Nine-point Code of Conduct - Details

1. Daily Meditation and Prayer

Whatever religion one belongs to, whatever your spiritual heritage, the necessity to still the mind, to control the vagaries of thoughts, to make the "monkey mind" do our bidding and not what it wills, is a basic spiritual practice.

Divinity resides and reflects in man - but we are unable to see this reflection of Divinity in our consciousness because the lake of our mind is subject to incessant storms, its surface ripped apart by wild lashing waves. Only when the waters of the lake are still, can the reflection of the moon be seen on its surface -likewise the reflection of Divinity on the calm surface of our consciousness.

But if we merely do meditation and still our mind - is this enough? The reflection of the moon will not be seen, even in the still water, if the waters of the lake are filled with dirt and pollutants. Thus, two qualities are required to see the reflection of the moon:

(a) the surface of the water must be still, and

(b) the lake must be free from dirt, debris, froth and pollutants.

Sai Baba has placed meditation as the first point of the code for those who wish to glimpse the Divine within; - however stilling the mind (the waters of the lake) is not enough - a recycling plant must be erected beside the lake to clean the water. Other points of the code of conduct relate to this process of 'cleansing the water'- not only for ourselves but for our family members also.

Sai Baba in various discourses has instructed devotees on the 'light' mediation. Devotees wishing to pursue this form of meditation and its technique should make attempts to listen to tapes/cassettes that are available or read books on it.

And what of prayer? Pray in whatever is way familiar to you ... this will reinforce your meditation. You can chant mantras, sing devotional songs, traditional hymns or just speak to God in your own way - whatever makes you feel closer to Him and makes you truly feel that you are communicating with Him.

We can do this silently, or quietly so that others hearing your prayers may benefit by thinking of God at least momentarily. Your chants/prayers at home will help to create positive and divine vibrations in the environment and be of benefit to those who live in your house. But most important of all do not take this daily task as a burden, something you carry around your neck like the proverbial albatross.

Prayers, devotional singing should be done joyously, providing a sense of uplifting -lightness. God is 'Bliss'-'Joy'-'PEACE' and when you think of Him and sing or speak HIS name the same Bliss, Joy and Peace should fill your being ... if this does not happen something is wrong with your attitude or method of prayer ... reflect on this and adjust yourself accordingly.

The hunger to communicate with God - should be equal to the hunger that we experience to fill our stomachs. We eat 3 or 4 times a day for our bodily health, or to satisfy bodily hunger, pray at least twice a day to feed the 'soul' or the inner being. There will come a time when every moment, every act, every word, is a form of communication with God.

2. Devotional Group Singing/Prayer with members of family once a week

There is an age old axiom, -'the family that prays together stays together'. Sai Baba is merely trying to remind us of this forgotten truth. In the early days families used to eat together and pray together, in recent times the notion of every man for himself seems to have crept into families too.

Some Sai devotees have expressed this problem -'I am the only Sai devotee in my house - the rest refuse to accept Him - how can I keep to this point of the code?' Sai Baba does not say pray to Him! Have your family prayers in the traditional method of worship, be it Hindu, Christian or whatever. We need not even have Sai Baba's photo there, if this will help achieve the objective of weekly family prayer and family unity. We should have HIM in our heart.

Also, it does not matter if all refuse to join. Start the family prayer with whoever is willing. Keep to a fixed date and time and continue with faith -let Sai Baba do the rest. Many such family prayers that started with one or two, now include the whole family. If need be, start alone and leave the 'door' open for others to hear your prayer and to join.

The important thing to remember is not to be disheartened by the attitudes of others who do not join. Give them time! Not all buds bloom at the same time when the sun shines - but the sun does not give up - it shines daily and silently, and over time - all will bloom!!

However, it is important to show that we have bloomed - through our prayers and other spiritual practices. Our family members should see the visible, positive transformation in ourselves - that our spiritual paths have made us more loving, more kind, more gentle, more understanding .. this will have a greater effect on non participating family members than our actual 'prayer' itself and encourage them to join us, - i.e. we should make the whole day an extension of our morning and evening-prayers. Slowly, they will be drawn to the power that has transformed us and will join us.

It is important to be aware that if we as wives and husbands, sons and daughters or fathers and mothers after starting prayers, after becoming 'born again', become intolerant, demanding, insensitive to the physical or worldly needs of others, and take a 'holier than thou' attitude, then we will drive our family members away from our prayers. Moderation and love should be the key guiding factors.

3. Participation in Educational Programs (SSE) organised by the Centre for children of Sai aspirants

The reason for this point of the code is obvious when we become aware of what is taught to the children in the Sai Spiritual Education classes which includes:

a) one's own religion - chanting of prayers, songs, hymns, lives of great saints etc.

b) knowledge and respect for other religions.

c) human values - respect for parents and elders, cleanliness, good conduct, confidence, co-operation, self-help etc.

d) learning about the lives of great persons from all walks of life.

e) The Life and Message of Sai Baba.

All the above are taught through structured, dynamic programs where only teachers who have undergone a specific training program will be qualified to teach.

Many Sai aspirants, and leaders of Sai Centres around the world are sometimes devoid of any in-depth knowledge of the great religious and spiritual traditions of the world. Only their love for Sai Baba, often fostered through his physical presence and love has put them on their spiritual path. This needs to be supplemented with more study of Sai teaching and the great world scriptures.

However, the children of today, the even leaders of tomorrow, may not be so lucky - they may not have the opportunity of the direct physical proximity of Sai Baba to foster their love, devotion, their thirst for spiritual knowledge and world welfare ... the crowds of devotees would be too great. Their spirituality must thus be fostered from within, and the SSE program for children is so designed as to create a new generation of spiritually motivated youngsters who will become a credit to themselves, their families, society and nation - and uphold all the human values that have the potential to make the human race grand and Godly.

No parent should want less for their child and no parent should sacrifice the future destiny of their children by giving more importance to other less important activities nor should they say that they have no time to spare to send their children to classes. These classes have been designed to enhance their development into children we can be proud of. It is in this context that this point of the code requires children of Sai aspirants to attend these classes.

4. Participation in community work and other programs of the organisation

This is merely a codification of an injunction that is in every religion of the world - to serve man and thus serve God - 'Service to man is service to God'.

Sai Baba has prescribed that the qualification of membership to the Sai Organisation is not just to attend devotional singing meetings, but to accept the 9 point code of conduct as part of our life and in doing so perform some service to the community. Aspirants are asked to provide 4 hours of service every week to the poor, the sick and the needy. Perhaps, among all of Sai Baba's injunctions, this one calling aspirants to perform community service separates those 'devotees' who wish to hop along on one leg i.e. making devotional singing their primary spiritual activity from those who are the 'thirsty' seekers, striding forward in their spiritual journey on the two legs of devotion and selfless service towards the inevitable prize of divine knowledge.

Sai Baba has declared 'Hands that help are holier than lips that pray'.

Very often aspirants sit back and wait for the Sai Centre leaders to organise service activities, and even when these are organised many find a hundred excuses not to participate in them, instead of finding the one reason to serve. Aspirants should realise that community service makes up part of the divine formula for salvation and God's Grace. And if necessary, they should in fact be urging, and forcing complacent Centre leaders to organise meaningful service activities to assist the spiritual development of the members of the Centre.

As for leaders of Sai Centres who have taken up the divine task of leading a SAI Centre - they should be fully cognisant of their divine responsibility. Members depend upon them to show the way, set the example and direction. If leaders are unable to fulfill this responsibility, it might be wise for them to step down and allow those aspirants with the time, the energy and initiative to take up the leadership role in a Centre.

5. Attend at least once a month group devotional singing organised by the Centre

By placing the requirement on 'at least once a month', Sai Baba has given the directions for the future, i.e. that devotees should not remain at the spiritual level of just singing devotional songs. It is important to build our spiritual development on this foundation. All the other points in the code are the bricks and mortar for us to build the spiritual superstructure of our lives.

In fact the pursuance of devotional singing alone as a principal activity on our spiritual path and ignoring the equally important practices that Sai Baba has suggested that just focusing on devotional singing may lead to retarding our spiritual progress.

Thus, it is vital that devotees understand the significance of devotional singing and place it in the perspective of their total spiritual practice and carry on moving forward.

Also devotional singing at the centre should not end there - once a month or once a week. The sincere aspirant must constantly be 'tuned in' to the devotional songs, their lips or their minds constantly 'singing' of Divinity, analysing the meaning of the songs and their messages, and using them as a guide, as a beacon of love in their daily lives. When devotional singing is used as such, it will bring about the necessary results, the softening of the heart, the gentleness of speech, the kindness of thoughts, the yearning to serve. If the name and message of God is constantly in the mind, the cleansing effect will most certainly take effect, and aspirants will see their lives, their character and behaviour transformed.

6. Regular study Sai literature

This should not be interpreted in a narrow or extreme way 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 interpreted as literature that helps provide spiritual awakening and inspiration. Any literature that falls under this category should qualify as Sai literature.

The regular study refers, not merely to individual study, but also participation in 'Study Circles' organised by the Centre.

Some devotees, feeling that what takes place in a 'Study Circle' is too basic, too simple for them, keep away. Well, if one thinks they know more than others, more the reason to participate fully, and help others to rise to your level of understanding.

Some find the study circle too advanced - here again - absorb what you can, up to your ability. If you grasp only one paragraph of what is spoken or read, reflect on it and put it into practice. You benefit more than the person who only listens and perhaps, understands all the words but does not reflect on the meaning or put any of it into practice.

Listening or absorbing, 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.

7. Speak softly and lovingly to everyone

This is an interesting point of the code, it underwent a slight metamorphosis during Sai Baba’s 60th Birthday. In the original point the words were 'to speak softly with everyone' ... it appears that many mistook this to mean the 'loudness of the voice' and neglected the aspect of the 'harshness of the words'.

A dog sometimes barks loudly on seeing its master - but all that loudness maybe an expression of love. A snake hisses very softly but its soft sound maybe a forerunner of venom ... full of poisonous implications.

This point has now been placed in its proper perspective, not condemning those with naturally loud projecting voices and exalting those who, even in anger and hate, do not have the capacity of 'voice projection'. It is now very clear - speak with love, we should try to lower the volume of our voices (most of us can do that) - but love is the essence .... harsh words screech even if spoken softly.

8. Not to talk ill of others especially in their absence

Backbiting, character assassination, falsehood about another, trying to belittle or bring down the esteem of one in the eyes of the other, is a deadly cancer that has destroyed many groups, even great movements and. most certainly must be considered an anathema to any spiritual body.

Here the talking ill or finding faults, should not be mistaken as being blind to the genuine faults or mistakes of others. It means simply that we must be totally conscious of our motive should it be necessary to talk about the faults of others.

To say that it is a sin to talk about others in their absence would be to make every living person a sinner. We always talk of others - this is inevitable. What then is this injunction? It simply means that if we do talk about others, than it should only be in a genuine positive manner where we want to help, to improve and elevate not to degrade and condemn.

9. Put into practice "Ceiling on Desires" and to utilise savings generated for service to mankind

Not only should you curb your desires, and set aside the savings thus gained to serve the poor, all aspirants along the spiritual path should put a rein on growing desires, within an increasingly materialistic, uncaring, wasteful and obsolescence oriented society.

Sai Baba unearthing once again the message of all great religions has called upon all people who want to have a measure of peace and contentment in their lives to place a 'Ceiling on Desires' ... a ceiling on Food, Energy, Time and Money.

In summary the Divine call is as follows:

Do not waste Food ... do not overindulge in food.

Do not waste Energy ... electricity, water, your own energy, (too much talking,

anger, jealousy and other negative expressions are equally a waste of Divine energy).

Do not waste Time .... and whatever genuine knowledge you have, use it well.

Do not waste Money