Brother Sunder and sister Maya both graduated from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Brother Sunder Iyer holds a PhD in Banking and Finance, an MD in Alternative Medicine, and is an ordained Ecumenical Minister. He was a student and subsequently a lecturer at the Sri Sathya Sai University in Prashanti Nilayam, spending 15 years in close proximity to Bhagawan. He has been practicing the science of Yoga since the age of 10. He is certified under the Yoga Alliance, USA, as E-RYT200 and RYT500. He was the first and only student of the Sri Sathya Sai University to receive a Gold Medal for Yoga from the Divine hands of Swami. In the ashram, along with academics, Sunder continued to pursue the learning of traditional yogic practices and philosophy. He studied ancient Sanskrit texts, vedic chants and yogic approaches under the direct guidance of Sai Baba and the Yogis who visited the ashram.
Sister Maya worked as a nurse in Swami’s hospital and brother Sunder worked inside Swami’s home as one of his personal attendants for two years. Bhagawan chose them to marry one another and performed the ceremony inside His interview room.
They have both dedicated their lives to sharing the transformative power of yoga and providing accessible spiritual guidance to individuals from all walks of life.
We are very blessed to have had Swami grant us these inspiring and energizing speakers.
Offering by SSE children and Young Adults are also scheduled in the devotion hall. We will serenade at night with a campfire and group devotional sing-along.
“Bal Vikas (Sai Spiritual Education) is the primary basis of the great movement to restore righteousness (dharma) in the world. The ideal of the program is to raise a generation of boys and girls who have a clean and a clear conscience.” - Sri Sathya Sai Baba
All SSE teachers and volunteering parents are requested to be part of the SSE Program. Please refer to the SSE schedule for more information on group-specific activities.
The children, teachers, and SSE parents will have an engaging session with our guest speakers. There will also be an outdoor "Sai Sports and Games" event for all SSE children (parent volunteers are needed for games).
Title: Want to Live Swami's Message - Get 5D's
We invite you to join us for "The 5 Ds", a captivating SSE play that brings Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings to life through inspiring stories of courage, faith, and purpose. With vibrant dances and heartfelt moments, this uplifting performance will take you on a journey of self-discovery. As parents strive to instill the virtues of Dedication, Devotion, Discipline, Discrimination, and Determination in their children, they are confronted with unexpected challenges that force them to reflect on their own faith and convictions. Faced with difficult choices and moral dilemmas, they must ask themselves - are they truly living the values they wish to pass on?
Meanwhile, their children embark on a journey to understand these values not merely as words, but as profound guiding principles that shape a life of purpose and meaning.
Can both generations discover that the t*rue wisdom comes not only from teaching but from living the values* we hold dear? Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of wisdom, devotion, and celebration!
See you at the our 50th Annual Retreat - at Camp Westmont. Are you ready to get your 5D's?
The Young Adult (YA) program will go hand in hand with the adult and SSE program, which will include unison singing, workshops, games/activities, a cultural program, and private sessions with our captivating guest speakers, who will share their experiences. In addition, We will have time to get to know one another on Saturday.
A YA can find a home across any activities occurring at the retreat. YAs will be involved in working with the young leaders in SSE, leading workshops for the retreat participants, serving our devotees in the parking lot through the infirmary, and providing a snack on Saturday.
With the guiding presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, the Young Adults will also present a soulful and inspiring coming-of-age play that explores what it means to pursue success while staying rooted in faith, family, and purpose.
Please note: YA programs are meant for ages 18-40 only.
Multiple Service opportunities are available during the Retreat and devotees are encouraged to volunteer for any Service opportunity that appeals to them (Please see the "Service Opportunities" page for more details). Apart from these Service activities, Service Workshops are also being planned for this year's retreat.
The retreat will offer several interactive workshops based on the retreat theme and covering areas of devotion, education, service, and practical spirituality.
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