Christmas Celebrations at Dharmakshetra, December 25, 2011 “ERADI” brothers, are the contemporary Mandir singers from the olden days of Bhagavan Baba . Since from their younger days, they were regular visitors and singers, they had several occasions for close contacts with Bhagavan and also interactions. Swami used to regularly give them directions. Bhajans/Music has a magnetic force that inveigles the listener just as a lodestone attracts a piece of iron regardless of the application for which it is being used and when the Guru blesses such singers, the beatitude, and the exhilaration gained by the listener through it is inexplicable. It (Bhajans) awakens the soul from a long-drawn slumber of ages upon ages. No vocabulary we have learnt upon this planet, can ever express the bliss of musical ecstasy through bhajans which our beloved Bhagawan has shown the way to all of us..... Life is a song sing it - and the Eradi Brothers sang a garland of devotional songs here at Dharmakshetra. Their soulful rendition brought solace and pure bliss to many a hearts. Their bhajans were very lovely, appealing and uplifting. Yes, it was heart rendering indeed, beautifully sang. The soothing music was a food for the souls! The evening programme began with the vedas chanting followed by bhajans and carols by bal vikas children. The Eradi brothers started their bhajans around 6.45 pm and ended around 8 pm followed by Aarti. Please click on the following link to views the photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/106193977869834254620/ChristmasCelebrationsAtDharmakshetraDecember252011# Videos from Radio Sai Latest Videos Updated - 26.12.2011 25 DECEMBER 2011 - EVENING PROGRAMME 25 DEC 2011 - XMAS MORNING INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS CHOIR - 24 DEC 2011 “JOY OF LIVING” a.. an offering of beautiful love by Central and South European Sai devotees Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam is always special. Yes, people of all faiths and cultures – be it Hindus or Muslims, Christians or Buddhists, or any faith for that matter - congregate in this 'Abode of Peace' and in unison sing the glories of the Lord. But that is only one aspect of this lovely occasion. The best part of course always is the beatific darshan of the Lord. In the days of yore, Baba would emerge from the silver door on the balcony of the Prasanthi Nilayam mandir and shower His loving glances and profuse benedictions in the wee hours of the morning even as the thousands looked up to His resplendent form sparkling in a milky white robe. While the candles silently shone in their hands and their hearts vociferously sang out for Him, their beings leaped into heights of divine ecstasy. The bliss of Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam is truly exceptional. “The most beautiful Christmas is here in Prasanthi Nilayam,” says Mathia, a devotee from Croatia. In fact more than 200 devotees from South and Central European countries are in this heavenly hamlet in December 2011, and they are on a special mission – to decorate their beloved's abode. The entire Sai Kulwant Hall looks like a new heaven – what with lovely paintings, angels, golden and yellow drapes, stars, bells, christmas trees and folly everywhere. “We are doing it for Love... we are doing it for Him... We love Him so much... He is here and He is in us. It is just love,” answers Mathia when asked what has motivated her and all in her group to travel all the away from Croatia and other European countries to gather at Prasanthi Nilayam with loads of coloured clothes and floats, stars and bells, paintings and christmas trees. “Joy of Living” is how they have labeled this special pilgrimage as it is all about the living the love of Baba joyously every second of their lives. Radio Sai team had the opportunity to speak to these amazing love-filled devotees even as they were busy creating those magnificant pieces of art. Listen to these conversations below to know what Christmas Love in Action is all about! Dec 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. Conversation with South and Central European Devotees about Christmas Decorations: In Hall No. 8 in Prasanthi Nilayam Dec 22, 2011 at 1 p.m. Conversation with South and Central European Devotees about Christmas Decorations: In Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam - Radio Sai Team sourced: http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_09/01DEC11/05_joy.htm Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam… Sunday, December 25th, 2011 International Choir comprising over 240 choristers from across the globe presented a scintillating display of devotional singing on the Christmas Eve, on 24th evening in Prasanthi Nilayam. This year also witnessed a change of guard, as experienced and accomplished singer from Munich, Germany, Ms. Gisela Sebastian took over the reins from Ms. Sylvia Alden, conducting the Choir. The programme commenced at 1700 hrs. after half-an-hour Veda chanting. Mr. Aurthur Hillcoat, veteran devotee from Australia and formerly Christmas Committee Coordinator lit the lamp that was followed by customary offerings at the Sanctum Sanctorum by senior devotees. Mr. Arthur Hillcoat, veteran devotee from Australia lit the lamp and other senior members, including Ms. Gisela Sebastian joined in offering obeisance to Bhagawan. Beginning in traditional Indian style with three Omkars and a Ganesha Mantra, the choristers incited round of applause for their perfectly tuned Sanskrit Mantra. The one hour Choir consisted of numbers, Silent Night Holy Night, Hallelujah We Praise, There is none like You, O Holy Night, Oh Lord You are beautiful etc. ending with a special composition seeking Shanti, Peace, a perfect finale infusing peace within while diffusing peace around engulfing the whole of Prasanthi Nilayam. The different voices, sopranos, altos, tenors and bass were carefully auditioned and put together to synchronise with an interesting variety of instrumentalists, singing in praise of The Lord on the Christmas Eve. The sweet and melodious sound of the violin was unmistakable against the crystal clear tinkle of the keyboards and the beat of the percussions which resonated seamlessly with that of the ubiquitous guitar. The fusion of “amen” with “shanti” in the curtain call was refreshingly exhilarating. Although the choristers had very little time for rehearsing, having started only on 14th December 2011, their tremendous dedication and commitment, which saw them meet twice a day, every day, had paid off, and the crowds were well entertained by a very professional and polished performance, on this Christmas Eve. View Photos/Slideshow: http://www.sssbpt.org/images/christmaseve2011.swf The robust and spontaneous applause from the audience, which had filled the hall to capacity, bore testimony to its immense appreciation. Prof. Anil Kumar, speaking at the end of the session, was clear in lavish appreciation. He lauded the group for its impeccable and outstanding performance. The venue was turned into a heaven with dazzling resplendent lights spreading all over adding charm to the Christmas décor. The Croatian decorators with assistance from many other countries tirelessly worked for a fortnight bringing special colours to Prasanthi for Christmas 2011. These dedicated decorators ensured that the gaiety and the spirit of Christmas were adequately reflected through strings of flashing lights, coloured bulbs and scintillating luminescence. The Croatians spared nothing in ensuring that the highest standards were maintained in erecting the décor for Christmas. Before long, the Prasanthi Nilayam environment was transformed from the usual scenic, lush greenery of plants and flowers to one reflecting the spirit and gaiety of Christmas. Children and adults never failed to stop and immerse themselves in the prevailing ambiance while going about their routine. Bhajans continued for the next half an hour and special clothings, sarees and safari pieces were distributed to the assemblage of choristers. Prasadam was distributed and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs. The session continued with Prof. Anil Kumar contemplating on the significance of the Advent of Jesus and the Holy Night relating the same with Bhagawan. Drawing interesting parallels vouching the Oneness of Bhagawan and Jesus, Isa and Sai, Anil Kumar affirmed the Eternal Presence of Bhagawan in Prasanthi Nilayam, amidst His devotees. II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II sourced: http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/2011/12/christmas-eve-in-prasanthi-nilayam/ Bhagawan recounts Jesus Story… Sunday, December 25th, 2011 Divine voice that echoed Prasanthi Nilayam over the past more than five decades once again reverberated in the holy precincts this evening on the occasion of Christmas 2011. The epochal 1996 Divine Discourse where in Bhagawan revealed many untold, unheard tales about Jesus, materialising the original Bible, a mini one, was relayed in the final phase of Christmas evening programme. A capacity audience that filled the Sai Kulwant sat listening, soaking their hearts, minds and souls in Bhagawan’s Divine Love. Two bhajans that followed the Divine Discourse Hari Bhajana Bina…and Love is My form…came like a soothing balm to the audience that felt the absence of His physical form. Eearlier the programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with Christmas International Committee Chairman John Behner introducing the speakers for the evening. Introducing the speakers Mr. Behner thanked the Croatian led decoration team as well as Indonesian devotees for their efforts in the western canteen in providing sumptuous Christmas dinner. Ms. Sylvia Alden, the Conductor who mesmerised Prasanthi with her musical prowess and devotion leading the Choir for more than a decade spoke of her induction into Sai narrating some beautiful experiences with Beloved Bhagawan. She also narrated how Bhagawan got her into Choir conducting in His own inimitable style. The second speaker, veteran devotee from Australia, Arthur Hillcoat, (Fr. Charles Ogada who was scheduled to speak speak gave way to the veteran) spoke on the importance of following Bhagawan’s teachings. Delivering his speech the speaker dwelled deep into Bhagawan’s teachings, quoting other Masters, Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi, driving his point to follow Bhagawan and His teachings. Prof. Anil Kumar thanked the speakers, making a special mention of Arthur Hillcoat, before announcing the programme scheduled for tomorrow. International Children Choir will sing Christmas Carols tomorrow evening at the Sanctum Sanctorum. II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II sourced: http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/2011/12/bhagawan-recounts-jesus-story/
