The Nine-Point Code of Conduct

The Nine-Point Code of Conduct is the daily discipline Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba ordained for one's spiritual advancement. Willingness to abide by it is a condition of membership. These points are not the rules of a new sect; they help each person become a better follower of their own faith.

1. 1Point 1

   Daily meditation and prayer.

   Stilling the mind is the first spiritual practice, and the mind must also be cleansed, not only quietened. Pray in whatever form is natural to your own tradition.

2. 2Point 2

   Devotional singing/prayer with members of his family once per week.

   The family that prays together stays together. Begin with whoever is willing, in your own traditional form of worship, and let your changed conduct draw the others in.

3. 3Point 3

   Participation in the Bal Vikas programmes conducted by the Organisation for children.

   In Bal Vikas classes children learn their own faith, respect for other faiths, human values and the life and message of Swami. Only trained Gurus take these classes.

4. 4Point 4

   Attendance at least once per month as group devotional programmes conducted by the Organisation.

   Group bhajans calm the mind and soften the heart. Once a month is the minimum; the real aim is to stay regularly connected with the bhajans and their meaning.

5. 5Point 5

   Participation in community service and other programmes of the Organisation.

   Serving people as a way of serving God is the life-breath of this Organisation. Service to the sick, the poor and the needy is a discipline for one's own transformation.

6. 6Point 6

   Regular study of Sai literature.

   Study Swami's life and teachings, and the scriptures and saints of other faiths too; study circles help. What you put into practice matters more than how much you read.

7. 7Point 7

   Speaking softly and lovingly with everyone with whom he comes into contact.

   Harsh words leave lasting hurt. You may not always be able to do what someone asks, but you can always speak to them kindly.

8. 8Point 8

   Not to indulge in talking ill of others especially in their absence.

   Backbiting, character assassination and untruth about others hollow out any spiritual group. Speech is meant to lift people up, never to condemn them.

9. 9Point 9

   Narayan Seva – some cereals to be kept separate every day to feed the needy and form habit not to waste food and putting into practice the principles of “ceiling on desires”.

   Place a ceiling on four things: food, energy, time and money, and turn what is saved into service. Anger and idle talk waste energy too.

Official wording: ssssoindia.org/code-of-conduct. Explanations adapted from ssssoka.org.