Shankaranthi Celebration at Prashanthi Nilayam
Wish you all a very Happy and Auspicious Sankranthi! This morning the
Sai Kulwant Hall was showing off with great pride and jubilance the
various medals and shields that were to be awarded to the children of
her Master. Yes, apart from being Makara Sankrati, today also happens
to be the Valedictory Function of our Institute’s Annual Sports and
Cultural Meet.
The sets used for the Annamacharya drama yesterday, served as
decorative props this morning, in the Hall. The Shanka and the Chakra
were placed on either side of Ganeshaji on the dais, supported against
the two huge pillars.
The two backdrops that were used yesterday, one of a Nature scene and
the other of a Temple Gopuram, were placed on either side, further
away. In front of these backdrops were placed tables covered with
spotless white table cloth. On these were placed the variety of
Medals, Cups and Shields! Shining with all their brilliance, they
spoke volumes about the great achievements of all the students under
His Benign Guidance!
The programme was to begin at 8.00 a.m. according to the announcement
made yesterday. At exactly 7.57 a.m., the drum beat from the Anantapur
Band was heard. The Lord drove out in the Golf Cart welcomed by the
Anantapur Band, the Institute Captains with the Flags and the Parthi
Brass Band in that order. The Golf Cart took a full round of the Sai
Kulwant Hall quenching the thirst of thousands of devotees with a
glimpse of His Darshan and finally parked itself at the center of the
dais. Swami got down, climbed up the steps and stood on the dais.
Immediately, Sri Ravi Kiran, the Physical Director of the
Prasanthinilayam Campus came forward with a lighted candle. Bhagawan
received the candle and went over to light the ceremonial lamp. Loud
applause filled the Hall!
Sri Sanjay Sahni, the Principal of the Brindavan Campus, Sri Ravi
Kiran – the Physical Director of the Prasanthinilayam Campus, Sri
Gopinath – the Physical Director of the Brindavan Campus offered a
bouquet and card to Bhagawan. Bhagawan gave an indication to the Vedam
students who were seated with a white dhoti and full sleeves white
shirt, to chant the official Vedam before commencing the programme.
They took their position and chanted the Surya Mantram and the
Narayana Suktam. Bhagawan Blessed each pair of the boys as they bowed
down and returned.
Sri Sanjay Sahni made a few introductory remarks. He greeted all by
wishing them a Happy Sankranthi. He introduced the speaker for the day
– Sri S.V. Giri – the Vice Chancellor of our Institute. Sri S.V. Giri
offered his Pranaams to Bhagawan. His talk centred on the achievements
of the students in the Sports Meet and how these achievements were
purely inspired by the Love and Grace of the Revered Chancellor. He
recalled a few dare devilry items like the Carabining, Bike Stunts and
the Celestial Rhythms to illustrate how a blend of courage and faith
in God can help accomplish marvelous feats!!
He also drew upon the significance of Sankranthi saying that this was
the period when the sun moves Northwards. In the Indian context,
Northwards means towards the Himachalas. ‘Him’ means ice – as cool and
white as snow and ‘Achala’ means firm as a rock. Therefore, moving
Northwards actually meant directing the firm mind towards the
pure-white spiritual heart – the seat of the Lord!
It is this firmness of the mind that is developed by participating in
all these events during the Sports Meet. He also went on to speak of
the concern that the Revered Chancellor has for His students. Many a
time, Swami used to instruct the Vice Chancellor to take care of the
students and see to it that they had no obstacles in their way. For
instance, Swami enquired about the Carabining boys and said that
gliding down the rope would cause a lot of friction and therefore they
need to have some sort of protection for that.
The Vice-Chancellor’s talk was followed by talks by two students. One
a sister from Anantapur and another a student from the II M.Sc.(C)
class, Sri Aravind Balasubramanya. The theme of both these talks were
that all these events during the Sports and Cultural meet had only one
focus and that was to make Swami happy; to see a smile on His face. As
the Anantapur Sister very beautifully put it - What happens to you is
not so important but What happens in you is what matters!
Participation in these activities must enable each one to make a whole
hearted offering of his/her talent to Swami with Love!
The second speaker concluded his talk at 8.55 a.m, and as he went
towards Swami to seek His Blessings, Swami very lovingly materialized
a gold chain for him. The boy was ecstatic as Swami tied the chain
around his neck. Those few seconds seemed like an eternal moment of
Bliss and Joy!!
After this the Vice-Chancellor made the announcement for awarding the
cups. Five shining cups were brought outside from the interview room
and were placed next to Swami. The first ones to receive the cup were
the Prasanthinilayam Captain and Vice-captain, followed by Brindavan,
Anantapur, Higher Secondary School, Deenajanodarana Pathakam and
finally the Mirpuri College of Music. All of them received the
beautiful cups amidst loud applause!!
It was 9.05 a.m. Bhagawan had decided to Bless us with His Divine
Discourse. The table was arranged and our Lord stood up in all His
Majesty. Following are the highlights of the Sankranthi Discourse:
Of all festivals, Sankranthi is the most important one. In fact, in
Bharath, everyday is a festival! Sankranthi is the festival when the
bridegrooms visit the homes of their in-laws. This festival is
generally viewed as a festival of the bulls. During Sankranthi, people
worship the cows. The bulls are decked with good dresses and jewels
and taken in a procession. People even perform marriages of the bulls
with the cows. The person who accompanies the bull also has a specific
costume.
The bull is named Rama and the cow is named Sita. The animals are
trained to respond to the movement of the stick. First the cow is
questioned, “Do you like Sri Rama?” The cow is made to nod her head
indicating a ‘No’. Then the bull is questioned in the same way and he
too is made to answer in the negative. In fact, this is the same
practice even in the world today among men and women. However, finally
marriage is performed between the cow and the bull. Thus, Sankranthi
is a holy festival even for the animals.
This festival is also very important for the farmers. By this time,
the harvest is over and the house is full of grains. The fields are
empty. This is a festival for all people right from the farmer unto
the king. It is celebrated in all countries, though the names may
differ. The main purpose of Sankranthi is to make everybody Blissful.
As the grains are brought home, even the birds partake of it and
experience happiness and joy!
Every man struggles to be blissful in this world. We must understand
that Bliss comes from within and not from outside. It is all a
question of Reaction, Reflection and Resound. Ananda has to come only
from one’s own heart! Today man is experiencing artificial happiness.
Bliss from the heart is permanent.
Students, bear all this in mind and conduct yourself accordingly in
the future. One can never be happy by hurting others. Such a festival
cannot be called a festival at all, where all are not happy.
During this Pushya Masa (month) so many changes occur. ‘Kranti’ means
change. There must be a change from Misery to Bliss – from Ashanti to
Prashanti. Students, you must understand the inner significance of
every festival. We must be ready to sacrifice anything. Body is not
important nor is the mind. Mind is a mere collection of thoughts. Body
is made up of five elements. These are present everywhere. We must
brush aside the six vices and nurture happiness, health, peace and
prosperity.
Today, man is restless even in accomplishing a tiny task. All say – I
want peace. Where is it? Outside we have only pieces! True peace is
inside. Inspite of prolonged heating, milk does not change its colour.
Though water is mixed with milk, it remains white in colour. So too
the heart is always pure. It is ever radiant and effulgent!
Resist and control the evil qualities and experience true Bliss! How
does anger arise? When desires are not fulfilled, it leads to anger.
We must experience pleasure even in pain. Bliss is in you, with you,
around you. Where then do we need to search for it? True Bliss does
not come from wealth or material comfort. Good company leads to Bliss.
Bhagawan is always Blissful! He has no worries, no troubles, and no
problems!!
Some people ask, “Swami, don’t you have any worries?” What is worry –
I have no idea at all!! Bliss is sweeter than sugar and tastier than
honey. Many things come and go. Swami does not mind about these
things. Love always remains with you. But you are using it in the
worldly way. In times of sorrow, think of the happy moments. Then you
will remain joyful!
Body is like a water bubble, mind is like a mad monkey. Do not follow
the body, do not follow the mind, follow the conscience!! Lead your
life with Love. Differences are related only to the body. True Bliss
is in the heart. Happiness is union with God!
Sankranthi means a series of changes. But do not go by that which
changes. It is only Divine Love that remains changeless! God is the
very embodiment of Bliss! If you are sad, it is of your own making.
Here is a white kerchief. To colour it, it has to be dyed.
Bliss is your true nature. You are full of Love. It just overflows
from within you. But you are closing the doors. Because of excessive
desires, we lose this Bliss. Whiteness is the very nature of the
cloth. Because of frequent use, it becomes dirty. Its true nature is
whiteness. So too the heart of Bhagawan! It is always white and
bright!!
If somebody asks, “Are you happy?’ you must say, “Yes, I am happy”.
Small, small unpleasant things do happen in life. But never mind all
that. It is your weakness to get affected by these tiny problems.
Students, never worry about anything. Suppose you fail in an
examination, tell yourself – “O.K. I did not do well, therefore I have
failed”. But do not keep brooding over it. You must understand that
the reason for failure is your own thoughts.
Last month, there was a lot of misery all over. Many lost their lives
in the Tsunami that struck so many countries. Remember, never indulge
in wrong action. They lead to all such problems. This year, there will
be more troubles. More than last year. But do not get worried. These
are all like passing clouds.
The Tsunami is the result of human behaviour. It has nothing to do
with God. All this is because of what man has made of man and not
because of what God has made of man. Man’s thoughts are responsible
for all this. We must not consider it as God’s Prasadam. God has no
hatred at all. He loves everyone. He showers Bliss on each and every
one. Suppose a student fails in the examination, he must consider that
– this is good for me. Whatever happens it is good for all.
Without difficulties, there can be no happiness. Both are intertwined.
Fruition of difficulties itself is happiness! God will never put
anybody to suffering. He confers Bliss and peace on one and all. How
can He give misery to anybody? If you know the true meaning of all
this, you will understand that it is good for all.
This Sankranthi is Premakranthi. Welcome it wholeheartedly. We must
pray – O God, You are the very embodiment of Bliss. Share that Bliss
with me. Gift that Bliss to me.
Even Jesus questioned God at the time of crucifixion. However,
crucifixion too is out of compassion! All difficulties will ultimately
confer Bliss. Share this Bliss with others. Today it is just the
reverse. We keep happiness with us and share our sorrows with others.
This is not correct.
Today being Sankranthi, there should be a transformation in your
hearts so as to become happy and Blissful. We must transcend humanity
and ascend to Divinity. Bliss must become your food. Be hungry for
Bliss at all times. Strengthen your faith, put in your best efforts –
all the rest will happen automatically.
Bhagawan concluded His Discourse at 10.10 a.m. with the Bhajan – Sai
Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin…..
There was Prasadam distribution at 10.15 a.m. and by 10.25 a.m.
Bhagawan retired to Poornachandra Auditorium. An announcement was made
that this evening there would be a cultural programme by our Primary
School children in Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.00 p.m. A little while later,
instructed by Bhagawan, Prof. Anil Kumar once again spoke over the
mike. He said that our compassionate Lord, hearing the prayers of the
staff and children of the Primary School had shifted the venue of the
drama to the Poornachandra Hall as they needed to use some sets and
effects! Such is the Love of our Lord!
(We understand that Swami had lunch in the new building this morning.
However, He has not yet shifted His residence there).
In the evening, Bhagawan cane out for Darshan at 4.00 p.m. The Golf
Cart stopped at the centre. Swami got down and sat on the sofa. Vedam
chanting went on continuously as Swami kept sitting silently on the
sofa until 4.25 p.m. Then he spoke to the Vice-chancellor. At 4.35
p.m. the Vedam stopped and the VC announced that we all should move to
the Poornachandra Hall in an orderly fashion to view the cultural
programme by the Primary School children.
At 5.40 p.m. the drama commenced in the PC Hall. ‘Sai Bhagavatham’ was
the tile of the play. The play went on till 7.00 p.m. It was all about
the advent of the Avataar, His childhood days, His Leelas and His
Mission. More than a hundred students participated in this most
colorful and gripping play that enthralled all our hearts!
A video projector projected stills and videos on the huge screen in
the background that served as the backdrop for all the scenes.
Therefore, there was no set up time at all. Within a second, the
backdrop projection would change and the next scene would begin. The
play was rich in costumes, dialogues, colour and the novel idea of
using video projections as backdrop scenes was excellent.
The little boy who acted as Swami looked very cute and won the hearts
of all. There was loud applauses at several points during the play. At
7.00 p.m. Swami got up and went up the lift, spoke to a few students
and retired for the day.
Thus Sankranthi came to a close and the valedictory function
officially concluded our Annual Culture and Sports Meet for the year.
A grand dinner still awaits the boys in the Hostel which will truly
mark the end of this phase in the annual calendar. Then we all would
have to instantly change over to the academic mode – back to studies
and exams!! This is the greatness of our Institute. Students are
taught the technique of shifting from one mode to another so
seamlessly without compromising on any aspect!
We take leave wishing you once again a very happy Sankranthi. As said
by Bhagawan, let there be a positive progressive change in all of us
leading us closer and closer to our Lord.
Sairam
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