Monday 11 October 2010

Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 - Monday 11/10/2010: Morning












Prasanthi Nilayam and Sai Kulwant Hall were beautifully decorated and buzzing with vibrations. The morning proceedings began with the usual Vedam chanting together with nadaswaram and thavil adding to the excitement felt by all present.

Swami arrived during bhajans and gave beautiful Darshan which only heightened the sense of joy felt by everyone. Swami acknowledged the UK Grama Seva boys in the darshan line and also inquired from the group leader Puppet (Sri Ajit Popat) on the portico whether the boys were enjoying the Grama Seva and where they were located for the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna, which was commencing immediately. The group was touched by Swami’s inquiry.

The Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna began with the priests proceeding from the Mandir to the Poornachandra hall, after having been blessed by Swami to commence the Pranapratishta. Soon, all the students, including the UK group, followed the priests to the Poornachandra hall. The atmosphere in the hall was a combination of excitement and holy vibrations that is associated with all Yajnas; but this one in particular, as the Veda Purusha, our Beloved Swami, was watching over the proceedings.

This is done by rubbing a piece of wood with a string against another fixed piece until sufficient heat is generated to ignite the wood, creating fire for the Yajna. Swami blessed the fire creating by the priests and soon after, to the wonderful surprise of all present, Swami came down from the stage to give Darshan to the assembled crowds. Swami then took Aarthi by the priests and gave instructions for Grama Seva to commence, departing at 12:00 pm for the Divine Abode.

The UK group, along with Swami’s students, travelled the short distance to Puttaparthi and surrounding villages for the distribution of Swami’s Prasadam. One of the fortunate locations was Gokulam, a five minute drive from the Ashram. Gokulam consisted of both spacious well-built apartments and huts housing more than ten people in a small room. Swami’s Love and Blessings are for one and all, and the situation in Gokulam was evidence of this. We are extremely grateful to Swami for this noble service project.

Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010

Monday 11/10/2010: Afternoon

Sai Kulwant Hall was swelling with an influx of people who have gathered for the Navaratri festival, to worship the Divine Mother for nine nights. This, the fourth day of Navaratri, has already witnessed the inauguration of the Veda Purusha Jnana Yajna. Our Beloved Sai did not come out to give Darshan to those present, something we are experiencing more often. By doing this, Swami is moving us from the physical form to the formless Sai, and from external worship to internal communion. We are extremely grateful to Bhagavan Baba for His Love, in all the aspects that we have seen today.