Archive for September, 2011

Dasara – Day 3

Today was a historic day in Prasanthi Nilayam. Today we complete 50 golden years since the first Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna was performed in Bhagawan’s Divine Physical Presence at Prasanthi Nilayam in the Navaratri of 1961. The ritwiks assembled at 0700hrs in the Bhajan Mandir of Sai Kulwant Hall. After the preliminary chants they accepted diksha vastram (new clothes) from the Ashram elders and invoking the blessings of Bhagawan changed into the same. The Kalasam was then taken in a procession to the Poorna Chandra hall where it was installed on the western end of the dais,. A special Kumkum Archana along with Lalitha Sahasranama Parayanam was commenced by the Head Priest and his wife.

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Dasara – Day 2

On the second day of Dasara, the students covered 23 villages of Puttaparthi and Kothacheruvu Mandals in the morning after circumambulating the Mandir. The evening programme started at 1630hrs with Vedic invocation.

At 1650hrs Sri Ajit Popat started his talk in his characteristic style. He reminisced about the very first Grama Seva and the instructions Bhagawan had given him and his group then. Stressing on the strength and power of one’s mind, He recounted the four stage of Sadhana or Spiritual Practice as defined by Bhagawan to him, namely, Feel->Know->Experience->Realise. It is important to feel that the throne in the Sanctum Sanctoram is not empty. He is seated there as the eternal witness, he stressed.

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Dasara – Day 1

On this extremely auspicious day of the birth anniversary of the Beloved Sai Baba of Shirdi (as revealed by Bhagawan), Prasanthi started her Dasara festivity with Kalasa Sthapana at 0800hrs in the Bhajan Mandir of Sai Kulwant Hall. At 0830hrs, students of Bhagawan started this year’s Grama Seva. 23 villages including Kodapaganipalli and Narepalli of Kothacheruvu Mandal was covered today.

This evening saw a scintillating presentation of Classical Hindustani Music by Ustad Gulshan Bharti, a renowned exponent of the Lucknow and Senia Gharana. Ustad has earned name and fame across the globe, showcasing Indian classical musical forms at the Festival of India in France in 1991, Russia in 1987, Canada in 1988 and Pakistan in 1986.

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London Youth Performance

Every year during Grama Seva, Bhagawan has permitted a group of youth from London to join the students in the annual labour of love. These blessed youth presented an hour’s programme last evening comprising of Vedam chanting and a Bhajan Medley.

Gram Seva Preparations

Dasara season begins in Prasanthi Nilayam. The grand tradition of Grama Seva and Veda Purusha Saptaha Gyana Yajnam are to begin on 28th and 30th respectively. Grama Seva T-shirts, socks, kerchiefs and caps were distributed to the boy students and sarees to the girl students of the various educational institutions of Bhagawan.

Parthi Yatra by Prakasam District

Devotees from Prakasam District got their opportunity to perform their annual pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam this week. A speech and a Carnatic music concert comprised the first day’s programme. A skit entitled ‘Seva Aradhana’ was presented on the second day.

The programme commenced with Vedic recitation at 1630hrs. At 1700hrs, Sri. Sriramamurthy, District President of Prakasam District addressed the gathering. He started his speech enumerating the contribution of Prakasam District to the culture of Bharath, to its society and the holy mission of Bhagawan. Conveying his salutations to the various temples of the district, and expressing gratitude for the various industries it houses, he reported on the activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in the district.

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Prakasam Drama

The second day’s proceedings by devotees from Prakasam District consisted of a dance drama entitled ‘Seva Aradhana’ based on the Educare philosophy of Bhagawan.

The programme commenced with Vedic recitation at 1630hrs. At 1700hrs, the skit opened with a colourful dance by children. At the end of the dance, the scene shifted into morose mood with parents confronting the teacher for the unconventional curriculum of the school. The teacher explains that the educational philosophy of the school is based on the ideals of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his aim is to convert every student into a Vivekananda.

The sceptical parents put forth a number of question which are answered by their own wards who take the side of their loving teacher. Seeing the confidence and idealism in their wards the parents realise the value of Educare and they enquire with the teacher about Bhagawan. The teacher replies that Prasanthi Nilayam cannot be explained. One has to come, see, experience and enjoy. He explains that Bhagawan lived his life as an epitome of Selfless Service and while questioned on His identity, replied , “ I am God and you too are God. Realise that this is the Truth.“.

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Prakasam Music Concert

Devotees from Prakasam District got their opportunity to perform their annual pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam this week. A speech and a Carnatic music concert comprised today’s programme. A skit entitled ‘Seva Aradhana’ is scheduled for tomorrow.

The programme commenced with Vedic recitation at 1630hrs. At 1700hrs, Sri . Sriramamurthy, District President of Prakasam District addressed the gathering. He started his speech enumerating the contribution of Prakasam District to the culture of Bharath, to its society and the holy mission of Bhagawan. Conveying his salutations to the various temples of the district, and expressing gratitude for the various industries it houses, he reported on the activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in the district.

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Onam 2011

Onam, the prime Kerala festival that marks the homecoming of legendary king of yore, Emperor Mahabali was celebrated in Prasanthi with much devotional fervour attended by a miniscule of Kerala along with devotees from other parts of the world.

With the state of Kerala celebrating its most colourful festival Onam, with gaiety and fervour commemorating mythical past, peace and equanimity as practised by its erstwhile Emperor Mahabali, a miniscule of Kerala camping in Prasanthi celebrated the festivity commemorating the golden past of Onam in the immediate Divine presence.

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Thiru Onam Day

Prasanthi Friday celebrated Onam,  Kerala’s  most important and colourful festival, with traditional gaiety and fervour commemorating a mythical past of plenty, peace and equality.

Onam, the Kerala fetival that has been greatly privileged to be present in the immediate Divine Presence of the Mighty Avatar of the age, year after year over the past more than three decades, returned to Prasanthi once again with a miniscule of Kerala present here this morning welcoming the advent of the auspicious day. Today is Thiruvonam, the day when the whole of Kerala await, as per the legend, the arrival of erstwhile emperor Mahabali who is supposedly making his annual goodwill visit. More than the emperor, it is sure, on this beautiful friday morning, every single Kerala soul present in this township, has been on the look out for The Presence, of the Beloved of all beloveds, Bhagawan Himself, for Onam has always been the rarest and most beautiful happening for both Prasanthi and Kerala in His direct physical presence eversince its inclusion in the Prasanthi festive calendar.

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