Prasanthi Update - August 5th- Hrudaya Tarang by Himachal Pradesh Youth

[Guest guest]

The marbled blocks in the mandir today wore a festive look. It had been occupied by the youth from Himachal Pradesh, clad in creamish Sherwanis with a maroonish dupatta. They were seated neatly in four rows and then there were also the men in red scarves from the same state. The ladies side also had devotees from Himachal sitting in a separate area. They were to present a musical entitled "Hrudaya Tarang"- a collection of Himachali folk songs and qawwalis. Swami arrived in the chair and as He neared the devotees in the centre of the hall, He asked, "Himachal Pradesh?" As they nodded and answered in all eagerness, Swami's face too seemed to light up. In fact, twice He asked the devotees whether they were from Himachal Pradesh. He went into the interview room for a short while and then came out. He sat listening for the Veda

chanting for a while and soon asked for the youth to begin the programme. After the customary flower was offered to Swami, the programme began. The third row of youth went up on their knees while the fourth row stood up. The first song was in praise of Lord Shiva, the emperor of the snow covered kingdoms of Kailash! The second song was a song of dedication by the youth of Himachal Pradesh which is also called Dev Bhoomi(Land of the Lord).. Both the songs had a wonderful and soulful Aalaap which was sung so beautifully by the lead singer playing the harmonium. Just as the Aalaap filled the soul with sweetness sublime, the song, once it began, filled the mind with melody musical and the body with energy, bold and beautiful! The thirst for God was almost visible on the faces of the youth as they moved in perfect rhythm and the harmonious movements made the entire area look like a colourful, gently fluttering brocade. Their body language was such

that it looked like with His name on their lips and the deep contemplation of His form in their hearts, they were promising to spread His message with their sterling character and exemplary conduct. The third song was a qawwali full of heartfelt prayers to the Lord for spiritual upliftment in the sojourn of life through the path leading to Parthi, the abode of the avatar of the age. "Lord, we are not in search of worldly companions or fellow travellers in this journey, but only you, who are our only solace and refuge", was the repeated refrain of the song. As they let their feelings flow in a free torrent towards Him, Swami reciprocated with sweet smiles and a rhythmic sway and clapping on the lap throughout. The fourth song was a qawwali of total surrender to Swami. The final song was on the glory of Sai as He marches ahead inspiring millions to strive for the welfare and emancipation of the world. As they completed, Swami asked them to sing

one more song. They immediately began another song, not in the original "schedule".As they were singing, Swami asked the student sitting beside Him,"What is the meaning of that line?" The answer came, "Swami they want to be at your Lotus feet always!" Swami smiled and nodded. At many points during the programme, Swami kept speaking a few words here and there. One was not able to make out the exact things He spoke about, but anyone could easily see that He seemed to be enjoying Himself and was very happy with the songs (with the "dances" too!) As the programme concluded, Swami called the lead singer who was playing the harmonium and created a gold chain with a pendant for him. The lad playing the tabla came up to Swami and offered gratitude to Swami on behalf of all the youth. Swami asked for special sweets to be brought and distributed to all the participants. Then, He called Mr..S.V.Giri, the ex Vice Chancellor of the Sathya Sai University, and

told him to distribute safari pieces to all of the participants. He also ensured that all of them had received the sweets and the cloth pieces. The concern was very evident, as He told a student to distribute in the far corners too and asked another student to find out personally whether everyone had received the gifts of Grace.Then, turning around, Swami said, "Get prasadam." Vibhuti packets were brought from the interview room and distributed to the participants. They sought permission to sing bhajans and they were granted that. After a few bhajans, Swami asked for the students to sing a bhajan. They began with the Aalaap, "Allahu Akbar", a sarvadharma bhajan. Swami was drawn into it and He to began to lip the words of the song. What a supreme joy it is to see Swami singing to your "tunes"! It is an overwhelming and humbling feeling at the same time! As that bhajan concluded, Swami asked for Aarthi. A few lads from the HP youth group moved up

to Swami and spoke to Him. Swami patted each on eof them lovingly on their cheek. One of them seemed to be following Christ's dictum. When Swami patted him on one cheek, he had the 'cheek' to show his other cheek too! Swami obliged him by lovingly patting his other cheek also. Blessing everyone Swami left for Yajur Mandir

 

Meanwhile, it was announced that a special farewell ceremony for the Vice Chancellor of the Institute had been arranged by Swami in th Poornachandra Auditorium for 10am tomorrow.

 

Om Sai Ram