"It is not just reading books. Circle, study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them—like a round table conference. Each person gives his point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt, but if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task [purpose] of study circle".

Sathya Sai Baba further tells us, " Not information, but transformation, not instruction but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practiced, when it can be lightened into wisdom and assimilated into daily life. Knowledge that does not give harmony and wholeness to the process of living is not worth acquiring. Every activity must be rendered valid and worthwhile by its contribution to the discovery of Truth, both of the Self and of nature."

1. The principle of compassionate leadership on the part of the facilitator.
   
   Each participant requires compassionate encouragement. The facilitator, who is the person responsible for keeping the group on time, on task, and within guidelines, must act in a loving manner. The facilitator needs to encourage the faint hearted as well as to lovingly limit those who would dominate. The facilitator needs to encourage the presenter to keep their summary of study material short and to the point. That person also needs to discourage long readings and the use of language not understood by all present.
   
2. The principle of equal rights for participants to express themselves.
   
   Each person should be given an opportunity in turn around the circle to speak on the study circle topic. No individual is accorded more time or is offered less respect than another. Although some participants may be more knowledgeable or eloquent, all have equal right to express themselves. The gains made by the least knowledgeable are as valued as those by every other participant.
   
3. The principle of non-argumentative exchange of views.
   
   All members of the circle must feel free to express themselves without fear of contradiction. Each person should express their own ideas without refuting what others have said. Each member has the right to feel that their comments will be respected and fairly considered.
   
4. The principle of opportunity for everyone to get to be a presenter.
   
   Each member should be given the chance to present a topic to the group and should be encouraged to do so. Leadership boosts their self-confidence and helps them to apply themselves to the study discipline. When we put Swami’s teachings into our own words and use examples from our own lives, we have an obligation to act on those words. With time, study and presentation skills are made strong. We need to give members a chance to grow and develop these skills, just as we foster and have patience with participants’ early efforts in song leading and service.
   
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1. Study Circle Routine
   
   Study Circles should be held on a regular schedule, weekly if possible. The meeting location should be convenient for all members and at a place where every participant will feel welcomed. Each participant is a valuable member of the group and has something to teach others. In study circles, as in other Sai Center functions, Swami asks that men and women sit on separate sides of the circle. This helps all participants concentrate on the subject at hand.
   
   Swami says there is no specific limit on how many may participate in the circle. However, the size of the room available and the time allotted may require limitations. This is particularly true if all members cannot meet at one time or location. More than one circle may be conducted if it is helpful to facilitate the process. Differences of interest may also necessitate the presentation of themes of particular relevance to groups within a center. For example, a group of parents may wish to focus on issues of child rearing. A time limit of forty-five minutes to an hour allows sufficient time for a good discussion without becoming tiresome.
   
   Start the study circle with three Oms to establish an atmosphere of sanctity and cooperation.
   
   The presenter should summarize the study material, bringing out the main points and issues for those who may not have reviewed the material ahead of time. It is best if the summary is short and from the heart. To focus discussion, it is productive for the presenter to ask not more than one or two questions relative to the topic for the group to consider. The question should involve a practical problem that will help participants in understanding a point of spiritual practice. With transformation as our goal, it is useful to direct the sharing to issues involving our conduct as "Sai Devotees".
   
   Before beginning the discussion, the group should take 20 or 30 seconds to reflect on the question asked by the presenter. This helps to create focus and a deeper look at what is being asked. After the meditation, members may be asked who would like to start. After the first volunteer begins, the Study Circle should proceed around the circle, giving each person a chance to speak in turn. Everyone in turn should have the opportunity to either speak or pass. New or quiet members will often not respond unless given a specific turn and break in the conversation to do so.
   
   The facilitator should make clear from the start that there are no counterpoints to what others have said.
   
   All should feel open to respond to the question without fear of rebuttal. There should be no judgement of right or wrong on what someone speaks. Respondents may present their own views but should not criticize the views of others. Participants who feel that their views are not respected will become quiet and may not return. Those who pass on their turn should be asked if they would like to respond after everyone in the circle has had their opportunity. If time permits the circle can go through the order more than once. When everyone has had an opportunity to respond, the presenter may give their own view and summarize the discussion.
   
   The main benefits to participants are in the sharing of ideas, and then applying them in a spiritual sense in daily living. Members in the Circle often benefit as much by what they hear themselves say as by what they hear others say. There is little obligation to act on what others say, but much obligation to act on what we voice ourselves in the study circle. When the knowledge acquired in study circle is put into practice it can be leavened into wisdom.
   
2. The Facilitator
   
   Facilitator: A facilitator within the Center is responsible for the overall functioning of Study Circle. This person may be the Devotional Coordinator or someone chosen by the center officers or center membership specifically for the purpose. The facilitator remains in that post for a period similar to that of the office bearers or for a length of time as determined by the center officers.
   
   The job of the facilitator is to coordinate the choice of study material with the circle members and to choose a member to be the presenter of a topic for the coming session. The facilitator will announce study circle meetings at the Center and encourage attendance. The facilitator may also summarize the Study Circle rules before the meeting if new participants are present, or may wish to summarize study circles of previous weeks that bear on the current topic. This person will help facilitate the discussion by compassionately keeping members on track and within time limits. Whenever required, the facilitator may ask for volunteers to consider the task of being the presenter for the coming meeting.
   
3. The Presenter
   
   Presenter: The position of presenter will usually rotate among members each meeting. The presenter will make a short introduction of the study circle material in not more than 10 minutes. The group may be reading from a common book from which the presenter prepares a topic. Or the presenter may put together information on a value or other spiritual theme. It is best if the presenter draws in personal experience or otherwise leads the sharing into practical channels. Political themes are inappropriate.
   
   The presenter is drawn from the circle membership. Each person in the group should be encouraged to be a presenter. It is important to get broad-based participation in presenting topics. It is usually detrimental to the group dynamic to set up certain members as "experts", whose opinions carry more weight or who regularly get the last word.
   
   The opening presentation of a topic is not a stage to show off the knowledge or the presentation skills of the leader; it is a catalyst to begin the sharing. It is preferable for the presenter to share some body of teachings, rather than to simply read a quotation for discussion. Of course, quotations or readings should be short and relevant.
   
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