OUR PROGRAMS

PROGRAM DETAILS

GUEST SPEAKERS

Sister Maya and Brother Sunder Iyer

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.

DEVOTIONAL PROGRAM

The morning devotional program will begin with Omkar gently wafting through the darkness of the pre-dawn hours. The Suprabatham, which is an ancient hymn symbolizing the awakening of the Lord within each of us, will follow. Nagarsankirtan, melodious singing of Bhajans while walking around the campgrounds, followed up by Meditation and Yoga will bring the early morning program to conclusion. After a warm and nourishing breakfast, the morning devotional program will continue with Bhajans in the devotion hall, followed by inspirational discourses and interactive sessions with our keynote speakers that enable us to delve deeper into Swami's teachings.

Continue with spiritual workshops on topics related to the retreat theme and Sai teachings, inspirational discourses, workshop sessions, musical program and conclude the evening with bhajans.

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.

SAI SPIRITUAL EDUCATION

“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

SSE program for children in grades 1 – 12 are divided as follows: Group 1 (Grades 1-3), Group 2 (Grades 4-6), Group 3 (Grades 7-9), and Group 4 (Grades 10-12). All children between the ages of 6 and 18 are required to attend the SSE programs at the retreat. We request all parents to ensure that their children are attending SSE programs for their respective groups.

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.

A program allowing children of all ages to practice Sai values in real-life settings (SaiVal) will be the focus of the SSE program. Our workshop faculty (facilitators), parent volunteers, and SSE teachers will collaborate on engaging workshops for each group. Additionally, we will work as a team on the Cultural Program offering. For 2025, our SSE workshops will be based on student input and focus on the practical application of Human Values. This is sure to be an engaging and energizing experience for everyone attending the retreat—after all, we are all students for life!

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).

COMING SOON!

YOUNG ADULTS

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.

Please note: YA programs are meant for ages 18-40 only.

RETREAT SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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.

WORKSHOPS

The retreat will offer several interactive workshops based on the retreat theme and covering areas of devotion, education, service, and practical spirituality.

GETTING THERE