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What is the spiritual
significance of Study Circle?
 Study
within a circle is the definition given by Sri Sathya Sai Baba for a study circle.
It is not just reading books. Study in a circle means taking up a point and each
person discussing what the meaning of that point is to them. Each offers a point
of view and finally values are derived from this. In this way there will be not
only a sharing of experience but also an appreciation of one another's point
of view.
What is the purpose of
Study Circle?
 The
purpose of study circle is to discuss spiritual topics for better understanding
and progress in the spiritual field through group discussion. The themes of all
our interactive and inspiring Study Circles throughout the year revolve around
and recognize the miraculous and transforming nature of the five human values,
the cultivation of which gives worthiness to life, enhances its sweetness and
beauty and make it fragrant. These five basic human values uinder which all other
values can be grouped are: Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence.
When and Where do Study
Circles take place?
The Study Circle is conducted at the Scott Religious
Center, York University, Toronto.Study Circle is held every second Sunday
of the month from 3pm to 4:30pm except during the summer months (July and August)
and the month of November, due to Sathya Sai Baba's Birthday.
How are Study Circles
conducted? (i.e. format/forum)
- Study Circle Team member
requests a devotee(s) to facilitate and conduct
a study circle for a given date on a mutually
agreed topic. Alternatively any devotee may
nominate him/her or other devotee for a study
circle.
- The devotee(s) will assume
the role of facilitator during study circle
and prepare for the topic. All devotees are
encouraged to conduct these sessions. The devotee(s)
may ask others to help and may use team approach
(i.e. more than one person conducting the same
session). Preference is given to youth of the
center.
Following format is used to
conduct Study Circle Session:
- Session starts with
opening remarks, introduction to topic and
outline of session.
- 3 to 5 Discussion Groups
(15 to 30 people each) are formed depending
on the number of participants and each group
forms a circle.
- Each group nominates
one or more Spokesperson(s). Preference is
given to youths.
- Questions and instructions
are distributed to the Spokespersons.
- Enough time is provided
to the groups to discuss questions among
group members. The facilitator encourages
discussion among all participants by providing
relevant information.
- The Spokesperson(s)
from each group then presents the group's
response to entire audience and may seek
further discussion with audience to clarify
the point under discussion.
- The facilitator presents
pre-prepared answers to the questions and
encourages further discussion.
- Session is closed with final
closing remarks.
Why are Study Circles
conducted in the way that they are?
The format of study circle requires active participation of all members
of the centre, to allow for maximum benefit to the participants in the understanding
of spiritual topics.
The
5 Basic Human Values
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