View slideshow of the Photos taken on 04.10.2008 of Sai Devi at Dharmakshetra on account of the Navaratri Celebrations

Please view the following graphic files sent by Brother Kowshik from Colombo

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A group of 20 boys from Kerala performed a wonderful Classical Dance program on Sivashtakam. After the Programme there was a Carnatic vocal by a boy and a girl.

After Bhajans Swami created a most beautiful ring, which had a cross on it for the main dancer. Swami also blessed all the Programme participants and the Singers with Clothes and a beautiful silk saree for the Girl Vocalist.

To the Delight of everyone Swami then took group photographs with the dancers. Everyone of the Programme participants were in tears.

A truly Wonderful Evening in Kulwanth Hall.

Om Sai Ram

Courtesy: KM - Wednesday, 22 October, 2008 5:50 PM

Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Santhi Mahotsava

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Divine Incarnation of Kali Yuga, is entering the auspicious 83rd year of His Advent on 23rd Navember 2008. This holy event is an occasion providing us a unique opportunity to observe and celebrate it in a grand and auspicious manner.
 
The sacred programme, which is being conducted mainly for the well-being of mankind and for world peace, will commence on the morning of Saturday, 15th November 2008 and will culminate in Poornahuti on Monday, 17th November 2008. The programme will be conducted by hundreds of Vedic scholars arriving from various parts of India.
 
As per prelude, talks on the sacred scripture, Srimad Bhagavata, will commence on 10th November 2008 and will be conducted for a week.
 
The celebration of the completion of 1,000 full moon days of Bhagavan is a unique and auspicious event. All should avail of this rare opportunity to sanctify their lives by coming to Prasanthi Nilayam to have Darshan of our Beloved Bhagavan and receive His blessings.
 
Source : Sanathana Sarathi. October 2008

Courtesy: KM 21.10.2008

Prasanthi Updates

There are full scale Preparations for the massive Sahasra Chandra Darshana Yajnam to be held from the 15th to the 17th of November as part of Bhagawan's Birthday Celebrations. In the Vidyagiri stadium a massive stage near the Shanthi Vedika is being readied which is to serve as the altar for the Yajnakundams. Needless to say that Swami is visiting the Stadium everyday to bless the people working there. The Preparations for the Birthday functions have begun.

Also in recent days Bhajans are at 5 pm instead of 5.30 as Swami has ordered the shift in timings, which Bhagawan has been doing alternatively during the Summer and Winter.

Om Sai Ram

Courtesy: KM - 19.10.2008

Complete Text of Swami's Memorable Poornahuti Discourse

The Poornahuti Discourse was one of Epic proportions in terms of its great and Wonderful Significance and reminding humanity and rendering a wake up call to it.

Swami said : Many people pass through pleasure and pain. When it is pleasure we say it is good luck and in the other case we say that it is misfortune. But it is all karma. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavathi. As is the feeling, so is the experience. The whole world revolves around action. And so the actions must be sacred. What is Dusshera? It is nothing but the result of 10 days of action. The Poornahuthi can be considered as the culmination of the actions of the 10 senses. (5 karmendriyas and 5 Jnanendriyas.) In this world action is inevitable.

In the Navarathri the divine mother is worshipped. The first is Devi Shakti who gives the might to perform all the actions. Basing on this, Lakshmi confers all that is needed. And Saraswati fosters the knowledge. The worship of these three is called Navarathri. Tridalam Trigunakaram Trinetram cha Triyayudham. (three petalled, embodying the three gunas, three eyed and having the three ayudhas) applies for the Devi too. The inner significance of Navarathri is to get the Navavidha Shakti. (The nine forms of strength) For all this Dharma is important. One has to always discriminate. The Buddhi is very important and is embodied as Vishnu. Like the current in everything, the intellect pervades the body. Whether good or bad, you have to face the consequences. It is only their actions that makes us hold people like the Pandavas in high regard. So, all must do sacred actions. Lakshmi is made out of the letters la, ksh ,ma and i. She is forever seated in Narayana's heart.

Lord narayana is eternal and so is she. Sitting there she confers blessings on all humanity. Lord Narayana is not Lakshmi Narayana but Sathyanarayana. Sathyanarayana smiles and walks in human form in our midst. Just as Lakshminarayana is Garudavahana Sathyanarayana is sarpavahana. He looks like a normal human but his power is immense. He appears as if he does not know anything. But Sathya is the essence of Sathyanarayana. He stresses on the principle of truth always. From truth comes righteousness or dharma. Sathyanarayana is the combination of Sathya and Dharma and he has incarnated to establish them.

Vishnu himself says that Sathayanarayana Raju is very important. He is no ordinary one. People may consider him so but what he says is the truth and the absolute truth. That means that he says what is in his heart and does what he speaks about. The entire creation has come from truth and to truth it will return. There is no place without truth and that is the pure truth. Man is not careful. He thinks that Sathyanarayana is telling lies or that he is joking. Sathyanarayana may speak smilingly or jokingly but it is the truth. Even those who are close also do not believe this. They neglect his words and take it in a very easy and light manner. All that Sathyanarayana says will manifest in the future. Those who are incapable of thinking of the future alone think of them as lies.

You will soon see the manifestation of this truth. The age of this body is 83 years. Till today I have not forgotten anything. I may appear forgetful but there is nothing that is forgetfulness in my life. I am the eternal witness. And today that sakshi (witness) is being neglected. I have chosen to speak it today and I have never done so before. As the time is fast approaching, I have to reveal all this. People have spoken their thoughts in the past few days. That is not the truth. But nothing wrong in it since they have spoken of their thoughts and feelings. People have to recognize the truth. Truth has no hatred enmity anger or differences. I have no difference. You consider others with differences. All are equal; all the children of Sathya.

Whoever comes and speaks to me I always smile. I am never angry with anyone. Even when I appear angry, it is a pretension to correct you. The students here wonder that they get they disappointed, dejected and comment on others but how is it that swami maintains composure. All are one; the shakthi in all is the same- that is the Atma shakti. There is only Atmanarayana.

There may be many names and forms but God is one. You see bulbs here. But all the lights go out when the current is gone. God is the Atmic current. God has been doing a lot for the bliss of his devotees. But he has no likes or dislikes; he has no desires. God has only one desire and that is "Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu".

Each one faces the consequences of one's karma. And so some will have to face sorrow and misery. I do not have even one desire. I have incarnated for your happiness. But to make anyone happy is not my desire. Bulbs are many and you see that the intensity of their lights vary- some are bright and some are dim. But the current is the same and no one can find fault with the current. The lord is the current. Joys and sorrows are of your own making.

Sathyanarayana has also been called Vishnu that is explained in detail in the vishnupurana. Vishnu moves in the world as Sathyanarayana. Sathya is his hallmark. Why did I not speak for 10 days? All spoke in their own ways. It is to declare the truth that I speak. I love those that love me, those that hate me, the demons - everyone. But people do not understand this. They say Swami is not talking with me. Is he angry? I have only hunger for devotees and not anger towards them. God is the embodiment of love and Navaratri is celebrated to demonstrate this principle of truth. People worship in different ways that they choose. But there is no difference for Bhagawan.

All are embodiments of love and must mingle as brothers and sisters. Remember that men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Have faith in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Have love and treat everyone well. People stay away from you till they are able to glimpse your love once love is there they will come instantly. All those who spoke based it on their experiences and feelings. That is not wrong. But there are very few who have known the path of truth.

Be the same to all. Have no differences. All are one. Though they look different at one moment you will realize that all are brothers and sisters at the next. All are one be alike to everyone. Love all that is my message.

In a tree there are buds. Some of them flower immediately and become fruits while others take time. One must wait for that fragrance and sweetness. Today is Poornahuti. What is it? It is complete thyaga (sacrifice). Swami is complete thyaga always. Poornamadah poornamidam poornath poornam udhachyathe. This is full. That is full. And if you remove fullness from fullness it still remains full. Children are like buds and may not understand that depth now. As they grow and mature they will understand.

One more thing every child has a small cellphone today. It leads to misue, bad thoughts of connection between boys and girls. If you do not want bad thoughts do not have bad connections. Do not use a phone much. It may look and feel nice and savvy but will lead to misuse. For 83 years I have never used a phone. The devotees may cry and die but I will not pick up a phone. I have not spoken on a phone but I have the right to advice you. You are all children and so act as children must. Be careful... If you are careless the world will be careless towards you. You may say that I am speaking well and good. But others may take the wrong meaning. So do not give scope for misinterpretation. It is okay with elders but people who are young completely misunderstand and so you miss the understanding. If given a choice throw the cellphone in the well. Do not buy them; if you do so have connections with the right people. Using the cellphone to gossip and carry tales about others is not good. If you do not use the phone and speak for a while you will think " Ayyo I have not spoken to so and so" and get worried. Be very careful and get a good name.

Swami concluded His discourse with the bhajan, "Hari bhajan Bina Sukh Shanti nahi". Blessing prasadam to be distributed, Swami received Mangala Aarthi and retired at almost 7:50pm.

Om Sai Ram

Courtesy KM 14.10.2008

WHEEL CHAIR EXPERIENCE


Om Sai Ram dearest Sai Family

It was a beautiful morning. suddenly Swami calls me and asks to take Him around for darshan round in Sai Kulwanth hall. As I move around all devotees who knew me were all smiles and I take padanamaskar from Swami and end of a beautiful dream. I woke up and I said - "Swami thank u so much for that divine dream".

I almost forgot about the dream and left for Parthi with my dad in my little 80cc TVS motor cycle. Just when we were getting close to Gokulam a tatasumo van all of a sudden hit us and we were rushed to Swami's hospital.

Dad didn't have much injuries but my ankle was dislocated. My mother put me on a wheel chair and wheeled me to doctor's room. I looked at one of Swami's photos in the hospital smiling and only then I remembered the wheel chair dream and could say nothing but THANK YOU DEAR LORD. It was your helping hand that saved me from a big danger. I shared my dream with doctor uncle and He was all smiles and asked me to rest my leg for 10 days and I should be ok very soon.

Thank you Swami!!

SATISH NAIK.13.10.2008

9th_October_Poornahuthi_DISCOURSE

And finally the grand day arrived! Today was Vijayadasami, the 90th death anniversary of Shirdi Baba, the final day of the Dasara celebrations and also the concluding Poornahuti ceremony of the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna. It is very rare that humanity does anything without expectation of a reward. Even the stotrams (stanzas in praises of the Lord) or the suprabhatam (waking up prayer to the Lord) have the last portion dedicated to what is called the Phalashruthi which states what are the benefits one would accrue by reciting them! In the similar fashion, the Poornahuthi day of the grand yajnam can be considered as its Phalashruthi for it is on this day that the heart thrills and the eyes get a feast - the reward for the meticulous and sincere attendance of the week long prayer. The previous evening it had been announced that Swami would make the Poornahuthi Poornam(complete and sweet!) at 10am today. So most of the devotees chose to go straight to the Poornachandra auditorium rather than wait in Kulwant hall. But the truly greedy ones for His darshan (and who can blame them for being so for isn't our Lord so attractive and wonderful to see that the eyes experience what only the tongue was cursed to feel - thirst!) sat in the Kulwant hall hoping that He comes there first and then goes to the auditorium.

It was about 9:15am when Swami arrived out of Yajur mandir. The little Gita was waiting to be fed by the Lord and Swami fed apples to her. Then to slake the thirst of the eyes we talked about earlier, Swami moved towards the Kulwant hall on a magnificent "throne chair", golden in its colour and tall in its height. It became very evident that He had come only to give joy to those waiting in the hall as He took a small round and then quickly hurried towards the auditorium. Now everyone too rushed there and in a few minutes the Kulwant hall wore a deserted look with the only people there being the spillover crowd from the auditorium! Just past 9.30 Bhagawan arrived onstage, and interacting briefly with the priests, moved to the Western end of the stage. Along the way, all the teachers and students clad in orange and cream had a good darshan and formed a sort of backdrop for the Lord in orange! At the western end of the stage, Swami blessed garlands to be placed on the mound of kumkum and turmeric that represents the supreme and receives devotion during the conduct of the yajna. The water to be sprinkled on all as a sign of divine blessing and benediction too was blessed and Swami received Aarthi. The priests then sought permission to go to the mandir and fetch the necessary tools to perform the poornahuthi. Swami permitted them and moved backstage.

The priests literally rushed to the bhajan hall where the wooden tools and materials were placed. A long wooden pole with a channel through which ghee (clarified butter) would flow to feed the flames of the yajna fire was the main among them all. They returned in a procession and Swami too came onstage as soon as they arrived. He then moved to the centre, and the priests chanted mantras to complete the final offerings into the sacrificial fire. The mop of lovely hair around His head marked Swami in the group of saffron bodies that surrounded the equally saffron flame. Swami on the throne looked so magnificent and heavenly as the flames lapped up higher and higher as if attempting to look at Him in all His grandeur. An orange bundle containing all the final offerings to the fire was opened before Swami. Swami inspected it and then blessed it to be placed into the Yajnakundam. As that was done, a burst of joyful applause filled the entire auditorium. Swami then moved around the stage and blessed all there with His proximity. The priests then gathered around Him once again after a brief visit to the western end of the hall.

Swami blessed the priests and the wife of the chief-priest with clothes, and they all went backstage, changed into the new clothes and returned. As they gathered around, the head priest and Swami both asked for all the chantings to cease. All the priests now chanted at a very high pitch and high decibel levels as Swami sat through intensely looking at all of them. Then the head priest sang out some hymn and Swami was very touched with his rendition. After that, Swami received Aarthi at about 10:15 am and retired for the morning into Yajur Mandir.

Bhagawan arrived for darshan in the car at 5.30 this evening. The devotees have all got so much used to the chair that the car was indeed a novel experience! Once He came on stage,Swami noticed Nepalese students seated in the front with huge kumkum marks embedded with rice grains on their foreheads. Swami asked them as to what was that mark all about. The 40 odd students went up to Swami and sought His blessings for the traditional Durga Pooja practice that is common in Nepal. Swami blessed all of them and accepted letters He spoke to a few of them too A wonderful thing has to be mentioned here. The Nepalese students from the Institute, music college and school get together during the summer vacation to carry out seva activities in their region. The most impressive aspect of this service is that all the finance is obtained from the "spiritual savings "(if we can call them so) of these students. They put a ceiling on desires and many of them wash their own clothes and save the dhobi fees. Such savings are directed towards the service. As Swami says, charity gets meaning when it involves sacrifice. The 100 Rs given by a millionaire pales into insignificance before the single rupee saved by hard effort! The photos of the previous years service activities were shown to Swami and Swami was appreciative of them After He blessed all those students, He heard the vedam chants for a while.

Then, Sri. T. G. Krishnamurthy, former Sai Organisation State President of Tamil Nadu, was asked to speak. After his half-hour speech, Prof. G. Venkataraman, former Vice-Chancellor of the Sai University, spoke for twenty minutes. The professor outlined as to how the world that does not root itself in Swami's teachings of Love undergoes one bust after another like the dotcom bubble and the housing bubble. Sensing that Swami wanted to deliver His divine message, the professor concluded his talk. Bhagawan then indicated that He would deliver His Vijaya Dasami message and His microphone was brought up.

The discourse today would become one of epic proportions in terms of its' significance in reminding humanity and rendering a wake up call to it.

Many people pass through pleasure and pain. When it is pleasure we say it is good luck and in the other case we say that it is misfortune. But it is all karma. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavathi. As is the feeling, so is the experience. The whole world revolves around action. And so the actions must be sacred. What is Dusshera? It is nothing but the result of 10 days of action. The Poornahuthi can be considered as the culmination of the actions of the 10 senses. (5 karmendriyas and 5 Jnanendriyas.) In this world action is inevitable.

In the Navarathri the divine mother is worshipped. The first is Devi Shakti who gives the might to perform all the actions. Basing on this, Lakshmi confers all that is needed. And Saraswati fosters the knowledge. The worship of these three is called Navarathri. Tridalam Trigunakaram Trinetram cha Triyayudham. (three petalled, embodying the three gunas, three eyed and having the three ayudhas) applies for the Devi too. The inner significance of Navarathri is to get the Navavidha Shakti. (The nine forms of strength)

For all this Dharma is important. One has to always discriminate. The Buddhi is very important and is embodied as Vishnu. Like the current in everything, the intellect pervades the body. Whether good or bad, you have to face the consequences. It is only their actions that makes us hold people like the Pandavas in high regard. So, all must do sacred actions. Lakshmi is made out of the letters la, ksh ,ma and i. She is forever seated in Narayana's heart. Lord narayana is eternal and so is she. Siting there she confers blessings on all humanity. Lord Narayana is not Lakshmi Narayana but Sathyanarayana.

Sathyanarayana smiles and walks in human form in our midst. Just as Lakshminarayana is Garudavahana Sathyanarayana is sarpavahana. He looks like a normal human but his power is immense. He appears as if he does not know anything. But Sathya is the essence of Sathyanarayana. He stresses on the principle of truth always. From truth comes righteousness or dharma. Sathyanarayana is the combination of sathya and dharma and he has incarnated to establish them. Vishnu himself says that Sathayanarayana raju is very important. He is no ordinary one. People may consider him so but what he says is the truth and the absolute truth. That means that he says what is in his heart and does what he speaks about. The entire creation has come from truth and to truth it will return. There is no place without truth and that is the pure truth. Man is not careful. He thinks that Sathyanarayana is telling lies or that he is joking. Sathyanarayana may speak smilingly or jokingly but it is the truth. Even those who are close also do not believe this. They neglect his words and take it in a very easy and light manner. All that Sathyanarayana says will manifest in the future. Those who are incapable of thinking of the future alone think of them as lies. You will soon see the manifestation of this truth. The age of this body is 83 years. Till today I have not forgotten anything. I may appear forgetful but there is nothing that is forgetfulness in my life. I am the eternal witness. And today that sakshi (witness) is being neglected. I have chosen to speak it today and I have never done so before. As the time is fast approaching, I have to reveal all this. People have spoken their thoughts in the past few days. That is not the truth. But nothing wrong in it since they have spoken of their thoughts and feelings. People have to recognize the truth. Truth has no hatred enimity anger or differences. I have no difference. You consider others with differences. All are equal; all the children of Sathya.

Whoever comes and speaks to me I always smile. I am never angry with anyone. Even when I appear angry, it is a pretention to correct you. The students here wonder that they get they dissapointed, dejected and comment on others but how is it that swami maintains composure. All are one; the shakthi in all is the same- that is the Atma shakti. There is only Atmanarayana. There may be many names and forms but God is one. YOu see bulbs here. But all the lights go out when the current is gone. God is the Atmic current. God has been doing a lot for the bliss of his devotees. But he has no likes or dislikes; he has no desires. God has only one desire and that is "Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu". Each one faces the consequences of one's karma. And so some will have to face sorrow and misery. I do not have even one desire. I have incarnated for your happiness. But to make anyone happy is not my desire. Bulbs are many and you see that the intensity of their lights vary- some are bright and some are dim. But the current is the same and no one can find fault with the current. The lord is the current. Joys and sorrows are of your own making.

Sathyanarayana has also been called Vishnu that is explained in detail in the vishnupurana. Vishnu moves in the world as Sathyanarayana. Sathya is his hallmark. Why did I not speak for 10 days? All spoke in their own ways. It is to declare the truth that I speak. I love those that love me, those that hate me, the demons - everyone. But people do not understand this. They say Swami is not talking with me. Is he angry? I have only hunger for devotees and not anger towards them. God is the embodiment of love and Navaratri is celebrated to demonstrate this principle of truth. People worship in different ways that they choose. But there is no difference for Bhagawan. All are embodiments of love and must mingle as brothers and sisters. Remember that men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Have faith in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Have love and treat everone well. People stay away from you till they are able to glimpse your love once love is there they will come instantly. All those who spoke based it on their experiences and feelings. That is not wrong. But there are very few who have known the path of truth.

Be the same to all. Have no differences. All are one. Though they look different at one moment you will realize that all are brothers and sisters at the next. All are one be alike to everyone. Love all that is my messsage.

In a tree there are buds. Some of them flower immediately and become fruits while others take time. One must wait for that fragrance and sweetness. Today is Poornahuti. What is it? It is complete thyaga (sacrifice). Swami is complete thyaga always. Poornamadah poornamidam poornath poornam udhachyathe. This is full. That is full. And if you remove fullness from fullness it still remains full. Children are like buds and may not understand that depth now. As they grow and mature they will understand.

One more thing every child has a small cellphone today. It leads to misuse, bad thoughts of connection between boys and girls. If you do not want bad thoughts do not have bad connections. Do not use a phone much. It may look and feel nice and savvy but will lead to misuse. For 83 years I have never used a phone. The devotees may cry and die but I will not pick up a phone. I have not spoken on a phone but I have the right to advice you. You are all children and so act as children must. Be careful. If you are careless the world will be careless towards you. You may say that I am speaking well and good. But others may take the wrong meaning. So do not give scope for misinterpretation. It is okay will elders but people who are young completely misunderstand and so you miss the understanding. If given a choice throw the cellphone in the well. Do not buy them; if you do so have connections with the right people. Using the cellphone to gossip and carry tales about others is not good. If you do not use the phone and speak for a while you will think " Ayyo I have not spoken to so and so" and get worried. Be very careful and get a good name.

Swami concluded His discourse with the bhajan, "Hari bhajan Bina Sukh Shanti nahi". Needless to say everyone followed with gusto and vigour. Blessing prasadam to be distributed, Swami received Aarthi and retired at almost 7:50pm!

Trust God with your everything

Courtesy: Mukesh Patel 13.10.2008

 Swami's Vijayadasami Discourse - The Divine Truth about Sathyanarayana Raj

Our Divine Lord at last broke His silence of the last 9 days and spoke on the concluding day of Navarathri on Vijayadasami Day. Two speakers spoke before Swami's Divine Discourse which actually surprised everyone as no one expected Swami to speak at all.

It was around 6.30 pm when Prof.G.Venkatraman finished his wonderful speech and everyone awaited Swami's signal for Bhajans to start like all other Navarathri Days when Swami instead called for the Microphone to the great delight of everyone present.

Salient Features of Swami's Vijayadasami Discourse :

Swami said that Every single feeling and thought one experiences is due only to the actions we perform and it is our Karma. Swami elaborated a lot on the theory of Karma. Swami also spoke about the oneness of all religion and the varied names and forms of God. The Wonderful and Divine part of the Discourse was when Swami revealed the wonderful Truth about "Sathyanarayana' . Swami then stated that Swami had not revealed the truth till now, but now as the time is aproacihing HE has chosen this day to reveal the truth. Swami said that Sathyanarayana Raju is none but Narayana, on earth, and whatever He tell, He does is nothing but Ultimate truth.

Swami also said that people are not able to recognize this truth but soon they will have to. Swami said that people take His form and speech lightly. But the fact is that whatever Sathyanarayana tells, even jokingly, is Truth. Many times students wonder how Swami maintains his composure and always smiles. It is because, as such Swami has no desires, no hatred, but only love. He said that all are alike to Him.

Later, towards the end of the Divine Discourse Swami dwelt upon the disadvantages of cell phones and how people misuse it. He said that boys and girls keep too many contacts and continuously speak over cell phones. They waste time in expecting calls from friends and give their phone numbers to everyone. Because of this, many misuses occur. Swami said that if possible just throw these phones into the well! Otherwise, at least be careful in its usage. Don't have too many contacts.

Thus ending a Wonderful Vijayadasami and made more wonderful by Swami's Divine Discourse and His Divine Revelation to everyone.

Om Sai Ram

Courtesy: KM
Friday, 10 October, 2008 11:41 AM

DASARA 2008 IN PRASHANTHI NILAYAM

Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,

The Ten Day Dasara festival came to an end in a grand way in the Abode of Highest peace, Puttaparthi. The Poorna Chandra Auditorium was full by 7:30am and the priests were already in their duties getting ready for the Porrnaahuti. At 9am there was some alertness among the people on the stage giving us a feeling that Swami would be on stage any moment. In no time our Lord, out of immense grace, with His beautiful smile, with the brightness of thousand suns filling the atmosphere with the Divine fragrance, seated in a different wheel chair, which had a good height probably for a better view for all the thousands assembled to see our Lord, came on the dais. all the priests gathered around Him, to seek His blessings and padanamaskar. Once Swami came into the picture, our Prashanthi Veda group headed by Sri Veda Narayana took over the proceedings and only then the whole Poornachandra Auditorium came alive and the chanting touched the roof.

Amidst Veda Chants, Swami slowly moved to the west end of the dais, getting closer to the ladies’ side. The ladies’ were in big numbers and once our Lord got closer to their side, their happiness knew no bounds. Seeing our Lord, so close and from a good height, is always a beautiful experience.. Swami then reached in the corner of the stage, near the Gautam Buddha statue the head priest and his wife, offered Arathi to Swami after which Swami came back to the eastern end of the dais and was watching the proceedings. Later, Swami moved to the Yagna kunda and offered a plate full of offerings in the sacrificial fire. Swami then sprinkled Turmeric rice on the priests and the holy water was blessed before the priests took them around the auditorium to sprinkle on the devotees. Swami meanwhile blessed the Prasad and in no time at around 10am Arathi was given to Swami and the morning Darshan came to an end without the divine discourse.

AFTERNOON DARSHAN:

This afternoon Kulwanth hall was full and many devotees had to stand outside. Swami played His WAITING game. The whole week had been like this, and WAITING for Swami is always a unique experience. In WAITING for Him there is no frustration, Waiting for Him is DIVINE and DEVOTIONAL. Probably, to make all of us think more of God , Swami plays this Divine game and there is none who don’t think of Him during this Waiting period and as the Waiting goes on the contemplation increases and it is another boon from Swami for the busy Kaliyuga, to do little bit of Namasmarana and ignite the GOD in us..

The waiting ended around 5;10 Pm When Swami decided to grant His divine darshan. Swami was seated on the dais as the Veda chanting was in full swing. Swami called about 50 boys one by one, some offering a letter, some roses and some were birthday boys with plates and Swami collected some Akshitalu (rice grains mixed in turmeric) from their plates and sprinkled on their heads blessing them.

At 6:30 pm as everyone thought the beautiful dasara will end without a divne discourse, Swami asked for the mike..

Seated in His chair, Swami gave a hour long discourse full of Atma gnana, the topic of the discourse as Swami said was realization of TRUTH and apart from that Swami also gave suggestions about cell phone usage, unity, patience.. Here are few excerpts from His divine discourse..

The whole world revolves around Karma and action must necessarily be good. Man should be in a good condition as to check what Karma is good. Do actions without any expectations. Referring to Him, Swami said, to uphold Sathya and Dharma Sathya Narayana has incarnated. People consider Him ordinary. What ever He says is only truth. Everything is created in Sathya (the truth) and merges in Sathya. Truth is present everywhere. Man is not mindful about truth.

Speaking about Him again Swami said, This body is 83 years.Many people say Swami has forgotten us.. I remember everything. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE FORGETFUL NESS. I have decided to speak on the truth. The TIME HAS COME for the world to know the truth. Sathya has no differences. All are children of Sathya. All are equal to Me. You might have noticed I smile at every one. I have no anger but some times I pretend to be angry to correct people. All are one. The SHAKTHI in every one is same and that is ATMA. You can see many bulbs here but the current is one. The world may be different but it is all ATMA.

I HAVE ONLY ONE DESIRE:

God will do anything to make devotees happy. I have no desires. The only Desire I have is LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU, (May all the beings in all the worlds be happy). The divinity is same in pleasure and pain. I have no other desires. I have incarnated to make all happy. Iam not simple NARAYANA, Iam SATHYA NARAYANA. It is necessary for all to understand His nature. There is no one in this world who are not recipients of HIS love..

There are no differences for Him though there are differences in worship. Mingle as brothers and sisters. All are His children. God is only Father. We all are His children. All are one be alike to everyone. What is POORNAHUTHI. It is TOTAL SACRIFICE. I AM SACRIFICE. Children as they grow older will understand My teachings. Till then you keep you mind in control.

CELL PHONES:

Every one has cell phone today. Cell phone is supposed to be for convenience. But they are being MISUSED. Cell phone leads you in Bad talks and let you do bad actions. They are misused. You give number to one person and that number gets distributed to every one. Boys and girls are wasting their valuable time by talking over cell phones. They are actually over using them. This body is 83 years old. I have not used phone till now. I haven’t talked to any one over phone till now. Swami ended saying people who have not bought cell phone better don’t buy.

Swami ended His hour long discourse with Hari Bhajana Bina Bhajan and Arathi was given to Swami around 7:30 pm thus ending yet another beautiful dasara at our Lord’s Abode…

With Pranams at the lotus feet of our Lord.

(all the contents are based on memory and as the sound was not clear enough in Kulwanth hall there might be some errors which are not intentional and I surrender at the Lotus feet of our beloved Lord... Pls check the SSSBPT website for the official copy of the discourse... )

Jai Sai Ram
Friday, 10 October, 2008 2:12 PM
From: satish naik

Prasanthi Update - October 7th and 8th.

The eighth or ninth day in Dusshera is celebrated as Durga pooja or Ayudh pooja. The festival is replete with many practices and rituals. For instance, there is a legend related to the exhibition of toys that is known as Golu (spelled Kolu in some regions). Since the goddess Durga needed tremendous power, all other gods and goddesses transferred their power to Goddess Durga and they all stood still as toys. To respect the self-sacrifice of these deities during the festival days, Hindus revere toys that are in shape of particular gods and goddesses.

After the slaying of Mahishasura and other demons by Durga or Chamundeshwari, there was no more use for her weapons. So the weapons were kept aside and worshipped. This Ayudha puja is being celebrated since ancient times. The Ayudha Puja is a worship of whatever implements one may use in one's livelihood. On the preceding evening, it is traditional to place these implements on an altar to the Divine. If one can make a conscious effort to see the divine in the tools and objects one uses each day, it will help one to see one's work as an offering to God. It will also help one to maintain constant remembrance of the divine. In India it is customary for one to prostrate before the tools one will use before starting one's work each day; this is an expression of gratitude to God for helping one to fulfil one's duties.

And so, in Puttaparthi too, all vehicles and implements are worshipped and revered this day. The Saab, Merc, BMW and Toyota stood beside each other awaiting their Lord! In this place, not only the devotees from all parts of the world sit with each other, machines and vehicles from everywhere too rest side by side! An altar had been made amidst the cars and the whole place was spotless clean.

A few minutes after 9:30am Swami arrived for darshan rounds. There was a Mangalavadyam team standing in readiness to welcome Swami.. Swami was not accepting letters and understandably so for today was the day of the machines! As He crossed the students' area and entered the gents side, the Mangalavadyam escorted Him. With Swami, the wonderful thing is anything looks beautiful and thrilling for He is the one who lends beauty and Grace to anything. The escort group that led Swami for a short distance erupted wonderful feelings within every heart nevertheless. As Swami neared the cars area, all the members of the escort party grabbed the opportunity to place prostrations at His Lotus feet.

Swami then moved to the altar that had been made specially for the occasion. He sat in front of it looking and gazing at it. And for those few moments, amidst all the noise and celebrations, a kind of silence enveloped all those standing near Him. His silence is so powerful and it stills even the most turbulent of minds into placid calmness. Trays and bowls holding chocolates and coconuts were brought to Him for blessings. He placed His palms over all of them and blessed them to be broken in front of the decorated vehicles in the traditional manner. As Swami watched on, coconuts were broken in front of each of the cars. Then bowls of prasadam and chocolates were blessed for distribution. Having done that, Swami continued His darshan rounds through the Veda chanting area and the Primary school blocks. Then He arrived to the stage where He sat listening to the Veda chanting going on The Rudram began and everyone vociferously joined in the chanting.

Swami then moved towards the Poornachandra Auditorium. As He moved out of Kulwant hall, everyone else to rushed for places in the auditorium. In the meanwhile, there were two more garages and cars there too had been worshipped. Swami blessed coconuts to be broken. The first coconut hurled did not seem to have force enough to shatter. Swami smiled and told the person to take the coconut and break it properly That smile reminded one of the days when Swami Himself would break the coconuts. He would hold one in each hand and collide them against each other. The coconut on the left would always be left as it never broke but the coconut in the right hand would break exactly into half! This would go on till the last pair of coconuts were left. This time however, when He would crack them against each other, both the nuts would crack! Leaving all the witnesses with nostalgic memories, Swami moved into the auditorium.

Swami sat on the stage as the yajna progressed. The "Suryanamaskar priest" once again did his prostrations and prayers at the Lotus feet by placing a lotus there. All the various priests were deeply engrossed in the worship. We have often heard Swami say, "Work is worship". For these priests, it is so apt as literally worship is their work! After a while, Swami moved across all the students chanting on the stage to the western end of the stage and recieved Aarthi and the chantings of all the priests who gathered there in a single file. Swami was there for about 10 minutes after which He moved back across the stage and then retired for the morning.

In the evening, Swami arrived a few minutes after five o'clock. Once He came onstage after His darshan round, He asked the All India Sai Organisation President, Sri. V. Srinivasan to speak at 5.15 pm. The speaker dwelt on what Swami meant to everyone in all parts of the world.. Talking about the relationships that one adopts with Swami, the speaker stated that they can be as diverse as that between a mother and her child to that between friends! As he concluded his talk, Swami called him and told something in his ears. A kind of anticipative thrill spread across the hall and slowly the speaker came back to the podium. He stood still for a while, obviously contemplating and gathering thoughts and words on the magnificence and munificence of the words that the Lord had whispered to him.

And then he spoke with surging joy, "The people of Orissa have been struck by floods and about 7 districts have thousands of homeless. Swami's heart has gone out to them. He is immediately sanctioning 10 crores for their relief." The applause was deafening. While people in power were busy playing the blame game and trying to find the fault, the Lord had planned massive relief! Swami has directed that houses be rebuilt by the Sai organisation along with building Primary Schools for the villagers. And these shelters will not be permanent. Like Swami's glory, they also would be permanent - not mere tents or wooden structures, but sturdy concrete homes. Swami didn't want mere houses to be built, His intention was that homes be rebuilt! Swami also said that He would sell away the hilltop house in Kodaikanal and the Sri Sathya Sai airport at Puttaparthi and direct those funds for service.

For the Lord, only the present moment exists. Right now there is help needed and that will be rendered. Financial estimates and practical difficulties are not to be given prominence when people are suffering for everyone belongs to Him and as He has said, "If you need me, you deserve me." As the speaker narrated the troubled conditions of Orissa which he ascertained during his recent trip, Swami seemed deeply moved. The Lord seemed to be shedding a tear, feeling fully for His children. For the One who initiated everyone into chanting, "Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu" since He wanted not only the people of this world but all the worlds to be peaceful and happy, any suffering melts the heart. As the speaker went on, Swami called him and issued another command, "Right after Vijayadashami, you, Sri Kondal Rao of the AP government and Sri Ramakrishna, the director of L&T leave for Orissa and make plans so that in 2 months time, those people have homes!" If the previous applause was deafening, this one was such that even the deaf would hear!

After these announcements, Swami asked for Bhajans. Very aptly the bhajan chosen by the students was, "Deena Dukhiyon Se prem karo". Prasadam was blessed and distributed to all. As that was done, Swami recieved Aarthi and left.

The 8th morning was quite uneventful as Swami remained indoors. The Yajnam went on and all the devotees attended it. In the evening, Swami arrived and completed the darshan rounds. After coming on the stage, He blessed Sri.S.V.Giri, the former vice chancellor of the Institute to speak. Sri Giri spoke on the significance of Navarathri and Dusshera. The greater part of his speech however was dedicated to what we should do in order to express our love and gratitude to Swami. He listed an eight point plan which was simple yet effective in its approach and implementation. Faith, respect for elders, love for children, good complany and positive thoughts were some of them. Swami too applauded as he concluded. Then there were bhajans. After about 4 bhajans, Swami subtly indicated to a student to sing the "Allahu Akbar" bhajan! And so the next bhajan was powerfully rendered with the introductory Aalaap.

Swami blessed prasadam to be distributed to all and then received Aarthi. He then went into the interview room for a short while. He retired as the announcement, that the next day would be Poornahuthi for the Yajna, was on.

Om Sai Ram

Courtesy KM 09.10.2008

5TH OCTOBER DIVINE DARSHAN NEWS IN PARTHI

Om sairam dearest Sai Family,

Puttaparthi is in full swing, in ecstasy and full of divine energy, as the Dasara celebrations are under way... Swami out of His immense grace has been blessing all of us with His divine Wheel Chair darshan to all the humble souls who could make it here in His immediate presence..

This afternoon it was the turn of our beloved Puppet alias Ajit Popat from UK to share his thoughts. Swami after taking a full round in the hall came on to the dais and Sri Puppet spoke to Swami for a while and after taking padanamaskar he went behind the stage to wait for His call..

Swami after coming on to the dais, listened to the Veda chanting and in few minutes signalled the boys to wind it up and then started the PUPPET SHOW.. Many devotees who come frequently to Parthi, have started liking the Puppet's talk and today was one such day..

In his usual style, Puppet started with the prayer offering every thing at the lotus feet of the Avatar of this kali age.

In the time of Rama Krishna Paramahamsa, his disciple came up to him and said, Swami, last night, I dreamt of God, to which, Rama Krishna Pramahamsa, was so excited as if saying O how nice, you are so lucky.. One devotee sitting next to them said, but Guruji, it is only a dream and not real..

Any dream about God is real. Puppet added, if there is so much happiness in just a dream, just imagine brothers and sisters how lucky we are to see the God in real. Every one of us are so blessed that we are blessed with this divine boon. Love the Loving God, live with the Living God.

Sri Puppet added, every one has to aim to TOUCH Swami. Touch doesn't mean literal touch.. even though touching Him is a nice feeling, but the ultimate Goal is to TOUCH His heart, Touch His Heart with our noble thoughts, noble actions and only then we can make Him happy..

Swami keeps nothing for Himself. He likes to give give and just give. He has been giving free education from KG to PG, all the hospitals He run are free and we are used to take everything for FREE now a days. We should give back some thing to the Divine Master who is giving everything for free. and what could we give Him, Pure love, service to the society.

Puppet's talk was full of energy, devotion and zeal to ignite the SAI in every one and Swami blessed Him after the talk with Padanamaskar and a sweet smile which I am sure will give him lots of motivation to do more SAI work in the UK

After the talk, Swami asked for Bhajans and as He moved into the bhajan hall, Prasad was distributed to all the devotees. The evening session concluded around 6:30pm ending yet another beautiful SAI day...

With humble pranams at the Lotus feet of our beloved Lord,

R.Satish Naik...

06.10.2008

Prasanthi Update - Vedapurusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna

Sat Oct 4, 2008 10:42 am

The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother in the Bharathabhoomi or India. The Navarathri festival or 'nine day festival' becomes 'ten days festival', Dusshera, meaning 'ten days', with the addition of the last day, Vijaya-dashami which is its culmination. On all these ten days, the various forms of Mother Mahisasura-mardini (Durga) are worshipped with fervour and devotion. The goddess is invoked as a spiritual force called Durga also known as Kali in order to destroy all impurities during the first three days. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees inexhaustible wealth in all sense of the term. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to have all-round success in life, devotees seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship.

And at Puttaparthi, this festival is celebrated in all its fervour and spiritual intensity. It marks the beginning of the Vedapurusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna with the Vedapurusha, our beloved Swami, presiding over the Yajna in the morning and imparthing Jnana in the evning, either through His discourses or through the inspiration He lends to scholars.

The 3rd of October was to mark the beginning of this magnificent homam (fire sacrifice) as a homage and prayer for all humanity. The Kulwant hall had been decked to its brilliant best. The strains of the sacred Nadaswaram filled the air and the smell of incense filled hearts with the sense of deepest devotion. A brightly caparisoned Sathya Gita marched regally, strutting around her tiny trunk, towards the Yajur Mandir.

It was about 8:30 am when an announcement was made that on this holy day Swami would grant darshan in the Kulwant hall and then all could move silently into the Poornachandra Auditorium where the Yajnam would commence. At about 8:50am, Swami arrived and He looked as fresh as a rose! Sathya Gita moved forward gently towards Him and with a tiny trumpet, offered Him a salute. Swami took apples from her caretaker and fed her. She greedily took apples from His hand and ate them. Swami was so sweetly observing her and He went on feeding her. The scene was reminiscent of what many of us devotees do - He comes to us to give Himself and we just grab at the "apples" that are there in His hand thinking that they are the "sweetest" things He can confer on us!

Feeding her, Swami permitted the little elephant to move to the Kulwant hall from the back entrance and He made His much awaited entry into the darshan grounds. Moving through the ladies and gents side, He came to the front. There He scrutinized the dhotis that the Veda chanting students had worn and all were fine. Then He moved into the bhajan hall where about a hundred students clad in saffron were chanting the Vedas along with the purohits(priests) who had arrived for the Yajnam. Swami sat there for a while listening to the chants. Then He got the traditional clothes to be presented to the priests. As per the custom, the head priest and his wife conduct a separate worship. Swami first gifted a green silk saree to the head priest's wife. Then He proceeded to give the dhotis and angavastrams to all the priests as they bowed at His feet and sought His blessings. They immediately changed into the new clothes and were ready for "takeoff"! Swami asked, "What about the turmeric and kumkum?" Those were also kept in readiness and Swami permitted them to leave for the auditorium. Before leaving they chanted loudly in unison, some hymns and mantras and then began ton file out. Swami then instructed the students also to follow suit. He sat by the side blessing everyone as they left for the Poornachandra auditorium.

As everyone left, Swami was almost alone except for 4-5 people in the entire bhajan hall. He sat so serene and composed, looking at the altar and the walls and the lights! He was at perfect ease with Himself and just looking at Him reminded one of His statement, "When I am alone, I am God!" He need not be isolated to be alone. His is a solitude that is perfect and He moves in and out of it at Will. After a few minutes, Swami moved into the interview room after which He too made His way to the Poornachandra auditorium. There is a plethora of activity that goes on the Poornachandra auditorium stage. From the conduction of the Yajnam while chanting Rudram to the silent reading of the Devi Bhagawatam to the strenuous stretching and exercising of the Surya Namaskar. And this is shred between both groups, the priests and the students. All had "taken guard" as Swami arrived on the stage.

The priests sought His permission to churn and begin the sacred fire to light up the yajnam. He permitted them and then they began to churn the embers in a wooden cradle. As the first wisps of smoke rose into the air, they blew and fanned it lovingly into a flame. At the same time they took great care that no breeze or external force put it out. Showing it to all assembled, they placed it in the pit and fuelled it into a wonderful flame! The same breeze that once threatened to put out the spark now inflamed the holy fire to greater heights! Like Swami says that there will be many hindrances in the spiritual path in the beginning. But later these obstructions themselves hasten ones spiritual progress!

And thus, the yajnam began and a silent thrill seemed to surge through the being of anyone who could comprehend, in part at least, the great blessing he/she was being subjected to. Swami accepted the garlands and He also lit a candle with a matchstick. This candle was used to light up all the oil lamps on stage. The priest engaged in Surya Namaskar, as is the tradition, came to Swami and offered a flower at the beginning and fell in full prostration, the Sashtangam as it is called, to Him. Swami blessed Him and then rising, the priest circumambulated Swami before continuing His prayers. The students, a large group on stage, kept the chanting alive and in one corner the Devi Mahatyam or reading the glories of the divine mother was on.

After a while, Swami moved across the stage to the other corner where the head priest and his wife were involved in worship. He placed a garland and recieved their prayers. All the ladies rejoiced at the close darshan that they got as He came to their side. On His way back, Swami stopped at the Homakundam. He sat observing the offerings made to the fire.. A magnificent wooden, exquisitely carved statue depicting the various incarnations of Lord Vishu had been placed at the back of the stage. When Swami sat at the fire, the hood of the serpent on the statue seemed to form an arch over His head! Swami sat there for a while and then retired for the day.The yajnam went on till the Aarthi at about 12:00 pm.

In the evening, Swami arrived again in the chair. He moved through the ladies side which was packed with children from the Primary school and the students of the Anantapur campus of the Institute also. The Veda chanting welcomed Him into what used to be called the Prashanti Vidwan Mahasabha - not that it isn't that anymore but it is not specifically called that way. The evenings during the Dusshera are used as a platform for the wisdom of elders (Swami inclusive) to be showered on all.

Today as Swami went around showering the joy of His darshan on all assembled, nobody had the slightest idea as to what the proceedings of the evening would be. Swami came on the stage and asked for the chanting to cease. Then He called the priest who performs Aarthi daily in the mandir on to the stage. Sri Narayana Bhatta was the speaker for the evening! As he was introduced, he prostrated and sought blessings from Swami. His topic was "Devi Bhagawatam".

Using the 10 years of Vedic learning experience, he dwelt in a masterly manner on the significance of the Mother worship. He exhorted all to make attempts atleast to read the Devi Purana as it was in very simple Sanskrit. As he concluded his half an hour talk, Swami asked him to speak some more on the Gayathri mantra. And thus he dwelt on that too. When the speaker kept addressing the chant as "Gayathri", Swami corrected, "Gayathri Maata"( meaning Mother Gayathri). The Gayathri mantra is actually addressed to the sun God and is not a goddess as common belief is, he said. "Gayathri" is actually a meter in Sanskrit and it is used to make some of the most powerful chants. He also went into the fascinating details and after he concluded, Swami applauded his effort.

For the next 10 minutes or so, Swami and the speaker were involved in a quite animated and deep discussion. After that, Swami smiled and called a student and asked, "Can you chant the Gayathri mantra?" He did so and Swami corrected him at some places. With a loving pat on his cheeks Swami sent him back to his place and called another student- an American boy this time. This boy too was told to chant and he did so. Swami smilingly latched on to his errors and after a loving pat, sent him back. The next student tested was the Iranian boy Sathya from the primary school. He seemed to impress Swami with his chanting. Swami was in such a comfortable and calm poise. He called boys holding letters and accepted them interacting with all of them for some time. There were smiles everywhere and the silence that filled the hall was occupied with prayers from the devotees and Grace from the Lord.

Swami then asked for bhajans to begin. Three bhajans were sung during which the prasadam distribution went on. After that, Swami received Aarthi and retired for the day.

Om Sai Ram

Shared by KM 04.10.2008

Prasanthi Update - Thursday, October 1st 2008

Every October in Parthi gears up for the sacred Navarathri and also the Saptaha Jnana Yajna.

After many days of wonderful training many of the students are very much in tune with the Divine Rudram. It was about 5:15pm that Swami arrived for darshan and was welcomed with the wonderful and Divine chants of the Rudram. Swami after magoing near the Ladies side went straight to the bhajan hall, and after taking a round in the Bhajan hall ,Swami came out to the main stage via the interview room.

He came and sat listening to the Vedas being chanted. Swami was observing as to who were chanting and who were lipping, The Divine Observation does not miss anything and anyone.

As Swami began collecting letters, He called out for a student from the Vedam group and enquired as to how many students were really confident of the Rudram. the answer given was 50. After Blessing the boys who were carrying trays, Swami also blessed an Iranian Muslim boy as it was the sacred day of ID.

Swami sat outside till around 5.30 pm and then inside the Bhajan hall for Bhajans to begin. Divine Mangala Aarthi was taken at around 6.15 pm thus ending a wonderful evening. Om Sai Ram

2 October, 2008 6:50 PM Courtesy KM

Prasanthi Updates

The Navarathri Celebrations have begun in Prasanthi Nilayam with the Kalasa puja Kulwanth Hall. Everyone is waiting for the for the Veda Purusha Saptaha which will start in a few days time. During the past few days Swami has been sitting as the Veda Chanting goes on and then going for Bhajans in the Bhajan hall. Om Sai Ram

2 October, 2008 6:50 PM Courtesy KM