Darshan Update

Archival: ...Mar 2010.... Apr 2010... May 2010...June 2010...July 2010

Published on Friday, Aug 13, 2010 at 2104 Hrs. IST

Fri, Aug 13, 2010: Today, in the evening, emerging at 1740 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan. Towards the end of the round, Bhagawan paused for a while at the ladies' side, interacting with some before coming onto the portico. Gliding through the lower portico, Bhagawan blessed some 'organisational' officials before coming onstage at 1805 hrs.; as He was gliding past, Bhagawan was seen 'repeating' the Vedic incantations in tandem with the chanting by the students.

Coming onstage, as the Vedic incantations went on, Bhagawan blessed the organisers and some of the participants from Region 94, who were set to stage a cultural presentation.

The programme titled, "Prema Tarangini", meaning Ocean of Love, was a loving offering by the Balvikas children from Arabian Gulf and the Middle East Region, comprising of eight centres, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

As Veda chanting ended at 1810 hrs. an official introduction on the programme followed afterwhich the children from the region took over the proceedings.

Starting with Sainatha Ashatakam, they went on singing another five hymns for the next 25 minutes before the seniors took over for the next half-an-hour singing melodious bhajans. At the end of the children programme Bhagawan blessed one little blossoming bud with Vibhuti Prasadam followed by another one with a materialised golden chain. Subsequently, Bhagawan called the boy once again onstage presenting him an 'instant' photo print of the same.

At 1910 hrs. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose for a group photo session with both the groups, children and the bhajan troupe. 107 seven children from eight centres participated in the evening's presentation.

Moving off the dais at 1920 hrs. Bhagawan went into the interview room to spend next fifteen minutes in before emerging to retire at 1935 hrs.

This blessed evening in Prasanthi was made more beautiful by the surge of wave of love from the other end of Arabic Ocean. These tiny tots had a unique prayer unto Bhagawan, praying for the welfare of children all over the globe. This wave of prayers was sure to have reached The Lord!

II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Thu, Aug 12, 2010: On this holy Thursday, that as well marks the second day of the Holy Month of Ramadan for the Muslims around the world, the visiting "Region 94" devotees from The United Arab Emirates got befitting benediction from Bhagawan to stage the first of their programmes in the immediate Divine presence.

Responding to Bhagawan's call to serve the humanity, "Region 94" organised a programme of distribution of "implements that could earn a living" for selected beneficiaries from villages around Puttaparthi.

Earlier, in the evening, emerging at 1730 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan, pausing in between, before completing the round in fifteen minutes. Glancing at the Primary Children, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side for a full length before turning above to come onto the portico. Blessing some faculties from SSSIHL, Bhagawan moved on to come onstage at 1750 hrs. Before assuming His original seat onstage, Bhagawan chose to interact with some of the representatives from the UAE who were seated at the university block.

Proceedings for the evening began with the officials seeking Divine blessings for the commencement of the distribution programme. An emotional introductory speech by one of the regional representatives followed before Prof. Anil Kumar took over the proceedings. Speaking on the uniqueness of the service endeavours of Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Prof. Anil Kumar explained the 'guidelines' for the beneficiaries. Implements, namely, solar lamps, sewing machines, tricycles, water filters and mixers were distributed to over 85 beneficiaries with Bhagawan watching over the proceedings.

As the beneficiaries retreated with grateful thanks to the 'presiding deity' in physical, the stage was being set for a songs presentation by devotees from Turkey. The programme was entitled "Divine Songs From Turkey" . Starting with three Omkars followed by a Ganesha Bhajan, the troupe sang almost a dozen songs for the next fifty minutes before winding up with a melodious number with an infectious refrain "Sai Ram Baba... Om Sai Ram".

It was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan asked for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...". A pause ensued and Bhagawan asked for clothes to be brought for distribution.The troupe of more than forty members was blessed with sarees and safari pieces, ladies and gents respectively. At 1920 hrs. after completing the distribution, Bhagawan asked for one more Mangala Arathi that was followed by the third "Samastha Lokaaha...." for the evening. Soon Bhagawan moved off, blessing some devotees enroute, retiring for the day at 1925 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

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Wed, Aug 11, 2010: During most of the day the sky was overcast and setting the stage for "His entry" came cooling showers just before the scheduled end of the Veda chanting.

Bhagawan emerged at 1741 hrs. with an yellow umbrella cover on top, well received by the multitudes that went into spontaneous applause, an act of rejoicing watching His special 'colourful' entry.

Veda chanting got a fillip with ' Little Hearts' from Primary School and Easwaramma English Medium School joining en masse with verve and enthusiasm. ...And as Bhagawan was moving past, the drizzle turned into lashing rains banging the roof atop with thud lending a natural background score to His Divine Darshan. Completing a full round of darshan Bhagawan came onstage at 1758 hrs. and soon blessings followed signalling further proceedings for the session.

As announced during the previous evening, the Youth from Delhi & NCR (National Capital Region) were to stage a dance drama titled 'Guru Kripa'. The presentation was based on the life of illustrious Sufi Saint, Bulleh Shah, lived during 17th-18th century, highlighting Guru's importance in one's life.

Bringing a modern day scene wherein a youth of the day with overpowering ego forgets social ethics and behavioural norms, the presentation takes the help of the illustrious life of the Sufi saint to enlighten the youth of the greater importance of Guru Bhakthi. His remorseful father narrates the story of the Saint in an attempt to bring his son back into the right track. Bulleh Shah, against much opposition from his family and society in general, stood by his devotion to his guru, Inayat Shah Quadri, a lower cast, declaring firmly that he would forgo his family and worldly life, but not his "Sai", who was his revered guru.

Still not convinced, the egotist finally learns his lesson when his discarded teacher pardoned him, despite all the insults meted out to him, saving his former student from the embarassment of going behind the bars.

The fifty minute presentation was intertwined with melodious and meaningful songs in folk punjabi language, the language used during the times of Bulleh Shah. The presentation ended with a group song, in typical sufi tongue, in praise of "Sai".

Upon the end of the presentation, Bhagawan called the fakir cast onstageand blessed him with a materialised golden chain. Subsequently Bhagawan moved down the stage for a group photo session. It was 1855 hrs. and as indicated by Bhagawan lead bhajan pair burst open with "Allaho Akbar.." A pause ensued as Bhagawan sat through and soon ."Sri Raghavam..." followed and the session continued from there...with an array of bhajans.... In the meantime an 'instant photo print' of the materialisation came. The cast was called onstage once again and Bhagawan made over the same to the youth, a bonus blessing for the blessed youth.

After the drama presentation, 'His drama' was unfolding. Bhagawan asked for the backroom assistants also to come forward to join the drama cast in the front block...Soon He moved down the dais once again!...for yet another photo session!!

Returning onstage in five minutes Bhagawan sat through... still more to come?!?

Lord's compassion was filling and fulfilling...Bhagawan was seen giving instructions to the State President, Delhi & NCR...and soon the drama cast in small groups marched onto the stage for yet another "Momentous Moment" with The Divine!!!

These post programme sessions often turn out to be 'open class rooms'. Tales that tags the tails of such sessions are great eye openers for man to learn and imbibe.

It was 1930 hrs. and Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat for a while and before leaving the dais He blessed the concourse with abhyahastha. Leaving off, enroute, Bhagawan profusely blessed Lakhwinder Wadali, the Sufi singer who mesmerised the audience with his scintillating sufi rendering on the previous evening. Interacting with the singer, Bhagawan gave him 'fistfuls' of Vibhuti prasadam, a sign of His all conquering Love!!! As He was gliding into the ladies' side, there came an 'instant' print of the group photo session...Presenting the same to the State President, Bhagawan moved off, retiring for the day, bringing curtains down on another eventful evening.

II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Tue, Aug 10, 2010: Today, in the evening, emerging at 1700 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a lengthy round of darshan before showing up onstage at 1720 hrs., marked by 'heightened' chanting.

The evening was earmarked for Delhi & NCR to stage a cultural offering, a Sufi & Folk Song presentation by popular North Indian Sufi Singer Lakhwinder Wadali and troupe. Sufi rendering is an off shoot of Sufism, which in turn promotes religious harmony was infact the best offering to the Great Master who is the greatest proponent of religious harmony. Sufi songs reflect the pure state of one's mind and are focussed on one's love towards God.

As Vedic chants continued, Mr. Jatinder Cheema, State President, Delhi & NCR, as per the command of Bhagawan presented a prelude to the programme introducing the singer to the august assembly. Profusely thanking Bhagawan for His nine days' North Indian sojourn in April, Mr. Cheema called the evening's presentation as an offering of gratitude for Bhagawan's greater benevolence that took Him to Delhi and Shimla. Introducing the singer, he made a mention of the singer's father, Padmashree Ustad Puran Chand Wadali, who had the blessed opportunity to sing in Bhagawan's Divine presence 37 years ago, in Moga, Punjab.

Commencing the programme, the blessed singer, singing from the depth of his heart to the heights of exalted heavens, rendering high pitched numbers reverberating the packed 'amphitheatre' in Prasanthi, took the entire audience with his special 'twists and turns', typical of sufi style, complete with meaning, to the accompaniment of high beat music, resulting an electrifying musical evening. The singing was so alluring that the verve in the air was catching up with the packed assembly tuning rapt attention onto the stage. Among the numbers included Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's popular Sufi Qawwali, Dama Dam Mast Kalandhar...enjoyed by one and all.

An hour passed by when the singer was into his fifth number and at the end of the same Bhagawan moved off, asking the singer to continue. As he continued to make merry of the life opportunity bestowed upon, the twilight's shadow was soon catching up engulfing Prasanthi, and adding to this splendour arrived The Lord, in fifteen minutes, onstage at 1855 hrs. ...and the hall literally turned lit with His re-entry as the tempo was soon building up before the final whistle. The singer, who was by now into his seventh number and was repeatedly singing "Aaja Mahi...Aaja Mahi.."; bringing a sudden twist pausing the song He addressed The Lord: "Sai jab chale gayethe tho hamara man nahi lag raha tha...tho hum aapke jaane ke baad ye sab kahne lagi..." Loye Loye Aaja Mahi, meaning, when Bhagawan moved off, he was feeling odd (in the absence) and was repeatedly invoking HIm, calling out Aaja Mahi..Aaja Mahi)...The tune was melodious and mesmerising and the love of the devotee was expressive in these lines, in a most catching tune, enticing the audience...and the singer continued ending the electrifying musical extravaganza to a grand finale. It lasted for ninety long minutes.

Bhagawan called the singer unto Him to felicitate him by draping a shawl over him before blessing the whole troupe with safari pieces. It was 1910 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat on and the session continued. The artiste on the Tabla who was vibrant with his 'hand-finger-tabla' combo won special acclaim as Bhagawan made a typical gesture indicating rhythmic beat of Tabla on his fingertips and as the artiste moved towards Bhagawan to receive his share of blessings, 'crowd' went into raptures in special appreciation.

Next to come was an emerald ring for the singer and subsequently Bhagawan asked the State President to announce about the next evening's programme. Delhi Youth would be staging a drama entitiled "Guru Krupa" as per the announcement made. Time clock ticked to 1922 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for another Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, after blessing the concourse with abhayahastha, Bhagawan sat for a while gesticulating the students and the youth to go and have food. They burst into 'silent' laughters enjoying every bit of His Love and concern! A short interaction with a bhajan singer ensued before Bhagawan went for the the 'final move' to retire to Yajur Mandiram at 1930 hrs.

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Mon, Aug 9, 2010: Today, in the evening that had no 'special' schedule, Bhagawan emerged at 1725 hrs. to come for a slow, 'detailed' round of darshan. Coming onto the portico, Bhagawan blessed 'Team Vidya Vahini' before proceeding to come onstage, past 1745 hrs., from the right of Ganesha. Before assuming His original seat, Bhagawan paused for a while facing the university block, casting His Divine benedictory glance.

With no special programme scheduled for the evening it was 'soulful' bhajans that ensued after four days passed with noughts, and the capacity audience enjoyed every bit of the session with Bhagawan sitting through for seventy five minutes.

As bhajans went on, forty minutes into the session, there was a pause as Bhagawan called one of the lead bhajan singing duo unto the dais, conversing and blessing the pair with Vibhuti prasadam. Session continued with bhajans taking the lead. Another singer got to get His attention, and this time Bhagawan blessed the boy with a golden chain. It was 1833 hrs. and Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi. As Arathi was on simultaneously blessed prasadam distribution also went on. A minute's pause ensued after the Arathi and Bhagawan asked for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...".

When human minds 'declared' the session over, Bhagawan had other plans and He sat through, glancing upon the boys and it was obvious that The Lord was in a mood to continue. As He was browsing through the group of boys in the front block it was apparent that Bhagawan was ready for 'His Pick' and the boys in the block got alerted and sat glued to the beauteous form. ...And the vast concourse was enjoying this Divine play involving The Lord and His 'properties'. One of the boys working with the Prasanthi Digital Studio got His attention followed by a faculty from Brindavan....and He called the senior lead singer followed by the singing pair once again...another pair followed and time clock was inching forward...it was about to be 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated that it was time to move.

...And He moved off, taking a right turn, coming onto the lower verandah from the right of Ganesha, to move on retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

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Sun, Aug 8, 2010: Today, in the evening, emerging quite early at 1555 hrs., Bhagawan went for a half-round before taking a detour through the middle path to come onto the portico, not before pausing for a while at the primary block amusing the tiny tots, who enhanced the Veda chanting, joining en masse.

State Chief Minister Mr. K.Rosaiah along with another two ministers were awaiting Bhagawan in the Mandir. Blessing the Chief Minister with a twenty minute interview, Bhagawan spent next fifty minutes in before emerging at 1655 hrs., to move into the bhajan hall. Exiting from the bhajan hall Bhagawan came onstage at 1700 hrs., from the left of Ganesha commencing the proceedings for the day.

Birthday benedictions to students followed before the West Indian troupe moved onto the dais seeking invocatory blessings for its scheduled cultural presentation.

Continuing with the ongoing series of cultural presentations by visiting overseas groups, a group of nations from the Caribbean Islands presented a musical offering of West Indies Love, entitled Unity in Diversity. The island nations participated included Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana etc. Over 240 devotees from the above island nations have joined in this pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam.

Veda chanting ceased at 1710 hrs. before the the Island Nations' offering of Love blossomed in the form of a small stint of Vedam. Continuing from there they presented an array of seven songs, fast numbers, accompanied by scintillating music. The first song was the famous Harry Belafonte composition, "Island in the Sun", an illustration of daily life and living in the island nation. Next number to follow was "One Love, One Heart" of Bob Marley, on the Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God. Third one "Oh Children of Noble and Ancient Culture" 'spoke about' the story of ancestral indian migration of 'great labour' into the island lantion, buiding the 'new home' adhering to Dharma, that was carried from India. Four more songs followed, all sounding Love for the Lord before the Balvikas children and the Young Adults took over with a unique music extravaganza, an instrumental on Steelpan.

Tassa drums or Steelpans are claimed to have originated in the Carribean islands, known as the traditional or Indigenous musical instrument of the island nation made purely out of used oil barrels.

Playing on the tassa drums, this group of children, tuned to the finger baton of the conductor, created a west indian canvas on the waning hour of the day, showcasing the rarest of the culture of the island nation, as a loving offering at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan. Both the offerings were conducted by Rana Mohip from Trinidad and Tobago.

Earlier, introducing the programme, a menion was made of the humanitarian services rendered by the island nations during the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti early this year.

This fifteen minute offering was followed by a couple of bhajans by the troupe before Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi at 1755 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing prasadam for distribution, Bhagawan moved off the dais into the interview room. A minute later He emerged to glide into the ladies side, and as He was on the move, it started raining outside. His Divine Chariot came rushing awating the Lord, parked just inside the entrance point from the Yajur Mandiram. Bhagawan glided past, once again, opting out the car, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

The weekend session that began quite early, just before 1600 hrs., ended in two hours. at 1800 hrs.

A big contingent of 'green scarved' men and women devotees numbering over 1200 from Region 94 of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, from the United Arab Emirates, have arrived Prasanthi commencing its ten days' pilgirmage.

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Sat, Aug 7, 2010: This morning, making an early entry at 0733 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a quick round of darshan before getting into the interview room at 0740 hrs. With Vedic chants continuing, Bhagawan spent next more than half-an-hour inside granting interview to some Italian devotees. In the meanwhile bhajans commenced at the scheduled hour, at 0900.

Emerging at 0915 hrs. Bhagawan glided through the upper portico, conversing and blessing some, before 'turning above' from half way stage, to come onstage, via doctors' block, past 0920 hrs. A crescendo in bhajans marked His grand entry and the happiness of the multude was evident from the extra smile lit on many a face present. Soon it was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais to glide into the ladies'end, at 0925 hrs., moving slowly, blessing many, towards Yajur Mandiram.

Bhagawan was onstage just for five minutes, but that was enough for this multitude to get charged awaiting their next blessed opportunity.

This evening, emerging at 1654 hrs. to the holy Vedic incantations, Bhagawan wafted among the multitude, slowly, glancing upon many and blessing before completing a full round. Men and women seated from Northern European countries and the tiny tots from Easwaramma English Medium School earned special attention as Bhagawan spent quite sometime attending to these groups.

Coming onstage in sixteen minutes, at 1710 hrs., Bhagawan sat on, watching over, listening to the Vedic incantations enhanced by the tiny tots from Easwaramma English Medium School.

Taking their turn, Northern European Choir comprising of 12 countries from European Zone 7 of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Overseas was blessed by Bhagawan to stage a Choir programme entitled ALL ARE ONE. Participating countries were Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Sweden. Over three hundred men and women from these countries have joined this pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam lasting for ten days.

While the Veda chanting continued some of the men from the group got special attention from Bhagawan as He chose to interact with them. Familiar figure during Christmas Choir and singer of repute, Gisela Sebastian from Germany won special Divine attention as Bhagawan materialised a golden chain for the blessed artiste, well received with roar of applause.

Veda chanting ceased at 1735 hrs. and following initial invocation and an announcement on the scheduled programme by the programme co-ordinator, the choristers began their 'journey' with a piece of Indian incantation, Ganesha Prarthana, invoking Lord Ganesha.

Continuing with the Indian tongue, this all 'European Choir' sang two more pieces, one from The Bhagavad Gita followed by " Bhumi Mangalam" before switching over to its comfort zone, English and some regional languages, namely, German, Lithuanian and French.

Accompanied by fine piece of music, generating harmonious rhythm, at times fitting synchronised clappings, more of Indian style, the choristers produced a musical evening of dedication and devotion to the delight of the evening's capacity audience. The Choir was ably conducted by Ms. Alma Badings from The Netherlands, a familiar face in Prasanthi during X-Mas Children Choir, with Ms. Gisela Sebastian leading 'the singing' from the front, laying extra hands on the keys of harmonium.

Musical pieces for the evening included Hallelujah from Handel's Messiah, Ode to Joy, a customised Beethoven classic etc. Many hymns had interesting refrains, direct prayers unto Him, and some of them were quite noteworthy for the manner in which they were produced, quite typical, loud, fast and bringing abrupt end, resuliting in eruping greater enthusiasm and joy. Final pieces were one on "Unity" followed by a "Wishing Happy Days" to The Dearest Lord.

Fifty minutes' programme was followed by twenty minutes' bhajans by the choristers. As they began to sing, Bhagawan blessed singer Gisela Sebastian with a print of her blessed snap with Bhagawan, materialising the chain. Prasadam got sanctified by His touch and as the distribution went on, after 5-6 bhajans, sung with elan suffused with devotion, Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan spent another five minutes onstage, glancing at the choristers, blessing two of the men, including the youngster who was on the harmonium, before leaving the dais at 1855 hrs.

Moving off the dais, Bhagawan interacted with many before drifting into the bhajan hall for a round of inspection. Spending ten minutes inside, Bhagawan emerged yet again and The Divine Chariot, His car was ready. Opting out the car, as Bhagawan glided towards the ladies'' side, a loud cheer emanated from the section, a natural expression of greater joy at getting one more close darshan. Time clock showed 1910 hrs. when Bhagawan left the portico gliding towards Yajur Mandiram, bringing curtains down on this blessed saturday.

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Fri, Aug 6, 2010: Today, this evening, with the holy chants of Vedam reverberating in the air, Bhagawan emerged at 1645 hrs. to come for a slow, full round of darshan that took nearly fifteen minutes. Coming onstage at 1700 hrs., from the right of Ganesha, as Bhagawan settled, Veda chanting ceased in next five minutes giving way to the evening's culltural presentation by Team UK.

After initial invocation by the officials seeking blessings before the presentation, Dana Gillespie, well known western vocalist of the popular London Blues Band presented the programme to the audience in her booming voice.

The UK had two programmes of twenty minutes duration in store. The first programme was a Children Choir participated by around 200 SSE children, both boys and girls, from different parts of the Kingdom. Producing six songs, sung in Voice of Unity, ably conducted by Zita Starkie with Richard Braithwaite strumming the guitar, the choir had many little hands strumming various instruments that were in proportion to their 'size'. The six hymns included, All You Need is Love...from the Beatles by George Harrison, My Sweet Lord..., Lord's Command, a scottish number, Day by Day...to end up with Lord of the Dance...

The Children presentation was followed by the National Youth Choir of the United Kingdom. The presentation entitled "All is One" was unique, conducted by Dana Gillespie on the ladies' side with Tim Cross for the gents. Starting with "The Seed is Sown...", they continued with some interesting numbers including one from the Upanishads, another one of more than hundred years old, still relevant in the present time, ...singing "Amazing Grace..." symbolic of Bhagawan's grace that brought them unto Prasanthi Nilayam, to end up with a medley of hindi songs from the 1940's joined by the entire UK contingent, en masse.

A couple of bhajans by the UK troupe followed as directed by Bhagawan. Time clock ticked to 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, a lengthy pause ensued and prasadam distribution was on. Calling the three conductors, Bhagawan materialised Vibhuti prasadam for the trio while blessing them with interaction. After a ten minute pause, Bhagawan indicated for bhajans by the UK contingent. Two bhajans followed after which second Arathi was offered. Upon accepting the same Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1925 hrs., to retire to Yajur Mandiram in His car.

Earlier while gliding past during His darshan round, Bhagawan was quite 'attentive' at the UK block, glancing over, blessing the contingent including the tiny tots who were seated in the front block.

An approximate number of over 1500 from the United Kingdom have joined this pilgrimage that would last tomorrow....And a strong contingent of over 1200 from the United Arab Emirates would be reaching the day after.

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Thu, Aug 5, 2010: With Bhagawan amidst us, every day, every moment is auspicious; still, Holy Thursday assumes a special significance in Prasanthi and thus the title ‘The Auspicious Day’.

Today, on this auspicious Thursday evening, emerging at 1705 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a slow round of darshan before ascending the portico in fifteen minutes.

The Lord who had long ago declared ‘Fostering the Vedas’ as one of His prime mission goals seemed to be explicitly doing the same; Bhagawan spent awhile at the primary block watching ‘little buds’ blossoming breathing Vedic  air. As He made His presence, the children got into a crescendo, ‘chanting to the heavens’ fully immersed in His presence.

Gliding through the lower portico, blessing the mandolin duo, U Srinivas and U Rajesh, Bhagawan came onstage at 1725 hrs. Vedam chanting ceased in next five minutes and something special was in the offing.

This time it was to be a Mandolin Serenade!  Carnatic music was to flow from the mouth of the tiny brittle instrument called Mandolin! The little lad whose musical genius made him a child prodigy, who weaved carnatic musical magic on his chosen instrument, who went on to become a maestro in the art, Mandolin U Srinivas, alongwith his sibling Mandolin U Rajesh, was to perform onstage in the Divine presence.

As the duo took Bhagawan's blessings, music flowed asserting her oneness with Him, as if emphatically reiterating the saying, "Music is Divine". Playing selected Carnatic collections, ably assisted by 'in-house' men on Tabla and Mridangam, the duo presented a fitting tribute to some of the past Masters of Carnatic Music, dedicating the presentation to the Master Musician whose greater benevolence played host to the evening's musical serenade.

Starting with Vatapi Ganapatim of Muthuswami Dikshitar the duo went on playing Endaro Mahanubhavulu, Telisi Rama, Rama Nannu Brovara, all compositions of Saint Thyagaraja , Raghuvamsa Sudha of Patnam Subramaniam Iyer to end with Venkatachala Nilayam Vaikunta Puravasam of Saint Purandara Dasa.The duo has been awaiting ‘their’ turn during the past few days, praying fervently for His Divine approval.

The stage was perfect with the semblance of Music and the Divine, inviting attention riveted onstage. It is rightly said, Music is Divine! When music starts flowing time stands still. An hour passed by and it was music all over with its serene façade charming the enchanting Divine and the blessed assembly on this blessed ‘the auspicious Thursday’.
What followed was honouring of the artistes. The duo was felicitated and draped with Shawls by Bhagawan. Accompanists on table and mridangam were also blessed by Bhagawan. Bhagawn blessed the 'foursome' with clothes as well.

As is seen these days, Bhagawan often brings His 'special brand' concluding such sessions in style.  A short bhajan session ensued, producing two scintillating aalaap bhajans on Lord Sri Rama, Sri Raghavam and Allaho Akbar before Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1900 hrs. to get into His car, retiring for the day at 1905 hrs., not before blessing the assembly with His abhayahastha.

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Wed, Aug 4, 2010: Today, this evening, 'lighting and lifting' thousands assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall that was almost filled to capacity Bhagawan emerged at 1720 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam. Coming into the hall, Bhagawan glided through quite slow, blessing many before completing a fifteen minute round of darshan. In the meantime Bhajans had begun at the scheduled hour at 1730. Upon ascending the portico Bhagawan moved straight into the interview room. Emerging in five minutes, Bhagawan glided through the rows of men seated in the upper verandah to turn about from the half way point returning to the interview room.

A brief pause ensued after which Bhagawan came onstage at 1755 hrs. from the right of Ganesha. Many young entrepreneurs and business men from corporate conglomerate were seen vying for an opportunity to have His attention and Bhagawan was seen accepting letters from some of them.

A blissful bhajans session ensued as Bhagawan sat through the next more than half-an-hour. At 1830 hrs. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi, and upon leaving the dais, blessing some on His way, Bhagawan got into His car retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1840 hrs.

The surge of devotees' continues in Prasanthi with many groups, big and small, joining the floating 'crowd' of devotees. Apart from a big contingent from the UK, scheduled to stay until 7 Aug, a mini group of over 300 from North Europe and another one from the West Indies are also camping awaiting their turn. Keeping the ball rolling, the UK contingent would be followed by another big group from The United Arab Emirates, reaching Prasanthi on 8 Aug.

The three day workshop of "Innovation and Leadership..." at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning concluded this evening with concluding remarks and vote of thanks by students and faculties from the Institute. The final session on Innovation in the Social Sector was attended by Ms. Prerana Langa, VP - Strategy and Communication, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, PS Gunasekharan, Founder and CEO of YouSee and Ramanjith Singh, CEO, KAG.

II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Tue, Aug 3, 2010: Today, in the evening, coming out in His car at 1718 hrs., Bhagawan came onstage, via doctors' block, at 1725 hrs. after a full round of darshan.

The evening was earmarked for the state of Haryana and Chandigarh to echo its voice of gratitude to Bhagawan in His immediate Divine presence.

The state that is considered as the cradle of ancient civilisation is credited with playing host to the epic Mahabharata War, where blossomed Lord's eternal message, The Bhagavad Gita.

...And the evening presentation by the Sai Youth from the state had an interesting episode from the epic. The presentation entitled 'Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara' was a pointer towards the present day plight of the youth, living in utter confusion, being enticed by the influence of hollow western materialism. Bringing flashback from the epic Mahabharata, adapting the Yaksha - Yudhishtira conversation, the presentation in Hindi made an attempt to offer a viable solution to the perturbed youth of the day. Winning the heart of the disarrayed youth, the Sai Youth introduced their present day task, as assigned by Bhagawan, thus introducing the 'Lord Walking on Earth' to the confused lot. Convinced of the mighty mission set in motion by Bhagawan, the youth sung in unison a melodious song echoing that "life with Sai is meaningful", bringing curtains down on the half-an-hour presentation.

Earlier, this short play was preceded by a Bal Vikas presentation entitled "Hari Ka Haryana" . The presentation, a music dance ballet was a depiction of the vibrant Haryanvi culture. At the end of the half-an-hour colourful programme, after presenting various facets of the rich culture of the state, the children declared that they are beholden to Bhagawan, now and forever, claiming 'themselves' to be the "Voice of Grateful Haryana".

As Bhagawan had moved off the dais towards the end of the second presentation, a ten minutes pause ensued before Bhagawan came onstage at 1845 hrs. 'Presentation ceremony' continued with boys and girls receiving sarees and safari pieces. At 1850 hrs., at the end of the 'presentation ceremony', Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose with the group for a 'snap with the Divine', boys and girls seperately. Upon returning onstage Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi.

A brief pause ensued after which, as ordained by Bhagawan, lead bhajan singer burst open in his melodious voice singing the famous Bhadrachala Ramdas composition, "O Raamaa Nee Naamam Entha Ruchi Raa, Emi Ruchi Raa Raamaa - O Raamaa", meaning O Sri Rama, how tasty is Your Name, O Rama, Your Name is so tasty!, sung with elan lighting up the final moments of the day's session.

Time ticked away to 1910 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for another Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan paused for a while, looking at the children seated in the front block, asking them to go and have food. Children greeted the Divine gesture with applause and Bhagawan moved off. Leaving the dais, Bhagawan boarded His car at 1916 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

Earlier, before coming in for the day's darshan, Bhagawan moved out of Yajur Mandiram in the car, to Poornachandra side for a Divine round of inspection.

...And on Day - 2 of the "Innovation on Leadership" workshop at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, discussions on three diverse topics, "Innovation - Some Additional Perspective", "Innovation for Growth - PSU/Manufacturing Sector", "Innovation - A Policy Perspective" etc., were held during the pre and post lunch sessions. During the first session held in the morning, one of the familiar names from telecommunication industry, Mr. Sam Pitroda, well known for his revolutionary ideas in the field, currently serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovations, also joined the deliberations on the subject 'Action plan for a decade of Innovation', via videoteleconference, connecting Prasanthi Nilayam to Chicago where he is camping now..

II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Mon, Aug 2, 2010: Today, this evening, a brief pause ensued after the regular one hour Vedic chants before Bhagawan emerged at 1740 hrs. welcomed with a fresh round of chants. Coming for a complete round of darshan. Bhagawan moved through the pathway, quite slow, blessing many, including a strong 600 plus contingent from Southern Europe that was scheduled to sing in the evening. As Bhagawan came onto the portico He was greeted with Roses by some of the prominent names in Indian Business Industry, that included N.Chandrasekharan, CEO, Tata Consultancy Service and Jagdish Capoor, Chairman, HDFC Bank.

Gliding past the lower portico, coming onstage at 1805 hrs., from the right of Ganesha, Bhagawan blessed the officials from Southern Europe to commence the programme.

Yes, the spirit of celebration continues in Prasanthi. Celebrating the Divine proximity, men and women from Region 6 of Sathya Sai Seva Organisations - Overseas, comprising of ten countries, namely, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Switzerland joined together to present a "Unity in Diversity' concert, singing an array of songs in English, French, Italian, Swiss, Spanish and Greek ending with a refrain "Love All Serve All".

This en masse devotional rendering in varied tongues had the accompaniment of fine piece of music scored by different hands on different instruments. At the end of the forty minute session, special Italian prasadam was blessed by Bhagawan and, as the choristers continued with bhajans, this prasadam was distributed to the choir members. Bhajans in Indian tongue, emerged from over 600 vocal cords with Bhagawan presiding over the session crowning the dais, literally lit the waning twilight inducing great devotional fervour.

Accepting Mangala Arathi after three bhajans Bhagawan moved off the dais to get into His car at 1915 hrs. retiring for the day.

Now, from Prasanthi Mandir to the hallowed portals of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam.

A high-profile Management Development Programme on the theme “Innovation and Leadership in Business, Government and Community” is being held in the Multimedia Room of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus under the auspices of School of Business Management of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam.

The programme got underway this morning with Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, lighting the lamp, officially inaugurating the programme in presence of scores of other distinguished dignitories and University officials.

Prominent names,  apart from Dr. R.Chidambaram, participating in the three day programme are, Sharad C. Bhargava, Senior VP, L & T, N. Chandrasekharan, CEO, Tata Consultancy Services, Jagdish Capoor, Chairman, HDFC Bank, V. Raja, President & CEO, GE Healthcare, India, RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Robert Naylor, Former CIO, US Small Business Administration, Dr. JS Sarma, Chairman, TRAI, Sam Ganga, Senior VP, Digital Management, Ramnathan V Guha, Distinguished Scientist, Google and Krishna Mikkilineni, President, Honeywell Technology Solutions etc.

II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Sun, Aug 1, 2010: Today, in the weekend evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1805 hrs. to come for a full round of darshan. Completing the round, pausing for a while at the primary block, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side bringing an extra smile on many a face with His 'extra darshan'. After moving a full length, Bhgawan returned moving towards the portico.

Upon coming onto the portico, Bhagawan moved through to come onstage just before 1830 hrs., from the right of Ganesha, marked by a crescendo in bhajans.

As bhajans went on, birthday boys took their turn to receive special benedictions. Daylight's 'descending beauty', twilight, brings greater charm, adding splendour to Prasanthi's 'amphitheatre', projecting the Mighty Divine Persona on the centre stage, illuminating thousands of hearts and minds elevating the souls. ...And the capacity audience on this weekend session had it in full measure.

Time ticked away to 1855 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved into the interview room. Coming out in five minutes, Bhagawan moved past the upper portico, casting His benedictory glance upon many, granting another round of 'extra darshan'. Moving down, Bhagawan glided through the lower portico, retiring for the day at 1915 hrs.

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. R. Chidambaram was in Prasanthi for the evening darshan. Dr. Chidambaram would be attending a two day workshop, commencing today, organised by the School of Business Management and Finance at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam.

II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II