6 December 2008 (VS 2065, Sud Atham) Saturday, Tithal.
Today was Swamishri’s 88th birthday. Due to the terrorist attack in Mumbai (26/11) Swamishri had cancelled the celebrations in Mumbai and at all BAPS mandirs and centres. Swamishri had strictly instructed that no mention of his birthday be made after his puja, and no garlands be offered to him.
Swamishri performed his puja according to routine and gave audience to 128 devotees.
7 December 2008 (V.S. 2065, Sud Nom) Sunday, Tithal
According to the English calendar the day marked Swamishri’s 88th birthday. After Thakorji’s darshan he performed abhishek of Nilkanth Varni. Thereafter Swamishri performed his morning puja. The senior sadhus garlanded Swamishri. A souvenir ‘Satpurush’, prepared by sadhus and youths of Mumbai for Swamishri’s 88th Birthday Celebration, was inaugurated by Dr Swami.
In the evening Swamishri attended the Sunday satsang assembly. After Viveksagar Swami’s discourse Swamishri was honoured with garlands. Thereafter Swamishri blessed the mammoth gathering, “One may acquire things of this world, but the darshan of God, discourses about God, an association of a true sadhu are rare. When one gets the association and refuge of a bona fide sadhu one’s life becomes full of joy and inner satisfaction."
14 December 2008, (V.S. 2065, Vad Bij) Sunday, Navsari
The evening satsang assembly began with a concert of bhajans by sadhus. Thereafter, Swamishri was honoured with garlands. Finally in his blessings Swamishri inspired, “If you think, you will come to realize that ordinary people, and even kings and millionaires have all passed away. Despite knowing this, we never think and feel that we too are going to die and leave everything behind. It is because of ignorance that we become infatuated and attached. What is ignorance? The belief that ‘I am the body.’ Everyone’s body dies, likewise ours too will die.”