Darshan News: October 15th, 2007

[Guest guest]

October 15th, 2007 This morning was the scheduled beginning of the week-long yajna to commemorate the Dusshera celebrations. The bhajan hall had been occupied with students in saffron dhoties and anga-vastrams. There was the low hum of vedic chants as the priest conducted special prayers and Poojas. The priests who were to perform the yajna arrived chanting mantras. Soon, at about 9:10 am, Swami came in the car. He came into the bhajan hall to bless all the priests and the boys who had assembled there.The head priest went to Swami and after a short conversation, Swami asked for the ceremonial clothes to be presented to the priests. The priests came forward one by one as Swami personally handed to them the Vedic clothes (if we may be permitted to use the term!)- dhoti and Angavastram. As soon as they received them, the priests went and changed into the new clothes. They were back in 5 minutes as Swami sat waiting

patiently for them. They sat around Swami and began chanting. It was such a beautiful scene and was reminiscent of the Vedic times when disciples sat around the feet of the Sadguru and learnt the ancient lore. Swami at the center of the circle of chants looked so wonderfully Divine and glorious. After the chantings were complete, Swami told all the priests to head to the auditorium and begin the Yajna. He then went into the interview room. The priests left and message came that all the Veda boys too should leave.All the students too left for the auditorium as Swami sat just outside the interview room and watched the procession of the boys. It was only after all the boys left, that Swami too left for the auditorium. Inside Poornachandra, everything had been kept meticulously ready and clean for the Yajnam. The flame was kindled in the traditional manner with vigorous stirring of a wooden rod on another wooden base. As the first wisps of smoke emerged, one priest

cupped his palms and blew gently to fan it into a flame. The little kindled spark was treated like a tiny baby with all the care and concern. Soon the wisp grew into clouds of smoke and the sacrificial pit burst forth into flames. The orange flames rose higher with each addition of ghee. The two "oranges" on stage were brilliant- symbolic of sacrifice. Seeking Swami's blessings, the Yajnam began. The air was filled with chants and as always the scene filled one with a sense of wonder and awe.At Swami's corner, the priest was involved in Surya-namaskar (Worship of sun through postures). He started with lighting up the lamp near him and then after a few chants, went up to Swami. He prostrated fully and then as the beginning of his prayers, placed a rose on His feet. Going around Swami, he started his day.

The Rudram and Chamakam were continuously chanted as the offerings continued at the yajna flames. Swami sat watching the proceedings till about 11:00 am. At that time, He permitted the boys to leave for Grama Seva. Bowing to Him, the students left for service in Puttaparthi. Swami sat for another 15 minutes and then He too retired.In the evening, we came to know quite late that two speakers were scheduled to deliver their talks. Swami came out at 5:15 pm. He was on the wheel-sofa. He went around the ladies and gents side granting darshan. The gents side was filled up by the seva-dal who had just completed their service. As soon as Swami came to the main stage, He asked for the Vedam to stop and then told the vice chancellor to introduce the speakers of the evening. The first speaker was Prof.G.Venkataraman. He spoke very powerfully on how Swami's message alone is the hope for the new world. There seem to be problems everywhere and

they are so strongly interconnected that no solution seems comprehensive enough. Swami's message of Love alone is the solution. The second speaker was Prof.Veerabhadraiah. He began with Swami as close to him as his father. He narrated in flowing Telugu, incidents from the lives of Sai devotees and had the audience paying rapt attention to him.After the speeches, Swami asked for bhajans to begin. As per the recent trends, group bhajans began. Swami sat for the bhajans keeping beat with His hands. That brought so much enthusiasm among all others. The bhajans were sung with full gusto. After a few bhajans, Swami received Aarthi. As He was leaving, He told, "The bhajans were very good." Smiles blossomed on all the faces!! Courtesy: http://www.saistudents.org