SSSGC - USA Region 2
Mid-Atlantic Regional Retreat 2023
26-29 May 2023, Friday-Monday
Love is Giving and Forgiving
Love is verily the Divine within each of us and the spiritual journey is all about making this love within blossom and engulf us entirely. And Swami teaches us that this love grows when you give and forgive.
Give, but not off your superfluous surplus, not condescendingly or with pride. Give off your life, in the form of time and energy, so that giving may be transmuted into sharing. Give with an attitude of gratitude, you then receive much more than you can ever give. Bhagawan says, with such giving love grows.
But human love carries with it the burden of expectations and love thus weighed down can never take flight. Unfetter your love, Bhagawan teaches us, through the act of forgetting and forgiving. For we forgive not to free the forgiven, but to relieve ourselves. The great Nelson Mandela famously captured this lesson in his words, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
Guest Speakers
In Person
Brother Tribhuvan hails from a family totally involved in Sai Mission. He is a Bal Vikas student. As a Sai student he had the good fortune of taking part in lead roles like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Surdas in various plays directly directed by Bhagawan. He has Delivered lectures on various occasions before Bhagawan in Prasanthi Mandir and hostel during student days. With special directions from Swami, he served as a Lecturer of Commerce and Management Studies in Bhagawan’s Institute at Prasanthinilayam for two years from 1985 – 1987.
He was fortunate to have had innumerable interviews with Bhagawan. He was a regular Bhajan singer in Prasanthi mandir in student days and sang on various occasions before Bhagawan. He was the District President of Indore, SSSS Org. for 6 years (2006-2012). He is a Diploma Holder on Sri Sathya Sai Educare from the Institute of Sathya Sai Education, India. He has been Invited to deliver lectures at the Sai Centres at Hong Kong, Detroit, San Francisco & London. He has addressed students and public of Madhya Pradesh in the 10 day summer camps on INDIAN CULTURE AND SPIRITUALITY for 25 long years. Just as Bhagavat Katha – the story of life and teachings of Bhagawan was narrated through SAI KATHA for around 8 years during Swami’s Birthday celebrations at Madhya Pradesh by Brother Tribhuvan.
He is an extraordinary orator in delivering motivational lectures. He is also a keen sportsman – representing the state of Madhya Pradesh in Cricket and Basketball at school and college. He is a National awardee in dramatics when in school.
He came into Swami’s fold at the age of 12. His Father – Sri S.K.Sachdeva was State President of Madhya Pradesh and
Chattisgarh, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – from 1985 – 2010 (25 years). His Mother was Bal Vikas guru and aState in charge of Spiritual wing in SSSSO.
His Younger Brother is a student of Bhagawan’s Institute for 9 years – Belongs to the first batch of MBA. His Sister Studied in Sri Sathya Sai Arts & Science college, Bhopal and presently a member of the Bal Vikas & Youth activities at Sai Centers in Hong Kong. His Wife is State head for Bal Vikas & Youth division, SSSSO, Madhya Pradesh. His Elder Son has Completed MBA in Swami’s Institute at Prasanthinilayam and is now pursuing his own business. His Younger Son is a Tax Lawyer. Tribhuvan is currently a leading Income Tax Lawyer in Madhya Pradesh. He is a visiting Faculty at the Indian Institute of Management, School of Economics and the other local colleges at Indore.
He is currently member of Sri Sathya Sai Trust, MP; Secretary of the National Council of 100 Sathya Sai Schools in India; Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar School at Indore; Faculty member of Institute of Sathya Sai Education, India; Secretary, Sri Sathya Sai Blood Bank at Indore; Executive Editor of Sanathana Sarthi in Hindi. He Travels far and wide in India and abroad in spreading the Message of Sai. He is Frequently invited to address students and members of the Sai Organisation at Prasanthi Nilayam.
In Person
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In Person
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In Person
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Pathway to Retreat
Venue Location
249 Camp Green Lane Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054
Public Transportation
Coming Soon:
Accomodation
More Info Coming Soon
RETREAT DETAILS
Click on each title below for more details
Morning
The morning Devotional Program starts at 6 a.m with Omkar (the chanting of Om 21 times) in the Devotion Hall followed by Suprabhatam (invoking the Lord of Parthi). A small group of selected devotees circumambulate the temple and Sai Baba’s room chanting Vedic verses, starting from Swami’s room. Simultaneously, Nagarsankirtan takes place: ladies and gents, in separate groups, walk around, almost following the Vedic chanters, singing devotional songs (bhajans).
After a warm and nourishing breakfast, the morning devotional program will continue with group Bhajans in the main hall, followed by inspirational discourses from our keynote speakers.
Afternoon
Spiritual workshops on topics related to the retreat theme and Swami’s teachings.
Evening
The evening devotional program will begin with group Bhajans in the main hall, followed by evening cultural program(s). We retire for the night with dinner.
The Young Adult program will have special sessions with guest speakers, who will share their experience along with relevant topics that will captivate young adults. Additionally, there will be unison singing, interactive workshops, that will target various challenges in different stages on a youth’s life, including college, as well as games/activities. Please note, YA programs are strictly for YAs. SSSE Group 4 students only may attend specific sessions.
All Sri Sathya Sai Educare (SSSE) students will be involved in age appropriate Seva activities.
Ages
Sri Sathya Sai Educare (SSSE) program for children in grades 1 – 12 are divided as follows: Group 1 (Grades 1-3), Group 2 (Grades 4-6), Group 3 (Grades 7-9) and Group 4 (Grades 10-12). All children between the ages of 6 and 18 are required to attend the SSSE programs at the retreat.
Activities
Please click below :
List of Service Opportunities
Audio System Support
This group takes care of the Audio system requirements during the retreat. They help transport, setup and monitor sound systems in Devotion Hall, SSE programs, Young Adults meeting room and workshop venues.
Site Setup
Committed volunteers are needed to transform the campsite into an atmosphere where all can enjoy an uplifting, spiritual experience. This is done on Friday. Setup needs to be completed prior to our first bhajan session on Friday evening. A large number of volunteers are needed in the devotion hall to help with setting up of the altar, decorations and seating arrangements. Volunteers are also needed to help place signs and banners throughout the campsite for easy navigation. Assistance is needed in transferring groceries / supplies to the kitchen area and in setting up the dining hall.
Site Cleanup
We all want to leave the camp and head home as soon as possible but our goal is to leave the site in a better condition than when we arrived. If you can stay back and help with the camp cleanup, it would be greatly appreciated. Please note that this is a much needed service. We are very grateful to those who assist in our retreat’s closing activities.
Devotion Hall Maintenance
Maintenance of the devotion hall, including ushering of devotees, preparing for programs/workshops, etc.
Dining Hall
This service involves setting up and keeping the dining area clean and lovingly serving all devotees. Please note that this seva does not involve cooking. Do not check off this service if you are participating in cooking a meal with your center at the same time.
Kitchen
Support staff for service opportunities in the kitchen.
Medical Clinic (On call doctors and support staff)
On call doctors and support staff to deal with medical emergencies (this is different from the health camp that is open in the morning hours for preventive care).
Multimedia (Audio/Visual)
Multimedia support for devotional activities, workshops, hybrid retreat management etc..
Parking Lot/Main Gate
This is the first impression that devotees will get of the retreat. After a long journey, seeing a friendly, helpful parking attendant will go a long way in making the devotee feel welcome.
Photography
Capturing campsite events for posterity.
Sanitation
These volunteers keep an eye on the rest rooms and other areas. Supplies and other resources will be provided.
Service Desk
These volunteers will be at the service desk which forms the central point of contact for devotees for all their needs. Service desk functions include matching attendees to the service activities they have committed to, serving as lost and found, disseminating messages, managing emergencies, dispatching external transportation where needed, etc. They will ensure that problems with cabins are dealt with appropriately. They will have directions and information about nearest hospitals, hotels, bus stations, supermarkets, and other facilities.
Shoe Service
In the devotion hall, help is needed in arranging and maintaining the shoes in an orderly fashion.
SSSE Teachers and Support
SSSE Teachers will be working with SSSE children. Please note that you will miss some of the main program and/or bhajans. For additional information, please contact Sister Alpa Uchil, Regional SSSE coordinator at education.region2@sssgc-usa.org
SSSE Support involves assisting the teachers and supplying SSSE students with snacks and water in the afternoon and during Sai Games. It also involves helping the SSSE children in their games and activities.
Swami’s Room
Volunteers are needed to maintain the tranquility around Swami’s room in two-hour slots from early morning till late evening.
Transportation (External)
This group takes care of rides to/from the nearest bus station, airport etc.
Videography
This is an aspect where memories created are kept for a many years after the event. This will be a major service to all the devotees who are unable to attend the retreat or who were providing valuable seva in the areas identified in this section. Retreat videos are posted on the regional website. If you have camcorders/video equipment and are good at using them, then please consider signing up for this seva.
God will not ask you, when and where you rendered service? He will ask with what motive you did it. You may boast about the quantity, but God seeks quality, the quality of the heart, the purity of the mind, the nobility of the motive. The Lord is pleased only when you do the things He desires. How else can you win His grace, but by nursing and nourishing His children.
— March 19, 2008 Thought for the Day
Smaller and interactive study circle style workshops are planned based on the retreat theme and covering areas of devotion, education and service.
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Here below are the nearby Hotels:
Courtyard Philadelphia/Lansdale
1737 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, PA 19446
215-412-8686
7 miles from camp
Holiday Inn Lansdale/Kulpsville
1750 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, PA 19443
215-368-3800
7 miles from camp
Comfort Inn & Suites Quakertown
1905 John Fries Hwy, Quakertown, PA, 18951
866-539-0036
8 miles from camp
Hampton Inn Quakertown
1915 John Fries Highway, Quakertown, PA, 18951
215-536-7779
8 miles from camp
Doubletree Guest Suites
640 W Germantown Pk, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462
610-834-8300
20 miles from camp
Marriott Courtyard – Plymouth Meeting
651 Fountain Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462
610-238-0659
20 miles from camp
Sairam! For Map and Layout details please click below:
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Regional Retreat Registration Charges
NOTE: At This Moment Registration Open Only For Camp Stay
- $0
- $140
- $150