PRASHANTI DIARY
Chronicles of heaven on earth

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29 October, 2007: Nizamabad Musical Dance - 'Deva Devuni Deenajana Seva'

Swami had permitted the devotees from the Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh to put up a cultural programme as part of their Parthi Yatra on November 29. Swami came out at about 4:40 pm and completed the darshan rounds. Then alighting near the interview room, He went in. At about 5:25 pm, there was a lot of hustle and bustle as it became evident that Swami was coming out to sit for the programme. The district president presented Swami with the programme schedule and Swami studied it with all interest. The customary lamps and flowers were brought to Him and patiently as ever Swami blessed the more than fifteen or so people who came to Him. A white marble Shivalingam was also brought to Him and very sweetly Swami placed the bunch of flowers on the lingam! It was then that another charming incident took place.

A little girl, barely 3 feet in height, came forward with a bunch of roses. She stretched herself to her full "fingertips to toes" height to offer Him the roses. Swami flashed a beautiful smile in appreciation of her efforts. Finally, identical twins came up to make offerings to Swami to mark the beginning of the programme. Swami treated them with "identical" love and showered holy grains on them. The programme that began was entitled, "Deva Devuni Deenajana Seva."

Swami lights up the lamp before lighting up the evening		Reaching out for the Lord!

There was an opening dance which was followed by a scene where the compere of the programme, a school teacher, was introduced. She narrates to the children of her class how the Lord came in different ages of time to serve people. In the Treta age, it was in the form of Rama as He redeemed Ahalya and Sabari.

The multi-coloured opening dance		Sabari's pure love for her dear Rama

Then it was Lord Krishna who demonstrated that ‘once His friend, always His friend’, as He washed the feet of His dear Sudama. Shirdi Baba too always insisted on service to the poor and needy. To save the child of a poor blacksmith, He plunged His hands into the blazing flames of the Dhuni in the Dwarka Mai. It concluded on a note of wonder and appreciation at what Swami has been doing. The whole programme was interspersed with dances and at the end there was a beautiful formation.

The Lord gives the world a lesson in Friendship		"Why fear when I am here"

Swami said that He would go down and pose for a photograph with the children. The innermost desire of every human being gets expressed in the act of a group photograph. To stand close to the Lord - near and dear to Him - and freeze that moment for eternity should be the goal of every being. Swami got up and slowly descended the steps to go to the group. He stood and smiled as group photos were taken. He then slowly came back on stage. He congratulated the actors. All of them kept falling at His feet. Then He permitted them to sing out a few songs. After that, He received Aarthi and left.

The children gather around their dear Swami		Aum Jai Jagadeesha Hare...

November 5, 2007 – Orissa Sai Youth Pilgrimage, Day One

The first week of November will always remain ingrained in the heart and memory lanes of 1400 youth from the length and breadth of the state of Orissa, in North East India, who had gathered in Prasanthi Nilayam. It was a feast of nectarine flow of Divine Love. Their pilgrimage, they said, “starts from our hearts and ends too in our hearts – a journey from I to We to He”. They celebrated it with glimpses of cultural excellences from different regions of Orissa, in the immediate Divine Presence. Accompanying the youth were many cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats from the state Government of Orissa.

A lot of preparation and hard work preceded this glorious event. The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Orissa, had organized several youth programmes for the youth at various places in cities, towns and villages of the state.

On the morning of November 5, thousands of youth, with hope in their hearts and prayers on their lips, sat in the Sai Kulwant Hall awaiting the Lord. When the chants of the Vedic hymns rented the air and His car glided by, the Benevolent Lord looked at the youth from the window of the car and beckoned them. Among the youth were also a few former students of Bhagavan’s University and with excitement and joy, they showed a card to Swami seeking His blessings for commencing the programs. The card was a portrait of Bhagavan with the program under leaf.  As He was looking at His portrait, Swami asked, “How many of you have come?” They replied, ”Swami, we are 1400 youth on this pilgrimage to You.” The Lord replied, “Chala santhosham” (Very happy). Then the State President of Sathya Sai Organizations, Orissa, Prof. Harekrushna Das along with the State youth co-ordinator, Sri Ashok Hota showed the program details to Swami which He accepted and blessed. The youth also took the opportunity to present to Swami a souvenir “Sai Katha” made specially for the occasion. Swami gracefully blessed this too and saw through the pages with a smile on His beatific face.

"Chaala Santosham!"		The details are presented to the Lord

Orissa is famous for its famed Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) that happens every year in the pilgrim town of Puri when the statues of Lord Jagannath along with those of His elder brother Balarama and younger sister Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession to enable thousands of devotees to see the Lord to their heart’s content at least once a year. “But in Prashanti,” the devotees from Orissa, say, “Every day is a Rath Yatra with the Lord of Lords, our Sai Jagannath, coming out in His ‘Car Chariot’ to grant His Divine Darshan to every soul.”

As the Orissa Youth basked on that beautiful Darshan, a few former students of Bhagavan’s Educational Institutions from the state of Orissa, also presented to Him the details of a small initiative they have undertaken called “Sai Anandam” (Sai’s Bliss). It’s a home for the destitute and orphans started four months ago having 8 little boys near the capital city of Bhubaneshwar. Swami enquired eagerly about this work and seemed very pleased. He, then, blessed them lovingly to go ahead with zeal in this endeavour.

In the evening of November 5, nearly 5000 devotees from Orissa had filled up a large part of the Kulwant Hall and the stage had been set for their cultural presentation. After completing His Darshan rounds, Swami took in some of the people involved in the Convocation drama (performed by His students on November 22 every year) for an interview. He came out at 5:10 pm and everyone was eagerly awaiting Him. Swami, ever gracious that He is, smilingly came out and took position at the centre of the stage and asked for the proceedings to begin. At first there was a theme song that expressed the spontaneous feelings of love and reverence oozing in the hearts of the Orissa youth towards Swami.  

After the initial song, the Drama that began was entitled – “The Secret of Happiness” depicting the eternal pursuit of happiness by mankind.  It brought to light the Truth that permanent joy as an end can never be achieved through means of pursuing happiness that are temporary and ephemeral.

The opening song of welcome		Swami gifts a ring to the chief co-ordinator

The story revolved around a family where the patriarch, who is the grandfather of the child hero, is an aspiring politician nursing the ambition of winning a seat in the next election. Both his sons are readying themselves for lucrative and limelight-capturing careers, one in athletics and the other in research, which, they feel, will make them the happiest persons on earth.

They seem all set to conquer the world...		...yet to learn the greatest Secret from the youngest in the family

Soon they all achieve their goals but sadly find that happiness and contentment are totally absent in their lives. But the grandson, in spite of any hardship or difficulty, seems to have a permanent smile plastered on his face – the smile of a contented soul. He enlightens the elders of the fact that bliss lies in God alone who is the indweller of all beings. Service is the sure shot way to tap this source of bliss that lies within. And the inspired family begins its journey along these lines. The scenes were interspersed with beautiful songs and dances. One of the striking songs had the line “Khusiyan! Khusiyan! - aye kaisi hoti hai?” meaning “Happiness? Or what is happiness and where does one find it?” It beautifully summarized the essence of the drama.

Swami, who was so pleased with the performance of the Youth, came down the stage, spoke to a few of them and then blessed all the participants with the coveted group photograph. But the programme for the evening was not over yet. After Swami returned to the stage, began another scintillating performance, with His divine permission.

"I realize that bliss lies in God alone"		Swami with the thrilled participants

It was an amazing dance performance called “Gotipua dance”. “Gotipua” is an Oriya etymon, meaning, “a single boy”. This dance form, which is a recast of Odissi Dance (the famous dance form of Orissa), is performed by boys who dress themselves as dancing girls.

Flexibility and finesse at their best		The Gopuram formation

Patronised by King Rama Chandra in the 17th century, since then this dance form has become an integral part of the temple culture of Lord Sri Jagannath at Puri, Orissa. Performed by 6-10 young boys, the themes of this dance generally revolve around the Divine love of Lord Krishna.

After the dancers took their positions in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami gently nodded and then the sound of Mrudanga, cymbals, harmonium, flute and the voice of the accompanying singer reverberated to the anklet sounds from the feet of the dancers. The dancers demonstrated great feats of acrobatics constructing multi-shaped and multi-storied human pyramids which were so seamlessly and gracefully weaved into the dance.

The Dance Master - Nataraja	The regal spire

The audience was left spellbound and the applause never seemed to die down. Every next minute it was an ever louder approbation as the dancers so effortlessly created another remarkable formation or feat. It was truly a sight to behold, a feast for the soul, a festival of colours and sounds, drums and costumes, dances and choruses that was the reflection of the rich culture and tradition of Orissa. For the onlooker it looked so physically exhausting and seemed to push the children’s strength, flexibility, endurance and awareness to the limit, yet on the children’s faces were spontaenous smiles and they were performing as if it were as easy as breathing! You could see they were ecstatic! Untill now they had performed in front of the Lord’s idol but now He was sitting in flesh and blood in front of them.
 

The Kalasham formation (Sacred pot with coconut)		A feat of grace and strength

The dancers concluded their performance to a thunderous applause. There was no soul that did not join his/her hands to applaud the young artists. But for the children, the greatest moment arrived when Bhagavan called them near and with a bright smile on His face started gifting them saris! But the mysterious and unique ways He blesses His children is what makes His love so special. The all-knowing Lord, next asked for white safari suits and again blessed every boy with the second gift from His Hand. So, one gift was for their roles and the other was a token of love from the lord to his children. But Swami did not stop with this that evening. He was at His love-showering best and called all the performers to sit near Him for a group picture. The dancer’s performance was stirring enough to even win a group photograph for the drama actors too! The Lord was all the while speaking to the young actors lovingly, patting their cheeks.

Sarees too for the boys!		This time it is Swami who seems thrilled!

And then He gave the teachers and the instrumentalists another kind of prize and appreciation. He beckoned them forward and asked the young singer to sing bhajans. “Jaya Jaya Ganapathi Deva…” filled the air and as the bhajan reached a crescendo, Bhagavan’s eyes, radiating so much compassion and love, were fixed on this boy. It was a look suffused with a million mothers' love. Only the Divine knows the destiny of every soul. This young singer, a 14-year old boy, was actually a destitute orphan who used to survive by singing and begging inside Indian trains. It was during such routine begging round in one such train that the Gotipua dance teacher heard him and recognized his latent talent. Inspired from a voice within, the teacher not only brought him home but also adopted him as his son. From that day, the orphan had a family and a music teacher too. The Lord, for whom every life is an open-book, was perhaps too happy and showering His choicest blessings through those endearing looks to the talented youngster. And the singer, was of course, overjoyed singing in front of His Maker, Master and Redeemer.

This is just one tale and when you saw the eyes of every performer there, you knew each one had a moving tale and in front of Swami, their hearts were all laid bare. The compassionate Lord blessed them all again, asked for prasadam to be distributed, accepted arathi and finally retired for the day.

6 and 7 November, 2007 – Orissa Sai Youth Pilgrimage, Day Two and Three

	"Aum Jai Jagannath"

On the evening of November 6,  the Sai Kulwant Hall looked like the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Jagannath of Puri. The very name “Jagannath” signifies ‘The Lord of the Universe’. A beautiful shrine with the idols of Lord Jagannath,  His elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra was created for the drama “Bhatkta Dasia” to be staged by the Bal Vikas children of Orissa.

The programme started after Swami came onto the stage after spending a few minutes in the interview room. The story of Bhakta Dasia has inspired the people of Orissa for generations to shape their lives on the twin bed rocks of Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man.

The children get the coveted contact with Swami		Bringing out their own spiritual heritage for the world to see

Dasia Bauri, a poor man born in a low caste with no knowledge of scriptures was one such devotee of Lord Jagannath, who could win His Grace by incessantly chanting the Divine Name. Scorned and ridiculed by society, he suffered untold misery and yet remained steadfast in his devotion to the Lord. His pure love and intense longing at last melted the Lord’s heart and He accepted his Naivedya (offering) of a coconut fruit directly from the hands of the village priest who disdainfully had offered the same to the Lord given to him by Dasia standing outside the Temple.

From the dualistic state of Lord and the devotee, Dasia reached the non-dualistic state of Oneness with the Lord though his devotion. He saw the Lord pervade the entire universe, even in the food served to him by his wife. When his devotion to Lord Jagannath reaches its sublime heights, the Lord out of His infinite compassion vouchsafes to him His much coveted Darshan, clears all his doubts and invites him to visit the pilgrim town Puri to witness His festival.

His devotion wins the vision of the Lord		Dasia seeing Oneness even in his food

The realistic portrayal of the story by the children moved Swami as well as the audience. And as the curtain drew over the drama, another drama unfolded. But now, it was no show. This was a love story happening then and there between Lord Sai and His children. As the actors of the drama sat in final formation after their performance, Swami called the little girl who played the role of little Krishna in the “Bhaktha Dasia” drama. And then, with a wave of His hand, created a golden necklace with a locket which had “Om” inscribed on it. The child was so perplexed that she stepped back as Swami beckoned her. She couldn’t believe Swami was calling her! When she finally went near Swami, she innocently asked, “Swami, why are you giving this to me?". The loving Lord, the Indeweller of every heart, looked into her eyes, smiled and said, “My dear, I am giving you My life.”
		“My dear, I am giving you My life.”

And then He walked down the steps to bless the children with group photographs. The Bal Vikas children could not believe their good fortune; their tiny hearts overflowed with emotion and you could see tears streaming down every cheek. The Lord was very touched. He lovingly spoke to each of them and cheered them up with His warm love. He blessed them saying, “Be Happy, Be Happy.” But, the innocents with their unsullied love couldn’t hold back their flood of tears. And now you could see moist eyes in the audience too. The love that suffused that evening was overpowering for everyone present.

The enormous amount of work and preparation that had gone into the drama was evident in the sets, music, customes, dialogue, recording, and every aspect of the presentation. It was a united effort and every one, which included a Muslim sound recordist, had worked feeling the cosmic rhythm of His love swelling in their hearts.

“Be Happy, Be Happy” - in response to their 'tears'		The group's unity and devotion to Swami was plain to see

After this drama was a tribal folk dance called ‘Ghumura’. The folklore of rural life occupies a vivacious and scintillating stand in the annals of India’s rich cultural tapestry. The simple inhabitants lead a rustic life of eternal communion with the nature and glorify their guardian God and Goddesses with dance. ‘Ghumura’ dance is a centuries old tradition of extolling the Mother Goddess in the form of dance and songs.

The youth in exotic costumes that reflected their association with nature had small drums tied onto their waists. They broke into a ritual that was a celebration of the Avatars from times immemorial. Through their songs, expressions, postures and formations they exhibited the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. And then when they depicted the Avatar of the Kali age, Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba, the devotees ruptured into claps. 

Presenting the dance piece		Another offering with love

The rhythmic drum beats with the vigorous dance movements reverberated in the entire Sai Kulwant Hall. After the program Swami distributed safari suits to all the dancers like the ever bountiful Mother Goddess. After blessing all, Bhagavan took arathi and the curtain drew for that day.

The energetic and exciting ‘Ghumura’ folk dance...		They covered all the incarnations of the Lord

On the evening of November 7, the youth took His blessings for presenting the ‘Sai Symphony’ program. It was a musical offering to the Lord composed of songs which exalts the Lord and proves that there is no greater joy than singing His glory. Their theme song was a spontaneous feeling of Love and reverence oozing out from the hearts of Sai Youths of Orissa.

Apart from the programs being conducted in the divine presence of Swami in the Sai Kulwant Hall, the Youth also had morning and evening sessions conducted in the Human Values building at Prashanti Nilayam campus where distinguished elders like Sri G.V. Sathyanarayana (former All India President of Sai Organisations), Sri B. N. Narasimha Murthy, Sri Sanjay Sahni and Sri Rangarajan of the Sri Sathya Sai University shared their experiences and inspired the youth. Many of the youth also undertook seva activities inside the ashram, Super Speciality Hospital Campus and the International Centre for Sports for five days.

On the evening of November 8, as all the youth sat for His Darshan, they had a beautiful and huge ornate card which said, “Thank You, Sai Maa.” When Swami came, He looked at it and smiled. The youth said, “Swami, how can we thank you for showering on the youth of Orissa so much of love and grace. We all are very happy.” Then Swami too said, “I am also very happy.”

In the same night, an amazing incident occurred. As the programme for the youth that night ended a little late, some could not partake dinner as the canteen was closed by then. So they went to bed on empty stomach. But around 10 pm an unknown person reached the shed with steaming hot rice, dal, etc. Handing over the food to one co-coordinator, he said, “Some youths have not taken dinner and are hungry. Swami cannot sleep if they are hungry. Please, distribute this among them.”  About 12 to 15 youths shared the meal with all joy and thanked the Lord for taking care of their smallest of needs. Even astounding fact is this: One youth amongst this group, as a practice used to fast on Thursdays and eat only fruits in the night. As he was wondering if he should also be eating the rice-dal, to his utter surprise and delight the packet handed over to him also had two fruits! Indeed the ways of the Lord are absolutely unfathomable.

As the youth pilgrimage came to a close in Prasanthi, the Youth knew that a new pilgrimage has to begin now when they return - a pilgrimage of service and love to the homes and hearts of many who are deprived in their towns and villages.

9 November 2007: Diwali Celebrations The Kulwant Hall was bursting at its seams on November 9. People seemed to have flocked from everywhere to celebrate the festival of Lights with their beloved Swami. November 10 also happened to be the Gujarati New Year day and so discernibly there was a Gujarati bias in the crowd. Bhajans began at 9:00 am and it appeared as though Swami may not come out to grant darshan at all. But at 9:15 am, there was a tremendous wave of excitement as Swami came out and slowly moved through the people in the Porte. There were smiles everywhere and they blossomed like sunflowers do with the rising of the sun. The beautiful property of these sunflowers is that, they start the day facing the sun and keep moving along with the sun throughout the day and at the end of the day, they are still looking at him. Watching the devotees look at their beloved Swami, one cannot but help thinking of the beautiful, bright and budding sunflowers!
		The "sunflowers" always follow the "sun"

Swami completed the rounds and then descended near the interview room. He was about to go inside, but then He suddenly paused. Diwali morning must be lit up and what a better way to do that than grant more darshan! On the wheelchair sofa, Swami came slowly down the portico. He was beaming and smiling. Now the progression of the "sunflower blossoms" was very evident for one and all to see. From the portico, Swami went for another darshan round in the direction opposite to the standard one. He was collecting letters and looking at people on both the sides. The East Prashanti balconies began to swell with ladies, mostly those too old to sit long hours on the floor. They were having an aerial view of Swami’s divine darshan! The thrill was obvious on their faces. Swami moved through the gents side and then, cutting through the students, He moved on to the ladies side too. He granted darshan from close quarters and after going through the whole path, returned to the bhajan hall for the bhajans which concluded with Aarthi after a while.

The schedule for the evening was a programme by the youth and Bal Vikas students from the state of Gujarat. Swami came out at about 4:30 pm. He completed the darshan rounds and as soon as He got down near the interview room, He enquired from the Brindavan campus warden about the preparation for the Convocation Drama to be staged by His students on November 22. He then took him and a few other boys to the interview room to guide them on the drama. At 5:35 pm, Swami came out and asked for the programme to begin. The formalities (actually great chances in disguise) of the flowers and card offerings were completed. A cake was also brought up to Swami which He kindly cut and then the programme started, first with a song by the youth.

A western style beginning as Swami cuts a cake		The singers offer their salutations

The programme details are shown to Him....		....and the offering of the customary flower made

This was followed by a dance on the glory of Bharat which was a colourful and grand spectacle.

The opening dance sequence		"All ye men and women of Bharat - Unite"

The final presentation was a combo effort by the Bal Vikas and the youth. It was a drama depicting the right way to do service, and more importantly, brought out the true meaning of independence. India has become free in the political sense. But everybody is still a slave to the six vices of desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and envy. True freedom can only be achieved when these are overcome. The drama portrayed how an NGO plans to shift its focus of activities from the village to the city in order to get more visibility. But when a flood destroys the village, the plight of the villagers moves the concerned officials. Further, the inspiration from the Sai workers to do service opens their eyes to the true meaning of Seva. Service needs no visibility and when done in the true sense, it escapes nobody's attention.

"India lives in her villages and it is there that we must serve."		The "live" building of the hospital with Unity and Love

The hospital is ready and standing...		United we can change the world we live in

The drama was filled with many popular songs and well-choreographed dances. The final song and dance drew appreciative applause from the audience and the grand appreciation came from Swami when He materialized a gold chain for the actor playing the role of "Man". Swami then very graciously walked down to pose for group photographs with the Gujarat youth and the Bal Vikas children. After the pictures were taken, Swami blessed prasadam to be given to all present and finally granted His benediction in the form of Abhayahasta (raised Hands in blessing). After that, He received Aarthi and retired.

"Man" is rewarded by "God"		Even the Aarthi seems to portray Unity!

10-11 November 2007: Global Akhanda Bhajans

There was a lot of devotional fervour in the air in anticipation of the 24 hour Akhanda Bhajan that was scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 10, evening. Prashanti Nilayam in a few minutes would be transformed into the nucleus of a global sadhana in namasmarana which would continue through all the parts of the day and night. When Swami came out, it was very evident that the event would be a very special one. He was looking so beautiful and each of His smiles was so radiant. Swami completed His darshan rounds and then for a short while went into the interview room.

He came into the bhajan hall well in advance. He went around the bhajan hall suffusing everyone gathered with enthusiasm to participate in the bhajans about to begin. As the clock struck six, Swami lit the beautiful and big lamp set in the centre of the altar to mark the beginning of the global Akhanda bhajan. The Ganesha bhajan began with great gusto. A few bhajans later, Swami wanted to go out for granting darshan to the singing masses! Every path that existed in Kulwant Hall was traversed upon and every being that was present there was immersed in joy divine. Swami had said long ago, "This sugar mountain will not travel to feed the ants; the ants themselves can come here." Seeing Him that evening each one could feel that the compassion for the tiny ant had dissolved that resolution of the merciful Divine!
		The Akhanda Jyoti is lit and the bhajans begin

After the round, He came back into the bhajan hall. He sat, not in the traditional corner on the gents side, but right in the middle, next to the Jyoti (lamp) He had lit minutes ago. Litres of oil had been poured into the lamp for its night long vigil and it shone brilliantly. And beside the lamp was Swami - the ocean of Love in His Heart reflected in His beaming and bright face. As the bhajans progressed, the fervour doubled. Swami struck a divine pose and hearts surged with joy. If He would keep rhythm with His hands for the bhajans, the beat would echo in the clapping of the enthusiastic devotees. The bhajans continued alternating between the men's side and the ladies' side. At about 7:10 pm, Swami returned to Yajur Mandir.

With Swami's departure, people to rose to leave. But many stayed on, digesting the joy of the multiple close darshans that had been so graciously conferred. Shraddha (Faith) and Saburi (Perseverance) are the only offerings that the Lord asks for. Those who offered these to Him tonight, He granted them a special blessing. At 8:15 pm, a time when everyone expects Swami to have retired, He showed that the Lord never rests. "Mad Bhakta yatra Gaayanthi, thatra tishtaami Naarada" (Oh Narada! I install Myself wherever my devotees sing my glory) the Lord had revealed to the great sage Narada. On His second visit in the evening, Swami suddenly came into the Kulwant Hall in the wheelchair sofa! Audible gasps and thrilled exclamations made their rounds as Swami went about granting all with the bounty of His darshan, slowly and calmly.

		He, then, came into the bhajan hall and all the singers, especially, were ecstatic. As He sat for bhajans, He exchanged loving comments with some of the singers. After a very long time, one could see Swami out so late in the night. Swami sat till almost 9:00 pm before retiring. But as He went out, He promised, "I will be coming again." Swami was there again in the next morning at 9:45 am. But those words inspired everyone to stay awake in anticipation of further blessings. The Lord's benediction is such that every endeavour with Him as the goal always finds fruition. However we seem to forget that and so He resorts to words of encouragement and allows everyone to experience the joy of making efforts. The night long vigil might have tired the bodies but the recharge the spirits got is something that must be felt and cannot be adequately captured in words. Swami came in the wheelchair sofa once again and suddenly the bhajan singing became louder! The devotees thirst for their Lord. But if we just pause and ponder, the reality of how the Lord too hungers for His devotees will strike us. As He says, "Your bliss is my food."
9:00 pm and the Lord is still there!!

It is so fascinating to see Swami seeing His devotees. He seems to look deep into them, sampling their thirst and purity. Once he tastes these qualities, He cannot resist. He moves towards them and both the Lord and the devotees drink deep the ambrosia of bliss. Swami came into the bhajan hall and sat; but only for a few bhajans. He began to move again amidst everyone seated in the bhajan hall and then went out too. He not only traversed all available paths but also exhausted the different possible directions of moving along them! It would hardly be an exaggeration to say that after a while, the students and devotees alike ran out of letters and prayers to offer Him! The gushing flood of Love and benediction was so immense that they just sat and saw Him. Swami must have completed at least three rounds on the wheel sofa on November 11 morning. He even went around the portico and bhajan hall a few times. He sat listening to the bhajans till almost 11:15 am and then He retired.

In the evening, the crowds had swelled and the hall was packed for the grand finale of the Akhand bhajan. Swami came out at about 4:40 pm. For the third time in a row, the car had been dispensed with. So dear are His devotees for Him and that dearness seemed to translate even into nearness. Years ago, fears had been expressed that Swami, in times to come would become physically inaccessible and very distant. Swami had replied, "For those who hold me close to their heart, I will never be far." Well, the veracity of that statement was there for all to see, as Swami satiated everyone to their hearts content. He came into the bhajan hall and as He started tapping His hands on the arms of the chair, the bhajans picked up speed moving towards a glorious climax. Swami then continued His traveling spree as He went out again. It is really not possible to describe each of His trips around the devotees for they were so many in number and so enriching in experience.

Nostalgic memories came flooding as Swami in His inimitable style stopped near a block of boys and told them to make a path between them so that He could move over to the other side. He then went all the way to behind the main gate where all the vessels containing prasadam were kept. He blessed them and spoke to the people in charge as to how the distribution must be done. Then He came back to the bhajan hall. The final part of the bhajan session was filled with deafening clapping, vociferous singing and ever increasing tempo. To one lady singer who enthralled everyone, and more importantly, Swami with her bhajan, Swami immediately materialised a beautiful necklace in gold! He gifted it to her and continued smiling. As Swami concluded the bhajans with "Namah Parvati", the Aarthi was lit. What followed next was a rare scene as Swami sat for the complete Aarthi song. During its last stanza, the priest waved the camphor at the altar by the sheer force of habit and Swami seemed to look at Him and smile!
		The concluding Aarthi

As the aarthi concluded, Swami took up the role of the host ensuring that the sweetened rice (chakra pongal) and tamarind rice were distributed to all. He personally supervised the manner in which leaves should be distributed and the food served. Once the serving had been fairly accomplished, the food prayer, Bhramaarpanam, began. Swami too joined in chanting the prayer! At the end of it, He said, "Now all eat nicely." He kept smiling and telling everyone to eat well. Finally at 6:35 pm Swami left bhajan hall and moved to the Yajur Mandir.

Swami inspects the prasadam to be distributed!		Prasadam is served in the bhajan hall in His presence

November 13, 2007 – Divine Discourse on Namasmarana

Something very unique happened on November 13, a day after the conclusion of Akhanda Bhajan. Swami came out to grant darshan at about 5:05 pm as the Bhajans were on. He went into the bhajan hall and after the fourth bhajan, He called Prof. Venkataraman and told him to speak on the significance of the Akhanda bhajans. After he had spoken for a while, Swami asked for the singers' mike and began delivering His divine discourse seated in the bhajan hall itself! He said:

Every name of God has power. But that power should be utilized properly. Each name has a power. Once upon a time, a king told his parrot to go and chant the name of Rama to the crow and make it too repeat the name. The parrot dutifully went to the crow and said, "You may be black, Oh crow! But listen and chant Rama's name. It will make you bright." Doing so, the crow fell down dead. The parrot felt very sad at this and reported to the king as to what happened. But the king told the parrot to do the same task to the peacock this time. "Oh peacock! You are beautiful and grand. Chant Rama's name and your glory will grow," said the parrot. The same thing repeated there too. The parrot was now worried. Understand the significance of Akhanda bhajan. There is a difference between Akhanda and Khanda. The latter is to think of God momentarily alone. Akhanda bhajan is to think of Him always, every time and at all places - in all three levels of consciousness. There are three needles to tell the time. If one moves, all others also move.

One round of first makes the second move one unit and so on. The hour hand is given most importance. So also, the longer variant of the bhajan – in the morning, afternoon, evening and night is more important.Both birds had died. But now the king told the parrot to tell the same to a new born calf. "Oh King! Let me not get an additional sin now. I will not kill a baby," pleaded the parrot but to no avail. With trepidation, the parrot requested the calf to chant Rama's name. Doing so, the calf too breathed its last. Finally, it came to be known that the prince was born. What was the reason for the human form that the prince had. The Lord's name liberated the soul from different bodies, of the crow, the peacock and the calf to finally gift it a human birth. This news spread all over the kingdom. Rama's name made the crow a beautiful peacock. The peacock evolved into the calf and the calf in turn got a human birth.

Everything is divine. God is in every creature. But God specially takes a human form and so the human body is very special. It is God's grace that results in human form. But inspite of repeating the Lord's name, there is no transformation in man. This is because there is no understanding, faith and Love. Faith is love. That love is needed. Man is not uttering the name with Love. He is on the lookout if the tune, beat, etc. are all fine. The mind is wavering. Thus we see no transformation. The mind should be kept steady on the name. When a song is being sung, the others (especially the singers) are planning for next song. Thus, man remains man and does not evolve. Change can come about within with thinking of God alone. The sacredness that one attains by chanting and thinking of the name is not noticed by others but the individual knows it.

		It is not possible to attain totality by uttering the name once. Do your job but keep in mind that it is God's work. Thus think of Him always. When women cook, they add pulses, salt, spice, etc. While doing so, if they say, “This is for God”, then it gets sanctified. Don't degrade it by offering it to members of family, cook, guests, etc. At every step, think of God. God is in every cell and atom. But man does not realize this and feels that he is moving forward. All progress is worldly if one is unaware of the inherent divinity. Consider all your actions, words and thoughts as that of God. The feeling behind the chanting is most important. If you say whole heartedly once, that's enough. It is equal to hours of chanting. The feeling makes it like the hour hand of the clock. It has value. Otherwise you can keep chanting like the seconds hand of the clock, which goes on moving but with little value. The feeling is like the hour hand which is most important. Don't bother about what people say. Nowadays none say His name from the bottom of the heart. People say that they cannot sing His name because of cold, cough and voice not being fine, etc. Atleast sing within yourself. That will give strength. God's name is matchless. It can bring back the dead to life.

Savitri was sad when the husband was gone. But Satyavan came back to life. It is only in Bharat that resurrections have occurred by Lord's name. Bharat is very special. No place is like this. A pure mind is important. Meerabai also finally said, "Oh Lord! From the depths of the ocean, I have collected the pearl. Let me not drop this back into the ocean." If you need liberation, God's name is needed. You are all sparks of Divine. And so you must all be like how I am. The same purity of Love of God must be in you too.

The whole creation is reaction, reflection and resound. So realize that you are Divine. Never forget this. If this is remembered, it amounts to reading Bhagavat Gita fully. Be Godly. "Mamaivamsho Jeeva Loke, Jeeva Bhoota Sanatanaha." I am you and you are me in qualities and righteousness. Dharma arose from feeling which came of Faith. Faith is Truth. Truth, Dharma, Faith and Love are all God. Live in Love. You may have many difficulties. Don't waver and change mind due to them. All these will pass easily. Waves keep coming but water is still. Have the steady waters of Faith. Thoughts are waves like the passing clouds. They are not permanent.

Develop Love and nothing will remain that you cannot attain. Earth and sky can be transformed into one another. That Divine power is in you. Never neglect God's name. The power in it is known to all those who have experienced. All that glitters is not diamond. Die - mind is diamond. Do not chase temporary pleasures. You will be cheated if you chase them. Once you have decided to hold on to the Lord, hold on to His feet firmly. They will be with you always, everywhere. Install the Lord's name in your heart permanently.  Your life, then, will be sanctified. That is your shakti, bhakti and mukti. Never catch passing clouds and pass out. To teach this we have the Akhanda bhajan - to sing for 24 hours. In between if you keep going and coming, that is Khanda bhajan. It is tough to connect the pieces. Even if you go home or for food, keep singing His glory. God never said to give up everything.

Just think of God as you do your activity. krishna said, "Oh Arjuna! Fight thinking of me. Then that is true war." War is not shooting, killing and bombing. There is nothing great in it. Doing your work and think of Lord, you will survive and live smilingly. A smiling face is needed.  Do not have a castor oil face. True happiness lies in union with God. When you get some worrying thoughts, do not kill yourself. Especially those that think of marriage, this thought disturbs. Even if it comes, tell yourself, "It is not marriage but 'my-rise'!" Singing the name is liberating. You needn't worry about tune and beat. The beat and tune of the heart is one - So Ham - "I am that". Keep that tune, its enough. It is a great fortune to do namasmarana. We have bhajans here everyday. That is a great fortune. Do not miss and spoil that fortune granted to you. It will lead to fulfillment of your lives. After that, Swami asked the boys to sing. It was nearly 7 o clock when He called for the Aarthi and retired.

November 14, 2007

All over India, everyone observes November 14 as Children's day. It appeared as though Swami had also decided to spend the evening, if not the whole day, with His children! The students who were part of the Convocation drama were practising in the Institute auditorium. At about 4:05 pm, Swami started moving towards the Institute. Much to the glee of the students in the auditorium, they realized that Swami was coming to see their practise. The Vice Chancellor, Principal, Controller of Exams and other senior members of the Institute were also present.

Swami arrives at the Auditorium		"I have been waiting till 4 o clock!"

Swami came into the auditorium to the warm welcome of the students. He sat in the centre and asked for the practise to begin. The drama which began with a dance was a beautiful blend of emotion, suspense and devotion. Look for the story of the Drama in the November 22 update. Swami sat for the entire practise session and was correcting a few scenes here and there. He became quite emotional in some of the places especially when He heard the devotee cry out to the Lord for help. As the drama progressed one could see tears even in the eyes of many of the elders too who had come along with Swami. At one point when a song started and gained momentum, Swami identified the singer and exclaimed, "That is Ravi!" He kept enquiring about the different boys in various roles. He said that a few more lines of a song could be added and also advised on the placing of a few sets and the costumes. He even made few rearrangements in the final formation after the drama.

All actors only in whites!		Some watch Swami while others watch with Swami

At the end of the drama, Swami told all the actors that it was good. He spoke to the costume boys too, especially about a turban that was to be used. Then He made enquiries about the music boys and the set boys. He expressed immense satisfaction and joy at the fact that everything had been done by the boys themselves. As He went out of the auditorium, He took letters from many boys and spoke to a few of them. The brass band of the Institute had assembled outside and they played a beautiful piece as Swami got into the car and left for the Mandir.

Letters galore - as many as He can take		The Brass band strikes up a lively tune as Swami leaves

November 18, 2007 – Rathotsavam Celebrations

From years, the Rathotsavam has been a very important event held during the Birthday week. The bhajan Mandir wore a very austere and holy look as it seemed to prepare for the impending procession. The beautiful idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Mother Sita and Hanuman, and the