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Study Circle
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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