Chinese New Year by Zone 4 of SSSO…

Hundreds of devotees from four Chinese speaking countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand joined together celebrating Chinese New Year in traditional style in the Holy Abode here in Prasanthi Nilayam.

The highlight of the evening was a drama presentation on the Legend of Miao Shan, a princess who renounced worldly comforts in pursuit of the Ultimate Goal finally to become a Bodhisattva. The presentation staged by the youth and children from Sai Study Group, Medan, Indonesia was based on an adaptation of an ancient Chinese folklore. Presenting the story, the drama highlighted man’s evolution from human to Divine.

Earlier the programme commenced with lighting the lamp by senior officials from Zone 4 of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations – Worldwide.

Offering of delicacies at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet was next, followed by a Welcome Address by Chinese New Year Coordinator, Bro. Billy Fong from Malaysia.

Addressing the devotees, Billy Fong spoke of the gradual transformation in the Chinese Civilization who are becoming more Godward, resorting to prayers, showing respect to parents, inculcating human values in life, thanks to the Divine Grace of Beloved Bhagawan. He also mentioned how Bhagawan sown the seed of transformation in him, during the first ever Chinese New Year in the immediate Divine Presence, in the year 1997.

Ancient Traditional Chinese Prayer of Gratitude followed, participated by women in traditional Chinese prayer attire carrying joss-sticks. Eight immortals representing transformation of man to God, representing eight Chinese values, sang a traditional Chinese New Year song on the significance of Chinese New Year. Though the singing and commentary was ‘Latin and Greek’ for the evening’s assembly, their colourful attire and gestures were quite indicative, conveying the theme to one and all.

At the end of the presentation all the participating children were felicitated with special gifts. Bhajans, both traditional Prasanthi style and adaptation of Chinese version, continued in full devotional fervor and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience.