Index of earlier Bulletins

February 18th, 2006

In the morning Swami came out for darshan at 10:00 AM. He walked to the front and sat on the sofa chair listening to bhajans for a few minutes. The He got up and walked to the lift, came down and walked to along the aisle on the gents side till more than half the hall. Then He sat down on the sofa and went round till the end of the block and till the front Ganesha. Then He turned left went till the end of the ladies block, returned to the lift and went up. He then listened to three bhajans keeping time and then signaled for aarathi. After getting up Swami said loud enough for those in the front block to hear, "I shall go and return".

It was evident only then that He had plans to go to Prasanthi Nilayam. After Swami went inside, Aasharam Bapuji - a renowned spiritual leader came. He missed having Swami's darshan by a few minutes.

At 1:00 PM Swami came out and got into the Benz car. He left for Prasanthi Nilayam after having filled our hearts with bliss and wonderful memories of the month gone by .....

February 17th, 2006

This morning Swami came out at 9:50 AM. He listened to three bhajans on the stage and then decided to go into the hall. Like what He has been doing the last couple of days Swami went along the western aisle. He blessed three birthday boys who had brought their trays. As he went all the way till the rear end of the hall everybody got to see Swami very close. Swami then went to the centre and came right up to Ganesha, turned to the left and went along the first block on the ladies side. After covering it on the eastern side also Swami returned to the lift on the ladies side and went up. Swami then listened to bhajans till 10:15 AM and returned to Trayee.

In the evening Swami came out at 5:10 PM, sat for bhajans till 5:50 PM accepted aarathi, blessed the student who offered rose and then went back to Trayee.

February 16th, 2006

In the morning Swami came out at 9.40 am. Walking up to the front He sat down for a couple of bhajans and then indicated that He wanted to go down. He came to the lift on the western side, went along the path right till the very end, turned and came along the central aisle till the second block turned left and went almost till the entrance to the hall on the ladies side.

Yesterday Swami had brought with Him a photo in which Swami had posed with Smt. and Sri Adikesavulu during the yagnam on 14th. Probably He did not find them seated. So today when He saw Smt. Adikesavulu He asked for the photo He had given to one of our brothers to carry and personally handed it over to her. How Swami remembers and cares for each and every devotee! The devotee is happy that Swami cared so much to personally hand it over and God is happy seeing the tears of joy rolling down the devotee's face! Swami then went up to the stage sat for one bhajan and retired. Instructions for aarathi came at 10.25 am.

Around 11:00 AM Swami visited brother Sathyajit's house and blessed his family members and relatives. Swami returned to the mandir at 1:00 PM.

In the evening Swami came out at 4:50 PM, sat in the bhajans till 5:30 PM before taking aarathi and walking back to Trayee.

February 15th, 2006

Swami is 'Nitya Nootana' and 'Sathya Sanathana' (Ever Fresh and Eternal Truth) as Prof. Anil Kumar says. Where Sai presides, surprises are the norm!

At 7:30 AM itself Swami had come down to the interview room and was about to come out for darshan! As we rushed and occupied our places a remark of a devotee came to mind "This 80 year old can really keep even 18 year olds on their toes". It is so exciting - you don't know what to expect and hence the mind is kept open to receive whatever Sai gives!

At 8:20 AM Swami came out for darshan and the bhajans started. Swami came walking to the front and sat down in the Porte sofa. After a couple of bhajans, He indicated that He wanted to go down. Swami went down the aisle on the western side right to the very end, then came to the central aisle and went through the second block on the ladies side, came to the front, up the lift, and on to the stage. There was so much happiness on Swami's face - He had surprised us - and on the devotees' faces too - they had passed the test. 'Eternal vigilance' is the mantra to earn Swami's grace. After two bhajans, Swami said "it is time for the students to go to the Institute" and brought the bhajans to a close with aarathi.

In the evening Swami came out at 5:15 PM. After sitting for one bhajan on the stage, He decided to go down. Again Swami went right till the very end along the aisle skirting where the old students sit, came to the front along the central aisle went along the ladies block, came to the students block, collected all the letters and went again till the very end. Swami even asked for a devotee, spotted him in the devotees block and called him for interview - the lucky one! After coming along the aisle along the western end of the hall, Swami went up along the lift on the gents side. Swami sat for 3 bhajans and then signalled that aarathi could be taken.

Swami went inside and gave interviews to the devotees He had selected. Cricketer V.V.S. Lakshman, who had come for darshan was also lucky to be granted an interview.

Yesterday being Valentine's day, the students had made a beautiful card expressing their love for Swami. Swami noticed it, called the concerned students to the front and as they held the card read the contents and observed the intricately 'carved' Styrofoam peacock, and smiled.

February 14th, 2006

In the morning by 8:15 AM itself, we got the news that Swami was already in the interview room. So we rushed for darshan. Around 9:00 AM we got the news that we were to assemble in the Kalyana Mantap. Since five days vedic mantras concerned with Suryopasana were being chanted by priests who had come from Tirupathi.

Yesterday there was Sathyanarayana Puja. Today there was a homam as a concluding part of the Suryopasana. And it was hoped that Swami would come for the Poornahuti. Devotees also assembled in the Kalyana Mantap. At 9:30 AM the mangala vadyam - there were five nadaswarams - could be heard playing bhajans 'Jaya Ganga jatadhara' and 'Ramam bhajo Raghu Ramam Bhajo'. The volume grew louder indicating that Swami was arriving. He was received with poornakumbam by the priests. Swami came in the Porte sofa chair till the entrance and then decided to get up and walk. He came to the front of the stage where the homam has been going on since 6:00 AM.

Swami calls Smt Adikeshavulu forward and materialises a necklace for her and then characteristically asks Mr. Adikeshavulu to put it round her neck. Swami showers akshatas on their head chanting some mantras. Swami then presents the priests with a silk dhoti and the customary offerings. The chief priest then explains, for the benefit of all the devotees the various rituals being performed, the chanting of the Three Vedas - Rg, Yajur and Sama Vedas, (incidentally Trayee Brindavan derives its name from the three Vedas), Valmiki Ramayana Sundara Kaanda Parayanam and Surya Namaskar. He adds that Lord Surya is pleased with our mere offering of Namaskars. To participate in this worship in the very Presence of The Almighty Lord Sai, he concludes, must be the result of merit accumulated in innumerable births.

After this Swami asks the priests to chant Vedam. He even tells them specifically to chant the Rudram - 'Om Namo Bhagavathe Rudraya'. Swami asks the students to join them insisting that they chant full throated. Swami then stands up as the Poornahuti is done. He Himself places the final offering in the fire and rains blessings on the messenger of Gods as Agni Deva is called, as He transports the offering of the mortals to the intended Gods.

After this Swami walks round the ladies and gents block in the front showering yellow - rice (akshatha) . Even as Swami is busy with this, a lady devotee sings a keerthanam. When Swami comes near the students block, He calls Mr. Eradi and asks Him to sing a sloka on Shiva. He sings it and rounds it off with a bhajan - Jagadeesa Hare He Siva Shambo.

Swami then signals for aarathi. The student takes the aarathi and the Tirupathi priests take a multi - tiered aarathi of their own. Swami then calls Dr. R.S.Padmanabhan and asks him to take aarathi. He calls his wife forward and Swami blesses both of them and poses for a photograph with both of them beside Him.

Swami, now returns to Trayee. He notices that elaborate arrangements have been made to serve prasadam to devotees. There are a number of counters where puliyogere, kesaribath and curd rice are being served. There is also a counter inside the Trayee compound for the VIPs. Swami waits and watches until all of them have been served before He goes into the interview room. After some time Swami goes out for a drive. The ostensible reason is to bless a devotee's house which is nearing completion in Whitefield. As soon as Swami's car is spotted a huge crowd gathers near the railway gate and all along the way. Some are lucky to hand over their letters to the compassionate Lord who lowers the window and asks for them near the railway gate! Swami returns after about half an hour.

In the evening also Swami goes for a drive. This time too He collects their prayers and pleas in the form of letters at the busy Hope farm junction. Swami visits Shanthi Niketan on the road connecting Hope farm and Krishnarajapuram. Then the car moves towards the Super specialty hospital. Swami goes through the Gate 1, goes out through Gate 4, takes a round of the residential quarters of those working in the hospital. The Porte retraces the route to the main road and turns towards the Vydehi Medical College-cum-Hospital which is owned by Sri Adikeshavulu. After a complete round Swami returns to Brindavan. When He returns, He has a huge bundle of letters!

At 5.40 pm Swami comes to the Sai Ramesh Kishan hall. He walks to the front and continues to stand for a couple of bhajans. He then indicates that aarathi can be offered. After aarathi Swami returns to Trayee.

February 13th, 2006

In the morning, Swami came out for darshan at 9:55 AM. He came walking to the front and after sitting on the Porte sofa chair listened to bhajans till 10:10 AM. As He stood up, aarathi was offered. Swami leaned forward and looked at the floral arrangement around Ganesh idol appreciatively. Swami went back stage and walked all the way to the interview room. Today in the Sai Ramesh Kishan Kalyan mantap, Sathyanarayana pooja is going on.

In the evening Swami came out at 5:15 PM, by which time the bhajans had started. After a couple of bhajans Swami asked for the Muddenahalli students. They were seated from the fourth block onwards. 800 of them had come for Swami's darshan. Swami indicated His desire to go to them. He came down the lift on the gent's side and went till the third block. There He turned east and went towards the central aisle and went along the aisle till the very end. He blessed the photos that the young students held out to Him. At the very end of the hall Swami turned towards the ladies side and created a ring for a lady devotee. Swami then came to the front and talked to Dr. Selvi Das - an educationist and a very old devotee. After going around the first block on the ladies side, He then came near the boys and accepted letters, again turning towards the lift on the eastern side, Swami went up to the stage. There was a loud applause from all the devotees who had assembled, as this close darshan was a surprise gift from Swami. Swami continued to sit onstage for three bhajans after which He asked for aarathi. To the student who went up to offer a flower, Swami said "You were one of the poets in yesterday's Kavi sameelan, weren't you?".

The smile on the boys face brightened as he nodded 'yes'. As Swami walked back to Trayee one of the elderly devotees conveyed to Swami what was in every ones mind "Swami you gave happiness to so many people!" Swami said cryptically added "Yes they will be still more happy if I walk" saying so, Swami walked to the interview room.

February 12th, 2006

In the morning, it being a Sunday, there was a huge gathering. A number of devotees had also come from Parthi for their Sunday Darshan.

At 9:15 AM itself the chandeliers came on indicating that Bhagavan had come out of Trayee. The bhajan then started. Swami came walking, stood for some time and then sat down on the porte sofa. At 10:00 AM Swami signaled for aarathi and returned to Trayee.

In the evening, the students had prepared a program - a Kavi Sameelan which they wanted to present in the presence of Kaveenam Kavi - the 'Poet of Poets' as the scriptures describe God. Bhagawan came out at 5:00 PM. The poets were seated in the front in costumes appropriate to the regions from which they hail. Swami came walking, sat down and asked for the programme card two students were holding. Taking the card from them Swami read it and asked them how long the program would last and in how many languages poems were written.

The first poem was in classical Telugu and Swami was very happy with the sentiments expressed. Then, one after other, poems in Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarathi, Sanskrit, English, Oriya, Marathi, Hindi and Nepali were read out. As the boy who introduced the program put it - 'The languages may sound different but all these poems have been written in the language of the heart'.

Swami listened keenly to each and every poem; He clapped for some, blessed some others with abhaya hasta and nodded in the affirmative when a few poets prayed for some blessing or the other. He expressed His appreciation for the Sanskrit poem as soon as it was over by clapping His hands. When the Gujarati poet , dressed in Rajasthani turban got up, Swami with a sweet smile commented "Pagdiwala marriage ko jatha hai" much to everyone's delight. As a concluding part of the program it had been decided that five of the poets would get up together and speak a couple of sentences each and all the students would sing 'Humko thumse pyar kithna'. But even before the first student could finish, Swami called all the poets onto the stage.

Surrounded by all the poets, Swami asked "Aren't all of you students of our Institute? How will the audience know ? You should have announced it at the beginning. Also, your poems were all in different languages. I can understand all of them but many in the audience would have understood poems only in a few languages, you should have translated it into English for their benefit, so that all could appreciate and enjoy all the poems."

Swami talked to each of the poets. He told the English poet that his language was good, He told the Malayalam poet that he was nervous in the beginning. 'Why should you be afraid? Speak confidently!" He encouraged. He surprised another poet by telling him 'You have changed the last two lines of your poem since last night'. Indeed it was so when the student had read out his poem to a fellow classmate the previous night the classmate had expressed that the last two lines ending with 'kaho na pyar' did not sound appropriate and so he had changed the last two lines!

One of the poets prayed "Swami please bless all of us' (andariki anugraham prasadinchandi)

Swami lovingly looked into his eyes and said "(My blessings are) there in abundance (on all of you) Bangaroo" Swami then stood up and took photo with all the poets. He blessed each of them individually by placing His palm on each of their heads stretching to make sure even those at the back were not left out . Swami spoke to each and every one of the poets asking them from which place they hailed.

One of the students who had read the Bengali poem was tongue tied as he was unable to decide on the spur of the moment whether to mention the place where his parents were presently stationed, or his native place. Swami himself answered the question by saying 'Bihar - Jamalpur district' leaving him stunned! Swami then signaled for the aarathi.

As the student whose chance it was, offered the rose and moved closer hoping Swami would keep it in his shirt pocket, Swami mischievously held it on top of his head! As Swami turned to go inside, the poets knelt on either side and as He passed by them they held on to His hand and kissed it. As they said, "Swami we love you " Swami said "I too love you". Swami patted them on their shoulders, and for some He pinched their cheeks. Being overwhelmed by His Love, when some students said "Thank you Swami" He said "Aiye, don't thank Me" (Yes, dearest Swami, how can we ever thank you enough for all that you have and continue to do for all of us!).

As Swami walked in behind the curtain He expressed his happiness to the Vice Chancellor SSSIHL, Mr Anil Gokak, 'See, how many languages our boys can speak in! As swami went near the gate He asked the gurkha "Did you hear the Nepali poem? Did you understand it?".

It was 6:00 PM when Bhagawan returned to Trayee.

February 10th, 2006

As mentioned in the update yesterday the Suryopasana Vedic Mantras started at 9:00 AM in the Sai Ramesh Krishan Kalyana Mantapam. The Bhajans, though, started as usual at 9.30 a.m. Swami came for Darshan at 9:40 AM. He sat for five to six bhajans and then got up for aarathi.

After aarathi He walked to the back stage. On His way back to Trayee, Swami went to the Kalyan Mantapam where the Suryopasanam was going on and He was there for some time.

He retired at 10:00 AM.

In the evening, Swami came out at 5.25 p.m., walked to the front, and sat down. He sat for about ten bhajans, caught hold of the railing, got up and stood for aarathi. The student who gave a rose to Swami asked and secured His permission for padanamaskar which he quickly did. Swami returned to Trayee and went to the extension behind (which was constructed last year) where He talked to someone, and then retired.

February 9th, 2006

It is the Sevadal Bhajan day. Even though it is a working day a large number of the young men who are engineering college students or IT professionals and are part of the Bhajan group, have turned up. At 9.30 AM, the bhajans start. At 10:20 AM the chandelier comes on kindling our hopes for Darshan. Swami arrives at 10:25 AM, standing as the curtain opens. He walks to the front and stands for some time listening to the Bhajans and then motions for the aarathi to be taken. He gestures to indicate "you all must be hungry. It is time to eat! Take Aarathi". How considerate is our dear Swami!

The lady devotee who is in charge of Bhajans hesitantly takes 'dhristi' for Swami by circling a coconut even as she is seated. Swami breaks out into a beautiful impish smile even as He imitates her. He then turns and walks back.

In the evening the chandelier is switched on at 5.20 PM. Swami comes walking, hears a couple of Bhajans standing. Then He sits down and listens to about twelve bhajans. During the bhajans Swami places His feet on the cushion in front and one of the students clicks! So sweet are those feet that all crave for a chance to grasp. As He leans forward to hold the railing and pull Himself up, the student whose chance it is to give the rose walks up. Swami first receives the flower and puts it into his pocket. During this short interval the student whispers something to Swami who nods understandingly. Swami then gets up and stands. Since Swami normally turns to His right and goes back stage, the student is today giving Aarti from down itself and from the front. But Swami moves to His left turns and walks back.

Behind the curtain stands a student holding a silver tumbler filled with water. As is typical of Him, Swami dips His finger in the water and puts it on His tongue. The boys asks Swami "Swami which major should I choose - physics, chemistry or mathematics for study in my third year? The Merciful Lord chooses for him. He says "Take Mathematics" and the student is ecstatic! The students are lingering in the Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall hoping that Swami would call them for a Trayee session. Suddenly the devotees on the ladies side are all excited. They are all waving in the direction of the Mandir - Swami turns in their direction as He went goes the gate.

In the meanwhile, three priests from Tirupathi have come to Brindavan. They are going to perform 'Suryopasanam'. The venue for the chanting will be the Kalyan Mantapam and the time 8 AM to 12 noon. The programme schedule for the Vedic rituals is as follows:

Ganapathi Puja
Punyavachanam
Surya Mandala Archanam
Nyasam
Yanthradharanam
Mahasouram Parayanam
108 Suryanamaskaram with Tricha and Aruna Mantram
Suryasahasranama Archanam
Niranjanam
Manthrapushpam

This program will continue in Brindavan for five days starting from Friday, 10th February.

February 8th, 2006

In the morning, Swami came out at around 9:45 AM. He walked up to the front of the stage, where he stood holding the railings for support enjoying the bhajans for a few minutes. He continually indicated that the naal wasn't being played all that loud. He also asked by gesturing whether the boys didn't have breakfast or not. At this slightest cue, the whole hall resounded with rejuvenated clapping and loud singing. At 10:30 AM, He got up for aarathi.

It was an interesting sight to see the boy who climbed up to offer a rose to Swami, at first very happy that he could be so close to Swami, gazing at Him for a long time, because Swami looked everywhere except at him and the rose which he was holding in front of Him, and then later, rapidly getting anxious as it dawned on him that Swami may not take the rose after all! After the aarathi, Swami turned the other way to go back; the poor boy had to run over to the other side and offer the rose to Swami, which of course, He took with a mingled expression of surprise and mischief.

In the evening as we assembled in the Sai Ramesh Hall, we noticed that a nice chair was placed behind where the aarathi boys sit. This place is used to seat VIPs only on function days generally when Bhagawan gives a discourse. Enquiries revealed that it was meant for His holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who was coming for Swami's darshan.

The bhajans started at 5:00 PM. At around 5:15 PM, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation arrived along with five to six disciples. They carried a huge basket of fruits and had in their hand invitations to the Art of living Silver Jubilee celebrations. All of them were clad in white. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had his head covered and was wearing a simple white dhoti and a long white cloth with red jarri border wrapped around his body.

As they came to the place where the chair was kept, one of the disciples took out a long cloth like a bed spread and covered the chair. Sri Sri Ravishankar then sat on the chair.

After a few minutes, Swami arrived, on the stage, walking. He stood near the front railing and smiled at the boys and indicating the throat and signaled 'is nice'. In the morning Swami had indicated that the bhajans following was anemic. So boys were singing with greater fervor and this was recognition of the effort!

Swami stood for a couple of bhajans and then sat down on Porte chair.

As the bhajans continued Swami indicated a couple of times that the tabla shruthi was not okay. On being changed He signaled that it was alright. Then He indicated that the naal was not being heard. At 5:45 PM, Swami got up. Aarathi was offered and Swami went in walking.

All this while, Swami had not even glanced towards the place where the aarathi boys sat. After aarathi was over, Seva Dal elder Sri Venkatraman and others led Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inside through the main gate.

As Swami walked towards the door inside, one of the AVC brothers prayed to Swami to sit down. "Where?", "Swami the chair is behind you please sit down". Swami lovingly told him "No, that is not my place. My place is in your heart!"

Meanwhile Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was approaching Swami with his head covered and hands folded. Swami held his hand and spoke a couple of words. Swami then walked all the way to the interview room flanked by Sri Sri Ravishankar and the brahmacharis accompanying him on one side and our brothers and elders on the other side.

As Swami went inside the interview room He called two Italian devotees for interview. Swami took them inside the personal interview room and spoke to them for one hour as Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and his followers waited, patiently. Bhagawan then called the Swamiji and his group into the drawing room. He also called Mr.Parida (and his family), Chairman AP Electricity Power Transmission Corporation and Mr. Kandaswamy and his family. Swami gave all of them a long group interview.

When finally the Swamiji and his group came out at 7.45 PM, there were visibly happy. The Swamiji had come to personally invite Swami for the silver jubilee celebration of the Art of living foundation which is being celebrated on a very grand scale in Jakkur airfield from the 17-19 of February. Newspaper reports also say that the 50th birthday of the holiness is being celebrated concurrently. After giving interviews to all those called, Swami went upstairs only at 7:55 PM!

February 6th, 2006

It was only late yesterday evening that Swami permitted the Chinese devotees to celebrate their new year in His presence. Overnight the stage has been tastefully decorated with Chinese lanterns and other things distinct to their culture. Hanging from the front of the stage were red pineapples which signify prosperity. In front of Lord Ganesha were placed a basket of mandarin oranges. There was a table in front of the gents block with eatables and other items like tea cups elegantly arranged. There were red packets with some gold embossed figures which signify good luck. There were fire crackers tied like poppins which were placed to remind one of the evil qualities which need to be destroyed completely.

The idol of Lord Krishna is today draped in a green saree! On the wooden panel next to the Lord are two hangings with Chinese characters which when translated read 'In four seasons all dreams are fulfilled' on one side and 'Throughout the hundred years luck and prosperity are with us' on the other. A bunch of Mei Hua flowers are found in a vase. These flowers blossom even when the landscape is snow covered and hence these are to remind one that however bleak the prospects, in God's creation, there is always room for hope and joy.

The Chinese devotees are in the first block as it is their day. All the men sport a rose pink, red or yellow on their shirts. At 9.30 AM bhajan starts with Vignavinashaka Gananatha - probably the only place where Chinese new year starts thus! At 9.35 AM the sound of drums is heard and the chandelier on the stage comes on indicating that Bhagawan has come out. A procession consisting of two lions and two men dressed in Mongolian masks with their characteristic fans lead the way and Bhagawan follows on the wheel chair.

After coming into the hall Swami turns north and goes along the central aisle till the very end. He then comes to the front, turns along the first ladies block where all the devotees are sitting, going round the entire block Swami comes to the front where a row of lady devotees are sitting with various items in their trays. Swami goes to them takes the red rose offered and keenly looks at all the items on the tray. Then coming over to the gent's side Swami goes round the entire block blessing all devotees with close darshan, takes letters and even pats a small child on its cheek. After a full round He comes to the gents side lift and goes up. When Swami comes to the middle of the stage, the lions dance perform their final steps.

The devotees performing remove the mask and offer their pranams. Next all the assembled Chinese devotees chant some short slokam repeatedly for a few times. Now it is the turn of the devotees to sing Chinese bhajans in tunes familiar to us like Sai Jagannatha and Jai hari bol jai.. After this, the devotees go up in pairs - a lady and a gent and offer Swami tea, candies, mandarin oranges.. Swami picks up one item from each person. There is a person explaining the significance. Now one lady and gentleman go up and open two scrolls for Swami to read. Swami blesses the scroll by caressing it. They then show some photo album. Swami looks at all the photos leisurely asking questions and in short getting fully involved. Swami even releases two books and goes through them. A huge photo is opened and He sees it. Even as He is asking questions, one can see that Swami casually passes a remark making them smile at His Omniscience. Swami has spent more than ten minutes with this pair! Others follow and Swami takes the items from them also. This is followed by a skit in which the customs and traditions observed in Chinese on the lunar New Year day are highlighted. These are also aptly punctuated with Swami's quotations.

The spoken English diction by the Chinese devotees who compered is very good and clear. Bhajans continue and it is 11:30 AM when the aarathi is waved to the lord and the Lord retires.

In the evening Swami comes out at 5:30 PM. Swami comes walking and stands in the front keeping time. He even leaves both His hands on occasions. Swami sits down and listens to almost fifteen bhajans. It is 6:15 PM. Swami gets up for Arati. Swami sits down on the wheel chair and retires to Trayee.

February 5th, 2006

Today being Sunday, the Seva Dal were in the first block, ready for the day-long Bhajan session. The Bhajans started at 9:30 AM. At 10:15 AM, the usual hustle started on-stage, heralding Swami's arrival. In a few minutes the screen next to the Krishna statue parted and there Swami was, giving the most benign of His smiles. He came walking to the railing near the end of the stage and stood for a while. The Porte's sofa chair was trailing him. Swami sat down on the chair for a few Bhajans.

After a little while, Swami got up from the chair and indicated that he wanted to go down amongst the devotees. Swami made His way towards the lift, came down, walked a few steps to where Sri H.D. Deve Gowda was standing, blessed him, and started walking amidst His students. Watching Swami Walk was thrilling, as this was the first session when Swami actually walked amidst the devotees during this visit.

Swami crossed the first block, then turned left and crossed over on to the ladies' side, all the while accepting letters from the devotees. Two brothers had the blessed opportunity to support Swami throughout. Once He reached the end of the first block on the ladies' side He turned to the left and made His way back onto the stage. Only when He reached on-stage did He sit down on the chair. There were few more Bhajans after which Swami asked for the aarathi to be performed and then retired to Trayee Brindavan.

The whole session lasted almost an hour and there was so much of Love radiating from Him and the whole audience was reverberating with joy.

In the evening, the Seva Dal Bhajans were going on and Swami arrived at 5:30 PM. He came walking onto the stage and sat down on the chair. The Brindavan Hostel boys had prepared a cultural programme. As soon as He sat down, He indicated to the students assembled in the front that they could begin. As soon as Swami gave them the permission, two boys ran up the stage with a huge card, seeking His blessings.

The programme titled "Ocean of Devotion" was based on the nine types of devotion: Shravanam, Keertanam, Vishnusmaranam, Padasevanam, Vandanam, Archanam, Dasyam, Sneham, Atmanivedanam; and how the great devotees of all times had used these different types of devotion to merge with the Lord. Parikshit had used Shravanam to reach the Lord, whereas Meera Bai and Thyagaraja had used Kirtanam and so on.

There were anchors for each form of devotion and they explained the significance of each type of devotion, and gave examples of the devotees of the Lord who followed that form of Bhakthi. The presentation was interspersed with beautiful songs, all chosen appropriately to that form of devotion.

During the programme, the Hon'ble Vice-President Sri Bhairon Singh Shekawat and the Hon'ble Governor of Karnataka Sri T.N. Chaturvedi arrived. They were seated near the stage and sat through the remainder of the programme.

There was so much feeling in the songs being sung that Swami appeared moved by the programme. After the programme Swami took Arati, got up, walked behind the stage and retired to Trayee Brindavan.

February 4th, 2006

In the morning, Swami came at 10:25 AM. Even as He came in, sitting on the Porte's sofa chair, Swami was reading some letter given by some one back stage. Today, Swami was in a contemplative mood. He kept his eyes closed even as His fingers kept time.

At 11:10 AM. Swami leaned forward to get up and the student offering rose and aarathi went up. Swami blessed them and stood up. He then walked inside.

Inside the youth from U.K were called for an interview. Around 12:20 PM the group came out and Swami went out for a drive - to Mr.Adikesavulu's home. So, when Swami returned around 2:20 PM the students had a nice darshan.

In the evening more than 1200 children had come from the city from a school (class I -VII) in Bangalore. Bhagawan came out for darshan at 5:25 PM. Bhajans continued till 6:00 PM. Aarathi was offered and Swami went walking behind the curtain.

February 3rd, 2006

Morning bhajans started at 9:30AM. At 9:50 AM Swami sent word asking us to give aarathi. There was thus no morning darshan today.

In the evening, Swami had blessed the youth who had come from U.K to sing bhajans. After they had finished all the bhajans they had prepared, the students continued the bhajans. They were even ready to chant Vedas and a couple of them were ready to speak. One of them was a Ph.D. from Oxford University, but their chance did not come today. Around 5:35 PM Swami walked into the stage gracefully, stood near the railing for some time and then sat down. The bhajans went on till 6:15 PM. After accepting the rose, Swami stood till the end of aarathi and blessed all the devotees, gents and ladies separately with His abhayahasta. He then blessed prasadam, which was distributed to all those assembled.

February 2nd, 2006

This morning it was the turn of the Sevadal brothers and sisters to sing bhajans. At 9:35 AM Swami came to the stage walking. Even as the bhajans were going on, there was a slight stir and guess who came visiting!

In walked the Chief Minister designate Mr. H.D. Kumaraswamy along with the deputy CM Mr. Yediyurappa in a white safari, lots of security men and other members.

The bhajans continued for another half an hour. Swami then stood up, blessed the student who offered the rose (pushed the rose gently into his shirt pocket) and the one who took aarathi.

Swami walked to the back curtain. Within a couple of minutes the CM (to be) and deputy CM (to be) asking the rest of their retinue to stay behind, slowly tip toed up the stage and went behind. Swami held onto the CM's hand and talking to Sri Yediyurappa went walking till the drawing room in Trayee! Swami spoke to both of them and blessed them. This photo of their sitting at Swami' feet in the Trayee was splashed in newspapers the next day.

It is exam time. So students had just finished lunch and were opening their books around 2:15 PM when there was a rumbling noise and sound of running feet. Swami was going out for a drive. After about 15 minutes Swami returned and all the students stood in front of the hostel. Swami looked at each of them. All the students went back delighted at this 'bonus' darshan.

In the afternoon Swami came out at 4:15 PM. We had bhajans as usual. As bhajans were going on, the Governor of Karnataka H.E. Chaturvedi came for darshan. This is his third visit within a week! By 5:00 PM Swami accepted aarathi and went in. The Governor went near the gate and Swami blessed him there itself before retiring into Trayee.

February 1st, 2006

There was no morning darshan today. Bhajans were sung by students from 9:30 AM and Arathi was at 10 AM. In the evening Bhagawan arrived at 5:20 PM. He walked briskly and covered the distance from the curtain to the railing in one go. After standing for sometime looking at all the devotees, Swami sat down. After a few bhajans Swami asked Mr. Poppat to speak. As he got up to speak instead of the customary rose, he offered Swami some cloves. Swami took one and as he was speaking put it into his mouth.

Today Mr. Poppat spoke for around twenty five minutes. Mr. Poppat reminded us that the buddhi is closest to the Atma and reflects its light, so too all of us near Sai - the paramatma, should develop sukshma buddhi, sthira buddhi, paripakkura buddhi, viveka buddhi and vishala buddhi.

We then had three bhajans and Swami looked towards the aarathi boy. Swami accepted aarathi and went inside.

January 31st, 2006

In the morning Swami came out at 10 AM. Bhajans had started at 9:30 AM (as per instructions). Swami walked to the front railing with the minimum of support and then sat down. At 10:20 AM aarathi was offered and Swami returned to Trayee.

The first lady of Kazhakstan has come to Brindavan for two days stay and a group of 15 youth have come from England with Mr. Ajit Poppat. These young men have been blessed by Swami to join the Institute students during the Gramaseva last Dussera and their enthusiasm was infectious.

In the evening bhajans started at 5 PM. At 6 PM the chandeliers came on and one could sense (hear!) the excitement of the assembled devotees and students as the bhajans picked up tempo.

Swami came walking briskly and stood holding the railing. After sitting down and listening to a couple of bhajans, Swami asked Mr. Poppat to speak. In his inimitable style Mr.Poppat spoke reminding all of us of how much Swami has done for all of us and what the responsibility on a Sai devotee's shoulder is. This speech was quite brief and when he sat down, Swami remarked that he had not spoken long enough. 'You can do so tomorrow '. Swami then asked students to continue bhajans. After bhajans Swami stood up for Aarathi and Swami went in walking.

January 30th, 2006

In the morning, bhajans started at 9:30 AM. At 9:55 AM, the chandeliers on the stage came on indicating that Swami was coming out to bless us all with His darshan. Swami entered the Shanthi Vedika at Sai Ramesh Hall waking from the screen at the back of the stage to the railing in front with the help of one of the student aides. Swami then walked towards the gents and ladies sides - a few steps, holding the railing. Swami stood for three full Bhajans and kept time with His hands just like in the olden days.

At one point, he left the railing support completely and kept time with both His hands! Swami then sat on the Toyota Porte's sofa chair for some time and then indicated that Aarathi be given. Swami lovingly put the rose offered by the student and blessed the boy taking aarathi.

He asked the boys as to what time the examinations (mid term which commence today) begin. He then asked what paper they had today and asked them to write their exam well. Swami then returned walking till the door behind.

At around 11:45 AM, Swami went out to Brother C.Srinivas's home and returned at 1:30 PM. One of the alumni who waited hopefully for Swami near "Hope Farm" was blessed to hand over a letter to Swami as He stopped the car on the road and asked for it to be given! What grace!

In the evening, bhajans commenced at 5:00 PM. Swami gave darshan at 5:20 PM. He came walking just holding the hand of Brother Siddharth. He did not allow anyone to even support His back. Swami sat down and time with both His hands. After some ten bhajans, Swami accepted aarathi and returned.

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