"On the New Moon day when the moon is not there, it is easy to control the mind. Who is controlling the moon? Moon is being controlled by Shiva. We can’t control the mind but if we offer the mind to God, it is possible. First and foremost, cleanse your minds, give up your selfishness, be ready to sacrifice, offer everything to God – that is the way to achieve the spiritual goal."
-Baba
With the Blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we are delighted to present our Sixty fifth issue of Ananda Vahini. The weekly newsletter includes interesting musings and short excerpts from the week's events.
In this issue, we bring you the second part of Bhagawan's visit to the Sri Sathya Sai Sharadaniketanam, Mandya Campus between February 21, 2017 and February 23, 2017, where the Lord inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Saraswati High School and Sai Hrudayam Prayer Hall on February 22, 2017.
We also bring you a report on the magnificient Mahashivaratri celebrations held between February 23, 2017 and February 26, 2017 at Sathya Sai Grama in the Divine Presence.
In this week's INNER VIEW, Brother Madhusudan Naidu shares an interesting moment between the Lord and His devotees from Argentina.
- Sathya Sai Grama Communications Team
INNER VIEW
- By Sri Madhusudan Naidu
This evening when Swami called a few devotees to the interview room who belong to Argentina, He asked them "Are you from Argentina or from Urgentina?" The devotees did not understand, and said they were from A - Argentina. He said, "Yes, you are from Argentina, but mine is Urgentina, implying you are Urgentina". Swami continued and said, "There is a great urgency for Me to serve people. Just as a mother cannot wait to feed her hungry child, a father cannot wait to educate his apple of the eye, just as parents cannot wait when the child is unhealthy or suffering for morning to dawn, and they will rush the child to the hospital, likewise I too cannot wait to rescue, help and serve those in need. Therefore, My mission is expanding faster than ever before. You too should not be from Argentina, but from Urgentina.
When a good, noble and a selfless thought comes, you should immediately put it into action. When a selfish, negative, bad thought comes, you should postpone it till it dies a natural death. Swami quoted the story of the great giver Karna. To test Karna, Krishna approached him in the guise of a Brahmin, and asked him the pot of oil that he was holding in his left hand, while he was using his right hand to apply oil on his head. Karna without blinking his eyes, extended his left hand and offered the pot of oil to Krishna. Krishna just to test Karna asked him, "Don't you know the way to give? We should not use our left hand while offering charity, and must always use our right hand." Karna replied,"I know Brahmin, the noble one, the right way of giving is to use the right hand. But you see, my right hand is busy and if I shift the pot from the left to right, there might be a lapse of time during which my mind may change, and I may not feel like giving it to You. I do not trust this mind, which changes every moment. Therefore, I decided to give it away right then and there, before my thoughts change."
Using this story, Swami told, "Whenever a good, noble and a selfless thought comes, you must do it urgently, and therefore you must be all Urgentinians, and not merely Argentinians."
DIVINE VISIT – MANDYA – DAY TWO – FEBRUARY 22, 2017
It was yet another morning filled with excitement and cheer. All the guests were ready as early as 7:30 a.m. and after a hearty breakfast, everyone eagerly waited for the Lord’s arrival at the new High School building, an occasion to celebrate with Swami yet another milestone in the history of the Mandya campus. It was a wonderful opportunity for the alumni and alumnae of the Sathya Sai Institutions to help in organising the mega event. The Sri Sathya Sai Saraswati Composite High School and the Sai Hrudayam Prayer Hall were decked up to receive Swami. The moment arrived! Swami arrived at the inauguration venue, flanked on either sides by eager devotees who had arrived from many countries around the world. Swami invited Dr Grish Malhotra, Chairman of the Anugraham Trust from the United Kingdom, along with his devout wife Smt Seema to cut the ribbon. The Sri Sathya Sai Saraswati Composite High School is a result of the labour of love and service, lovingly offered at Bhagawan’s Lotus feet by devotees from the UK.
A collage of pictures from the various activities was displayed, and a mini exhibition in the spacious lobby area as one entered the new building was organised by the alumni and alumnae, which showcased the various projects they were involved in. As Bhagawan walked inside the magnificent edifice with His guests, before proceeding to unveil the ceremonial plaque, He blessed the display which was a walk-through of the story of the Mandya Campus and the various milestones, the nicely decorated campus notice board, and the collage of the various campus connect initiatives including the progress on Each One Educate One (e1e1), an initiative where it is the responsibility of every alumni and alumnae to look after education of the current students. As He walked past the display, He explained the contents to the senior devotees who were following Him. At the notice board, the alumni explained how the notice board was planned to encourage children to write articles and contribute artwork and develop these skills. When asked to give the notice board a name, Swami.....
View of Sri Sathya Sai Saraswati High School and Sai Hridayam Prayer Hall
Bhagawan inagurating Sri Sathya Sai Saraswati High School
Inaguration of 'Sai Hrudayam' prayer hall by Bhagawan
Sri H K Patil, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj addressing the audience
Sri K S Puttanniah, MLA from Melukote, Karnataka addressing the gathering
Gathering of devotees at the inaugural function
DIVINE DISCOURSE SUMMARY
FEBRUARY 22, 2017, MANDYA
Develop selfless love
Devotees from all around the world have travelled thousands of miles and come here with so much of discomfort and inconvenience; yet they are here to participate in a school opening function. What makes them do so? Today our children in Mandya are going to have a world-class building in which they can stay comfortably and study with all conveniences. All this is possible only because of the broad-mindedness of many. They have been working tirelessly only to help build these kinds of institutions. People who had retired from their job went back to jobs so that they can help the institutions. People who were working 8 hours a day, started working 12 hours a day in order to help the institutions. And those who were not having enough to share, they even went to the extent of borrowing so that they can provide for the quick construction and completion of the building.
Where did they get this kind of a courage and commitment from? Not because Swami said something, not because somebody else said something, it is because they felt these children also belong to them, just as their own children. Just as if my child needs a little more...
MAHASHIVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS
FEBRUARY 23, 2017 - DAY ONE, EVENING
One of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar is Maha Shivarathri,which is observed in adoration of Lord Shiva. It is a festival of great spiritual significance and is believed to propel man onto the path of divinity.
Sathya Sai Grama was abuzz with activity as devotees gathered from all parts of the globe to celebrate this festival in the presence of Sai Shiva Himself. Students, staff and devotees were seated in the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham auditorium in prayerful anticipation of Bhagawan. Bhagawan arrived at the venue at about 6 p.m. to the background of melodious Bhajans. He walked down the aisles blessing all the devotees and showering His love on everybody present.
Once Swami was seated, the evening’s programme began with a recap of the recently concluded inaugural event at the Sri Sathya Sai Sharadaniketanam, Mandya campus. Sister Bhuvana Santhanam shared an overview of the proceedings over the last two days.
Classical Treat
Thereafter, a musical offering by Sri Mandolin U Rajesh....
A scintillating musical offering by Sri Mandolin U Rajesh and his team, including Sri Harmeet Manseta and Mr Dimitris Lambrianos
MAHASHIVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 - DAY TWO, MORNING
The second day of Mahashivrathri celebrations at Muddenahalli began with an offering of the powerful Rudra Abhishekam to Lord Sai Shiva at the magnificent Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham hall. The chants, with its perfect intonations and vibrations, signifying the Shiva tattva that everything in existence is the Lord Shiva Himself, reverberated throughout the hall, making it a sublime experience for all present.
After invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and offering prayers to the Guru, the Abhishekam commenced for the Lingam installed in the Premamrutham Hall (the Lingam was installed in the hall after 2015’s Athi Rudra Maha Yagna). Ashtotra Aradhana was then performed for Lord Ganesha. There were continuous vedic chants by the Ritwiks, invoking the blessings of the Gods on all. Mango leaves, Bilva leaves, assorted fruits and flowers were used to worship the Lingam. After every sequence of worship, Arati was offered to both the Lingams.
Bhagawan arrives
Bhagawan entered the hall at 9.15 a.m. and was welcomed by His students with the traditional Poorna Kumbam and Veda Chanting....
Maha Lingabhisekham on the auspicious morning of Maha Shivarathri
The most potent form of Lord Shiva, ''Maha Lingam" adorned with flowers after the Maha Abhisekham
The sprinkling of Holy water by Bhagawan after the Maha Abhisekham
MAHASHIVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 - DAY TWO, EVENING
This year’s Maha Shivarathri would be celebrated in history as the day that revealed yet another Divine facet of the Sathya Sai Avatar. While high energy and spiritual fervor is typical of the festival, this year’s celebrations were unique for it witnessed the magical Lingodbhavam by Bhagawan, signifying the divine symbol of creation.
Bhagawan arrives
The evening began with the welcome of Bhagawan into the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham auditorium with the traditional Poornakumbham by the girl students of the Sri Sathya Prashanthi Niketanam, PU College, Chikkaballapur campus. Bhagawan then took a full round of the hall, talking and blessing the devotees. Once, He ascended the dais, the formal proceedings of the evening began.
Evening speeches set the tone for a devotional vigil
Bhagawan had blessed two speakers to address the gathering. The first speaker was Sri B S Vijay Sai, a senior alumnus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. A hypnotherapist and a soft skill trainer by profession, he also is a Visiting Faculty at the Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Human Excellence, Muddenahalli. Speaking on the purity and innocence of Lord Shiva....
Sri B S Vijay Sai, a senior alumnus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning addressing the gathering
Bhagawan lighting the ceremonial lamp at 6 p.m. indicating the commencement of the Akhanda Bhajans on the auspicious night of Maha Shivarathri
The magnificient and the beautiful golden Lingam
DIVINE DISCOURSE SUMMARY MAHASHIVARATHRI LINGODBHAVAM MESSAGE – FEBRUARY 24, 2017
Happiness is Union with God
To realise, know and understand the formless God for human beings with forms is very difficult. In fact, this Lingam is a transition from the form to the formless. Through the Lingam, Shiva demonstrates and teaches this formless aspect of God. I am not the mind, I am not the intelligence, I am not the sub-conscious mind, I am not the ego, I am not this body, I am not the senses, birth and death do not affect me, no sin, no merit will affect me. What is my true form? Chidananda Rupam – the embodiment of awareness, beauty and bliss.
Happiness is union with God. That kind of joy you can’t find in the world. Happiness of the world will come and go; it is very temporary but Divine joy, Divine bliss is permanent....
MAHASHIVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS
FEBRUARY 25, 2017 - DAY THREE, MORNING
The Divine energy and spiritual gaiety at Muddenahalli was at its pinnacle after the auspicious Lingodbhavam on the Mahashivaratri night (February 24, 2017). The blessed devotees who were filled with bliss after witnessing the divine manifestation assembled to celebrate the third day of the convergence of Shiva with the Shakti Swaroopa at the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham Hall in the morning. Bhagawan who arrived at the hall from the back stage was welcomed by the bhajans sung in all glory to Lord Shiva. After lovingly giving Darshan and blessing the devotees gathered, He took His seat, enjoying the glory of His names being sung with full devotion.
Speeches in the Divine Presence
Once the Akhand Bhajans concluded, the morning session began with a heartfelt and inspiring speech by Sri Sumeet Tappoo, a singer and a long-time devotee of Bhagawan. He spoke about how Bhagawan fulfilled his desire to sing in His presence for Shivarathri and shared a premonitory dream...
Gathering of the devotees and students during the conclusion of the Akhand Bhajan at 6 a.m. the next morning
Sri Sumeet Tappoo addressing the gathering
MAHASHIVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS
FEBRUARY 25, 2017 - DAY THREE, EVENING
All good things must come to an end, it is said. But when one is in the immediate presence of the omnipresent Lord, the good can only get better. The Maha Shivarathri Celebrations at Muddenahalli continued unabated in to its third day, treating the audience to many soulful musical numbers.
Bhagawan Arrives
The evening proceedings began with the welcome of Bhagawan into the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham hall with the traditional Poorna Kumbam and Veda chanting. Once Bhagawan was seated, He blessed the release of two DVDs and the Sri Sathya Sai Uvacha Volume 1, translated in to Tamil by Dr Alagarswami.
Sister Bhuvana Santhanam narrated the behind-the-scenes account of the making of the book, the release of which was possible during Shivaratri 2017 only due to Bhagawan’s Divine grace. She revealed how Dr Alagarswami had started the translation work a few months ago and handed the manuscript to her on completion. Around the same time, an alumna of the Anantapur Campus Ms Suchitra Ravichandran came forward to do the proofreading for the book. When sister Bhuvana went to ask Swami for permission, He graciously permitted by saying, “Let her do it”. But to everyone’s shock,....
Bhagawan releasing 'Sri Sathya Sai Uvacha Volume 1', translated in to Tamil by Dr Alagarswami
Bhagawan releasing the DVD of the ''Sri Sathya Sai Sports and Cultural Meet 2017"
Bhagawan launching 'Prema Spandana' ,a DVD which captures the concert of the Sai Angels Brass Band during the Sports Meet celebrations
An offering of bouquet of songs on Lord Shiva, interspersed with short speeches by Sri Sumeet Tappoo and his team
'Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham' Auditorium decorated with lights and looking resplendent
MAHASHIVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS
FEBRUARY 26, 2017 - DAY FOUR, EVENING
Celebration of Shiva, who is the cosmic ecstatic dancer isn’t complete without revelling in the divine art form of dance. The last day of the four-day long Shivarathri celebrations at Muddenahalli was earmarked for this graceful medium of expression.
Bhagawan arrived at the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham hall amidst melodious Bhajans. Before taking His seat, Bhagawan blessed all the volunteers, who had worked tirelessly throughout the Shivarathri celebrations. Once Bhagawan was seated, the evening programme commenced.
Dance recital
The evening programme began with a Bharatanatyam dance recital by Sri Parshwanath Upadhye, an Indian classical dancer. Having completed his Arangetram, Vidwat and Alankar levels under the tutelage of his Guru Sri Ravindra Sharma in the traditional Mysore style of Bharatanatyam, he along with his wife Smt Shruthi Gopal, also a dancer, continue their learning and exploring of the art form under the internationally acclaimed dancer duo Sri Kiran Subramanyam and Smt Sandhya Kiran. Winner of eight national awards, including the Natya Mayura and the Natya Keerthi awards,...
Bharatanatyam dance recital by Sri Parshwanath Upadhye with his wife Smt Shruthi Gopal and disciple Sri Aditya P.V
DIVINE BOOKLETS
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has been travelling all over the world in the Subtle to keep His promise of visiting the countries. Below is the link to the Google Drive library of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s divine visits overseas.
If you would like to subscribe to receive the new Booklets of Bhagawan’s overseas travels in 2016, as soon as they are available, kindly email bhagawanspeaksglobal@gmail.com.
And as Swami continues travelling in 2016 and beyond, and new Booklets are created, they will be added to the Google Drive Library.
DIVINE DISCOURSE SUMMARY
FEBRUARY 24, 2017
What must we do on Shivaratri?
Man thinks that he is the body and is therefore engulfed in body consciousness. He is deluded to think that the body is everything and that it is permanent. But body is the temple of God and the individual soul or the Jeeva is none other than God Himself. It is because of God that the temple attains a value. Similarly, body is also a temple where God resides.
In this gross body, God lives in the subtle form as the Atma. Just because man cannot see God, he says that there is no God. Man has to know that there is a way, there is a procedure, there is a path by which we can realise God. Just because we cannot see, we cannot say that it is not there. Through spiritual practices to some extent, we can understand and realise God. Swami has been always addressing you as embodiments of love, embodiments of divinity, embodiments of Atma; He never addresses you as embodiments of just bodies. It is not good enough that Swami alone knows what is the truth in you; you should also realise what is the truth in you. In order to know this truth, it is necessary we put in the effort. In the Upanishads, it is said that the whole universe is based on our mind.
Mind is responsible for both our bondage and liberation. What can connect...
Whole of this universe is nothing else other than Brahman. When you look outside externally, you may find some differences but when you look inward, there is only one thing, that is the Atma. Only when we can turn the senses, which usually go outward to go inward, we can recognise this truth. The senses go the way the mind tells them to. In order to control this outgoing mind, devotion is very, very essential. On this wonderful festival day of Mahashivaratri, all of you have come here with great faith, love and devotion and have sung the glory of God throughout night. All this definitely will help you in the spiritual path. Any task that we undertake in the name of God will never go waste.
‘Lead me from darkness to light’. The night of Shivaratri is full of darkness. Having conquered this darkness by uttering the name of God with devotion, the morning sunrise of wisdom will surely dawn upon us. The inertia or Tamasik quality of body consciousness is won over by purity – the Satvik quality – and we attain wisdom. In the same way as darkness has vanished and there is sunrise and light, in our lives too our ignorance should end and wisdom should dawn. Ignorance.....
Sanathana Vani is a platform to invite, associate, speak, listen, contemplate, seek, practise and realise the truth, taught by all the great beings that ever walked the face of our planet.
A new show 'My Lord and I’has been launched, which is a series of stimulating conversations, cutting across boundaries and barriers. Sweet stories of the Lord and His devotees from different walks of life, which are refreshing, inspiring and scintillating will be On Air every week. These will be a beautiful amalgamation of an individual’s journey from 'I' to 'We' to 'He'.
Come, let’s listen, contemplate and bask in the divine bliss of the Voice Eternal, every Thursday at 1500 hrs IST and repeat at 2200 hrs IST. This week our guest on show is Mrs Wendy Cameron, an ardent devotee from Australia (Part I),sharing her experiences with her Lord.
A repeat broadcast of the interview with Mr Cass Smith from the United States of America (Part II), will be aired on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 0900 hrs IST and 1900 hrs IST.
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