August 6, 2008 (source:http://www.saistudents.org/alumni/home/news.php)

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August 6, 2008

Today was the scheduled farewell for the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the

Sri Sathya Sai University and also the welcome for the 8th VC. The

Poornachandra Auditorium was the hub of activity as it was being

readied for a big day after a lull lasting months. This was the first

programme being held there after the Convocation drama last year on the

22nd of November! The dais had been set up grandly and there were four

chairs in the centre. But all these lay hidden from the public eye as

the whole stage had been curtained.

At about 9:50 am, the huge curtains began to part. It gave the

feeling of the huge doors of some grand temple opening to reveal the

diety. The 'veil' lifted and the Lord was seen. Two huge banners

stating, "Saa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye", adorned the stage. Swami took His

place in the centre and then Mr.Anil Gokak and his wife came on stage

and took their places by Him. Finally, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the

Vice chancellor to be, also took his place. The programme began with

Mr. Gokak and his wife being garlanded by the principals of the

Prashanti Nilayam and Anantapur campuses respectively. Then Sri

Rangarajan, a lecturer from the Business school, made the opening

remarks and expressed gratitude to Mr. Gokak. Recounting the instances

where he had shown a lot of care and concern for students just as Swami

wants all His administrators to be, the speaker spoke of the glowing

qualities of Mr. Gokak. Then he invited former VC, Sri. S. V. Giri to

address the assembly after which he requested Mr.Anil Gokak to do the

same.

Mr. Giri spoke of the glory of the story of the Institute. He

too spoke of the sterling qualities of Mr. Gokak as well as those of

Prof. Vishwanath Pandit. There was an applause as he concluded and

Mr.Gokak rose to speak. He was overwhelmed by the nature of the

ceremony being accorded to him. He recounted how his father had

experienced Swami's divinity and had come to Him. He was almost in

tears as he gratefully narrated Swami's love that had and has been

bountiful on the family. He said that wherever he may be, he was sure

that Swami would be with him always and he would work for Him always.

He concluded his talk and after that, Swami rose to speak. There was a

joyous applause and Swami began with a poem on the glory of Bharat. A

detailed summary of His discourse is given below:

 

Bharatiyas are like the elephant. They do not have a measure of their

own strength. An elephant is very powerful, but on man's command, it

moves and sits. That is because it is not aware of its might. So too,

the Bharatiyas do not realize the might they contain.

There is a lot of affluence today. But does anyone have peace

of mind? Money gives worldly comforts but not spiritual bliss. Where

does happiness come from? Bhajana Bina Sukh Shanti Nahi... (Swami sings the first line).

Sing the Lord's name. Today, people study a lot and gain knowledge to a

great extent. Of what use is it if you remain the same mean person and

do not realize who you truly are? What you need today is the

inculcation of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa. The six vices

of desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy are not human

at all. You are all experiencing animal qualities today. That's why in

spite of all the wealth, there is so much of restlessness.

Move therefore, from the realms of education to that of

Educare. It means to bring out what is latent within. It is different

from education which is external and worldly. There are so many

colleges and professors in the world. Why is it that there is no peace

and happiness? Peace is missing in the world because education is being

used only for a living. Educare is related to the soul. The soul or

Atma is everywhere, in the hearts of all beings. Remember, man is

nothing but the Divine in human form. Seeing the body which is just a

case, do not get deluded. The body is a case for holding the 5 values.

Sathya has no form and it is invisible. So too is the case

with Dharma, Shanti and Prema. But though one cannot see Prema, one can

feel the Love. And once one feels this love, there is no scope for

hatred, anger or violence. Then automatically Ahimsa comes. Forgetting

these five values, you keep running behind so many things. Keep telling

yourself always, "I am a man, not an animal." You might have won great

titles, be very rich and might be a scholar, but only the five values

will safeguard and protect you. Alexander the great, conquering most of

the world, landed in India. Crossing the Indus, he had a massive heart

attack. The doctors said that He would not live long. So he expressed

his desire, "When I am taken in the funeral procession, let my hands be

outstretched. Let the world see that the great Alexander who conquered

everything, is taking back nothing with him." Keep this Truth firmly in

mind. Whoever you may be, you will return empty handed. You cannot take

away even a grain of sand with you.

 

The inner feelings are most important. The Gayathri mantra prays for illumination of the intellect. (Swami chanted the Gayathri mantra here). Even chanting the Aumkara is enough. That is educare. Acquire that and do not crave only for the secular education.

I knew Gokak even before he came here. He has spent so much

time and learnt so much from me. Whenever I visited their home, they

would take me to the Puja room. V.K.Gokak was the first VC. Students

today are doing very well and are happy because of the good deeds of

Gokak. He would follow Swami fully. Anil Gokak is the worthy son of a

worthy father. He has completed three years and he retires in a worldly

sense. But, both he and his wife, are always with me. Wherever they go,

in their hearts they have Swami and the interests of the Institute. All

their feelings are for me. He is always there for me and I am always

there for him. I and Gokak are one and the same. And that is the TRUTH.

Everything in the creation is nothing but the Creator. All are one, be

alike to everyone. All acts, big and small, happen in accordance to

God's will.

The sun is always present. Even in the night, the sun exists

only that it is on the other side. Days and nights pass but the sun

remains. So too is the case with God. He is above you, below you, in

you and around you. Keep chanting His name. Never ever feel that you

are away from God. If you are so, how is it that you are living? You

and God are one. Lord Shiva is Ardhanarishwara - having both the male

and female aspects. So man and woman too are Shiva. Do not have the

God-devotee feeling. You are also God and God is you.

Do not feel that Gokak is leaving us. He is living with us! If

we remove that I and mine, then you will realize there is nothing like

accepting or relinquishing a post. When you say that,"This is my body,"

you are different from the body. The sun is reflected in the thousand

pots filled with water. But the sun is one. So too, when you empty the

water of feelings that lead to duality, only One remains. God is ONE.

Today Gokak gives the post to Vishwanath Pandit who will be the new

Vice Chancellor from tomorrow. Different people come and go, but it is

only their bodies. They are always with Swami. You are all always with

Swami and there is no coming or going. Do your duty well. This duty

establishes a relationship with God and so duty is God. Gokak has

discharged his duty extremely well.

All the future people who come and those who have come in the

past too - all belong to Swami. I bring such noble and good people here

for our students. Our students are very good. There is no comparison

between them and the other students. They have no hatred or anger. The

alumni have all come up in Life in the spirit of Love. Always keep

spirituality at the head of everything. If the head remains fine,

everything else is fine. Gather knowledge from all the lectures you

hear. Do not distinguish and compare between lectures. Receive

everything with Love. Whatever is thought, said or done must be in

harmony. The heart, word and deed must be one. That is Educare. Your

heart is your textbook. Follow it and then you will be good boys and

good people. Good people become God's people.

 

Swami concluded the discourse. He asked Prof.Vishwanath Pandit to speak

a few words and the professor did exactly that. Stating that being a

man of few words, he had fewer words on such an overwhelming occasion,

the professor thanked his predecessor for all the wonderful works done

and prayed to Swami to use him as an instrument. As he concluded, Swami

very lovingly blessed him and asked for the "Suvarna kankanam" (golden

bracelets). First Swami put the bracelets to Mr. Gokak's wife and then

calling Mr. Gokak, Swami placed bracelets on to both his wrists and

blessed him as the audience applauded. Aarti began. At the same time,

Swami blessed prasadam to be distributed to all. He sat for the

complete Aarthi on stage and personally gave the prasadam to both the

ex-VC and the next-VC! As He moved backstage, the new VC took

padanamaskar. It was 12:15 pm as Swami left.

In the evening, Swami had agreed for a music programme by Ms.

Sunanda Sharma. It was being placed at the lotus feet as part of the

Parthi yatra by the youth of Himachal Pradesh. They were all seated in

the centre of Kulwant hall. Swami arrived close to 5 pm and taking a

detour between the youth from HP, He moved into the interview room.

After a brief stay there, He came out. He sighted one of the lads

sitting in the first row and asked him, "You were playing the dholak

last time right?" That lad was really touched and thrilled. He nodded

an affirmative. Swami also said, "That small boy was sitting in that

corner last time. Now he is in the third line there." After a while of

Veda chanting, Swami asked for the programme to begin.

Ms.Sunanda Sharma, an MA in Indian classical music from the

Punjab University, went onstage and offered a rose to Swami. Taking

namaskar, she came back and began the presentation with three Aumkaras.

The first song, a Chota Khayal actually, was in raag Madhuvanti

entitled, "Sai Gun Gao". She showed what nine years of rigorous

training under an able guru in the Guru-shishya tradition can do to

groom one's talent. Her performance was scintillating to say the least.

She continued in the same vein as she sang "Bhool Jaave Sab Dukhve" (I

forget all my sorrows). Then she shifted over to singing Meera bhajans.

She enchanted the audience with "Jogiya Tu Kabhahu Miloge" in raag

Sindhubhairavi and then with another Meera bhajan in raag Kaapi. As she

concluded, Swami called the 'Dholak player' and told him to find out

how many songs she had still. When He was told that she had sung her

quota, He asked, "One more song?" She was overjoyed and she responded

with a song that seeks refuge at His lotus feet to cross the ocean of

life. As she completed her rendition, Swami called her to the stage and

materialised a gold chain for her. She was so happy and excited that

she ran to the stage with the tambura still in her hand. It brought to

one's mind the images of saint Mirabai running to her beloved Krishna.

Swami was all smiles as He quickly placed the chain around her neck.

Another lady came walking to the front and Swami told her to sit down.

The singer told Swami, "My mother Swami." Swami said, "I know. And that

is father..." He pointed to the person playing the harmonium and the

parents were so very happy.

Swami then asked the students to start bhajans. As it went on,

Swami asked the HP youth girls whether they were ready to sing as a

group. So one bhajan later, they were asked to sing. Swami meanwhile

called the artistes who accompanied the singer and gifted them clothes

and paadanamaskar. He called the singer too and gave her a wonderful

saree. The HP youth girls sang two songs, one on Lord Ganesha and the

other on the mother goddess. Then Swami, the divine orchestrator that

He is asked the students to continue. As bhajans of a very pacy nature

went on, Swami asked for prasadam to be distributed. Chocolates went

around sweetening the mouths after the ears had been sweetened by the

musical feast. On the ladies side, the people distributing the

chocolates to the youth, got back the box half full stating that

everyone had received prasadam. Swami said, "Take it back and finish

it. Its yours!" And through that simple act, all understood what it is

to give wholly, the way God always does - no restrictions. As the

famous English quote says, "When it rains, it showers!" After two more

bhajans, Swami received Aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandir at about

6:30pm.

August 5, 2008

The marble blocks in the mandir today wore a festive look. It had been

occupied by the youth from Himachal Pradesh, clad in cream Sherwanis

with a maroon 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 10 am tomorrow.

 

August 4, 2008 The day

at Parthi was quite cloudy and a moisture laden breeze swept through

refreshing the otherwise sweltering afternoon. Slowly, more and more

clouds gathered and the day grew cooler and cooler. Early evening, the

message was that Swami had permitted the youth from United kingdom to

sit in front and have a short speech programme. The thick clouds soon

gave way and a torrential downpour began. As the rain lashed on the

Kulwant hall roof, the movements near Yajur Mandir indicated that Swami

was about to arrive. Swami came in the car and after a short darshan

round, came on stage. He enquired about the speakers for the afternoon.

After a short while listening to the Vedas, Swami went into the

interview room.

Swami came out and asked for the speeches to begin. The first

speaker was an elderly lady devotee by name Josephine. She was helped

to the stage and as she slowly walked, Swami was all compassion and

love for her. He asked for the mike and podium to be immediately placed

and then blessed her to begin. She seemed to be completely drenched in

His love and overwhelmed at the wonderful opportunity. She spoke only

for four minutes wherein she stated that all she wanted to convey was

that everyone must have full faith in Swami and that was enough! As she

concluded with "Sai Ram", Swami seemed surprised. He asked her

smilingly and jokingly as to why her speech was so tiny. Blessing her,

Swami asked for a chair to be placed for her to sit.

The next speaker was Mr. Ajit Popat. In his usual inimitable

style he began with a shloka saluting the Lord. Centering his talk on

the theme of "onward, forward, Godward", he spoke on a plethora of

subjects ranging from faith and devotion to realizing the Self as the

Swami within. He concluded after a little above 35 minutes and then

Swami patted him lovingly for the effort. Then He asked for bhajans to

begin. As per His command, the first bhajan was "Sri Raghunandana" with

the aalaap. The next began with the Aalaap, "Allahu Akbar". As the

singer travelled through the highs and extra highs of the opening tune,

Swami was visibly moved. He even told Mr. Popat sitting beside him that

the boy was singing so very high. Seeing Swami so moved, the youth

sitting in front of Him too began shedding tears.

The Love that devotees have for Swami is so unique and

complete, just like His Love for them. A smile on His face lights every

other face similarly. A tear welling up in His eye as He is moved and

there is a free flow of tears in all the thousands of eyes watching

Him. He reflects the emotions and feelings of the devotees and they in

their turn, reflect His emotions and feelings. Indeed beautiful is this

unique relationship. As the bhajan reached its crescendo and the zenith

of its rhythm, Swami asked for Aarthi. Swami retired to Yajur Mandir

after that.

August 3, 2008

The central area in Kulwant hall today was occupied by devotees from

Kuwait and they had been granted permission by Swami yesterday to put

up a programme this evening. It has been a very significant pilgrimage

for them. They had come prepared with a programme called, "Prayer" with

a prayer for an opportunity to put it up in His divine presence. Days

had passed and nothing seemed to happen. Swami too had avoided the

gents side for some time. And yesterday, when Swami Himself went to

them , enquired about the programme and granted permission, they really

experienced the joy of praying and the thrill of it being answered at

the right time by the Lord!

At about 4:40 pm Swami came out for darshan rounds. As He

moved in the chair and neared the Kuwait devotees, He asked, "Drama?"

They were all very happy as they nodded in agreement. Swami, with a lot

of interest, watched the huge screen they had put up as the backdrop

and moved over to the gents side. Waves of devotees rose to catch a

glimpse of the smiling, orange-robed, lovable and adorable form that

was gliding through them. The balconies of the East Prashanti block

were also bursting at the seams with old ladies looking at their Sai

Krishna. Smiling and granting Abhayahasta, Swami moved on. With His

scented curls of jet black hair dancing to some ethereal melody, red

lips sporting a divine all-knowing smile and twinkling eyes with the

unique ability to thrill and fill with joy every person on whom they

fall upon, seeing Swami is a joy sublime!

Completing the rounds, Swami came onstage and as soon as He

arrived, He called one of the ladies seated in the front and asked her

whether the drama was first or there was a music programme first. She

said that both were together but things would go as Swami wanted. One

of the most common answers that people give Swami is, "Swami as you

will/wish." On deeper introspection, we realize the absolute

needlessness of that statement. Anything that happens is 100% in tune

with what He has willed and no amount of effort from us can change

that. Only complete surrender to Him can change things and that too is

because He will do anything for one who surrenders completely to Him.

But still, that statement is made very frequently and Swami too seems

pleased when it is stated thus. More than informing Swami, that

statement serves to remind each one of us that everything is going on

beautifully well and nothing can ever go wrong because whatever is

happening is His Will and His Will alone!

As Swami sat on the stage, a few devotees from Kuwait came up

to Him with flowers and cards and booklets as offerings. Swami received

all of them and blessed them. After that, Swami sat for a while

listening to the veda chanting. Then He went into the interview room

for a brief interval and then He came back to the stage. He told them

to start the programme. The programme that began was a skit cum music

programme that was many shades different from the standard

presentations made in Swami's presence.

The storyline was very simple. There is a devout Muslim

searching a good match for his daughter. In his daily interactions with

the shopkeeper of the local grocery store, he discovers the power of

prayer. The episode narrated here is of a very pious but poor lady who

begs for food at the store. When the shopkeeper mockingly tells her

that he would give her provisions equivalent to the weight of her

shopping list, she takes the name of Allah and places the list on the

scales. The scales get "tipped" so heavily in favour of the one taking

the Lord's name that no amount of provisions seems to move the weighing

balance! With the Lord's name, nothing is impossible. And so with the

Lord's name on his lips, the devout Muslim is able to find a good match

for his daughter. That lad is also devout and hardworking and helps a

music teacher, Rammohan, to run his music classes. Finally, there were

simple dances and songs in praise of Swami. The striking aspects of the

presentation were twofold - firstly, it was a very simple story with

everyone would identify; the problem portrayed, the questions asked and

the line of thinking employed were so similar to the slice of life of

any common man and secondly, there were quite a few songs embedded in

the play which were sung live and were very lively too! The

co-ordination and synchronization between the ladies and gents on

either side of the "play" were very harmonious and the counters sung

were also very effective.

As the programme concluded, Swami called a little girl in a

Muslim dress to come on the stage. He materialized a gold chain for her

and put it lovingly around her neck. He also agreed to move down and

pose for group photos. As He posed for pictures, He spoke to the

children asking them where they had come from and what their names

were. Some answered and many did not even open their mouths. But well,

can they be blamed? Swami's presence is so overawing that one is muted

into a mind-free moment!

Swami then permitted them to sing bhajans. Very creatively and nicely,

they sang what we call as the "chain bhajans" - one bhajan threaded

into the other! After the singing went on for about 15 minutes, Swami

blessed the prasadam to be distributed and then left after receiving

Aarthi.

 

Click here to see pictures of the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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