The morning of August 2, dawned bright and clear, to welcome the birth day of Revered Dada J. P. Vaswani. The holy fire from the lighting of 108 Havans greeted the dawn. Then followed the recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Sri Japji Sahib.
Between 8 am and 9 am, the ‘Bhog’ of 101 ‘Paths’ of Nuri Granth, along with ‘Akhand Path’ of Nuri Granth and Sri Guru Granth Sahib ‘Path’ were chanted. At 10:30 am service of the poor and needy took place.
At the 12 noon Satsang, the holy fire was lit for Dada to come and place the ‘aahuti’. The flow of bhajan and kirtan which followed, surpassed all precious ones, for the music and sweet vocals were suffused with that unique joy and devotion, special to the day of the Guru’s birth.
Beautiful yellow T-shirts, the colour of the spirit, were distributed among every member of the audience heralding the ‘moment of calm’, at 2 pm.
Several new books written by Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani, were launched – “The Miracle of Forgiving”, “Living in the Now and Other Heart to Heart Talks”, “Why be Sad and Other Heart to Heart Talks?”, “You Can Change Your Life”, along with Dada’s miniature Calendar, a Sindhi booklet, a Hindi monthly publication “Dil Ka Dwar Khol”, a French translation of “Burn Anger Before Anger Burns You” and several audio-video CDs.
The massive crowd waited with bated breath for Dada’s arrival. There was a huge, collective sigh as the curtains were drawn aside, and Dada appeared on stage as a beautiful apparition, an ethereal being, complemented by the soft pink and white décor.
Dada said we live in a world of uncertainty. We need constant protection, which only the Guruji can provide, for the Guru’s grasp is far-reaching. We only have to call out to him.
Today, on the sacred Rakshabandhan day, Dada blessed: May all be kept safe. Dada said today’s Ruh-Rihan as usual, will revolve around a central thought, which has the suction power to draw us within. This journey is the sole purpose of this human birth.
Not all the storms and hurricanes of this world can extinguish the eternal flame within us, till we can one day witness it. We need the assistance of someone to achieve this – that is the Guru.
Dada said on this day his thoughts naturally went to his parents. But ultimately, it is only the Guru who can take one from darkness to the light of Truth.
The Satsang in the evening was more subdued, as though the canopy of the Moment of Calm had covered the entire venue.
The lilting bhajans and kirtan were soothing, calming, filling the core of our beings with peace and bliss.
Dada distributed chocolates and stationery among the children from Chhatrapati Shivaji Matti Mand Nivasi Vidyalaya and groceries, cash and household items to women from poorer homes.
True stories were narrated of the positive effect of forgiveness experienced by people. The moment of calm was being celebrated not only in India, but in several parts of the world. Dada was presented with a list of 1,27,772 pledges for observance of 2nd August as ‘Forgiveness Day’.
The taped message of Rev. Sadhu Vaswani for Dada’s birthday in days of yore, gave wonderful glimpses of Dada’s younger days with his Master.
To enter the kingdom of God, Dada urged, be humble. He thanked everyone for the good wishes, saying he did not deserve all this.
Dada told us that in silence he went to his Master, saying he is filled with infinite flaws and shortcomings. Please accept me as I am.
Dada recited a poem which he had written, in which, it being Forgiveness Day he begs the Lord for forgiveness.
He said Sadhu Vaswani advised to give up desires and embark on the internal quest, fortified with deep longing and yearning for the Lord. This is the sole purpose of this human birth, all else is incidental
Birthdays are not just for cutting cakes and celebrations. We must keep the following points in mind:
1. Appreciate this human birth.
2. Worry about how the year has gone by, whether it has been wasted
3. Surrender unconditionally.
Dada left the hall in the midst of loving calls of ‘Dada, Dada’
