Easter Findings… The article published below has its origin from a casual, yet serious mail forward received at the desk of The Prasanthi Reporter, sent by a Sai Brother from the United Kingdom. The forward was an image of a 1894 composition of world renowned painter Maurice Denis, depicting the Resurrection of Jesus…and interestingly, the image of the Lord resurrected has a striking resemblance to The Lord clad in an Orange Robe, Who Walks The Earth in this modern era –  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai! Finding it interesting, yet somewhat suspicious of hands that tamper old images with modern Photoshop tools, the receiver casually forwarded it, most instinctively, as if inspired by some force, to one of his colleagues, who is quite inquiring, logical and research-oriented and above all, had rich experience in serving the Lord in physical. Inquisitive he was, he did his initial google search and followed it up with research for a couple of hours, including exploration into French Websites for precise details, before  contacting one of the authors of Sai Publications based out of France, seeking clarity and confirmation. Ms Jenny Socrate, our author in contention, also a reputed journalist, was quick in responding to the request, doing her bit of research before confirming the fact as per return mail… Upon further request, Ms Jenny Socrate being swift in action, made her journalistic trip to the Maurice Denis Museum, in a fact-finding mission. What followed was this beautiful article about her explorations and findings. Ms Jenny Socrate is the author of the book entitled “The Divine Master”, which has been translated and printed into eleven languages, available in Prasanthi Nilayam Book Shop. Apart from her writing stints, Ms Jenny has been engaged in delivering lectures about Bhagawan & His Teachings, in English, French and Spanish, in countries around the world for the past 18 years. We also acknowledge our gratitude to Ms Jullie Chaudhuri for her editorial task coupled with coming up with a beautiful introduction to the article, writing about ‘The Holy Father and His Holy Son’. What amazed us was the timing! How else we could explain our amazement about the crucial time at which we received it…just three days ahead of Holy Easter! The Timeless God Whose sparks we are, Whose creation we see around, Whose phenomena is this physical world, has orchestrated this act with perfect timing, to unravel a mystery that was hidden for more than a century! Hallelujah!!! The grieving period of Lent gives way to ‘Good Friday’ and merges in the celebration of ‘Easter’…days of penance and sacrifice…remembrance, repentance…a chance to deliver oneself …from tepid, apathetic ways to recover, redeem and reprise…the way of living and life. The life of Christ was as much a colossal sacrifice as His crucifixion. As Jesus says of Himself, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). Thus, His life exemplifies the word ‘divine’ so appropriately… dedicated indeed was He to exhausting Himself through an endless giving unto others. Let us peruse through some of His words ever filled with serenity that comes only from complete surrender –Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you’. If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (John: 14:23-28) The words I say to you are not just my own, rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me, when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. (John: 14:11) When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.” (John 17:1) …and let us also pay heed to the words of the Apostle Paul – But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:7-11) This article is but a remarkably poignant analogy between the Supreme Father and His truly obedient Son…wherein a wondrous artwork by French Artist – Maurice Denis, painted way back in 1894, reveals a singularly astonishing likeness between the way Jesus is depicted and Beloved Bhagawan…  ‘I and my Father are One…’ a physical and spiritual likeness…infinitely transcendental.  It thus appears as a fascinating foreteller…revealing a propitious co-relation…a potent and promising prescience that acknowledges no barriers…neither of time nor of space…I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30) The classic depiction by the artist, its discovery at this appropriate time, Resurrection Of Christ and our Lord choosing to withdraw His form during this holy period is a point to deliberate, contemplate, examine and evaluate by each one of us. It fills each devotee’s heart with a light of longing for a Divine encore. …now dear readers…invoking the Father and the Son…knowing them to be One…beseeching a cascade of Easter grace and blessings from Beloved Bhagawan…we leave you to view and read on… I place my humble testimony

International Choir on Christmas Eve… Lighting up the Christmas Eve, setting in motion Prasanthi Christmas 2013, choristers from all over the globe joined in unison singing ‘Hallelujah’ at Beloved Bhagawan this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam. 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, commemorating the Advent Of The Son Of God and it means a lot for Westerners… and they do get a chance to strut their stuff for their Beloved Bhagawan. The programme in this beautiful Christmas Eve commenced in typical Indian style, with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, this time lighting the Christmas Candle, mounted in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. International Christmas Committee Coordinator John Behner from the US along with his predecessor Arthur Hilcoat along with International Christmas Decorations Committee Director Tom Lehoy took the privilege of doing the same in Bhagawan’s Divine Presence. What followed next was an hour-long devotional offering, raising the spirits up, sinking thousands of hearts in the hall in sublime joy, engulfing the whole of Prasanthi in Love and Peace. The Western Choir had in its repertoire for the evening an offering 18 hymns – including, How Great & Hark The Herald of Mozart, Lord Make Us Carry The Light etc. To make sure that they are in harmony with their host country – Blessed Bharat – the Choir had an invocatory incantation on Lord Ganesha, Sri Ganesha Pancharatna Strotram. In the evening soon after the candle-lighting ceremony, an all-white-team of men and women choristers, with many women in white flower headband, burst into spells of singing following finger ‘baton’ instructions of the conductor Ms Gisela Sebastian from Germany singing a unique ’18 hymns’. The choristers were accompanied by seasoned ‘musicians’ from various countries, who have been continuously perfecting their skills for the past over ten days. Beginning with the Ganesha Pancharatna Strotram the choir continued with How Great & Hark The Herald, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, God Gave Me A Song, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, Hallelujah…Hallelujah, Lord’s Prayer, My Shepherd, As The Deer… Sai You Are, I Give Myself Away, Hallelujah To The Lord, Silent Night, Someday At Christmas, Lord Make Us Carry The Light, O Tu Rex Gloriae Hallelujah, Blessed The Lord, Oh Dearest Lord Sai Baba, Ave Maria & O Holy Night, Sathya Sai, You Are My Life to end with May All Be Happy… This final song was special for it had an insertion of Musical Piece and a Divine Discourse by Beloved Bhagawan, with Bhagawan assuring His ‘overseas’ children of His eternal blessings…The song insertion was Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah… With very days of hard work, braving the Indian winter, these choristers had familiarized themselves with 18 new musical pieces – most of them in English – and many of the devotees do not have English as their first language. In addition, there were scores of musicians and to add a final twist of complexity to this ambitious undertaking, most of the people involved were not professional singers or musicians.  They do it, for their Swami…with Swami working through them. Tomorrow, in the Holy Christmas morning, devotees from Australia would be presenting Christmas Carols in the morning at 0615 hrs. that would be followed by Christmas morning programme at 0820 hrs. Merry Christmas!!!

Glittering Christmas Evening… A drama presentation by International Sai children from Region 8, Southern California, USA, two speeches and Bhagawan’s Divine discourse featured the Holy Christmas evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam today. 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’. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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…”. 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

Exhilarating Christmas Eve… Apart and quite distinct from celebrations galore around the world, Prasanthi Nilayam has a unique style of celebrating the grand Christmas occasion. In Prasanthi Nilayam, in Bhagawan’s Presence, everything earns a unique Divine Touch and Christmas is no different. Christmas in Prasanthi always begins in typical Indian style, with 3 Omkars, only to evolve into gentle ‘Western’. 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’. 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. 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. 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. 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… 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… 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. 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. Thousands of devotees from many overseas countries are camping in Prasanthi Nilayam, partaking and spreading ‘Joy For All’.

Holy Prasanthi Christmas Morning… Prasanthi woke up to the Holy Christmas morning today chanting 21 Omkars followed by Sri Sathya Sai Suprabhatam, much to the delight of thousands and to the reminiscing beauty of the Holy Sight of The Sanctum Sanctorum. 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. The next session commenced at 0820 hrs., packed with a range of offerings by the students of Bhagawan’s Institutions. 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. 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. 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. 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. Even as bhajans continued, students, both juniors and seniors took their turn offering Christmas Greetings at Bhagawan’s Divine Lotus Feet. Mangala Arathi at 10:00 hrs. marked the end of the proceedings. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Glittering Christmas Evening… Offering gratitude galore, expressing greater joy at the holy occasion of Christmas, International Sai Children numbering 49 presented Children’s Christmas Choir at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet this auspicious evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam. The Children Choir was followed by two speeches by International guest speakers followed by an audio relay of Bhagawan erstwhile Christmas Divine discourse. 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. 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. Swami We Adore You… Lay Our Lives Before You… How We Love You!!! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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…” 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

Drama by Sathya Sai School, Toronto… What could be the best ‘virtuous’ offering to God? Beautiful children form Sathya Sai School, Toronto, Canada has the answer, as they spelt it out in a drama entitled “Eight Virtuous Offering To God” this evening as part of the ongoing Christmas celebrations here in Prasanthi Nilayam. 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’. 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. Subsequent scenes open up with various religious heads coming up with their perspective and ideology on the subject. 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. 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. The Buddhists project Meditation as the best gift, as peace and sense control can be achieved through Meditation and… 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. 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. At the conclusion, the drama crew came forward offering maple leaves of virtues at The Lotus Feet of Beloved Bhagawan. 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. Mr Thayaparan,President, National Council.,Sathya Sai International Organization Canada spoke next, explaining in brief the salient features of the role model Sathya Sai School, Ontario, Canada. Post the drama presentation Bhajans continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 1830 hrs. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II