Monday, October 29, 2007 -  This evening, it was the turn of the devotees from Nizamabad district of

Andhra Pradesh to present a cultural programme at Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan came onstage at 5.30 pm, and the programme began after the devotees got various items Blessed, and had a lamp lit by Bhagawan. The Telugu dance drama presented by the Balvikas children brought out Bhagawan's message of service to Humanity through His own example, as Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Shirdi Sai and Parthi Sai. Stories of Sabari, Kuchela, and that of Baba saving an infant from the flames at Dwarakamayi were presented. Swami Blessed the participants with group photographs after the half hour presentation, walking down from the stage to stand among the children. He then asked the devotees to sing a few songs, while prasadam was distributed. After ten minutes of songs, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
Photos below:

Friday, October 26, 2007 -This evening, Bhagawan gave an extended darshan session in His chair. After a round of Sai Kulwant Hall in the car at 4.15 pm, Swami went around once again in His chair for half an hour, moving down the upper verandah, then through the ladies' side to complete a full round via the gents' side. He then moved to the Bhajan Hall, and Bhajans began there just after 5 pm.
Latest: Documenting Moon Darshan - Eye witness accoun t /messages/post from devotees all over the world : "Since the last two days we in Saudia Arabia have been blessed to receive Bhagavan's Darshan on the Moon. "... read more


Thursday, October 25, 2007 -Youth from Assam, Manipur and the North-Eastern States are here on their Parthi pilgrimage. This evening, they presented a programme of dances in Sai Kulwant Hall. The first dance was Bhortal Nritya from Assam, featuring large cymbals. Next was Dhol Dholok Cholom from Manipur, with vigorous drummers. Bhagawan Blessed the main drummer with a ring after the performance and took group photos with the participants, granting them padanamaskar. The devotees from the North-Eastern states then sang bhajans with Bhagawan seated onstage till He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.15 pm. pictures of the event click on the link below.  -Also: more updates from 25th Oct. from saistudents...

Assam and Manipur Youth Programme 25th, Oct ,07

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 -The devotees from Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh were ready with a programme this evening in Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 3.30 pm and went into the interview room. After 4.30, He came into the Bhajan Hall, and after a brief interaction there with some faculty members, moved to the stage area. The devotees from Prakasam brought up many items for Swami's Blessings, and then commenced the musical dance drama 'Samata'. The forty minute presentation highlighted unity of religions. After the drama, Swami went down from the stage and had group photos with the children who participated in the drama. Prasadam was distributed and Swami moved to the Bhajan Hall, where He accepted Arati and returned to His residence. pictures of the event click on the link below.
Oct. 24, 2007:
Prakasam District Programme "Samatha", Musical Dance Drama

Tuesday, October 23, 2007  - This evening, after a few minutes in the interview room after His darshan round in the car, Swami came down the upper verandah and through the Bhajan Hall to the stage area at five o'clock, where He sat listening to the Vedic chants. He called up some young Primary School boys and asked them to chant Vedam. After ten minutes, He moved to the Bhajan Hall and the Bhajans began there. Half an hour later, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
 
  Dasara Discourse : 24th Oct: Dasara Discourse, Bhagawan’s Vijayadasami Discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam on 21st October 2007 

Monday, October 22, 2007 -  This morning, Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall as the morning Bhajans went on, at 9.30 am. The priests who participated in the Veda Purusha Sapthaha Yagnam were seated in the front of the Bhajan Hall, and Swami Blessed them with watches, vibhuti and other gifts. The bhajans stopped at 10.10 and the priests chanted some Vedic hymns for a few minutes. Swami then went into the interview room and emerged half an hour later to accept Arati and return to His residence after 10.45 am. Evening darshan was at 4.30 - Swami moved straight from the ladies' side to alight from His car on the verandah and enter the interview room. He came into the Bhajan Hall while the Bhajans went on at 5.15 and accepted Arati at 5.40 pm.  
 Latest: Dasara Photos & Report  - -   

  Latest: "Moon Darshan Oct.22nd, 07":  Eye witness account /messages/post from devotees all over the world : "We had the opportunity of seeing Swami's image on the moon today at Bahrain"... read more

 Sri Sathya Sai Grama Seva…a taste of Practical Vedanta

 

Sunday, October 21, 2007 - Today was Vijayadasami, which marks the final day of the Dasara celebrations, the Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yagna and Grama Seva 2007. The pundits finished the Yagna rituals by 9 am and proceeded to the Bhajan Hall in Prasanthi Mandir. Bhagawan came to the Bhajan Hall at around 9.30 and Blessed the pundits with clothes. They then came to the Poornachandra in procession. Bhagawan came onstage at the Poornachandra by 10 o'clock, and in ten minutes' time the final offerings of the Poornahuti were performed. Sri Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister of India, was also in the audience. Bhagawan sat onstage for nearly 40 minutes more, listening to the Vedic chants first by the priests and later by the students, and then moved to His residence. Pictures from the Yagnam can be seen at the Book Trust website. The Anantapur women students undertook today's Grama Seva distribution inside the Ashram. Some nearby villages were covered by the men students, concluding the Seva for this year.

Bhagawan came for evening darshan at 4.30 pm. After a brief visit to the Bhajan Hall, He sat onstage and in fifteen minutes' time, the speeches of the day commenced. The first speaker was Sri Ajit Popat from the UK, who enthused the audience in his customary manner, narrating experiences of Grama Seva. The second speaker was Sri S V Giri, former Vice-Chancellor of the Sai University, who quoted the Bhajagovindam and other scriptural texts in his talk. Bhagawan then got up to deliver His Dasara message.

Swami noted the fact that Vijayadasami was the day on which the Shirdi body was given up. He materialized two gold coins He had given to Lakshmi Bai on that day, saying they stood for Truth and Righteousness. Exhorting all to never give up these two virtues, Bhagawan concluded His 40 minute Discourse with the Bhajan "Bhaja Govindam". The students then sang a few minutes of Bhajans before Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.40 pm. Also: read more  SBOI Group message   - Also: more updates from saistudents.org. 21st Oct.
 

Saturday, October 20, 2007 - This morning, the Gujarat Chief Minister Sri Narendra Modi was among the congregation in the Poornachandra. Bhagawan came onstage at 10.45 am and accepted Arati from the priests. After a few minutes, He moved to the Sai Kulwant Hall and went into the interview room after a round of the Hall. At just before 11.30, He called Sri Modi for a ten minute audience before returning to His residence.

The evening programme was a clarinet concert by Pandit Narasimhulu. Bhagawan came onstage at 5.45 pm and the concert began after a few minutes. Swami Blessed the artiste with a chain and clothes, and left for His residence after Arati at 7 pm.

Friday, October 19, 2007 - Four of Bhagawan's cars were arranged in front of the garage in the Mandir for Blessings this Ayudha Puja morning. Some more vehicles were parked in front of Yajur Mandir. Swami came to the Poornachandra stage while the Yagnam went on at 10.40 am. After the eldest pundit spoke to Him, Bhagawan accepted the Arati by the priests seated onstage. Then He returned to His residence while the congregation moved to Sai Kulwant Hall for the Puja function. At 11.20, Swami came in the chair to Sai Kulwant Hall, and moving straight to the garage on the Eastern end of the Mandir, Blessed all the vehicles (including the Golden Chariot) and drivers. Then He proceeded back to His residence via the verandah, speaking for a few minutes to an elder devotee on the way.

The evening session began with Bhagawan arriving at Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.45. After a few minutes of Vedam chanting with Swami seated onstage, the speeches of the day began. Sri V Srinivasan, All India President of Sai Organisations, introduced the first speaker, Smt. Anjali Devi, renowned Telugu thespian. She spoke from the heart in Telugu, narrating many of her experiences with Swami. The next speaker was Sri A Anantaraman, faculty at the Business School at Prasanthi Nilayam. He highlighted how Bhagawan's teaching of Right Action inspired him, as illustrated by an experience of his as CEO of a company in the United States. At the end of the speeches, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.20 pm. Speech by Actress Anjali Devi this evening in Sai Kulwant Hall:... read more  SBOI Group message

Photos:  Day 4 &5 Dasara Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna - Oct. 18 & 19, 2007-

Thursday, October 18, 2007  - This morning, Bhagawan came to the Poornachandra stage from His residence just after ten o'clock. After sitting onstage for twenty minutes, He moved to the Sai Kulwant Hall, where He took a full darshan round and then moved to the interview room. A few minutes later, Swami came out and sat onstage for a while before returning to His residence.  Evening darshan was once again at 4.45. The speakers for the day were Sri B N Narasimhamurthy, Warden of Brindavan Hostel, and a Prasanthi Nilayam MBA student Sri Krishna Kumar. Bhagawan Blessed the student with a chain after his speech. Ten minutes of Bhajans followed, with Bhagawan accepting Arati and returning to His residence just before 6.30 pm.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 -  This morning at 10.30 am, Swami came directly from His residence to the Poornachandra stage while the Yagnam went on. Moving directly in His chair to the western end of the stage, Bhagawan accepted the ceremonial Arati from the priests and sat there for ten minutes while they stood and finished their chants. Then, the pundits sat around Swami and chanted Rudram in Ghanam style for a few minutes before Swami moved to the stage and then withdrew. From the Poornachandra, Swami moved to Sai Kulwant Hall, where the Primary School children were seated. Moving to the stage area, Swami sat there listening to the children chanting Vedam. The "Vedam boys" who do Parayanam in the eastern end of Poornachandra during the Yagnam noticed that Swami was moving to Sai Kulwant Hall, and they too arrived at their places in the Hall. After ten minutes of chanting, Swami asked the Vedam boys to go inside - into the Bhajan Hall. There, He asked them to perform Arati. Bhagawan then entered His car and returned to His residence at 11 am.

Swami came for evening darshan at 4.45 pm. Coming onstage and listening to the Vedam for a few minutes, He asked for the speeches to begin at five o'clock. After an introduction by Sri Sanjay Sahani, Principal of the Brindavan campus, a faculty member and a student from the Prasanthi Nilayam campus spoke. Sri Srinivasan Srirangarajan of the Business School spoke first, on Man's duty to offer back to God all the wonderful things bestowed on him. The student speaker, Sri Natesh Shankar Shetty of the II MSc (Chem) class, narrated many Sai experiences and ended by mentioning that today was his birthday -- Swami lovingly Blessed him with a ring! At 5.45, Swami asked for the Bhajans to commence. After fifteen minutes of spirited singing, Arati was offered and Bhagawan returned to His residence. for more news & messages from devotees visit SBOI Group message board - SBOI-Group - Also: more updates from saistudents.org.17th Oct.   -   Photos: Day 2&3 Dasara Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna - Oct. 16, 2007-


Tuesday, October 16, 2007 -The Yagnam was underway at the Poornachandra by seven in the morning. The students left for Grama seva also at seven, since they were to cover some villages which were a bit far from Prasanthi Nilayam, in Bukkapatnam mandal. Every day during the Grama Seva, approximately 25,000 people are given food, and 5,000 sarees and dhoties are distributed.

Bhagawan emerged from His residence at around 9.15 am, and made a round of Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair. After sitting onstage for a few minutes while the Vedam went on, Swami went into the interview room calling the Warden of the Anantapur Campus. A few minutes later, He sent word for the Vedam students to move to the Poornachandra. Ten minutes later, Swami also arrived on the Poornachandra stage. As Bhagawan sat onstage, the eldest pundit came up and prayed that He accept offerings from the chief priest and his wife. Swami acquiesced, and accordingly the "first couple" of the Yagnam came up to Swami, offered garlands and Arati. A few minutes later, at around 10.40 am, Bhagawan returned to His residence.

In the evening also, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair. After a round of the hall at 4.30 pm, He sat onstage while the Vedam chanting went on, calling up some students and interacting with them. One of them was Blessed with a chain, and another with a ring. At five o'clock, Bhagawan asked for Bhajans to begin. Once again, the students led the Bhajans as a group. At 5.10, Swami called up Prof Anil Kumar, the Bhajans stopped, and Prof Anil Kumar began speaking in Telugu. Narrating many experiences and reciting poems on Swami composed by illustrious Telugu pundits, Prof Anil Kumar held the audience spell-bound till 6 o'clock, when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence - Also: more updates from saistudents.org.16th Oct.

for more news & messages from devotees visit SBOI Group message board - SBOI-Group

Download:

Vidyullekha - Sri Sathya Sai Students Newsletter - Volume 3 (zipped pdf file, 7.3 MB)

Vidyullekha - Sri Sathya Sai Students Newsletter - Volume 2 (zipped pdf file, 2.1 MB)

 


Photos: Dasara-Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajna - Day 1 - Oct. 15, 2007

Monday, October 15, 2007  - The seven-day Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yagna got underway at Prasanthi Nilayam this morning. The priests for the Yagna were seated in the Bhajan hall of the Mandir and Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall to Vedic chants at 9.15 am. He proceeded to the Bhajan hall and presented clothes to all the priests. The priests sat next to Bhagawan and chanted for a while, then moved to the Poornachandra in procession preceded by Nadaswaram. In ten minutes' time, Swami asked the students also to move to the Poornachandra, and ten minutes later still, Swami arrived onstage there - it was just past ten o'clock. The priests brought up for Bhagawan's benediction the ceremonial material used to create the fire for the Yagna, and in a matter of minutes, held up the fire created by the rubbing of two pieces of Arani wood.

The Yagnam then proceeded with Swami seated onstage. You can see detailed reports of the Yagnam in earlier issues of Prasanthi Diary. At 10.30, the students moved out and proceeded for Grama Seva: today's Seva was in Puttaparthi village. A few minutes past eleven, Bhagawan moved backstage, and half an hour later returned to His residence.

The evening session had speeches as is customary during the Yagnam. Bhagawan arrived at Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.20 pm, and moved to the stage after His darshan round in the car. The two speakers of the evening were introduced by the Vice-Chancellor Sri Gokak. Prof G. Venkataraman, former Vice-Chancellor of the Sai University, spoke first for twenty minutes on the symbolic meaning of the annihilation of Mahishasura. The Professor of Telugu at Prasanthi Nilayam campus, Sri Veerabhadraiah, was the next speaker. He narrated many Sai experiences in Telugu till Bhajans began at 6.30 pm. The bhajans were again "group bhajans": Swami had told the bhajan group yesterday that He approved of their group bhajan singing. After ten minutes of Bhajans, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence. more news from saistudents.org.15th Oct.
 

Sunday, October 14, 2007  - Morning Darshan - The Grama Seva group commenced the second day with an early morning prayer in the form of Suprabhatham. The thought of the day, read by the group leader, conveyed a very powerful message, which helped focus the group for the purpose for which they had come.

Swami did not come for morning darshan, however our beloved Baba sent kind instructions for the Grama Seva to commence before 09.00am. With the chanting of the Vedam the procession started lead by Swami's students themselves, including the UK Grama Seva boys. The boys performed a Pradikshna around the Mandir whilst chanting the vedam.

The vehicles for the Grama Seva rolled out of the Prashanthi Gates just prior to 09.00 with the chanting of "Jai Bolo Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki - Jai". It was wonderful to witness this scene as truck after truck left Prashanthi. The UK grama seva group were extremely privileged to offer service in the form of food and clothing to a local village known as Enumulapalli.

The villagers greeted the groups with the singing of divine hymns with young children offering festive lights. Immediately the vedam was commenced by the students closely followed by bhajan singing in the form of Nagar Sankeerthan ending in Atari at the village temple. During the distribution of our beloved Swami�s prasadam all the boys were received with love and humility, which was reciprocated by all. The first day of seva concluded at 12.30 for the UK group. Swamis love on this first day touched 25,000 people spanning 18 villages.

Afternoon Darshan - The UK group gathered with high spirits after a challenging and fulfilling morning. Bhajans commenced at 5.00 pm promptly, just prior to Swami�s arrival. Our beloved Swami was in a wonderful mood whilst giving darshan from his car during which He took letters from a number of devotees. Swami spoke the UK group leader enquiring about the group and their activities on the first day. Swami was especially interested in the location of the village and wellbeing of the group. Swami further asked about the planned activities for the following day. Swami returned from the interview room within a few minutes to give another chance for darshan to one and all, however to the delight of the gathered audience, Swami performed a complete round of Sai Kulwant hall from his chair. This took place whilst enchanting bhajans were continuing in the background. Swami left for His residence after taking Aarti at approximately 6.00 pm. - Darshan details by Arvind Tank

Saturday, October 13, 2007  - The students and teachers left for Grama Seva this morning at 8.30 am as Bhagawan had instructed yesterday, circumambulating the Mandir with Vedic chants and Bhajans. Bhagawan emerged from His residence only later, coming to Sai Kulwant Hall after the 9 o'clock Bhajans began, and returning after Arati at 9.35.
In the evening, Swami arrived after the Bhajans began and went into the Bhajan Hall after a round of Sai Kulwant Hall in the car. A few minutes later, He moved to the interview room, and from there down the upper verandah and then towards the ladies' side along the verandah. From there, He took a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair and moved back to the Bhajan Hall after Blessing the "Birthday Boys". There, He once again asked the singers to sing group bhajans -- so from 5.45 to 6.10 they all sang together with gusto, until Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence in the light of the Sai Kulwant chandeliers. more news from 13th oct. below

This afternoon saw Swami on His "physical" blessing spree once more. He came out for darshan at about 5:05 pm and went around in the car. He got down at the interview room and went in. The bhajans were going on and Swami started to wend His way through the upper inner portico. The Grama Seva had begun today. Swami had specially instructed all the participants to forget all else and think only of service. He had said that they must serve with joy in their hearts and smiles on their faces. "The villagers must get hope and develop faith in God. They must know that God will be by their side no matter what." He also specially instructed that this time the chant "Om Satchidaanandaaya Namaha" must fill their being and the villages as service went on. Maybe this was Swami's way of rejuvenating tired bodies and enthusing the spirits.

Swami took a complete round in the portico and then went to the ladies side. He slowly moved along the ladies side and then via the centre students' block, moved into the gents side. He collected letters from almost everyone who was offering Him one. The crowds rose like giant Mexican waves only that these waves were timed by Swami's movement. After going around the gents area, Swami indicated that He would like to go through the students area. He again collected letters. He came near the area where all the birthday and tray boys were seated. He sprinkled holy rice on them and slowly passed by blessing each one individually.

The bhajans were going on in full swing. Swami had instructed that all should sing together. So there were no solo songs. The whole bhajan group sang as one voice. It was a nice feeling to follow the group bhajans. After completing His rounds outside, Swami went into the bhajan hall and sat there for more than half an hour. He seemed to like the concept of bhajans being sung as a group very much. At about 6:05 pm He received Aarthi and left.


Friday, October 12, 2007 - Om Sairam dearest Sai family, The festival fever in India has caught up as Muslim brothers and sisters will celebrate the holy festival of Ramzan as the reports are coming, Ramzan will be celebrated on Sunday in India and Navarathri festival marking Dasara has started today.. About 4000 Sai youth from Kerala are here for the past 3 days and yesterday they had a breath taking bhajan session. Puttaparthi and its surrounding villages are in a festive mood and why not, thanks to the Grama Seva started by THE SON OF THIS HOLY SOIL, our universal Lord Sathya Sai…..Its like biological clock, my uncle’s son who is just 5 years old, who rarely knows which month we are in , was saying, I think this is the time when Swami’s people (students) come to distribute laddus… Such is the curiosity from all ages of the society… The much awaited Grama Seva will commence as per the Divine command tomorrow (13october) after morning bhajan. The students from all the campuses are here to do their bit for this meritorious act started by our compassionate Lord Sai. Like last year, a team of youth under the leadership of Mr.Popat from UK is also here to take part in Grama Seva from tomorrow.. Swami is coming bit late in the evenings now a days. Darshans are a big test to your mental and physical strength. I should say,it’s a boon to be in Kulwanth hall, later the better, as we will be thinking of Swami and His arrival and atleast by that way we will be thinking of God, forgetting all our worldly worries and anxieties… Swami is usually coming after 5pm as the bhajans are going on. This evening before any one could enter the hall, the youth from Kerala were seated in Kulwanth hall leaving very few first line spots for other devotees. It was quite anxious waiting for all of us… All the eyes were glued to the path way from where Swami comes to give darshan. It was 5pm and no trace of Swami, Bhajans started exactly at 5pm and all were wondering if Swami would come or not.. In just 5 minutes, Mr.Gokak,the present vice chancellor of Sathya Sai University, came out from Swami’s Abode. Probably Swami had a lengthy meeting, giving directions, suggestions and guidelines for the forth coming Grama Seva…Swami’s actions are all devotee centric, He rarely has time for Himself.. In just 5 minutes, wasting no time, Swami came out to satisfy the thousands assembled for His divine Darshan…

The car came towards the gents side as well and Swami accepted few letters from the Kerala youth and headed to the dias.. After alighting from His automatic throne Swami went to the interview room and later to the bhajan hall..It was 5:15 by then and at 5:30, instead of arathi, the students continued singing, this time some solo telugu songs as we all listened to them with utmost devotion…   Later the students started singing some of the songs rendered by Swami in early 60s which are compiled in cds by name Sathya Sai Geethamulu..Swami was seated in bhajan mandir and looked like Swami was checking if the students still remember the songs, He rendered which are rarely sung in Kulwanth hall…It was 6pm by then and bhajan session still on.. Some attractive numbers like Rava Swami Sai Baba brochutaku, mammu kachutaku, Needu sannidi maku pennidi, were sung with utmost devotion.. All the songs were in telugu and the Kerala youth joined their hands to the tune of the song.. time 6:15 and the bhajan session still on.. looked like it was a mini Akhanda Bhajan…. Mean while Mysore pak, Prasadam was distributed and scintillating bhajans full of Sai Love came to end when arathi was given to Swami at 6 :45. Probably, Swami’s heart danced in joy, to His beloved ones’ songs..Amidst chirping of the birds from the surrounding trees close to His house, Swami retired to His beautifully decorated Physical Abode marking the end of yet another beautiful day full of SAI LOVE…

R.Satish Naik, Member SBOI-Group
Reporting from the Abode of Highest Peace, Prasanthi Nilayam

Thursday, October 11, 2007 - Thousands of youth from Kerala with orange scarves are here since yesterday, for their Parthi Yatra. This evening, they were ready with a music programme followed by Bhajans. Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at a quarter to five and went into the interview room after His darshan round in the car. At 5.10, He came to the stage, and as the Vedam went on, moved down in His chair to where the students were sitting and took a full round of the gents' side in the chair, talking to a few, accepting letters from many. When He again reached the front of the Hall, He spoke to one of the Kerala Youth singers, and Blessed him with a chain. At 5.35, He asked them to start Bhajans and sat onstage till He accepted Arati at 6.10 pm. More news from 11th Oct.2007 click here

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - Bhagawan's Dasara bonanza began this evening. After emerging from His residence a few minutes after four o'clock, Swami came directly to the verandah in the car cutting across the ladies' side of the Sai Kulwant Hall, and almost immediately proceeded in His chair for saree distribution. For more than forty minutes, Bhagawan moved all over the ladies' side in His chair, Blessing hand-picked devotees, handing them the sarees and granting padanamaskar, going into the interview room just five minutes before the Bhajans began. Then, He came into the Bhajan Hall and as the Bhajans went on, moved down the central aisle giving more sarees to the ladies there. Next was the turn of some students - He called them up and gave them sarees for their mothers! The giving session concluded with Arati at 5.30 pm.

Sunday, October 7, 2007 -Yesterday and today, prasadam was distributed to all in Sai Kulwant Hall after Bhagawan went around in the evening. Swami had made a second darshan round in the chair after coming from His residence at around 4.15 pm yesterday. This evening, He emerged from His residence while the Bhajans went on, and first moved towards some senior students who were waiting near Yajur Mandir with marble idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. These statues were from the rear store-rooms of the Mandir Bhajan Hall which had been recently cleaned by the students. Bhagawan had instructed that the idols be installed at the Hostel. He Blessed the idols and had a group photograph with the students before moving to Sai Kulwant Hall. Once He reached the stage area after a full round in the car, He moved in His chair down to where the Primary School children were seated, and later moved towards the ladies' side. It was 5.45 pm when He moved to the Bhajan Hall, accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
More news from October 7th, 2007 - The store-room behind the mandir bhajan hall had been cleaned and all the things there had been neatly classified and sorted out over the last three days by the students and some staff of the Ashram. There were so many items and Swami had decided to give away many of these treasures. There were beautiful marble statues of Rama, Lakshmana, Seeta and Hanuman. Swami wanted these to be given to the senior boys hostel for installation in the shrine.

So, this afternoon, eight research scholars had assembled in front of the Yajur Mandir with the four-foot-high statues, which being made of marble, were very heavy. The statues had been decked with saree, dhotis and jewels. All waited for Swami to come down, bless and consecrate the statues before the installation in the hostel. Swami came out of Yajur Mandir only when the second bhajan had begun at about 5:05 pm.

The minute Swami came down, He glanced at the statues and immediately asked, "What is happening here?" The warden of the senior boys hostel went up to Swami and prayed to Him to bless the statues. Swami immediately came towards the statues. He sat before them and kept looking at their faces. He was so pleased and happy. Now the boys came one by one to Swami and sought His blessings. Swami blessed the silk sarees and robes that then went on to decorate the statues. The statues were also garlanded as Swami looked on. HE blessed the coconuts and had the vermilion spot placed on the foreheads of the statues. He asked them, "How do they look?" Pat came the reply, "As beautiful as you, Swami."

After having spent a few minutes gazing at the statues, Swami very unexpectedly posed for a group photo! The boys were all thrilled at this gesture. They also posed alongside Him. The pictures were taken. Then as Swami was going into the car, the photographer requested Swami to pose alone with the statues. And Swami agreed to do so! A picture was taken and then Swami went to the car to proceed for Darshan. As the car started, Swami blessed everyone with Abhayahasta.

In the darshan hall, Swami gave joy to one and all by going around on the wheel sofa for a round before going into the bhajan hall for bhajans and arati.

- Oct. 4, 2007
"Swami Vishwa Roopa Darshan - visible inside the moon"

Thursday, October 4, 2007 - Swami inside the moon: today Prof. Anil Kumar annouced that Swami will show His VISHWA roop DARSHAN in the moon . The crowd of people were gathered from the Ashram gate up to the Sri Sathya Sai Airport (venue of the event). Swami drove up to the airport amidst the crowd of people.  Check the SBOI-Group message board for more updates. Also few Indian TV channels have aired this news today evening.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 - The Gujarat Youth were ready with a cultural programme this evening. The proceedings got underway at 4.45 pm with Bhagawan coming onstage after His darshan round. Bhagawan Blessed various items brought up to Him by the Youth.
Photos: Gujarat Youth Programme "Shraddhaavan Labhate Gyanam" October 02, 2007
A brief announcement followed, which mentioned the added significance of today being Gandhi Jayanthi. A welcome song preceded the 20 minute drama presented by the Youth, on how Faith is more to be valued than a dogmatic interpretation of Science.

Bhagawan Blessed the two main protagonists of the drama with a chain and a ring as the ending song went on. He then came down from the stage and granted group photographs for the participants. He asked them to sing Bhajans, and as Bhajans went on, He distributed clothes to the participants. It was 6.15 when He accepted Arati and returned to His residence. 

Monday, October 1, 2007 - The last few days have been quiet at Prasanthi Nilayam. The Governor of Karnataka had come yesterday and had an audience with Bhagawan in the evening. This evening, Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall only after the Bhajans commenced. After a round of the Hall, He sat onstage as the Bhajans went on, for nearly half an hour. Then, He moved in His chair down the verandah and around the Kulwant Hall, enthusing the Gujarat Youth who are here on their Parthi Yatra. Swami entered the Bhajan Hall through the rear door and moved up the aisle, going into the interview room and returning to the Bhajan Hall to accept Arati after six o'clock. - more details

  Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - This evening, the youth of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand presented a Hindi drama entitled 'Mahasu ki Mahima'. The 40 minute presentation got underway at 4.30 pm when Bhagawan came onstage. Earlier, Swami had come to the stage area after His darshan round, and after a few minutes, had gone into the interview room. The drama by the youth highlighted the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme and also presented several folk dances from Uttarakhand. Bhagawan Blessed the participants with clothes at the end of the drama. Prasadam was distributed while the youth sang Bhajans. A few minutes later, Bhagawan came down from the stage and had group photographs with the actors of the drama. For a longer report &  pictures.  Click here: Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Youth Programme
Tuesday, September 25, 2007  - The Union Home Minister was here yesterday, and had an audience with Bhagawan in the evening. This morning, Bhagawan went for a drive after the morning Bhajans, returning to the Ashram via the rear gate of the Ashram near the Deena Janodharana Pathakam. He arrived for evening darshan at 4.30 pm in His chair, and after a round of the Sai Kulwant Hall, moved to the Bhajan Hall. After a few minutes there, He went into the interview room for a few minutes before returning to the Bhajan Hall for the Bhajans.

Sunday, September 23, 2007 - Today morning Swami came out of His abode at 9.20 a.m. while the Bhajan ...Allah tum Ho Maula tum ho... was going on inside the bhajan hall, Swami stopped near His door to inspect the painting work in progress i.e. on the outside walls of Poornachandra auditorium, opposite Swami's residence (Swami wanted the colour blue on the wall to be lighter in shade). Swami took the darshan round on His mobile chair. He then went inside the Bhajan Hall, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence by car at  9.35 a.m. A huge group of 5000 devotees is here from Mahbubnagar Nagar. In the evening, devotees from Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh were to present a programme, and a backdrop of their dance drama was erected at the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan arrived in His chair at 3.50 pm, and after a full darshan round, went into the interview room. He emerged a few minutes later, and coming onstage, sent word for the Primary School children to come and see the drama. Then He moved down from the stage and moved around Sai Kulwant Hall till 4.40 pm in His chair, talking to many devotees and accepting their letters.

Photos: September 23, 07: Mehaboob Nagar Programme Distribution of support devices and a skit entitled "Neti Yeshoda-Karnam Subbama"

At 4.45, Swami returned to the stage after a brief visit to the interview room, and the programme got underway with Bhagawan Blessing many articles of worship like Shivalingams brought up to Him by the Mahbubnagar devotees. Distribution of articles of livelihood for needy beneficiaries followed - sewing machines, computers, grinding machines and electrical kits were among the items given away. An invocatory dance then preceded the Telugu dance-drama presented by Balvikas children, "Neti Yashoda Karnam Subbamma". After their 40 minute presentation, the children came up to Bhagawan and received clothes from Him. Swami moved to the interview room, and a few minutes later, came onstage, accepted Arati, and returned to His residence.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 -  Swami didn't come out this morning to give His morning Darshan. This afternoon, Swami came at  2.30 p.m. No body was ready even Swami's car was not parked, it was a surprise arrival.  Calling a family for interviews, Swami went into the interview room and came out an hour later. He then sat onstage as the Vedam went on, Blessing some of the students who went up to Him with letters, and later again went into the interview room. Half an hour later, He came out, and moving down the upper verandah, took a round of the students in His chair. He then moved to the Bhajan Hall, went down the aisle and returned to the front of the Hall. Bhajans began just before five o'clock. Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 5.30 pm. Yesterday too, Swami had moved down the central aisle of the Bhajan Hall in His chair.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 -  Swami came on His mobile chair at 8.30 in the morning Swami didn't went towards the gents side and went straight to the mandir veranda after blessing few devotees there Swami went inside the interview room. At 9.30 a.m. Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence. 4 Sevadal (those who walk along Swami's car) from Hyderabad were blessed by Swami at His residence on return. Swami had a group photo with them. It was their last day on duty before they return back to Hyderabad.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - Swami didn't come out this morning to give His morning Darshan. Also, yesterday morning Swami didn't come. In the evening Swami came on His chair instead of car & blessing all with His beautiful darshan. It is raining continuously here in Puttaparthi.

Monday, September 17, 2007 - The Ganesha Immersion ceremony was held today,  has a report with pictures. Click here to see Ganesha immersion ceremony photos. Celebrations , 15-17 Sep 2007, Images & report

Sunday, September 16, 2007 -This morning, Bhagawan Blessed some recipients of prosthetic limbs from West Godavari district, and the undergraduate students presented a drama entitled 'Ganesha Mahatmyam' in the evening.

Saturday, September 15, 2007 -This Ganesh Chaturthi morning, Bhagawan emerged from His residence at 9.35 am as the students sang Ganesha stotrams. When Swami arrived at the Mandir, He came into the Bhajan Hall and saw the puja done to a small Ganesha idol kept there. He then sat onstage while the songs by the students went on. After 45 minutes of songs, they sang Bhajans while prasadam was distributed. At 10.30, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived just before the five o'clock Bhajans began, and Arati was at 5.35 pm.
Ganesha Chathurthi - Recap of Ganesha Chathurthi 2006 - 2005 - Ganesha materialised by Sai Baba-2004  
Friday, September 14, 2007 - The skies were cloudy today, and Bhagawan came to the Sai Kulwant Hall only after the five o'clock Bhajans commenced in the evening. As Swami went around, cool rains drenched Prasanti Nilayam. Bhagawan went down the verandah and sat outside for a while, then came into the Bhajan Hall for the Bhajans. After Arati, He had a few words with the Warden, the pujari and others about the arrangements they were making for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Thursday, September 13, 2007 - This evening also, Swami sat onstage for a while, Blessing the Birthday boys and some other students who came up with letters. He materialized a chain for one of the school boys in the Vedam group and had an extended conversation with him. Swami asked about the chain He had given earlier to the same boy, and he showed both the chain and pendant to Swami. Swami also asked about his grandfather, who is one of the senior-most doctors at Prasanthi Nilayam.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - This evening, Bhagawan spent some time outside after His darshan round in the car. First He came down the upper verandah, interacting with a few people seated there. Then, moving through the Bhajan Hall, He came onstage and sat there for a while as the Vedam chanting went on, Blessing the Birthday boys and taking letters from some students. Prasadam was distributed, and Swami moved to the interview room. A few minutes after 4.30 pm, He moved to the Bhajan Hall and interacted with the Bhajan group students there. Bhajans began just before 5 pm. Photos: September 11, 2007: Sri Sathya Sai Invitational Badminton Tournament  more Photos added


Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - The last few days have been fairly quiet at Prasanthi Nilayam, with no cultural programmes in Sai Kulwant Hall. Two ministers from Tamil Nadu were here over the weekend, and Bhagawan gave them an audience on Sunday morning. This afternoon, an invitational badminton tournament was held at the Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Sports, featuring India's top shuttle badminton players. The playoffs began earlier in the afternoon and Bhagawan arrived at the Indoor Stadium in time for the finals at 4 pm. After the doubles match, Swami Blessed the players and left for the Mandir at 5 pm. There, the Bhajans were going on without mics. After an interview, Swami came to the Bhajan Hall, sat for a few minutes, went outside and Blessed the players, came into the Bhajan Hall through the rear entrance, enjoyed the Bhajans till past six o'clock, and then returned to His residence after Arati.

Friday, September 7, 2007 - As announced yesterday, the Balvikas children from Nellore staged a classical dance drama "Archana" this evening. The forty minute programme got underway at 4.10 pm when Bhagawan came onstage. The protagonist, who had the same name as the drama, offers her dance to Bhagawan, interacts with inspirational devotees of the Lord like Thyagaraja and Pundarika and ultimately ends up free of debilitating disease. Swami Blessed her with a chain at the end of the programme. Prasadam was distributed, and Bhajans were in the Sai Kulwant Hall itself. Sep. 6^th & 7^th, 2007: Latest Photos from Prasanthi Nilayam - Prasanthi Visit by Devotees of Nellore District, AP

Thursday, September 6, 2007 - After the Nalgonda district, it was the turn of Nellore district devotees to arrive in strength at Prasanthi Nilayam. Today, the Pandari Bhajan group of the Nellore devotees got a chance to perform in the Divine Presence. After His evening darshan round in the car, Swami asked for the group's performance, and the central part of Sai Kulwant Hall was quickly cleared for the programme to commence at 4 pm. After 45 minutes of vigorous and enthusiastic dancing around the accompanists at the centre of a circle, Bhagawan Blessed the group with clothes. One of the members was also Blessed with a chain. Prof. Anil Kumar was asked to speak briefly, and he announced the staging of a drama by the Nellore devotees tomorrow. Bhajans began in the Bhajan Hall, with Bhagawan seated there till Arati at 5.40 pm.


Latest Photos & Report: SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST Anniversary & SRI KRISHNA ASHTAMI CELEBRATIONS Photos


Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - This evening, after His darshan round in the chair, Bhagawan went around the verandah for nearly fifteen minutes and sat for a few minutes onstage while the Vedam went on. He went into the interview room, and later entered the Bhajan Hall at 4.40 pm. A few minutes later, He asked the students to sing Meera songs and other devotional songs. After half an hour of songs and ten minutes of Bhajans, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 5.30 pm.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007  - On this morning of Krishna Janmashtami, Bhagawan came for morning darshan resplendent in a yellow robe. The procession of cows from Gokulam had just reached the Sai Kulwant Hall when Swami arrived at 8.10 am; He stopped the car near the procession at the centre of the Hall and alighted there. Moving around in His chair, Swami fed bananas to the cows, apples and other goodies for the elephant calf, and moved to the stage area. The Music College students' nadaswaram band, the bhajan group that came along with the procession, Vedam chanting, all went on as Swami moved about, Blessing various members of the animal kingdom brought to Him by the students, like a peacock, doves and so on. Onstage, Swami sat for a while, then asked Sri. S. V. Giri to make an announcement, that the Krishnashtami programme would commence in the evening. Prasadam was distributed while Swami received Arati and returned to His residence by 8.50 am. (Wallpaper download: Sai Krishna Janmashtami ) The central part of Sai Kulwant Hall was set up as a stage for the evening programmes. Swami arrived by 3.45 and came onstage after a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair. The Sri Sathya Sai University Brass Band presented an innovative programme first, with tableux of Krishna's life being acted out as they played the pieces "The Tempest", "Murali Krishna" and so on. Devotees from Nalgonda, assembled at Prasanthi Nilayam in large numbers on their Parthi Yatra, presented the next programme, which was a twenty-five minute Telugu drama highlighting the need for compassion towards the differently abled and less fortunate members of society. Some songs by the Nalgonda devotees followed, with the students singing some bhajans on Bhagawan's command. After a brief visit to the interview room, Swami returned to the stage, stopped the Bhajans, and stood up to speak at 5 pm.

Bhagawan materialized a golden lingam, and mentioned in the Discourse that this is the concrete form of Pure Satwa. Briefly touching upon the purity of Krishna who was only seven years old at the time He sported with the Gopis who were of the age of His "mother", Bhagawan narrated various incidents in the Ramayana which brought out the sacredness and purity of the characters in that immortal epic. At the end of His seventy minute Discourse, Bhagawan underscored the oneness of Rama and Krishna, telling all of us to Chant the Name of Rama, Chant the Name of Krishna, if you like this Form, Chant Sai Rama, Sai Krishna, but never forget God's name. The students sang bhajans for ten minutes after Bhagawan's Discourse before He took Arati and returned to His residence. [Also read: Darshan mail & excerpts from Swami's Discourse Krishna janamastmi sent by a devotee]

Sunday, September 2, 2007 - The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was founded 35 years ago on this day. To mark the occasion, all of Bhagawan's students working in His various institutions assembled at Prasanthi Nilayam and sat together in the Bhajan Hall in the morning. Swami came into the Bhajan Hall at 8.15 after His darshan round. Some group songs were sung, after which Swami conversed informally with some of the boys. The session lasted till nearly ten o'clock, when Swami accepted Arati after some more group songs.

The afternoon session was in the Sai Kulwant Hall. The programme got underway at four o'clock with Bhagawan seated onstage, with four elders and two former students being introduced as the speakers for the day. Sri V. Srinivasan, Sri S. V. Giri, Sri Chakravarthy and Sri G. Venkataraman followed two speeches by Sri N. Sudhindran and Dr. T. Ravi Kumar. After these speeches, Bhagawan stood up to speak at 5.35 pm.

Swami praised His students working in the Central Trust and allied institutions for their unselfish and pure-hearted approach. He exhorted them to be ideals in their respective fields. He said that Faith and confidence on the Self will tide over any problems. Bhagawan said, "What We desire is not money, but Virtues". After speaking for half an hour, Swami started distributing watches to all the 150 former students working at Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan - as He sat onstage, they went up one by one and accepted the watches from His hands. Then prasadam distribution began, with Sri. Harishankar Bhat giving the vote of thanks, followed by Arati at 6.20 pm.
Friday, August 31, 2007 - The three day All-India conference of District Presidents and State Office Bearers of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations concluded today. The delegates had meetings at the Conference Hall next to the Book Trust building, and were seated together in the Sai Kulwant Hall for darshan sessions. Bhagawan chose to shower His benedictions on the delegates this valedictory day. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair as He has been doing often over the last few days. After His darshan round, He came onstage, and behind Him came students carrying His robes. Swami Blessed the State Presidents first with robes. All the delegates then lined up and came up to the stage, where they received robes from the Divine Hands. The distribution went on for nearly forty minutes till five o'clock, when Bhagawan moved towards the Bhajan Hall and the Bhajans began there.

 

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