SAI BABA NEWS AND PHOTOS: October_2009_sai_baba_photos_darshan_update

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Sai News October 2009

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Holidays and Observances: 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, 18: Deepavali,Govardhan Puja, 19: Bhai Duj

Text & photo source: Heart2Heart Team (Prasanthi Diary), sssbpt.org - radiosai.org - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group.

 
Saturday, Oct 31, 2009 - Divine Visit to Pune and Mumbai - Welcome in Mumbai

Bhagawan arrived at Dharmakshetra finally at 1.50 pm, And that too after a gap of above eight years. He was given a very grand and colorful welcome Veda chanting started as soon as Bhagawan entered Dharmakshetra. Bal Vikas children with their colorful costumes stood on either side of the road.
 


Bhagawan went straight up to his residence "Satya Deep" Bhagawan arrived at Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE Complex, at the Air-conditioned Hall No 1, Western Express Highway Goregaon (East), Mumbai around 6.05 pm and He was there for an hour while the Aarti was being performed. There was a huge crowd...
Read more with Photos

 

 
 
 Friday, Oct 30, 2009 - "The Little Champs"

Morning Darshan: Swami was escorted to the stage, with a red umbrella being held above Him, due to the strong sunlight. He reached the stage at 11.05 am while the Parthi Boys were singing melodious bhajans. Swami also gave chance to the bal vikas children to sing few bhajans, and he seemed to be enjoying the devotional singing of the little ones.
 


The morning programme concluded at 11.45 am with the Aarti.

Evening Darshan: "The Little Champs" - three girls and two boys gave a heart rending performance in the presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. These five "Little Champs" have performed in Marathi TV Channels.
 


Bhagawan arrived on the stage around 6.15 pm. The group of the above "Famous Five Little Champs" sang three devotional songs each. Bhagawan asked them to sing one more song and they all sang together. It finally added up to a total of 16 songs . Truly, one of the most memorable performance we all had witnessed today..
 


video


Each of the children had the opportunity to touch His feet a number of times. Swami gave lots of love and time to them. Some of the singers even requested Swami if He could bless their little brother and sister. Swami lovingly accepted these requests and even pinched some of the children on the cheeks.

"The Little Champs" and the musicians were given mementos by Bhagawan.

The program concluded around 7.50 pm by offering to Aarti to Swami who sat throughout the Aarti.

Bhagawan will be leaving Hadshi for Mumbai tomorrow morning. And we are all waiting for Him to bless the city of Mumbai.

day2_sri_sathya_sai_baba_pune_mumbai_hadshi_temple_panduranga_kshetra
Photos

 
 
 
Thursday, Oct 29, 2009 - Divine Visit to Pune and Mumbai - Divine Discourse

The much awaited Prana Pratishta of the three deities, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vittala Rakumai and Bhagawan Shirdi Sai Baba idols at the Sri Sathya Sai Panduraga Kshetra was done by the Divine Hands on the auspicious 29th October morning attended by vast concourse of devotees.

Earlier in the morning, huge chunk of devotees (some overwhelmed with tears for their prayers were finally answered!) poured into the grounds of the Holy venue. The air was charged with excitement as His

devotees continued to be in high spirits after the beautiful Darshan and soul-stirring musical rendition of the previous evening.

The splendid pink and white Ganesha Mandir at the entrance of the enclosure was delicately decorated with fragrant flowers, floral Swastiks and festive streamers. Soft rose petals were sprinkled all along the pathway to the Mandir. A ‘Shri’ inscribed in the floral decoration just above the doorway of the Mandir, welcomed the Lord within, where, on a raised, decorated platform, sat the magnificent marble idol of the Destroyer of Obstacles, Lord Ganesha.

Just before Swami arrived, priests and the Seva Dals performed a Kumbha Abhishek at the Ganesha and Vitthala Mandirs.... Continue reading with photos & Sai Baba's divine discourse  

 

 
 
 
Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 - Divine Visit to Pune and Mumbai

Bhagawan begins His Maharashtra Sojourn   Swami 's arrival in Hadshi village
Today at noon Bhagawan blessed and inaugurated Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra, a triune temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Vittala and Bhagawan Shirdi Sai at Hadshi Village near the picturesque hill station, Lonavala, in Pune.

Swami also blessed huge crowds of devotees assembled at the temple grounds with His divine darshan and blessings them with His Abhya hastha. Accordingly, the Mahaprasad is at 13.00 hrs, & Bhajan and Devotional Musical Programme by: Smt. Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shri Nitin Mukesh and Ms. Sapna Mukherjeethe is next  at 18.00 hrs.Sai BabaTravel updates Complete Report with photos

28th Morning 8.00 a.m.: Divine Visit to Pune and Mumbai
"This morning, Swami left for Pune by air on a short Maharashtra visit. Accepting Arati from the car itself, He left the Mandir for the airport j
ust before 8 o'clock. There, He unveiled a small Hanuman statue before boarding the chartered flight which took off at half-past eight. From Pune, Bhagavan will move to Hadshi, around 40 kilometres away and stay there for a couple of days.
 

"...On the first day of Bhagawan’s Pune visit, the evening descended on an eager expanse of devotees – most of whom had waited in the

scorching sun since 12 noon. The setting was perfect. Cool fresh evening breeze and the tender twilight of the setting sun... Read more with photos

 

 
 
Friday,Oct 23, 2009 - AP CM visits Parthi

"...The fortnight had some dignitary visit too with the Union Civil Aviation Minister Sri Praful Patel and legendary Indian Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar leading the pack, followed by two Chief Ministerial
 

Chief Minister K Rosaiah seeking the blessings of Sri Satya Saibaba at Prasanti Nilayam

Chief Minister K Rosaiah who arrived here from Bangalore, drove straight to Shanti Bhavan enroute Sai Kulwanth Hall in Prashanti Nilayam.



"...The fortnight had some dignitary visit too with the Union Civil Aviation Minister Sri Praful Patel and legendary Indian Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar leading the pack, followed by two Chief Ministerial visits, led by Sri Ashok Chavan of Maharashtra and the new incumbent in Andhra Pradesh Sri K. Rosaiah. While Maharashtra  Chief Minister’s

visit was linked to Bhagawan’s visit to Maharashtra, the high-profile visit of Rosaiah evoked greater enthusiasm as the new Chief Minister accompanied by scores of Khadi-clad congressmen including some of his cabinet colleagues made a beeline seeking His Blessings. Bhagawan blessed the Chief Minister with an interview that lasted for fifteen minutes...."

 
Monday, Oct 19, 2009 - Gujarathi New Year in Prasanthi Nilayam

The devotees from Gujarat celebrated their New Year today. Bhagavan was welcomed into Sai Kulwant Hall just before half-past five this evening as the bhajans went on with a small girl in traditional dress holding auspicious items. After Swami completed His darshan round, He came onstage and sat there till ten minutes to six, when He permitted the musical performance by the Gujarat devotees. Santoor and Jal-tarang recitals for twenty minutes were followed by a half-hour drama by the balvikas children based on Adi Shankara's Bhaja Govindam based on Bhagavan's Chinna Kathas. Swami sent clothes for the participants and accepted Arati at 7.10 pm as prasadam was distributed after He went down from the stage and blessed the group with photographs. scroll down read more details with 
photo gallery - slide show
 

Sri_Sathya_Sai_Pandurang_Kshetra - Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Visit to State of Maharashtra
Bhagawan will be in Hadshi for four days from 28th October to 31st October, 2009

October 19, 2009 – Gujarat New Year Programme in the

Divine Presence

As mentioned on the update on October 17, devotees from the state of Gujarat had arrived to Puttaparthi in large numbers to celebrate the beginning of their New Year with Swami. Their programme had not yet been confirmed and so the hall had no backdrops. But a huge welcome board, constituted with myriad colours of flowers, proclaimed, “Happy Gujarati New Year”. Interesting rangolis or designs with coloured powder had been laid on the marbled steps that lead to the stage. They were delicate and beautiful. 

The Veda chanting concluded at 5:00 p.m. and then the bhajans began. It was in middle of the bhajans at 5:25 p.m. that Swami arrived. He was welcomed by children holding lamps on either sides of the path. The children were dressed in various costumes.

 

Swami moved across the ladies from the state and then across the gents too. Along the way, He blessed various items that the children held out. In the gents’ side, He enquired into the progress of the University buildings at Muddenahalli and saw through the pictures too.

The birthday boys' region was populated by students of Gujarati origin who took the opportunity to seek His blessings and Grace on their special day. It was the same in the Primary school block too. Swami was on stage listening to bhajans by 5:45 p.m. After a few bhajans, Swami called the State president of Gujarat and asked him what programmes were in store. He permitted the musical to be performed and within minutes, an area in the centre had been cleared and the music programme began.

 

Before the performance began, all the artists came forward to offer their obeisance to Him. He blessed all of them patiently and profusely. The first part of the programme was a piece on the santoor by Sri Shyamkumar Bhonsle. Ah! What a pleasing quality of sound the santoor produces; like the dancing flow of a gurgling brook! The difference was that the artist seemed to take everyone on a journey of the river in the reverse direction! Beginning with a gentle flow like the meandering river before it meets the sea, the tempo and gusto was built up to a crescendo like the rushing rivulet on the mountain tops.

 


 

His ten minute piece was followed by a Jaltarang recital by Sri Hemant Bhosle. Now this too had 'water' all about it as the musical notes emanated from porcelain bowls filled with water to different levels. Ten minutes later, the music was complete and Swami asked, "Where is the drama?" Needless to say, the backdrops were rushed into position and all the blocks cleared for the ensuing performance.

 

The drama turned out to be the third this month to be based on Adi Sankara! As it is said, "When it rains, it pours!" The drama had the Bhaja Govindam forming its backbone and was embellished with Swami's Chinna Kathas. The episode from Shirdi Baba's life where Baba teaches Tatya the inevitability of death and the story of the fisherman who teaches a businessman the true meaning of happiness and relaxation were well enacted.
 

 


 

 


 

 

The verses from the Bhaja Govindam interspersed the drama with the saint Shankara himself singing it out and reminding everyone of the lofty goals in life. They concluded with the song Manasa Bhajore Guru Charanam and the dialogue, "Let us all get ready to go to Swami." Even as they said this, it appeared as though Swami got ready to go to them!
 

 

Swami moved immediately to the interview room and brought T shirts and safari pieces. Arriving back to the stage, Swami moved down to grant the children an opportunity of a group photograph.

 

On His way, He asked almost everyone of them their names. Most of them answered but some of them seemed so awed by His presence that all they mustered was a deep look into His eyes. Swami then moved up the stage and blessed everyone. Aarthi was done and Swami retired at 7:15 p.m.

more update with photos from sssbpt.org below
 
Posted at 12:10:00 Hrs. on 22nd Oct 2009

A large number of devotees from the State of Gujarat had come to celebrate the Gujarati New Year in the Divine Presence. This day, 20th October 2009 being their New Year, there was expectancy in the air that a grand celebration was in store. Two interesting programmes were staged this evening by the devotees from Gujarat – Santoor and Jaltarang recitals by famous artistes and a dance drama “Sai Bhaja Govindam.” Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.25 p.m. After His usual round of Darshan, Bhagawan came to the dais when evening Bhajans were in progress. After a few Bhajans, Bhagawan permitted the State President of Gujarat to showcase their programmes.

The first programme was an enthralling recital on Santoor, a stringed instrument by Sri Shyamkumar Bhonsle. This was followed by Jaltarang recital by Hemant Bhosle. Jaltarang means “waves in water” but indicates motion of sound created or modified with the aid of water. It is played by the artiste on cups filled with water. The tinkle sound so created gives a pleasing effect to the ear.

The next programme was a dance drama entitled “Sai Bhaja Govindam” by the Bal Vikas children of Gujarat. Adi Sankara is known for his teaching of Vedanta. However, Bhaja Govindam is his most important treatise. The Bal Vikas children through their performance showed how Bhaja Govindam could find solutions to many problems of the world. Bhagawan during the course of His Discourses narrates short anecdotes which He calls Chinna Katha. They were enacted with dialogues by the Bal Vikas children.


The scene opens with the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama in the background. A grandson asks his grandfather as to why he is reading so many books. The grandfather says that the previous day he met his old friend who told him that he had wasted all his life in transitory pleasures and desires instead of attempting to attain bliss. So, he took recourse to reading of ancient scriptures. The grandson tells his grandfather that Bhaja Govindam, written 2,500 years back will help him to turn spiritually inward. The grandson says that the Bal Vikas children are going to stage a dance drama in Prasanthi Nilayam in Bhagawan’s presence entitled “Sai Bhaja Govindam”. There is going to be a dress rehearsal. He could witness the rehearsal.

Now the song Bhaja Govindam is played in the background.
Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam,
Govindam Bhaja Moodha Mathe,
Samprapthe Sannihithe Kale,
Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrun Karane.
(Oh foolish man, chant the name of Govinda; the rules of grammar will not come to your rescue when the end approaches.) Then the incident of Tatya asking Shirdi Sai Baba to revive his mother is well depicted. Shirdi Baba advises Tatya that the appointed time had come for his mother to leave her mortal coil. On repeated pleas of Tatya to revive his mother, Shirdi Baba asks Tatya to bring a spoonful of mustard from a house in the village who had no death in the family. Tatya goes from house to house, but could not find a single house who had no death in their family. Tatya comes back dejected to Shirdi Baba.



Then another Sloka from Bhaja Govindam is played in the background:
Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam,
Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayanam,
Iha Samsare Bahu Dustare,
Kripayapare Pahi Murare.
(Oh Lord! I am caught up in this cycle of birth and death; time and again, I am experiencing the agony of staying in the mother’s womb. It is very difficult to cross this ocean of worldly life. Please take me across this ocean and grant me liberation.) Tatya realises his ignorance and accepts Baba’s Will as final.

Oh foolish man! Give up your thoughts to amass wealth. Be contented with what you have. The ensuing skit was on the subject of contentment and detachment. A businessman asks a fisherman as to why he has stopped fishing after catching only a few fish in his net. The fisherman replies that he is satisfied with what he has. The businessman tries to tempt the fisherman by saying that if he catches more fish, he could buy a better fishing net, a big trawler with which he could go to deep sea to make a big catch. Then he could become a big business magnet like him and live in comfort. The message: “If you are contented that is enough. That is true happiness,” was well conveyed. Man is governed by vices like greed, pride, envy, dishonesty. Adi Sankara’s Bhaja Govindam has solutions to modern day problems. It will help one to cross the ocean of life fraught with dangers and difficulties. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has said:
Satsangatwe Nissangatwam,
Nissangatwe Nirmohatwam,
Nirmohatwe Nischalatattwam,
Nischalatattwe Jivanmukti.
(Good company leads to detachment; detachment makes one free from delusion; freedom from delusion leads to steadiness of mind; steadiness of mind confers liberation.) Reading of Bhagavadgita leads one from ignorance to bliss. It helps him to weed out the innate bad qualities. The first lesson that Bhagawan gave in Uravakonda on 20th October 1940 was Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam Dustara Bhava Sagara Tharanam (Oh mind! Contemplate on the feet of the Guru. It will help you to cross the ocean of Samsara (worldliness).

The grandfather congratulates his grandson because he and his friends have made him realise that even he at this advanced age could realise the Lord. The song Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam Dustara Bhava Sagara Tharanam is played in Bhagawan’s voice.

All the cast of the drama converge in the central performing area and request Bhagawan to come down amidst them. Bhagawan accepted their request and went amidst them to be photographed. All the participants were distributed clothes. Prasadam was distributed to all the devotees and students. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 7.05 p.m. after which He retired for the day.


 

 
 
 
Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 - Greetings on the occasion of Deepavali

Yesterday, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Sri Praful Patel and cricketer Sri Sunil Gavaskar were here for darshan.
Deepavali was celebrated today in some parts of the country, and will be celebrated tomorrow in some parts. When Bhagavan came for darshan at a quarter to five this evening, He asked for silver lamps to be distributed to more than a thousand ladies. After the evening bhajan when He returned to His residence at a quarter to six, fireworks and lamps were readied outside Yajur Mandir. He sat outside His residence watching the fireworks being lit for half an hour before retiring for the day.
 

Diwali in the Divine Presence

 

 Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of India and a huge share in that popularity is due to the bursting of fire crackers that forms an integral part of the celebrations. The festival is symbolic of the victory of light over darkness as sought in the prayer, Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya and the ascendance of enlightenment over ignorance.

Puttaparthi has had a cherished history of Diwali where Swami would inaugurate a grand session of fireworks after a fiery discourse and the students would romp and celebrate with the crackers thereafter. Times have changed but not the spirit.

The evening saw a full house Sai Kulwant Hall as everyone wanted to celebrate this festival of love and light with Bhagavan. As soon as Swami arrived in the hall at 4:55 p.m., He presented boxfuls of diyas or lamps to be distributed to all married women. Immediately there were sparks of excitement and joy and everyone rushed towards the epicenter to receive silver lamps. Swami moved through the ladies and gents’ side. They were all brimming with joy as Swami moved slowly towards the stage. As usual there were cards galore which Swami quickly blessed.

 

Reaching the stage, Swami sat for the bhajans. The week leading up to Diwali has been quiet, yet eventful. Everyday saw the arrival of Swami at around 4:30-5:00 to grant darshan. Thereafter, He sat for bhajans invariably till 6:00 p.m. with an occasional stretch. The creation of chains and showering of grace continued on a regular basis. And on that day, the people of Gujarat had flocked in large numbers to celebrate Diwali and the Gujarati New Year with Him.

The programme these people had come prepared with did not materialize on that day as Swami sat serene on the stage allowing one and all to drink deep into His nectarine form. After a while, He blessed prasadam for distribution and received aarthi.

 

As He reached the Residence, the children from the 8th standard were ready to burst crackers. Some members of Swami's 'family' (that is to say, the family of His physical form!) had also gathered as in the Bharatiya tradition, Diwali is celebrated with one's family. Swami blessed crackers and personally distributed them to the children. He lit the first sparkler to declare the festival open for the children to have a "blast".

 

Swami then sat smilingly as the crackers were burst in His presence. Flowerpots, garland crackers, and a plethora of skylight fireworks lighted the evening. Crowds gathered and later swelled at both the ends of the residence with the desire of catching a glimpse of that lovable form. Some of the children near Swami were in fact plugging their ears with their hands as they were fearful of the loud explosions. Swami smiled at this and seemed to reassure the children. Some of the fireworks let out a lot of smoke. Everyone was fanning theirself but not Swami. He seemed totally unaffected.

 

Another lovely scene was when hundreds of moths and insects that seemed to have been alarmed by the sounds and smoke flew towards calmer settings. And thus it was that the walls beside Swami were studded with these little creatures of God. They too surely knew that when everything seemed to be chaotic, they would find peace and refuge in His presence, near Him!
 

 


 

 


 

 

Swami saw the display for about fifteen minutes. Then, like a loving mother, He asked for soaps to be distributed to all the children so that they could wash themselves clean after the bursting session! The soaps were thus distributed after which Swami blessed everyone and moved into the residence.

 

 
 
 


V
ideo President Obama's Diwali Message
"Lead me from unreal to real.
Lead me from darkness to light.
Lead me from mortality to immortality"
 

 

Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009bhagawan-visit-maharashtra-hadshi-village-via-pune - Visit by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra

The last few days have been quiet at Prasanthi Nilayam. The students have their end-semester or end of term exams and there have been no programmes in Sai Kulwant Hall for the last two weeks. Bhagavan has been coming for evening darshan, and occasionally for morning darshan too. This evening, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was among the congregation for evening darshan. The Maharashtra devotees are hoping for a Divine visit in the last week of this month. Preparations are being made to welcome Swami to a village near Pune called Hadshi and the Dharmakshetra website has pictures of the Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra there.
more details
 
 
Tuesday,Oct 13, 2009 - Bhagawan Visit to Maharashtra - October 2009
"Om Sairam dearest Sai Family, Puttaparthi is bit quiet now a days, but the darshans are so beautiful. thanks to Swami who is blessing us with two darshans almost every day..
The state of Andhra Pradesh, which succumbed to fierce floods where in all major highways we
re totally destroyed and many thousands became homeless is recovering now. Trucks of flood relief material was dispatched from Parthi for the needy. Also there is this news (TOTALLY UN OFFICIAL NEWS) that Swami would be going to Pune and then to Mumbai on 28th October for 4 days to inaugurates a temple there in Pune..In spite of its unofficial status, this news is posted for the benefit of devotees who are planning their pilgrimage to Parthi during the end of this month, to double check Swami's where about and also to those fortunate devotees residing in Pune and Mumbai to pray more ardently so that our beloved Lord blesses their land with His divine presence which if happens, would be after a long time..."Submitted by a Sai devotee to SBOI-GroupJoin Group Sai Baba Of India - "SBOI"
For more details with photos click here
 
 
Thursday, Oct 8, 2009

This morning, Swami came at 9.30 as the bhajans went on and granted an audience to the former Chief election commissioner Sri T. N.

prasanthi-this-week-11oct-sai-baba - Dignitary visit during the week included the Governor of Rajasthan, Sri Shilendra Kumar Singh, former Election Commissioner Sri T.N.Seshan and former Chief Justice of Jharkhand, M. Karpaga Vinayagam, currently Chairman, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, New Delhi.

   

prasanthi-this-week-11oct-sai-baba - Dignitary visit during the week included the Governor of Rajasthan, Sri Shilendra Kumar Singh, former Election Commissioner Sri T.N.Seshan and former Chief Justice of Jharkhand, M. Karpaga Vinayagam, currently Chairman, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, New Delhi.

       

Seshan and the Governor of Rajasthan Sri Shilendra Kumar Singh who have been here for the last couple of days. In the evening, He came for darshan at half-past five and accepted Arati at six o'clock after prasadam was distributed.

 
 
 
Sunday, Oct 4, 2009 - Hospital blessed

The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam celebrated its anniversary today. Bhagavan came for morning darshan after 10.15 while the bhajans went on. After accepting Arati onstage after half an hour, Swami went to

The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam celebrated its anniversary today. Bhagavan came for morning darshan after 10.15 while the bhajans went on.

 

Videos Divine Visit to the General Hospital, Prasanthi Nilayam

 Video 1  Video 2  Video 3  Video 4

The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam celebrated its anniversary today. Bhagavan came for morning darshan after 10.15 while the bhajans went on.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - layout design saibabaofindia.com
 

the Hospital and spent more than an hour interacting with the staff there. In the evening, He came for darshan at 5.50 and went to the interview room after a few minutes onstage. He emerged at seven o'clock and blessed prasadam for distribution before again moving to the interview room. At 7.15, He came onstage to accept Arati and return to His residence.
More details below from Swami's hospital visit

"Finally came the big Sunday…and the Sunday was a special day for Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital. Saturday being the 53rd Anniversary of the hospital, Bhagawan blessed the hospital on the weekend holiday to make it a Holy Day in the annals of the illustrious institution.

Bhagawan reached the hospital at around 11:00 a.m. for a traditional Poornakumbha Swagatam (welcome) and Veda Chanting. Bhagawan spent over 90 minutes moving around the hospital and conversing with the medicos and paramedical

staff blessing them profusely. Delivering the welcome address, the Superintendent of the Hospital, Air Vice-Marshal Dr. Vinod Kumar Verma thanked Bhagawan profusely for the wonderful gesture of Divine Benediction. He later introduced the youngest doctor from the hospital, Dr. Sameer Nandan who made a brief speech in Telugu. This was followed by a Divine Chatter, blessing the medicos and paramedical staff profusely, talking individually, asking, listening followed by Divine Assurances...."

 

Videos and more details – Divine Visit to the General Hospital, Prasanthi Nilayam
 

The Anniversary day of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital arrived on October 4 and hopes of a Divine visit ran high. Swami had assured them that He would visit the hospital anytime after 10:00 a.m. but needless to say, the staff was all geared up well in advance from 8:00 a.m. itself. These dedicated people are the heart of this hospital who have been a witness to many a miracle of love on a daily basis. It would be thrilling to relive these tales and for getting that joy please visit our stories on General Hospital from H2H Archives.

Videos Divine Visit to the General Hospital, Prasanthi Nilayam

 Video 1  Video 2  Video 3  Video 4

At about 10:15 a.m., as bhajans went on in the Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami started towards the General Hospital. He was welcomed into the premises by women chanting the Vedas with the poornakumbham. Swami alighted at the entrance and moved to the Department of Dentistry which has grown a lot since its inception. We present to you a short clip that makes description unnecessary!

 

    Video 1
 

   
Video 1  Video 1  Video 2  Video 3  Video 4

From the dental department, Swami moved through the maternity corridor where He blessed the doctors and nurses. He accepted a rose from one foreign nurse and then moved into the elevator. He arrived on the first floor and into a hall where everyone had assembled.

 
 
    Video 2  
 

 
   
 Video 2  Video 1  Video 2  Video 3  Video 4
 

A song struck up melody in the air filled with devotion as Swami moved into the hall collecting letters. Everyone took namaskar and Swami moved to the centre. Then, began an hour long interaction which the staff will not forget for a very long time to come. Swami began by asking, "What news?" None spoke anything but everyone asked Swami to speak. A mike was also placed before Him. Swami literally began to reel out the 'news' as He spoke about the floods that are devastating the state of Andhra Pradesh. He spoke of the rising waters of the Godavari and Krishna and said that a "mini pralayam (deluge)" had descended.

 
 
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Swami then began to ask about what they needed at the hospital - equipment, staff - whatever. After some hesitation, they said that they needed more beds. Swami asked, "How many more?" There was no answer. So Swami enquired and found out that there were 26 women doctors, 13 men doctors and 1200 patients on an average everyday. Swami said, "So many patients. They come from everywhere. Because nowhere are the doctors so good. But we need more place and all round here buildings have been built. If I build on top of the hill, how will patients come? Let us see... if necessary, we will make some space for it in the Mandir." Swami also advised them to have separate rooms for emergency and complicated cases.

 
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Swami then asked for the new doctors who had joined the hospital. They raised their hands and Swami spoke and interacted with some of them. He told one of them that her husband in Mumbai was not satisfied with the work in that hospital. He further stated that the joy and satisfaction 'here' is to be found nowhere else. Some of the doctors and sisters who had been working in the hospital for years got the opportunity to give Him letters and talk personally to Him.
 

 

They all pleaded with Swami, "Swami if you keep coming like this we all get inspiration to work harder and harder." Swami said, "You called Me and I came. If you call again, I will come. But see everyone is not there." Everyone said, "Swami all are here." Swami retorted, "That is because I am here. On other days everyone is in their own places!"

 


 

Thus the interactions went on. The youngest doctor gave an impressive speech in Telugu. Before him, the superintendent of the hospital also gave a short welcome address. Towards the end, all the ladies formed a beeline to His feet and offered letters and prayers to Him. Swami sat patiently accepting everything and blessing all. The whole session since Swami entered the hall had lasted more than an hour. Swami also popped in a few groundnuts into His mouth from the various offerings that were made. Then, saying that it had got late already, Swami began to move out. He was thronged on His way out by everyone and He graced all. Finally, getting into the car, He left for the Mandir.

source:h2h.org

 
 
 
 
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 - Kerala youth pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam

The youth from Kerala who are on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam in large numbers presented a drama this evening. Bhagavan came for darshan just before five and went to the interview room after His round of the Hall. Emerging at 5.40, Swami asked for the hour-long drama on Saint Tulsidas to begin. After the drama, Swami sent

Swami sent clothes for the participants and called up some of them for photos onstage before going down for a group photo with all of them.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - layout design saibabaofindia.com
 

 clothes for the participants and called up some of them for photos onstage before going down for a group photo with all of them. Prasadam was distributed and Swami interacted some more with the youth, asking them to chant Vedam. After a bhajan by the students, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at seven o'clock. Read more details below

Posted at 1030 Hrs. on 5th Oct 2009
A Dance Drama by Kerala Youth on 3rd Oct 2009

Just within a month from the Onam celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam, a batch of around 2000 Youth from Kerala arrived in Prasanthi Nilayam on a Parthi Yatra to celebrate the proximity of the Lord in physical. Sublime themes in most simplistic style has become the hallmark of Kerala presentations over the years and keeping up this ‘tradition’ the Youth from the state had a musical dance drama entitled “Sant Tulsidas”, on the illustrious life of the philosopher saint Goswami Tulsidas lived over 450 years ago.

Tulsidas, the poet, the philosopher, the saint and more importantly a celebrated devotee of Lord Sri Rama is considered to be one of the best poets ever to have graced the land of Bharat. He was considered to be the reincarnation of Sage Valmiki born with the mission to spread the nectarous story of Lord Rama in the language of the common man.

One word spoken by his wife brought him a realization of his true goal and he persisted with his ‘killer-instinct’ to achieve his goal, to have the darshan of Lord Sri Rama. The dance drama began in the backdrop of this illustrious incident.

Infatuated with his wife Mamathadevi, suffering from pangs of separation even for a day, Tulsi followed her to her father’s house despite his mother’s consoling and pleading that she would come the next day and he should not venture in the dead, thunderous, rainy night. At her father’s house Mamathadevi was equally uneasy, at being away from her husband. She was lovingly teased by her friends for her part of suffering of separation. During the conversation, her friends advised her difference between love and lust, mentioning names of celebrated women of Bharat reminding her that a real wife is a Sahadharmini. Grasping the rightful advice of friends Mamathadevi prayed to God to free her husband from infatuation and his craziness for worldly pleasures.


 


In the meantime Tulsi, wading through the dreadful night reached out to Mamathadevi. Having heard Tulsi’s narration of the trials he had undergone to reach out in the dreadful night Mamathadevi advised him the greatness of Brahmacharya and the precious nature of human life. She went on commenting that instead of attachment to her filthy body, if Tulsi had a fraction of that love for God, he would have attained liberation. These words hit Tulsi like an arrow and he was a changed man ever since. He made a bold declaration that then onwards he would see his wife as his Guru and Mother, which was received with shocks by Mamathadevi. Grieve stricken, she pleaded at his feet, but Tulsi was adamant, this time he was smitten by his heartfelt love for Lord Rama. He became totally detached to be an ascetic. And he was relentlessly after Rama for his darshan.

One day, with the touch of Tulsi’s holy feet, a genie that was in the form of stone under a curse, got liberated. And the genie was ready to grant any boon. Tulsi, whose goal was fixed had only one boon to seek and that was to show him the

The Week's Rose Beneficiaries were Mr. Avinash Agarwal, SSSST, Publications Division, Mr. C.S.Krishna Swamy, Mr. Adi Sesha Reddy, Dr. Lakshmikantha Reddy, Dr. Krishna Murthy, Mr. Narayana Reddy and Mr. Narasimhan, all from SSSST-Sahayak Division.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - layout design saibabaofindia.com
 

path to Lord Rama. The genie revealed to him that Hanuman would be coming at a particular place in Kashi everyday to listen to the nectarous story of His Master, Lord Rama and Hanuman could help him to find a solution to his puzzle.

At the ashram Tulsi recognized Anjaneya in the guise of a frail old man; the old man laughed and ridiculed at him for having identified him with Hanuman! Persistence with heartfelt devotion finally yielded result and Anjaneya revealed himself to Tulsi and promised him to help having Lord Rama’s darshan.

Hanuman, having promised Tulsidas, proceeded to Vaikunta and requested Lord Vishnu to grant Tulsi the darshan of Lord Rama. Explaining to Hanuman that He had granted darshan to Tulsi in various other forms and it would take its own time for Him to grant Tulsi the darshan of Rama, Lord Vishnu appeared not appeasing. Relentless pursuance by Hanuman met with continuous test from Lord Vishnu who was relishing in testing his faith and confidence.
 


Finally after several attempts at Maha Vishnu, Hanuman declared that it would a disgrace to His Master Lord Sri Rama, if he failed in accomplishing the task of granting Lord Rama’s darshan to Tulsidas as promised. To keep up his word and thus to avoid disgrace upon Lord Rama, Hanuman sought permission to lift up Vaikunta and transport the same to Kashi. Pleased by Hanuman’s staunch devotion, faith and self-confidence, Lord Vishnu decided to put an end to His leelas granting Tulsidas his long cherished dream of Darshan of Lord Rama.

Upon attaining darshan of Lord Rama, Tulsi desired to leave his mortal coil, but the Lord advised him to perform his assigned task teaching Bhakti Marga (the path of devotion), spreading His story, upon which he would be granted liberation.

Immensely pleased with the presentation, the cast had a wonderful time with Bhagawan on stage. He called out various characters in groups to have separate photo sessions, onstage, upon which He moved down the stage to have a group photo with the entire cast. Bhagawan spent quite some time chatting up with the Youth promising, assuring and giving away Himself to their dedication and devotion. Entire cast was presented with safari pieces. Arathi was offered and prasadam was distributed before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram.

 

 
 
Friday, Oct 2, 2009 - Adi Shankara - Dance Drama by Japanese devotees
 
Last evening, Prof. Anil Kumar announced that today the Japanese devotees would be presenting a drama. Accordingly, this evening they were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall with some space left for their drama. Bhagavan came for darshan just before five o'clock and started their programme after His round of the hall. They began with five minutes of music on traditional Japanese instruments followed by some Vedam chanting and twenty minutes of bhajans, mostly in Japanese. Then their half-hour English drama on Adi Shankaracharya got underway. Swami blessed "Shankara" with a chain as the drama concluded with a recording of Swami singing "Bhaja Govindam". He then went down from the stage for group photographs. Prasadam was distributed as the devotees sang some more bhajans before Swami accepted Arati at at 6.15 pm.

More Details with pictures below

The illustrious Philosopher Saint Sankaracharya’s doctrine of non-dualism is a spiritual thesis with eternal propositions. Prasanthi often witnessed his story in action by various groups over the years and Bhagawan also would often quote anecdotes from the illustrious life of this master philosopher lived over 2700 years ago.



On the evening of 2nd October 2009, devotees from Japan (Zone 5) staged a drama on the life of Adi Sankara in the Divine Presence. Bhagawan came to the Hall at 4.55 p.m. to the chant of Vedas by the students of the University. After Bhagawan came to the dais, the devotees from Japan started playing on their traditional Japanese

 instruments. What followed was immaculate chanting of the Vedas by the Japanese devotees. Starting with Ganapati Prarthana (Ganesh invocation mantra), they continued with Saha Navavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Veeryam Karavavahai, Tejaswi Navadhitamastu, Ma Vidvishavahai. (May the Lord protect and nourish us. May we grow in intelligence and valour working together. May we live in friendship without any conflict!). They even chanted Narayanopanishad to perfection.
 


After a few Japanese Bhajans dedicated to Bhagawan, they began the drama on the life of Adi Sankara. The drama had a beautiful backdrop of a stream meandering its way amidst lush green pastures. It began with an announcement that Adi Sankara composed the famous Bhaja Govindam consisting of 31 verses. One has to put these into practice in one’s life to attain the divine.

 



Being a celibate all his life, Sankara had a burning desire to become a Sanyasi. In spite of repeated attempts, his mother dissuaded him from taking to the path of Sanyasa. His mother wanted Sankara to follow his father, get married and earn name and fame like him. One day Sankara went to the nearby river and pretended as if he was unable to extricate himself from the clutches of a crocodile. His mother came running hearing his call. Sankara told his mother that unless she gave him permission to become a Sanyasi, the crocodile would not leave its grasp. Then the mother expressed her desire that it was her wish that he should perform her last rites in spite of his renouncing the world. Here the river is compared to worldly life and the crocodile to sensual pleasures. Man in this world is driven by the crocodile of sensual pleasures.

After becoming a Sanyasi, Sankara mastered the Vedas and Sastras. One day after taking bath in a river, on his way back, he was accosted by a low caste person, who was considered an untouchable. Sankara wanted him to move away. The untouchable replied that the Atma was the same in both of them and one Atma cannot tell another Atma to move away. Adi Sankara was aghast at the wisdom of the untouchable. He fell at the feet of the untouchable. It was then that the untouchable revealed his true form of Lord Viswanatha who had come in the guise of an untouchable.
 


Sankara resolved the doubts of many in his short span of 32 years. During one of his travels, a famous scholar by name Mandana Misra challenged him for a debate. It was Sankara’s contention that one should be away from bad company. Mandana Misra’s argument was that bad people would not be reformed if one eschews bad company. Sankara told him that one should have the strength of resolve to reform bad people. Otherwise, even the slightest good qualities one has would be tainted by the bad people. Sankara gave the example of a goldsmith. The goldsmith hammers the gold to make it pure. In the same way, God removes our impurities by putting us to test in the cauldron of difficulties. Hardships and difficulties are like passing clouds. Satsangatwe Nissangatwam, Nissangatwe Nirmohatwam, Nirmohatwe Nischalatattwam, Nischalatattwe Jivanmukti. (Good company leads to detachment; detachment makes one free from delusion; freedom from delusion leads to steadiness of mind; steadiness of mind confers liberation.) It was then that Mandana Misra comes to know about the profundity of wisdom in Sankara. He realises that he had found his preceptor. He falls at the feet of Sankara and accepts his defeat. He becomes the disciple of Sankara, after which he is called by the name Sureshwarachari.
 


One day suddenly Sankara told his disciples that the time had come for him to fulfil the promise he had given to his mother. Sankara travelled homeward. His mother recognised Sankara and wanted him to stay with her the rest of her life. Sankara reminded her of the promise he gave as a young boy. She remembered the incident, but for a moment became sad that Sankara came only during the last moments. She prayed to God to shower His grace on Sankara. After her death, Sankara wanted to perform the last rites, but the villagers were unwilling to cooperate. Their argument was a Sanyasi should not perform the funeral of his mother. It was against the Sastras, they opined. Sankara said, “My mother will never leave me, nor will I leave her. Our bodies maybe different, but with respect to the Atma, we are one.” Bhagawan says, “Forgetting mother is equivalent to forgetting God.” Sankara himself performed the cremation of his mother in the backyard of his house.
 


The drama ended with the verse of Sankara from Bhaja Govindam, “Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam, Punarapi Janani Jathare Sayanam, Iha Samsare Bahu Dustare, Kripayapare Pahi Murare. (Oh Lord! I am caught up in this cycle of birth and death; time and again, I am experiencing the agony of staying in the mother’s womb. It is very difficult to cross this ocean of worldly life. Please take me across this ocean and grant me liberation.)

Then an announcement was made: “We are born in the land of Buddha. After Buddha, God sent Adi Sankara. We by Your grace could learn the philosophy of Advaita (non-dualism). Oh Swami, please bless us all to attain Advaita.”



All the cast of the drama converged in the central part of the hall. Bhagawan materialised a chain for the lead actor who played the role of Adi Sankara and put it round his neck. Then Bhagawan went amidst them to be photographed. Prasadam was distributed to everyone present in the hall. After a few Japanese Bhajans, Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 6.15 p.m. Thus, concluded the day of 2nd October 2009 at Prasanthi Nilayam.

 

 
 
 
 

Text & photo source: Heart2Heart Team (Prasanthi Diary), sssbpt.org - radiosai.org - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group.