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PRASHANTI DIARY
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July 28, 2008 – Programme by USA Devotees On July 28, 2008, the devotees from USA, Region 10, had the permission to put up their programme in front of Swami. They were all seated in the marble block by 3:00 p.m. itself. A sea of blue scarves occupied the most coveted spots of the Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami arrived for darshan in the chair and took the round along the ladies side. In between the marble block, He turned and moved towards the stage. He took mini rounds of the portico and the Bhajan Hall and came out onto the stage at 5:25 p.m. There were many offerings to Him - flowers, cards and booklets. Swami, sweetly and smilingly blessed everything.
The programme was based on the concept of the Lord's descent in the world for man's ascent. Like always, the traditional "opener's" slot was allotted to Lord Ganesha. The episode wherein the monkeys led by Lord Rama build a bridge to Sri Lanka was depicted by children as songs went on in the background. A wonderful feature in this programme was the extensive use of the children themselves as props and sets. For instance, the bridge was literally built by and of the monkeys! Moving into another age, the next episode depicted the pranks of Lord Krishna and His leelas (Divine Sport) among the cowherd boys and girls.
A traditional Sufi dance set to the lively rhythms of a qawwali was next and it focused on the grandeur of Allah. The next Avatar to make the appearance was Lord Buddha and the vanquishing of the negative emotions that he embodied. The fifth theme was on Jesus Christ and his all encompassing Love. And finally, just like how all roads led to Rome in the past, all paths lead to Sai today. The final few songs were on the glory of Swami and His projects for the welfare of mankind.
Towards the end of their programme, all the children who had acted in the various tableaus came forward and sat down. Swami called a photographer and told him to take a snap of all the children seated down. He then moved down the stage and sat amidst them too. All the children surrounded Him and the picture was complete. He moved back on stage as the children kept touching His feet and seeking blessings, and then they began bhajans. Swami then called one little boy from the group and materialised a gold chain for him. After the bhajans went on for a while, Swami received aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandir at 6:40 p.m.
July 31, 2008 – Music Programme by Devotees from UK
Thursdays, in the recent past, had become days of great joy at Puttaparthi, especially among the gents. With Swami frequently choosing to take a shortcut to the interview room immediately after the ladies’ side, the gents’ devotees were generally starved for close darshan. For them, Thursdays became very important - not only because of the fact that Swami has since childhood assigned special importance to it, but also because the primary school children come for darshan on these days. As when the children come the gap between the ladies and gents blocks is filled up by them, thus increasing the likelihood of Swami taking a full round. On July 31, when Swami came out at 4:15 p.m., He did exactly that as He took a complete round of the ladies and gents side on the chair, leaving everyone happy. Very often, it is said, "God is everywhere. All we need is a pure heart and a clean mind to feel Him." Be it just a statement or the Truth, ask anyone who has just had the privilege of seeing Swami from up close, and you will get the answer. The thrill that shoots through one’s being at being so close to His Being is something out of the world! His darshan seems to fill the entire body-mind-soul apparatus with sublime joy and pure bliss. That effect seems more divine and profound especially when one has been starved of it for many days! It is not simply that the sages and saints, who were ever immersed in the divine, became dumbstruck into ecstatic silence at the mere sight of that same Divine. When the Lord descends as an Avatar, His darshan is something that one must experience. On July 31, Swami was all "randomness" if we can give another name for His famed "uncertainty"! He moved towards the interview room, but hen moved along the upper portico and interacted with the devotees there. He also materialised a gold chain for one of them. Moving down, He went towards the primary school block. He blessed chocolates to be distributed to all the children and this raised the excitement levels slightly in the whole Mandir, and to extreme levels in the children's portion of it. As the chocolates were distributed, another treat too was readied and choco-cream biscuits soon followed suit, only that this time the beneficiaries were everyone and not the children alone. Swami slowly traveled down the slope along the primary school students. He collected letters and blessed the kids as their Veda chanting reached "sonic boom" levels. He retraced the same path and granted the children a bonus darshan.
Through the veranda, He moved out to the gent’s side and this time gave the privileged 'double' to the Higher Secondary School and Institute students. As He neared the area where the birthday boys were seated, He told them in a joking and admonishing tone, "Aye! I already blessed you all!" He moved to the interview room and then blessed the group from the United Kingdom to put up the musical programme they had prepared. Quickly, the marble block was cleared and the group to perform was seated. Hurriedly, a lamp to be lit by Swami was prepared. However, when Swami came, He straightaway sat facing the devotees and asked for the programme to begin. The group leader went up to Swami and offered a rose to mark the beginning of the programme. Starting with "Brahmaanandam Parama Sukhadam", the group sang five songs in different styles and moods. The final song was a powerful one that had the catch phrase, "onward, forward, Godward". As they completed their five songs, Swami told them to sing bhajans. The youth from the United Kingdom had come on this visit to Puttaparthi as part of their Sadhana Camp. They began bhajans and after a while, Swami asked for aarthi and then retired to Yajur Mandir.
August 3rd, 2008 – Drama by Devotees from Kuwait The central area in the Sai Kulwant Hall on August 3, 2008 was occupied by devotees from Kuwait and they had been granted permission by Swami the previous day to stage a programme that evening. For the devotees from Kuwait, it was a very significant pilgrimage. They had come prepared with a programme called, "Prayer" with a prayer for an opportunity to put it up in His divine presence. Days had passed and nothing eemed to happen. Swami too had avoided the gents’ side for some time.
And on August 2, when Swami Himself went to them, enquired about the rogramme and granted permission, they experienced the joy of praying and the thrill of it being answered at the right time by the Lord! At about 4:40 p.m. Swami came out for darshan rounds. As He moved in the chair and neared the Kuwait devotees, He asked, "Drama?" They were all very happy as they nodded in agreement. Swami, with a lot of interest, watched the huge screen they had put up as the backdrop and moved over to the gents’ side. Waves of devotees rose to catch a glimpse of the smiling, orange-robed, lovable and adorable form that was gliding through them. The balconies of the East Prashanti block were also bursting at the seams with old ladies looking at their Sai Krishna. Smiling and granting Abhayahasta, Swami moved on. With His scented curls of jet black hair dancing to some ethereal melody, red lips sporting a divine all-knowing smile and twinkling eyes with the unique ability to thrill and fill every person with joy on whom they fall upon - seeing Swami is a joy sublime! Completing the rounds, Swami came onstage and as soon as He arrived, He called one of the ladies seated in the front and asked her whether the drama was first or was there a music programme prior to that. She said that both were together but things would go as Swami wanted. One of the most common answers that people give Swami is, "Swami as you will/wish." On deeper introspection, we realize the absolute needlessness of that statement. Anything that happens is 100% in tune with what He has willed and no amount of effort from us can change that. Only complete surrender to Him can change things, and that too because He will do anything for the one who surrenders completely to Him. But still, that statement is made very frequently and Swami too seems pleased when it is stated thus. More than informing wami, that statement serves to remind each one of us that everything is going on beautifully well and nothing can ever go wrong because whatever is happening is in accordance to His Will and His Will alone! As Swami sat on the stage, a few devotees from Kuwait came up to Him with flowers, cards and booklets as offerings. Swami received of all them and blessed the devotees. After that, Swami sat for a while listening to the Veda chanting. Then, He went into the interview room for a brief interval, and returned to the stage. And then, He asked them to start their programme. The presentation was a skit cum music programme that was many shades different from the standard presentations made in Swami's presence.
The storyline was very simple and day to day in nature. There is a devout Muslim searching a good match for his daughter. In his daily interactions with the shopkeeper of the local grocery store, he discovers the power of prayer. The episode narrated here is of a very pious but poor lady who begs for food at the store. When the shopkeeper mockingly tells her that he would give her provisions equivalent to the weight of her shopping list, she takes the name of Allah and places the list on the scales. The scales get "tipped" so heavily in favour of the one taking the Lord's name that no amount of provisions seems to move the weighing balance! With the Lord's name, nothing is impossible. And so with the Lord's name on his lips, the devout Muslim is able to find a good match for his daughter. That lad is also devout and hardworking, and helps a music teacher, Rammohan, to run his music classes. Finally, there were simple dances and songs in praise of Swami.
The striking aspects of the presentation were twofold - firstly, it was a very simple story which everyone could relate to; the problem portrayed, the questions asked and the line of thinking employed were so similar to the slice of life of any common man. Secondly, there were quite a few songs embedded in the play which were sung live and were very lively too! The coordination and synchronization between the ladies and gents on either side of the "play" were very harmonious and the counters sung were also very effective. As the programme concluded, Swami called a little girl in a Muslim dress to come on the stage. He materialized a gold chain for her and put it lovingly around her neck. He also agreed to move down and pose for group photos. As He posed for pictures, He spoke to the children asking them where they had come from and what their names were. Some answered and many did not even open their mouths. But well, can they be blamed? Swami's presence is so overawing that one is muted into a mind-free moment!
Swami was moving back on the stage in the chair, one of the wheels seemed to trip and slip out of the ramp. There was a collective gasp but Swami seemed to just shrug it off. He just said, "Ay" to the person moving the chair more because of the 'gasp' he had caused among the devotees rather than because of the actual act. Swami never bothers about Himself at all. And His thoughts and feelings are always on the devotees. Even a slightest discomfort to them, makes Him very uncomfortable. If we really want Swami to be comfortable always, let us vow to remain comfortable and fine always! His joy lies in our joy and comfort. Swami then permitted them to sing bhajans. Very creatively and nicely, they sang what we call as the "chain bhajans" - one bhajan threaded into the other! After the singing went on for about 15 minutes, Swami blessed the prasadam to be distributed and then left after receiving aarthi. August 4, 2008 – Speeches by Devotees from UK August 4, 2008 at Puttaparthi was quite cloudy as a moisture laden breeze swept through refreshing the otherwise sweltering afternoon. Slowly, more and more clouds gathered and the day grew cooler and cooler. Early evening, the message was that Swami had permitted the youth from nited Kingdom to sit in front and have a short programme. The thick clouds soon gave way and a torrential downpour began. As the rain lashed on the Sai Kulwant Hall roof, the movements near Yajur Mandir indicated that Swami was about to arrive. Swami came in the car and after a short darshan round, came on stage. He enquired about the speakers for the afternoon. After listening to the Veda chanting for a short while, He went into the interview room.
Swami came out after a while and asked for the speeches to begin. The first speaker was an elderly lady devotee by name Ms. Josephine. She was helped to the stage and as she slowly walked, Swami was all compassion and love for her. He asked for the mike and podium to be immediately placed and then blessed her to begin. She seemed to be completely drenched in His love and overwhelmed at the wonderful opportunity. She spoke only for four minutes wherein she stated that all she wanted to convey was that everyone must have full faith in Swami and that was enough! As she concluded with "Sai Ram", Swami seemed surprised. He asked her smilingly and jokingly as to why her speech was so short. Blessing her, Swami asked for a chair to be placed for her to sit. The next speaker was Mr. Ajit Popat. In his usual inimitable style he began with a shloka saluting the Lord. Centering his talk on the theme of "onward, forward, Godward", he spoke on a plethora of subjects ranging from faith and devotion to realizing the Self as the Swami within. He concluded after a little above 35 minutes, and then Swami patted him lovingly for the effort. Then, He asked for bhajans to begin. As per His command, the first bhajan was "Sri Raghunandana" with the aalaap. The next one began with the aalaap, "Allahu Akbar". As the singer traveled through the highs and extra highs of the opening tune, Swami was visibly moved. He even told Mr. Popat sitting beside him that the boy was singing at a high pitch. Seeing Swami so moved, the youth sitting in front of Him too began shedding tears. The Love that devotees have for Swami is so unique
and complete, just like His Love for them. A smile on His face lights every other
face similarly. When a tear wells up in His eye, there is a free flow of tears in
all the thousands of eyes watching Him. He reflects the emotions and feelings of the
devotees, and they in their turn, reflect His emotions and feelings. Indeed,
beautiful is this unique relationship. As the bhajan reached its crescendo
and the zenith of its rhythm, Swami asked for aarthi and retired to Yajur
Mandir. The marbled blocks in the Mandir on August 5 wore a festive look. It had been occupied by the youth from Himachal Pradesh, clad in cream-coloured sherwanis with a maroon dupatta. They were seated neatly in four rows and behind them was another group of men who were also in red scarves and from the same state. The ladies side also had devotees from Himachal Pradesh sitting in a separate area. They were to present a musical entitled "Hrudaya Tarang" - a collection of Himachali folk songs and qawwalis. Swami arrived in the chair and as He neared the devotees in the centre of the hall, He asked, "Himachal Pradesh?" As they nodded and answered in all eagerness, Swami's face too seemed to light up. In fact, twice He asked the devotees whether they were from Himachal Pradesh. He went into the interview room for a short while and then came outside. He sat listening for the Veda chanting for a while and soon asked for the youth to begin their programme. After the customary offering of flower to Swami, the programme began.
The third row of youth went up on their knees while the fourth row stood up. The first song was in praise of Lord Shiva, the emperor of the snow covered kingdoms of Kailash! The second song was a song of dedication by the youth of Himachal Pradesh which is also called Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Lord). Both the songs had a wonderful and soulful aalaap which was sung so beautifully by the lead singer playing the harmonium. Just as the aalaap filled the soul with sweetness and sublimity, once the actual song began, it enveloped the mind with melody and the body with energy, bold and beautiful! The thirst for God was almost visible on the faces of the youth as they moved in perfect rhythm. Their harmonious movements made the entire area look like a colourful and gently fluttering brocade. Their body language was such that it looked like with His name on their lips and the deep contemplation of His form in their hearts, they were promising to spread His message with their sterling character and exemplary conduct.
he third song was a qawwali full of heartfelt prayers to the Lord for spiritual upliftment in the sojourn of life through the path leading to Puttaparthi, the abode of the avatar of the age. "Lord, we are not in search of worldly companions or fellow travelers in this journey, but only you, who are our only solace and refuge", was the repeated refrain of the song. As they let their feelings flow in a free torrent towards Him, Swami reciprocated with sweet smiles. The Lord throughout was clapping gently on His lap and had a rhythmic sway. The fourth song was a qawwali of total surrender to Swami. The final song was on the glory of Sai as He marches ahead inspiring millions to strive for the welfare and emancipation of the world. As they completed, Swami asked them to sing one more song. They immediately began another song, not in the original "schedule". As they were singing, Swami asked the student sitting beside Him, "What is the meaning of that line?" The answer came, "Swami, they want to be at your Lotus feet always!" Swami smiled and nodded. At many points during the programme, Swami kept speaking a few words here and there. One was not able to make out the exact lines He spoke about, but anyone could easily see that He seemed to be enjoying Himself and as very happy with the songs (and with the "dances" too). As the programme concluded, Swami called the lead singer who was playing the harmonium and created a gold chain with a pendant for him. The youth playing the tabla came up to Swami and offered gratitude to Swami on behalf of all the youth. Swami asked for special sweets to be brought and distributed to all the participants. Then, He called Mr. S. V. Giri, the former Vice Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai University, and told him to distribute white safari pieces to all of the participants. He also ensured that all of them had received the sweets and the cloth pieces. The concern was very evident, as He told a student to distribute in the far corners too and asked another student to find out personally whether everyone had received the gifts of Grace.
Then, turning around, Swami said, "Get prasadam." Vibhuti packets were brought from the interview room and distributed to the participants. They sought permission to sing bhajans and they were granted that. After a few bhajans, Swami asked for the students to sing a bhajan. They began with the aalaap, "Allahu Akbar", a multi-faith bhajan. Swami was drawn into it and He too began to lip the words of the song. What a supreme joy it is to see Swami singing to your "tunes"! It is an overwhelming and humbling feeling at the same time! As that bhajan concluded, Swami asked for aarthi. A few youth from Himachal Pradesh moved up to Swami and spoke to Him. Swami patted each one of them lovingly on their cheeks. One of them seemed to be following Christ's dictum. When Swami patted him on one cheek, he showed his other cheek too! Swami obliged him by lovingly patting his other cheek also. Blessing everyone Swami left for Yajur Mandir. Meanwhile, it was announced that a special farewell ceremony for the Vice Chancellor of the Institute had been arranged by Swami in the Poorna Chandra Auditorium at 10 a.m. the next day.
August 8, 2008 – Vice Chancellor Changeover Ceremony August 8, 2008 was the scheduled farewell for the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Sri Sathya Sai University and also the welcome ceremony for the 8th VC. The Poornachandra Auditorium was the hub of activity as it was being readied for the big day after a lull lasting months. This was the first programme being held in the auditorium after the Convocation drama the previous year on November 22! The dais had been set up grandly and there were four chairs in the centre. But all these lay hidden from the public eye as the whole stage had been curtained. At about 9:50 a.m., the huge curtains began to part. It gave the feeling of the huge doors of some grand temple opening to reveal the deity. The 'veil' lifted and the Lord was seen. Two huge banners stating, "Saa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye", adorned the stage. Swami took His place in the centre and then Mr. Anil Gokak and his wife came on stage and took their places beside Him. Finally, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the Vice chancellor to be, also took his place. The programme began with Mr. Gokak and his wife being garlanded by the principals of the Prashanti Nilayam and Anantapur campuses respectively. Then, Mr. Rangarajan, a lecturer from the Business School, made the opening remarks and expressed gratitude to Mr. Gokak. Recounting the instances where he had shown a lot of care and concern for students just as Swami wants all His administrators to be, the speaker spoke of the glowing qualities of Mr. Gokak. Then, he invited former VC, Mr. S. V. Giri to address the assembly, after which he requested Mr. Anil Gokak to say a few words.
Mr. Giri spoke of the glory of the story of the Institute. He too spoke of the sterling qualities of Mr. Anil Gokak as well as his illustrious father, Mr. V. K. Gokak, the first Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University. Then, he praised the noble virtues of Prof. Vishwanath Pandit. There was applause as he concluded and Mr. Gokak rose to speak. He was overwhelmed by the nature of the ceremony being accorded to him. He recounted how his father had experienced Swami's divinity and had come to Him. He was almost in tears as he gratefully narrated Swami's love that had and has been bountiful on his family. He said that wherever he may be, he was sure that Swami would be with him always and that he would work for Him forever.
He concluded his talk and Swami asked for the "Suvarna kankanam" (golden bracelets). First, Swami put the bracelets on Mrs. Gokak, and then calling Mr. Gokak, Swami placed bracelets onto both his wrists and blessed him profusely.
After that, Swami rose to speak. There was a joyous applause and Swami began with a poem on the glory of Bharat ( India). Here is a detailed summary of His discourse:
In the evening, Swami had agreed for a music programme by Ms. Sunanda Sharma. It was being placed at the lotus feet as part of the Puttaparthi Pilgrimage by the youth of Himachal Pradesh. They were all seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami arrived close to 5 p.m. and taking a detour between the youth from Himachal Pradesh, He moved into the interview room. After a brief stay there, He came out. He sighted one of the youth sitting in the first row and asked him, "You were playing the dholak last time, right?" The boy was really touched and thrilled; he nodded in affirmative. Swami also said, "That small boy was sitting in that corner last time. Now he is in the third line there." After a while of Veda chanting, Swami asked for the programme to begin.
Mrs. Sunanda Sharma, an MA in Indian classical music from the Punjab University, went onstage and offered a rose to Swami. Taking namaskar< |
