PARTHI LORE

Borrowing time

2008-04-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

Not many of us like summer. Besides the scorching heat, there’s a burning grief, of separation of His beautiful form from our eyes. While some of them have tears swelled up, some have even dried, never to return again. Those eyes will forever look out into the world for a reflection of our Mother’s love.

The past few days have been sober; Swami hasn’t come out as much as our hearts would have yearned for. But when He did come, he made sure to get the choicest blessings for us. On Sunday, the boys of class 10 had put a drama on the theme “Follow the master”. Swami was very gracious to follow the outpourings from their hearts and bless them profusely.

The next day, students of Music College offered their prayers in the form of a gratitude programme. Swami came pretty late; nevertheless He was keen on giving them a memorable parting gift and stayed on till sunset, accepting their love and prayers.

Yesterday, Swami came in chair and took a round towards the ladies enclosure. He sat in the portico for a long time. Many boys got a chance to give letters and speak to Him. One boy said, “Swami, my sister is getting married and wants your blessings. Our Mother replied, “good, what is your brother-in-law doing?” The boy spoke of the details; Swami was satisfied with his answer and blessed him.

Many of the students who have graduated this year have borrowed some time to stay back for a few days and seek His blessings. Since Swami has been coming rarely for morning sessions now, it only adds to our dejection. But today, Swami came out as late as 10 am and sat for an entire hour during the bhajans, delighting us all. He came towards us in the evening too, taking letters and blessing everyone. A boy asked, “Swami, I completed my MBA. What should I do next?” Swami said, “go home, think for sometime and get a good job.”

These beautiful moments give a message of succour, as He said, “You may be this University’s student for a few years, but you will be a Sai student forever.” Surely, a title we wouldn’t trade for anything.

...And they painted the town red

2008-03-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

How lucky we are to be born in India! The lord blesses us not only with so much love, but also ensures that we have enough holidays to bask in that grace. A weekend break of four days filled with festivals from 3 different religions- that’s the time to be in Parthi. Unfortunately for us, exams are a dampener along with the erratic rains.

The devotees of Bihar and Jharkhand had come prepared with an offering of programmes celebrating Holi. Last Saturday, we sat in mandir by 4 pm, waiting for Swami’s arrival. I was amused to find many Jharkhand devotees having colours on their faces. They were reflecting the true fervor of the occasion. Swami arrived in Kulwant hall by 4.30 pm. The programme began with the chanting of Gayatri mantra, followed by a bouquet of songs accompanied by dances. The dances were performed by the balvikas children and some of them were truly breathtaking. The dance on shiva stotram and the Ras leela of Krishna stood out among them. Swami’s attention was fixed upon their coordinated and graceful movements. After the performance, Swami called the children and the singers, gave them group photographs. It was truly a memorable day befitting the significance of the occasion.

Yesterday, Swami came out in car for a round at 12 noon. We were lucky to have His darshan just after writing our exam. In the afternoon however, Swami turned up pretty late. Meanwhile, the showers performed above the Kulwant Hall with a thundering noise. Rarely have we witnessed such a downpour in summer. As the rains took leave (perhaps by a stern divine command), Swami arrived here at 6pm. There was a drama by the balvikas children of Bihar on the life of Shabari. Before the programme could begin, Swami went inside interview room and came out with guess what? An Easter egg! He called the primary school boys and handed over the big egg shaped structure (perhaps a chocolate or cake) to the kids. The chocolates prepared by Italian devotees were distributed to the primary school students. The drama was very beautifully enacted, with melodious songs and dances. Swami called the children for group photographs and materialized a chain for Shabari.

The next big event is expected only next month i.e Ugadi. Swami has already been talking about it. He has even given some boys money to buy new clothes, saying He is unable to arrange clothes by Himself due to paucity of time! Hope the exams pass with a wink of an eye.

Seasons in the sun

2008-03-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

It’s a very surprising weather these days, but not unusual. There’s rain, and there’s plenty of shine too; seems like nature gods are quarrelling over the chance to be here. Swami has been so gracious to allow everyone to feast on a beautiful darshan.

The pens and pencils are having a busy time now. It’s not because of exams as you might have guessed, but that everybody here wants to give a letter to Swami. Since He has been coming everyday in chair, no one wants to lose this opportunity.

This Sunday morning, swami came out pretty late, when the bhajans had already begun. The defence minister of Sri Lanka had come to see Him. We felt swami would proceed straight to the interview room. To our amazement, He moved around the entire length of the hall again and then came to the portico. We were really happy to have his attention for more than 20 minutes. In that excitement, some devotees would miss the beat on some fast bhajans. Immediately, Swami would give a disturbed expression and then smile. It was a very pleasant morning.

In the evening, He came in chair as usual, went to the bhajan hall and returned to the veranda. A Former Governor (long time Sai devotee) of Rajasthan was called. His wife and two sons joined him. Swami spoke to his wife for a long time. It was an open air interview! Swami materialised a chain for her, gave vibhuti packets and blessed the family.

The next few days were pretty sombre and the weather became extremely hot. Swami used to come out only after 5 pm, but He nevertheless made sure to bless us all by coming around the portico a few times.

Today, Swami did not turn up in the morning, but came pretty early afternoon at about 4.30pm. The boys who are appointed as room leaders in the hostel sat in the front row with the mementos that would be given to them later. They wanted to get these blessed by Swami. Swami had a look at the tray from a distance, but did not respond and went inside the interview room. Soon after, He called for the tray inside. He opened one memento which had the photograph of our Lord with a quote, “Hey bangaru, Always Be Careful”. Well, we couldn’t ask for a better parting message.

These are truly special moments in our lives where every minute has significance. As we count our days, the Lord walks up to us, raises His hand to assure, “You might forget the ABC, but I won’t forget you.” We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun (pretty hot sun), but the moments that we treasure with Mother Sai are never gone.

GATEcrashing the Party

2008-03-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

It was a cloudy morning today and we expected showers very soon. Well, there were showers as expected, and showers that were not expected as well. I’m sorry for beating around the bush, but I’m yet to come to terms with what exactly transpired between Swami and students this evening.

As you would know, the All India GATE entrance exam results were declared today morning. Many of our brothers cleared this test with flying colors. There were 3 ranks within top 10; 2^nd and 4th in physics and 7^th in Biosciences. It is indeed a laudable effort since I personally know how much time could they spent studying for this test. While students elsewhere prepare months in advance, our brothers here get less than a month. There are so many functions, the convocation, a hectic Sports meet season, and then the university exams; I wonder when do these boys spare time for competitive exams? But the results are there for all to see, and it is solely because of Swami’s grace that they are successful. Only a Krishna is capable of making one Arjuna.

And so did the Arjunas march into Kurukshetra. I asked some of them after the exam about their performance. Most of them replied that it was tough, they couldn’t attempt all questions. Rest is history of course, but the aftermath witnessed today is a big mystery.

The GATE rankers (30 of them) sat in the bhajan hall for blessings. Swami arrived in chair and made a few rounds before entering the mandir, where the bhajans had already begun.

A teacher approached Him and mentioned about the rankers. Swami was extremely happy.

He asked one boy, “What do you wish to do in future?”

The boy: “Swami, I want to study MTech”.

Swami: “Santosham (very happy)”.

The teacher said,” Swami, these boys scored well inspite of a hectic schedule and secured All India ranks”

Swami gave an astonished look, “All India?”

The boys: “Swami, it is all due to Your grace”.

Swami : “No, it is your hardwork.”

He then told all of them to sit outside and came down to the portico. A mother was waiting to celebrate the success of Her children, and she wanted the entire gathering of devotees to know about it.

The Vice Chancellor announced the results to the large audience, as per His command. Swami called the 2^nd ranker and spoke to Him. As the boy replied to His answers, tears of joy swelled in His eyes. He called the Vice Chancellor and said, “Tell the people that Physics exam is extremely tough, yet our boys succeeded.” The VC promptly did so. Swami materialized a chain for the boy and patted his cheeks. Later, He called all others to the portico for group photographs. Swami gave watches to all the boys.

One student who secured 7^th rank in biosciences spoke to the gathering, thanking Swami for His love and grace. After the brief talk, he went to Swami and asked, “Are you happy?”

Swami: “very happy”.

The boy: “Swami I want to do PhD. Please be with me wherever I go.”

Swami: “With you? I am in you, around you, above and below you.”

Boys: “Swami please come to hostel. It’s been 5 years since you came.”

Swami: “ Without fail, I shall come. I will tell the date, time and come. Promise.”

And then came Prof Anil Kumar, who spiced things up for the evening. Swami knows it well, and He likes him for that. He asked the Prof to announce that Sri Sathya Sai University provides students with integrated education, that it is the only university to be credited with A++ grade (highest grade in University education in India). Prof Anil Kumar mentioned that the boys actively participate in other activities. Swami asked each boy about his department (every student in hostel works in some department like store, maintenance etc.) He asked the Prof to announce this to the gathering.

Swami: “Where are the medicine boys?”

The Bioscience boys went forward. He asked them as to which place did they hail from. He asked some others, “what are your plans after MSc?”

A student: “Swami, I want to do PhD.”

Swami: “Where do you want to study?”

Student: “Swami, wherever you say.”

Swami smiled and said, “Do wherever you feel comfortable”

Later, the boys told Swami to bless our warden as today is his birthday. Swami called for him. Our warden is a favourite of everyone, right from students to teachers, and Swami. He took Swami’s blessings, when Prof Anil Kumar came in and forced him to go closer and take padanamaskar. He said, “Swami, he is physics lecturer. Today is his birthday.” Well, all had their share of fun today.

50 minutes of overflowing love. Even the rains participated in celebrating the occasion. It is indeed a proud moment for us, to be part of this hallowed institute. With grace comes a responsibility, a task of collecting this overflowing love in the vessels of our hearts and filling other empty vessels that thirst for the love of God. May the Lord with His Akshaya Patra bless this endeavour and sanctify our purpose on earth.

When the conch was finally blown...

2008-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

March is a month of gratitude programmes, when students of their final year in graduation or post graduation express their love and thanks to Swami, before stepping outside in the wide world. I have already mentioned about the programme of PG students in my previous posts. The final year undergraduate students were praying for this chance since many weeks.

A few days ago, they showed a card to Swami. He was very happy ad asked them to be ready tomorrow. The next day arrived with a 180 degrees turn in the fortunes of our brothers, as Swami brushed aside our warden’s request to Him to watch the programme. They were broken. God’s delays are not His denials. The students went to mandir everyday, ready with a card and lots of prayers.

Yesterday, the boys sat with all their costumes inside bhajan mandir. Swami arrived at 4.30 pm and proceeded to the bhajan hall. He noticed the boys and replied, “Go outside, I’ll come.” The boys were excited. Swami came out to the portico and was greeted by the resonating sound of the conch blown by a student. The programme began, with speeches interspersed between songs. There was also a humorous skit on the theme “purity of vision”. Swami liked the speeches of boys, spoken in many different languages like Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, Bengali and so on. His eyes would occasionally swell with tears while listening to the boys. As one student rightly put it, “Swami has given us pencils, chocolates and lessons of life”.

While reading the lyric of the songs, He would sometimes look up to check whether all the boys were singing. Though I must admit their performance was pretty ordinary, it nevertheless came from a pure heart and that was enough to melt the utterly-butterly heart of Sai. He called the boys and gave them group photographs. Some boys got safari clothes from Swami. As usual, all the boys surrounded Swami and prayed, “Swami please come to hostel.” Swami replied, “This is your hostel. I’m here with you” Even the hostel teachers were called by Swami who blessed them with padanamaskar and photographs.

I wish time could stand still, but then, we can only hope there are more joyous moments with Swami in store for us over the remaining weeks.

Blessings on the move

2008-03-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

Devotees who arrive in Parthi these days must be really lucky. Not only does our Lord spread His fragrance all around us by covering the length and breadth of Kulwant hall in chair, he has also chosen one more vehicle to ensure that no devotee is spared the emotion of happiness from His darshan.

"Car darshans" or "blessings on the move" have become a regular feature these days.Almost every morning, Swami takes a ride in car down to Super Hospital and back. Now that's a vast stretch of road capable of accommodating every living being in Parthi.

Many devotees run alongside Swami's car. While their stamina must be lauded, one cannot discount the anxiety on the faces of security that accompanies Swami. While standing for the bonus blessings, i have noticed that Swami's attention is all the time focused on our marathoners, rather than bystanders.

Coming back to mandir, i can say the sessions couldn't have been better. Many boys have lost count of the letters they have given to Swami till date. one enterprising student claims to have crossed the 200 letters mark in two years. i wonder how many letters does it take us to spell SAI. A couple of days ago, Swami was in an elated mood when he entered the hall. He had just met little Krishna Gita, who came all the way to Yajur mandir to see Him. Swami fed her some fruits and blessed her. Thanks to KG, we were beneficiaries of the bonus grace. Swami came very slowly in chair, taking letters from each one of us. Sometimes, he would stop and wait for the boy seated at the back to come forward and hand him the letter. I must say taking letters from students is quite a task, because boys keep very little space for Swami to walk between the lines; they are all over Him like bees to the honeycomb.

I hope the coming days will be as exciting. there are brief showers these days; guess even Lord Indra couldn't resist the temptation of this overflowing grace!

Fare Well Series 1

2008-03-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Reason fails to explain WHY. Why does a mother love her child so much as to bear the pain of his kicking for nine months? Why does God love his creation so much as to tolerate its quest for self destruction? Love alone can pierce the barriers of hate, of vices that cloud our vision of God.

A few decades ago, one of the devotees asked Swami, “Swami, there is a danger of global warming; studies have shown that the world will be in peril after 50 years.” Swami replied, “I know. God is allowing man to destroy himself so that one day; he will fall down on his knees and turn towards God.”

Well, lets not get into these sad stories, they never please anyone. And as I say this, Swami passes by the portico in chair giving us a wide smile, testifying the view. After all, He has come to lift us out of sorrow. The last few weeks have been “yellow”fied (Swami’s colour of signifying heaven or Vaikuntha). Though I admit I don’t see yellow everywhere, the mood that I observe in my hostel and mandir say it all.

The Sivaratri festival was an amazing spectacle; I’m too late at discussing that. But what I found so special this time was reminiscence of good old times, when He was physically more close to His children, interacting with us frequently. A couple of weeks ago, our class, the final year post graduate students, put up a gratitude programme before Swami. We call it gratitude programme and not a farewell since Swami has rebuked us on many occasions against coining that word. For a Sai student, there is no “farewell”. He remains a Sai student forever. The bond with our Mother shall never leave us.

It was afternoon and all of us had assembled in Kulwant hall. Swami arrived by 5 pm, but immediately went to the interview room. We were getting restless, as usual. But soon after, He returned to the portico and asked “Where is Krishna and Sudama”. There were a couple of short skits, one of them being the story about Krishna and his friend Sudama. The programme began, with short speeches interspersed between songs. Swami was very happy, smiling and moving his fingers to the tune of the song.

After the programme, He decided to get up and come down towards us. All of us rushed forward and surrounded Swami. We had many requests to make and perhaps confused Swami. While some asked, “can we have group photographs?” some said, “Swami, please come to hostel” and others, “Swami please talk to us”. He was smiling and nodding all the while, giving his hand to all of us. One boy said, “Swami, you can come to hostel on Sunday afternoon, stay till evening and then return back.” Swami turned to him, “who are you to decide my schedule?”

It was a very memorable day indeed. He promised us that He’d speak to us soon. Listening to the Sivaratri discourse, I am convinced that the discourse was meant primarily for us.

We have little doubt that that festival had been physically taxing for Swami. But then, we are all descendants of the doubting Thomas and Swami loves to defy our logic and expectations. Right from the festival day, He has been coming out in chair, taking at least two rounds inside Kulwant hall, accepting letters from many. He’s fitter and more enthusiastic than any Indian cricketer was Down Under. Inspite of the apparent physical strain, He’d sit in portico, give interviews, talk to boys and occasionally ask, “are you happy?” Perhaps He is charging our batteries, as we near the end of our term and prepare to return to our hometown. May the batteries be utilized to charge others with the love of Sai. And may all Fare Well in this Garden of our Lord.

Sankranthi Discourse

2008-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

A few excerpts from His discourse on Jan 15 morning:

Man doesn’t bring anything into this world by himself. All are obtained during his lifetime. Then why do you cry when losing the temporary possessions? Leave the world happily.

Everything is a gift of God. Vyashti (individual), Samashti (society), Prushti (strength), Parameshti (creator) and Srushti (creation). Srushti originated from Parameshti. For Samashti, Vyashti is important. These are all divine gifts

Do we shed a tear pining for God? No. But man cries when he loses material possessions. Man should not run after ephemeral objects.

Dark clouds might cover the sun. But you must be patient. The beauty of Bharat is tolerance. The sweetest of emotion is love for the mother. Bharatiyas have forgotten these aspects and are like an elephant that does not know its strength.

God manifests in human form to rescue man from his own ignorance. Every moment, you must think of God. Your true nature is divinity. Because you forget this, you experience suffering in the world. Difficulties or pleasures are not God-given. He confers only joy and bliss. Your feelings alone are responsible for your problems. Change your thoughts.

Today, you have sat in coat and tie. It’s all your imagination. Seeing you boys, even Anil Kumar wore black coat today (everyone laugh). This kind of imitation is going on everywhere in the world. It gives only momentary happiness.

Do not be possessive, be happy throughout. Life is full of joy. ‘Joy’ doesn’t refer to ice-cream; it relates to the heart. Experience the inner joy. So long as you are attached, you suffer. Before marriage, you walk on two legs, later on four legs. After getting a child, you have six legs and so on. All these are not God-given; they are the result of your thoughts and feelings.

Annual Sports Meet has got over. Who participated? It is you who did it. Since you participated enthusiastically, you enjoyed it. Everything in life is artificial. You must find the harmony between past, present and future. Yesterday, you enjoyed sports. Therefore, today you are happy. Tommorow, you have classes (all laugh). Your imagination results in these emotions.

Students, all that you see is untruth, passing clouds. Do not look behind. Face the challenges looking ahead. Distance yourself from imaginations that lead to worries. Do not worry about exams. Be prepared and brave. Do not feel sad about the result. Courage leads to achievement. Prushti is responsible for Srushti (creation and 5 elements). Here, you find the 6 evil traits. They are all within you. Why do you run after desires. Contain them. Restrain the vices within. Every trait that manifests outside is present within.

Students, you have studied a lot. With all the education, man doesn’t know his true nature. Education should lead to immortality, benefit the society. Teach and share the knowledge with the less privileged. Then, there is expansion. Have sense control in your behaviour.

People go abroad to earn fat salaries. We forget the ‘broad’ within and go abroad. Stay here and serve your parents. That’s true education.

Students, do not become a bookworm. It will spoil your health. Cinema has invaded empty minds today. You waste time collecting mean matter in papers. The papers are full of ads and cinema pictures. Lead an ideal human life. It is our true culture.

It’s not the intellect but discrimination that’s important. Your mother is wise and has brought you up with love. Respect your parents. Today, the children do not listen to their parents and say ‘shut up’. They get an artificial doll (wife) and forget their parents. You may love your wife, but do not forget to respect the words of your parents.

Remember the name of Lord. Never cease from chanting God’s name.

Sankranthi Greetings

2008-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

I walk across the street everyday hoping to find someone looking morose. For the last few weeks I’ve been unsuccessful for, people have taken Swami’s words seriously, “never put on a castor oil face”. Every day is a living experience in paradise here; it always was, but some occasions make them more apparent. Swami’s greetings to us this Sankranthi have been a blessing beyond measure.

Taking cue from Saturday’s drama which filled many hearts with love and joy, the following days were experiences in the same continuum. The next day was a chance for Brindavan boys to showcase their talent in a drama entitled “Saint Kabir”. Swami’s joy was in full flow as He came towards devotees and students many a time in chair, blessing and taking letters from everyone. The evening drama was scheduled to begin at 5 pm, but we were asked to be seated in Kulwant hall by 3.30 pm. Swami came at 4.30 pm and asked some teachers to distribute watches to all students. We got sports watch whereas the teachers were given gold plated watches by Swmai with His own hands. At 5.15, the drama began. Except for some excellent and jaw dropping sets, the drama was pretty ordinary. But the boys had won His heart for sure; He called the boy who acted as Kabir, materialized a ring and chain for Him. All the boys got group photographs. Looking at their beaming smiles, we knew that a month’s hard work and sincere efforts had paid off well.

While the boys were enjoying the gifts of Swami’s love, the girls couldn’t be left far behind. The next day, students of Anantpur campus presented a musical programme, singing devotional songs. I think this performance was one of their best over the years; they had a blend of Carnatic and Hindustani music with some excellent selection of songs. One could see Swami enjoying the tunes as He moved His hands often t the beats. At one point, He even sang the lines of a song. At the end, Swami called Anil Kumar and told him to announce about the next day’s programme. He said he would even speak to us.

January 15 happened to be Sankranthi as well as the valedictory function of our Annual Sports Meet. Since Swami had asked Mr. Anil Kumar to specially announce about this occasion, we knew the day would be exciting. All of us got up early and assembled in mandir by 7.30 am. The captains of different houses were wearing blazers, as they were going to receive prizes. They would march from Yajur mandir to Kulwant hall welcoming Swami. I was lucky to be part of this group and happened to be standing next to the door. The doors opened at 8.oo am, but Swami stayed inside. I could see some people bringing huge shining trophies out of His residence to be kept on the dais. As soon as Swami stepped out, the Institute band began to play and we marched ahead. Swami looked at each boy as He passed us. He went to the portico where the trophies and other prizes were kept and had a close look at each of them.

The programme began with a speech given by Vice Chancellor, which was followed by experiences of Sports Meet shared by one of the post graduate students of the University. The latter’s speech was excellent, brief and was acknowledged with a thunderous applause. Later, Swami called for His mike. As He saw Mr. Anil Kumar wearing a suit, He asked, “What are you wearing?” Sir replied, “Swami, this is suit.” Swami gave an amused smile and chided Him. (The discourse is covered in a separate post.)

After the discourse, He called the Warden and Principal of every campus and gave away trophies. It was surprising, since the trophies are generally collected by captains representing their campus. Later, some boys and girls came forward, taking turns to get the medals and certificates blessed. Swami held all the medals and showed it to all of us! He blessed all the certificates and made Anil Kumar announce as to the number of medals given in each campus. At the end, He asked us, “Are you happy?” the boys replied, “Swami, we are very happy.” He too remarked, “Very happy”. Swami returned back after aarati at 10 am.

VEERYAANJANEYA - fitting finale

2008-01-13T00:18:00.000-08:00

It’s 3 pm in the afternoon and all actors have assembled in the hostel dining hall for their make up. I could see that it was a marathon of sorts for the costume and make up boys who were busy shuttling between different actors as the number was pretty huge. Since it was also a mythological drama, it was all the more difficult to cover 48 characters in a span of 2 hours.

At 5 pm, the drama was scheduled to begin but many of us were still caught up in hostel. Swami promptly arrived at 5 pm and was greeted by an empty stage with 2 trees as sets for the first scene. He asked where the boys are. Someone told Him that the boys are coming and requested Him to begin the drama at 5.30 pm. Swami was upset. Meanwhile, an elder person requested Swami to bless and inaugurate the tennis court where an official match was to be held between India and Phillipines. This upset Him even more, as He was eagerly waiting for the drama. Some unfortunately fortunate teachers had the chance to listen to Swami’s music for 10-15 minutes. Finally, at 5.15 pm, the drama began. I was among the last batch of boys to arrive in mandir. As our car entered the gate, we could hear the introduction of drama. One senior brother remarked, “Hey, that’s your drama.” We rushed inside the bhajan mandir where all characters and make up boys were waiting. We sat there calmly rehearsing the dialogues and getting final make up touches. They were probably the most nervous, funny and stupid emotions I’ve felt in my life.

As I sat in inside the bhajan mandir, I could hear loud applause on many occasions. It gave us confidence that the drama was progressing well. I was in the final scene and when I entered the stage, I was marvelled by the sets, having seen them for the first time. As I mentioned before, the sets were ready only in the last minute. Everything went on well with Swami’s grace. After the finale song, Swami was in tears. He called for the scriptwriter of drama and materialized a chain for Him. Obviously, it was the script and dialogues that won His heart. Later, He got up and called Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman. He asked each one of them, “What is your name? Where did you come from?” He materialized a ring for Lakshmana. Later, He sat down and called each group belonging to their particular scenes and sat for photographs. Everyone, right from the lead roles to the costumes and sets boys, got the opportunity to feel the divine touch and get nice photographs.

Each group would go and speak with Him a few words. One boy asked, “Swami, how is Your health?” Swami replied, “My health is very good. Your drama is extremely good!”

Some asked as to how was their scene, the sets, etc. He said He was very happy with everything. “I am very very happy” was the common reply to everybody.

The lights were bright, our smiles even brighter. Swami returned back to Yajur mandir after aarati at around 7 pm. It was a night filled with pleasant memories that many would cherish and hold in their hearts for decades to come.

VEERYAANJANEYA - Behind the scenes

2008-01-13T00:14:00.000-08:00

The biggest smiles can be found in Kulwant Hall these days. And they are contagious too. So I suggest please do visit here as early as possible for, such blessed moments are rare to find.

Ratnahara Veeryaanjaneya (Brave Hanuman) was an event where the excitement, joy, and hard work of hundreds of students reached a pinnacle. It was the title of our drama given by Swami Himself when He asked Prof. Anil Kumar to announce in Hill View stadium on January 11 evening after the sports meet presentation. He called Mr Anil Kumar and told Him, “Announce that the boys are putting up a drama tomorrow evening. It has script, dialogues, acting, costumes and sets that has never been seen before.” That was indeed an apparent exaggeration, we felt, since we had a long way to go in preparing sets and fine tuning dialogues. Many mouths were gaping wide open in shock when the announcement was made.

After the sports meet, we assembled back in the college auditorium by 8 pm. Our teacher in charge briefed us of what exactly happened on the stage, which made Swami to prepone the drama from 15^th to 12^th. It seems He had mentioned about the drama to a few VIPs and told them to watch it on 15^th. But many of them had planned to return back by 13^th Jan. Realising this, Swami had decided on this step. But our Sir told us that, if Swami can choose to put us into soup, He will also make sure that we somehow come out of difficulties and succeed in our efforts. Besides, it was not the first time He was doing this.

By 8pm, our readiness was something like this : sets were 50 % complete, dialogues and acting needed to be refined by 20-30%. Besides, a new Rama and Lakshmana had to be found for the last scene since the original actors would not be able to change into new costumes for the scene on time. So we had 2 pairs of Rama-Lakshmana. We bravely went ahead with the preparations, knowing that our eyes would be rarely rest for the next 24 hours. You could find people practicing on all corners of the college. The drama troupe had 48 members. Back in the hostel, the number of people working on sets had more than doubled. Other boys in our hostel had realized our predicament and everybody came forward to help in any manner possible. All said, “This evening’s presentation by our campus was a big hit. Now, we’ll make sure no efforts are spared to make tommorow’s drama a superhit.” That was great bonding.

Between scenes we could catch forty winks; the boys slept on the steps, some in the foyer, some beside the stage itself. We returned back to the hostel at 3 am. The next day began pretty soon and we were back in auditorium by 8.30am. After a full rehearsal with the final drama CD (with dialogues and songs) that was made ready only last night, we proceeded to the Kulwant Hall for getting a feel of the stage. This time, the stage was facing Gopuram Gate (as opposite to the usual Portico), since Swami had insisted on this setting in the previous drama.

Even in Kulwant Hall, the boys didn’t waste time to nap in between scenes. Some leaned against the walls in upper portico whereas some were resting right inside the verandah. I really got as nice nap here before I was woken up to vacate and allow the sevadal people to clean the place. We had neither seen the sets nor our costumes, hence we were getting ready for a very suspense filled evening, both for the devotees and ourselves.

SPORTS MEET 2008: FEVER PITCH

2008-01-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

Every day in Prasanthi Nilayam is unique, but few days stand out as exceptional and worth storing in the hard disk of our minds for eternity. Today is an event where a thousand hearts beat in unison to the Rhythm Divine. No amount of effort is spared by any student, whether a tiny tot or a post graduate, to ensure that the Heavenly smile lingers on His face for hours, soon getting etched in our memory as souvenirs for life.

Sports Meet 2008 also happens to be the last event for me as a Sai student and thus, it holds as much significance. Frankly, none of the programmes presented today were new; yet there were

The Morning Programme

All of us got up early and had breakfast as early as 6.00 am. At 5.30 itself, I could see the huge gathering of devotees assembled in the stadium from my window. We assembled for the march past by 7.30 am. The schedule in the morning was to begin with march past, followed by events of Anantpur and then Brindavan campus students.

At sharp 8 am, the escort procession began. First, it was the Anantpur campus Band which received Swami, later giving the baton to Institute brass band. The procession consisted of students in bikes, majestic horses and the slow march boys. As Swami came near the dais, I could see Him in a beautiful yellow robe arriving in white SAB sports car. Well, Swami always dresses to the occasion and it was a grand sight to behold.

As Swami went up to the dais, the march past began. The first to cross the dais were tiny tots from Primary school who were dressed in all sorts of colours, giving us an impression of a moving garden. They were followed by students from the University. After the march past and oath taking ceremony, the programes by Anantpur campus began.

The girls performed traditional Indian and Japanese dances in the beginning, which was later followed by a sports medley performed to the tune of Chak De India songs. These were pretty ordinary. Next came the bike stunts where many eyebrows went up. There was one stunt where a bike runs over the stomach of a student. After the student when the girl got up to thank Swami, we could see Him in tears. They were tears of joy that a typical mother feels when she sees her child performing for her. As I mentioned, no programme was new, not even the bike stunts, and we could even see Swami pointing out to the VIPs as to what would happen next. As some 18 girls lied down on the ground as obstacles for a ramp jump, Swami explained in detail to the people beside Him as to what was the stunt about!

After the Anantpur programmes, it was time for the Brindavan boys to show their skills. It began with show jump on horses by some students, followed by a mass display of acrobatics using planks and wheels. The last event was Celestial Rhythms where a group of boys perform various stunts on the grid 40 feet high above the ground. Apart from this item, there was little else interesting to come from the Brindavan students. But the fact that the boys had put in so much effort behind this event was enough to please the Lord. As he came down He blessed all the boys. It was 10 am when He returned back to Yajur mandir after aarati.

Evening Programme

The session was scheduled to begin at 3 pm. We weren’t expecting any grand entry from our Lord. Lo and Behold! He arrives in Merc wearing a rich red coloured robe! He used to wear this colour decades ago for our convocation. It was my little desire to see Him in red robe once. And there He is, ready to fulfill petty wishes of ours. Swami was escorted by a few primary school gymnasts wearing the costume of leopards, doing back somersaults.

The programme began with cultural items performed by the Primary school girls, like the Bharatnatyam and then a dance by seven year old kids wearing the mask of Ganesha. Swami was extremely happy seeing their dances. It was followed by gymnastics, stunts on poles and moncycles performed by boys. It was a grand spectacle to see so many boys and girls in a variety of colourful costumes.

After the Primary school, it was the turn of boys from Prasanthi Nilayam campus. Their programme began with an item called Conscious Dots where some 100 boys made formations with perfect synchronization. This was followed by Gymnastic performances. A group of boys on various trucks performed acrobatics and some of them held and balanced a couple of huge Chinese flags (about 30 feet high). There were stunts on ropes performed by the boys like the trapeze, free fall, etc. We could see the excitement on Swami’s face as He was explaining and commenting on every item to others around. Smiles refused to leave His face even for a second. There were other items like the martial arts, the gun drill, rollerblades, etc. Swami was even clapping for some of their performances. After the conclusion of their programme when the boys made a final formation, Swami raised His hand and clapped in appreciation. He blessed us with both hands. What more could we expect?

Yes, we need not expect anything more but He’s never short of surprises. As He came down from the stage after aarati, Swami asked our warden, “What about the drama?” Warden sir replied, “Swami, we are ready. Whenever you say, we’ll perform.” Perhaps, he was exaggerating. Swami said, “Okay, send the actors to Kulwant Hall immediately. I’ll come and watch the drama now.” The Warden was lost for words. He didn’t know what to say and looked around for cover. Yesterday, Swami had decided to see the drama on 15^th. Swami saw His plight and said, “Fine, I’ll see the drama tomorrow evening”. Well, tomorrow evening has a packed schedule with the inauguration of Tennis court in indoor stadium and a match between India and Phillipines. One of the organizers went forward and requested Swami to have the drama tomorrow morning. Swami refused, “Drama should be in the evening.” He called Prof Anil Kumar and told Him to announce about it. Mr Anil Kumar announced in such highly elevating words about our drama that we are having butterflies in our stomach, doubtful that we can deserve this praise tomorrow.

Anyway, all’s well that ends well and we can surely say there were more than a thousand happy faces that left the stadium today.

A Day Before The Big Event

2008-01-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

Happiness is a mere euphemism to describe the feeling of a student when touched by Sai. But the Pursuit of this Happyness doesn’t require accumulation of wealth, talents, expertise. It requires making Sai happy. That’s exactly what makes us so fortunate to be here, so that we regularly find ways to make Him happy.

Sports Meet is one such occasion. In a span of 5 days, Swami has visited the stadium as many times to watch our practice sessions. He makes sure that all the programmes by every campus are ready to perfection before they are put up on January 11. Today morning, He came to the ground at 9.30 am, when our march past was in session. After the march past, boys from Prasanthi Nilayam campus showed Him an item of Rollerblades. Unfortunately, today was not their lucky day. Perhaps, the excitement of Swami’s presence made them commit many mistakes. Some boys tripped and fell after they attempted the ramp jump. Swami was concerned and asked if the boys had enough protective gear. The teacher called a skater near Swami and showed Him the arm guard, elbow guard etc worn, that would be enough to protect the boy from a fall. Swami was relieved, and expressed His happiness at the efforts put by boys and girls for the event.

Another programme that’s on top of some people’s minds is the Sports Meet drama. It’s been quite a while since Swami had first seen the drama invitation card. We’ve been waiting for Him to come and see our practice in the college auditorium, but everyday, He’d come to the stadium and return back to mandir without having a glance at us near the auditorium. We were pretty disappointed, some were even skeptical that drama would be cancelled. The duration of drama well exceeds 1 hour, so there were plans to scrap some dialogues.

Today evening, some drama boys sat with a card to invite Swami again. He looked at the card and merely nodded at them. The rest of us were practising in auditorium, not expecting His arrival. At 5 pm, we got the message that Swami might be coming here. We were happy and rushed to the entrance of our college to invite Swami. Yet, some of us doubting Thomases were thinking He would proceed straight to the ground. Even Swami’s driver shared our opinion as He was quietly driving Him straight in the direction of stadium when suddenly, Swami motioned Him to turn and enter the college! It was an ecstatic moment as we rushed inside and went backstage.

It was 5.30 when the drama began, and the scenes were pretty long, so I felt Swami might not see the entire drama. In the first scene where Tulsidas sings Rama’s praise, He made a comment that Tulsidas must keep moving on stage rather than sing while being seated. This further added to my fears, but only later did I realize, how wrong I was. As the drama progressed, there were scenes of Hanuman’s first meeting with Rama and of His decision to cross Lanka and send Lord’s message to Sita. By the way, I forgot to mention that the entire drama revolves around devotion of Hanuman towards Rama; the life of Hanuman is portrayed as the ideal example for every youth.

There is a scene where Hanuman meets Ravana in court. It’s probably the only scene that makes Swami laugh a lot unlike others where Swami would get emotional. He was enjoying the dialogue between Ravana and Hanuman. Our teacher later mentioned that the verses used in that scene were actually sung by Swami in His younger days. Or probably, He was remembering those glorious days of Threta Yuga.

Swami was moved to tears by the songs. During the convocation drama, He had mentioned that our dramas should have more songs. He was very much impressed with the script and dialogues and asked our teacher as to who had written them. The teacher replied “Swami, our boys have written it.” Swami said, “No , tell me who are the boys.” One of the script writers was seated close to Swami and He got up. Swami asked, “So you have written the story. What books did you refer?” The boy replied, “Swami, whatever You have taught me, I have written here.” He was pleased.

After the drama (it was 6.30 pm ), the actors came down and sat near Swami as He got ready to leave. He looked at a boy and asked “Lakshmana?” the boy replied “No Swami, I am Sita” Swami smiled “Oh Sita!” He told us, “Very nice script, very nice dialogues, very good acting and Swami too is very happy (Chaala Baagundi).” One teacher asked, “Swami, when should we put up the drama?” The Vice Chancellor who was present there asked “Are you ready?” The teacher said, “Swami we are ready for any day.” Swami said, “Then put up the drama on 15^th.” January 15 happens to be the festival of Sankranti.

Swami couldn’t have made us happier. I’m sure tomorrow’s event will be a success as also the drama on January 15.There’s always this Divine Hand upon us to see it through. Touch wood!

Sports Meet Frenzy

2008-01-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

06/01/2008

It’s 5 am in the morning. While some boys are practicing a military drill, some are doing the same on ropes. Some flex their muscles for a fish dive or somersault while a sizable group of boys learn to get coordination on some brisk dance movements. All this is happening as the chilling breeze teases our spirits to the point of sickness. Yet, the boys brave themselves against all odds, for they are protected by the warmth of a Mother’s love.

Swami is the motivation, the sole reason for these efforts, whose happiness is the ultimate goal of every boy and girl performing on January 11. He knows that too well, for, even as early as December 26, Swami came right down to the stadium to watch our march past practice and enquire about the events.

The youth from Maharashtra & Goa had come in large numbers for Swami’s darshan. Thus, we missed the opportunity of having His physical presence for our practice sessions as He was busy attending to their programmes. The youth presented a collection of devotional songs on the first two days. Yesterday, they concluded their trip with a drama on Shivaji. The drama gave many insights into leadership and values that Swami so often explains to us. Swami was very happy with their play. He materialized a chain for “Shivaji” and sat for group photographs with the entire drama troupe.

Earlier in the morning, few of us sat with a card for getting Swami’s blessings and informing Him about our drama for the Sports Meet. As Swami came in car, He looked at the card and called the two boys. They said “Swami, we want to put up a drama for Sports Meet”. Swami looked at the cover of card which read “Dearest Bhagawan we seek thy blessings”. As he turned the cover, there were photographs of the actors with their real names and their roles. The two boys were surprised by the way He was looking so intently at the photographs and enquiring about the boys. One of the boys later said, “Swami we need you to come and see our practice and give us advice.” He replied, “Do you want to put up the drama today?” the boy was taken aback “No Swami, we are still practising”. He said “chaalu” and moved on.

Today, Swami came to see the march past practice at 9am. I’m sure it must’ve been difficult for Him to sit around us as none of us had bath due to the morning practice, but He didn’t seem to mind. After the march past, Anantpur Campus teachers requested Swami to see their events. He initially agreed, but when the girls began performing their first programme (boring as it seemed), Swami decided to return back to mandir

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE FROM SAI

2008-01-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

As Swami asked for the mike to brought, an ex-student brother went up to Him and requested that Swami should speak to us while being seated as we didn’t want Him to strain Himself. Surprisingly, Swami agreed. Here are excerpts from the Divine discourse:

· In this world, nothing is permanent. All that you see around is ephemeral. In search of the permanent and ever lasting, there is only path. Bhagawad Gita explains this essence – Realising that God is in all, in you , above you, below you, around you.

· God pervades everything. Man doesn’t realize this and tries in vain to search around. As is the feeling, so you are. It’s a matter of “reflection, reaction and resound”

· Thousands have assembled here. But the same God resides in everyone’s hearts. It’s not the physical heart but the spiritual heart. You must study to become immortal. Today’s learning is secular, obtained from teacher. It is artificial and leads men to arguments. But you must look at the fundamental basis. Education is temporary, Educare is eternal. Educare resides in your heart. It can be brought forth by your efforts.

· Peace is within you. Love is also unseen, but resides in your heart. Similar is the case of non-violence and truth. Thus all these form Educare.

· Today, there’s lack of truth. That’s why people go to courts. Even there, you find untruth. Truth is eternal. As is your feeling towards others, so is their reaction towards you. Today, there are conflicts because of lack of truth. Here, you find peace everywhere. The love and peace you find here is not present anywhere else. Pray to God for these two in life.

· Students have come from various places. They did not find peace anywhere else except here. Love is the only property of Bhagawan. Keep smiling, do not put on a castor oil face. You should remain blissful at all times.

· Pleasure is an interval between two pains. You are not one but three; what you think you are, what others think you are and what you really are. What others think you are refers to duality. You may read Pustaka (books) but if your mastaka (head) is not proper, it’s useless. Thus, educare is essential. Good and bad are within you. Its manifestation is a result of reflection, reaction and resound in your mind.

· Students, you went around the world and came back here today. It is the good fortune given to you by Swami. How fortunate you are that after facing many difficulties, you have been able to come here with your families. If anyone asks you “where have you come from?” say “I’m from Prasanthi Nilayam”. Parthi follows you, it’s in you, around you wherever you go.

· Religions are different, God is one. Jewels are many, gold is one. Cows may be different, but the milk is of same colour. Similarly, there’s variety among us, but the bliss that we experience is the same. Therefore, pray for this bliss> do not have individual differences. They are temporary.

· This year, many physical changes will take place. But spiritually, there will be no change. There are conflicts, too many parties. Party has become “for tea”

· Do not hurt anybody. That’s the principle followed by Swami. this body is 83 years old. It has never put anybody to any inconvenience or difficulty. Swami is truth, truth is Swami. Love all. It’s very simple and easy. In fact, it’s difficult to have enemity. Love leads to equality, equality leads to unity, which leads to purity and finally leads to divinity.

· Relationships are sacred. You must not hit your wife, however angry you are. You can speak to her and solve the matter. You must all stand united. If you are united, you’ll experience Sai everywhere. Bhagawan is yours. All of you belong to him. Always speak the truth.

· (Swami narrated an incident about a lady in Bangalore who won a court case because she adhered to truth) If you speak truth, you get marks. If you speak untruth, you get (bad) remarks.

· From hotels to courts, there are conflicts everywhere. There’s selfishness and self interest today. All Sathya Sai students should lead ideal lives. When society praises our students, it makes Swami happy. Swami blesses that you should get a good name. Do not forget to chant Lord’s name. Strengthen your faith.

Swami concluded the discourse with the bhajan “Hari Bhajan bina sukh shanthi nahin..”

Dear Swami, Happy 2008!!!

2008-01-01T23:49:00.000-08:00

1/1/08

Smiles, smiles everywhere! The mood was upbeat with a lot of anticipation and excitement. We had all assembled in Kulwant hall by 7 am. Swami was expected to come at 8.30am. I sat in my place admiring the beautiful decorations above the portico. The alumni brothers were all seated in the front, some running here and there to make sure all arrangements are in place. They had all come with their families too.

Finally, at 8.30 am, we herald the New Year with the beautiful darshan of our lord. Lo and behold! Our Lord arrives in chair escorted by a procession of Vedam chanting and flag march by ex students. This darshan indeed seemed a special one, majestic with students holding a grand umbrella over Swami and waving peacock feathers around, as if welcoming an Emperor. Well, Swami is the king of our hearts and I can tell He was loving every moment of it just like us. It’s our great fortune to have such a nice darshan on the very first day of 2008. As He came by, some of us wished Him "Swami, happy new year".

Swami came to the portico and asked the programme to begin. Since yesterday there was a lot of confusion regarding the sequence of programmes as the present students too were ready with their programmes. This morning, Swami again changed the schedule and asked the Institute Band to perform first. After their pieces, out of the blue, Swami asked two elders to address the gathering. Later, He called an ex-student and asked him to speak. This brother was equally unprepared but spoke very well sharing two sweet experiences of his student days. Swami was very happy and materialized a chain for him. Later, there was a music programme where the alumni sang some songs, one of which was composed by our Lord way back in 1985! The morning session ended around 10.30 am.

Swami arrived in the evening at around 4.30pm. First, there was a bhangra programme by some ex-students who tried their best to dance in the limited space provided to them right before Swami. Swami was amused with their steps, but He blessed them all with padanamaskar. A Band programme followed, this time by ex-students who were part of the Band group in their student days. Swami was enjoying all of their pieces. For sometime, it felt like Swami had become the conductor as He was moving his Hand to the tunes more often than the Band leader himself! Soon after, there was a picture slideshow on a giant screen where old photos of swami with students were shown. Simultaneously, some ex-students narrated experiences from their student days with Swami. One of them narrated an incident where Swami had come to his rescue in his job. Swami took his form and worked in his office, while he went to a parents’ meet accompanying orphanage children.

Swami was extremely happy. He motioned for the alumni brothers to stop. It was His turn now to share His love and He motioned for the mike to brought over. I’ve mentioned about the discourse in my next post. At the end of the day, all I can say is, we couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to 2008. Thank you Swami.

GOODBYE 2007

2008-01-01T23:47:00.000-08:00

The end of 2007 couldn’t have been celebrated better than this. While the world is still coming to terms with increasing unrest and violence, Puttaparthi is a striking contrast of peace and love pervading all around. After all, the life in Parthi revolves around SAI.

Swami has been showering so much love on us these days. A few weeks ago, we were upset about the way He was apparently ignoring us, coming late. But Alas! Foolishness is our second nature, for we fail to see the love that envelops this place, regardless of His physical presence.

On the 27^th, as part of the Christmas celebrations, there were a couple of programmes by devotees from South California. The elders sang carols while there was a short and sweet play on the childhood years of Jesus performed by children. Swami was very happy with the programme and He gifted clothes to the entire group.

For the next few days, Swami, though arriving late, would spent more time with us outside on the portico while the bhajans went on. He would call students and take letters.

On the New Year’s day, many alumni from the Sathya Sai University gather in Prasanthi Nilayam and offer a programme. Over the years, this day has gained increasing importance as the “Reconnect Day” for the Sai students as these alumni come from various parts of the world to reconnect with their golden past in Prasanthi Nilayam when they basked in His love.

Due to the preparations for the Annual Sports Meet of Institute on Jan 11, many students are not able to make it for darshan on time. But the students’ block never looked empty as it was occupied by hundreds of alumni brothers. On 31^st evening, Swami came for darshan around 4.40 pm and went inside interview room. Soon, He came out in chair and went across the Ladies side blessing all devotees. Swami later came straight to the portico and sat before the students. He called the birthday boys and blessed them. These boys were indeed lucky as Swami spoke to most of them. To one boy, He asked “which class?” the boy replied “10th standard” Swami said “after 10^th?” the boy replied “Swami, whatever you say” He spoke to another birthday boy and materialized a chain for Him. Swami could see that many ex-students were sitting there. He called one of them and asked what programme was being planned for the next day. All the while, Swami was looking very happy, like a proud mother to see Her children come home. He called one alumnus and scolded him for gaining a lot of weight. It was a sight to watch as Swami animatedly showed us his walking style with a huge tummy.

At around 6.15 pm, he asked for aarati to be given and went to Yajur Mandir. We knew the New Year would begin on a bright note.

CHRISTMAS DISCOURSE

2007-12-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

26/12/07

Swami arrived in the evening at 5 pm, as all devotees patiently waited for His discourse. He asked a professor to speak for sometime. At around 5.30 he got up, with a beaming smile, ever ready to bless all of us. Here are a few excerpts from His divine discourse.

Anger is the cause of failure. It leads to commit many sins.
All conflicts arise due to lack of love. All problems, difficulties are nothing but our own imagination. There’s nothing like restlessness in the world. There’s Shanti everywhere. Peace within your heart will get reflected in peace around you. Everything is governed by the principle of “reflection, reaction, resound.”
(Swami asked a boy) “What is your name?”(he replied “vikas”). No, you are not Vikas. You are Brahman. If you ask God “what is your name?” he will reply “Aham Brahmasmi”
You are not one but three (one you think you are, others think you are…)What others think you are is a matter of imagination. The true self is “I” which is common to all of you. Christians worship this “I”
One is not born with the name. It’s just for the sake of identity.
All beings take birth by the Will of God. (At this point, Swami materialized a chain and placed it on the mike.) We run after materialistic things which are nothing but shadows (maya). The shadow changes according to the position of sunlight but the object remains same. The object is the Brahman.
Love is the basis for faith. LOVE, the first letter stands for Lord. Everything arises from the Lord. Without creator, there’s no creation.

Swami discussed in detail about the life of Jesus.

Jesus was a son of a carpenter named Joseph. Joseph loved a girl in his village. After sometime, he noticed she was pregnant. It was election time then. So, they had to return to their native village. There was no transport available, so they had to ride on a donkey. When they reached the village, they found all houses were occupied. They went to a place nearby where donkeys were kept and spent the night. Mary had labor pains, but Joseph thought it was because of long hours of travel. On that holy night, Mary delivered a baby boy

Jesus grew up under the care of his mother. One day there was a function in Jerusalem. Jesus went to the function and got separated in the crowd. His parents thought their son was lost and cried in despair. But He returned back at night, much to the relief of his parents. He told them that he had joined a gathering in listening to the speeches of wise elders in village. The pundits said that there is only one truth, which is the self. Later on, contemplating n this truth, Jesus went around mountains near the village. He came down by the riverside and met Peter, a boatman. Peter introduced himself and his father to Jesus. He told Jesus that they were not able to catch any fish in the river anymore. Jesus pointed out a place and asked them to go and fish there. To their amazement, they found plenty of fish. All the fishermen thanked Jesus and accepted Him as their master.

Seeing this popularity of Jesus, some people were jealous of Him. They decided to conspire against him. (Swami narrated episodes of how Judas betrayed Jesus and how Jesus was crucified). When Jesus was about to be crucified, Mother Mary came to him and cried. Jesus pacified her saying body is just a water bubble, the true self can never die. But she said that she couldn’t bear such torture to her son. Jesus replied “I am not anybody’s son. All are my children”

The next day Jesus appeared for the supper. The king was surprised and asked how he could come here. Jesus said, “I can go anywhere, at my Will. I am God. None can kill me” These words moved the king and he decided to bow down to Jesus.

There’s nothing beyond the Will of God. Any person having complete faith in these words will be protected. Faith is most important. Today, people have lost the two eyes of faith and have become blind. With faith and love, one can achieve anything. Faith grows in love.

Many foreigners have faith, but sometimes love is missing. Both are like +ve and -ve forces. Develop this “Master Faith” in the Lord. If you strengthen faith, you can achieve anything.

Bhagwan isn’t ordinary. The mistake of such thought lies in your vision. Swami’s happiness is in you. You are not separate from Him. This is the fundamental truth.

Bhagwan makes you work like instruments. He wants you to become ideal instruments in His mission. With Jnaana, Vijanaana and Sujnaana, Swami wants all of you to become powerful instruments.

You think your qualifications make you succeed in life. There are so many educated people in this world. In fact, educated people are the ones who ruin the world today. Thus, with secular education, a spiritual life is very much essential.

Students, you are ripe fruits. But fruit must have the sweet juice (of love), otherwise it will be discarded. You are not here merely for learning, but to learn from Swami. Have strong faith, grow your love. Believe in the principle of oneness.

(Swami sang the bhajan “Hari bhajan bina sukh shanti nahin...”) Bhajan alone gives you true peace. You may earn your degrees, but do not forget the chanting of Lord’s name. It is the easiest way to attain moksha, be it a tiny tot or an old man.

Swami later put the chain around the neck of a student. After a bhajan, aarati was given. He sat through he entire aarati. It was 6.45 when he returned to Yajur Mandir. It was the longest discourse given by Swami in recent times, but we just couldn’t figure out how time passed by so soon!

A MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Things seem to be getting better in mandir day by day. As Swami started coming late for darshans since last month, His interaction with us was limited to a few occasions. Christmas has truly brought the yonder days back. I’ve already discussed about the drama episode before.

A couple of days before, Swami asked a boy whether students are practicing any carols for Christmas. He was enquiring as to what songs were being practised for the 25^th. The boy replied that Christmas programme was ready and mentioned the various carols. He said even the Jingle Bells song was ready. Swami was pleased.

On the Christmas morning, all of us were ready and seated in Kulwant hall by 7 am. However, Swami arrived only at 8.30. In the beginning, there was a violin recital by a group of kids from Primary School. The boys played three beautiful pieces including the jingle bells song. As soon as that piece began, four tiny tots dressed as Santa appeared. They went to Swami and got their sacks blessed. Swami was very amused; He even joined them in throwing the chocolates to the students!

Soon after, there was a programme by the Institute Band group followed by carols sung by students. Swami was indeed enjoying the music and songs; He patiently waited till 10.00 am so that students could sing all the songs.

The evening session was no less exciting. Though Swami came a bit late at 5pm, the programme went on as planned. There were four speeches, first being a talk given by a youth wing member from Argentina. She narrated experiences from her life and how Swami brought her back into His fold. Swami was pleased with her and materialized a chain. The next speaker was another youth, originally hailing from Fiji, now settled in Mumbai. He too spoke on similar lines and His talk was interspersed with some melodious songs. Later, there were a couple of speeches by senior overseas devotees. First was Mrs. Hilcott who spoke about the various episodes in Prasanthi Nilayam during Christmas in the past. Her talk was very interesting and transported us to those wonderful days of the seventies and eighties.

After the four speeches, the master of ceremonies requested Swami to give His Christmas message. It was already 6.30 in the evening, so Swami said that devotees have been sitting for long, He does not want to trouble them more. However, He consented to give His discourse the next day.

This year’s Christmas was special for more than one reason. The huge gathering of devotees made the environment look as if it was Sivaratri. The decorations in mandir were fantastic. There was a special huge candle brought from Georgia, a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe besides many other fancy items. The mood of Swami was something that struck me the most; because of late, there were hardly any interactions with Him to talk about. Today, he looked like a proud father celebrating His son’s birthday. The bottomline remains; we are all truly merry this Christmas.

Christmas Gifts from Sai

2007-12-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

It’s been quite a dreadful time for me in the past few weeks. To meet the project deadlines, we (MBA) boys were cutting all corners out, even to the extent of going late for darshans at times. Our Mother Sai knows it all, for He has changed the darshan timings these days. It’s all His grace that made us complete our projects on time.

Though He arrives late, Swami makes it a point to bless all of us, sometimes by spending time in the portico or watching the programmes put up by the various groups of devotees. Parthi always seems crowded as every other day, new groups of devotees land here. Though it’s Christmas time now, the huge crowds make us feel it’s Swami’s birthday festival coming soon!!!

For the past one week, Swami had been enquiring as to what the boys were doing, why they were not putting up any programme. “So many groups put up drama, when will our boys present one?” he remarked. Therefore, a Burrakatha (folk song) was presented by three boys few days back.

As Christmas is a couple of days away, the decorations in Kulwant hall have already begun. Yesterday, Swami sat in the portico for an hour and blessed us all. He asked a professor to give a speech in telugu. There is a statue of an angel kept near portico along with other decoration items. Swami kept looking at it (with an expressionless face), turned towards a student and asked, “what is all this? Is Christmas round the corner?” In matters of humour, none can beat Him.

Some boys showed a card to Swami yesterday, regarding the drama. He was pleased and consented to see it the next day. I can say He was more than just pleased because He kept on enquiring today afternoon whether the actors are ready. The Vice Chancellor came running to Kulwant hall and told the boys, “Swami is waiting for you. Get your make up done as soon as possible.” Our lord finally arrived at 5 pm and went straight to the bhajan mandir where the actors were waiting. He said, “I was waiting all this while for you to get ready. Is your make up over?” He spent quite sometime talking to the actors and then came to the portico.

At this juncture, I must mention about one of the actors. This boy was initially dejected when he got a small role (as Sravankumar’s father). He was praying desperately that Swami should look at Him. As Swami sat in Bhajan mandir before drama, a boy pointed out the main roles of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita etc. Swami looked at Him and replied, “ But where is Sravankumar’s father?” That actor’s happiness knew no bounds. Since he was also one of the few who could speak telugu, Swami preferred to ask him most of the questions too.

The drama was very brief and very beautifully enacted. It had incidents from Ramayana like the devotion of Sravankumar, Shabari and Guha. The songs were well sung, which was one of the main reasons that made Him happy. After the programme, Swami blessed all actors with photographs. He materialized vibhuti and surprisingly, rolled it in his palms to make a lump before giving it to every boy. He materialized a chain and gave it to the student who acted as Shabari. Swami looked very happy and stayed on till Aarati was given to Him. He said, “I am very happy with your drama. You should have portrayed how Sravankumar’s parents curse Dasaratha after knowing about their son’s death. Anyway, next time, I want you to put up this drama in Poornachandra Auditorium with all the sets and costumes. I will personally come and direct it.”

Well, that’s our Director Divine, the Will behind Ramayana as also behind each of our lives. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

HRIDAYAVAANI

2007-11-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Some incidents touch our heart. But some of them create impressions, lasting a lifetime.

Hridayavaani was one such festival that moved many. I’ve been writing about our convocation drama in my previous posts. These 25 days of hard work, prayer, spirit of brotherhood, love and faith in our Swami has made us so much stronger today.

We were ready with recording of dialogues & sets by the 15th, and thus began practicing in the Poornachandra auditorium (PC), the venue of our drama, from 17^th itself. Our teacher incharge had shown Swami a list of names for the title of drama and Swami chose “Hridayavaani”. The name truly resembled the spirit and essence of the story, which was based on Swami’s teachings and projects.

On 21^st , Swami agreed to see our practice in PC, this time with the dress rehearsal. We were eagerly waiting for Him in the backstage from where He would enter the auditorium. The programme in mandir got over pretty late as Swami was busy distributing sarees to the VIPs . It was 11 am when He came. We were greeted with a beautiful darshan as Swami blessed us all, though we could see that he was apparently tired. He stepped down the stage and sat in His usual place, accompanied by a few elders. The drama went well and as each scene progressed, our confidence grew stronger. Swami was very happy with our rehearsal. While He returned, He remarked to an actor “ Black pant”. He was unhappy with the boy’s costume. So the boy had to find an alternative pair for the next day.

22^nd Diary:

The mood is upbeat, all of us are eagerly awaiting the most crucial moment of our lives, the chance to act in front of our Lord, that too on the day of our convocation. This day is special for every student, a matter of pride and great blessing, of being recognized as His students.

The convocation programme is scheduled to begin at 3 pm. The Vice Chancellor, professors and council members as well as Institute band and vedam groups are ready for the procession. The drama boys have to stay back in PC for make up as the drama would start immediately after convocation. So we have to be content with the darshan of our Lord as He comes out of His residence.

Lo and behold! Swami comes out in a sparkling white robe, looks at everyone and indicates with His hand “begin the procession”. We are all very excited as Swami has hardly come for convocation in white.

Our make up is over and we are waiting for Swami’s arrival to PC. The convocation programme in Kulwant hall has been brief , giving Swami plenty of time to speak. Swami spoke for one and half hours. At 5.30 pm., He returns back.

Swami enters the backstage with an enchanting smile, enough to boost our confidence for the evening. He identifies some of the actors, blesses us and goes outside to join the audience. Except for this moment, the backstage is a scene of chaos, all of us trying to make sure things are in place.

The drama begins at 6 pm. Throughout the play, Swami is in rapt attention, and becomes emotional in certain scenes. Mind you, no one else can give so much attention after having watched a full practice twice before. But that’s our Mother, always ready to cheer us up. I’m reminded of what a teacher told us after the first practice that Swami saw 10 days ago. He said “Swami listens to each word and gives it due importance. That is why He feels so touched by the scenes.”

After the drama , He comes on stage and blesses us all with photographs. He looks at the same actor who wore black pant yesterday “ your dress is good today. Very happy.”

As He’s taking aarati and returning back, we form a path (rather narrow the path) and wish Him in unison “Swami, Happy Birthday” He looks at us amused, “Oh birthday? But I am always happy”

Indeed, everyday is His birthday, a celebration of love that fills the emptiness within our barren hearts and transforms us each day, from a bud to a blooming rose, ready to spread its fragrance to others around. It is the Hridayavaani of every heart. We bow in gratitude to this eternal fragrance of love. Sai ram

FIRST MOMENT OF TRUTH

2007-11-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

Since many days, we’ve been expecting Swami to come to college and see the drama practice. He too has been showing a keen interest in the play.

Yesterday, all of us were expecting Swami to come in the morning, as He said on the previous day that He’d see our practice after bhajans. Due to the recording session of dialogues in progress, we slept late in the night, the day before.

It was 10 am in the morning but there was no sign of Swami coming. He did not come out of Yajur mandir for the bhajans too. Finally at 10.30 we got the message that Swami had gone upstairs to his room. We were dejected a bit, but knew that the afternoon would be most probable time for Swami’s visit.

At 3 pm all of us assembled again in the auditorium. Satyajit had conveyed the message that Swami would come after 3.30pm. There was a lot of anticipation as usual. Many senior people also came and waited. Swami came at about 4 pm.As soon as He stepped out of car, He asked a teacher, "when did boys come?" Teacher replied, "Swami 3 pm" . Swami was upset "I told you i will come at 4 pm , then why did you call boys early and make them wait ?" That's our Mother's love.

As He entered the auditorium, He saw the drama troupe. The boy enacting the role of Tanesha (king) was ready in his costume. He asked the boy, “who are you?” the boy replied, “Swami, I am the king”. “king emi?” He asked again. “Swami, sultan of Hyderabad.” Swami looked at Him and replied “ Phir Hyderabad jaao (then go to Hyderabad)”.

He sat in the center of front row and asked us to begin. There were quite a few emotional scenes and touching scenes in the drama. He was in tears on the more than one occasion. There’s a scene where Ramdas sings in prison and Rama and Lakshmana watch from behind. After the drama, He called Rama and said, “you sang well. So, you two help Ramdas in repaying the debts, isn’t it?”

Overall He was very happy and said “short drama. Chala bagundi (very nice)”. Well, experience tells us that there is always calm before the storm. He did not point our mistakes today.

AKHANDA BHAJAN DISCOURSE

2007-11-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Akhanda bhajan this year was very special. i think Swami must have broken His all time record of collecting maximum letters on a single day. Right from the beginning, He was entirely involved in ensuring that we are focused on the bhajans, as He would come out frequently from the bhajan mandir and survey the entire Kulwant hall in chair. this topic requires more elaboration and i'd defer it for a later date for paucity of time.
Yesterday, He came late in the evening when bhajans had already begun. After about 4 bhajans, He asked Prof. G Venkatraman to speak. After the speech, He called for the mike to be brought and began His discourse! If He wants a programme, He has 101 ways of bringing it up. All this was happening inside bhajan hall.
Excerpts from His discourse:

Understand the significance of Akhanda bhajan. Bhajans are of 2 types- Khanda (finite) bhajan and Akhanda (infinite) bhajan. To think of God only for a few moments is khanda bhajan (fragmented devotion).
Akhanda bhajan means singing the glory of God in all 3 states ie the waking state, dream state and deep sleep state.
There are 3 hands of a clock- the seconds, minutes and the hours hand. Of these, the hours hand assumes maximum importance.
(Swami narrated the story of parrot and king where the parrot is told to go and ask different animals to chant Rama’s name) All species rise above their levels. Man however, remains at the same stage and does not progress. Though he chants the name of God, he has a wavering mind
Thus transformation is hard to come about in man. If you do every activity with the feeling that it is God’s work, then there will be transformation. For example, while cooking, you can think that the food is being prepared for God
At least once, you must utter the divine name with complete faith. That amounts to the “hours” hand of the clock. Empty repeating of God’s name is like the seconds and minutes hand.
People make various excuses like cold, throat pain etc for not singing bhajans. Even a dead person can be brought back to life by the power of divine name. Eg. Savitri
With a pure mind and sacred heart, chant the name of God
Man is a replica of God. Therefore, he must have the same purity of love that God has. You are a spark of the Divine. Do not forget this fact. If you contemplate on this truth, it amounts to having read the Bhagavad Gita itself.
Truth is God . Faith is God. Love is God, live in love. Always remember these 3 statements.
Waves (problems) come and go but the water (faith) remains constant. Thoughts are like passing clouds. So, strengthen your faith.
All that glitters is not diamond. “Die mind” and become a diamond. Do not get carried away by temporary things.
Akhanda bhajan is kept with this purpose. In between the bhajans, if we get up and go, the mind gets disconnected. Swami does not say that you must remain 24 hrs without food or bath. Even while partaking food, contemplate on the divine.
In Bhagvad Gita, Krishna said “O Arjuna ! Fight while thinking of me”. That is namasmarana. There is no big deal fighting wars with weapons. True weapon is name of the Lord.
Work with a smile. True happiness is union with God.
Attending bhajans in the morning and evening is a great fortune. Do not waste this opportunity.

THE CONVOCATION VACATION

2007-11-05T21:19:00.000-08:00

(note: please do not paste this material in any website)

Every winter vacation, we see rains more often than our Lord. Darshans are infrequent, and Swami would be seemingly busy with some work or the other. This time, things were a bit different, fortunately.

Right from the beginning of our vacation, Swami has been showing keen interest in the convocation drama. This has really boosted our spirits. Every other day he keeps enquiring about the play, acting, roles etc. some of those conversations are worth noting.

Swami (to an actor): What is ur role?
Student: Swami i'm a businessman who went to US
Swami: Oh US? After marriage or before marriage?
Student: Swami, in the story, my friend leaves me
Swami: So what, girlfriend hai na.
Swami (looks at other student who recovered from illness recently): what are u acting?
Student: i'm not acting, swami.
Swami: Oh! he's acting as patient na!

One day, he kept discussing the story with other students in bhajan hall (the story is supposed to be kept confidential) but his version was entirely different, much to the surprise and relief of script writers. He said "tell boys to be aware of the stage movements. they should not make too many gestures or overact. they should be natural."

Yesterday, there was a programme by youth from Orissa. There was a drama about "true happiness" followed by a breathtaking dance performance by boys aged 10 to 14 years. their acrobatic steps enthralled us all and caused neck sprain to a few.

Swami was very happy. he gave the boys sarees, and later on safaris too. Well,
the vacation is supposed to be over; classes have begun but my pen isn't still writing. i don't think it will agree to do so for the next 20 days. Sai ram

DOES SWAMI GET A VACATION?

2007-10-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

i must apologise for being out of blogger for a long time. there was so much to write about and lots to share. i'm sorry to have missed the part.

Since a fortnight, Swami seems to have changed His darshan timings as he generally comes out 1 or 2 hours later than His usual time. The Grama Seva during the Dassehra festival was an exhilarating experience for all students. it rejuvenated us after a nightmarish time with the exams. I could see the enthusiasm of students in doing seva which was doubled this time because of vacation and therefore less headache.

On the day of Poornahuti, Swami gave a much needed and beautiful discourse. i guess i'm pretty late at discussing that so i'll prefer to skip the part. during the past few days, there have been programmes by the Youth, one from Prakasam district of AP and other by the youth from North eastern states of India. we should be grateful to them as they have given Swami more than one reason to bless us with His presence. Since most of the students have gone home for vacation, we cannot expect Swami to come out and sit in the portico everyday.

I had missed the excitement generated a few days ago when some people saw Swami's face on the moon. i had received emails and calls, even few people stopping me on the road, just to share their happiness of that occasion.it was a unique and blessed moment and shouldn't be discounted. last evening, when i sat for darshan, i was looking at our Swami giving a beautiful smile. I wondered, "we get so excited to see Swami on the moon, why doesn't the same enthusiasm be felt when we see him right in front of our eyes?" i think it's time we felt the nearness to our Lord rather than sending Him to some far off planetary body out there.

This same enthusiasm which i talked about was visible in the dance troupe of Manipur drummers who performed before Swami yesterday. there were two dances by the youth, a bhortal dance and a drum dance. Swami was very much impressed with the main drummer whose acrobatic steps enthralled one and all. He materialised a ring and put it on his finger. this man taught me a lesson about true enthusiasm and craving for Lord's presence.

Let me end on a personal note. today, I sat inside bhajan hall for the morning bhajans. Swami hasn't been coming out in the morning for the past few days. Since i'm leaving home in a couple of days' time, i thought i must sit inside mandir and meditate. Lo and behold! our lord comes out during the bhajans and straightaway enters the bhajan hall. Lesson: blessings are always unexpected. He sat for a few moments and the went to the veranda and talked to a few VIPs. As he was passing by, i could see Him from the window outside. Imagine Swami walking outside your house and then peeping through the window inside! Lesson 2: Stop being foolish. the house isn't yours, it never was. He is the owner , you're merely a guest.
He came inside the hall(His hall) from the backdoor and blessed us all. i was lucky to give Him a letter after a long time. At 9.40 am, aarati was given and he He returned to Yajur mandir.Swami doesn't have a vacation. He's too busy giving love. It's drizzling outside but i think it's pouring (His love) inside too.Sai ram.

2007-09-20T06:25:00.002-07:00

The Krishanaashtami festival this year was a unique experience. It was very special for me, especially because i got a chance to participate in the key programmes. thus i could have many insightful first hand experiences.
A few days before the festival, Swami expressed His wish to have a cow procession led by students on the festival day. It has been a custom for decades for the students to get the cows to mandir on this day and then Swami would feed the cows with fruits, then bless the students too.Thus it is one of the sought after chances for the students here. but slowly, the many chances that we get on this day have been reducing year after year.
So, this year, none of us expected this event. It was Swami who mentioned it to an elder person and asked for the programme. for days, i had been thinking about how all of us used to enjoy getting lots of chances on this day, in the past. i felt sad that those wonderful times were a thing of the past. Few days later, a student brother came up to me and said that Swami asked for the cow procession and that i was selected as one of the cowboys! my joy knew no bounds.
the next morning, all the selected students assembled in Gokulam for getting a practice on handling the cows. Myself and another student brother were assigned a cow kept near the Samadhi place of Swami's parents. this cow (Gayatri) is special, since the milk given by her (approx. 16 litres a day)is supplied to Swami's residence. She was one of the two cows selected from the Samadhi place for the procession (the other was her mother). Gayatri was four months pregnant. She was very cooperative when we took her for the practice walks, unlike other cows who took the boys for a ride.
After two days of practice, the D-day of festival arrived. We got up early in the morning and proceeded to the cow shed to decorate our cows. The procession began at 8 am. It was truly an amazing sight as the little Krishna Gita was leading some 20 cows. also, there were other animals like the deer, peacock and doves which were being brought by the students. The baby elephant was at her cheerful best.
We we entered the Kulwant Hall from Gopuram gate led by the baby elephant and arranged the cows in rows on both sides. Swami was just arriving to the Hall in car. He was wearing a beautiful yellow robe. He stopped near Krishna Gita, got down and fed Her fruits. KG was ready with her amusing pranks. First, she prostrated before Swami with her forelegs stretched and trunk raised. As soon as Swami offered her fruits, she grabbed it with her little trunk and put it in her mouth. if that wasn't enough, she picked on the fruits that the boys had kept in their plate to offer it later to Swami.
After feeding Krishna Gita, Swami came towards the rows of cows standing behind. There were a lot of people around and so the scene was a huge commotion. Nevertheless, Swami went and started feeding bananas to each and every cow. He didn't miss a single one. some cows refused to eat. Our Gayatri was one of them. When He offered her a banana, she refused to eat it. He looked at me and asked "why are these cows not eating?" i didn't have a clue, and replied "Swami, maybe because she's pregnant!" he smiled and went ahead.
As He reached the portico, some boys took a couple of doves to Him. He blessed them and asked the doves to be released. the boys did so and guess what, the doves refused to fly away from Swami. both of them stood on the railing in front of Him. Even the animals don't want to leave His presence. A few moments later, both of them flew away.
All the while Krishna Gita was entertaining us with her gymnastics like stretching her forelegs and raising her trunk. But the cows behind her certainly didn't appreciate it. They were getting scared and urinating all over. The block was a mess of dung & urine and sevadals had a field day cleaning the floor. We were also getting nervous avoiding the heavy feet of the cows, lest they stamp on us making the day more than a memorable experience.
As soon as Swami blessed all the animals, He instructed Mr S. V Giri to announce that the morning programme was over and that the devotees can leave! Swami had solely come to shower His blessings on the animal kingdom. One of the cowboys shouted " Jai bolo Bhagwan Sri... ..... Jai". Unfortunately, he shouted near the ear of his cow and this scared her (we learnt that when cows get scared, they urinate). The cow was out of control and she almost rammed into our cow while returning back. Due to Swami's grace, the entire event passed peacefully.
We were lucky to have so many such beautiful, inspiring and amusing experiences that day.i really learnt how one should look at society in its entirety. It is only Swami, who by sheer example, sensitises us and teaches us to love and care for these innocent and mute creatures.
Sai ram.

2007-09-20T06:25:00.001-07:00

IT`S POURING, AND POURING MORE LOVE.........

2007-09-20T05:50:00.001-07:00

Sai Ram, I must apologise for my prolonged absence from the blogging world. during the past 20 days, so many interesting incidents have occured that one or two posts cannot capture them. well, the phrases like "interesting incidents" are a cliche here. But then,listening to any number of these do not quench our thirst enough.
These days, Parthi has been seeing a lot of rain; feels like the monsoon has just begun. Our beloved Swami has been equally unpredictable in His darshans and interactions. Recently, we witnessed the Krishnaashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi festivals. Generally, the mood is upbeat during these times but when we see that Swami too shows a keen interest in celebrations, our zeal knows no bounds. This is what exactly happened this time.
Before krishnaashtami, Swami expressed His wish to have procession of Gokulam cows led by few of our students. There was a lot of excitement on that day, which i have dealt in detail in my next post.
The Ganesha festival was equally wonderful. As a custom, the students prepare Chariots for Ganesha to be taken to Swami during the immersion day. This year, the students showed a lot of skills in their innovation and design. There was a Dragon chariot by 12th class students, a chariot in the form of a huge ship prepared bu class 10, and many other beautiful masterpieces. Even the Hoggwarts school design was not spared!
swami came very late, around 5 pm to see the chariots with Ganeshas. He went around and looked at each of them. we could see that he was very impressed, not because the chariots were good, but because His students had worked hard to impress Him. This is what happens in any programme. And this is what keeps us going. The bond with our mother is so deep and strong that both of us compete in making each other happy.
Well, keeping competition apart (After all Sai`s love has no competition) the entire evening was filled with joy. the chariot boys took Swami`s blessings and left for the immersion. even before the bhajans began, Swami went back to Yajur mandir. we were surprised. No sooner di we think that the session was over than our Lord sent a message: "All boys must return to mandir for bhajans, i want to see them." Can we measure the love of our Lord?
Each day, He makes it a point to come to the portico and sit for some time. it appears as if a shepherd watches over His flock of sheep. And His sheep can only wish that such times may last an eternity.

Central Trust Anniversary Discourse

2007-09-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

this day must have been a very memorable one for all the CTBT boys as Swami showered His love on them from morning till evening. In the morning, Swami came in car and proceeded directly to the Bhajan hall where the Central Trust boys were waiting with a programme. For two long hours, He sat in the bhajan hall listening to their songs and speaking to them.
In the afternoon, there was a long list of speakers, mostly senior members of the Central Trust after which they prayed for Swami to speak. their speeches dragged on till 5.40 pm and we felt Swami wouldn't give a discourse today. Well, students propose and Swami disposes. to our amazement, He got up to deliver in His sweet voice. here are a few excerpts:

Dear students

our boys have sacred hearts, pure minds, they are selfless and humble. they do not commit any mistakes. even if a few do commit some mistake, they immediately correct them. that is why "Central Trust" means "our students". the elders are only administrators, whereas our boys look after all activities. Swami chose to speak today because of these boys. They do great work. they shall support the Trust in future. The Trust is dependent on them.
Bhagawan wants students to be the future leaders. The future of Trust depends on you. Everywhere around, you see only money matters. money comes and goes, morality comes and grows. It is your morality that supports the Trust today.
You have expectations and imaginations. you must consider them as illusions, passing clouds. Don't be victims to such imaginations and resist them.
Your tasks should be an ideal to the world to emulate. Today there is advancement in technology. but all this is only "tricknology". Develop the discrimination to know this truth. the future depends on you.

(Swami asks how many students work in the Trust. they say 155 boys. He asks all of them to come front.) Get a good name, strengthen your self confidence. It will then strengthen your faith. Faith leads to love. This love will give you all the capacities. Faith is important.
Love is God, live in love. I walk on the two feet of love and self confidence. With these, i achieve everything.
Dear students, whether you believe it or not, every Monday, Swami sends a cheque for Rs 500 crores which is distributed to various welfare activities like Tamil Nadu water project. However, some help is required and so some members of the Trust help in distributing the money.. Inspite of this high expenditure, people from Madras come and say that they do not have adequate water. So, in addition to the Godavari water, some water from Bhadrachalam (Krishna river) too is diverted for this purpose.
no one gave a naya paisa to Swami for this, nor did Swami ask money from anybody. Bhagawan's will (Sankalpa) is His power and strength. We don't want money but good qualities.With love in your heart, you can attain everything.
later, bhagawan will explain in detail about love. Never utter lie or resort to injustice or intolerance. Live together in harmony. In Bharat, unity is lacking. therefore there is no unity and thus, no divinity as well.
Do not feel bad that Swami is not talking to students. Swami thinks of you all the time. Without you I am non-existent. I and you are one.

After the this, Swami gave watches to all the CTBT boys. He even gave prasadam to each and every person in the group. It was truly a very fulfilling experience, as though a mother was celebrating with her children. Indeed, Love is Mother Sai.

ONAM BONUS

2007-08-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

Since the past 10 days, Swami has been coming everyday in chair instead of by car. All of us are having such a wonderful time here. we have lost count of how many letters we've given to Him. If our silly letters weren't enough, Swami has to bear with the programmes that are being put up every day.

The programmes aren't bad, but people do not understand; everyone wants an opportuntity to perform before Swami. And our Lord is only too compassionate to listen to them. The past few days witnessed a lot of programmes by the Kerala devotees for the Onam celebrations. At the end of almost every programme, Swami would materialise something for the artist.

Some days ago, a very senior person, an ardent devotee of Swami passed away. He had a very peaceful death. Swami gave him water during his last moments.
The month of September is waiting with festivals one after another.the most exciting part is that the festivals of exams are also scheduled in september!Well, this is the easiest time to surrender to our Lord.

August 22 discourse

2007-08-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Swami was very keen to see us today morning. he wasted no time in coming to the point and "hammering on our wavering minds". Well, it's not the hammering that teachers give to us, but one that is unique, for it shapes our mind to be steady and ultimately transforms our character.Here are many of the points that He spoke of:

"today, this meeting is concerned with business management. what is business? it's not mere transaction, exchange etc. it means the entire world

everything in this world follows an expected procedure. our students should fully realise what's expected of them in every field
man has 5 senses. all are constantly engaged in business. every limb follows business. a true manager is one who makes proper use of 5 senses
reading books, studying forex, comparing foreign and indian environment is not business mgmt. Indian business is unique. you must compare deha with desha and then understand business. foreign business is based on domination and power. do not imitate them. you must design your business model based on feeling, needs, etc of this land.
true business comprises understanding of caste, culture and country. Today, some have given up caste. but do not give up culture. what is culture? adherence to the path of tradition laid before us is culture. it's not possible to give up culture. Human activity is a blend of these three.
culture is not obtained from relations but can be adhered through discrimination. Heart is the basis. out of discrimination, u can face changes and trasformations in environment. today, absence of discrimination has resulted in perversions. Since culture is spoilt, the country has become weak. it leads to questionable behaviour. Today, each (political) party has its own doctrine, principles etc. therefore country is weak. the best results will come only if there's unity.
when Swami was 11 years, a certain Hanumanthappa, a communist came to Swami and requested him to compose a song for his party. the song went like this: a child was crying, mother got a swing and a rubber toy and said, "my child don't cry, people won't call you brave.men and women will together fight for independence. (it was a time when Germany was at war with russia). child, don't cry, to kill Hitler, there's the Red army lead by Stalin." the next day after this composition by Swami, Hitler died
Since a long time, people have run after different fashions to become modern. From moustache to apparel, they haven't spared anything. these fashions are like passing clouds.
like this,there are changes in education today. Arjun Singh has many plans. he wants to try many permutations and combinations (of science and commerce disciplines) and introduce inter-disciplinary courses. but there aren't enough qualified teachers to teach them. when teachers are good, students will also be good. So, do not run after these changes.
because of changes in diet, we fall sick.Earlier things were made of clay (pot). Now, we use stainless steel utensils. Plastic bags, plates etc which are non-degradable cause soil pollution. Similarly, junk food causes food pollution. Thus we see that changes have resulted in pollution of various kinds. Therefore, in the field of education, do not change or imitate the west.
You experience Ananda here. understand that this ananda will follow you in future too. Future is based on past. Do not worry of the future. Past is past. The present is omnipresent. Follow the present.
Only the Sathya Sai University has got its curriculum based on the present. Do not change this system of education. It will ensure you a bright future.
Help ever hurt never. Never hurt anyone. Thinking of the past, we ruin the present. Right now, you are in a perfect study mind. Earlier, it was dirty mind. Change in man is because of the mind. Parents also do not understand this truth. Our students came up in life in the present. They are ideals to the world. In present there is “less luggage and more comfort”
Present means you are there in the classroom. Otherwise you are marked absent. (taken at face value, this statement very relevant to us students as we bunk so many classes. and lack of attendance results in promotion problems). Thus being present is important.
Elders feel bad that the past days were good, young respected the old, showed courtesy. but the present (situation) is bad. People do not follow the righteous path of their elders. Today there’s no purity or unity but only enmity. Therefore, give u the six vices of kama, krodha,etc….. oly then will there be unity.. Bose was driven out of India because of this enmity and selfishness. But wherever he went he served the society and always thought of motherland.
Instead of earning Rs 10000 abroad, it’s better to earn even Rs 1000 here. Out of Rs 10000, you have so many expenses like rent, food etc. Thus life abroad is difficult. Even a banana is costly, it costs 10 Rs! How can you afford all that and take care of your children? But you want to strain yourself and go abroad. Swami hasn’t gone abroad.
Swami went to Africa , but only for a short while. He saw wildlife there. It was very beautiful. The animals were so majestic. The elephants there had he ears, all the mosquitoes would get blown away when those ears would flap! But those animals were harmless. They also have values. They don’t hurt you unless you intend to hurt them. Swami fed fruits to the lions. But the animals wanted more! Swami told them He shall give the next day. Animals react based on feelings. Yad bhavam tad bhavati.
Have the feeling “I’ve studied in this great University, keep the flag flying high. To get a good name join good company. As is the company, so you are.
The MBA boys spoke very well yesterday. Swami was touched by their talk. All of you should be good boys. Even a gold may lose its value, but goodness doesn’t. Maintain your goodness.
First, you must have aatmavishwas. Radha, Dhruva, etc all had good thoughts, so they met with good results. People with faith in God will never fail in life. Where there’s faith, there’s love: where there’s love there’s Atma. All are formless. Love is God, live in love. Truth is God. Recognise this fundamental truth.
Never lose faith. It is the basis of life. Have total faith. He then narrated the story of Ramdas which had the lesson of faith)
Foreigners have so much faith and confidence. Inspite of a lower standard of life here and many troubles, they have chosen to settle here. Without self confidence and discrimination, there’s no use of vast knowledge gathering. Self realization starts with discrimination. Discrimination leads to self satisfaction.
You are all pure gold. But sometimes, clouds do appear. Do not get carried away by the passing clouds. Be steady. Study to be steady. Preserve all this in your mind. There’s nothing great about going abroad. Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows. It is not merely the currency notes, but their use that is important. BE HAPPY.

UNENDING SAGA OF LOVE

2007-08-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

Till now, i was only discussing about the joy that Swami showered on various devotees and youth groups by granting them an opportunity to put up programmes and conferences. it was really a bother to us to such an extent that we thought students can stop expecting blessings they had before.
How little our minds are! When the Lord says he spends a lot of time thinking of His boys, how can the boys ever think that He has forgotten them?
the independence day programme as we know, was still lingering in our minds. The next programme would be the MBA anniversary day on 21st august. As a custom, the MBA boys prepare a drama on that day. So, we got our second chance at putting up a programme. The exams just got over and the boys had very little time to prepare this drama. two days prior, the Vice Chancellor came to the auditorium to see the rehearsals. Well, what we put up was more like a spoof rather than play. Lord Vishnu and Narada composed their own lines and Duryodhana forgot his hometown of Hastinapura. However, it was well polished and the VC liked it. He said he would inform Swami the next day.
The next day, we were all very excited as there was apparently a sure chance of putting up drama this time. Around afternoon, we got a heartbreaking news, similar to the one before. Swami said he didn't want the drama, he was bored of them. But he hinted on some kind of a programme on August 21.
thus, on August 21, we were ready with songs and speeches. Swami came in His chair, blessed all of us and came to the portico. it was truly looking like a festive occasion. the inaugral speech was given by our Principal, who spoke of the system of education here, particularly MBA programme. it was then followed with speeches by two research scholars. Since, they were also part of the bhajan group, their talk was interspersed with songs too. This really set the tone for what followed later, even till this day. Swami was moved to tears by their talk. He said "I am very happy", "Manchi boys" . the speeches were followed by songs and Swami was asking for more. Finally, the VC and Principal prayed to Swami to speak to the boys. the boys too shouted "Swami, speak to us". But it was already late and Swami said He'll speak later.
After the programme and aarati, Swami got into the car to return back. He remarked to the Principal "manchi boys, all boys are good"
We were very happy that August 21 did not pass like a stale day. At night, we recieved an exciting news that Swami had called the boys next day morning for darshan. He wanted to speak to us.
the message was probably meant for the MBA boys but the warden allowed all Institute boys for morning darshan. Swami came in the morning in His chair again and again took letters from many boys. he proceeded to the portico and asked for the mikes. We couldn't believe our eyes! Well, in Parthi every day is a festival. Swami spoke for more than an hour about business and similar aspects, which i've dealt in next post. He materialised chains for the two research scholars who spoke on the previous day. in the end, He raised both His hands and blessed us all. Could we ask for more?
The evening of august 22 was again booked with a couple of speeches. it seems Swami wanted the boys to speak everyday. So, since August 21, the norm has been that every evening, one student and one teacher would give a speech in Kulwant hall. We only hope the festival lasts indefinitely so that all th boys may get an opportunity they dream of, that is, to speak in His presence. Sai Ram

INDEPENDENCE DAY DISCOURSE

2007-08-17T02:40:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2007

I never intended to speak today. Purely out of love towards you, I got up and decided to speak.
Swami felt bad that none of the previous speakers mentioned about Bose. Thus I felt you must all know about him.
Bose was a virtuous man. He passed the ICS. He had an excellent and ideal character.
The situation made him leave the country and today, he is treated as an enemy.
There are rumours that he died in plane crash. No, he did not die in the crash.
He was extremely patriotic and had immense love for the nation. He married a woman who translated his book “My country” and had a daughter by the name Lalitha Bose.
Lalitha Bose strained and struggled a lot to come to Partthi and see Swami. She followed Swami everywhere, from kodai to whitefield, ooty and so on.
Lalitha was an ardent devotee till her last breath. She died recently.She had a lot of respect and love for her father.
Bose had sharp faculties. Very few people know of his intelligence. He always wanted the country to prosper. No one at that time was as patriotic as him.
Today, people only know to speak. Bose not only spoke, he practiced it too. It is sad that no one remembers him today. Sarojini Devi was also a patriot. But no one remembers her today.
Lalitha came to Swami and said to Him that she was sent by her father.
All of you must have such kind of national pride. If you don’t love your nation, you consider yourselves as good as dead.
Swatantra, Swaatantra and Swaarajya
Life of Bose should be known to all.
Love all and serve all must be your guiding principle.
Today, there are many rich people but many more are poor. The rich should serve the poor. You should follow Dana and Dharma. You say “brothers and sisters”. You should really mean it and put into practice
Bose came to parthi and had Swami’s darshan. He said, “Bhagawan, how is this that you have undertaken this selfless service at such a young age?”
Today, it is love, not money that is important. You are all embodiment of the divine.

Youth should understand the meaning of Swaarajya and inner divinity. Only then will India become number one in the world

INDEPENDENCE DAY

2007-08-17T02:38:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2007

The morning of 15^th was a very quiet affair as Swami spent most of the time in interview room. We did not expect much from the afternoon darshan as well . First of all , the mood was off as our drama was cancelled. So,we were busy preparing for the evening programme in hostel. But Swami always likes to surprise us so much.

He came in the afternoon at 3.30 pm and asked for the programme to begin. The list was so long that we wondered when the session would get over. There were 3 elderly speakers for the afternoon. This would be followed by a music programme by the institute boys (it was a consolation that Swami gave for not having the drama). This would then be followed by a drama by the youth from West Bengal (imagine how jealous would we feel). But then, guests should be given priority at home, isn’t it?

The speakers spoke of Swarajya and such other concepts. After that, the music boys came forward and sat for the programme. But our Lord was in a different mood. He asked for the mikes to be called, got up and began to speak!

I have rarely seen and heard anything like that.He straight away began with the story of Subhash Chandra Bose. Swami was completely in tears while he spoke of him. He didn’t even give Anil Kumar a chance to translate! I have noted down a few thoughts in the next post which were summarized and translated by Anil Kumar after Swami’s discourse.

After the discourse, there was music programme where patriotic songs were sung by our boys. When, the boys sang Vande Mataram, Swami too joined them! The youth from Bengal were waving flags during the songs. Swami notice them and became emotional.

Later on, the Bengal youth presented a drama. Swami liked it very much and gave vibhuti to a few actors. All of them got group photographs as Swami stood up in their midst.

It’s truly amazing to see the love that Swami is showering on the youth these days. And I’m sure it’s just the beginning. Sai Ram

THE DRAMA BUBBLE

2007-08-17T02:37:00.000-07:00

August 14,2007

Our batch “Sarvajit” is known for extraordinary events, both on positive and on not-so-positive side. It was truly a thrilling day with so much of excitement and drama that I have to devote an entire post for this purpose.

As a custom, every year, final year PG students present a drama before Swami on independence day. It’s a great opportunity and an exciting event as an entire class gets totally involved in preparing for this play. This year too was no exception to this. What follows now will surely be an exception as you read along.

The midsemester exams got over last week and the students wasted no time in plunging into drama preparations. Two days back, Swami they presented a card to Swami about the drama. He looked into it and showed a keen interest. He asked if Siubhash Chandra Bose was there. when the student replied in the affirmative, he said “ I know, even Tilak is also there”. after dinner, all of us assembled in the Shanti Vedika for a rehearsal as Vice Chancellor was coming to see the practice. The VC said that Swami had specifically asked him to go and see the drama practice. It seems he was continuously enquiring about it and was saying that the drama must be good, the sets also should be good. As the practice was in progress, our warden received a message that Swami had, before retiring upstairs, again asked about the drama and wanted it to be good. You can well imagine that we were in Seventh heaven.

The drama actually portrays bharatiya culture and has scenes from Ramayana, Shivaji, Bose, Tilak , and Lala Lajpatrai. I’ll be mentioning in detail as there were comments by Swami on each scene later.

The next day, as usual most of the boys took leave from classes to prepare for the drama. In the afternoon, some of us went with another card. Swami arrived at about 3.45 pm, but he turned left from the ladies side and went to the portico. As soon as He got down from the car, he asked where is the drama going on. One of his attendants replied that some actors had come with a card. Swami called immediately for the car and said that he wants to see the practice! We couldn’t believe our eyes. Actually, we didn’t have time for that as we immediately ran back to the hostel to inform others.

We expected Swami to come to hostel but instead he went to the auditorium. So, very few boys were present. We again ran to the auditorium and the actors went one by one to seek Swami’s blessings. There are two Bose characters in drama, one younger and the other older. Both went to Swami and His attendant interoduced the older bose saying he is the bigger Bose. Swami looked at the actor and remarked “older bose? When did you get married?”

The drama began with the Ramayana scene.

Scene 1: Rama wins battle but refuses to preside over Lanka as king

The scene was in telugu. Swami turned to warden and said “ is the drama in telugu? Warden said “ yes Swami, this scene”. The scene had nice patriotic dialogues and Swami was visibly very moved. He was shedding tears like a child

Scene 2: Shivaji prays to Durga for the battle sword.

This scene was in English. Swami again turned to warden “you said drama was in telugu.” Warden replied “Swami, only first scene, not the entire drama” Swami kept pulling warden’s leg (as usual) on this issue later on.

Scene 3: Younger bose in class. He slaps his teacher.

The scene was well enacted. the actor was short. Swami asked “ Bose was big. Why is this boy short?” Warden replied “Swami, this is college scene”. After the slap, we all looked at Swami for His reaction. He turned to Warden and said “ call the boy . there is slap, but no sound.” The boy came down and Swami told him “ slap harder. Sound should come” our warden added “Swami, on final day we’ll have extra keyboard effects”

Scene 4: Tilak scene. Kesri paper is banned

Swami had a special interest in Tilak, we don’t know why. The scene went on well.

Scene 5:. Simon go back scene. Lala lajpatrai is killed

This scene had a good amount of violence, something that Swami doesn’t like. It was very well enacted though. The songs were also good.

After the drama got over, Swami came out of auditorium and went to the restroom. When he came out, one of the boys went ahead and asked him if we could name the drama “Janani janma bhoomischa Swargadapi gariyasi”. Swami replied sarcastically “ mother is fine, motherland is also fine, fighting is also fine”. He looked at VC and said, “ I told you to look at the drama, didn’t I?” VC replied “Swami I did and I pointed out about the violence too”. Swami repeated his words in a teasing manner. It was 5.00 pm and he went straight for the bhajans.

If there was a heaven beyond seven layers, we were surely up there. never before did a low key drama like this get so much attention from Swami that He came even for the rehearsal. We were scheduled to have a practice with mikes in kulwant hall after bhajans. So we proceeded to mandir at 6 pm. After an hour, the VC came and said Swami decided not to have drama tomorrow! Well, does even a stock market crash sound so bad?

However, there was a silver lining as the VC told us that Swami wants us to prepare another drama in a few weeks on the topic “love all, serve all” (that’s underlining non-violence for us).But to say the last word, Swami did see our drama, didn’t He?

Programmes galore

2007-08-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

The busiest person in Parthi today is Sri Sathya Sai Baba. i sympathise with Him for, he's been bugged by so many dramas and music programmes, inaugrations etc. as i'm writing this sentence (it's 7.30 in the morning), Swami has already left outside the mandir gate in car and is proceeding towards the Institute hostel.

I hope Swami wouldn't read this post or else i'd be in trouble. Like most people here, we take Swami to be a 5 foot 4 inch human who's 81 years old and needs help to walk around. But how wrong we are! Can we ever compare our Lord or limit Him to any form? The past week was an indication of just this truth.

Let me begin with the programme put up by Himachal youth a week ago. there was an excellent bhangra dance followed by a qawwali. Swami was extremely happy with them. He materialised a chain for a youth and asked him to apply for MBA here next year (he's already done an MBA). He distributed clothes to all present and while doing so, He spoke to each and every member of the group. the distribution perhaps took more time than the programme itself. at that point i remembered what he said last year "call the youth from india separately and i shall speak to them"

Over the days, programmes have been put up by devotees from the US, the people from Karimnagar district and so on. Swami has been benevolent in attending to each one of them and showering His love.A few days ago, Swami visited SSSIHMS to inaugrate the renovated reception block.

Yesterday morning, Swami did not give darshan in the morning (the usual Sunday morning blues). In the afternoon, students from class 12 were ready with a skit. to everyone's amazement Swami came out in chair, blessed all the devotees and even took letters. He sat through the entire drama.

The next few days are packed with more programmes as the youth conference is about to begin. on the other end, the final year students of intitute are preparing a drama for the independence day. i guess it just doesn't get any bigger than this! Sai ram

Bonus rounds of blessings

2007-08-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

i felt that this week would be very dry and Swami would keep indoors most of the time. The conference was really a hectic affair. But our Lord doesn't know what's rest. He was only too willing to give joy to His devotees. We feel ashamed at times, because to be frank, the conference tired us a lot. we wanted some rest!
On tuesday, there was a music programme by the devotees of UK (Popat group). They tried their best to please Swami by remixing His own songs! it was really very boring. Swami seconded this opinion as He soon moved inside the bhajan hall and immediately asked the boys to start bhajans. The following day too, there was a music programme, this time, by the devotees of US. i wondered what they were up to ths time. Swami came in the afternoon in chair, blessed all devotees and took letters. The US group had a mix of english songs and hindustani music. but no remixes, all were original and surprisingly very well sung. In between, there was a dance by two boys on the song "Shambho Shiv Shambho". it enthralled one and all. Swami was very pleased, He called them and materialised a ring and chain for both.
On Saturday, there was an orchestra by a German troupe who were on tour in India. Swami was very pleased with their performance and distributed clothes to the artistes. The youth form various parts of India have started coming now. There are some programmes scheduled between 11th and 15th August. Right now, the students are suffering from exam fever. as they say, pleasure is an interval between two pains. Sai ram.

Guru Poornima

2007-07-31T05:37:00.001-07:00

July 29,2007

A grand event came to a close with a an even more grand occasion. What a good fortune that the youth conference had to culminate with the celebration of our Jagat Guru!
To describe the scene at parthi, i'd like to quote what one of the youth in his conference speech had to say "There is so much unity and oneness here in Kulwant hall which can be seen by the fact that all of us are cuddled so close together leaving no inch of space!" we can extend this unity to the entire town as the crowd was just unimaginable.
In the morning, we were all seated early in the kulwant hall to avoid the swelling crowd. Swami came out just before 8 am, led by a procession with the baby elephant in front. it was such a lovely sight to see Swami in His sparkling yellow robe welcomed amidst the chanting of vedas, the music of Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam. Swami went to the portico and the baby elephant followed Him right up there. He fed her bananas and some other fruits. Swami named her Satya Gita. She's very naughty and playful.
Soon after, a Carnatic music programme followed. the two singers sang very well and brought tears to Swami's eyes. Later on, the boys went up to Swami seeking His permission for singing stotrams. Swami looked at the card and talked to the boys but didn't agree. the primary school boys lined up for showing their various masterpieces.It was around 10 am when Swami returned to yajur mandir.

In the afternoon, to our utter surprise, Swami again came in yellow robe. There was a dance programme by people from Latin America. Later on Swami called for the two carnatic singers and asked them to sing again. This time He was in a more generous mood as He called one of them and materialised a bracelet for him. Swami blessed the families of those singers profusely and gave group photographs. It was close to 6 pm when He returned back.

Youth Conference discourse 2

2007-07-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

July 28, 2007

During the valedictory session of the conference, Swami was gracious enough to speak to us in the evening. here are some of the points.

Swami began His discourse with a poem on truth as the basis of everything. Soon, He waved His hand and Lo! a big oval shaped silver lingam came out. Swami showed it to all and said "this is truth"

Truth is the basis

Lingam is the pure truth "Shuddha Satwam". All beings have taken birth from this truth. This truth is in the possesion of Swami only.
Hold on to truth forever. establish it in your heart.
What is "Sathya Sai"? Sathya which has originated from Sai
Reflection, reaction and resound of this truth comes in the form of Dharma.

True Education

True education is truth. Truth, righteousness and peace have no name or form.
Man has highest potential. So he should develop and bring out the 5 human values latent in him
You are God , not a human. You must constantly think so "Yad bhavam tad bhavati". Bad thoughts lead to bad results
Selfish, fragmented love makes you sick and weak . So love all and serve all

You spend lives worshipping idols in temples. Body is a temple. Within this body, there's energy. We must use our discrimination with this energy. Divinity is present in all. You are not energy or the body. I am I
ABC "Always be careful (do not forget yourself)

Everyone here is divine. God is Virata swaroopa "cosmic form". this assembly is a cosmic form.
You are not different from Swami. I and You are one. Strengthen love and remove this duality.
Fruit (love) must ripen in the heart and then tasted before it is shared with others.
God is the only hero (1). all others are zeros(o). without 1, there is no value for 0.

Mind

Mind is not monkey mind, but mankind. it is divine.
Mind spreads light and joy, is the cause of all worries and problems.
Mind changes due to company ( of friends, food). Satsangatwe nissangatwam...( verse from bhaja govindam telling importance of good company)
God is not mind, intellect or imagination. God is God. have this firm faith.
Think that you are Swami with steady mind and meditate.
Polluted water sickens body. This water pollution has a solution i.e. repeating God's name
Body is water bubble, mind is mad monkey. do not follow body or mind. Follow your conscience
Chittasuddhi "pure mind" leads to wisdom. Good thoughts and love are my property. Love is God, live in love
You are born with a pure mind. your sadhana is to see that it remains pure.
Meditate, keep mind steady for 11 seconds. Before the passing of 11th second, you can attain liberation.
Do not waste time and money. If you have time, think of God. He will appear before you. Concentrate deeply.

Devotion

Where there's faith, there's love;where there's love , there's truth; where there's truth, there's God
Simply meditating for hours results in joint pains. So do not strain unnecessarily and do not trespass the limit of 11 seconds. Maintain time
Have good dietary habits. avoid non-veg food. You like cheese. More cheese makes you more weak. too much milk is also bad. Milk and water should be 50:50
Bliss is your nature. Reduce attachments "less luggage more comfort makes travel a pleasure"
Worry is bad, curry is bad. they make heart weak. do not worry. think "this too shall pass"
if you follow Swami's words, you will experience God.

Devotion means steady love for God
Worldly association gives rise to demonic traits.
Once you laugh or smile, love manifests. Do not have caster oil face. God always smiles, so He has no pain anytime

Swami hurt His hipbone, had 4 cracks due to the fall. the doctors advised Him to wear bandage and take rest, but He refused it and went on to give darshan to devotees. eminent doctors came from all over the world and said "Swami give us 5 minutes and we'll cure the ailment". Swami replied "if it is for your spiritual upliftment, i'm ready to give you 5 hours, but if it is for this body, i won't give even 5 minutes."
Swami has no body weakness. He weighs a constant 110 pounds and is very healthy.Your love makes Swami painless. Only devotees, not the doctors can make Swami painless.
Swami's happy to see thousands of youth assembled here. their love makes Swami blissful. He sees waves of happiness (the youth) seated in front of Him.
Your love will make Swami walk very soon. There's no greater medicine than pure loveBhagawan's love is the most powerful medicine. By the time you go back home, you'll be very blissful.
You can see this lingam (showing the lingam he materialised before). Something bigger than this will come out from Swami's throat. but you must wait till Sivaratri.

The discourse was followed by a european music programme where songs were sung in many European languages.

Youth conference discourse

2007-07-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

July 26, 2007

Here are a few excerpts from Swami's discourse that i've noted down-

Man is most precious

The 5 elements are present in all life and non life forms. Man develops knowledge and common sense on these. But inspite of this, he has "ZERO discrimination". thus human quality is on decline.

Man runs after money, without discriminating its need and use.
Mind is the effect of attitude. Man is not one but 3 (the one you think you are.....).
Like a cotton is the basis for cloth, divinity is the basis for human body. Man is spark of the divine

Man is God

When there's fire (god) at home, why search for light outside?
I is ahamkar. Cut the I, then you can say, I am I. this table is god, glass is god, everything is God.
I am not Sathya Sai Baba. it is only a name. I am

Road to God

All depends on reflection reaction and resound. so strengthen faith in God. Then you can develop love. Love is followed by peace, which leads to truth and truth is God.
Love is God, live in love.
Some do meditation, some use japamala. they only learn how to rotate beads. all this is artificial.
Love is everywhere. do not fragment love. you have only artificial love Loving God alone is true love.
in the evening, Swami will explain in a nutshell what is "true love". There's nothing beyond love in world.
Swami has nothing to do with match ( referring to basketball match in the evening. some elders informed swami about it so that he may postpone his discourse). He will be present for all in the evening!

O When the Saints go Marching in...............

2007-07-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

July 26,2007

Lo and Behold! the message has arrived. In my limited years of a Sai student life, i've rarely seen an event as magnanimous and vibrant. it only echoes the zest of the Youth. This World youth conference is an experience to remember a lifetime.
On the previous day, the students of the institute and the delegates from all countries were given a bag which contained a book having experiences of the youth from across the world, a japamala, a notepad, pen and so on.
The next morning at 6.30 am, all of us, the delegates and students, totalling about 6000, assembled near Chaitanya Jyoti museum from where the procession for the conference began. it was led by Vedam group, band groups from university and flag bearers of different nations. As the youth marched towards mandir singing bhajans and chanting the vedas, one could imagine a huge army marching towards its master.
The procession lasted about 1 hour and when we reached the gates, Swami welcomed us, fresh in His orange robe as if a mother was waiting for her children after a long time.
There was hardly any corner of Kulwant Hall, which was spared some item of decoration. From Chinese lanterns to banners containing Swami's sayings, each contributed its bit to make the hall a Vaikunta Mahasabha.
the opening address was given by Michael Goldstein, Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. He spoke of significance of youth in world stage as leaders of tommorow Swami's role in inspiring them. The Sai youth needs to draw the love from their Source and spread it across the world, he said.
Mr Goldstein's address was followed by that of the International Youth coordinator, Mr. Shitu Chudasama. He thanked Swami for His permission and His active participation in overseeing the arrangements.
It was about 10 am before the most awaited moment came i.e. Swami's discourse. i'll cover it in my next post.

After Swami left to Yajur mandir after discourse, we had the first session of speakers Mr Sanjay Sahani and Mrs Mallika Srinivasan. this was followed by a question and answer session by a panel of speakers. Around 12.30 pm, we left for lunch.
During the Q & A session, we got news from Yajur mandir that Swami had consented to the basketball match and that he would be present there at 4 pm. So, around 2.30pm, all of us, the students and delegates, assembled at the International indoor stadium for the basketball match. the mood in the stadium was very lively even before swami's arrival ( after all youth power).the delegates seated were practising mexican waves too.
Swami arrived at around 4pm and blessed the players from India and Sri Lanka. We thought Swami would soon return back as He was more interested in giving discourse that he mentioned in the morning. But to our surprise, swami sat the entire match and was very keenly observing it. He was asking his attending regarding rules of the game! the match wasn't worth watching but our Swami doesn't disappoint anyone. He almost shed a tear when one of the Sri Lankan players fell down. The Indian team eventually won (because of height factor), but Sri Lankans played a good team game. During match intervals, there were dance performances by students of a popular dance school.
Swami returned back to His residence at around 6.30 pm. Truly, it was a very memorable day for all of us. Sai ram.

Run up to the Youth Conference 2

2007-07-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to find even a patch of road these days as one can find only a sea of devotees. The international youth have assembled in very large numbers. Add to it the Aashadi and the Gurupoornima crowd and you'll be lucky to find place to walk around!
Swami has been actively looking into preparations for the conference. inspite of this, he gives a lot of time for devotees everyday. a few days back, there was a drama by the Canadian youth. He profusely blessed them with prasadam and safari clothes.Almost everyday, we see Swami materialising a chain or a ring to some devotee or student during darshan.
Perhaps, the most exciting thing now is the arrival of a baby elephant here. Swami hasn't named her yet. She's about 4 years old. few days back Swami went near the planetarium where she's kept and spent around 45 minutes with her. i heard the baby elephant went ahead and did namaskar to Swami!
There's an exhibition on Swami's life and mission in the form of charts and videos being held in the Poornachandra auditorium. It's very well prepared and interesting to watch. We students especially liked the section of old photos of Swami with students and devotees.
the momentum is slowly building up and i'm sure this week will be a very exciting and memorable one.Sai ram

Run up to the Youth Conference

2007-07-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

With the amount of activity and excitement that's being generated here, i'm sure every Sai devotee would like to be present in Parthi in the days to come. Right from the CEO to the floor manager, everyone seems to be occupied in the preparation for the conference. The CEO seems to be busy in the interview room, perhaps enquiring from the organisers about the developments.
Yet this CEO finds time to spend with her kids, showering her love and grace.Yes, Swami plays the Supermom very well.A few days back, some 3000 devotees from Medak district came to prasanthi nilayam for Swami's blessings. it was literally an invasion of orange scarves in the Kulwant hall. on the first day, there was a drama which was followed by a grand rally portraying the rich culture of Medak district. the programme lasted for 3 hours.
The next day, they had a music programme in the afternoon. Swami called for the two small kids, a boy and a girl, who had presented bouquets to Him on the previous evening. He then materialsed a chain for each of them. Also, many devotees, particularly the drama troupe and singers had received clothes from Swami. it was a very satisfying experience for the Medak devotees.
on Sunday afternoon, the music college students presented a programme. one of the boys, a mridangam player got chain. Swami was very happy with his performance.

Swami, give me a reason to write.....

2007-07-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

It looked like the US group took away all the time and joy from our lord and left us with nothing to cheer about. Yes, we did feel jealous of them but then, honey bees do get more priority than frogs in the pond, right!
it was really a dull week as Swami seemed occupied in the interview room most of the time. he did interact with boys in the bhajan hall before bhajans, but i do not have any information of the conversations.
Everyone was eagerly awaiting Sunday as one chance of interacting with bhagawan through our programmes. the Ist year MBA boys were ready with a short skit and the Anantpur students also had a music programme ready on the same day.
On sunday afternoon, Swami came out as usual and proceeded to the interview room. all of us were anxious as to which campus will get the chance to present their programme. But Swami had different plans. He kept calling the VIPs for interviews till 4.45 pm, inspite of being informed about the two programmes. 10 minutes before the bhajans he came out and straight away proceeded to the bhajan hall! Everyone's hopes were shattered. the bhajans began, and Swami seemed happy as every singer began his bhajan with an alaap.
Suddenly out of the blue, he called the VC and enquired about the programme. When the VC confirmed it, He stopped the bhajans, came straight to the portico and asked the boys "what is the name of your programme?" Few boys went ahead and showed Him the card. The Ist MBA programme was quite forgettable and looked half-baked.
As soon as their skit was over, Swami indicated the Anantpur girls to begin. They were very excited as they had been painstakingly waiting for His approval. For sometime, it looked like the anantpur girls were competing with Ist MBA boys as regards the standards of the programme. But later, they exceeded everyone's expectations with some melodious songs, and one of them was appreciated by Swami with His claps.
Finally, Swami satisfied everyone, the boys, the girls and the devotees as well as he sat in the portico for more than 1 hour. It's getting very difficult to expect Swami to give us time, considering that the Youth World Conference is round the corner.

2007-07-07T01:31:00.001-07:00

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TRUMPCARDS WORK

2007-07-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

The past weekend has been very sombre as there was very less interaction between Swami and students. He was busy giving interviews to the VIPs and hardly anytime did he come out for a round in His wheelchair.

But Sunday is one fun day we all look forward to for, there are always some programmes by the boys on that evening. this week, the Ist MBA class had been preparing for a skit. Unfortunately, on Sunday morning, the skit had to be cancelled from the schedule as the class was not fully prepared. We did not want the weekend to go waste. So, the bhajan group and music college boys got together and in a span of few hours, prepared some solo devotional songs for Swami.

Swami came in the afternoon and fortunately, did come down towards the boys taking letters and blessing birthday boys. We took the opportunity and informed Him that there was a ready programme waiting. So, he agreed and came to the portico. Frankly, there was nothing so special about the programme as it had only solo songs sung by our best singers. After 40 minutes, Swami indicated that he'll take aarati. Finally, the boys played their trumpcard i.e. the song from Ramakatha which Swami is so fond of. Needless to mention, it worked.

The next 20 mintues were full of bliss and blessings from Swami as he called the boys for group photos, gave them safari cloth (asked them to get a pair stitched) and demanded one more group song.It was a memorable day for many.

These beans of grace spilled over to the next day as the devotees from the US (Southeast region)offered a music programme in the afternoon.After the programme, Swami graciously gave sarees and safari cloth to the US group and sat amidst them for long time. he even went around the group taking letters and talking to some devotees. Surely, it would've been the best time in their lives.

With Swami, it's best not to expect or make forecasts for, we never know when fortunes smile upon us.Sai Ram

Downpour of Blessings

2007-06-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

The monsoon here couldn't be better. for the past one week, there was no respite from the weather and Swami was making things worse by staying away from us in the interview room. no sooner did we get this thought than HE decided to SMS Mr Indra! the next few days were soaked in rain and Swami's love. the rains came and went but Swami's blessings couldn't stop showering! last sunday, there was a bhangra programme by students. it was 30 minutes of electrifying dance performance. Most of all, Swami was touched by it. he spent 30 minutes talking to the boys. And why not, those boys had spent an entire week putting their heart and soul in learning bhangra.

Swami's interaction with the boys was a scene to watch.He materialised a chain for a coordinator and a ring for a student.Then he saw the list containing names of all bhangra boys and read out the names one by one as if a teacher was taking attendance! He then enquired as to how many boys were from Punjab (so that the pseudo-sardars could be identified!)

Considering that Swami might be busy preparing for the youth world conference next month, it's a great boon for all the boys that HE is giving us opportunity to present such programmes every Sunday. We can only hope this boon to last longer. Sai Ram.