Prashanthi Diary from June 19th to July 24th, 2005

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Prashanthi Diary from June 19th to July 24th, 2005And the Story of the Narayana

Necklace (July 3rd, 2005)

PRASHANTHI DIARYChronicles of Heaven on Earthand The Story of the Narayana Necklace

 

Swami returned to Parthi from Brindavan on June 18, 2005 , in the afternoon. The

Lord Who is the Master of Time, did not waste any time in giving an invigorating

Divine Discourse on Seva activities to be performed in the drought affected

villages of the region the very next day.

JUNE 19, 2005 : A DIVINE DISCOURSE

In Sai Kulwant Hall, in the afternoon of June 19, 2005 , Swami said, "In Bharat,

of late, we have been coming across a number of problems. This is quite natural.

But it is our responsibility to enquire and investigate. In the last couple of

months there have been a number of problems and obstacles that have caused a

loss of happiness and bliss to people. More than our studies, our actions are

important. We must necessarily make an effort to improve the existing

situation.

There is no water to drink. Earlier we have taken every care to supply water for

drinking. Now the problem is very severe and has spread all over Anantapur

District. We are not born merely to earn a living, we do not study merely to

fill our stomachs; all that we have learnt must be put into practice to serve

our fellowmen and community.

We have to realise the plight of the people in every district. We must first

convince ourselves and then share with others the Supreme Will and Mystery of

God. Food should be served when one is hungry. One must determine to undertake

the task though it may be strenuous. Service cannot be done by wealth alone. We

need men of character. Foreigners too will be participating in this mega service

programme.

We have to supply drinking water to every village. The problem does not end

there. We must supply food too. All aged 10 years and above must participate in

this programme. We must be determined to accomplish the project in its entirety.

Temperament and attitude is very important".

(Editors note: Currently planning for the project is almost complete and the

project will commence as soon as Swami gives His blessings)

JUNE 20: A DRAMA BY THE ORPHANAGE BOYS - "LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU"

On June 20, on the third anniversary of the Sri Sathya Sai Deena Janodharana

Pathakam (Swami's orphanage), the inmates presented a programme to express

their thanks to Bhagavan for waking them up from a life of destitution to His

benign, soothing lap and giving them a new life altogether.

On this day, they presented some of Swami's wisdom imparted through precepts and

parables by means of a dance drama, dedicated with reverence at His Lotus Feet.

They used Potana's (a great poet from Andhra Pradesh) prayer poem, Evvani che

Janinchu, to set the tone of total surrender in the presentation.

Reverberating to the undercurrent of a drum beat (to warn of the futility of

running after riches), the drama was an eclectic mixture of songs, dances,

Burra Katha (a popular Telugu rural folk art of story telling) and short skits.

The well rehearsed drama effectively brought out Swami's main teachings on the

importance of Satsang (good company), Namasmarana (Continuous recitation of the

Lord's name), Morality (Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows) through

effective short skits.

The last skit of a fisherwoman who pulls out a boy from the sea and brings him

to the local doctor who even refuses to see him as he is otherwise occupied in

the paper currency chase. The boy (who dies because of the lack of timely help)

turns out to be the doctor's own son. Sai's vibhuti however brings the young boy

to life and also kindles the flame of service in the now reformed doctor.

All the 62 inmates participated in the drama. After the drama, Swami called the

children to Him (scene by scene) and profusely blessed them all.

JUNE 21: A FOLK DANCE BY VILLAGERS FROM CHHATTISGARH

The Sathya Sai Seva Organization from the district of Durg in the Indian State

of Chhattisgarh in India have adopted a few villages in their immediate area

for service activities like providing drinking water, conducting medical camps,

distributing clothes and blankets to the poor and needy, renovating temples, and

conducting group marriages. The people from these villages along with the Seva

Dals from the area came on a 'Parthi Yatra' (Pilgrimage to Parthi) to express

their grateful homage at Bhagavan's Lotus Feet.

As part of their celebration they performed a folk dance from the heart of

Chhattisgarh called "Panthi Nritya", before the Lord. It was performed by a

tribal group called Satnamis. The various dance postures depict how the dancers

worship their guru Sant Ghasidas. Their dance master Sri Dev Das Banjare has

received many national and international awards and has performed in 64

countries. Swami was deeply engrossed at this vibrant fast paced dance with a

rural flavour that included loud drum beats and cymbals, which lasted for about

30 minutes.

After the dance, the leader of the troupe Sri Srinivas, briefed Swami about

their service activities. Swami looked through all the photographs and asked

him details about all the seva activities for a full 20 minutes. "Chala

Santosam" was the divine response at the end - "Very Happy", and it brought

broad smiles on the faces of all the Seva Dals.

The devotees of Chhattisgarh also had the opportunity to perform the bhajans for Swami that evening.

 

JUNE 23rd: TALKS BY SRI ANIL GOKAK AND SRI S.V.GIRI AND AN UNEXPECTED DIVINE DISCOURSE

Bhagavan was out in this evening at 4.00 p.m. He stopped the Vedam chanting at

4.05 p.m. and commanded Prof. Anil Gokak - the current Vice Chancellor of the

Sri Sathya Sai Institute to speak a few words.

Prof. Gokak stated his talk by recalling the early part of his father's life

(His father Dr. V.K. Gokak was the first vice-chancellor of the Institute). He

also went down memory lane and stated that Bhagavan had extended his mother's

life by 18 years and his father's life by 5 years. Continuing he related how he

came to Swami's fold. Referring to Swami's social projects, he aptly referred to

Bhagavan as a 'Vedantic Socialist'. He concluded his talk by drawing an analogy

between an Avatar and a pilot who temporarily brings down his plane to the

ground to take a few passengers and then return back to the skies!

Swami next commanded Sri S.V. Giri, the former Vice-Chancellor to share his

thoughts with the audience. Sri S.V. Giri also struck a personal note talking

about the heart surgery that he had for the first time in 1989. Over time,

though another 4 of the 5 heart passages had been blocked, Bhagavan had said

there was no need for any further surgery. And he has been continuing to

discharge all his responsibilities - purely on account of Bhagavan's Grace!

He then shared how Swami had made sure that his resignation from the post of the

CVC (Central Vigilance Commissioner) - Government of India was accepted without

any complications. Sri Giri stressed on the three most important facets of this

Institute - Service, Society and Faith. He concluded his talk by stressing on

the Truth elucidated by our scriptures that all is one.

Next to the delight of all Swami gave His Divine Message. Mikes were soon kept

in place. Swami asked all the students to come closer and naturally they were

most happy, climbing all the way right up the steps. Swami, in His discourse,

initially described in elaborate terms the spiritual journey of Prof. Vinayak

Gokak - the father of the current Vice-Chancellor and the first Vice-Chancellor

of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher - to Swami. Swami elaborated on how He

helped Sri Gokak understand the difference between Atma and Anatma, Sathyam and

Nityam and helped him realize the Eternal Truth.

Swami also said that when Vyashti (individual) identifies himself with Samashti

(community), only then can he realise Parameshti (God). It is very difficult to

understand Parameshti which is beyond both Vyashti and Samashti. There will be

harmony between Vyashti and Samashti when one develops equanimity. Vyashti i.e.

the individual constitutes Samashti, the community and Samashti is the

collective form of Vyashti. One who understands this relationship between

Vyashti, Samashti and Parameshti (God) can know the truth. We can understand

the reality only when we transcend worldliness. Total change cannot come

instantly. Gokak understood and held on to this truth fully well and forgot

everything else, Swami said.

JULY 4: THE ONLY ELEMENT- A DRAMA BY DEVOTEES FROM REGION X , USA

The Sai Spiritual Education Children from the Texas region of USA put up a drama

to celebrate the Independence Day of the United States . The North American

continent before it was "discovered" was home to the Native Americans who

respected Nature and worshipped the 5 elements as life sustaining forces and as

the Great Spirits.

The play was inspired in part by the history of this culture by drawing on the

story of the celebration of Thanksgiving. The early pilgrims who arrived tired,

cold and hungry, from across the seas were well received by the natives. They

gave them seeds to plant and helped them settle down in their adopted land.

Next autumn, when the pilgrims had a bountiful harvest, they decided to offer

thanks to the Lord for the bounty and invited the natives to join them in the

celebration. This was the first American Thanksgiving, and it is still being

celebrated, though the people in the cities and towns have lost touch with

Nature and the Elements. In the present day, Thanksgiving in America is an

occasion for families and perhaps close friends to get together to celebrate

with food and plenty.

The story revolves around 2 boys - Shawn (from a good, affluent family that

however has lost touch with the hardships faced by the poor) and Sid (whose

affluent family serve the poor and needy as service to the Lord Himself).

After one Thanksgiving Day feast, Shawn goes with Sid's family as they serve

food to the homeless at the downtown shelter and has an intriguing experience.

Realizing the bounty of the gift of food provided by Mother Earth, he goes on

to serve a thirsty person Water, gives a blanket to a shivering person (Fire),

and a fan provides Air to a person wilting in the heat; all this happens in the

space (Ether) created by God.

This brings home to Shawn the connection between service and the five elements

that make up the entire Universe. Above all, the seva experience makes Shawn

evolve and realize that the Only Element is LOVE…….

JULY 18: ASHADA EKADASHI CELEBRATIONS

THE MORNING PROGRAMME: Drama "God Is The Only Friend" By The Bala Vikas Children Of Mumbai.

Drawing inspiration from their proximity to the film industry in Mumbai,

popularly known as "Bollywood", the kids bring out that man today lives in the

delusion that he is the doer. The true reality however is that the doer is

someone infinitely more powerful…more effulgent…more grand…God Himself.

The story revolves around Amit Kumar, a "hero" (a leading man) in the film

industry who is currently riding tall on the crest of the success of his latest

movie at the box office. This brings him numerous accolades and of course the

fair weather friends and sycophants, who praise him and his abilities to the

sky.

Though Amit always starts his new ventures with a prayer to the Lord, he however

believes he is infallible and that he can do everything. Predictably, the next

venture "Dost" (into which he has sunk all his life savings) fails miserably at

the box-office in India and he is staring at total ruin. All his friends desert

him and he is thus totally alone.

This is when God (Who has been in the back-ground all the time) enters his life

and shows our hero, that in life God is the only friend. Amit realizes the

error of his ways swiftly - that the real doer is God and that man is only a

witness. The story ends on a happy note in that Amit's picture does well at the

box-office abroad thus saving Amit from ruin.

With gorgeous film style sets, fast foot-tapping songs and colourful vibrant

dances, it was certainly a different fare than what is normally seen in Sai

Kulwant Hall, but one that resonated well with the crowd and drove the point

home. The organizers additionally provided a wrist band inscribed with the

words "God is the only friend" so one could also literally take the message

home.

THE EVENING PROGRAMME: Drama "Krishna-Uddhava" By The Bala Vikas Children and

Youth Wing Of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Nagpur

In the evening there was another rich feast in store, continuing with the same

theme of friendship with the Lord, offered by the children of Nagpur - a

musical ballet entitled "Krishna-Uddhava'.

'Krishna-Uddhava' depicted the saga of the unique love and friendship that

existed between Uddhava and Krishna . Even from childhood, Krishna was

Uddhava's dearest friend and his very life-breath. Krishna too reciprocated by

the words,

'Na thatha me priystham aathmyonirna shankara

Na cha sankarshano na shri naivaatma cha yatha bhavaan' .

'O Uddhava, Siva, Brahma, Balaram, Lakshmi and even my very own Atma are not as

dear to me as you are'.

The musical ballet brought out tenderly how right from a very early age, Uddhava

yearned from the innermost recesses of his heart to make Krishna his best

friend. Sitting, lying, walking, sleeping, talking, eating and playing with

Krishna , Uddhava lived as Krishna 's shadow - two bodies with one heart as it

were.

One day Krishna sends him to visit His parents in Brindavan and also to bring

solace to His dear devotees - the Gopikas. Uddhava, who was a Jnani - a man of

wisdom, was rather proud of his learning and knowledge so Krishna wanted him to

experience the all encompassing bliss that could be derived from the total

surrender and love of the Lord. From the simple cowherd maids, the Gopikas, the

learned Uddhava witnessed, experienced and learnt Bhakthi or total devotion to

the Lord.

In the final scene, known in the Bhagavatham as the Uddhava Gita, Krishna helps

Uddhava realize his oneness with the Lord. He gifted him His Padukas, or divine

sandals, the symbol of the Divine Lotus Feet and the ultimate goal of all

devotees.

The musical ballet ends poignantly by inspiring all of us to grasp this

opportunity and make Sai our dearest friend.

JULY 19, 2005 : EASWARAMMA WOMEN'S WELFARE PROJECT (EWWP) INAUGURATION

THE MORNING PROGRAMME: Swami Inaugurates The EWWP

On Ladies' Day, 19th November 2004 , Swami inaugurated the Easwaramma Women's

Welfare Project. As a follow-up to it, with Swami's infinite Grace and

Blessings, the Easwaramma Women's Welfare Trust was established to benefit

women at large. It was founded on the teachings of Bhagavan to reach out to the

problems of women in a meaningful way, and bring peace and comfort, without any

distinction of religion, caste, colour or creed.

Under the auspices of the Easwaramma Women's Welfare Project, a Mother and Child

health care programme will be offered in villages on a regular basis providing

the foundation for a healthy society. The programme is initially operational in

the villages in and around Puttaparthi with the scope slowly expanding to

include a growing number of villages. The Mother and Child programme will

schedule monthly visits to villages and include trained doctors, nurses and

volunteers. The groups will be equipped with all the necessary equipment to

conduct pre-natal checkups for monitoring the health of the mother and foetus,

provide nutritional supplements and education on health care during pregnancy.

Additionally, the Easwaramma Self-Help Programme for women seeks to empower

women to achieve self reliance and to provide a means of steady livelihood and

thereby improve the health and quality of life of women and their families. The

programme will train women in making a variety of useful and saleable products

using locally available and environmentally friendly raw materials for

sustained development.

On the morning of the 19th, Swami came to inaugurate the premises of the

Easwaramma Women's Welfare Trust. Spending over half an hour, He visited all

the rooms in the building and listened with interest to the presentations and

blessed all the aspects of the programme including the Mother and Child medical

van parked right outside. After taking arathi, Bhagavan left to give darshan to

the devotees assembled in Sai Kulwant Hall.

THE EVENING PROGRAMME: Concerts By Renowned Women Artists

The afternoon served up a delectable feast of music to please everyone's heart

by two of the most renowned artists of India . Featured were Vidushi Sumitra

Guha singing Hindustani - the classical music of North India and Ms Bombay

Jayashri Ramnath singing Carnatic Vocal Music widely prevalent in Southern

India .

Vidushi Sumitra Guha hails from Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh and is a disciple of

the great Pandit A. Kanan and Vidushi Malobika Kanan. Smt Sumitra Guha was

accompanied on the tabla by Annirudh Mukherjee, on the flute by Rajesh

Prasanna, on the manjira by Shoubik Mukherjee. Ms Padmaja Chakravarthy

accompanied her on the harmonium and Shrabani Mukherjee on the tanpura rounded

off the group. The spontaneity of her rendition, the depth of her style, the

sweetness of her melody and above all the passion in execution left everyone in

raptures and lifted them well above the mundane and petty problems of daily

life.

Ms Bombay Jayashri Ramnath was groomed in her initial years in Carnatic Music by

her parents. Later, under the tutelage of Smt.T R Balamani, Jayashri took to the

path of pursuing her music seriously and added substantively to her repertoire.

In 1989, she had the rare privilege of enrolling herself as a disciple of the

legend Shri Lalgudi G Jayaraman. Harnessing a facile and mellifluous voice with

great restraint and dignity she presented her music with a rare charisma which

had the audience spellbound. Her voice flowed like dew drops on a new leaf and

easily made the audience forget themselves and the hot muggy afternoon. Ms

Ramnath was accompanied by V V S Murari on the violin, Poongolum Subramaniam on

the mridangam and Jayalakshmi Sekar on the tamboora.

But more was yet to come. Seeing Smt Parveen Sultana in the audience, the divine

finger went up and beckoned. Smt Sultana, another great exponent of Hindustani

music, came forward and gave obeisance at the feet of the Lord. He very sweetly

blessed her by asking her to sing for the audience. He also called her husband

and blessed him profusely. Being very happy at this unexpected bonus, Smt

Parveen Sultana seated herself next to Vidushi Sumitra Guha, borrowed a

tanpura, and quickly tuned it to her satisfaction. A few hurried words and

instructions to the accompaniment and she gave a soul-stirring rendering of 2

or 3 songs that was like the icing on the cake.

But all good things have to end, and so did that mesmerising afternoon. The

audience was so entranced that most of them were reluctant to leave the

blissful atmosphere in Sai Kulwant Hall created by the musicians.

JULY 20: GURUPOORNIMA CONCERT BY THE SAI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Sai Symphony Orchestra, comprising of 59 musicians from l7 countries,

performed a concert of Western Classical Music in the Divine Presence of

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the eve of Guru Poormima - July 20, 2005 , in

Sai Kulwant Hall. The orchestra, led by Swiss conductor Klaus Maurer, prepared

this challenging programme in only five days. The members of the orchestra met

the challenge and performed as a unified group, epitomizing Bhagavan's message

of unity in diversity.

The one-hour programme opened with the Marriage of Figaro Overture by Austrian

composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This lively work conveys excitement and

anticipation, appropriate for the thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate

Guru Poornima. The next selection was the last movement of Symphony No. 7 by

the German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven. This work conveys determination, a

strength that comes from unwavering faith in God Next came the tuneful and

humorous Italian in Algiers Overture by Italian Giacomo Rossini, a work that

features the tiny flute, the piccolo. The piccolo represented the young

Krishna, as He stole butter and played with His friends. Then the orchestra

played two Slavonic Dances by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. Dvorak's music was

inspired by the songs and dances of the peasants of the Czech countryside.

Another piece by Beethoven followed, this time the 4th movement of his famous

Symphony No.5. The 5th Symphony expresses Beethoven's personal struggle with

adversity, culminating with his ultimate victory as expressed in the 4th

movement. The final work on the programme was the Boda de Alonso by Spanish

composer Geronimo Jimenez. This music, with its strong Spanish dance rhythms

and the wonderful percussion instrument colours, expressed the musicians'

happiness and gratitude for being given this precious opportunity to perform

for Swami.

At the conclusion of the concert, Swami was very happy with the orchestra, and

asked that the orchestra play more. The orchestra responded with a joyful and

spirited repeat performance of the Jimenez Boda de Alonsa. Swami blessed the

conductor by speaking to him for many minutes, materializing a gold chain for

him, and posed for photographs with him. It was indeed a joyous occasion for

every musician. The orchestra looks forward to performing a new programme of

music for Swami in November as part of the 80th Birthday celebrations.

JULY 21: THE GURU POORNIMA CELEBRATIONS

THE MORNING PROGRAMME - Four Speakers And The Divine Discourse

Bhagavan arrived in the fully packed Sai Kulwant Hall at 7:30 a.m. to the

accompaniment of Nadaswaram, Panchavadyam and Veda chanting. After blessing the

devotees Bhagavan took His seat on the dais specially decorated for the

occasion.

Bhagavan's Divine Discourse was preceded by inspiring speeches by Sri V.

Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations; Dr. G.

Venkataraman, Former Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Learning; Sri Anil Vinayak Gokak, Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute

of Higher Learning and a student of II year M.B.A., Sri Sathya Sai Institute of

Higher Learning.

Sri Srinivasan touched upon the significance of the Guru Poornima celebrations

and said that Guru Poornima is the day when we receive transcendental

vibrations from the Sadguru, our beloved Swami. Stating that His universal love

encompasses the whole of humanity, he stressed that all that we need to do is

develop faith in Him.

The next speaker, Prof. G. Venkataraman highlighted the roles of the Guru and

the Sadguru and its importance in the present times when the world is marred

with strife and conflicts. Prof. Venkataraman, quoting Bhagavan, mentioned that

the role of a Guru is to scrub and clean our hearts to see that it shines forth

with the wisdom that is latent in it. Let this day remind all of us these

ancient truths encapsulated in our holy scriptures, Prof. Venkataraman

reiterated.The student speaker narrated incidents from the stories told by Sri

Ramakrishna and anecdotes from Sage Narada’s life to stress the importance of

the power of God’s name. The student, echoing the great significance of the

physical proximity of Bhagavan, urged the gathering that it is the duty of each

and every devotee that he or she imbibes the teachings of Bhagavan and put the

same into practice in everyday life.

The last speaker - Mr. Anil Vinayak Gokak, in his enlightening speech gave a

glimpse of the role of Bhagavan as the Supreme Guru. ‘Gu’ is Gunatheetha and

‘Ru’ is Rupa Varjitha; Formless and Attributeless. The difference between the

Guru and the Teacher is that the teacher imparts knowledge whereas the Guru

imparts impulses which are transformational in nature. He urged the devotees to

review, to introspect as to where one stands and the extent of progress one has

made in their spiritual journey.

Bhagavan started His divine discourse talking about the consequences of one's

actions. He said," People may act as they please, but they cannot escape from

the consequences of their actions. Whether he is a pamara (simpleton) or a

mahaneeya (noble soul), he has to face the results of his actions. Wherever you

go, the results of your actions will follow you like your shadow. However, it is

possible to escape from the consequences of action by the grace of God. God is

always by your side saying “Tathastu!”, “Tathastu!” (so shall it be!). Man is

not taking cognisance of this truth and is indulging in wicked deeds."

Towards the end of the discourse, Bhagavan electrified the audience by revealing

that He had supplied water to East and West Godavari districts in Andhra

Pradesh. In His words, " The Water Supply Project works in East and West

Godavari districts are nearing completion. We have already drawn plans for a

water supply project in the Krishna District also. Water is very essential for

the survival of everyone. It is the sustainer of life. What else can be of

greater service than providing drinking water to the needy? It is the source

and sustenance of life. I do not expect any rituals or worship from you. I am

doing it out of My love for you. East Godavari , West Godavari and Krishna

districts are now being covered under the Sri Sathya Sai Drinking Water Supply

Project. The people of those districts are extremely happy. There can be no

greater service than providing drinking water."

After His Divine discourse, Bhagavan released the 5th Volume of His Biography

'Sathyam Sivam Sundaram' and also a set of books called 'Pancharatnas' or 'The

Five Gems' about the life and mission of Bhagavan, brought out as a souvenir on

the occasion of the 80th year of the advent of the Avatar.

THE AFTERNOON PROGRAMME - A Musical programme On Rama By The Institute Students

In the afternoon, the students from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher

Learning, Prashanti Nilayam Campus enthralled one and all by bringing the

life-story of Lord Rama alive through mellifluous rendering of Ramakatha in the

immediate Divine Presence of Sai Rama.

The programme was planned and executed by Swami Himself. On July 10th, the boys

had put up a music programme in Sai Kulwant Hall. But Swami occasionally

interrupted in the middle of a song and asked the boys to sing a different

song. When the boys had sung about half that song, He would ask them to sing

yet another one. And so on, it went. The boys were perplexed. Are we singing

out of tune? Is Swami displeased with us? At the end of the programme, the boys

went up meekly to talk to Swami, and Swami was very reassuring. He said that He

was very happy. Looking back now, after the sequence of events that transpired

later, He was probably seeing what songs the boys could sing well, selecting

the songs and putting the pieces together for a musical performance, though it

was not at all obvious at that time.

On July 12, in the morning, the divine Lord unexpectedly dropped in onto the

College campus just as the boys had finished their morning prayers. The music

boys were summoned and quickly sent to the hostel to get their musical

instruments. And what followed at the closed door session can at best only be

described as a "love feast". A private musical session with Swami. What a rare

privilege and blessing!

Swami declared that He wanted them to play in public, but it was still not

clear, when and where? And this routine would repeat in the next few days. More

often than not, Swami would come almost on a daily basis just after the boys had

finished their classes for these "practise" sessions.

And the music programme evolved step by step. After the songs had been selected,

there was a selection of the right kind of instruments to be in the orchestra,

the seating arrangements, the order of songs and so on it went. Swami even

advised the singers to take care of their health, not eat too much spicy food,

and also avoid ice-creams and cold drinks.

At this time, we in Heart to Heart were working on the cover story for this

month's issue (on the School of Business Management ) and we were actually

seeing the Avatar's management technique at work. A slight nudge here, just a

teeny suggestion there, but mostly by His presence and encouragement, Swami the

quintessential manager, was silently bringing the programme to life. His

enthusiasm was contagious and soon the whole Institute and even the devotees

were engrossed in Swami's "latest" project.

D-Day - Guru Poornima afternoon dawned, and Swami came to the Mandir early at

2:30 PM itself. He personally supervised the makeup of the 2 singers paying

attention to the minutest detail. He talked with everyone, relieved their

tension and put them in a contemplative frame of mind so they could sing about

Lord Rama from the bottom of their hearts.

And what a glorious concert, it was. Emotions were elevated till lumps formed in

the throat and the body tingled with the thrill of listening to their

mellifluous, dulcet voices, dripping with bhakthi, singing in unison praises of

Lord Rama. After the invocation, the boys sang Namo Sathya Sai Baba, Kandalo

Nelakonna, Dheera Sameere, and Yamuna Teere.

This was followed by Madhura Mohana Ghanashyama, Challa Gaalilo Yamuna Tatipai,

Rama Katha and the last Manishini Madhvuni Jeya. In the penultimate song, a

group of dancers with their vibrant steps and meaningful hand gestures, brought

to life the emotions expressed in the song.

What a sweet and enchanting programme - singing the praise of the Lord,

presented by the Lord Himself!

JULY 22: An All Day Inter-Faith Conference On The Theme - The Religion Of Love

On July 22, we had a very interesting day here in Sai Kulwant Hall. An

interfaith conference had been arranged with representatives from Islam,

Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism to talk about love and peace as

expressed in their religion.

First to speak was Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, an Islamic and spiritual scholar,

who has adopted peace as his life's mission. In 1970 he established the Islamic

Centre in New Delhi , India and is its president. He has published over 200

books. His commentaries of the Holy Quran (in English and Arabic) and an

encyclopaedia of the Quran, done under his direction, are ready for

publication. Among his awards is the Demiurgus Peace International Award 2002,

for his outstanding achievements in strengthening peace among nations and

developing a complete ideology of peace. He said that in the sacred Koran there

are 6500 verses and most of them pertain to love and peace. In fact he said, the

very first verse is about love and the verse is repeated 114 times in the Quran.

He narrated incidents from the life of the prophet Mohammed to show that he saw

no differences in religion, culture and race. Love and peace are synonymous, he

said.

Representing Buddhism next was Sri Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne He is the founder

of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka . He has doctorates from Emilo

Aguinaldo College , Philippines , and Sri Jayawardenapura University, Sri Lanka

.. Dr. Ariyaratne has received many awards, including the Mahatma Gandhi Peace

Prize, India , and the Niwano Peace Prize, Japan . He has been President of the

World Parliament of Religions. Lord Buddha, said Sri Ariyaratne, asked everyone

to love all life as a mother loves her only child. In every sphere of life

transform love into action as love by itself is not enough. On a personal note

he talked about the time he first came to Swami in 1982 and since then he

dedicates all his actions as an offering to Swami.

Speaking first in the afternoon was Father Henry Fehren who was ordained as a

priest of the Holy Catholic Church in 1948 in St. Cloud , Minnesota , USA . He

now conducts his pastoral and counselling duties in New York . He has taught at

several colleges and universities in America and England and has written many

books and articles. On TV and radio, he expounds the universal tenants of Love

and mutual acceptance of all others. He has received 13 awards from the

Catholic Press Association and one from the National Religious Press. Jesus

said that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Sai Baba says primarily

the same thing, said Fr Fehren, when He says that God is in each one of us. To

love your neighbour is to love God and to do evil in the name of God is the

worst evil. Real love is not easy for love is not a romantic, unrealistic

emotion. It is not enough to just love those who love you. Quoting the example

of Jesus, Fr Fehren said,

Jesus loved Judas who betrayed Him; and also loved Peter who denied Him.

On behalf of Judaism, we had Rabbi David Zeller, an internationally known

singer, teacher, story teller, and writer, and a pioneer in Jewish spirituality

and meditation. After organizational development for the kibbutz movement in

1970 and living as a sadhu in India in 1971, he was professor at the Institute

of Transpersonal Psychology from 1975. He founded the Network of Conscious

Judaism in 1980 and directed the Shevet Centre for Jewish Spirituality and

Meditation, in Jerusalem . Saying that the Kabala means to receive, he said

that the world has to receive one another with love. He said that a body is

healthy when all the organs work in harmony. So too it is with the body of

humankind. It is only healthy when all cultures and religions play their part.

Love your neighbour as yourself. See God in yourself and in others.

Speaking last on behalf of Hinduism. was Sri P.S. Jayarama Sastrigal, a Sanskrit

pandit and scholar. He received his education at Vyakarana Sironmani, Annamalai

University . He has been conducting Hindu ritual worship for over 50 years as:

Asthana Vidhyavaan of the Padhuga Trust, Madurai , and Aasthana Vidhvaan at

Raja Rajeswari Aalayam, Ramnad Samasthanam. Titles conferred on him include:

Aanmiga Chemmal, Upanyasa Thilakam and Muhavai Periyavar. He has written

several books, including Deepa Sthothram, 108 Sivarpana Vilva Sthothram, and

Ganapathi Suprabatham, and he has several audio releases. Sri Sastrigal told an

interesting story about how the 5 fingers had an argument as to who was the

greatest. The thumb said it was the greatest as without it the other fingers

could not work. The index finger laid claim to the title as it was used to

point to people. The middle

finger said it was the biggest in size, while the ring finger said that people

were honoured by putting a ring only on that finger. The little finger could

lay no such claims. Meekly it said that it was the most blessed as God saw only

the little finger first when we bring our hands together to prostrate before

Him. Using this story as the theme, He brought out examples to show that love

and humility are necessary to win the love of God. He also spoke on a personal

note about his relationship with Swami and how He had saved him on numerous

occasions.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating day. While it has not been

possible to do justice due to space limitations, we will carry all the speeches

on Radio Sai for your listening pleasure in the future.

JULY 23rd AND 24th - CONCLUDING PROGRAMMES OF THE GURU POORNIMA CELEBRATIONS

July 23rd - "Mahapurush Sankardeva" - A Drama By The Bala Vikas Children Of Assam

On the evening of the 23rd, Bala Vikas children from Assam put up a play

entitled Mahapurush Sankardeva, a saint during whose time Assam experienced a

period of great spiritual; awakening.

Starting with 2 dance prayers - Mangalacharan and Devi Vandana, the play

presented a few episodes on the life and sports of Lord Krishna's childhood

days. Popular events like the stealing of butter from the houses of the Gopis

by the cowherd child God (Labanu Chori), liberation of Nal-Kuber by Krishna

(Arjun Bhanjan), killing of the demon-snake Kaliya and banishing him to the

Ramana island (Kaliya Daman) - were re-enacted and set to lilting music. The

presentation was enriched by depicting a few other items drawn from the great

spiritual heritage of Assam and the spiritual revival it experienced during the

time of Srimanta Sankardeva.

July 24th - Distribution Of Sewing Machines And Grinding Machines By The

Teachers From The Anantapur College

In the morning the teachers of the Anantapur College distributed sewing machines

and wet grinding machines to poor and needy women selected from the Anantapur

District. The women one by one obtained blessings from Bhagavan and laid a

flower at His Lotus Feet. This small gift (of a sewing machine or a wet

grinder) would empower these women to obtain some income and help support their

family. Following the distribution, the students of the Anantapur campus regaled

the Lord with group songs and bhajans before arathi was taken.

 

The Story of the Narayana NecklaceJuly 3rd 2005

Ever since Swami started the Veda chanting in Sai Kulwant Hall way back on

September 18th, 2003 , there has been very good progress and interest in the

Vedas. Not only do a majority of students in Swami's Institutions (including

the primary school) chant the Vedas with the aplomb of learned Brahmin priests,

but there is also a world-wide resurgence, with devotees in many countries

learning to roll the ancient Sanskrit words on their Western tongues.

According to ancient lore, the body of knowledge was embodied as the four Vedas

(Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda) by Lord Narayana Himself

for the welfare of humanity. This very sacred body of knowledge was thus gifted

to man by the Supreme Lord to help him evolve and elevate himself from the level

of humanity to the level of divinity.

One of Swami's oft stated mission is veda poshana or nourishment of the Vedas

and to restore its pre-eminence and pristine glory in human society. So while

we devotees have made progress in learning the Vedas by rote and perhaps even

chant it for the most part with an acceptable intonation, we still need to ask

the question - is it enough? Is this all that Swami wants?

There is a story of a religious saint reciting a holy text loudly with intense

feeling. Another learned saint, perhaps a little wiser, gently asks the first

one whether he understood what he was reciting. The first one replied that he

had no need to understand it, for he was reciting it for his God and his God

understood it perfectly.

This quaint story perhaps best summarises our situation also. Are we smug in the

belief that Swami is coming to sit in Sai Kulwant Hall and derives pleasure from

listening to our chanting of the Vedas? Or perhaps, does He now want us to make

the next step and actually understand the meaning. After all, this Veda

chanting business is really for our own benefit not for the benefit or pleasure

of the Lord. So while we now chant it blissfully thinking "He understands even

if we do not", it is perhaps time to make the next step and understand the

meaning so we can chant it with full feeling, intensity and involvement and

derive the maximum benefit. The benefit of realizing our full divine potential!

That we are God!

With this preamble, we would like to recount what happened in Sai Kulwant Hall

in the afternoon of July 3rd. Swami came in as usual to the sound of Veda

chanting by the students, staff and devotees. After He took His seat in the

veranda, He started reading the letters that devotees usually hand Him. On

opening one oversized envelope, He took out what seemed to be a booklet. Swami

perused it carefully and then called one of our brothers, an alumnus of Swami's

Institute now working for the Ashram, who is part of the group that leads the

congregation in the Veda chants. Handing him the booklet at a page open to a

"comic-book" strip on Vivekananda entitled I AM GOD, Swami told him that he

should read it to understand the importance of the Vedas that they are

chanting. Our brother took the booklet

respectfully and resumed his seat.

After a few minutes, he was called again to the Divine Presence and given

instructions by Swami for the Narayana Upanishad to be recited and the meaning

to be explained to the assembly. The "Vedam Group" first chanted a couple of

stanzas from this epic hymn, which were then translated by our brother for the

benefit of the audience. And so on it went, a couple of stanzas at a time, till

the entire Narayana Upanishad mantram was thus translated for the benefit of the

congregation.

The Narayana Upanishad deals with the glory of Lord Narayana as extolled in the

four Vedas. The opening stanzas deal with creation and describes what we learn

from the Rig Veda - that from Narayana emerged the life principle, mind, all

the senses, sky, fire, water and earth; which all combined together to form the

Universe. Brahma, Maha Rudra, Indra, all the prajapathis and the other demi-Gods

all emerged from Narayana. The twelve Adityas, the eleven rudras, the eight

lords of directions, all the Vedas and all types of wealth were born from

Narayana. Everything is sustained by Him and ultimately everything merges in

Him.

>From the Yajur Veda we learn that Narayana is the eternal principle. Brahma,

Siva and Indra are all Narayana. Earth and Heaven, Time and Directions are all

Narayana. Narayana forms the inner and outer worlds. Everything is the

manifestation of Narayana. Past, and the future are all manifestations of

Narayana. Narayana is blemishless, ever blissful, and non-dual. There is

nothing which is not Narayana. Narayana is the very Supreme self, the one

without a second. Narayana and Vishnu pervade the entire universe. It is

Narayana alone who exists.

The Sama Veda declares that the primordial sound "OM" has to be uttered first

followed by "Namo". Then comes the meditation on "Narayana". " Om " is single

lettered; "Namo" is two lettered and "Narayana" is five lettered. All these

together form the eight lettered mantra OM NAMO NARAYANA, which is the king of

all the mantras. Those who chant this mantra with sincere faith and devotion,

will attain good health, long life and prosperity. They will also attain the

status of "Prajapathi". They will attain the immortal state of Narayana

Himself.

The Pranava (" OM ") is made up of three syllables A, U, and M. Pranava is

verily the life principle. Pranava is supreme bliss. It is the supreme state of

Brahma or Atma. The masters of Yoga, who know this adore the Pranava chanting "

Om " and attain the abode of liberation. Such yogis break the bonds of birth,

life and death. Those who adore the mantra, "Om Namo Narayana" will attain the

supreme abode 'Vaikunta'. Narayana is 'Parabrahma'. His seat is the lotus of

the heart. Knowledge of this Lord is the highest wisdom. This wisdom shines

like lightning. Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki, is the very embodiment of

Brahma. He is also adored as Madhusudhana. He resides in all beings. He is the

fundamental basis of everything. He Himself is causeless. He is the causeless

cause of everything. This is what is pronounced in the Atharva Veda.

The last stanza of the mantram calls this Narayana Upanishad as the crest jewel

of the essence of the four Vedas. If this Upanishad is chanted in the morning,

it destroys the sin committed the previous night. If it is chanted in the

evening, it removes the sin committed in the day. If it is chanted at noon , it

pulverises the five great sins. One who chants this Upanishad will attain the

merit of the study of the Vedas and ultimately attains oneness with Narayana.

When the translation was thus going on, explaining the importance of the OM NAMO

NARAYANA mantra and how it would help us attain the supreme abode Vaikunta,

Swami asked a question in English to our brother (doing the translation) in a

voice just loud enough to carry to him, "What is the meaning of Vaikuntham?"

Hah, a divine trick question! For most of us the answer would have been pat and

along expected lines - Vaikuntha is the abode of Lord Vishnu. But this brother,

better informed than most and with great presence of mind, remembered a

definition that Swami had given in a discourse and answered, "Vaikuntham is

anything that is not narrow, but broad and ever expansive". Swami beamed at

this answer that He was looking for, and wore the proud smile of a teacher who

realizes that Her students are finally "getting it".

At the end of the mantra, a pregnant silence prevailed in the entire hall. Swami

raised His palm in the classical upward gesture that He so often makes to

elevate everyone's mood. And then suddenly, without any warning Bhagavan waved

His right hand vigorously and materialized a beautiful golden necklace. After

undoing the clasp, He called the brother who had done the translation and

handed the necklace to him. Bhagavan also told him something to which he

listened very carefully.

By now the entire audience was electrified. The magnificence of the necklace was

patently visible to all, even to those seated in the last rows. We also wondered

if there was going to be a revelation and we were not disappointed.

The brother turned to the audience with the necklace held up. Hurriedly a mike

was set up for him. He then explained to all the significance of the necklace,

as explained to him by Bhagavan. Bhagavan had said that the necklace contained

the power of the sacred mantra - "Om Namo Narayanaya." He went on to state that

Swami explained to him that all the Vedas, Upanishads and the other scriptures

illumine the path that man has to take to attain his final destination -

Divinity. The mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" contains the essence and power of all

the scriptures. The fatherly and motherly aspect of divinity is contained in

this mantra. Without either of them, there can be no creation. But, if one were

to contemplate deeply, said Swami, one would realize that there is no difference

between the two aspects- Purusha (God) and Prakruthi (nature), they are indeed

one and the same.

 

After explaining the significance, our brother turned towards Swami and held the

necklace to hand it back to Him. Swami asked him to keep it in his pocket and

return it to Him later. What a signal honour! And what a delightful afternoon

basking in the divine presence. How slowly and patiently Swami leads us back to

Him. For all of us present there the Narayana Upanishad will come alive everyone

time it is chanted, for then the divine images from this afternoon's happening

will come before the mind's eye and thrill us to the very depths of our being.

Clearly the time has come. And the time is right now. Let us arise, awake,

aspire, adore and achieve God!

 

 

This brings to a conclusion the chronicles of another month at the divine Lotus

Feet. It has been an exquisite month, full of surprises and spiritual gifts.

And we are sure more is in store as we count down to the 80th Birthday. We, of

course, will continue to report on all the activities for you, our dear reader.

 

So till next time, Sai Ram.

- H2H Team

Source: Radio Sai E-Magazine August

2005http://www.radiosai.org/journals/Vol_03/08AUG01/prashantidiary.htm