Dance Drama and Distribution of Implements by Anantapur Devotees
Posted at 0200 Hrs. 22nd Aug 2009
Anantapur enjoys the special privilege of hosting the “Home of Peace”, that is popular all over the world by the name, Prasanthi Nilayam, the spiritual epicenter that houses Divinity in human frame, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba! Rewarding the greatest boon bestowed upon this terrain in Rayalaseema Region, Bhagawan had declared long ago, that He would make Anantapur into Anantapuram.
When the Parthi Yatra series continues bringing in thousands upon thousands unto the fold of Bhagawan, this week belonged to the Anantapur folks when a mass contingent of over four thousands devotees turned out to Prasanthi Nilayam seeking darshan of the Lord whose mighty presence earned her the name and fame making her beholden to the Divinity beyond measure.
On the 21st August evening, an evening that witnessed God’s Pouring Grace from the heavens, a gentle whiff of fresh air was blown across 173 hearts and minds who were recipients of essential implements that could build a life of their own, making them self-reliant. Continuing with the trend of distributing implements to the forlorn, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Anantapur District had arranged distribution of essentials helping them eking out a livelihood. The implements distributed among 89 ladies and 84 gents included sewing machines, zig zag machine, grinders, embroidery frame, motor sets for sewing machines, power sprayers and taiwan sprayers, iron boxes, cycles, push carts, carpenter kit, electrical kit, chain block, hearing aids and educational assistance for four selected candidates.
Earlier Bhagawan came out at 1745 hrs., took a detour to come onstage to begin the proceedings for the evening. The day being the 23rd Anniversary of The School of Business Management and Finance, Sri Sathya Sai University, Bhagawan released the revised edition of the popular book, “Man Management”, a management book for commoners based on His Divine Teachings. Bhagawan graciously browsed through the pages for some time to the delight of Prof. U.S. Rao and other faculties from the department including research scholars, who had put in unstinted effort in bringing out this edition. The book contains Divine Discourses on the theme, Management, delivered on various occasions, especially during the anniversary occasions over the years.
Commencing the programme, Mr. Ashwatha Narayana, a senior long time devotee from Anantapur presented the programme for the evening at His Divine Lotus Feet. Sri Nagaraj, a senior organiser offering his obeisance to Bhagawan on behalf of the people of the district, expressed collective gratitude to Bhagawan for granting the opportunity to be in Bhagawan’s presence and present a few programmes. Eulogising the attributes of Divinity in human frame, the speaker commented that Bhagawan’s every moment is spent in loving all and serving all. He is always happy in spite of many a programme and His busy schedule. This was followed by the distribution of implements.
The second programme was a dance drama “Dharmodharaka Sri Sathya Sai”. A beautiful backdrop displaying the ten incarnations of God amidst planets and other celestial bodies with Bhagawan as the eternal charioteer holding the reins of a horse in the centre formed the setting of the first scene of the drama. Each scene had an appropriate backdrop with children dancing to songs expounding profound truths. The first scene “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” (if you protect Dharma, you will be protected by Dharma) described that God in His infinite compassion for humanity incarnated from age to age to protect, save and uplift mankind on the spiritual path. Each Avatar had a set mission. The mission of this Sai Avatar is Samskaram (refinement) of individuals.
The second scene depicted ideal parents who were instrumental in shaping their children into role models for society. Rama’s divinity blossomed under Kausalya's loving care. Because of the tender feelings and austerity of Sita, Lava and Kusha achieved name and fame. Fostered with the love of his mother Putlibai, Gandhi became a Mahatma. The loving care of Jijabai made Shivaji a great warrior. It was because of Mother Easwaramma that we have the Avatar Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba amidst us. The mother is the first teacher for the child since it is from her that the child learns the first alphabet. There are five mothers for everyone who have to be respected and revered: Dehamatha (mother of the physical body who fosters and cares for the child), Desha Matha (the motherland), Gomatha (the cow, which gives milk, a nourishment to sustain our body), Veda Matha (Goddess of Vedas) and Bhu Matha (mother earth).
The next scene portrayed the qualities of ideal Guru (preceptor). Bhagawan was the ideal Guru to village children. He taught them to sing Bhajans by starting the Pandhari Bhajan group which inculcated values in them. Vasishtha was an ideal Guru to Sri Rama; Sandeepa to Sri Krishna and Balarama; Suka to Janaka; Ramdas to Shivaji and Ramakrishna to Vivekananda. One who destroys and removes ignorance and bestows Sujnana (spiritual knowledge) is an ideal Guru. One gets a Guru according to his conduct.
In the scene that followed, it was then announced that it was the result of good deeds done in previous births that we have Sakshat Parabrahma (the ultimate Reality) Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as our Guru. As a child Bhagawan taught humanity to practise what one preaches. His first teaching was “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam” (revere the feet of the Guru).
Ideal youth was the next scene. One who controls the senses is an ideal youth. Character is of paramount importance to youth. Unity is strength for youth. Every youth should follow the maxims: Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth, practise righteousness); Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava (revere your mother, father, preceptor and guest as God); Paropakarartham Idam Sariram (human body is meant to do good to others). Bhagawan is a perfect ideal for youth. His life itself is a message for the youth.
In the penultimate scene, it was conveyed that Swami’s life is an embodiment of discipline. He has no enemies; purity, patience and perseverance are His weapons. He fulfilled the humble wishes of His mother by providing education, healthcare and water totally free of cost and that too of the highest quality.
The last scene portrayed that the essence of nine paths of devotion is that it is the path which leads one to Sai. Sravanam (listening to the stories of the Lord), Kirtanam (singing the glories of God), Vishnusmaranam (contemplating on Vishnu), Padasevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), Vandanam (salutation), Archanam (worshipping God), Dasyam (servitude), Sneham (making friendship with God), Atmanivedanam (self-surrender – surrendering oneself completely to God).
Immensely pleased, Bhagawan went amidst the cast and showered His blessings on them with a coveted group photo session. After a Bhajan and distribution of Prasadam, Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 7.10 p.m. The evening’s rose beneficiary was Col. Bose who manages the affairs at the Chaitanya Jyoti museum.
