spiritual discipline as essential paths to self-transformation. “They are:
- Silence: This is the first step in sadhana; it makes the other steps easy. It promotes self-control; it lessens the chances of anger, hate, malice, greed, and pride. Besides, you can hear His Footsteps only when silence reigns in the mind.
- Cleanliness: It is the doorway to Godliness. Inner and outer cleanliness are essential, if you desire to install God in your heart.
- Service: Service saves you from the agony you get when another suffers; it broadens your vision, widens your awareness, deepens your compassion. All waves are on the same sea, from the same sea, merge in the same sea. Seva teaches you to be firm in this knowledge.
- Love: Do not calculate or weigh the reaction, result or reward. Love calls; love responds. Love is God, live in Love.
- Hate-lessness: Adhweshta Sarva Bhoothanam - No being is to be looked down upon as secondary, inferior, unimportant, or expendable. Each has its allotted role in the drama designed by the Almighty. Do not slight, insult or injure any being; for, He is in every being, and your slight becomes a sacrilege.
You are deriving exaltation, while worshipping a carved stone idol in the temple. How much more exalted you should be, while worshipping the selfsame God, residing in the temple - hearts of the men and women around you! And, not merely in the human frames; in every bird, beast, tree, pebble and speck of dust!”
Over the next five weeks, we will reflect on these five points of spiritual discipline, share Swami’s words, engage in personal spiritual practice, and come together as families, Sai Centers, and a nation. Let us pray to Swami to bless our intentions and efforts and guide us towards the ultimate goal of self-realization, through the constancy of self-transformation.
This booklet is an offering of love and gratitude as we commemorate the timeless anniversary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Avatar Declaration Day, October 20. Over the course of five weeks, we will journey together through the five points of spiritual discipline shared by Swami in this discourse. Each chapter is devoted to one point and unfolds in three sections: first, a selection of Swami’s timeless words to inspire contemplation and self-reflection, with suggested questions that may enrich Sai Center study circles; second, loving suggestions for simple yet profound personal sadhanas through which His teachings may be brought into our daily lives; and third, opportunities to come together as families, Sai Centers, and as a nation on designated days throughout October, so that we may collectively reflect upon His message and experience the strength and sweetness of shared spiritual practice.
With utmost humility and devotion, we place this booklet at the Lotus Feet of our beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, as a humble expression of our love and gratitude for His Divine teachings and boundless Grace.
On this sacred anniversary of His Avatar Declaration, may He bless our efforts, guide our hearts, and lead us ever closer to the goal of self-transformation and the realization of the Divine within.