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Thursday, Mar 11 2010
Swami advices :-
"Do not waste your time in reading voluminous books, thinking that such books will help you in acquiring great knowledge. One should read such books which will help in the contemplation on the divine name. Do not be satisfied with acquiring mere bookish knowledge. Such knowledge is only a superficial knowledge.
What you need really is the knowledge of Self. Strive to acquire that knowledge. It manifests from within. It cannot be acquired from external sources. Is it not a fact that the more you dig in the river bed, the more the water that comes out of the sand!
Similarly, the more you remove the bad thoughts in you, the more the sacred knowledge and sacred thoughts manifest in you.
Purity, Steadiness, Wisdom and such other noble qualities manifest only from one's own heart. First and foremost you have to cultivate sacred and noble thoughts. But, you need not give credence to all such talk. You have to always tread the sacred path."
Where do you start acquiring knowledge of spirituality other than by reading spiritual books of great teachers and saints. It is hoped that by acquiring such knowledge the aspirant will then strive to acquire the knowledge of Self. In fact it is one of Baba’s Nine Point Code of Conduct which is a guidance for spiritual and personal development. Code number 6 says "Regular study of Sathya Sai Baba literature".
However this should not mean that only books about Sai Baba must be studied. Needless to say all Sai aspirants are expected to study the life and teachings of Sai Baba. However, the literature of all the great religions and saints and other spiritual texts should also be part of our reading material.
In short ’Sai' literature’ should be seen as literature that helps provide spiritual awakening and inspiration. The regular study refers, not merely to individual study, but also participation in 'Study Circles' organized by the Centre. Aspirants are encouraged to share their knowledge with other aspirants who may have a lower level of understanding of spirituality so that all may benefit with the knowledge.
Listening, reflecting/ digesting and putting into practice the message gained in the study of spiritual literature are the three stages which can assist our spiritual development. It is thus not the quantity of knowledge you absorb, but the quality and the degree you reflect and integrate the message into your life, that is critical.
 
With this in mind the Katong Centre library have a small collection of books for aspirants and students who wish to progress further in their spiritual endeavour. The complete list of book available at the library is as shown via this link:- View Katong Library Book-List
The Katong Centre library is located at:-
Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre, Katong
82, Cheviot Hill - Block A,
(Bhavan's International School - East Coast Campus)
Singapore 459663
the venue of the SSEHV classes. The library is only open during the operational hours of the SSEHV classes which is every
Saturday from 5pm to 6:45pm.
Below are some additional information on the library:-
- LIBRARY CARDS:- All Gurus have been given a Library Card, The purpose of this card is for the class to borrow books from the library. As long as Gurus are in possession of the card, the students of the respective group do not owe any books to the library.
- TOKENS GIVEN BY THE LIBRARY:- From each group, the Guru will choose the best student who reads the most number of books and writes a review about the books that he or she has read. At the end of the year, the library will select a maximum of 2 students to receive a token from the library.
- BORROWING OF BOOKS:- No schedule is necessary to borrow the books, the Students / Gurus / Parents and members of the SSEHV can borrow books during the official SSEHV timings (5pm – 6.45pm), 15mins grace is needed to close the library and arrange the books. Nevertheless, the library will still continue to issue the normal schedules for students only.
- LOSS OF BOOKS:- Please take care of all the books borrowed from the library, should there be any case whereby a book is lost by student, parent, guru or any member of the SSEHV, there will be a charge for the lost book. The charge will be based on the latest price of the book.
- FEEDBACK:- All feedbacks and suggestions can be emailed to Brother Visu at tsvisu@yahoo.com or Sister Daisy at pujbabaji@hotmail.com
- BOOKS NEEDED URGENTLY:- Anyone who needs books urgently from the library please request via email to info@saicentrekatong.com
Swami Says:-
"You are able to understand and acquire worldly and secular knowledge.
But it is not easy for all to understand the inner reality.
The names and forms of individuals may appear to be different, but essentially all are one. The innate reality is adhara and the external names and forms are only adheyas. Knowing the adheya without understanding the adhara will serve no purpose.
Even while dealing with physical matters we should have spiritual outlook.
Hence, develop faith in God in the first instance.
Anything can be achieved with unflinching faith in God. Discharge your duties with a sense of surrender to God.
That is the essence of true education. Education does not mean mere acquisition of bookish knowledge.
True education is beyond bookish knowledge."
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