Photos: Guru Pournima Celebrations ​at Prasanthi Nilayam

Prasanthi Nilayam: The Guru Purnima celebrations came to a grand conclusion this evening marked by an exhilarating speech followed by a scintillating flute recital.

Commencing the proceedings after 1700 hrs., George Bebedelis, an alumnus of Athens University, and an office bearer of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations addressed the assembly of devotees. A seasoned speaker with a flair for Advaitic teachings, George spoke of essential advaita, Who Am I?, connecting the same with his interview room experiences, linking up with his understanding of the teachings of Socrates and Plato.

The speaker beautifully summarized as to how Bhagawan in His inimitable style reminded him that he is equally God. Deliberating on the Guru Principle, George explained as to how the awareness dawned upon him that Bhagawan (God) is not a physical entity, but the Omnipresent all-pervading Divine Principle. Guru is Gunaatheetha and Roopavarjitha, beyond any attributes and beyond any form. George signed off singing the bhajans "Sathyam Jnanam Anantham Brahma..."

A soul-stirring flute concert ensued next, offered by Ms Shantala Subramaniam from Chennai. The accomplished flutist, who reached Parthi this morning against all odds, played for over 80 minutes, filling the hearts and souls in the vast Kulwant Hall in the bliss of musicality. This morning, as the artiste was readying up to travel to Parthi, she met with an accident in Bengaluru and was thus advised by the medicos not to travel to Parthi. However, at last, her devotion and faith prevailed upon and a determined Ms Shantala travelled all the way to Parthi with the sole intention of performing for Bhagawan.

Bhajans continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.