Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh is getting ready to celebrate the Lord Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s Jayanthi from today till 23 November. The celebrations are the first after Baba attained Samadhi on 24 April this year. Though the place is being decorated with festive look, it lacks pompous, because it of his absence.
But the only solace is that when Baba was there, he always used to say that I always dwell in your hearts, look for me within and in every living form. With this inspiration the Baba’s devotees are making the arrangements grand. Generally the event marked with the presence of many big wigs of the country from all walks of the life. But this time only two VVIPs figure on the list, His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu K. Rosaiah and Bangalore Indian Institute of Sciences Director, Balaram. But the devotees from far flung places across the globe are going to reach Puttaparthi to get the Lord’s blessings say sources.
The Shri Sathya Sai Central trust which runs the Baba’s empire announced that the Baba Jayanthi is to be celebrated from November 18-23. The various programs begin with the Rathothsavam on November 18. On November 19 would be the International Women’s Day, November 20 would be Cultural Program by international Sri Sathya Sai Organizations, November 21 would be Drama on Convocation Eve by students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and November 22 Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The program shall conclude on November 23 with Sri Sathya Sai Jayanthi. In addition there would be cultural and spiritual enlightenment sessions.
Thought for the day, from the teachings of the Lord are: Riches and wealth are short-lived; office and authority are temporary; life-breath is a flickering flame in the wind. Youth is a three-day fair and pleasures and fortunes are bundles of sorrow. Knowing this, if you devote this limited term of life to the service of the Lord, then you are indeed blessed. Seek refuge at the Lord’s feet early on. Everything is untrue, impermanent and akin to castles in the air. Contemplate on this truth, approach God and glorify Him; that alone confers permanent joy. Inside the room called body, in the safe called the heart, the precious gem of wisdom (jnaana) exists. Four wily thieves - lust, anger, greed and envy (kaama, krodha, lobha and asuuya) are lying in wait to rob it. Awaken to this danger before it is too late. Reinforce yourself with the support of the Universal Guardian, the Lord, and keep the gem intact. That will make you rich in love (prema), and peace (shanthi).
