Acknowledgement -
Source: photos, text etc. Our most humble
thanks to all our Sai friends and fellow devotees for Sai Baba photos & textual matter,
particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. radiosai (Prasanthi Diary) for darshans & photo
material and all the other official
& public domain sources - Also, Various Sai
Baba groups ,Forums & individuals etc. In addition, submitted articles,
Darshan account, photos & Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all
over the globe & SBOI group members to Group Saibabaofindia &
www.Saibabaofindia.com website. Submit Sai news &
Photos: mail to:
saibabaofindia@yahoo.com - source:sssbpt.org
- radiosai.org -
Sri Sathya Sai Baba Photo
Wallpaper download
This evening, a backdrop at the centre of Sai Kulwant hall announced the beginning of the
Onam programmes by devotees from Kerala. Bhagavan arrived for darshan at 4.30 pm and came
onstage after His darshan round to begin the programme ten minutes later. The hour-long drama by
Balvikas children 'Shankara Digvijayam' portrayed the story of Adi Shankara. Swami blessed
"Shankara" with a chain and sent clothes for all the participants as bhajans by the devotees
began. Prasadam was distributed and Swami accepted Arati just before six o'clock before
returning to His residence. Read more details from 31 Aug,
2009 - Photos and Report
Saturday, Aug 29, 2009- Divine Discourse:
Valedictory address at
Ethics in the World of Finance Conference
The National Conference on Ethics in the World of Finance ended today. The delegates came to the
Sai Kulwant Hall and were seated there when Swami came for darshan just before five o'clock. The
bhajans began at five and Swami was seated onstage for half an hour after His darshan round. He
then asked for the microphones to be brought -
He was going to address the gathering. In His
hour-long Divine Discourse, Bhagavan quoted the Mahabharata stories of Dharmaraja losing his
kingdom by gambling and Draupadi's insistence on saving Ashwatthama's life after he killed the
sons of the Pandavas. Exhorting the students to always serve society wherever they may be, Swami
ended His Discourse with twobhajans Bhajan bina and Subrahmanyam. While returning to His
residence after Arati at a quarter to seven, He blessed prasadam for the delegates. Read more details with
photos
Prasanthi Nilayam is hosting a two-day National Conference on Ethics and the World of Finance.
Chief Executives from more than twenty top banks in India are attending. The inaugural session
of the conference was in the college auditorium of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the Sri
Sathya Sai University. Bhagavan arrived there at around 10 o'clock as the morning bhajans went
on in the Mandir and the proceedings got underway soon after. Prof. Vishwanath Pundit, the
Vice-Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai University gave the welcome address and introduced the
speakers - the Reserve Bank of India Governor Dr. D. Subba Rao to give the keynote address and
the former RBI Governor Dr. Y. V. Reddy to give the first invited talk. Sri S. V. Giri, former
Vice-Chancellor of the University and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India gave the next
talk, following which Bhagavan left for the Mandir and the first session came to a close. Swami
granted an audience to the RBI governor at the Mandir before accepting Arati at 12.10 pm and
returning to His residence in the chair.
In the evening, the stage was set with more than twenty chairs on either side of Bhagavan
onstage at Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami came at five o'clock and after His darshan round, came
onstage. After a few minutes, He asked for the programme to begin. The Chief Executives were
announced one by one and they came up to present a rose to Swami before being seated onstage.
Several bankers were invited to speak, beginning with Sri K. V. Kamath of ICICI Bank, Sri Guneet
Chaddha of Deutsche Bank, and then Sri Ramamurthy of the ING Vysya Bank, Sri V. S. Das,
Executive Director of RBI and Sri Jagdish Kapoor of HDFC Bank. Prof. G. Venkataraman, former VC
of the Sai University was asked to speak next, and after his talk, Swami asked for a bhajan to
be sung before accepting Arati at 6.40 pm as prasadam was distributed before returning to His
residence after a short visit to the interview room.
Read all the details with
photos
This evening, the Orissa youth were ready with their programme. Bhagavan came for darshan at
5.30 pm and after His darshan round, came onstage and sat for a few minutes listening to the
Vedic chants. The drama by the Orissa youth commenced just before six o'clock. The forty-minute
presentation brought out the true story of the establishment of an orphanage by Sai youth
directly inspired by Bhagavan. The children from the orphanage also took part in the drama.
Swami interacted with the youth after the programme and blessed the participants with a group
photograph. He then asked the children to sing a couple of bhajans. The youth then presented a
song, following which Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence just before seven
o'clock.--
Posted at 0745 hrs. on 28th Aug 2009
The short moral play that little Sathya wrote during His early childhood days, titled
“Cheppinattu Chestara”, meaning “can we act as we say?” bore a thematic resemblance to the dance
drama staged by the Youth from Orissa, entitled “Kingdom of God, Here and Now” .
On a pleasant Thursday evening when the talk of the town was more on the ensuing conference on
the theme, “Ethics and the World of Finance” that gets underway on Friday, 28th August morning,
the youth from Orissa literally swept Prasanthi away with a beautiful portrayal of a real life
story depicting how greater faith and dedication win His Divine Grace, achieving the seemingly
impossible.
The presentation “Kingdom of God, Here and Now” was a drama in real life showing Bhagawan’s
greatest miracle, Transformation of the Heart, in His own inimitable style. The drama 'spoke'
about the real life story of some youth from a remote village, Ambadola in Rayagada district of
Orissa, geographically remote, but well connected with the boundless love and infinite mercy of
Bhagawan.
The day’s drama had an interesting flashback that dates back to the 81st Birthday celebrations
in the state. During the birthday celebrations, the Youth from Ambadola Samithi had presented a
drama, the story of a group of young men who were inspired by Bhagawan to take up the project of
a home for the destitute, to finally dedicate the same to Bhagawan. There came the Divine
direction in a most unexpected style giving the youth a real jolt. Bhagawan appeared in a dream
of one of the youth and asked if they were only acting or going to do something really, making
the drama a reality. Then came the Divine command, “Make it a Reality”.
Weaved against this background, the first scene of the drama showed an argument in the village
wherein Mohan Bhaiyya, the protagonist, a rich and worldly person, showing his frustration and
anger towards the youth who were heading to watch a drama, “Kingdom of God”. It was as if all
the roads were leading to the “Kingdom of God” and the protagonist was unable to decipher the
sense behind all those happenings. The drama further evolved through the dream sequence wherein
the Youth got the message to make the drama a reality, that jolted the youth…and there came the
confusion about the way forward.
Mohan Bhaiyya added to the fuel of confusion ridiculing the entire drama a mockery exercise,
which according to him was highly impossible. The Youth in their exuberance tried their best to
convince the rich man telling about various projects that were undertaken by Bhagawan, namely,
water project, super speciality hospitals and even the 700 housing project taken up in Orissa.
Mohan Bhaiyya, frustrated at the youth’s continuous praise of Baba as the lone “doer”, threw a
challenge on them pledging four acres of land for the project, condition being the youth should
be able to get a sum of Rs. 50,000 from the Baba, in a week’s time.
Intertwined with a beautiful song sung by a forlorn “Aadhmi Ko aadhmi kya dhetha hey, allah
dhetha hey, sab ka maalik ek hey…” meaning, “It is not man, but God is the ultimate provider, He
is the Master of all…”, the youth were making an emphatic declaration reiterating the presence
of Unseen Divine Hand in everything.
When a forlorn asked for four rupees to sing a song so that he could win a square meal which he
had been deprived off, the motivated youth offered him a house that could build a dream life in
future…and when he was offered two full meals, much more than what he had asked for, he jumped
for joy yet again breaking into a song…
“Aadhmi Ko aadhmi kya dhetha hey, allah dhetha hey…”
The youth were ecstatic as, by Divine Provision, they got the first child for the proposed
orphanage. Mohan Bhaiyya was still unconvinced. But, there came another miracle, as one of the
youth who was with Bajaj Alliance got the first cheque of commission due to him, a sum of Rs.
15000/- which he wholeheartedly offered to the project….and similar way many other avenues got
opened up and money flowed in.
As the powerful signals of extra-ordinary benediction poured forth from the Greater Heaven, the
work got off to a start with exuberant spirit and with greater unity. The unity song
intertwined, Aao Milke Hum Ghar Banayenge, Pyaar Mohabbat Chahat Sajaye… was an apt intermission
showing greater unity displayed in the spirit of brotherhood and devotion towards achieving the
goal.
By now it was transformation time for Mohan Bhaiyya. He confessed that the proposed land was
meant for the construction of a factory to manufacture explosives; as the industrialist who was
to build the same in the proposed land got arrested, Mohan thanked his stars and God’s greater
magnanimity and love towards him that saved him his life. Repenting from his heart, he offered
the land for the construction work. During the same time another encouraging incident occured
and the youth who was with Bajaj Alliance got promoted to Area Manager level, which was a
miracle as he was just into the sixth month of his service with the firm.
The Orphanage was finally ready and they proposed to open the same for the forlorn on the
auspicious Easwaramma Day, 6th May. ...And unanimously they decided to name it, Sai
Karunalaya…And expressing grateful thanks, the youth sang in chorus…
“Baba Hey Apne Commander, Hum Hey Saarey Soldier…” Baba is our commander and we are all
soldiers… showing greater faith and gratitude...
Powerful booming dialogues, acting with precision living out the scenes packed with feeling,
melodious yet sonorous and meaningful songs, in all, the drama was actual life in depiction much
opposite to the common practice where life becomes a drama.
And the timing was perfect. With heads and senior executives of many corporate, nationalized
banks making a headway to Prasanthi Nilayam for an ensuing conference, the message was apt when
the youth declared in the drama… “...millionaires consider it a great blessing if they get a
chance to serve Him” and what followed was actual life in drama. The Timeless Theatre in
Prasanthi will have more such shows educating the world of the reality of existence.
Bhagawan who sat through the entire session was pleased and He showed it in no uncertain terms
when He gesticulated with His typical hand action expressing His appreciation. The protagonist
and other two were called on stage and Bhagawan lovingly enquired about the work being done at
the Orphanage. A photo session with Bhagawan was followed by a short stint of bhajans by tiny
tots from the orphanage, Karunalaya. It was a rare occasion wherein a beautiful twilight echoed
the chirpings of yesterday’s forlorn who were embraced to safety by Lord Himself. Yes, they were
Anathas (forlorn) till yesterday who were turned to Sanathas (Anathas turned Sanathas) and they
sang their joy in the presence of the One who added colour to their otherwise grey life, making
the evening all the more a memorable occasion.
Before Bhagawan called for Arathi, Sai Symphony, Orissa presented two devotional songs, “Manasa
Satatam Smaramiyam….followed by Sadguru Sai Nath Hamare…”
Seven Hundred Youth from the state, Orissa have joined in this Parthi Yathra for three days,
from 26th to 28th August. Orissa literally swept Prasanthi away…and the evening echoed the
Message of the Lord…”Make it a Reality”… everyone stands a chance to make his life a reality by
following His footsteps…!!!
This evening, Swami came for darshan at 5.30 pm as the bhajans went on. After His
darshan round, He came to the Bhajan Hall where some cartons of clothes had been
arranged, and asked the Headmistress of the Primary School to distribute them to the
children at the school. After Swami went onstage just after a quarter to six, He
asked for the microphones to be brought.
Bhagavan spoke for forty minutes about Lord Ganesha and the
Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. He expressed happiness in the way the immersion
ceremony was conducted yesterday and said that all festivals should be conducted in
full knowledge of the inner significance of the rituals. Once He concluded, He asked
the students to sing a couple of Vinayaka bhajans, following which He accepted Arati
and returned to His residence.Read :
26th Aug. 2009 - Divine Discourse about Vinayaka
Today was the day designated for the immersion ceremony after Ganesha Chaturthi. The Ganesha
idols worshipped over the last three days in the various institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam were
brought in richly decorated imaginatively designed "chariots" to the Sai Kulwant Hall in a
procession at 4.15 pm. Bhagavan arrived half an hour later in the special white chair, escorted
from His residence by a procession of students chanting Vedic hymns led by the
"Poorna Kumbham".
Swami went around all the Ganesha chariots arrayed along His darshan route, pausing in front of
each one. When He came onstage, the students presented a couple of short group dances paying
obeisance to Ganeshji and then brought up their chariots to Bhagavan one by one before leaving
the Hall for immersing the idols in a nearby lake.
Swami asked for bhajans to begin after the procession left the Mandir at
5.45. He accepted Arati at seven o'clock after receiving the news of the completion of the
immersion ceremony after prasadam was distributed. Blessing the congregation with both hands, He
left for His residence in the car.
This evening, the students were ready with a Burrakatha as instructed by Bhagavan yesterday.
After His darshan round at 4.45 pm, Swami came into the Bhajan Hall and interacted with the lead
performers who were costumed and seated there. He then came onstage and started the performance
just after five o'clock. The hour-long Burrakatha was based on the Ramayana story and
incorporated many songs and poems sung by Swami in His Discourses. Bhagavan interacted with the
performers after their presentation and had a group photograph with the accompanists. A couple
of bhajans were sung and Swami accepted Arati before returning to His residence at half-past
six. (scroll down-Photo slides)
Ramayana...
BURRA KATHA IN THE DIVINE PRESENCE ON 24-08-2009
Posted at 1015 hrs. on 25th Aug 2009
Ramayana is one of the rarest and most enchanting of the epics of India, most popular not only
in India but also the world over. Lord Sri Rama is attributed to be the Maryadapurushothama, the
most ideal being and by following His life story, mankind could benefit immensely to develop in
all aspects of life. The Adarsha Purusha, Sri Rama, was a virtuous ideal son, an ideal disciple,
an ideal brother, an ideal husband and an ideal ruler. No wonder, the Lord Himself has
painstakingly written the most illustrious story of the “Lord of Dharma” ruled eons ago, as Rama
Katha Rasa Vahini.
…And the Lord who has written the story of His Own often relishes getting back into the
“history” living “His Story” for the sake of the devotees. Prasanthi Nilayam often witnesses
cultural renaissance with traditional folklore art forms from the interiors getting their stakes
to go onstage in the Divine Presence. Burra Katha, though not identified as a folklore, is a
quite innovative and distinct form of effective story-telling. Rhetoric coupled with expressive
enacting with the help of traditional musical instruments makes it a most lively and distinct
form of story-telling to en mass.
The trio, students from Sri Sathya Sai University, Sai Prabhakar, Aravind Sai and Sai Raghuram,
have been parading their skills in the distinctive art form with blessings, guidance and
encouragements from Bhagawan and Prasanthi Nilayam has witnessed number of such Burra Katha
sessions over the past couple of years, enacting lives of illustrious souls, disseminating
greater messages to humanity, the latest being on the 13th June on illustrious Mother
Easwaramma. The trio also had the rare blessing of staging continuous shows for three to four
days in the Divine Presence during this year’s Kodai Sojourn in April. The trio has been trained
thoroughly by Mr. Krishna Bhaskar from BHEL who had the rare privilege of enacting Burra Katha
in the Divine Presence for twenty long years.
On the 24th August evening, Prasanthi witnessed yet another enthralling Burra Katha session and
the story was on the life of Lord Sri Rama. The sublime story of the glory of Ram Avatar was
brought back into life with expressive narration often intertwined with hasyam (by a clown
character delivering comic relief) and music and songs in between. The programme commenced with
the traditional “Ganesha Vandana”, “Bhaja Mansa Vigneshwaram…..” after receiving blessings from
Bhagawan. This was followed by garlanding of the performers by three designated students, a
tradition followed, before the trio went elucidating the glory of Ramayana.
Starting from the Lord’s birth the story evolves towards various events narrated by Bhagawan
Himself in Rama Katha Rasa Vahini. Rama’s implicit obedience towards His father’s words and
will, His life in exile, winning Dharma by annihilating the demons and protecting the holy,
devotion and dedication of Lakshmana, Hanuman, Sabari, Guha and Jatayu etc. The story ends with
a greater message to mankind that when man becomes closer to God, he does not require or desire
anything materialistic. If he departs from Lord’s heart, he would be facing lots of obstacles,
the apt example being that of Mother Sita’s agony, when she was deluded by Mareecha turned
golden deer….and final narrative was that of the King’s return to Ayodhya as the mighty
righteous ruler par excellence, as The Dharma Swaroopa; but the programme ended not without
singing the glory of the Lord in physical and they broke into a beautiful song, “Anandame Sai
Bhajana and Brahmanamdame Sai Bhajana….”
It took an engrossing full hour, where the Lord was onstage quite attentive, in rapt attention,
witnessing His Own Story, now narrated by His Own Students. Ramayana depicts almost similar
scenes wherein the Little Beautiful Children of Mother Sita, the illustrious twins of the Treta
Age, Lava and Kusha who went into the streets singing the story of the glory of Lord Rama, their
beloved father… The programme that lasted about an hour concluded with thunderous appreciative
applause by one and all. The entire troupe, including the music boys and the trainer was blessed
by Bhagawan towards the end.
“Swami has been encouraging us to do Burra Katha right from our UG days. His abundant grace and
love are the only strength for us to enact the Burra Katha. Swami used to guide us at every step
right from the costumes, tunes of the songs, the way we should dance when the song is being sung
and also the way we should be together not only for Burra Katha, but how to be united, wherever
we go, whichever part of the world. Bhagawan expects everybody to know the story of Ramayana and
also stresses to follow the principles of Ramayana to lead a happy living” says Sai Prabhakar,
the main narrator who is currently pursuing an MBA at the Sri Sathya Sai University, Prasanthi
Nilayam.
Indeed, these are definitely sessions meant for the devotees to understand the greater
significance behind the glory of the story of the Lord, Sri Rama!
Bhagavan gave Ganesh Chaturthi darshan seated on the special white chair just after five o'clock
this evening. The vedam chanting went on till He reached the stage at 5.30 pm. After His darshan
round, Swami went to the Bhajan Hall where He blessed the Ganesha installed there before moving
down the verandah to the stage. The students then presented a music programme beginning with
stotrams and ending with semi-classical songs. Bhagavan went to the interview room briefly and
when He returned asked for a couple of tillanas to be sung. It was 6.30 pm when He accepted
Arati while prasadam was distributed.
Read
more details with photo slides - Ganesha Chaturthi
photos
Ganesh Chaturthi was to be celebrated the next day. So, this evening after Swami emerged from
His residence, He first gifted Ganesha idols to all the institutions. After He earmarked each
idol for the allotted institution, He blessed the research scholars standing next to these idols
by sprinkling akshatha on them. Later, Bhagavan arrived to Sai Kulwant Hall for regular darshan
and bhajans.
Dance Drama and Distribution of Implements by Anantapur Devotees
Posted at 0200 Hrs. 22nd Aug 2009
Anantapur enjoys the special privilege of hosting the “Home of Peace”, that is
popular all over the world by the name, Prasanthi Nilayam, the spiritual epicenter
that houses Divinity in human frame, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba! Rewarding the
greatest boon bestowed upon this terrain in Rayalaseema Region, Bhagawan had
declared long ago, that He would make Anantapur into Anantapuram.
When the Parthi Yatra series continues bringing in thousands upon thousands unto the
fold of Bhagawan, this week belonged to the Anantapur folks when a mass contingent
of over four thousands devotees turned out to Prasanthi Nilayam seeking darshan of
the Lord whose mighty presence earned her the name and fame making her beholden to
the Divinity beyond measure.
On the 21st August evening, an evening that witnessed God’s Pouring Grace from the
heavens, a gentle whiff of fresh air was blown across 173 hearts and minds who were
recipients of essential implements that could build a life of their own, making them
self-reliant. Continuing with the trend of distributing implements to the forlorn,
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Anantapur District had arranged distribution of
essentials helping them eking out a livelihood. The implements distributed among 89
ladies and 84 gents included sewing machines, zig zag machine, grinders, embroidery
frame, motor sets for sewing machines, power sprayers and taiwan sprayers, iron
boxes, cycles, push carts, carpenter kit, electrical kit, chain block, hearing aids
and educational assistance for four selected candidates.
Earlier Bhagawan came out at 1745 hrs., took a detour to come onstage to begin the
proceedings for the evening. The day being the 23rd Anniversary of The School of
Business Management and Finance, Sri Sathay Sai University, Bhagawan released the
revised edition of the popular book, “Man Management”, a management book for
commoners based on His Divine Teachings. Bhagawan graciously browsed through the
pages for some time to the delight of Prof. U.S. Rao and other faculties from the
department including research scholars, who had put in unstinted effort in bringing
out this edition. The book contains Divine Discourses on the theme, Management,
delivered on various occasions, especially during the anniversary occasions over the
years.
Commencing the programme, Mr. Ashwatha Narayana, a senior long time devotee from
Anantapur presented the programme for the evening at His Divine Lotus Feet. Sri
Nagaraj, a senior organiser offering his obeisance to Bhagawan on behalf of the
people of the district, expressed collective gratitude to Bhagawan for granting the
opportunity to be in Bhagawan’s presence and present a few programmes. Eulogising
the attributes of Divinity in human frame, the speaker commented that Bhagawan’s
every moment is spent in loving all and serving all. He is always happy in spite of
many a programme and His busy schedule. This was followed by the distribution of
implements.
The second programme was a dance drama “Dharmodharaka Sri Sathya Sai”. A beautiful
backdrop displaying the ten incarnations of God amidst planets and other celestial
bodies with Bhagawan as the eternal charioteer holding the reins of a horse in the
centre formed the setting of the first scene of the drama. Each scene had an
appropriate backdrop with children dancing to songs expounding profound truths. The
first scene “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” (if you protect Dharma, you will be
protected by Dharma) described that God in His infinite compassion for humanity
incarnated from age to age to protect, save and uplift mankind on the spiritual
path. Each Avatar had a set mission. The mission of this Sai Avatar is Samskaram
(refinement) of individuals.
The second scene depicted ideal parents who were instrumental in shaping their
children into role models for society. Rama’s divinity blossomed under Kausalya's
loving care. Because of the tender feelings and austerity of Sita, Lava and Kusha
achieved name and fame. Fostered with the love of his mother Putlibai, Gandhi became
a Mahatma. The loving care of Jijabai made Shivaji a great warrior. It was because
of Mother Easwaramma that we have the Avatar Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba amidst us.
The mother is the first teacher for the child since it is from her that the child
learns the first alphabet. There are five mothers for everyone who have to be
respected and revered: Dehamatha (mother of the physical body who fosters and cares
for the child), Desha Matha (the motherland), Gomatha (the cow, which gives milk, a
nourishment to sustain our body), Veda Matha (Goddess of Vedas) and Bhu Matha
(mother earth).
The next scene portrayed the qualities of ideal Guru (preceptor). Bhagawan was the
ideal Guru to village children. He taught them to sing Bhajans by starting the
Pandhari Bhajan group which inculcated values in them. Vasishtha was an ideal Guru
to Sri Rama; Sandeepa to Sri Krishna and Balarama; Suka to Janaka; Ramdas to Shivaji
and Ramakrishna to Vivekananda. One who destroys and removes ignorance and bestows
Sujnana (spiritual knowledge) is an ideal Guru. One gets a Guru according to his
conduct.
In the scene that followed, it was then announced that it was the result of good
deeds done in previous births that we have Sakshat Parabrahma (the ultimate Reality)
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as our Guru. As a child Bhagawan taught humanity to
practise what one preaches. His first teaching was “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam”
(revere the feet of the Guru).
Ideal youth was the next scene. One who controls the senses is an ideal youth.
Character is of paramount importance to youth. Unity is strength for youth. Every
youth should follow the maxims: Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth, practise
righteousness); Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo
Bhava (revere your mother, father, preceptor and guest as God); Paropakarartham Idam
Sariram (human body is meant to do good to others). Bhagawan is a perfect ideal for
youth. His life itself is a message for the youth.
In the penultimate scene, it was conveyed that Swami’s life is an embodiment of
discipline. He has no enemies; purity, patience and perseverance are His weapons. He
fulfilled the humble wishes of His mother by providing education, healthcare and
water totally free of cost and that too of the highest quality.
The last scene portrayed that the essence of nine paths of devotion is that it is
the path which leads one to Sai. Sravanam (listening to the stories of the Lord),
Kirtanam (singing the glories of God), Vishnusmaranam (contemplating on Vishnu),
Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), Vandanam (salutation), Archanam (worshipping
God), Dasyam (servitude), Sneham (making friendship with God), Atmanivedanam
(self-surrender – surrendering oneself completely to God).
Immensely pleased, Bhagawan went amidst the cast and showered His blessings on them
with a coveted group photo session. After a Bhajan and distribution of Prasadam,
Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 7.10 p.m. The evening’s rose beneficiary was Col.
Bose who manages the affairs at the Chaitanya Jyoti museum.
21st August…On this very day, 23 years ago, the Divine Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai
University (formerly Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning) formerly
inaugurated the Management Programme throwing open various avenues for self
development as well as societal development finally aiming at serving the nation.
It is said that the descent of God is for the ascent of man and every step of the
Avatar is for the fulfillment of this objective. Hence, every action, project or
institution is based on this very principle. The commencement of the Management
programme was also aimed at this very objective. While there are hundreds of
Business Schools across the country and world imparting management education of all
kinds, Bhagawan started His Management programme with a difference. He said while
inaugurating the department, “All over the world, there are numerous institutes of
management. They confer Master’s degree in Business Administration. I do not regard
this as the right course for India. In our Institute, we should turn out ‘Master’s
in Man Management’. Our student should develop a broad outlook and prepare
themselves to serve the society with sincerity and dedication. They must set an
example in morality and bring credit to this country by their work and their
contribution to the development of the nation”.
Of all the 6 M’s of Management – men, materials, machines, methods, minutes and
money; men are most important as it is they who determine the exploration and
effective utilisation of the other 5 M’s. Bhagawan says, ‘Men are more valuable than
all the wealth of the world.’
It was with this objective that Bhagawan started the MBA Programme in the Faculty of
Business Management (now known as the School of Business Management, Accounting &
Finance - SBMAF). Through the years, Bhagawan has given a number of discourses
covering all aspects of business and management. Areas such as Values based
Management, Values based Finance, Values based Marketing, Values based Economic
Development, Values based Rural Development, Social Responsibility of a Business,
Total Quality Management, Reengineering, Statistics, International Finance and
Banking and many more. Each of them is suffused with a seamless blend of spiritual
excellence based on the Indian culture and heritage and management application with
a global outlook. As said by Bhagawan on the inauguration day of the Management
Programme, “The study of ‘Indian Ethos and Values’, would be the most distinctive
feature of the MBA course of the Sai Institute.”
The SBMAF has made a sincere effort in compiling all these pearls of Divine Wisdom
on Management through a book which Bhagawan Himself names as ‘Man Management’. This
book is a compilation of all His Discourses given to the staff and students of SBMAF
at Sri Sathya Sai University over the last 23 years. It is a clarion call to mankind
to follow the path of values, ethics and morality in the profession of management
and field of business to be truly successful. It is an eye opener to so many subtle
and fascinating aspects of business management. The Discourses even indicate the
subtle hints that Bhagawan had given about the impending catastrophes that would be
facing the business and economic world only because of the greed of man. The book is
a message of God (the perfect manager) come down as man on how to be the ideal
manager and in the process, an ideal human being.
On 21st August, 2009, the occasion of the 23rd Anniversary of the SBMAF, Bhagawan
very graciously blessed the revised and enlarged edition of the book. Prof. U.S.
Rao, the Dean of SBMAF, Prof. Kumar Bhaskar, the editor and compiler of these
Discourses into the book format and Sarvasree Shashank Shah and Suman Narayan,
Doctoral Research Scholars at the SBMAF and associated with the publishing of the
book had an opportunity to be with Bhagawan during the occasion. Bhagawan graciously
released the book by unknotting the ribbon and showering sacred rice grains on the
book, blessing the noble venture. Showing keen interest Bhagawan browsed through the
contents of the book and expressed His joy and satisfaction over the same.
[The book would be available on sale at the Publications Division of the Sri Sathya
Sai Sadhana Trust from the first week of September 2009. The book is for
businessmen, entrepreneurs, management professionals, researchers, teachers,
students and devotees.]
Bhagawan also blessed the manuscript of a book entitled ‘Values based Management –
Historical Insight from India and Current Practices’ jointly authored by Dr. N.
Sivakumar (Faculty Member, Dept. of Commerce, Brindavan Campus) and Prof. U.S. Rao,
Dean, SBMAF. The book is based on the doctoral research of Dr. N. Sivakumar.
[All these books – the two blessed by Bhagawan today and two other manuscripts
blessed by Him on June 4, 2009 when He visited the College Auditorium, in the area
of Corporate Social Responsibility (co-authored by Prof. V.E. Ramamoorthy and Sri
Shashank Shah) and Corporate Stakeholders Management (co-authored by Sri Shashank
Shah and Prof. Sudhir Bhaskar) are a part of a series called ‘Values in Management’
prepared by the SBMAF as a part of the research work undertaken by the department
over the past 2 decades. Some of these books are in the process of publication.]
Thereafter, Bhagawan very graciously blessed the card prepared by the students of
the SBMAF expressing their gratitude to Him and praying for His grace so that they
may be His effective instruments. Swami also blessed a tray of sweets for
distribution to the students and accepted floral offerings from some students.
Thus progressed a short, sweet but supremely memorable and cherishable celebration
of the Management Programme Anniversary in the Divine Presence in Sai Kulwant Hall.
This evening, youth from Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh were to present their
programme. Bhagavan came for darshan at 5.30 pm and then moved to the interview room.
He emerged at 6.25 pm and the
programme began shortly. A half-hour Hindi drama 'Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam' was
the first presentation, incorporating Swami's declaration in 1940, the story of Dakshinamurthy
and the episode of Janaka and Ashtavakra. Then there were a couple of songs by Kum. Geetika
Manjrekar and Sai youth before Swami accepted Arati at 7.20 pm as prasadam was distributed.
MANASA BHAJARE GURU CHARANAM -
source:sssbpt.org
Dance Drama and Music Session by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Youth on 20th August
Posted at 12:50 Hrs. 21st Aug 2009
Relishing the golden memories of the previous year, reinvigorating themselves, a
huge contingent of youth from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, twin states from the
northern hindi belt of India have embarked upon a spiritual voyage to Prasanthi
Nilayam, counting blessings, feasting their hearts and souls with the immediate
Divine Presence of Bhagawan.
A flashback to the previous year would be quite apt and interesting. On that
momentous day, Bhagawan, out of turn, most surprisingly, went into the surge of
devotees, blessing the youth contingent from the state in abundance with His mighty…
towering… immediate presence! None of the youth would have missed a chance to be
close to Him as Bhagawan went on making repeated rounds covering each and every
member in the group, amidst the swinging surge of devotees, as if literally telling
them, that “I belong to You”!!!
On the 21st August evening, the spirited and devoted Youth from the state, numbering
2150, with 1500 gents and 650 ladies, put up a musical drama in Hindi entitled
“Manasa Bhajare Gurucharanam”… lighting up the evening turned twilight with the
message that only by controlling the mind and surrendering it at the Guru’s Feet one
could attain self-realisation.
Anchoring on the first ever song taught by the young Sathya Sai to the mankind,
“Manasa Bhajare Gurucharanam” on the 20th October 1940, the drama had two more
scenes of lore from the yore. A story on Dakshinamurthi, the great preceptor,
depicting how much the mind is responsible for bondage and liberation and hence must
be cleansed and purified to free from undesirable thoughts and unwanted desires from
time to time was followed by a scene depicting the great master of Advaita
philosophy, Shankaracharya singing Bhajagovindam, singing the follies and frailties
of temporal existence in the physical plane.
King Janaka’s story of attaining self realization was to follow next. King Janaka’s
message to aid him to get self-realisation at the shortest possible time was
received by the subjects, especially the learned with amusement and frightened
feeling and when at a point of time none could find an answer to the king, there
came Ashtavakra who had ready tips for the King to get instant illumination, but not
without any pre-condition.
Ashtavakra told the king that they should get out of the rajasic and thamasic
surroundings in the posh darbar and thus head towards forest and second condition
was that the king should offer his mind as traditional gift to the Guru, the Guru
Dakshina that is given by a disciple to the preceptor. King Janaka told Ashtavakra:
"The attainment of God is the most important thing to me, so I am prepared to give
you absolutely anything you want."
Ashtavakra told Janaka to dismount from his horse and made the horse stand in front
of the king. He then told the king to sit down in the middle of the road. Astavakra
walked into the forest and sat quietly under a tree. The soldiers who were made to
wait only at the periphery waited for a long time. Neither the king nor Ashtavakra
returned from the forest. The soldiers wanted to find out what had happened to them,
so one by one, they proceeded to look for them. When they went along the road
leading into the forest, they found the king seated there, in the middle of the
road. The horse was standing in front of the king. The king had his eyes closed and
sat still almost immobile. Ashtavakra was not to be seen. The officers were afraid
that Ashtavakra might have exercised some magic spell over the king and had made him
lose consciousness. They reported the matter to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister upon arrival addressed the king, but of no avail. Left with no
alternative, the Prime Minister sent the chariot back to the city to bring the queen
thinking that if the queen spoke to the king, he would surely respond. The queen
came and addressed the king: "Swami! Swami" The king did not stir; there was
absolutely no response from the king. Meanwhile the soldiers searched throughout the
whole forest for Ashtavakra. There, under a tree, Ashtavakra was seated peacefully,
in absolute calm and serenity.
The soldiers caught hold of him and brought him towards the place where the king
was. Ashtavakra told them: "Why are you all so worried? The king is safe and
everything is alright." But still they insisted and brought him before the King
seated on the road with his eyes closed, his body completely still. The soldier
said: "Here, look for yourself! See what has happened to the King!". Until that
time, whether the Prime Minister, or the ministers, or the queen or any of the other
court officials or common people, had called out and addressed the King, he neither
he opened his mouth in answer nor opened his eyes in acknowledgment. But now
Ashtavakra came and spoke to the king, King Janaka immediately opened his eyes and
replied, "Swami!" Ashtavakra questioned the king: "Well, the ministers have come,
and the soldiers have come, and also many others have come, why did you not reply to
their entreaties?" Janaka answered: "Thoughts, words and deeds are associated with
the mind, and I offered my mind entirely to you. Therefore before I can use the mind
for anything, I need your permission. What authority do I have to speak to anyone or
use this mind in any way without your permission and command?" Then Ashtavakra said:
"You have attained the state of God-realization."
Stilled mind, that is dead...die mind is diamond…and King Janaka by surrending his
mind attained the supreme knowledge…enlightenment!!!
This was followed by a brief stint of music programme by Kum. Geetika Manjrekar, an
alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Indore. Starting her career as early at the
age of four, she learnt Hindustani classical from Smt. Malti Joshi of Jaipur Atrolia
Gharana, and is currently undergoing training at the Music Gurukul of Shri Suresh
Wadkar at Mumbai. She has successfully performed in various TV channels and also
singing in Marati films. -
source:sssbpt.org
Bharata Bhagya Vidhatha - Independence Day Drama 16th Aug 2009
Posted at 0400 Hrs. 17th Aug 2009
Where love for mother and motherland has often been referred to as a duty par
excellence, by none other than the Avatar of the Age, Prasanthi Nilayam gets to
witness flashbacks from Nation’s Freedom struggle, recurrently every year, on the
occasion of National Independence Day, 15th August.
Nation’s Freedom struggle is itself a modern epic that has many a tale tagged with
and every tale, upon exploring, would take one to greater truths of love for
motherland and greater sacrifice; sacrifice often crowned with selfless ambition,
often touching upon the uncanny spiritual touch it enjoyed cozying up.
“Bharata Bhagya Vidhatha”, meaning the “Dispenser of Bharat’s Destiny” was a
portrayal of celebrity saint, Aurobindo Ghosh, whose undisputed role in Swaraj
Movement aimed at National Independence was depicted with astounding precision
bringing in subtler elements of his unflinching love and devotion to Bhagawan Sri
Krishna that finally played a pivotal role for the country winning her Independence.
The drama begins with a scene from 1905 wherein men from the society, shocked and
furious over Lord George Curzon’s decision to divide Bengal into two, were having a
heated debate on the issue and the probable fate of the nation. Igniting their
passion came onto the scene three of the greatest sons of Bengal, namely, Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and (Maharishi) Aurobindo… whose oratory with
fierce passion pepped the public up though Aurobindo remained aloof throughout. Upon
questioning as to why he was aloof throughout the meeting, Aurobindo blurted out
yelling, it was not the ‘tit for tat’ attitude towards a trivial external enemy that
required, rather, one would need to fight the enemy within. For the first time a
conqueror has come to the holy land of Bharat and has rendered the country poorer in
every sense of the term; when our country has embraced even the likes of Alexander
The Great and sent him back richer than what he had ever imagined, Aurobindo
lamented that, his countrymen should not become poorer, but should look within
eschewing the illusion of worldly victory.
The scene shifts to Alexandar’s court wherein hectic deliberations were on about the
royal ethics to be observed towards a defeated monarch. The hectic deliberation
finally ended up dawning wisdom upon the Emperor that his achievements in the
physical world were nothing compared to the inner wisdom that was awaiting him.
Understanding the vanity of all that he had achieved in the physical sense, the
Emperor declared that after his death his body should be carried in a procession in
the streets of Alexandria to make the world aware that the all conquering Alexandar
finally departed empty handed.
The scene next moves to Alipore Central Jail where Aurobindo was imprisoned in the
pretext of masterminding Alipore Bomb Blast. Fervently praying to Lord Krishna
lamenting at his plight that confined him within the four walls of the jail, when he
was most needed by the country for her fight for independence, he questioned the
Lord yelling out for an answer that would justify the fate that was meted out to
him. Prayerful days in the jail made it verily a sanctum sanctorum of Lord wherein
fellow jail mates could feel the spiritual vibrations and finally when they were
being removed from the confines of the four walls that sheltered them in the company
of their beloved “Ghosh Babu” they lamented…”Ghosh Babu, for the first time I
feel…my heart feels so heavy leaving the confines of these prison walls…”
Aurobindo’s greater yearning brought the omnipresent Lord Krishna in physical
immersing him in the bliss of reunion….and he whispered, with his eyes feasting at
the sight of the Lord, heart singing out the yearning for Him, “Shymala Komala… Hey
Gopalana… Tumho Mere Bhagawan… Shraddha Bhakthi Deejo Dayakari Sreedhara Kripaa
Nidaan….” and he danced in joy immersed in the bliss of reunion….!!!
Aurobindo’s decision to withdraw from the movement disturbed the people of the
country and a delegation met him beseeching him to continue. Upon hearing the
delegation led by Mahendranath, he said that his ten months in the jail was verily
the most fruitful period for him as it could be equated with “Ashram Vas”. It was
not that he was looking at the freedom struggle as inferior, but he was more
concerned about post independence scenario. While he was withdrawing from the
political movement, he declared that he would be very much a part of country’s
freedom movement and would be more concentrating on country’s fate post independence
which according to him should be in line with greater harmony and brotherhood among
the citizens of the country.
The next scene was a depiction of one of the epic trials of Indian Judiciary wherein
Aurobindo was trialed for the Alipore Bomb case. Classic scene depicting epic battle
figuring two legal experts spraying verbal volleys infused with lofty words - for
and against the client in contention – finally winning the trial in favour of
Aurobindo, acquitting him and relieving him from all charges, had the unseen hand of
Lord Sri Krishna whose promise to save Aurobindo from the case was fulfilled.
Mahatma Gandhi’s son Devdas visited Aurobindo in his ashram with a personal letter
from his father, expressing concern over Aurobindo’s decision to quit the Swadeshi
Movement. Giving an exposition highlighting the greater glory of Bharat, talking
about Lord Sri Rama who walked the holy land and the country which had a position on
top of the world and stood as a preceptor for the rest of the world, Aurobindo
defined who a True Bharatiya was with an exemplified illustration of Lord Sri Rama.
A flash back into the Treta Age, towards the end of Lord Sri Rama’s 14 year exile in
the forest. Lord Rama after accomplishing His mission of eradicating the demons was
beseeched by Vibheeshana to accept the throne at Lanka. Lord Rama differs telling
that it was Vibheeshana who was second in line for the throne who deserved to be the
King and more over Ayodhya was waiting for Him. Despite Lakshmana’s added plea to
accept the throne, Lord Rama declared addressing both the men:
All through my life I have performed many sacrifices; not for anything else, but
only to uphold Dharma…Is it Dharma to forsake one’s mother for another just because
she is not beautiful…Can the love of any other woman ever fulfilled the love and
affection of our own Mother Vibheeshana…Bharat is My Motherland…it is the land where
I was born and I lived…and it is Bharat alone that I shall continue to live…no
riches of any foreign nation shall ever sway Me…why? Let the heaven itself descent
and offer to me its bounties, but I shall forsake it without a moment’s thought, for
my Mathrubhoomi…Janani Janmabhoomishcha, Swargaadapi Gareeyasee…Lakshmana! Mother
and Motherland are greater than heaven itself… It is indeed a misfortune if a
Bharatiya does not understand the ancient and sacred culture of Bharat. Bharat is
not just that land with the lofty Himalayas as its crown and the mighty oceans
washing its feet. No! Bharat is that land of Bhava, Raga and Thaala, the unity of
Thought, Word and Deed…it is the land of love and wisdom…it is the land where every
citizen from dawn to dusk in every single act of his is centred completely on the
Divine… A true Bharatiya is one who has Rathi for Bhagawan…who sees God in
everything and unites the entire humanity as one Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam…such is the
greatness of the sacred land Bharat…
Explaining the scene from the great epic, Aurobindo asked Gandhi’s son to
communicate to his father the message that when he was imprisoned he had the darshan
of the Lord and he was decreed by the Lord to devote his time for the spiritual
awakening of the country…
…and there comes the climactic declaration! Aurobindo breaks his silence of
meditation with a prophecy that would yield the humanity, the Avatar of the Age….He
declared: a Great light is dawning in the east…a light whose first glimpses can
already be seen in the horizons….a new day is about to break in this glorious land
of Bharat… ……my Krishna has promised me that He would be coming soon…. His task
would be to raise Bharat up to the Sanathana Dharma…
On the 24th November 1926 Sri Aurobindo Ghosh came out of his meditative trance and
announced to the rest of the world:
MY KRISHNA HAS FINALLY COME!!!
It was an wonderful evening that heard echoing the beautiful story of “Divine
Romance”, ringing again and again all over echoing the entire Sai Kulwant, filling
the same with the pristine presence of Sri Krishna who was the Master Beloved for
the evening… and the post graduate students of Sri Sathya Sai University literally
lived out some of the most beautiful moments from the annals of Indian Independence
history, all with Love for Bhagawan to make Him happy.
Earlier, before the commencement of the programme, the entire cast was blessed by
Bhagawan in the the Bhajan Hall. The cast numbering over 120 made a wonderful effort
attending the minutest details to make the presentation a remarkable success. The
entire drama with on the spot dialogue delivery coupled with songs, background music
intertwined with commentary without any pre-recording was a unique attempt making it
a grand success. After the programme the entire troupe was blessed with coveted
photo session with Bhagawan.
Simple yet convincing settings, fiery dialogues, ever soothing background score, the
theme song that heard often echoing passionately crying out for the enchanting Sri
Krishna, superb acting and the Protagonist’s convincing portrayal of the identity of
Aurobindo with ease and with great passion and devotion, in all, the drama was a
classic endeavour reminding one and all of the Divinity behind India’s Independence.
Prasanthi Nilayam, a spiritual aspirant’s final destination, where one is taught to
be broken into freedom from the clutches of life and death, love for motherland
comes to fore reminding one and all of their bounden duty towards the land that has
given birth to each and every one. Hail Mother India!
Hail Mother India…Krishna has come again…Bharata Bhagya Vidhata!!!
The 63rd Independence Day of India was marked with the flag hoisting ceremony at the various
educational institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam as in the rest of the country. After the morning
bhajans, the meeting of thyagajeevis an
d brahmacharis got underway again at the hall next to
Swami's residence and continued till the special lunch arranged for them at the Canteen by
Bhagavan at one o'clock. In the evening, Swami came for darshan to Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.40 p.m.
as the bhajans went on and after His darshan round, sat onstage for nearly half an hour before
accepting arati. After the three times 'Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu' chant, He asked the boys
to chant the mantra again, so they chanted 'Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu' thrice, and then
again 'Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu' thrice. Swami interacted some more with a couple of
students before He moved towards Yajur Mandir. He came to the hall where the thyagajeevis were
assembled, and came to the stage there as Mr. B. N. Narasimhamurthy, Warden of the Brindavan
Hostel, made a brief emotionally charged speech. Swami then accepted arati there as well before
returning to His residence at 6.45 p.m
The Sai Kulwant hall was decked for Krishnashtami from last evening with blue cloth decorations
and a Krishna statue onstage. Bhagavan had come for darshan at 6.15 pm yesterday and had
accepted Arati after more than 90 minutes of bhajans at 6.35 pm. This morning, students from all
three campuses of the University were present for darshan, along with a contingent from the
institutions at Muddenahalli and Alike and a group of devotees from Maharashtra. Swami gave
Janmashtami darshan clad in a yellow robe seated on the special white chair at 9.20 am. After
His darshan round, He moved to the interview room and emerged after nearly an hour to accept
Arati onstage at a quarter past ten. He went to the interview room again briefly before
returning to His residence in the car.
In the evening, the procession of cows from the Gokulam led by Swami's baby elephant arrived in
Sai Kulwant hall at five o'clock as the bhajans began. Swami came fifteen minutes later came
onstage after blessing the quadrupeds during His darshan round. Krishnashtami songs were being
sung as Swami gave darshan. Once He sat onstage for a few minutes, He asked for bhajans to be
sung, and prasadam was distributed. At 6.20, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence. A
meeting of the "thyagajeevi"s of the institutions at Muddenahalli and
Alike along with many of those working at Bhagavan's institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam and
Brindavan was arranged over the weekend at the hall in the building adjacent to Swami's
residence. This evening after bhajan, there was an orientation lecture session there after the
evening bhajan for an hour.
SAI BHARATI
SRIKAKULAM PARTHI YATRA - a Musical Dance Drama - source:sssbpt.org
Posted at 0950 Hrs. on 12, Aug, 2009
Three thousand five hundred devotees from the coastal district of Andhra Pradesh,
Srikakulam, have joined in a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam spanning for three
days, from 11th to 13th August 2009. Besides, there are groups from other parts of
India and overseas countries, making every available space in Ashram a scarcity. All
common halls and rooms in the Ashram are filled to the brim, creating a festive
environment.his evening, the devotees from
Srikakulam district were to present a
drama. Swami went for a drive at 11 am this morning, and came for evening darshan at
a quarter past five. Once He came onstage, He asked for the programme to commence.
The Telugu drama 'Sai Bharati' brought out the glory of Mother India as narrated by
Max Mueller, Rabindranath Tagore and Gopalakrishna Gokhale. The inspiring 45 minute
presentation was filled with quotes and poems from Bhagavan's Discourses. Swami
called up 'Max
Mueller' and blessed him with a chain even as the drama was going on. At the end of
the drama, Bhagavan went to the interview room and emerged with clothes for the
participants. He went down among them for group photographs and once back onstage,
blessed many items brought up to Him as prasadam was distributed before accepting
Arati at 6.45 pm.
On the 11th of August 2009, devotees from Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh put up
a dance drama “Sai Bharati”, which sang paeans of praise on the greatness, grandeur
and glory of the sacredness of this great land of Bharat. A beautiful backdrop with
the hues of the Indian tricolour bearing the map of India formed the perfect setting
for the dance drama.
Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 1715 hrs. to the chants of the Vedas. At the
outset, the district president presented the programme for the evening and also gave
a brief speech expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for the opportunity to present a
dance drama in His presence. He said that they were doing Seva in many villages of
the district which included Deenajana Seva (service of the destitute). It was due to
His grace that they could come to Prasanthi Nilayam for the past eight years, opined
the speaker. After his speech, there was a mini procession of the cast came to stage
to offer their obeisance.
The musical drama began with a dance by tiny tots carrying lamps in their palms to
the song “Jaya Jaya Priya Bharata Janani Tri Divya Dhatri …” (Bharat is the divine
motherland) which also happened to be the theme song of the dance drama. The drama
was a medley of dance and dialogues depicting scenes from the hoary culture of
Bharat eulogising its greatness.
The storyline runs thus: Three youth meet Max Muller, the famous Sanskrit
philosopher from the West, Sri Bal Gangadhar Tikak, the great freedom fighter and
Sri Rabindranath Tagore, the poet who penned the National Anthem of India and a
freedom fighter in Prasanthi Nilayam. The dance drama is an imaginative portrayal
bringing alive the three great characters of the past. They are happy to be in the
abode of peace. The three great men give their opinions on this sacred land of
Bharat extolling its sanctity. Bal Gangadhar Tikak opines that Bharat is the land of
sacrifice and spirituality and is based on the foundation of Indian culture. It will
shine forth as a beacon for everyone. A tiny tot Swati, brilliant in studies is
encountered by Rabindranath Tagore who hears the child reel off the nursery rhyme
“Ba Ba Black Sheep …” The poet is pained to know that children are being taught such
rhymes in school which have no meaning. The teachers hesitate to teach the greatness
of the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata to children. Max Muller says that even now his
hair stands erect when he thinks that Rama and Lakshmana set foot on this land of
Bharat. He says that some people have a wrong notion that the Ramayana and
Mahabharata belong to the Hindu religion. Bharatiya culture is based on Sanathana
Dharma and not on any particular religion, explains the great German philosopher.
Bharat is fortunate to
have great souls like Emperor Sibi, Harischandra and Prahlada
who demonstrated great ideals to the world. The word Bharat means ‘Bha’
(Bhagawan-God) ‘Rat’ (Rathi – attachment, love). So, the Bharatiya is one who has
love for God. Axioms like Isavasyam Idam Sarvam (the entire universe is permeated by
God), Tattwamasi (That Thou Art) have originated in Bharat, says Bal Gangadhar
Tilak. Modern inventions like aeroplanes, modern systems of medicine have their
roots in Bharat. They were visualised by our ancient seers.
This land of Bharat has given birth to many noble women like Savitri who brought her
dead husband back to life; Chandramati who extinguished wild fire with the power of
truth; Sita who proved her chastity by coming out of blazing fire unscathed and
Damayanti who reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity.
This land of piety and nobility attained plenty and prosperity and became the
teacher of all the nations of the world because of such women of chastity, says Max
Muller glorifying Bharat. (At this point, Bhagawan called the actor who played the
role of Max Muller and materialised a gold chain for him.)
The drama ends with Max Muller praying for being born as a Bharatiya and
Rabindranath Tagore reciting the immortal verse,
“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow
domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the
dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action--
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”
All the artistes converge at the performing area and the theme song, “Jaya Jaya
Priya Bharata …” is played again. Clothes were distributed to all the artistes.
Bhagawan graciously went amidst them and gave them the coveted opportunity of being
photographed with Him. He also lighted a lamp and cut a cake lovingly brought by
them. Prasadam was distributed to all the devotees.
Continuing the tradition of senior staff who has done yeomen service in the Ashram,
this evening it was the turn of Sri Narasaiah from Maintenance Department to offer
rose to Bhagawan. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 18:45 p.m. Thus, concluded the
emotion-filled dance drama portraying the greatness of Bharat by the devotees of
Srikakulam district.
An apt precursor to the ensuing Independence Day, 15th August!!!
On Wednesday morning the entire contingent of devotees took out a massive rally
outside Prasanthi Nilayam showcasing district's cultural diversities.
Sai Apadbandhavaya Namaha
an evening presentation by the Youth from Gujarat
Posted at 1015 Hrs. on 11, Aug, 2009
On course, embracing His Uncertainty, the week began on a similar note where the
previous one ended, enacting a similar script that Prasanthi witnessed the previous
evening.
Monday was the final day and the evening was the final session for the Youth
contingent from Gujarat and they were pinning greater hopes taking inspiration from
the previous evening when the UK group got their dues to turn an uncertain evening
into twilight of merriment.
Repeating a script similar to that of the previous evening, the instructions came
from the Divine Abode, amid bhajans, for the Youth to get set for a special session.
Bhagawan came at 1735 Hrs. and it took longer time for the programme to commence
when final nod was given at 1830 Hrs. …And came the surprise; with the announcement
came the call for Arathi…Despite Arathi Lord was still onstage, first, blessing a
Birthday boy profusely materializing a chain, and then overseeing the assembly as a
Silent Witness. And at a time when all were expecting Bhagawan to retire to Yajur
Mandiram, there came the second nod, this time for a skit entitled “Sai
Aapadbandhavaya Namaha”.
The skit was based on actual experiences of Sai Missionaries, the Youth who were
engaged in Sri Sathya Sai Village Integration Programme, popularly known as SSSVIP.
The scene was set from a village 65 kms from Valsad where in an epidemic broke out
threatening lives en mass. Villagers, while pondering as to how medicine could be
made available on emergency despite adverse circumstances that included bad weather,
floods and dilapidated road condition, with gross hesitancy finally decided to call
up Vishal, the Sai volunteer who would spearhead the SSSVI Programme in the village.
Upon sensing the emergency Vishal, despite all anticlimactic situation rigorously
pursues to motivate the youth and organize the doctors in no time to save the
villagers from the life threatening epidemic.
i
In another instance Vishal saves two children from being run over by a vehicle,
risking his own life, and the villagers in their merriment lavishes praise at Vishal
hailing him as their savior; humbled by their simplicity Vishal educated them that
it was Bhagawan, the indweller in Him, who worked through him to save the children.
The final episode was from a temple construction scene wherein Vishal wanted the
villagers to urgently organize for bricks as there was an adverse situation
prevailing with reference to the transport facility to bring bricks from outside.
Upon enquiring and coming to know that an year ago some unused bricks were buried at
some place, despite their gross hesitancy, Vishal impressed upon the villagers to
exhume the bricks to their surprise to find over 2500 of them in fine condition,
sufficient enough for the proposed construction. .
Spirit of Unity and Greater Faith in the Divine was built in the said village brick
by brick through many such incidents during their SSS Village Integration Programme,
announced the Youth as the programme got to end and Bhagawan retired to Yajur
Mandiram.
God’s ways are mysterious and none can decipher or define His mystery. Prasanthi’s
“Divine Workshop” brings inexplicable surprises, at times leading to suspense,
taking one to greater uncertainty, that is verily Divine! Indeed Prasanthi is giving
greater lessons to embrace His Uncertainty!!!
This evening, the UK group got permission to present their music programme at 4.30
pm while the Vedam went on and the students cleared the centre of Sai Kulwant hall
for them. Bhagavan arrived at 6.15 pm and the presentation began at 6.30 after His
darshan round. The energetic programme was for just over half an hour, with a sitar
solo and group songs. Swami then asked them to sing bhajans. After 10 minutes of
bhajans while prasadam was distributed, He accepted Arati and returned to His
residence at 7.20 pm.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
-Himachal Pradesh music
SAI NAAM TAARAKAM
Singing Greater Efficacy of Lord’s Name
Posted at 2100 Hrs. IST on 5th Aug 2009
Over three hundred youth from the tiny hilly terrain of North India, Himachal
Pradesh have joined in a Parthi Yatra to Prasanthi Nilayam for three days, from 2nd
Aug to 6th Aug. The land that is popularly known as the land of Gods and Goddesses
is blessed with abundant spiritual wealth conferred upon by Lord Shiva and Mother
Divine.
Name of God was Ram and it was this Name that heard resonating repeatedly in the
entire Sai Kulwant Hall on an auspicious evening that was doubly blessed by the
propitious Rakhi Pournami, celebrated as Raksha Bandhan throughout India.
A musical offering entitled “Sai Naam Taarakam”, a composition of selected verses
from the vast treasure house of traditional keerthanams, atypical from the normal
tone n’ tenor, strung together as a single piece and sung in tune with the famous
“Hanuman Chalisa” was the offering at the Divine Lotus Feet by the Youth on the
auspicious evening.
Bhagawan has been stressing on the greater efficacy of “Naama Smarana” as the most
potent tool to attain salvation…and the beautiful evening was made a “Keerthan
Sandhya” when the Youth from Himachal Pradesh sung the glory of Ram Naam strung
together with Sai Naam…and at the end it was “Ram Ram Ram Ram, Sai Naam Taarakam”
that was resonating all over in Sai Kulwant Hall.
Earlier Bhagawan came out to the Sai Kulwant Hall at 1730 Hrs. and continued to sit
listening to the Vedam Chanting till 1805 Hrs. before He nodded to commence the
programme. Started off expressing profound sense of gratitude addressing Bhagawan as
Sathya Sai Parabhrahmam, while wishing the assembly on the auspicious occasion of
Rakhi Purnima, the Youth from the state commenced their music programme invoking and
inviting the Divine to their state of Himachal Pradesh.
Though the schedule for the evening had two more music sessions to follow, a
classical presentation by Ms. Sunanda Sharma and another musical offering by the
girls wing of the Youth group entitled Param Udhaarik Sai, a garland of five songs
with a common thread of offering heartiest prayer to Mother Divine, Sai, The Divine
Mother, the programme was cut short as Bhagawan called for Arathi after one song by
the Sai Youth (Girls).
The 63rd Independence Day of India was marked with the flag hoisting ceremony at the various
educational institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam as in the rest of the country. After the morning
bhajans, the meeting of thyagajeevis an
d brahmacharis got underway again at the hall next to
Swami's residence and continued till the special lunch arranged for them at the Canteen by
Bhagavan at one o'clock. In the evening, Swami came for darshan to Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.40 p.m.
as the bhajans went on and after His darshan round, sat onstage for nearly half an hour before
accepting arati. After the three times 'Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu' chant, He asked the boys
to chant the mantra again, so they chanted 'Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu' thrice, and then
again 'Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu' thrice. Swami interacted some more with a couple of
students before He moved towards Yajur Mandir. He came to the hall where the thyagajeevis were
assembled, and came to the stage there as Mr. B. N. Narasimhamurthy, Warden of the Brindavan
Hostel, made a brief emotionally charged speech. Swami then accepted arati there as well before
returning to His residence at 6.45 p.m
