23rd November… The Day Of His Epochal Advent!!!

A thousand ‘full moons’ and way beyond, a day dawned that was to brilliantly enhance the destiny of mankind. The glorious day witnessed the ‘birth’ of a Divine Babe, in a tiny hamlet of South-India, Who would be called ‘Sathya’ (Truth) and Who would usher in a golden era of great moral and spiritual regeneration. The blessed dawn was a culmination of the ardent prayers of holy ones for a Saviour on earth and the fulfilment of the promise given by Bhagawan Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita - 

“yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata abhyutanama adharmasya, tad aatmanama srujyamyaham”

(O Bharata! whenever there is a decline in dharma and rise in adharma, I shall incarnate MySelf to save the world.)

23rd November 1926 stands for the glorious day when this Divine promise was redeemed and the Avatar of eternity, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai chose to make His Advent. Today, when once again the ‘His-Storic’ day revisits us, it is time for celebration, here, in His Supreme Abode at Prasanthi Nilayam. Again comes His solemn reminder!

“When Love Pure and Noble is born in each heart, ‘that’ moment is a true Birth of Me in you…of  My Advent…that is a celebration true…” echoed Bhagawan long ago, discoursing on this epochal day of His Advent, 23rd November.

As week-long celebrations culminates to this dotted Day, Prasanthi turned a ‘blushing bride’ this auspicious morning, decked up in multihued style, awaiting Him yet again in His unmatched regal splendour.

Proceedings in the morning began in the customary way with Vedam followed by the ‘student bands many’ taking turns to play short stints of gratifying, loving tunes unto Him, serenading Him “Happy Birthday”.

The Incredible, Inexplicable, Inscrutable…That He Is… can never be fathomed, but only attempts be made, singing unto Him heart-wrenchingly, soul-stirringly, appeasing Him. A collective rendition of ‘Guru Vandana‘ next was an attempt in this line, singing all-hearts-out unto Him in childish innocence, with full of love and gratitude.

The annual report of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was then placed at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet. Sri SS Naganand, Member Trustee, then presented the salient features of the Trust activities in a nutshell, covering various strata of activities.

The Trust had an active participation in the government initiated NTR Sujala Patakam for providing quality drinking water. 52 river osmosis projects were initiated by the Trust under the scheme, positively affecting a huge population. Another notable feature that Sri Naganad mentioned was the noteworthy self-sufficiency attained in internal energy consumption in the Ashram allied institutions. 40 perc of the need is met with Solar Energy Projects.

The Medicare mission with 2 super speciality, 2 general hospitals, 2 mobile hospitals had an impressive outpatient statistics, monetarily equalling Rs. 175 crores. A new Sai Digital Initiative is in the pipeline, integrating various Sathya Sai websites. Radio Sai’s ever expansive reach around the globe, reach out to the masses via social media networks, the new Sri Sathya Sai Convention Centre initiative, all found mention in the report apart from the phenomenal growth in the field of education. Concluding his inspiring speech, Sri Naganand touched upon Bhagawan’s Mission that He had declared long ago, saying “I Have A Mission…”.

Bhagawan’s Divine discourse followed next. There is nothing new to be taught  to you today. All miseries should be forgotten, dwelling in Love and Godhood, reminded Bhagawan, discoursing on the inner significance of Bhavani-Shankara Tathwa. Discoursing on the same Bhagawan exhorted all to understand the Shankara Principle taking it as main responsibility. Elaborating on his maxim, Daiva Preeti, Papa Beeti, Sangha Neeti, Bhagawan had an advice for all to traverse the right path, growing in confidence. Bhagawan concluded His Divine discourse with the bhajan, “Bhajana Binaa Sukha Shanti Nahin…

A pause next was filled with University Bands followed by bhajans ensued before the arrival of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Of Andhra Pradesh Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu. Coming to Prasanthi after a while, the Chief Minister in his address reminisced his olden golden association with Bhagawan and Prasanthi Nilayam.

Expressing satisfaction at the continuous constant level of dedication, enthusiasm and energy levels, he said, though physically He is not with us, but His presence is always with us, and any time when we call Him, He is there for us, assured the Chief Minister. Referring to his visit this time, he said, this is Baba’s call for better service, work with all of you. What He left with us is a great legacy. His Presence is eternal, but for His guidance, we cannot be here, observed Mr. Naidu.

Profession will give you professional satisfaction, business will give you monetary satisfaction, but the real satisfaction is given only by Baba, asserted the Chief Minister. Speaking on life, he stressed on the importance service. He said, our service in this life time alone will be remembered. Hailing the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation for its yeomen service worldwide, hailing Puttparthi’s uniqueness of embracing one and all beyond all religious borders, the Chief Minister reminded the audience of their collective responsibility to carry His legacy across the borders, on to a globally expansive vistas, carrying it to eternity. Baba is there to guide us as messengers to serve on a global scale. We have to take His mission to a logical conclusion, reminded the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister concluded expressing hope to frequent to Prasanthi Nilayam often to get himself recharged and inspired.

The Chief Minister then formally inaugurated the ‘Central Research Instruments Facility’ at the SSSIHL premises. CRIF is aimed at providing high-quality research facility at the SSSIHL,  that houses major equipment and infrastructural resources required for the University faculty, doctoral research scholars and postgraduate students assuring them of high quality training. The Chief Minister had a detailed round of inspection at the new facility where he was introduced and explained the in-house research facilities.

A huge congregation of devotees from all walks of like attended the morning function.

Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan at 1230 hrs marked the conclusion of the glorious ‘Advent Day’ morning celebrations.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II