THE LOGO
The Centre’s logo was designed and handrawn by devotees. The logo was later scanned, digitized and edited on the computer to provide the final result which you see above. So what does this logo represent? What is the meaning behind the words on each leaf?
The logo contains the five human values that form the foundation of Bhagavan Shirdi Sai Baba’s teachings: Love, Peace, Meditation, Non-Violence and Charity.
Love-The word love here refers to Prema which is divine love. All devotees are encouraged to love all and serve all. This is the essence of Baba’s teaching. We have to see everyone as equal and treat them with respect and love. This love should also extend to animals, plants and inanimate objects.
Peace-Shanti or Peace denotes the capacity to bear success and failure, joy and misery, defeat and victory, with perfect equanimity and Prema or Love is the quality of Sarvasamaanatha (equality of every one), of not only Ahimsa (non-violence) but the conscious acceptance of the duty of love, because every being is a spark of Divinity, as much of a spark as you yourself.
Meditation-Baba always encourages devotees to meditate on his formless nature and this is another important aspect of his teaching. Though Baba has taken a form in this world, his true nature is actually formless and in the Sai Satcharitra, he encourages devotees to try to meditate on his formless nature. If a devotee has difficulty doing so, then Baba encourages them to meditate on his form from head to toe.
Charity-Sai Baba has always taught us to be giving and this is one principle which the centre stands for. Devotees are encouraged to take part in charity events and perform seva. The centre organizes seva activities on large and small scales many times a year. The idea of charity is to teach us to see the divine in all beings and learn to love all those around us unconditionally.
Non-Violence-Ahimsa (Non-Violence) does not mean, as is commonly understood, not causing harm to others. It really means that one should not cause harm to anyone in thought, word or deed. This is the most important human quality. Only when this has been developed, will one be qualified to practice and experience Truth. Truth does not mean merely telling the facts as one sees or knows them. Truth is that which does not change with time. It must be spoken with complete purity of mind, speech and body.
Color representation:
(Please click on logo to enlarge)
