Frequently Asked Questions
The following set of questions and responses are developed to provide a clear understanding about SOULS and to remove any ambiguity and to serve as a quick reference guide. Please go through all of them carefully to get a comprehensive view about SOULS and if there is any question that is unanswered, please contact one of the Executive Committee members or send us a note at souls.exec@gmail.com.
SOULS – Sai Outreach for Up Lifting Society – is a Texas non-profit entity focused on community outreach, and to bring awareness of human values in society in accordance with Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings. Its immediate goal is to build a suitable facility (‘Prasanthi Dham’ in the Plano property that was recently purchased) – that will provide Sathya Sai Baba Center of Dallas (SSBCD) with a permanent place to conduct its ongoing activities, and cater to other Sai Centers in the DFW area. The facility will be open to individuals from all faiths and backgrounds by providing opportunities to serve society.
(a) SOULS’ responsibility is the construction and operation of the building facilities (Prasanthi Dham) that hosts Sathya Sai Baba Center of Dallas (SSBCD) to conduct its ongoing activities, and cater to other Sai Centers in the DFW area.
(b) SOULS will conduct outreach activities in – Envirocare, Healthcare, Sociocare, Spiritual care, and Educare.
(c) Sathya Sai Centers conduct on-going activities in the areas of Sai Spiritual Education, Devotional, Spiritual, and Service
a) SOULS’ responsibility is the construction and operation of the building facilities (Prasanthi Dham) that hosts Sathya Sai Baba Center of Dallas (SSBCD) to conduct its ongoing activities, and cater to other Sai Centers in the DFW area.
(b) SOULS will conduct outreach activities in – Envirocare, Healthcare, Sociocare, Spiritual care, and Educare.
(c) Sathya Sai Centers conduct on-going activities in the areas of Sai Spiritual Education, Devotional, Spiritual, and Service.Accordion Content
SSBCD operates under the National Sathya Sai Organization’s guidelines established for all Sathya Sai Centers functioning in the US. The organization’s guidelines in 2016 did not encourage Sathya Sai centers in USA to own any property.
The latest guidelines can be referenced at SSIO Guidelines (Chapter-10).
SOULS was conceived and established by like-minded members of Sathya Sai Baba Center of Dallas – for the sole purpose of establishing a formal non-profit entity per IRS guidelines, and with a purpose as specified in response to FAQ# 1. SOULS operates within a set of approved by-laws. |
In May 2016, SOULS Trustees had a meeting with Mr. Jack Feely, then National President. Summary of his comments:
In the absence of clear National guidelines about the formation of non-profit entities and purchasing property, local centers – as they deem it necessary – can go ahead in forming a non-profit entity outside the purview of Sathya Sai Organization. National Sai Organization has no objection to having such non-profit organization to independently host local Sathya Sai Centers.
At the outset, their official policy is to neither endorse nor discourage SOULS or other similar non-profit entities in the US to be formed.
US Sathya Sai Organization at the National level would take a year or two to formalize the guidelines for the formation of such trusts and the purchase of property.
The National Organization was aware of two of the non-profit organizations in the country (New Jersey and St. Louis)
Jack Feely stressed the need for transparency in what SOULS does.
He advised to take the maximum help from all, as it is not going to be easy.
Sai Organization will give all the support as needed.
(a) SOULS’ trustees reached out to Sathya Sai leadership at Region 10 and National levels for their guidance, support, and were fully made aware of SOULS’ intentions and purpose.
(b) Several officers of Region 10 and National Organization support (in an independent capacity) the activities of SOULS, due to lack of specific guidelines from the National Organization.
(c) In addition, Mr. Ratnakar of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in Puttaparthi, India & Dr. Narendranath Reddy – Chairman of Prasanthi Council, have been very supportive of the SOULS’ project.
Absolutely NOT. The purpose is to bring all the Sathya Sai devotees in the DFW area to a common platform and with an intention to serve as the satellite center for Prasanthi Nilayam (and is positively acknowledged by Mr. Ratnakar, a board member of Sathya Sai Central Trust).
No, SOULS Trustees/Officers do not have any oversight over Sathya Sai Center’s operations, nor are they involved in the selection or recommendation of Sathya Sai Center’s officers. They participate actively in SSBCD programs for the Love of Sai, a common thread that runs through all Sai devotees. In no way does SOULS interfere or compete with Sathya Sai Center
Group Spiritual Sadhana / Hrudayavasi Sai program is an independent activity (described below), which is not a substitute for SSBCD’s weekly Study Circle program. The timing of the Group Spiritual Sadhana sessions do not conflict with Study Circle timings.
With great love for Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and His teachings, devotees yearning for a permanent, safe and spacious facility (Prasanthi Dham) in Plano, expressed a desire to embark on an inward purification journey together. Many consider this time as being one of spiritual awakening. SOULS’ members and other devotees are using this time for their spiritual growth by practicing Spiritual Sadhana to purify themselves and strengthen the connection with the Indweller of our hearts – Hrudayavasi Sai. Baba says we must show unity, act as one voice, one body, and one soul in all activities we undertake.
Each week, devotees participate in a 30-minute on-line Group Spiritual Sadhana session (on Monday evening or Saturday morning). Through affirmations, meditation, and by listening to Sai’s teachings, devotees together aspire to rise to a higher level of consciousness–by visualizing and experiencing Prasanthi Dham already in our midst
Yes, in Boston (Love All & Serve All), New Jersey (Sarva Dharma Service Center), St. Louis (Serve All Foundation), Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Phoenix – non-profit entities similar to SOULS have been established (or are being planned), in conjunction with local Sai Centers, in order to accomplish the similar objectives as SOULS
Finalize vendors for Architect, Structural Engineer, MEP, & Civil engineering Design: May 2020 (Completed)
Civil Engg-Land design: Sept 2020
Civil Engg-Land development: Dec 2020
Entitlement from City for Building Construction: Mar 2021
Seek contractor bids: April 2021
Finalize contractor: May 2021
Land prep completion & Ground breaking: With Swami’s grace, July 2021 (Gurupoornima)
With Swami’s grace we pray for Facilities move-in on His Birthday: Nov 23, 2022
SOULS guiding principle is based on Swami’s quote – |
SOULS is strictly bound by IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) non-profit entities in handling all contributions, and expenses. More than anything, emphasis on practicing the 5 Human Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence are strictly adhered to in the conduct of all SOULS activities, including when dealing with financial, legal, and other transactions. All monies collected and spent are properly approved and recorded, and are fully transparent. Federal tax returns are filed annually with the IRS and available for review by members
Any devotee can get involved with SOULS by supporting in one or more of the following ways:
– Getting involved with any of its’ committees by contributing your time, effort, and skills towards the progress of the Prasanthi Dham project
– Monetary contributions as specified in SOULS Get Involved
Yes. A membership entitles to participate in the selection of Trustees (Officers), approving resolutions, General Body meetings, and in other administrative matters as prescribed in the by-laws.
No, There is no membership fee to become member
No. All activities conducted in the building will be related solely to Sathya Sai Baba and His teaching