October 2, 2009 – Drama on Sankaracharya by Japanese Sai Youth
October 1 saw a very interesting announcement being made. The first day of a
new month had a new programme in the offing. On Swami's command, Prof. Anil
Kumar had announced that the evening of October 2 would witness a drama on the
life of Adi Shankara.
If you are wondering what is so special about it, you must know that it was to
be presented by the Sai Youth from Japan (Zone 5)! Japanese youth performing
the life of India's foremost Advaithic scholar and sage - things could not have
been more interesting. And so, on Gandhi Jayanthi, the birthday of the father
of the Indian nation, a drama on Adi Shankaracharya, the father of one of
India’s profoundest spiritual thoughts (non-dualism), had been arranged.
By 4:00 p.m., Sai Kulwant Hall was ready to receive its Lord and the Japanese
youth awaited Swami with all readiness. At five minutes to five, Swami arrived.
Along the ladies side were seated the staff of the Sathya Sai General Hospital
and they fervently prayed to Swami to visit them on Sunday as it was their
anniversary day. Swami blessed them and seemed to agree to their request.
Swami completed the darshan rounds on the gents’ side and arrived on stage. He
immediately spoke to the co-ordinator and asked him to begin the programme. The
first part of the programme was music on traditional Japanese instruments. The
shakuhachi, which is Japan's vertical bamboo flute with five finger holes, four
in front and one at the back, played the lead. The other lead instrument was
the koto which consists of a 6 foot long shallow resonating box (made from
Paulownia wood) with a set of thirteen strings stretched over movable ivory
bridges.
Swami was swaying to the music with a gentle smile playing on His lips.
Everyone has imagination and music has universal appeal. So we always conjure
images and sights in our minds that match the music we hear. But the sight of
Swami is so apt for any kind of music! And that is because it is not the music
that adds to the sight but the darshan that adds infinitely to the music!
After that, the Japanese chanted the Vedas! Starting with Ganapati Prarthana
(Ganesh Invocation Mantra), they continued with Sahana vavatu... They even
chanted the Narayanopanishad to perfection. In the meanwhile, Swami asked once
or twice for the drama.
When the co-ordinator tried to cut short the programme, Swami stopped him
saying, "Let them chant and sing as much as they want." And so, the chanting
was followed by a few bhajans, most of them in the Japanese tongue. It was only
after the singing that a member of the youth carrying a traditional Japanese
fan came up to the front and introduced the drama.
The half an hour long presentation then got underway. It highlighted the major
episodes of Shankara's life from him assuming sanyasa after being caught in the
jaws of a crocodile to his travels throughout India where he outclassed
everyone in debates; from his being humbled at the hands of Lord Shiva in the
guise of an untouchable to the exalted manner in which he kept up his promise
to perform his mother's rites.
[To attempt an enlightening quiz on the life of Adi Shankara and His philosophy
of Non-Dualism from H2H archives, please go here.]
As the drama concluded, all the youth came forward and almost pleaded with
Swami, "Swami, Sankara's teachings on the Advaitha are the ultimate. Guide us
along this path to see You in all!" And that statement spoke of the impact
Swami has been making on mankind.
While narrow-minded people stop at saying, "There is only One God", Swami goes
ahead to say, "There is only one God and God is omnipresent." While the rest
are content with, "There is only one religion (and it is mine!)", Swami becomes
all inclusive as He declares, "There is only one religion, the religion of
Love!" And thus it is that He has universal appeal for He teaches us that there
are as many ways to God as there are seekers in this world! He guides each one
along his/her chosen path.
Swami beckoned for the 'Japanese Sankaracharya' to come near. He then
materialized a beautiful gold chain and put it around his neck. The actor broke
down in divine joy and Swami seemed to console him. Patting him and blessing
him, Swami said that He would move down the stage to grant group photos. That
was also complete soon and it was a beautiful sight to see Swami amidst men and
women in traditional Japanese as well as Indian clothes!
Swami moved up the stage and asked them to sing some more bhajans. The youth
gleefully pounced on the opportunity and as they sang, prasadam was
distributed. At 6:15 p.m., Swami received aarthi and retired for the day.
With love and light
Sai Ram
