The last four weeks have been a sumptuous feast of blissful celebrations at the Divine Lotus Feet. We bring you a short summary with pictures of all these events.

MBA DAY CELEBRATION ON AUGUST 21st
The celebrations were kick started on August 21st, 2004, with the MBA class of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) marking the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the MBA course with a memorable programme in Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami came early to Sai Kulwant Hall and met with the MBA students and staff inside the Bhajan Mandir of Sai Kulwant Hall for over an hour.

After that the MBA students staged a drama entitled ‘When Nobility Meets Ability’. The drama depicted the lives of two MBA graduates – Amartya (from the SSSIHL Business School) and Avinash (a graduate from a reputable business school), who join a well-known company on the same day. Swami’s Teachings, as exemplified by Amartya, help both of them face trials and tribulations together; though there was some initial resistance from Avinash. They face a major trial when their company had to face both labour unrest and demands for higher wages during a period of deep economic slump. Amartya and Avinash go to meet Ramayya, the jingoistic labour union leader, and by their soft words and humble demeanour manage to win him over and reach a consensus solution that accommodates everyone’s best interests and point of view. The drama further illustrates how Avinash and Amartya take up Grama Seva and teach the villagers to have confidence in their abilities and become self sufficient. Pooling all their resources, the villagers build a hospital to take care of their health needs. This was a dramatic illustration to show everyone how the SSSIHL student makes an impact on Society after graduation.

After the drama, there was a short talk by Sri U.S. Rao, Principal, SSSIHL. He stressed that the aim of the Management School was to provide leaders of integrity and character. He traced Bhagavan’s Grace to the Management School over the years and outlined how Bhagavan gave insight and guidance to all areas of the school including giving direction on the Leadership Programme. Afterward, there were talks by two students – Sri Deepak Anand and Sri Satish Narayan. Drawing from their personal experiences they illustrated that He calls us here for the real learning that only He can impart. They also said that ‘He showers His best and brings out the best’. The students said that an MBA student in SSSIHL is taught to balance love and faith in God with technical competencies in management. Sri Sudhir Bhaskar, faculty, Management School, speaking next informed the crowd that the National Affiliation Accreditation Committee rated the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning as “A++” or the highest rank possible, in December 2002. Crediting this high evaluation to the integral system of education imparted by the Institute, even for the professional courses, Sri Sudhir said that Bhagavan Himself was the designer of this system of education.

Acceding to the requests for a Divine Discourse, the benevolent Lord got up and spoke for 45 minutes. He held that mere acquisition of knowledge is not education, but the imbibing and cultivation of human values is the real benchmark. Praising the students of the Institute in glowing terms, He compared them to diamonds - obedient to elders, courteous towards relatives, impressing everyone with their good conduct and sweet words. He also praised their creative thinking and said that they were exemplary role models in their behaviour. In conclusion, Swami said that the country had nothing to fear. Bharat will certainly become a land of prosperity and plenty. He also said that the students will contribute a lot to the development of the nation and that they are its future leaders.

AUGUST 22nd, MORNING - PROGRAMMES BY THE BRINDAVAN AND ANANTAPUR CAMPUSES OF THE SSSIHL.

On the morning of August 22nd, the students of the third year class of the Brindavan campus staged a drama entitled – ‘Shirdi Ke Sai’, a depiction of incidents from the glorious Life of Shirdi Sai Baba. Interspersed with seven melodious songs, the drama narrated the incidents of Das Ganu harbouring a desire to go to Kasi in search of God; Shirdi Baba putting His hand into the fire to rescue a child who had at the same time fallen into a fire at a remote location; Baba asking the poison in Shyama’s body to “Go away” after he was bitten by a snake; and finally the story of Baba giving Lakshmibai the nine coins to signify the Nine Paths of Devotion. Swami posed for photographs with all the students at the conclusion of the play.

Following the Brindavan drama, the Anantapur campus (the Women’s College) of the SSSIHL, gave a two-part display of melodious songs. The first part entitled, ‘Rama Katha’, melodies in praise of Lord Sri Rama, singing the prayers of Sri Rama in the divine presence of Lord Sai Rama. The second part of the programme presented by the Anantapur Marching Band was called ‘Prema Katha’ or ‘Songs of Love’ - from love, with love to Love.

AUGUST 22nd, EVENING - PROCESSION BY DEVOTEES FROM SRIKAKULAM DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

On Sunday evening, about 8000 people who had come on a Parthi Yatra (pilgrimage to Puttaparthi) belonging to the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Srikakulam District in Andhra Pradesh, came in a procession to Sai Kulwant Hall. After Swami was seated, all the devotees marched in front of Swami. There were numerous bands, with the band members dressed up in village attire, which played vigorously with a lot of enthusiasm and devotion in the tradition prevalent in villages (they even made a human pyramid), and also a palanquin wherein Swami’s photo was respectfully carried into Sai Kulwant Hall. There were also devotees dressed up as Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, and Lord Krishna. There was even Hanuman with His band of monkeys! There was also a representation of the Golden Chariot forming the backdrop to the procession. Swami reviewed everything, seated majestically on the front veranda of Sai Kulwant Hall and one could see that He was visibly moved by the devotion of these villagers.

Following this there was a music programme conducted by the Srikakulam Seva Samithi, which was directed by Sri Saluru Vasu Rao, a well known music director in Andhra Pradesh.

The following morning after Darshan, Swami asked the Srikakulam District President to speak. Speaking for about 15 minutes, the District President touched upon the calamities undergone by the people of Srikakulam, and how Swami’s Name helped them face all their difficulties. Being hilly terrain, they have difficulty finding water. When Sai workers dug a well with Sai’s Name on their lips they found water within 20 feet. Another villager serving a life sentence had his sentence commuted after 3 years when he continuously chanted ‘Aum Sri Sai Ram’. This year too there were no rains and when the villagers commenced Akhanda Bhajans throughout the district, it rained daily. Swami made a gold chain for him at the conclusion of his touching speech.

After this Swami decided to bless these devotees with His Divine Discourse, and answer their intense night long prayers. In His Discourse, He exhorted all devotees to do constant Namasmarana for mental peace. Having put on the vesture of the human body, one cannot escape difficulties. Though the physical body may undergo difficulties, efforts should be made to attain peace of mind. Namasmarana or contemplation of God is the only means, said Swami, to attain peace of mind. Contemplation of God is the royal path that would remove all types of worries. Swami said that He was touched that so many of them had come to Parthi with love-filled hearts though they were facing hardship and suffering back home. Swami blessed all of them so that they would soon be relieved of their sufferings. Like a loving mother, Swami gave a sumptuous lunch to all of them in the canteen, before they left for their places.

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC CONCERT ON AUGUST 24th

On August 24th, overseas devotees provided a memorable piano concert and an evening of music for all the devotees assembled in the Poornachandra Auditorium. The scintillating concert by accomplished pianist Ms. Joanna Brzezinska of Poland had everyone awe struck by her nimble fingers dancing over the black and white keys. Ms. Brzezinska is a member of the ensemble quintet Opus 23 and is an expert on the compositions of Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven. Swami initially manifested a ring, but later created a chain as well for this talented musician who had pleased Him so much by her music which came straight from her heart.

This was followed by music by the German singer Ms Gisela Sebastian and American Gospel soloist Ms. Johari Funchela-Penny to round off a memorable evening. Swami walked up to the stage and gave garments to all the performers.

SAI MAHIMA DRAMA ON AUGUST 25th

Sai Mahima, or the Lord’s Glory, is like an endless ocean, beyond all description and comprehension. Ten years ago, the Sai children of the U.K. brought Sai Mahima 1 to Swami’s Lotus Feet. On this day, they presented Sai Mahima 5, a dance drama of 6 scenes.

The drama starts with a Lord Ganesh Stuthi, praying to Lord Ganesha to remove all obstacles. Following this there is a long scene recounting the story of King Parikshit, detailing his coronation, the curse of the sage’s son and finally how he meets his end by listening to the glories of Lord Krishna from Sage Suka’s lips. Scene 3, tells how the Lord’s Will always prevails, narrates the story of Parvati trying to save her house pitted against Lord Siva’s Will to ultimately burn it down, due to mistaken communication.

Moving on, the drama then depicted Swami’s Educare, Medicare and Sociocare (Grama Seva) programmes. Each of these was built around true stories that had the audience spellbound and won thunderous applause from the crowd at the end. Swami walked up to the stage and talked with all the participants and had clothes distributed to them. Swami also gave the entire group an interview in the Bhajan Hall just before their departure and spoke to them for over an hour.

ONAM CELEBRATIONS, AUGUST 26th TO AUGUST 28th

This period also experienced a major event in the Prashanti festival calendar- the celebration of Onam by devotees from the state of Kerala in India. Onam is a festival of major importance to the Malayalees (residents of Kerala). Swami has explained that it is a festival that celebrates Lord Vishnu’s advent as well as the transformation of Bali Chakravarthi. Lord Vishnu approached Bali in the guise of a Brahmana boy and asked him for a gift of three paces of land, but verily wanted to take the three worlds. Though warned of the consequences by his preceptor Sukracharya, Bali Chakravarthi declined to go back on his word. Thus unmindful of the consequences, Bali upheld truth and attained eternal life. The Kerala devotees thus find a special significance in celebrating this momentous festival at the Divine Lotus Feet of Swami, the Sathya Swaroopa Himself.

This three day feast was kicked off on the evening of August 26 by the recitation of ‘Sai Katha’ by Sri Balaramachandran, an alumnus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Sai Katha is a beautiful poetic presentation on Bhagavan’s childhood and youth authored by our beloved Lord Himself. In his rendering, Sri Balaramachandran made a musical presentation of select verses from the poems highlighting major incidents from Swami’s childhood. Interspersed with appropriate explanatory commentary in English and set to melodious music, he held everyone spellbound in rapt attention. Following the Sai Katha, there was a short programme of sacred chanting by the ladies wing of the Sai Youth of Kerala. The devotional mood was further deepened by the devotional songs rendered next by two renowned artistes of Kerala – Kum. Nivedita and Sri Kavalam Sreekumar. Flowing mellifluously from the very depths of their souls, the music transported all to states of ecstasy.

The evening of August 27, 2004, the second day of the Onam celebrations saw a drama ‘Bhaktha Sakha Bhagavan’, being staged in Sai Kulwant Hall by 24 girls and 3 boys from Ernakulam District, Kerala. The drama brings to the fore the compassion of Lord Krishna to His devotees, depicted in the lives of three of them - Droupadhi, Karuramma and Shyama. These three incidents portray Bhagavan playing the role of a Bhakta Sakha – a true friend of His devotees.

In one incident, Krishna holds the footwear of Droupadhi so she could win Bhishma’s grace of long life for the Pandavas. In the second episode, Krishna stoically bears the scolding of His pure devotee Karuramma when she does not recognize Him in the guise of a small boy and accepts the garlands and food offered to the Lord as part of Karuramma’s prayer. The final incident is taken from the Life of Shirdi Baba, wherein He asks the poison in the body of Shyama, His disciple, to “Go away” after he has been bitten by a cobra and thus saves him.

Following this there was a blissful music programme by famous music directors from Kerala, Sri T. S. Radhakrishnan, Sri M. G. Sreekumar, Sri Unni Menon and Sri Pradeep Somasundaram. The devotional songs carried everyone to ecstasy and tugged gently at the heartstrings. We will carry this concert soon on Radio Sai for your listening pleasure.

August 28th, Onam Day, dawned in serene majesty. All the Keralites had gathered in Sai Kulwant Hall in respectful and holy silence, prayerfully awaiting the arrival of the Lord. The whole hall was tastefully decorated with colourful buntings, coconut palm leaves and whole coconuts providing the rural Kerala ambience. Swami entered Sai Kulwant Hall in a colourful procession led by three priests with Poorna Kumbham, followed by little children chanting Vedas. This was followed by little girls holding lighted candles on both sides of the central aisle. Behind this came the Kavadi dancers. Swami came in His car and got down in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. He spent a minute admiring the decorations as well as the tastefully done rangoli (floral patterned motif) in the middle of the hall by the students of the Institute, and then walked up to the dais. After He was seated, He was regaled with a welcome song and Vedic chanting.

‘Kerala- The Sai Samrajya’, a drama presented by Bala Vikas children of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, followed next. This tastefully done drama shows two people who meet with Mahabali in Andhra Pradesh. Bali explains that he wants to go to Puttaparthi as Vamana has taken birth again as Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and many of his people celebrate Onam at Prashanti Nilayam. So he has come to Parthi during Onam with the Bala Vikas kids. The drama proceeds with the children showing Swami all the traditional dances of Kerala - Boat Race, Mohiniyattam, Kadhakali, Thiruvathira, Oattomthullal, Koladi, Kalari Payattu, Kaduvakali and Theyyam. The children then tell Bali that Kerala yearns for Swami’s Paadasparsan (or touch of the Divine Lotus Feet). Bali assures them that Swami would definitely visit Kerala and all the children dance in mirth.

Following this there was a short speech by Prof. Mukundan, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Kerala. Expressing his profound gratitude to Bhagavan, Sri Mukundan said that Bhagavan’s descent was Swami’s greatest gift to us. He then introduced Sri Balakrishna Pillai, Honorable Minister of Transport, Kerala, as the next speaker. Sri Balakrishna Pillai, speaking in Malayalam, said that though we have only heard of Avatars like Rama and Krishna, we now have the glorious opportunity to be the contemporaries of the Poorna Avatar, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He also prayed that Bhagavan will bless Kerala with a visit soon.

Then followed Bhagavan’s Divine Discourse, wherein He said that we should lead a life based on divine Love. Our love should be directed only towards God and not for food. He said we should face life’s problems with courage and conviction and all problems will melt away. Citing His own example, He mentioned how He went in a few minutes earlier to wipe the blood dripping from His nose and came out cheerfully to give His Discourse, even against the doctor’s advice. In this world there is no more powerful force than faith in God. He exhorted everyone, again and again, to cultivate God’s Love; for only God’s Love can wash all our sorrows away.

The programme in the afternoon of August 28th was ‘Vittala Bhajan’ by the Sai Youth members. This was followed by a skit on Adi Shankara who by his implicit faith and reverential worship was able to get the Goddess to manifest Herself before him and attain Her Divine Grace. This skit was followed by a short but very colourful dance drama called ‘Ambarisha Charitham’ by Bal Vikas children of Mallappuram District. Devotional Bhajans by the Kerala Bhajan Group brought the Onam celebrations for this year to a close.

‘BURRA KATHA’ BY SSSIHL STUDENTS ON SEPTEMBER 3rd

Burra Katha is a popular ballad form of Andhra Pradesh, belonging to that form of music that entertains and provides guidance for contemporary times using spiritual anecdotes from India’s hoary past. It is a harmonious blend of satiric comment, witty dialogue, and punching quotes to make the presentation lively and entertaining. Burra Katha is also a fusion of the dramatic with the narrative, the musical with the recitative, the serious admixed with the humorous to make for an interesting performance. Burra Katha gets its name from the word ‘burra’ which refers to a percussion instrument used in the narrative.

The students presented two kathas or stories. The first one entitled, ‘Rama Bantu’ or ‘Slave of Rama’ refers to an episode from the Ramayana, wherein the monkey army cannot cross the Indian Ocean when they reach it in their search for Mother Sita after her abduction. Then Jambavantha invokes Hanuman’s inner strength enabling him to cross the ocean and reach Lanka. After locating Sita, Hanuman hands her Lord Rama’s ring and gets from Sita her Cudamani or the crest jewel to be given to Lord Rama. The narrative went on to recount the capture of Hanuman by Indrajit and ends by recounting how Hanuman burnt down Lanka after his tail was set on fire.

The second katha ‘Lava Kusa’ recounts the birth of Lava and Kusa to mother Sita in Sage Valmiki’s ashram in the forest, after she was banished from the kingdom due to a washer man’s intemperate comment. Lava and Kusa capture the horse when Lord Rama decides to conduct the Ashvameda Yagna. In the ensuing fight Lava and Kusa defeat both Rama and Lakshmana. A furious Hanuman is pacified when Lava and Kusa sing Lord Rama’s glory. The narrative ends with Mother Sita restoring Lava and Kusa to their father and then disappearing back into Mother Earth from which she had emerged.

KRISHNA JANMASTAMI CELEBRATIONS: SEPTEMBER 5th AND 6th

On September 5th, the Brindavan campus boys put on a drama, ‘Sri Krishna Kuchela’, depicting the Sakhya Prema Bhava between Sri Krishna and his childhood friend Kuchela as a curtain raiser to the Krishna Janmastami celebrations. Though he is a childhood friend of the Lord of the Universe, Kuchela finds himself in penury in his adult life. His wife entreats him to ask Sri Krishna for help. When he reaches Sri Krishna’s palace, he is welcomed with high honour by Krishna who even washes Kuchela’s feet with His own hands. Sri Krishna also partakes with relish the beaten rice that Kuchela has brought as an offering. After some blissful days they part and Kuchela realises that he has forgotten to ask Krishna for help. When he finally reaches his hut, he is amazed to find it transformed into a palace and his wife and family living in comfort due to his childhood friend’s magnanimity.

On the morning of September 6th, Krishna Janmastami Day, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall dressed in a yellow robe, to the delight of all. After being seated He asked all the student speakers from the Puttaparthi campus to come up to Him and seated them beside Him on the stage. The 6 students, speaking in Telugu and English, dwelt upon the similarities in the Leelas, Mahimas and Upadeshas of the two Poorna Avatars – Sri Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga and Lord Sai Krishna in the Kali Yuga.

Lord Sai Krishna then gave His Divine Discourse. He narrated the story of Vamana asking Bali for 3 paces of land. Bali was pleased to acquiesce and also offered Vamana the merit accrued by his performance of 108 Yagnas or sacrifices in the form of an exquisite necklace. Swami then waved His hand and materialized a necklace, strung with 108 gold coins, to excited gasps from the audience. After holding it up for the audience to see, Swami hung it over the mike stand for the duration of the Discourse. Continuing with His Discourse Swami said that every human being thinks that he is born merely for filling his belly and is unable to experience everlasting happiness. He asked everyone to contemplate on the Lord and seek refuge in Him and He will show a way to overcome everyone’s misery. Speaking in a tender voice, Swami lovingly recalled the love of the Gopikas for Bala Krishna and recounted stories from the divine childhood. Swami ended His Discourse by exhorting everyone to sing Bhajans and devotional songs suffused with intense love, devotion and with sweet and soft feelings to derive immense happiness and joy.

In the afternoon, the Anantapur campus of the SSSIHL presented a bouquet of classical music and light devotional songs in several languages expressing their love for Lord Sai Krishna, the giver of boons. The songs also portrayed the maternal love of Yashoda for Krishna, His Omnipresence, the love of the Gopikas, and also His waiting on the banks of the Yamuna for His beloved. This was followed by the students from the Brindavan and Puttaparthi campuses also singing melodious songs in praise of Krishna. While the boys were singing songs, another boy dressed up as Bala Krishna, with his body painted blue, came and brought a clay pot full of goodies to Swami. Swami took a chocolate, unwrapped it and very lovingly popped it into the mouth of the surprised but elated boy.

Swami then blessed a final year student, Sri Ranganath Raju, to address the gathering. Speaking in Telugu, the student implored all present to utilize the opportunity to transform ourselves. He said that just as a son’s behaviour reflects on the father, so too the Glory of God can be known by the exemplary life of His devotees.

Then Swami rose to give His second Discourse of the day to the joy of all. Elaborating on the need to practise the Teachings, Swami quoted the example of Ravana who knew the scriptures but did not follow them and met with a miserable end, being beheaded by Rama in a decisive battle. Bhagavan also mentioned the example of Droupadi, who showed remarkable patience, forbearance and forgiveness, when she restrained her husbands from killing Aswattama in revenge for the murder of all her infants. Swami mentioned that the quality of patience and perseverance in women is great, and they are able to control evil qualities from overtaking them. Praising Sathya (adherence to truth) and Dharma (righteousness) as the greatest characteristics of Indian culture, He said that they can save the country from degeneration. Swami also exhorted everyone to respect women and treat them with the dignity due to them.

A SUNDAY DOUBLE HEADER ON SEPTEMBER 12th

On Sunday we had a real treat in store, two dramas in the same evening! The second year students from the Brindavan campus presented a drama called ‘Bhadrachala Ramdas’. The drama begins with a group discussing that Bhakti is the best means of pleasing the Lord. They thus recount the story of Bhadrachala Ramdas, a staunch devotee of Lord Rama, who won the Lord’s protection. Ramdas, a tax collector under a Muslim king, used some tax receipts to build a temple for Lord Rama. For this he was imprisoned and even flogged in prison. In a touching scene, Lord Rama and His brother Lakshmana came in their divine form to the Muslim king and paid off all the money owed by Ramdas, including the penalty and interest, to protect their devotee. After the drama Swami walked down the steps and posed for photographs with all the students.

The second drama of the evening was by the Bal Vikas children from Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh who staged a dance drama entitled ‘Mother Easwaramma’. The drama begins with Lord Vishnu declaring before Brahma and others that He is going to incarnate on Earth as Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Revolving around the holy mother, the drama unfolds important events from young Sathya’s life and culminates with Sathya giving Darshan of Lord Ramachandra to mother Easwaramma. In rapture, Mother Easwaramma recounts the whole incident to Pedda Bottu, a long time devotee of Swami.

After the drama the devotees from Vishakapatnam also produced a music programme for Swami. After 5 delectable songs, Swami stopped the programme as it was late, but permitted them to sing again the next morning for a full hour.

While we have tried our best to convey briefly the essence of the blissful programmes all of us here have been privileged to witness the past few weeks, still mere words do scant justice. Anything enacted in the Divine presence automatically becomes magical. And magic, to be fully savoured has to be experienced first hand. We will bring many of these programmes to you on Radio Sai and those of you in India may get to see some of them on Sanskar TV in the days to come.

But if anything the message is quite clear. In these days of rampant media explosion, it is quite easy for the mind to run after external objects in search of entertainment which is temporarily satisfying, but in reality engenders more desire, breeds discontent and destroys peace. Swami is showing in his own way what gives pure, fulfilling and lasting joy. Listening to the Leelas of the Lord, hearing anecdotes of His devotees and soul elevating devotional music, as were presented in Sai Kulwant Hall in such a variety of delectable ways, is the only true, Sattvic and lasting ‘entertainment’ that helps man sanctify time, realise the purpose of his life and fulfill his true destiny by breaking the repeated cycles of birth and death.

We thank Swami for the many ways He constantly teaches all of us so that we can easily achieve Him. Jai Sai Ram!