January 25 2009 - Update from Sai Students Website

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January 25 2009 Sundays at Prashanti Nilayam are sunnier than they are in any other part of the world, for along with the morning sun rises the hope of seeing the Lord clad in glorious orange. And devotees throng this divine hamlet. The Kulwant hall was packed to capacity and the adjoining pathways welled with people eager to glimpse Him on this fine morning. Swami arrived at 9:05 am and everyone's heart thrilled as He moved through them slowly in the chair. Completing the darshan rounds, Swami moved to the portico. He enquired from Prof. Anil Kumar about his recordings in the RadioSai Global Harmony studios. Swami calls it the "Bangalore Radio" for He heard it first while residing at Bangalore. Today, He has His personal digital radio set in Yajur Mandir and is a keen listener - probably the only channel to

which the Lord s and rightly so for the channel carries His message alone - pure and unsullied.Swami came out and then began a second darshan round! He went through the entire ladies side and via the central marble block into the gents side too. The place brimming with people now had them brimming in joy and satisfaction as Swami went about collecting letters and blessing all. He sat outside listening to the bhajans and this bonus darshan only brought more joy. Then He moved into the bhajan hall where the conclusion of the bhajans and Aarthi took place. After the bhajans, Swami began speaking with the students there. He asked a person whether he was listening to the "Bangalore radio" and also whether he had one! He said, "They air all my old discourses on it. I don't know from where they get it, but they put it. Bhajans also come always." Looking at one of the students who is a singer, Swami said mischieviously, "Your wife sings songs

there. Both of you can sing and give discourses. But what you talk between each other on the phone will not come there! That is a secret!" To Swami all of us are open books. The word "secret" loses its meaning when we are with Him. Swami then moved to Yajur Mandir.In the evening, there was a programme scheduled by the devotees of the Krishna district. They had come prepared with a programme entitled "Krishna Tarangaalu". The stage was set and all actors ready by 3:00 pm. Swami arrived for darshan and as He moved through the ladies side, He noticed the large number of children seated there. He spoke to some of the ladies' coordinators and then He moved into the gents' side. However, something seemed to be 'bothering' Him if we may say so. He turned back and then asked for all the children to be seated in the path through which He arrives so that they would all be able to see the play well. He personally supervised the movement of the children

into the path 'reserved for Him'. This kind of 'path filling' happens on the gents' side, the path getting cleared again whenever Swami wants to use it, but not so on the ladies' side. After being assured that all the children were seated properly, Swami moved to the stage and asked for the programme to begin.It began with the usual queues of florals, cards and offerings. The first part was a speech and this speech was rendered by a 4-5 year old! He flawlessly chanted a poem composed by Swami and then went on speaking with a professional flair with a sweet innocent accent and diction. When he said, "All the five elements reside in your hand", Swami raised His hand and showed it to him with a smile. Naturally people clapped in joy. The boy received Swami's blessings and offered a rose also. It was after that that the drama began. The drama centred on a "worldly-foolish" person who stays back in his native village in Krishna district instead of

going abroad and earning crores like his classmates. He opens an orphanage and spends his life and time in educating young minds about the glorious heritage of the land and inspiring them to be good people. Thus it was that great saints and people of character that Krishna district has produced got their rightful share of the stage. His friends think of him as a disillusioned fool but get a slap on their faces when one of their own sons refuses to comply with the father's order to leave for US immediately against the request of the the "spiritually rich" elder to stay back and donate blood for a dying accident victim. The son goes to the hospital and saves a life. A complex sequence of events take place wherein the mother of the concerned son also meets with an accident and the father with his other millionaire friends realizes that there are things in life more important than money. As the son speaks powerful dialogues replete with the wisdom that

Swami has showered over the years, Swami was so moved and happy. In between the play itself, He called the good son and materialized a gold chain for him.There is something so powerful in virtues and goodness - be it good thoughts or good words. These never become cliched and how many ever times they are delivered or rendered, just witnessing them is an inspiring experience. There were tears in the eyes of people as the nobility in the drama was witnessed. Goodness always moves. Good words and noble thoughts never become repetitive and thats why every discourse that Swami gives, people listen to with renewed enthusiasm and new interest. And Swami encourages us to do that always - think good, speak good and do good.As all the children came together and made the final formation, Swami blessed them and moved down to pose for photographs with them. As He moved down He asked the little boy right in front, his name. He made the photographers

move to the left and right to ensure that everyone were covered. It's really moving, the amount of care and concern He shows through these minute details. You almost exclaim, "Only God could do that!", but but remain silent reminding yourself that you are indeed in The Presence. A shower of gifts followed next with Swami gifting sarees for the girls and white T-shirts for the boys. The devotees started bhajans. After a while, Swami gifted two huge photographs that had been taken minutes before to the delighted group. Then receiving Aarthi and blessing all with a two handed Abhayahastha, Swami retired.Click here to see pictures of the event.

 

January 14 2009 Sankranthi is a festival that signifies the beginning of the harvest season for the farmers of Indian Sub-Continent. This is a harvest festival celebrated not only all over India but other South East Asian Countries as well. The day on which the sun begins its journey northwards is referred to as Makara Sankranti. Sankramana means "to commence movement". Hence, the name Makara Sankranti is given to one of the largest, most auspicious, but varied festivals in the Indian subcontinent. As Swami says, the northward movement of the sun, towards the Himalayas where Lord Shiva resides, signifies the culmination of a period spent in intense thoughts of the Lord with the soul finding fulfillment in the Divine. Traditionally, this has been the story at Prashanti Nilayam with the students especially getting the "fruits" of their month long efforts for the Sports and Cultural Meet, of which Swami is undoubtedly an

integral part, from their dearest Lord.The morning saw Swami being welcomed into the Kulwant hall by the Institute Brass band followed by a regal regiment of flag bearers. Swami came in the special "golden" chair. It is a wonderful opportunity and joyous occasion when Swami arrives in that chair, for it is a foot higher than the usual one. Swami took a complete round of the Kulwant hall and there was a beautiful scene in between. The flag bearers formed a canopy of flags under which Swami passed. There was a sweet smile on His face and the scene looked so beautiful. Completing the rounds on the gents side Swami moved up the stage. All the different trophies and prizes adorned the stage. Swami seemed to be having something to convey to all. Calling Professor Anil Kumar, Swami asked him to announce. And then came the joyous news. Kumari Chaparala Sohini from the Primary school had achieved the rank #1 in the all India CBSE examinations for the

year 2008. She would be honoured in the Prime Minister's gallery on the Republic Day. The girl student from the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School was called onstage and felicitated. Swami presented her a silk saree and a trophy. She took padanamaskar and expressed her gratitude to Him.What followed next was the ceremony where Swami blessed all the medals and certificates before they would be bestowed upon the students. Swami enquired into the details of the medals won by the different campuses and had it announced. After that, Swami presented the cups to different campuses. Swami kept stressing that all the prizes were being given by the 'government' to honour all the prize winners. And so it was that representatives from the Prashanthi Nilayam, Brindavan, Anantapur and Music college came up the stage and received the cups from Swami. This time, there were two cups for each campus - one golden and one silver. For the Primary school, two

kids came up along with the warden and the headmistress. It was a beautiful sight as Swami had the cups neatly rearranged and posed with them for pictures. And when everyone else seemed to have forgotten, Swami reminded that the Higher Secondary school had not received its trophies. Everyone applauded and smiles spread as the students went up and collected their cup. This minor incident portrayed the greatest Truths of life. Only God will remain and never forget you. Everyone is lost in their own hurry and business. The Lord alone has time for all and He has come for all. From the time of the Pandavas, through the ages, that's why whenever anyone is in the deepest trouble, they remember God and none else. After the distribution, Swami asked for His mikes with a smile and everyone rejoiced. The discourse that followed was beautiful and oozing with wisdom as it always does.Click here to read the transcript of the Discourse.Swami sang Hari Bhajana Bina in conclusion. After that there were a couple of bhajans by the boys. Following that, the Institute Brass band struck up lively tunes and Swami sat listening to them. It was 11:30 am when Swami received Aarthi and retired for the morning. Before that, it was announced that in the evening there would be a drama by the students of the Puttaparthi campus of the University.A drama entitled 'Sri Krishna Tatwa Darsanam' had been planned and once again the Kulwant hall was a hub of great activity as make up and settings started from 1:00 pm itself. Swami arrived for darshan at 5:15 pm and completing His darshan round, Swami went into the bhajan hall where the entire cast had assembled. He enquired into the characters assembled there. He was very interested in

"Draupadi". "She" carried with her a doll that was to 'act' as the baby Pareekshith. Swami seemed to gently tap the 'baby' on its head and everyone smiled in amusement. Duryodhana, Shakuni, Krishna, Bheeshma, the Pandavas and Durvasa were all 'introduced' to Swami. Last but not the least, the dancers too had their share of the Avatar's time! Swami blessed them all and they all wended their way out to the backstage to wait for Him to come out to the stage area. Soon after, Swami arrived and the initial offerings were made to Him.The drama began with the wise Vidura seeking peace and joy. For that, he wishes to attain Brahmajnana. At that time, he is advised that there is no greater Brahmajnana than listening to the glories of the Lord. And so, if yesterday was the story of the composition of a Bhagavatham, today's drama lived through it. A graceful dance ensued narrating the glories of the Lord Krishna. Three main events from the leaves of

Mahabharatam were depicted. The first one was about the predicament the Pandavas face when the easily angered sage Durvasa visits them for food with all his disciples when there is absolutely no food to offer. Lord Krishna accepts a leaf from Draupadi and is satiated. That fills to the full the bellies of all the visitors and the Pandavas are saved from their wrath. On the other hand, the sage apologises for not fulfilling his obligations and blesses them. It went on to show how when one is able to please the Lord, the whole world is satiated. The other episode was how Krishna elicits a counter promise from the grandsire Bheesma who has vowed to annihilate all the Pandavas in battle. He sends Draupadi to him seeking the blessing of "Dheerga Sumangali Bhava" - - May you have a rich and fulfilled married life! Thus, he is forced not to harm any of her husbands! To ensure that the knocking of Draupadi's sandals do not give her away in the enemy camp, Lord

Krishna carries them for her in His shawl! This brings tears to the eyes of Bheeshma (and everyone in the audience too) as to the extent the Lord goes to help His devotee.The final episode is when the Pandavas' grandson and Abhimanyu's son, Pareekshith, is born a stillborn. When there is sorrow and wailing everywhere, Krishna resurrects him with a mere touch. Arjuna, in all gratitude, calls Him a "Vamsharakshaka"( protector of one's clan). Krishna then reminds him as to how the very same Arjuna had called Him a "Vamshanashaka" (destroyer of one's clan) when Abhimanyu had fallen on the battle field. The Lord is not affected by our praise or blame. He is ever the same and unaffected. These episodes were portrayed with excellent acting and very powerful dialogues. At the end of the drama, the final formation was made and the song proclaimed joyously that the very same Lord Krishna has arrived as dear Swami. Swami was very moved with the song and as

it concluded, Swami moved down for a photo session with the students. The session continued as Swami moved back up on the stage. This time it was groupwise. And everyone who had participated in the drama in any way got a picture with Swami. Many letters were accepted and many words exchanged between the Lord and His students. Swami said, "Today the boys have shown what Swami truly is!" Any compliment or praise becomes redundant after the drama received the most wonderful accolades from Swami Himself. Swami then received Aarthi and returned to Yajur Mandir at 7:10 pm.Click here to see pictures of the two dramas. January 13 2009 The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet has contained in it the "Culture" aspect too and what a tremendously huge aspect that is! The "Cultural" part of the Meet in its literal

terms is held a few days after the Sports meet with The Brindavan and Prashanti Nilayam campuses of the University putting up dramas. The themes selected are usually devotional and are surcharged with the students' love for their beloved Swami. This year however, both the campuses put up their best in recent times and the "Cultural meet" will remain etched in the hearts of those lucky to have witnessed it this year. The devotion, dedication, hard work and supreme love for Swami with the sole objective of pleasing Him was common between both the dramas. However, there were some points unique to each drama and it shall be our endeavour to relive those 'drama'tic moments.On the 13th, the students of the Brindavan campus got permission to put up their drama and so from 12 pm itself, work began in right earnest to erect the sets. It was complete only by 4:40 pm after which at about 4:50 pm, Swami arrived for darshan in the car. As Swami completed the

ladies side darshan round and moved into the stage area, the entire set and backdrop lay hidden behind a huge veil. Completing the darshan round, Swami moved into the interview room. Slowly the sets were put in place and everyone waited eagerly. Huge screens with LCD projectors had been put up by the students in various parts of the hall to facilitate comfortable viewing for all. Swami moved into the bhajan hall where all the participants of the drama were seated. He interacted with them for about 10 minutes and enquired into the roles and costumes of many of the actors. It was about 5:20 pm when Swami came out and sat onstage and asked for the programme to begin.Along with the veil, jaws dropped too seeing the magnificence and splendour of the intricate sets that had been prepared. Towering till the roof and standing about 30 feet across, just admiring all its different facets and aspects itself would have taken an hour! The drama to be staged

was entitled, "Bhakta Potana." Four students playing major roles in the drama came up to Swami and presented Him the card and flowers of dedication. The drama opened with the scene at the magnificent temple that had been set. The inspiring story of the devotee-poet Pothana was threaded as a discussion between Lord Vishnu and Garuda, His divine eagle-mount. Pothana firmly believes in the truth that only that is worthwhile which is dedicated to the Lord. His relative, the poet Srinatha (literally meaning,"the Lord of wealth") tries to persuade him to get salvation for himself through riches and fame. But pothana becomes the true "Sri-Natha" by making the Lord his treasure. He works miracles through his sheer love for the Lord and cures a rich atheistic and critical landlord, Gajendra of his paralysis. The high point in Pothana's life occurs when Lord Rama appears in person in his presence and commands him to write the Bhagavatham in Telugu. Implicit

obedience to His Lord has made Pothana a household name in Andhra Pradesh today where his Bhagavatham is revered and adored.The ruler of the land wanted Pothana to dedicate 'Andhra Maha Bhagavatamu' to him. The king was himself a scholar. But Pothana refused to obey the king's orders and dedicated the Bhagavathamu to Lord Rama alone, whom he worshipped with great devotion. He was of the opinion that poetry was a divine gift and it should be utilized for salvation by devoting it to God. The king is infuriated and commands his troops to destroy the work saying that if it was truly Rama's property, He would protect it. The whole village stands as a shield but are soon crushed by the brutal force of the soldiers. Finally when all seems lost, an invisible force field barricades all the soldiers. The true devotees at the scene see the great devotee Hanuman protecting his Lord's work! The king begs pardon and all celebrate the glory, grandeur and Love

of the Lord.Threaded into the drama were beautiful songs, dances and stories of the mischievious Lord Krishna from the Bhagavatham. The devotion filled evening came to a close with the massive final formation. What a unique idea it was! All the participants of the drama came forward and performed Aarthi to Swami. A simultaneous 100 Aarthi performance! It was indeed a sight to behold. As they concluded, Swami seemed so very happy and proud. He seemed to get quite emotional as the final song spoke the Truth of how He was there as the ultimate redeemer and support. Once the song and dance concluded, in a spontaneous gesture, Swami beckoned Pothana and created a gold chain for him. What followed next was a series of group photographs wherein all the participants of the drama - those on stage and those off it too - came to Swami in small groups and had a cherishable and treasurable picture taken. When Swami gives (and He gives so very often!), He

gives completely. Everyone were so joyous and dozens of letters and cards exchanged hands. Swami spoke to many of the students and surely a lot of problems would have been solved and dreams fulfilled in those little talks!After the whole session, Swami told all the students to sit against the magnificent backdrop and asked the photographer to take pictures of that beautiful sight. Then, calling the warden of the Brindavan campus, Swami spoke very appreciatively about the drama. He also promised, "After I visit Muddenahalli, I will come and stay in Brindavan. That time put up a full 3 hour drama on the Bhagavatham and I will see it." Needless to say there was rapturous applause at this joyous news. The Divine Director not only appreciates the 'actors' in the 'drama' of life, but also showers love for a good performance of a drama within the drama! Receiving Aarthi and having it announced that the next day would be the prize distribution for the

students on the holy day of Sankranthi, Swami retired for the day.

Source: http://www.saistudents.org