Sai Report 31-12-11 Many Programs
Sai Ram,
Happy New Year. We made it. The level of activity this past week has been tremendous. From the various Christmas celebrations and Interfaith mass we went to Odisha, Rajasthan and Haryana being here doing their stuff. Everybody doing something to show their love.
The weather remains cool with a bit of rain and all day cloudiness on the 30th and 31st from a cyclone off the east coast of India.
Tuesday – December 27. Several thousand devotees from Odisha (Orissa) came to Parthi on a pilgrimage. This was a sacred trip for them as they did seva, rituals and performances. The intensity of their devotion to Baba and his messages was evident.
As people were participating in the Interfaith Mass, Odisha was conducting a procession to the ashram and returning to Baba’s birthplace with lots of singing, dancing and a chariot carrying Krishna, Balarama and Subadra. Besides the thousands from Odisha, there were hugh crowds along the way. People who are used to seeing processions enjoyed this one.
This event was similar to the Jagannatha Chariot Festival of Puri that occurs every year. (Photos – Jagannatha).
The procession which started at 9:30 at the Shiva Temple (Baba’s birthplace) proceeded to the Main Gate and returned to the Shiva Temple. There were different groups of men dancing to drum beats. They were dressed in various colored costumes of the area. Women carried a Kalasa on their head. Everyone sang and danced as they proceeded on their journey.
In the evening, girl students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar in Bhadrak started the program with a dance drama called “Jagannath Leelamurtham”. The finale was a patriotic dance. (Photo)
In between the Sai Youth from Cuttack presented a drama,”Pharisten Sai Gaganke” It was based on a real incidents that occurred in Samsaraa.(Photo)
Wednesday – December 28. This evening Odisha Youth once again shined as they
sung their way into our hearts. By singing a devotional song from the Upanishads as well as expressing their love to Baba and by surrendering to his feet, they demonstrated that they were indeed a flute through which God flowed.
Afterwards they led bhajans which included some of Baba’s own composition.
A great evening that brought blessings to all of us.
Thursday – December 29. For several hundred devotees from Rajasthan, who arrived a few days earlier, tonight was their turn. They performed a drama about the life of Swami Vivekananda. The play depicted important moments in his life including coming to Ramakrishna, wandering after the Samadhi of Ramakrishna and the Chicago Address.
The program ended with the performers praying that their lives should be examples of Baba’s teachings.
Friday – December 30. A drama, “Saravdharam Sawroopa Sai”, was performed this evening by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir in Haryana. The play emphasized the importance of teachers as ones who set examples for the community. It was a story where the community which was bitterly divided into different fractions became united as one because of the example of a Bal Vikas teacher.
The turmoil which had gone on for many years ended. Peace reign. Baba’s statement that teaching was the noblest of profession bore fruit here. In response to the prayers of the Bal Vikas students, Jesus descended confirming the concept of Unity in Diversity.
We were uplifted by the devotion of the performers, the message of the play and Baba’s energy.
The play was based on a letter that Baba had written to teachers on 30 December 1981.
Saturday – December 31. At 4:00 we heard loud band music from outside the ashram. Eventually, a procession of band, chanting priest, palanquin with Baba’s picture entered Kulwant Hall by coming through the Main Gate up the driveway. Men and then women followed. The curtain had been opened.
They slowly marched around the mandir once. After which, everyone was seated and the curtain was closed.
The evening program consisted of former students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School commemorating 30 years of the founding of the school.
Anamika Aravind spoke about the schools beginning in 1980.
Ms. Sai Geetha told many stories from different students about their experiences. Geetha who is an esteemed physicist wondered how the one who runs all of creation could put on human body as garment to be with us. It was an incomprehensible mystery to our minds. She also explained that primary students would do many different things just to earn a smile from Baba.
Next speaker was Mr. Partish Dubey who wondered whether any of them could ever repay Baba for everything he has done for them. He also praised the teachers for their dedicated Love that helped them absorb Baba’s messages.
Several songs were sung. Also, a commemorative book, Voices from Three Decades was released tonight on this special occasion. The book contains poems, articles, anecdotes and stories of interaction with Baba.
Attached is a photo of Baba and some quotes from Vivekananda which I changed slightly as a prayer to Sai.
Amazing and unexpected news. Political party leaders in the state of Andhra Pradesh want to create a Sathya Sai District with Puttaparthi as the headquarters. Right now, we are part of the Anantapur District. We would have our own district. According to the newspaper, all party leaders are in agreement. Furthermore, they want to declare Sathya Sai Baba birthday to be a state holiday. They also want to work together to solve the water problem in Puttaparthi. Industries will also be established here.
Thought for the Day
29 December 2011
Everyone seeks and strives to be at peace with himself and with the community around. People have tried to get this peace by accumulating wealth, which gives power over others and the ability to command conveniences and comforts. Some have sought positions of authority and influence, so they can shape events suited to one's aims and fancies. Unfortunately, these paths are beset with fear, and the peace that is secured thereby is liable to quick and sometimes violent extinction. Real Peace (Shaanthi) can be achieved only through Love! It is the fruit of the tree of life. This fruit with the sweet essence is encased in a bitter skin. The bitter skin is symbolic of the six evil passions that encase the loving heart of man: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and hate. Those who remove the exterior through hard and consistent discipline attain the sweetness inside - the much desired peace; this peace is everlasting, unchanging and overwhelming.
Baba
Thought for the Day
30 December 2011
You derive benefit from the world and the community, and so some activity on your part is their due. This world, really speaking, is a huge workshop; every human being is a limb in this organisation. The limb is allotted a task in accordance with its structure, and it must find its fulfillment in doing that work; and it has to be done as an offering to God. There is no single thing in the universe that does not engage itself in this great task. Plant and insect, stone and stump, wind and rain, heat and cold, if each of these does not work as per plan, the world cannot subsist. The sun and the moon carry on their routine tasks; wind and fire have to perform their duties without demur. It is only when each performs their task without fail, and with care, that the wheel will move quickly and smoothly.
Baba
Thought for the Day
31 December 2011
All the diverse communities across nations should be united. Mankind should become one family. The world will then become a paradise. If differences are allowed to grow, nations will disintegrate. Those promoting differences between people are destroying the love and compassion in human hearts. They are breaking up mankind into fragments. There is no greater sin than this. What the world needs today is the redeeming and unifying force of love--love which continually expands and embraces more and more people. By giving up narrow ideas regarding one's religion, nation or caste, by developing a broad outlook and cultivating the company of the good, you can elevate your life and make it meaningful and satisfying. Imbibe good thoughts and develop a large-hearted attitude towards all, taking to heart and practicing the wise words of elders. Do not waste both life and money. I wish you all happiness.
Baba
Sai Ram,
Happy New Year. We made it. The level of activity this past week has been tremendous. From the various Christmas celebrations and Interfaith mass we went to Odisha, Rajasthan and Haryana being here doing their stuff. Everybody doing something to show their love.
The weather remains cool with a bit of rain and all day cloudiness on the 30th and 31st from a cyclone off the east coast of India.
Tuesday – December 27. Several thousand devotees from Odisha (Orissa) came to Parthi on a pilgrimage. This was a sacred trip for them as they did seva, rituals and performances. The intensity of their devotion to Baba and his messages was evident.
As people were participating in the Interfaith Mass, Odisha was conducting a procession to the ashram and returning to Baba’s birthplace with lots of singing, dancing and a chariot carrying Krishna, Balarama and Subadra. Besides the thousands from Odisha, there were hugh crowds along the way. People who are used to seeing processions enjoyed this one.
This event was similar to the Jagannatha Chariot Festival of Puri that occurs every year. (Photos – Jagannatha).
The procession which started at 9:30 at the Shiva Temple (Baba’s birthplace) proceeded to the Main Gate and returned to the Shiva Temple. There were different groups of men dancing to drum beats. They were dressed in various colored costumes of the area. Women carried a Kalasa on their head. Everyone sang and danced as they proceeded on their journey.
In the evening, girl students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar in Bhadrak started the program with a dance drama called “Jagannath Leelamurtham”. The finale was a patriotic dance. (Photo)
In between the Sai Youth from Cuttack presented a drama,”Pharisten Sai Gaganke” It was based on a real incidents that occurred in Samsaraa.(Photo)
Wednesday – December 28. This evening Odisha Youth once again shined as they
sung their way into our hearts. By singing a devotional song from the Upanishads as well as expressing their love to Baba and by surrendering to his feet, they demonstrated that they were indeed a flute through which God flowed.
Afterwards they led bhajans which included some of Baba’s own composition.
A great evening that brought blessings to all of us.
Thursday – December 29. For several hundred devotees from Rajasthan, who arrived a few days earlier, tonight was their turn. They performed a drama about the life of Swami Vivekananda. The play depicted important moments in his life including coming to Ramakrishna, wandering after the Samadhi of Ramakrishna and the Chicago Address.
The program ended with the performers praying that their lives should be examples of Baba’s teachings.
Friday – December 30. A drama, “Saravdharam Sawroopa Sai”, was performed this evening by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir in Haryana. The play emphasized the importance of teachers as ones who set examples for the community. It was a story where the community which was bitterly divided into different fractions became united as one because of the example of a Bal Vikas teacher.
The turmoil which had gone on for many years ended. Peace reign. Baba’s statement that teaching was the noblest of profession bore fruit here. In response to the prayers of the Bal Vikas students, Jesus descended confirming the concept of Unity in Diversity.
We were uplifted by the devotion of the performers, the message of the play and Baba’s energy.
The play was based on a letter that Baba had written to teachers on 30 December 1981.
Saturday – December 31. At 4:00 we heard loud band music from outside the ashram. Eventually, a procession of band, chanting priest, palanquin with Baba’s picture entered Kulwant Hall by coming through the Main Gate up the driveway. Men and then women followed. The curtain had been opened.
They slowly marched around the mandir once. After which, everyone was seated and the curtain was closed.
The evening program consisted of former students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School commemorating 30 years of the founding of the school.
Anamika Aravind spoke about the schools beginning in 1980.
Ms. Sai Geetha told many stories from different students about their experiences. Geetha who is an esteemed physicist wondered how the one who runs all of creation could put on human body as garment to be with us. It was an incomprehensible mystery to our minds. She also explained that primary students would do many different things just to earn a smile from Baba.
Next speaker was Mr. Partish Dubey who wondered whether any of them could ever repay Baba for everything he has done for them. He also praised the teachers for their dedicated Love that helped them absorb Baba’s messages.
Several songs were sung. Also, a commemorative book, Voices from Three Decades was released tonight on this special occasion. The book contains poems, articles, anecdotes and stories of interaction with Baba.
Attached is a photo of Baba and some quotes from Vivekananda which I changed slightly as a prayer to Sai.
Amazing and unexpected news. Political party leaders in the state of Andhra Pradesh want to create a Sathya Sai District with Puttaparthi as the headquarters. Right now, we are part of the Anantapur District. We would have our own district. According to the newspaper, all party leaders are in agreement. Furthermore, they want to declare Sathya Sai Baba birthday to be a state holiday. They also want to work together to solve the water problem in Puttaparthi. Industries will also be established here.
Thought for the Day
29 December 2011
Everyone seeks and strives to be at peace with himself and with the community around. People have tried to get this peace by accumulating wealth, which gives power over others and the ability to command conveniences and comforts. Some have sought positions of authority and influence, so they can shape events suited to one's aims and fancies. Unfortunately, these paths are beset with fear, and the peace that is secured thereby is liable to quick and sometimes violent extinction. Real Peace (Shaanthi) can be achieved only through Love! It is the fruit of the tree of life. This fruit with the sweet essence is encased in a bitter skin. The bitter skin is symbolic of the six evil passions that encase the loving heart of man: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and hate. Those who remove the exterior through hard and consistent discipline attain the sweetness inside - the much desired peace; this peace is everlasting, unchanging and overwhelming.
Baba
Thought for the Day
30 December 2011
You derive benefit from the world and the community, and so some activity on your part is their due. This world, really speaking, is a huge workshop; every human being is a limb in this organisation. The limb is allotted a task in accordance with its structure, and it must find its fulfillment in doing that work; and it has to be done as an offering to God. There is no single thing in the universe that does not engage itself in this great task. Plant and insect, stone and stump, wind and rain, heat and cold, if each of these does not work as per plan, the world cannot subsist. The sun and the moon carry on their routine tasks; wind and fire have to perform their duties without demur. It is only when each performs their task without fail, and with care, that the wheel will move quickly and smoothly.
Baba
Thought for the Day
31 December 2011
All the diverse communities across nations should be united. Mankind should become one family. The world will then become a paradise. If differences are allowed to grow, nations will disintegrate. Those promoting differences between people are destroying the love and compassion in human hearts. They are breaking up mankind into fragments. There is no greater sin than this. What the world needs today is the redeeming and unifying force of love--love which continually expands and embraces more and more people. By giving up narrow ideas regarding one's religion, nation or caste, by developing a broad outlook and cultivating the company of the good, you can elevate your life and make it meaningful and satisfying. Imbibe good thoughts and develop a large-hearted attitude towards all, taking to heart and practicing the wise words of elders. Do not waste both life and money. I wish you all happiness.
Baba
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