Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Kodai Darshan Morning 28-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 28-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 27-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 26-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 25-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 24-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 23-04-2009
• Bhagawan leaves for Kodai Kanal , 23 April 2009, Images
• Tamil New Year Celebrations, 14 April 2009, Images
• Vishu Celebrations, 12, 13 & 14 April 2009, Images
• Sri Rama Navami Divine Discourse, 03rd Apr 2009
• Dance Programme by students of SSS University, 09 Apr 2009, Images
• Music Programme by Ms. Dana Gillespie, 05 Apr 2009, Images
• Burra Katha by students of SSS University, 04 Apr 2009, Images
• Sri Rama Navami Celebrations, 2 & 3 April 2009, Report & Images

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Thursday, April 23, 2009
Bhagawan left for Kodaikanal this morning. Accepting Arati from the car at the Mandir at 7.45 am, Swami drove to the airport where His flight – a small business jet – took off at 8.20 am. The students and others who are to join Bhagawan at Madurai for the Kodai trip had left yesterday. From Madurai, the entire party will go to proceed up the Kodai hills once Bhagawan reaches Madurai this morning. Our next update will probably be after Bhagawan returns to Prasanthi Nilayam.

Saturday, April 19, 2009
Bhagawan has been coming for darshan only in the evenings for the last few days. Last evening He came just before five o’clock and accepted Arati after bhajans at 5.30 pm. Today, He came just before six o’clock as the bhajans went on. Accepting Arati at 6.15, Swami went into the interview room and called in a few people one by one including Justice Bhagawati. It was 7.10 pm when He returned to His residence, stopping and talking to a few devotees on the ladies’ side on the way.

Thursday, April 16, 2009
This evening Bhagawan inaugurated the new building of the Sri Sathya Sai Bhaktha Sahayak Sangh which provides administrative offices and warehouse facilities. Moving from Yajur Mandir a few minutes before five o’clock, Swami went to the new building in the car. A welcome song and a few bhajans were sung before Swami accepted Arati there. He then blessed all the stores employees who had gathered in the new building and went around all three floors, blessing all their equipment. An hour later, He came to the Sai Kulwant Hall after completing a round of the Ashram in the car where the evening bhajans were going on, accepting Arati at six o’clock. After Arati, He called up a Primary school boy and blessed him with a chain before returning to His residence.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009
This Vishu and Tamil New Year day, the devotees from Tamil Nadu presented a drama entitled “Sai Yuva Shakti”. Bhagawan came for darshan at 5.15 pm, and came onstage to start the programme just after 5.30 pm after a brief visit to the interview room. The fifty minute presentation highlighted the changes possible when political will meets Sai ideals. Bhagawan came down from the stage for group photographs with the participants and prasadam was distributed while the students sang Bhajans. Ten minutes later, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence in the car.

Monday, April 13, 2009
This evening, the balvikas children from Kerala presented a drama. Bhagawan came for darshan at 5.30 pm and came onstage fifteen minutes later to begin the proceedings. The fifty minute drama was entitled “Madhuram Gayati” and depicted the love of Radha and the Gopikas for Krishna. Swami went down from the stage for a group photo session with the children after their performance and sent clothes for them while Arati was being offered. Prasadam was distributed and Swami returned to His residence in the car at seven o’clock.

Sunday, April 12, 2009
This evening, the devotees from Kerala presented a musical programme. Devotees from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam for celebrating the Tamil New Year and Vishu respectively, and this evening was their first programme. Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair at 5.30 pm, and began the programme when He came onstage at 5.45 pm. After half an hour, the classical Carnatic music concluded, and the bhajans by the students began. As He accepted Arati fifteen minutes later, Swami called up the music troupe and blessed them with clothes before returning to His residence in the car. The Governor of Rajasthan Sri. S. K. Singh and former Election Commissioner Sri. T. N. Seshan were also at Prasanthi Nilayam over the weekend.

Thursday, April 9, 2009
This evening, the students of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented a dance programme. Bhagawan arrived for darshan by 4.15 pm, and when He came to the verandah, He saw the students in costumes in the Bhajan Hall and interacted with them briefly. Later, He came to the stage and the programme commenced at 4.45 pm. The half-hour programme had six pieces with brief introductions in Telugu and English. After the programme, Bhagawan came down from the stage and had group photographs with the students before moving to the interview room. Bhajans commenced and Swami sat onstage till He accepted Arati at six o’clock.

Sunday, April 5, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan had asked the famous Blues singer Ms. Dana Gillespie to sing. The stage was set and Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 5.30 pm. After a brief introduction by the All India Sai Organisation President, the music programme commenced at 5.45 pm. After the forty minute presentation of fusion music with English lyrics, Swami asked the students to sing some English songs. A couple of songs later, He asked them to sing a Telugu song and then accepted Arati before returning to His residence at 6.35 pm.

Saturday, April 4, 2009
This evening, the students of the Sai University presented a Burrakatha entitled ‘Yugavatara’. Bhagawan came for darshan just as the five o’clock bhajans began, and after His darshan round, moved to the interview room. He emerged forty minutes later, and seeing the students in costumes in the Bhajan Hall, asked them to begin their programme. The bhajans were stopped and the Burrakatha began at 5.50 pm. After the forty-five minute presentation, Swami accepted Arati and blessed the participants with group photographs before returning to His residence.

Friday, April 3, 2009
This Ramanavami morning was to be the occasion for the handing over of the first 200 houses of Bhagawan’s flood relief programme to the recipients from Orissa. The families who were to receive Swami’s bounty were seated together as couples in the front part of Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan came for darshan in a yellow robe seated on the raised golden chair at 9.20 am. When He came to the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall, He asked for the distribution function to begin. Utensils, mats and other items of household use were packed in bags and handed over to each family as Swami sat amidst them and watched. The Vedam chanting continued as Swami came onstage and asked for more items to be distributed – pocket calendars and prasadam. Arati was offered at 10.20 before Bhagawan returned to His residence.

The evening programme began with Swami coming for darshan at 4.50 pm. When Bhagawan came onstage, He called up the All India Sai Organisation President Sri V. Srinivasan to introduce the speakers for the day. Dr. Ramesh Chandra Panda, member of the Central Administrative Tribunal of the Government of India, spoke first, explaining Bhagawan’s service projects in Oriya and English. Sri Kondala Rao, the chief engineer associated with Bhagawan’s major projects like the Drinking Water supply projects and the Orissa housing project, spoke next on Swami’s compassion and love in undertaking the projects. Bhagawan then delivered His Ramanavami message. In His fifty minute Discourse, Swami narrated some aspects of the Ramayana story which had profound messages. He also pointed out that Bharatiyas, though they may undergo hardships, are not troubled by them due to their faith in the Lord and their confidence in the Self. It was seven o’clock when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Thursday, April 2, 2009
The bhajans have been held in the Sai Kulwant Hall in the mornings as well as in the evenings for the last couple of days. This morning, Bhagawan came for darshan as the bhajans went on at 9.50 and sat onstage before accepting Arati at 10.20 am. He then asked Prof. Mukundan, the Kerala State Sai Organisation president, to announce the evening programme.

In the evening, devotees from Orissa presented their programme on the eve of Ramanavami. Bhagawan had undertaken to build houses for the flood victims of Orissa, and the first batch of recipients were here today. Once Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round just before five o’clock, He sat there listening to the Vedam chanting for a while before asking the leader of the Orissa group to announce the recipients’ names after a brief introduction. Clothes were distributed to them as they came up to Bhagawan. Swami went into the interview room briefly after the distribution before returning onstage for their cultural programme just before six o’clock.

They began their programme by welcoming Bhagawan with conch-blowing. A “Pala” performance followed, narrating in rustic style their travails and Bhagawan’s helping hand. Bhagawan blessed the main performer with a chain at the end of his performance. A 20-minute Hindi drama on Sabari’s story was the next presentation. After each presentation, the devotees prayed that Bhagawan bless their state with a visit. Swami moved down from the stage and moved among the performers for group photographs before He returned onstage to accept Arati and return to His residence at 6.45 pm.

Sai Baba, YSR cast vote

Sai Baba, YSR cast vote

NOTE: From the morning there have been reports and rumors by some Television Channels and Newspapers that Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba went to cast His Vote in the morning. These rumors are totally untrue. In the morning, Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba went from the Mandir to the Airport directly (to go to Kodaikanal). Sathya Sai Baba is above any Political Party and this article is being published for clarificatory purposes only.

Hyderabad, April 23 (IANS) Godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba Thursday cast his vote in Puttaparthi in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

He went to a polling booth near his abode to exercise his franchise. This is the first time that Sai Baba cast his vote. He later left for Kodaikanal in his special aircraft.

Saibaba, 84, has his followers across the world and they include several heads of states and governments, ambassadors, sportspersons and film stars.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy also cast his vote in Pulivendula assembly constituency in his native Kadapa district. YSR, as he is popularly known, left for Pulivendula from here and exercised his franchise in Bakarapuram area.

The chief minister, who is seeking a third consecutive term from Pulivendula, told reporters that he was confident that the Congress would retain power.

YSR’s son Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, who is making his debut in electoral politics from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency, also cast his vote.

Jaganmohan, an industrialist, told reporters that he had come into politics to serve the people. Earlier, YSR’s wife Vijaylakshmi, daughter Sharmila and daughter-in-law Bharati stood in a queue to cast their votes.

Thai Indian Reference – Mangalorean Reference

Also See:
– India: The world’s most remarkable election

Got A Minute To Spare To Listen About Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Baba

Got A Minute To Spare To Listen About Sathya Sai Baba?

Loving Sai Ram, and greetings from Prasanthi Nilayam.

This Sunday we would like you to spare a minute to read the following three quotations, all of which relate to education:

EINSTEIN:
I want to oppose the idea that school has to teach directly that special knowledge and those accomplishments, which man has to use later directly in life. The demands of life are much too manifold to let a specialized training in school appear possible. Apart from that, it seems to me, moreover, objectionable to treat the individual like a dead tool. The school always has as its aim that the young man leaves it as a harmonious personality not as a specialist…. It is not enough to teach a man a speciality. Through it, he may become a kind of useful machine, but not a harmoniously developed personality. It is essential that the student acquire an understanding of and a lively feeling for values. He must acquire a vivid sense of the beautiful and of the morally good. Otherwise, he with his specialized knowledge more closely resembles a well-trained dog than a harmoniously developed person.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA:
Is that education, which slowly makes a man into a machine? It is more blessed in my opinion, even to go wrong impelled by one’s free will and intelligence than to be good as an automaton. ….The education that does not help the common mass of people to equip themselves for the struggle for life, which does not bring about strength of character, a spirit of philanthropy, and courage of a lion – is it worth the name?

SISTER NIVEDITA:
Our concept of education must have a soul. It must form a unity. It must take note of the child as a whole, as heart as well as mind. Unless we train the feelings and the choice, man is not educated. He is only decked out in certain intellectual tricks that he has learnt to perform. By those tricks, he can earn bread. He cannot appeal to the heart, or give life. He is not a man at all; he is a clever ape. Learning in order to be clever or learning in order to earn a livelihood – not in order to become a man to develop one’s own manhood and manliness – means running into danger. Therefore, in every piece of information imparted to a child, we must convey an appeal to the heart. … There is one way and one way only. It is, throughout the early years of education, to remember that there is nothing so important as feelings. To feel nobly, and to choose loftily and honestly, is a thousand-fold more important to the development of faculty than any other single aspect of the educational process.

Three different quotes from three different people, but echoing very similar sentiments. We presume you must be familiar with the first two names. The third one might not be so familiar; it is the name of an English lady who came nearly a hundred years ago to India in search of spiritual enlightenment, discovered Swami Vivekananda, and settled down to become his disciple, adopting the name Nivedita. Her example recalls the names of two others, namely, Annie Besant whose name would for ever would be associated with the Theosophy movement in India and Mira Ben who became an ardent follower of Gandhi.

Getting back to the quotes, they all, each in its own way of course, convey the same message which is:

– Education should not, in the name of producing specialists, convert humans into skilled robots.
– Education must have a SOUL, meaning it must awaken noble feelings latent in the Heart.
– Education must have a moral base and fill one with moral courage to face the moral and ethical challenges of the world.
– And finally, education must train one for life rather than merely for filling the belly.

It does not take much imagination to realise that these are the very principles that Swami talks about it, and form the basis of education in His Schools and Colleges.

The question arises: “Why did Sathya Sai Baba set up His Schools and Colleges?” Mainly to act as exemplars to a Society that has lost its way. Just look around; there are tens of thousands of colleges and hundreds of universities the world over, all supposed to produce educated men and women. If indeed students are really getting educated in these educational establishments, as everyone believes they are, then how come the world is so full of problems today, indeed more problems than ever before? In fact, it would appear that today’s Society is better at creating problems than in solving them! So what has happened to these various educational establishments, including those with famous brand names? Where have they all slipped?

That is not difficult to determine, if we use the guidelines of the quotes above, which, by the way, is only a small selection of invaluable quotes available on education. From the Greek philosophers to Lincoln to Gandhi, all great men stressed the importance of moral values; and for centuries, some attempt was made to adhere to them as well as to structure education around moral and ethical values. It is only in the half century that followed the Second World War, that values have been withdrawn, rather like pulling the rug under one’s feet. Following which, the inevitable has happened everywhere without exception – politics without principles, business without scruples and all the rest of it; we all know the list, don’t we? Swami has quoted them so many times.

Is there any particular reason why we are harping on this particular theme this Sunday? There sure is, a chain of connected links in fact. First, there was a nasty article directed entirely against Swami in the Hindustan Times, published from Delhi. Quickly came after that a one-hour TV talk show on NDTV, against so-called God-men, and inevitably, there was a lot of mud slinging against Swami. Apparently, the Guardian in the UK also had something but we have not seen that. Anyway, we shall deal with all this anti-Swami stuff elsewhere, but here we would like to look deeper and ask ourselves why Society has become so sick as to see negativity all the time, often unfounded? There are of course superficial reasons as well as deeper causes, and may be we should comment on both.

Superficially, things have changed enormously since World War II, thanks to three factors. 1) Technology, 2) enormous growth in transport and communications, including TV, Internet, etc., and 3) the engine of economic growth becoming supercharged with, shall we say, hyper-activity! The net result of all this is the quest to dominate the mind. In the colonial era, those with money wanted to dominate the land so that they could have easy access to commodities and markets. Later, it was the quest for market, or market dominance, without the expenditure of maintaining armies, that colonialism involved. Now it is mind-dominance, because once the mind is dominated, humans can be manipulated in any way the powerbrokers want.

These are complex matters and maybe we shall comment on them in detail elsewhere, but the bottom line is that everyone is in a tearing hurry in pursuit of their own particular objectives. Those who “inform” wish to do it all very quickly while those “who want to be informed” also want it all very quickly. We see it here all the time working for Radio Sai and H2H. Our boys here work so hard round the clock but most people simply do not have the time to read or listen to what we offer via H2H and via Radio Sai. Most devotees stir into action only when there is a blast of negativity in the outside media.

What we are trying to say is that since everyone seems to want everything in a hurry, the media obliges by having instant opinions and instant commentators. These days, wars, whether they are fought in Afghanistan or Iraq or whatever, are played out in front of TV cameras. Everything from protests to soccer matches to war and insurgency has become subjects for TV shows, talk shows and so on. Is it any wonder that “instant experts” appear everywhere airing opinions left and right without bothering to check whether they are accurate or not? News now means negativity, sting operations and so on. Good works and good news are “boring” and not “newsworthy”. That is the mantra circulated everywhere, and is it any wonder that those who want bang for their bucks as they say, dare to project even falsehood as news, as long as they do a sort of “balancing act” making it appear that they have given “equal” time?

If you think about it deeply, all this is because we have all been brought up bereft of values. Our schools have let us down and that is because Society simply did not think that moral base is important in education. When values are drained away, understanding disappears; when understanding becomes scarce, conflict arises; when conflict erupts, there is pain and even destruction.

This is a huge topic, and we simply cannot do justice to it here. But this much we can and will say. If there is one educational institution that has steadfastly stood for and helped students to absorb values and practice them in the modern world, it Swami’s Institute . That is Swami’s greatest gift to humanity, an Institute that helps students to really understand what morality and human values are all about and how higher learning is related to all that.

So what does higher learning, morality etc., have to do with negative reporting that is appearing to drown out the good work being done by Sathya Sai Baba’s institutions? Simply the following. We must, all of us together but each in our own way, help the Divine Light to reach far and wide. Divine Light cannot be extinguished; however, it can be covered and eclipsed. And we have it in our power to remove that cover. How? Well, if our readers, old students and the like would only take a few minutes off now and then and share with us, good news they have access to, we can spread it far and wide.

The world today is actually very hungry for good news. We know it because of the mail we receive. But the sad point is that good news is not easily accessible. That is because the traditional news agencies do not regard good news as news at all. If however, Sai devotees, share with us what they know, instances where people have come out better by adhering to Dharma, then when others read it, it would give them some courage. We need to hold each other’s hands. There are so many things we can do and do so easily. However, at present we do not; that must change, and when that change occurs, there would be fewer and fewer takers for non-news, bad news and wrong news. For example, strange as it may sound, not many people in Chennai/Madras are aware how much Swami has done to bring water to that troubled city.

When there was no drinking water, everyone hollered and prayed, depending on their disposition. But once water was provided by Sai Baba, few bothered to remember Him and almost took it all for granted, as though it was the job of Sai Baba to do the fixing. Not only is this phenomenal accomplishment ignored, but instead, people ask, “If Sai Baba is God, why did He not stop the tsunami?”

If people only took time off to do some serious reading, then would they have such questions? These days, people seem to want Vedanta in five minutes, and the Gita in just two! If that is all the time we can give to God, then why should we expect God to keep on bothering about us? They ask about God hiding Himself during the tsunami. Who gave land that we so readily pollute? Who gave water that we so readily pollute? Who is killing millions in genocide, God or man? So what are the self-appointed bleeding hearts doing about it?

Let us pull all this together and wind up this seemingly random and apparently disconnected exploration, so that you can see the purpose behind. This is what we would like to say this Sunday, as our bottom line:

1. If some people sling mud at Swami, it is in part because of the corrupted value system of today, which reflects on the tragic erosion of values, in all segments of Society.
2. We may be feel hurt; that is but natural. However, we should not let our feelings run away too much.
3. If criticism comes from the riff-raff, and let us remember that many who try to tarnish Swami do belong to that category, we should not engage in a direct confrontation with them.
4. That said, it does not mean we should always remain silent. There are occasions when one has to exert for the sake of Dharma. That was Krishna’s lesson given to Arjuna. Depending on the circumstances, we must make our judgement and react as fitting and appropriate.
5. We did that from here when we dealt with the UNESCO; that story has been told elsewhere.
6. Similarly, on this occasion, there have been some well composed, dignified and strong response from a few devotees, especially one of Swami’s students; more about this later in H2H.
7. Meanwhile, devotees must try and spend more time trying to absorb Swami’s teachings as well as details of the amazing missions He has executed. It is not enough to have some vague feeling about the Hospitals for example. We must be aware of the moving details so that stench can be rebutted by the fragrance of details about selfless service.

There is much more to be said on this and related themes. For the moment, please do reflect deeply on the extra-ordinary achievements of Swami’s University, and its moral authority. This year, the Institute held its 25th Convocation, and as always, it was held on 22nd November. This might appear like a routine procedure, but if you look at the record of the three hundred and odd universities in India, including those who can trace their history as far back as 150 years, there is not a single university that can boast of such regularity. Even if the Guest of Honour is the President or the Prime Minister or whatever, our Convocation has always been held on 22nd November. May seem like a small thing but compare it with the record of others and you would know what we are talking about. Is the world aware of it? You think this is a small achievement? Well, do you know that right now, a major University in UP, the land of birth of Rama and Krishna, is facing problems because the Vice Chancellor has suspended nearly a hundred students from contesting student elections? And you know why? Because all these students have criminal complaints against them, including murder, yes murder! A university with students on its rolls who have murder complaints registered against them? Amazing but true!

Is it any wonder we have invited your attention to the meaning and purpose of Education? Who in this wide world has done for so long and so consistently what Swami has done and is still doing? Why is the world silent about it? Why are we devotees so ignorant about it?

Jai Sai Ram.

With Love and Regards,
“Heart2Heart” Team

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Friday, March 27, 2009
The new Telugu year “Virodhi” was ushered in on this Yugadi morning with Bhajans in the beautifully decorated Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba arrived just before ten o’clock and came onstage after a full round of the hall in the chair. He sat onstage with the bhajans going on for a few minutes and then asked one of the MBA Professors to announce this evening’s music programme by the students. Arati was then offered at 10.20 am following which Swami returned to His residence blessing many devotees on the way. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 4.45 pm in the golden-coloured special chair and began the music programme by the students when He came onstage at five o’clock. Carnatic and Hindustani classical music along with a Quawwali and semi-classical songs were presented with panache by the students for an hour till Bhagawan accepted Arati a few minutes past six o’clock and returned to His residence.

Saturday, March 21, 2009
This evening, the outgoing batch of students of the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music, Prasanthi Nilayam, presented their gratitude programme. Bhagawan completed His darshan round and came onstage to begin their programme at 5.30 pm. Their hour-long musical presentation fused the Carnatic and Hindustani styles of Indian classical music in a harmonious offering. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 6.30 pm before returning to His residence after a brief interaction with the music college students.
– Gratitude Program by students of SSS Mirpuri College of Music, 21 Mar 2009, Images

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at 5.30 pm while the bhajans were going on. When He came onstage, He called up some of the students who were holding letters, these were the students from the campus here who had secured ranks in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) Exam including a few ranks in the top ten. He interacted with them and blessed them with group photographs, and gave a chain to one of them. It was 6.10 when Swami accepted Arati. He then moved to the interview room for ten minutes before interacting with some devotees on the verandah for a short while and then returning to His residence in the car.

Monday, March 16, 2009
The graduating batch of post-graduate students from the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented their gratitude programme this evening. Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair and after a round of the hall and a brief visit to the Bhajan Hall, came onstage to begin the programme just after 5.30 pm. The students innovated with items like Dumb Charades on scenes of Swami’s childhood, a mimicry session as part of ‘passing the parcel’ and so on, in addition to a musical tribute and short speeches in various languages. Bhagawan went into the interview room after 45 minutes had elapsed, and returned after five minutes for the programme to continue for twenty minutes more. As the students sang bhajans, they went up in small batches and had group photographs onstage. It was seven o’clock when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
– Gratitude Program by final year PG students of SSS University, 16 Mar 2009, Images

Sunday, March 15, 2009
The outgoing batch of students from the Brindavan campus of Sri Sathya Sai University presented their gratitude programme today. Bhagawan came for evening darshan in the chair, and after His darshan round, came to the Bhajan Hall where some of the students were in costumes. After a brief interaction with them, He moved to the interview room and later to the stage to begin their programme at 4.50 pm. Since Bhagawan had called their batch the “Vainateya”s, Vainateya being another name of Garuda, the characters in costumes Lord Narayana, Garuda and Narada gave a brief introduction to their programme of songs interspersed with short speeches in various languages. Bhagawan blessed them with group photographs after their programme and seemed to acquiesce when they pleaded with Him to come to Brindavan. After ten minutes of Bhajans by the students in which they again sang Bhajans like “Aao Aao Nandalala”, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.30 pm.

Saturday, March 14, 2009
Last evening, the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand were to leave, but they were informed that Bhagawan had consented to have their drama this evening, so their stay at Prasanthi Nilayam was extended by another day. Bhagawan came for darshan and went into the interview room after a brief visit onstage, speaking to some ministers from Tamil Nadu on the way. When Swami returned onstage, the programme commenced at 5.30 pm. In a 40 minute drama entitled “Chaitanyam”, the balvikas children and youth brought out a message of love for Mother and Motherland through Educare. Bhagawan came down from the stage and had group photographs with the participants, and then gave them clothes seated amidst them. When He returned to the stage, the students began bhajans at 6.15 pm. A couple of Bhajans later, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
– Holi Celebrations by Bihar and Jharkhand, 11 & 14 Mar 2009, Images

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Sai Kulwant Hall was colourfully decorated for the Holi celebrations by the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand. Bhagawan came for evening darshan at 4.30 pm and when He came onstage twenty minutes later, the Holi celebrations commenced. The programme consisted of dances to the accompaniment of Holi songs by the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand. After their 45 minute programme, Bhagawan went briefly to the interview room, and when He returned to the stage, the devotees commenced bhajans. Swami sent clothes for the participants and blessed them with group photographs while prasadam was distributed. At six o’clock, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Sunday, March 8, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair at 4.45 pm and came onstage entering the verandah from the Eastern side. Listening to the Vedam chanting for a while and blessing some of the students, He went into the interview room before the five o’clock bhajans commenced. In a few minutes, He returned to the stage and sat there while the bhajans went on till He accepted Arati at 5.45 pm. While He was returning to His residence in the car, the students of the outgoing batches of the Anantapur campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University prayed for a chance to sing for Him. Swami stopped His car near them and they sang a couple of songs and got items blessed by Him from the car itself before Bhagawan returned to His residence.

Saturday, March 7, 2009
The outgoing batch of undergraduate students of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of Sri Sathya Sai University were ready with their gratitude programme today. Bhagawan came for darshan and went into the interview room by 5.30 pm. It was nearly six o’clock when He came onstage and asked for the programme to commence. Swami was pleased with their presentation of songs and short heart-felt speeches in many languages. He called them onstage for photographs with Him, and they went up in groups of five and six. After the students, it was the turn of the teachers, and most of the teachers of the University were blessed with padanamaskar and a group photo. After blessing everyone profusely, Bhagawan retired for the day after Arati at 7.10 pm.
– Gratitude Program by III year UG students of SSS University, 07 & 15 Mar 2009, Images

Friday, March 6, 2009
This evening, materials for distribution to the needy were kept in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. The devotees from Khamman were distributing not only items for earning a livelihood like wet-grinders and sewing machines, but also computers with suitable software to visually challenged students and hearing aids for those hard of hearing from a Deaf-Dumb-Blind school in their district. Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall just after five o’clock and went into the interview room. When He came onstage, the leader of the group called out the items for distribution after an introductory speech at 5.45 pm. When the distribution concluded, one of the visually challenged children presented a song on the sweetness of the Telugu tongue. A music programme by the devotees followed, while Bhagawan called up and blessed all the visually challenged students. After half an hour of the songs by the devotees, He called up two of the student singers and blessed them with bracelets. They then sang a few bhajans with alap before Bhagawan accepted Arati at 7 pm and returned to His residence.

Thursday, March 5, 2009
This evening, the devotees of Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh presented their programme. The proceedings got underway with Swami coming onstage and the leader of the group making an introductory speech in Telugu at 5.20 pm. The dance-drama presented by them for the next 45 minutes exhorted the youth to arise and join Sathya Sai. Bhajans by the devotees commenced after Bhagawan blessed the participants, and twenty minutes later, He accepted Arati at 6.45 pm.

Monday, March 2, 2009
This evening, the students of the XI class of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School presented a drama, ‘Journey to Sai’. Bhagawan came for darshan just after five o’clock, and came to the Bhajan Hall after His darshan round, interacting with the students in costumes there for a while. The 50 minute drama began at 5.30 pm once Swami came onstage and the Principal of the school announced the presentation. Swami blessed the participants after the drama by moving down from the stage for group photographs with them. Once He came onstage, He accepted Arati at 6.30 pm. He interacted with some teachers and students for a few more minutes before returning to His residence in the car.

Sunday, March 1, 2009
This morning, Bhagawan came for darshan just after the nine o’clock bhajans began. After completing His darshan round in the chair, He came near the Primary School students, and the XII class outgoing batch of girl students brought up many items to be blessed by Him. After a few minutes of interaction, they began singing songs to Him, and the bhajans were stopped. Swami sat near them and later on the verandah and listened to their singing for nearly twenty minutes, sending them chocolates and vibhuti prasadam. After a brief visit to the interview room, the bhajans recommenced, and Swami came onstage and sat there while the bhajans went on for another twenty minutes. He then moved around the verandah, remaining there for twenty minutes, and then went into the interview room for twenty minutes. It was eleven o’clock when He returned to His residence after accepting Arati onstage. In the evening, He arrived for darshan at 4.45 pm, and had another long bhajan session till just after six o’clock.

Sathya Sai Baba To Hand Over Houses To Flood-Hit On Ram Navami

Sathya Sai Baba To Hand Over Houses To Flood-Hit On Ram Navami
PNS | Cuttack

Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba will offer keys of the newly-constructed houses under the Sai Kutir Yojana to the families which were severely affected by the devastating floods in the State last year.

He will hand over the keys of these housed on the occasion of the Ram Navami on April 3 at Puttaparti in Andhra Pradesh.

Six hundred two families of 14 villages in Cuttack, Puri and Kendrapara districts are included under the Yojna. Out of these, 200 families will be rehabilitated in the first phase. About Rs 6 crore is estimated to be spent in the construction of these 602 houses. Construction company L&T under the super vision of Chalpati Prusti and Ramkrushna Prusty, the engineers of the Prasanti Nilayam, is constructing these houses.

Heads of these 200 families along with their wives are invited to Puttaparti. Expenditure of transporting and lodging will be bore by the Satya Sai Sangathan.

They will get the blessings of Baba, besides new clothes and home appliances. The family members led by Sangathan’s State wing president Prof Harikrushna Das will start their journey on March 30.

The members in support of the Sangathan will present a cultural programme on their miserable conditions after the devastation by the flood and the grace of Baba.

In another programme, these beneficiaries through a song-drama based on the life of the Mythological character Sabari will request Baba to come to Orissa.

The Pioneer Reference

Double Dose Of Amrita

Colusa Vibuthi Manifestations

Double Dose Of Amrita
On Guru Poornima Day, there was a big gathering of devotees from all parts of India at Prasanthi Nilayam, a gathering of at least a few thousands. I had no chance all these years of receiving from Sathya Sai Baba‘s Hands the sanctifying Amrith that He distributes on holy festivals. So I was anxious to be present and to receive it. The devotees had arranged themselves in rows along the verandah and porch and the open spaces opposite the Nilayam expecting Baba to come through there and give the nectar that thrills the soul.

A few minutes before the arrival of Baba, a volunteer asked us, under directions, to go into the Prayer Hall and sit in lines there; for, Baba will enter the Hall and give Amrith there also. Only two or three of us responded and went into the Hall. The rest remained where they were. Meanwhile, Baba started distributing the nectar to the people on the verandah and those who received it came into the Prayer Hall, for it was nearing Bhajan time. The volunteers did not allow us to move out of the Hall to where Baba was; the rule is that no one should disturb others by getting up in the middle and walking towards the door. I prayed to Baba to take pity on me.

After about an hour, Baba entered the Prayer Hall. Seeing a few devotees like me who had not received the Amrith, He summoned for the vessel, and graciously distributed it to those few. He came near me; I was overjoyed that my prayers had been answered; but, to my surprise, He said that I had already received it at His Hands! I could not understand Him. I begged Him to bless me with the Amrith He had in His hand, saying I had not received it. With a smile and a look full of mercy, He said, “All right! Have your second dose!” and poured into my palm a spoonful of the nectar.

After the Bhajan, I returned to my room, with mixed feelings, and sat before the portrait of Baba in my prayer room. To my great astonishment, I saw drops of Amrita, trickling down from that photograph. Baba had given me the first dose of Amrith in my room, in answer to my prayers. What He gave me in the Prayer Hall was the second dose!

O, Sarvajna, Sarvasaktha, Sarvantharyami, Deenadayapara! I surrender at Thy Feet.

Reference

Baba Answers

Sathya Sai Baba

Baba Answers

Perhaps one of the greatest boons that an Avatar bestows upon humanity is to dispel the clouds of darkness to guide them in the path of liberation. Though, in general these counseling comes in the form of Divine Discourses, there were rare occasions when questions pertaining to spirituality and other intricate matters were fielded to Bhagawan. Dr. John Hislop had this rare privilege of seeking answers for some of the trickiest and yet vital questions that represented the common perceptions and doubts of the Sai Fraternity. Read on from the notebook of Dr. John Hislop as published in the Oct 1974 issue of Sanathana Sarathi.

Question: Swami! Excuse me. A person, observing you moving amongst people and choosing some of them for special attention, is puzzled why some are left out.

Sathya Sai Baba: Yes. It is quite natural that you are puzzled. One looking from the outside cannot know who is worthy and who is not.

Question: People say that they are often punished by Swami. Is that a fact?

Sathya Sai Baba: Of course. In punishing a person for misdemeanor, Swami wants to correct the defaulter. But, though harsh in appearance, at other times, he is all Love inside. Sometimes he corrects a person in private; at other times, he does so, in public. For, if he corrects in public, all who hear will learn and see for themselves, what pleases Swami and what does not. Swami is very strict in his principles and rules. An Avatar does not compromise. To the Sadhaka, strictness is, ultimately, the best kindness.

Question: Yes, Swami. Persons near you have to be perfect.

Sathya Sai Baba: People judge Swami by the conduct and behaviour, the earnestness and sincerity, the generosity and humility of those ‘near’ him. So, those who are outwardly ‘distant’ are not apparently dealt with so severely. But, even they are watched and warned. Depending on the situation, I can be soft as a rose petal or hard as diamond.

Question: Swami is the motivator of the individual, I have heard you say it. I know it is true. How then do persons commit faults?

Sathya Sai Baba: Swami is the ‘I’ in you and in every one else. The ‘I’ which prompts you to will, to think and act is the reflection of the ‘I’ that I am. The Sun is reflected in water. wherever it lies; whatever its quality. The Sun warms the water it shines upon. When the reflection is in muddy water, we say the person is Tamasic—dull, slothful, stupid, fond of darkness, revelling in ignorance. When the Sun is reflected in water that is quivering in ripples, the person is Rajasic, passionate adventurous, emotional. When the Sun is reflected in clear calm limpid water, the person is Satwic, calm, unruffled, full of peace and inner joy.

Question: Many Gurus teach, “All is done by the Lord; and, not by you.” But, the world over, there is the concept, that man is responsible for his actions.

Sathya Sai Baba: As long as you believe you are only human, this concept will persist. But, that cannot change the truth—”You are God.”

Question: We do not will to be human, and not God!

Sathya Sai Baba: No, you do not. It is just a matter of being confused. It is a delusion. At present, there is in you a mixture of 5 states of consciousness: the unconscious, the subconscious, the conscious, the super conscious and the Divine Consciousness, where God alone IS. When you raise yourselves from one state to another, the idea of your being merely human will vanish of itself. The Gita teaches man first to engage himself in `work’; then, he is asked to `give up the desire to earn the fruits of work’; later, he is told that Dharma is his only concern; afterwards, Dharma is interpreted as Dharma for liberation; finally, he is told that even the desire for, Liberation is to be given up. `Be attached Jo Me alone’, is the final lesson. You do not will to be human; you are misled to believe so.

Question: Pardon a question that borders on the personal. Swami seems, to us to have different moods; what does this mean

Sathya Sai Baba: I am not hurt by any type of questions; in fact, I want you to be free of all doubt. Remember, Swami is always happy. He is always Bliss. No worries, no concerns can affect the Bliss.

Question: Yes. Swami is often heard saying, `Yes. Yes. Yes’.

Sathya Sai Baba: Your tendency is to say `Yes’ to that which is pleasing to you, and ‘No’ if the prospect is otherwise. Swami says, `Yes. Yes. Yes.’ to everything that comes. For, everything is My Gift; everything is Good for the person, at the time, for the purpose I have in view.

Question: Considering the Task that Swami has undertaken, it is strange that You are always in Bliss.

Sathya Sai Baba: The boat glides over the flood; but, does not allow the flood to enter it. On Swami’s shoulders alone rests an ever increasing burden. The problems and sorrows of millions of people; the institutions and individuals who turn to Him for guidance; the interviews, the prayers, the petitions. On the mental level, unknown to you, I am with all who yearn for God, no matter where they actually are, over the entire world.

I am by the side of seekers, saints, yogis, rishis, everywhere, watching them, counselling them, fostering every sign of progress towards God and Self realisation. But, the Bliss in Me is constant, unchanging. Even outwardly, My Bliss can be noted as constant, even while I may appear angry, impatient, aloof or distant. The anger is put on, just to set right some situation; the aloofness is assumed, for the particular time and place. My Love is as constant as My Bliss.

Question: Those saints, rishis and sages do they pray for counsel? Is not praying the same as begging? If we are God, we beg only from ourselves.

Sathya Sai Baba: It is not begging, when you ask God for something. When you receive what He gives, you have to rise up to His level, at least for that moment. When you beg from, one equal to you, you put yourselves down and he is raised up. When you beg from one lower than you, you degrade yourself still lower. But, when you beg from God, you rise; you are elevated in spirit and you sense fulfilment.

Question: But, I had thought that since God knows all, He would remedy the situation, if it is appropriate that it should be done.

Sathya Sai Baba: Of course, He would, provided you have surrendered fully, without any reservation. But, until then…

Question: Yes. Swami had written in a letter to me, “Do not worry about your health. Your God is always with you, in you and around you.”

Sathya Sai Baba: That is right. What I said is enough, for those who have surrendered! You must weaken your sense of identification with the body. You may have a headache today, a stomachache tomorrow. Don’t worry. You are not the body; no; you are the Atma, the Divine Dweller in this body. Once I have told you not to worry, there is no more need to ask Me about it. Don’t identify.

Question: Swami said that while praying to God, the petitioner raised himself to the level of God. In order to make such a prayer, in what state of mind should one first put himself?

Sathya Sai Baba: It is not necessary that one should put oneself into any particular state of meditation.

Question: Usually, the advice is, that one should go to a quiet place and be in a quiet mood when he wishes to pray.

Sathya Sai Baba: Wherever and whenever you put yourselves in touch with God, that is the state of meditation. You may feel that 1 P. M. in California is not a good time to call Me, for I may be asleep in India and that I should not be disturbed! I know you have felt like that once or twice. But, I am omnipresent; I have no such limitations. I never sleep. At the middle of the night, I turn off the light and rest in bed, because if the light is on, devotees will gather. I have no need of sleep. But, you need at least 4 hours of sleep.

Question: If I am walking in the street, with people around, and my mind engaged with things I must do, is that a good time?

Sathya Sai Baba: At the beginning; one might need some special circumstances for clearing the mind of junk and concentrate on God; but, when you become aware of God in every thing and everywhere, no matter where you are, it is the same; prayer can emerge from the heart and reach God.

Question: Swami! You have said that in meditation one should strive to cut off the Form aspect. But, we worship your Form and like it. We pray to that Form.

Sathya Sai Baba: That is the right thing to do; but, later, when visualisation is abandoned, you come closer. Now, you are looking at Me directly.

Question: Swami! When they heard of, Krishna’s Death, many Gopis fell lifeless from the shock. So, their relationship was only with the Form of Krishna, it seems.

Sathya Sai Baba: No. The Gopis had both relationships. Because of their years of close companionship, they were strongly attached with the physical Presence. But, they also knew Krishna in their hearts as their Innermost Reality. They always felt He was with them, even when His worldly activity took Him far away, physically.

Question: Then, why the terrible shock? If Krishna was so firmly imprinted on their hearts?

Sathya Sai Baba: Their only reason for placing any value on the body was that Krishna was also in physical existence! When Krishna left, they had no more interest in the world!

Question: One last question, Swami! On behalf of America. Will Swami come soon?

Sathya Sai Baba: My coming will delay, until a base is built in America. However, I can go to America or any other Continent, informally, any time. The devotee need only call Me; I will appear at once

Reference

Sri Jodi Adipalli Somappa

He has a million names and a million forms, though He is beyond all names and forms, all adulations and attributions. The One whose stature transgresses all the limits and benchmarks set by the worldly, He often comes in response with the most viable and potent solution to his puzzles and problems. Quite often we have experienced this gentle tap from the Greater Heaven in the most unexpected, unfamiliar form. Read on for yet another story of His ‘visiting card’ born out of the pen of the illustrious Prof. N. Kasturi, as published in the Sanathana Sarathi, May, 1959.

Sri Jodi Adipalli Somappa

“Then, suddenly from among the crowd, an old man emerged. He shouted in a loud commanding voice, ‘Give the child to me;’ there were two women and one man with him, who also pleaded, ‘Give the child to him, lady! He is famous as a curer of children’s diseases. He has saved many children from death.’ And, so, losing all fear, my wife handed over the child to him.”

This is from a letter written by S. R.V. on 28th November 1958. The incident happened on 25th November 1958. The ‘old man’ was no other than Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself; the two women and the man who accompanied him were also creations of His Grace and Power, whom He had with Him, while He appeared in disguise in His Mission of Mercy! The child is the lovely little baby that Sathya Sai Baba is seen holding, in the picture that forms the front-piece of this number of Sanathana Sarathi. (NOTE: The same image is reproduced in this article) Let us now look a little closer at this strange story, this Leela of Bhagawan…

Sathya Sai Baba With Sudha

Sudha Raghunathan As A Child With Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

A devotee, S.R.V. from Bangalore had come to Puttaparthi, with his wife and child, for the Birthday Festivities of the Bhagawan, on 23rd November 1958 and he left the Prasanthi Nilayam on the 25th at 12.45 P.M. taking leave of Baba, and receiving from His hands, the Vibhuti which He gets by a mere wave of the Hand, as well as a few oranges.

At 5:30 P.M. that evening, when some devotees gathered round Him at the Prasanthi Nilayam, Baba told them a dramatic tale of ‘death’ and ‘rebirth!’ He said that S. R. V.’s child, Geetha Sudha, called Sudha, for short, had died on the way to Bangalore at 2:45 p.m. but, He had left His body at Puttaparthi and hurried to the place and manifested Himself as an old man and saved the child. His narration was full of details and very clear and devotees who keep diaries of their experiences have recorded every word of it. He said that the child was sleeping on the back seat; that a scratching sound was heard by the mother; that when she turned she was shocked to find the baby stiff and blue and practically lifeless; that the moving car was stopped; that the time was 2:45 P.M.; that the place was between Palasamudram and Bagepalli; that a huge crowd of villagers gathered on account of the wailing; that every one was advising all kinds of remedies and cures; that a bus proceeding to Hindupur came on the scene, was stopped and added to the confusion; that as soon as the bus moved off, He appeared as an old man and demanded that the child be given over to Him, saying that He heard about the tragedy and had come running to the place; that He asked the party for a little Vibhuti, because He was sure they had it; that, keeping the child on His lap, He showed it His real form, upon which the baby, as usual on all occasions when He took the child up in His hands, cried; that He pretended to go through some curative rituals and handed the baby to the overjoyed parents; that S. R. V. thanked Him profusely for His service; that he offered to pay Him a rupee, which He refused to accept; that he pressed upon Him an Orange out of the five or six that He Himself had given him at noon while leaving Him at Puttaparthi, and that after invoking upon that fruit the calamity that had pursued the baby, He threw it away before reaching the Nilayam!

On the 28th November, a long letter written by S. R. V detailing the entire incident was received at Puttaparthi and it was given over by Baba to be read by those who had heard Him describing the miracle, three days earlier, within a few hours of the ‘death’ and ‘re-birth.’ What a surprise it was to read in the letter that the child was sleeping on the back seat (!) there was heard a scratching sound (!) that the body was stiff, that the child was breathless, that the villagers ran in from all directions, that there were suggestions galore, that the Hindupur bus was stopped at the scene (!) and then, the para quoted above! “Then, suddenly from among the crowd, an old man emerged…”

The letter continued, “The old man placed the child on His lap and she began to cry (!) He also heated a copper wire and applied it to the brow. We thanked him much for saving the child to accept at least a rupee as a reward (!) But, in spite of our best efforts he refused to accept it. I then gave him an orange from among the ones which Baba had given us while leaving. He asked us to leave for Bangalore without worry and do Arati to our Ishtadevata, Venkataramanaswami as soon as we reached home. I asked him his name and he gave it as Jodi Adipalli Somappa.”

S. R. V. concluded his letter thus, “I am now certain that the Old Man was no other than Baba Himself. I also suspect that the three villagers who asked us very forcibly to give Sudha into His Hands were also ad hoc creations of His Leela. My inference is that Baba must have gone on a ‘trance’ about 2:30 or 2:45 P.M. on the 25th.”

We, who had heard Baba relate the whole thrilling story on the 25th evening itself, have no doubt in our minds that Jodi Adipalli Somappa is no other than Baba Himself, Baba manifesting Himself 48 miles away to save the child!

Om Jodi Adipalli Somappaya Namah. . . Mysterious are the ways of the Lord. Words are of no avail, if one desires to describe Him. The mind is too feeble and instrument to measure His Glory. . . . . aprapya manasa saha!

(Readers may note that the story is an episode from the life of one of the distinguished voices in the carnatic music in India, Sudha Raghunathan from Chennai. Smt. Sudha Raghunathan has experienced the rare blessing of singing in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on various occassions)

Reference

Sathya SaiBaba – Test My Omnipresence

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya SaiBaba – Test My Omnipresence

Once, when my husband was on a tour – he had to tour the whole of Madhya Pradesh – my son became very ill, and had 103-104 degrees fever for 5 days! One doctor came and saw him, and at first he thought that it was malaria, and then he said it was influenza; he couldn’t find the precise cause. So he went on treating, but my son didn’t respond to any medicine!

Then, on the 4th day, he came and told me, “I suspect it could be typhoid.”

My son was maybe 5 or 6 years old, and his fever was not coming down at all! He became delirious! His brain was a muddle. He could not recognize people; he didn’t know what was happening. He would say all sorts of irrelevant things! He didn’t recognize I was his mother; he just looked at me and was running away from the bed and was babbling! I was trying to put him into bed, but he wanted to run! I was worried and wondered what had happened to him!

Then immediately, Sathya Sai Baba‘s thought came in my mind: ‘I told you to test My Omnipresence! Now is the time for you to test! Go and pray to me.’ Not that I heard a Voice or something; it just came into my own mind. I told the maid to somehow manage and look after the child, and I will just go and pray, and return.

So I went to my shrine – it was 9 o’clock – and I talked to Swami:

“Swami, You said to test Your Omnipresence. Today I need Your Omnipresence, because this child is behaving so queerly! I can’t even understand what is happening! I want your help! You must fulfill 3 conditions of mine! One, when I go back now, he should be fast asleep; he shouldn’t be running and saying all sorts of things! Then I will know you are Omnipresent. The 2nd is, when I get up in the morning, and when I check his temperature, it should be normal – exactly 98.4 – I will not even accept a 99! The temperature usually goes up again in the afternoon. So when I will test again in the afternoon, and in the evening, it should be continuously 98.4! He should be absolutely normal in every sense! Then I will believe you have helped him.”

Swami had told us that to contact Him, you have to do japa, chant His Name. He is hridayavaasi, the Indweller and He is listening not just to me, but everybody else too, because He is within everybody. So the message will reach Him.

Then I got up and returned to the bedroom, and I found him fast asleep! Then I asked my maid: “When did he go to sleep?” She said: “Amma, a few minutes after you went, he went off to sleep.” And in the morning too, he got up very normal! None of that babbling was there! He recognized me as he has always been! I took his temperature in the afternoon and evening – it was 98.4! What more did I need?

Apparently at that time, Sathya Sai Baba was in Venkatagiri, with the Maharaja of Venkatagiri and He was talking to them at 9 o’clock. He used to stay with Venkatagiri and Kumara Raja (the King’s son) during the festival of Sri Rama Navami. Maharaja used to take Swami by car to Venkatagiri.

So at that time, when I prayed at 9 o’clock, Swami was talking to Maharaja of Venkatagiri, and He went into a trance! He just fell back and they couldn’t understand what happened!

When Sathya Sai Baba came around, they asked Him: “Swami, what happened?” They had heard about HIS trance but had not witnessed one till then. So they asked Him: “Was it a trance? Did you go anywhere?” Swami confirmed this.

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Music Program by Mahila Devotees of Andhra Pradesh, 10 Feb 2009, Images
• Cultural Program by Chittor District, Andhra Pradesh, 03-04 Feb 2009, Images
• Chinese New Year Celebrations, 30-31 Jan 2009, Report & Images
• Bhajans by Devotees from Middle East, 29-30 Jan 2009, Images
• Cultural Program by Delhi Youth, 28 Jan 2009, Images
• Distribution of Essential Implements by Delhi and Krishna District, 27 Jan 2009, Images
• Cultural Program by Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, 26 Jan 2009, Images
• Divine Discourse on Makara Sankranthi, 14 Jan 2009
• Skits by University Students , 13 & 14 Jan 2009, Images
• Makara Sankranthi, 14 Jan 2009, Report & Images

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The last couple of days had extended bhajan sessions in the evening with Swami in the interview room for much of the time. This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at 4.30 pm and while crossing the ladies, interacted with some of them. As a result, the students were asked to clear the centre of the hall, and a group of ladies from Hyderabad came up to present a music programme. They began with Vedam chanting while their accompanists scrambled to bring their instruments. Bhagawan listened to their presentation for 45 minutes before He went into the interview room and they began singing bhajans. Swami emerged in ten minutes with clothes for all the performers. While the sarees and safari pieces were being distributed, Bhagawan interacted with some of the group members. The students began bhajans and prasadam was distributed. Swami accepted Arati ten minutes later at 6.15 pm before returning to His residence in the car.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009
This evening, devotees from Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh presented their programme. Bhagawan arrived by 4.45 pm and when He came onstage, the devotees brought up many items for Blessings and then began their drama “Sri Paadaalu”. After the 45 minute Telugu drama which presented the transformation of a scientist with scenes from the famous pilgrim centres of Chittoor – Kaanipaakkam, Tirupati and Kalahasti – the devotees sang a few bhajans while prasadam was distributed. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 6 pm before returning to His residence in the car.

Saturday, January 31, 2009
This evening, the Chinese devotees from the South East Asian countries continued their Lunar New Year celebrations. Bhagawan was ushered into Sai Kulwant hall in a procession with lion dancers and children chanting mantras at 5.15 pm. The Singapore Sai organisation President gave a brief welcome address after many traditional items like red packets and Mandarin oranges were offered to Swami. This was preceded by chanting of Buddhist and Vedic mantras by the children. Dances by children from Indonesia and Malaysia were followed by a drama ‘Love and Gratitude’ in which these values were brought out in three brief parts. A couple of songs and bhajans in Mandarin were followed by a bhajan by the students while prasadam was distributed. Swami then accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 7 pm.

Friday, January 30, 2009
Devotees from South East Asia and China have arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam along with Tibetan monks from their monastery in Karnataka for the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This evening, they were to present a programme of chants. In the morning, Bhagawan had told the UAE group that He would give them prasadam in the evening. Accordingly, they were seated separately in rows with paths between rows. Swami came for darshan at 4.45 pm, and moved among them in His chair for more than half an hour, giving them vibuti packets. After a brief visit to the interview room, He then emerged onstage for the Chinese New Year celebrations to begin with chanting by the Tibetan monks.

The programme of chanting was preceded by the presentation of Katas or ceremonial scarves and other items to Bhagawan. The half-hour of chanting by the Tibetan monks was followed by chants by all the devotees of various Buddhist and Tibetan mantras followed by the Gayatri mantra. The devotees sang a bhajan while prasadam was distributed, and Bhagawan accepted Arati before returning to His residence at 6.50 pm.

Thursday, January 29, 2009
Devotees from the UAE and other Gulf states presented a programme of songs and bhajans this evening. The 400-strong group was seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant hall with their green scarves. Some of the Tibetan monks who have already arrived for the Chinese New Year celebrations later this week were seated next to the UAE group. Bhagawan arrived just before five o’clock, and when He came onstage, the devotees began with “Sundara Sundara Vinayaka”. After every couple of bhajans, they sang simple devotional songs in Persian, Arabic and Urdu, extolling the many names of Allah. After half an hour, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 5.50 pm.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
This evening, the Delhi youth presented their cultural programme. Bhagawan arrived at five o’clock, and after a round of the hall, went into the interview room and emerged in a few minutes to go onstage and begin the programme – a half-hour bilingual drama in English and Hindi and then half an hour of group songs. Bhagawan blessed them with prasadam and clothes, and asked for bhajans by the students. After a couple of bhajans, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.30 pm.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan blessed both the Delhi youth and Krishna district groups to have their distributions. The centre of Sai Kulwant Hall was filled with items for distribution. Sewing machines, bicycles, grinders and other kits for vocational self-sufficiency were being provided by the devotees from Krishna district to 83 needy recipients. The Delhi youth were distributing tricycles to physically challenged folk from Anantapur district. Arriving for darshan by 4.10 pm, Swami moved to the interview room after taking a look at the items arrayed for distribution. At 4.25, He came onstage and moved down from the centre ramp to sit among the recipients. The distributions of both groups concluded in twenty minutes, with the recipients coming up to Swami as their names were called out. Bhagawan then asked for prasadam to be distributed. Not content with that, He Himself moved among all the recipients and their helpers in His chair, giving them vibhuti packets and interacting with many of them. It was 5.15 when He returned onstage and asked for the bhajans to begin. Half an hour later, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Sunday, January 25, 2009
Groups from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kerala, the UAE, Delhi and Krishna district (of Andhra Pradesh) have gathered at Prasanthi Nilayam, so the Sai Kulwant Hall is packed and overflowing. This evening, the devotees from Krishna district presented a programme. Bhagawan arrived at 4.50 pm in His chair, and after He reached the centre of the hall, gave some directions to Mr. Chakravarthy, the Central Trust Secretary who was following Him. After Mr. Chakravarthy returned completing the errand, Swami turned back and the children sitting on the path moved to make way for Him. Swami then came onstage and the programme began with devotees bringing up items for Blessings. An announcement was made about the seva activities undertaken in Krishna district, and a tiny tot made a short Telugu speech about his Lord. The drama ‘Krishna Tarangaalu’ then got underway. Bhagawan’s message of Value-based service to humanity was brought out in the drama which had many dances and songs. At six o’clock, when the performance concluded, Swami came down from the stage and blessed the group with group photographs and clothes. At 6.15, bhajans began. Prasadam was distributed, and at 6.30, Swami accepted Arati and returned for the day.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The last few days have been quiet at Prasanthi Nilayam after the Sankranti celebrations. Bhagawan has been coming in the evenings, and occasionally before the five o’clock bhajans begin. Some of the bhajan sessions were extra long, like on Sunday morning, with Swami accepting Arati only after more than an hour of singing. Evening bhajans continue to be in the Sai Kulwant hall, so all have the blessing of seeing Swami while singing to Him. This evening, Bhgawan came for darsan by 4.10 pm, and a couple of days back He had come at 4.30 pm.