MEMORIAL TO SATHYA SAI BABA AT DHARMA CENTRE

In 2011, shortly after Sathya Sai Baba left his physical body, we received a condolence letter from the Dharma Centre board expressing condolences and solidarity. At the same time the Dharma Centre board graciously invited our group to erect a memorial to Sai Baba on the Dharma Centre property.

After a year of collaborative effort with the Dharma Centre and its board our retreat family was able to erect the Sai Baba Memorial on a previously neglected part of the Dharma Centre property. It was dedicated in the fall of 2012 during a sacred ceremony presided over jointly by Pandit Ramesh Maharaj and Lama Karma Chime Wongmo.

A Description of and Explanation of the Symbolic Meaning of the Monument and Sitting Stones, all of which comprise the Memorial.

The Material Description

- The monument stands a total of six feet high: comprised of a tablet 5’ 2’ in height, sitting on a base 10’ in height. The tablet is in the shape of a large circle which is atop the pedestal portion.

- Both the tablet and the base are made of Laurentian Pink granite. We chose this material as it comes from the Laurentian portion of the Canadian Shield, the same geographic area of the Shield upon which the Dharma Centre sits.

The Symbolic Meanings

- On the pedestal portion of the tablet is inscribed SATHYA SAI BABA and on a line below, NO BIRTH NO DEATH, all in upper case, with the latter slightly smaller print. We hold our bodies to be temporary repositories of Atman, the eternal absolute, which is never born and never dies; our truest reality.

- On the circular portion is inscribed the Sarva Dharma symbol, which symbolizes the harmony of all religions, the unity of all faiths, acceptance of all approaches and recognition of the mutually complimentary nature of the principles they teach and the disciplines they recommend. In India the five most significant religious traditions are represented. The western version includes the Star of David. The emphasis here is on the underlying and implicit spiritual unity. Each symbol is on a petal of a lotus.

- An open lotus on a tiered pedestal is inscribed in the centre of the Sarva Dharma symbol, representing stages to enlightenment.

- Around the Sarva Dharma symbol the phrase, as quoted from Sai Baba, THERE IS ONLY ONE RELIGION – THE RELIGION OF LOVE is inscribed in upper case.

- On the back of the circle portion – the other front - is inscribed the mantra SAMASTHA LOKA SUKHINO BHAVANTU, and its meaning, MAY ALL BEINGS IN ALL WORLDS BE HAPPY. The intent here is that the other front of the monument, at the location we have agreed upon, faces the road, which may also be seen as the world.

- The mantra serves the same purpose as a prayer flag in that it is a projection of good intent towards all beings everywhere. Its meanings are carried by the breezes throughout the world. The mantra and its intentions have their genesis in the teachings of Vedanta and of the Buddha.

- In the middle of the circle with the mantra is a sunburst design, which is meant to symbolize, like an ever expanding light, the universal teachings of Sathya Sai Baba, the core of which relate to what is mentioned in the paragraphs above and below. It can also symbolize the dawning of awareness within each of us and the expansion of that awareness.

(As of this writing – August 2022 – that design has faded somewhat. We may wait to see if it turns to pure white light.)

The Sitting Stones

- The five landscaping type stones, are each approx. 20” x 20” x 20”, and arranged in a semi-circle facing the monument. These are meant to be used as seats. Each has one of the five core values that are an integral part of Sai Baba’s social philosophy inscribed on the side you approach as you walk towards the front of the monument. They are: LOVE, TRUTH, PEACE, RIGHT CONDUCT, and NON-VIOLENCE.

Our thinking is that these are part of the memorial and it follows that whoever sits on a seat becomes a part of the memorial as well; literally becoming one with the guru.

- A sixth stone, which completes an actual circle of stones around the monument, is installed facing the back or other front of the monument. It is inscribed with the word METTA, which means Loving Kindness. The Monument portion and the six Sitting Stones comprise the Sai Baba Memorial.

THE SAI BABA SILENT RETREAT – The Little Retreat

The Sai Baba Silent Retreat, fondly referred to as the Sai-lent Retreat and now into its fifth decade of existence, has taken place annually since1981; at the Dharma Centre of Canada since 1992. Ours is a contemplative retreat, whose participants are generally devotees of and followers of the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba.

Sathya Sai Baba, one of the most revered spiritual masters in the world, who left his body in 2011, is widely known and regarded by millions of his followers as an avatar, the descent of Divine Consciousness into human form. Many recognize him as the Kalki Avatar, the tenth incarnation of Vishnu (the preserver and protector) of the Hindu trinity. Interestingly, the ninth incarnation of Vishnu is held to be the Buddha by several Vedic scholars, which is reflected in the iconography within the mandir, or main temple, at Sai Baba’s ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam (Abode of Supreme Peace).

Sai Baba’s foundational teachings are: that we are Atman, pure Spirit, indivisible from God, the Divine, Absolute Reality or Consciousness.

Our principle task while incarnated in these bodies is to realize That, to become Self-Realized. The means to doing so are found in the teachings of all faiths. Karma yoga, bhakti yoga and jnana yoga (service to mankind, devotion to God, and pursuit of self-knowledge) are paths towards Self-Realization. A spiritual life incorporates these, as well as being guided by the core human values of love, truth, peace, right action and non-violence in everyday living.

The Sai Baba Silent Retreat - The Little Retreat - has its origins in the wish of several of Sai Baba’s followers to come together in a more contemplative setting than that of some of the larger (noisier) retreat gatherings that were starting to happen in the early 1980’s.

Our foundational practice is based on Sai Baba’s statement that silence is the language of God, and by extension, that of the spiritual seeker. The retreat is organized somewhat along the lines of a Christian monastic schedule, which tries to find a balance between prayer, study and work in an atmosphere of silence.

Our various liturgies and practices include: formal prayers, recitation of mantras, the singing of bhajans (kirtan), inward repetition of sacred mantras or the Divine name (namasmarana), as well as formal and informal siting and walking meditation.

The study component is expressed through prepared lectures or discourses and short evening readings, which are meant as food for contemplative thought and meditation, as well as the private study of each participant. Sufficient “leisure” time is built into the retreat to facilitate this. From the very beginning of holding retreats at the Dharma Centre we have always requested one of its resident teachers to give our first discourse, or dharma talk.

The work component is fulfilled by many of our members being involved in the retreat’s organization, the preparation and reading of discourses and evening readings, leading the bhajan sessions and the singing thereof. We also participate in karma yoga to the Dharma Centre that is in alignment with our schedule.