4th July 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Om Sri Sai Ram.

Guru Poornima will be celebrated on 19th July 2016 by spiritual seekers all over the world in adoration of their Guru. On this auspicious day, Sathya Sai devotees around the world will pay homage to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who is our Guru and God. It is our great blessing and good fortune to have God come as our Guru to guide and guard us. Let us earnestly rededicate our lives to practice His teachings and live His message through love and selfless service. Please see the attached document, God as Guru and Guide which describes in Bhagawan’s own nectarine words the significance of Guru Poornima, the role and qualities of a Guru and the five-letter Mahamantra for the redemption of mankind.

In His divine discourse of 21st July 1986, Swami gave the powerful Guru Poornima message, the universal five-letter mantra in Telugu, not based on any deity: “Devudu unnaadu” (God Is). Living this message will take us to the goal (Guri) by removing (Rukara) the darkness (Gukara) of ignorance, and make us realise our innate divinity (Gunateeta, Ruparahita).

Guru Poornima will be observed in Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of supreme peace, from 12th to 19th July 2016 with joyous celebrations. In addition, the Sathya Sai World Youth Festival is scheduled for 12–14 July 2016 in Prasanthi Nilayam. About 3,000 youth delegates from 67 countries will be participating in this joyful event, focusing on the importance of human values and their practice through love and selfless service, in daily lives. The youth are also hosting a magnificent exhibition, as part of this international event. The Programmes for Guru Poornima and Sathya Sai World Youth Festival in Prasanthi Nilayam are attached, for reference.

I encourage all Sathya Sai devotees to come for pilgrimage to Puttaparthi – the holiest of holy places, and enjoy the beautiful programmes.
All Sathya Sai devotees, wherever they are, are urged to observe the holy and auspicious Guru Poornima by remembering our omnipresent, loving Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba with reverence and gratitude. Let us resolve to follow His teachings with implicit faith and renewed vigour.

Jai Sai Ram.
Lovingly in the Service of Sai,
Narendranath Reddy, M.D.
Chairman, Prasanthi Council.