One who practises and propagates ideals such as goodness, morality and truth is a youth in the strict sense of the term.

In fact, only such people are your best friends and My best friends too.- Sathya Sai Baba

Dear Youth,

Om Sri Sai Ram.

I am delighted to invite you to the Sathya Sai World Youth Festival. The festival, especially organized for you, will be held in Prasanthi Nilayam, the holy land where our beloved Lord, Sathya Sai Baba, chose to take birth and walk amongst us.

The festival will start on 12 July, with the theme Love is the Source, Love is the Path and Love is the Goal, and will conclude on 14 July 2016. Perfect mastery of Love leads to self-realisation and hence Love is the most important principle required in our lives from a young age.

Prasanthi Nilayam will be filled with energy and enthusiasm with the festival spirit as Ashadi Ekadashi will be celebrated on 15 July followed by Guru Purnima on 19 July.

Through this registration guide, the organising committee, made up of young adults from around the world, provides you with important information about the festival. This information will help you organise your college or work schedules to make travel arrangements. A frequently asked questions section is also included in this guide.

Please join me and thousands of youth from around the world to celebrate and experience the joy of being a Sathya Sai Youth. Let us live, share and preserve the life, teachings and philosophies of our most beloved Sathya Sai.

With Love,

Shivendra KumarInternational Youth CoordinatorSathya Sai International Organisationkumar.shivend@gmail.com

A MESSAGE FOR YOUTH

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

JULY 12, DAY 1

The theme for Day 1 is Love is the Source.

Sathya Sai Baba is an infinite source of Love. His life, teachings and philosophies are filled with pure and selfless love. We will get an opportunity to study the youthful days of Sathya Sai Baba and plug into the infinite source of pure and selfless love. Through creative presentations, short talks and interactive workshops, Day 1 will reinforce the supreme truth for the delegates that they truly are Embodiments of Love.

Highlights of Day 1 Grand Opening Ceremony

Ready, Steady, Goal! - Interactive and dynamic exhibition

JULY 13, DAY 2

The theme for Day 2 is Love is the Path.

Having plugged into the infinite source of pure and selfless love, Day 2 takes the delegates on a grand adventure demonstrating how youth can successfully navigate different phases of life with energy, clarity and enthusiasm. Early morning energisers, short talks and interactive sessions, combined with a spectacular evening program, will convince all that love is the best path to success, on Day 2.

Highlights of Day 2Early Morning Outdoor Session

Evening Drama Program and Drumming Challenge

JULY 14, DAY 3

The theme for Day 3 is Love is the Goal.

As the path of love becomes the chosen path to progress forward, life becomes potent with divinity. Experiences on this path is filled with eternal love and it radiates through the hearts of those around us, inspiring and infusing them with divine love. Early morning energisers, sharing experiences and self-reflections sessions, combined with a spectacular evening program, will charge the delegates with devotion and vigour.

Highlights of Day 3Zonal networking session

Evening global musical program

SADHANA OF LOVE

As we gear up for the first ever World Youth Festival, we need to focus internally so as to make the most of this amazing Divine opportunity. In this spirit, youth are encouraged to participate in the global Sadhana or spiritual discipline – “Sadhana of Love”!

Our loving Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, told us that the purpose of the Sai Avatar, the Sathya Sai International Organisation, and our human birth is to help us realise our inherent divinity.

Accordingly, the Sadhana of Love – Love is the Source, Love is the Path and Love is the Goal has been developed for Sathya Sai youth to support the realisation of our true nature as pure love. The Sathya Sai World Youth Festival is a divine opportunity to collectively focus on Love, purify our hearts and minds, and be the Love that we already are.

FRAMEWORK

The Sadhana of Love is based on Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings and is built around His four progressive steps of self-confidence, self-satisfaction, self-sacrifice and self-realisation.

Self-confidence is having full faith or confidence that God or the Self is within you, or that you are the Self. This leads to self-satisfaction, being satisfied with the Self alone. This prepares you for self-sacrifice, the sacrifice of the ego, selfishness and desire. The eradication of desire and the permanent destruction of the mind reveals the ever present, pristine Self, which is self-realisation.

Framework of Sadhana of Love

Within the Sadhana of Love, each step includes Swami’s definition of that step, how it can be achieved, and a list of 18 supporting Sadhanas. Sadhanas are spiritual disciplines or practices that purify and still the mind as well as support us on our journey to self-realisation.

INSTRUCT IONS

With Love as the focus, you are encouraged to listen to your inner Sai and choose sadhanas from the Sadhana of Love that you feel will manifest the most Love and lead to the realisation that the same divinity dwells in all as Love.

• Choose one or more sadhanas from each of the four steps of self-confidence, self-satisfaction, self-sacrifice and self-realisation. It is not compulsory to pick sadhanas from each of the three stages of work, worship and wisdom. Let your conscience guide you.

• Read and research what Swami has said about each of your selected sadhanas. Read the quotes from Swami provided with each Sadhana, and feel free to investigate links to the original discourses as well as Swami’s teachings more broadly.

• Practise your selected sadhanas with loving consistency in the period leading to the Sathya Sai World Youth Festival in July 2016 and beyond until you achieve the goal of Self-realisation.

Self-confidence The firm and steady conviction that you are the Atma (Self or love). This leads to Self-satisfaction.

Self-satisfaction

Being satisfied with your divine Self alone and no longer being tempted by what appear to be sources of joy in the external world. This prepares you for self-sacrifice.

self-sacrifice The loving sacrifice of all sense of ego and separateness to the Lord. This leads to Self-realisation.

Self-realisation Constantly experiencing your true nature as infinite, selfless love pervading all of creation. In this experience of oneness, there is only love.

• Manifest more and more love in your words, actions, thoughts, character and heart. Let your Loving Lord shine through you so that you live in love and become a beacon of His love and light in the world.

Once your selected sadhanas are well established in your daily life, you can make further selections to help expand your love to selflessly embrace all.

Sadhana of Love Steps

In addition to these personal sadhanas, youth groups can choose group-based sadhanas to practice. Youth leaders are encouraged to discuss their choice with youth, youth advisors, and centre and regional presidents.

Youth may determine their own ways of promoting their understanding and practice of the Sadhana of Love. Youth can identify tools and techniques to implement, monitor, and discuss the benefits of practicing their sadhana. Methods proven to be successful for sadhana for youth in the past include:

• personal reflection journals• self-monitoring• buddy or mentoring systems• weekly or fortnightly study circles • utilising various technologies such as Skype conferencing, WhatsApp Messenger and online

forums in accordance with SSIO communication and social media guidelines.

The sharing of successful practices and positive outcomes is encouraged.

Choose one sadhana from

each of the four steps

Read and research selected

sadhanas

Practise sadhanas

with loving consistency

Manifest more and more love

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION GUIDE

REGISTRAT ION FOR DELEGATES

If you wish to attend this festival as a delegate, you are in for a rare opportunity! (The World Youth Festival is going to be a memorable and amazing experience of a lifetime. Please consider this as a personal invitation from Swami Himself!) Registrations for delegates open in January and close on 14 April 2016 or when the maximum number of delegates that can be accommodated is reached. You are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. Youth whose registrations are accepted will be notified within 7 days of submitting their registration forms.

To register now, please click here. Registration data will be used for festival and Prasanthi Nilayam administration purposes.

REGISTRAT ION FOR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers contribute significantly to the overall success of any event. If you would like to help, let us know! Approximately 400 volunteers will be required for assistance in setting-up our venues, distribution of food, and providing support for the success of the festival. Registration for volunteers will also be open from 14 January to 14 April 2016.

Volunteers can register using the registration site but need to select the volunteer option. Volunteers cannot register as delegates. Delegates can volunteer in preparatory activities before 12 July and clean-up activities after 14 July.

Registration data will be used for festival and Prasanthi Nilayam administration purposes.

TRAVEL DATES

For festival delegates, there are four groups of arrival dates: 11 July is the cut-off date for arrival. Accommodation and registration cannot be guaranteed for those arriving later. 1. Delegates: 11 July2. Delegates participating in music, drama, exhibition or as speakers: 8 July3. Delegates responsible for coordinating any component of the festival and all volunteers:

6 July4. Delegates with leadership responsibility: 5 July

The following is a guideline for departure dates.1. Delegates: After 15 July. Those intending to stay for Guru Purnima can remain in the

Ashram. 2. Delegates and volunteers involved in the exhibition, service programmes in the Ashram

and international bhajan team: After 19 July3. Delegates with leadership responsibility: After 19 July

DELEGATES WITH CH ILDREN Are you a parent wanting to bring along your children to the festival? A great choice indeed! Children will have an extraordinary fun time at the festival! The Prasanthi Explorer Programme (PEP) is a half-day schedule that immerses your children in the magic and wonders of Prasanthi Nilayam.  

PEP is designed to engage them with tours to major landmarks, live a day as a Sai school student, discover the magical stories of Swami’s  legacy, enjoy culturally diverse workshops and many surprises.  PEP is suitable for children of all ages, with suitable  activities in two categories: (i) above 6 years old and (ii) up to 5 years old.

So, create magical family memories this July and register your whole family for the Sathya Sai World Youth Festival.

DELEGATES WITH SPEC IAL REQUIREMENTS The organizing committee will endeavour to accommodate delegates with special requirements. If you have special requirements, please describe the requirements precisely in the registration website. You could also contact Deluxmi Logendran (specialneeds@saiyouthfest.org).

TRAVELL ING TO PRA SANTH I N I LAYAM The following are some of the requirements for travelling to Prasanthi Nilayam from overseas.• Valid Passport and Visa• Return Ticket (Non-Indian Passport Holders)• 2 Passport Sized Photos for accommodation• White Shirts and Long Trousers for Boys; Sarees/ Punjabi Suits for girls• Regular Medication

It is recommended that you speak with your doctor regarding any vaccinations you may require or any special medication you are required to travel with.

The weather in Prasanthi Nilayam in July is hot with temperature averaging 31 deg C (88 deg F) most days. There will be moderate chances of rain.

TRANSLAT ION SERV ICES

Translation will be provided for delegates speaking Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Please inform the Registration Team if you cannot communicate in English and require translation in a language not stated above.

PART IC IPATE IN THE FEST IVAL

There will be many opportunities for you to participate in the festival. There are two ways of getting involved-

1. Through events, your country or zone is participating in. For this, contact your National Youth Leader or the Zone Youth Coordinator. If you do not know who to contact, please write to info@saiyouthfest.org stating the country you are from and your preferred contact details.

2. Through leads of various teams that have been set-up for the festival. Contact the persons listed below to become part of the festival. It will be a good idea to register for one team only.

• Music: Jorg Schuppler (music@saiyouthfest.org) • Drama: Veena Srianadarajah (drama@saiyouthfest.org) • Conference Program: Sai Usha Haridas (program@saiyouthfest.org)• Conference Exhibition: Sai Usha Haridas (exhibition@saiyouthfest.org)• Children’s Program: Alvin Leo (children@saiyouthfest.org)• Delegates with special needs: Deluxmi Logendran (specialneeds@saiyouthfest.org)• Volunteering: Vignesh Shanmugam (volunteering@saiyouthfest.org)• Support in other areas: Veena Srianadarajah (support@saiyouthfest.org)

FREQUENTLY A SKED QUEST IONS

What immunisations/medications should I bring?Please consult your doctor for advice on this. Usually, it is a good idea to carry analgesics and prescription medication you are required to take.

Do I have to organize my own flights and transfers to and from the Ashram?The festival committee is not arranging flights and transfers. You may want to check with the National Youth Coordinators. We encourage youth to travel in groups.

Do I need a visa to enter India?Yes. A visa is required to enter India if you have a non-Indian passport. It is recommended that you check with the Indian Embassy, Travel Agency or airline you are travelling with.

Can I stay outside the Ashram?Delegates are encouraged to stay in the Ashram.

Can I stay with youth whom I know or family (for e.g. parents or partners/spouse)?Parents with children will be accommodated together as long as the couple are both registered. Youth travelling with parents or with their spouse cannot be guaranteed accommodation together. It is recommended they come prepared to share rooms with other youth.

How will youth be accommodated?Boys will stay together and share rooms. Girls will stay together and share rooms. Accommodation blocks for the boys and girls will be separate. Families (Youth couple with children) will be assigned a room.

Can I use my phone in the Ashram?Yes. However, it is important to note that one should keep the mind focused on the purpose of the festival and on Swami, His teaching, and values at all times.

What is the expected dress code?Boys: Long white trousers and white shirt. No short sleeve vests, No short pants. Girls: Sarees or Punjabi suits (any colour).

What should I pack for the Festival?A travel guide will be issued closer to the festival.

Will there be strict guidelines and daily structure during the program? Yes. Ashram and festival rules will apply at all times. The purpose of the festival, the sanctity of the Ashram, and omnipresence of God must be remembered at all times.

What is the expected code of conduct?Behaviour appropriate for a place of worship is required. Guidelines will be provided on the festival website.

How much money should I budget and bring to the Festival?Accommodation, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided during the festival without any cost to the delegates. Usually, $US 300 is sufficient for a week visit to Prasanthi. ATM’s are available in the Ashram if needed. However, you will need to verify that international access is available on your ATM card.

Can I explore the village outside the Ashram?Yes, you can do that before or after the festival.

Can I choose not to participate in some Festival components?You are encouraged to participate in the festival as that is the purpose of the visit and effort has been made to provide a rich and engaging program.

If I need medical assistance, what should I do?A medical team will be available throughout the festival.

I need to give my parent the name and contact details of a responsible youth. Who should they contact?It is best to discuss this with your Regional and National Youth Leaders. Can persons outside the youth age range participate?Youth outside the age range will be considered for participation on an individual basis. There are persons outside the youth age who remain active supporters and advisors for the youth group. They will be invited to participate. Senior leaders of the Sathya Sai International Organisation will participate. The organizing team is considering to invite selected younger youth to participate also.

Preference will, however, be given to youth within the youth program age group.

If I need daily supplies, where can I get them?Basic necessities will be provided. There is a supermarket in the ashram which sells supplies. Details of its opening times will be provided upon checking in at the Ashram.

I’m not really that involved or consistent in Sai activities. Will this event apply to my lifestyle?We encourage all youth to open their hearts and minds and give it a go! This is the first ever youth festival and we hope you join us and make it a memorable milestone in the Sai fold and in your own life!

Will it be an intense 3 days of activities and Sadhana?Yes, interspersed with time for reflection and conversation.