DARSHAN UPDATE (2) AND PHOTOS - ATTACHED SLIDE SHOW PDF FILE

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" Gratitude programme "

 

 

 

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The arrival of summer at Puttaparthi heralds a slightly different kind of programmes. These are not programmes in the true sense- they are more akin to a conversation between the Lord and His children. A conversation where the children try to verbalize the rich feelings in their heart through musical words and worded music. Known among the student circles as the " Gratitude programme " , this is something for which an intense physical, mental, emotional and spiritual preparation goes on. The outgoing batches of students every year take this opportunity to convey their Love for Swami. And today, Swami had graciously consented for the gratitude programme by the X and XII class students of the Higher Secondary School.

 

Swami arrived for darshan at about 4:35pm and went around the Kulwant Hall granting darshan. He also went for rounds in the veranda. It was past 5 pm when He arrived on the stage and asked for the students to begin. Starting with the primordial Aumkara, the students began to sing songs, many of which they had composed specially for the occasion. The songs were beautifully interspersed with touching episodes from their lives. If ever anyone attempts to write a Sai Bhagawatham, he/she will not even be able to count the different ways in which our dear Swami has protected and saved His children- it would be like asking how many times did the eyelids lovingly cover the eyes! The incidents were so significant and profound for each of the students in their lives. Some were cases where a mere smile r touch from Him had done wonders. The others had greater physical involvement by Swami.

 

One of the students, standing hale and hearty above 5.5 feet, narrated as to how he was almost died at childbirth. The mother, burning with pangs of suffering, placed the baby in front of His picture and surrendered. The mother's cries were silenced by the cries of the baby! Two other incidents involved heavy complications at childbirth with both, the mother and baby, being carried through the ordeal by Swami's Grace. Another student, Sai Kanav, narrated a very interesting episode that occurred a few days back. He was celebrating his birthday and was carrying a tray for blessings from Swami. He wanted to ask Swami as to what subject to take up after his tenth class. Meanwhile he got a call informing him that his grandmother had met with an accident and that he must seek Swami's blessings. He was in a dilemma as to what he should ask Swami when he gets those few precious moments with Him. That day, there was a huge crowd of boys waiting to be blessed and he felt that he may not even get a chance for a few words with Him. What Swami did that day was so personal!

 

As Swami came for the darshan rounds He was literally covered by the 'tray boys' for blessings. In that 'confusion', Swami placed a vibhuti packet on this boy's tray. The vibhuti was undoubtedly for the grandmother, but how did He know? Also, the packet had been beautiful placed on one of the subject choices in the letter! Thus, it was in Divine silence that both problems were resolved. Swami may not speak, but He is always in communication and communion with His devotees. We too should endeavour to do the same and then will we feel Him in us and with us always.

 

And so the 'programme' went on. As the different songs were sung, students moved up to Swami and presented Him with the scripts of the songs. Swami spoke to some of them and blessed all. Such gratitude programmes help to clear the doubts and problems that assail many a student other than giving them an opportunity to express their gratitude for Him. As they concluded very emotionally, Swami agreed to their request of having a group photograph with Him. He moved down the stage and posed with all the students - a moment to cherish all through their lives! There itself, the students quickly rotated chances among themselves so that all could get an opportunity to be physically close to Him. Swami then moved to the stage and students holding various trays went up to him for blessings. The finale was when Swami posed with all the school teachers for a photograph. The students sang a couple of bhajans before Swami accepted Arati at 6.30 pm and retired for the day.

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1st March

 

If we fast forward the fabric of time that covers our life, we arrive to March 1st, a day when another " gratitude programme " was hosted. Even though we would like to experience events in their chronology, sometimes, like God, we too have to transcend time based on the Bhava (feelings and spirit). And the Bhava on the morning of 1st March was so similar to that on 26th February, that we choose to club them together! this time, the 'programme' was hosted by the X and XII standard girls.

 

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and the Kulwant hall was full. The students and devotees alike awaited the Lord's arrival with eager anticipation. As the bhajans began at 9:00 am, Swami had arrived and was moving about granting darshan. The outgoing batch of girls were seated in the front of the Primary school area and as Swami neared them, they all got up on their knees and prayed for a chance to express their gratitude to Him. Swami's response was to move amidst them as they aligned quickly into neat rows. As Swami was moving through them, they gave Him letters and took padanamaskar. Many of them got their hall tickets (a slip of paper granting entry into the examination hall) for the Board examinations blessed. They placed a saffron coloured footmat that they had made for Him under His feet. Swami granted namaskar to all of them and then made His way to the interview room.

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As He came out, He accepted their prayers. So, the bhajans that were on, were stopped and the girls were told to start. They started singing songs in Hindi, Telugu and English expressing their Love and gratitude to Him. As the songs went on, by turns, the girls came forward to the front row and interacted with Swami - be it showing a card, getting pens blessed, giving a letter or presenting Him with something that they had handmade. After a few songs, Swami moved along the lines of girls seated. He moved towards the interview room and on the way spoke for quite sometime with the headmistress. Then, He allowed them to sing a few more songs that were remaining. He sat listening in the portico. After they had finished, He moved towards them and asked as to how many of them were there. He enquired as to whether they were eating and sleeping well. When He asked what they had for breakfast, they replied vociferously, " Swami idly and bread bajji! " He smiled and the sweet and loving interactions went on for a few minutes.

 

He found out that the Chemistry exams (a dreaded subject for many- someone once said, " Chemistry is a mystery that ought to be made history! " ) were first and assured that they would be easy! as He was returning, a lecturer from Brindavan submitted at his lotus feet, his doctoral thesis. Swami blessed him and coincidentally, the thesis was in the field of chemistry! Bhajans them resumed and this time, not surprisingly, the chorus from the girls were extra loud!

Photo slide shows can be downloaded from the

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