Prasanthi Nilayam is often referred to as the Most Happening Place on Earth. Those who are spiritually oriented possessing an in-depth understanding of the subtle level happening forming part of the spiritual renaissance set in motion by Bhagawan will vouch for the same. The week that is passing by witnessed such “quiet happenings” having greater spiritual import.
The week began with a shot in its arm when Bhagawan decided to deliver yet another ‘impromptu’ Divine Discourse speaking on the Vedantic Teaching, Tat Twam Asi, further dwelling upon the often mentioned, God given principles of Love for God, Fear of Sin and Morality in Society. This enlightening Divine Discourse was preceded by two speeches, an exhilarating one by Mr. Anil Kumar followed by a profound and authoritative speech by Mr. S.V.Giri.
Mr. Anil Kumar chose to begin his speech with the easiest, yet most complicated subject, “Who is Sai Baba?” explaining lucidly using Bhagawan’s own version, quoting Tat Tvam Asi, the Grand Pronouncement from Chandogya Upanishad ending with a highlighted reference to the great good fortune conferred upon each and everyone dedicated to His Mission, by being a chosen instrument at the Hands of God walking this earth. Mr. S.V. Giri urged the students to attain mind control, an absolute necessity. Referring to the thousands upon thousands who have been yearning to come over to Prasanthi Nilayam without success, the speaker stressed on the greater importance and the great good luck of being in His Divine Presence.
God reigns supreme and all His utterances, injunctions become authentic words of wisdom for humanity to preserve and follow. Not less than an year ago Prasanthi witnessed a changeover to a new Universal Prayer, “Samastha Lokaha Sukhino Bhavanthu” as taught by Bhagawan with a broader universal perspective. This eventful week was fortunate to have yet another version of this universal prayer, when Bhagawan whispered a new mantra, “Samastha Jeevah Sukhino Bhavantu”, in the lead singer’s ear and the entire concourse of devotees repeated after him. However, Prasanthi was back to the earlier revised Universal prayer, Samastha Lokaaha, again as advised by Bhagawan. Why alone for four days? None could perceive the spiritual import of these Divine Acts; in His presence nothing is accidental, but everything is quite intentional, absolutely Divine!
Fostering the Vedas has been earmarked as a set Mission of the Avatar walking this earth. Giving a fillip to His Vedic Mission, Prasanthi got introduced to a new scheme during the week, regular Veda chanting at full throat for an hour each, from 8-9 in the morning and 4-5 in the evening, attended by students in full capacity, barring the tiny tots from the Primary School.
Saturday, the 25th July evening turned out to be a test of His often mentioned dictum, “Love My Uncertainty”. The session began at 1600 Hrs. with Vedic Chanting and Bhagawan chose to come bit late at around 17:20 Hrs. The evening turned twilight was made to witness a record waiting for the Lord who retired to His Private Room just after ten minutes of His arrival and was busily engaged in granting series of interviews to senior devotees. The long wait came to an end after more than 130 minutes of waiting that tested the patience and perseverance of the small but well disciplined US group from Southern California, Glendale & Arcadia Sadhana Group from Region 8 which stayed well on course with silent prayers. An opportunity to enact a small skit on the inspirational life of Abraham Lincoln stressing on the theme of Mother’s Blessings followed a bouquet of specialized Bhajans on Mother Divine that lasted for almost fifty minutes were apt rewards for the disciplined and devoted prayers of this overseas group.
“Redeeming Love” as one could term it, the greater compassion that results in His benediction upon the chunk of fraternity serving Him in His Mission tirelessly, selflessly and most devoutly that helps them finally to evolve into exalted spiritual beings, is what one should aspire for in His immediate presence. How much He cares for those souls whose greater dedication and devotion help moving His Mission forward? The week found a fresh twist to this ‘redeeming love’ as a new system came into affect with which all serving hands, having completed number of years of service, would be blessed to offer a “flower of love” to the Lord in physical before Arathi is offered in the evening. Mr. Ram Mohan Rao, the grand old man, who has been serving the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, heading the Accounts and Finance Operations for many years was the first one chosen to offer ‘the flower of love and devotion’ on the evening of 25th July. God that He is…nothing can ever skip His attention and the dues for our love-filled offering are bound to rebound with manifold effect.
There are other groups from the US camping over here, some groups to stay overlapping the next couple of weeks, making it a “United Offering” from the far western world, The United States of America.
The weekend marks with yet another Parthi Yatra in Prasanthi Nilayam. Over 3000 devotees have come from the Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh on a three day pilgrimage. On the Sunday evening the Youth and Balvikas children from the district offered a musical dance drama entitled “Radha Bhakthi”. Earlier on the 25th evening the group took out a huge rally outside the ashram, a customary procession showcasing cultural tradition enriched with devotional fervour.
There are many a “quiet happening” in this most happening place… and Prasanthi often shows her thumbs up marking spiritual evolution. Does anyone take note of it? The goal is set, and the progress is steady as dictated by Divine Times… The Timeless Theater in Prasanthi Nilayam is sure to have much more coming up! Be focussed as the Lord reigns Supreme here, very much in physical!
