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July 23, 2008
Devotees from Italy had filled up the marble block as they had been granted
permission to perform in the divine presence. The whole choir was seated on the
floor. There were two violins, a flute and a clarinet players on the ladies side
on chairs. Mirroring them in position on the gents side were a violin, an
accordion, a guitar and tambourine players. Swami arrived for darshan at about
5:20 pm. And when He came, there were gasps! He had come on the special golden
chair that He had used for Guru Poornima. Since it is at a nice height, all the
devotees benefit from a wonderful darshan. Swami moved to the stage and asked
for the programme to begin. The programme was presented as an offering of
devotional songs from Italy. As Swami sat, the offerings were made to Him. A
little boy took and gave Him the Italian flag. Swami blessed the conductor of
the programme and asked them to start.
There was that little boy, maybe 8-9 years of age, who began the programme with
Vedic chanting. As he completed it, Swami was all smiles. He called the boy and
asked him as to whom had he learnt the chanting from. He blessed him and sent
him back The next item also was by this boy who played a solo guitar piece. It
was followed by a short piano recital and then the singing began. It started
with a rapid "Om Sri Ganesha", followed by an emotional song addressing Swami as
the mother. A soulful song entitled, "Oh My Sun" was next and it gave way to a
high pitched and quickly changing song entitled, "Flying with God". The
"Tarantella Divina" or the divine dance was ushered in next and "Longing for
Sathya Sai" gave them an opportunity to pour out their feelings for Him. Swami
noticed that the gentleman sitting right in front had no mike before him. He
asked, "Won't he sing?" There was merriment and that devotee was immensely
touched. He needed no mike after that encouraging statement! Two more songs
later, they concluded. But Swami wanted them to continue. He asked for one more
song which they sang whole heartedly and full throatedly. They seemed to be in a
sort of pleasurable trouble when Swami asked them to sing another. They began to
repeat a song and as they concluded, Swami asked, "One more?" They continued
with the encore and then finally they told Swami that they were done!
He then told them to sing bhajans. They began to sing and Swami blessed
chocolates to be distributed among them. The conductor put aside her stand and
took a harmonium and began playing it. Today also happened to be the 13th
anniversary of the Sri Sathya Sai Junior Boys Hostel. So the children had
brought a model of the school hostel to be blessed by Swami. Swami, however, did
not seem to notice them. He concluded the bhajans, received Aarthi and went into
the interview room. Whenever God "denies" something, it is only because He has
something greater and grander to gift us. The children appeared a little
downcast but a lot more determined. They sat with the model at the Lord's door
awaiting His arrival. What happened next is something that will remain etched in
the memories of all present for a long time to come.
Swami came out of the interview room and seeing the boys, called them. They went
to Him with the model and trays of chocolates and goodies. Swami was impressed
with the model. But the perfectionist that He is, He asked them, "Turn the model
around...". He examined all the sides and, His students that they are, they had
made it very well. Atleast Swami seemed to be very happy with the model being
perfect on all the six sides, yes top and bottom included! Then He blessed the
trays of chocolates and goodies. And in that instant, it seemed HE DECIDED. He
took a few "gold coins" chocolates and began distributing them to the VIPs
there. Then, He moved to the ladies side and began distributing coins one by one
to the devotees. He saw the ladies sitting on wheelchairs. He moved towards them
and began to give each of them "golden" coins with His own hand. He moved along
the lines distributing coins. He moved back to the shutters area also where
there were ladies on wheel chairs. He gave coins to all of them on priority
basis. Their joy knew no bounds. They would not have imagined in their wildest
dreams of this happening to them. But thats the way with God. He may not give
you what you expect at times, but at other times, He gives that which we don't
even dare to imagine! Some of the women raised up their babies for Swami to
bless. Swami gently touched the babies on their foreheads.
He went around this way distributing among the ladies till the gold coins ran
out! He stretched out His hand and the tray was empty. A satisfied smile
blossomed on His face and there were thrilled faces all around He slowly came
back to the center where the Italian group was seated. He called and had a set
of photographs taken with the youngest member of their group who had recited
Vedam and played a guitar solo, and asked the students to sing Bhajans. The
bhajans began and none need to say that they sang with gusto. Swami blessed all
the birthday boys and boys with trays too. He threw some chocolates to the
members of the Italian choir. He just sat there smiling so blissfully and there
was just joy and joy everywhere. AT about 7:15 pm, Swami received Aarthi for the
second time and then retired to the Yajur Mandir.
Pictures of the event-
July
23, 2008:
Song & Music Program by Italian Devotees
July 22, 2008
There was the next scheduled session of the conference in the morning. This
morning, the Bhajans began in Sai Kulwant Hall at 9 o'clock, and Swami arrived
in His chair at 9.50 am. He took a small darshan round and then came onstage. He
saw that the delgates had all collected their letters into bundles and the lead
gent and lady were holding them. Swami called two students and told them to take
the huge bundles of letters and place them on the stage. Then, He called out for
the Thailand school boys who had played the violin concert a few days ago. Dr.
Jhum Sai gathered and got some of them onstage. Swami distributed watches to
them and they were thrilled and overjoyed. As Swami had promised, they asked
Swami, "Swami photographs." At this time, one photographer immediately went up
to Swami and handed over all the copies of the photos. They were all happy to
receive them from the divine hands. Then, Swami sat onstage for a few minutes
and interacted with the conference organisers. Then He moved to the interview
room and called in a few lady delegates for an interview. Once He emerged from
the interview, He came onstage and accepted Arati before returning to His
residence at 11 o'clock.
The final session of the conference got underway in the evening when Swami came
onstage just before five o'clock. The three speakers for the session were Dr.
Narendra Reddy, Sri Nimish Pandya and Dr. Michael Goldstein. Once the speakers
summed up the conference proceedings and outlined the course of future action,
Bhagawan delivered His benedictory message, which is available here.
At the end of His Discourse, He went to the interview room briefly, and returned
with Dr. Goldstein in tow. Swami took the lingam that He had given to Dr.
Goldstein last evening and displayed it to everyone. He then created vibhuti and
sprinkled it on the lingam, and it was the perfect Abhishekam. He again created
some more of the holy Vibhuti and asked Dr. Goldstein to immediately put all of
it into his mouth. He announced that He's giving the lingam to Dr. Goldstein for
him to distribute the water from washing the lingam to those who are unwell.
There was thunderous claps and joyous shouts of Jaijaikars as Swami said that.
He then asked for the evening's cultural programme to begin.
Children from the Sri Sai Vidya Vihar, Alwaye, Kerala, presented an hour-long
dance drama on Bhaktha Jayadeva. The drama began with a wonderful ballet between
Krishna and Radha. Then a teacher arrives on the scene and starts narrating to
the children, the story of Jayadeva. The Lord literally composes the verses for
Jayadeva who is lost in His glory alone. When the ruler of the land, Lakshmana
Sena tries to harass the poet, the Lord is always present, rescuing and
glorifying the devotee. There was also a scene of the great devotion of
Padmavathi towards her husband Jayadeva. When the queen fools her telling that
Jayadeva is dead, she immediately drops down dead in sorrow. Jayadeva's
sorrowful, yet devotional hymn rushes to the very gates of heaven and drags the
Lord down to shower mercy and resurrect Padmavathi. The final scene was about
how the Lord comes down as a scholar to subject Jayadeva to the final test. But
the all humble saint submits completely and the Lord Krishna is lost in his
love. The drama concluded with a final song.
Swami's face was covered in smiles watching the small children make their
presentation. During the scene when the wife dies, all the ladies in the front
were in tears at the nobility of the woman. The pleadings to Lord Krishna, were
all directed to Sai Krishna and Swami too reflected the same sentiments. As they
concluded, He got up from the stage and walked down to take group photographs
with them. He walked down the steps and all the children came towards Him to
receive Him. After a while, He also sat on the chair and posed for photographs
with them. He called the actor who played the role of Jayadeva and gifted her a
clock embedded in a laminated photograph. He later gave one of that to each of
the participants as they came up one by one, while prasadam was distributed to
all the devotees. He also threw a couple of sweets to some of the drama
participants. It was 8 o'clock when Swami accepted Arati, blessed everyone and
returned to His residence.
Pictures of the event
-July
20-22, 2008:
Report & Photos: Divine Discourse and Music Programme
-Sri Sathya Sai World
Education Conference - Golden Lingam Photos
July 21, 2008
In the morning, all the delegates were seated in the Kulwant hall and all were
eager as Swami's discourse had been scheduled. Swami arrived for darshan at
10:45 am. Very quickly, He came to the stage and wanted the proceedings to
begin. There were four speeches scheduled before His discourse. The first to
speak was Dr. Tom Scovill. After a 15 minute speech, there was a very
interesting talk by Dr. B.G. Pitre. He spoke on the techniques and impact of
Sathya Sai Education, with illustrative anecdotes. The next was Dr. Dalton de
Souza Amorim. Finally, Mr. Srirangarajan from the Sri Sathya Sai University
delivered his talk which revolved around the four E's of educare - experience,
example, empowerment and ennoblement. After the talks, Swami said that He would
deliver His discourse in the evening. Swami thus accepted Aarthi and retired to
Yajur Mandir at noon.
The delegates for the conference gathered at various venues in the Ashram for
their respective post-lunch sessions and returned to the Sai Kulwant Hall for
the afternoon plenary session. Swami arrived in His chair and moved to the
interview room after four o'clock. At 4.30 pm, the speeches for the afternoon
commenced. Mr. Victor Krishna Kanu, who arrived on stage in a wheel chair, was
the first to be invited to speak. He roared like an African lion that he is,
saying that it is time to move ahead into action. He powerfully impressed on all
that being born in a time with the Avatar was no little thing. Swami was visibly
moved with his "roars". He blessed him at the end of his short speech. Then, Mr.
Jeremy Hoffer, spoke on his experiences as a teacher in the SSE programme. Mr.
M. K. Kaw spoke on the functioning procedures at the Sri Sathya Sai
International Centre at Delhi and finally, Sri Sanjay Mahalingam spoke on how
the goal of educare is to gift one with absolute silence within. Bhagawan then
graciously consented to speak to the delegates. A list of questions was handed
over to him and He asked for the mikes and began His discourse, which is
available here.
The students sang Bhajans for 10 minutes after Swami's Discourse while the
delegates moved out from the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall to make way for the
devotees from the CIS (former USSR) who were to make a musical
presentation.Bhagawan returned to the stage after a brief visit to the interview
room and the music program began with a brief introduction. Songs from Russia,
Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and so on kept the packed hall
enthralled with their catchy tunes and lively beat. The joy and enthusiasm
radiating from the faces of these devotees was very infectious. Everyone had a
smile and some of them were even almost laughing aloud! It was really a very
divine atmosphere and the joy radiating from the Lord and devotees combined to
spread a thrill everywhere. After their half-hour programme, Swami asked them to
sing one more song, so they sang the popular "Kalinka" and had the audience
clapping all through. Then as all the organisers came around Swami, He spoke to
them. All of a sudden, waving His hand, Swami materialised a huge golden Lingam.
The lingam was awesome by its sheer size alone! He handed it over to Dr.
Goldstein with some instructions. He asked for a cover and wrapped the lingam in
the cover. He told him to perform the Abhishekam or the holy bath for the diety.
Promising further instructions later, Swami displayed the lingam for all the
eager devotees to have a look at. There were gasps and shrieks.It is true that
in highest happiness, man does not know how to react. The mixture of spontaneous
reactions was something that must have been seen and heard to be truly
experienced! Blessing all the devotees, Swami accepted Aarati and returned to
His residence at 7.30 pm while prasadam was distributed.
Pictures of the event
-July
20-22, 2008:
Report & Photos: Divine Discourse and Music Programme
-Sri Sathya Sai World
Education Conference - Golden Lingam Photos
July 20, 2008
At about 11 am there was a sudden hustle outside Yajur Mandir. Swami was going
to the Poornachandra auditorium to inaugurate the Vidya Jyoti exhibition that
had been erected there. A dash of Rangolis (symmetric drawings with colour
powder on the floor) adorned a large portion of the auditorium floor and
children from various nationalities held flowers to welcome the Lord. Swami
entered the grand entrance and lit the lamp to mark the opening. He went around
the various sections of the exhibition. There was an elaborate and well made
documentary on the various facets of Educare and Swami sat through the entire
video of about 20 mins. Then the different sections made were based on the
different regions of the world and the Sai system of education that was being
run and propagated there. Swami spent about 40 minutes in the exhibition and
blessing all the participants and watching brief clips at different points, He
went back to Yajur Mandir at about 11:50 am.
In the evening, the opening ceremony of the Sri Sathya Sai education conference
was scheduled. Swami arrived in the chair and took a detour to the stage between
the seated ladies and gents delegates. A very interesting episode occurred. All
the delegate letters had been bundled into a huge package and the devotee
sitting right in the front offered it to Swami. Swami looked at it and it
appeared as if He wanted to take it. But at the last minute, He blessed it and
the package remained in the devotees hands. however as Swami came on the stage,
He told the student beside HIm, "Go down, take that package and keep it" There
was an applause of joy and thrill at this act of Grace. Swami lit the lamp to
mark the inauguration of the conference Then there were opening addresses by Dr.
Michael Goldstein and Mr. V. Srinivasan. After their speeches, Swami asked for
His mikes and began His Divine Discourse which is available here.
After His Discourse, as Swami went for a short break into the interview room,
the stage was set for the Sai Symphony orchestra. As all the members of the
orchestra were ready, Swami arrived and asked it to begin. Conducted by Michael
Koehler from Germany, the orchestra consisted of violins, violas, cellos, bass,
clarinets, saxophones, oboes, bassoons, flutes, trumpets, trombones, French
horns, percussions alongside a tuba, a timpani and a keyboard - a wide array
indeed! Representing 21 countries, the musicians just let themselves to be ruled
by their heartfelt feelings. The program consisted of Romantic music pieces of
the great western classical masters. They played Shostakovich festive overture,
Ottorino Respighi, Felix Mendelssohn and some more pieces. As they completed,
Swami blessed them and asked for tetrapaks of mango juice to be given to all. He
also blessed prasadam to be distributed. He then received Aarthi and left.
Pictures of the event
-July
20-22, 2008:
Report & Photos: Divine Discourse and Music Programme
-Sri Sathya Sai World
Education Conference - Golden Lingam Photos
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Photos:
Ashadhi
Ekadashi celebrations 2008 & Bhagawan visit to Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical
Sciences |
July 18, 2008
Thousands thronged to the holy hamlet of Puttaparthi to be with their dear Guru
on the occasion of Guru Poornima. Kulwant hall was brimming with people
everywhere. The students from all the campuses too had arrived and what greater
good fortune for a student than being with his/her Guru on this occasion. The
sun had risen quite early in the morning and was shining bright already. Maybe
he too wished to glimpse at the Sadguru from the heavens! Resplendent in a
golden yellow robe, the sun of every heart rose at 8:50am. Unlike the heavenly
star, the sweet Lord seemed to bring in waves of cool calm with His arrival. A
special Golden coloured chair was His chariot today and He was lead in the
procession by His baby elephant which was bedecked in festival finery.
Swami moved slowly through the throngs and a "Mexican wave" of joy moved through
the crowd, the crests of the wave coinciding with His position in the hall, as
everyone craned to gift their eyes with the heavenly sight. There was exuberance
and joy everywhere. Swami, in sharp contrast to the reactions of the devotees,
was the epitome of calm and He had a stoic smile as He gently moved through the
surging and swelling crowds. He was centre of calm in the devotional storm.
Completing a full round, He moved to the portico. A huge cake adorned the
veranda. The cake was thickly covered with icing. But the 'icing' on the icing
was a lovely model of Lord Rama embracing his dearmost Hanuman. Swami lit the
candle on the cake and also cut it. There was another cake too which Swami cut
and blessed. Then He moved to the stage. The moment He was on stage, the magic
and joy of spontaneity was experienced by all in the hall- seeing Him so
majestic and powerful, yet so dainty and sweet, the crowd burst in rapturous
clapping so spontaneously and seeing His devotees oozing with joy and
enthusiasm, Swami raised both HIs hands in the ultimate act of Grace and
benediction- all so spontaneously. That divine smile now danced on His lips. He
sat for a while listening to the Vedam chanting along with the Nadaswaram and
Panchavadyam performed by the students. He also kept beat with the music as the
boys continued playing.
It was the that Sri Shivraj Patil, the Union Home Minister, presented a book to
Bhagawan for release. This tome on the Bhagawad Gita was written by him and was
made available in English, Hindi, Marathi and other languages. Swami was very
eager in blessing the book. Bhagawan then asked Prof Anil Kumar to announce the
details of the book and then Sri Shivraj Patil was asked to address the
gathering. In his short speech, Sri Patil thanked Bhagawan for inspiring the
book. As he completed his speech, Swami asked for a pen. Then He took the book
and signed on its first page. It seemed very appropriate. The Bhagwad Gita is an
immortal treasure trove of wisdom that has inspired countless aspirants on the
path to ultimate realization. And the teacher there is the Lord himself in the
form of Krishna. To be released on Guru Poornima by that same Krishna is a
blessing that could not have got better for Sri Shivraj Patil.
After releasing the book, Swami asked for His mikes to be brought. Today was
indeed a supremely blessed one for the best possible event was taking place. The
Guru addressing all! Swami began with a long Telugu poem which the translator
did not get the opportunity to translate. Then the discourse proceeded:
"It is the power of Love that makes everything possible. All the names are God's
names. But the Truth is Aham Brahmasmi. The universe derives from and dissolves
into the Truth. There is no place without Truth and God is the cause for
everything in the universe.
Shivraj Patil here has written this Gita text after poring over various texts
and grasping this essence. There are many who write books but this one is very
special for it has been written from the heart. Whenever, I visited him, he used
to get it corrected and verified by me. And since it has arisen of his heart,
the essence of the Gita is present in it.
Guru Poornima is not just a day when you pay respects to the elders by giving
them some money. "Gurur Brahma, gurur Vishnu, gurur devo maheshwara; Guru
sakshath parabrahma tasmai sri gurave namaha". In that sense, God is the only
Guru. Poornima is the moon that is full without any defects or black spots. With
a pure heart, whatever is said, comes true. And whatever comes from the heart is
the true word of the Guru.
Once in their childhood, when the Pandavas and Kauravas were engaged in a ball
game, the ball fell into a well and the children began to weep. Drona, his wife
and son Ashwattama were passing by that way. Drona, the master, shot an arrow to
the ball. Then successively, he shot arrows one behind the other and made a rope
out of the arrows and pulled out the ball for them. Such was his greatness.
Ekalavya wanted to become his disciple too but Drona refused to take him as one
stating that he would not teach hunters. So the lad made a clay idol of Drona
and mastered the art of archery. Once when Drona and all the princes were in the
forest, a dog started barking and creating a disturbance. Very soon, its mouth
had been rendered shut by many arrows shot with great precision! All wondered
who had done so and it was discovered that Ekalavya was the one responsible. At
this time, Arjuna grew very jealous. How can there be anyone else who is so
skilled? On inquiry, when Ekalavya said that his guru was Drona, Arjuna was
angry too! The art of shooting by mere hearing was something his Guru had
promised to teach him alone. He wanted his guru Drona to ask as a Gurudakshina
(gift of gratitude to the Guru), the shooting thumb of Ekalavya! This stemmed
from his ego that he was the best archer in the world. Drona did so to please
Arjuna and Ekalavya lost his thumb and thus his career too.
The guru may ask anything, but the true Guru is one who resides in the heart and
gives instructions from there. The Bhagawad Gita is the teaching of the heart.
Though Shivraj Patil read a lot, he had a lot of doubts. Finally he wrote what
his heart felt. He did not follow any other text or teaching. It was Swadhyaya
(the delving into the soul or Atma) that gave joy and clarity. Just remove the
feelings of I and mine, ego and possessiveness, and the Atma Tatwa stands
revealed. Many make attempts to know the Self. To do that first drop the I. That
is also symbolised by the Christian Cross. The Cross stands for the fact that
when 'I' is crossed, Jesus is liberated. Also, one must give up possessiveness.
Shivraj Patil has been coming to me for 30 years now. Chavan and Patil came
together to Swami. Patil was first made a minister in Mumbai and then He moved
to Delhi. He became the speaker. But he never asked Swami for anything. He has
achieved a good name in the government too. They have full confidence in him.
One must always have three things- Self confidence, Self-sacrifice and
Self-satisfaction. And for all these 3, faith is absolutely essential. And Love
of course! Demons have faith in God, but they hat God! Just reading and speaking
is not enough. What you do practiocally counts. See first and develop faith and
then follow. That will finally lead to Self-realization and that is Poornima-
being spotless in thought, word and deed.
Share with all whatever you know. This applies to the teachers and students
alike. Teachers and students are like the positive and negative respectively.
Whatever you experience, tell your parents. Have a close relationship with your
mother and father. One who pleases parents will have progress on all fronts. God
will be with them always. The last shloka of Gita states that where there is
Arjuna (devotee) with Krishna (God), there will be ultimate victory and
fulfillment.
Today Shivraj Patilhas given you a book with beautiful ideas and sentiments.
That is why he has satisfaction and the book is respected. BUt you see boys
reading all sorts of novels these days. They will hold a big spiritual book and
concealed in it will be a novel! Such bad books must not be kept in our
libraries. Even if they are kept, our boys will not even glance at them. Have
sacred hearts and that will lead you to The secret place. Boys are all very
good, but due to the age some thoughts do come. Be resistant at such times. All
of you too must write books. We have one student.....whats his name? (after
conferring a while with some people around), Ah yes! Hungary government has
called him.... He is Gowrishankar. He is going to Hungary for the paper that he
has published. Anybody and everybody doesn't get called like that. (Swami
blessed the lecturer Sri.Gowrishankar on stage and told him to earn a good name
for his parents and the Institute.)
Whatever you learn, you must spread it to some people. You should go everywhere
and tell everyone about what you have learnt here in our Institute. There are
two girls in the Anantapur campus to. Having excelled in English and Physics,
they are being financed for a trip to USA. All of you should earn such a good
name."
Concluding His discourse, Swami called two students from the bhajan group and
told them to sing Shiva bhajans. And then again He told them "Sing shankar
bhajans". Mysterious and indeed unfathomable are the ways of God. Maybe a mere
coincidence but still worth noting is the fact that while on His left sat
Shivaraj Patil, on His left was Gowrishankar! The boys told Swami that they had
prepared some songs for the occasion. Swami agreed and told them to sing two
songs. Two songs later, Swami asked for the aarthi to be performed and retired
to Yajur Mandir.
In the afternoon, there was no scheduled programme as such. But with Swami, its
always loving His uncertainty! Swami arrived at about 5:10 pm in the same chair
as the morning! This time, like the evening sun, He was in the orange robe. He
took a full darshan round and moved to the stage. The Malladi brothers were
seated there and Swami played His first stroke of loving uncertainty. He called
them and told them to sing! They did not have their accompanying artistes. So
the students were called to accompany them on the harmonium, tabla and
mridangam. They began with a song on the glory and grandeur of the guru. Then in
their usual panache and wonderful style, they went about singing other songs.
The highlight of the evening was the song, "Nagumomu". If all the feelings that
coursed through all the people including Swami during that 15 minute period that
the song lasted is to be captured, either 1 trillion words are needed or just
one suffices - Bliss! The skill of the throat when it combines with the magical
composition of a literary genius and most importantly with the streams of
devotion in the heart - sheer bliss is the inevitable result. Swami was very
frequently singing along with the singers. As the song moved through its ups and
downs of scale and moods, Swami seemed to reflect every thing. At one point, the
singers were at the heights of both, devotion and pitch, like a glistening dew
drop on the lotus petal, a tear seemed to form in His eye! Simultaneously, there
were wet eyes at many places in the hall. The Malladi brothers went about the
vocal gymnastics and thrilled everyone. There was not a single moment when Swami
sat 'still'. He was all the while moving His hands or swaying - and it is the
highest of achievements to "move" the Lord! In this case Swami was literally and
figuratively moved. Very few manage to replicate the technical genius of the
uneducated Thyagaraja but it is only a magical few who bring alive the devotion
to Rama that he embodied. Any amount of description cannot do justice to those
mesmerising moments in His presence.
Swami asked for shawls to be brought and very lovingly honoured the singers who
had brought so much of Love for God in the hearts of thousands. To intensely
Love God is indeed a blessing from Him but indeed it is a greater boon to bring
out Love for God in hearts of others too and the brothers were doing just that.
After receiving shawls and Love, the concert continued for some more time. 3
songs later, Swami asked for Aarthi and then as prasadam was being distributed,
Swami retired.
Click
 here to
read a report and see pictures of the Gurupoornima celebrations.:
July 19th, 2008:
Guru Purnima Celebrations, 18 Jul 2008, Report & Images
|
16th July 2008: There was a mobile medicare
van parked in front of Yajur Mandir at about 8:30am. It was part of the ongoing
efforts by the Mumbai Sai organisation to provide better medical facilities to
inaccessible places. The van is part of a team of ten vans which will serve as a
mobile dispensary and a preliminary diagnostic 'vehicle'! A novel idea, first
initiated by the Sathya Sai Organisations, Tamil Nadu had been implemented by
Maharashtra too. About 4-5 hospitals had agreed to give treatment free of cost
to the tune of 1 hospital bed to the SSSO, Mumbai as a philanthropic measure and
the medical vans would find the suffering needy to benefit from that gesture.
The organisation would pay for the post operative care! A very good example of
society serving society.
At about 9:10am, Swami came out of Yajur mandir. He seemed to be a little
surprised at the vehicle standing to the left! He went close to it and the
poeple there explained to Him about the concept and utility of the vehicle. The
vehicles had been given away by the Maharashtra CM in a special ceremony held a
few weeks back. The van has all the items and utilities required for the doctor
to engage in primary health care. Swami saw the vehicle through the front door
and then again went to the rear and peered through that door too. He inquired
about the procedure in which it would be operated. Blessing everyone who had
assembled there in connection with the van, Swami proceeded to Kulwant hall for
the darshan and bhajans that had already begun. At 9:30 am, He received Aarthi
and then moved back to Yajur Mandir.
In the evening there was a concert scheduled to be performed by Falguni Mitra. A
foremost exponent of Dhrupad, the authentic and respected form of Hindusthani
Classical music, Pandit Falguni Mitra was initiated into music by his father,
Sangeetacharya Pandit. Shib Mitra at the tender age of four and a half. Swami
arrived for darshan and after taking a detour after the ladies side, moved to
the portico. He then took a round in the bhajans hall and after a visit to the
interview room, Swami came onstge for the programme.
All the artistes bowed down to Swami and sought His blessings. The programme
today was in an entirely different flavour compared to the one yesterday. While
the previous one thrilled with its pace and pitch, today's was a unique blend of
power and profundity! The concert began with Ganesha Vandana and was follwed by
a wonderful piece in the raag Bhimpalas. Gifted with a deep, melodious voice,
Falguni Mitra has inspired a reformation to the unique art-form of Dhrupad
singing through successful innovations in its melodic structure and rhythmic
variations. True to his reputation, he sang a song on the "colour-play",as he
put it, of the gopikas and gopalas of Brindavan with Krishna, in that famed
style. He slowly weaved his melodies and one really needed a highly refined and
cultured mind to appreciate this high form of music. He sang a song on the
victorious return of Rama to Ayodhya and capped up the performance with an
excellent rendering of the song, "Chalo Man Ganga Jamuna Teer." Swami too sang
along with him for parts of the song.
At the end of it, Swami materialised a ring for the pandit and girted him a
shawl. His wife, who was on the harmonium, received a saree from Swami. The
other members of the team too were similarly blessed either with a shawl.
Finally, Swami posed with them for group photos and after that was over, HE
lovingly blessed panditji and His wife by placing His hand on their heads.
Aarthi was then performed after which Swami retired.
|
July 14, 2008
The morning of Ashaadi Ekadasi dawned with a dash of colour and a rush of energy
in the abode of highest peace. It had been announced yesterday evening that the
morning programme would begin at 9:00 am. At 8:50 am, Swami arrived f rom the
Yajur Mandir. The usual Vedic chanting started, but very soon it was replaced by
songs that had been specially composed for the occasion of Ashaadi Ekadasi. The
song was full of vigour and life and the audience began to clap rhythmically
with it. Specially dressed men stood in the centre blowing conches heralding
Swami's entry into the mandir premises. Swami moved on the chair and went
through the whole hall granting the joy of close darshan on this auspicious
morning. Well, any morning when one can have a beautiful darshan of the Lord
becomes holy and auspicious! Passing through the students area, He blessed all
the boys holding trays and celebrating birthdays.
From the portico as He came on to the stage, there were many VIPs and MLAs
seeking His blessings. He was smiles to everyone and was radiating joy and peace
as He came on stage. The stage had been decorated very grandly with a beautiful
idol of Vitthala adorning the centre. Swami looked at the whole stage and moved
to the gents side corner to light the lamp. A gentle blue wax candle was given
to Him and He slowly lit all the six wicks in the lamp and a round of applause
rent the hall. The programme began with the arrival of the traditional Varakaris.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk all the way to the banks of the mighty
Chandrabhaga river, to the "mother's home" - Pandharpur and pray to Vitthala.
Now Puttaparthi has become the "mother's home" and dear Sai- the Lord as the
pilgrims conclude their walking pilgrimage in His divine presence on the Ashaadi
Ekadasi day. ( "Co-incidentally" Pandharpur translates into English as 'white
field' !!) The dance was the folk type and was marked by the energy and quick
movements demanding lot of stamina. Before the dance actually began, a garland
of Tulsi leaves and dry fruits were brought up to Swami for blessings. The dance
consisted of many human pyramid formations. Each pyramid that came up was more
intricate and tougher to form than the previous one. There was a formation of
steps and the lotus formation too. The dance received a lot of appreciation and
it was after the dance that the main programme of the morning began.
The programme was by the Bal Vikas children from the Pune district of
Maharashtra. Entitled "Atma Ramayana", it was based on the inner significance of
the Ramayana as Swami has said it. The actors playing the part of Rama,
Lakshmana, Sugriva and the squirrel who helps a 'tiny' bit in bridge building,
came up to the stage offering the card and flow ers to Swami. Swami blessed them
and then the enactment began. It began with all the great poets who had written
the Ramayana - sage Valmiki, Kamban, Tulsidas, Thyagaraja - arriving to the
present where a Bal Vikas teacher is discussing the Ramayana with the children.
The whole story of Ramayana was weaved by these great saints and landmark events
were depicted on stage. The narration starts with a joyous dance at the prospect
of Rama being made the king of Ayodhya. Then the quenn Kaikeyi, under the
influence of her maid Manthara tells Dasharatha to banish Rama into exile for 14
years and asks for the coronation of Bharatha. Everyone is shocked and worried -
all except Rama, the epitome of calm and composure. Sita and Lakshmana follow
Rama to the forest. In the forest, the episode of Sita's kidnapping by Ravana
was depicted after she is enticed by her desire for a golden deer. It was
brought out powerfully that in life too, once Kama (desire) overpowers, Rama
(God) leaves! Sita pining for the golden deer, ends up getting the golden city
(Lanka) itself, but ends up losing Rama. She is sad and despondent. Stated
another way, as long as the Rama tattwa (spirit of Godliness) exists, Ravana
tattwa(the negatives) cannot enter. The special smoke and lighting effects as
Ravan tries to cross the famous "Lakshman Rekha" were impressive.
The Eagle king Jatayu fights valiantly to help Sita and in the process loses his
own life. That act of bravery and selfless love wins Jatayu the supreme merit of
having his last rites performed by Rama himself - a merit that even the great
Dasharatha was not fortunate enough to get, though he was Rama's father. Rama
and Lakshmana then meet Hanuman and Sugriva. Vali, who stands for body
attachment, is slain by Rama and then the search for Sita begins. Hanuman meets
mother Sita after crossing the Indian ocean. Hanuman's flight across the ocean
was also creatively depicted. There he gives courage to Sita and strikes terror
in the hearts of all the demons at Lanka. He returns triumphantly and very soon
the bridge to Lanka is built. The episode of the squirrel contributing a few
grains of sand to the bridge was also shown. The special message was very clear.
The world judges a person by the fruits or the results the person produces. God
judges not and He sees only the efforts made. Efforts, not results, plea se Him!
The drama concluded with the coronation of Rama and a grand dance to celebrate
that.
As the drama concluded, all the participants came into a final mass gathering.
143 girls and 81 boys fromed a huge mass of children in all colours and forms!
Swami was very happy and He blessed all of them. The Ramayana is such a powerful
story that one does not need a fantastic script or great acting skills. The
story simply narrated in itself inspires and brings feelings of devotion and
love from within. It is small wonder then that He holds the Ramayana so dear to
His heart. Swami told all the children that He would come down for group photos.
The sight of so many children sitting around Him must be seen to be believed! He
called the little squirrel and spoke to 'it' asking for the name and place! Even
in this yuga, the Lord seemed to be appreciating the efforts rather than the
size of the role played! Swami created a chain for the lad who played the role
of Rama in the forest. He then told all the children to come and sit close so
that good pictures could be taken. Then He moved to the front where He called of
for Rama, Lakshmana and Sita and posed for pictures with them. Then He asked one
of the photographers, "Call Pattabhi Rama also." So the crowned and decked Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita too came and were blessed with photos with Him. After the
photo session, Swami said that He would stand up and bless all. As Swami rose,
there was an uproarious applause. Swami beamed and blessed all. Then slowly, He
walked up the way on to the stage.
As He sat on the stage, He called the main organiser and spoke to him about the
children - how they had practiced, how they had put in the efforts and how many
days it had taken. Swami was told that everything had come out so wonderfully
sheerly through His Grace alone. Swami spoke quite a lot and it was very evident
that He was very happy. He called Sita onstage and asked,"Are you a boy?" The
lad blushed and the redness on his face travelled very soon to His face too! He
asked his name and patted him on the cheeks. He blessed prasadam to be
distributed and in fact He himself distributed it to some of the actors who were
nearby. Then Aarthi was taken and Swami, (after a very long period of time now),
raised both His hands in loving benediction to all the children. In between all
this, He also granted interviews to some people and the artistes of yesterday's
programme. Going back to the car, it was about 11:10 am when He finally retired
for the morning.
In the afternoon, Swami arrived at about 4:30 pm. He moved through the ladies
side on the chair and then cut through the central stage area and went straight
to the interview room. At 5:00 pm, He came out and sat on the stage. After a
short while of Veda chanting, He raised His hand to signal it to a stop. A
musical dance ballet entitled, "Tripura Rahasyam" was to be presented in the
divine presence by the Balvikas students and Gurus of the Mumbai organisation.
The lead actors and dancers came on stage and presented Swmai with the card and
flowers and sought His blessings for the success of the programme. Swami blessed
them and the programme began.
The Tripura Rahasyam literally means, "beyond the trinity". It is a great work,
among the favourites of Sri Ramana Maharshi, expounding the traditional
teachings where a steadily self aware Sadguru imparts knowledge about inner
perception, enabling the disciple to share the same state. For his part,
however, the disciple must be eager, have full zeal to know and have unqualified
faith in the Guru's guidance. The programme began with a dance for the
veneration of Goddess Sri Tripura. The goddess, regarded as the pure unsullied
Intelligence manifests in ten forms then. Each form was welcomed with the
appropriate musical chants. Covering the entire aspects of the manifest and
unmanifest, the ten forms are very interesting, atleast from an academic point
of view. They are - Dhoomaavathi, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura
Bhairavi, Maha Kali, Tara, Matangi, Chinnamastha, Bagala Mukhi and Kamalathmika.
This knowledge had been first imparted by Lord Dattatreya, considered as the
ultimate Guru, an embodiment of the holy trinity, to the great sage Parashurama.
The great knowledge was imparted through parables. The story of princess
Hemalekha's sound advice to the prince Hemachuda was depicted very creatively.
The fickle mind, thoughts, the senses and the vices were all "humanized" and
built up as a single family with the relationships between them subtly hinting
towards the actual relationships existing as they arise in humans. There are
heavy conflicts within the family and this ruins the intellect and ultimately
makes one ignorant. And ignorance is the root cause of all the problems - far
from being the bliss that it is so often mis-associated with in a common
proverb! Another story of the brothers Rukmangada and Hemangada was also
depicted. They use widom to save themselves from being devoured by the demon of
doubt.
By way of these parables in dreams and visions, Lord Dattatreya resolves the
doubts of Manav - the representative of humanity. Everything begins with
Virakti(disgust of material possessions) leading to Vairagya (detachment) which
finally leads to Viveka (discrimination). But for all this, the Grace of the
Lord is paramount. The programme concluded with the manifestation of the Devi in
all her glory and grandeur on the chariot when all the sages viz. Sanaka,
Vasishta, Pulasthya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Athri, Angiras, Prachetasa, Narada,
Cyavana, Vamadeva, Vishwamitra, Goutama, Sukra, Parashara, Vyasa, Kanva,
Kashyapa, Daksha, Sumanthu, Shanka, Likhita and Devala, and the Gods of the
trinity pray for her! As the final song began, Swami called the protagonist and
created a golden chain for him. In the meantime, everyone came into the final
formation and Swami said that He would move down and bless the children with
group photos.
Swami went down and like bees swarming around sources of nectar, the children
came all over Swami. Swami was so happy! He went through the children and posed
for pictures twice or thrice. He spoke to many and took letters from many more.
He asked the names from some of the children. He saw 'Hemalakha' and asked
'her', "Where is your husband?", much to the merriment of everyone around. Once
again, for the second time today, He rose from the chair and holding on to the
children, posed for group photos. He moved back on to the stage and as He sat
there, He kept selecting diads to come up and pose with Him. He picked similarly
costumed people to come up. A "demon" told Swami that he wanted to go on stage
to pose with Him. Swami told him to put on his crown and then come on the stage!
After a very joy filled and eventful session, Swami asked for bhajans to begin.
After a while He went into the interview room. Soon, He came out, received
Aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandir at about 6:40 pm.
|
Sunday, July 13, 2008:
As part of the Ashadi Ekadasi function, the introductory honours had been gifted
to Sri.Kunal Ganjawalla and his wife Gayatri Ganjawalla. Swami had agreed to a
concert by the musical couple and the whole stage had been set and k ept ready for them. Swami came out at about 3:45pm and in
the car took a round in the Kulwant hall. Swami is called "Nitya Nootana"
meaning the ever new. No two days are ever similar in the things He does. Today,
He took the route via the portico from the gents side and then moved to the
ladies side again. From there He went back towards Yajur Mandir and via the
passage between the Yajur Mandir and the Kulwant Hall, He drove out! He went for
a darshan granting ride in Puttaparthi and then returned to the mandir.
This time, He came straight to the portico and then soon onto the stage. He
called the artistes of the day and asked them to begin. The veda chanting came
to a halt and the artistes sought His blessings. The first song by Sri.Kunal was
on Lord Ganesha and it was an auspicious beginning. He and his wife kept
alternating between themselves in the songs and it was a treat for the ears and
more so for the eyes - the music was so good and Swami's reactions and responses
to the songs were so sweet and full of Love. When Gayathri began the song "Thumak
Chalat Ramachandra" after saying that it reminds her of the beautiful days when
Swami would come glidingly walking down for darshan, Swami seemed to get
overwhelmed. He began singing along with her. In fact at one point, when the
singer stopped singing to allow the flute to play a piece, Swami continued
singing and was a pparently surprised as to
why the singing had stopped! He looked at the singer and gave vigorous rhythm on
His lap indicating her to begin singing. Kunal then sang the song, "Sainath Tere
Hazaro Haath" from the movie Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. Being a very popular song, the
members of the audience too began to sing along with him. At the end of that
song, Swami looked at the artistes and lipped, "Very very happy!"- and that was
exactly the feeling shown on the faces of the artistes too for what can be
greater reward than being able to make the Lord happy. A Meera bhajan followed
next and the audience lapped it up as it went through the highs and lows of
pitches and loudness! As the songs continued, Swami called Kunal and made some
enquiries of him. Then taking leave for a few minutes, Swami went into the
interview room. He returned soon and sat on the stage. One other lady too sang
the song,"Oh Rama! Nee nama yenta ruchira" and Swami sat swaying to it and
enjoying it. Really, the only tunes the Lord dances to are the tunes of Love
from the heart.
Every action of Swami has so much of meaning to some people. It may appear that
it means nothing for the world, but it definitely means the world to somebody!
Knowing the story in the background sometimes helps one in appreciating the
actions He does. And in today's case, having met the artistes and got a chance
to interact with them, the writer is able to enjoy and share some of these
stories. Some time back, Swami had appeared in the dream of Kunal's sister
telling her that Gayatri must sing the bhajan -"Sri Venkatesha Saishwara" - and
very soon she began that bhajan. It appeared as if Swami had been waiting for
that bhajan. As soon as it concluded, Swami called Kunal and began waving His
palm. At this juncture, it is necessary to reveal another part of the story in
flashback. As Gayatri put it, "It was our dream that we get married in His
presence. It did not happen that way, but He knows every desire in the heart!"
Swami created a golden chain and instead of putting around Kunal's neck, gave it
to him and told him to tie it around his wife's neck! Then immediately, He
materialised a ring and gave it to the wife to put it on the finger of the
husband! Both man and wife broke down. Showers of Grace and showers of tears are
often synonymous. And thats what happened on stage as Swami fulfilled a deep
desire in the devotees' hearts without them even telling Him physically. Seeing
them in tears, Swami also momentarily was overcome with emotion. He presented
sarees to the ladies and shawls to the gents.
As this shower of Love came to a pause, Swami asked Kunal to sing a bhajan. He
started, "Bolo bolo Sab mil bolo"- a bhajan which urges everyone to sing out the
name of the Lord. Having witnessed all that happened on the stage, nobody needed
any urging, only an excuse was needed, to sing out the divine name! The bhajan
had a whole hearted and vociferous following. At the end of that, Swami told the
artistes that He would come to centrestage and pose with them for photographs.
They were all thrilled and overjoyed. When Swami wants to make you feel special,
He goes all out to do so. As the pictures were being taken, Swami looked at the
lad shooting the video and told him, "Move your fingers! Don't block the video!"
everyone smiled in merriment. Then, Swami spoke to almost every member of the
performing troupe. He blessed the prasadam to be distributed to all. Then as
Aarthi began, He called Prof. Anil Kumar and told him to announce the next day's
programme He also blessed a couple of books that the state president of
Maharashtra presented to Him. After Aarthi, giving the abhayahastha blessings to
all, Swami retired to Yajur Mandir. |
July 12, 2008
A new Gastro-intestinal (GI) endoscopy department had been furnished and kept
ready for opening with Swami's blessings today. Swami too had graciously
consented to inaugurate the new department blessing the Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Medical Sciences with His divine presence! Everyone thought that Swami
would go to the hospital in the morning, but that did not materialize. At about
2:45 pm, message from Swami came that He would be blessing the SSSIHMS at 3:30
pm. Everyone immediately swung into action and in a matter of minutes,
everything was readied for the divine visit.
Escorted by flag-bearing bike riders, Swami arrived to the south entrance of the
hospital at about 3:40 pm. He had sent a delegation of 6 guests too as an
advance party and they were also waiting in readiness for Him. As soon as He
descended from the car, many roses exchanged hands and Swami blessed all the
heads of the various offices. The Veda chanting began and lead the procession of
which Swami formed the "completion" at the end! The central corridor of the
SSSIHMS had been lined by nurses, ward boys and helpers in the hospital. Swami
moved through the corridor and He seemed so happy looking at all the people who
were serving Him so lovingly and selflessly. What followed next were
Abhayahastas galore as Swami kept glancing to His right and left blessing
everyone seated reverentially there. The GI exhibition was on the way and as
Swami passed by it, He displayed a lot of interest in visiting it.
He entered the new GI endoscopy department and the bhajans began there. He spoke
to and blessed the doctors and devotees who had been directly responsible in
setting up the department. Then moving inside to the area of the main altar, He
lit the lamp. Each and every wick in the lamp received its share of attention
and Swami lit up each one. Then He was taken into the upper GI endoscopy room
where the doctors had thoughtfully and creatively arranged a demonstration of
the capabilities of the department. A small flower bud with its stem had been
placed in a long roll of white cloth to simulate a cyst/tumour in the digestive
system. As Swami sat seeing the demonstration, the doctors inserted the
endoscopic camera tube and showed the proceedings on the TV screen. They then
literally nipped the makeshift cyst "in the bud"! Swami saw that and as the
flower bud was put in a jar and presented to Him, He asked whether the tumours
would be that size. The doctor replied that these outgrowths vary in size from a
minute dot to the size of a ball also sometimes! Swami blessed the doctors and
seemed impressed! The same thing happened in the next lower GI endoscopy room
too. The equipment had been connected not only to the TV screen but to a
computer too so that the processor gave the doctors far greater diagnosis and
analysis ability. This was shown to Swami and there too He asked a few practical
questions. The doctors found great joy in answering them and said, "Swami, this
department is a fruition of your Grace on us."
Whenever Swami listens to either the doctors or students or the scientists or
primary school children, it brings to mind the mother and child analogy. The
mother knows everything that the child knows and in fact much more too. In spite
of that, whenever the child gurgles or recites its little rhymes, the mother
listens with all appreciation and wonder. That is not an indication of the
mother's ignorance, but a powerful reminder of Her great love for the child!
Swami was next taken to the GI-endoscopy ICU room. The various facilities there
and the conveniences for the patients were shown to Swami. Swami was very happy
with all that and said that there was no need to show him all the little details
and that they should proceed and make the patients comfortable and happy. He
trusts His doctors. His faith and Trust in man is so much more than man's faith
and Trust in either Him or himself too! And that's what makes Swami so special
and divine. Blessing everyone who had gathered, Swami moved out of the
department. On the way out, He passed by Veda chanting staff and He pored over
each and every face that was flexing with the twirls and turns of the Vedic
hymns. Outside the department, a very warm and devoted assemblage of devotees
formed a reception for Swami. Swami then went to the GI exhibition that He had
noticed during His entry.
In the beginning, there was a small video presentation on how endoscopy actually
worked. After that, Swami was given a "guided" tour of the various afflictions
that tormented the human digestive tract and Swami listened with all interest.
At one point when the explaining lady spoke of some problems, Swami said, "That
comes due to hurry and more importantly - worry. If worry is avoided, many
problems will disappear!" A wonderful banquet had also been kept ready for
Swami. When Swami was requested to have something, He said, "No! Not now. The
devotees will be waiting there!" Though He was in the heart of the SSSIHMS, He
had not forgotten the devotees in the Kulwant hall. He completed a full round in
the exhibition. At the end of it, many of the doctors took padanamaskar. He was
then requested to bless the ongoing orthopedic conference with His presence. He
agreed and the conference hall was on the way itself.
Swami's entrance into the conference room was in the middle of a presentation.
But when the Lord arrives, everything comes to a standstill. He lit up the
conference, literally and figuratively, when He went to the lamp placed in the
corner and lit all the wicks. A few distinguished doctors were to receive
citations and they were indeed fortunate to receive them from the divine hands.
Swami was literally surrounded by the doctors and in midst of that too, He
materialised a ring for one of the doctors. At this point, the whole assembly
came down to its knees in humble prayer. All the delegates came to the aisle and
knelt down on either sides with a prayer that Swami traverse that path. Swami
obliged happily and very soon all the discipline seemed to vanish as devotion
took the driver's seat. Swami moved gently through the eager beavers and blessed
them all. All were thrilled at this act of Grace. As Swami exited the hall,
there was an orthopedic endoscopy device too. As Dr. Sundaresh demonstrated with
a dummy bone in a cast as to how the instrument could be used, Swami looked on.
But by now, the people around Swami were swarming and the mass of devotees
around Him was swelling to huge proportions. Swami started moving a little
quicker now.
As Swami moved out to the main corridor and back towards the side door, people
took all the vantage points available to have a glimpse of Him. By now, news of
the Lord's presence in the hospital had spread all around and doctors, nurses,
helpers, patients and relatives alike gathered in a hurry to see their sweet
Lord. Swami was all smiles and blessings as He moved out. Some of the sisters
from the dietary services had books and cards blessed. They tried to invite
Swami to the dietary department too. Swami very sweetly told them that He had to
rush back to the mandir too as devotees were waiting there. Aarthi was taken as
Swami came out and entered the car. Before leaving, Swami waved out to all who
had gathered around the car and it was such a wonderful and poignant moment for
everyone. Swami was then escorted back to the mandir.
July 7, 2008
 Men and Machines filled the central blocks of the Kulwant hall today. The
devotees from the Anantapur district had arranged for the service activ ity
wherein they would distribute implements to the needy to provide a source of
livelihood. Many devotees from the surrounding villages and from other rural
areas of Anantapur had gathered for the occasion. Swami had very graciously
agreed to preside over the distribution. And so stood an impressive array of
tools, machines and implements. Sewing machines, carpentry kits, sowers,
tillers, insecticide sprayers, wet grinders, cycles, pushcarts, embroidery
machines, handlooms and irons constituted this array. Swami came a bit early and
went into the interview room.
Later, at about 3:55pm, He came onstage to begin the proceedings. The District
President of the Sai Organisation began with an introductory talk in Telugu.
Prof Anil Kumar gave a short introduction in English and Telugu, and what an
introduction it was! He spoke of how Swami was an ideal to all the leaders for
He, like a magnificent tree, had stood rooted at His home village and brought
the whole world to HIm rather than travel around the world. "Anantapur," he
said, "stands for the meaning 'every body'. Pura is the body and Ananta means
infinite." As he was speaking of Swami's shower of Grace and Love, a steady
drizzle began and soon it turned into a tremendous and wonderful shower. It
began to beat down so much that the rain literally 'drowned' the professor's
talk in volume. The thrill of joy surging in every soul assembled was such that
very soon, the sound of the rain was drowned in the thunder of the applause. The
professor then started to read out the names of the recipients and the
implements they were being gifted. Sewing machines, bicycles, push-carts,
grinding machines, electrical kits and other such items were duly passed on to
the beneficiaries from the rural areas of the district. In the beginning as the
various heads came to Swami to take padanamaskar, Swami created vibhuti for all
of them and blessed them.
Each recipient had been chosen and all of them were gifted items of work at
which they were skilled. It was indeed a very noble endeavour. Silently an
economic revolution was on! Swami, with His spontaneous and loving action had
created more than 500 jobs in an hour! A little common sense and some basic
awareness of secondary and tertiary beneficiaries - and anyone will understand
the magnificent entrepreneurial implications of this "simple" deed. And no big
fuss made about it. "Instead of giving bread, teach a man how to make bread" was
seen in its full meaning as Swami lovingly blessed the recipients as they came
forward and placed a flower of gratitude at His feet. In about half an hour, the
whole distribution was complete. After that, Swami permitted the children of
Anantapur samithis to put up a cultural programme in his presence.
Four children came up to the front with roses, bouquets, cards and dry fruits.
Swami was so happy seeing them and He spontaneously materialised a gold chain
with a locket for one of the girls! Then the programme began. It was in Telugu
and based on the vows of Swami to protect the vedas, the wise people, those who
suffer, and all the devotees. A major portion of the programme was via various
colourful and rhythmic dances. The music and composition were all very good and
heart-warming. Swami saw the entire programme and as it concluded with a final
formation, He blessed all of them with the Abhayahastha. Swami went into the
interview room, and emerged after a few minutes to come down from the stage in
His chair and distribute saris to the children who participated in the
programme. The children sat in disciplined rows and Swami gifted each child with
a beautiful violet saree. Once that was done, He asked whether all had received
the saree. Then, with a smile of satisfaction, He looked at all the assembled
children. He called them to come to Him and pose for group photographs! Again,
in disciplined groups, the children came to
Him and photos were taken. After Blessing the participants with group photos,
the Balvikas children began bhajans. As bhajans went on, prasadam was
distributed, and Swami accepted Arati at six o'clock. |
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July 6, 2008
Panels for an exhibition on Swami's teachings had been moved into the
Poornachandra Auditorium and arranged there by the devotees from USA after Swami
had sent word that He would bless the exhibits. Everyone and everything had been
kept in perfect readiness in the morning. At about 9:05 am, Swami came out of
Yajur Mandir. He moved into Sai Kulwant Hall and that too in the chair. Being a
Sunday, the hall was quite filled, almost up to its
 capacity. Moving gently, He
completed a full darshan round, collecting letters and speaking to many. After
that, Swami granted a few interviews and then moved into the bhajan hall for the
remaining bhajans. At about 9:55 am, Swami received aarthi and retired.
In the evening, Swami arrived for darshan rounds after 4:45 pm. He took a detour
after the ladies side and after a few minutes in the portico, entered the bhajan
hall. The bhajan hall had been filled up by the senior-most students of the
Institute, the 2nd year post graduates. They had come with a focused agenda of
inviting Swami to visit the hostel as it had been long since He had done so.
When Swami entered the bhajan hall, a few students got up on their knees and
prayed to Him for an opportunity to speak and sing for Him. Swami agreed and
told them very sweetly, "There is still time for that. Be ready. I will come"
Then in the chair, Swami began to move towards the Yajur Mandir. Then, as He
moved for the second time through the ladies side, they exulted They were on
cloud nine it seemed. At the same time, it looked at though the cloud nine had
decided to come "down to earth". The skies darkened and huge drops began pelting
down. Swami reached the ladies side end of the Kulwant hall and immediately a
huge colourful umbrella was brought for Him. For all the devotees who had
gathered near the western gates of Yajur mandir, it was a lovely sight.
On an evening when everything looked dull and gray, Swami's orange robe topped
with His scented mop of hair lent a dash of vibrant colour to the scene. To
"top" it was the multi coloured umbrella, open wide and full. The sweet
fragrance of rain on earth wafted in the air as the breeze caressed and played
with His abundant curls and locks. Swami looked so magnificent and grand - an
emperor nonpareil in this world! He came out of the western gate and the
devotees were thrilled to say the least. Blessing all of them, He moved into the
Poornachandra Auditorium. The meaning of the statement, "God's delays are not
His denials" would have come to light for the US devotees who had been waiting
patiently and lovingly. Swami moved in and many roses were offered. When the lit
candle was given to Him, He lit all the wicks of the traditional lamp that had
been placed there.
Then began a sort of "guided tour" for Swami! He went around all the panels that
had been placed and looked intently at them. He was the perfect observer, asking
questions about the message and the pictures on display. A few members of the
visiting group got the great wonderful opportunity to explain to the Lord! Every
here and there were seated youth members with placards on the section to follow
Swami read each and everyone of these and also spoke to some of the lads. Swami
spent almost 15 minutes going around the exhibits. After completing that, Swami
came to the devotees group that had assembled in a disciplined manner in the
auditorium. He called out the little children and began asking names. He asked
one of them, "Which class?" The boy seemed bewildered till an adult said,
"Which
grade are you in?" He answered, "Swami I have completed my 2nd." "Why did you
come here?", He asked another kid. "To sing for you Swami" was the answer. He
sent back the kid after rewarding him with a sort of handshake and a pat on his
cheeks. He was smiling and was very happy with them. Blessing all with abhayahastha and many with Paadanamaskar, Swami sat in the car and started for a
second time towards Kulwant hall.
This time, He went for a complete round in the hall and those that had missed a
close darshan some time back were rewarded for their patience. He entered the
bhajan hall and asked for the assembled 2nd PG students to begin their
programme. The programme consisted of songs and short talks. The talks were in
different languages and were nostalgic speeches on the wonderful times when
Swami visited the hostel. Two students recounted their stories and Swami too
became overcome with emotion. He too seemed to be nostalgic. One of the students
said, "Swami, we are your dunnapotas forever."
Swami - What is meant by dunnapota?
Boy - Swami, male buffaloes.
Swami - Why only male? Not female?
Even amidst all the boys, Swami had his children at Anantapur too in mind! He
then said, that all were good and none were dunnapotas. The songs were the
popular ones and a few qawwalis were also embedded. It was like a game show at
time. Swami was given a list of songs and the boys said, "Swami tell us
whichever song you like, we will sing it out for you." And so, Swami kept
picking songs and they were rendered. The programme was interspersed with
persistent pleading to Swami to visit the hostel! Swami asked where the hostel
was and He said that one must never refer to it as your hostel or my hostel. It
is always "ours"! Letters and cards were given. Finally, the boys showed Him a
video clipping on a laptop of His previous visit to the hostel! Finally, one of
the students came up to Swami and said, "Swami, it has been very long since you
have come to hostel We will do whatever you want. Tell us what to do and when
you will come please." Swami said, "I will tell. Wait. There is a programme
tomorrow. After Tuesday, I will tell." Blessing all the students, Swami received
Aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandir.
July 5, 2008
Swami had graciously agreed for a music programme by the devotees of the zone 1
of USA. The men women and children were seated in the marbled block in front of
the stage with their characteristic blue scarves. Swami came for darshan at
about 4:50 pm. Like He did on the past three days, once again, Swami took a
detour from the ladies' side straight to the stage. He immediately told the Veda
chanting to be stopped and then asked the devotees about the programme.
A few men came up to Him and showed the programme schedule. The women and
children representatives too came to Him with roses and offerings. He blessed
them all and spoke to them. The programme was introduced with a heart to heart
talk with Swami. The speaker on the mike said, "Swami, to finish the required
course to graduate from the attachment to the world, for nine months, our
centers in USA have collectively studied the true flowers of non violence, sense
control, forbearance, penance, peace, meditation and Truth." As he spoke, Swami
looked intently at him and kept nodding. The first song was entitled, "Who am
I". It was followed by a song in Spanish.
The songs were simple in their tunes and rich in their meaning. Each song had a
small introductory talk which was very apt and Swami listened and appreciated
each of them. Swami also seemed particularly impressed with the person playing
the violin in the first line. In fact His gaze went on him for quite a number of
times during the programme. There were more songs on the divine romance between
Swami and His devotees. The only prayer embedded in every song was, "Swami let
our Love for you grow stronger with every passing moment." Swami often says,
"The Lord knows what you need. You do not have to ask Him for anything." It is
so true that any prayer we make may not be "appropriate" in a sense. When we
pray for either wealth, material comfort, good health, more time - anything -
for either ourselves or for others, how do we know that it is for the Good? God
is all wise and it is nothing great to admit that His wisdom is absolute and
complete compared to our tiny minds and brains. It is better to just Trust and
Love Him with all our hearts. In this context, the prayer, "Swami let our Love
for you grow stronger with every passing moment" becomes perfect. For there is
absolutely nothing wrong or bad about loving God and though anything we pray for
may not be good for us in the long run, Loving God more intensely is always
beneficial, irrespective of time and circumstances!
The final song was the realization that, "I am God! I am no different from God."
As the song concluded, so did the programme. Swami asked them to sing bhajans
and they began. One particular bhajan was, "Sai Mata Pita". A line in it goes, "Mujhe
Shakti do....Mujhe Bhakti do" culminating in "Mujhe Mukti do" As the first two
lines were being sung, Swami kept mouthing the word, "Mukti do." It was a nice
sight to see Him smilingly do so. He then looked at the violinist and told him
to accompany on the violin for the bhajans too. As if awakened from a divine
stupor, the devotee began to play for the rest of the bhajans. After a few
bhajans, Swami asked His boys to sing bhajans. After two more bhajans, with a
quick sideward glance and a lovely smile, He said, "Shlokam". The next bhajan
was "Sree Raghunandana" and it was rendered beautifully with a prelude chant or
"sloka" as it is called. After that, Swami asked for the Aarthi to be taken. He
called the violin player and spoke to Him and ended with a loving pat on his
cheeks. Then He retired to Yajur Mandir. On the way, He spoke to the Principal
and a few teachers from the Anatapur college too.
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June 26 and 27,
2008
The holy Thursday was to play host to the Sundara Kanda of the Ramayana. In the
morning, the laksharchana by the devotees gathered in Sai Kulwant began at 7.30
am, with the chant of the Sri Sathya Sai Ashtothara Sahasranamavali. Bhagawan
arrived at 8.40 am while the chanting was in progress and sat onstage for a
while. It was such a wonderful feeling that all present at the moment in the
hall would have experienced- to sing Swami's names in Swami's presence! He then
moved to the Bhajan Hall and then to the interview room. The chanting concluded
at 9.10 am and Bhagawan arrived in the Bhajan Hall for the Bhajans to start. He
moved to the interview room for a few minutes, then returned to the Bhajan Hall,
sat there for half an hour and accepted Arati at 10 am before returning to His
residence.
Swami returned in His chair to Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.10 pm and moved to the
interview room. After a round of the Bhajan Hall and the verandah after a few
minutes, He came onstage at 4.45 pm and sat there for 45 minutes while the Vedam
went on. As has become the norm, as soon as He comes on stage the priests offer
to Him a garland of lotuses and also get blessed flowers to be offered to the
diety for the day. The vedam went on and the priests also kept chanting the
shlokas from the Sundara Kanda. As Swami sat listening, He called a few students
and spoke to them, smiling and cracking jokes. When Swami cracks jokes, it is
such a beautiful sight. The smile on His face broadens till it seems to cover
the entire face. Then the lips open and a whole hearted laughter gently rocks
His body. Its such a beautiful sight to see that any onlooker cannot help but
smile and laugh out on his/her own too. A great devotee had termed this beauty
of Swami as omni-felicity. At the same time, He felicitates so many. Everyone
sitting feels that a wave of His hand or a smile from His lips is for them too!
Swami then called more students and collected letters from them. Today He seemd
so intent on the Veda chanting going on for quite some time. It was almost 5:15
pm when He asked for the speaker to be introduced.
The speech for the day was on the Sundara Kandam by Dr. Mylavaram Srinivasa Rao
garu from Guntur in Telugu. The entire Kanda was on the glory of Hanuman.
Hanuman is the champion is all fields related to the body, mind or soul. The
speaker highlighted these wonderful qualities of Hanuman in a very poetic way.
The Sundara Kanda is one wh
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