23/10/12
Today was the last day of Grama Seva and Navarati festival.
At 4.40am twenty one Omkars and Sri Sathya Sai Suprabhatum was offered to the
Lord. This was followed by Jyoti mediation, Baba’s thought of the day and yoga.
At 7.30am, the UK Grama Seva Group was part of the Vedic procession
around Swami’s Maha-Samadhi Mandir in Sai Kulwant hall. Vedams decipher the mystery
of creation as well as the acknowledgement that the world is impermanent. Before
making our way to the vehicles we offered our prayers to Swami’s lotus feet. We
then made our way to Janakampalli village (Puttaparthi district), located just
a few miles from Prasanthi Nilayam and next to the Chitaravi river. The
population of the village was 5000. Baba’s prasadam was delivered to 1500
houses. The group also gave pencils, sweets and pocket-sized calendar pictures
of Swami. The small children were so happy on receiving these items as well as
prasadam.
At the centre of the village, once grama seva was complet,
the group sang Bhajans along with the villagers. Everybody felt spiritually
uplifted and blissful.
Maha Lakshami Sukrum
In addition to Grama
Seva Popat Sir would narrate to the group in detail the Mahalakshmi Stotram. Goddess
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. This
invaluable Satsang took place just before afternoon Darshan. Sir would
initially recite the individual verses before explaining in detail with
examples Mahalakshmi’s divine attributes, physical form (e.g. significance of
her four hands, lotus buds and gold coins and elephants), knowledge, how to
acquire her grace, and how to be content in life.
Afternoon Darshan
Afternoon
Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall began everyday at 4.30pm with Vedams recited by
Baba’s students. As we are celebrating the festival of Dasara 2-3 keynote
speakers would be invited to address the devotees. They ranged from highly
respected Sri Sathya Sai Institute students/staff to regional spiritual
scholars. The talks were focused on Baba’s teachings and how his life’s message
is an inspiration for all of us. Following this devotees were blessed with
archive footage of Baba’s divine discourses on large projector screens. Baba’s
discourse would be followed by a musical programme and/or drama. Dramas have
been performed by the Sri Sathya Sai Hospital, Drama College, and Deena
Janoddharana Pathakam (DJP) boys. The dramas were clearly performed from the
heart for Swami. A musical offering was also given by the Sri Sathya Sai Music
College.
Afternoon Darshan would
be brought to a close with Bhajans, Mangala Aarathi, Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu and Baba’s
prasadam.
Evening and morning talks
During Grama Seva pilgrimage
a number of highly respected and experienced speakers gave talks to the group in
private after the evening meal and during morning Suprabhatam. Sri K. Chakravarthi discussed with the group openly their
professional work and the current status of the Central Trust and its future
obligations. Dr Sara Pavan held a question and answers session with the group
and also discussed the book ‘No Country No Name’. Prof. G. Venkataraman gave a talk on science and conscious
awareness. Finally, Dr. Anil Kumar gave an enlightened talk on de-attachment
with examples from the Ramayana.
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