Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
Saturday 16/10/2010: Morning
The auspicious day of Saturday, the day devoted to Lord Rama, began at 5:10 am for the UK Grama Seva group. Following their normal routine, the group received an inspiring talk on righteousness and Dharma. The group leader discussed Swami’s revelation that Lord Rama had three main attributes: (1) ‘Ekam Vacaniya’ (one word), (2) ‘Ekam Pathaniya’ (one wife), and (3) ‘Ekam Lakshiya’ (one aim). Lord Rama lived His life by these three attributes. One must follow His example in order to follow the righteous path. Swami has said that it is our righteousness that will protect us. It will serve as our armour.
The UK grouped completed their morning sadhana before heading to Sai Kulwant Hall for Pradakshina and preparation for the commencement of Grama Seva. The UK group joined the students for the final day of Grama Seva and were privileged to serve Vengalammacheruvu village. The village consists of approximately 1000 houses. It was a wonderful experience to work with the students closely as the UK group was divided amongst six teams. Swami’s students are extremely efficient and hard-working and served as an example to us all.
On our return from Grama Seva, the UK group made their way to Poornachandra Hall in the hope that Swami would give Darshan during the Yajna. As always, Swami heard our prayers and fulfilled our desire by appearing on stage to oversee the Yajna. As well as the usual Vedic chanting, there was recitation of hymns from the Sama Veda by one of the priests as he sat in front of Swami. This was uplifting for all gathered and received loud applause.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the faculty members and students for the love and kindness that they have shared with use of the nine days of Grama Seva. We are extremely grateful to our Beloved Baba for granting us this wonderful opportunity to be bart of His mission and making us part of His Message.
Jai Sai Ram
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
Saturday 16/10/2010: Afternoon
As Swami came out for Darshan, all the devotees adjusted their seats in anticipation of receiving a glimpse of our beloved Bhagavan. Swami occasionally stopped to bless a few female devotees and took a card from a young girl, spending some time to read it. Swami also blessed all the birthday boys. One of the UK group members offered Swami a flower. As Swami stood for a short while, he also thanked Swami for allowing the group to take part in Grama Seva. Swami went up to the upper portico as usual, whilst listening to bhajans and reading letters. Swami then called one of His students who offered Swami a beautiful heart-shaped card. Swami was extremely happy to see this and spoke to the student for a long time, telling him to sit down and come back several times. Finally, Swami called him once more and materialised a golden chain for him, which He then put around his neck. Swami asked him to sit down once more, but called him again once more. This time, He materialised a ring for the student. We learnt later that the ring was for the student’s father, who was himself a former student of the Sri Sathya Sai University. Swami took Aarthi just before 7:00 pm, and in His usual blissful manner, blessed all the devotees gathered with Abhayahastha. There were many Jaikaars shouted by the gathered devotees which made Swami smile and laugh a number of times, which brought further joy to everyone gathered. Swami then, with both of His hands, asked for the crowds to settle down. It was an entertaining evening darshan, full of joy and laughter.
