Skit and Musical Offering by Glendale & Arcadia Sadhana Group, Southern California
Saturday, 25th July, 2009 turned out to be one of the longest evenings in Prasanthi Nilayam on a non-festive day. The pleasant evening turned into cool twilight to a glittering night when the final curtain was drawn at 2030 Hrs.
The evening that had a scheduled programme by a contingent from Southern California, Glendale & Arcadia Sadhana Group from Region 8 had an initial test of “patience and perseverance” as the group had to wait for long two hours before the scheduled hour arrived at 19:35 when Bhagawan asked the group to begin.
The group comprising of 84 members, including children had a small skit entitled “Mother’s Blessings” based on the inspirational life story of the 16th President of the nation, Abraham Lincoln followed a bouquet of Bhajans on Mother Divine.
It is undisputed that there is no bigger figure in the entire american history than the larger than life figure of Abraham Lincoln whose life was a flower of virtues galore and his name is far more familiar in Prasanthi Nilayam as Bhagawan Himself would often quote his exemplary life while discoursing on self confidence, teaching students of the greater values to be inculcated to become ideal ones.
How and what helped him in the face of adversity, in times of unending hardships, to pursue with greater vigour? “Mother’s Blessings” was a depiction of various attributes of the illustrious, exemplary leader highlighting the hardships that he faced and the self-confidence he learned and earned from his loving mother that finally helped him to evolve to become, to officiate the highest office of the President of the United States of America.
Every scene interspersed with vedic hyms bringing the keynote meaning made the presentation lucid bringing in highlighting how the illustrious personality’s life was in harmony with the ancient teachings. This was followed by a bouquet of Bhajans on Mother Divine as a loving devotional offering at His Feet that lasted for over thirty minutes.
After the lengthy session the group was blessed with a photo session with Bhagawan before Arathi was offered.
Indeed, this evening was a test of character for the group, a test of His often quoted dictum, to love His uncertainty…and the group with utmost discipline, showing greater patience and perseverance, conquered His heart with their ‘heartificial’ devotion. …
On a day when they depicted the illustrious life of a great personality, the group had a rare opportunity to win His grace by showcasing some of the His teachings of greater discipline and devotion in practice. …And the clarion call for the evening was the greatness of Mother’s Love which is often termed as the purest and selfless form of Love by Bhagawan Himself.
Arathi was offered at 20:30 Hrs. Beginning a new custom, offering of a flower of “Love” for Bhagawan in recognition of the yeomen, selfless service to Bhagawan’s Mission, Mr. Ram Mohan Rao, Head of Finance and Accounts Section of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust offered a “Rose” to Bhagawan.
This practice was initiated at Bhagawan’s instance and would continue granting an opportunity to all senior servants serving at various institutions under Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. After Arathi was offered Prasadam was distributed before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram.