Parthi Update March 17th to 25th 2005

[Guest guest]

Dear Brother

 

First of all, we fondly acknowledge the mails sent by so many across the globe,

congratulating and expressing their joy and thrill for the top scorers of the

GATE exam.

Here is another piece of important information. Heart2Heart (an e-journal of

Radio Sai) has brought out a special issue on the Relief Work following the

Tsunami Disaster, where wonderful Seva done by Swami's devotees has been

captured in touching pictures and beautiful stories. The issue is in the form

of a PDF file that can be freely downloaded. You also can download two video

films – Tsunami Thailand and Tsunami Impact. Its truly a wonderful piece of

work. You must not miss it!! Therefore please visit www.radiosai.org and right

at the bottom you will find a link to ‘Heart to Heart Tsunami Special’.

 

 

17-03-2005

 

This morning, Swami came out for Darshan but went back to PC soon after. Then He

returned for Bhajans at 9.00 a.m. In the evening, Swami called some of the boys

who had secured the highest rank in the GATE examinations, for an interview.

For most of them, this was their first interview and one can imagine the joy

and wonder they shared with all of us after the Bhajans.

 

Swami spoke to each one of the boys whom He had called for the interview. They

got an opportunity to have a personal audience with Bhagawan! Swami created a

green diamond ring for brother Naresh, the All India Topper. The most touching

part of the interview was when our compassionate Lord told the boys that though

He had honoured them the previous day, He was not satisfied with it. He wanted

to shower more Love on them!! The boys prayed that they were most grateful for

the torrent of Love and Grace showered by Bhagawan. But His Love knows no

limits! He wanted to give them still more!

 

 

 

18-03-2005

 

This morning, there was no Darshan. In the evening, Swami came out at 3.05 p.m.

Brother Naresh was seated in front. Swami signaled to him to call his parents

who had just arrived from their home town in the morning. The family was

Blessed with an interview! Bhajans followed at 5.00 p.m. and Swami then retired

for the day.

 

 

 

19-03-2005

 

Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 3.15 p.m. Bhagawan came onto the dais and spoke

to Prof. Anil Kumar. It appeared to be about some programme for the evening.

Soon, some school boys moved forward and showed Bhagawan a beautiful card!

Swami Blessed the card and spoke again to Prof. Anil Kumar. The mike was placed

in position and the podium too. So we were waiting for the announcement. But, to

our surprise, Swami went walking into the interview room.

 

He came out at 4.00 p.m. and sat down on the sofa placed at the centre of the

dais. Vedam chanting stopped. Prof. Anil Kumar made an announcement that the XI

class School students would be presenting a Burrakatha (folk-song). The theme

was the story of Bhadrachala Ramadas (a great devotee of Lord Rama).

 

Three mikes were arranged in front of the dais, just in front of the Vedam

chanting core group. Three students dressed in the traditional Burra Katha

style, with Dhotis, Turbans, Moustache and accompanied by music instruments

came to the front. They sought Bhagawan’s Blessings and started their

presentation. After a while, as is the tradition, three boys came with Marigold

garlands to garland the singers.

 

They entered from the interview room side and came in front of Swami. When Swami

saw them, He asked them to wait for it was too early to garland the singers.

They were just singing the opening verses. The all knowing Lord, is aware of

all the intricacies of folk art. After a few minutes, Swami signaled them to

garland the singers. The three boys sang with all their hearts, sharing the

glory of the great Bhadrachala Ramadasa. The presentation concluded at 4.30

p.m.

 

All the Gate rankers were seated in the first row. Swami looked to their side

and all of them came forward and gave their letters to Swami. Swami accepted

their letters. Some more boys went forward and prayed to Swami regarding some

personal matters. After a while, Bhagawan called the main singer of the

Burrakatha and materialized a gold chain for him. The boy bent down

reverentially and Swami very lovingly placed the chain around his neck! There

was loud applause.

 

This was followed by group songs. As the cool tunes of the songs filled the hot

air in the Hall, the Burrakatha boys and their accompanying music team were

blessed with the opportunity of group photos with Bhagawan! More than a dozen

birthday boys were waiting expectantly for Swami to look towards them. The

moment Swami turned to them and nodded, all of them made a beeline to seek

Blessings from Bhagawan. Each one was Blessed and most of them had some word

from Swami! Bhagawan was smiling with so much Love, suffusing them with His

Grace!

 

Bhajans began at 4.55 p.m. and Swami took Aarti at 5.25 p.m. and retired to PC.

 

 

 

20-03-2005

 

Swami came out for Darshan at 3.00 p.m. This evening there was going to be a

Kavi Sammelan in the Sai Kulwant Hall. The great poets were all seated in the

first few rows, in front of Swami. These great poets had come from different

parts of India and some even from overseas. Guess who these poets were!!! Our

brothers from different classes, right from I UG to II PG!!!

 

Swami came and sat down on the sofa. He was speaking to Prof. Anil Kumar,

brother Nitin and the boys about something. Few minutes later, some boys went

towards the Poornachandra Hall to fetch some items. After a while, they

returned with 20 white plastic bucket chairs. Swami wanted the poets to sit on

the chairs. In a Kavi Sammelan, how can the poets sit down on the floor? That

is our Swami!! Even the smallest task must be performed with utmost perfection

and attention to the details!!

 

Believe it or not, for the next 45 minutes, Swami talked to the boys and brother

Nitin and He personally supervised the arrangement of the chairs in a

semicircular fashion! However, the afternoon sun was scorching and it showed no

mercy on the students seated inside the Kulwant Hall. The sun was shining

brightly just on the area where the chairs were placed. So, once again, Swami

got the chairs shifted. This went on for quite some time until Bhagawan was

fully satisfied. In the process, Swami gave an opportunity to many brothers to

talk to Him and observe and learn several lessons from His actions!

 

At 4.00 p.m., the Vedam chanting halted. Prof. Anil Kumar made his announcement.

Some students of the Institute, who were poets in the making, would share their

poetic thoughts in the Divine Presence. He read out the names of each of the

student-poets and the language of their expression. As their names were called

out, the student-poets came and took their chairs.

 

In all there were 18 poets and two anchorers. Poems were recited in twelve

different languages – Telugu, English, Hindi, Oriya, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada,

Tulu, Marathi, Nepalese, Assamese and Lithuanian. Two students from the PG

section compered the show very well. They would give an introduction to each

poet and also give a brief idea about the poem to be recited by them.

 

We all had a nice time. Though, of course most of us could understand only the

English, Hindi and Telugu poems, even the other languages were very indicative

of the feelings and more so the stylish rendering by the poets made a great

impact and kept us all gripped with attention.

 

The Kavi Sammelan went on for 45 minutes. At 4.45 p.m., the Music Group started

singing group songs. They began with O Sai Maa…All the poets moved forward and

formed a group in front of Swami’s chair. Brother Nitin and some others went

into the interview room and came out with trays filled with long, slender,

vertical, grey coloured packets. They were special pens. Swami distributed

these pens to all the poets.

 

Surprisingly, even after all the poets received the pen from Bhagawan’s Hands,

Swami kept on giving the pens even to other boys. Love His uncertainty!! One

would never have dreamt of such a unique Blessing for all the students!! For

the next 45 minutes and more, Swami kept giving these pens to each and every

student of both the Institute and the School.

 

The total strength comes to more than 700 boys. You will be amazed to know that

He handed each pen personally with His own Hand to every student. To add to

that, there was a Blissful smile on His face for each boy! What a lifetime

chance! It took some time for the boys to realize that Swami was calling all of

them. The moment His plan became clear, all the boys moved forwards and a long

line formed in front of the dais.

 

The pen was a specially designed one. When it is clicked open, a small light

glows inside the transparent cover. It was a torch pen! All boys started

testing their torch-pens and it was a treat to see the delight on their faces.

Cameras clicked continuously from different hands, as each student received his

token of Love! It was indeed a memorable day for all of us. The Divine Mother

had saturated our hearts with joy and thrill!

 

Swami took Aarti at 5.25 p.m. and retired to the Poornachandra Auditorium.

 

 

 

21 to 24 March 2005

 

 

 

The last four days have been seeing the same pattern. Swami comes out for

Darshan somewhere between 3.00 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. He gives wonderful Darshan

from the Golf Cart, taking a full round of the Sai Kulwant Hall and receiving

letters from devotees and students. After this, He goes into the interview room

with a group of devotees. He stays inside almost until 4.30 p.m.

 

Anytime after 4.30 p.m., Swami comes out into the Bhajan Hall and spends some

time taking to students and other devotees. This is followed by Bhajans and

Aarti.

 

Tomorrow, we hope that there will be something special in Kulwant Hall. Tomorrow

is a doubly Blessed day! It happens to be Good Friday and the festival of Holi

too. So maybe we could add the two and call it a Holy Friday!! The XII class

students have prepared some group songs which they are likely to present in the

morning. In the evening, the II PG students – the Kulwant Hall Programme Core

Team is busy preparing a crash presentation (amidst their examination

preparations), to befit the occasion tomorrow. However, let us see what His

plan is, for He is always full of surprises!!

 

We’ll get back to you with the details….

 

 

25-03-2005 (Morning)

 

 

Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 7.50 a.m. Being a holiday; the Kulwant Hall was

more packed than normal days. The Golf Cart came along the usual path and we had

wonderful Darshan of our smiling and Blissful Lord. As the Golf Cart passed the

Birthday boys, Swami Blessed all of them and took their letters.

 

The Cart came onto the dais and parked. Bhagawan got down and stood on the dais

for a long time. Purusha Suktam was going on in the background and the Purusha

was standing in front of us in all His Glory! There was a Blissful smile on

Swami’s face, the morning sun gleamed through His hairs like streaks of

lightning amidst the dark clouds and His orange robe was spreading a hue of

saffron all around! It was a Divine sight!

 

Here was Christ Consciousness with us again, reminding us of the eternal

existence of Lord Jesus on this sacred occasion of Good Friday! Swami enquired

from the boys about the programme for the morning. The XII class boys came

forward and told Swami about their programme. They also presented a huge

programme card to Swami.

 

At 8.15 a.m. Swami signaled the Vedam boys to make way for the programme. Prof.

Anil Kumar was summoned to make an announcement. The XII class boys, with their

costumes came out of the Bhajan Hall and took their seats in front of the dais.

Watching all this, the Primary School children came running forward to catch

front row seats, for a better viewing of the programme.

 

After all this preparation, Swami sat down on the sofa. The announcement was

made. The XII class boys were going to make a presentation titled ‘Sai

Message’. The first module was an interactive Q&A session – but non-verbal.

Yes, it was Dumb Charades! A student would come forward and enact the chosen

message of Bhagawan. Immediately a number of hands would go up and one of them

would give the answer. Messages like ‘Hands that serve are holier than lips

that pray’, ‘Bird with Me and the wings with you…’ etc. were depicted in this

module.

 

The next part was identifying personalities through non-verbal depiction. Great

personalities like Sabari, Jatayu, Kuchela and Sravan Kumar were enacted

through scenes from their life and boys very correctly identified each one of

them. There was loud applause and the audience was enjoying the programme

thoroughly. This was followed by a song on the Love of Mother Sai.

 

The next round was a set of questions on major incidents in the life of Swami.

For example, the significance of the date 23rd Nov, 1990 (Answer – Declaration

of construction of Super Specialty Hospital), devotees who were resurrected by

Bhagawan (Answer – Karnam Subamma, Kuppam Radhakrishnan and Sir Walter Cowan),

the School Prayer composed by Bhagawan (Aha Lava Tara…), significance of the

loss of the collar pin given to Swami in Bellary and so on…..

 

The song, Teri Hai Zameen Tera Aasamaan followed. In the next module, a very

interesting one, the boys spoke about the significance of Bhava, Raga and Tala

in singing Bhajans. But apart from that Swami has also pointed out three most

important aspects that must be followed while singing Bhajans. One is a feeling

of faith, second – one pointed concentration and third – understanding of the

meaning of the Bhajans. In line with this, the anchorers would give the English

translation of some Bhajan and the students were expected to identify and sing

the Bhajan. This clicked very well!

 

The final module was a set of skits depicting profound messages delivered by

Bhagawan. One of them was the role of rules, regulations and discipline in

life. This was depicted using the analogy of a cricket game. Team of players

came forward and started playing cricket in front of the dais (of course

without actually bowling!). In the first scene, the game goes on very well and

all are thrilled. In the next scene they show the same game being played

without respect for any rules. The batsman does whatever he wants, the umpire

is busy attending to his cell phone and a chanawala comes selling chana right

on the pitch during the game. Utter chaos!!

 

Through this example, the boys very tactfully depicted how rules and discipline

are vital even for an ordinary game like cricket. Then what about the game of

life? Unless there is discipline and respect for laws of creation, life has no

purpose at all. Bhagawan was fully involved right from the beginning. He was

watching the entire presentation with rapt attention!

 

The final skit was that of Munshi Premchand and his two sons. The story is often

told by Bhagawan. The elder son falls at his father’s feet before departing and

seeks his blessings, while the younger son just bids goodbye. Premchand did not

mind the younger son failing to show respect for him but was worried about the

future of this son with such an attitude in life. As we all know, the elder son

who saluted his father became a judge in the court and received salutes from

everybody while the younger son who refused to salute his father became a pune

in the same court and had to salute everybody throughout his life!! Yad Bhavam

Tad Bhavati!! (As you think, so you become)

 

The final song was ‘Tere Sang Hum Rahne Ki Aaj Khushi Manate Hein….’ It was 9.00

a.m. and they wound up. Swami was very happy. A photograph session followed,

wherein all the XII class boys got photos with Swami in groups of 5 to 6.

Finally, the anchorers came forward and prayed to Swami for a photograph with

the teachers. Swami was very happy and nodded, giving His consent. The School

Principal, the Hostel Warden and all the teachers soon assembled around

Bhagawan and had a good group photograph. The Hall broke into applause!

 

Chocobars were distributed to the XII class boys. Many of them were leaving for

their vacations this morning as their exams had just concluded. Swami Blessed

all of them and asked them to come back safe and sound – with a pure mind. He

enquired whether all had received the Prasadam. At 9.20 a.m. Bhagawan got up

and took Aarti. He stood for a while watching all His children. The Love of the

Divine Mother would not allow Swami to move away! He stood there for some time

and then slowly moved towards the Golf Cart. Aarti was given and Swami retired

to the Auditorium.

 

 

 

25-03-2005 (Evening)

 

 

In the evening, Swami was out by 3.25 p.m. The Golf Cart cut across the students

and the Gents section and directly approached the centre steps of the dais.

Bhagawan got down and ascended the dais. Swami beckoned brother Ramakrishna to

bring a chair. The chair was placed behind the sofa close to the Ganesha idol.

A senior devotee was made to sit there. Next, Swami called the Vice-Chancellor

and made him sit next to the devotee. After a while, Mr. T.N.Seshan, former

Chief Election Commissioner, Govt of India, occupied the third chair next to

the VC. Bhagawan sat down on the sofa and invited the former VC, Sri S.V. Giri

to sit next to Him. The stage was set for the evening programme!! Next, Swami

called the students seated in front and enquired about the programme.

 

At 3.30 p.m., Vedam chanting stopped and the presentation began. A student

dressed as a Christian stood up and offered his prayers to Jesus. Joseph as he

was called, had two sons Jeffrey and Marius, who are truly two Christian

students – one from USA and the other from Lithuania (Europe). The first module

was a discussion between Joseph and his friend Aravind – a Hindu. They discuss

the significance of Good Friday. This was the day when Jesus – our Lord was

nailed to the Cross. But is it a solemn occasion? Depends on how we perceive

it. In fact, Jesus taught three most important lessons to humanity on this day.

 

1) The infinite Love that God has for man

2) Death is the dress of life

3) Body is the temple of the Lord

 

Joseph recalls the story of how Jesus, when he sees sheep being sold and money

lenders exchanging money in the temple premises, feels pained and threatens

them asking them how they could pollute the Abode of His Father. To this, the

people over there question his authority and ask him to prove his deservedness

to make such a statement by showing a miracle. Jesus replies – Break down this

temple and I shall build it in three days again. Normally, we wonder why Jesus

made this statement and never did any such thing in reality. However, every

word of his had an inner meaning. On Good Friday, Jesus was nailed to the cross

and three days later, He resurrected himself! Therefore, the temple he was

referring to was not the one built with bricks and mortar but the human body.

In fact, the very same Christ Consciousness is with us today! The song – Jesus

is alive today – He is

Sathya Sai today – reverberated in the Hall to everyone’s delight!

 

Swami also says, “Deho Devalayo Prokto Jeevah Devo Sanatana’. Body is indeed the

temple of the Lord and the indweller is God Himself! All religions preach the

same message. At this point, Joseph calls Jeffery and Marius who chant the

Purusha Suktam conveying the above message. A loud applause from the audience

fills the air. Lord Jesus taught the lesson of sacrifice. He condemned the

philosophy of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Instead, he advocated

the noble idea of a smile in return for a frown and love for hatred. Even as he

was being tortured on the cross he called out to the Lord – O God – forgive them

for they know not what they do!!

 

Conveying the essence of sacrifice as the undercurrent of an ideal life, the

boys sang the song, ‘Madhuban Khushbu Deta Hai…’. The next module was on Holi.

Presented by another pair of students, they took us through the story of

Holika, the sister of Hiranyakasipu. In one of his attempts to put an end to

the life of Prahalada, the father asks Holika to help him. Holika had the boon

of being untouched by fire. Therefore, she takes young Prahalada in her arms

and sits on a burning pyre. By Divine Grace, Prahalada remains totally safe and

Holika gets reduced to ashes. Marking this occasion and paying tribute to the

faith of Prahalada, Holi is celebrated all over the country.

 

The anchorers explained how Swami talks of the nine types of devotion as the

nine colours of devotion. They went on to elaborate each type starting with

Sravanam, Keertanam and so on until Atma Nivedanam, giving examples of saints

and sages who actually practiced each of these. They stressed on the fact that

faith was the undercurrent of each of these nine types of devotion. Quoting

Swami, they said, “Nammaku Cheddinavaru Unnaru Kani….” There may be people who

have brought ruin to themselves without having faith, but there is nobody who

having faith is ever brought to ruin!!

 

A song followed – Kya Khush Naseeba Wo Sai Ko Pa Le…The next module was a

presentation in Telugu. The best Telugu speaking students participated in this

dialogue based skit. The scene is the heavens where an award for the best

parent of the age is being decided. Several eminent personalities participate

in this competition. We have Dasaratha (father of Rama), Nanda (father of

Krishna), Dronacharya (Guru of the Pandavas and the Kauravas), Indra the king

of the Gods. All of them present their case and try to outwit the other.

Narada, played by our dancer brother Ganesh, moderates the entire discussion.

Some time later, Yama comes in and makes the announcement that this award has

already been given to somebody on planet earth.

 

All are furious! Narada tries to console them but to no avail. How could some

insignificant person on earth get this award when so many noble heavenly

personalities are present here? Finally, Lord Vishnu himself comes and reveals

the secret to them. He says that the infinite Lord Himself has come onto the

earth and taken a form. This Form, indeed, is the Divine Parent of every child

in this universe. He is the best Father, the best Mother, the best friend and

the Best Guru one could ever have! The scene concludes with all these eminent

members offering the award – a huge card made by them to Swami. Swami smiled

and Blessed them. This module was very good, with its rich Telugu poetry and

colourful costumes!

 

The last part of the presentation was a dance sharing the joy with one and all.

Five students danced to the popular song of Rehman - Dhim Ta Da Re Tani Dheem

….Dheem Ta Na Dhere Na…The dance came out very well and Swami also appreciated

them at the end. The presentation concluded with the song – Dil Yehi Kehta Hai

Maa Sang Rahe Har Dam Yahaan…

 

Swami smiled and Blessed all the participants. The X class students were also

waiting to sing some group songs. Swami permitted them to offer their songs

too. As they sang songs, Swami called an elderly devotee from Netherlands, who

helps in training our Institute band students. In fact, he shared his views

about Good Friday and Swami’s teachings in the first module of the

presentation. Bhagawan called him and spoke to him for quite some time. Swami

materialized a three diamond ring and put it on his finger.

 

Then, Swami called the mythological characters and spoke to them. Swami spotted

brother Ganesha dressed as Narada and asked him why he did not participate in

the dance. Bhagawan wanted him to join in the dance again. Immediately, the

costumes boys came forward and helped to remove his wig and ornaments.

Meanwhile, the CD was played and once again the boys danced to Rehman’s song.

It was 4.50 p.m. and Swami said that all boys were tired after their

performance. He asked for the Bhajans to start.

 

As the Bhajans went on, all the boys were Blessed with group photographs. All of

them got wonderful photographs. Swami stood up and posed for them. At 5.05 p.m.,

Swami stood up, took Aarti and retired for the day. Both morning and evening, He

had filled the hearts of the students and devotees alike with so much joy and

love. So many students got an opportunity to express their talent and love for

Swami. So many got photographs that would be their lifetime memory! So much was

given in a day – so silently! Is that not what the Father of Jesus stands for?

Suffer silently and give yourself away for the joy and love of others!

 

Tomorrow happens to be the Bihar New Year day coinciding with Holi. The devotees

from Bihar may put up a programme both in the morning and evening. We will get

you those details in our next update. Till then….

 

Sairam

A Anantha Vijaya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

LtdC/o National Dairy Development BoardNear Mahananda DairyWestern Express

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