Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2007 (17th October)

October 18, 2007

Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2007 (17th October) Morning Darshan The Grama Seva activities commenced in the early hours of the morning at 7.45am.The UK Grama Seva Group were originally allocated Dhupampalli and neighbouring villages. Unfortunately due to that fact these villages were inaccessible by the Sumo vehicles, the planning committee then changed the villages to Chedrayaipalli and Kottalapalli. Before Grama Seva commenced, the UK boys went around the village chanting Vedam and singing Bhajans. Swami has mentioned that doing this will spiritually cleanse the village. It also serves as announcement to the villagers regarding the seva activities. Chedrayaipalli consisted of approximately 145 houses with an additional 20 houses in the neighbouring village, Kottalapalli, which was served

by Sai Students. After successfully completing the distribution of Swami’s prasadam, the UK boys and Swami’s students performed the Aarti together in the village Mandir. Afternoon Darshan The UK Grama Seva boys were given a uplifting and inspirational talk by the group leader Sri Ajit Poppat (puppet), prior to going for Swami’s darshan. He spoke on the importance of regular spiritual practices which will lead to many benefits. He spoke about: - Devotees never make mistakes…. Because a true devotee never does anything, everything is done by GOD - Devotees never waste time…Every act is dedicated to GOD - Through spiritual practices devotees are awakened to intuitive knowledge. This knowledge comes from within automatically. Ajit Poppat also mentioned

the importance of surrendering everything to GOD so that GOD can work though you to achieve all of the above. Therefore you will be successful in all aspect of life. Ajit Poppat illustrated the above with very comical examples in his usual manner. With mind focused and heart full of love for Swami, all the UK Grama Seva boys headed towards Sai Kulwant hall to receive the darshan of Bhagawan. Our Beloved Swami’s heart is as soft as butter that melts immediately whenever there is a call from a pure heart. Today, Swami displayed this yet again by coming for Darshan at 4.45 on his Chair in order that everyone could get a very close darshan. Swami kindly continued His darshan from the portico as his gave Sanjay Sahani instructions to announce the speakers for the Prashanthi Maha Vidhvan Sabha. The first speaker was Sri Srinivas Rangarajan. He spoke eloquently on Karma Yagna.

Rangarajan, mentioned some of the points of Karma Yagna as follows: - 1. Offer to God within 2. Perfection 3. Equanimity 4. Intention (feeling) 5. Offer every act to GOD For instance, when he gave blood in the hospital Swami enquired whether he had given blood. However, it seemed that Swami was not happy with the response, even though it was “Yes”. Swami then said “You did not give me blood, you gave blood to the patient.” Therefore, one must strive to see God in everyone. An example of perfection was that during grama seva a few houses were located in a remote, inaccessible area of the Dhupampalli. However the student insisted on going to these houses even if it meant going by himself. The second speaker was a university student, Natesh Shankar Shetty. He spoke from the heart about the mother aspect of God. He elaborated on this by singing the bhajan, Janani Maa Sai Janani Maa.

He then went on to explain how the bhajan emphasises Divine knowledge and bliss. He spoke for 20 minutes and ended by emotionally declaring to all how his deep gratitude towards Swami for granting him this immense opportunity on his birthday. Swami then out of his infinite divine love materialised a ring for him. Swami then instructed for the Bhajans to begin and within 10 minutes called for Aarti. As Swami was getting back into the car, he called for the UK grama seva group leader, Sri Ajit Poppat (puppet). Swami then inquired if the group was regularly taking part in the grama seva and if they were happy. Sri Poppat replied Anand-Paramanand (Bliss-absolute bliss). Courtesy: Arvind Tank