Youth Study Circle - February 2, 2003

Facilitator: Kalan

As many of you know this past Sunday was our first Youth Study Circle. However, it was not really a study circle but a workshop on study circle. We discussed what a study circle is, quotes from Swami on study circle, the job of the facilitator and participants, and how we wanted to hold our study circle. The following are rough notes of outline for the workshop and also included are some of the decisions we made during the workshop. So, read through to get a sense of how we will be holding the study circles and what your brothers and sisters had to say about what study circle meant to them.

Study Circle Workshop

Introductory Quote:

"Unless you make earnest inquiry, you cannot discover the remedy applicable to your temperament and its problems. Study with faith and devotion. Delve into the significance and the meaning of what you read; and, always have before you the goal of putting what you read into practice. Unless you do so, the study circle will remain a half-circle for ever; it cannot be a full circle.

And pay attention to one other point also. Do not confine your studies to this circle and these books. The whole universe is a university for you."

What is a study circle?

"What is a study circle? It is not just reading books. 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 their 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 of the study circle."

GOALS

What are our goals?

The purpose of study circle is to discuss spiritual topics for better understanding and progress in the spiritual field through group discussion. As Baba says in one discourse, it is important not simply to read and understand but to find something to put into practice.

What are your ideas of the goal of a study circle?

During our discussion of what our goals were for the youth Study Circle everyone wrote down on a piece of paper what they felt was a goal for them.what they wanted to come to study circle. These were the results:

I found it so interesting that everyone had essentially the same goal: to apply Swami's teachings PRACTICALLY. I think this is a great mission statement.

So in order to accomplish this what do we need to do?

 

Job of the Facilitator

As you may know, we have decided that the role of the facilitator will rotate on a monthly basis. This may seem scary, but it is interesting to note that the Toronto Youth Group usually facilitates the adult study circle. If this is overwhelmingly terrifying for you perhaps you could consider teaming up with one other person. Before you get panicky, read through this section. We came up with some great ideas and remember one thing: the facilitator does not need to know everything, they don't need to have all the answers! The most effective facilitator is enthusiastic about the topic, is a really good listener, and keeps everyone on track in a kind and gentle manner.

What are some of your ideas about how a facilitator could help you as a participant?

  1. be prepared: have other relevant quotes if you want 
  2. prepare provocative questions
  3. keep the group focused on the topic
  4. have an experience ready to relate concerning the topic
  5. select something that is accessible to everyone

Choosing Topics

One of the major jobs of the facilitator is to choose a topic. Swami says that many texts can be used: the Bible, the Koran, the Gita, Swami's books. Each person must be given a chance, Swami says.

But, we have decided to stick with Swami's teachings. However, as you all know, Swami talks about all religions, so the topics are endless. The general length of the readings can be anywhere from a paragraph to a few pages. But, the general idea is not to make it too long and to make it accessible. The reading will be passed out two weeks ahead of time via email or at the center.

If you have trouble choosing a topic ask yourself, "What am I curious about? In what spiritual areas am I having difficulty or need clarification? How can I make this topic accessible to everyone?"

We will set aside 5 minutes at the end of each study circle to discuss the upcoming study circle. This will give the next facilitator a chance to run ideas by the group. If you don't know what to choose, or if you don't have much knowledge about what kinds of reading materials are out there we can discuss it. Say I didn't know where to find information, but I wanted to do something on a vague topic that interests me. Say I want to know more about what Swami says exactly about practical suggestions for living day to day. I hear so much about it all the time. but how do I really do it.how can I possibly start? So, I could ask the group. does anyone know any texts or readings on this topic? Then we could all suggest anything that we knew about. So, in this way I would hope that everyone, when it was their turn to be facilitator could have a topic that they were genuinely interested in and that they would like to discuss with the group. Please note: the choice of topic is up to the facilitator; this discussion with the group is to lend support to the facilitator and help them on their way.

So, there are thousands of possible topics:

  1. a passage from the Ramakatha Rasavahini
  2. Geethavahini
  3. Sathya Sai Vahini
  4. a general topic like controlling your emotions by finding quotes from Swami

You could also use interactive techniques to facilitate: like drawing activities, video clips, songs

 

Job of the Participant and the Process

  1. the general established process:

read the passage, the facilitator can make comments and ask questions, then go around the circle, giving each a chance to comment on the passage.

What are some things you could do or say when it is your turn as participant?

  1. give an opinion about what something meant
  2. discuss what you don't understand and why
  3. mention a question the passage brings to mind
  4. describe the effect of the passage on you
  5. an experience that relates
  6. answer a question someone previously posed
  7. you may also pass

For this to work people have to participate. To gain something we have to risk something. It's really important to remind ourselves that not knowing the answer doesn't mean that we're dumb. To be open to learning we have to risk asking questions and making comments. So, if I don't understand something even if it is totally basic I'm just going to ask. To support the facilitator you have to participate.

 

Honoring our brothers and sisters

  1. we are all from different backgrounds
  2. we must honors and accept these difference and not give in to debating

But, we must remember that we are similar in that Swami is in our lives. Divinity resides in each of us. If we have different opinions. that's ok! We don't have to convince people of our opinions.

Let's create a space where we all feel comfortable.

This isn't school. Let's have fun.

If you need more clarification about any of this ask some of us who were at the workshop to explain more. Or send out a general email asking questions.

The next study circle will be facilitated by Mischa and the topic is based on ten points Swami made on Satvic Living for Students/Youth.