SAI Convocation

Sai Ram,

The excitement was of convocation and birthday next to each other. The crowd had increased to where Kulwant Hall was full. People from all over the world were there. This was the place to be. It was nice having so many people in the Hall again.

The culmination of a week of festivities honoring the one that was and is responsible for all.

There will be more great events which will fill the Hall until eventually it will be filled always.

Monday – November 21. On the day leading to convocation one wondered what this years events would be like. But for this evening, students presented a drama about the importance of the Guru - “Gurue Mahima”.

It started with a special dance. After which, Baba spoke to us over the public address system from a discourse about character and values

A play about the relationship of 3 youngsters, staying in an ashram, to their guru was explored. In this case, the guru was a musical maestro and the student were there to learn the intricacies of music from him.

The drama showed how a true guru helps those who are dedicated and devoted. And how the whole area prospered from his presence.

The comparison to Sai Baba was inevitable. It was really about Sai and the messages were his. Stories from epics and of great souls added to the depth of the story. (Photos)

Shirdi Sai came to mind when the Guru who had went away for a few days reappeared saying, “Where did I Go?” And Sathya Sai said he is forever “in the hearts of devotees.” “Their joy and sorrows are his”.

Another point that was emphasized was that change was always happening.

Music added to significance of the drama. It emphasized the special spiritual connections that exist between Master and Disciple. His influences always work through the disciple even if the Master is not physically present.

The finale was the highlight. When the electric lights were turned off, many people sat with lit candles illuminating the Hall. The candles had been lit from one candle. The light spread. The divine spirit permeates everywhere.

Baba is everyplace. He is the light which removes all darkness. We will keep Sai name in our hearts always. (Photo)

Before the drama several faculty members received Sai Krishna Awards for excellence in research.

Tuesday - November 22. The big day for the 30th Convocation of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning took place mid-morning. Following the brass band was a procession of officials. (Photos)

The Vice Chancellor was confident that Baba was watching the proceedings (He was). He explained the many achievements of Sai’s university and added the university will continue to follow the ideals that Baba wanted.

Gold medals for academic excellence was awarded to 22 students.

The chief guest was Professor Balaram, director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. He hailed the Sai University as unique especially with the discipline that Baba required. Balaram emphasized the importance of hard work regardless of failures. Failures are common but should be treat with equanimity. He wished the students success by using discipline, commitment and hard work.

The Chancellor of the University, Sai Baba, spoke next through video. He emphasized the importance of knowing thyself and the need for introspection. Real knowledge is beyond science. You need to understand the spiritual principles behind your work.

Baba also mentioned the importance of service to the motherland. He blessed the students to proceed along the path of self-realization.

It was 11:40 when the national anthem was sung followed by arathi.

The evening program was to top all previous events. First, there was the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Super Speciality Hospital with the showing of a video about how the hospital came into being including the construction Actual footage was used. The video was called “Praying Hearts Serving Hands”. If you get a chance to watch it, you will be fascinated by it.

Emphasis was made about how quickly it was done from start to finish in one year, that it was completely free and that more free hospitals were needed.

The second program was beyond words. It truly defies description. It was “Taala Vaadya Kacheri” by Mridangam maestro Karaikkudi Mani. His specialty was percussion with a special beat. The others in the group were Jazz musicians from Europe and Asia. (Photo)

Their world music band is known as Shanmakhaa. They played compositions based on Carnatic, Hindustani and Classical folk melodies combined with the influence of the West. Their underlying theme is World Peace.

Rhythm and melody in a harmonious blend wove the music into an ecstasy that uplifted anyone that could hear or feel the music including the hall itself.

To make the experience richer, screens and monitors that had been set up showed close-ups of the actual playing. It was unbelievable the dexterity of the hands and how quickly they moved.

A feast of ears and eyes for the body and the soul.

The one hour performance was constantly greeted with applauds from everyone. If they continued playing longer, probably no one would move.

Baba who was sitting in the chair enjoyed the performance. At times, he closed his eyes as to go somewhere else in bliss.

We left flying out of the hall after arathi. Certainly all of us felt better.

Seema has a message – “God as Divine Master”.

Thought for the Day
20 November 2011

People surrender their dignity and status to other men and women for wealth, fame, possessions, pomp, power, etc. But rarely does one get the chance to surrender to the Lord for the sake of the Lord! How can one feel the urge to do so, so long as one craves for the materialistic objects (aadheya) and not the Source of the objects (Aadhaara)? How long can the baseless satisfy? People want the created not the creator; things from the hand, but not the Hand! Can there be an object without the cause? No. God alone is the 'Uncaused'. It is sheer ignorance to surrender individuality for the sake of the caused. Surrender rather to the Cause, the Source, the Origin of all - Sarveswara. This is genuine surrender or Saranagathi.

Baba

Thought for the Day
22 October 2011

You will attain quick progress in the spiritual path if you overcome the difficult obstacles, viz. anger, pride, conceit, the tendency to discover the faults of others, etc. These operate subconsciously, as the currents in the depths of the ocean. You must be vigilant not to lose your temper on even small things, for that will hinder your progress. Cultivate love and humility towards all. Then, undesirable habits will fall away from you, since anger is the parent of all wrong behaviour. Anger can turn any person into bad ways, any moment, and in any form. So, sublimate it first by systematic effort. Welcome gladly anyone who points out your defects; indeed, be grateful to them. Never entertain hatred against them, for that is as bad as hating the "good". You must love the "good" and discard the "bad". Remember, the "bad" should not be hated. It has to be given up, avoided.

Baba

Thought for the Day
3 October 2011

In this age of Kali, human beings are moving about like cruel beasts. Compassion and love are vanishing. Ostentatious living is the order of the day. Everyone may claim that they love God. Hardly one in a million is a true lover of God. To deride God during times of adversity and to praise God in conditions of prosperity cannot be called true love of God. Divine love is that which does not flinch in the face of difficulties and does not gloat over prosperity and remains equally serene in all circumstances. Life is full of vicissitudes, which are transient. True love should remain unaffected by weal or woe. As long as you are full of hatred, the world will appear as a hate-filled world. It is only when love is developed that the dualism of good and evil can be transcended and the joy of oneness with the Divine experienced.

Baba