The Legacy
A typical monsoon day in August of 1973 at Prasanthi Nilayam saw the start of the Brooklyn Sai Center. During an interview in the small interview room with Swami, in the presence of Sister Anne Sohani and her godson, Brother Tyrone Lowther, Swami granted Sister Mary Callender’s request to start a Center in His name in Brooklyn, New York.
The only picture taken of the Center’s inception was made two minutes before Swami granted the request. Tyrone asked Swami if he could take a picture of Mary and Anne with Swami. Somewhere in the archives there also exists a picture of Tyrone and Swami, taken by Anne.
As they returned home with great anticipation, the group made plans for starting the Center. They choose Friday as the Center satsang night so as not to conflict with existing spiritual meetings, especially Hilda Charleton’s Thursday gathering. Thus, the place selected was the Sanctum of Peace Church, at 1357 Bushwick Avenue.
Sister Mary and her husband Don provided the building, a row house, in a neighborhood far removed from the bustle of Manhattan. Prior to Swami’s permission, the church held study meetings based on Edgar Cayce. They called themselves the “Searching for God Group.” Who could have guessed that the book, Sai Baba, Man of Miracles (purchased at different stores—unbeknownst to either of them), that Mary and Anne exchanged as Christmas gifts would foretell the miracle that was about to unfold!
The Center started immediately upon Mary and Anne’s return from their August 1973 visit to Swami, the official inauguration was on Swami’s Birthday, November 23, 1973.
Until 1975, when the American Council was established, the Brooklyn Center thrived on Om’s, laying on of hands, and other spiritual practices already familiar to the participants. Most of the attendees were those who had visited Swami. The group also served dinner every Friday night after the meetings, as an opportunity for fellowship.
Then Center guidelines were published, indicating that no food be offered after center meetings. Only light prasad [food offered to God] or fruit were to be considered. So the dinners stopped, and, perhaps coincidentally, many people left as well. At one point there were only five devotees attending regularly. Of course Baba has often said, “quality not quantity,” and reminded devotees, “Swami’s grace is always with you.” Members also remembered that Jesus said that it is enough when “two or three are gathered in my name.” In addition, an old proverb comments, “it is better to have five in harmony than 100 in conflict.” During this period, Mary and Don were caring for a series of foster children who also attended the satsang.
Then Swami gave the Center 10 bhajan books. They were small and simple and the group learned all the bhajans. Some bhajans were replaced by the mixture of hymns and spiritual music the group had used at first. One of the earliest Maha Shivaratris [special all-night payers] in the area was held at the Brooklyn Center.
Anticipation mounted as the Center members felt that Swami was about to send more devotees (because of the books). Indeed, the Center grew and at one point it comprised of devotees from Manhattan, Queens, India, and Guyana. The altar, originally a simple table with a picture and a statue of Swami sculpted by Heidi King, was replaced by a beautifully crafted piece, made by Michael Hollander. Of course, the picture and the statue remained. An early newsletter, started by the Center and edited by Judy Wechsler, provided schedules of area activities. Eventually, this simple sheet became the regional newsletter blessed by Swami.
For several years, the Center had about 21 children and young adults. But, of course, our lives shift. The children all grew up to be good citizens. Some members retired and moved to other places. Change of job or residence caused others to move on. As some came and some left, eventually the Center suggested that there be a division, and the South Ozone Park Center was born.
Of course, all things change except Swami’s love. Today, 2012, the founding member, Sister Mary Callender, has merged with Swami. Swami Himself has taken samadhi. Sister Anne and her husband Bisu have moved to New Jersey, and others have moved on in various ways. The Center still does its seva [service] and conducts weekly Center meetings Fridays at 7:30 p.m., at the same address. There are currently about seven members regularly attending, a small SSE Class, and occasional visitors.
Following Swami’s precept, there is an active seva program, including food service several times a month, monthly provisions of groceries to an adopted family. In August, there is an annual book bag and school supply seva for about 70 children at the local soup kitchen. In conjunction with the New Hyde Park Center, an annual Christmas gifting for a local day care center as well as gifts for children at a local soup kitchen are provided. The Flushing Center and individual donations also contribute to this toy seva, which provides gifts for approximately 250 children. With a rich legacy to sustain it, the Brooklyn Center continues. Sai Ram!
~Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York, USA
