Sai Ram,
Christmas was wonderful. The beautiful decorations, the joy, the many wonderful programs with Baba’s presence and a host of invisible filled Kulwant Hall.
The cold weather added a wintry feel to the occasion. For some it was like home.
Many people from India came to celebrate the holiday.
Everyone appreciated the various programs and was grateful for the excellency of them. The lower numbers of foreigners was more than amply made up with the intensity of their devotion to Baba, Jesus and this special occasion.
Intense choir practise paid off with a flawless performance where rehearsals were done with less time than in previous years. Sylvia Alden replacement of Gisela Sebastian was an excellent choice. As a musician, a composer and a person who
had been part of the Christmas program for 20 years, she was ideal.
Her commitment to perfection mixed with Baba stories and compassion was what the group needed to inspire them to learn some difficult tunes quickly.
Saturday – December 24. When the performance time came, the choir was supported by people from the Croatia, led choir who took time to learn the music from tape recordings and more practice. A wonderful gesture. This dedication is one of the many reasons why Baba visited them so many times.
There were 240 members of the Christmas Choir which gave a near perfect 55 minute performance. The program which started with a Ganesha mantra included “Joy To the World”, “Tell it to the Mountain”, “Silent night”, “There is none Like You”, “I Love You All” and Sai is Love, Just Love.
The hall which was almost filled with people some of whom expressed their appreciation of the effort and the music. However, it was the love and devotion to Baba along with his own energy that elevated people to a loving consciousness.
The choir members were very happy that they were able to accomplish such a terrific
musical feat. All thanks to Baba.
Sunday – December 25. A busy day with many events. A tradition that goes back over 30 years is the singing of Christmas songs to Baba just before daybreaks. In many years past, Baba would come out onto the 1st floor verandah to smile and bless the singers.
Now it is done at 6:30 in the morning which is the only time Kulwant Hall is available. The Christmas Carol choir consisted of about 30 people and were supported by some people from the Croatian and Christmas choirs. The conductor was Natrisha Choonilall who was an Indian born South African now living in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Although the attendance was low, everyone there enjoyed the terrific performance given by the choir as they sang 18 songs. They completed on time for their 30 minute limit.
I thought they would be unable to do this but they did. It was a great way to start the day.
A special treat was in store for those who showed up for the Christmas program by Baba’s students. As usual it was spectacular, unusual and joyous.
At 8:30 a.m., the students presented their special Christmas program which Baba always enjoyed. Their music is different from other groups and as always their whole body and soul is part of the performance.
The first group was the Violin Band from the Higher Secondary School with tunes like “Love is My Form”, “Jingle Bells” and some bhajans. They learned to play over the internet with Al Levy from the U.S. teaching and guiding them.
They were followed by the Institute Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam campus which played “Silent Night”, “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and Little Drummer Boy” among other tunes.
Next, were Institute students singing traditional Christmas songs and carols which were interspersed with commentary about the life of Jesus. At the beginning when they were singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, 2 small Santa Clauses came up the center driveway to run around on the men’s and women’s sides tossing round chocolate inside a money looking wrapper to those lucky enough to be near the front.
It was the first time that we received any candy. Thank you Baba.
Later Christmas cakes were cut which we were able to enjoy a small piece in the Western Canteen in the evening.
Arathi was at 9:50.
At 5:00 the evening program began with John Behner introducing the speakers and thanking the Croatian led decoration team and Indonesian devotees for their help in the Western canteen.
Sylvia Alden, who had been the choir conductor for many years, shared how she came to Baba (1978) being a skeptic at the beginning. She spoke about her transformation. Baba has guided her every step of the way. Her parting message was that if you have Sai in your heart, you have joy. (Attached)
Next was Arthur Hillcoat, referred to by Baba as the “Lion” because of his beard and hair. He was also called Santa Claus as he coordinated the Christmas program for a number of years. (Attached)
He spoke about the many difficulties he had to undergo in Life. He wondered “Why Me, My Lord”? They led him to Baba. He learned that you have to go through trials and tribulations to learn the Truth which is Love. We are Divine Love. We are Divinity. Also that we should enjoy this play that God has us going through.
Next was an audio playback of an excerpt from Baba’s discourse delivered in 1996. (Attached). It was the time that Baba materialized the miniature Bible which is hidden in a safe [-lace near the Black Sea coast.
Monday – December 26. Now was the time for children to shine. The International Children’s Choir sang and kids shared children’s Christmas experiences with Sai. The program called “The Gift of Love”. It was a mix of choir singing interspersed with personal reflection by children from different countries. (Attached)
Alma Badings from the Netherlands who has led this group before was once again the conductor. She did a wonderful job of going from music to reading of a moving Sai experience and back to music. The songs were in English, Spanish and Zulu.
It included “Noel”, “Yesu Azali Awa”, “Start the Day with Love”, and “Feliz Navidad”.
There was also a song that the Earth should be saved for the children of the world who are going to inherit it. Save the Planet. This led to singing of “We are the World”.
“Jingle Bells” was sung with the words being changed to Sathya Sai, Sailand, and Sathya all the way. Ganesha was also mentioned.
Personal reflections dealt with the persons contact with Baba at this time of the year including their feelings before and after. Moving stories.
All of these programs can be viewed at RadioSai as well as DVD can be purchased at the ashram book store.
The decorations can only be appreciated through pictures. The many photos that are attached show some of the decorations in Kulwant Hall as well as RadioSai special about them. (Attached are some pictures).
Tuesday – December 27. This day will be remembered for its heart warming and Love generated Interfaith Mass which was held on the ground floor of the double decker building at 10 a.m. There was standing room only as more than 200 people of different religions and cultures renewed the bond of the Oneness of God.
In a service mixed with religious dialogue, skits and music from Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity and the Family of Man, the energy and love rose to levels that elevated everyone to a new state of being. A new beginning.
Father Charles Ogada led the multi faith worship, “A Journey Through Love”. He was assisted by Michael Galligan as well as by kids of the Children’s Project in Coorg, India and devotees from around the world.
Quotes from Baba’s discourses were used.
A wonderful program which will surely be expanded and repeated.
A DVD is available from RadioSai.
Seema messages are “The Heart and Soul”, “A Moment to Make and a Past to Break”
Thought for the Day
25 December 2011
When you enter sincerely into the path of spiritual practice, the urge to find faults in others or to publicise one's own excellence will disappear. When you yearn to reach God, you have to observe the guidelines and walk along the stipulated path; every step will bring you nearer. When you need to reach a village, you have to rise and move towards it; it will not rise and come towards you! Similarly, when you need to reach God, rise and move, as He has directed you to! By this means alone, can you make life worthwhile. Jesus taught simple practical lessons in spiritual advancement for the good of mankind; Jesus exhorted people by precept and example to cultivate the virtues of charity, compassion, forbearance, love and faith. If you are a sincere aspirant, celebrate His birthday in a spirit of dedication, deepening the faith in your hearts and revering His doctrines through more intense practice.
Baba
Thought for the Day
22 December 2011
There are two forms of Love. One binds you to God and the other binds you to the world. The mind is responsible for either of these states. It is like a lock. If you turn the key to the right, the lock opens; If you turn it to the left, it gets locked. The heart is the key to the lock of the mind. If you turn the key towards the world, you have attachment (bondage). You must see that desire and hatred do not get lodged in the mind. Bear no ill-will towards anyone. Avoid the company of those who are evil-minded. Through good company, your bad qualities get diluted, like sewage water that enters the sea. You can thereby raise yourself. Devotion means giving up all other desires and dedicating all actions and thoughts to God.
Baba
Thought for the Day
26 December 2011
So long as the objective world continues to attract the mind, one cannot claim complete success. Hence Krishna in the Geeta says: "You must establish mastery over the senses; then you need have no fear, for they become serpents with fangs removed. Man has three chief instruments: the mind, the intellect, and the senses. It is when these three work in unison and cooperate with one another that either 'immersal in the flux' or 'liberation' happens." Krishna anticipated that Arjuna will be puzzled to know what will happen "when which operates with which". So He himself provided the answer. He said: "When the mind cooperates with the senses, you enter into the flux called Samsara (worldly life); when it subordinates itself to the intellect, you attain the knowledge of the Divine. One path leads to worldly desires, the other to Divinity. The intellect must resolve; the mind must carry out the resolution so made. That is the correct procedure".
Baba
Christmas was wonderful. The beautiful decorations, the joy, the many wonderful programs with Baba’s presence and a host of invisible filled Kulwant Hall.
The cold weather added a wintry feel to the occasion. For some it was like home.
Many people from India came to celebrate the holiday.
Everyone appreciated the various programs and was grateful for the excellency of them. The lower numbers of foreigners was more than amply made up with the intensity of their devotion to Baba, Jesus and this special occasion.
Intense choir practise paid off with a flawless performance where rehearsals were done with less time than in previous years. Sylvia Alden replacement of Gisela Sebastian was an excellent choice. As a musician, a composer and a person who
had been part of the Christmas program for 20 years, she was ideal.
Her commitment to perfection mixed with Baba stories and compassion was what the group needed to inspire them to learn some difficult tunes quickly.
Saturday – December 24. When the performance time came, the choir was supported by people from the Croatia, led choir who took time to learn the music from tape recordings and more practice. A wonderful gesture. This dedication is one of the many reasons why Baba visited them so many times.
There were 240 members of the Christmas Choir which gave a near perfect 55 minute performance. The program which started with a Ganesha mantra included “Joy To the World”, “Tell it to the Mountain”, “Silent night”, “There is none Like You”, “I Love You All” and Sai is Love, Just Love.
The hall which was almost filled with people some of whom expressed their appreciation of the effort and the music. However, it was the love and devotion to Baba along with his own energy that elevated people to a loving consciousness.
The choir members were very happy that they were able to accomplish such a terrific
musical feat. All thanks to Baba.
Sunday – December 25. A busy day with many events. A tradition that goes back over 30 years is the singing of Christmas songs to Baba just before daybreaks. In many years past, Baba would come out onto the 1st floor verandah to smile and bless the singers.
Now it is done at 6:30 in the morning which is the only time Kulwant Hall is available. The Christmas Carol choir consisted of about 30 people and were supported by some people from the Croatian and Christmas choirs. The conductor was Natrisha Choonilall who was an Indian born South African now living in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Although the attendance was low, everyone there enjoyed the terrific performance given by the choir as they sang 18 songs. They completed on time for their 30 minute limit.
I thought they would be unable to do this but they did. It was a great way to start the day.
A special treat was in store for those who showed up for the Christmas program by Baba’s students. As usual it was spectacular, unusual and joyous.
At 8:30 a.m., the students presented their special Christmas program which Baba always enjoyed. Their music is different from other groups and as always their whole body and soul is part of the performance.
The first group was the Violin Band from the Higher Secondary School with tunes like “Love is My Form”, “Jingle Bells” and some bhajans. They learned to play over the internet with Al Levy from the U.S. teaching and guiding them.
They were followed by the Institute Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam campus which played “Silent Night”, “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and Little Drummer Boy” among other tunes.
Next, were Institute students singing traditional Christmas songs and carols which were interspersed with commentary about the life of Jesus. At the beginning when they were singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, 2 small Santa Clauses came up the center driveway to run around on the men’s and women’s sides tossing round chocolate inside a money looking wrapper to those lucky enough to be near the front.
It was the first time that we received any candy. Thank you Baba.
Later Christmas cakes were cut which we were able to enjoy a small piece in the Western Canteen in the evening.
Arathi was at 9:50.
At 5:00 the evening program began with John Behner introducing the speakers and thanking the Croatian led decoration team and Indonesian devotees for their help in the Western canteen.
Sylvia Alden, who had been the choir conductor for many years, shared how she came to Baba (1978) being a skeptic at the beginning. She spoke about her transformation. Baba has guided her every step of the way. Her parting message was that if you have Sai in your heart, you have joy. (Attached)
Next was Arthur Hillcoat, referred to by Baba as the “Lion” because of his beard and hair. He was also called Santa Claus as he coordinated the Christmas program for a number of years. (Attached)
He spoke about the many difficulties he had to undergo in Life. He wondered “Why Me, My Lord”? They led him to Baba. He learned that you have to go through trials and tribulations to learn the Truth which is Love. We are Divine Love. We are Divinity. Also that we should enjoy this play that God has us going through.
Next was an audio playback of an excerpt from Baba’s discourse delivered in 1996. (Attached). It was the time that Baba materialized the miniature Bible which is hidden in a safe [-lace near the Black Sea coast.
Monday – December 26. Now was the time for children to shine. The International Children’s Choir sang and kids shared children’s Christmas experiences with Sai. The program called “The Gift of Love”. It was a mix of choir singing interspersed with personal reflection by children from different countries. (Attached)
Alma Badings from the Netherlands who has led this group before was once again the conductor. She did a wonderful job of going from music to reading of a moving Sai experience and back to music. The songs were in English, Spanish and Zulu.
It included “Noel”, “Yesu Azali Awa”, “Start the Day with Love”, and “Feliz Navidad”.
There was also a song that the Earth should be saved for the children of the world who are going to inherit it. Save the Planet. This led to singing of “We are the World”.
“Jingle Bells” was sung with the words being changed to Sathya Sai, Sailand, and Sathya all the way. Ganesha was also mentioned.
Personal reflections dealt with the persons contact with Baba at this time of the year including their feelings before and after. Moving stories.
All of these programs can be viewed at RadioSai as well as DVD can be purchased at the ashram book store.
The decorations can only be appreciated through pictures. The many photos that are attached show some of the decorations in Kulwant Hall as well as RadioSai special about them. (Attached are some pictures).
Tuesday – December 27. This day will be remembered for its heart warming and Love generated Interfaith Mass which was held on the ground floor of the double decker building at 10 a.m. There was standing room only as more than 200 people of different religions and cultures renewed the bond of the Oneness of God.
In a service mixed with religious dialogue, skits and music from Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity and the Family of Man, the energy and love rose to levels that elevated everyone to a new state of being. A new beginning.
Father Charles Ogada led the multi faith worship, “A Journey Through Love”. He was assisted by Michael Galligan as well as by kids of the Children’s Project in Coorg, India and devotees from around the world.
Quotes from Baba’s discourses were used.
A wonderful program which will surely be expanded and repeated.
A DVD is available from RadioSai.
Seema messages are “The Heart and Soul”, “A Moment to Make and a Past to Break”
Thought for the Day
25 December 2011
When you enter sincerely into the path of spiritual practice, the urge to find faults in others or to publicise one's own excellence will disappear. When you yearn to reach God, you have to observe the guidelines and walk along the stipulated path; every step will bring you nearer. When you need to reach a village, you have to rise and move towards it; it will not rise and come towards you! Similarly, when you need to reach God, rise and move, as He has directed you to! By this means alone, can you make life worthwhile. Jesus taught simple practical lessons in spiritual advancement for the good of mankind; Jesus exhorted people by precept and example to cultivate the virtues of charity, compassion, forbearance, love and faith. If you are a sincere aspirant, celebrate His birthday in a spirit of dedication, deepening the faith in your hearts and revering His doctrines through more intense practice.
Baba
Thought for the Day
22 December 2011
There are two forms of Love. One binds you to God and the other binds you to the world. The mind is responsible for either of these states. It is like a lock. If you turn the key to the right, the lock opens; If you turn it to the left, it gets locked. The heart is the key to the lock of the mind. If you turn the key towards the world, you have attachment (bondage). You must see that desire and hatred do not get lodged in the mind. Bear no ill-will towards anyone. Avoid the company of those who are evil-minded. Through good company, your bad qualities get diluted, like sewage water that enters the sea. You can thereby raise yourself. Devotion means giving up all other desires and dedicating all actions and thoughts to God.
Baba
Thought for the Day
26 December 2011
So long as the objective world continues to attract the mind, one cannot claim complete success. Hence Krishna in the Geeta says: "You must establish mastery over the senses; then you need have no fear, for they become serpents with fangs removed. Man has three chief instruments: the mind, the intellect, and the senses. It is when these three work in unison and cooperate with one another that either 'immersal in the flux' or 'liberation' happens." Krishna anticipated that Arjuna will be puzzled to know what will happen "when which operates with which". So He himself provided the answer. He said: "When the mind cooperates with the senses, you enter into the flux called Samsara (worldly life); when it subordinates itself to the intellect, you attain the knowledge of the Divine. One path leads to worldly desires, the other to Divinity. The intellect must resolve; the mind must carry out the resolution so made. That is the correct procedure".
Baba
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