Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference, 19-20 Jul 2008, Report & Images

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Sri Sathya Sai World Conference on Education

Speeches, Divine Discourse and Music Programme

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July 19-20, 2008

Learning To Be has been identified as the end goal of Sri Sathya Sai Education. In his attempt to become That, there is a greater need for him to inculcate human values in his life, said Bhagawan in His Divine Discourse inaugurating the Sri Sathya Sai International Educational Conference on the sidelines of Gurupoornima Celebrations.

Austrian HallelujahSai Choir Austria sings in praise of the Divine!

God’s love and magnanimity has something that is mysterious and thus difficult to fathom. One can only keep thinking of Greater Heaven for all magnanimity that is bestowed upon the entire creation with grateful thanks. "Hallelujah" is considered as a joyful word of praise to GOD which comes for several references in the bible, especially in the book of Psalms. Sai Choir from Austria had the rare privilege to sing this song of praise to Lord along with a bouquet of nine other songs in the immediate Divine presence of Bhagawan on the twilight of 19th July 2008 on the sidelines of the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference.

The feeling of joy of sitting and singing in the immediate presence of Lord in Physical was apparent on the beaming faces of the choir members, both men and women and it was a torrential outpour of devotion in the form of music during the twilight session. Starting the programme with the song Dass Du mich einstimmen lasst, expressing gratitude to Bhagawan for the opportunity granted to them, the troupe sang the second song Wenn wir erklimme, expressing the meaning that together we are climbing the mountain of life with full desire to reach the goal of merging with God, facing all challenges, enjoying the wonderful beauty of nature, which is the ornaments of our Supreme Lord. The next to come was from the composition of Austria’s illustrious composer W. A. Mozart, and the song was “Hallelujah”, the song in praise of The Lord which was followed by a song on Sathya Sai, Gurudev Gurudev composed by

a devotee from Austria. The sixth song was an exclusive song, Werte de Lebens, on five Human Values followed by Atme in uns, a song, a speedy prayer to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, love and transformation. Andachtsjodler was the next to come, a devotional yodeller for praising the Lord at midnight mass. An old famous Austrian folk song about the splendour of nature, In die Berg bin I gern was the eight piece that was followed by Lob and Preis, is yet again another invitation to one and all to come and sing in praise of the Lord, and the last piece was Vater unser acknowledging that with the Lord’s Prayer, which is the most common prayer in the Christian tradition, the troupe got the unique opportunity and immense grace to praise the Lord in Physical in their mother tongue.

Sitting through the entire session watching the graceful artistes, singing their hearts out, Bhagawan asked them to continue for two more repeated songs. Expressing happiness, “Very Happy” in so many words, simultaneously gesticulating with His typical hand movement, and with His face beaming in complete satisfaction, He showed His greater concern and love asking the conductor, who was apparently appeared to have tired after his physically demanding conductor show, whether he wanted water…and lo! He replied through the mike, “Yes, Swami, I want water”. And up came in no time glasses of water at His Divine command.

It is not only the Divine discourses and Sai Literature that can impart lessons from Sathya Sai. Every moment with Him, every movement of Sai is a great lesson to learn. The subtlety in His actions is indeed to be noted and analysed, introspected and one is bound to get greater lessons, bound to reap richer benefits.

Inauguration

It was during the evening session on 20th July 2008 when Bhagawan formally inaugurated the World Conference by lighting the lamp on the dais. Dr. Michael Goldstein, Chairman, Sathya Sai World Foundation, the official body overseeing the activities of Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation, addressing the delegates acknowledged, referring to the entire contingent for the conference and devotees in general who were assembled, that they were all there because they were drawn to the basis of love and light, the spiritual source. In an attempt to give an overview of the conference as an official responsibility, he said, the conference having bore the Divine Name should have a spiritual overview, and Bhagawan only could give it as it was conceived and created by Him alone. “Let us apply His Divine Name and Teachings seriously and responsibly to all aspects of education, Let us apply His Divine Name and

Teachings reverently and lovingly to all aspects of our lives; The Divine Name is sacred, it is powerful, it is our salvation”. The spirit of Unity emphasised by Bhagawan should be inculcated in practice and precept as Spiritual Unity is Divine and it is Heart to Heart, exhorted Dr. Goldstein claiming that the participants from different parts of the world, were able to sit together and discuss in Spiritual Unity in a common platform for a common goal. Referring to the two fold instructions received from Bhagawan in their run up to the Conference, Dr. Goldstein said, Unity, the first command received from the Lord has been put in practice to the best of their ability. With reference to the second command that all the participants should come prepared in their respective countries before coming over to Prasanthi Nilayam for the conference and 86 pre-world conferences were conducted in 73 countries in a six month period, questions were generated from

participants and would be discussed during the conference in Prasanthi Nilayam.

The theme of the conference is principles, authenticity, accountability and service to mankind; let us understand the Divine Principles set forth by Bhagawan, let us internalise these principles to become exemplars, let us incorporate these principles in our educational programmes correctly so that the programmes are spiritually authentic, let us maintain this spiritual authenticity by evaluating our conduct and once we are done with these we are ready for service. Principles are the source of our programme, authenticity is the ideals for which we strive, accountability is the imperative to which we must adhere and selfless service is the result of understanding Sai Principles by being accountable and making sure that we are ever vigilant as to the manner in which we conduct. These are the essence of Sai Spiritual Education added Dr. Goldstein.

How do we maintain these principles, spiritual purity of Sai Education as it passes through generation of worldly delusion, distortion? How can we stress, impress and redress the need, the imperatives to maintain practice and reflect the highest spiritual principles in all that we do? How can we perpetuate spiritual authenticity in a world brought with iniquity? posed Dr. Goldstein hoping that Bhagawan would answer these questions during the course of the conference.

When the personification of redemption sits before us in the form of Bhagawan we need not doubt, fear, and hesitate, rather should open our hearts to His Divine and everlasting Love said Dr. Goldstein concluding his inspiring rhetoric.

This is the century of Sai. A century which will see the dawning of an age of Love and Peace all over the world, a century which will see the realisation of a world in which mankind will live in accordance with the principles of its inherent divinity, said Sri V. Srinivasan, President, All India Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in his address to the delegates of the conference. Highlighting on the Unity factor, he stressed upon the importance of Love and Trust to establish the Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God. Sai Avatar has come for the transformation of mankind and that transformation would take place by teaching in various ways and the totality of this teaching is real education; this education is for life and not for living; this education is learning to differentiate between the real and unreal; this education rests on truth and love, not on transient truth, or on selfish love, but on Truth which was, is and

will be true for all the time and love which is selfless, that will always be giving and not taking. Bhagawan’s love is so encompassing that He wants our lives to be His Message and that is real Sai Education, added Mr. Srinivasan.

Referring to the Bal Vikas programme for blossoming children initiated by Bhagawan, he said, Sai Education is the shield against the vagaries and the temptations of the world; Sai Education has transformed them and now they are the change agents of Sai who are quietly working to bring about transformation in the family, country and in the world at large. Welcoming one and all to the Real Home, to Prasanthi Nilayam, Mr. Srinivasan said India is the blessed land where Avatar’s have descended and India will continue to be the ever shining beacon for the redemption of humanity through Sai Education.

Bhagawan in His Divine Discourse highlighted on the shrunken society, selfish bend of human mind, education that has become physical and more outward, the suffering meted out at the poor all around the world.

Education today has become physical and outer. There are crores in India who have received this type of education but, to what extend the society has been benefited? They do think about themselves and have no time to think of the problems being faced by the society, said Bhagawan commencing His Divine Discourse. In an apparent reference to the present plight of the world filled with misery, He said in spite of having such problems around each country speaks about self glory, but fails to address the reality. It is difficult draw a demarcation line between the rich and poor. All are poor. It is rare to find someone who has harmony in Thought, Word and Deed. The poor are passing through unbearable suffering and there is no one to care for them. Love and Compassion are the need of the hour. Those who boast the feeling of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’ can never be happy. ‘I’ combines with the ‘mine’ feeling to form

the Ego.

Here is the summary of His Divine Discourse (these are not verbatim translations, but the summary of the Divine Discourse.)

Among the affluent there is no fear of sin and Love for God.We must get rid of selfishness and one should work towards achieving this end.

Spirit of service and love should be the motive force for the men.

All are children of God; If we put others into suffering, we are bound to get it back.

We need to develop feeling for Unity in our heart that would lead to Purity and finally to Divinity.

One cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others.

Without the five human values all are animals in human forms. Once he develops human values he will become automatically compassionate.

Truth cannot be found outside; Truth is very much within.

Students of Bhagawan’s institutions right from Primary level would know and understand human values.

From Truth comes Righteousness and from Right Conduct blossoms Love which in turn brings Peace that finally develops non-violence.

Even birds have great love among and how is it that man missed out at this point?

People are after money. They do not want God. They do not understand that Atma resides within.

Without knowing one’s true nature one cannot attain anything.

One needs to sit calm, quiet and enquire within to know the reality. This is true meditation.

Reading books (apparently referring to a claim by a student who finished Sai Satcharita) is not enough; one needs to turn his heart into such teachings to get the real meaning and put the same in practise.

Name and physical identification are for physical purposes, but the reality one needs to know essentially is the Truth, I AM I

When you develop firm faith that God is with you, you will be able to achieve anything in the world.

Educare is to bring out the innermost sacred human qualities, from within.

Education is pertaining to external knowledge.

Within thirty years the world will be united, will be one, with one caste, one religion, one God.

Unity in Diversity has become the dictum to practice in precept as this maxim finds a place very often in Bhagawan’s Divine Discourses and thus into the large family of Sai Fraternity. More than forty musicians from over 20 countries took the centre stage on the twilight of 20th july in the colourfully decorated Sai Kulwant Hall for a display of what could be aptly described as a Global Harmony Show. The Saisymphony Orchestra has been an integral part of Prasanthi Nilayam during the Birthday and Gurupoornima celebrations for last so many years and so their turn came yet again on the 20th evening to perform in His immediate Divine Presence. Led by conductor Michael Koehler from Germany, the troupe had members from Macedonia, Albania, Switzerland, U.S.A., Japan, India, Lithuania, Russia, The Czec Republic, New Zealand, Austria, Italy, Columbia, France, Ireland, The Netherlands and Canada orchestrating various instruments on

a single stage to bring a concord of sounds symbolising global harmony, a United World, as Bhagawan prophesied just minutes ago to the programme ending His Divine Discourse.

 

http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/educareconf2008.html