Andhra Kodai Summer Retreat 2023 : Day 2

The blessed souls woke up even before the Nada Swaram Team started playing their instrumental Divine tunes to signal the dawn of the day. Everyone got ready to converge and gather right in front of The Supreme Master’s residence for singing the Suprabhatam in devotional reverence to their Master. Immediately thereafter the Eco Tourism precincts (created by the Govt of AP) and the surroundings reverberated with the melodious Bhajans soulfully sung by the blessed. The Nature on its part lovingly gave back the serenity and a salubrious weather with zero pollution not only in air but in Noise too.

Rudrabhishekam was then performed by the Lord Himself for the welfare of All the worlds. The vibrations and the Divine Aura transported everyone into realms BEYOND.

Breakfast was no ordinary. Swami ensured that the cooks followed a structured diet to satisfy the palates of everyone in a healthy manner considering the weather in the valley as well as the routine.

While everyone enjoyed every moment the most important thought that seemed to linger on the minds was the need to to achieve – SOUSEELYAM. Swami in His inimitable style lovingly awakened everyone to this wonderful Theme for the Trip the previous evening, Though apparently it looked very simple as one word, its meaning in real sense is indeed deep and very profound. Swami captured every one’s mind by sowing the need to introspect and transform by identifying one’s own weaknesses to excel in One’s own way during the Saptaham (the week long period of the trip). Thus Swami gave the whole trip a beautiful name.

‘SAPTAAHAM for SOWSEELYAM’

To achieve such an impeccable character Swami suggested and emphasised the need to maintain silence as far as possible; introspect and identify the inherent weaknesses in oneself; contain and control the tendency to complain of any sort; ensure putting on a pleasing smile on one’s face at all times and ensure that Peace and equanimity reigns over one’s mind under all circumstances.

The evening session started amidst the cool breeze that began to flow sensing the arrival of their Master. The chosen ones occupied their seats admiring their fortune.

If the first day evening thrilled the audience with the dances by modest Thimsa Dancers it was the turn of a group of ten local traditional singers this day to offer their devotional songs in an ethnic style. They took off in a beautiful spirit singing in unison the praise of Sankara the resident of Kailasa. They also sang in praise of the Holy Ganga and offered obeisance At the Feet of Lord Rama not to forget the songs that are pregnant with philosophy contained in the essence of the Vedas.

In His Divine Discourse Swami described how hearing these songs could facilitate in weaning ones mind away from world into spiritual realms. Recalling the performance by Burra Katha performers at Venkatagiri Aastanam decades back Swami narrated how everyone at that time could not understand the significance behind His felicitations to them in an unusual way. Swami said whether it was a good performance by the performers or not He deems it important to encourage one and all by giving an opportunity to the local artistes.

Amidst the aroma of Camphor Swami went on to speak of events in the offing by eminent performers that are in store and waiting to be performed over the remaining part of the SAPTAAHAM.

Swami did not spare the opportunity to shower His Praise on all those associated with The Vana Vaasi Kalyaana Asramam whom He appreciated as are doing a great job in rendering services for preservation of the Cultural heritage and welfare of the Tribals in our Nation.

Speaking about SOWSEELYAM – character building Swami reminded of Swami Vivekananda who exhorted youth to identify themselves as cubs of the Lions and urged upon everyone to manifest their latent spiritual values and energy. Recalling how Prabhupada ventured out without any resources in the international arena Swami spoke about the fervour with which these noble souls worked for furthering the cause they believed in with great character! Comparing the lamb that is afraid of a Lion and a cub that plays with Mother Lion Swami used amplify to describe that a true disciple moves very close to the God without any fear and those without character cannot come anywhere near the God. Quoting the example of Hiranyakashipu who dreaded the vision of Lord Narasimha and Prahlada who simultaneously rejoiced the Darsanam of his Master Swami urged upon everyone to develop kinship with the God by following HIM in full faith and total surrender. Quoting the example of how Lord Prahlaada Varada Lakshmi Narasimha Swami protecting SRI SATHYA SAI DIVYAAMRITAM provides protection like how eye lids protect the eyes Swami in HIS HIGHEST MODESTY used theHe is the Chairman as well as the DAASA for all the seekers of His Protection.

Concluding The Divine Discourse that everyone is a manifestation of The Santhana-Without a beginning or an End Swami urged upon everyone to sincerely work on SOWSEELYAM!

#summerretreat