August 2, 2004 – Dada's 86 th Birthday Celebrations

     The experience of seeing Dada J.P. Vaswani , on his 86 th birthday on 2-08-04, on the stage, amidst the ethereal violet decor, was akin to reaching the summit of the Kundalini – the Sahasrara Chakra – which is also associated with the colour violet.

     The joy and exhuberance of the vast crowd seemed to bounce and rebound off the walls in jubilantly wishing their Guru and in being in his midst on his birthday.

     The essence of the thought conveyed by Dada on this day was – O man, do not waste this human birth. Prevent the powerful senses from sending your life into regression. Use this body as an instrument through which the Atma or the soul, can effectively play the Divine Tune. Offer each action unto the Lord, not mindful of the fruit. Be constantly aware, performing acts taking you onward, Godward .

     The acts thus necessary to perform are----

• Sitting in Silence
• Offering all actions to Him for ‘God is, God is watching, God is watching over us'.
• Not straying away from the Truth---Love and Truth are two sides of the same coin.
• Trying daily to serve a little.

     Amidst loud cheers and fireworks, Dada lit the candle and cut the huge 2–tiered cake that almost engulfed him. The last we could see was Dada pouring his love, like the torrential rain, towards all the out-stretched hands.

     The mood in the evening was more somber, full of prayer and gratitude. Prayer from the holy book Nuri Granth , kirtan and bhajans set the pace for the evening. Then there was service of the poor by Dadaji , handing out cash and items of necessity.

     The main theme of the birthday message was based on Guru Nanak's saying which was mentioned by Dada's Master, Sadhu Vaswani in his recorded talk – This 9- gated human body has a hidden 10 th door which should be opened. The window of our hearts should be opened, or else this human birth is in vain.

     All our chores are like churning water. We will not get any butter but will only be left empty-handed. This morning Dada sent thoughts of gratitude to both his parents, devotees of the lord, for this human birth. At the age of 10-11 yrs after the demise of his father, his mother sowed the seeds of good character in all her 7 children.

     Despite the presence of a hundred moons and a crore suns, the inner darkness cannot be removed. For that a Guru is essential and Dada was fortunate to have one at home – Sadhu Vaswani , his uncle.

     For the Guru to enable us to open our hearts, some sadhanas or disciplines are essential –

• Bring purity into our lives, without which we will be like a pot with holes, unable to retain any water. Even cloth has to be bleached before it can be dyed.
• Give rise to thirst and love for the Lord, after the inner instrument has been purified.