The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust released an appeal to devotees of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, thanking them for the support and messages of faith. They ensured that starting from Guru Purnima this year, all festivals as per the normal calendar of events will continue. Other events like the Prasanthi Seva, Parthi Yatra, pilgrimage programmes, various conferences and training programmes, Bal Vikas and cultural programmes, etc., will also continue as before.Read the Complete Statement here.
Meanwhile Vedam Chanting and Bhajans are continuing as usual from 08:00 am to 09:30 am in the morning and 04:30 pm to 06:00 pm in the evening. The majestic throne of Bhagawan sits atop a wooden stage in front of the Samadhi. Sunday, the biblical day of rest, saw many devotees coming to rest on the lap of their Mother Sri Sathya Sai and inhale the sense of peace that is unique to Prasanthi Nilayam, the incense from which Bhagawan spreads the Fragrance of Love across the cosmos.
Updated Friday, May 27, 2011 1100 Hrs. IST
It is said that a ring around the sun or moon in the warmer months is an indication that there might be rain within 12 to 24 hours. No sign in Prasanthi Nilayam passes without fulfilling its promise. No wonder then that we had a soothing rainfall the very same night. ...And last evening (26th May) being the final darshan of Maha Samadhi before the commencement of a proposed six-week long construction phase, good number of devotees filed past the Samadhi before the curtains came down at 2000 hrs.
Updated Wednesday, May 25, 2011 1750 Hrs. IST
With today being the penultimate day of final darshan, before a six week construction phase that is scheduled to begin on 26 May, there have been good number of devotees filing past the Maha Samadhi seeking Divine Darshan.
Samadhi is the supreme state of equilibrium…the Beloved One has always remained thus...and so wherever one may be…if they are consciously aware about His presence and can reflect this state of Samadhi as they walk the path of life, inspite of crossroads, despite narrow lanes and choosing the road less travelled…through hills and dales, the uphills and downhills, the storm and the quiet, the raging
river and the still waters, the thunder and the lightning, the autumn shedding of crimson leaves and the fragrant spring blossoms, the flood and the drought, facing the icy avalanche and the desert sands that burn and singe as well as the waves of the sea that toss with fury, the scorching midday rays and the cool moonbeams that dance and play…managing the swing between the pendulum as taught by Bhagawan…then and there, is where one receives Samadhi Darshan of our Precious Lord…Whose advent is synonymous with the state of Samadhi…for Samadhi is the supreme state of equilibrium and bliss.
While a heavy downpour in the previous midnight came with a respite to the ongoing scorching summer, the sky in Parthi remained overcast this evening after a bright sunny day. A rare phenomenon, a 22 degree halo as scientifically called, which forms as sunlight is refracted in hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, was observed over the Parthi sky this morning.
Watch Video - A Humble Prayer
Updated Sunday, May 22, 2011 2011 Hrs. IST
As per the announcement made this evening after the bhajans, the construction of the Maha Samadhi in Prasanthi Nilayam will commence from May 27, 2011. The Samadhi Darshan therefore will be open till the evening of May 26, 2011.
The Maha Samadhi is going to be built as per Vedic injunctions and traditions, and it is likely to go on for six weeks. Understandably during this period, there will be no Samadhi Darshan, however from May 27, Swami's chair and the Divine footrest will be placed in front of the dais in the Sai Kulwant Hall to facilitate devotees to offer their prayers and salutations.
Please note that the regular Vedam and Bhajan sessions both morning and evening will continue everyday as per original schedule.
In the meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh K. Rosaiah visited Puttaparthi today paying tributes to Beloved Bhagawan.
Updated Thursday, May 19, 2011 2133 Hrs. IST
Devotees from 11 countries, viz., Afghanistan, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam came on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam in connection with Buddha Purnima Celebrations on 17th and 18th May 2011.
The pilgrims had the opportunity to participate in all the activities of Prasanthi Nilayam from the Omkar and Nagar Sankirtan in the early hours to Rudram chanting and Bhajan sessions in the morning and evening.
On the morning of 17th May 2011, there were two special talks in the Conference Hall at the double decker building of the Ashram. Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations spoke on the "Way Forward". Prof. Anil Kumar spoke on the topic "Nirvana - The end of Suffering". All the devotees were inspired by the talks by these two eminent devotees of Bhagawan.
On the morning of 18th May 2011, there were another two special talks at the same venue. Brother Venkatesh, an ardent devotee and resident of Prasanthi Nilayam spoke on "The Avatar's Mission" whilst Brother Arvind, one of Bhagawan's students who is now working for Radio Sai spoke on the topic "Sai and Me".
During noontime on the same day, there was also a Narayana Seva programme held in Hall No. 38 where about 1,000 poor villagers blessed the pilgrims by partaking food and accepting gifts of clothing.
Updated Monday, May 17, 2011 1300 Hrs. IST
Keeping alive the tradition of Parthi Yatra, 185 devotees from Chennai Metro North have embarked on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of peace to pay homage to their Beloved Lord from 13th to 15th May 2011. Meanwhile all festivals continue to be celebrated in Prasanthi Nilayam. Buddha Purnima which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha, commemorates the birth anniversary and Maha Samadhi of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism will be celebrated on the 17th and 18th May 2011. Elaborate arrangements have been made for about 700 devotees from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are who are expected to visit this holy abode.
Bhagawan’s Samadhi is beautifully decked with flowers of various hues every day. It is a sight to watch devotees in large numbers filing past paying their obeisance to their dear Lord both in the morning and evening. Photographs of Bhagawan are placed on either side of the Samadhi and at various vantage points in Sai Kulwant Hall. The smiling visage of Bhagawan in those magnificent photographs brings alive in the minds of devotees His pleasing physical form. Yes, He is always with us guiding and guarding us at every step. All that we need to do is to connect with Him in our every thought, word and deed.
Updated Monday, May 9, 2011 1600 Hrs. IST
THE SPIRIT OF THE MESSAGE
Thatra Ko Mohah Kasshokah Ekatvam Anupasyatah What is delusion, what grief for one who is aware of the oneness of all!
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was ever an exponent of the oneness of all things. For an incarnate unity the concept of variety is paradoxical. But Bhagavan resolved this metaphysical problem in his unique practical way. Acharana (action) took precedence over precept all through His physical sojourn amongst us. But all those who are overawed by His projects on the ground fail to see the spirit permeating them.
Take His water projects. For down to earth pragmatists, the very concept of a network of piped treated water supply to sprawling rural areas is a non-starter. Nothing but Divine Will and love can conceive and carry out a rural water supply scheme of this magnitude. The same can be said of every other project of Bhagavan Baba’s Sankalpa. No feasibility study precedes any of the projects. Nor are there any budgets, rates of return on investments, no bottom lines, red or blue. Need is the only basis, Sankalpa, the driving force.
A radical reversal of economic methodology characterised precept and practice of Baba. Untrammelled selflessness against prudent pragmatism (frequently flowing to unbridled greed) supplemented by His divine grace, saw through all the projects in the diverse areas – education, healthcare, social service, character building. In all these His Will blossoms and enthralls us.
Meanwhile we keep forgetting that His main purpose was and is His spiritual message which is embedded in His copious Discourses and private conversation gifted to us throughout His lifetime most of which is available in the Sanathana Sarathi and the numerous books that are printed in black and white and multicolour to pick and choose by one and all.
Grieve not! Rejoice! Brave words repeated – mere whistling in the dark – who can stop that sharp stab of pain in the chest, the void in the heart, the aching head and streaming eyes? That sweet form with smiling face, those Divine Feet, when shall we see them again?
Pleasure is but an interval between two pains. This sorrow too shall pass and He shall fill that void again – sooner or later.
Updated Friday, May 6, 2011 2230 Hrs. IST (video and evening images updated)
This day (6th May 2011) being Easwaramma Day and the 13th day after Bhagawan shed His mortal coil and became the all-pervading Universal Consciousness, a special function was arranged in the
Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium to feed the Narayanas (feeding of the poor and forlorn). It was rightly named as Maha Narayana Seva. Elaborate arrangements were made in the stadium to feed the Narayanas in an orderly manner. The stadium was barricaded well so that the Narayanas could sit comfortably and partake of the Prasadam and receive clothes. The local administration had provided the Police force in good numbers to send the Narayanas in a single file to the stadium. The Seva Dals of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation too manned the important locations in the stadium and helped in the smooth conduct of the function.
The function began at 9.30 hrs. with the lighting of lamp in the dais of the stadium. Two huge photographs, one of Bhagawan and another of Mother Easwaramma was placed on the dais. A beautiful cut-out of Bhagawan serving the Narayanas in the Hill View Stadium was arranged as a backdrop. The Narayanas were allowed in the stadium from 7.00 hrs. to 9.30 hrs. People had lined up outside the stadium as early as 6.00 hrs in the morning to gain entry. The Narayanas were served a laddu, Puliohara (Tamarind rice) in adequate quantities, water sachets, clothes, Vibhuti Prasadam and a photograph of Bhagawan.
All the Trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust were present on this occasion. The function concluded at 10.00 hrs with the offer of Arati.
Meanwhile, at the Mother Easwaramma Samadhi, special prayers and offerings were conducted in the morning that was attended by Bhagawan's ' family' members, students and devotees.
Evening Session:
The evening session had three elders sharing their experience with the devotees. Prof. Anil Kumar who introduced the speakers of the day, hailed mother Easwaramma by quoting Bhagawan's own declaration that Rama, Krishna, Shivaji or Gandhi became what they were because of their mothers. Same way, I am Sathya Sai today because of Easwaramma!
The first speaker was Prof. G. Venkataraman, the 5th Vice Chancellor of Bhagawan's University and the current head of Radio Sai Global Harmony. Prof. Venkataraman spoke about how all who gatghered are writing a public exam this day. We had an inspiring and loving teacher to guide us throughout but the teacher can't be with us during the exam. We have to make our teacher proud by performing with flying colours in this exam, he insisted. He then reminded the assembly of a past discourse when Bhagawan admonished devotees for running after Moksha when the fellow human beings were suffering. Bhagawan thundered that His devotees should run to the help of his fellow brothers so that God would run behind them to grant Moksha. However the professor cautioned the gathering that it is our heart which should lead the head and not vice versa.
Sri B N Narasimhamurthy, the warden of the Brindavan campus was the next speaker. He recollected the words of John the beloved disciple of Jesus, "You would have me speak of Jesus, but how can I lure the passion-song of the world into a hollowed reed? Could you conceive a majesty too kind to be majestic? And a beauty too radiant to seem beautiful? Could you hear in your dreams a voice shy of its own rapture?". Recaptulating the last moments of Lord Krishna and Shirdi Sai , the speaker attempted to console the devotees of the Permanence of the Avatars.
The third speaker Sri V.S.R. Murthy, is the managing director of a private firm in Hyderabad. He addressed the gathering in Telugu. Starting with hailing Mother Easwaramma mentioning about her requests to her son that led to Bhagawan staying in Prasanthi Nilayam and transforming this forlorn village into an international township with a university of repute and a super specialty hospital, the speaker drew drew attention to how Bhagawan, the Avatar of the age, set us all an example by always listening to His mother, nourishing His motherland and elevating His mother tongue to a language of God. He further narrated a personal interaction he had with Bhagawan. Bhagawan had said that any home in which a small photo of His is placed, where bhajans are sung, where the residents leave all burdens to Him and live life in surrender, Bhagawan would take complete care of the family for many generations.
Prof. Anil Kumar thanked the speakers and made special mention of the morning's Maha Narayana Seva which happened with such auspiciousness that one felt Bhagawan walking between the lines and serving every guest Himself. He then introduced the artistes for the evening. The Malladi Brothers who have given many scintillating concerts in the Divine Presence in the recent years sang many favourite numbers of Bhagawan. They also shared some interactions they had with Bhagawan during their first performance in front of the Lord in Kodaikanal. They started their concert with Ram Bhakthi Samrajyam. When they sang "Janula Madhya Tirugade Jagapathi", there were few dry eyes in the hall. They concluded the concert with the famous song, "O Rama Ne Naamam Yemmi Ruchi Ra..."
The concert was followed by Bhajans during which prasadam was distributed to the assembly. The programme concluded with Mangala Aarathi at 1935 hrs.
Updated Thursday, May 5, 2011 1813 Hrs. IST
A special announcement on tomorrow's Easwaramma Day programme was made this evening at the end of bhajan session.
On the auspicious occasion of Easwaramma Day, 'Maha Narayana Seva' will be conducted in Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium tomorrow morning. Gates of the stadium will be kept opened from 0700 hrs. till 0930 hrs. during which food and clothes will be distributed as part of the programme. Inmates and visitors of Ashram can partake of their food from 1030 hrs. at the South Indian Canteen.
In the evening, a special congregation will be held honouring the occasion wherein elders will share their experiences that will be followed by a Carnatic concert by Malladi Brothers.
Updated Wednesday, May 4, 2011 2300 Hrs. IST
Today, being the 11th day of Bhagawan's shedding the mortal coil, a special function was held in the Sai Kulwant Hall.
The 11th day of the passing for mortals is normally celebrated as a Shraddha Ceremony. However, in Prasanthi Nilayam, the day was sanctified with a prayer for the the descent of the Avatar yet again in our midst. The programme commenced at the scheduled hour, at 0630 am, with "Punya Vachana", which is a prayer toBeloved Bhagawan for the proper conduct of the programme. Activities were then
allocated to the various Ritwiks. The programme now had two parts. As one set of Ritwiks
performed Havanam (sacrifice) through which various offerings were presented to the Lord, a second set of Ritwiks did Parayana (study) of Rudra Krama followed by Upanishads. At the conclusion of this, there was a Tirtha Pooja (worship of water from holy rivers) which was then sprinkled on the gathering by the Ritwiks as an assurance of Divine Benediction. Sri R.J.Ratnakar, the nephew of Bhagawan's physical frame took part in the proceedings. The programme concluded with Mangala Arathi at 0930 hrs. Thereafter bhajans continued for the next half an hour to conclude at 1000 hrs. with Arathi.
Evening was marked by a special programme, wherein four eminent speakers shared the dais, speaking on the nostalgic golden days with Bhagawan. The programme was introduced by Sri S Rangarajan, Controller of Examinations, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Prof. Anil Kumar, Sri Sanjay Sahani, Dr. Naredranath Reddy and Sri V. Srinivasan shared the dais that lasted
for almost two and a half-hours. While Prof. Anil Kumar took the audience through the wonderful life of Bhagawan, narrating the beauty of the Avatar, elucidating various incidents in lucid Telugu,, Sri Sanjay Sahani had interesting incidents, especially that related to the student fraternity to share with us. While Dr. Narendranath Reddy who spoke next asserted the intention of the International Organisation to continue with the programmes, with much more intensity and devotion, Sri V. Srinivasan, President, All India Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, stated on behalf of the Trust that every single activity Bhagawan has initiated will continue with the same enthusiasm. Referring to the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Srinivasan mentioned that the Trust would exemplify itself in its mission, with transparency, to become a role-model trust to other such organisations. It is also proposed to release annual reports, with transparency, of all activities of various institutions run by the Trust, national and International, said Sri V.Srinivasan. Referring to the ongoing public interest in the new incumbent for the post of chairmanship of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Mr. Srinivasan made it emphatically clear that Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the Eternal Chairman of the Trust and none could ever replace Him.
At the end, Prof. Anil Kumar in an addendum to his speech brought to the notice of the assembly that never have we witnessed such devotional fervour where entire township joined in unison, singing His glory, praying to Him for His early return. He also lauded the commendable and spontaneous service activities done by the Puttaparthi folk, irrespective of cast, creed and status in the society, serving thousands and thousands of 'guests' of Prasanthi during the two days when Bhagawan's body was kept in state for public darshan. Mentioning about the state honour given to Bhagawan, Anil Kumar said, never before in the history a spritual head got such a distinction by the ruling government whose mortal remains was draped in national tri-colour on the final day after a 21 gun salute.
Bhajans continued for a short time while Prasadam was distributed to the gathering before Arathi was offered at 1940 hrs.
It is admission time in Prasanthi Nilayam. Entrance 2011 for Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning began today with many girls participating in the first set of exams conducted today, for entry into the Anantapur Campus of the Deemed University.
Watch Video of Re-Dawn Ceremony
Updated Tuesday, May 3, 2011 1820 Hrs. IST
An announcement was made this evening about the special programmes to be held on the 4th May, the 11th day of Maha Samadhi, in Sai Kulwant Hall.
Morning programme, signifying the Redawn of the Avatar, commences at 0630 hrs. with vedic rituals in consonance with Updanishadic Teachings, officiated by Brahmasri Kondavadani Garu, vedic scholar or repute, to continue till 1000 hrs.
Evening programme that commences at 1700 hrs. will feature talks by elders.
Updated Sunday, May 1, 2011 1810 Hrs. IST
Following are the prevalent timings for Vedam, Bhajans and Darshan. In the morning, Vedam starts at 0800 hrs. for an hour which will be followed by 30 minutes bhajans. Darshan in the morning will be from 0930 hrs. till 1100 hrs.
In the evening, Vedam starts at 1630 hrs. till 1715 hrs. and Bhajans will continue for next 45 minutes, till 1800 hrs. Darshan starts at 1800 hrs. to go up to 1930 hrs.
river and the still waters, the thunder and the lightning, the autumn shedding of crimson leaves and the fragrant spring blossoms, the flood and the drought, facing the icy avalanche and the desert sands that burn and singe as well as the waves of the sea that toss with fury, the scorching midday rays and the cool moonbeams that dance and play…managing the swing between the pendulum as taught by Bhagawan…then and there, is where one receives Samadhi Darshan of our Precious Lord…Whose advent is synonymous with the state of Samadhi…for Samadhi is the supreme state of equilibrium and bliss.
