When…

Millions upon Millions and Gazillions

Of

Truthful

Hearts

Engaged In

Righteous, Soulful Sadhana…

Then Came The Most…

Endearing and Enchanting…

Absolutely Humble…

Simple To The Core…

Worshipful…

Adorable…

Reverential…

Angelic…

Magical Mother…

Mother Divine, Who Is Verily…

AmmA! AmmA!! EaswarAmmA!!!

Yes, Mother Easwaramma was The Chosen Mother Who was destined, who was ordained to bring the Divine Bundle Of Supreme Joy called Sri Sathya Sai upon planet Earth, over 95 winters ago, on the most auspicious 23rd November 1926 in the most blessed hamlet of Puttaparthi, The Land That Did ‘excruciating’ Penance.

‘I resolved on My Birth; I decided who should be My Mother” said Bhagawan once in answer to a heap of curious questions by the editor of a Bombay Daily. He went on to add: ‘Mere humans only choose the one who is to be the husband or wife. But the Mother was chosen by the Son in the Rama and Krishna incarnations…”

One can go on writing fantastic tales of such a blessed mother, Whom the world of God’s call ‘The Chosen Mother’, but none of these human descriptions can ever be matching, coming anywhere near the above emphatic statement by The Supreme Divine, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, Who, summed up the tale declaring that When He Resolved On His Advent, He Decided On His Mother Too.

Avataric folklore of Bharat is replete with stories of such magical mothers, beginning with the Sathya Yuga tale of Mother Anasuya, the blessed Mother Of Lord Dattatreya, Mother Kausalya from the Treta Yuga along with the most ‘sacrificial’ Mother Kaikeyi’ and Mother Sumitra (as Lord Rama’s incarnation is complete with the presence of His siblings who were borne by these sacred mothers), Mother Devaki and Yasoda from the Dwapara Yuga, Mother Sumati, hailed as the Mother of SriPada SriVallabha, the first of the triune Dattatreya incarnations happened over 700 years ago in Pitapuram, Andhra Pradesh, to Mother Devagiramma, the chosen one for the Advent of Bhagawan at Shirdi, leading to the grand finale, our most endearing Mother Easwaramma.

These Mothers by their infinite virtues have earned the eternal privilege and blessing to host the Advent of The Divine in repeated Yugas (different ages) bringing unto Earth the most sacred and ‘Joyous Bundle Of Pack Of Gods’, ensuring blessings infinite.

Discoursing on The Chosen Mother and the greater glory of virtuous mothers Bhagawan has once sung in chaste Telugu, before continuing to explain Who Mother Easwaramma Is?

Rama’s Divinity blossomed under Kausalya’s loving care,

 Lava and Kusa could become powerful and famous

 due to their noble and virtuous Mother Sita,

 The love and care of Jijabai made Shivaji a great warrior,

 Fostered with the love of his Mother Putlibai, Gandhi became a Mahatma.

 For all the beings in the world, there is nobody greater than Mother,  

 Who gives them birth and brings them up with love and care.

Who is Easwaramma? Bhagawan paused this question to the public in one of His Divine discourses, HimSelf answering the same most aptly. She is the Mother of Easwara, revealed Swami then, reiterating the tellingly infinite significance of The Chosen Mother.

As we are commemorating the Mother Easwaramma Day ‘today’, let’s remember what Bhagawan has spoken of the glory of Mother in the above-illustrated poem. Bhagawan said:

For all the beings in the world there is nobody greater than Mother who gives them birth and brings them up with love and care.

Bhagawan’s life has been the most significant practical message of the absolute power of the practice of love and reverence for one’s ‘own’ Mother. Bhagawan in all His actions did epitomise, did characterise His physical Mother as the most reverential one, sending out the Message of His Life, to treat one’s Mother with utmost love and reverence. He did not stop there, but went on giving credit to His Mother for the development of Puttaparthi, by initiating the triple boons of Medicare, Educare and Sociocare, granting full credit to Mother Easwaramma.

On this holy occasion of Mother Easwaramma Day, let’s have this take away message to follow this as practised by Bhagawan HimSelf, worshipping every single Mother with utmost reverence. …And let’s affirm in our collective voice of gratitude, singing unto Her, Mother Easwaramma…

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Oh! Easwaramma…through the ages that was…

 …through the present times…

 …and the epochs yet to come…

 …your Sai Is…and will remain…

 …the most loving, benevolent and compassionate Cosmic Czar…

 He will be consistently acclaimed, applauded…

 …admired, adored and appreciated…

 …as The Sampoorna Avatar!

 Oh! EaswarAmma…Tera Sai Iss Yug Ka Avatar…

 Oh! EaswarAmma…Tera Sai Yug Yug Ka Avatar…

Oh! EaswarAmma…Tera Sai Sampoorna Avatar!

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Commencing the proceedings at 1700 hrs, Sri Manohar Trikarnad, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Gujarat, first welcomed the devoted assembly with a “Happy Deepavali Greetings”, expressing gratitude to Beloved Bhagawan for His abounding love and blessings. The State President then introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Prof Mehboob U Desai, an eminent educationist from Gujarat.

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Speaking in Hindi on the subject ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhavana in Bhagawan’s Context’, Prof Desai spoke on the wonderment he had experienced after reading and researching, watching and listening Bhagawan for over a period as to “What is this Wonder Of Beauty Who have pulled the world behind Him???”

Quoting Bhagawan’s Mission in one line, “I have come to light the lamp of wisdom…” the speaker then enumerated on the four pillars of Bhagawan’s teachings, summarizing that Divinity dwells in every single atom of every being.

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“Before coming here, I have heard, read and researched and watched about Sai Baba a lot. Now, I am here and feel very happy and peaceful, commented Prof Desai earlier, while interacting with our correspondent, baring his heart about Prasanthi Nilayam.

Prof Desai is currently serving as a Professor and Head, Department of History & Culture, Gujarat Vidhyapith, Ahmadabad, Gujarat.

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After the speech, the session continued with an invocatory devotional song, a medley of various strotras, presented by the Youth girls from the State, invoking Mother Sai as Saiyeeshwari.

Omnipresent He Is, yet the Balvikas children from the State cashed in with the opportunity  of invoking Him vide a traditional Ganesha dance, “chahoo aur tumhara gunjan hey…” next.

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Where duty becomes God and work turns worship, where man relies on God more than anything else, he is sure to sale through to the shore of unbounded Divine grace. This evening’s drama presentation by the devotees from Vadodara district was based on this theme involving Duty, Worship and Reliance on Godhood.

The presentation entitled “Saiyeeshwaraarpanam” portrayed the tragic-turned-fulfilled-life of a cobbler named Vishwas, who had lost his loved ones in a tragedy, yet could continue with his life adhering to principles of righteous-devoted living, not withstanding Him questioning the very existence of God.

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As he trudged along with his righteous life, as ‘omnipresent grace would have it, he accidentally bumped into a little lad by name Madhav, a cowherd boy in the nearby temple premises, who, in no time replaced his loving ‘long lost’ son. This turned out to be a ‘gentle tap from the greater heaven’ granting great reprieve for the duty-bound cobbler.

As is His saying, Test Is His Taste, his claims of interactions with Madhav became the butt of a joke in the town, for all wrong reasons, as none else, apart from Vishwas was able to see this ‘invisible and invincible’ cowherd. Madhav was termed a lunatic, only until He revealed Himself in presence of the real ‘lunatics’ of the town, proving that the ‘Madhav-Story’ was a reality.

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Overwhelmed with compassion, when Vishwas took a pair of sandals for his Madhav to relieve the little lad from ‘paining’ his tender feet, he was blocked by the elders from entering the Sanctum Sanctorum.

To the one who is denied to His Presence, He Himself makes His Presence. Madhav appeared before Vishwas outside the premises only to accept the sandals, which, in the climactic end appeared at the Feet Of The Lord at the Sanctum Sanctorum.

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Bhajans by the Gujarat devotees continued and the session came to a close with Mangala Arathi at 1830 hrs.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The session commenced at 1700 hrs. with hundreds of men, women and children, holding aloft placards of Values marching into the Sai Kulwant premises, in the backdrop of a commentary on the programme.  The “Walk For Values” is aimed at promoting Bhagawan’s message of five cardinal Human Values… Sathya, Dharma Shanti, Prema, Ahimsa into the masses, praying and hoping for a United World of Peace. The programme had its inception in the year 2003 and has been a regular affair in Canada.

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The Multi-Faith programme followed next began with Indian incantation, “Gananam Thwa…” prayers from major world religions, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Islam to end with “Asathoma Sadgamaya…”.

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The final presentation, a Canadian Youth Musical Offering, was an assortment of devotional members, singing paeans to Bhagawan. The numbers were… Sathya Dharmamu…, Guru Deva Sai…, Au Rivage…, Easwaramma Nandana…, The Reason…, Swami Oh Mere Sai.

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Bhajans continued and the programme ended with Mangala Arathi at 1830 hrs.

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II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The presentation in the backdrop of Great Canadian outdoors, with Christmas Eve and Winter Solstice aligning together, was a depiction of the essential characteristics of a true spiritual seeker, underlying theme being ‘Unity In Diversity’.

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The drama opens up to the Great Canadian outdoors with the First Native Chief, Chief Ailen pondering over the best virtuous gift as an offering to Great Spirit, Kitchi-Manitou. His Grandfather’s wisdom responds to his call, advising him to offer Non-violence as one, in a pack of eight virtues, as the best possible offering… Practising Non-violence by living in harmony with all beings, being alike to everyone and everything. The Grandfather further advises the Chief Ailen to seek the counsel of various religious heads in the State on the subject.

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Subsequent scenes open up with various religious heads coming up with their perspective and ideology on the subject.

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A Zoroastrian Priest shows up first with a ‘Peace’ offering, backing up his claim with the story of the Parsi community in Gujarat, India, that successfully settled in the State, sharing love, sweetening lives with their innate love.

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Muslim community comes next with the idea of Sense Control being the best offering. Sense Control is more than just controlling the temptations of the tongue as the community follows during the Ramadan month, enlightens the Imam.

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The Buddhists project Meditation as the best gift, as peace and sense control can be achieved through Meditation and…

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The Hindu Priest talks about Penance as the finest virtue, recounting the story of Hanuman who demonstrated great harmony in thought, word and deed by being an exemplary servant of Lord Rama, thus winning Divine Friendship.

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Finally arrives a Christian Priest talking high about Jesus and his virtues. Showing up the nativity scene, of the birth of the Divine Baby, the Priest extols Jesus’ extraordinary Compassion for all, his supreme Forbearance, facing up oddities all through his life successfully, finally to proclaim the virtue of Truth that Jesus realized.

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At the conclusion, the drama crew came forward offering maple leaves of virtues at The Lotus Feet of Beloved Bhagawan.

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Earlier the programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with an introductory ‘appreciation’ speech by Mr John Behner, International Christmas Committee Chairman. Mr Benher highlighted on the Pure Love in all hearts, being the rich experience of thousands assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam for the Holy occasion. Referring to Laing Ron’s writings about his Interview Room experience with Bhagawan, wherein Bhagawan acknowledged Himself as ‘The Cosmic Christ’, the veteran speaker then appreciated the various components of the Ashram and overseas delegates in making the Prasanthi Christmas a grand success.

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Post the drama presentation Bhajans continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 1830 hrs.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Commencing the programme with Vedic incantation, invoking Primal Deities in typical Indian style, the programme that followed had the enigmatic story of the Divine Child, born under most mystically Divine surroundings in Bethlehem, encapsulated in a series of hymns.

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Singing at a rhythmic pace, in a united voice, the International Sai Children spelt their hearts out in expression of love and gratitude to Beloved Mother Sai… and the final piece for the evening vouch for their intentions.

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Swami We Adore You… Lay Our Lives Before You… How We Love You!!!

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Conducted by Ms Gesine Strohmeier from Germany, who took over from the seasoned Alma Badings of The Netherlands, the Choir had 9 hymns, interspersed with commentary by the children. The songs were Veni Veni Immanuel (O Come Come Immanuel) talking of Immaculate Conception, Way To Jerusalem, Once in Royal David’s City (about the holy birth in the Manger), Silent Night…, King Of Kings and Lord Of Lords…, Little Drummer Boy…, We Three Kings Of Orient Are…, When A Child Is Born… to conclude with the Gratitude Song to Swami.

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Jesus is a mystic enigma, Greater Heaven’s stamp of Love on the face of Earth and the International Sai Children rightly echoed the feeling of humanity, pouring out love and gratitude in a united voice.

Music accompaniment included Violin, Guitar, Keyboard and special African ‘Jemba’ by Sai Gith from Switzerland.

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Seasoned Conductor over the years, Ms Alma Badings from The Netherlands was then felicitated by the International Christmas Committee in appreciation of her dedicated service to the International Children’s Choir.

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Two speeches by two International guest speakers, Ms. Joyce Darlene Barker and Mr. Neville Fredricks, of Canada and Australia respectively, followed next.

Speaking first, Ms Joyce, author of 9 books on Swami, began with her childhood journey into Jesus and later unto Bhagawan Sathya Sai. Expounding on the essential message of Christmas,  Unity with Divinity – I and my Father Are One, the octogenarian speaker stressed on the importance of Embarking… embarking on the path of Self Enquiry, stressing on the importance of C-I-A, Constant Integrated Awareness, being the essence of spiritual enquiry. Baba Is my very Breath… my Reason… my Joy for living, concluded Joyce on a high note.

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The next speaker Mr Neville Fredricks, Chairman for Zone 3 of Sri Sathya Sai International Organisations spoke on his personal story, speaking about his first meeting with Bhagawan at Whitefield on a beautiful, fateful evening. Where logic and reasoning gave way to faith and belief, it was a story of ‘head-to-heart’ transformation for the long time devotee of almost three decades.

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An exhilarating Divine discourse, of Christmas 1999, was next aired in the public address system, with Bhagawan lucidly narrating the holy birth and related events. Bhagawan ended His Divine discourse with the song “Love Is My Form… Truth Is My Breath…”

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Earlier, Tom Lahey, International Christmas Decorations Committee Director from Australia had the honour of introducing the session and speakers to the august assembly.

Bhajans continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 1855 hrs.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The holy morning’s special proceedings commenced at 0630 hrs. with the Canadian Youth Choir singing a range of hymns adoring the Holy Father and His Bundle Of Joy.  Conducted by Sister Sai Kiran Gopie, the Choir had 29 boys and 22 girls apart from a huge group of around 400 participants ranging from coast-to-coast of Canada that included tiny tots from Sathya Sai School, Toronto, Ontario.  The troupe has been practising diligently for the past six months, perfecting the skill, readying for the D-day in the Divine Presence.

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The next session commenced at 0820 hrs., packed with a range of offerings by the students of Bhagawan’s Institutions.

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Primary School Violin Band commenced the proceedings with slow soothing Christmas numbers that was followed by the Institute Brass Band producing some scintillating Band Music, playing an assortment of special Christmas numbers. Higher Secondary Violin Band followed next, before the Institute Music Band took over.

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Serenading the Mighty Heavenly Father and His Heavenly Son, singing paeans, the Institute Music Band then presented a 45-minute programme, depicting the life of Jesus through hymns, interlaced with commentary, narrating the story of the ‘Mystical Divine Child.

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Lively backdrop interactions involving Uncle Sam and Little John with Uncle Ben showing up with a guest appearance helped piecing together, unraveling one of the most wonderful and enigmatic stories in the history of mankind. Even as the story continued, evolving step-by-step with beautifully captivating narratives by the duo, students burst into singing glory unto Him, presenting an assortment of Christmas devotional numbers.

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Some of the devotional numbers were We Wish You A Merry Christmas…, Hallelujah…, God Is Good All The Time…, Arise… Arise… Arise…Take Your Place…, Santa’s Party, etc.  Excitement ran high when Santa began his party throwing chocolates all around, to the backdrop high-pitch singing of Jingle Bells… Jingle Bells… Jingle All The Way... The musical band ended their ‘party’ aptly singing the glory of Father and Son and the greater importance of following the life of Jesus, practising his teachings.

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Even as bhajans continued, students, both juniors and seniors took their turn offering Christmas Greetings at Bhagawan’s Divine Lotus Feet.

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Mangala Arathi at 10:00 hrs. marked the end of the proceedings.

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II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Yes, it’s western time again here in Prasanthi Nilayam. No folks, no country and Western but Western Carols for Christmas.  It’s the time of the blessed birth of the Baby Jesus and it means a lot for Westerners… and so with the entire ‘Prasanthi Folks’.

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The programme in this beautiful Christmas Eve commenced with the lighting of the Christmas Candle at the Sanctum Sanctorum. International Christmas Committee Coordinator John Behner from the US along International Christmas Decorations Committee Director Tom Lehoy from Australia shared the unique honour, this evening here in Bhagawan’s Divine Presence.

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There was a pause of stillness…and in the stillness of silence was His Presence, as the organizers followed up, presenting the programme at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet.

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International Christmas Choir followed next. Sitting upfront, facing the Sanctum Sanctorum, an all white-clad-team of men and women choristers from over 24 nations, presented an hour long concert, offering 18 hymns – a bouquet of carols, devotional and prayers, singing paeans to The Divine Father-Son duo. 430 strong International Choir was led by Ms Gisela Sebastian from Germany, accompanied by a host of ‘musicians’ from around the world.

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Beginning with a Ganesha offering, “Vakratunda Mahakaya…” the hymns followed are “Ding Dong Merrily…”, “Christmas Pipes…”, “Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord…”, “The Message Of Love Goes On…”, “Gaudete…”, “Hallelujah…”, “Open The Eyes Of My Heart…”, “There Is Only One Religion…”, “Sanctus…”, “Silent Night…”, “So This Is Christmas…”, “Joy To The World…”, “You Are My All In All…”, “Only You Are Holy…”, “Just To Know You…”, “Above All Powers…” to conclude with  “With All I Am…”. Concluding poetic lines summed up the “Bond Of Love”, that runs as…

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I’ll walk with You wherever You go

Through tears and joy I’ll trust in You

And I will live in all of Your ways

Your promise forever…

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With rich memoirs of Sai’s Golden Presence enriching their minds, hearts and souls, the choristers sung with great devotional passion enlightening the packed Home on the beautiful Christmas Eve.

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The programme concluded with “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti!!!”

The Sai Kulwant and the entire Prasanthi precincts shone with brilliance in the evening, with beautiful Christmas decorations, based on ‘Canadian’ theme. Bhajans continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 1850 hrs.

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Thousands of devotees from many overseas countries are camping in Prasanthi Nilayam, partaking and spreading ‘Joy For All’.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Earlier, this evening’s programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with a thanksgiving speech by Christmas Committee Chairman Mr Joh Behner from the US. Thanking his Christmas team mates for their all-round cooperation in making Christmas 2013 a glittering one, Behner had special praise for the Sevadals, the decorators from Australia, The Western Canteen and the Indonesians who helped serving chosen dishes, the Choir teams etc. Moving into the legacy of Christmas, Mr Behner spoke about Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s life of realisation through various paths including Christianity. Touching upon Bhagwan’s indication of Golden Age, Mr Behner reminded the audience of the great time we have now and ahead in future with our chosen Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai.

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The International Children’s Choir, ably conducted by graceful Alma Badings from the Netherlands, began in typical Indian style with Ganesh Gayathri, Sai Gayathri followed by “Twameva Mata…”. Beginning with a Telugu Greeetings on the occasion of Christmas and New Year the children sang an assortment of many songs that included… It’s Christmas Time…, Joy To The World…, Singing All Together…, Beloved Sai My Soul Always Longing…, Mother Mary Had A Baby Boy…, Can You Hear The Sound Of The African Drum…, Bambelela Bambelela… to end with We Wish You A Merry Christmas…. Violinists played tilting tunes as an intermission spicing up the show followed by the lifting tune of the African Drum beats to the song “Can You Hear The Sound Of The African Drum…” Bambelela, meaning, never give up, was another catchy number that tells all to hold on to Jesus…never give up… The final number was a collective wishing of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, offering gratitude to The Lord, wishing happiness to one and all. These beautiful children in pristine white with golden scarves ended their singing in an assertive tone, asserting their faith in His Supremacy, singing, He’s got the whole world in His hands…

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Even as bhajans continued children posed for group photo session before being felicitated with special gifts. Bhajans ended with Thursday Special “Love Is My Form…Truth Is My Breath…” in Bhagawan’s celestial voice. Mangala Arathi at 1830 hrs. marked the end of Christmas 2013.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

The programme commenced at 1650 hrs., after 20 minutes of Rudram chanting, with a drama presentation entitled ‘The Fourth Wise Man’. The drama was a depiction based on the story of Henry Van Dyke entitled ‘The Other Wise Man’.

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Presenting two parallel stories the drama attempted to portray that one could reach one’s life’s goal of Divine Darshan, despite facing all oddities.

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Daryush, an Iranian devotee, whose maiden visit to Prasanthi Nilayam to have Bhagawan’s Darshan was left disappointed as he came to know of Bhagawan’s departure from earthly sphere. Disappointed at his misfortune, despising him of being undeserved, Daryush was lost and out. Fr Francis, a kind and noble soul, had a chance meeting with Daryush in the Overseas Canteen and thus turned himself to bail the young man out of his trouble by narrating the story of the ‘Fourth Wise Man’ at the time of Holy Birth Of Jesus.

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Arteban is a Magi, a wise and learned man, a Zoroastrian of ancient Persia, who has seen the signs in the heavens that point to the Advent of a Divine Being. Felt inquisitive, with unquenching thirst to have the Divine Darshan, Arteban soon sets out to cross the desert of Judea along with three good friends who have also seen the auspicious signs.

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Rushing to catch up with his friends near faraway Banylon, Arteban faces hurdles in his onward journey as, with one after one, hapless and needy turn up to him seeking healing. Serving thus, without finding his ‘Destination’ Arteban thus continuously travels in search of the Divine Being for long thirty-three years. At the end, he reaches Jerusalem wherein, through a chance meeting with someone, he comes to know that nearby that place in Jerusalem a Holy Man who claims to be the Son Of God is going to be crucified soon. Perplexed at the turn of events, even as he kneels down in sincere tearful prayers, Arteban hears the ethereal voice of Jesus, who called him out granting him darshan from the heavens.It was Jesus after his crucifixion.

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God, be Him in form or formless always runs after His devotees and at the right time, at the right place He grants him his choices wish, Divine Darshan!

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The drama presentation was followed by two inspiriting speeches. Ms Rita Danielle from the US, who spoke first chose to speak of her illustrious journey unto God that ended up with finding Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai as her Master! Beginning life with rational questions as to Why? and Why God? Rita was drawn to the folds of Bhagawan at the age of 15 years. Having had her maiden darshan at Brindavan, Whitefield, Rita’s life was changed as Bhagawan has been her continuous inspiration, directly ever since, guiding her both in her personal and professional life. Closely associated with the Sri Sathya Sai Book Centre Of America, Rita is a Science teacher by profession.

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Tom Lahey from Australia was the next speaker. A long time devotee who has been into the International Christmas committee for over a decade, Tom narrated a long Australian Story that found him finally at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet. Tom’s inspiring speech was sprinkled with the teachings of Bhagawan and Jesus Christ.

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Interestingly, after the first speech, Mr. Robert Danielle from the US who had the privilege of introducing the evening programme to the august audience, chose to  introduce himself as the husband of the first speaker, Rita Danielle. Rita references about her husband in her speech, briefing the miraculous story of their marriage as orchestrated by Bhagawan through a dream.  Narrating the story in his witty, humorous style, Robert called it ‘his first experience of surrender’, the proposal by Rita to marry him as per Bhagawan’s Dream instructions.

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Bhagawan’s Divine discourse followed next. Man is a combination of the trinity, Morality, Righteousness and Spirituality; Man without Truth and Righteousness is no man and man without Love is no man, said Bhagawan stressing on the need to grow from Vyashti, Individual, to Samashti, Community, to grow further into Paremeshti…Divinity, bringing parallels from the Three Wise Men story at the time of the Holy Birth Of Jesus Christ.

Bhagawan concluded His Divine discourse with the bhajan “Bhajana Binaa Sukha Shanthi Nahin…”.

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All the children partipants were felicitated; bhajans continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 1840 hrs.

The three-day Christmas celebrations conclude tomorrow with the International Children Choir.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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After the International Choir on the Christmas Eve, when the Christmas morning dawned here in Prasanthi to its solemn beauty, the Australians took the charge in the ‘day-break’ with Carol singing beginning the proceedings in the morning.

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Christmas always had its fairy-tale in the golden past with Bhagawan lightng up the day-break with His silver door darshan, atop the Sai Kulwant balcony. Memories remained poignant with a touch of nostalgia as the Carol party took their seat at the Sanctum Sanctorum in this auspicious morning singing carol hymns for over half-an-hour. The Carol party was ably led by a dynamic young Shiva, who conducted the show.

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Following the day-break offering, in the morning, it was the turn of the students, who with a sprinkling of Christmas hymns and stories made the morning most memorable one. Commencing at 0820 hrs., after Rudram chanting, first to come was an offerng by the Violin Band of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School that played some melodious Christmas tunes including “Love Is My Form…Truth Is My Breath”.

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Lifting the spirits from the slow soothing violin to the fast paced beats of percussions, the Institute Brass Band presented a scintillating display of Band Music next, playing an array of special Christmas numbers. The Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam Campus has always been an integral part of the Christmas celebrations and this year too they excelled with high beat music reverberating the spacious Sai Kulwant.

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From instrumental to vocal. Serenading the Mighty Heavenly Father and His Chosen Son…singing greater glory, the Institute Music Band presented a 45 minute programme next, depicting the life of Jesus through songs and commentary, beginning with his birth, traversing through his epochal life of events, teachings andhis ultimate sacrifice. Some of the songs were We Wish You A Merry Christmas…, Glory To The Lord…, Santa’s Party etc. Excitement ran high when Santa began his party, twin Santas in twin directions delivering chocolates to the lucky ones, to the backdrop high-pitch singing of Jingle Bells…Jingle Bells…Jingle All The Way... The musical band ended their ‘party’ aptly singing the glory of Father and Son and the greater importance of following the life of Jesus, practising his teachings.

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Even as bhajans continued, students, both juniors and seniors took their turn offering Christmas Greetings at Bhagawan’s Divine Lotus Feet.

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Mangala Arathi at 0950 hrs. marked the end of morning proceedings.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II