Self Transformation Program Retreat
The Self Transformation Program initiative was born out of the realisation that as Sai devotees, we should commit ourselves to applying Swami’s teachings in our daily lives. The Sathya Sai Organisation in Malaysia has been implementing the Self Transformation program since 2010, and it has been steadily expanding across the country.
Held at Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, over the weekend of 22nd and 23rd March 2014, the Self Transformation Retreat was the first of its kind, and the power packed program got the nearly 300 participants all charged up and ready to join the ranks of the true devotees of Bhagavan.
Why are we here ?
Bro Reddy, the power driver behind the retreat, was ever passionate in his urge to devotees to revitalise their spirituality. He urged everyone to become the miracle of Swami. To transform. To help others transform. To be value activists. Bro Jeothish came on next, with his message : Your Mission Has Begun. He put forward the vision for Values Activism, Sai Centres being Sai villages in the city that will nurture the present and future generations in Human Values.
Bro James Heng, one of the pioneers of the STP program in Australia spoke on the origins of the STP Program, as a response to Swami’s call for more commitment from Sai youth.
Role play, Sharing sessions and workshops
Role plays by the teams from various parts of the country portrayed compact messages on the Self Transformation Program, often suffused with humour and wit The sharing sessions were special, and the many STP practitioners who spoke did so from their hearts.
The workshop sessions discussed various questions aimed at obtaining feedback on the program and ideas on how to improve it further and make it more intensive and pervasive.
A website was launched to help in managing the program and disseminate information. The Council President Prof Dr Suresh Govind spoke on Swami’s Teachings – The Relevance Factor. He stressed that spiritual progress must manifest externally as contribution to society, in order to be meaningful.
The Way Forward
Presenting the way forward at the tail end of the retreat, Bro Chandramohan urged all to participate and be prepared to be part of HIS mission. As the numbers grow, we would reach a critical mass when progress will be exponential, to spark off the rise in Dharma or values in society. At the conclusion of the retreat, those present were ready to be exemplary devotees by uplifting Human Consciousness through value based activism.
“LET TRANSFORMATION BEGIN WITH ME”
