Events at Prashanthi Nilayam
Sunday, 12 OCT 2003


In the morning Swami came out about 7:30 AM (didn't see the clock at the time) in the open chair, not on a platform as in the beginning (many days ago), but pushed by a couple of boys.

Since the last few days, Swami has Himself walked out of the Poornachandra (helped by an assistant or two) and then only got into the cart/chair. Also while returning, Swami gets down on the road in front of the door and walks inside, usually with little or no assistance.

Swami came around as usual, via the wheelchair isle, and went into the interview room. Many people thought that He would remain there for a long time, so hundreds of people got up and left! But, He came out after only about 15 or 20 minutes (?) and returned to the Poornachandra.

Later, He came out about 9:20 AM for bhajans. What most of us didn't see (but I heard the report from friends who were outside, as well as one lady who sits on the benches) is that Swami walked out of the Poornachandra side door Himself, unassisted, and,
ignoring the chair, continued to walk on the road, about 10 or 15 feet, towards the Darshan hall! But then His watchful assistants "made" Him accept to get into the chair, where He was sitting as He was pushed into the hall.

Swami came to the verandah in the usual place, where He listened to only one bhajan before calling for arathi. Swami went into the interview room.

Swami came out after about 15 minutes and returned to the Poornachandra, pushed in the chair. He talked to a few people on the way - including calling a young schoolboy and motioning, "Did you eat breakfast? What did you eat? How many?" Also he raised His eyes in delightful surprise and asked, "When did you come?" in His soft, sweet, lilting voice, to a couple of devotees in first row. He gave many "Abhaya" blessings (raised hand) and looked so sweet and gentle.

In the evening, Swami came after 4 PM, in the open chair, and was positioned on the verandah. There was Vedic chanting. Later, He went into the interview room for some time. 

Swami came out of the interview room and was on the verandah again for bhajans, which He ended after only two or three. He went out as usual - looking so small yet so huge, occupying the entire universe and our hearts!