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News from Brindavan - May/June 2004
Darshan News: 3rd June 2004
Sairam Brothers and Sisters!
Sunday was marked by the visit of the newly elected Home Minister
of
India Shri Shivraj Patil. Swami beckoned to him and blessed the
Minister. Details of the visit can be retrieved from the site of
www.timesofindia.com in the issue dated 31st May, 2004. The
Honorable Minister states that He always seeks Bhagwan's Blessings
before commencing any new activity.
This week has been an extremely eventful one considering the fact
that Swami had stopped His regular rounds of Darshan for the past
3
weeks.
This Sunday, Swami sat for an unusually long time in the morning
for
the Bhajans by the Brindavan Bhajan Group. If my count was
correct,
He listened to almost 20 Bhajans! The afternoon Bhajan session was
pretty short with only 3 Bhajans being sung.
Today was the anniversary day of the college at Brindavan. So
instead of the Brindavan Bhajan Group, the Students Bhajan Group
rendered beautiful Bhajans.
They started off with Veda chantings. Reliable sources seated in
the
first block opposite the stage confirmed that today Swami was
indeed
murmuring the Shlokas as the boys chanted the same. Can there be
anything more wonderful- the very symbol of Divinity, the Aum of
the
Universe chanting Himself?? Swami transcends all reality..
I heard that this week Swami had also covered the entire Hall on
foot alone. This is great news to all as Swami had not done so for
almost a month now.
Even today Swami walked back from the Stage, once Aarthi was
offered
by Students to Him. Usually He has been escorted to His Residence.
At the end of the eventful morning, Prasadam of Tamarind Rice,
Halwa
and Vada was distributed at various counters to devotees by the
efficient Sevadals.
The next few days is expected to be filled with more interesting
happenings, will keep all posted on the same.
Jai Sairam!!!
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=80
Events at Brindavan: An
answer to an earnest prayer: May 20 2004
Swami has finally answered an earnest prayer of mine to bless the
Brindavan Bhajan Group Singers.
Really this is a dedicated group of devotees, who have provided
bliss unceasingly to all the devotees and Swami Himself through
their touching Bhajans on Thursdays and the whole of Sundays. For
those unaware of the fact, the group conducts Akhanda Bhajan every
Sunday right from morning to evening Darshan. And on most other
days, they take turns in rendering service at the Darshan Halls.
They are indeed a source of inspiration to all of us.
Today being Thursday, a sizable crowd had assembled for Bhajans
and Swami arrived at around 8:00 am. During the Bhajans, Swami
suddenly signaled to a man and woman sitting right in the front of
the Brindavan Bhajan Group Singers and apparently spoke to them. I
have personally not seen Bhagwan doing this during a Bhajan.
Whatever transpired between them, suddenly loads of Saris and
white dresses were brought out. Swami had decided in His
inimitable style to shower His Grace on the Brindavan Bhajan Group
by presenting them with dresses. What a blessing indeed and that
too on the Master’s Day!
The message is quite clear that Swami will never let any act of
selfless service, even the tiniest one go unnoticed. The Dear Lord
displayed another act of Grace this week. I was told that on of
the days during the past week Swami had graciously consented to
allow the marriage of one of the close devotee's grand-daughter in
the premises of the Ashram.
The marriage was conducted in the Sai Kalyana Mantapam. What
really amazes me is the dedication of this devotee, who despite
his age keeps coming for Darshan day after day wherever Swami is
present. I have seen him on several occasions at both Puttaparthi
as well as Brindavan.
So Brothers and Sisters! Wherever we are let us continue our
dedicated service at the Lotus Feet and offer our sincere prayers
to Him. The Lord will definitely respond.
May Bhagwan shower His Bountiful Grace on All!
Jai Sairam!!!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=74
Events at Puttaparthi & News From
Brindavan : May 14-19 2004
Swami may not be
present physically at Puttaparthi, though His Divine Presence is
felt everywhere. I make it a point to visit Puttaparthi every
month, irrespective of whether Swami is around or not as it gives
me immense peace of mind.
If you a trip to Puttaparthi now, like I did this weekend, you
would think that Swami must definitely be around!
The admissions to Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning are
underway with the MBA and MTech(Computer Science) tests this week.
I was told that round 2000 students had appeared for the B.Com
undergraduate course alone. There were 234 applicants for the
Mtech Course in Computer Science and 100 for the MBA. Excitement,
tension and huge expectations were written on the faces of all the
candidates who were hoping to be part of the elite group of
Students who get to spend most of the time near Swami.
How's this for a university - 100% pass ever since its
establishment, AAA+ rating by one of the nation's top educational
committee, dedicated and highly qualified staff and the best breed
students displaying all round capabilities in Studies, Music,
Sports, literally everything.
The Ashram premises was teeming with prospective Students and
their parents. They had been provided accommodation within the
Ashram for the duration of the admission tests. Everywhere I
turned, I could see people, be it the Canteen, the Shopping Mall,
the Book Center or the bus terminus outside. Interestingly, most
of the shops inside the Ashram are open during mornings and
evenings to serve the needs of the Ashram inmates and Students
present during this period. Now that the admissions are on, there
were a lot of new devotees, parents visiting these shops. They
were wonderstruck by the smooth operations, discipline and most
importantly unsullied devotion of the Ashramites.
Life without Swami would be extremely boring and I was conversing
with an ex-student who is now an Ashram staff working in the
Central Trust. We were discussing how life almost comes to a
standstill when Swami isnt around. A lot of inmates whom I met
complained of having nothing to do!
Truly Prashanti Nilayam is Heaven on Earth and when Swami is
present there, the lives of thousands who dedicate themselves to
the service of the Divine Lotus Feet revolves around Darshan in
the morning, work during day and a blissful afternoon in the Lord's
Radiance. When Swami is not around, the Ashram staff still work
round the clock, thousands of Sevadals pour in to render their
part in participating in the Service activities.
What is most amazing now in Prashanti Nilayam is the weather. The
Rain Gods are pouring out torrents of rain on the usually hot
areas of Anantpur and Puttaparthi.
Despite the heavy rains in the early morning, the dedicated Nagar
Sankirtan Group as well as the Veda Chanting Pundits carry out the
Bhajans and Vedas. They were totally drenched in water, more in
Bliss as they relentlessly chanted and sang despite getting fully
wet in the rains. Is there any greater sign of True Devotion?
Moving on to Brindavan now, Swami has been continuing the usual
routine of being escorted onto the Stage both at mornings and some
afternoons.
Often it has happened that devotees, especially the ones with Him
all the time were caught unawares by His Sudden arrival in the
mornings for Darshan.
He sits for Bhajans rendered by Students as usual and I can only
tell you that He is looking more radiant day by day. Swami
continues to conduct special sessions inside His Residence with
the Students and Staff members according to reliable sources. I
will try and get across some of the messages given by Swami
shortly.
Will update all with more news from Brindavan tomorrow.
Jai Sairam!
Have a blissful day!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=71
Darshan News: 09-13 May 2004
Sairam to All!
Swami has not been doing the usual rounds for the past week. He
has been coming on stage, escorted by the staff and sitting for
soul-stirring Bhajans rendered by the Students.
Today being Thursday, the Brindavan Bhajan Group had presented
around 10 Bhajans to Swami starting with the Ganesha Bhajan "Maha
Ganapate Namostute".
There was a little confusion as Swami left without taking Aarthi.
Bhajans continued
till apparently word was sent through some staff that Aarthi be
offered to Bhagwan's Throne.
At the end of Aarthi, the crowds disappeared quickly. Let us pray
that Normal Darshan resumes soon so that we can enjoy the Divine
Proximity again!
Jai Sairam!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=69
Darshan News May
9 2004: Sunday Darshan
Like any other Sunday, both the Halls were full by about 7:15 am.
There was a huge group of Sevadals from Tamil Nadu, a state close
to Karnataka.
This blessed group has just returned from Puttaparthi after a ten
day long service period at Prashanti Nilayam. They had made their
way to Whitefield from Parthi today early morning, despite a
tiring period of Service, but looking as fresh as ever. Really
this is an example of how dedicated service to the Lotus Feet
fills one with enthusiasm and abundant bliss.
Also a group of Sai Youth had assembled near the center aisle,
wearing badges that read “Sai Youth Wing”. These young bunch of
guys have done amazing service activities every year and Swami has
always expressed His Happiness at their activities. There was also
a Van outside with a huge banner of the Sai Organization.
Apparently it was to be used for some service activity.
Devotees were getting anxious to see Swami and it was amusing to
note that for every sound heard outside including those of train
sirens, bus horns, people were turning their heads towards Trayee
hoping to catch a glimpse of the Divine Lord. The Lord kept
playing with us till then and He finally appeared onstage at
around 8:25 am.
The Bhajans started off immediately. “Jai Ganaraya Shri Ganaraya”
resounded throughout the Hall and the entire gathering joined in
with the Brindavan Bhajan Group in chorus. Today’s Bhajans were as
melodious as ever with songs like “Giridhara Gopala, Hey Giridhara
Gopala”, “Srinivasa Govinda Sri Venkatesha Govinda”,
“Mrityumjayaya Namah Om”, “Sathya Narayana Govinda Madhava”, “Jaya
Jagajanani Maa” etc. Swami was seated on a revolving type of chair
and was enjoying the Bhajan.
The Bhajans went on upto 9:15 am and Swami was escorted through
the rear entrance of the stage to Trayee. There was no Aarthi
offered, presumably because the Bhajans would continue till the
afternoon Darshan.
As Swami was leaving, Sevadals and Students brought Prasadam for
distribution to the Devotees. Prasadam today included Laddu and
Burfi and there was mayhem as devotees thronged the Sevadals
distributing the same.
Once I get confirmed news about the Balavikas programs that are
scheduled this week and about related happenings over the past few
days, I will update all with the same.
Have a Blissful Day!
Jai Sairam!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=68
Easweramma Day: Sai Showers in Trayee
Brindavan (Part II)
A huge banner adorned the archway of Swami's residence signifying
the Easweramma celebrations. At the entrance of Swami's abode,
were 2 portraits of Swami's Parents.
The scene was set for one of the most historic moments in Sai
History. It has been ages since Swami had blessed devotees with
Balcony Darshan. Swami appeared on the newly constructed U shaped
balcony above Trayee at around 8:20 am, blessing the assembled
gathering with immense joy and bliss.
Swami spent a couple of moments there and was then taken back
inside. The Bhajans started off soon and as we moaned at His
disappearance, the ever unpredictable but extremely Lovable Sai
reappeared downstairs at the main entrance of Trayee.
The joy was evident on the faces of the Balavikas students - many
dressed in white, some in costumes and others as Vedic pundits.
As Swami reached the entrance of Trayee from the balcony above,
the Balavikas students abruptly stopped their Bhajans in the
middle of the song "Punya Naam Pavitra Naam". Just as we thought
that it was probably the end of the morning's proceedings, we were
pleasantly surprised to know that the function was to be
officially flagged off soon. The function started off with
oblations to Lord Ganesha by a group of Veda Chanting boys.
At the end of the Chantings, a mike was brought and one of the
students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning readied
himself for a speech. He spoke beautifully and narrated a small
story about how Mothers were created as Guardian Angels for all
Children by God. He then went on to relate some amazing incidents
about Swami.
One was about how Swami blessed 4 daughters-in-law of an old
Punjabi lady with children, when there was none written in their
destiny. Apparently Swami explained to the pleading lady many
years ago that none of her daughters-in-law were destined to have
children, but on her insistence that Swami could actually re-write
destiny, He did exactly that! One year later Swami blessed all of
them with children and they turned up to seek His Blessings.
Another amazing incident that was narrated was about Swami as the
Creator, Sustainer of all Living Beings. Once while returning from
Darshan, Swami stopped near the entrance of Trayee. Everyone was
perplexed as to why Bhagwan had so abruptly stopped in His tracks.
Swami then pointed to a line of ants crossing His Path! Only God
could have noticed this. After this Swami materialized some sugar
candy and said "Lunch Time" to the amazed onlookers while
sprinkling the same on the army of ants! Only God can experience
the pangs of hunger felt by other living beings!
He also mentioned about Swami being the Mother of Mothers and was
grateful for all the Love that He was showering on the students.
He narrated an instance when during Prasadam distribution to
Students, one boy had been left out.Swami then walked up to the
boy and indicated that he had not got the Prasadam. Swami then
said that He was their Mother and would look after their needs.
The student then went on to talk about the greatness of Mother
Easweramma and at the end concluded by saying that Bhagwan should
rewrite his destiny so that he could forever stay with Him.
The next student went on to narrate instances from Swami's Life
where He had explicitly revealed His Divinity to many close
devotees including Mother Easweramma. He then said that Swami had
advised him about the importance of constant rememberance of the
Divine, so that at the end of one's life, contemplating on the
Divine would come naturally.
Both students spoke exceedingly well and won the hearts of the
audience. At the end of these speeches, Swami blessed the
gathering with His Nectarine Discourse. He started off as usual
with a Telugu Poem which said that at birth, no one comes with any
garland or necklace other than that of his Karma. Swami also said
that God would never interfere in the functioning of one's Karma
and went on to narrate instances of the great man Ishwar Chander
Vidyasagar and his reverence for his mother. Swami said that both
He and Ishwar had implicitly obeyed and fulfilled their noble
mother's desires of providing free education, water and health
care to the poor. Swami exhorted devotees to take up such acts in
their lives and also said that one need not undertake any
charitable act if he/she obeyed and pleased their mother. Swami
also said that everything was in one's mind and one small thought
could be developed into a mansion of action.
Towards the end, Swami pointed out to some of the old students who
were double post graduates. Swami asked these boys to get up and
then praised them for their single minded devotion towards Bhagwan.
Despite being highly qualified, they had not chosen the usual
worldly path. Instead they were loving and serving Bhagwan in all
possible ways and Swami said that only such selfless love could
cure Him of all the apparent ailments.
Swami said that nothing could happen to His Body and all these so
called ailments were only accidents. Swami then indicated to
devotees that He had agreed to come down from the balcony due to
the Love expressed by His students. Swami said that such noble
boys were His only Property and He too loved them equally.
Swami also said that the Gown that He had adorned was offered to
Him lovingly by His Students. Swami explained the ease of use of
the same and expressed His Joy at their loving care for Swami. He
said that one could not find such service elsewhere.
Swami asked Dr. Padmanabhan to come in the front and narrated his
life story briefly. Swami had sent Dr to Vienna for higher
education during his youth and ever since his return, he had
dedicated his entire life to service towards humanity and was
setting a great example to Sai Devotees by the loving service
rendered to Swami.
Swami also showered lavish accolades on the two boys who had
spoken and pointed out that these boys were extremely devoted. The
first speaker was a Punjabi Sikh and Swami told us about how he
had secured admission in the Institute. Ever since his course
completion, he had expressed his gratitude to Swami through many
service activities like cooking food in the Hostel. Swami said
that most of the Puttaparthi post graduate students were like him
and never wanted to leave Swami. Swami said that all His Students
were dear to Him and are instrumental in spreading the Message of
Sai through their ideal lives in the society.
At the end of this moving discourse, Swami signaled to the Bhajan
group of Balavikas students to continue their sweet Bhajans. He
accepted Aarti and was helped back inside Trayee at the end of 4-5
Bhajans. Just as He entered Trayee, the Rain Gods showered
torrents of Rain, almost as if they were also enthralled by the
proceedings at Trayee till then.
As Swami was returning, Sevadals and Students hurriedly
distributed Prasadam of Laddu and some snacks among the devotees.
Stringent efforts were made to clear the premises of Swami's
Residence.
Devotees returned home soaked in the rain and the Bliss showered
by Bhagwan in one of the rarest moments when everyone had been
accommodated into Trayee Brindavan.
It will take a long while for all of us to digest the fact that
Swami had actually blessed all of us with a unique chance to be
present right at His Doorstep for Darshan!
May this dream come true continue over the days to come which are
filled with several Balavikas programs!
May Bhagwan bless all the readers with Bliss and Devotion!
Jai Sairam!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=66
Darshan News 6
May 2004: Sai Showers in Trayee Brindavan! (Part I)
Before I proceed with today's narrative, I request all readers to
spend a moment on contemplation about Mother Easweramma, the one
whom God chose to make His own Mother! Let us express our
thanksgiving to this Divine Being who was fortunate to spend many
moments close to our Dear Lord.
I do not know where to begin and how much to write about today as
Swami has given all devotees a lot of sweet memories to cherish
about. Today, 6th May 2004 will go down in Sai history as one of
the most special occasions for Sai Devotees as we were presented a
unique opportunity by the Lord to attend a session in His own
Residence!!!
Yes Brothers and Sisters! Swami is the only God who always takes
the pains daily to present Himself to His yearning Devotees,
unlike most other religious places and centers where the devotee
has to seek God.
In the history of Swami’s Darshan, very rarely has He willed that
ALL devotees assemble inside His Residence and what was even more
special was that Bhagwan graced us all with “Balcony Darshan” from
Trayee.
Around 5:45 am, there was a lot of confusion as the ladies were
asked to assemble near the Canara Bank Gate to Trayee (the gate
immediately after the level crossing in Whitefield). Unfortunately
there was almost a stampede but things got sorted out soon. We
were wondering about Darshan for the men’s side and it was quite
surprising to note that even at around 6 am, a time when the Hall
is bustling with activity, the Hall was empty almost as if there
was no Darshan. Our hearts raced as we prayed fervently to Swami
that we should get Darshan. The token lines were first seated
outside and then taken into the Hall on a first cum first served
basis.
Unlike other days, we were made to face the Sai Kalyana Mandap and
were there till 7:15 am. Around 40 odd columns of devotees, staff,
doctors, VIPs were waiting expectantly, when we heard that we
would soon get a chance to sit inside the premises of Trayee! What
good fortune or should I say what good Karma had we accumulated in
the past births to be blessed with a chance to sit in the Divine
Presence outside His own Residence!
At around 7:15am or so, devotees were allowed to enter Trayee
through the gate that Swami uses daily while coming for Darshan. I
was spellbound for I had never seen the magnificent structure of
Trayee (a Lotus shaped building), which is Swami’s abode in
Brindavan except in photos.
We were all ushered into the lush green lawns outside Trayee and
all staff, students and VIPs were seated ahead of us. What was
interesting to note was that there were hordes of children,
hundreds of them dressed smartly in whites, some carrying books,
some musical instruments. The next few days is filled with events
from this group of Balavikas children. Really they stand out among
the other kids today in their behavior, discipline and devotion
towards Swami. Accompanying them were their Gurus, who were busy
organizing the children for the morning's programmes.
We waited for almost an hour and when people began getting
restless, the balcony door in Trayee was slowly opened. Swami was
escorted to the balcony while the Balavikas children started off
with the Ganesha Bhajan "Maha Ganapate Namostute". Swami sat for
about 3 minutes and then went back inside. Most of us were
thinking that it was probably the end of Darshan when Sai Krishna
most compassionately descended down to the area opposite the
Trayee staircase. It was almost as if moved by the prayers of His
Devotees, God descended on the Earth.
"Sai Sai Smaran Karo", "Jai Jai Bhavani Maa" and "Punya Naam
Pavitra Naam Raam Naam Sai Naam" were the songs that followed and
by then Swami was seated on His Throne right opposite the Trayee
Doorway.
Today being a festive occassion was dedicated to Veda Chanting
followed by 2 beautiful speeches by His Students. Both the
students stressed upon the greatness of Mother Easweramma and
narrated some of the best Sai Experiences I have ever heard.
This was followed by Swami's Discourse where He emphasized on the
need for obeying the command of One's Mother to the last syllable
and Swami then spent considerable time praising His Students and
their Love for Him.
Only God has total control over the vagaries of Nature and Swami
clearly demonstrated His Control over the Elements. Believe me
Brothers and Sisters; Swami only could have prevented the dark
thunderclouds hovering above His Residence from pouring down on
the gathering. As soon as all the events concluded and Swami
returned to the inner chambers of Trayee, a light drizzle was
followed by a heavy downpour.
Since there is a lot to write about, at this juncture, I will have
to break and continue the proceedings of today's events separately.
There were significant messages delivered to the Devotees by
Bhagwan in His Discourse, which would require a separate write-up
following this one.
Have a Blissful Day!
Jai Sairam.
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=67
Darshan News 2nd
May, 2004 : Blessings Galore!
Sairam to all the blessed readers! As Swami often says, His Mahima
is unfathomable and even if the entire mankind got together and
spent all their lives, they would be unable to complete the mighty
task of understanding Swami.
There was a sizable crowd today unusually and an army of dedicated
Sevadals had assembled early in the morning to control them. The
selfless service that they render is beyond description. I also
noted that the Brindavan Bhajan Group Singers, who render soul
stirring Bhajans on Thursdays and Sundays also take turns to offer
dedicated service at the Darshan Halls on other days. They are
indeed setting a classic example of service mindedness to us and I
pray that Bhagwan blesses these noble souls bountifully!
Swami did it again, yet another day full of surprises!!! Swami
came in at around 7:15 am itself and people who had gone out
temporarily were running into the Hall. The Sevadals were as
composed as ever as they ensure that the devotees are seated well
in advance. People rushed to occupy their seats and as Swami's car
turned up at the entrance, everyone was seated.
I was seated along with a marriage group from Chennai who had come
to Swami for blessings along the center aisle. Their experience
over the past one week at Chennai had been absolutely fantastic,
which I would like to relate here.
Swami had expressed His Happiness in Puttaparthi when the party
had presented the invitation to Bhagwan last month. Incidentally
there were two functions to be celebrated by them – one the
marriage of a young couple and another , the solemnization of
marriage rituals of the groom's 80 year old father as is the
tradition in Southern India. Both father and son were seated
adjacent to me near the center aisle.
During the marriage, they had fallen short of food due to an
unprecedented turnout at the function and they had to resort to
Swami's Vibuthi to multiply the food! The cooks at the function
were so amazed at the Leela of Bhagwan that they begged for a
photo of Swami and Vibuthi from the lady who had sprinkled Vibuthi
on the food. Is there any end to our Lord's compassion, I wondered!
Needless to say the function went off very well and the group had
turned up to receive Bhagwan's blessings and express their
thanksgiving.
It was a coincidence that behind us was another marriage party who
had come to give a marriage invitation to Bhagwan and wonder of
wonders right opposite to us on the ladies side was a bride to be
with her bridal dress and jewellery for blessing! And to add to
this ever increasing list of devotees to be blessed, was a man
with Golden Padukas of Swami. I was wondering how Swami would
bless so many people, but was we all know He is the Wire-puller of
the Universe and handling a handful of devotees would be simple
for Him.
Right in front of us was the group of old students of Swami whose
numbers seem to be increasing daily. They too had brought some
articles to be blessed.
Swami first blessed a group of current students and briefly
conversed with them. He then headed to the men's VIP section where
a foreigner was lucky to grasp Swami's Hand while explaining
something to Him. At the end, the man kissed Bhagwan's Hand and
respectfully bowed down to Him. Swami collected a few letters at
this point.
After this, he headed down to an old man who was talking
animatedly to Swami. With Swami's permission, the old man brought
a younger man in front , for whom Swami materialized Vibuthi. Now
Swami was slowly advancing down the aisle towards us.
He stopped near the old students group and they all surrounded
Swami and pleaded for His Blessings. Not only did Bhagwan bless
all of them but also bit a piece of dry fruit and placed the
remaining on the plate as Prasad for them!
Swami now looked at the ladies side and blessed an old lady who
was begging for His attention. She too had the good fortune to
kiss Bhagwan's Hand and spoke something which I couldn't hear. It
is a known fact that when Bhagwan speaks to a devotee, only the
devotee is able to hear Him and the compassionate Lord speaks in a
language most suited to the recipient.
Now Swami was standing almost opposite to us. He turned to the
bride to be on the other side and blessed the artifacts she
presented. He also talked to Her as she knelt before Him. We were
wondering if Swami would make his way towards us when He suddenly
turned about and came straight to us.
Taking the opportunity, all of us knelt towards Swami. The elderly
gentleman in front of me slowly got up and Bhagwan lovingly
received the letters from him. And Swami was so kind enough to
bless all the devotees who were seated next to me. As someone next
to me asked for Vibuthi, Bhagwan said “Yes”, but did not
materialize it. Maybe, it was reserved for a future date, I
thought. The God of Gods then collected letters from all of us and
also sprinkled some charged rice grains on the elderly man behind
me. The entire group of people who had reached out to Swami were
thrilled as Swami had answered to all our prayers.
Swami then walked down the aisle up to the end of the Hall and
just as we thought and hoped He would make another round of the
Hall, he boarded the car and exited through the gate near the boy's
hostel. As usual the ladies rushed to the railing to catch a
glimpse of the Sweet Lord as He returned to Trayee.
What a day it has been! Hope that Swami continues this blessing
spree on all devotees in the days to come.
May Swami bless all the readers with Bliss and Devotion wherever
they are!
Jai Sairam!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=65
Darshan News 2nd May 2004: A sight for Gods to see
Is there any better sight than seeing our Sweet Lord seated on the
Simhasan ( Throne), with the statue of Shri Krishna in the
background? Truly as Swami says, His Darshan is something which
not only mundane beings like us yearn for, it is something desired
for by the Gods too.
Swami's unpredictability continued today and all I can say that
this element of uncertainty is just adding to the excitement. I
made it to the Ashram at ten minutes to six in the morning and
rushed into the area allocated for token lines. I was in for a
shock as I saw more than 25 odd lines already seated. With little
choice left, I opted for the half empty lines in front of the Hall
and today too I did not entertain the slightest desire for a close
Darshan. Today being Sunday, I just wanted to immerse myself in
the bliss of the Bhajans rendered by the Brindavan Bhajan Group.
As I was wondering about the probability of me getting into the
Hall amidst this huge gathering, I was surprised to hear the
clicking sounds of the tokens in the bag – a signal that the issue
of tokens was to begin.
And to add to my amazement further, I was surprised when I got the
first token! Today was the first day that I occupied the centre
aisle column and I can assure you that it is indeed one of the
best places for Darshan. You get a view of the entire Hall on both
sides and most importantly a glimpse of Trayee and the staircase
leading upto Swami's residence. And you also get a chance to
clearly see Swami entering the Hall in His Car.
At around 7:45 pm, there was a brief play of instrumental music
followed by the Brindavan Group Bhajans. I am still trying to
figure out what was so special about the Bhajans today – it was
totally out of this world. Most of the Bhajans today centered
around Lord Krishna, Lord Panduranga and Lord Rama. The Brindavan
Bhajan Group are out performing themselves with every outing and I
can tell you that today's Bhajans stood out among their very best.
“Antaranga Sai Anathana Natha Sai”, “Radhe Radhe Radhe Shyaam”,
“Srinivasa Sree Venkatesa”, “Raghuveera Ranadheera Rama Rama” were
some of the popular songs sung by the group and each singer gave
it more than his/her best. It is said that Music moves the Heart
of God and I remember last year at Akhanda Bhajans when Swami told
my sisters (who are ex-students) that well sung Bhajans give
utmost Ananda to Him. I pray to Bhagwan to shower His Grace on
this blessed group of singers!
As the ladies lead the Bhajan - “Manase Bhajo Re Guru Charanam”, I
strained my neck to catch a glimpse of the Divine Lotus Feet of
Our Sweet Lord. The following of Bhajans was excellent too and the
tempo was just too good for any one to resist.
Today a group of Old Students of the Institute had assembled near
the center aisle wearing green badges reading “Sri Sathya Sai
Student”. Swami headed for the VIP section of the men and
materialized Vibuthi for a gentleman. He spent some time talking
to them and floated down the Hall in his inimitable style. There
were at least two such instances of Swami calling ladies seated
along the center aisle and talking to them. I saw Him materialize
Vibuthi at lightning speed for a lady, instructing her on how to
apply it and unusually, He sprinkled some of the excess Vibuthi on
the ground.
Swami did not collect as many letters as He usually does on
weekdays. As Swami walked past me very closely, I once again
prayed fervently to Swami that He bless the entire gathering with
His Darshan. Almost as if He heard my little prayer, Swami looked
at me compassionately as He walked on with the car close on His
Heels.
Swami walked up right to the end of the Hall where a staff member
from Prashanti Nilayam (an old gentleman who works in the Mandir
at Parthi), was seated with a handful of letters. Swami beckoned
to him to bring the letters and spent some time conversing with
Him. Once this was done, Bhagwan instructed the staff holding His
Hand that He wanted to make a full round of the Hall in the car. I
was thrilled beyond words that Swami had fulfilled my desire!
Swami was helped into the car and it went up to the Saraswati
statue and took a right turn as devotees in the extended Hall were
blessed with the Darshan of our Lord.
As Swami completed His rounds, he took the elevator to the stage
and sat through at least ten odd Bhajans. It was a sight for the
Gods to behold- Swami enjoying the Bhajans and it almost seemed to
me that on hearing the devotional intensity in the beautiful
Bhajans, our Swami was blessing us with the Darshan of Sai
Krishna.
Like on most other Sundays, Swami took the exit from the backside
of the stage as the Brindavan Group continued their Bhajans
non-stop till afternoon.
Sairam Brothers and Sisters! Today's Darshan was something I had
been waiting for long as I was involved in organizing a marriage
function blessed by Bhagwan at Chennai for the past one week. We
experienced the Divine Leelas of Swami there. Swami willing, I
would like to highlight the same in my next writeup.
I pray to Swami that He bless all the readers with Love, Peace and
Bliss wherever they are. May Swami bless all of you with His
Darshan soon!
Jai Sairam!!!
Source:
http://www.kingdomofsai.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=64
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