Ananda Vahini - Issue Eight - January 28, 2016

Issue Eight - January 28, 2016 "When you listen to the name of God, you will experience joy even in difficult situations. Therefore, in any situation, we should think of God, contemplate on God and forget our difficulties. This way, we can be happy all the time."                                                                                                         - Baba   With the Blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we are delighted to present our eighth issue of Ananda Vahini. The weekly newsletter will include interesting musings and short excerpts from the week's events. In this week's issue, we bring you highlights from the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2016 held at Muddenahalli. - Sathya Sai Grama Communications Team Watch the LIVE webcast of the Valedictory function of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2016, from the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham auditorium at www.saivrinda.org on January 30, 2016 at 10am IST. Rarely in the history of humankind that we find God Himself speaking about the glory of His devotees! It was a momentous occasion when the Divine Himself ordained the documentation of the lives of His dearest devotees, Sri Indulal Shah and Late Smt Sarla Shah, that will inspire mankind for eternity. 'A Life in Service - Indulal Shah and Sarla Shah', was blessed from concept to completion through constant guidance and supervision of Bhagawan Baba. Bhuvana Santhanam was the chosen instrument by the Lord to capture the vivid journey of this devout couple. She shares her experiences during the course of writing this book. Read the article 'The Silver Tsunami' here Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2016 Tuesday, January 26, 2016 - Morning It is said Sports doesn't build character; it reveals it. As sports is a balanced combination of mental stability and physical dexterity - these lessons can only be learnt outside the confines of a classroom on a playground. T. Alan Armstrong, the English character actor, once said, "Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character". It was this championship trait that was on display at the third Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions as 3,000 students from 10 campuses put up a magnificent show. Be it the dare-devilry of the motor cycle stunts or the fearless display of acrobatic agility or the creative expression of talent through dance, the inauguration of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2016 held on January 26, 2016 at the Sri Sathya Sai Samagamam Stadium, bore testimony to the character-centred education that is imparted in these educational institutions, established by the Lord. For a detailed update click here There was no such thing as impossible for the maestros, as these heroic trailblazers showcased superb balance, and stylish moves on their Airavatas. The grand finale was a pageantry of colours, offered with humality, devotion and adoration at the Divine Lotus Feet! Tuesday, January 26, 2016 - Evening After a triumphant display of talent, grace and character in the morning, the evening session of the Sri Sathya Sai Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2016 was a treat to both the mind and soul. The Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham auditorium was fully packed with students, their parents and devotees. Bhagawan arrived around 6.30 PM in a procession led by traditional Poorna Khumbam and Vedam, as melodious bhajans by the students rang through the magnificent edifice. The proceedings began with an invocation by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Vidya Kendra, Alike Campus. Motivating and inspiring speeches set the spiritual tone for the evening. Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Chief Mentor, Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust was the first speaker. Thanking Swami for making the inaugural function a resounding success, he congratulated all the students for putting up a spectacular show. The fact that they did so in spite of not being able to see the physical form of Swami was reason enough to believe that it was Swami, and Swami alone who helped and guided these students, he said. For a detailed update click here Students from all the 10 campuses, assembled for the evening cultural extravaganza, at the magnificent Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham! Bhagawan's students enacted a play in Kannada, as commanded by Him, titled – "My Life is My Message" - "Nanna Jeevanave Nanna Sandesha". The play gave a birds eye-view of the Sathya Sai Avatar – His Leelas, Mahimas, Upadeshas and the three pillars of His grand mission – Vidya (education), Vaidya (medical) and Vaari (water). Subscribe to 'Amruta Vahini', the monthly magazine from Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli today! From Divine Discourses to event updates, from photo features to travelogues, from  book excerpts to news updates, 'Amruta Vahini' is a must-have monthly magazine! To subscribe, mail us at commsmdh@gmail.com We will be happy to assist you with the subscription and deliver, to your home or office! Click to watch the video: I to We to He Click to watch the video: 'Love in Action...The Mission Continues' Visit www.saivrinda.org for the latest updates! Do watch all festivals and events webcast LIVE from Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli! Tune in to Sanathana Vani every Thursday (IST 5:30pm), Sunday (IST 6pm), and during festivals, to listen to the LIVE satsang, streamed directly from Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli.