Guru Poornima - 10th & 11th July
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Guru Poornima 2005] we'll update this page regularly with Guru
Poornima News & Photos
from Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, as they become available
SBOI Update
Latest Photos & Sai news
12th July :
Sai Baba Darshan news &
Images from Cultural Program by Balvikas - Indonesia.
"...Today morning Swami came out to bless us all for darshan
at 8.20. a.m. ..."more
11th July.
Today morning swami came out for darshans at 7.15 am. Kulwant hall was
jam packed and devotees lined up even outside. Television sets
were put at different locations inside the Kulwant hall.
Swami took the full round and alighted from his car in the mandir
portico. He walked behind the Ganesha statute and took full round of
verandah talking to devotees sitting on the verandah. Then swami walked
up to his chair and sat on it to the thundering applause of the
devotees. All throughout vedam was being recited and went up to 7.45 am.
Students soon started songs in telugu and Sanskrit. After this program.
Swami got distributed tricycles
to physically handicapped people from
Anantapur. In all 50-60 less physically privileged people got the
tricycles in the divine presence of Swami. Later Clothes were also
distributed to them.
Bhajans started at 8.15 am. First, 5 to 6 bhajans were all on guru.
Thereafter other normal bhajans started. During this period swami
signalled the students to distribute prasad. One piece of sweet packed
in small packet on which was written 'love all serve all' was
distributed as prasad. Swami was offered aarti at 8.45 am. On his return
swami talked to some of his relatives and went back to his abode at
8.55 am.
In the evening, Swami came for darshans at 2.30pm. He took the full
round. After alighting from the car, Swami walked behind the Ganesha
idol in the verandah. later, Swami sat on his throne in front of the
Ganesha idol. Vedam was chanted up to 2.45 pm. Soon thereafter a musical
programme started by the group named 'sai symphony
orchestra'. It
consists of devotees from 22 countries. This programme went on up to
4.pm. Then the whole group had photographs with Swami. After this swami
walked inside the interview room. Swami came back from interview room at
4.15 pm. Swami talked to this group again and
swami looked very happy
and pleased with the group. Then swami went back to interview room.
Bhajans started at 4.30 pm and went up to 5 pm. Bhagwaan was given aarti
at 5 pm and thereafter he returned to his abode. Prasad was also
distributed in the evening, there was no discourse by swami which left
many devotees disappointed. The day ended with rain god showering
blessing from above on the dry land of Puttparthi. - SBOI
Through unconfirmed sources it has been learnt that from 9th august to
21st august there will be RUDRA YAGANI(YAGNYA)IN PRASHANTHI NILAYAM. It
is considered the most sacred Yagna and all the devotees who wish to be
there may start to plan there pilgrimage accordingly. - SBOI
Guru Poornima Srisathyasai org official report
Indian tradition
accords the highest place of reverence for the Guru or preceptor,
sometimes even higher than God for it is the Guru who leads one to
God. The very first Bhajan that Bhagawan taught after He declared
His Avatarhood was “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam Dustara Bhavasagara
Tharanam” (Meditate on the Feet of the Guru
to
cross the
tumultuous ocean of worldly existence). For Sai devotees, this
festival is of immense significance as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
is our Guru and God, the path and the goal of our life’s destiny. No
wonder then that Guru Poornima is one of the most important
festivals in the Prasanthi Nilayam calendar when devotees from all
over the world come to offer their love, obeisance and gratitude to
their Beloved Master.
The
celebrations commenced on the evening of 10th July with a music
programme by
the Bailey sisters who rendered their compositions entitled “I Am
Never Alone”, “Celebrate The Birth Of Sathya Sai”, “God Lives In
India” expressing their love, devotion and gratitude to
Bhagawan.
The next day, on the morning of 11th, Bhagawan arrived in the
beautifully decorated Sai Kulwant Hall at 7.15 am amidst Vedic
chanting, Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam by the students of Swami’s
College. A few minutes after Bhagawan was seated on the dais, the
students sang Stotrams and songs in praise of Guru. At 8 am,
Bhagawan blessed around 50 physically challenged people from the
weaker sections of society hailing from various parts of Anantapur
District with tricycles to enable them to lead a more independent
life. The morning programme concluded with Bhajans.
The
afternoon programme commenced at 2.30 pm.
On the
occasion of Guru Poornima, the Sai Symphony Orchestra consisting of
67 members from 22 countries performed in the Divine Presence.
Beginning with the Bhajan “Murali Krishna Mukunda Krishna”, the
Orchestra kept the audience enthralled
with
melodious pieces capturing myriad shades of emotions and by various
well-known composers such as Handel, Rossini and Verdi spanning
centuries of European history.
At
the end of the programme, Bhagawan lovingly granted them
photographs. He then descended from the dais and moved among them,
speaking to them and blessing them with the joy of His proximity.
The evening concluded with Bhajans and Arati.
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Prasanthi Bulletin Guru Poornima special
July 11, 2006
The entire Kulwant hall was bursting at its seams right from 5:30 am
itself this Gurupoornima morning. Swami came out from the Yajur Mandiram
at about 7:15 am. Heralding our dear Lord on this holy day were the
Panchavadyam and Naadaswaram which were both playing rhythmically. Swami
blessed the thousands of devotees who had gathered to have a glimpse of
their beloved Master. He took a complete round granting Darshan to
devotees assembled everywhere. He got down from the car near the interview
room and came walking to the stage. Seeing Him walk towards them, the
entire gathering broke out into spontaneous applause. The Veda chanting
continued as Swami sat on the sofa and swayed to the chants.
After a short while Swami called and asked Sri Chakravarthi, the Secretary
of the Central Trust about the morning programme. Then He told the
students to begin the group songs and stotrams. The session began with "Anantha
Samsara Samudra Taara" and also had two Telugu songs that had been
composed by Swami Himself. There was applause after each song. After four
songs, Swami asked as to whether the programme was over. Ashwath Narayan
and Om Prasad went up to Him and told Him that there were two more songs.
Swami consented for them to be sung too. After the songs, Swami had
tricycles distributed for the physically challenged people from various
places in Anantapur district. As their names were read out, they were
wheeled in front of Swami before the tricycles were presented to them.
Swami blessed each and every recipient with His Abhayahastha. He also
asked for Vibhuti packets and clothes (cloth pieces and saris) to be
brought from the interview room and had them distributed to the
recipients.
By now, it was about 8:15 am - Swami told the students to start Bhajans.
It was a nice feeling to have bhajans outside where everyone could see Him
to their heart's content. The bhajans were charged and many pacy bhajans
were sung. As the bhajans went on, Swami asked for prasadam to be
distributed. Bhajans went on till 9:15 am. After bhajans, He received
Aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandiram. It was announced that the afternoon
programme would begin at 2:45 pm.
At exactly 2:35 pm Swami came out of Yajur Mandiram and went for a
complete round of Darshan. He came out from the car and walked upto the
sofa. The Sai Symphony orchestra, consisting of more than 65 artistes from
22 countries had their programme scheduled. Swami asked for the programme
to begin immediately. The conductor sought Swami's blessings and the
concert began in right earnest. There was a plethora of musical
instruments - violins, violas, cellos, double basses, oboes, bassoons,
clarinets, flutes, piccolos, trumpets, trombones, the French horn, the
English horn, keyboard harps, timpani, cymbals and other percussion
instruments. They played nine pieces and each of those conveyed a variety
of emotions and feelings. These pieces were picked from famous composers
like Weber, Lehar and Verdi and also some others like Elgar, Korsakov and
Handel. The whole hall came alive as the rich notes resonated throughout.
The fact that all the artistes had practised together for only 7 days made
the entire performance absolutely remarkable. In fact the commentator (Mr.
Paul Erhard) remarked, "I don't know that it happens anywhere else in the
world... but there are many things that happen here that don't happen
anywhere else in the world!"
At about 3:45pm, the programme concluded and Swami, when asked for group
photos, said, "I am ready". Swami spent the next 15 minutes with the
various artistes and blessed all of them profusely as He granted them
group photos. It was more of a replication of the interview room rather
than a group photo session. Each artiste spoke and interacted with Swami
to his/her hearts content. Some of the artistes were coming to Swami for
the first time and greeted Him, "Hi Swami!" They were all thrilled that
Swami interacted with them. Swami then went into the interview room. After
about 15 minutes or so, He came out again. He walked upto the lion on the
stage and then sat on the portable chair. We all thought that Swami would
sit out for some more time. But to our pleasant surprise, Swami went down
amidst the artistes (who were still seated on their chairs.) When the
Lord's grace rains, it pours! He moved among them for the next 15 minutes
or so showering His love, care and personal attention on the members. He
also materialised vibhuti for some of the ladies. After that He went into
the interview room. Bhajans began at 4:30pm itself. At 5:00 pm Swami
received Aarthi and retired to the Yajur Mandiram.
10th July Morning - 2006. Today swami surprised everyone by coming early. Swami
came for darshans at 7.20 am. Swami did not take full round and took
turn towards portico soon after completing ladies side. Swami walked up
to mandir portico after alighting from his car and took his throne. He
sat there till 8.am.From 8 am to 8.45 am Swami was in interview room.
Swami surprised everyone when he drove back to his residence at 8.45 am.
Everyone thought swami had finished his morning darshans and many
devotees left Kulwant hall. As swami says, love my uncertainty's today
was one more divine uncertainty in the offing. Swami came back to
Kulwant hall at 9.05 am, when the second bhajan was going on in the
bhajan mandir. Swami was in the bhajan mandir till 9.30 am. Aarti was
given to Bhagwaan at 9.30 am. while going back to his abode, swami
talked to some of his relatives who were sitting outside the verandah.
In the evening swami came at 3.30 pm. Swami took full round in the
evening. swami walked to portico of mandir and took his seat. From 3.45
pm to 4.20 pm students of Sathya Sai higher secondary school presented
dance drama program "BHAVYANJALI" before Swami. There were 5
telugu songs and one Hindi song. After this programme some
overseas ladies devotees walked upto swami and showed some book to
Swami. Thereafter there group (OVERSEAS DEVOTEES from USA) which
consisted of 6 ladies and 3 gents presented a spectacular musical
programme. This musical programme started at 4.20 pm and continued till
5 pm.T here were total 6 number of songs which they presented. From 5.00
pm to 5.15 pm vedapath was recited by the students. (Rudram and mantra
Pushpam). While the Veda path was going, Swami instructed the prasad to
be distributed to students. Apples were distributed to students. Bhajans
started at 5.15 pm. Swami was sitting all throughout outside and did not
enter the bhajan mandir. Aarti was given to swami at 5.45 pm and
thereafter swami retired for the day.
There is a huge rush of devotees in puttaparthi in view of guru poornima
festival tomorrow. Seva dal is busy in making the decorations of Kulwant
hall, Swami residence and other places. Prashanthi Nilayam is suddenly
full of hustle and bustle after relatively quite time as far as rush of
devotees is concerned. A week back there were hardly 7 to 8 rows in the
Kulwant hall. Today the hall was full. No doubt, though swami is
omnipresent but no devotee can remain away from Avatars physical form of
swami for too long. - SBOI
Also read: SBOI group message from member
Satish Naik - posted 10th July
Om Sri Sairam to noble hearted members of this Holy
Group,
The past 10 days have been hectic for Swamy with many opening
ceremonies, plays, dance and songs programmes.
Many people in Puttaparthi were surprised and probably bit unhappy when
the Sai Geetha's premises which was filled with beautiful coconut trees
and other huge trees were cut down paving the way for construction of an
indoor stadium. Very few were aware of the fact that an indoor stadium
will be built in that place. so the premises has been cleaned. But Swamy
knows what to do and when to do... Now a new indoor stadium and a new
house for Sai Geetha (adjacent to the planetarium) will be coming up
very soon. Another interesting happening, Last Sunday Swamy blessed a
Spanish boy with an interview... The boy was hanging around for quite a
while now. Very devoted and soft spoken. According to his friend, Swamy
had promised him about a year ago that He will give admission in Swamy's
school. As promised, it seems Swamy told the boy in the interview room,
"I will give you admission tomorrow or day after tomorrow" (and we all
have LITTLE DOUBTS when Swamy says, "TOMORROW", as tomorrow in the
Divine Dictionary means some years or may be next birth.) The boy being
smart enough, said the same thing to Swamy and Swamy replied with a a
BIG smile, Yes tomorrow... YOUR TOMORROW... As promised now the boy has
joined in the music college.
The major happening this week was the programmes by the bal Vikas
children of rural Maharashtra.... Swamy was very happy to see the kids
perform so well..
Today after noon(10th July) was another beautiful day, where in all the
devotees witnessed Swamy in a very Jolly mood, thanks to the beautiful
programmes, which made Swamy immerse in them.
To start with was a dance programme by students of Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher learning, Prasanthi Nilayam campus. Interestingly, the dance
group had a Lithuanian (If I am correct) national boy whose family is
living in Parthi for almost 2 years now. The boy was hand picked by
Swamy and visibly shy natured boy was here to perform, dance, in front
of the Lord of the Lords...
1000s of eyes were cantered on the boy so also was Swamy. The dance
started with a telugu song and again one song from the latest telugu
movie SRI RAMADASU... The boy danced with so ease and got applauds from
all the people assembled there. It is a memorable day to the boy's
father, who coincidently was the videograpier. As long as the boy was
dancing Swamy was keenly watching his expressions and also his steps.
Iam sure Swamy would have been very happy to see His HAND PICKED seed
emerging into a beautiful tree.
After the dance programme the students went towards the dias and Swamy
shook His Head asking "What now?" The boys stood still.. and Swamy asked
"Ayyipoinda" (is it over) when the students responded in positive He
asked them to sit.
The next programme was an interesting and much awaited one... GOD LIVES
IN INDIA fame Bailey sisters were waiting for Swamy's nod to sing in His
immediate presence, which they were longing for..... for years...
Our compassionate Lord, asked the USA co-ordinator to let them
perform.... After taking Swamy's blessings the sisters sang beautiful
numbers from the GOD LIVES IN INDIA, album... All the songs were touchy
especially the second number was so soothing that it made all of us
cry...
Its the song of OUR TIMES... OUR DIFFICULT TIMES.... THE SONG WHICH
EVERY MOTHER, FATHER, OF THIS KALI AGE SINGS.... COMPLAINS ABOUT THEIR
CHILDREN
With the sisters' permission I will repeat few lines of the song which I
remember and were so natural to OUR time
I look at the children we have been given
and the world that they now have to live in
my lord now we have drugs and we have guns
sold to our daughters and our sons
and kids are killing just for fun
My Lord I fear our troubles have just begun
and my Lord we know this is true
There is only one thing to do
Help us to reach them and teach them
To have faith in themselves and trust in you
Because My Sai You are OUR ONLY WEAPON!
How true and close to our lives this song is
I would like to end with a prayer to our Beloved Swamy
O Dear Lord, pls help all those children who are wasting valuable time
and energy with Bad company, Swamy give them all your love and
guidance.... as Your are our Mother, Father, Well wisher and most
beloved Friend.
Jai Sai Ram [ SBOI member]
Satish Naik
[the above message from Satish Naik is also available/sent thru
SBOI Group ]
SBOI recent updates
9th July SBOI Darshan News: "... Swami called Maharashtra seva
coordinator who showed Swami some papers, probably about the work
being done in..." Read more
8th July latest Sai Baba Darshan
News & Photos:
"Today morning swami came out for darshans at 8 am. Swami took
the full round and after reaching the verandah..." Read more
7th July Puttaparthi News & Photos:
In the morning shortly after 10 am swami drove through VIP's guest
house, hospital route to the site of indoor stadium. Swami did the
Bhoomi pooja today. Swami returned through normal route taking lot
of devotees by surprise who were unaware of the visit. Sai darshan
News - 7th, -4th - 3rd - 2nd July -
Read more