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The programme was a mix of Choir singing interspersed with personal reflections by children from around the world. With Alma Badings from The Netherlands, the seasoned face leading the Children Choir for many years, conducting the Choir, the children...read more
 

Bhagawan recounts Jesus Story… 
Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Prasanthi Nilayam

Divine voice that echoed Prasanthi Nilayam over the past more than five decades once again reverberated in the holy precincts this evening on the occasion of Christmas 2011. The epochal 1996 Divine Discourse where in Bhagawan revealed many untold, unheard tales about Jesus, materialising the original Bible, a mini one, was relayed in the final phase of Christmas evening programme. A capacity audience that filled the Sai Kulwant sat listening, soaking their hearts, minds and souls in Bhagawan’s Divine Love. Two bhajans that followed the Divine Discourse Hari Bhajana Bina…and Love is My form…came like a soothing balm to the audience that felt the absence of His physical form.
Eearlier the programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with Christmas International Committee Chairman John Behner introducing the speakers for the evening. Introducing the speakers Mr. Behner thanked the Croatian led decoration team as well as Indonesian devotees for their efforts in the western canteen in providing sumptuous Christmas dinner.
 

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The second speaker, veteran devotee from Australia, Arthur Hillcoat, (Fr. Charles Ogada who was scheduled to speak speak gave way to the veteran) spoke on the importance of following Bhagawan’s teachings. Delivering his speech the speaker dwelled deep into Bhagawan’s teachings, quoting other Masters, Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi, driving his point to follow Bhagawan and His teachings.

Prof. Anil Kumar thanked the speakers, making a special mention of Arthur Hillcoat, before announcing the programme scheduled for tomorrow. International Children Choir will sing Christmas Carols tomorrow evening at the Sanctum Sanctorum.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Christmas Joy Fills Prasanthi…

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

Come Christmas and there is joy everywhere…On this beautiful Sunday winter morning, Prasanthi joined the rest of the world celebrating the joy of the Mighty Advent of the Son of God from Greater Heaven!

The programme for the morning commenced at 8:30 hrs. with the Violin Band of Higher Secondary School playing some soothing devotional numbers that included “Love is My Form…” and “Jingle Bell…”. From the slow soothing violin to the fast paced beats of percussions, taking over from the Violin Band of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, the Institute Brass Band presented a scintillating display of Band Music, playing for the Master.

 The Brass Band played Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Rose Rein deer, Little Drummer and two varied versions of Jingle Bell…The final session had a bouquet of traditional Christmas Songs and Carols by the students from the Institute.

Invoking Bhagawan, offering every note of their performace at His Lotus Feet, students began the Christmas offering in traditional Indian style, with three Omkars…They sang for the next fifty minutes, interspersed with commentary elucidating on the greater significance, narrating the beauty of the holy scenes at Bethlehem at the time of The Advent.

Video Christmas morning

The songs included We Wish You a Merry Christmas, God is the Strength, Sing for Joy etc… As the songs continued, two little Santas emerged, moving among spreading joy to one and all.

Bhajans continued for the next fifteen minutes, as White Army of students spread over, distributing Christmas Chocolates. Traditional Christmas Cakes were offered to Bhagawan, representing various institutions before Mangala Arathi offering at 9:50 hrs.

Students even made customary offerings, Christmas Greetings at the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Carol singing in the early hours on Christmas Day…

Earlier in the morning, overseas devotees presented a half-an-hour Choir Programme, singing Christmas Carols at the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Singing the glory of the Holy Silent  Night, announcing the arrival of the Saviour Jesus, the group of over 100 choristers from overseas countries made merry at the Sanctum Sanctorum pouring their hearts out in great devotional fervour.

The half-an-hour programme commenced at 06:30 hrs.  and was conducted by Ms. Natrisha Choonilall, an Indian born South African settled in Prasanthi Nilayam. The songs included Silent Night, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, Jingle Bells, We Wish you a Merry Christmas etc…and ended with the Universal Prayer, Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu…

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Devotional Fervour on the Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam…

Saturday, December 24th, 2011
 

Embracing peace, breathing in love and light of Bhagawan, over 240 choristers from different countries around the globe serenaded for an hour singing Glory To The Lord, this evening on the Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam.

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Christmas Eve’s International Choir for the year was conducted by Ms. Gisela Sebastian, an accomplished singer cum musician from Germany. She has been a regular member of the International Choir for past many years.

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Beginning at 1700 hrs., after initial offerings and lighting the lamp, the Choristers began with three Omkars followed by a Ganesha Mantra, sung in perfect tune inciting applause from a capacity audience. The one hour Choir consisted of numbers, Silent Night Holy Night, Hallelujah We Praise, There is none like You, O Holy Night, Oh Lord You are beautiful etc. ending with a special composition seeking Shanti, Peace, a perfect finale infusing peace within while diffusing peace around engulfing the whole of Prasanthi Nilayam.
 

The venue, Sai Kulwant Hall wore a colourful costume in the evening, as Croatian led decorations stood out, adding special charm to the Christmas Eve’s beauty.

Bhajans continued for the next half an hour and special clothings, sarees and safari pieces were distributed to the assemblage of choristers. Prasadam was distributed and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs.
The session continued with Prof. Anil Kumar contemplating on the significance of the Advent of Jesus and the Holy Night relating the same with Bhagawan. Drawing interesting parallels vouching the Oneness of Bhagawan and Jesus, Isa and Sai, Anil Kumar affirmed the Eternal Presence of Bhagawan in Prasanthi Nilayam, amidst His devotees.
 

The Christmas morning’s programme will commence at 6:30 Hrs. with a Carol singing for half an hour by International devotees. Regular programme in the morning will have traditional Christmas singing by students, commencing at 08:30 hrs. In the evening two eminent overseas devotees, Ms. Sylvia Alden, International Choir Conductor for many years and Fr. Charles Ogada, will share their viewpoints with the audience.

Prasanthi is contemplating on the Holy Silent Night, as Bhagawan is eternally watching over!!!

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Christmas comes to Prasanthi…

Saturday, December 24th, 2011

Holy Christmas is once again coming to Prasanthi Nilayam. The festival that is western in its origin earns a universal outlook when it reaches the Prasanthi precincts. Men and women from countries afar join Indians celebrating the advent of the Son of God. As is the custom every year, this year too, hundreds of choristers from different countries will be singing Carols on the eve, this evening.

Gisela Sebastian, an accomplished singer who hails from Munich, in Germany has been charged with the daunting task of coordinating the International Choir this year. Previous years have seen an ever graceful Sylvia Alden conducting the Choir as commanded and blessed by Bhagawan.

Ms. Sebastian’s strong musical background has enabled her to direct experienced musicians from all over the world in preparation for the Carols. She has been a permanent member of the International Choir for past many years. The choristers have been working tirelessly, rehearsing, braving the severe Indian winter, from 14 December onwards.

Leading up to the festivity, Prasanthi is shining brighter and brighter day by day, with various overseas troupes engaged in decorating the House of The Lord. This year a team of Croatians ably assisted by the South Africans dovetailed their efforts for the decorations.

While the South Africans ensured that the gaiety and the spirit of Christmas were adequately reflected through strings of flashing lights, coloured bulbs and scintillating luminescence, the Croatians spared nothing in ensuring that the highest standards were maintained in erecting the décor for Christmas. Before long, the Prasanthi Nilayam environment was transformed from the usual scenic, lush greenery of plants and flowers to one reflecting the spirit and gaiety of Christmas. Children and adults never failed to stop and immerse themselves in the prevailing ambiance while going about their routine.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Musical Dance Drama by Vizianagaram
Friday, December 23rd, 2011

The Sai Youth and Balvikas of Vizianagaram brought reality to the assembly today with a Musical Dance Drama entitled “Palle Sevaye Paramatmuni Seva” based on real life incidents that happened in their district. The drama depicted how Sai Youth bring transformation in villagers and even prisoners with their self less service. The dialogue by the youth in the drama that Charity is offered on request but Seva is offered by inner prompting, resounded in the ears of all.

 

The skit was preceded by a talk by the district president Sri. Damodar Rama Mohan Rao who after profusely thanking Bhagawan for His grace and blessings, spoke about the illustrious history of the district.

He then spoke about the recent lag in development and the need to strengthen the spiritual and service activities to bring the people together towards a better society by the grace of Bhagawan.

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Southern Europe Music Programme

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011  - video
 

South European countries Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina started the Christmas Celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam with a musical feast this evening. The songs were sung in their local languages as well as English. However the biggest treat was the beginning and ending of the ten song programme which were sung in the Divine Language of the Avatar, Telugu.

After the Music Programme, as encouraged by Bhagawan in previous years, they also sung Bhajans. Clothes were distributed to all the participants and Prasadam was shared with the assembly on this sweet occasion. “Christmas is coming to town…”

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Over one hundred and eighty devotees from the South European countries Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina arrived early in the Christmas season for they have been given the unique privilege of decorating Mandir and the rest of Prasanthi Nilayam this year. Along with that they also had the yearning to sing and cry out their feelings to Bhagawan. The opportunity was gained by them on the 20th of Dec 2011.

The above mentioned countries speak different languages (they can understand each other, but the languages are similar and not same). They had the herculean task of balancing their time between decorating Prasanthi Nilayam and having rehearsals together in order to learn the songs well. By Bhagawan’s grace, help had come under the loving and expert guiding hand of their Choir conductor Uma Devi. They held rehearsals in the EHV block (popularly know as the double decker building) in the previous few days from 5.00-7.00am.

The countries also have different religious and cultural backgrounds. So the songs express devotional feelings and attitudes with a stress on the Destination which is common for all the paths. . A scintillating combination of wind, string, keyboard and percussions made for a divine rendition of songs in praise of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. While many of the items were lively and foot-tapping, the multifarious gathering was also entertained with sweet, sinusoidal, lilting sounds with deep messages.

With the expansive vision to make their brothers and sisters from India also feel included, they sang two songs in Telugu and Hindi: Kapadu Sai Devuda and Hamko Tumse Pyare Kitna.

After the Music Programme, as encouraged by Bhagawan in previous years, they also sung Bhajans. Clothes were distributed to all the participants and Prasadam was shared with the assembly on this sweet occasion.

Christmas Fervour in Prasanthi Nilayam…

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

With a week to go for the Christmas Day, Prasanthi is slowly catching up with Christmas fervour. A sizeable number of devotees have already arrived and the number is expected to swell in the run up to the festive day.

Christmas decorations that form an integral part of the festivity in Prasanthi is gradually showing up with colourful decor at vantage points, and devotees from Croatia are tirelessly working on the theme, with dedication and devotion, to make it Divinely beautiful. Boundary wall fencing of the Divine Abode, Yajur Mandir and the area behind the Prasanthi Mandir have already been deocrated with colourful white serial lightings, while the Western Canteen has been lit with bright colours looking like a landing strip for Santa and his reindeer.

Braving Prasanthi’s Christmas winter, hundreds of choristers from many overseas countries are busily engaged in rehearsing the Christmas Choir scheduled for the festive evening.

While the Children Choir for the Christmas Eve, conducted by Alma Badings, is getting on with its hectic rehearsal sessions, a group of musicians from the Croatian Choir is also perfecting its tunes for the scheduled programme, on the 20th evening.

The signs of Christmas are all around inspiring Prasanthi to sing the Carol, “Do you see what I see? what I see… what I see…”

Christmas Season begins in Prasanthi Nilayam

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

Devotees from Croatia who have been given the opportunity to decorate Prasanthi Nilayam have begun the task with enthusiasm. Western Canteen and the pathway opposite to it has been lit with bright colours looking like a landing strip for Santa and his reindeer.  The signs of Christmas are all around inspiring us to sing the Carol, “Do you see what I see? what I see… what I see…”

Come back for more Christmas updates on this page

Fri, Dec 24, 2010: Today is Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas, the night that heralded the Advent of Jesus Christ. For those seekers of Jesus, those seekers of Truth who knows "Sathya", this is the occasion to rejoice 'the advent'; for them who are missing the action, physically in Prasanthi, it will be difficult to fill the void of not being in Prasanthi and it is time for sheer nostalgia! Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam is distinctive over the years with a unique choir comprising representation of 'United Nations' singing His glory in presence of The One Who could be called the 'Creator' or 'Originator' of Christmas. The Overseas Choir has been a part of the Christmas celebrations for over a decade ever since Bhagawan given the mantle to a former US School Teacher by name Sylvia Alden to conduct the show.

Source & credits: copyrights-Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust,sssbpt.org Picture graphic layout - Saibabaofindia.com "SBOI"

Dressed up in pristine white, over 750 choristers, 216 gents and 556 ladies, with over fifty musicians among them, had occupied the centre-block of the Mandir well in advance of the commencement of the proceedings in the scheduled evening. An early entry and Bhagawan was in the midst at 1800 hrs., arrived in His car. Moving on, blessing the concourse, Bhagawan was seen tossing Vibhuti packets to devotees at random.

Coming on to the dais Bhagawan blessed some of the seniors from the Christmas group, including John Behner, with Vibhuti prasadam. Bhajans continued until 1830 hrs. when Bhagawan blessed John Behner before lighting the lamp officially inaugurating the programme.

 The Choir Conductor Sylvia Alden turned up on stage and after a few minutes of interaction, Bhagawan 'green-signalled' the Conductor to commence the Choir.

Three perfect Omkars from over 750 western choristers followed by Ganesha invocation, "Ganaanaam Twa..." and the Choir was on! Bhagawan sat through listening to the choristers singing the glory of the Lord and after forty minutes, with the 12th hymn completed, Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi.

Blessed Prasadam was distributed in between and post Arathi, in a most unexpected move, Bhagawan moved down the aisle posing for photographs with the group. The Choristers were ecstatic as Bhagawan allowed them to converge in a semi-circle around Him, being the centre-point, and hundreds of faces were beaming the joy of being in close proximity.  At 1920 hrs. Bhagawan got into His car retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

Sat, Dec 25, 2010: In Parthi every event and every festivity is defined with Bhagawan being the centre-point. 'His Presence' is the big thing and every festivity gets its due importance only when He makes Himself available for the occasion.

Following the Christmas Eve when the Christmas day dawned the focus of attention was unto Him and His presence. In the evening there was high expectation in the air and Sai Kulwant was ready with festive exuberance to receive the Lord! Apart from the official Christmas 2010 schedule by SSSSO, Overseas, an Italian Orchestra was also scheduled for the eventful evening.

In the Sai Kulwant Hall, every inch of available space was packed with devotees. Leading to the schedule, bhajans played soulful tunes clocking to the "Divine Hour".

At 650 hrs. the Divine Carrier, Toyota Porte AP02N9000 appeared at the entrance, carrying The Lord clad in yellow. First round of darshan was followed by another 'bonus' round and the surge of devotees was ecstatic. Many who missed His 'catchy' glance in the first round ensured one in the second round. Primary School children were up on their feet, holding aloft their Christmas Greetings, trying to win Divine attention.

Coming on to the Verandah through the western slope at the gents' side, Bhagawan, upon alighting, went for a round of upper verandah and was seen blessing many, tossing Vibhuti packets. Soon Bhagawan blessed an array of Christmas cakes before coming on to the dais at 1920 hrs.

Evening proceedings began with International Christmas Committee Chairman John Behner addressing the assembly. Thanking Bhagawan for His bounteous love, offering Christmas greetings to one and all, Behner introduced the two speakers for the evening. The speakers were Kirsten Pruzan, a Danish Journalist and Cass Smith, a musician and spiritual healer from the US.

Ms. Pruznan spoke gracefully, sharing her personal experience of the 'Divine Pull' that brought her to Parthi for the first time. Elaborating on the omnipresence shown by Swami at her Danish home, she narrated a wonderful experience wherein her husband, Prof. Pruznan, was saved by Bhagawan, from being taken as a hostage after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, while returning from Parthi.

Cass Smith spoke of His Love quoting Samuel Sandweiss from his famous book, Sai Baba, The Holy Man and Psychiatrist. A musician by himself, Smith strummed his guitar to produce three gems of musical pieces, concluding with the popular song, "I keep feeling your love...". He also narrated a wonderful experience, that happened at Brindavan, sharing how Bhagawan miraculously cured him of an 'ear-mishap'.

A "Christmas in Sai Love" was the theme for the concert by a group of Italians led by Sonja Venturi along with Sergio Vigagni, Evige Fontana, Dalliah Gutman, Bruno Pratico etc. and a set of musical scorers. As they took over after receiving Divine Blessings, music flowed with bhajans tuned in western style echoing the Sai Kulwant Hall. Beginning with thee Omkars, salutations to Lord Ganesha and Twameva Matha, Sonja Venturi produced a scintillating Mukunda Murari, styled in west, to the amusement of Bhagawan and the capacity audience. Audience clapped after every song as the Italians went on singing for the next fifty minutes. A beethoven medley, a couple of italian numbers, White Christmas etc. were followed by a combined song, Happy X Mas as grand finale. The whole programme was organised by senior Italian devotees Luigi Ferrante and Anna Bruno.

Post the musical session, Bhagawan called the singers and musicians one after one on stage, showering blessings. A second round of blessing ensued when the four ladies in the group were again called on stage, one after one, to receive prasadam from the Divine Hands. A group of tiny tots also came on stage receiving prasadam from the Divine Hands. In the meanwhile, Prasadam went for distribution to the audience.As Bhagawan sat through, one of the ashram photographers went up to Bhagawan showing Him Christmas decorations in print. Being the Senior Hostel Anniversary, a group of students from the Senior Hostel also went up to Bhagawan showing Him images of the 'decorated hostel'.

Mangala Arathi was offered at 2120 hrs. and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 2130 hrs.

Sun, Dec 26, 2010: International Children gave a 'biblical welcome' to Bhagawan this evening, at 1910 hrs. leading Him in a procession to the Sai Kulwant Hall. Children in colourful costumes, representing various biblical characters, led the procession to the accompaniment of soft tunes of traditional Christmas songs.

Coming into the hall Bhagawan went for a complete round, blessing the 'biblical characters' moving at a slow pace. Many of them were carrying various Christmas paraphernalias that were blessed by Bhagawan while on the move.

Coming on stage at 1930 hrs. Bhagawan sat on for next forty five minutes. Most of the time Bhagawan was busy with the "day's mail" from devotees while bhajans went on in the background. At 1955 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi and continued with 'devotees' mail' for some more time, till 2015 hrs. when Bhagawan left the dais, leaving for Yajur Mandiram.

Blessed prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Bhagawan was seen tossing Vibhuti packets to many in between, a delightful scene for the devotees, watching The Lord in action! He even interacted with Christmas Committee Coordinator John Behner blessing him with Vibhuti Prasadam.

Mon, Dec 27, 2010: The grand finale of the three day Christmas celebrations witnessed little children from around the world taking the centre-stage singing and enacting the glory of Jesus and Sathya Sai. When two programmes, an International Children Choir and a Musical Play, that were scheduled for the previous evening got postponed as ‘willed’ by Bhagawan, this 'fresh-week' evening found a ‘combined programme’ setting a grand finale for the Christmas 2010 celebrations.

Bhagawan arrived just after 1820 hrs. and the hall was full. Covering the ladies' end Bhagawan's car took a detour moving out, only to return after ninety minutes.  Coming on stage, initial blessings followed before the commencement of the programme. John Behner, International Christmas Committee Coordinator along with Alma Badings, the Choir Conductor from the Netherlands and the Drama Director Victoria Hargreaves from the US took blessings.

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The Programme entitled ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ was an enactment of the life of Jesus Christ. Set against the backdrop of a Christian home in the thick of Christmas celebrations, the presentation was centred around a little boy, Billy, who, having lost faith, was disinterested in the whole of the festive affair. His Family got into prayer mode seeking Swami’s intervention and in response came Billy’s Guardian Angel and the Spirit of the Past, taking the boy to Bethlehem to the times of Jesus.

The boy was to witness the most sacred of the lives, that of Jesus! The Spirit of the Past took him to the lively scenes prior to the birth of Jesus, Baby Jesus in the Manger and his growing up into a man teachings and preachings as a guiding star. The boy was overjoyed, having witnessed the ‘life of the past master’. Adding to his joy, Spirit of the Present joined Billy introducing him to his Guardian Angel. …And it was time for the big ‘initiation’. Guardian Angel shared with the little one about Sathya Sai Baba and His Teachings. Leading the boy unto the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam, he was given further enlightenment on “unity in diversity” and “Fatherhood of God”.

Finally the ‘dream run’ ended and Billy woke up to the Christmas morning. Faith was restored and Billy was transformed! ...and Billy vowed to Love and Serve everyone with a prayer to The Lord to "bless us, bless everyone!"

Soon Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose with the children. Coming on stage, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi. "Samastha Lokaaha..." was repeated yet again for a second time at His special instance and blessing the concourse Bhagawan left the dais, retiring to Yajur Mandiram just after 2100 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience.

Earlier in the morning, as part of the Christmas celebrations, a Multi-Faith Worship Programme was organised at the double decker building, next to the Book Centre. Titled as "We Are One", the programme had representation from all major religions, namely, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism etc. Presided over by Fr. Charles Ogada of Nigeria, donning the mantle of Master of Ceremonies, the programme that had good turnout of devotees had light meditation session, Universal Prayer, Holy Communion and Prasad distribution.