Parthi Update 12th, 13th & 14th Jan 2005

[Guest guest]

Parthi Update

 

 

We would like to commence this update with a reminder to you about the saisbmaf

alumni meet scheduled on the 21st of August 2005. Lot of preparations is

already on the way. Please do plan in advance and make yourself available in

Parthi from 20th morning to 21st night of August 2005. Do send us any

suggestions that you have in mind to make the programme a success. We will keep

you updated about the various activities being planned.

 

 

12-01-2005

 

 

 

Dear Brother

 

Sairam. After a good sleep to make up for all the strain in the last few weeks,

the boys came to the Mandir on 12th morning for Divine Darshan. The morning

Darshan was normal. In the evening, Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 3.15 p.m.

Taking a full round of the Kulwant Hall, the golf cart stopped at the centre of

the dais. Swami got down, climbed up the few steps that lead unto the dais and

sat down on the sofa that was placed in the centre of the stage.

 

Even as the new golf cart made its way during Darshan, we could see a huge

backdrop across the rear end of the Kulwant Hall. Children were standing in

front of it with flags welcoming Swami. These were Balvikas children from

Andhra Pradesh who had been Blessed by Bhagawan to put up a dance ballet titled

“Sai Sankranthi” in the Divine Presence this evening.

 

Sankranthi is the festival that thrills and charges the heart of every

individual with a sense of elation and joy! It is a three-day festival

celebrated as Bhogi, Sankranthi and Kanuma, with enthusiasm and reverence.

‘Samyak’ signifies Holiness and Divinity. ‘Kranthi’ denotes Change and

Progress. Thus, Sankranthi heralds a holy, progressive journey towards

Divinity.

 

The Dance Ballet explained how in India, Dhanurmasam ends on Bhogi in

mid-January. The very next day, Sun, the visible symbol of God begins his

Northward movement and this period is significantly designated as Uttarayana

Punya Kaala and is celebrated as Makara Sankramanam.

 

The Dance Ballet went on to highlight the inner significance of all the rituals

that are practiced as per the tradition during this festival. Muggulu (Rangoli)

in a riot of colours, Gobbillu (Fresh cowdung spread on floors and decorated

with flowers), Bhogi Mantalu (Holy Bonfire that signifies the end of the

harvest season and winter), Bommala Koluvu (Display and worship of dolls),

early morning call by the Hari Dasulu singing the glory of the Lord,

Gangireddulu (Bulls led by their master and decorated in a grand way) etc..

were all illustrated through dance

sequences and scintillating songs.

 

It was a treat to both the ears and the soul. The children danced very well.

There were a large number of them and so many dance pieces, that it would have

taken them lot of time and effort to choreograph and present such a beautiful

programme.

 

The presentation ended at 4.20 p.m. They all assembled and sat down for His

Blessings. Swami asked the boys to distribute apple Prasadam to all of them. He

signaled to the photographers to take the photo of the entire group. It was a

very odd sight to us, because Swami was sitting in the sofa and the cameras

were taking the group photo of all the performers standing opposite to Him!!

Was this possibly an indication of future trends? We just hope not! Some of our

brothers wondered whether in future, we would have to be happy that we atleast

got a photograph clicked in the presence of Bhagawan!

 

Swami then retired into the interview room.

 

 

 

13-01-2005

 

 

 

 

This morning, something very unique happened. Bhagawan’s Leelas are very

enchanting and they will be remembered forever. All devotees, students and even

our coaches were seated in Sai Kulwant Hall for Darshan. The coaches were

expectantly waiting for Bhagawan’s Darshan and possibly some interaction. Time

flew past. It was 7.30 a.m., then 8.00 a.m. and finally 9.00 a.m. But no sign

of Darshan! Bhajans began and we gave up the hope of having any Darshan

this morning. At 9.30 a.m. Aarti was performed and many of us left for the

Hostel. Devotees too dispersed away. Suddenly, at 9.35 a.m. there was lot of

commotion and what do we see? Swami was emerging out of the Poornachandra

Auditorium.

 

Luckily we were still there in the Kulwant Hall for some reason and that came as

a Blessing! Swami arrived in the Golf Cart just as He comes for normal Darshan.

He looked very bright and fresh, radiating Love all over! He had a lovely smile

on His face and as He crossed the boys, He told some of them, “I am just five

minutes late!!” We looked at the clock; it was exactly 9.35 a.m. five minutes

past the Aarti time (9.30 a.m.)!!

 

Bhagawan took a full round of the Kulwant Hall, came onto the dais and got down.

Vedam was going on without the mikes as the PA system had already been wound up.

Swami walked across the dais, gave fantastic Darshan to all seated and then

moved back again towards the Golf Cart. The Pujari came with the formal Aarti.

So, once again we had Aarti and Bhagawan officially retired for the morning.

 

What a lovely event. Everything around God is so mysterious and full of

uncertainty. But this is what gives joy and delight to one and all!! We have to

be ever ready and always on our toes when we are with Him!!

 

In the evening, Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 3.35 p.m. As we entered the

Kulwant Hall for Darshan, what do we see? Was it a dream or reality? An

exquisitely carved Tirupati Temple Dome – big size was placed in the rear end

of the Hall. (Incidentally, the size of the dome made by the boys is equivalent

to the actual size of the dome at Tirupati. Whereas that is in metres, this is

in feet. And this was not intended to be so, it just happened to be so! That is

Divine Grace!) A huge Shanka and Chakra – Conch and the Discus – shining

brilliantly with the Chamkis - in the sun, was placed on the top on either side

of the dome. No wonder, there was so much

of talk going on about the drama ‘Annamacharya’ to be presented by the Brindavan Students.

 

At 3.40 p.m. Swami was seated on the sofa in the center of the dais. He stopped

the Vedam chanting and for the next 75 minutes we were all transported

literally to the times of Saint Annamaya. It was as though the actual scenes

from his life came alive in front of our eyes! What costumes and what sets!! It

is just impossible to describe its beauty! All we can say is “Yato Vacho

Nivartante Aprapya Manasa Saha’. Words are inadequate and mind cannot

comprehend its grandeur and beauty!

 

The drama was in English. The play was packed with all the popular Annamacharya

Kirtanas that we hear and see in the film Annamacharya. In the short time

available, they were able to portray a fairly good sweep of his life story. The

songs were rendered by the best singers of the Brindavan Campus and were soul

stirring. The sets were highly complex. There were three tier stages. Whereas

the main drama was performed at the ground level, the temple and the idol were

at the first level and right on the top was ‘Vaikunta’ where Lord Vishnu and

Narada have their conversations explaining the advent of Annamaya and the

reason for his birth. Some dances were performed on all the three stages,

making it look very professional and beautiful!

 

The play was packed with almost 13 songs and an equal number of dances. The

dances were choreographed very well. The highlight was the last scene where

Annamaya decides to leave his mortal coil. However, Lord Venkateswara is not

happy with this decision, for whom would He listen to after Annamaya passes

away. Therefore, Lord Venkateswara Himself comes down to Annamaya and tries to

convince him to live on and sing to Him for some more time.

 

The student who played the role of Lord Venkateswara looked so fantastic in that

costume that it almost looked like the actual Venkateswara had descended down

into Kulwant Hall! The conversation between Annamaya and Lord Venkateswara were

very meaningful and pregnant with wisdom. Finally Annamaya, cutting across all

ties of Maya, leaves his body and merges in the Lord!

 

The play ended with a final dance where all the performers progressively

assemble in front of Swami, singing together in His praise. No doubt, the drama

concluded with a thunderous applause from all present. Swami immediately got up

from the sofa and came literally running to Bless them with a group photograph!

He spoke to them and gave them a chance to have a photograph along with Him!

 

Hats off to the entire team – the singers, dancers, actors, commentators, and of

course the teachers and other coordinators associated with the fantastic

presentation. They had indeed set a new benchmark for Sai Kulwant Hall

presentations!

 

 

 

 

14-01-2005

 

 

 

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 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.© 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

 

A Anantha VijayaManager (Sales & Mktg.) Dhara Vegetable Oil & Foods Company

LtdC/o National Dairy Development BoardNear Mahananda DairyWestern Express

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[Guest guest]

Dear Brother, May Swami bless you for transporting us

to Parthi everyday and experiencing through your words

the sweet nectar of Prashanthi . Thank you very much.

Regards, Vydehi

 

 

--- Akkanna_Pragada Anantha_Vijaya

<aavijaya wrote:

 

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