July 10, 2010 – Presentation of a Choir by the US group

It was an early start for the evening as by 4:30 p.m., Swami arrived for darshan on July 10. It was a day when He had permitted the group from US to present their choir. Swami completed the darshan rounds and asked for the programme to begin at about 5:20 p.m. The card and floral offerings were made and Swami blessed them to begin.

Beginning with “Simple Gifts”, a song that tells one to live life as a gift, they moved on singing “The Potter’s Hand”, a prayer to mold one’s life, followed by “Deep River” a supplication to Lord as Deep River to help crossing over unto His campground. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was the next number, a song of Tribute to America that was followed by “There will be Joy in the Morning”, a song of hope for joy and peace.

“How Beautiful”, a song of praise for the Lord emanating from the deep heart was next which was followed by “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name”, with little children praising the Lord. The penultimate number was “Hallelujah” song from Handel’s Messiah.

Swami had His bundle of letters in His hand which He was reading during the programme. The songs were all of a type and variety that is rarely heard in Prashanti Nialayam. Swami smiled as He seemed to ask the students, “Can you understand what they are singing?”

One of the students who was looking at the script given and trying to sing along elicited another smile from Him. It was obvious that the student was making that effort only to make an ‘impression’ on Him and He clearly knew it! It was so hilarious seeing this reaction.

The different thing in that day’s choir was the presence of a lady who was assisting the choirmaster. She signalled with her hands so that the aurally- challenged people from the group too could participate in the singing.

After the music programme, Swami permitted the members to sing bhajans. While this was on, out of the blue Swami called one of the lead singers from the ladies side and materialized a golden chain for her. He put it around her neck and told her to go and sing another bhajan. With great joy, she did as commanded. Soon after that, Swami received aarthi and retired for the day.

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