Parthi Update April 11th to 14th 2005

[Guest guest]

Parthi Update

Vishu Celebrations

11-04-2005

 

 

This morning, Swami came out for Darshan at 7.40 a.m. The Sai Youth from Kerala

filled the Kulwant Hall with bright orange scarves printed with the words ‘Sai

Youth’. 1300 young men and women from Kerala are participating in this Youth

Conference the theme of which is “Able and Noble instruments of Bhagawan”.

 

As Swami took a full round in the Golf Cart, He observed the youth sitting far

away in the back blocks and our students were sparsely occupying the first

block. Swami called the Kerala State President, Mr. Mukundan and asked him to

bring the youth and make them sit forward. Swami was so keen to give them a

close place that He Himself instructed all of us to move to one side and

signaled to the youth to come forward. Needless to say, they were delighted and

came rushing forward! Bhagawan repeated the same even with the sisters sitting

on the Ladies side.

 

It was a wonderful way to begin the camp. Swami had Blessed them with His first

shower of Love! This broke the ice and all the youth were eagerly waiting for

Swami to interact with them further. By 7.50 a.m. Swami was sitting on the sofa

placed at the centre of the dais. After 5 minutes, the Vedam stopped. Sri

Mukundan went over to the mike and made a few introductory remarks.

 

He declared the theme of the Youth Conference as ‘Noble and Able Instruments of

Swami’. Referring to the Loving act of Bhagawan in calling the youth to sit in

front, Sri Mukundan recalled Swami saying, ‘Take one step towards Me and I

shall take a 100 towards you’. But this step should be in the right direction,

he added. He described Love as the acronym – LOVE. ‘L’ for Light of Sai, ‘O’

for Oneness with Sai, ‘V’ for Vision of Sai and ‘E’ for Energy of Sai.

 

The three most important features of a good instrument, Mr. Mukundan said, were

being sharp, strong and straight. He said that as youth, not only should we

remember ‘ABC – Always Be Careful’ but should also keep in mind ‘DEFG – Don’t

Ever Forget God’. He recalled how once Swami while speaking to some devotees

asked them what gift He should give them. Then Swami Himself said that there

could be no greater gift than He coming down here to be with us!!

 

At 8.05 a.m. Hon. Justice Radhakrishnan from Kerala took over the stage and

spoke a few words. He was followed by Sri Raghavendran in Malayalam. At 8.15

a.m. Bhagawan was so gracious and Loving that He asked for the Discourse Table

to be set up. He had decided to Bless the Inaugural Session of the Conference

with His Divine Message! The highlights of the

Discourse:

 

Acton is responsible for our birth and rebirth. Action is Divine. It is

responsible for both pain and pleasure. It is man who performs action. Man is

most important in this world. Jantu Naam Nara Janma Durlabham. Man is the

centre for all change, progress and advancements.

 

Pain is not separate from pleasure. Both are rooted in the same cause.

Embodiments of Love, man is not able to understand his human quality. He goes

merely by the human form but is unable to put these qualities into practice in

thought and action. Having been born as a human being it is essential to first

of all know the meaning of a human being.

 

Man is not here merely for being born, educated, and acquiring degrees. Without

human values all these is a waste. In the formal education, no humanness is

found. Even animals and birds can be trained like humans. Then what is so

special about a human being? Human Being is a very special creation in this

universe! Mere verbal expressions cannot make one a human being. This human

birth is gifted to be an ideal to others. We must practice good ideals

ourselves and demonstrate to others. Without practice we have no right to

preach.

 

There is immense power in human life. A human being is not just this body! He

has intelligence and intellect. But he is unable to use it properly. What is

Jnana? Man thinks it is textual knowledge. No! Jnana enables the manifestation

of the latent power and the human qualities within. Human qualities are latent

within us and are not available in text books. Embodiments of Love, you have

come all the way from Kerala to acquire Prajnana and Sujnana. This cannot be

got merely by ordinary action. Knowledge can be transformed into energy but can

also become an allergy! Knowledge should motivate one to practice human values.

 

Everything in life is Reaction, Reflection and Resound! The harmony of these

three is ingrained in human life. You are merely wasting time going through

books. Knowledge has to originate in the head. Therefore, first purify your

head! When Mastaka is set right, all knowledge in the Pustaka can be absorbed.

What is the use of all the education if it cannot help you to join both your

hands and adore God? There are so many changes taking place in the world today.

All these are not important. Total Awareness and understanding of the Self is

most essential! Bookish Knowledge is Avidya and it will only promote further

ignorance.

 

You must make an attempt to know the difference between Avidya and Vidya. Vidya

leads to introspection and experience. Avidya leads to vain talk but no

experience. Experience is a must in life. Experience requires explanation.

Explanation born out of experience will get converted to energy. That which is

present everywhere is energy! There is current in the wire. When you touch it

you will experience it. Similarly, if you tune yourself correctly you will be

able to experience this omnipresent energy!

 

Energy has no specific form. Reading, writing, eating, talking everything is due

to energy. Thinking that you are studying and serving others is false. You are

serving yourself. Everything is a manifestation of the Self! You do not need

anybody’s help. The power of your Self is enough for you. You all think that

you have come here to serve others. No! You are only serving yourself. There

are many more things that you have to learn. Today being the first day, I have

given you only the preliminary aspects.

 

You all are part of the Sevadal. Dal means petal. The petal has so many faces.

This enhances the beauty! When a seed is sown, it may not look beautiful but

when it finally results in a flower it looks so beautiful! So long as petals

are there, the flower also exists. Mould yourself into beautiful flowers!

 

Swami will resolve any doubts that you have. You are free to raise doubts.

 

Bhagawan concluded the Discourse at 8.50 a.m. Bhajans began and Prasadam was

distributed to all. At 9.15 a.m. Swami stood up and went towards the interview

room. Bhajans went on in full swing. At 9.40 a.m. Swami took Aarti and retired.

 

In the afternoon, Bhagawan Blessed all with His Darshan at 2.30 p.m. Many of us

had not yet reached the Kulwant Hall and Swami was already seated on the sofa

and a Music programme was in progress. The ladies presented a bouquet of songs

at Swami’s Lotus Feet. This went on till 3.35 p.m. after which the Gents from

Kerala commenced Bhajans. They sang light devotional songs as well as Bhajans.

At

FONT-FAMILY: Arial">4.10 p.m. Swami stood up and walked into the interview room

asking the singers to continue their songs.

 

What followed was a most inspiring session. In fact, this Vishu celebration and

the Youth Camp has been a unique Music Treat for all of us. Even before the

Kerala Youth arrived at Parthi, Swami had told the students in the Bhajan Hall

that the Kerala Youth sing very well. Every session, Swami would start the

songs and ask them to continue for hours. However, each time they rose up to

meet the Divine challenge!

 

Almost every person seated in the front row was a great singer! They had such a

vast database of songs – Tyagaraja Kritis, Light Devotional Songs, Malayalam

songs, Bhajans sung in Carnatic style and what not…Each song was vibrant with

feelings and had wonderful beats that kept all of us tapping and swaying to the

music! Truly, the Land of Kerala is Blessed with immense talent and devotion – a

wonderful combination!

 

The singers kept up the tempo till 4.35 p.m. when Swami went into the Bhajan

Hall. There, He asked the students to start the normal Bhajans! At 5.00 p.m.

Aarti was given and Bhagawan proceeded towards the Poornachandra Auditorium.

 

 

12-04-2005

 

 

 

Swami was out at 7.40 a.m. this morning. The Golf Cart parked on the dais and

Swami kept sitting inside the Cart for quite some time. At 8.05 a.m., He got

down and went walking towards the sofa on His own, catching the railings. It

was a beautiful sight! There was a brief interaction with Sri Mukundan and at

8.15 Swami sat down. There were 2 Gent

maroon; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> speakers and 2 Lady speakers for the morning. They

shared their joy and thrill to be part of this unique Youth Camp. They were

followed by an elderly Balvikas Guru who delivered a very wise and insightful

talk giving wonderful tips to the Youth Camp participants.

 

At 8.40 a.m. Carnatic Music Recital filled the air with soul stirring vibrations

and went on till 9.20 when Aarti was given.

 

In the afternoon, Darshan was at 2.50 p.m. By 3.00 p.m. Swami was seated, Vedam

stopped and the youth presented a drama titled – Uthisthata Jagratha – Arise

Awake. The play portrayed several scenes from the life of Swami Vivekananda –

depicted as flashbacks in the course of a grandfather advising his grandson who

had come from

Arial">USA to India – his homeland for the first time. The play ended at 3.35

p.m. The participants came forward to have photographs with Swami. Bhagawan was

very happy and spoke to each one of them asking their names.

 

A very touching incident occurred at this point. One young person prayed to

Swami asking for something. He kept pointing at Swami’s sofa. Swami asked him

again what he wanted. He again pointed at the sofa. Swami looked to Sri

Mukundan and brother Nitin. On prodding him further, the youth hesitantly

prayed to Swami asking for His kerchief kept on the sofa! We were wondering

what would happen next! Instantly, with a Loving smile, Bhagawan took the

kerchief and gave it to him. With equal speed, brother Nitin removed a kerchief

from his pocket and placed it on Swami’s Chair. What a lovely transaction of

Love!!

 

After the photographs, the participants settled down in front of the dais.

Bhagawan signaled for the Music programme to commence. There was one man who

sang so well that we never realized the passage of time. You will be stunned to

know that the programme which started at 3.40 p.m. went on till 5.25 p.m. In the

course of his singing, Bhagawan called him in front and materialized a gold

chain for him and placed it in his hands! The delighted singer went back to his

seat more energized to thrill us further

with his unique songs and Carnatic style Bhajans and Marathi Abhangas. Swami got

up at 5.00 p.m. and went inside the interview room but asked him to continue

singing. Irrespective of Swami’s physical absence, the tempo remained as high

as ever!

 

Prof. Anil Kumar seated in the first row on the dais was a source of great

inspiration to all the singers. He gave them such wonderful verbal and

non-verbal feedback that they were encouraged to give their best! At 5.25 p.m.

Swami came out, took Aarti and retired for the day, leaving us charged with the

devotion soaked songs coming from hearts charged with His Grace!

 

 

 

13-04-2005

 

 

 

Darshan was at 7.25 a.m. Swami took a full round in the Golf Cart and then

walked towards the sofa. This morning too there were two Gent speakers and two

Lady speakers. As the Gent speakers came forward to offer their rose to Swami,

Sri Mukundan signaled to them to wait until Swami sat down on the sofa.

Watching

this, Swami immediately told Mr. Mukundan to allow them to come forward. Swami

exclaimed in Tamil – Neengal Chuma Irango…..They have come from so far – why do

you stop them?

 

The second speaker got a chain from Swami and then Bhagawan called for the first

speaker again who was seated on the dais and created a ring for him. Their

delight knew no bounds. After the Lady speakers, Swami called for the Discourse

mikes. This was a delightful surprise to all. It was 8.00 a.m. The highlights of

His Discourse follow:

 

Love is God. God is Love. Therefore, strengthen the contact of Love to Love. You

have assembled here for this Conference for a very brief period. But your talks

seem to exaggerate your experiences. You still have to experience the true

fruits.

 

When devotees gather and sing the glory of the Lord, when you serve the needy –

your day is done. Rest all days are equivalent to obituaries. All your

experience of Love is based on your superficial understanding. However, true

Love is not between two individuals. True Love is the spirit of oneness! Give

and take does not reflect Love. True Love is to give and give – always!

 

We retreat in times of difficulties. This is not Love. This is selfishness. Give

up selfishness – Svaartha and adopt Paraartha. Padhartha is material / matter,

Yadaartha is beyond matter while Paraartha is the Reality. We must consider

everything as Divine! We should not have any identification with the mind. Mind

always takes you towards matter. Wherever mind gets in, there is duality – no

oneness.

 

That which is dual is not true devotion. Therefore understand clearly that the

Love which is within you is the same that is in others. Love for Love’s sake.

The Love that we experience in this world from dawn to dusk is not Love at all.

There is only one foundation, one path and one goal. To divide Love is a

mistake. We go by the path of divided Love.

 

Prema Mudita Mana Se Kaho Rama Rama Ram….Give any name to God. It is full of

Love. However, we view the Divine Love as dual. Love must remain uniform in

likes and dislikes, happiness and sorrow. All differences are on account of our

perception. You and I are One – that is the Reality! Give up the dualistic mind

and attain Divinity.

 

Love cannot be preached. It has to be experienced. But we understand Love from

the worldly point of view and stoop to low levels. Love should not have any

link with the physical body. All are one – be alike to everyone! To allow Love

to tread on the worldly path is a big mistake.

 

Though you all may appear as many, the same Love is in all of you. That is why I

address you as Divyaatma Swaroopulaara! Such Love is true devotion. Jayadeva,

Gouranga, Meerabai, Sakubai – all of them followed the path of one

single-minded Love. There was no duality. Those who go by duality ruin

themselves! You may repeat any name of the Lord – goal is only one!

 

Love is mighty and powerful. No investigation can measure the power of Love! (At

this point Swami narrated the story of Meerabai. How her husband Rana threw her

out of the temple and she went to Lord Krishna’s temple and hit her head

against the door and finally her soul merged in the Lord. Swami also sang the

song – Chalo Re Mana Ganga Yamuna Teer…)

 

Always go by the heart. Feelings from the heart never change. Go by the

unchangeable. There is nothing in this Universe beyond Love! Therefore, all

devotees should have a grip over this Love. Ordinary people may go on changing

this principle of Love but devotees should not. When you all go back to Kerala,

retain this principle of Love.

 

Many devotes proclaim – Swami, I am with You, in You, for You……all these are

dictionary words. God is only One and He is always with you. With this, Swami

concluded His Divine Discourse.

 

It was 8.40 a.m. and Swami asked for the music programme to begin. As the

participants were getting ready, the main singers in front looked for a bottle

of water to wet their throats. Observing this, before the bottle of water could

reach them from behind, Swami told brother Nitin to give them His glass of

water. By then, the bottle had arrived but Swami offered His glass of water!

 

The singers would not miss this great opportunity at any cost. One of them came

forward with a glass and brother Nitin poured out the sacred water from the

silver tumbler into their glass! What luck! Each one took a sip of the

Prasadam. But that was not the end of it. There was some water left in the

silver tumbler. Bhagawan asked for it and He drank that remaining water!

Normally, we take the remaining water as Prasadam; here it was just the

reverse! That is the pure Love of the Lord!

 

The singers were again at their best. A couple of devotional songs and Bhajans

kept us all engrossed. At 9.25 a.m. Swami got up and went inside the interview

room. Bhajans continued as usual! At 9.50 a.m. Aarti was given to Swami.

 

In the evening, Bhagawan was out in the Kulwant Hall by 3.15 p.m. He cut short

and went straight to the interview room. His Excellency Sri Narayan Datt Tiwari

– the Chief Minister of Uttaranchal had come for Bhagawan’s Darshan. Swami spoke

to him for some time in the portico and then came out and sat down on the sofa.

It was 3.25 p.m. Vedam chanting stopped and a new set of singers from Kerala

held the

stage today with their Carnatic classical expertise! Bhagawan sat there till

4.15 p.m. Sri N.D. Tiwari was seated behind on a chair along with the Vice

Chancellor. All of us were lost in the soul lifting, heart throbbing songs and

Bhajans. They also sang some Tukaram Abhangas. Immersed in the music, we hardly

felt the scorching heat piercing into the Hall through the roof sheets on the

top. This indeed was the experience everyday!

 

At 4.15 p.m. Swami went in and Blessed the Chief Minister with an interview.

Even after Swami went in, the music continued as per His command. At 5.15 p.m.

the Bhajan group from Kerala took over. By now Swami had come out and was

seated again. They sang for 5 minutes and at 5.20 p.m. Aarti was

given. The person who gave Aarti had a wonderful chance as Swami sat throughout

the Aarti looking at him! Only at the end, Bhagawan got up and walked towards

the Golf Cart. As the cart glided away towards PC, the Naadaswaram and

Panchavadyam alternately made their entry into our ears. Today was the eve of

the Tamil New Year and Vishu. The sacred music was heralding the holy day!

 

 

 

14-04-2005

 

 

First of all, we wish all our Malayalam and Tamil brothers a very very Happy New

Year! As we entered the Mandir this morning, Naadaswaram and Panchavadyam were

heard reverberating in the Hall. At sharp 7.30 a.m. all the lights in Kulwant

Hall went on and our dear Lord made a grand entry. The Mandir was decorated

with banners containing Swami’s sayings. At the Gopuram side gate, a big banner

was hanging offering the Pranaams of the Tamilnadu Seva Samithi at His Lotus

Feet. At the entrance to PC, another banner read – Swami We Love You.

 

Colouful umbrellas stood erect along the outer wall of the Darshan Hall –

typical Kerala artwork! At 7.45 a.m. Swami was on the dais, Blessing the Kerala

and the Tamilnadu State Sai Samithi presidents. The Vedam group was instructed

to stop chanting. Singers from Kerala began their scintillating music. After a

while, the Sundaram Bhajan group took over with their Bhajans. Swami was

standing all the while holding the railings and giving wonderful Darshan to all

the devotees!

 

He sat down only after 10 minutes. Bhajans went on till 8.15 a.m. Bhagawan

called Mr. Ramani and asked him about the programme. Mr. G.K. Raman (former MD

of Sundaram Finance Limited) was the first speaker. He prayed to Bhagawan for a

peaceful new year without any major tragedies and then specifically addressed

the Kerala Youth stressing on the importance of character. Practice of Truth,

Integrity and Honesty, he said was the only way to become a good human being.

Finally, he offered gratitude to Bhagawan on behalf of all the Chennaites for

the gift of life saving water bestowed by Him on

the city!

 

The next speaker was a Loyar practicing in Chennai High Court since 1983. He

began with a very good anecdote. When Vibheeshana surrenders to Lord Rama, Rama

asks all the members present in the meeting to express their view. Whereas

everybody vociferously put forth their views, Anjaneya keeps silent all the

while. Finally Lord Rama asks Hanuman to give his opinion. Hanuman says that he

had nothing to speak because he was not a scholar. But still he would speak in

order to demonstrate to the world that when the Lord commands even a monkey

becomes capable of speaking!! The speaker said that he too felt like Hanuman

today in the Divine Presence!

 

The speaker recalled his unique privilege of being a student of the first set of

Balvikas students in Madras in 1969. He also happened to belong to the first

batch of Sevadal and the first batch of the Balvikas Gurus in Madras. Swami had

performed his Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) when he was just 10 years old.

Bhagawan had then asked him the meaning of Upanayanam. Swami said that Upa means

‘near’

and Nayanam means ‘eye’. Therefore Upanayanam means one is taken near the eye of wisdom!

 

Bhagawan had cautioned him that even if he would not be able to perform

Sandhyavandanam everyday, he must never give up chanting of the Gayatri.

Gayatri Mantra can be chanted at anytime, Swami had said. It can be chanted

while bathing – this would become an Abhisheka to the Goddess. It can be

chanted while eating too.

 

In 1985, Swami had given his family an interview where Bhagawan asked him what

job he was in. When he told Swami that he was a loyar, Bhagawan smilingly told

him – Be a loyar and not a liar! He recalled some more teachings of Swami that

have helped him extensively in his life.

 

It was 8.30 a.m. and Sri Mukundan came forward. Bhagawan commanded him to speak

to the audience. Sri Mukundan shared the joyous feelings of the Kerala Youth

with Bhagawan and said that they had resolved that after they reach Kerala,

after a week, they would start doing Grama Seva in each and every village of

Kerala

14pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">. He prayed to Bhagawan to give them

the strength to undertake this massive Labour of Love!

 

He recalled an instance where some devotees traveling with Swami, looking at the

evening sky exclaimed – what a beautiful sky it is! To this Bhagawan told them

that they were so lost in the painting and they were forgetting the Painter

Himself! Never forget the Creator! Creator is more important than Creation!

 

Once as Swami was approaching the students, they immediately cleared the way for

Swami. Looking at this, Swami had said, “What is the use of making this way.

Make a way in your heart for Me!” In yet another episode, Swami was supervising

the drama troupe just before their performance. He asked all the students who

was the director. All said ‘no’ and finally the teacher in charge said that he

was only the assistant director because Swami Himself was the actual Director.

To this, Bhagawan replied that the Avataar needs no assistant directors. He

needs only instruments!

 

Praying to Swami to Bless all the 1300 youth from Kerala, to become able and

noble instruments in His Divine Mission, Mr. Mukundan concluded his inspiring

talk. It was 8.40 a.m. The Sundaram Group started singing Bhajans. At 9.00 a.m.

Bhagawan received Aarti and retired for the morning.

 

In the evening, Swami came out at 2.50 p.m. He cut across the Hall and came onto

the dais. He spoke to Mr. Ramani enquiring about the evening programme. Three

members from the Sundaram Group came forward with a card. Brother Hariharan

(MBA: 1999-2001) was also a part of them. They started their programme at 3.00

p.m. and it went on non-stop till

FONT-FAMILY: Arial">4.45 p.m. In the course of the programme, Swami called one

of the singers and materialized a ring for him. The latter half was a set of

songs by ladies from Chennai Samithi. Throughout, Swami was very much involved

and kept beat with His fingers. In fact, when the Ladies sang the song – Jhoole

Na Jhoole Sai Gopala, Swami laughed and asked – Do you want Me to Sleep? At the

end, the Sundaram Group members got a wonderful group photo with Bhagawan.

Swami spoke to many of them. Aarti was performed. As the Golf Cart moved

towards PC, once again Naadaswaram and Panchavadyam music filled the Hall, this

time, marking the close of the New Year celebrations!

 

The past four days were truly filled with great devotion and noble feelings.

Time ticked away so fast and Bhagawan gave Himself totally to saturate the

devotees and the Youth with His Love and Grace! Ramanavami is fast approaching

and we hope to have a wonderful time with our Sai Rama. We’ll get back to you

with the Ramanavami news!

 

 

Sairam

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

Foods Company LtdC/o National Dairy Development BoardNear Mahananda

DairyWestern Express HighwayGoregaon (East)Mumbai - 400 063Ph: (off) 26850459

(res) 26850458

[Guest guest]

The wholedescription from the 11th to 14th was a feast to my mind and eyes. I

could envision the joy of Swami in seeing the Youth wiht energy and equnimity

of mind. I felt so happy to and felt the joy that the divinity has been

experiencing while watching the transformed youth connect and put up a united

forum in seva at The Lotus Feet.

Than Q very much for being there to share the joy!!!

May Swami bless you with success in all the future endeavors and professional life

Meena ChintapalliAkkanna_Pragada Anantha_Vijaya <aavijaya > wrote:

Parthi Update

Vishu Celebrations

11-04-2005