At 1715hrs, the District President Sri Ramakuchel presented a report of the service activities of Ranga Reddy District at the Sai Kulwant hall in the Divine Presence. Starting the speech with gratitude of the memories of the Radha Krishna drama, they presented on 26th July 2009, he then enumerated the various activities by the organisation under the Village Integrated Programme, Agri Care, Socio Care, Medi Care and  Deena Jano Dharana Project.

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This was followed by a music concert entitled ‘Sangeetha Vibhavari‘ that resounded all over the hall with brilliant melody and devotion. Every aspect of the programme including the narration, the vocals and the instrumentals was extremely enjoyable. They started the concert with a song glorifying the Avatar, ‘Veyi Punnamulu Choochina Velupu Neevayya‘, followed by an adoration of the nectarine voice of Mother Easwaramma, ‘Paluku Palukuna Teneloluku Maa Amma Easwaramma‘.

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The Lord beyond the form ‘Janana Maranamulu Leni Nirguna Mandira Partheeswara‘ was next.The song ‘Veyi Kannulu Chaaluvu Manaku‘ (Even a thousand eyes are not enough to enjoy your presence) was particularly moving. They concluded the programme with ‘Sathya Sai Rama, Saketa Sarvabhouma‘. Arati was offered at 1830hrs.

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At 1900hrs there commenced a Rathothsavam, a chariot procession of Sri Sathya Sai Baba from the Sri Venugopala Swami temple in the village. The highlight of the procession was a group of young singers doing Chakka Bhajans.

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The devotees from Ranga Reddy District commenced the second day of their pilgrimage with Samuhika Rudrabhishekam at 1000hrs. They also held a Satsangam (Spiritual gathering) at 1445hrs. The programme then moved to Sai Kulwant Hall at 1700hrs with Veda Chanting.

At 1720hrs the youth of the District enacted a vibrant skit entitled, ‘Sarvadevatateetam Sri Sayeeshwaram‘. The skit captured the various facets of the Sri Sathya Sai Avatar as a discussion between the gatekeepers of Vaikunta and Kailasa with the sages Narada, Bharadwaja and a Christian Apostle. The conversation was interspersed with colourful dances by children.

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The skit started with a colourful dance to Lord Ganesha. This was followed by a poetic imagination of Jaya, Vijaya and Anindya (the vahana of Lord Ganesha) searching for Saint Narada who finally emerges from Earth and discourses on the Sri Sathya Sai Avatar to the accompaniment of Sage Bharadwaja. Bhringi and Yohan the Apostle too join in the discussion in the poetic author’s fertile imagery.

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Even as Sage Bharadwaja explains the advent of the Sai Avatars, Narada renders His many leelas including the appearance in the Virupaksha Sanctum Sanctorum, the materialisation of the Lingam worshipped in Kailasa and the Golden Ganesha Darshan to Sri Amrutananda. This was followed by a dance on the leelas of young Krishna and the episode of Krishna straightening the back of Kubja. The saints then compared the incident to Bhagawan healing the orthopaedic ailment of Mrs. Anderson during His 43rd Birthday Celebrations.

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Quoting an incident of Bhagawan giving the Vision of Haj in His palm to devotees from Arab, the wise men extolled his grace towards all religions and nations. The apostle Yohan compared the resurrection of Lazarus to Bhagawan bringing back Sri Kuppam Radhakrishna to life after being declared dead. The elders then quoted incidents including  the miracle in Allavada, Ranga Reddy District through which devotees are able to perceive Bhagawan’s presence even after He shed the mortal coil. The programme concluded with a group song.

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All participants were honoured with clothes even as Prasadam was distributed to the assembly.

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Sri Ashok Sakhrani, national coordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Hong Kong welcomed the gathering for the Buddha Purnima celebrations. He spoke on the four sublime qualities of the mind that have taught by the Buddha, namely Maitri (Loving Kindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) and Upeksha (Equanimity). The Chairman of Zone 5 of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide, Sri Nari Chugani spoke on the similarity between the connection that millions felt towards Lord Buddha and Sri Sathya Sai Baba and their teachings of Peace, Love and Purity.

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Dr Sunanda, a Professor from Sri Lanka and a consultant of various United Nations and World Bank Projects, spoke next on his initial confusions on following Bhagawan’s path, since he felt he would be deserting Buddhism. However Bhagawan’s Love helped him to see the similarity between the teachings of the Great Masters. He mentioned now his spiritual progress accelerated once his Sadhana was suffused with his love for Bhagawan. He also quoted an alumni of Bhagawan’s university in Sri Lanka who on questioning what is the Sadhana one has to do, pointed to Bhagawan’s photo and said, sing His name and Love Him. That will suffice.

Bhagawan has given us a challenge, he said and that is to continue to Love Him when His physical form is not available to our senses. ‘Let us Love Bhagawan until our love also becomes perfect with His Divine Grace. This day is the Buddha Purnima of Prince Siddartha. One day when we perfect our Love to the level of Love of Buddha or Sri Sathya Sai, that is our day of Buddha Purnima!’, he concluded. The talks were followed by international Bhajans by the devotees.

The evening session of Buddha Purnima Celebrations commenced with Vedas by devotees from Zone 5 led by the Japanese delegation who have impressed Bhagawan on various occasions with their diligent learning of the Vedas.

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Sri Ashok Sakhrani then provided the highlights of the various activities undertaken by Zones 4 and 5 of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide in the last one year. It included Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values training to 50 schools in China and Hong Kong along with the translation and new materials published in the said topic, regular Narayana Seva to the homeless and the needy, building of 3 mosques, 323 water tanks and 86 homes in Indonesia, health care centre, old age home, orphanage drinking water projects in Nepal, medical camps and schooling in Sri Lanka for the children affected by the civil war, HOPE (Honour our Parents everyday) programmes in Malaysia, SSSEHV training in Thailand apart from what the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation has developed a reputation for worldwide, Crisis Management. The help rendered by the devotees in Thailand, Indonesia and Japan instilled confidence in mankind among the beneficiaries.

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Sri Sakhrani then introduced the Dance programme by Children from Thailand. The beautiful presentation was on the theme ‘Know Thyself: Life is Bliss when Truth is Realised.’ The children where dressed in traditional costumes of China and India and danced in Chinese style to an Indian song, bringing out the harmony in diversity.

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This presentation was followed by a choir by Zone 5 devotees on the theme ‘Bhajans and its use in daily life’. The choir consisted of various Bhajan medleys in English and Japanese. The conductor speaking in Japanese conveyed her gratitude to Bhagawan. Gifts were distributed to the participants and prasadam was shared with the assembly even as the international Bhajans were in progress. Arati was offered at 1840hrs.

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After the conclusion of Darshan, the devotees arranged an Abhishekam to Lord Buddha which is believed to ward away bad karma. All the members of the pilgrimage participated in the same.

The next evening, Sri Ashok Sakhrani welcoming everyone for the concluding session of the two day programme thanked the organisers and office bearers for their support in the successful completion of the programme especially for the Naryana Seva held yesterday. He then introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. Periera.

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Dr. Periera focused on the similarities of the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Sri Sakyamuni Buddha. He stressed on the immense compassion shown by the Avatars with many examples. The talk was followed by a drama on the great eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami titled ‘Adrishtam’. Visuals from Japan were played in the backdrop (See top of page) even as actors performed in front of the screen. The skit contained various incidents of Love of mutual help, Compassionate Love, Love through Vedas, Love melting closed minds and Water God’s Love. It was indeed a moving presentation.

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Sri V. Srinivasan, the all India president of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations congratulated the participants on even converting a disaster into an opportunity for Seva. He said how he was humbled by the great work of the Japanese Volunteers. Speaking with conviction, he reminded everyone of Bhagawan’s assurance that He is with us during our joy and sorrow but above all He is with us when we are doing selfless service.

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With Bhagawan’s blessings all the pilgrims were given special tokens of Love. Prasadam was distributed to the assembly. Arati was offered at 1830hrs.

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The evening programme on 18th Feb started with an hour of devotional singing entitled “Sri Sathya Sai Naadha Neerajanam” by the Sivam Bhajan Group. Starting the concert with the number Dosita Gulabi Poovula Tho,  they sung various songs on the themes of surrender, service, love and devotion before concluding with Oyi Rama Sai Rama. The highlight of the presentation were the wonderful aalaps which preceded each song. The singers included Alumni of Bhagawan’s University along with many active youth members of Sivam.

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This was followed by a dance presentation by students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar – Hyderabad representing the various Indian Folk Dances. The students started the presentation with Ganapathi Vandana. The first folk dance depicted was the Chekka Bhajana of Andhra Pradesh, a traditional dance form to the beat of wooden cymbals and vigorous leg movements. This was followed by the Garbha, a ceremonial dance of Gujarat performed during Navaratri.

The next presentation was Kalbelia, a popular dance of the nomadic community of Rajasthan which included acrobatic feats like balancing on small metal vases, a bed of nails and the edges of swords. The Cheraw Dance ,a combination of rhythm and skill, made famous by the Mizoram followed. They concluded the programme with a Peacock Dance, honouring the national bird of India.

The pilgrims concluded the day with a Pallaki Seva from the Old Mandir of Bhagawan at 1930hrs.

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The second day of the Hyderabad youth Parthi yatra witnessed a classical carnatic vocal concert by Dr. Panthula Rama, popular as ‘Nightingale of Andhra’. A prodigy who gave her maiden concert at the age of 8, Dr. Rama has many awards and recognitions of repute. She holds a Ph.D in music from Andhra University and has authored the book: ‘Shaping of an ideal Carnatic Musician through Sadhana’.

She was accompanied by Sri M.S.N. Murthy on Violin and Sri Nemani Somayajulu on Mridangam. Starting her concert with Siva Siva Siva Enaraya and Bhaja Re Manasa, she went on sing many popular numbers including Navaneetha Chora Devaki Vasudeva Nandana and Leela Nataka Sai.

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A Dance Ballet by students of Balvikas, Hyderabad entitled ‘Shivanandalahari’ followed. The children began the dance ballet with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. The scene then shifts to Lord Shiva being worshiped by Nandi and other divine forces in Mount Kailasa. Lord Shiva gradually sets into a mood of deep meditation after performing the spectacular Thaandavam (the dance of Shiva).

Even as Parvathi arrives to offer prayers to the Lord, Kamadeva (cupid) strikes an arrow at Shiva. Angered Shiva opens His third eye and reduces him to ashes. However on the interceding of Parvathi, Shiva brings him back to life. The scene ends with auspicious wedding of Shiva and Parvathi.

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The next scene shows the churning of the ocean of Devas and Asuras for the extraction of Amruta (Elixir of Eternal Life). However the Elixir is preceded by the poison haalahalam. Lord Shiva rescues the beings by drinking the poison Himself. Mother Parvathi keeps a finger on His throat to stop the poison and thus He is praised with the name ‘Neelakanta’, the one with the blue throat.

The next sequence depicts the binding of the irrepressible force of the River Ganges in the Knots of the plaits of Shiva to allow the continuos and controlled flow of the river onto the earth earning him the sobriquet ‘Gangaadhara’. The final sequence depicts the story of the birth of Ganesha and the Darshan of the Divine Family of Shiva.

All participants were much appreciated and presented with clothes.

The moving and inspiring story of the 36th Scion of the Solar Dynasty, Sathya Harishchandra and the legend of his ideal life was presented with powerful dialogues interspersed with melodious poetry. Harishchandra is famous for always keeping his word and always speaking the truth. Tested by Sage Viswamitra, he renounces his kingdom to him and to offer the promised Dakshina, he even sells his wife, son and himself.

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His trauma does not end there. When his son is killed by a poisonous snake, he refuses to cremate him without the fee being payed to the master. Pleased with his steadfastness, he is given back his kingdom by Lord Siva and his glory restored. During the concluding scene of the drama, when the son of the King is resurrected, the audience were moved to applause displaying the energy of the play. The participants were honoured with clothes while Prasadam was distributed to the assembly. Arati was offered at 1800hrs.
The second contingent of 700 devotees, Balvikas children, parents and gurus from the districts of Chennai Metro ( South ), Coimbatore, Vellore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam on 11th morning. The Pancharatna Kritis (five of the most outstanding compositions) of Saint Tyagaraja were performed by eminent Vidwans and Vidhushis led by Sri. Trichur Ramachandran (Padma Bhushan Awardee).

They started the concert by paying obeisance to Lord Ganesha with the kriti, ‘Sri Ganapatini’ in Saurashtram ragam and Adi Talam. As per tradition they next paid respects to the Guru with the composition ‘Guruleka’ in raga Gaurimanohari and tala Khanda Chapu.

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With this they began the rendition of the first of the pancharatnas namely, ‘Jagadananda Karaka’ (raga: Nata, tala: Adi) in praise of Lord Ramachandra. In the second Pancharatna kirti ‘Dudukugala Nanne’ (raga: Gaula, tala: Adi), Tyagaraja lists all the errors he has committed in his life including wandering without purpose, giving sermons to people uninterested or incompetent, self styling oneself as a great person and mistaking the dross for the real thing.

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“Saadhinchene” (raga: Arabhi, tala: Adi), a kriti considered sweetest among the Pancharatnas finds Tyagaraja extolling the greatness of the Lord in a lucid manner most enthusiastically. “Kanakana Ruchira” (raga: Varali, tala: Adi), describes the great pleasure experienced by beholding the beautiful form of Lord Rama.

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The musicians concluded with the one of Bhagawan’s favourite compositions, “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” (raga: Sri, tala: Adi), where the blessed saint salutes the countless great personages who have attained immense heights in their spiritual experience and have continued to live in all ages and then goes on to describe those whom he considers great.

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The artistes expressed their gratitude for the privilege and honour of rendering the Pancharatna Kritis of Tyagaraja at the Divine Sannidhi of Bhagawan. Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Ashram Elders honoured them with shawls and sarees. Prasadam was distributed to the gathering.

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Chinese New Year 2012 began on the 23^rd January and would last fifteen days. This New Year is identified as year of Dragon that symbolizes activity, great vitality, luck and prosperity.

The theme chosen for this year’s celebration was “Love and Gratitude”.

The programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with Lighting of Chinese Candle by Dr. VK Ravindran and Bro. Billy Fong, senior officials of SSSO from Zone 4, organizers of the event.

The first item was a traditional Chinese prayer participated by elderly women devotees from Malaysia in traditional Chinese prayer attire. Melodious prayer song of Kuan Yin calling out the Chinese Goddess of Mercy was played setting backdrop for the prayer.

Next to come was offerings of traditional Chinese items like mandarin oranges, ‘nian gou’ (a traditional Chinese cake), red dates and other delicacies etc. by children from Indonesia and Malaysia.

This was followed by a traditional Chinese prayer ceremony. A priest dressed in ancient Chinese costume offered pranams to Bhagawan in ancient Chinese poetic style.  The priest continued with expressing gratitude on behalf of the four categories of people namely the Government officials, the farmers, the workers and the business communities and prayed for continual blessings and prosperity for the common people.

The next item was a performance by the “Pa Shen” – the ancient Chinese immortals. These Immortals, eight in number, represent the transformation of man to God.   They represent the 8 Chinese values of discipline, detachment, compassion, love, non-violence, sacrifice, humility and gratitude. These eight immortals sang traditional Chinese New Year song on the significance of the holy occasion.

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Bro. Billy Fong, the Zonal 4 Coordinator for Chinese New Year in his welcome address elaborated on the importance of the value of Love and Gratitude to Parents which is the cornerstone of Chinese civilization as well as the core of Swami’s teachings.  Many Chinese had transformed their lives as a result of having known Swami and practised His teachings, said the speaker emphasizing on the need to have constant self-introspection.  The need to surrender negative qualities to Swami with a prayer to help overcome all negative qualities is important, said the speaker reiterating that Bhagawan wanted all to transform.

The highlight of the evening was a drama presentation on the Legend of Miao Shan, a princess who renounced worldly comforts in pursuit of the Ultimate Goal finally to emerge as a Bodhisattva. The presentation staged by the youth and children from Sai Study Group, Medan, Indonesia was based on an adaptation of an ancient Chinese folklore. Presenting the story, the drama highlighted man’s evolution from human to Divine.

Mio Shan, the third born of the King was a special child, embodying great human values, treating all alike with great compassion. Completely detached to the royal comforts and affluence, Miao sets out to seclusion, seeking a life of renunciation.

As years rolled by, the aged King was afflicted by a strange disease.  The wise medicine man of the palace who was summoned pronounced that one of his children should sacrifice both her eyes and arms to save the King from peril.  Two elder daughters found excuses to escape the situation citing various reasons. No one remembered Miao Shan, the third child, who had left home for good.

With the two elderly princesses giving lame excuses to escape the situation, the medicine man advised the royal court to seek the advice of a nun residing in the Fragrant Mountains.  Hearing the plea, the nun immediately agreed to do the sacrifice, citing that the King was suffering from his own Karmic deeds. The nun was none other than Miao Shan.  With Miao’s sacrifice the King instantly recovered.

Out of this great sacrifice emerged a Bodhisattva, effulgent with thousand eyes and thousand arms, the Avalokiteswara whose gaze is always turned down with Love and Compassion to help all those who look up to Her – Goddess Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy who is worshipped by one and all for eternity.

At the end of the presentation all the participating children were felicitated with special gifts. Bhajans, both traditional Prasanthi style and adaptation of Chinese version, by devotees from various contries, continued in full devotional fervor and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience.

Earlier on the 23^rd February, on the first day of Chinese New Year, 36 High Lamas of Tibetan Order from Sera Jhe Monastery in Mysore joined by hundreds of devotees from various countries, including westerners, presented a Buddhist devotional evening engulfing Prasanthi with holy chants.

The proceeding began with initial offerings by Capt. Ong and family, organisers of the day’s presentation. This was followed by offering of Tibetan Khatas by the High Lamas, amulets and Naivedyam by devotees from Singapore.

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Purificatory rites continued next, in the backdrop of Buddhist chantings followed group chantings of Buddhist verses and Mantras from holy scriptures coupled with rites by High Lamas.

The second part of the programme commenced with the chanting of various Buddhist Mantras, namely, Om Mani Padme Hung, Medicine Buddha Mantra, Green Tara Mantra, Special Eternal Prayers composed on Bhagawan, Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha Mantra, Mantra of the Heart of The Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom, The Long Dharani of Chenrezig, Gayathri Mantra followed by another round of Om Mani Padme Hung to concluded with a recital of dedication of Tibetan Buddhist Chants For Universal Peace 2012.

Master Of Ceremonies, Ong Sai Keet, elaborated the significance of the Mantras, Rites and other proceedings. The whole programme lasted for an hour and forty minutes.

At the end of the day’s events, all the High Lamas were felicitated with special presenatations before Mangala Arathi offering.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Shadow Play by Brindavan Campus…Jan 12, 2o12

Using the creative methodology of Shadow Play, an ancient Indian art dating back to the Harappa Civilization, students from the Brindavan Campus presented an innovative programme on the Life and Message of Bhagawan on 12 Jan evening in Sai Kulwant Hall.

The programme commenced with the Cosmic Dance of Shiva which leads to creation, going on to promise of Lord Shiva to Sage Bharadwaja which leads to the Birth of Sathyanarayana who was to be known, loved and adored as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Beautifully shifting between the childhood incidents of young Sathya and how they got projected into the massive projects of His trust, the students presented a wonderful collage of the Divine Advent.

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The students spent a considerable time focusing on the Educare Philosophy of Bhagawan. Fittingly the programme itself depicted the miracle that His hands have worked. The programme concluded with Bhagawan singing “Hari Bhajan Bina Sukh Shanthi Nahin…”

With very little use of props, they made all the formations including the grand structure of the University Building, the Super Speciality Hospitals and the Sarva Dharma Sthupa by human formations.

It was a performance which earned a long hard applause at the end of the presentation…It was a performance which provided pride to everyone associated with Bhagawan’s Institutions…It was a performance which filled one and all with gratitude to Bhagawan for moulding such children of skill, character and dedication.

God is good…Hold on to Him…Jan 13, 2012

Second in the series of Cultural Festival, on 13^th January evening students from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam presented a drama entitled God is good…Hold on to Him!

The presentation revolved around the protagonist Vishwas who questioned God’s intentions after failing to convince himself of the suffering that plagues the world around.

Bringing the theory back home, convincingly portraying three illustrious anecdotes from the lives of the three preceding Avatars o f the present time, the students declared in united voice that God is good all the time…

The presentation began with a conversation between the father and son duo, both holding opposite views about the ‘bone of contention’, God and His motives. As father’s repeated promptings to trust God at all time fails to convince the son, the scene shifts to the illustrious Krishna-Sudhama story presenting the theory that God is there every time for His devotees, ever ready to respond to a call from within.

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Ruminating over and over again about God and His style of dealing as Vishwas gets lost in thoughts, he receives a call from one of his friends informing of an accident involving his father. With father admitted in the ICU, Vishwas turns more panicky and to assuage his tension a friend of his father narrates an anecdote from the times of Shirdi Sai Baba trying to instill greater faith in the boy.

The story was that of Shama who was saved by Baba after being bitten by a snake, and subsequently saved by Baba at Dwarakamai with assurance of protection.

The final episode depicted a Rama Navami celebration by the devotees of Bhagawan. The famous Bhadrachala Ramadas episode where in Lord Rama saves His dearest devotees, coming in the guise of ‘Ram and Lakshman’ paying debt to King Taneshah was depicted as a part of the presentation.

As the presentation portrayed Bhagawan as the Elixir Divine, The Ultimate Refuge, greater faith dawns upon the young lad finally making him turn to Bhagawan imploring His interference to save his father.

In a final twist, the doctor approaches Viswas and tells him that not only has his father been saved but this accident brought to light an preexisting condition which would not have been noticed if not for the accident. Even as Viswas seethed in gratitude, everyone engages in celebrating God’s Love and protection singing “God is good all the time…”

The one hour presentation was intertwined with beautiful songs and dances ending with a melodious group song of love and gratitude to Bhagawan.

Thyagaraja Aradhana by Music College…14 Jan, 2012

The fourth day of Annual Sports and Cultural Festival was a musical treat in Prasanthi Nilayam. Senior students from the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music commenced with ‘Sri Ganapathi Nee Sevimpa’. They performed a few Thyagaraja Kirtis including  Jagadanandakaraka, sahasinche oh manasa, upacharamulanu chekonavayya and a Hindustani number, ” Japath Prabhu Ramachandra” before concluding auspiciously with “Jaya Mangalam, Nitya Shuba Mangalam”.

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The vocal concert also featured some stirring solo performances on the Veena and the Percussions. The backdrop was also befitting the occasion featuring an Idol of Lord Rama and a portrait of Saint Thyagaraja immersed in music.

Fusion Music by Anantapur Campus…14 jan, 2012

This was followed by a fusion music presentation by the Anantapur Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Members of the Institute Brass Band and the Panchavadyam group together with traditional instruments like Violin and Tabla presented a Jugalbandi in the Divine Presence. Starting with Stotrams like Vakratunda and Shantakaram, they went on to the genres of carnatic music with “Raghuvamsa sudha” and western with “Heal the World” before concluding with Sri Sathya Sai Bhajans.

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To the final song the students worshiped Bhagawan with many traditional forms of lamps . One of the visually challenged teachers of the campus presented an autobiographical book documenting her experiences with Bhagawan while the students performed Bhajans from an Audio CD they released. Another significant feature was the exquisite backdrop that was made for the occasion in the form of a grand mandapam with many lamps.

Gautam Buddha by Prasanthi Nilayam Campus…15 Jan, 2012

On the final evening of Annual Sports & Cultural Festival 2012, students from the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus presented a drama entitled ‘Gautam Buddha’.  The presentation sought to take the audience to a journey through the life of prince born Siddharth to the enlightened Master Gautam Buddha showing highlights from his illustrious life in a nutshell.

His earlier life as a little prince awaiting the throne, his subsequent exposure to the ‘real’ world outside that is full of suffering, young Siddharth’s change of mind to help solving the mysteries of life thus serving the world at large…all were depicted beautifully with powerful enacting and dialogue delivery.

Depiction of his encounter with Mara, the Buddhist devil, who represents temptation, sin  and death was depicted beautifully, innovatively and convincingly inciting applause from the audience. When Mara returned to Buddha repeatedly, right from his infant stage influencing his father King Suddhodhana and subsequently at every interval trying to delude him into passion and temptation, the encounter between the ‘evil’ and the one who is ‘full’ became a royal treat for the august audience who sat in pin drop silence immersed watching the evolution.

Cynically perfect with his crispy and influencing demeanor, when Mara entered the scene every time, haunting the Buddha, Buddha sat in perfect peace, with his ever alluring calming countenance, full of wisdom within and the battle royal with verbal volleys, scathingly egoistic versus supremely love took the audience to a thrilling finale, with all hearts pouring in for Buddha – The Master Of His Destiny. Finally it was Buddha who won the battle,  transforming  Mara and initiating him into Bodhisattva…

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The young prince with his resolute, determined effort attained Nirvana finding the Truth that The Right Path Lies In Between The Extremes, neither in the world of amusements nor in the world of complete renunciation…Harmony of Body, Mind and Spirit leads one to Nirvana, proved the young prince and with this Buddha Was Born…and a true spiritual leader for mankind…

The seventy minute presentation was interspersed with couple of beautiful dances and ended with a group song singing in praise of Bhagawan.

Even as bhajans filled the air with devotional fervour, group photo session continued. Short stint of bhajans ended with Bhagawan’s melodious voice reverberating the hall with the bhajan, “Rama Kodhanda Rama…”

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The programme started with an introductory talk by Ms Sheila Nagaratnam who narrated the backdrop of the pilgrimage and Bhagawan’s instructions to her on an interview many years ago. Over a year ago, she said, Bhagawan spontaneously inspired a Sydney-wide children’s project from Australia with a spiritual and service focus, culminating in a pilgrimage to offer a modest musical and drama performance to Swami.  The Sadhana programme focused on the purpose of Human Birth and a love for Sai, His life and teachings.  Through discussions and interactive activities around inspiring videos such as the Message of the Lord series, they felt their “Journey to Parthi” was just a mirror reflection of the inner “Journey to Sai”.

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As a mark of respect, the group have engaged as sincere friends with the Indigenous community to seek their support to share their deeply spiritual culture.  The group learned many things through this project, most of which is surrender and faith, concluded the speaker.

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The children presented stuffed animals to Bhagawan as a representation of the animals of the country. They started the music programme with sanskrit lyrics seamlessly moving on to English. The songs included Gajananam Bhuta Ganathi Sevitam, Twameva Mata Cha Pita Twameva and Daya Karo. Quoting lines from the Holy Bible appropriate to the age we live in, they sang a song on Nirvana supported by some very good instrumental rendering.

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They followed this up with a skit based on an Aboriginal Dreamtime story on how the Kangaroo got its pouch which on a deeper level expounded the human values of Love, Compassion and Sacrifice through some of Australia’s unique and lovable  wildlife, including the kangaroo, wombat, koala and emu.

Biami, the Great Creator Spirit, visits Mother Earth, disguised in the form of a wombat, to test His Creation for greed and selfishness. He finds the Emu to be full of haste and the Koala to be extremely lazy. Of all the creatures, He is moved by the mother kangaroo and rewards her by bestowing on all her kind in the future, a pouch in which to carry her young joey, as a symbol of her Love and Sacrifice.

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The skit featured traditional Aboriginal dancing accompanied by the drone of the didgeridoo (a wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians of northern Australia) and the rhythm of clap-sticks.  The children mimicked the behaviour of emus by pecking, kicking and sprinting around randomly.  They also delighted us as kangaroos by lazing about, pestering each other, scratching, kicking, boxing and hopping around.

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The children concluded the programme with a famous Australian song which evokes the rich spirituality of the traditional people of Australia and  their deep connection to Nature, “We are one, but we are many”. The children’s programme was enhanced by a beautiful backdrop, depicting the Rainbow Serpent and Australia’s unique natural flora and fauna in Aboriginal dot painting.

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The participants were honoured with gifts and prasadam was distributed to the  assembly.

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Reiterating commitment, offering gratitude to the Master for His benevolence, students from Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir, Darwa, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana offered a presentation entitled, “Sarvadharam Swaroopa Sai” on the penultimate evening of Year 2011 in the Divine Presence in Prasanthi Nilayam.

The presentation, based on an insightful letter written by Bhagawan addressing Bal Vikas Gurus echoing on the role of teachers, dated 30th December 1981, showcased how role model teachers could influence the society following Bhagawan’s ideals. It was a depiction of Bal Vikas Teacher’s simple, pure act of ‘Liquid Love’, blood donation that finally helped bringing positive changes in a village that was marred by fanatic dispute over a petty issue. Set up against the beautiful Christmas backdrop, the presentation echoed the message of harmony of religions, as preached by Bhagawan.

The skit began with a Bal Vikas scene wherein the Guru reviews the Christmas preparations. Yasmin, a muslim student arrived late in the class and the teacher, upon enquiry, came to know that the girls had a domestic issue, as her brother was hospitalized after a street brawl between two warring factions belonging to two different religions, over a petty issue about a piece of common land. As an aftermath of the incident, an enraged father arrived on the scene, deciding to take Yasmin away from Bal Vikas class.

The Teacher’s effort to convince the girl’s father bore no effect on the adamant man blinded with fanatic feeling. Upset over the developments and already anemic the teacher fainted in the classroom and a doctor was summoned. Meantime father forcefully took his daughter away.

Upon reaching home, the girl’s father understood his folly when his wife told him that it was the Bal Vikas Guru who had saved the life of their son by donating blood.  A group of hooligans belonging to the other community, blinded by fanatic feeling, barged inside the house challenging the girl’s father for trespassing the territory that they believed belonged to them. As the altercation continued, the mother’s effort for conciliation was of no vail.
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Meanwhile the son returned from the hospitaltelling that he too wish to join his mother in meeting the Bal Vikas teacher who had saved his life with blood donation.

The father turned repentant as wisdom dawned upon all that it was Bhagawan’s teachings of universal harmony holds forte for a harmonious society.

In response to their prayers, Jesus descended and they had a wonderful Christmas, practically experiencing ‘Unity in Diversity’ as taught by Bhagawan.

The programme was interspersed with beautiful songs and dances and befittingly also aired the high ideals preached and practiced by a Bal Vikas Guru.

Earlier, before the commencement of the programme, organisers offered pranams at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet. Introducing the programme, Sri Amar Vivek, an alumnus of 1990 batch of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, narrated a couple of beautiful incidents with morals showing how Bhagawan influences lives of many who are dedicated and surrendered to the Divine Will. Sri Amar Vivek was blessed by Bhagawan in 1990 to take up multi-dimensional rural empowerment programme. Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir was one of the three projects that set in motion in 1993.

The first incident that the speaker narrated came from his own school, Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir. One fine day teachers of the school decided not to waste precious 40 minutes during lunch time, that they normally spent gossiping around, and utilize the time eating with their students. As this was being practised, one day, one of the teachers observed that one of the boys had got rotten chappathis in his lunch box. Having understood of the sorry plight of the poor student, the teacher immediately offered her chappathis to the boy asking him to eat; the boy despite repeated insistence denied to have it and preferred to keep it safe with a promise to eat later.

Upon further enquiry it was learnt that the boy had two younger siblings in the same school, a boy and a girl, and this elder one wanted to share the same with these siblings, as otherwise they would go without food. Inquisitive that they were, the teachers further enquired the case and found out that these children were coming from an odd background, as their father had been convicted recently for murdering his own wife to which this elder son was a witness. After testifying true to the horrid tale, to the police, the grandparents with whom these children were put up started penalising the children, reason being these children by testifying to the police caused their son to be imprisoned. Moved by the sorry plight of the children teachers in the school subsequently met, discussed the issue and finally decided to sponsor three time food for these hapless children as a collective effort. A moral of high standard for one and all to learn and imbibe.

Mangala Arathi was offered at 1800 hrs. after fifteen minutes of bhajans. All the participating children were felicitated at the end of the programme.

Prof. Anil Kumar in his concluding remarks congratulated the students of Jagriti Vidya Mandir for their wonderful show.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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After the Mahasamadhi of his master, the drama featured his wanderings as an unbounded monk. His advice to the youth to develop self-confidence as something even more superior to confidence in God was exceedingly inspiring. During his wandering, he reached the palace of the Maharaj of Alvar, who derided idol-worship infront of Swami Vivekananda who responded by asking a courtier to spit on the portrait of the King. Though initially offended, the king understood that just as picture was a symbol of the Royalty, so too is the idol a symbol of Divinity.

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The Maharaj of Khetri, Ajit Singh coronated the monk with the title Swami Vivekanada. The Maharaj also persuaded him to attend the world congress of Religions where representing India and Hinduism, the Swami stressed on Universality and religious tolerance. The life of Swami Vivekananda is the classic example of Bhagawan’s teaching of 4F: Follow the Master, Face the Devil, Fight to the End and Finish the Game. With a prayer to make our Life His message, the youth concluded the programme.

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The drama was followed by Bhajans. The participants were honoured with clothes and Rajasthani sweets were distributed to the assembly.

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On the morning of 27th, Lord Jagannath of Puri along with His brother Balabhadra and sister Subadra, (Lord Krishna, Balarama and Subadra) came out in a regal procession this morning, adorning a huge chariot, blessing thousands of devotees in Puttaparthi, outside the Ashram.

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Thousands upon thousands of devotees from the state of Odisha, on a Parthi Yatra, joined in this regal procession organized by the State Sathya Sai Organisation. The procession was styled similar to the world-famous Jagannatha Chariot Festival of Puri that happens every year.

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Every year in mid-summer, Lord Jagannath, with His elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, goes on vacation, travelling on grand chariots, from His temple in Puri, to His garden palace in the countryside. This belief of the Hindus has given rise to one of the biggest religious festivals in India — the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival. This is also the etymological origin of the English word ‘Juggernaut’.

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The procession began at 0930 hrs. from the birthplace of Bhagawan, The Lord Shiva Temple, and moved along the main road up to Vidyagiri gate to retreat to the original starting point.

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Thousands upon thousands of men and women from the state joined the procession marked with great devotional exuberance. While men in yellow scarves and red headband made merry dancing to heavy drum beats, hundreds of women preceded the royal chariot carrying auspicious ‘Kalasa’ on their head. Another set of thousands, women, moved in steady pace, joining in chorus singing and whistling. There were SaiRams, Jaikars, eerie whistling and continuous singing of the bhajan Sai Jagannatha… A group of dancing men led the procession, dressed in various coloured costumes , representing the rich cultural tradition of the state.

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It turned out to be a different experience for the folks of Puttaparthi, that joined in thousands along the road side, watching the big melee. Puttaparthi that has seen many such processions, its own Chariot Festival and similar festivals organized by various districts of Andhra Pradesh, watched the procession in rapt attention adoring the Lord mounted on the Chariot.

In the evening, devotees of Odisha presented a bouquet of three programmes. Girl students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Bhadrak presented an Odishi dance drama entitled “Jagannath Leelaamurtham” and  Sai Youth of Cuttack presented a drama entitled “Pharistein Sai Gaganke” on the Transformation in a SSSVIP village.

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The skit was based on real life incidents which occurred in the village Samsaraa of Odisha. A patriotic dance by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Balasore, “Bharat vandana” formed a fitting finale to the day’s proceedings.

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Earlier the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, Odisha addressing the gathering, stated that over 2000 youth have arrived for Odisha’s second parthi yatra of the year. Apart from participating in the daily schedule of Prasanthi Nilayam, they have also taken up cleaning activities, blood donation and Satsang sessions. He declared with the conviction of experience that the Glory of Bhagawan is spreading to every inch of Odisha and the mission of Bhagawan is progressing with great zeal in the blessed state.

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The participants were honored with clothes even as prasadam was distributed to the gathering.
On the 28th evening, Odisha once again proved why she has always established herself in a soft corner of Bhagawan’s heart. The youth of Odisha presented a moving prayer to Bhagawan in the most successful medium of a devotee – Music. A garland of some of Bhagawan’s most loved songs delivered with wonderful Bhava and strict adherence to Raga and Tala had the audience mesmerised.

Starting with an excerpt from the holy Upanishads, “Isha Vandana”, they adored the Maternal aspect of the Lord with the song, “Maa’go Karunamayee Saijanani”. One of the most popular song with His students, “Madhura Mohana Ghanashyama” was the next rendition followed by two songs of surrender praying and yearning for succour at His lotus feet.

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Bhagawan has often extolled the flute as the most perfect instrument in the Lord’s hands. Being hollow, without any obstruction to the flow, allows the will of God to work through it. “Baje Muralia” inspired that feeling in us. The youth concluded the symphony with two songs in praise of His name and His munificence.

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The group continued with Bhajans which included some of Bhagawan’s own compositions. The group was honored with clothes while special Odisha sweets were distributed to the assembly.

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