January 25 2009 (source:http://saistudents.org/alumni/home/news.php)

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January 25 2009

Sundays at Prashanti Nilayam are sunnier than they are in any other

part of the world, for along with the morning sun rises the hope of

seeing the Lord clad in glorious orange. And devotees throng this

divine hamlet. The Kulwant hall was packed to capacity and the

adjoining pathways welled with people eager to glimpse Him on this fine

morning. Swami arrived at 9:05 am and everyone's heart thrilled as He

moved through them slowly in the chair. Completing the darshan rounds,

Swami moved to the portico. He enquired from Prof. Anil Kumar about his

recordings in the RadioSai Global Harmony studios. Swami calls it the

"Bangalore Radio" for He heard it first while residing at Bangalore.

Today, He has His personal digital radio set in Yajur Mandir and is a

keen listener - probably the only channel to which the Lord s

and rightly so for the channel carries His message alone - pure and

unsullied.

 

Swami came out and then began a second darshan round! He went through

the entire ladies side and via the central marble block into the gents

side too. The place brimming with people now had them brimming in joy

and satisfaction as Swami went about collecting letters and blessing

all. He sat outside listening to the bhajans and this bonus darshan

only brought more joy. Then He moved into the bhajan hall where the

conclusion of the bhajans and Aarthi took place. After the bhajans,

Swami began speaking with the students there. He asked a person whether

he was listening to the "Bangalore radio" and also whether he had one!

He said, "They air all my old discourses on it. I don't know from where

they get it, but they put it. Bhajans also come always." Looking at one

of the students who is a singer, Swami said mischieviously, "Your wife

sings songs there. Both of you can sing and give discourses. But what

you talk between each other on the phone will not come there! That is a

secret!" To Swami all of us are open books. The word "secret" loses its

meaning when we are with Him. Swami then moved to Yajur Mandir.

 

In the evening, there was a programme scheduled by the devotees of the

Krishna district. They had come prepared with a programme entitled

"Krishna Tarangaalu". The stage was set and all actors ready by 3:00

pm. Swami arrived for darshan and as He moved through the ladies side,

He noticed the large number of children seated there. He spoke to some

of the ladies' coordinators and then He moved into the gents' side.

However, something seemed to be 'bothering' Him if we may say so. He

turned back and then asked for all the children to be seated in the

path through which He arrives so that they would all be able to see the

play well. He personally supervised the movement of the children into

the path 'reserved for Him'. This kind of 'path filling' happens on the

gents' side, the path getting cleared again whenever Swami wants to use

it, but not so on the ladies' side. After being assured that all the

children were seated properly, Swami moved to the stage and asked for

the programme to begin.

 

It began with the usual queues of florals, cards and offerings. The

first part was a speech and this speech was rendered by a 4-5 year old!

He flawlessly chanted a poem composed by Swami and then went on

speaking with a professional flair with a sweet innocent accent and

diction. When he said, "All the five elements reside in your hand",

Swami raised His hand and showed it to him with a smile. Naturally

people clapped in joy. The boy received Swami's blessings and offered a

rose also. It was after that that the drama began. The drama centred on

a "worldly-foolish" person who stays back in his native village in

Krishna district instead of going abroad and earning crores like his

classmates. He opens an orphanage and spends his life and time in

educating young minds about the glorious heritage of the land and

inspiring them to be good people. Thus it was that great saints and

people of character that Krishna district has produced got their

rightful share of the stage. His friends think of him as a

disillusioned fool but get a slap on their faces when one of their own

sons refuses to comply with the father's order to leave for US

immediately against the request of the the "spiritually rich" elder to

stay back and donate blood for a dying accident victim. The son goes to

the hospital and saves a life. A complex sequence of events take place

wherein the mother of the concerned son also meets with an accident and

the father with his other millionaire friends realizes that there are

things in life more important than money. As the son speaks powerful

dialogues replete with the wisdom that Swami has showered over the

years, Swami was so moved and happy. In between the play itself, He

called the good son and materialized a gold chain for him.

 

There is something so powerful in virtues and goodness - be it good

thoughts or good words. These never become cliched and how many ever

times they are delivered or rendered, just witnessing them is an

inspiring experience. There were tears in the eyes of people as the

nobility in the drama was witnessed. Goodness always moves. Good words

and noble thoughts never become repetitive and thats why every

discourse that Swami gives, people listen to with renewed enthusiasm

and new interest. And Swami encourages us to do that always - think

good, speak good and do good.

 

As all the children came together and made the final formation, Swami

blessed them and moved down to pose for photographs with them. As He

moved down He asked the little boy right in front, his name. He made

the photographers move to the left and right to ensure that everyone

were covered. It's really moving, the amount of care and concern He

shows through these minute details. You almost exclaim, "Only God could

do that!", but but remain silent reminding yourself that you are indeed

in The Presence. A shower of gifts followed next with Swami gifting

sarees for the girls and white T-shirts for the boys. The devotees

started bhajans. After a while, Swami gifted two huge photographs that

had been taken minutes before to the delighted group. Then receiving

Aarthi and blessing all with a two handed Abhayahastha, Swami retired.

 

Click here to see pictures of the event.

 

 

January 14 2009

 

 

Sankranthi is a festival that signifies the beginning of the harvest

season for the farmers of Indian Sub-Continent. This is a harvest

festival celebrated not only all over India but other South East Asian

Countries as well. The day on which the sun begins its journey

northwards is referred to as Makara Sankranti. Sankramana means "to

commence movement". Hence, the name Makara Sankranti is given to one of

the largest, most auspicious, but varied festivals in the Indian

subcontinent. As Swami says, the northward movement of the sun, towards

the Himalayas where Lord Shiva resides, signifies the culmination of a

period spent in intense thoughts of the Lord with the soul finding

fulfillment in the Divine. Traditionally, this has been the story at

Prashanti Nilayam with the students especially getting the "fruits" of

their month long efforts for the Sports and Cultural Meet, of which

Swami is undoubtedly an integral part, from their dearest Lord.

 

The morning saw Swami being welcomed into the Kulwant hall by the

Institute Brass band followed by a regal regiment of flag bearers.

Swami came in the special "golden" chair. It is a wonderful opportunity

and joyous occasion when Swami arrives in that chair, for it is a foot

higher than the usual one. Swami took a complete round of the Kulwant

hall and there was a beautiful scene in between. The flag bearers

formed a canopy of flags under which Swami passed. There was a sweet

smile on His face and the scene looked so beautiful. Completing the

rounds on the gents side Swami moved up the stage. All the different

trophies and prizes adorned the stage. Swami seemed to be having

something to convey to all. Calling Professor Anil Kumar, Swami asked

him to announce. And then came the joyous news. Kumari Chaparala Sohini

from the Primary school had achieved the rank #1 in the all India CBSE

examinations for the year 2008. She would be honoured in the Prime

Minister's gallery on the Republic Day. The girl student from the Sri

Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School was called onstage and felicitated.

Swami presented her a silk saree and a trophy. She took padanamaskar

and expressed her gratitude to Him.

 

What followed next was the ceremony where Swami blessed all the medals

and certificates before they would be bestowed upon the students. Swami

enquired into the details of the medals won by the different campuses

and had it announced. After that, Swami presented the cups to different

campuses. Swami kept stressing that all the prizes were being given by

the 'government' to honour all the prize winners. And so it was that

representatives from the Prashanthi Nilayam, Brindavan, Anantapur and

Music college came up the stage and received the cups from Swami. This

time, there were two cups for each campus - one golden and one silver.

For the Primary school, two kids came up along with the warden and the

headmistress. It was a beautiful sight as Swami had the cups neatly

rearranged and posed with them for pictures. And when everyone else

seemed to have forgotten, Swami reminded that the Higher Secondary

school had not received its trophies. Everyone applauded and smiles

spread as the students went up and collected their cup. This minor

incident portrayed the greatest Truths of life. Only God will remain

and never forget you. Everyone is lost in their own hurry and business.

The Lord alone has time for all and He has come for all. From the time

of the Pandavas, through the ages, that's why whenever anyone is in the

deepest trouble, they remember God and none else. After the

distribution, Swami asked for His mikes with a smile and everyone

rejoiced. The discourse that followed was beautiful and oozing with

wisdom as it always does.

Click here to read the transcript of the Discourse.

 

Swami sang Hari Bhajana Bina in conclusion. After that there were a

couple of bhajans by the boys. Following that, the Institute Brass band

struck up lively tunes and Swami sat listening to them. It was 11:30 am

when Swami received Aarthi and retired for the morning. Before that, it

was announced that in the evening there would be a drama by the

students of the Puttaparthi campus of the University.

 

A drama entitled 'Sri Krishna Tatwa Darsanam' had been planned and once

again the Kulwant hall was a hub of great activity as make up and

settings started from 1:00 pm itself. Swami arrived for darshan at 5:15

pm and completing His darshan round, Swami went into the bhajan hall

where the entire cast had assembled. He enquired into the characters

assembled there. He was very interested in "Draupadi". "She" carried

with her a doll that was to 'act' as the baby Pareekshith. Swami seemed

to gently tap the 'baby' on its head and everyone smiled in amusement.

Duryodhana, Shakuni, Krishna, Bheeshma, the Pandavas and Durvasa were

all 'introduced' to Swami. Last but not the least, the dancers too had

their share of the Avatar's time! Swami blessed them all and they all

wended their way out to the backstage to wait for Him to come out to

the stage area. Soon after, Swami arrived and the initial offerings

were made to Him.

 

The drama began with the wise Vidura seeking peace and joy. For that,

he wishes to attain Brahmajnana. At that time, he is advised that there

is no greater Brahmajnana than listening to the glories of the Lord.

And so, if yesterday was the story of the composition of a Bhagavatham,

today's drama lived through it. A graceful dance ensued narrating the

glories of the Lord Krishna. Three main events from the leaves of

Mahabharatam were depicted. The first one was about the predicament the

Pandavas face when the easily angered sage Durvasa visits them for food

with all his disciples when there is absolutely no food to offer. Lord

Krishna accepts a leaf from Draupadi and is satiated. That fills to the

full the bellies of all the visitors and the Pandavas are saved from

their wrath. On the other hand, the sage apologises for not fulfilling

his obligations and blesses them. It went on to show how when one is

able to please the Lord, the whole world is satiated. The other episode

was how Krishna elicits a counter promise from the grandsire Bheesma

who has vowed to annihilate all the Pandavas in battle. He sends

Draupadi to him seeking the blessing of "Dheerga Sumangali Bhava" - -

May you have a rich and fulfilled married life! Thus, he is forced not

to harm any of her husbands! To ensure that the knocking of Draupadi's

sandals do not give her away in the enemy camp, Lord Krishna carries

them for her in His shawl! This brings tears to the eyes of Bheeshma

(and everyone in the audience too) as to the extent the Lord goes to

help His devotee.

 

The final episode is when the Pandavas' grandson and Abhimanyu's son,

Pareekshith, is born a stillborn. When there is sorrow and wailing

everywhere, Krishna resurrects him with a mere touch. Arjuna, in all

gratitude, calls Him a "Vamsharakshaka"( protector of one's clan).

Krishna then reminds him as to how the very same Arjuna had called Him

a "Vamshanashaka" (destroyer of one's clan) when Abhimanyu had fallen

on the battle field. The Lord is not affected by our praise or blame.

He is ever the same and unaffected. These episodes were portrayed with

excellent acting and very powerful dialogues. At the end of the drama,

the final formation was made and the song proclaimed joyously that the

very same Lord Krishna has arrived as dear Swami. Swami was very moved

with the song and as it concluded, Swami moved down for a photo session

with the students. The session continued as Swami moved back up on the

stage. This time it was groupwise. And everyone who had participated in

the drama in any way got a picture with Swami. Many letters were

accepted and many words exchanged between the Lord and His students.

Swami said, "Today the boys have shown what Swami truly is!" Any

compliment or praise becomes redundant after the drama received the

most wonderful accolades from Swami Himself. Swami then received Aarthi

and returned to Yajur Mandir at 7:10 pm.

 

Click here to see pictures of the two dramas.

 

 

January 13 2009

 

The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet has contained in it the "Culture"

aspect too and what a tremendously huge aspect that is! The "Cultural"

part of the Meet in its literal terms is held a few days after the

Sports meet with The Brindavan and Prashanti Nilayam campuses of the

University putting up dramas. The themes selected are usually

devotional and are surcharged with the students' love for their beloved

Swami. This year however, both the campuses put up their best in recent

times and the "Cultural meet" will remain etched in the hearts of those

lucky to have witnessed it this year. The devotion, dedication, hard

work and supreme love for Swami with the sole objective of pleasing Him

was common between both the dramas. However, there were some points

unique to each drama and it shall be our endeavour to relive those

'drama'tic moments.

 

On the 13th, the students of the Brindavan campus got permission to put

up their drama and so from 12 pm itself, work began in right earnest to

erect the sets. It was complete only by 4:40 pm after which at about

4:50 pm, Swami arrived for darshan in the car. As Swami completed the

ladies side darshan round and moved into the stage area, the entire set

and backdrop lay hidden behind a huge veil. Completing the darshan

round, Swami moved into the interview room. Slowly the sets were put in

place and everyone waited eagerly. Huge screens with LCD projectors had

been put up by the students in various parts of the hall to facilitate

comfortable viewing for all. Swami moved into the bhajan hall where all

the participants of the drama were seated. He interacted with them for

about 10 minutes and enquired into the roles and costumes of many of

the actors. It was about 5:20 pm when Swami came out and sat onstage

and asked for the programme to begin.

 

Along with the veil, jaws dropped too seeing the magnificence and

splendour of the intricate sets that had been prepared. Towering till

the roof and standing about 30 feet across, just admiring all its

different facets and aspects itself would have taken an hour! The drama

to be staged was entitled, "Bhakta Potana." Four students playing major

roles in the drama came up to Swami and presented Him the card and

flowers of dedication. The drama opened with the scene at the

magnificent temple that had been set. The inspiring story of the

devotee-poet Pothana was threaded as a discussion between Lord Vishnu

and Garuda, His divine eagle-mount. Pothana firmly believes in the

truth that only that is worthwhile which is dedicated to the Lord. His

relative, the poet Srinatha (literally meaning,"the Lord of wealth")

tries to persuade him to get salvation for himself through riches and

fame. But pothana becomes the true "Sri-Natha" by making the Lord his

treasure. He works miracles through his sheer love for the Lord and

cures a rich atheistic and critical landlord, Gajendra of his

paralysis. The high point in Pothana's life occurs when Lord Rama

appears in person in his presence and commands him to write the

Bhagavatham in Telugu. Implicit obedience to His Lord has made Pothana

a household name in Andhra Pradesh today where his Bhagavatham is

revered and adored.

 

The ruler of the land wanted Pothana to dedicate 'Andhra Maha

Bhagavatamu' to him. The king was himself a scholar. But Pothana

refused to obey the king's orders and dedicated the Bhagavathamu to

Lord Rama alone, whom he worshipped with great devotion. He was of the

opinion that poetry was a divine gift and it should be utilized for

salvation by devoting it to God. The king is infuriated and commands

his troops to destroy the work saying that if it was truly Rama's

property, He would protect it. The whole village stands as a shield but

are soon crushed by the brutal force of the soldiers. Finally when all

seems lost, an invisible force field barricades all the soldiers. The

true devotees at the scene see the great devotee Hanuman protecting his

Lord's work! The king begs pardon and all celebrate the glory, grandeur

and Love of the Lord.

 

Threaded into the drama were beautiful songs, dances and stories of the

mischievious Lord Krishna from the Bhagavatham. The devotion filled

evening came to a close with the massive final formation. What a unique

idea it was! All the participants of the drama came forward and

performed Aarthi to Swami. A simultaneous 100 Aarthi performance! It

was indeed a sight to behold. As they concluded, Swami seemed so very

happy and proud. He seemed to get quite emotional as the final song

spoke the Truth of how He was there as the ultimate redeemer and

support. Once the song and dance concluded, in a spontaneous gesture,

Swami beckoned Pothana and created a gold chain for him. What followed

next was a series of group photographs wherein all the participants of

the drama - those on stage and those off it too - came to Swami in

small groups and had a cherishable and treasurable picture taken. When

Swami gives (and He gives so very often!), He gives completely.

Everyone were so joyous and dozens of letters and cards exchanged

hands. Swami spoke to many of the students and surely a lot of problems

would have been solved and dreams fulfilled in those little talks!

 

After the whole session, Swami told all the students to sit against the

magnificent backdrop and asked the photographer to take pictures of

that beautiful sight. Then, calling the warden of the Brindavan campus,

Swami spoke very appreciatively about the drama. He also promised,

"After I visit Muddenahalli, I will come and stay in Brindavan. That

time put up a full 3 hour drama on the Bhagavatham and I will see it."

Needless to say there was rapturous applause at this joyous news. The

Divine Director not only appreciates the 'actors' in the 'drama' of

life, but also showers love for a good performance of a drama within

the drama! Receiving Aarthi and having it announced that the next day

would be the prize distribution for the students on the holy day of

Sankranthi, Swami retired for the day.

 

January 11 2009

Vidyagiri stadium stood glorious and bedecked in all finery as the

arrival of the Lord was awaited on the fine morning of the 11th of

January, 2009 - the day chosen by Swami to witness the Annual Sports

and Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. The

stadium had been filling from as early as 5:45 am with devotees,

especially the parents and relatives of the students involved in the

various events. It was a few minutes before 8:30 am when Swami arrived

in His wonderful white robe, seated in the front of the Porte car. As

He entered the stadium from the Primary school entrance, there was a

welcome applause for Him as the Anantapur Brass band struck up a lively

tune.

 

Bhagawan was escorted by representative students from all the campuses

of the University on powerful 160cc motorbikes. The road had been lined

with decorative lamps on either sides and the lamp posts were

embellished with bouquets. As the entourage reached the approximate

midway point, the Anantapur band moved to either side, making a way

through them for Swami and handing over the baton for leading Him to

the Brass band of the Prashanthi Nilayam campus. A contingent of

colourful flag bearers marched to the slow beat provided by the band

and almost all the people on the stands were standing to catch a

glimpse of their sweet, beloved Lord. Moving through the canopy of

flags near the Shanti Vedika, Swami entered the D area of the Vedika

where He was welcomed by the Vice chancellor, principals and wardens of

the various campuses with roses. He ascended the stage through the

gentle lift and as soon as He came on stage, He lit the lamp to mark an

auspicious beginning for the Meet. Once He sat in the centrestage,

everyone awaited to see and enjoy a lovely day of Sports.

 

As always, the opening ceremony is the parade in which Swami takes so

much pride. The band began the march beat and the different squads from

all the campuses came marching by the stage, saluting the Chancellor as

they moved in harmony and synergy. And so it was that the colourful

companies from the Primary school, the dainty divisions of the

Anantapur campus, the regal regiments from the Higher Secondary School

and the brisk battalions of the Institute put up a delightful display

for the Divine to behold. It was indeed an awe inspiring sight to see

all the squads arranged in the ground and taking a pledge of love and

loyalty to Sports, the Motherland and above all to dear Swami. The

flame was then brought on stage and Swami used it to light the torch

which was carried by athletes on its journey towards its resting place.

The final leg of the journey was done by the majestic lion that Swami

had chosen as the torch vehicle a few days back. All eyes were on the

king of the jungle as he ascended the hill slowly with the beautiful

song, "Tera Hi Pyaar" in the background. And then there was an applause

as the flame was lit. On stage, doves and baloons were released and

finally the Brass bands came marching to a brisk tempo to conclude the

opening ceremony.

 

It was the turn of the Prashanti Nilayam campus to put up their show

first. Beginning with the display of the magnificent golden eagle, that

was the campus mascot of sorts, the students brought it right upto the

stage and sought Swami's blessings. The sight of the golden eagle

against the backdrop of a lovely blue sky spotted with puffy white

clouds was indeed a heavenly experience. And then began the actual

sports starting with the yogasanas on the floor and a tower in honour

of the brilliant Sun god. That was quickly followed by gymnasts and

acrobats using trampolines and beds as props. After a few warm up

jumps, they quickly progressed to leaps and somersaults over two cars

at first and finally over two cars and a bike in a row! As that was

being appreciated, battery powered TVS teen scootys, several dozens of

them, populated the field. Making colourful formations and moving so

aptly with the music that had been composed for the event, they filled

splashes and dashes(dots actually; just that "dashes" rhymes with

"splashes") of the primary colours. They ended their event with all 60

of them waving yellow and green flags after a "human countdown clock"

flagged them away! What folllowed next was stunts on what is

commercially known as the rings of death. These are structures which

end with rings on either ends of an arm and students walk and jump in

the rings as the entire structure rotates along a centre pivot. This

item drew a lot of applause which built into a crescendo as the rigs

swirled on faster and faster. The next item was a very unique and

interesting orchestra constituted by bamboo rods, canes, kettles,

drums, saucers, pans, pots, vessels and plates along with spoons and

ladles. It was lively and induced a kind of feet tapping among all

present nearby. Those on the stage were specially delighted at this

creative and rhythmic item.

 

The "Ascenders" then descended onto the main foreground. They were

acrobats on ladders and the entire item was about how to reach the top

when there seems to be no wall to prop your ladder against. It was all

about independence in spirit and it climaxed with a higher secondary

school student ascending 12 feet of sheer ladder! As a final formation,

huge ladders and humans formed a lovely swing structure on which a

costumed Lord Krishna swung merrily. From the sides then rolled in the

Prashanti wheels, the local variant of the famous "German wheels." The

students exhibited great skill, technique and strength as they moved in

and along the metal wheels. All kind of feats were performed the most

wonderful ones being those in which the students formed the spokes of

these wheels in various poses. It concluded with three students making

a concentric circle within the wheel as they rolled past the divine

Chancellor. A drill with 3 metre long logs of wood followed after which

the 160 cc bikes thundered into the ground. These bikers displayed some

spectacular ramp jumps, the best one being the synchronised jump

involving 8 bikes. Mr. Venu Srinivasan of TVS motors was thanked for

providing bikes and Scootys for the event. Swami lovingly called him

and blessed him. An overwhelmed Srinivasan almost had tears rolling own

his eyes as Swami posed for a photograph with him. The final formation

with campus song came into place and the students of Prashnati Nilayam

offered their pranaams to Swami.

 

It was the turn of the Anantapur campus next. Their whole presentation

was themed along the lines of the creation and the five elements. They

carried an impressive Shiva linga at the start and that formed their

backdrop throughout. The first was a classic Shiva tandavam dance. Lord

Shiva and Parvati, considered as the parents of the world were in

centre and the ganas or demigod were grouped in front of them. The

dance was very well choreographed and executed with finesse. After

that, there was a depiction of the elements, space, air, water, fire

and earth. It ended with a powerful message to save earth and save

life. The campus presentation was rounded off with some yogic postures

and other difficult exercises on auto rickshaws. Then all the girls

gathered in front of their dear Lord and sang their hearts out in

gratitude. Brindavan campus was the last to put up its show. And they

began energetically with a grand opening. Out strode dragons and lions

majestically heralding warriors of the Samurai and the Kalari clans.

The beginning was the dragons, on the eternal quest for the pearl of

wisdom. There were three dragons which were handled skilfully and

energetically by the students. Next were the lions. Each lion is

constituted by two students working in perfect synchronisation and

harmony. The high point of the item was when two of the lions climbed

on to bar steps placed and performed feats that dropped jaws. This was

topped with display of skill and strength by the martial artists as

they broke pots. Interesting was a fight that showed how a 90 year old

could fend off 3-4 youths with proper techniques. The clangs and

crashes of the sword and shields and the cracks of sticks as the

battles ensued were the sounds that filled the stadium other than the

claps of the audience. Amidst all this group activity was what we

prefer to call the "human rubber band". A student performed amazingly

elastic feats, the best being his unsupported bend backward to pick up

a handkerchief with his mouth. The final formation brought the

Brindavan campus to a close and Swami left the stadium blessing all. It

should be put on record that students from their respective campuses

went upto Swami, both, before and after their respective presentations

to offer pranaams and gratitude.

 

The afternoon session was all about the primary school. Swami arrived

after 4:20 pm and sat on the stage. He was welcomed to the stage by a

special escort party of cartwheeling children! As the tiny tots came to

offer bouquets to Him, Swami said that they too should come up by the

lift He used as the steps were quite steep! That was so touching and

the whole stadium applauded as the children went up the stage and

offered Him the card and flowers. Then their programme began. As

always, the Primary school programme was a melting pot of music,

athleticism, grace and grandeur. The dances done by the small children

were all simple and elegant but involved wonderful patterns and

designs. A view from above, as God would see it, made the patterns

visible and they were enthralling to say the least. There was a dance

and song about stars and the children made a wonderful star formation.

These were visible very well from high places like say the Hanuman

statue. Many more dances followed. A colourful ribbon dance and another

in which rings were used. The boys put up some clever gymnastics and

interesting stunts on roller skates. The highlight of the roller skates

event was the ramp jump that the boys did over a bike. Like the waters

of a perrineal river, the students from the Primary school seemed to

just flow into the ground from all directions at all times. Swami was

so happy and excited like a child. He seemed to enjoy the Primary

school the best. It was as if the morning programme was like the

official one and the evening was for Swami to sit back and relax! The

undoubted high point of the day was when the children came forward for

the finale. Oh God! What a wonderful colour fest it was. It was as if

several rainbows had descended at the same time at a spot. Baloons

flying high and colour bombs spewing various coloured powders into the

air created the atmosphere of great festivity and joy. All the children

came forward and swung rhythmically to the song that was on. But

children that they were, they swung in different ways and a beautiful

chaotic pattern thrilled everyone. Swami granted blessings galore as He

raised His hands again and again to bless the children. He spoke to

some of the guests on stage as He moved towards the lift. Granting a

final blessing and benediction with both raised hands, Swami moved into

the car and retired for the day.

 

Click here to see pictures of the events.

 

January 10 2009 The

biggest event in the first month of any year is the annual sports and

cultural meet for it is this event that brings together all the

students of Swami physically from the different campuses to

Puttaparthi. By the 6th, all the students had arrived and the Vidyagiri

stadium had been divided in time so that the various campuses get

practice on the actual performance arena. And to make matters most

beautiful, Swami keeps visiting the grounds to charge all the children.

And these 4 days that have passed have been the story of Swami's visits

to the grounds.

 

When Swami decides to visit the grounds, its happy time for all around.

The devotees get a scent of it and immediately rush to the streets and

wait for Him. The flower mongers have a field day as roses to adorn the

Porte roof or bonnet get sold by the dozens. The same is the story of

the coconut sellers too as many a coconut gets liberated with a

"release" in front of the car. The few students in the mandir rush

towards the ground and the remaining ones are already there. There is

the elaborate escort to take Swami near the dais. Once Swami reaches

there, its more like an open menu of items from which He chooses.

 

On the 5th, the students from Brindavan and Anantapur had not yet

arrived. Swami arrived at the stadium and a small carpeted stage had

been set up for Him in the D area in front of the Shanti Vedika. The

sweet smiling Sai, descended from the car and sitting on the mini dais

asked for the programmes to begin. And so, the items of the Prashanti

Nilayam campus were on display. There was one item - the gun drill -

whose theme this year was the art of defending oneself when one runs

out of bullets. Swami appreciated the disciplined manner and straight

rows which were formed. As they displayed it, however, Swami asked,

"Are these terrorists? Why so much violence?" The message though subtle

was very clear. Time and again we have indicated how Swami, the epitome

of positivity, doesn't like the slightest thought or show of

negativity. Swami clearly didn't want this item. However, after that

comment, Swami continued to interact with that item co-ordinator and

tell him more on the discipline and order prevalent there. (The

wonderful thing was that despite the fact that these students had

trained diligently for more than a fortnight, the item has been dropped

and they have now picked up what is being termed as the "log drill"!)

 

He watched the other things like the wheels of death and the motorbike

formations. He called one of the bikers and asked,"How many people will

be lying down when you jump?" There was a look of anxiety on His face.

"Swami, there will be none. The jump will be done without that." Swami

seemed very happy at this. The gymnasts were not yet ready but they too

got their chance in front of Swami two days later on another visit by

Him to the ground. On that occasion, after the Ananthapur campus had

finished its presentation, Swami asked for the boys' items. Everyone

thought that He was referring to Brindavan. But when they came Swami

said, "I have already seen yours. Prashanthi Nilayam now." That was the

gymnastic item that He had not seen. The boys were touched that He

remembered! On 7th, which happened to be Vaikuntha Ekadasi, the warden

of the senior boys hostel requested Swami to visit the hostel and have

a look at the magnificently decked Ranganatha statue. Swami said that

He knew and He would visit at a more appropriate time.

 

Swami chose and blessed the torch vehicle which is the lion this year.

In this way He had a look at all the items. There was a mass

electric-scooter event done by the school students which brought a

smile on all faces and there was also some stunts on ladders that

impressed. The Brindavan campus and Ananthapur campus too got their

chance in front of Him and they displayed all that they had prepared.

The entire Ananthapur sequence of a series of dances based on the

creation of the Universe by the Lord and topping all these are tough

yoga exercise on moving autorickshaws. The Brindavan campus put up its

presentation too on one of His visits. The lion dance, dragon dance and

the martial arts items were all crisp and impressive. Swami saw the

Primary school programme in two separate parts - the skating and other

related events in the Primary school campus itself and the other mass

items in the ground. As He saw the skating, Swami made enquiries into

the safety of the children. All the little ones also had the privilege

of going up to His car window and chanting the Veda mantras even as He

blessed them. The mass items by the girls especially were marvels of

synchronisation and grace. At the end of the Primary sessions, Swami

said that He was very happy and the children did exceedingly well.

 

On two separate occasions, Swami witnessed the marchpast too and once

He saw the entire morning ceremony. What was so touching and wonderful

was that, Swami puts in so much efforts during the practice sessions.

Having perfected all items, HE becomes the recepient on the actual

Sports day. Swami also had a look at the stage decorations and the

ground preparations. He noticed that the lamp posts lining the road had

not been decorated with the flower bouquets and that took everyone by

surprise for He had noticed such a small detail too. But the prize was

taken by a lovely episode. Swami said that the steps leading to the

Shanti Vedika dais were very steep on the sides(from His previous

experience of climbing) and so the primary school children, when they

come to gift Him the bouquets, should come from the gentler steps in

front of the stage. Thus was changed the practice that had been on from

so many years. Swami also said that the children should be waiting near

the stage itself and musn't come running all the way from the middle of

the ground!

 

And thus were filled the days with Swami being omnipresent even

literally on the grounds. There is a lot of enthusiam in the air and

everyone is eagerly awaiting the 11th.

 

Click here to see pictures and a report on the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet.

 

January 7 2009

Christmas is a time of massive inflow of Christians and Westerners into

Puttaparthi. They come in different ways and by different modes but

arrive only for one reason - what Swami calls as "recharging the

spiritual batteries." Travelling from distant countries to India and

spending time here takes its toll on the energies and finances of these

devotees. So most of them make a trip once a year. And most of them

make their annual pilgrimage during the Christmas period. Having done

that, they stay on for another 10-15 days and return to their homelands

renewed, recharged and refreshed. That was the story of a group of

devotees from New Zealand and Swami seemed to have decided that the

"recharge" would take place today for all of them. Swami had agreed for

their choir programme and had also issued a very interesting command-

that all the members of the choir would be seated on the stage on

either side of where He would sit.

 

From 2 pm itself, all the members of the choir arranged themselves and

tested out their instruments and the mikes. Swami arrived for darshan

in the evening and took a detour at the ladies side itself and moved

towards the stage. On the way, He spoke to some of the female members

of the choir and then slowly moved to the gents side of the stage and

accepted their cards and programme schedule. Finally, He sat in the

centre of the stage and sent the two students who were with Him on some

errand. As He sat, He saw the ladies group from New Zealand which had

spilt down to the granite blocks of the hall due to lack of space on

stage. Calling a student, He told him to take Him down towards those

"unlucky" ones who could not make it on the stage. He took a round

around them and also around the entire ladies side! Talk about the

effects of good company - sitting near the New Zealand devotees whom

Swami decided to bless, everyone got benefited.

 

Finally, He came on stage once again and then blessed the Vedam to a

halt so that the programme could begin. He was in for a surprise as the

Maoris and the Kiwis began with Vedic chants. This choir has been

comprised of devotees who have been willing and committed enough to

attend all practices; understood the need for and pledged to follow the

9 point Sadhana programme. There were visible signs of surprise on His

face and He blessed the conductor to start the actual choir. Before

that, Swami blessed a green stone that the organisers presented Him

with. The programme proper began with the energetic vocal Maori

chanting by a Kiwi woman and clearly Swami was impressed with her voice

and delivery. Called the Karanga, it is the summon calls for the

ancestors to the Lotus Feet of Swami. Then they began singing the "E

Nga Iwi" as they called it. It is a hand action song which depicts

calling people to God. Swami looked at the actions to His left and

right and smiled in loving amusement. Swami was so engrossed that, to

the members of the audience, He appeared like a spectator at a tennis

match, watching the ball go left and right as He kept turning to both

sides to watch the animated devotion of these sweet people from New

"Sai"land as they called it.

 

Ti Hore Mai Te Rangi was another dance performed by the girls and

ladies. Involving concentration and dexterity, it made an interesting

watch and Swami seemed very happy seeing it. One song that was sung was

composed by one of devotees from amongst them when seeing Swami walk in

for darshan. Their programme lasted about 45 minutes. As it concluded,

Swami called the New Zealand woman who had chanted the Karanga. He

spoke to her and then moved towards the ladies. There He materialised a

gold chain for that lady and Himself put it around her neck. There was

a loud cheer. Sarees were then brought from inside and then Swami asked

some of the ladies to distribute to all. He sat there personally

supervising the distribution and also asked "randomly" to a few ladies,

"Did you get a saree?" After ensuring that all had got, Swami moved to

the gents side and repeated the same shower of Love and Grace, with

white Safari pieces this time. He blessed many of them with a word or

two and accepted letters.

 

Then calling the video cameraman Swami asked, "Have you covered everyone?"

"Yes Swami! All have been covered."

"Have you covered the ladies?"

"No Swami"

"Then? You said you covered all. The women must be covered too."

"Swami there is another camera covering them. This camera was for gents."

The boy then told Swami, "Swami there is a hair that has got into your

eye." He tried to remove it and then Swami shrugged saying, "Its only

hair right." Swami then gently took the hair out of the eye and neatly

aligned it on His head. Seeing this, everyone burst out in happiness

and Swami looked so handsome and He too seemed to blush. Swami then

returned to the centre of the stage and asked for bhajans to begin.

Prasadam was blessed for distribution and as one bhajan neared

completion, Swami asked for Aarthi. After Aarthi also, Swami interacted

with the women on His way to the car and thus ended another memorable

day in Prashanti Nilayam.

 

Click here to see pictures of the New Zealand programme.

 

January 4 2009 The

concluding day of the Maharashtra and Goa youth pilgrimage was the 4th

of January and planned for the day were two separate songs programmes -

one by the ladies and one by the gents. Swami came out for darshan at

about 4:15 pm and after the rounds, arrived on stage. He sat listening

to the chants for a while and then moved into the interview room. It

was about 5:00 pm when He came out again and asked the youth to begin

their programme. He blessed both the ladies who went up to Him by

sprinkling the holy grains on their head. The ladies then began their

part of the programme.

 

It was a programme based on the great women of Bhaarat. There was a

short narrative in English and Telugu. It must be recorded here that

the speakers who spoke in Telugu did it "by heart" in every sense.

Though ignorant of the language, their diction and delivery were

perfect. There were narratives on the great women viz. Rani Laxmibai,

Draupadi, Urmila- the wife of Lakshmana and the wife of saint Tulsidas

who turned all his worldy passion into divine Love. Each narrative was

followed by a song specially composed on the woman concerned and there

was also a mini-ballet depiction of a major incident in that woman's

life. Swami seemed quite absorbed in the presentation. Only that once

in a while He would keep looking at the gents' section and ask, "why

are you all not singing?"

 

Soon enough, on the conclusion of the ladies programme, the gents came

to Swami to seek blessings to begin. They also got a book released

which Swami personally signed in His own hand! The songs sung had all

been pre-recorded and the youth sang over the CD track. Clearly, Swami

was not impressed! He told the co-ordinator that there was no effort

involved and everything has already been recorded. Swami seems to

prefer performances to be "Live" for there is a joy when we do things

directly for God in His presence. The end result may not be so

fantastic, but God never sees the results - He is interested only in

the efforts. After two songs, Swami moved into the interview room and

the songs too went on. They could not cease as the tracks played on.

The songs were abhangs and some were those that Swami Himself had

composed.

 

After the programme had concluded, Swami arrived on stage again. He had

a mocking smile on His face and He said that it was of not much use and

that there was no efforts involved. "All old songs! nothing new.Girls

did lot of efforts, but boys - no efforts." Ultimately, all are His own

children. So, lovingly, He came down the stage and went first towards

the womens' section. He began to distribute sarees to them. Then, He

waded right into their midst and posed with group photo with them. They

were a picture of high joy and deep gratitude as Swami sat smiling

among them. He advised the,"Do more work. Do not get into politics.

There is so much politics among ladies!"

 

All this while, the gents side was a picture of doubt - would Swami

come to them? Swami smiled and said that He be taken to the gents side.

There was a loud cheer as Swami got safari cloth pieces distributed and

then posed for pictures amidst them. He accepted letters from many of

them and then moved to the front, where He sat watching the

distribution in progress. In the meanwhile, noticing the videocameraman

shooting Him He said,"Shoot them! Not me." The cameraman went up to Him

and said, "Swami it is you who lends value to all that we shoot." Swami

seemed to have no reply for that and rightly so, for of what value is

anything that is devoid of Him? Swami then moved up the stage and asked

the ladies to lead the bhajans for the evening. Two bhajans later,

Swami received Aarthi and retired for the day.

 

Click here to see pictures of the Maharashtra programmes.

 

January 3 2009

The 3rd of January was the second chapter of the triad of programmes

that the youth from Maharashtra and Goa had come prepared with. Today,

it was to be a sitar and "zitar" concert by Niladri Kumar, son and

disciple of sitar player Pandit Kartick Kumar who was in turn a

disciple of Pandit Ravishankar. Considered a child prodigy, Kumar

started learning sitar under his father at the age of four and gave his

first public performance at the age of six. The "zitar", a creation of

his, is an instrument that is a fusion of the sitar and the guitar.

Along with his accompanying artistes, he sat ready from 3:30 pm

awaiting Swami to arrive and bless him with the great privilege of

playing in His presence.

 

It was 5:15 pm when Swami arrived for darshan. He took the detour after

the ladies side and went in straight to the interview room. A few

minutes later, He came on stage and blessed the artistes of the day.

Bringing the Veda chanting to a halt, He permitted Niladri Kumar to

begin his concert.

Starting with paying homage to Swami he said that when he first came to

Swami, his hand was in bandages. Swami had blessed him in the darshan

lines and told him to play the next day. He did exactly that and from

that day on, every note that has issued from him, has been due to the

blessings of his guru and Swami! He began with the zitar first and

played a piece that was clearly a fusion of the East and the West. The

"twain had indeed met" with due regards and respects to Rudyard

Kipling. There was accompaniment on the tabla, mridangam, keyboard and

the jazz drum kit. After a sprightly start with the fusion piece, the

concert meandered along the more traditional lines with the classical

sitar coming into play. The young sitar virtuoso amazed and thrilled

all, especially those trained in music, with his superb rendition.

There was a piece where He played in pitches unimaginable on the sitar,

using the help of a wood piece as a prop. That excited the audience so

much that they began to clap even before he had rendered what he had

desired to. He therefore had to repeatedly appeal for calm so that the

beauty of the entire effort could be appreciated.

 

After three pieces, the artiste concluded and Swami seemed very happy.

He called him and what a response it was! He rushed straight to His

feet and sought His blessings. Swami gifted safari pieces to all of the

artistes and materialized a gold ring for Niladri Kumar. After giving

padanamaskar to all, Swami asked them to sing something! The keyboard

accompanist also was a good singer and so all of them went back and

began the bhajan, "Madhusudhana Hare Madhava". They built into the

bhajan pieces in which the tablist, mridangam player and the drummer

could display their respective expertise. A jugalbandi of sorts ensued

and the entire piece lasted for about 10 minutes. As that concluded,

Swami gifted them a satisfied smile and then received Aarthi.

 

January 2 2009 With the

New Year Day festivities just concluding, Puttaparthi was now seeing an

increasing habitation by the youth from Maharashtra and Goa. Donning

their orange scarves, they filled up large areas in the mandir and

today was the day Swami had blessed them to put up their programmes in

front of Him. A huge curtain of the Tricolour hung from the ceiling to

the floor acting as the giant background. It was at about 5:30pm that

Swami arrived for darshan. The most revered "Orange" wended its way

through the orange throngs and the youth rejoiced at the close darshan.

He passed by the massive backdrops of the red fort and the curtain into

the gents side.

 

Completing the darshan rounds, Swami moved into the interview room.

Twenty minutes later, Swami came out and asked for the programme to

begin. A train of youth moved up to Swami with various offerings and

Swami patiently blessed each and every one of them. He accepted roses,

glanced at cards, observed photos and permitted everyone to take

padanamaskar. Then, Swami called the coordinator and told him to make

the announcement soon and begin the programme. The introduction for the

drama on Netaji Subash Chandra Bose was given and then the programme

began. It started with the lighting of the Akhanda Jyothi. 27 lamps of

divine light which were lit from a single flame from the Divine

Precincts of Dharmakshetra and which had travelled through 27 Districts

of Maharashtra were presented at a beautiful ceremony in front of

Swami. The 27 Jyotis merged into one in the Divine presence and that

was used to light a candle which Swami used to light the "Maha Jyothi"

as they referred to it. After that ceremony, the drama began.

 

Subash Chandra Bose also called Netaji was a colossus amongst the brave

men of the world. He was born on January 23rd 1897 in Cuttack as the

ninth child among fourteen, of Janakinath Bose, an advocate, and

Prabhavati Devi, a pious and God-fearing lady. A brilliant student, he

topped the matriculation examination of Calcutta province and passed

his B.A. in Philosophy from the Presidency College in Calcutta. He was

strongly influenced by Swami Vivekananda's teachings and was known for

his patriotic zeal as a student. It was his parents insistence that

kept him away from the freedom struggle but not for long as the passion

for true "freedom" had been deeply embedded in him. As he later wrote

to his mother, he was not fighting only for independence from British

for the nation still had to be administered after that and he also

desired true freedom in its complete spiritual sense. The drama traced

all the major milestones in his life and it was an inspiring watch.

Swami too, being specially fond of Bose, watched the drama attentively.

 

 

As the drama concluded with the final song with Bose marching out with

the INA - the Indian National Army - the Tricolour was waved in

thousands by all the members of the audience from the organising

states. Swami moved down the stage to grant the participants their

cherished desire of a group photo with Him. As He did that, He also

spoke to many of the boys and accepted letters. One particular boy

almost broke down telling Swami that though he had been studying and

trying very hard, he was not getting a call to do MBA in Swami's

University. Swami took his application form and gave instructions that

the call letter be sent to that boy! When we are with God, the

solutions for problems crop up as fast if not faster than the rate at

which the problems arise. Then, moving towards the front, Swami called

out for the 3 different aged Boses! He took a picture with the three

and said, "This is young Bose. He is elder and that is the eldest one!"

There were smiles all around. Prasadam was then distributed as the

youth started bhajans. Later, on Swami's command, the bhajan singing

was taken over by the students. It was quite late when Swami received

Aarthi and left.

 

January 1 2009 The

beginning of a New Year is something that everyone looks forward to for

that is a time when life seems to begin afresh in right earnest.

Resolutions are made after the victories and defeats of the past year

are analysed. A sense of euphoria fills the air and optimistic energy

seems prevalent everywhere. Hope is rekindled and faith reaffirmed.

Puttaparthi is no exception to these things. In the place where every

moment seems new and fresh and every day is a celebration for it is in

the physical presence of Divinity, New Year's day has been gifted to

the alumni for it seems as if Swami wishes to begin His New Year with

His beloved children. And with each passing year, the alumni too have

been assembling in ever increasing numbers. The first day of the year

2009 saw more than 700 alumni gathering in the Kulwant hall waiting in

readiness for Him.

 

A Veda chanting contingent and a squadron of flag bearers waited at the

Yajur mandir to escort Swami into the Kulwant hall. It was after 10 am

that the doors of Yajur Mandir were thrown open. And what a sweet

surprise Swami had in store for all! He has often said, "I am a man

among men, woman among women and a child among children." It was as if

He was saying, "I am a student among students" as He too, like them

all, came dressed in white!! He was seated on that special throne-chair

and there could have been no better way to start the New Year. There is

a prevalent belief that what happens on the first day of the year

continues throughout - another variant of the famous, "Well begun is

half done". If that belief is true, the year is going to be sublimely

special - and it is going to be so even if that belief is not true!

 

The chanting began as soon as Swami came out and the person holding the

Poornakumbham got it blessed by Swami. The flag bearers neatly filed

past Him and saluted Him as they did so. That having been done, Swami

too joined the procession that made its way towards the Kulwant hall.

The procession hid Swami from the eager eyes that were waiting to see

Him. But like the full moon appearing from behind the clouds, Swami

emerged as He fell behind in the procession and soon there was a

resoundingly cheerful applause that spread through the hall. The Lord

in white is a glorious sight. He looks as if He is wearing His purity

and innocence on His person.

 

Swami took a detour after the ladies side and all the alumni gathered

in the marble blocks seemed just a bit disappointed that Swami would

not be coming near them. But Swami had another little surprise as He

took another detour and moved back towards the old students' area.

Completing His round, filling everyone with Joy supreme, Swami moved

onto the stage. His path to the stage was paved with those ex-students

who had chanted the Vedas as part of the procession. In the portico,

students from the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School invited Swami

to bless a specially made huge cake. Swami lit the candle and cut the

cake which was constituted by six or so parts. He cut every part so

sweetly and patiently. Then, He arrived on the stage.

 

The first thing He did was to light the lamp and thus formally began

the New Year celebrations for 2009! A cheer ran through the happy crowd

and Swami sat facing all of them, a smile dancing on his luminous face.

The first presentation was by the former members of the Institute brass

band. Offering cards, the songs list and roses to Swami, they sought

His blessings and then began.Three pieces were played in all and they

were interspersed with introductions to each of the pieces by different

members of the band. As they played, it was such a wonderful feeling

for here was the band constituted by members through the quarter

century of the existence of the Institute and they played like one big

family. Once the band finished its performance, the singers from among

the alumni came forward to Swami and sought His blessings. Swami

blessed them and then they started to sing songs specially composed for

the occasion by the alumni. Soon, the three huge cakes were brought up

to Swami and with a gentle smile, Swami cut each of the cakes and lit a

candle too. Each of the songs sung had short introduction. One of them

narrated in graphic detail as to how Swami was splashed with water from

a faulty hot water tap that He had come to inaugurate in the Primary

School. Swami with a smile had said, "I not only inaugurated the tap

but also had the first bath!"

 

Many such instances were recounted and as each song began, students

with roses and cards bearing the lyrics of the songs moved to Swami and

presented them to Him seeking His blessings.Swami also released a few

booklets and a newsletter that the alumni presented. He released

another volume of the audio CD, "Bridge across Time" which is a

collection of bhajans sung by the alumni. After four songs, a few

members requested Swami for permission to dance(!) and Swami approved.

And so a bhajan medley formed the score for the short dance programme

too. The dance turned out to be the item that made a huge smile blossom

on His face which later erupted as a hearty laugh too! The dance was

followed by some more songs. The highlight of the morning as far as the

participants were concerned was the avalanche of padanamaskars that

Swami showered. It began with the "head" of the Veda contingent moving

up to Swami and requesting Him as to whether all could take

padanamaskar. Swami agreed and so almost 60-70 students came up on

stage and took padanamaskar. All that transpired between the Lord and

His children cannot be captured here. Students ranging from batches as

old as 1980 to those as latest as 2007 went to Him and thrilled

themselves with His touch. It was a homecoming in the truest sense and

once all the members of the Veda group were though, Swami agreed to

bless all the band boys too in a similar manner. Finally He blessed

prasadam to be distributed to all. At this time, the members of the

music group also sought His blessings and Swami promised them He would

bless later as now the "time was up". It was 11:30 when Swami retired

to Yajur Mandir.

 

In the evening, Swami arrived and a surge of delight moved through the

entire hall - the Lord looked magnificent in the maroon-red robe that

He wore! White robe followed by the Red Robe - What a colourful opening

for the New Year! Swami took a complete round and as He came on stage,

He blessed the University band boys to begin their performance. They

played two pieces, the first one a masterpiece from Yanni entitled

'Santorini' and the second one a tribute to the Divine Mother - the

bhajan Eashwaramba Priya Tanaya. As they completed, Swami blessed them

and then the students began to sing songs that they had prepared.

Swami's ways are so wonderful and amazing. As two songs were sung, He

called out for the alumni and asked them to render songs. They were

taken in by surprise. No planning had gone on in their heads for this

session of songs. Where the head fails and heart takes over, memorable

moments get etched into ones memories. They began to sing the famous

songs of the mid 90s and it was such a nostalgic journey with music.

Swami too was fully involved in the songs. When the famous, "Humko

Tumse Pyaar Kitna" began Swami jokingly showing the tip of His nail

said, "Only itna!" There were smiles on every face as one reminesced

the Swami of the bygone years. The songs went on like this when

suddenly two students from the bhajan group went up to Swami on the

dais.

 

There they told Swami, "Swami the day will not be complete without your

sweet voice flowing into all of us. All of us are eager to listen to

you. Please speak to us." Swami seemed to be refusing and He sent them

back to their places. However, as the next song concluded, He signalled

for His mikes and there was an explosive applause. Swami began His New

Year Discourse, the summary of which is given below.

 

Swami began His discourse with the popular verse on the arrival of the

Sankranthi festival. He followed it with a vivid description of the

season. It is a time when people are busy in agriculture and household

activities; when the food grains and pulses are available in plenty and

all the farmers gather and sing in joy. The men visit their in-laws and

all the members of the family join in with good humour and spend time

in fun. Swami's description put everyone to perfect ease and with the

mere power of His words, He brought alive the feelings and joy

associated with the festival. He also beautifully narrated the

tradition where the bull and cow are married off. The cow is named Sita

and the bull as Rama. The people entreat and request 'Sita' to accept

the handsome and virtuous 'Rama' as her husband!

 

He brought new meaning to the phrase, "Naa Deham" (literally meaning -

My body) when He stated, "Naa means 'not' in Sanskrit. So when you say,

"Naa Deham" or "Naa Manas", it means, 'I am not the body, I am not the

mind'." And so, all our complaints and problems are due to our body

attachment and our inability to control the mind. All the six vices are

a result of our thoughts alone and there is nothing wrong with the

creation. God gives neither joy nor sorrows. He is the eternal witness.

It is the mind that does everything. It is responsible for our bondage

and our liberation too. So realize that you are God. The Christian

message too is the same - To cut the 'i' across and achieve the 'Cross"

which is God. The message was loud and clear - give up your

identification with all that you are not - the body, mind, intellect -

and identify with your Self; the true I.

 

Swami exhorted that realizing our true selves was the only thing to be

done in life. "All the wealth, fame and relatives you acquire will add

up to nothing. When the body dies, not even a fistful of dust can be

taken along." He illustrated this with emperor Alexander's story where

he asks to be paraded in the towns with outstretched hands to declare

that the great emperor who conquered the world is leaving it empty

handed. Even the avatars like Rama and Krishna, having lived fulfilled

lives, withdrew from their body and do not exist in a physical frame

today. And so thoughts of the Self are paramount. Ultimately, the

experience of the Self is inevitable for Self is existence and

existence is Self. It has many forms. Pray to and worship the form of

your choice but remember that it is all the Self.

 

All the symbolism has deeper meanings, He said and to elaborate on it,

He waved His hand and materialized a gold ring with a diamond studded

on it. In the western countries, the marriage is symbolized with the

exchange of rings between the bride and groom. This symbolizes the Love

which, like the diamond, should be permanent.

 

Elaborating on the significance of the Sahasra Chandra Darshanam, Swami

said, "The Lord is called Sahasra Sheersha Purusha. This does not mean

that He has a thousand heads. It means that all the heads are His. So

too, when it is said that the Lord had Sahasra Chandra Darshanam, it

means that He sees all the minds for the mind is symbolized by he moon.

If taken literally, I have seen crores of moons!"

 

Swami went on to say that Love was the most important. "You sang that

Love is the only bond between us. Keep that always. Do not give up Love

even if negative qualities come. Once Love is there all other values

come. Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa are the only 5

qualities that exist within and to bring it out is Educare. This love

exists in all like the moon that is reflected in the waters of a

thousand pots. There is only one moon and there is only One - that's

Love.

 

He lashed out against foolish enquiries saying that instead of delving

into the underlying unity, people enquire into divisive things like

which is Rama's actual birthplace and so on. When that question was

posed to Swami, He said, "Rama's actual birthplace is the womb of

Kausalya." Only the lazy ones do such meaningless enquiries. Find

yourself within and all will be known. All that you call as "My" is

only Maya. God and Truth are One though known by different names. Do

not fall prey to the paintings and photos being sold. Neither the

photographer nor the painter has seen the Lord. They do so out of their

imagination. Truly speaking, you are God. Have that faith and display

God qualities. If you just close your eyes and see inwards, you will

find God.

 

Having said so, Swami said that if anyone had doubts left still, they must be real fools of the highest order.

 

After speaking for more than 70 minutes, Bhagawan asked for Bhajans to

begin at 7.25 pm.It was at this time that keeping His morning's

promise, Swami granted all the members of the alumni music group the

coveted chance to touch His feet. They came in a long line and one by

one took His blessings and returned to their places beaming with joy.

Prasadam was distributed, and Swami accepted Arati at 7.45 before

returning to His residence. As the Aarthi concluded one more beautiful

thing happened. Swami called the priest and gifted the diamond ring He

had materialised earlier to him. The priest was thrilled and the priest

returned, so happy at this divine gift.

 

Click here to see pictures of the New Year celebrations.

 

December 31 2008

Prashanti Nilayam suddenly seemed to be filling up with students from

the University. The strict discipline that is enforced in the Institute

makes it imperative that students remain within their bounds and not go

about anywhere else and yet today, there seemed so many of these

students all over the ashram. It was only on closer scrutiny that one

realized that these were the alumni of the University! But the way the

students dress and groom themselves is so characteristic that one

cannot blame the innocent onlooker of mistaking the alumni also as

senior current students. Every year, the students have decided to make

a beginning at His lotus feet and hence they congregate in increasing

numbers each passing year. Around 500 had already arrived to bid

goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009 in the Divine presence.

 

Swami too looks forward to His children's homecoming as He ensures that

all arrangements are in place for their comfortable stay. Today, He had

decided to bestow a great boon upon them as He had sent word that He

would interact with all of them in the Poornachandra Auditorium after

the morning bhajans. By 8:30 am, all the students sat ready in PC and

it was at about 9:00 am that Swami arrived for darshan. The time

scheduled for the alumni was 10:00am. But though Swami took a complete

round of the Kulwant hall, He seemed to be in a great hurry and no

prizes here for guessing why. His beloved children awaited Him in the

auditorium and He seemed to be wanting to be there as soon as possible,

ASAP as it's called! It was just 9:20 am when Swami received Aarthi and

then moved into the Poornachandra auditorium.

 

A small stage had been arranged for Swami so that He could be seen by

one and all assembled. Swami was welcomed by a small contingent of Veda

chanting boys and soon He took His place - on the stage and in the

thirsting eyes of every alumnus sitting there. There were also the

elders whom Swami brought with Him - Sri Chakravarthy, secretary of

Central trust; Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the Vice Chancellor; Sri V

Srinivasan, the All India Sai organisation President; Prof. G

Venkatraman and Sri S V Giri, the former vice chancellors. Sri

Chakravarthy introduced the speakers for the day. First Sri S V Giri

spoke on the responsibilities that rest on the strong shoulders of the

alumni. As he spoke, an interesting incident took place. One of the

members of the alumni, a senior above 50 years of age maybe, was moving

to and fro right at the back, to get a good view of the proceedings

maybe. Swami noticed that and seemed a bit uncomfortable. And sure

enough, in two minutes, the student next to Swami came walking all the

way to the back asking, "Who was it that was walking over here?" At

first everyone felt that Swami was disturbed. It got confirmed soon but

why had He been disturbed? The student located the disturber and asked,

"Sir would you like a chair to sit on? Swami sees that you are not able

to sit on the floor." The answering was done with a nod saying,"No" and

profuse tears down the cheeks. The alumnus then got up and moving

towards the front, sat in the corner but in the first row! Swami saw

that and seemed satisfied!

 

The second speaker was Sri V Srinivasan. He spoke very inspiringly on

the growth and spread of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in

India. Many facts little known to most of the devotees and students

were revealed and very deservingly, there were 4-5 rounds of applause

for him. After he finished his speech, Swami told him to announce that

he was the All India President. An overwhelmed Srinivasan said that

more than anything else, he wished to be a humble devotee and concluded

his speech. The alumni coordinator then went forward to request Swami

for the divine discourse. Swami materialized vibhuti and gave him and

then also agreed to address the students. Another poignant scene took

place now. Swami noticed a student, Raghuram, who currently works for

RadioSai global harmony. He has been physically challenged due to a

tragic accident and has been on the wheelchair since. Swami asked him

to come over to the dais. As the boy reached there, Swami waved His

hand and materialized a gold ring. Amidst the cheer that ran about the

hall, Swami enquired into the well being of the boy's mother and

sister. He promised him that he would very soon speak to them as a

family and then put the ring to the right hand. He asked Swami for

paadanamaskar. Swami agreed and knowing that it was very difficult for

the boy to bend down, Swami did something that none imagined. He slowly

lifted His right leg and placed it near the knee of the boy. After he

touched it, Swami now raised His left leg too and placed it there! The

boy was thrilled at this special paadanamaskar. As he returned to His

place, Swami began His divine discourse.

 

Swami emphasised the message of Advaita, stressing the point that there

is nothing in this world which is not divine, and that we should

conduct ourselves bearing this in mind. He stressed on the need for one

and all to realise the inherent divinity. He also gave some

personalised instructions to the students. The most interesting part

was when towards the end, Swami asked, "Does anyone have doubts? Ask

and I shall answer them in a perfect manner."

 

Qn 1---Swami... we know that we are truth and the truth is everywhere. So we must be everywhere right.....

 

Swami could not follow the question hence the boy tried to explain! "Swami I'm everywhere but I don't realize it...!"

 

Swami----You are not everywhere, you are right now here!(everyone

laughs )...If you are in path of Truth then you will know you are the

Truth.....(Swami conveyed to boy that if he believes he is the Eternal

Atma then he is everywhere and if he restricts himself to body then he

is now here!)

 

 

Qn 2-Swami...We don't have time available for spiritual activities and

service as we are bogged by daily activities....what shall we do (there

were tears in his eyes out of helplessness)...

 

Swami---Don't feel bad about it...do as much as you can in little time

available ...do little service but offer it to the Lord....if you can't

do even that then do your job or activity as the service to the

Lord.....That'll make Him happy.

 

 

Qn 3---(In kannada) ,Swami as we (boys) plan to do activities and

projects in larger scale how do we go about doing the same....do we

need to form organized groups and start off...

 

Swami-(In kannada) Yes....form proper groups and go about in a

systematic way.....I've already told this(Swami has mentioned the same

in Man management)

 

 

Qn 4--- (one student who was a Teacher)...Swami...we all have only one

prayer in our hearts ...you should walk ...like you used to do

earlier....

 

Swami...(with out a pause) ...Yes ...I will!...I used to walk earlier

properly....only recently I had a fall and doctors told me not to walk

and take rest...I'm just abiding by their words....I have organized a

Yagnam in Parthi (ARMY) and one in Chennai (ARMY ---II)...I'm managing

quite a lot like this too...but I'll surely walk...(Swami lifted both

His legs and played them in the air as He spoke)

 

 

Qn 5) Swami...what should we do to become closer to Swami....

 

Swami---(without delay)...Swami should (will to) take you closer...!

(Swami conveyed its His grace that matters not any amount of penance

you do...., he added ),If you want to become closer keep Swami in your

heart...Then you need not come to Swami and He will come closer to

you....

 

 

Qn 6)Swami, How do we get Atmanandam (perennial bliss)?

 

Swami---You should carry less luggage...less luggage is more comfort... Reduce your desires and put a ceiling on it.

 

 

Qn7) Swami..how do we take care of our kids in countries where there are not even Indian families forget the Sai centers....

 

Swami---where are you right now....

 

Boy---...I've returned back to India....

 

Swami---I'm very happy...Congratulations...!(he became emotional...)

America is not good at the moment...all our people should return to our

land...One lakh salary in USA is equal to 10,000 in India....

 

 

Qn8)Swami---How do we achieve total surrender.....

 

Swami---Bangaaru!---Surrender is not so easy...so many after they

surrender would still carry the burden of doubt in their minds....so

just follow how much you can....and stop doubting.

 

 

It was already nearing 11:30 am and Swami said that He would speak to

all the next day too. Then Swami received Aarthi and blessed those who

took a flower and the holy grains upto Him. As He moved back towards

the residence, Swami collected letters from all the students who lined

up the entire pathway. Swami retired leaving behind cherished memories

and wonderful feelings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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