Youth Wing
The National Youth Wing is a branch of the Sathya Sai Service Organisation in the UK. Its role is to provide forums and opportunities to allow youth activities within the UK to flourish. Sathya Sai Baba has stated that, “the age span 16 - 35 is crucial, for that is the period when life adds sweetness to itself, when talents, skills and attitudes are accumulated, sublimated and sanctified”. Therefore, this age group is the working definition for the youth wing.
The spiritual guidance of youth is of paramount importance to the success of the Sai mission. The foundations of morality and the benefits of virtuous living are of utmost significance. Hence, the aim of this wing is to build upon the knowledge and wisdom that has been conferred at the level of Sathya Sai Education. In this way, fundamental principles are re-iterated and expanded upon during the often difficult and uncertain period of adulthood.
The aim and objectives of the National Youth Wing are as follows:
Aims
- To awaken in the youth the awareness of the inherent divinity within and to live in that awareness by developing their character through the practise of the basic principles of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Right-conduct), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-violence) as set by Sathya Sai Baba.
Objectives
- To encourage and motivate the youth to take an active role within the Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation.
- To integrate youth activities within the existing structure of the Sai Organisation.
- To encourage the youth to develop and practise spirituality in their daily lives.
The National Youth Wing plays an integral role within the Organisation, liaising and working in accordance with all the other wings.
THE NATIONAL YOUTH WEBSITE http://www.saiyouth.org.uk
SATHYA SAI LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME (SSLTP)
The SSLTP is a one-year programme, which is designed to train and develop members of the SSSSO, to reach their full potential so that they can play an effective role in shaping the future of the Organisation. The programme is structured on modular and interactive learning.
This programme is not necessarily about producing leaders but rather about nurturing the leadership qualities inherent within and helping one to discover his / her true potential. The underlying principles of this programme are firmly rooted in the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. Its aim is not to produce ‘leaders’ but to develop essential leadership qualities.
Six module days over the course of a year will present the background for each module. Module Days give an opportunity for interaction between candidates and module facilitators and the discussions that take place then form a part of the written assignment for that module.
The Ceiling on Desire (CoD)
The Ceiling on Desire is a spiritual exercise, which involves frugal habits, ceiling on waste and saving. Thus, saving material resources of the planet by saving food, material, clothing, natural resources, finance, etc, in order to achieve a more equitable distribution throughout the world, to eradicate starvation, poverty, ignorance and make better the standard of life on our planet. At personal level, our own physical energy has to be conserved without being abused and wasted away, so that it can be utilised for the welfare of the mankind. Improper exercise, wrong eating habits and unrestrained living, drains our physical vitality which leaves us unable to cope with our own day-to-day problems let alone be of any help to others.
In view of this Luton Sai Centre has taken-up the project of adopting the Sathya Sai School of Leicester, for donating Time, Energy & Money saved thereby through CoD Programme. This gives the Centre members a great focus on their commitment for a very worthy cause in promoting Swami’s work.
Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF)
As a “Unity in the community” programme, the Centre is also represented on Luton Council of Faiths by one of our member.
Luton Council of Faiths is a voluntary body of the Luton constituents from different beliefs and cultures. It is playing an active role in improving understanding and respect amongst the many religious and culturally diverse communities in the town.
The aims and objectives of LCoF are:
To encourage and promote tolerance, respect and mutual understanding among people of all faiths, drawing their unique contribution to the growth of the whole community.
LCoF organises a range of activities and events (such as Evenings of Learning, Dialogues between faith groups, Faith based seminars, Cultural and prayer evenings, etc), as well as supporting events organised by faith communities in the town. Some of the well known of these activities are:
- Annual Faith Walks with School competitions
- Annual Youth Conferences
- One World Week events
- Annual Holocaust Memorial Service
- Inter Faith Sports
- Faith Woodlands Project
- Supporting Project such as Making Luton a Fair Trade Town and Global Youth Exchange Programme by VSO & British Council but to mentioned few.
For more info, you can log onto the LCoF website: www.lutonfaiths.org
The Forestry Commission
The centre is also actively involved in Faith Woodland Project. The aim of this project is to help promote mutual understanding between people of all faiths, through the common ground of the natural world.
The Forestry Commission has provided an area of the ancient Moulden woods (situated midway between Luton & Bedford), which has been developed as a spiritual and educational space, with paths, a Sacred Space and a Labyrinth.
The Sacred Space is a calm and peaceful clearing, which can be used for quiet contemplation, prayers and meditation by everyone, whatever their beliefs.
The Labyrinth is a path made by volunteers, which can be used for personal, psychological and spiritual exploration, symbolising the difficult path of life, with entrance symbolising birth and the centre enlightenment. Walking them can be a Symbolic form of pilgrimage.
Maulden Wood is easy to find. It has good paths and picnic space. There is no admission fee and it is always open.
Members are encouraged to make use of these unique facilities. The Centre will also be organising events throughout the year. The information will be posted on the Centre News.
