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BRINDAVAN NEWS
sairam
Yes i do know that all the photos of Swami are very powerful .
But in this group of photos . in particular .
The first and second ones are very very powerful .
If any one happens to read this reply of mine and you know an ailing
patient around you .
please do take a print out of them and give it to the patient .
DON'T BELIEVE MY WORDS .
TRY DISPROVING IT . YOU WOULD DARE NOT !
sairam sairam sairam
sai rukmani
Brindavan Update
Swami reached Brindavan on Saturday evening by around 6:50 P.M.Swami
went into His Divine Abode - Trayee Brindavan as soon as the car
stopped. Trayee Brindavan was wonderfully Decorated to commemorate
the 25th anniversary of Trayee Brindavan.
The Next day being Sunday Swami came for darshan at 9:00am and sat
on the stage for about 45 Minutes giving Wonderful Darshan to
everyone. The evening Session started at around 4.30 P.M and that
also lasted for about 45 Minutes. Even though the students and staff
were waiting for the Trayee Session, Swami for some reason did not
have the Trayee Session, The Session ended with the distribution of
Chitrannam and Sweet.
On Monday Morning Swami came at around 10:00 am on to the dias, but
there were no bhajans. Swami sat there for about 15 minutes, The
same with the evening session which also lasted 15 to 20 minutes.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy KM
- 29.04.2008
Swami
leaving Parth for Bangalore - Whitefield - Pictures by KM
Spendidi Sunday - Brindavan Update
sairam ,
It was a splendid dharshan , on sunday evening (27th)
Swami was on stage for 45 mins . and He was in a very happy mood . 5
of us had been three female and 2 male members . The five of us when
we came out to meet , had felt the very same way :
** As though Swami was looking straight to/into me( each one) ** As
though Swami said ' am in very happy mood , tell me what you want !
'
** We saw Swami giving a nice red rose to the Seva dhal ho was near
Swami , just before He turned to leave the stage.
In short , IT WAS NOT AT ALL A SHORT STAY FOR THE DEVOTEES WHO SAT
THERE ON SUNDAY EVENING .. IT SEEMS HE IS STILL LINGERING ON WITH US
, EVEN AS I SEND THIS MAIL . LET THE READER RECEIVE IT THROUGH THIS
MAIL
Thank you Swami ,
" How can i ever forget the way You bring me to you each time Swami
????
This time , giving us tickets at 7 pm on Saturday , as you just
reached White Field , special train tickets making us leave on
Sunday morning !
Arranging us a/c car from Banglur to Whitefield !
SHOWERING UPON US YOUR SPLENDID GRACE !
Taking us back to Banglur by the same car
Booking comfortable a/c rooms for us !!
Could I ever afford an a/c car or an a/c room !!
Making it a Sunday - avoiding us the Banglur traffics !!
And bringing us back by the same v.i.p train bookings !! '
I shall return that love to your loving children through my loving
and good deeds Swami !! "
sairam sairam sairam
sai rukmani
Courtesy KM
- 29.04.2008
Sairam,
Swami came to Brindavan on 26th April, Saturday at around 6..50 pm.
Yesterday Swami gave darshan both during morning and evening time,
Evening Swami came to Sai Ramesh Hall around 4.45 pm and gave
darshan for about 40 mins. After which Aarti was given and prasad
was distributed.
I have been given to understand that there are lot of programs
especially musical programs, talks by eminent speakers, balvikas
drama etc. have been lined up. May 18th there is a program planned
on SSSVIP, the programs are awaiting Swami's approval.
The darshans are great and not much crowd at Brindavan, so good time
to visit Bangalore
COURTESY:
DATTA J - 28.04.2008
PARTHI NEWS
SWAMI ARRIVED AT
BRINDAVAN ASHRAM AT 6.55 PM ON 26TH. - COURTESY: SAIYOUTHS
SWAMI LEAVES FOR WHITEFIELD (26 APRIL 08)
Om sairam dearest sai family
just to let know all the devotees, that our beloved lord has left
for Whitefield ashram at 3:30pm (26th April 2008) from Puttaparthi
in His Mercedes Benz.
There were so many rumours about Swami's arrival at Whitefield. The
rumours started as early as end of March. Some section of devotees
who like to do that, were shown a thums down every time they gave a
new date and at a stage when there was no rumour running around,
Swami decided to go... WE CAN NEVER IMPOSE OUR WILL UP ON ANY BODY
AND DEFINITELY NOT ON OUR BELOVED LORD..
I had an opportunity to pass by Whitefield ashram in the month of
December and I was shocked to see the premises. There were huge sky
scrapers around the ashram and the fly over right in front of the
ashram , a perfect example of rapid urbanisation in India, made that
place messy. One of the pillars of the fly over was constructed
right in front of the ashram gate and looking at the place I thought
Swami would never make it here again, as He would be thinking more
about His devotees' comforts.
But in the recent past the ashram authorities in Whitefield have
done excellent job to make that place more comfortable for Swami and
more importantly to His devotees. The walls have been made dust
proof and sound proof and after everything was sorted out, Swami
decided to go ahead..
Reports were coming in that Swami would leave for Whitefield early
morning. Many devotees were waiting in the Kulwanth hall and also on
either side of the road. As the bhajan Deena Dhukhiyon Se Prem Karo
was sung, our compassionate Swami surprised every one, by coming in
His car chair at 10 am making our hearts jump in joy..
After 5 bhajans Swami asked for arathi and returned to HIs Abode...
At 3:30pm today Swami blessed us with His divine darshan and after
Arathi He left for Whitefield...
Past 20 days or so, Swami left no stone unturned to make all of us
happy. I heard Kodai darshans are very close, so also were Parthi
darshans. Swami blessed all of us with His car chair darshans almost
every day and even on the last day..
Its over to Bangalore... Have a GR8 time brothers and sisters
Satish Naik
26.04.2008
Prasanthi News
The last 2 weeks in Prasanthi Nilayam after the Students holidays
have started have been the wonderful Days. Swami comes to the Bhajan
Hall and talks with the Students, Swami is usually coming in Chair
and is giving wonderful Darshan and taking letters from Students and
Devotees making everyone very very happy. There are few students who
have stayed and even when Swami tells them to go they give the most
wonderful Answers back which makes Swami smile. Wonderful Moments.
Swami is also going out in the afternoons almost everyday and a Stop
is almost routine at the Primary School everyday
Happy and Joyous days in Prasanthi Nilayam.
SWAMI IS EXPECTED TODAY TO LEAVE PRASANTHI NILAYAM TO BRINDAVAN AT
AROUND 2.30 P.M.
Om Sai Ram
courtesy: KM - 26.04.2008
Prasanthi News
Swami is giving Darshans mostly in the evenings everyday. Everybody
expected Swami to go to Brindavan today, It did not happen and only
went to show that except Swami himself no one can even think of
predicting His Divine Programme, News coming out of Prasanthi
Nilayam is that Swami is expected to go to Brindavan anytime before
or on the 27th. Of Course everything changes with Swami's will and
Grace.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM - 23.04.2008
Om Sai Ram - Kodaikanal Information
Although it seems that Swami is unlikely to go
to Kodaikanal, there is no one in this world who can predict Our
Dear Lord's programme than Swami himself. So below is a small write
up of Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai
(520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km),
Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km). Additional buses ply during
the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation.
There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal. It is a hilltop town, and
the roads narrow and winding.
For information regarding Hotels in Kodaikanal, Please visit the
Below Link :
http://www.hotelstamilnadu.com/kodaikanal.htm
The Area where Swami's Divine Abode "Sai Sruthi"
is Flat, there is one driveway to walk up (steep), then flat sitting
area for darshan. If you were to stay in town at the Hilltop Hotel,
Carlton Hotel or around the corner from Swami's place at the
Sterling Hotel, then it is largely flat walking to Swami's darshan.
The remainder of Kodaikanal is only hills and very very narrow
roads. A taxi to Swami's Divine Darshan is the usual practice if
staying in one of these other Hotels.
Darshan is in the mornings; you can walk from the township, around
the lake to the Darshan queue, which is on Lake Road itself. Men
line up on the footpath adjacent to the lake, Ladies line up on the
other side of the gate, on the grassy side of the road. Ladies often
sit in chairs byt the roadside. Of late, seva dal have stalls either
side of the gate, and as you pass, you put your shoes in and receive
a chit. There are only 4 lines each side at Kodai, and numbers are
in fact given out. Men on cycles or young boys with Canteens walk up
and down the lines selling small plastic cups of tea. You can expect
to stand in line upto about 8AM or thereabouts when the gates are
opened and the lines called in. Lines generally begin to be formed
around 6AM
Like Puttaparthi and Brindavan, there is a small security check as
you pass the gate; therafter, it is a dash or a sedate walk up the
STEEP driveway, to the lines. Men to the left of the front of the
house, ladies to the right, guests along the far right wall. There
are chairs for those who need. Darahan is a small affair under a
simple canopy, and ladies also sit in an island in front of the
garden.
Unlike Puttaparthi or Whitefield, all remain inside and seated for
darshan until its full completion. If groups go for interview, all
remain seated. By this time, pullovers, shawls and all the extra
coverings are removed as the sun is out and quite warm. When
Interviews are complete, Swami emerges, and goes inside the main
building; thereafter, darshan is over.
After Darshan, Swami often goes for a drive around Kodaikanal;
perhaps a leisurely drive, perhaps a visit to an orphange, or to a
home, or to another venerable place. One can often see a procession
of cars leaving Sai Sruthi perhaps half an hour or so after darshan,
with Swami's car in the midst. So if you wish, it is useful to come
back after some time and walk down Lake Road, and wait for Swami.
How to reach Kodaikanal :
By Air : The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).
By Rail : The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway
Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
Om Sai Ram
courtesy: KM - 23.04.2008
Prasanthi News
In the Past Few days Swami has been coming out in the Morning for
Darshan. In the evenings Swami has been coming out in Chair 4:15 P.M
and in chair. Evening Darshans are very good as Swami is taking a
very slow round and also has been accepting letters from almost
everyone present thereby making everyone very happy.
Unconfirmed news is that most likely Swami's Kodaikanal trip is
cancelled and Swami is likely to go to Brindavan by the 23rd of this
month. Swami had himself told that the Kodaikanal trip is ruled out
to the boys in the Bhajan Hall. Of Course no one can predict Swami's
Divine Programme. Brindavan is awaiting the Lord with great
happiness as Swami has not been there for almost two years.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy - KM - 21.04.2008
Prasanthi Update
There are reports that Swami might most
probably leave for Brindavan on the morning of the 23rd. Swami has
not gone to Brindavan for almost 2 years and there is going to be a
grand welcome to Swami there. Again these are only unconfirmed
reports as there is no one in this world who can ever predict
Swami's Programme.
Last year Swami did not want to go to Brindavan as there was
an overbridge being built near Whitefield and Swami did not want
devotees being inconvenienced for His sake, That is Swami's concern
for others. Now Puttaparthi's weather is very very hot so Swami for
the sake of His Devotees might go to Brindavan. I remember once
Swami saying in Sai Sruthi, Kodaikanal " I am the same at all times
and everywhere, It is how you all Think about Me".
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy - KM - 21.04.2008
Om Sai Ram - Tamil New Year's Day in Swami's Abode
Sent by a Dear Sai Brother from Prasanthi Nilayam :
The Tamil Nadu devotees had thronged the precincts of Prashanti
Nilayam. The devotees also included thespian Rajnikanth who had
arrived quite early. In the eyes of the world, it seems like a big
and grand event when people who have achieved much in their worldy
life come to Swami. For Swami, each devotee is as dear as the other
and there is absolutely no difference between the "common" people
and the "achievers". Being at His feet is the greatest achievement
and there cannot be someone who is greater or someone who is lesser
once anyone is at His feet! And so all were ready to greet their New
Year with the Lord.
Swami arrived at the decorated Sai Kulwant Hall at 8.45 am to the
music of Nadaswaram and the Vedic chants. He was looking so bright
and brilliant. After a round of Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair, Swami
came to the verandah and went around there before moving to the
stage area. These days are really so wonderful in terms of the
"nearness" of darshan available. Swami goes around every available
path and with thin crowds, the combination is really so perfect for
close darshan. The Vedam chanting stopped in a few minutes, and
Mahila singers from Tamil Nadu began with devotional songs. After a
couple of songs, Bhagawan asked the students to continue with
Bhajans. One wondered as to why Swami so suddenly had the bhajans
started. As the first bhajan began, things became so evident. While
the devotees assembled were appreciative of the songs being sung,
they could experience the thrill of participation once the bhajans
began.
Swami has always exhorted on the importance of group effort in any
field of activity, more so in spiritual activity. The bhajans picked
up tempo and gusto as minutes ticked by. Swami sat in a sort of
trance for the bhajans. But it was like the "calm before the storm",
as the usage goes. And what a storm it turned out to be! One that
was saturated with showers divine! About half an hour into the
bhajans, Prof. Anil Kumar was asked by Swami to announce that this
evening, Bhagawan would bless the gathering with His Divine Message.
This was received with thunderous applause. At about 9.45am Swami
accepted Arati and returned to Yajur Mandir.
In the evening, Bhagawan arrived for darshan in His chair at 4.10
pm. All the devotees were like eager beavers what with Swami
promising a shower of the divine discourse. A big backdrop with a
beautiful painting of a smiling Swami adorned the back end of the
marble block. Children from the Sri Vishwa Vidyalaya sat in fron in
full costumes. Swami's face lit up as He saw the tiny tots and He
kept looking at them as He crossed the marble region. After a round
of the Hall Swami came on stage and the proceedings got underway
with an introduction by Sri.V.Srinivasan, the all-India President of
the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations. The speakers to follow him
were Justice Ramasubramanyam of the Madras High Court, and Dr. V.
Mohan, Convenor of Tamil Nadu State Trust. Both spoke of their
experiences in their respective fields where they could feel Swami's
presence always conducting what the world calls as miracles. After
their speeches which recollected many Sai experiences, Bhagawan rose
to speak.
Swami's Discourse :
Swami said that the speakers that preceded Him spoke of experiences,
but those were relevant to the world. True Aadhyatmikam
(spirituality) lay in recognizing one's true Self and that was in
the Truth of "I am I" alone.
He said it was high time that the divinity present in all be
recognised and that alone will confer peace and bliss. Swami
continued by mentioning the greatness of Bharat, with its many
perennial rivers. Unfortunately, in spite of all these, men today
struggle to fill their bellies and slake their thirst. Feelings of
mine and thine are responsible for this unfortunate state of
affairs. Selfishness is on the rise.
After stressing the oneness of all creation, Bhagawan moved to the
Ramayana story, to commemorate Ramanavami festival which was just a
few hours away. He spoke on His "favourite" portion of the Ramayana
- the birth and childhood of Rama culminating in the marriage with
Mother Seeta. The stories of bravery of the young princes, the
parental devotion of Shravan Kumar and the greatness and goodness of
the three wives, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi were brought alive in
front of an audience that was lapping up every word being said.
Bringing out the ideals exhibited by the characters in the Ramayana,
Bhagawan concluded His hour-long Discourse by mentioning that the
Ramanama (sweet name of Lord Rama) was the panacea for everything.
And that is why, in every village in India, Rama is revered. As
Swami sat down at the conclusion of the hour long discourse, He
looked a bit tired but immensely satisfied. He announced, "There is
drama now being put up by children from Tamil Nadu."
Children really have that innocence and hence the ability to win the
Lord's heart. Swami had just delivered a discourse and had spent
about two hours nearly in the hot afternoon but still He wanted the
drama. No doubt, the sight of those little children sitting with all
their costumes and make up on in the hot sun melted His tender
heart. That was a really 'drama'tic announcement and immediately the
marble block area was cleared and space created for the actors to
move in.
The drama that was to be put up was entitled, "Prema Vahini" and it
exuded the fragrance of gratitude the Chennaites felt for the water
project that Swami had gifted. It is an inspiration in itself to
know the background and the story of the children and the school
that was putting up the drama.
Read that story of the magic of Swami's love and His students'
devotion in the Heart2Heart coverstory for the month of April at :
http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_06/01APR08/03-coverstory.htm
The drama "Prema Vahini" then got underway. It began with the "Burrakatha"
- a traditional mode of musical story telling in Telugu, which Swami
loves a lot.The drama presented the story of the Chennai Water
project as seen by one of the managers of the construction team. A
tiny village in the outskirts of Chennai is struggling with the lack
of water. And this is just a tiny dot in the vast landscape of acute
water scarcity that is facing the citizens there. The struggle of
people to get water was compared as equivalent to the struggle that
sage Bhagiratha had to undergo to make the river Ganga descend on to
earth. And the depiction of that episode was done crisply aided with
wonderful background music. Swami's face erupted with smiles when He
saw tiny tots in the depiction once or twice. The water problem
reaches its heights when people in an old age home almost face death
due to lack of pure drinking water.
At this point, the powerful statement that Swami made at the
inauguration of the Bangalore SSSIHMS (hospital) was played and it
was received with thunderous applause. Swami too seemed deeply
touched in nostalgia. The hero, Ramesh, is blessed to be a team
leader in the construction of the Kandaleru-Poondi canal.
The drama was punctuated with a Burra-Katha on mother Easwaramma
which Swami loved a lot and a Tamil song depicting a well
choreographed rejoicing of the citizens of Chennai at the joy of
receiving pure Sai Ganga water.
The grand finale came with the song, "Gangamma Talli" (meaning,"Oh
Lord! You have brought mother Ganga to our doorstep). As the song
was nearing the end, Swami remarked, "Now the drama is about to get
over!"
As the drama concluded, Swami spontaneously raised both His hands in
Love and benediction. All were thrilled at this and there was
another burst of applause. After the 45 minute drama, Swami accepted
Arati and returned to His residence after 6.30 pm.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM - 16.04.2008
Prasanthi News - Sri Ramanavami and Visu Celebrations
It was a wonderful evening on the occasion of Sri Ramanavami and for
the Malayalam New Years day of Visu. Kulwanth Hall was wonderfully
Decorated with the traditional Altar placed at the centre of the
Hall.
Swami came for Darshan at around 4.40 P.M, Swami spent sometime
going around Kulwanth Hall giving Wonderful Darshan. The Bala Vikas
children from Kerala presented a wonderful Drama on Ramadasu of
Bhadrachalam which lasted for an Hour. The Programme included some
wonderful songs and dance.
After the Programme Swami blessed the boy who played the role of
Ramdas with a chain. Swami also Blessed the drama group with
photographs.. Afterwards Swami wonderfully went to the interview
room and came back with Clothes for everyone who participated in the
Drama. Swami also took another set of Photos with the actors who had
played the roles of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and Sita. After Mangala
Aarthi, Swami returned to Yajur Mandiram at around 6.30 P.M thereby
drawing to a close 2 days of wonderful Celebrations which started
with the Tamil New Year's day and ended with Sri Ramanavami.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM - 15.04.2008
Prasanthi Update - Tamil New Year Discourse
Swami gave a Wonderful Divine Discourse yesterday evening on Tamil
New year.
Swami came at around 4:10 P.M and two speakers were blessed by Swami
to speak before His discourse. The first speaker was Justice
Ramasubramaniam, Chief justice of the Madras High court. He was a
Balvikas student and also one of the youngest Chief Justice of any
High court in the Country. The second speaker was Dr V Mohan, a
diabetes spcialist and a leading doctor in chennai. Both spoke on
their wonderful experiences with the Lord.
Later Swami in his Divine Discourse spoke at length about two major
aspects - Self confidence and Faith. Swami then narrated Sri Rama's
story and said that that Ramanavami is not just another day but
should be followed everyday.
Some important points of the Discourse are :
There is nothing in this world that is not
Divine. All aspects of Life like Joy and sorrow and everything other
things in life are God's gift.
Man is not able to acquire the needed skills and capabilities for
achieving the things that he wants. Energy is misused and
Intelligence wasted;
We have faith and confidence in many things, many people, books,
etc, but not self confidence.
After narrating Sri Rama's story, Swami wonderfully said that even
after 5000 years, Rama's name is still so very famous. Everyone
chants Rama's name in many places and there are countless Temple for
Rama. He is an Ideal to follow for everyone. Everyone should think
of Rama before you start the day's work, Always have His name on
your lips.
I will try to post a more Detailed version of the Divine Discourse
later..
WISHING ALL OUR DEAR SAI BROTHERS AND SISTERS A HAPPY SRIRAMANAVAMI
AND VISU. PRAYERS TO OUR DIVINE LORD FOR HIS BLESSINGS AND GRACE TO
BE WITH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU AND YOUR NEAR AND DEAR ONES.
PRAYING TO OUR LORD TO GIVE EVERYONE OF US THE STRENGTH TO SPREAD
HIS DIVINE MESSAGE AND TO PLAY A MORE BETTER ROLE IN HIS DIVINE
MISSION.
OM SAI RAM
Courtesy: KM 14.04.2008
Prasanthi News - Tamil New Year's Day
Wishing all our Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters a Most Wonderful and a
Happy Tamil New Year. May Swami's Divine Blessings be with each and
everyone of you and all your Dear and Near ones.
Today morning by around 8.20 A.M Swami came for Darshan in chair..
Swami went around the Kulwant hall giving wonderful Darshan to the
large number of Devotees Present. Swami then went to the Portico and
then went inside bhajan hall, After a Few minutes Swami again came
out to the Portico and then went to the Staff area and finally sat
outside.
After the Veda chanting Swami agreed for the Music Programme by the
ladies from Tamil Nadu. After a Few songs Swami like everyone
present must have felt the songs a bit dull even though they were
sung with great Devotion, So Swami asked the Students to start
bhajans.
Swami sat for quite a long time and at around 9:30 A.M , Swami asked
Prof Anil Kumar to announce that in the Evening He will be giveing a
Divine Discourse.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM 13.04.2008
Prasanthi News
Yesterday in the morning and evening Swami spent lot of time in the
Mandir. Swami went around in chair and gave wonderful Darshan to
everyone present.The Fact that for the past many days Swami has been
coming in Chair has made everyone present happy as everyone is able
to have Good Darshan.
Today in the Morning Swami came to the Mandir at 11 A.M. In the
Evening there were Devotional songs rendered by the Kerala Bala
Vikas children and then there was Bhajans by the Students.
After the programme Swami called a small girl and instructed her to
light the Mangala Arathi. Another girl who was supposed to give the
aarathi stood up with the aarathi plate when the lit camphor fell
down. The girl did not know what to do and started crying bitterly.
Swami was watching all these. Meanwhile one boy got up and was waved
the Aarathi. The Guru then quickly put back the camphor in flames on
the the plate and asked the girl to wave the Aarathi. Most
Wonderfully at the end, Swami called the other small girl and
created a gold chain and put it on her. It was a most wonderful
moment.
Swami then blessed everyone and retired to Yajur Mandiram at 6:05
PM.
Om Sai
Courtesy: KM 12.04.2008
Inaugurating a new canteen complex at the
Super Hospital
Sent by a Dear Sai Brother from Prasanthi
Nilayam :
Yesterday Swami went to the Super Hospital for inaugurating a new
canteen complex.
In life, food has always occupied a paramount
position. In fact Swami Vivekananda had said, "Feed a man before
teaching him spirituality." Food that sustains the "boat to cross
this ocean" of life, is regarded highly even by Swami as He says, "Annam
Brahma". As if in accordance to these dicta, a new, airy, well lit
and spacious canteen had been built! And what more! Swami had agreed
to preside over the inauguration. Though it was scheduled for the
morning, Swami had it postponed to the evening.
Colourful toranams adorned the hospital premises. Creative and
beautiful rangolis(floor drawings) had been made all along the path
that was to be used by Swami as He came - not only in the premises
but all along the road. Swami is synonymous with life for millions
all around the world as He has touched them in a divine manner. But
for thousands of people in the villages around Parthi, Swami has
done so much even physically, that they just do not know how to
express their profound sense of gratitude to Him. Like the squirrels
in the Ramayana, they do whatever little they can with all their
Love. All along the road, they make drawings trying to add a little
more "colour" to the Lord's journey!
At about 4:10 pm, Swami reached the hospital premises and He was
being escorted by motorbike riders. A Vedam contingent received Him
at the entrance with the traditional Poorna Kumbham. Lord Ganesha,
the one who ensures an obstacle-free path for any endeavour, had
been installed at the entrance and a yellow curtain had been drawn
in front of Him. As Swami neared the spot, He was given a remote. As
He depressed the button, the curtains slowly parted and Swami so
sweetly peeped in between the many shoulders that almost obscured
His view to see the curtains move! Swami came out of the car at the
door and all the various heads at the Hospital offered roses to Him.
Swami received them all and bunched them in His hand as a beautiful
smile lit up His face and all the faces around. He went into the
main hall where all had gathered. As He entered, bhajans began.
He was taken for a tour of the building. There were five different
sections to seat people. And today, all of them were being occupied
by various staff of the hospital. As Swami passed by each room, He
seemed to fulfill the aspirations and desires of all seated there.
Many of them took the opportunity to fall at His feet while some
even offered roses to Him. Swami entered the huge kitchen hall where
a vessel of milk had been placed on the huge stoves. With Swami's
blessings, the staff placed the vessel on the stove. But then, much
to their tension and Swami's amusement, the stove just refused to
light. Swami sat watching their efforts to "light" up! Then a
photographer nearby opened the gas valve which had been shut!
Immediately a flame shot up and the milk boiling began. Swami then
blessed the workers and also clothes to be distributed. The tour
continued at the end of which, Swami moved back to the central hall.
He called and created a gold chain for Mr.Manohar Shetty who was
instrumental in the beautiful building coming up so quickly and
nicely. He also blessed the architect. As Mr.Lakshminarayana
"explained" to Swami on the various facets of the hospital
functioning, Swami expressed His desire to speak! A tiny table with
an elegant mike was placed before Him. In a short and sweet speech
Swami said that the building was very beautiful, well lit and airy.
It was built with a lot of purity and that Purity must be
maintained. He was very happy and said that soon He would come there
again to have either lunch or tiffin with all the people! There was
a lot of excited chatter as Swami said this. Swami was smiling so
wonderfully and He seemed so happy. He called Dr.Neelam Desai and
enquired about how things were going on. He spoke to a few more
people and then a plate of some of His "favourite" eatables were
offered to Him. Swami picked up a groundnut and threw it to His
mouth. The force seemed a little more than needed and it fell
hitting His upper lip. Swami was the first to laugh and there was
laughter all around. He so simply teaches great lessons. God is the
first to laugh at Himself! When anyone is able to laugh at himself
or herself, there is happiness all around!
Swami was then requested to partake some snacks that had been
arranged. He at first seemed to tell no, but then smiled as if
saying, "Its alright if it makes you happy!" Swami was then taken to
a separate section where the "snacks" turned out to be a banquet in
silverware! Swami just nibbled at a few fruits. He just wanted to
taste a little to please the hosts. But the hosts often feel that
the extent to which the heart is filled is proportionate to the
extent to which the stomach is filled! When some little fried item
was given to Him, He let out a few gentle coughs! Then sipping a
little water, so sweetly, like a child that had overeaten, He said,
"Chaalu"! He saw a student staff of the Medical Trust. He called him
and asked him as to where and how he was working. Then He returned
to the main hall. On the way He blessed each and every vessel
carrying sweet prasadam and apples. Once in the main hall, Swami
received Aarthi and began to move out. On the way out too, He
blessed everyone and spoke to some of the people. He blessed the
octagenerian, Dr.Bhat, an icon of Urology, with a smile and
abhayahastha.
As He came out, there were hundreds flocking with a thirst to see
Him. Swami did not disappoint anyone. As He moved out, He blessed
everyone with abhayahastha. As He left, He left behind sweet smiles
and momentous memories.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM - 11.04.2008
Pictures from Puttaparthi Live:
http://www.puttaparthilive.com/pictures2008/08_apr_11_1.jpg
http://www.puttaparthilive.com/pictures2008/08_apr_11_2.jpg
Prasanthi Update - April 6th - Baala Rama Dance
Ballet
The dance group in the Sathya Sai Institute and the High School are
growing both in numbers and quality. With a most Phenomenal
performance of the "Saagara Manthanam" dance a few weeks ago, it is
definitely true that the nimble student dancers have to do a real
quality job each time they step on the big stage for the expectation
levels are just being pushed higher and higher.
On April 6th, Swami had permitted them to put up what would be a
major milestone in the dancing history of the Sai Students. A 40
minute dance entitled, "Baala Rama" depicting the Ramayana story
till the marriage between Lord Rama and Mother Sita had been planned
in great detail. The song had been specially written by the students
and had also been tuned and recorded by them.
Swami arrived at 4:50 pm. He came on the chair. Parthi is almost hot
to cooking levels. Sweat drops flow profusely. The body tires in the
heat and still sleep is not even a remote possibility because of the
uncomfortable conditions. Though the hall is roofed, the floor is
heated. Swami's arrival time is uncertain and on an average, a
person will spend atleast 8 hours sitting and waiting. One may begin
to wonder, "Is my stay here worth all this trouble?" The minute
Swami comes on the chairs, these doubts disappear like mist in the
sun. The smiles that beam on the devotees' face makes even the sun
pale. And that is the sweetness and coolness of the Love between the
Lord and His devotees.
As soon as Swami completed His rounds and reached the interview room
area, He saw the students in costumes in the bhajan hall. He went in
and then began a sweet interaction. He enquired into the role that
each student was performing in the drama. When they said that the
dance would depict briefly even of Raghuvamsha (Raghu clan) He said,
"It became Raghuvamsha only due to Rama. Then it was Ikshvaaku
dynasty." Even as He smiled, everyone nodded sheepishly. He was very
particular about "Seeta's" costume. Blessing everyone, He told them
that they should start in another 10 minutes time. As He went to the
interview room, the stage was set up and the dancers got ready for
the performance. A beautiful Rama figurine comprised the backdrop
and that too had been crafted by a student!
It was 5:15 pm when Swami came out and sat asking for the programme
to begin. The glory of the nectarine story began to unfold and the
whole story was scripted as narrated by Swami in the Rama Katha Rasa
Vahini. Valmiki writes about Rama as a man would view God, but
Swami's narrative gives insight into the feelings of Rama too.
Swami was totally absorbed in the programme right from the start..
It began tracing the history of the clan till Dasharatha prepares
for the sacrifice to obtain sons. The wonderful childhood of the
four brothers was depicted and then the scene where sage Vishwamitra
asks for the the princes to vanquish the demons came up. The
conflict between Dasharatha's duty as a king vs his attachment as a
father was very well portrayed and the music really elicited the
flow of emotions from the heart. The graceful movements and soulful
music transported the audience back i time to the period of the
Treta Yuga. Swami's moods seemed to flow along with the moods of the
drama. Finally the princes accompany the sage to the dark forests
where their first exploits as super heroes are demonstrated. The
climax came when Rama and Lakshmana go to the kingdom of Mithila
where the mighty bow of Shiva lay between them and the princess.
Lord Rama, as per the Guru's command, breaks the bow and later
proves His divinity to Parashurama. There is a grand celebration for
the marriage between Rama and Seeta.
The famous episode which Swami loves narrating was also depicted.
Seeta comes to garland Lord Rama. He is tall and being the
Purushottama (perfect man), He stands erect without "looking down"
upon Seeta! She is unable to garland him. (In the dance however,
Rama was not that tall. The problem had been dealt by giving Him a
big crown!) Lakshmana falls at Rama's feet and when Rama bends to
raise him, Seeta quickly garlands him. This act elicited great
applause. The atmosphere was dramatic and yet so real. One really
felt as if the Rama-Seeta Kalyanam had been witnessed. The dance
concluded with a final formation. Swami immediately said that He
would come down. As Rama and Lakshmana went up to receive Him,
everyone else prepared to receive Him.
Swami was so sweet as He asked Lakshmana, "Ay Lakshmana! Where is
Urmila?" Lakshmana was dumbstruck. "Tell me....Where is she?", Swami
persisted! The four princes were actually married all at once and
Swami was fully justified with the question. The answer was a
blushing smile and Swami seemed to enjoy the redness flushing in
Lakshmana's cheeks as He once again asked, "Tell, where is Urmila?
Paapam! Not there!" Swami showered Love and smiles liberally as He
posed for photos. All the students who were part of the drama got a
Photograph with Him. That included even the boys who did the music
recording and all the backdrop work. All the programmes put up in
front of Swami are like the Taj Mahal. Though they are beautiful to
look at, they have a supporting huge foundation. And Swami blesses
not only the Taj but also the foundations!
Filling every heart with joy, Swami had prasadam distributed and at
about 6:40 pm received Aarthi and retired.
A Milestone Dramatic Production from the Students which everyone
present would remember forever.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM 09.04.2008
Ugadi 2008 in Prasanthi Nilayam
7th April 2008 (Ugadi )
Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,
Wishing all the noble souls of our beloved Sai World a very happy
Telugu New Year UGADI as it is called in Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka and Gudi padva in Maharashtra and Sindhi community also
celebrates this day with festivity and gaiety.. According to the
epics this was the day when Brahma decided to script this world, It
was on this day when Rama chose to be coronate, it was this holy day
when Sri Krishna decided to leave His body and this day marked the
beginning of Kali age and it was this day when our Lord of this Kali
Age, decided to bless us with His divine darshan morning and evening
in His car chair..
It is a typical April atmosphere in Parthi.
Very less people in the streets of Puttaparthi during the
afternoons, many shops being closed, The huge tree facing Ganesha is
shedding leaves, the fresh smell of neem flowers…Students of Swami’s
school are on summer vacations.. Home Sick students have already
left Parthi and Sai Sick students enjoying this EXTENDED divine
opportunity, many rumours running around about Swami’s probable
visits to His summer abode and what not…
This Ugadi according to lunar calendar will be
called Sarvadhari.. Sarva Meaning everything, Dhari.. The one who
has taken upon Himself.. A universal cosmic form who is none other
than our Beloved Lord.. who is verily universal, cosmic and loving..
Last year was named Sarvajit.. the one who has
conquered everything.. True to the name He has won the hearts of
millions Puttaparthi witnessed many Human values centric programmes,
the world youth conference and to be precise everyday was a great
lesson learned. And its all His love and grace that is binding us
with this universal principle of love..
For the past week or so Swami has been blessing
us with His car chair darshan and today was no exception.
Surprisingly the hall was only half full till 8am and Swami blessed
us with His divine darshan at 8:45am. With His beautiful smile,
Majestic look, He entered the hall amidst chanting of Sai Gayatri by
His students.. Swami looked at every one with the world’s most
beautiful smile, keenly listening to every one’s prayers, requests
and complaints…
Swami blessed some gents by accepting letters
and the car chair was now right infront of the dias.. the students
who had a musical programme for this morning, started the same even
while Swami was still doing the darshan rounds.. Swami instead of
going on to the dias, preferred to be wheeled on His exit path.. He
made a full round again towards the ladies’ side.. every one were
thrilled in joy and especially elderly ladies’ seated on that side
were taken back by Swami’s kind gesture.. many of whom wouldn’t have
seen Swami so open and close and what a day it was for them.Every
one thought Swami would go back to his physical abode but surprising
all He took a right turn and again back to His entry path.. Everyone
were more happy and surprised when Swami came again towards the
gents’s side and took a full round before He settled on the dias
later on immersed in the sweet music rendered by His own chosen
children..
There were some short plays and commentaries by
students in various languages..Many students were excellent in their
commentaries and all of them asked Swami to bless this world with
prosperity and plenty to which Swami nodded in positive and it was a
treat to watch this one to one conversation with Swami and His
chosen ones.
To all of us who are in Sai Fold, every day is
a new day, every second is sanctified by His glorious name and if
there is anything that were are lacking in is putting our noble
thoughts into actions. Only when we realize how lucky and fortunate
we are to be born during this time when Lord of the Lords is around
in Human form.
During the Ugadi festival there is one
important part that every one looks forward to and that is Panchaga
sravanam.. Predicting the future done by experts in astrology and
numerology..
And Students were not less than any learned
priest and two students after bowing to Swami started their
PANCHANGA SRAVANAM..
Swami got more curious at this stage.. The Lord
who has scripted the world was keen to know what this so called
Panchangam has to say about His world..
They concluded that this year will be a year of
good harvest even though some part of the state would be devoid of
proper rains. It will be a good year for farmers who are growing
Wheat and other dry fruits. His glory will be sung every where and
there would be a positive change in the approach of the people.and
above all they concluded this year will be a very good one two which
Swami looked sweetly probably blessing SO BE IT…..
Another important part of this Panchanga
Sravanam is reading the individual sun signs… After telling two sun
signs the students said why tell about every one’s sun signs lets
see what Swami’s sun sign has to say for this new year, for which
Swami got more curious again giving the look as if saying “LET ME
SEE WHAT MY BOYS HAVE FOR ME THIS YEAR” They concluded Swami’s sun
sign has the following Adayam (Profit) 11, Vyayam (Expenditure) 8,
Pujyatha (Fame) 3, Avamanam ( blame) 1 and the two boys at the end
concluded that this year Swami’s sun sign is very good to which
Swami gave a look as if saying “If you say so”….
One of the boys now asked the other one what
should be done to gain God’s blessings to which the other boy
replied chant the glory of Lord Lets start this year by offering
prayers at the Lord of the Lords Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and
nothing can harm us and everything can be changed by His grace..
Swami was so impressed with the two boys that He called them on the
stage.. After a small circular wave of His right hand, there came a
dazzling golden chain and Swami slowly slipped around a boy’s neck
as we all joined our hands for the kind gesture.. Swami spoke to the
two boys for more than 5 minutes posed for photos…
After 10 minutes the programme ended and Swami
asked the boys next to Him to bring the holy water .. There came a
huge silver bowl with Tulasi water I suppose.. Swami was wheeled
down the dias and Swami Slowly sprinkled the holy water on the
students… after few minutes Swami called upon the temple preist to
sprinkle the holy water on all of us and this was very special Ugadi
with the holy water…
As Prasad was distributed Swami asked for
Arathi and thus ended a beautiful Ugadi Morning in the immediate
presence of our beloved Lord…
7th April Afternoon darshan:
This after noon as we all waited for the
arrival of our beloved Lord, Swami blessed us with His divine
darshan at 4:45. He came again in His chair car amidst veda chanting
and loud applauds.. There were all smiles and it was a treat to
watch Swami for almost a week now in His chair car ….
After taking a full round, Swami went into the interview room. Swami
called upon a family for interview and after about 30 minutes, Swami
came out on to the dias.. This evening there was a musical programme
and after about 1 hour Swami blessed the Prasad to be distributed
and as we all were hoping for a Divine Discourse Swami signaled for
Arathi thus ending this beautiful and auspicious day of Ugadi.. Let
this day mark the dawn of Sainess in our hearts… smiles on our faces
.. one devotee next to me was saying to another devotee what
happened to Swami why is He not giving divine discourse?.. He didn’t
speak on His birthday last year and again on Ugadi which is a big
festival.. the uncle replied that’s because we are NOT listening to
His divine discourses we are just HEARING.. How true!mere hearing is
not enough.. we have to practice each word of Swami and lets hope
that urge of listening and practicing will germinate in our hearts
and as Swami said, don’t wait for the GOLDEN AGE to come as it wont
come unless your noble thoughts are put into action ….that day is
the dawn of Golden Age.. that day is the day for which Swami has
been looking forward to .. how soon we bring that day is in our
hands and He is always there to guide us..
Bless us all dear Lord, to be your darling
children, to be your instruments, to be your CHOSEN instruments..
With humble pranams at His lotus feet of our
loving Lord….
R.Satish Naik… reporting from the Abode of
Highest peace.. Prasanthi Nilayam…
Prasanthi Update - An Unforgettable Ugadi
Morning
Prasanthi Nilayam was beaming with the thousands who had come
celebrate the New Year at the Divine Lotus Feet. The Kulwant hall
was wonderfully decorated seldom seen in recent times with colourful
decorative pieces hanging all over the hall. The Center stage was
magnificently decorated with a great varities of flowers. The stage
was also decked with new bronze images of elephants.
Swami arrived in the Kulwant hall at almost exactly 5 minutes past
9.00 A.M in the chair right Yajur Manidram. Instructions were
already given that the Music programme may begin as soon as He
enters the hall. Accordingly, starting with Sai Gayathri, the Music
group of the University offered their salutations to His feet and
began their program.
Swami took the usual round, but instead of coming on to the stage,
He took another round near ladies side, came on to gents side and
entered the portico this time. Meanwhile the program was on, with
some introductory remarks on the importance of the Ugadi day. Swami
finally came on to the stage.
The Music program was not just a list of songs sung one after the
other. Interleaved with speeches, Bhagawan's message was conveyed in
a most striking and enriching way. Songs that were chosen for the
occasion were exceedingly apt, and to suit each of them, well
written scripts were delivered as intro. "Panchanga patanam" was the
pick of all. Explaining the meaning of "Panchangam", two students
read out the forecast for different sun-signs, particularly for
Swami's! Accordingly it turned out that it is a very auspicious and
pleasant year for that 'raashi'. Swami enjoyed the depiction and he
blessed one of the students with a gold chain.
The program continued with scintillating verses in telugu as intro
to the songs, and few skits and dialogues to convey messages. Every
singer gave himself to the song, enthralling the audience so much
that none realized that it was almost 10:30AM. The pinnacle of this
string of songs, as an icing on the cake, was the rendering of one
Hindi song sung by three Students starting with the word 'barso'.
Call it co-incidence or anything, Swami suddenly asked His boys to
take him down the stage, and called for something. What was in the
offing? As everyone wondered, one of them brought a bowl of 'theertham'
and with a bunch of leaves, Swami himself sprinkled that "kalasa
theertham" on the music group and vedam boys. He also went little
ahead and blessed few more group of students. Later Swami called for
the pandit and asked him to sprinkle the water on all devotees,
students and staff.
The program came to an end with that song and truly these three
singers mesmerized the congregation. The Rendering of the song was
beyond anyone's comprehension and was the most beautiful and
wonderful sung in recent times.
What could one ask more for on this Most Auspicious Day ?
As the memories of the "Sarvajit" fade away and fresh lease of life
begins on the Ugadi Day of "Sarvadhara", Let us all pray to HIM to
shower his infinite and everflowing grace so as to remain HIS for
ever.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM 07.04.2008
Prasanthi Update - Cool Divine Darshan in
the Summer Heat
The scorching Summer heat is increasing by the day and the
conditions are very Humid and Sultry. The Greatest Comfort in this
most opressive weather is Swami's Wonderful Divine Darshans.
For the last Three Sessions Swami chose to come in Chair rather than
the car for the last three sessions. Swami went around Kulwanth Hall
, took letters from many, spoke to many and gave joy to everyone.
Everyone was so very happy and did not feel the Heat.
Everyone is looking forward to the Ugadi Celebrations and possibly
Swami's Divine Discourse.
Swami's Divine Darshan - The Greatest Receipe in the Oppressive
Heat.
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM 05.04.2008
Prasanthi Update - Beautiful are these
Days
Sent by a Dear Sai Brother from The Lord's Abode :
The sweltering summer has arrived at Puttaparthi. The breeze blowing
also seems to be carrying heat waves along with it. The summer
vacations have been declared at the impact of this declaration is
seen very prominently in the mandir. The students' number has
greatly dwindled. That is of some cheer to the devotees as they have
some more of the "prominent" places available for them to occupy!
There are still some who have decided to put away the summer heat at
the "heat of the moment" decisions to evacuate Puttaparthi at the
earliest. So though the mandir seems quite empty, it is full of
people braving many things simultaneously to see their beloved Lord.
In these hot conditions too, Swami makes His "warmth" felt to one
and all alike! As if as a bonus gift to those who have either
cancelled or postponed their summer trips to stay with Him, Swami
over the last three days has been coming on the chair and the car
has been unused for the period. The same script everyday in terms of
the route that Swami takes but so many different and touching
stories along the way. There is such an eager anticipation as Swami
gets ready to set out for the darshan rounds. The question in the
mind is whether its the chair or the car! And the last three days,
this question has been answered by thrilled, "Oohs" and "Aahs" as
Swami has always chosen the former.
Swami starts down from the ladies side and moves down gently. He is
in no hurry at all and He seems to be taking letters from everyone!
Letters are so symbolic of desires! The more He takes, the more
there seem to remain to be taken! But over these days, the profusion
of letters being given and the overwhelming Love with which they are
being accepted has been such that on the 4th, the letters' number
seems to have reduced. Well, it is also a common practice,
especially among the students, to compose letters to their dear Lord
whenever there seems to be a good chance to hand it over to Him. So
from the students' side, there are always letters flowing. The
Primary School block is comparitively so empty. Instead of the
twittering and talking thousands, there are only a few tens left.
But these tiny tots rush down towards the rear end of the block to
have a close glimpse of Him as He passes by and then rush back to
their places in the front of the block to get another darshan when
He comes to the front! He knows all this and yet, so sweetly, He
chooses to be surprised when He sees them again for the second time.
His expression says, "Hey! Did I not see you there at the back a few
minutes back?"
It is a bonanza time for all the devotees too. When He comes in the
car, the people sitting on the driver's side crane their necks to
have a glimpse of His divine locks atleast. But now, it is such a
wonderful and fulfilling feeling to see His in all His grandeur. He
looks to both the sides and takes letters from both the sides. Many
of the devotees bend and get the opportunity to take Paadanamaskar.
The effect of the hot cuddapah slabs below and the scorching roof
above seems to just fade away with the cooling and refreshing
presence of Swami so close. The heat may seem to make it the worst
of times but His warmth makes it the best of times. Indeed blessed
are those being able to enjoy the bliss of this proximity that He
has decided to shower.
As He moves through the herd of eagerly crowding students, He
blesses many. A few words here, a tap on the shoulder there;
acceptance of a letter or a shower of the holy akshata grains. The
final result of all these is the same - a glowing smile on the face.
He completes the darshan rounds and then extends it into a round in
the bhajan hall and the veranda too! Everyone is happy and the waves
of Joy wash out the sweltering heat. The bhajans begin and there is
lot of gusto and enthusiasm. Swami exchanges a few words with the
singers in the bhajan hall. It is around 6:15 pm on an average when
He retires.
Beautiful indeed are these days.......
Om Sai Ram
Courtesy: KM 05.04.2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Borrowing time
Not many of us like summer. Besides the scorching heat, there’s a
burning grief, of separation of His beautiful form from our eyes.
While some of them have tears swelled up, some have even dried,
never to return again. Those eyes will forever look out into the
world for a reflection of our Mother’s love.
The past few days have been sober; Swami hasn’t come out as much as
our hearts would have yearned for. But when He did come, he made
sure to get the choicest blessings for us. On Sunday, the boys of
class 10 had put a drama on the theme “Follow the master”. Swami was
very gracious to follow the outpourings from their hearts and bless
them profusely.
The next day, students of Music College offered their prayers in the
form of a gratitude programme. Swami came pretty late; nevertheless
He was keen on giving them a memorable parting gift and stayed on
till sunset, accepting their love and prayers.
Yesterday, Swami came in chair and took a round towards the ladies
enclosure. He sat in the portico for a long time. Many boys got a
chance to give letters and speak to Him. One boy said, “Swami, my
sister is getting married and wants your blessings. Our Mother
replied, “good, what is your brother-in-law doing?” The boy spoke of
the details; Swami was satisfied with his answer and blessed him.
Many of the students who have graduated this year have borrowed some
time to stay back for a few days and seek His blessings. Since Swami
has been coming rarely for morning sessions now, it only adds to our
dejection. But today, Swami came out as late as 10 am and sat for an
entire hour during the bhajans, delighting us all. He came towards
us in the evening too, taking letters and blessing everyone. A boy
asked, “Swami, I completed my MBA. What should I do next?” Swami
said, “go home, think for sometime and get a good job.”
These beautiful moments give a message of succour, as He said, “You
may be this University’s student for a few years, but you will be a
Sai student forever.” Surely, a title we wouldn’t trade for anything
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