Acknowledgement - Source: photos, text etc. Our humble
thanks to all Sai friends for Sai Baba photos & textual matter,
particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. sairadio.org and all the other
official & public domain sources - Also, Various Sai Baba groups ,Forums & individuals
etc. In addition, submitted articles, Darshan account, photos
& Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all over the globe & SBOI
group members to Group
Saibabaofindia & www.Saibabaofindia.com website.
Submit Sai news &
Photos:
mail to:
saibabaofindia@yahoo.com
Sunday, August,31,2008 Today morning
Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 9.15 a.m. Swami took a full round of Sai
Kulwant Hall. Swami accepted the aarti after the bhajans
at around 10.10 p.m
and returned to His residence.
On return Swami accepted the Pooja Veda chantings and aarti just outside His residence
from the priests of Tirupati. The chairman of the Tirupati trust
had come along with his priests to offer prayers to Swami. Below is evening darshan sent by a
devotee to
SBOI-Group
(September 2nd is anniversary day of the establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.)
Om Sairam dearest Sai family, Today marked
the day when Sri Sathya Sai central trust was inaugurated some decades ago by Swami. Since then
Swami has been tirelessly helping the needy and down trodden. There is lot to smile about and
relax but Swami is no mood to relax. Literally every day there is some activity or other by
Swami & trust, targeting to help the poorest of the poor. To mark this memorable occasion Swami
came out for His afternoon darshan in His mobile throne quite early at 3.40 p.m. He preferred to
spend time with His ex-students who are presently working in the trust. All of them were seated
in the bhajan mandir with Swami and His chosen ones. Even though none of us were aware of the
happenings inside, the students inside the bhajan mandir were clapping in joy and they also sang
two songs for Swami (without the mike). At around 5.30 pm arathi was given to Swami and at the
end of arathi, instead of just singing LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU, the students sang
SAMASTHA LOKA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU...with humble pranams at the lotus feet of our beloved
Saturday, August, 30,2008
Sairam, Swami did not come for morning
darshan. In the evening
Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 5.15 pm and to took a full round of Sai
Kulwant hall on His mobile chair. On His darshan round Bhagawan collected many letters from
the devotees, Swami moved around the verandah
and interacted with many devotees sitting there. After a while
Bhagawan
entered inside the bhajan hall,
He asked for the Bhajans to
begin at around 5.30 pm. Swami accepted Arati a few minutes after six
o'clock and returned to His residence. Tomorrow evening MP sevadal takes up the service duties
inside the ashram relieving Sevadal from Orissa.
As announced yesterday, the youth from Tamil Nadu were all set to put up a drama,
Sathya Sai Kavacham, in the divine presence. Swami came out in the chair. The car
seems to have been completely abandoned for quite some time now. There were times
when Swami's arrival in the chair sent shivers of pleasant surprise through everyone
assembled. Now it has become part of the routine and people are shocked if He uses
the car! Talk about familiarity! Many times, we miss grand and glorious things
happening in our presence merely by getting used to it! The secret to happiness and
peace lies in living the present moment fully and looking forward to every moment as
if it is a new one for indeed it is a new one!
Moving through the ladies side, Swami reached the centre of the hall where He took a
detour towards the interview room. The Primary school children were arriving in
great hurry and Swami seemed to enjoy them rushing in. Anyway, rushing for God is a
noble quality worth of emulation by anyone! Swami granted interviews to various
devotees till 5:15pm. He then came out and wanted the drama to begin. The initial
offerings of the card and flowers were made. Once the Veda chanting stopped,
flexible and
foldable props erupted on the stage and created appropriate settings for the scenes
to begin.
The storyline was very similar to many dramas put before but the presentation style
was different and nice. The drama begins with a dialogue between Narada and Kali
(the demigod in charge of the present age). Kali exults over his power and
influence. Narada laughs at him and challenges him to influence a simple person.
Kali uses all his powers to tempt that person into taking money - by ensuring that
he loses his job, pressures from the family growing and finally with his mother
falling very sick. But the person never yields and Kali surrenders as the hero's
mother is alloted a bed in a Super Speciality hospital under the Trust's hospital
collaboration scheme. Wondering where on earth does the lad get his sustenance and
determination from, Kali discovers the power of the Sathya Sai kavacham (shield). He
too desires to come to Parthi to see Swami and gives up his crown of ego.
Swami seemed very involved in the drama. He was very touched when the hero held on
to his principles in the face of very stiff challenges. Swami was moved seeing the
hero torn between options and was pleased to see him select the correct one over the
easy one.
As the drama concluded, Swami called one of the participants and told Him that He
would move down for group photographs. He moved down and the boys clustered around
Him. He materialised a gold chain for the Narada of the drama. He kept saying, "Romba
Santosham" and His smile and beaming face conveyed the same to those who did not
understand Tamil or could not catch those words. He moved up the stage and then
brought Safari cloth pieces from inside. As Aarthi was performed and prasadam was
distributed, He personally distributed white cloth pieces to each and every member
of the performing troupe. The boys were all joy at this shower of Grace.
Icing up this cake of Grace, Swami asked the boys to sing some bhajans. The mikes
were quickly transported to the youth from TN and they began singing. Swami kept
rhythm as two bhajans were sung and everyone joyfully clapped and followed. After
those bhajans, Aarthi was performed for a second time. Everyone seemed so happy
because very rare are the days when Swami receives Aarthi twice. Swami raised both
His hands in benediction and Love and told all the participants that He was very
happy. Then He retired.
Monday, August 25, 2008:
This evening, Sai Youth from Tamil Nadu presented a musical programme.
Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant hall at 4.30 pm. After twenty minutes in the
interview room, He moved around the verandah and made a complete round of the hall
in His chair before returning to the stage and beginning the proceedings at 5.15 pm.
The ladies and gents sang alternately till Bhagawan asked the students to start
bhajans. As the Bhajans concluded, Swami asked the All India Sai Organisation
President Sri V. Srinivasan to announce the drama being presented the next day by
the youth. Swami then accepted Arati a few minutes after six o'clock and returned to
His residence.
Sunday, August,24,2008: The day dawned to usher in
the birthday of the most mischievous avatar of the Lord - Krishna. The Kulwant hall was
brimming with people Many devotees who were supposed to leave had decided to stay back to
witness the splendour of the Krishna avatar with their dear Sai Krishna. So full was Prashanti
Nilayam that the main gate carried a notice," Sairam! No accommodation available inside." Well
there was dearth of accommodation in the ashram but no dearth of accommodative people! People
had settled in the corridors of the Southern blocks and had spread sheets and mats wherever
there was a little free sheltered space. It has been some time since the Nilayam has been so
full but well, maybe now its high time we start getting accustomed to such crowds.
click to enlarge
The red rays of the early morning sun turned golden and began to filter and flow into the
Kulwant hall lighting up the central area especially. Krishna Gita, the elephant, the Gokulam
cows, deer, peacocks, doves and rabbits accompanied by the students too had arrived to the
mandir in procession. They too had been bedecked and some of them appeared to be in bridal
finery. It was at this moment that the sweet Lord too arrived covered in the golden yellow
robe! There was an applause of thrill as He entered the Kulwant hall. We have only heard about
the beauty of Lord Krishna in the pitambara (yellow dress) but we are indeed blessed to see
Him in the splendid yellow robe! HE moved slowly down the aisle and a sweet smile adorned His
beaming face. He blessed all as He arrived. As He neared Krishna Gita, she stretched out her
little trunk to touch Him. Smiling to Himself, Swami slowly waded into the confluence from the
animal world.
He fed the cows with bananas. There was a suckling calf. Today it was blessed to receive milk
from two mothers as Swami too fed it with milk from a feeding bottle. Gently moving amidst the
animals, He ensured that everyone was fed at least something in His divine presence. Two white
doves had the special privilege of being released into the free skies from His divine hands.
As the birds soared skywards, the decibel levels in the hall also soared as people joyously
clapped at the happy sight. Moving ahead, Swami lovingly fondled a baby deer that was brought
up to Him. He fed the mother of that deer with a biscuit which she quickly gobbled. He not
only blessed the animals but their caretakers too. Many of the members of the Sathya Sai
Gokulam offered roses to Swami. It was as if a bouquet of roses had been presented to Him. He
patiently and lovingly accepted all of them and then moving through the students, He went up
the stage. It was then that two children decked as Krishna and Balarama went on stage. Swami
blessed them and the sweets they offered to Him. top
Swami sat listening to the chants that were on. He
sat that way for about 20-25 minutes. In between, He told the caretakers to take all the
animals away, back to their lovely homes that He so lovingly has gifted them. It is really
wonderful how much concern Swami has for the animals. Normally any of us feel that though the
animals do not know, it is their privilege to be in Swami's presence. However, on the smooth
marbled floors of Kulwant hall, the animals find it a little difficult to get a grip. It was
not so before when the hall had concrete floors and before that when there was sand. So Swami
sends back the animals as soon as possible so that they remain on firm footing!
Krishnashthami Video
Once the animals left, Swami asked the students to put up their programme. The card was shown
to Him and the programme started with a group song, the Pandurangashtakam. Since it is a
popular one, even the children from the Primary school joined in the singing. After that, two
students sang the song, "Govardhana Giridhara" in all its majesty and grandeur. This was
followed by a novel programme. A group of students have been working hard at picking up
playing the flute. All these students with their teacher, put up a 15 minute recital in His
presence. Swami kept tapping in beat as they played on the flute. And therein lies the beauty
of being a student! Any talent that one has or any skill that one acquires, one gets the
wonderful opportunity to present before the supreme Lord Himself! After they finished their
presentation, it was back to songs. A Telugu song recounting the leelas of Lord Krishna as a
child was sung and Swami was so involved in the song. He seemed to be drinking in every word
of the song and appeared very touched at times. As that song was completed, Swami decided that
it was best that all leave in that frame of mind. He asked for the Aarthi.
"...Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant
Hall clad in beautiful yellow robe – the Pithambara (yellow garment),
characteristic of Lord Krishna...."
As the Aarthi was nearing conclusion, Swami called the students who had arrived with a cake.
He cut the cake and naturally so for was it not His birthday? Many Krishnashtami cards had
been made by students from the Institute, school and primary school too. Swami called them all
and began to slowly and patiently go through the works of art that His children had designed.
Some were huge, others were three dimensional structures, some others were fine carvings while
some others were simple sketches and paintings depicting the episodes in the life of Krishna.
But all of them were prayers addressed to Swami. As Swami was going through these cards, the
"Krishna" and "Balarama" moved up on stage again and offered chocolates to Swami for giving
the Primary school children who had made the cards. Swami seemed to like the idea and He gave
a chocolate to every child who came to Him. In this manner, Swami spent more than 20 minutes
seeing and blessing the cards with their creators. Then raising both His hands in benediction,
He retired for the morning.
Click here to read more
details of Krishna Janamasthmi Darshan - an eye witness account submitted to
"SBOI" by a Sai devotee from Prasanthi Nilayam >> - top
Saturday, August 23, 2008 : The students from the
Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva institutions at Alike had been permitted to put up a programme in
Swami's presence this evening. The traditional dance form of Karnataka, Yakshagana was to be
performed. This art form is a combination of musical narration, dance and drama and the
novelty lies in the fact that the characters do not speak much vocally, but any viewer would
unequivocally subscribe to the statement that they give wonderful expression to the thoughts
and feelings via dance, actions and facial movements.
Swami arrived a little after 4 pm but He went straight to the interview room, cutting through
the ladies side. Then there was the gap of about 40 minutes. This time period is used by the
participants to pray that their efforts please Him. It is a period when the sweat and toil and
the feelings and emotions of all the training time are creamed up with the fervent devotional
prayers. Soon enough, Swami came. The first thing He wanted to do was to go backstage where
all the wonderfully costumed actors were seated. He moved down the stage and slowly glided
amidst the actors. He asked some of them about the roles they were playing. He checked whether
they were all appropriately dressed. The perfectionist that He is, He pointed out to hairpins
that were sticking out of the heads of some of the characters and said that they must be put
in properly. On the whole, He was happy with the costumes. Taking a full round, He moved back
to the stage slowly. Then He asked for the presentation to start.
Two children came with the cards and offerings, dancing all the way to the stage and presented
them to Swami. The drama entitled, "Choodamani Pradanam" was the story of Hanuman's successful
triumph at Lanka in the search for mother Sita. After the kidnap of Sita by Ravana, Sri Rama
enquires from Lakshmana about the promise of the king of monkeys, Sugriva, to search for Sita.
Sugriva gets his army ready for the search. Leaders are selected among them but Sri Rama has
the ultimate trust in Hanuman. Rama informs Hanuman of the identity of Sita and gives the
signet ring as mark of identification. All the monkeys now plunge into action with Rama's name
on their lips. The mere chanting of the name gifts wings back to the de-winged Sampathi, the
brother of Jatayu. Very inspiringly, it went on to show that once anyone begins to work for
the Lord, all obstacles simply seem to fade and disappear. Sampathi, thereafter, himself
guides the troops towards Lanka where Sita has been kept under strict vigil. When faced by the
sea, Jambavan, Sugriva's minister, reminds Hanuman of his immense powers. With Rama's name,
Hanuman jumps across the sea and encounters Lankini at the entrance. top
There was a funny sequence whence Hanuman teases and troubles Lankini! Finally
vanquishing her and releasing her from the curse she had been under all this while, Hanuman
comes to know the whereabouts of Sita from Vibhishana, the Satwic brother of Ravana. Sita is
with Sarama, Vibheeshana's wife. Ravana enters the orchard with material gifts and tries to
persuade Sita to marry him. Sita reprimands and curses him. Hanuman then makes his appearance
and tells mother Sita all about Rama. The description of Rama touches the inner recesses of
Sita's heart. It also seemed to touch some chords deep within Swami. He was touched by the
loyalty and love of Sita to Rama and Hanuman's devotion to both Rama and Sita.
All the singing was being done by the Bhagavathars as they are called, standing backstage.
There was the main singer and accompanists for him. A mrindangam, a drum, a set of cymbals and
a music box provided the rich music. Most of the speaking was being done by that singer. The
actors would once in a while speak English dialogues so that the non-Kannada people could also
catch the action going on. But all that was rendered superfluous by the superlative acting of
the children as they brought alive all the characters from a time period of thousands of years
back!
Sita is overjoyed and she hands over the "Choodamani" as her mark of identification for Rama.
Then when she seems to despair, Hanuman, meek and sweet till now, stands to his magnificent
height and reassures her. Hanuman then destroys the Ashokavana and then gets captured
willingly when Indrajit, Ravana's son, uses the Brahmaastra against him. In anger, Ravana
commands that Hanuman's tail be set on fire. Jumping across the city of Lanka, Hanuman sets it
on fire. Finally, Hanuman returns to Sri Rama and informs the joyous tidings. When he gives
the Choodamani to Rama, Rama embraces him. Marching against the demonic forces, Rama
vanquishes Ravana and rescues Sita. The drama closed with the scene of the coronation of Lord
Rama. It displayed the glory of the humble Hanuman who achieved so much that even the Lord was
speechless in gratitude to him.
The Ramayana is such a wonderful epic that even today when we listen to it, it arouses such
noble feelings and emotions within. The story never seems to get boring and every time it is
narrated or depicted, it inspires one to rise above the pettiness and narrow mindedness and
get lost in Love for God. And so it is no surprise that Swami gives so much importance to that
epic. It is not just a story, but the story of every person in the journey called life.
As the drama concluded, Swami came down from the stage and was so very happy with all of them.
He stated so many times that each and every actor had done a wonderful role. He posed for
group photos with all of them He also materialised two gold chains simultaneously and gifted
them to Rama and Sita respectively. Many tried giving letters to Him. He told them to wait and
hold on. He seemd to say, "When I am here available for you to tell me whatever you want, why
the impediment of the paper? When the rich feelings of the heart are on song, why use the
grossly insufficient medium of the words of a language?" He called for Rama, Sita and
Lakshmana and took a picture. He then slowly moved on to the stage. All the children in a very
disciplined manner moved backstage when they were all told to come front and sit.
Discipline is something that pleases Swami so much. Not one person, child or adult, rushed to
Swami. As a result, Swami Himself kept calling people to Him and spoke and interacted with
them. He sat for more than 20 minutes after the drama and interacted with all. He distributed
t shirts for all the students. He gifted the elders with Safari pieces. For some of the elders
who always dress in traditional clothes, He gifted silk dhoties. He asked about the people who
had been involved in the make up. He gifted clothes to them also. He spoke at length with the
heads of the institution at Alike. Then blessing them profusely, He asked for the Aarthi to be
taken. He sat for the whole Aarthi and blessed the children specially after it concluded.
Before leaving, He once again said, "Very nice drama. All acted very well. Very happy!"
Blessed indeed are these children for they delighted the Lord so much!top
Friday, August 22, 2008 : Devotees seem to be coming in huge numbers to Parthi nowadays. It's
not that devotees were less in numbers anytime before. It's just that, now they come as
groups. The concept of Unity seems to be getting stronger with each passing day. For instance
a 2500 strong contingent had arrived from Vishakapatnam and had also been permitted to put up
their programme this evening. From His side, Swami too encourages group sadhana. Even
physically, He seems to give more attention when the devotees are in groups. He speaks to the
group, gives them opportunities to present their programmes and distributes gifts of grace.
Very subtly but surely the message sent across is this, "Unity is strength; Unity is
divinity."
Swami arrived at about 4:10 pm itself. But He took a straight path to the interview room. The
stage was all set for the drama to begin. The actual drama began, however, at only 5:15pm. But
in the hour that passed by, any absorbed observer could not have helped notice two other
dramas going on - one of bhakti and the other of Karma. The hall was packed and all the
devotees with yellow scarves sat in prayer and devotion waiting for the Lord to come. It was a
hot evening. As the popular fact about Puttaparthi goes, "There are three seasons in Parthi -
hot, hotter and hottest!" So though the wrath of the summer has passed by, it is still hot at
times in Parthi, with the humidity too being high as it is the monsoon season. Giving relief
to the Bhakti of the devotees was the Karma of the selfless sevadal volunteers as they went
about supplying ambrosial and cool drinking water to them. This silent Yajna went on
continuously as many a parched throat was slaked with nectarine water. It was symbolic of all
that Swami has achieved through His mammoth projects - injecting into His people the
enthusiasm for energetic service; the softness of heart to be touched by suffering of any
kind. top
Swami came out at about 5:05 pm and after listening to the Vedic chants for a while, asked
them to stop and beckoned the Vishakapatnam group begin the programme. The office bearers
first came and symbolically offered the programme unto His feet. A silver lamp made its way up
the stage and soon it was lit by the Lord. This is another practise that is gaining ground
especially among the different districts of Andhra Pradesh. A lamp is lit by Swami at Parthi
and its "light" is taken back to the respective places signifying Swami's entry into their
homelands. And so it was only after the lamp was lit and Padukas blessed that the actual
participants moved upto Swami and offered flowers. Soon the drama began.
The drama opened with Karnam Subamma calling out to Krishna and little Sathya responding to
her asking her why she had called. He reminds her of the wonderful Brindavan days that He has
come to recreate - those days of leelas when He as Krishna had danced with the gopikas. Then
too, like now, He was the favourite of everyone. All wanted to spend time with Him and no one
felt their day complete without Him being a part of it. As a tiny tot, Krishna showed Mother
Yasoda that the entire Universe is in Him - the same boon that the little Sathya bestowed on
Subamma. The episode of Krishna merrily dancing on the hoods of the vicious serpent Kaliya as
He subdued him was wonderfully depicted and the episode of Swami swallowing the poisoned vadas
and in turn consuming the hatred and anger of people who tried to poison Him was brought up as
a comparision. Krishna also performs the miracle of lifting the mountain Govardhana to spare
the people of Gokulam, who had placed all their faith in Him, from the ire of Lord Indra. When
Subamma asks little Sathya whether He would do a similar thing even now, He replies, "Then I
lifted only one mountain - symbolic of achieving the impossible. This time I shall do many
more." He then allows her a sneak peek into the future where He accomplishes "lifting the
Govardhanas" of health care, educare and socio-care. top
Throughout the drama, Swami was very moved and
it appeared as if He was reminded of the Love that exists between Him and Subamma and that
which exists between Him and Yashoda, if there is any difference between them that is! He
seemed overwhelmed on many occasions and here and there kept nostalgically remembering the
episodes and even told some of them to the people by His side. The crowning moment for the
drama came towards the end. Both Subamma and Yashoda express their desires to see their dear
little ones gently swinging in a jhoola. At this point both Krishna and Sathya came to Swami
and pleaded with Him to fulfill that desire! Swami agreed and as the final dance was on
itself, Swami moved down from the stage and near the big swing that had been placed in the
centre of the performance area. The dancers went about merrily dancing till Swami told them to
stop and pose with Him by His side.
And so all the children came crowding around. Slowly all the people associated with the dram
also came to Swami They surrounded Him from all sides as the flashes were fired and tapes
rolled. Most of the children began to break down into uncontrollable tears. There were
expressions of Love and uncontrollable joy. The urge to fall full at His feet was also
uncontrollable. In short, everything about the final formation and photo session was
uncontrollable! And thats how it is with the Lord - everything beyond limits and boundaries!
Swami created two gold chains simultaneously and gifted one to Krishna and the other to
Subamma. He was surrounded on all sides by the children and children seemed to be everywhere.
And everyone seemed to have only one objective- to fall at His feet. Soon, Swami waded out of
the surging waves of children and as He moved towards the stage, He asked for sarees and white
safari pieces. He gifted two beautiful sarees to Yashoda and Subamma. He also asked for sarees
to be distributed to all the other children. For the boys side, He gave T-shirts to all the
kids and to the elder boys, He gifted Safari pieces. In the meanwhile, He also sent word for
Krishna and Sathya. He told Krishna, "Call your mother also." The innocent 'Krishna' instead
of calling 'Yasoda', called her mother from the audience. And the mother of Sathya also came
to Swami in the same fashion. Swami posed for a picture with them. The mothers broke down and
almost lay at His feet. Swami told them to rise and blessed them. top
Swami continued the giving with pens that were also brought out. To many of the children, He
Himself distributed. After that was done, Swami went back on stage. Everyone were so happy and
Swami was the only reason for that. Swami said that the drama was very well scripted and
presented. After a short visit to the interview room, Swami received Aarthi and retired for
the evening.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 :
19th Aug. was an wonderful evening for all to remember. At about 4:15pm, Swami came
for the darshan rounds. A big gaping space was left on the ladies side and Swami seemed
tempted to go straight to the interview room after the ladies side. He cut through the detour
and did the same. But unfortunately, God is bound by Love and devotion! Just as fire cant help
burning and water can help but wet things, God cannot just help but shower His grace. As He
has said in such reassuring words, "If you need me, you deserve me." These days especially,
the gents side gets starved of close darshan whenever Swami cuts to the interview room after
the ladies side. And so, it was no surprise that Swami decided to feed them all with a feast
today! Before going into the interview room however, Swami was accompanied by the senior
teachers from the School of Business Management of the University. They prayed for His
Blessings and Grace for the MBA anniversary day which falls on the 21st of August. Swami
interacted with them for about 5 minutes and blessing them with lovin words and Padanamaskar,
Swami went into the interview room.top
After a short while, Swami came out slowly to the stage from the gents side via the portico.
He came front till the railings and then sat there gently swaying to the tunes of the Vedic
chants. It is such a satisfying feeling to have the great Lord Himself "swaying to the tunes"
of your chants! And that too with a smile dancing on those lovely lips. With a sweeping
glance, He graced everyone in the hall. He suddenly beckoned to His left and to the pleasant
amazement of everyone, He came down the central ramp and began moving around the students. He
began His rounds where He had left off during the previous trip! Slowly moving into the gents
side, He began to ask for and collect letters. It is a great joy for all when Swami begins
such rounds.
It was a beautiful and touching sight as people rejoiced at His close proximity. He moved over
to the students' side where there were letters galore awaiting His attention. Each and every
letter got the attention it deserved. The birthday boys and boys with trays were blessed. He
passed by the Veda group and was soon engaged by a group of boys who also prayed for MBA day
celebrations. Swami interacted with them and then moving further along the boys, materialized
a gold chain for one of them. Thus having completed the rounds, He was headed towards the
interview room. But then, a subtle movement of His eyes indicated that He wanted to Grace the
ladies too with a bonus darshan round. And so, it was round 2 for the women.
Swami moved along the corridors and continued taking letters. Completing that, He moved along
the students back towards the bhajan hall. Not leaving anything incomplete, He took a round in
the bhajan hall too! Then He topped it by moving through the upper portico. Surely not only
the darshan-thirsty, but also the darshan-greedy would have been satiated today. It was 5:30
pm when the bhajans began and they continued till 6:00 pm when Aarthi was taken.
A Wonderful, Divine and Joyous Day for everyone to remember and Cherish. top
Saturday, August 16, 2008 :
This evening, the youth from West Bengal presented a half-hour drama. Bhagawan came
for darshan in His chair and moved to the interview room after a round of the
verandah. At five o'clock, He came onstage, and the drama began soon after. The
youth presented the service activities done by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation
in the villages, and showed how Corporate citizens were transformed watching one of
their former colleagues doing selfless Seva. Bhagawan blessed the group with
photographs and clothes. He gave each of them photo-frames as they came up one by
one. At six o'clock, the students sang Bhajans for ten minutes before Swami accepted
Arati and returned to His residence. Photos & more details below
August 16, 2008 Photos:
Cultural Program by Devotees from West Bengal "Love in Action", a skit
The youth from West Bengal had come prepared with a drama to be put up
in front of Swami and Swami had graciously permitted them to put it up
today in His divine presence. The 'privileged' marble blocks were all
empty and there was a backdrop that had been erected. The 'youthful'
prayer had been on for a few days now and Swami had showered special
love on them. In fact it seemed that on the 13th He had made special
rounds for their sake.
Swami arrived in the chair and moved into the interview room after the
rounds. He came out briefly and sat listening to the Vedas being
chanted. However, He went in again and the chanting continued. It was
about 5 pm when He finally decided that the programme must begin. As
presented in the introductory brochure, the drama about to be staged
was a "depiction of how the divine energy of Love, when translated
into action at an individual level in the form of selfless service to
humanity can bring about the transformation in society." Swami called
the main co-ordinator and asked for the drama to begin. The chanting
came to a halt and the pre-recorded audio filled the air.
The story was of a Sai youth Vinay, who is strongly committed to
values and adheres to them in all situations. He sacrifices personal
gains and benefits to safeguard them. He refuses to be a part of
bribery and corruption and even quits jobs though it would mean severe
financial stress for him and his family. The company he works for
plans to relocate a village and build a factory there. That village
happens to be the one in which Vinay does Grama Seva undertaken by the
Sathya Sai Seva Organisations. Not wanting to be a part of that, Vinay
quits. But when the heads of the company see the wonderful work being
done in the villages, they are inspired. They are overwhelmed by the
power inherent in Love. They understand that what they thought would
be good for the villagers was not actually something that they wanted.
And it was here that one felt the true meaning of Love.
If Love has to be defined in one word, that word would be "freedom".
It is not a great binding force but the greatest liberating force. And
Love expresses itself by giving the power of choice to the loved one,
even if that choice is apparently used for something that may not be
so good for that being. Towards the end of the drama, as is the case
in any drama, on the auditorium stage or the stage of life, Vinay's
associates are transformed seeing his selflessness and dedication.
Vinay humbly attributes all of it to his Master, Sathya Sai Baba. He
also explains the great gift, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations,
that Swami has gifted mankind for redeeming itself.
The lead role was played by an alumnus of the University. As soon as
he came on stage, Swami recognised him as a student. He also said,
"That boy sings very well. He has a very good voice", during the
course of the drama when the protagonist sang. There was also a scene
of the traditional "white" and "red" robed selves which are a part of
every human that pull him towards themselves whenever he is caught
between the horns of a dilemma. But this scene was done so
realistically and powerfully, that everyone, including Swami, seemed
to feel the pangs of dilemma and doubt as the "angel" and "devil"
argued forcefully and in rapid succession. In the final scene, the
hero shared the stage with more than 20 characters, some dancing, some
speaking and some others miming. But all the attention and glory
seemed focussed entirely on Vinay as he simply stole the show with a
burst of fantabulous superlative acting topping his sterling
performance till then.
As the drama concluded, Swami called, "Vinay" to the mainstage and
materialized a golden bracelet for him. He also asked him as to till
when he was staying and where to was he leaving. Swami then personally
distributed Safari cloth pieces to all the participants. Then, moving
down the stage, Swami posed with them for group photos. Accepting
letters from whomsoever had one and granting padanamaskar to
whomsoever wanted one, Swami slowly moved back on to the stage. He
somehow did not seem satisfied! He went into the interview room and
came out with many boxes. Opening one of them, He displayed a photo
frame with an embedded digital clock, the screen of which would light
up green at the press of a button. Swami, in His sweet childlike
manner, showed all the boys how to "enlighten" their "time" in the
most simple manner - by pressing a button. He again personally
distributed these to all the members of the presentation, including
the sets boys and the helping lads. He spoke to some of them as He did
so. One lad He asked out of the blue, "Where do you work?" He
answered. "Not much pay...how much?" He said, "Swami 800." Swami
blessed him and sent him. That boy was thrilled and happy.
He asked for bhajans to begin. As the bhajans went on, one of the
photographers showed Swami copies of the group pictures that had just
been taken. Swami was very happy and He held up the pictures for all
to see saying, "Your picture is here!" He called the hero and
presented the photos to him. Blessing prasadam for everyone, Swami
received Aarthi and retired.
top
The
Varalakshmi Vratam was observed today at Prasanthi Nilayam. The front part of the
Hall was occupied by the ladies doing the puja, dressed in purple sarees. Bhagawan
arrived at 9.45 am and the rituals got underway five minutes later when He came
onstage. The priest chanted the invocations and instructed the ladies on the rituals
in Telugu. After half an hour, Swami went on a full round of the hall as the puja
went on. At 10.45, the puja concluded. Swami came onstage and accepted Arati at 11
am. The priest gave a few more instructions to the ladies as Swami left for His
residence after ten minutes.
In the evening, Nandi award winning Telugu singer Smt. Sunitha presented a musical
programme. Bhagawan arrived for darshan and made a full round of the Hall while the
singer and accompanists were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. The 45 minute
song programme got underway at 5.20 pm when Swami came onstage. Swami blessed the
artiste with a chain and gave clothes to her accompanists. A couple of Bhajans by
the students was followed by a song "Dinakara Shubhakara" by one of the students
before Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.45 pm. top
-
Read More Sai darshan details from 15th Aug. The completion of sixty years is a very
spiritual event in the life of a person as per Bharatiya traditions. It is
celebrated as the "Shashti Poorthi." It signifies the fact that a person has
completed all his/her earthly duties and from now on, the focus is God and God
alone. It is an event that marks the watershed in the life of any person. And India
today, turned 60 as a free and independent nation! What greater fortune for this
nation for when everyone turns Godward as they turn 60, God has turned
towards her ever since her birth and also when She turned 60! As if symbolizing this
Godward turn for Mother India, as everyone awoke to "life and freedom", in the words
of Pandit Nehru, Puttaparthi awoke to the celebration and worship of the Mother in
the form of the Varalakshmi Vratam! It is very significant that this Vratham(vow) is
one that is done only by the ladies and it has very spiritual connotations. The fact
that this vow was performed in the divine presence on the occasion of independence
day as Mother India completed her 60th birthday was in itself thrilling and goose
bumps erupted on the being of anyone who realized the supreme significance.
The whole Kulwant hall resembled a bedecked bride awaiting her Lord! The stage had
been set and a small pandal had been erected to house the presiding deity, Lakshmi.
All the ladies participating in the pooja were seated neatly in rows on both the
ladies and gents side of the Kulwant hall. Swami came out after 9:30 am. He moved
along the lines of the ladies, all dressed up in pink, granting darshan. There was
the gap in the centre but today Swami said that He wanted to go on and complete a
full darshan round. The students were in one corner of the hall and Swami moved
there too. After completing it, Swami moved onto the stage. There He lit the lamp to
mark the auspicious beginning of the worship. The Veda chanting was told to subside
and the pooja began. Swami sat for a while as the worship went on and then He moved
into the interview room. Five minutes later He was out again and He began a second
round of "rounds" starting with the ladies side. He slowly moved along the lines of
the worshipping ladies and blessed a few of them too by sprinkling the holy Akshatha
grains. He moved around the entire gathering and surely there wasn't even a single
woman who could complain of not being able to see Swami from close quarters.
As Swami went on these rounds, the pooja continued. The various aspects of Laksmi
were worshipped and mantras chanted- some by everyone and some others only by the
priests. Swami slowly returned to the stage and He sat witnessing the rituals. The
story behind the worship and the inner significance also was explained by the chief
priest. The event concluded with the women exchanging gifts with the feeling that
they were welcoming and presenting to the Goddess Herself. As holy threads were tied
on the wrists, Swami blessed the conclusion of the worship. He spoke to and blessed
the priests. Prasadam was blessed to be distributed to everyone and as the prasadam
distribution went on, Swami asked the priest to chant some special Sama Veda
mantras. He chanted or rather sang them slowly and well. Swami swayed to those
tunes! After that was completed, He blessed the priests once more and then left
after receiving Aarthi.
In the evening, there was a scheduled programme by Smt Sunitha. She is a renowned
Playback Singer, Anchor and Dubbing Artist in Bollywood and Tollywood. She has won
many awards at various levels. The stage was set by way of a wonderful blue carpet
in the central marble block. The artistes were ready and Swami came for darshan
rounds. He took a complete round and then moved into the interview room. He soon
came out and asked for the concert to begin. She sang many light devotional songs
and most of them were in Telugu. She was lost in the joy and feelings that aroused
in her as she sang and Swami too was very happy listening to her sing. She was
accompanied by a keyboard, a table, a veena, a tambourine and a mridangam. She
completed her planned quota of 6-7 songs. Swami, however, asked her to sing some
more. She sang one more and when Swami asked her to sing another, she seemed so very
thrilled and happy. She told Swami that the song she was about to sing was one that
matched exactly to what she was feeling right now. She also sang a Meera bhajan. She
finally concluded with Swami's bhajan, "Giridhara Naagara Kunja Vihaari" which
everyone followed.
Swami called her to the stage and created a gold chain for her. He also gifted silk
sarees to her and safari pieces to her accompanying artistes. He also blessed her
husband who came up the side stage. He had many words of encouragement for the
singer and He very lovingly blessed her. To the husband, He seemed to be advising
and correcting! He blessed him too and then each of the accompanying artistes too
had their share of interaction with Him. As they returned to their places, Swami
asked for the boys to sing bhajans. Two bhajans with Aalaap were sung and everyone
including the artistes followed with great fervour. As the bhajans concluded Swami
called one of the students and asked him to sing a song. He sang the Carnatic song,
"Dinakara Shubhakara" with all its intricacies. The singer artiste of the evening,
Smt Sunitha, herself was lost in appreciation of the lad's singing. After he
completed Swami told her that from a young age itself the boy had been practising
and that he was a student in the University. She seemed very happy and pleased for
she too had begun her music training at a young age of three.
Prasadam was blessed to be distributed to all and Swami received Aarthi. Swami sat
through the whole Aarthi and at the end raised both His hands in blessings and
benediction. It was 7:00 pm as He retired into Yajur Mandir.
Thursday, August 14, 2008 :
The final year post-graduate students of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented a
drama based on a nationalistic theme today. Bhagawan completed His darshan round and
came into the Bhajan Hall where the costumed
students were waiting,
and interacted with them for a few minutes. He then moved to the interview room
while the students took their
places. At 5.10, the drama commenced when Swami came onstage.
14th & 15thth Aug.
Latest Sai Baba Video -5 video clips
:
-Independence Day Drama
-"Watch"
-Darshan -
Varalakshmi Vratam
-Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation
The hour-long
performance depicted scenes from the lives of heroes of Inda's freedom struggle as
well as from mythology. Bhagawan interacted with the students after the drama,
blessing one of them with a chain. He moved down from the stage to take group
photographs with them. Then He came onstage and called up students in small groups
for more photographs. Later, He blessed all the II PG students with watches. Bhajans
were sung for ten minutes while prasadam was distributed before Swami accepted Arati
and returned to His residence at 6.50 pm. top
Skit
by students of Sri Sathya Sai University
The Saga of National Independence struggle August 14, 2008
--- India and Pakistan,
countries which were Siamese twins at birth, were separated by a political
cesarean operation. And so it happens that while India celebrates its rebirth
as a free nation on the 15th of August every year, its separated twin,
Pakistan, does so on the 14th of the same month. Whatever be the date, it is
indeed in "august" company that the celebrations occur! 15th of August 2008
had both celebrations, of the national Independence and the Varalakshmi Vratam.
Swami never allows anyone to go disappointed. And thus, Swami instructed the
students to put up their traditional I-day drama on the 14th evening itself so
that the very elaborate preparations that had gone into the Vratam could
continue into fruition the next day.
The stage was set and all the boys in their costumes were seated in the bhajan
hall. Swami moved along the lines as He came out for darshan and then as He
reached the central block, He looked admiringly at the simple yet elegant
backdrop that had been constructed with the Indian tricolour on it. He cut
through the central area and moved straight into the bhajan hall. All the
actors were waiting. Swami seems to be fascinated by good colourful costumes.
And like a child, He seemed so happy seeing the 'various colours' of the boys!
He was 'introduced' to Gandhiji, Subash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh. He
looked at a bearded person sitting nearby and asked him what he was doing. He
turned out to be Harishchandra and his wife Chandramati too was nearby in a
blue saree! Swami was also very happy to see Krishna and Arjuna figure in the
scheme of things. He enquired into the duration of the programme. 1 hour was
the answer. Similarly, Vasishta and Vishwamitra were introduced to Him. Swami
blessed all the actors and told them that He would soon be out to witness
their programme. top
As per His word, He soon came out and asked for the Veda chanting to give way
to the programme. Krishna and Arjuna came up to Him and offered roses. Swami
appeared very touched seeing Krishna in all splendour. The programme started
with the Sootradhaari or compere introducing the drama. Then all of a sudden,
he asked, "Why are you proud to be an Indian?" Everyone were taken by
surprise. A few tense moments passed when it seemed that no one wanted to
voice an answer! Then a hand went up and a student rose saying, "There are
many reasons why I am proud to be an Indian. But the greatest and the most
heartfelt is because God has taken birth here over and over again through the
ages!" The crowd burst into a joyful applause and Swami was very touched. He
called the student and told him to announce that the programme was being done
by the 2nd year post graduate boys and he did as asked. The programme
continued with another student, a lad from the 8th standard getting up and
stating that he too was proud to be with the avatar and for the reason that
Bharat has such a glorious culture. Swami was deeply touched to see the fire
in the belly of that child.
The drama was weaved into a fine brocade of a story by the threads of little
known individual patriots who gave their all for the sake of Poorna Swaraj.
The story coursed alongside the lives of two young men who dedicate their
lives for the freedom struggle under the leadership of the Mahatma, Gandhiji..
They rise against the British non-violently, trusting the power of their
immortal spirit rather than relying on the strength of the mortal body. They
receive the blows rained by the British joyfully knowing that each blow that
seemed to crush their body actually developed their resolve to be free into an
indomitable and unbreakable one. They go to jail and there too experience the
joy of Unity and oneness as people of all religions and strata in society rub
shoulders, united in the common cause of freeing Mother India from the fetters
of foreign rule. Gandhiji motivates them by his mere words which are laced
with Truth.
The episode of Sathya Harishchandra was depicted very aptly at this point.
Being a king, Harishchandra is reduced to a poor undertaker at the cemetery.
His legendary adherence to Truth is seen as he refuses to be bound by bodily
attachments and bury his own son for free. His wife pleads and the king's
heart bleeds. But he remains firm in his resolve to be on the path of Truth.
As Swami saw the episode of Harishchandra, He became very emotional. It seemed
as if His heart too bled and tears were shed at the memory of a person who
always adhered to the path of Truth and righteousness. Especially when
Chandramati, the wife, pleaded for the son, the divine mother that He is,
Swami felt the pangs of another mother's heart.
When the protagonist of the play loses his son to police brutality, he is a
broken man. With tears he goes to his Guru, Sri Aurobindo. His brother and
comrade too is there and he is just unable to understand why people meekly
receive blows and think that it is bravery to be non-violent. Did not the Lord
Krishna in the Bhagwad Gita too urge Arjuna to rise in arms? The Guru clears
all the doubts by taking both the disciples through the Bhagwad Gita. The
Krishna Arjuna dialogue ensues and message becomes very clear. Krishna, though
apparently urged Arjuna to wage war, wanted him to actually give up body
attachment. And war was the means of doing it then for Arjuna did not want to
fight because he thought he was killing his own people. Non violence was the
means now for the revolutionaries wanted to fight because they thought they
were killing enemies! Whatever be the means, the end must be to annihilate
body consciousness and then alone can one be truly free. top
Towards the end, the heroes, Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh and Subash Chandra Bose
made their brief but very inspiring appearances. Patriotic songs were
liberally sprinkled all over the drama and all the singing was being done
live. Rather than using recorded tracks, the boys wanted to get immersed in
the feelings of the day and occasion and sing the songs live. It had the
desired effect as each song touched the people in some deep recess of the
heart. There were no spectators or audience today as all felt one with the
feelings of patriotism and true love being depicted at the centre. The drama
concluded with all the students coming forward in the crescent formation. Then
in military style, one by one, they all stepped out of line, stated loudly and
proudly what the Bharata Bhagya Vidhata, Swami, had done for them and then
stepped back in line. As this concluded, it was so clear for all in the hall
that if at all there is a True Patriot, then He sat right before them robed in
the saffron of sacrifice! This final portion elicited a lot of applause from
everyone.
Swami called all the actors to Him. He was very happy and He congratulated
everyone. A 'muslim' from the drama was called onstage and Swami spoke a few
words with him. He however commented that the Bhagwad Gita was the greatest
treasure from India and more time should have been spent on dilating its
teachings. He then moved down to the performance area to grant the students
the privilege of group photos with Him. He materialised a beautiful and thick
gold chain for the student who played the role of Krishna.
A point to be noted here is that Swami always seems to gift those actors who
do positive roles, however small their actual roles may be. It is not that He
is not rewarding talent and making a bias or anything of that sort. Swami
believes that the only way to spread goodness and 'Godness' in the world is by
embodying those qualities. Whenever the students put up a drama in front of
Him, they involve themselves so deeply in their roles so that they can do
their best. It is but natural that the ones who get so involved in the roles
that are divine, Krishna in this case, really embody that divine spirit, even
if its for a short duration. Swami rewards that noble effort and feeling.
Swami accepted all the letters the boys had to offer. He moved back on stage
slowly and then very patiently and lovingly posed for group photos with all
the boys. He Himself called on the groups. "Krishna and Arjuna", "Bose and
Gandhi", "Harishchandra and Chandramati", "the sepoys", "the red clothes
sepoys" (British soldiers), and son on He would call and they would go on
stage to pose for photographs with Him. He blessed lush red apples to be
distributed to one and all. As if that were not enough, He personally
distributed watches to each and every member of the 130 strong team that had
made the presentation. As this distribution went on, each student interacted
with Swami in his own way and Swami responded to every one of them and made
them feel special. One of the students gave a golden ring to Swami and
requested Him to put it on his finger. Swami smiled and obliged. All the
students prayed that Swami visit the hostel and Swami said, "I will come".
Then Swami asked for bhajans to be sung as He continued to distribute watches
ensuring that He missed no one. The bhajans began and after two bhajans of
vociferous and enthused singing, Swami received Aarthi. It was past 7:00 pm
when He retired to Yajur Mandir. top
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at four o'clock in His chair. After a full
round of the Hall, He went into the interview room and emerged a few minutes later
to sit onstage. As the Vedam went on, He blessed a succession of "Birthday boys" and
later moved in His chair for a second round of the ladies' side. He interacted with
the West Bengal youth group, and blessed one of them with a chain before returning
to the verandah. The Bhajans began at 5.10 while prasadam was distributed. Swami
accepted Arati at 5.45 before returning to Yajur Mandir. more details below
click to enlarge
Every day spent in the presence of the Lord is something special to be
remembered. Every day and in fact every moment, the Lord touches hearts, cleanses minds and
uplifts spirits. On occasions when we get 'lucky' we see, hear or at least get to know how the
dear Lord did these things. This Wednesday, turned out to be special not because Swami did
anything that He does not always do, but because anyone with a little alertness could observe
and admire what He did!
Swami came for darshan at about 4:05 pm. The students' blocks appeared a little barren, what
with the boys taking time off to practice for a drama to be put up in His presence the next
day. Swami moved slowly through the ladies section of the hall and then as He neared the
central area, thousands of fingers on the gents side were crossed as all watched in
anticipation whether Swami would proceed straight or take the now famous "square cut" detour.
The sigh of joy and relief was almost audible as Swami moved through the central area into the
gents side. He collected letters and blessed the ones assembled. He spoke to the youth members
from West Bengal who had assembled. He blessed the programme that they had come ready with.
Moving through the students, He blessed some of the boys holding trays and also collected
letters from the boys. Then, Swami moved into the interview room after blessing Sri Rasagothra
who was seated on a chair in the portico. top
After a few minutes, Swami came out and to the stage. He sat there as the Veda chanting went
on. He called the boys who were holding trays. He blessed them by showering the sacred
akshatha grains on their heads. To one student who went up, He said, "I blessed you in the
lines right?" Another boy was so engrossed in Him and lost in the joy of receiving the 'rice
shower' that he forgot that he had a letter for Him in the tray. Swami Himself reminded him to
give the letter! He blessed about 14 students thus.
Then He saw two boys seated with a tray full of "sacred threads". He called them and blessed
them too. After a few more minutes, He went via the interview room to the ladies side. He
moved slowly through them, speaking to many of them, giving padanamaskar and taking letters.
He came once again towards the central blocks. But then, He asked to go back to where the
youth from Bengal were seated. He spoke to them for some time and then even created a gold
chain for one of the ladies. Then moving slowly along all the ladies seated on the mandir side
also, Swami went into the interview room. Bhajans began at 5:10 pm and Mangala Aarthi was
taken at 6:00pm. top
Sunday, August 10, 2008 This
afternoon, Bhagawan consented to watch an education documentary prepared by the
Prasanthi Digital Studio in the Poornachandra auditorium along with the students of
the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary
School. Bhagawan
arrived there at 3.45 and saw more than 45 minutes of the
documentary before asking for the screening to be stopped so that He could go to the
Sai Kulwant Hall. There, devotees from Vijayanagaram district of Andhra Pradesh
presented a Telugu drama 'Jagame Rama Mayam'. The Vijayanagaram devotees had arrived
in strength yesterday and had a procession through Puttaparthi last evening. This
evening's 45 minute drama concluded at six o'clock, and Bhagawan Blessed the
children who participated with clothes. The students sang bhajans for fifteen
minutes while prasadam was distributed, and Bhagawan accepted Arati at 6.25 pm. -
Prasanthi Bulletin sairadio.org top
Read
more details from 10th Aug. : "....Swami had decided to gift
His dear students with a wonderful opportunity today! He had invited
all to the Poornachandra Auditorium to view a film entitled, "Living
with God is true education" which had been prepared by the students
working at the Prashanti Digital Studios. The Auditorium began
filling at 3:00pm and by 3:30pm, it was filled by students who had
filed in. At about 3:50pm, a hush fell over the entire gathering as
Swami entered the hall from the stage. The students had lined the
paths as usual and Swami slowly move to His place in the centre. As
Swami entered the hall, the musical CD entitled, "Bhaavanjali" which
Swami had graciously blessed for release, was being
played.. Swami and the guests who had come with Him sat in their
respective places.. Swami was surrounded by boys and how apt it was.
Living and sitting with God, the students were watching ,"Living
with God is true education"! The new Vice chancellor, Prof
Vishwanath Pandit, welcomed everyone and spoke a few words of
gratitude to Swami as an introduction to the film. He said that it
was indeed wonderful to see something by the students, of the
students and for the students with Swami, on Swami and around Swami!
The film then began and the lights all went out. Swami was attention
personified as the storyline moved on along Swami's philosophy of
education. It showed how Swami's University
combined
the best of modern education with the glorious culture of the
Gurukula system of education. The documentary traced the history of
how Swami literally put together bricks and bonded them with Love to
raise the massive edifices of Educare in Puttaparthi, Anantapur and
Brindavan at Bangalore. Swami was quite nostalgic as the events that
led Him to build the hostel in Brindavan right next to His bungalow
were recounted. He became emotional as former students, now well
settled in various professions, related how Swami would personally
take care of every aspect of their lives and how they would manage
everything in the hostel and college as in Self-rule, for here The
Self really ruled! When a former student. now a teacher in the
University, recalled an incident where Swami miraculously made the
sweet filling enter into the hollows of the wheat dough fried in
oil, Swami pointed and said, "That is Ravikumar!" The videos of the
Sports meet where Swami was almost tumbling in laughter and
enjoyment made everyone clap in joy as they all relived those lovely
moments. Memories of Kodaikanal and Trayee sessions captured on film
also left indelible imprints in the hearts of all watching. Swami
was at many times recollecting the people involved and the incidents
and events and telling them to the vice chancellor. It was an
experience that thrilled many. As one viewer put it, "As you see
Swami toiling, as You watch Him laughing and thinking for your
welfare, as You see Him excited and grim on your cause, something
deep inside your heart sprouts back to life….your tears would water
it and the strength of relationship endows it a will to sustain it."
At the point when, Indreshwar, the grandson of the Rajmata, narrated
how none of the students were even in the billionth worthy of what
Swami was
showering on all, Swami said, "Stop! We will go now!" It was a very
profound moment. Swami said that the devotees from Vijaynagar with
the drama were waiting. But it was a perfect and beautiful spot to
leave everyone in the hall lost in deep introspection. As the film
was stopped, the students who had prepared a card for putting up a
drama on August 15th went to Swami. Swami interacted with the
students for quite some time. Then He began to move towards the
stage.All the students moved to Him like bees to the lotus. As He
neared the stage, the students from the Digital Studios presented
the two boys whom Swami had blessed to join as employees at the
studios. Swami blessed them. There is something beautiful and
poignant to be mentioned here. One of the boys whom Swami blessed to
join the studio has been rendered almost immobile due to a tragic
accident a few years ago. With dogged determination and tons of His
love and grace, he has overcome, mentally and psychologically, the
trauma of the tragedy and has become a revelatory inspiration of
sorts. For the past three months, he has relentlessly and devotedly
worked on picking up video editing and photo editing softwares,
using a stick plastered to his hand to handle a keyboard and
the mouse. Moving around in his battery powered wheelchair,
Raghuram, has only smiles to flash at everyone and his is the only
"four-wheeler" that is allowed everywhere without a vehicle pass!
And so, when he offered a rose and himself as a flower at His feet,
Swami remarked, "I know he works very hard." Swami flashed a lovely
smile at him and blessed him. Swami then moved from the auditorium
towards Kulwant hall where all the devotees from Vishakapatnam had
gathered. Swami took a turn in the central marble block after
'inspecting' all the children involved in the drama as they sat in
front of the backdrop. He came on the stage and asked for the
program to begin. The children accompanied by an adult from both the
ladies and gents side went up to Him with cards and roses. As Swami
blessed them, a group of people advanced to the stage with a big
silver lamp and a Shivalingam. Swami lit the lamp and blessed the
Shivalingam. Like a sweet child, He picked the silver snake that lay
coiled around the lingam
and
then placed it back. As the devotees returned to their place, the
drama to be staged was introduced. The drama featured the story of
Mallamma, a great devotee of Lord Rama from the Rayalaseema
district. Her father writes a shatakam (hundred stanzas) but is
refused entry into the temple to offer to the Lord as he belongs to
a lower caste. Mallamma speaks strongly to the guards and has them
shut-mouth. But as always, might becomes right and both father and
daughter are thrown out of the temple. With her intense devotion and
prayers to Rama, Mallamma forces the Lord to appear before her and
Rama himself blesses her to write the Ramayana in her native tongue.
She thus composes the Ramayana in Telugu. She goes back to the
temple and the guards feel that she must be punished for her
audacity. But she is rescued by none other than Tenali Ramakrishna,
the minister and jester for the king Krishnadevaraya. Being a great
poet himself, ramakrishna is floored by Mallamma's work. He
personally
informs the king and soon, the king also appreciates and gets her
work published and recognised. Mallamma finally, lost with Rama's
name on her lips and His beautiful form in her heart, gives up the
ghost. The drama was interspersed with lovely recorded songs and
dances by children. As the drama concluded, Swami moved down from
the stage.. He created a golden chain for the devotee Mallamma! He
also got a wonderful blue saree and gifted it to her. He gave all
the other girls sarees. As they crowded and almost mobbed around
Him, He was sweetly telling them, "I will give all of you. I will
give all." He then personally distributed white cloth pieces to all
the boys. He accepted letters from many of them.. Blessing all of
them, Swami returned to the stage. He asked for bhajans to be sung
and blessed prasadam to be distributed to all. After 4-5 bhajans,
Swami received Aarthi and left for Yajur Mandiram....!top
Today was the scheduled farewell for the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Sri Sathya Sai
University and also the welcome for the 8th VC. The Poornachandra Auditorium was the
hub of activity as it was being readied for a big day after a lull lasting months.
This was the first programme being held there after the Convocation drama last year
on the 22nd of November! The dais had been set up grandly and there were four chairs
in the centre. But all these lay hidden from the public eye as the whole stage had
been curtained. top
At about 9:50 am, the huge curtains began to part. It gave the feeling of the huge
doors of some grand temple opening to reveal the diety. The 'veil' lifted and the
Lord was seen. Two huge banners stating, "Saa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye", adorned the
stage. Swami took His place in the centre and then Mr.Anil Gokak and his wife came
on
stage and took their places by Him.
Finally, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the Vice chancellor to be, also took his place.
The programme began with Mr. Gokak and his wife being garlanded by the principals of
the Prashanti Nilayam and Anantapur campuses respectively. Then Sri Rangarajan, a
lecturer from the Business school, made the opening remarks and expressed gratitude
to Mr. Gokak. Recounting the
instances where he had shown a lot of care and concern for students just as Swami
wants all His administrators to be, the speaker spoke of the glowing qualities of
Mr. Gokak. Then he invited former VC, Sri. S. V. Giri to address the assembly after
which he requested Mr.Anil Gokak to do the same.
Mr. Giri spoke of the glory of the story of the Institute. He too spoke of the
sterling qualities of Mr. Gokak as well as those of Prof. Vishwanath Pandit. There
was an applause as he concluded and Mr.Gokak rose to speak. He was overwhelmed by
the nature of the ceremony being accorded to him. He recounted how his father had
experienced Swami's divinity and had come to Him. He was almost in tears as he
gratefully narrated Swami's love that had and has been bountiful on the family. He
said that wherever he may be, he was sure that Swami would be with him always and he
would work for Him always. He concluded his talk and after that, Swami rose to
speak. There was a joyous applause and Swami began with a poem on the glory of
Bharat. A detailed summary of His discourse is given below:
Bharatiyas are like the elephant. They do not have a measure of their own strength.
An elephant is very powerful, but on man's command, it moves and sits. That is
because it is not aware of its might. So too, the Bharatiyas do not realize the
might they contain. top
There is a lot of affluence today. But does anyone have peace of mind? Money gives
worldly comforts but not spiritual bliss. Where does happiness come from? Bhajana
Bina Sukh Shanti Nahi... (Swami sings the first line). Sing the Lord's name. Today,
people study a lot and gain knowledge to a great extent. Of what use is it if you
remain the same mean person and do not realize who you truly are? What you need
today is the inculcation of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa. The six vices
of desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy are not human at all. You
are all experiencing animal qualities today. That's why in spite of all the wealth,
there is so much of restlessness.
Move therefore, from the realms of education to that of Educare. It means to bring
out what is latent within. It is different from education which is external and
worldly. There are so many colleges and professors in the world. Why is it that
there is no peace and happiness? Peace is missing in the world because education is
being used only for a living. Educare is related to the soul. The soul or Atma is
everywhere, in the hearts of all beings. Remember, man is nothing but the Divine in
human form. Seeing the body which is just a case, do not get deluded. The body is a
case for holding the 5 values. top
Sathya has no form and it is invisible. So too is the case with Dharma, Shanti and
Prema. But though one cannot see Prema, one can feel the Love. And once one feels
this love, there is no scope for hatred, anger or violence. Then automatically
Ahimsa comes. Forgetting these five values, you keep running behind so many things.
Keep telling yourself always, "I am a man, not an animal." You might have won great
titles, be very rich and might be a scholar, but only the five values will safeguard
and protect you. Alexander the great, conquering most of the world, landed in India.
Crossing the Indus, he had a massive heart attack. The doctors said that He would
not live long. So he expressed his desire, "When I am taken in the funeral
procession, let my hands be outstretched. Let the world see that the great Alexander
who conquered everything, is taking back nothing with him." Keep this Truth firmly
in mind. Whoever you may be, you will return empty handed. You cannot take away even
a grain of sand with you.
The inner feelings are most important. The Gayathri mantra prays for illumination of
the intellect. (Swami chanted the Gayathri mantra here). Even chanting the Aumkara
is enough. That is educare. Acquire that and do not crave only for the secular
education.
I knew Gokak even before he came here. He has spent so much time and learnt so much
from me. Whenever I visited their home, they would take me to the Puja room.
V.K.Gokak was the first VC. Students today are doing very well and are happy because
of the good deeds of Gokak. He would follow Swami fully. Anil Gokak is the worthy
son of a worthy father. He has completed three years and he retires in a worldly
sense. But, both he and his wife, are always with me. Wherever they go, in their
hearts they have Swami and the interests of the Institute. All their feelings are
for me. He is always there for me and I am always there for him. I and Gokak are one
and the same. And that is the TRUTH. Everything in the creation is nothing but the
Creator. All are one, be alike to everyone. All acts, big and small, happen in
accordance to God's will. top
The sun is always present. Even in the night, the sun exists only that it is on the
other side. Days and nights pass but the sun remains. So too is the case with God.
He is above you, below you, in you and around you. Keep chanting His name. Never
ever feel that you are away from God. If you are so, how is it that you are living?
You and God are one. Lord Shiva is Ardhanarishwara - having both the male and female
aspects. So man and woman too are Shiva. Do not have the God-devotee feeling. You
are also God and God is you.
Photo slide show by SSSBPT
Do not feel that Gokak is leaving us. He is living with us! If we remove that I and
mine, then you will realize there is nothing like accepting or relinquishing a post.
When you say that,"This is my body," you are different from the body. The sun is
reflected in the thousand pots filled with water. But the sun is one. So too, when
you empty the water of feelings that lead to duality, only One remains. God is ONE.
Today Gokak gives the post to Vishwanath Pandit who will be the new Vice Chancellor
from tomorrow. Different people come and go, but it is only their bodies. They are
always with Swami. You are all always with Swami and there is no coming or going. Do
your duty well. This duty establishes a relationship with God and so duty is God.
Gokak has discharged his duty extremely well. top
All the future people who come and those who have come in the past too - all belong
to Swami. I bring such noble and good people here for our students. Our students are
very good. There is no comparison between them and the other students. They have no
hatred or anger. The alumni have all come up in Life in the spirit of Love. Always
keep spirituality at the head of everything. If the head remains fine, everything
else is fine. Gather knowledge from all the lectures you hear. Do not distinguish
and compare between lectures. Receive everything with Love. Whatever is thought,
said or done must be in harmony. The heart, word and deed must be one. That is
Educare. Your heart is your textbook. Follow it and then you will be good boys and
good people. Good people become God's people.
Swami concluded the discourse. He asked Prof.Vishwanath Pandit to speak a few words
and the professor did exactly that. Stating that being a man of few words, he had
fewer words on such an overwhelming occasion, the professor thanked his predecessor
for all the wonderful works done and prayed to Swami to use him as an instrument. As
he concluded, Swami very lovingly blessed him and asked for the "Suvarna kankanam"
(golden bracelets). First Swami put the bracelets to Mr. Gokak's wife and then
calling Mr. Gokak, Swami placed bracelets on to both his wrists and blessed him as
the audience applauded. Aarti began. At the same time, Swami blessed prasadam to be
distributed to all. He sat for the complete Aarthi on stage and personally gave the
prasadam to both the ex-VC and the next-VC! As He moved backstage, the new VC took
padanamaskar. It was 12:15 pm as Swami left.
In the evening, Swami had agreed for a music programme by Ms. Sunanda Sharma. It was
being placed at the lotus feet as part of the Parthi yatra by the youth of Himachal
Pradesh. They were all seated in the centre of Kulwant hall. Swami arrived close to
5 pm and taking a detour between the youth from HP, He moved into the interview
room. After a brief stay there, He came out. He sighted one of the lads sitting in
the first row and asked him, "You were playing the dholak last time right?" That lad
was really touched and thrilled. He nodded an affirmative. Swami also said, "That
small boy was sitting in that corner last time. Now he is in the third line there."
After a while of Veda chanting, Swami asked for the programme to begin. top
Ms.Sunanda Sharma, an MA in Indian classical music from the Punjab University, went
onstage and offered a rose to Swami. Taking namaskar, she came back and began the
presentation with three Aumkaras. The first song, a Chota Khayal actually, was in
raag Madhuvanti entitled, "Sai Gun Gao". She showed what nine years of rigorous
training under an able guru in the Guru-shishya tradition can do to groom one's
talent. Her performance was scintillating to say the least. She continued in the
same vein as she sang "Bhool Jaave Sab Dukhve" (I forget all my sorrows).
Then she
shifted over to singing Meera bhajans. She enchanted the audience with "Jogiya Tu
Kabhahu Miloge" in raag Sindhubhairavi and then with another Meera bhajan in raag
Kaapi. As she concluded, Swami called the 'Dholak player' and told him to find out
how many songs she had still. When He was told that she had sung her quota, He
asked, "One more song?" She was overjoyed and she responded with a song that seeks
refuge at His lotus feet to cross the ocean of life. As she completed her rendition,
Swami called her to the stage and materialised a gold chain for her. She was so
happy and excited that she ran to the stage with the tambura still in her hand. It
brought to one's mind the images of saint Mirabai running to her beloved Krishna.
Swami was all smiles as He quickly placed the chain around her neck. Another lady
came walking to the front and Swami told her to sit down. The singer told Swami, "My
mother Swami." Swami said, "I know. And that is father..." He pointed to the person
playing the harmonium and the parents were so very happy.
Swami then asked the students to start bhajans. As it went on, Swami asked the HP
youth girls whether they were ready to sing as a group. So one bhajan later, they
were asked to sing. Swami meanwhile called the artistes who accompanied the singer
and gifted them clothes and paadanamaskar. He called the singer too and gave her a
wonderful saree. The HP youth girls sang two songs, one on Lord Ganesha and the
other on the mother goddess. Then Swami, the divine orchestrator that He is asked
the students to continue. As bhajans of a very pacy nature went on, Swami asked for
prasadam to be distributed. Chocolates went around sweetening the mouths after the
ears had been sweetened by the musical feast. On the ladies side, the people
distributing the chocolates to the youth, got back the box half full stating that
everyone had received prasadam. Swami said, "Take it back and finish it. Its yours!"
And through that simple act, all understood what it is to give wholly, the way God
always does - no restrictions.
As the famous English quote says, "When it rains, it
showers!" After two more bhajans, Swami received Aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandir
at about 6:30pm. read more details &
highlights of Divine discourse
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Sai youth from Himachal Pradesh
presented a musical programme this evening. When Swami came onstage, the programme
began with a short introduction praying to Bhagawan to visit their state. During the
45 minutes of songs, the young men formed vigorous tableaux with three rows of
singers clapping and swaying to the beat. Bhagawan blessed one of the group with a
chain,
and then went down from the stage to
take group photographs with them, standing up for the photos. Once He returned
onstage, He sent chocolates, clothes and vibhuti prasadam for them. Swami listened
to a few minutes of bhajans by the HP group, followed by a bhajan by the students
before accepting Arati at 6 pm. Prof. Anil Kumar was then asked to make an
announcement about the Vice-Chancellor change ceremony tomorrow at the Poornachandra
Auditorium. - Prasanthi Bulletin. Read More Darshan news from today submitted to SBOI:
This afternoon Swami
came for darshan at 4:30 p.m. in His mobile Thorne and took a right turn in front of the stage
skipping gents darshan lines. As I type this email, a beautiful music programme by the Sai
Youth of Himachal Pradesh is going on. Also, This evening Prof. Anil Kumar is speaking to the UK group.
Click here to read the complete eye witness account by a
devotee from Puttaparthi
(29th July - 5th Aug. 2008)
Also: read more details from 5th
August Below:
The marble blocks in the mandir today
wore a festive look. It had been occupied by the youth from Himachal Pradesh, clad
in cream Sherwanis with a maroon dupatta. They were seated neatly in four rows and
then there were also the men in red scarves from the same state. The ladies side
also had devotees from Himachal sitting in a separate area. They were to present a
musical entitled "Hrudaya Tarang"- a collection of Himachali folk songs and
qawwalis.
Swami arrived in the chair and as He neared the devotees in the centre of the hall,
He asked, "Himachal Pradesh?" As they nodded and answered in all eagerness, Swami's
face too seemed to light up. In fact, twice He asked the devotees whether they were
from Himachal Pradesh. He went into the interview room for a short while and then
came out. He sat listening for the Veda chanting for a while and soon asked for the
youth to begin the programme. After the customary flower was offered to Swami, the
programme began.
The third row of youth went up on their knees while the fourth row stood up. The
first song was in praise of Lord Shiva, the emperor of the snow covered kingdoms of
Kailash! The second song was a song of dedication by the youth of Himachal Pradesh
which is also called Dev Bhoomi(Land of the Lord). Both the songs had a wonderful
and soulful Aalaap which was sung so beautifully by the lead singer playing the
harmonium. Just as the Aalaap filled the soul with sweetness sublime, the song, once
it began, filled the mind with melody musical and the body with energy, bold and
beautiful! The thirst for God was almost visible on the faces of the youth as they
moved in perfect rhythm and the harmonious movements made the entire area look like
a colourful, gently fluttering brocade. Their body language was such that it looked
like with His name on their lips and the deep contemplation of His form in their
hearts, they were promising to spread His message with their sterling character and
exemplary conduct. top
The third song was a qawwali full of heartfelt prayers to the Lord for spiritual
upliftment in the sojourn of life through the path leading to Parthi, the abode of
the avatar of the age. "Lord, we are not in search of worldly companions or fellow
travellers in this journey, but only you, who are our only solace and refuge", was
the repeated refrain of the song. As they let their feelings flow in a free torrent
towards Him, Swami reciprocated with sweet smiles and a rhythmic sway and clapping
on the lap throughout. The fourth song was a qawwali of total surrender to Swami.
The final song was on the glory of Sai as He marches ahead inspiring millions to
strive for the welfare and emancipation of the world. As they completed, Swami asked
them to sing one more song. They immediately began another song, not in the original
"schedule".
As they were singing, Swami asked the student sitting beside Him,"What is the
meaning of that line?" The answer came, "Swami they want to be at your Lotus feet
always!" Swami smiled and nodded. At many points during the programme, Swami kept
speaking a few words here and there. One was not able to make out the exact things
He spoke about, but anyone could easily see that He seemed to be enjoying Himself
and was very happy with the songs (with the "dances" too!) As the programme
concluded, Swami called the lead singer who was playing the harmonium and created a
gold chain with a pendant for him. The lad playing the tabla came up to Swami and
offered gratitude to Swami on behalf of all the youth. Swami asked for special
sweets to be brought and distributed to all the participants. Then, He called Mr. S.
V. Giri, the ex-Vice Chancellor of the Sathya Sai University, and told him to
distribute safari pieces to all of the participants. He also ensured that all of
them had received the sweets and the cloth pieces. The concern was very evident, as
He told a student to distribute in the far corners too and asked another student to
find out personally whether everyone had received the gifts of Grace.
Then, turning around, Swami said, "Get prasadam." Vibhuti packets were brought from
the interview room and distributed to the participants. They sought permission to
sing bhajans and they were granted that. After a few bhajans, Swami asked for the
students to sing a bhajan. They began with the Aalaap, "Allahu Akbar", a sarvadharma
bhajan. Swami was drawn into it and He to began to lip the words of the song. What a
supreme joy it is to see Swami singing to your "tunes"! It is an overwhelming and
humbling feeling at the same time! As that bhajan concluded, Swami asked for Aarthi.
A few lads from the HP youth group moved up to Swami and spoke to Him. Swami patted
each on eof them lovingly on their cheek. One of them seemed to be following
Christ's dictum. When Swami patted him on one cheek, he had the 'cheek' to show his
other cheek too! Swami obliged him by lovingly patting his other cheek also.
Blessing everyone Swami left for Yajur Mandir Meanwhile, it was announced that a
special farewell ceremony for the Vice Chancellor of the Institute had been arranged
by Swami in th Poornachandra Auditorium for 10 am tomorrow. top
Sai Baba Darshan
update 4th Aug. - Photos & Report 3rd
August 2008
Devotees from Kuwait presented a skit entitled 'Faith & Surrender', a drama based on
the power of Prayer.
Cultural Program by Devotees from Kuwait
Faith and Surrender
August 03, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
The day at Parthi was quite cloudy and a moisture laden breeze swept through refreshing the
otherwise sweltering afternoon. Slowly, more and more clouds gathered and the day grew cooler
and cooler. Early evening, the message was that Swami had permitted the youth from United
kingdom to sit in front and have a short speech programme. The thick clouds soon gave way and
a torrential downpour began. As the rain lashed on the Kulwant hall roof, the movements near
Yajur Mandir indicated that Swami was about to arrive. Swami came in the car and after a short
darshan round, came on stage. He enquired about the speakers for the afternoon. After a short
while listening to the Vedas, Swami
went into the interview room.
5 new Video Sai
Baba clips Latest Sai
Baba Video -5 video clips :Cultural Program by
Devotees from UK, 31 Jul, 1st & 4th Aug & ,
Himachal Pradesh 5th Aug 2008, Videos -
Swami came out and asked for the speeches to begin. The first speaker was an elderly lady
devotee by name Josephine. She was helped to the stage and as she slowly walked, Swami was all
compassion and love for her. He asked for the mike and podium to be immediately placed and
then blessed her to begin. She seemed to be completely drenched in His love and overwhelmed at
the wonderful opportunity. She spoke only for four minutes wherein she stated that all she
wanted to convey was that everyone must have full faith in Swami and that was enough! As she
concluded with "Sai Ram", Swami seemed surprised. He asked her smilingly and jokingly as to
why her speech was so tiny. Blessing her, Swami asked for a chair to be placed for her to sit.
The next speaker was Mr. Ajit Popat. In his usual inimitable style he began with a sloka
saluting the Lord. Centering his talk on the theme of "onward, forward, Godward", he spoke on
a plethora of subjects ranging from faith and devotion to realizing the Self as the Swami
within. He concluded after a little above 35 minutes and then Swami patted him lovingly for
the effort. Then He asked for bhajans to begin. As per His command, the first bhajan was "Sri
Raghunandana" with the aalaap. The next began with the Aalaap, "Allahu Akbar". As the singer
travelled through the highs and extra highs of the opening tune, Swami was visibly moved. He
even told Mr. Popat sitting beside him that the boy was singing so very high. Seeing Swami so
moved, the youth sitting in front of Him too began shedding tears.
The Love that devotees have for Swami is so unique and complete, just like His Love for them.
A smile on His face lights every other face similarly. A tear welling up in His eye as He is
moved and there is a free flow of tears in all the thousands of eyes watching Him. He reflects
the emotions and feelings of the devotees and they in their turn, reflect His emotions and
feelings. Indeed beautiful is this unique relationship. As the bhajan reached its crescendo
and the zenith of its rhythm, Swami asked for Aarthi. Swami retired to Yajur Mandir after
that.
Photos & Report 3rd August 2008 There is a devout Muslim searching a good match for his daughter. In his daily
interactions with the shopkeeper of the local grocery store, he discovers the power
of prayer. The episode narrated here is of a very pious but poor lady who begs for
food at the store. When the shopkeeper mockingly tells her that he would give her
provisions equivalent to the weight of her shopping list, she takes the name of
Allah and places the list on the scales. The scales get "tipped" so heavily in
favour of the one taking the Lord's name that no amount of provisions seems to move
the weighing balance! With the Lord's name, nothing is impossible. And so with the
Lord's name on his lips, the devout Muslim is able to find a good match for his
daughter. That lad is also devout and hardworking and helps a music teacher,
Ram mohan, to run his music classes. top
Some years after their wedding, on the holy day of Eid Ul-Fitr, a begger comes to
their house and asks for alms. The protagonist argues with his wife that charity
comes above family and his wife reluctantly parts with the food. He convinces her
that Allah will take care of them and that she should not loose her faith. Before he
could complete his sentence, a guest appears with lot of sweets for all of them to
celebrate Eid and the wife regrets that she let her motherly anxiety overcome her
faith.. Finally, there were simple dances and songs in praise of Bhagawan.
As the programme concluded, Bhagawan called a little girl (one of the children in
the story) and materialised a gold chain for her and put it lovingly around her neck.
He also blessed them posing for group photographs. Bhagawan then permitted them to
sing bhajans. Very creatively and nicely, they sang Bhajans, each threaded into the
other. After the singing went on for about 15 minutes, Bhagawan blessed the prasadam
to be distributed and then retired after receiving Aarthi. and see more Photos top
This morning Swami did not
come out to give Darshan . In the afternoon, Swami arrived for Darshan at 4.40pm and
immediately called the Italian group for an Interview, which lasted for 50mins. After which
Swami emerged from the Interview room and entered the Mandir. Swami accepted the Aarthi and
left for Yajur Mandiram at 6.00pm. top
Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair by 4.15 pm today, and moved to the interview
room with the UK group ready in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall with another musical offering.
Just before half-past four, Swami sent word that the programme could commence. Just as the
first item got underway,
Photo slide show
by SSSBPT Org
Bhagawan arrived onstage. After an introductory song, a
visually-challenged devotee presented a few songs and a couple of medleys on the accordion. As
group songs followed, Swami called her up and interacted with her. Bhajans by the UK devotees
was followed by Bhajans by the students at 5.30 pm till Bhagawan accepted Arati at 5.45 pm.
Devotees from Kuwait presented a skit entitled 'Faith & Surrender', a drama based on the power
of Prayer. top
Onward Forward Godward - Pilgrimage by the UK youth
-
(Source-
SSSBPT.org)
July 31, August 01 & 03, 2008
They came not seeking God, but to see God in human and with a motive
to experience Love in Action. 173 devotees from the United Kingdom,
including 133 Youth embarked upon a special pilgrimage to Prasanthi
Nilayam with a firm commitment to participate in a 9-day Youth
Sadhana Camp at His Divine Lotus Feet, at specific instructions and
blessings from Bhagawan.
The journey originally began on the 17th May 2008, with a formal
youth meeting in the UK to discuss and explain the purpose of the
Sadhana Camp, finally culminated with a most beautiful stint at His
Divine Lotus Feet in Prasanthi Nilayam. Just before embarking on to
the pilgrimage, the entire troupe participated in a Summer Course
held in Leicester in the UK from 25th to 27th of July 2008 which
served as a preparatory camp before the Parthi sessions. This unique
and spiritually uplifting camp comprised of workshops based on
Bhagawan’s teachings, bhajan sessions, yoga classes and spiritually
motivating talks by guest speakers. top >> click here to
read more >>
Acknowledgement - Source: photos, text etc. Our humble
thanks to all Sai friends for Sai Baba photos & textual matter,
particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. sairadio.org and all the other
official sources - Also, Various Sai Baba groups ,Forums & individuals
etc. In addition, submitted articles, Darshan account, photos
& Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all over the globe & SBOI
group members to Group
Saibabaofindia & www.Saibabaofindia.com website.
Submit Sai news &
Photos:
mail to:
saibabaofindia@yahoo.com