Houston Sai Center

Devotional activities include Jyothi meditation, Study circle, and Devotional singing. Men and women sit separately in all these activities.

The Center activities begin at 3:00 PM on every Sunday with Jyothi meditation which lasts for about ten to fifteen minutes. Please make sure that you arrive on time so as to not disturb others in meditation. In this type of meditation, one focuses first on the flame of a candle and then takes that image inside where it is moved to different parts of the body as a means of purification. A pre-recorded tape takes you through the steps of Jyothi meditation.

“To practise meditation, the jyothi (light) is taken as the object of meditation because it does not perish or change. Moreover, a flame can kindle a million others without getting extinguished and is therefore inexhaustible. In this process of meditation on light, the progression must be from restlessness to tranquillity and from tranquillity to divine Effulgence.

The devotee should fix his gaze on the gentle flame and gradually close his eyes, mentally transferring or absorbing the flame into his heart, as it were. The lotus of the spiritual heart should then be imagined as blossoming in effulgent beauty dispelling with its radiance the dark forces of life. One should then imagine that out of the heart so illumined, rays of light proceed gradually to all parts of the body, saturating everything with light and filling it with sacredness and purity all over. As the light has reached the hands, the individual ought not to do any wrongful acts; since the flame shines in his eyes, he cannot look at undesirable sights. So, also, since the jyothi has permeated his ears, he should not listen to evil talk. His feet, too, since they have been filled with light, should not tread upon unholy paths. If we keep the mind busy in this manner with the task of carrying light to all parts of the body, it will not wander and will remain steady. The whole process takes about ten minutes to complete. This kind of meditation should not be regarded as an exercise in fantasy. No doubt, in the beginning, imagination will be involved; but, by constant practice, it will be transformed into a powerful thought wave, creating an indelible impression on the heart leading to union with God. The meditation should not end with the individual visualizing the light in himself. He should see it in his friends and relatives and even in his enemies. He should see the whole of creation bathed in the resplendent light of Divinity. This would make him live a life full of love and happiness”.

Sai Baba – Summer Showers in Brindavan 1979

“In the study circle you can learn a lot of things, but the most important thing to be learnt is your own true nature – your atmatatwa. Learning all about external things without knowing your real Self is like studying the branches of a tree, ignoring its roots." - Sai Baba

The purpose of the study circle is to learn about Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, so we may practice them in our daily lives. Our daily activities should honestly incorporate the practice of His teachings. If we intend to apply Sai Baba’s way to enhance our spiritual growth in our day to day lives, then we must give careful attention to His instructions.

Study circle begins after meditation from 3:10 pm to 4:10 pm. Usually, members read, reflect, and discuss topics from selected books, discourses, or writings of Sathya Sai Baba, together as a group. A designated member may serve as the moderator to maintain productive discussions. On certain occasions, video or audio tapes of Swami/Baba’s Discourses or Teachings are played in lieu of reading.

“When you sing bhajans, dwell also on the meaning of the song and the message of each name and form of God. Any devotional song in any language can be sung, as long as all can follow.” - Sai Baba

Bhajan (Devotional songs) singing is an act by which one feels closer to his/her inner Self or God when sung with ‘Bhakthi’ or devotion and love. Bhajans are sung aloud the name and glory of God. It is the process of singing that originates from the heart, not the lips or tongue. It is the expression of the joyous thrill that dwells from one’s heart when the glory of God is remembered. Bhajan singing is distinct from all forms of music and stands out as a unique spiritual practice. The sole objective of devotional singing is to make one aware of the omnipresence of God.

Bhajan leaders are required to practice with bhajan coordinators before they lead the bhajans at the center.

Three OM’s
Gayathri Mantra prayer (repeated three times)
Sai Gayathri Mantra prayer (repeated three times)
Bhajans (Mix of devotional songs in Hindi, English & Spanish)

Devotional songs in praise of God are sung with love and devotion and are led by designated singers. Usually, eight devotional songs are sung, four led by men and four led by women.

Silent Sitting for a few minutes

This is a critical step to absorb and experience the Divine vibrations.

Prayer - “Bhagavan take our love let it flow to Thee……”
Universal prayer - “Om Tat Sat Sri Narayana…”
Asathoma prayer - “Asatho Maa Sad Gamaya Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya…”
Prayer - “From Untruth Lead Us to Truth …”
Aarathi song (English and Sanskrit versions)

This is usually sung at the end of the Bhajan session in adoration of Sathya Sai Baba. A glowing candle or a wick is waved in front of Sathya Sai Baba’s picture in circular movements. A designated devotee, selected from an alphabetical listing of their last names, performs the Aarathi. The rest of the devotees sing the aarathi while remaining seated during the entire song.

Chant: Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi
World peace prayer - “Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavantu…”

This step helps devotees rise above self-centered tendencies and offer prayers for all felloe beings. The attitude of identifying one’s own happiness with the happiness of all has to be consciously practiced and developed as an exercise in self-expression.

Vibhuthi (Sacred Ash) song
Reading of the Thought for the Week
At the conclusion, please maintain absolute silence in order to retain the blissful vibrations and spiritual calmness while devotional music is played (in the background).

Starting with devotees seated closest to the center of the hall (both men and women) silently stand, form a line, and each in turn walk up to the altar and prostrate before Sai Baba’s portrait and quietly exit the prayer hall.

Prasad/Blessed Edibles (on special occasions) are distributed to devotees as they quietly exit the premises.

To participate in devotional singing, please contact the Center President or the Devotional Coordinator.