Guest guest Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 Sunday 28th September 2008. The Arrival: With the Divine Grace of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a group of 23 boys from the UK embarked, on 27th September 2008, upon a pilgrimage to their Beloved Mother Sai. The Group was led by Sri Ajit Popat, who is known affectionately by Baba as "Puppet". The group, which left UK on 27th September 2008, arrived, at the gate of Prasanti Nilayam, the Abode of the Highest Peace, on Sunday 28th September 2008. A few days prior to setting of the Group experienced first hand one of Baba's Divine Lelas. The Group, had been planning to take part in this year's Grama Seva Activities. However, a few days before the Group were due to depart, Puppet received a message from Prashanti Nilayam that Grama Seva had been postponed by Swami, to November. The Group were left in an almighty dilemma: to postpone the trip until the Grama Seva Activities in November or to continue full steam ahead with the pilgrimage to the Divine Master? Knowing the Group's dilemma, the all loving and all merciful Swami very kindly sent a sweet message to the Group before they arrived at Prasanti Nilayam to convey the changes. Swami direct message was, "Let Puppet know that Grama Seva is postponed. Puppet is coming for Grama Seva and it will be inconvenient and disappointing to him and the group." Baba Lela played out once again: he sent such a loving and touching message in the midst of everything that was going on around him and preparations he was involved with for the Dusshera functions. Even before the Group set off, Swami had heard the unrest in the hearts of all the boys of the Group. Despite this news the Group decided to continue on this pilgrimage as their only desire and focus was to be with their Divine Mother at Her Divine Lotus Feet. Morning Darshan Bhajans started at 9 am sharp. Swami gave a wonderful Darshan at 09:30 from His Chair. What a beautiful and wonderful picture; Swami's warm and loving smiles could be felt by all. Bhajans finished at 10:00am after which Aarti commenced. Swami left soon after and returned to His Divine Residence. Afternoon Darshan: The Vedam Boys started singing the Vedic hymns at 5:00pm sharp as Swami came for evening Darshan. Swami spoke to a sister and then moved past the students into the Mandir. Bhajans started at 5.30 and continued until just after 6pm. When Swami came out of the Mandir, He graciously spoke with Sri Ajit Popat. Swami's face was a picture of loving surprise. Swami enquired as to when the Group had arrived. Swami acknowledged approval at the Group's arrival and said he was very happy they had come. Monday 29th September 2008 Morning Darshan In the very early morning at 5:10am, all the Group members were seated in front of Swami's Alter in a room in the North Building 6. The early morning silence was broken with the sounding of 21 Omkars, followed by Bhagawan's Suprabhatam. The group leader read the Thought of the Day and then proceeded to annouce the Sadhana for this year's trip, which consisted of reading and chanting of Bhavanya Astkam Strotram, which was composed by Sankaracharya. Mr Ajit Popat sang the Bhavani Astakam, in the morning afternoon and evening. The morning sessions also covered the following routine; 1) Prayaanaam yoga, which is a technique of seating quietly so that one, can hear breathing. This helps one to calm the mind and increases one's focus; and 2) Yoga; This consisted of the following a)Brastrika b) Kapalabhati c) Anulom vilom, d)Brahmri Bhajan's started at 9 am sharp. Swami did not come out for Darshan this morning. Afternoon Darshan: Swami came for Darshan after 4.30pm. Swami gave Darshan to one and all in Sai Kulwant hall. Swami did a full round including the gentleman's side, which he did not do yesterday during afternoon Darshan. Everyone was delighted to have the Divine Blessings from Swami. Swami spent sometime on the portico speaking to some of the boys from the university. Swami talked to the boys for a while then Vedam's were been recited by all the boys and some of the devotees also joined in. There are many books available, which list some of the popular Vedic hymns, which are chanted by the Vedam boys. As it was Monday, most of the vedams that were recited were dedicated to Lord Shiva. Swami soon after went to the Mandir where he listened to the Bhajans. After taking the Aarti Swami left for the Divine abode after 6pm. 30th September 2008 Tuesdays Morning Darshan: On this very auspicious Tuesday, Prasanti Nilayam witnessed the commencement of the Navratri Festival. God is worshiped in the form of the Mother Bhavani for nine days and nights. Swami came to commence the Navratri festivities by coming early to the Sai Kulwant Hall at 8:45am. The Vedam welcomed Swami; The melodies of musical instrument called the Sura-nada could also be heard. Bhajans started promptly at 9am. Afternoon Darshan: Swami came to give Darshan in the afternoon at 5.20pm. The Veda Boys recited the Sri Suktam, a Vedic hymn dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth and prosperity). Swami gave Darshan to most of the ladies side and then cut across straight to the Mandir without going around the men's side. As soon as Swami arrived in the Mandir, Bhajans promptly commenced. Swami came out to give Darshan to all, particularly to men, as He had missed them earlier. Swami then returned to the portico for a short while before going back to the Mandir. Swami remained in the Mandir until 6pm at which point He took Aarti and return to His Divine Abode. Wednesday 1st October 2008 Morning Darshan: Bhajans started very promptly at 9am in Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami came to give Darshan at 09:50. Today's Darshan was very short and sweet Swami quickly returned to His Divine Abode. The Group was privileged and extremely grateful to Swami for allowing them to come and take even a small glimpse of his Darshan. Afternoon Darshan: The Sai Kulwant hall was filled with the chanting of the Rudram at 5pm. The Rudram is the Vedic hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Swami, the embodiment of Lord Shiva himself, came to bless all whilst the vedams was going on. In fact the volume of the singing increased as Swami approached the Mandir. Swami listened to the singing and called some boys from the Vedam group and few birthday boys. The smiles on the boys face expressed their happiness that Swami gave them the opportunity to take his blessings on their birthday. Swami remained on the portico till 5:45. Soon after the Bhajans started Swami entered the Mandir. After listening to few songs Swami left for the divine abode. Thursday 2nd October 2008 Morning Darshan: The early morning life in Prasanti has been same for so many years and today is no exception: 21 Omkars started at 5:20 followed by Suprabhatam and Nagar Sankirtan. Today Swami did not come to give Darshan at his usual time so whilst waiting everyone in Sai Kulwant hall enjoyed the melodic Bhajans. Swami listens to all our prayers, and indeed for those who prayed for his darshan that morning most certainly got it, as Swami drove through the street of Prashanti Niliyan in His car. Everyone on the streets stopped all their work and queued up for even the slightest gylimpse of Swami's Car. Some people throw flowers before Swami's car whilst some also broke coconut as sign of good luck. Afternoon Darshan: The Pursa Himself came to give Darshan at 5.10 and appropriately the Vedam boys recited the Pursa Suktam, a hymn dedicated to the supreme personality of Godhead. It seems that Swami has been answering a lot of prayers today as after the normal Darshan, Swami came back out of the Veranda and gave Darshan a second time however this time he did the round from the men's side and almost all the way back to the residents. Everyone present really enjoyed the Darshan. Friday 3rd October 2008 Morning Darshan On this auspicious day of Juma where most of our Muslim brothers celebrate the end of Eid, Swami inaugurated the Ved Purusha Jnana Yagna in the early hours of the morning. The Sai Kulwant Hall was buzzing with anticipation and excitement with the prospect of today's proceedings. Some of Swami' students were dressed in Vedic attire and the Hall itself was finely decorated with flowers and coloured streamers. The Vedic Priests arrived at the Hall chanting the Vedic mantras and Swami did not keep the devotees waiting long. Swami arrived shortly before 9am with an extra special glow to His face and a gentle smile on His face. Darshan was very close as Swami came in His chair. As Darshan continued, the Vedic boys all chanted the Rudram and Purushsa Suktam Soon after, the priests led the Vedam boys and everyone else into the Poornachandra Hall for the inauguration of the Yagna. The Hall was full to the brim with devotees and students and faculty members with devotees standing outside as well. On the stage the priests were preparing the yagnas. The priests prepared the main Yagna on the stage with a second yagna on the right hand side. Selected Vedam boys chanted in Sanskrit from Holy books. The priests lit the fire by churning a stick into a bowl by pulling a string around it. When the fire was lit there was a loud applause and the priest presented the holy fire for blessing to Swami. Swami then toured the yagna and when His Divine form approached the main Havan, the fire itself leaped up higher, as if Lord Agni Himself was offering His prostrations to Swami. After a further short tour, Baba left the auditorium. Afternoon Darshan: In the afternoon, Swami came for the Darshan at the usual time of 5 o'clock and in the traditional manner, He was welcomed with the singing of the Vedam. He gave Darshan to all from His chair, which gave pleasure to devotees, as they were able to experience His close physical proximity. When Swami went onto the portico, He asked Professor Anil Kumar to introduce the speaker for the Ved Purushasupta Jnan Yagna, Sri Narayana Bhattar. The speaker spoke about Devi Bhagwatam from the scriptures. As he finished and approached Bhagawan for His blessings, Baba told him to return to the podium and speak about the Gayatri Mantra. While the talk was going on, Swami went to the Mandir and upon His return, He spoke to the leader of this year's Sadhana Group Trip, Sri Ajit Popat (Puppet). Swami enquired where he had been the last two days? Puppet answered that he had been in the Poornachandra Auditorium for the Yagna and the previous days, the boys had been to the Super Speciality Hospital to give blood donation. Upon returning to the Portico, Swami instructed His students to distribute Prasad to one and all. Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 4th October 2008 Saturday Morning Darshan: As usual, Prasanti Nilayam was vibrant with the excitement of the Navratri festivites. The crowd had now grown much bigger. Swami's devotees have a lot of love and patience for Swami. This was plainly evident this morning as a lot of people just waited and waited and waited for Swami's Darshan in the Sai Kulwant Hall. When Swami did not come for Darshan, the devotees awaited for Swami in the Poornachandra hall (Swami often comes to the Havan when the aarti is performed at 12 midday). However Swami in His infinitie wisdom also did not come for Darshan at all that morning. Afternoon Darshan: All the devotee must have hoped and prayed that at least they will be able to see Swami in the afternoon as he did not come for morning Darshan. Indeed Swami did come and early at that. Such Divine Lelas the Master of the Universe Plays. Swami came in His car and left Sai Kulwant hall from the Ram Darbar gate. Many people rushed out to catch a glimpse of Baba on the street, whilst everyone else remained seated. At 4.50 Swami's car returned to Sai Kulwant hall and as usual the car was covered with flowers offered to Swami's on the street. Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 Sunday 5th October 2008 Morning Darshan Everyone was waiting for Swami's Darshan as usual, however it seemed that Swami wanted to continue playing His Divine Lelas with his devotees. Swami again did not come for Darshan but instead news spread that Swami had gone directly to the Poornachandra Hall. The crowd started heading for the larger hall. Swami, looked majestic, seated on the stage overlooking the Yagna. Swami was very kind as he sat there for a long time, giving everyone present amazingly wonderful Darshan as well as an opportunity to witness the Yagna. Swami signalled to His students to take Him to the far part of the stage, where the other Yagna was going on. There Swami took Aarti. When Swami returned towards the Sai Kulwant Hall there was another rush for everyone to get back into Sai Kulwant hall. It was very amusing to see the play between Devotees and The Master of the Universe! Swami came and sat in front of the Ganesh Statute on the portico. Swami together with all the gathered devotees enjoyed the Vedam that were been chanted so wonderfully. This continued on till 10.30 at which time the aarti was called for. Soon after the aarti finished Swami signalled to the students to distributed prasadam. How Sweet is our Lord Sai, as people have been waiting for such a long time, Swami had blessed everyone with lovely Sweet prasadam. Afternoon Darshan: At 5pm the Aumkar welcomed the arrival of our Dear Lord Sai. Swami gave Darshan to all the sisters and then came to the brothers' side towards East Prasanti. Swami did the complete round and when approaching the veranda Swami spoke to Puppet (as Swami lovingly him). Swami asked him to be ready. Our Loving Mother also enquired into the date and asked Puppet, "It's your birthday today isn't it?" To which puppet responded by saying "Yes Swami". Swami asked puppet to speak and gave him the subject of "Divya Sandhi" Nearness and dearness to the Lord. He spoke in his usual style for 30 minutes at which point Swami indicated to him to stop. At 5.45 Swami signalled to the students to distribute prasadam to everyone present in the Sai Kulwant Hall. The Bhajans continued until Swami took aarti at 6.20pm. Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 Monday 6th October 2008 Morning Darshan Prasanti Nilayam saw more and more people arriving day by day on the approach to Dussehra (the 10th day of the Navratri festivities) Swami came to give Darshan at 10.30. It was so wonderful to see Swami talking to few devotees here and there, taking their letters. During the Jnana Yagna and Navratri function many of the people are seated in the Poornachandra hall as Swami always goes there to bless the activates. Soon after the Darshan there is usually a flow of students moving to the Poornachandra hall following the procession led by the Vedam boys chanting the Vedic hymns. Swami also headed towards the Poornachandra hall, talking a few sisters on the way. The Hall was completely full by the time Swami came to the stage. Swami then headed towards the right hand side where there was another small Havan, the priest and his wife usually carries out the ritual worship here. Swami positioned his chair in such a way so that everyone can see Swami receiving the aarti. We also observed Swami distributing gifts to few ladies seated on the chair at the front. Swami spent a great deal on time here before heading back to the divine abode. Afternoon Darshan At 5.45 the Rudram Veda was chanted, sign of arrival of the Shiva himself in the Sweet form of our beloved Swami. Swami once again took letters from many of the devotee lined up for Darshan. Swami toured around the veranda quite a bit. As soon as the Bhajans started Swami entered the Mandir. Swami took aarti at 6.15 and everyone started getting ready to leave the Sai Kulwant hall when suddenly Swami came back to the Portico, where it seemed that someone was going to give a talk. Swami had instructed Sri B.N. Narasimhamurthy to give a talk. His opening comments were "Baba always says love my uncertainty" He spoke for almost 40minuntes which included his experience of been with Swami for last 40 years as Warden. He explained the significant of chanting the Vedam, particularly the Rudram as the first 2 anukma as dedicated to Lord Shiva in prayer that He does not use his powerful weapons. In this day and ages it is important that we pray to god that the destructive nuclear weapons does not get used as this can certainly have a devastating impact of the world for all humanity. Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 7th October 2008 Tuesday Morning Darshan: On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami the 8th day of the Navratri function, various activities have taken place. On this holy day, the instruments (Astras & Vehicles) are worshipped. Today is the day Swami, Himself performs the worship of the vehicles. This tradition has been followed since the ancient times of Bharat (India). On this day, the Pandavas completed their time in exile and the 13th year of hiding. On this day, the weapons that were hidden away were reclaimed. Swami came for Darshan at 9:30, in front of Swami was the Indian music band playing the south Indian music. There was a festive mood within Sai Kulwant Hall. Everyone were rejoicing the Darshan of Bhagawan. Swami head towards the Vehicles parked near the gents side, He carried out the worship of the vehicle and immediately signalled to the students to distribute prasadam. Swami headed towards the portico from where he watched the vast gathering. Once again everyone headed towards the Poornachandra hall were the yagna was going on, Swami also came there and blessed the world peace yagna. Swami took aarti and blessed the preist and everyone present there before going to the divine abode. Afternoon Darshan Swami came for darshan at 5.40pm, taking a full round in his chair. He then went onto the portico. Swami told the All India President to give a talk, Mr Srinivas. He spoke for about 25 minutes on the Navratri celebration, the significant of it and how it is celebrated through out India. When Mr Srinivas finished his talk he approached Swami. Swami told him to continue talking about the water project, however importantly talk about his recent visit to Orisa. There has been flood in Orisa which has affect 7 district badly. People are homeless, without food and water. He (after been promptly by Swami) mentioned that Swami will be giving 10 Cores of Ruppees to help the region affected by the floods (there was loud applause in Sai Kulwant hall) Swami want to help the people suffering immediately and was going to do this by disposing of the Air port at Prashanti Nilayam and Hill top place in Kodai. Once again Mr Srinivass sat down and Swami told him to talk more on the project. Swami will build houses for those who have lost everything. These house will be made of out concrete, permanent long lasting houses. They should be build on high grow so that it will not be affected by any future floods. They should be big. Swami has been very much involved in the smallest details regarding the place of Kitchen and toilet and living room, Swami said there should be place for the owners to keep their animals for farmers. Swami wants to complete this project in 2 months!! There was once again a huge applause for the announcement. Swami then asked for Bhajans to started, however all the students and instrucments were in the Mandir, therefore, Vedan Narayana sang the Ganesh Bhajan without any music. Then the Students quickly arranged everything and continued singing Bhajans. Swami signed for Prasadam to be distributed. Swami took aarti at 6. 30 and return to the divine abode. Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 Wednesday 8th October 2008 Morning Darshan: Today is the 9th day of the Navratri festival. Throughout India and across the world the festival is celebrated with great love and devotion for the Divine Mother: It is said that during the navratri festivities, the first 3 days are dedicated to Mother Durgra; the next 3 days, to Mother Laxmi; and the final 3 days are dedicated to Mother Sarawati. The crowds in Prashanti Nilayam were increasing day by day, filling the Sai Kulwant Hall and Poornachandra to their maximum capacities. Swami again did not come for Darshan this morning (of course he is all ways always present everywhere). The priest conducting the Yagna Ceremonies conducted today's yagna finishing with aarti. Afternoon Darshan: In the afternoon, Rudram was recited at 5.30pm which indicated the arrival of Our dear Lord Sai. Swami did a complete round of the Sai Kulwant Hall and spoke to few ladies on the way. Swami instructed the Ex-vice president S V Giri give a talk. Sir Giri spoke very eloquently for almost 35 minutes on various subject which included the festival of Navratri. As soon as the talk finished Swami, signed to give out prasadam to everyone present in the Sai Kulwant hall. Thursday 9th October 2008 Morning Darshan On this very special day, Thursday which is dedicated to the Guru, devotees were up and awake very early in the morning in order to ensure their place in the Poornachandra Hall for the Dasersa Poorna Hoti (the final day of the Yagna). This day also coincided with a number of other very special events, namely the day Shirdi Sai Baba took Maha Samadhi, the day Sri Rama was victorious over the demon Ravan and the day Sri Rama had his Coronation. Prashanti Nilayam was swelling with crowds of huge numbers who had come for the Dusshera festivities. Everyone was seated in Poornachandra Hall by 9am waiting for Swami. The priests were chanting the Vedams and pouring various sacred items into the Havan. To everyone surprise, Swami entered the Poornachandra Stage from behind the curtains in a beautiful new chair, which sat Swami much higher then his usual chair. Swami checked all the proceedings and took aarti near at the Small Havan which was on the right hand side of the Stage. Swami then instructed all the priests to prepare for the final poornahoti for the Main Central Havan. It was a wonderful scene to see Swami near the Havan pouring the final ingredients (Gems, and special stones) into the Havan, everyone applauded very loudly when this was done, The Yagna rose very high almost as if it wanted to touch Swami for blessings. Swami gave gifts to all the priests and instructed them to change into the new clothes Swami had just given them. The priests changed into the new clothes. Swami sprinkled holy water on the all people on the stage and instructed the priests to do the same to everyone present in Poornachandra Hall. There was such an air excitement in the air as people wanted to be blessed by the holy water. The students were instructed to distribute prasadam at the sametime. The entire hall was full with an auspicious atmosphere. Swami was watching everything from the stage like a Mother to make sure everyone was given his blessings. Swami conducted the yagna and left the stage at 10.30 marking end of the Yagna! Afternoon darshan: On this auspicious day of Vijayadasami, the final day of dusshera was celebrated in Sai Kulwant hall. Swami arrived at 5.20 for darshan in his car which surprised all the gathered devotees as Swami has been coming in the chair recently. Swami spoke to Sri Ajit Popat (puppet) who gave Swami the Heart Valve Bank Newsletter. Swami read the newsletter and expressed his happiness to Puppet. Swami then went to the portico to instruct Mr Krishnamurty from Kodai to give a talk. Mr Krishnamurthy spoke for almost 25 minutes. His talk was then followed by G. V. VenkatRama from Radio Sai. He also spoke for about 20minutes on the Dusshera function and linked the poornahuti to the food prayer. Bhagawan Baba offered the bundle of food into the Havan (for God) etc. Everything is God and nothing else. Mr Venkatrama also touched upon the recent financial sumani which has taken place in the western world. He expressed the need for morality to avoid such financial sumani. Finally Swami answered prayers of all gathered by preparing for the Divine Discourse. There was a huge applause as the equipment was bring setup - Swami was going to talk! Swami spoke wonderfully in His usual Divine way for almost an hour. Swami touched upon the need to do good karam, however that too must be sacrificed. Swami further spoke of about Dussera, dedicating it to the 3 Devis (Durga, Laxmi and Sarawati). Swami spoke at length on the topics of Sathya (truth) and Dharma (righteousness or right conduct). Narayana is Laxminayaya, and Narayana also Sathya Narayana, declaring his Avatarhood. Swami is Sathya, he is Dharama and he has incarnated to protect both Sathya and Dharma. Narayana has taken form as Sathya Narayana. Swami also mentioned the over use of cellphones by boys and girls. The cellphone is used excessive to send message which can lead to misunderstanding and wrong type of communication. This is not suitable for the boy and girl. Swami said that all cellphones should be thrown into well. Swami does not use mobile phone. Swami ended his discourse in the usual fashion by singing a lovely bhajan…Hari bhajana Bina… Immediately after the bhajans, the students began distributing prasdam Swami ended the Dasserha function by taking the aarti just after 7:30. Sadhana Camp (UK) Boys 2008 Friday 10th October 2008 Morning DarshanMuch of the crowd which had come for Dusshera function, had left the night before and a lot of the people were leaving in the morning. Sai Kulwant Hall seemed at lot less busy now especially as there were no longer any students for Darshan. The Morning Bhajans started at the usual time, However Swami did not come till just before 10.30. Swami kindly spoke to few ladies and took their letters while coming towards the veranda. Swami gave interview to the priests who took part in the Yagna, together with their wives and children. Our Dear Lord gave them lots of gifts and blessings. Swami spent considerable amount of time with them whilst the Bhajans were going on. Swami called for aarti at 11.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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