Editor: Ursula Aruma Phone 9265 1309 e-mail / SEPTEMBER 2002
Shun Desires and attain Divine proximity…Baba
Chairpersons:
Zone AVinesh Latchman, 8 Viewbank Court, Aspendale 3195 Ph 9587 7207 e-mail :
Zone BMr N Kulendran, 34 Hepburn Way, Caroline Springs 3023 Ph: 9361 1850 email:
Zone C Mr Sushil Bhan, 6 Garden View Close, Mill Park 3082 Ph: 9436 6045 email:
"Help ever, hurt never. Eschew evil tendencies. Being members of Sathya Sai Organisations, you should follow the path of truth which is eternal". [Sai Baba]
Sai Calendar of Events for Sept 2002
Date / EventSun 1st Sept / FATHER’S DAY
Sat. 7th Sept. / JEWISH NEW YEAR (ROSH HASHANA 5763)
Tue. 10th Sept. / SRI GANESH CHATHURTHI
Sun. 15th Sept. / Global BLOOD DONATION DAY
Mon. 16th Sept. / DAY OF ATONEMENT (Yom Kippur)
Sat. 21st Sept. / CHINESE MOON FESTIVAL
Also
SAI VISION UNITY DAY
Sun. 29th Sept / REJOICING OF THE LAW (Simchat Torah)
Please note:
Notices only for Sai events are to be submitted to the appropriate co-ordinator (eg., Service Wing) before inclusion and if approved will be then be sent to the Editor, Ursula Aruma (9265 1309)
The Sai Calendar of events: Before planning events for any new activities, to avoid any clashes, or to include the event in the calendar, please contact Trish Newcombe, the Victorian Information Co-ordinator: (03) 9772 6643
Bulletin Deadline: The closing date for inclusion in the Unity Bulletin is the 15th of the previous month. Written or emailed inclusions should be forwarded to Ursula Aruma, 44 Fairbank Road, Westall. 3169.
IDENTITY CARDS
Please note:
1. All the ID cards that were issued prior to 31st December 2000 are no longer valid.
2.Sai devotees who wish to travel to Prashanthi must re-apply for a valid ID card. Pleases contact your Centre/Group Chairperson for the new ID card application form.
3.Devotees who attend a Centre at least once a month will be eligible to apply for an ID card. (This is to encourage more participation at Centre level)
For an application to be processed please allow 5 working days.
OFFICIAL SAI WEBSITE
Official websites of the Sathya Sai Organisation of Australia & PNG :
SAI BABA BOOKS AND INFORMATION CENTRE
Manager and Central Supplier—Margaret McDonald
Books, videos and pictures are available at cost price. Enquiries and volunteers for the Centre, details of other outlets & orders please contact Margaret or Randall: 9722 1740 or Fax 9722 1194.
Many new books available—just Arrived from India!
SAI DISCUSSION CIRCLE ALCHERA
The date for the next pleasant Sunday in the country with Sai Discussion is Sunday 1st September 2002.
Topic: ‘Random opening of Inner Dialogue with Sai Baba’
Program:12 noon to 1.00 pm Bhajans
1.15 pm to 2.15 pm Lunch
2.30 pm to 4.30 pm Discussion Circle
(including afternoon tea)
PLEASE BRING A PLATE OF VEGETARIAN FINGER FOOD
ALCHERA
Lot 9, Gap Road, East Longwood.
Would Chairpersons please attend to Newcomers’ needs!!
HOME DEVOTIONAL SINGING
Mon 2nd Sept at 7.30pmFouja & Irene Singh
(1st. Mon each month)22 Citrus St., Vermont Sth
9803 7767
Sat 14th Sept at 6. 30 pmRaman & Kumud Khoosal
(2nd Sat each month)4 Evelina St., Box Hill
9890 9392
Sat 28th Sept at 6.00pmRamesh & Rajesh
(4th Sat. each month)48 Creek Rd, Mitcham
9874 5373
Sat 28th Sept at 6.00 amSubba & Kamla Rao
(last Sat. each month)29 Plaza Crescent
Dingley
9551 5841
Sun 8th Sept at 2.00 pmJohn & Celina Elliott
(2nd Sun. each month)‘PEACEHAVEN’ Healesville
[Please note early start]5962 2831
"Youth4Sai - Serve All Initiatives" Activities
"Sai Feast" Food and Blanket Distribution and Informal Counselling for Homeless Sai Brothers and Sisters in the City
By Swami's Immense Grace, every Thursday night, we have been distributing between 300 to 400 meals, apart from new and recycled blankets and winter clothes, as winter is getting worse.
We Need Every Week: New and/or GOOD quality recycled blankets and winter clothes for women, men and children, and fresh vegetarian (vegan) food. We also need toiletries and personal hygiene items for both men and women, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors etc.
This activity has been adopted by Zone B as an offering of Selfless Service with Unconditional Love to our Beloved Lord Sai Baba.
All the youth and the youthful from all zones in Greater Melbourne are welcome!!!
Please join us at the following venues:
Every Thursday night: 8 PM - 8.50 PM: Fitzroy High Rise Flats, cnr. Brunswick & Gertrude Streets. 9 PM - 9.55 PM: In front of Flinders St Railway Station, cnr Flinders & Swanston Streets. 10 PM - 10.20 PM: At Seven Eleven (Spencer St Bridge), cnr Flinders & Spencer Streets. And 10 PM till close to midnight: South Car Park (Opp Mazda Showroom), Victoria Market.
Contact: Ram Mohan on 8300 7696 or 0417 149 800 or
Chris on 0412 613 999 or
Rose on 0412 402 505 or
Shane on 0413 802 937 or
Devi Krishna on 9782 1509.
TEACHERS’ NETWORK MEETING
All teachers are lovingly invited to participate in Teachers’ Network meeting.
Date:Saturday 5th October 2002
Venue:Cosmos Medical Centre, 690 Sydney Rd, COBURG
Time:1.30 – 4.30 pm (includes tea/coffee break)
The main section of the afternoon will be sharing and demonstrating of activities for SSE classes in relation to FESTIVALS, ie., Christmas, Krishna Janmasthami, Buddha’s Birthday etc.
For further details and to confirm that you will attend, please contact:
Heidi Garner on 9897 3267 email:
Kathy Somana on 9390 2214 email:
SEVA CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
The Service Conference Proceedings is on the Australian Web site
( On the first page there is an icon which says Seva Conference Proceedings and if you click that (you need to be patient and this depends on your server and if you are on cable) the document opens. It takes only a minute or two to open.
Chairpersons - Please pass this information to all Sai participants in your Centre.
Laksha Archana
Host: Sri Sathya Sai Centre of Epping
Date: Saturday 5th October 2002
Time: 5.30am Sharp (To be seated by 5.10am for silent sitting please)
Venue: Meadow Glen International Athletics Stadium (Function Room)
Mc Donalds Road Epping .
Please note Rice will be supplied for offering for Laksha Archana..
You will only be required to bring on a silver or brass plate either Swami’s Photo, Paduka or Statue.
Please kindly ring Vijay Bhan on 9404 2928 (6PM-10PM) or 0425 757 265 and confirm name and number of people attending so that we are able to plan accordingly.
( Note: The deadline for names and numbers attending is
Saturday 28th September 2002)
We humbly request everyone to be part of this Community Sadhana.
Note: The program will conclude at approximately 8.15am with distribution of Prasadam.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Hanover Foundation Dandenong requires the services of a devotee once a fortnight to pick up some non-perishable food items from the Victorian State Relief premises in West Melbourne. The items will have to be picked up and delivered to their offices in Dandenong. At present the quantity is quite small and it is expected to fit into the boot of a car. Anyone who is able to assist can contact Ashok on 97924337 for more details.
BLOOD DONATION DAY
Please check directly with Red Cross.
Recycling at the MEWS
Some of the items needed for recycling:-
STAMPS – preferably with envelope cut in half.
WOOL – UNFINISHED KNITTED GOODS, LEFT OVER BALLS OR PART-BALLS OF WOOL.
These are used to make children’s wear, dolls’ clothes, 6-inch knitted squares for babies’ prams and bassinets and for children’s cots, and much more.
(Ask Johanna or Trish for pattern if you wish to knit squares at home).
GREETING CARDS: Christmas, Birthday, Easter, Special Events.
ALUMINIUM CANS, BOOKS, BRIC-A-BRAC ETC. clean aluminium foil – don’t throw away foil containers used for take-aways and frozen food. Please wash and bring to your Centre.
The Sai Group works at The Mews on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month from 10.00 am to lunchtime, sometimes 2.30 or 3.00 pm. Can you spare an hour or two?
For more information please contact:
Trish (03) 9772 6643 or Johanna (03) 9553 0831
SAI GROUP PILGRIMAGES
A Group will be travelling to Prashanthi for Christmas, leaving Melbourne 10th December 2002.
For information please contact:
Rhonda Evans on (03) 9866 5703
SERVICE FOR BLIND MEMBERS
This is a request for anyone who would be interested in reading Baba books onto tapes as a service for our blind members. Volunteers would need to have a good, clear, speaking voice.
Contact: Lorna Gerard – 9775 4447
National Conference Easter 2003
The Australian National Sai Conference 2003 will be held in Adelaide, South Australia from Friday 18 April until Monday 21 April 2003 (Easter holidays). The Theme of the Conference is
‘SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AND SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY’
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Those delegates who wish to register prior to 31st August 2002 may opt to pay the Conference fee in instalments as follows:
Residential: First instalment - $70.00 followed by 3 monthly instalments of $50 each.
Non-Residential : - $30.00 followed by 3 monthly instalments of $20 each
For further information contact your chairperson or Ken Soman on (08) 8362 5363
SAI VISION – UNITY DAY
ZONE ‘A’
Date:Sat. 21st September 2002
Venue:Kingston Centre – Room ‘A’
Theme:‘PEACE ON EARTH’
Time:2.00 – 5.00 pm
Please bring a plate of VEGETARIAN food.
All devotees lovingly invited to attend.
SRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI
Melbourne Centre will be celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna’s Birthday) on Sunday 1st September 2002 with special bhajans in the normal times, and prayers to Krishna.
SRI GANESH CHATHURTHI
Melbourne Centre will be celebrating Sri Ganesh Chathurthi on Sunday 8th September 2002.
All participants are required to bring one plate for purpose of the Ganesha idol or photo for blessings and prayers.
Extract from International Seva Conference Discourse
22nd July 2002
Embodiments of Love!
Even today there are many who do Bhajans and give lectures on spiritual matters, but theyare unable to get rid of the foul smell of worldly desires. Until and unless they give up theworldly desires, they cannot attain the state of purity. They are accustomed to a materialisticlife. They do Bhajans, meditation, etc., with a view to fulfil their worldly aspirations. They canbe compared to butter mixed up with water. In the spiritual path, one should not givescope for the foul smell of worldly desires. Some people call themselves devotees but areturning wicked because of their desires. Can such people be called devotees? No. No. Ifthey are really devotees, how is it that they emit bad odour? Their body, mind, intellect andalso their actions are tainted with impurity……….
Embodiments of Love! You may be performing a number of spiritual practices, but do not feel proud of them. Firstly, purify your heart. Do not give scope for the foul smell of worldly desires. Fill your heartwith the fragrance of virtues. Do not pay heed to the words of wicked people whose onlyjob is to poison the minds of others. You do not get much benefit by merely reading booksor listening to discourses. First of all, develop Sraddha (steadfastness) and Bhakti (devotion) in you. Sraddhavan Labhate Jnanam (with faith, wisdom is won).
Embodiments of Love!What is the Sadhana that you are supposed to undertake? Make your hearts pure. Thiruthonda Alwar once said, “If one lacks purity of heart, one does not even deserve to chant the Divine Name of Rama.” What is the use of chanting the Divine Name with polluted mind? Today the world is afflicted with all types of pollution. Man’s thoughts, words and deeds are also polluted. How can such a person develop Bhakti? Today people are wearing the mask of Bhakti and trying to cheat others. Do not deceive others. Help ever, hurt never. This is the essence of the eighteen Puranas. Deceiving others amounts to deceiving yourself. In the world, the so-called devotees have increased in number. Now I feel the time is ripe to tell you a few important things. The feelings that spring in your heart must be as pure as the waters of the Ganga where it springs. Words do not suffice, what is needed is action. There should be unity of thought, word and deed. He is a wicked person whose thoughts, words and deeds are at variance. The proper study of mankind is man. Today we find unity of thought, word and deed only in acts of untruth, unrighteousness and violence. Man who is supposed to have noble thoughts and perform meritorious deeds is doing just the opposite. There are some people who are doing business in the Name of Sai. They are cheating others, pretending to be devotees of Sai. I do not approve of such behaviour. They are not devotees at all. They are going to different parts of the country and also abroad to make money in the Name of Sai. It is a big crime. I do not ask for even a single paisa from others. I never approve of such business. Whoever it may be, if somebody approaches you with such a crass motive, tell him to get out at once. Do not allow business to enter the field of spirituality. One may do what one likes for the maintenance of one’s family, but nobody should do business using Sai’s name. But unfortunately, such activity is on the increase. In many villages, we find people misusing the name of Sai for their selfish gains. This is happening even in many other countries like America, England, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. Do not associate yourself with such wicked people. Keep your hearts pure and sacred. Otherwise, you are equal to a living corpse. Such people should not be respected. Better you perform their obituary rites! You should pray to God with sacred feelings. When you entertain worldly desires, you will be moving away from divinity. “
[Sri Sathya Sai Baba]
OM SAI RAM!
"Help ever, hurt never. Eschew evil tendencies. Being members of Sathya Sai Organisations, you should follow the path of truth which is eternal". [Sai Baba]
ZONE A
CENTRE/GROUP / DAY/DATE / TIME / CONTACT / PHONEBAIRNSDALE CENTRE Child Care Centre Neighbourhood House,
27 Dalmahoy St, Bairnsdale / Each FRI &
1st SUN / 6.00 pm
2.30pm / Ms Elizabeth Stewart / (03) 5152 2159
CLARINDA CENTRE
Clarinda State School, 1166 Centre Rd, Sth Clayton / Each THU / 7.30pm / Mrs Vimla Perumal / 9570 5656
CLAYTON CENTRE
Uniting Church, 16 Burton Ave, Clayton / Each THU / 7.30pm / Ashok Langer / 9792 4337
CHELTENHAM CENTRE
218 Centre Dandenong Rd, Cheltenham / Each THU / 7.30pm / Suresh Swamy / 9822 7074
ENDEAVOUR HILLS CENTRE
88 Princes Highway, Dandenong 3175 / Each THUR / 7.30pm / Deo Narayan / 9700 2656(H)
9549 2711 (W)
FERNTREE GULLY
16 Leon Court, Ferntree Gully 3156 / Sunday 9th June
2nd Sun each month / 7.30 pm / Mr Darshan Gurusinghe / 9758 9028
KINGSTON SAI CENTRE, Kingston Centre Chapel, Cnr Warrigal/Kingston Rds, Cheltenham 3192 (Meditation 4.30 pm Bhajans 4.45 pm) / Each SUNDAY / 4.45 pm / Ursula Aruma / 9265 1309
9558 5597 (AH)
MALVERN CENTRE (English language Bhajans)
20 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern / Each Wed / 7.45pm / Paul Lambert
Mob: 0414 746 686 / 9598 8552
Mt ELIZA CENTRE, Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza (Bhajan)
(Study Circle) / 1st & 3rd FRI
2nd & 4th FRI / 7.30pm
7.30pm / Lorna Gerard / 9775 4447
SPRINGVALE CENTRE
Springvale Sth Scout Hall, 587 Springvale Rd, S’vale South / Each SUN / 1.15pm / Vinay Sharma / 0401 992 456
WARRAGUL CENTRE
4 Glendalough Close, Warragul / Each THU / 7.30pm / Sunil Bhatt / (03) 5623 4067
ZONE B
ALBURY/WODONGA CENTRE Watson St Community House,
Watson Street, Wodonga / Each THUR / 7.00pm / Christopher Grover / (02) 6024 2626
BALLARAT
428 Joseph St, Ballarat / Each THU / 7.00pm / Khushi Ram Maharaj / (03) 5331 3226
BENDIGO
7 Barwon Dve Strathdale / Alt THU / 6.00pm / Sellathurai Narenthiran / (03) 5441 6225
CASTERTON 120-122 Henty Street, Casterton Vic. 3311 / Thursdays / 7.00 pm / Daniel Gonzalez / (03) 5581 2557
COBURG
382 Moreland Road, West Brunswick 3058 / Each Sun / 6.30pm / Caroline Percic / (03) 93865660
GEELONG
15 Koorong Court, Highton. / Alt FRI / 7.30pm / Selva Selvalingam / (03) 5244 2802
HOPPERS CROSSING
26 Dowling Ave Hoppers Crossing / Each THU / 7.30pm / Subadra Briers / 9741 4813
MELBOURNE, St Joseph’s Church Hall, Fitzgerald St
(off Chapel St) Sth Yarra / Each SUN / 4.45pm / Rick Prescott / 9774 7440
PASCOE VALE, Jessie Morris Community Hall,
Cnr Devon Road & Oak Street, Oak Park 3046 / 2nd & 4th SUN
each month / 4.00 pm / Dinesh Donthula / 9300 1064
MELBOURNE CITY, 2nd floor, 169 Bourke Street, Melbourne / 4th WED monthly / 7.30 pm / Vishnu Pamamull / 9525 9081 (H)
9654 6302(W)
SEDDON Uniting Church
Community Hall, cnr Gamon & Mackay St, Seddon / Each TUE / 7.30pm / Numan Deen / 9366 7732
SUNSHINE
W Sunshine Community Hall, Kermeen St, West Sunshine / Each SUN / 2.00pm / Sarvesh Somana / 9390 2214
TAYLOR’S LAKES 30, Palmerston Cres. Taylor’s Lakes / 2nd SUN monthly / 6.00 pm / Gamini Perera / 9364 3082
ZONE C
CENTRE/GROUP / MEETINGDAY/DATE / TIME / CONTACT / PHONE
BOX HILL Box Hill Library Theatrette,
1040 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill / Each FRI / 7.45pm / Shama Mohan / 9888 7489
BUNDOORA
Bundoora Hall, Noorong Ave, Bundoora / Each FRI / 7.30pm / Upali De Silva / (03) 9557 8155
DONCASTER EAST
10 Shelly Court, Templestowe or
105 Beverley Street, East Doncaster / 1st and 3rd Fri / 7.45pm / Dr Santosh Kumar or
Samy / 9894 5102
9842 6321
EPPING Meadow Glen International Athletics Stadium (Function Room) McDonalds Rd, Epping / Each Thu / 7.30pm / Vijay Bhan / 9404 2928
MILL PARK
Mill Park Community Centre
Cnr Blamey Ave & Mill Park Dve, Mill Park / Each FRI / 7.30pm / P. Senthilnathan
(Senthil) / 9436 8858
NUNAWADING Community Hall,
N Blackburn Shopping Centre, Williams Rd N Blackburn / Each THU / 7.30pm / Murali Budige / 9511 4776
Outer Eastern 26Elm St, Bayswater Study Circle
And on 3rd Sunday at 24 Kenilworth Drive, Wonga Park Bhajans / 1st SUN / 3.00pm
4.00 pm / (Please ring)
Randall McDonald / 9722 1740
THOMASTOWN, 26, tHE bOULEVARD, tHOMASTOWN 3074 / 1ST and 3RD MON
each month / 7.30 pm / Ms Uma Singh / 94647600
WARRANDYTE
Warrandyte Community Centre, 168 Yarra Street, Warrandyte / 1st SUN
each month / 2.00pm / Emma Slaviero / 9850 2935
WAVERLEY
Highvale Primary School, Ashton St, Glen Waverley / Each Fri / 7.30pm / A Arulsothy / 9886 4607
"Help ever, hurt never. Eschew evil tendencies. Being members of Sathya Sai Organisations, you should follow the path of truth which is eternal". [Sai Baba]