Dasara - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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Dasara - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

Dashara Or Dasara

 

Purpose Of Dashara Or Dasara

 

"Festivals like Dashara are designed to make man aware of his

divinity, to endow him with purity, to become aware of its holiness,

to imprint on his heart the wisdom won by sages after years of

yearning." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VIII. p. 115, Discourse on 17-10-1972

 

"It is to give Ananda (bliss) to the Bhaktas (devotees) that I

arrange this festival (Dashara). I have no other wish. Do not muddy

the pellucid waters of your faith by the slightest trace of doubt."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 69. Discourse on 29 September 1965

 

"The Dashara Festival honours the victory of the Devas (gods) over

the Asuras (demons), the forces of righteousness over the forces of

evil. They (gods) were able to win, because Para-shakti, the Dynamic

Aspect of Divinity, the power that has elaborated God into all this

variety and all this beauty, came to succour them and fight on their

behalf." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 43, Discourse on 26 September 1965

 

"Dashara is the festival that celebrates the victory of the forces

of the good over the foes that resist the progress of man towards

light. The sages who have decided on these festivals have a high

purpose. They want us to imbibe the inner meaning and use each day

as a step in Sadhana, as a reminder of the journey, which each

person has to undertake alone to the Feet of the Lord. The forces of

good (Devas) are combating with the forces of evil (Asuras) in every

living being and if they only rely on Mahashakti, the great Divine

Force that fosters and fends the universe, they can easily win and

reach goal." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. V., p. 249, Discourse on 15 October

1966

 

Importance Of Dashara

 

"During the Dashara festival, the three Goddesses- Durga, Lakshmi

and Saraswati - are worshipped according to certain traditional

practices. The tenth day of the festival is celebrated as the

victory. The celebration has its roots deep in ancient history of

Bharat. In the Dwapara Yuga, when the Pandavas had to spend one-year

incognito, they hid their weapons on the advice of Krishna, in a

Jammi tree which is thick in foliage and whose branches are filled

with latent fire. Vijayadashami was the day on which they retrieved

their weapons from the tree and used them to win victory over the

Kauravas." Sai Baba. SS. 12/92. p. 304

 

"In the Treta Yuga, Sri Rama's coronation, after his victorious

return to Ayodhya from Lanka, was performed on the Vijayadashami

day." Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 304

 

Significance Of Dashara

 

"Today (23 October 1966), Vijayadashami is a thrice sacred day for

Prasanthivasis. that is to say, those who live in Prasanthi Nilayam,

here or elsewhere. It is as sacred as, Triveni, where three rivers

commingle their holy waters. Today is the Samapti (Conclusion!

Festival) of Dasara. It is also the Samapti (conclusion) of the

Yajnasaptaha, the seven-Day-Rite of Puja and Parayana. It is also

the Samapti Day of the Poorva-avataram, the Samadhi Day of Shirdi

Shareeram. Sam-apti also means attainment of Brahmanandaand on this

day you have a chance to the Bliss Indescribable." Sai Baba, SSS,

Vol. V, p. 281

 

Inner Meaning Of Dasara

 

"The term' Devi' represents the Divine power which has taken the

Rajasic form to suppress the forces of evil and protect the Satvic

qualities. When the forces of injustice, immorality and untruth have

grown to monstrous proportions and are indulging in a death-dance,

when selfishness and self-interest are rampant, when men have lost

all sense of kindness and compassion, the Atmic principle, assuming

the Form of Shakti, taking on the Rajasic quality, seeks to destroy

the evil elements. This is the inner meaning of the Dasara

festival." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. pp. 284 & 285

 

Inner Meaning Of Devi Worship On Dasara

 

"When the Divine Goddess is in dreadful rage to destroy the wicked

elements, she assumes a fearful form. To pacify the dreaded Goddess,

Her faminine children offer worship to her with red kumkum (sacred

red powder). The Goddess, seeing the blood-red kumkum at her feet,

feels assured that the wicked have been vanquished and assumes her

benign form. The inner meaning of the worship of 'Devi' with red

kumkum is that thereby the Goddess is appeased. During the ten days

of Dasara, the demons (Raakshasas) in the form of wicked qualities

have been routed. Raakshasas do not mean demonic beings. The bad

qualities in men are the demons. Arrogance is a demon. Bad thoughts

are demons." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. p. 285

 

Symbolism Of Ravana

 

"Ravana is depicted as the king of Raakshasas. He is said to have

ten heads. He was not born with ten heads. Who is this Ravana and

what are his ten heads? Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha

(delusion), Lobha (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsyasya (envy), Manas

(mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta (will) and Ahamkara (the ego) -

all these ten constitute the ten heads. Ravana is of all the ten

qualities. Each one can decide for himself whether he is a Ravana or

Rama according to his qualities." Sai Baba, SS. SS. 11/91. p. 285

 

Symbolism Of Rama

 

"Rama is the destroyer of the bad qualities. When engaged in this

act of destruction of bad qualities. He manifests his Rajo-guna. But

his Rajasic quality is associated with his Satvic quality. Even in

cutting off Ravana's ten heads, Rama showed his love. This was the

only way that Ravana could be redeemed." Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 285

 

Rama Vs. Ravana

 

"Ravana was one who was endowed with all wealth and prosperity. He

lacked nothing in terms of comforts and luxuries. He had mastered

the 64 categories of knowledge. His capital, Lanka, rivalled Swarga

(heaven) itself in its grandeur. Instead of showing regard for

Ravana, Valmiki extolled Rama, who gave up the kingdom, donned the

robes of an ascetic and lived a simple life in the forest. What is

the reason? It was because Rama was the very embodiment of Dharma.

Everyone of his actions stemmed from Dharma. Every word he spoke was

truth. Every step he trod was based on Dharma. Hence, Rama has been

described as the very image of Dharma." Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p. 298

 

Teachings From Dying Ravana For Lakshmana

 

"When Ravana lay dying, Rama directed his brother, Lakshamana, to go

to him and learn from him the secrets of successful statecraft.

Ravana taught him that a king who is eager to win glory must

suppress greed as soon as it lifts its head, and welcome the

smallest chance to do good to others, without the slightest

procrastination. He (Ravana) had learnt the lesson through bitter

experience. Greed arises from attachment to the senses and catering

to them. Put them in their proper place; they are windows for

knowledge, not channels of contamination." Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, last

cover page.

 

Lord's Rajasic Acts Are Tinged By Satvic Qualities

 

"When the Lord metes out a punishment, it may appear harsh. But what

appears extremely as Rajasic is, in reality, Satvic. In a hailstorm,

along with rain there will be hailstones. But both the rain and

hailstones contain water. Likewise, there is Satvic quality even in

the Lord's Rajasic actions. Similarly, there may be Satvic quality

even in Tamasic actions. These depend on the time, place and the

circumstances in which the Lord acts. Butter can be split with

finger. But a powerful hammer is needed to break a piece of iron.

The Lord deals with Satvic persons in a Satvic way. He applies the

Rajasic weapon against Rajasic persons." „ Sai Baba, SS, 11/91. p.

285

 

Roudrakaara Worship Of The Divine

 

"People worship the Lord, attributing dreaded forms and qualities

(Roudrakaara) to the Divine. This is not proper. The Divine has only

one attribute, the Embodiment of Love. It has been said: 'Love is

God. Love pervades the cosmos.' Hence, one should not view the world

from a worldly point of view. It should be viewed from the eye of

love." Sai Baba. SS. 11/91. p. 285

 

Sai's Divine Will For Dashara

 

"The Maharani of Cutch, who is to preside over the Hospital Day this

evening, was very much agitated whether she could come in time, on

account of the disturbed conditions on the border with Pakistan, or

whether Dashara itself will be cancelled by Me, as so many have been

done in Mysore and elsewhere. But in spite of all obstacles, the

fighting has stopped and news has come that peace is restored. This

is another instance of the Grace, which Prasanthi Nilayam showers.

This is the way Mahima works." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V. p. 46.

Discourse on 26 September 1965

 

Participation In Dasara At Prasanthi Nilayam

 

"This Prasanthi Nilayam is the Nilayam (abode) of Nitya (eternal)

Shanti (peace), that cannot be disturbed, because it is based on

deep discrimination and on unshakable renunciation of Vishaya Vasana

(vagaries of mind and urges). To be here on this sacred day is

indeed a great piece of good fortune. Thousands of Sadhakas

(spiritual aspirants), aspirants and seekers have assembled here and

those who have come into this auspicious company have to make the

best use of chance. Instead of celebrating this Dashara in feasting

and catering to the frailties of the senses, I am happy you are

determined to spend it in holy thoughts." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p.

43, Discourse on 26 September 1965

 

Lesson Of Unity

 

"Pilgrimages impress on people the lesson of unity. They bring

together people from all comers of the world, irrespective of

language or locality. Festivals like Dashara at Prasanthi Nilayam

bring together Sadhakas from all the continents, irrespective of

religion, caste, creed, and colour. They are motivated by the same

urge, to involve themselves more and more in attempts to realise

their innate divinity. They have met here to enjoy the supreme

delight in the holy presence of the Lord and to recognise the unity

of all in the Divine Atmic Splendour." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII. p.

115

 

Experience Of Dasara Festival At Prasanthi Nilayam

 

"The Dashara Festival has filled your eyes, ears and minds with

Ananda (joy) for ten days and, with the bodies transformed by this

rich experience, you are returning to your places." Sai Baba, SSS.

Vol. X. p. 180. Discourse on 11 October 1970

 

Activities During The Dasara Festival At Prasanthi Nilayam

 

"You will find in the Dashara programme here various items like Veda-

parayana (recitation of the Vedas), Puja for Divine Forms, the

feeding of the poor, dramas, music, Harikathas (stories about God),

reading Puranas, lectures on shastras (scriptures), etc.

 

"This Puja, this Yajna, and this Homa, are arranged here every

Dasara, in order to help you to leam that other everlasting,

abstract Yajna, which everyone of you has to do, to save yourselves

from fear, grief and anxiety." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 113.

discourse on 11-10-1972

 

Purpose Of Conducting Various Activities On Dasara

 

"All activities (on Dashara) are designed for various purposes that

may not be evident on the surface. You may be under the impression

that all this is but customary and traditional. No. Each item has a

deeper significance. It is intended to bring about a definite change

for some section or other. The Vedas are for entire mankind. They

have prayers for peace, subjugating the anger of the elements and of

human communities. They invoke the forces of nature to be calm and

beneficent. So, the Parayanam of the Vedas promotes world peace and

human welfare. For those who derive joy when names of the Lord are

recited, each Name invoking one facet of the splendour of God, we

have the Pujas. For those thirsting for directions along the path of

Sadhana, we have discourses by the Pundits. Musical recitations and

discourses transmit the teachings of the Shastras and Puranas in

pleasant palatable ways. The dramas are visible representations of

the essential lessons embodied in our scriptures. All these unfold

the petals of the heart of man." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p. 259,

Discourse on 17 October 1966

 

Dasara Activities At Prasanthi Nilayam

 

Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna

 

"A Yajna for peace in the world is performed in Prasanthi Nilayam as

part of Dasara and Navaratri celebrations. This year the Yajna

started on 13th October 1999.

 

After Puja in Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir, the Ritwiks went in a

procession to Poomachandra Auditorium at 8.20 a.m.to start the Veda

Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna in the divine presence of Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba. Yajnagni (sacrificial fire) was lit at 9.00 a.m.

and placed in the decorated Yajna Kundam with the chanting of the

Veda Mantras. The Yajna continued for six days and concluded on 19th

October, the auspicious day of Dasara with Poomahuti performed by

the Veda Purusha Bhagavan Baba Himself. After Poomahuti, Bhagavan

sprinkled Yajna Teertham (sacred water) on the devotees in the

entire Poomachandra Auditorioum and outside it. With Mangalaarti to

Bhagavan at 9.20 a.m, the Yajna came to a happy conclusion."Editor,

SS, 11/99, 343

 

Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha

 

"The programme included the Discourses of Bhagavan Baba and speeches

by scholars and students during the Navaratri celebrations. With

Bhagavan's blessings, three speakers addressed the devotees on 13th

October 1999. The first speaker, Sri G.V. Subbarao, told that Yajna

meant sacrifice.. The purpose of holding the Yajna was to transform

us, so that we could imbibe the virtues of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti,

Prema, Ahimsa. The second speaker, Sri Sanjay Sahni, narrated a few

incidents to show how Bhagavan Baba revealed His identity in an

extremely subtle way. The third speaker of the afternoon was a

senior student, Sri Y. Arvind. He noted that sometimes

 

Bhagavan did not accept a devotee's letter or respond to his prayer

immediately. He said that by doing so, Bhagavan gives us an

opportunity for self-introspection and purification.

 

The first speaker of the afternoon on 14th October was Sri

Sudhindran, a student of Brindavan Campus. He said that the Vedas

bring home the immense importance of Yajna as means of liberation

and immortality.... The second speaker, Sri V. Ashwin, a student of

M.Sc II year, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, made a beautiful analogy

between his mother and Mother Sai. While his mother gave him

physical sustenance, Sai mother gave him physical as well as

spiritual sustenance. The third speaker of the afternoon was Sri

B.N. Narsimha Murthy, Warden of Brindavan Campus. Dwelling on the

concept of Avatarhood, he said, 'An Avatar is divine mystery. It is

therefore futile to try to understand the Avatar. In the end, Sri

Narasimha Murthy prayed to Swami for His Divine Discourse as the

devotees were thirsting for His nectarine words. Thereafter,

Bhagavan Baba blessed the devotees with His discourse.

 

On the afternoon of 15th October 1999, the third day of the

Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha, the programme started at 3.50 p.m. with

Veda chanting by the students. Sri Ram Parsuram, a student of M.Sc

1st Year, was the first speaker of this session. He lamented that

modem man had forgotten to love.. .The second speaker. Dr. T. Ravi

Kumar, a faculty member of Brindavan Campus, narrated some of his

personal experiences as to how he had lost his eyesight twice in

accidents in the Chemistry Lab and how Bhagavan showered His grace

by restoring his eyesight to the surprise of the eye specialists.

The third speaker of the session was Dr. G. Venkataraman, former

Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He

said, Navaratri was celebrated to worship God as Shakti or Divine

Mother, who was not only the ocean of compassion, kindness and love,

but also energy. After these brief speeches, Bhagavan Baba blessed

the devotees with His Divine Discourse. The programme came to a

close with Aarati to Bhagavan at 5.40 p.m.

 

On the afternoon of 16th October 1999, the first speaker was Sri. T.

G. Krishanamurthy, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization,

Tamil Nadu. Referring to the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna, Sri

Krishnamurthy said that Bhagavan Baba Himself was Yajna Purusha to

whom all the sacrificial offerings were being made. The second

speaker of the session was Sri K. Raghupati, a B.Com (Hons.) student

of Brindavan Campus. He told that God was the only true friend of

man and all other worldly friends were not dependable... The last

speaker of the session was Sri Sandipan Chatterjee, a faculty member

of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Sri Chatterji narrated several

incidents of Bhagavan's miracles and exhorted the devotees to follow

the teachings of Bhagavan to raise their consciousness to a level

where their will and Bhagavan's will would become one. After this,

Bhagavan gave His Divine Discourse. The programme came to a close

with Mangalaarati to Bhagavan at 4.15 p.m.

 

On the afternoon of 17th October 1999, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India

President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization and Central Trust

Member, was the first speaker. Sri Srinivasan dwelt on the

auspiciousness of the Navaratri festival and said that Bhagavan Baba

Himself was auspiciousness personified. The next speaker. Major

General S.P.Mahadevan, said that science had brought about material

progress in the world, but it could not give peace of mind to man.

The last speaker was a member of the Faculty of Commerce, Brindavan

Campus, Sri Ruchir Desai. Sri Desai said, 'Bhagavan Baba has

incarnated to teach the message of love.' After these brief

speeches, Bhagavan narrated some of His childhood Leelas in His

Divine Discourse. The programme came to a close at 4.35 p.m. with

Mangala-aarati to Bhagavan.

 

In the afternoon of the 18th October 1999, the first speaker, Sri

S.V. Giri, Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Learning, spoke about the importance of nine days' festival of

Navaratri. The second speaker of this session was Bhattam Sri Rama

Murthy, a former Minister in the state of Andhra Pradesh. He

narrated a few touching personal experiences to bring home the point

that Swami' s life was only for devotees. The third speaker was a

Sanskrit scholar from Rajamundry, Dr. Rama Somayajulu. He expressed

his heartfelt gratitude to Bhagavan for this opportunity to speak

in His Divine presence. After these speeches, Bhagavan Baba showered

bliss on the devotees by speaking about His childhood in His Divine

Discourse for the second consecutive day. The programme came to a

close at 5.10 p.m. with the offering of Mangaaarati to Bhagavan.

 

The first speaker on 19th October 1999 was Sri Indulal Shah,

Chairman, Sri Sathya Sai World Council. Sri Shah referred to the

significance of Dasara and said, 'It reminded us of the victory of

the good over the evil. It also brought home the message of self-

transformation through genuine spiritual practice."

 

The second speaker, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President of Sathya

Sai Seva Organization, referred to the Navaratri festival which was

celebrated to commemorate the destruction of demons by the Mother

Goddess. He said, 'Bhagavan Baba, who is the embodiment of all gods

and goddesses, destroys the demons of greed, ego, hatred and

attachment through the weapon of love.'

 

The third speaker was Sri C. Srinivas, Member, Sri Sathya Sai

Central Trust. Sri Srinivas said that one was filled with awe and

wonder when one thought how Bhagavan had totally changed this small

hamlet of Puttaparthi into one of the biggest pilgrimage centres of

the world. He referred to a book published in America, which gave

the designs of 100 best-designed hospitals of the world, in which

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences had been given

on the first page.

 

After these brief speeches, Bhagavan delivered His Dasara Sandesh.

The programme came to a close with Mangala-aarati to Bhagavan."

Editor. SS. 11/99, p. 346

 

Glimpses Of Dasara Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1998)

 

"Dasara and Navaratri celebrations started at Prasanthi Nilayam on a

grand note on 25 September (1998).

 

Bhagavan Baba came to the fully-decorated Sai Kulwant Hall at 7.00

a.m. and took a round of the rows of the vast gathering of devotees

to shower the bliss of His Divine Darshan on them on the auspicious

Navaratri day. After a brief round of Darshan, Bhagavan Baba ordered

the distribution of Prasadam. Mangala-vadyam started about 7.45 a.m.

Then at 8.00 a.m., all eyes turned towards Veda chanting Pundits,

who came to the Sai Kulwant Hall in a procession followed by a group

of Veda chanting students. They all came to the Mandir and received

the blessings of Bhagavan before getting ready for starting the Veda

Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna.

 

Soon after that the venue of the programme was shifted to

Poomachandra Auditorium, where Veda Purusha Bhagavan Sai inaugurated

the Saptaha Jnana Yajna.

 

The ceremonial lighting of the sacred fire was done by rubbing two

pieces of wood against each other by the Pundits amidst the chanting

of Veda Mantras.

 

After the fire was lit, the priests sat around the beautifully

decorated Yajnashala and started the Yajna. While some Pundits sat

near the Vedi and performed the Yajna by putting Ahutis (offerings)

of ghee and other sacred articles in the sacrificial fire amidst the

chanting of Veda Mantras, some other Pundits were engaged in

performing Surya-Namaskaar, reading the sacred epics, worshipping

Shiva, Devi, Ganesha and other related rituals.

 

At 11:30 a.m., Aarati was offered to Veda Purusha Bhagavan by the

Pundits. The first day's Yajna programme concluded at 12:00.

 

The auspicious day of Vijayadashmi, 1st October 1998 marked the

completion of the Veda Purusha Yajna with Bhagavan offering

Poomaahuti (final offerings) in the sacred fire. In the end,

Bhagavan showered His blessings by sprinkling sacred water on all

devotees inside and outside the Poomachandra Auditorium.

 

While the performance of Yajna continued for seven days in the

morning, Bhagavan delivered His nectarine discourses in the evening.

Bhagavan also showered His love and blessings on a galaxy of

speakers by permitting them to make brief speeches before His Divine

Discourse. Thus, while the Yajna fumes and Vedic chanting sanctified

and spiritualized the atmosphere, the Divine Discourses and other

speeches provided a veritable feast for the soul." Editor, SS,

11/98, p. 303

 

"The first speaker on 30th September (Dasara Festival Day), Prof. G.

Venkataraman explained the significance of Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna

by saying that this Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna assumed importance

because it was willed, organized and performed in the year 1998,

which was being celebrated as the year of peace. He said true peace

could be established on the foundation of Sathya, Dharma and Prema.

 

The present Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Learning, Sri S.V. Giri was the next speaker.

 

Explaining the significance ofNavaratri, Sri Giri said that the nine

days of Navaratri, devoted to the worship of Durga, denoted the

principle of energy; Lakshmi symbolized power and prosperity and

Saraswati granted intellectual illumination. So, the last day of

Navaratri marked the culmination of nine days of penance,

dedication, devotion, intellectual illumination and mental

purification." Editor, SS. 11/98. p. 305

 

Dasara Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam - 1988

 

"The Dasara celebrations began with Kalasha Sthaapana in the

Prasanthi Mandir on 11th October 1988. Devotees had started

streaming into Prasanthi Nilayam from the beginning of the month.

 

Narayana Seva

 

There was Narayana Seva on 13th October on the spacious grounds of

the Hill View Stadium. Nearly fifteen thousand men, women and

children from all the surrounding villages had gathered on the

grounds. As in previous years, Seva Dal volunteers and students of

the Institute arranged for their sitting in orderly rows for the

feeding.

 

Bhagavan arrived exactly at 9.00 a.m. and went to the rooms where

the food was kept. Swami blessed the Prasadam and Himself

inaugurated the Narayana Seva by serving food to some of the men and

women. Scores of students from the Sathya Sai Institute and the

Higher Secondary School served food to the thousands with remarkable

speed and enthusiasm. Swami was on His feet for over half an hour

attending to every detail of the Narayana Seva, inspiring the

students and the Seva Dal by His presence.

 

Feeding the poor was followed by distribution of clothes (saris and

dhotis)to thousands of men and women, with Bhagavan Himself

presenting saris to a few women and dhotis to some men. Some

overseas devotees participated in serving food and distributing

clothes.

 

Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna

 

On the 14th, Bhagavan came in a procession, headed by a large group

of students chanting Vedic hymns, and Ritwiks who were officiating

in the Yajna. Leading the procession was Bhagavan's Sai Geetha,

followed by a band troupe.

 

Bhagavan inaugurated the Athirudhra Homa. Besides the Ritwiks

officiating at the Homa, there were others chanting the Vedas, an

old couple doing Linga Archana and Devi Puja, a Purohit who

performed Surya Namaskar, and two pundits who were doing Parayana of

Devi Bhagavatam and Valmiki Ramayana.

 

Bhagavan Darshan And Discourses

 

Bhagavan gave Darshan to thousands of devotees in the Auditorium

every morning. In the afternoons, during six days, there were

discourses by Bhagavan, preceded by speeches by some old devotees

and by research scholars and post-graduate students of the Sri

Sathya Sai Institute.

 

Students' Testimonies

 

The speeches of the students not only testified to the extent to

which they had imbibed the teachings of Bhagavan, but also revealed

numerous instances in which Swami had given protection to the

students or other devotees in critical situations. A common theme

for all of them was the infinite love of Bhagavan, which they had

experienced in innumerable ways. All of them pledged themselves to

live up to the ideals of Bhagavan and dedicate themselves to His

global mission for the transformation of mankind.

 

Conclusion Of The Yajna

 

The Yajna concluded on 20th October 1988, with Pumaahuti and

adoration of Bhagavan as Veda Purusha by the Ritwiks. Bhagavan came

to the auditorium from Prasanthi Mandir in a procession led by a

large number of students reciting Vedic hymns.

 

Discourses

 

Bhagavan delivered His concluding discourse, emphasizing the inner

significance of festivals like Navaratri and exhorting all devotees

to rise above barriers of caste and creed, language and nationality

and develop love towards each other as children of one God.

 

Swami later went round the auditorium sprinkling the mantra-charged

Yajna-tirtham on all devotees and conferring His benediction on them.

 

Jhoola Festival

 

The crowning event of the celebrations was the Jhoola festival in

the evening (20th October), when Swami, wearing an immaculate white

robe, showered bliss on thousands in the Poomachandra Auditorium

from the glittering silver Jhoola. The Institute's students'

orchestra provided a concert for the evening's function, which

concluded with Aarati to Bhagavan." Editor, SS. 11/88, pp. 287 & 288.

 

>From the book - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba -

Compiled and Edited by Suresh C Bhatnagar.