Index of earlier Bulletins

January 14th, 2006

We begin this update by wishing all of you a very Happy Sankranti. Last evening, an announcement was made that this morning, the valedictory function of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet would be held at 8.30 a.m. All of us were seated in time in the Sai Kulwant Hall. However, Swami made His entry only at 9.50 a.m. The Porte car with Swami was led into the Kulwant Hall with a grand procession starting with the Brass Band by the Anantapur students, followed by the Flag March by the captains of various sports and cultural events and then the Brass Band by the Prasanthi Nilayam boys. The flag bearers halted at the centre of the Hall and formed two neat rows on either side of the pathway. Swami’s car made its passage through the pathway amidst the flags saluting Him. Taking a full round, the car approached the interview room. At 9.55 a.m. Swami came out in His chair. He moved straight to the ceremonial lamp and lighted the same with a candle handed to Him by the Physical Director of the Brindavan Campus. Accompanying him were the Physical Director of the Parthi Campus and the PD’s of the Higher Secondary School and Primary School.

The Hall was decorated well with the giant puppets used during the Opening and Closing Ceremony of the Parthi Campus Sports event on the 11th . Two were kept on either side of the dais while the others were kept against the pillars in the Kulwant Hall. Even the huge cutouts with Swami’s photographs used on the 11th were resting against some other pillars in the Hall.

It was 10.00 a.m. by the time Swami walked and stood holding the railings and finally sat down on His chair and the VC began his address. The Vice Chancellor, Sri Anil Gokak spoke very briefly focusing on two points. One, the Annual Sports and Cultural Festival of the Institute and the second, the Makara Sankranti festival and its significance.

He spoke about the passion that the Greeks had for sports and how the Olympiads had ‘peace among nations’ as their true purpose. In our Institute, he said that Human Values and Sports were interwoven. Talking about Sankranti, he said that it was the arrival of a new spirit. It is the Uttarayana, when the sun enters the Makara Rashi. Spring or Summer symbolizes activity and creativity in both outlook and attitude. The old and worn-out must be gone and all new things must be born, the speaker said.

Again talking about the sportsman spirit, he stated that the passion for perfection is much more important than the achievement of success. He concluded his talk at 10.15 a.m. and prayed to Bhagawan to deliver His Divine Discourse. Bhagawan stood up to everybody’s joy and delivered His Divine Message.

Here are the highlights of Bhagawan’s Message:

Human life is very sacred. Whenever God descends on earth, He takes a human form only. There is no separate God other than a human being. The human body is made up of five elements. Atma is the totality – formless. We must prove our human nature through our behaviour and conduct.

Education is only for the body and the mind. It is external. Educare is from within. It deals with the inner feelings. When inner feelings are not pure, even vocabulary cannot be pure. Outer action is a function of the inner feelings. Expression of educare in the outer world is true education. Only experienced people can understand this inner principle. All degrees such as BA, B.Sc…..are external. Those who have understood the inner nature are very rare in this world.

There are three Gunas that drive us in life. Satva arises from within. Rajas is passion in action. Control over these is most essential. Do not use sports and games which stand for Rajas to communicate the higher Truth – Paramaartha. Instead, based on Paramaartha carry out your physical activities. Without Adharam (basis) there can be no Adheyam (based).

Ekoham Bahusyaam. The One has become many. There are so many bulbs here in this Hall. But the current that is lighting all of them is One. Everything comes from God only. Sugar is the same in all sweets. Bereft of Love you are not a human at all. True Will Power is also an expression of the Atma. Atma is the source of everything.

When God descends on earth, He behaves like an ordinary human being so that all humans can understand Him clearly. Atma represents oneness of all beings. Degrees are different but learning is the same. Cows are different but the milk is same. Ornaments are different but the gold is the same. It is God only who manifests as Man, Woman and the child.

What is true Japam? Is it holding the Japa Mala and praying to God? No. When you forget all worldly matters – that is true Japam. What is the use of merely closing your eyes and sitting? Be it Japam or Tapam – all of them ultimately lead you to the Atma. Honey bees fly around everywhere and finally settle down for the nectar in the flower. It could be a Jasmine flower or a rose flower. Ultimately, it is interested only in the nectar!

Why did we start this College? It is to develop good virtues, character and good conduct. Without desires you cannot achieve anything. Therefore, consider this desire also as the Will of God. Be it a man or a woman, if the heart is pure, he / she will be successful in any venture.

Realize the value of diamond. Diamond stands for Die Mind! Annihilation of the mind. Mind is the basis of this whole universe. Without controlling the mind, what is the use of all achievements? Annihilation of the mind makes you a Paramahamsa. Do not follow the mind. It yields sweets fruits outside but the juice inside is bitter.

Students, you may read so many books but understanding is very important. What is the use of merely chanting the Vedas? You must make an attempt to understand the meaning. Whether you like the Vedas or not – Vedas are Vedas! They are very sacred.

Dear students. (At this point, Prof. Anil Kumar translated as – Students. Swami corrected him saying DEAR Students and Prof. Anil Kumar repeated DEAR Students!!) You know a lot related to the material world. But you do not understand the inner feelings. Bulbs are many but the inner current is one. We must be able to experience the spiritual feeling even in this physical world.

Leave all your burden and responsibilities to God and discharge your duties in this world. Then alone, you will be able to acquire true education. Education is not just going through books. Be convinced of two things:
1) There is Divinity
2) We must do everything, all actions, to please God.
God goes only by inner feelings and motives while the world goes by outer expressions and behaviour. God is Bhava Priya and not Bahya Priya.

Each one must ask the question – Who am I? Not just - Who are you? A true aspirant is one who understands this Oneness. Father, Mother all these are based on physical relationships. Be true to your name. For example, Ramaiah must live like Lord Rama. Many students have a desire to complete their B.Com. and then go to USA for taking up of a job. Do not entertain too many desires. I always tell the Ladies, wear one bangle on each hand. If you wear too many bangles, they will clash with each other and make sound. So have fewer desires.

Above all, have total faith in God. Students, I am not happy with your just earning degrees. You should be pure outwardly and inwardly, both. Be always happy. Get a good name. People should say – see this person, he is so good, he always minds his own business, never interferes with unnecessary matters. Never get the title of ‘Rowdy’!! Get the title ‘Good Boy’. This can come from good work, good thoughts and good conduct. In Telugu, guddu means egg, not that guddu!

Students, you are all Embodiments of Love. You want God but your actions are not in line with your wish. Therefore, develop unity of thought, word and deed. I want you all to be united. Pray to God and get a good name. It is only then that the purpose of setting up this Institute will be fulfilled. I am always with you. Grow in your devotion and share the same with all. That will make Me happy!!

Today is Uttarayana. If you have good thoughts and feelings now, you will certainly get a good name, surely you will. When I see you all, I feel so happy! Happiness is union with God. Do not worry about your examinations. Write what comes to your head. I will take care.

Saying so, Swami sat down on His chair and sang the Bhajan – Bhajan Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin…

He again continued…. Though My physical body is weak, I am attending to all My duties.

After this, Swami gave away the Award Cups to the different Campuses, starting with the Brindavan Campus, followed by the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Anantapur Campus, Higher Secondary School, Music College and finally the Primary School. Apple Prasadam was distributed to all. The Band team played a few pieces. Swami then got up and went walking to the car. At 11.40 a.m. Aarti was given and Swami retired for the morning. An announcement was made by Prof. Anil Kumar that in the evening at 6.00 p.m. the Brindavan students of the Institute would present the play – Adi Kavi Valmiki.

In the evening, Bhajans began at 4.50 p.m. and concluded with Aarti at 5.10 p.m. Swami came outside and sat on the dais. At 5.15 p.m. the play commenced with Lord Rama and few other characters presenting a bouquet and card to Swami. The same play that was enacted on the 12th in the College Auditorium (see below) was presented in the Kulwant Hall. It was received very well by the audience and at the end; Swami gave group photographs to all the artistes and the sets and costumes boys. He took Aarti and retired to Poornachandra by 6.30 p.m. Prasadam was distributed to all.

January 13th, 2006

This evening Bhagawan came out for Darshan at 4.20 p.m. Having taken a full round, the car stopped near the interview room and the car door glided open. The Brindavan Warden Sri Narasimhamurthy Garu and the Vice Chancellor were summoned and were spoken to. After a while, Swami went into the interview room and came out again at 4.35 p.m. The Primary School drama was slotted for this evening and it was already 4.30 p.m. But the compassionate Lord knew the requirements of the presentation. It was an audio-video show with projections to be made on a huge screen that was set up behind the pathway leading from Poornachandra. For this, the surroundings needed to be dark. Therefore, Swami made Prof. Anil Kumar announce that there would be Bhajans now and then the Primary School children would present their play.

Bhajans began at 5.00 p.m. and went on till 5.45 p.m. when the sun had just crossed the edge of the Ashram walls, thus providing the necessary ambience in the Kulwant Hall. Swami then asked the programme to commence. First, the girls of the Primary School presented a violin recital – a large number of them producing a beautiful music. Meanwhile, Swami came out and sat at the centre of the dais. He signaled to Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Narendra Reddy to sit on the chairs behind Him. The VC and Sri S.V. Giri also joined them.

Young children dressed in bright coloured costumes went forward to present to Bhagawan a bouquet and the Programme card. At 6.05 p.m. the play titled “Sai Prema Dhara” began. This same play was enacted earlier by the Primary School children on the occasion of the International Children Festival celebrated at Prasanthi Nilayam in October 2005. It was the same show. A beautiful blend of audio-video effects and actual skits by the children! Basically, they depicted the entire life of our Swami right from the childhood days, highlighting some of the most important and significant events.

The uniqueness was that the video was used to depict characters before they actually came onto the stage. For example, children dressed as Lord Ganesha and Subramanya are shown in the video to be flying in the sky coming towards the earth from heaven and then as the video fades away, the same children in the same costume appear on the stage. This gave a very realistic effect to the play. Characters like Sri Kasturi Garu and Mr. John Hislop were depicted as anchors, who narrated various events in Swami’s life.

The Kalpavriksha episode, Sri Subbamma Garu witnessing the Cosmos in Swami’s mouth, the Virupaksha temple episode, and the various projects of Bhagawan were depicted very well. The great saints like Meera, Tyagaraja, Andal, Purandara also come onto the stage and glorify our Lord. A number of video clippings of Swami of the earlier days were shown in the background making the presentation very lively.

The play went on till 7.00 p.m., the best part being an interview that Swami gives to the children, wherein, the children on the stage ask Swami several questions and Bhagawan is shown answering those questions through appropriate video clippings! In conclusion, all the children assembled together in front of Swami and swayed to the song Madhura Mohana Ghana Shyama Sundara Sai….. Swami was very very happy and materialized a chain which He put around the neck of the boy who acted as Prof. Kasturi. After a while, He also materialized a ring for a student who acted as one of the Sai Baba’s in the play. There were many Sai Baba’s in the play to depict Swami at different points of time!

The play had a great impact on the audience and all gave a loud applause. Swami gave group photographs to all the participants. In a very orderly fashion, the children came in small groups and sat around Swami’s chair for photographs. Swami had some word for each group filling their hearts with joy! By 7.30 p.m. Swami took Aarti and retired to the Poornachandra.

January 12th, 2006

This day turned out to be a very significant day for the Institute as Swami Blessed the College Campus not once but twice in the evening to watch two dramas – one by the Brindavan Campus students and another by the Parthi Campus students.

The plan as per Bhagawan’s instructions in the morning was that He would come to witness the Brindavan play first at 3.30 p.m. and later after the evening Bhajans He would come again for the Parthi play. The College Auditorium and the Foyer below was bustling with activity right from the morning. Sets were being arranged and the artists were donning their costumes. We all were seated in the Auditorium by 3.00 p.m. It was an in-house affair with only the Brindavan and Parthi Campus Institute students seated in the Auditorium.

At 4.10 p.m., Swami arrived at the College Campus. As His chair rolled in and was positioned at the centre, the announcement was made and the play began. The title was ‘Adi Kavi Valmiki’. It was an excellent presentation that went on for an hour. The best part was the fantastic sets that gave a real lift to the whole drama. It was an aesthetically breathtaking and technically intricate effort to have all those contraptions and multi sided cutouts that would turn and immediately become a new background for another scene.

Even before the play started, Lord Rama, Lava and Kusha came down the stage to offer a bouquet and the welcome card to Bhagawan. The first scene was about the highway robber Ratnakara who attempts to rob the seven sages and in turn is robbed of his own evils and gets transformed into the great poet saint Valmiki. The stage was set into two sections at different heights, that enabled two different scenes to be depicted parallely.

The next scene directly takes us to the Ashram of Saint Valmiki on the banks of Tamasa. Here Valmiki gets the Darshan of Narada who reveals to him the secret of the One who has all the 16 Kalas and is currently present on earth in a Human Form. Later, Valmiki discovers how his Soka (sorrow) upon seeing a bird killed by a hunter metamorphoses into a Sloka (hymn). He then gets the vision of Lord Brahma who Blesses him to write the poem Ramayana and offer it to humanity. At the rear end of the stage, there was a hydraulically operated platform that was raised and lowered as desired. For example, Lord Brahma appeared out of nowhere from below and having said his dialogues disappeared with the lowering of the platform. This was a very unique and creative idea!

Thus Valmiki starts composing the Ramayana in the Anushtup Chandas. Lava and Kusha come into the scene – the ones Blessed to propagate the Ramayana to the world. The rest of the play was the entire Ramayana Katha song that we often hear in Bhagawan’s Presence. Ramakathanu Vinarayaa….As the song was being sung by Lava and Kusha the relevant scenes were depicted on the raised stage behind in quick succession. The best part was that there was no break for change of scenes. Everything was so well organized, the artistes coming in from one end, moving out through the other end. Some of the characters like Shurpanaka and the deer appearing from below at the rear end.

The best part was the beginning of Rama’s story when the sacrifice is being performed. A Yagna Kundam is placed on the rear stage with the fire lighted and in an instant, the cutouts at the back open up revealing a beautiful massive sun chariot with the Sun God standing behind. The moment the sacrifice is over, during which the Fire God appears again from below on the hydraulic platform, giving the feeling that he is really coming out of the fire; the cutouts close up bringing us back to the original backdrop.

Scene after scene kept moving in font of our eyes with such precision and accuracy of movement and coordination that it was a breathtaking experience! The scene of Mandara poisoning Kaikeyi’s mind, the exile of Lord Rama, the deer attracting Sita, Ravana coming and taking her away – again the movable platform making the depiction look so realistic. The killing of Vali, the bridge across Lanka, the slaying of Ravana and finally the most touching event, the Agni Pareeksha of Mother Sita.

Every few minutes, two anchors would come onto the stage and narrate the significance of the events being depicted. Finally Lord Rama accepts Mother Sita. After this there was a brief break with the curtains closed. Minutes later, the curtain parted to reveal a beautiful palace scene with a lovely throne and the Pattabhishekam of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is coronated and the citizens dance with joy. The final scene brings all the artistes together in prayerful obeisance to Bhagawan.

No doubt, there was loud applause for the wonderful play. Bhagawan was very pleased and even asked them to present the same drama once again in Sai Kulwant Hall to bring joy to all the devotees. Swami spent quite some time Blessing the artistes and talking to them. He left to the Mandir at 5.30 p.m. At the Mandir He took Aarti and retired to His abode.

Meanwhile, the Parthi drama boys were all dressed up in their costumes anticipating Swami’s arrival. A few minutes later, an announcement was made that the drama was postponed to another day. But would our compassionate Lord disappoint His students who were waiting for Him ready with all their costumes. Once again there was a message that Swami will be coming today itself to witness the Parthi drama too. Giving enough time for the Parthi boys to set up the stage and get ready, Swami arrived at 7.15 p.m. A rare Blessing for the College campus in its 25th year of existence!

The Parthi drama was a display of ancient scriptural wisdom in a contemporary setting, titled Bhakti Pravaham – a title selected by Bhagawan Himself. The play began with an interview of two young scientists in the studios. Mr. Mukherjee and Mr. Prajnaat. Mr. Prajnaat who is lost in the world of science is guided and shown the true path by Mr. Mukherjee – a scientist turned inwards. In the course of his dialogues with Mr. Prajnaat, Mr. Mukherjee narrates instances from our scriptures to show how Science is not the ultimate but just a prelude to the Ultimate.

Three plays were part of this drama. One was that of the Pandavas. It is a period of their exile. All the brothers criticize Dharmaja for being responsible for their current plight. Dharmaja unable to bear the agony opens the leaf on which Lord Krishna had given him a message – a message that was to be used as a Mantra in times of unbearable grief. Opening the leaf, the brothers find on it written – This too shall pass! The message – nothing is permanent in this world. Everything is a passing cloud. Name, fame all come and go.

Incidentally, both the scientists lose an award which they were expecting to win. Whereas Mr. Mukherjee is able to take it with equanimity, Mr. Prajnaat beaks down. The next message is depicted through the story of Tyagaraja. How he offers everything to the Lord and nothing else matters to him. No worldly pleasures or wealth is able to take him away from singing the glory of the Lord.

The final scene is that of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who gets lost in ecstasy the moment he utters Lord Krishna’s name. Finally, the play culminates 10 years later, when the transformed scientist Mr. Prajnaat, realizes his dream of winning the Nobel prize for his achievements. However, he now offers this at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan for he has realized that all name and fame is a gift of God and man is truly a puppet in His hands. Saying so, he comes down the stage and offers the award to Bhagawan seated on His chair. Thus the play ends in a very dramatic way.

This drama too had very good sets, with many scenes being depicted at the rear end behind a curtain. When Tyagaraja sings, Lord Vishnu reclining on the Adishesha is seen in the background and so on.

It was 8.30 p.m. Bhagawan was very happy and said – very good drama. He raised His Hand and Blessed all the artistes assembled on the stage. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Tyagaraja came down and bowed at His Feet. Swami spent some time talking to them and once again Blessed all the actors. He said that this was only a rehearsal and asked them also to make a presentation once again on the 15th for a larger audience. There was loud applause appreciating the fantastic drama and Swami moved out towards the Mandir.

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