|
17 February 2002, Sunday, San Jose, CA:
With the background of lovely decoration depicting the arrival of spring, Vasant Panchami was celebrated with the characteristic joy and happiness of the spring season. All four historical events associated with the day i.e. divine creation of the Shikshapatri, birthday of Shashtriji Maharaj as well as Brahmanand Swami and Nishkulanand swami were very well presented in different forms.
After kirtan with all musical instruments by Balak mandal, a Yuvak, in his speech, narrated the divine character of Shashtriji Maharaj. A member of kishor mandal described Shashtriji Maharaj as an architect; Architect of temples and that of human beings. The theme speech of the program walked through the zeal and aplomb of Shashtriji Maharaj for the Akshar Purushottam Upasana and chronological events that led to the birth of the BAPS sanstha. After speeches, it was time for a change. A Drama based on a prasang between Shriji Maharaj and Brahmanand swami regarding the wearing of 'Taat' was enjoyed by the audience. Nishkulanand swami was remembered by singing of verses from Bhaktachintamani. "Importance of Shikshapatri in achieving true success and peace in our life" was the theme of the last speech. The speech described how the Shikshapatri covers all aspects of the life including daily routine, financial and physical safety, diet, hygiene, social relations, behavior and the ultimate goal of Moksha as well as the whole spectrum of population with different social, economical and spiritual band in just 212 shlokas. 212 Shlokas of the Shikshapatri were compared with the lighthouse for the mankind showing the path to the true success and peace in life.
|