Friday, March 31, 2006

Satsang Sri Sai Amrit Vani

30th March 2006
Jai Sai Ram
It was rather a unique Thursday. On
Wednesday it was the solar eclipse from 4:30 PM to
6:30 PM Indian Time, and there was no Udi from any
photo or Statue of Baba till that time. As the 'Sutak'
started from the morning, Mrs Gupta did not done the
morning pooja and simply wished HIM from a distance.
In the evening after taking the bath she performed the
pooja and soon Udi started coming and dropping from
the statue and the photos all over.
This Thursday is the beginning of
the Navratre and beside Baba blessing with Udi, Maa
Durga and Maa Vaishnow is also blessing with Kumkum
(Sindoor). Large amount of Kumkum is falling from Maa
Durga's Photo. There were about 80-90 people, who
attended the Sai Amrit Vani in person this Thursday.
All were applied tilak with this kumkum. This
phenomina is also happening for quite some years. A
latter received by post from California received
during the Sri Amrit Vani was placed befor Baba by Mrs
Gupta and it was blessed with Udi in no time. I took
the snap of the letter with Udi and sent it to the
person concerned.
Jai Sai Ram.

We were able to see the following Leelas of Baba on
Thursday the 30th March 2006.

1. Udi started appearing and dropping from the photos
and the statue of Baba from Wednesday evening after
the solar eclipse and when Mrs Gupta started the
pooja. As usual the words formed with Udi were again
'RAM' and 'SHAM' 'OM' and Trishool.
2. There was a lot of Water from the Charans. This
water was collected in the plate. Water tasted and
smelled of Chandan. After Amrit Vani this water was
given to the devotees and again the plate was filled
with water. Jai Sai Ram.
3. Due to Navratre only fruits, Banana and Oranges
were offered to Baba as Bhog during Sri Sai Amrit
Vani. Which were duly accepted by Baba and they were
found blessed with Udi and party eaten which were
placed before HIM. Part of Banana was also on the lips
of Baba.
4. Lap of Mrs Gupta was filled with Udi during the Sai
Amrit Vani. Besides Mrs Gupta many devotees also had
Udi in their books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani. Which they
collected in papers.
5. Many devotees felt the presence of Baba during the
recitation of Sai Amrit Vani in different ways.
6. The Charnamrit of Baba was also sweet as if some
honey has been mixed into it.
7. One Sai Satcharitra was kept in the Mandir by
Mrs gupta which was blessed with Udi.

Jai Sai Ram

Sri Sai Amrit Vani started exactly at 11:04
AM and Noon Aarti exactly at 12:00 Hrs. followed by
brief Meditation and the prayer, Prayan from Sai
Satcharitra and finally distribution of Prasad. Few
prayers/poem and thanks were offered by Mrs. Gupta to
Baba.

On their request and the assurance of
reciting/reading/listening Sai Amrit Vani on Thursday,
received till Wednesday night, following Sai devotees
were included and they participated ( in Absencia) in
the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani. The names had
been sorted out, according to their email ids, to
avoid any duplication. Devotees are requested to P L
E A S E, give the names along with place, for
inclusion in the Sai Amrit Vani in absencia only of
those devotees, ---------------- who will recite/read
or at least listen Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places
on Thursday at any time-----------. However all Sai
devotees are prayed for by Mrs Gupta during Sai Amrit
Vani, when the feeling of presence of Baba is very
strong.

Devotees participating in Sri Sai
Amrit Vani on Thursdays, in absencia are requested
to pray for themselves also and recite/read or listen
Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their place, Links of Audio MP3
files are given in the link section of the home page
of ' mysaibaba20' yahoogroup. Hindi and English Script
of Sri Sai Amrit Vani are also there in the file
section of the home page. To go to home page of
yahoogroup key in or click
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba20. This
activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani will be in addition to
any other pooja or sewa or prayer that you are doing.

Meaning of Sri Sai Amrit Vani in
English along with Romanised English Script of Hindi
is also available for those who do not understand
Hindi.


Jai Sai Ram.

Ashok Gupta
akg_vg@bol.net.in

___________________

Satsang Thought for the day



Arrow goes forward only after pulling in to backward
Bullet goes forward only after pressing the trigger backward
Similarly, Every human being will get happy only after facing the difficulties in their life path..
So don't be afraid to face your difficulties.They will push you forward.


___________________

Subject: Satsang Bhakta Leela Amrut by Das Ganu Maharaj

Dear Devotees

The great work of Bhakta Leela Amrut, and Shri Katha Amrutha was written by
Das Ganu Maharaj when Shirdi Sai Baba was alive, and this book was used for
doing Sai Satyavratha during Babas time.
This book was orginally written in Marathi, and this was translated into
english by Sai Seva Sangh, Kano-Nigeria and published by Shirdi Sai Trust
Trichunapally.

We are publishing all the four chapters for the benefit of devotees.

with regards
Saileelas.org team

Chapter-31
Om Shree Ganeshayanamah.! I pray to Lord Ganesh 'I pray to Lord Umapati.!!!
0 Lord! I am praying to you in the evening ("pradosh kal"). I am your child
and do not ignore me. You have chosen the most pleasant Kailas mountain as
your abode. You appeared in the past as angry Veerbhadra when Daksha
Prajapati insulted you. O Pashupati, you are always alert to protect your
devotees. Why then are you ignoring me! 0 Merciful Parvatiraman! May be you
think this sinful ignoramus is not worthy of your grace and therefore do not
appear before me. O Shoolapani, O Umanath, remember the hunter and forgive
me as you have forgiven him. I am your child and pray, do not ignore me.

The devotees of the Lord, no matter what caste they were born in, become one
with Narayan. They all belong to one caste only, just as there is only one
life force in every heart and only one person - the Lord himself How then
can there be any duality? The devotees do not hold different opinions, nor
do they take pride in any particular faith. In the past, great saints like
Kamal and Kabir appeared on this earth. Did the Lord think of their caste?
The Lord hungers for devotion, which he finds but rarely. He sells himself
to the devotee who makes a bid for his grace with pure devotion. All
devotees are dear to Lord Hari, no matter what caste or circumstances they
are born in.

About twelve miles to the south of the Godavari near Kopergaon, is the
village Shirdi. There appeared in that village a very pious Maharaj called
Sai Baba by his devotees. Nobody knew where he came from. If anybody asked
him where he came from or what his name was, the Maharaj would answer, the
answer coming pat like rain after, thunder: "I belong to no place I am
Nirguna. But bound as I am by karma I got this form- this body of mine. The
universe is my abode. Brahma is my father and Maya my mother, and they gave
me this body." His heart, however, was always full of bliss. He knew the
world is mortal. This Maharaj brought off a number of miracles. I can.not
describe all of them here.

Shirdi was a very small place in those days with just a few small shops
dealing in groceries of everyday .

(Source
http://www.saileelas.org/books/4chap.htm)

Subject: Satsang EXPERIENCES (Sai Sudha May 1944)

EXPERIENCES (May 1944)
About the end of the 1st week of March 1944, one night I was sleeping alone, in my sub-conscious state of mind, I heard the voice of Sree Sai Baba uttering the expression "5000 (Five thousand times) Nama japam" Having become accustomed to His method of warning in my particular case. I thought there must be calamity which will befall me shortly and that the said calamity has to be warded off by making namajapam of Baba. The next day I heard from my clerk that I have been prosecuted under the Indian Arms Act
for failure to deposit my revolver at once after the refusal of the renewal of my license. The refusal by the Government was due to my old age, which disqualified me to hold and use the revoler. Accordingly I received summons to appear before the Special 1st class Magistrate, Gooty, on 28-3-44. The case was adjourned to 31-3-44. I appeared my brother Pleaders both young and old. The old Pleaders advised me to move the District Magistrate for the withdrawal of the case pending against me. I prepared the petition with help of my brother Pleaders and sent it on through my clerk for presentation to the District Magistrate, through a brother Pleader. This petition was sent by me only after making serious namajapam of Baba 5000 times the previous night, i.e., on 29-3-44. My brother Pleader presented my petition to the District Magistrate who passed orders for the withdrawal of the case pending
against me.

Dear Readers: - There are some lessons to be learnt from this experience was determined to contest the case as I had committed no offence under the Arms Act, thought the offences was opined by some as being a technical one. Baba overcome my stubbornness to proceed with the case by making my brother pleaders to interfere and to advise me to apply for withdrawal of the case. Dear Readers please note that Baba not only gave me a timely warning during my sleeping state, of the impending calamity, but also brought pressure from
my brother Pleaders to apply for withdrawal of the case without contesting it in a court of law. Baba also showed me a method by which I can ward off the evil. I immediately surrendered and obeyed his orders and the case was withdrawn. Let it be stated in this connection that about more than half a dozen licensees whose licenses were not renewed have been fined Rs.20 or 25 for this very same offence which was withdrawn in my case. This is a clear and positive proof that Baba takes care of his devotees at all times and on all occasions giving timely caution and advise. May Baba help us for all time to come.
Gooty, 17-4-44

S.Subba Rao,
Pleader


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Satsang TO SAI, "AUSPICIOUS" OFFERING AND SALUTATIONS


TO SAI, "AUSPICIOUS" OFFERING AND SALUTATIONS

1. "SAI", "SOUL" of "SAI DEEPIKA", "SAI's SPLENDOUR".,
'SAT the DESTROYER of 'SINS and SORROWS' APOSTLE of CORDIALITY
"GOD-GOVINDA" the GARDENER of the "GARDEN of DEVOTEES".,
EMBODIMENT of ASSURANCE, EMPEROR of the THREE states of EXISTENCE
BLESS US to Eulogise "THY" MERCY, Entwining us with Garlands of LOVE ETERNAL
PROTECTOR of Devotees, Accept O! SAI our SALUTATIONS.,

2. PERVADER of ALL BEINGS, Promoter OF Dutious Actions,
Friend of the Needy., PREACHER of CHARITY and SERVICE, SAVIOUR
of DEVOTEES., EXPONENT of YOGIC-ENLIGHTENMENT, STEADFAST and
DETERMINED., PRECEPTOR and PROGINATOR of LIFE "GOD's INCARNATE"
in 'KALIYUGA', DISPELLER of MENTAL DARKNESS of Devotees, PROPAGATER
of PEACE, TOLERANCE and HUMANISM., EXHIBITOR of COSMIC-FORM,
POSTULATOR of LIFE-BEYOND., KING OF HEART of ALL "SAI-DEVOTEES".,
DISPLAYER of ETERNAL-FORM OF BRAHMAN., Accept O! SAI Our SALUTATION.,

3. 'GOD-SHIVA' for Devotees, "SAI" the PROTECTOR of the MEEK and the
DESTITUTE, REDEEMER of the ACCURSED, "PROPHET of PIETY".,
EMPEROR of REFORMATION, GIVER of GOOD-LUCK., DWELLER in Devotees
LOTUS-HEART, GIFTER of SHAKTI-WEAPON of SAI's HOLY
NAME., SOURCE of LIFE'S ALL vital forces, OCEAN of VEDAS, INCARNATE
of DIVINE., LIFE'S PATH-MAKER, PRECEPTOR of BEINGS, EXPONENT of
UNIVERASAL PEACE., SUPREME SPIRIT Pervading "SAI DEEPIKA", "SAI's
SPLENDOUR"., THE COSMIC-CREATOR, PERVADER of the Entire UNIVERSE.,
IN-CARNATE OF PREMORDIAL "OM", and of COSMIC-BRAHMAN;
THE Ever-serene, SUPER GURU, the DIVINE REDEEMER.,
O! OUR Eternal SAVIOUR, ACCEPT OUR Humble HQMAGE
Our soleful prayers, our Respectful SALUTATIONS;
O! THE SAI OF SHIRIDI

OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI.

(Original in Telugu by Caringula Sathyanarayana Madhu - Translated by
Caringula Sathyanarayana Panduranga Rao. This book can be read at
www.saileelas.org/books/revelation.htm)
___________________

Subject: Satsang SAI's WISH

SAI's WISH

1.EMBODIMENT of LOVE, SAI hath Embodied HIMSELF

upon the EARTH., AS GOD'S INCARNATE, as a PEER
Among PROPHETS, AS REDEEMER of the meek, the weak;
"HE" hath Tended 'me', made me Focus my Attention

upon "HIM", BLESSED 'ME', and Inspired 'me' to write
"SAI DEEPIKA", "SAI's SPLENDOUR"., HALLOWED be HIS
Name, Let HIS kingdom come upon Earth.,

2.Accepting SAI's Command, decided to commence.,
NOT knowing what to write? How to write?
Vacilating in INDECISION, perplexed but Enthused.,
SAI's LUMINOUS-FORM Appeared, stood smilingly by me,

patted me., Assured and motivated "me", Enlightened
"me", Acted as INSPIRER, GUIDE, MODERATOR and EDITOR,
in bringing farth, "SAl-DEEPIKA", "SAI's SPLENDOUR".,
Investing the COMPILATION with the Intricacies of

"SUFISM", "SPRITUALISM", "HUMANISM", "UNIVERSALISM".,
Infusing the same with "THEOLOGY", "MORALITY",

"PHILOSOPHY"., Making it Available, Readable, and
Understandable to one and All.,
"I" Playing "ONLY" a NOMINAL, Momentary Role.,
All in the HUMBLE Service of SAI's Millions of Devotees.,
HALLOWED be HIS NAME, Let HIS KINGDOM COME UPON EARTH.,

4. As a mission of my LIFE, as a Token of my Everlasting

Devotion, CONTENT and JOYOUS, Strived to complete this
ANTHOLOGY., MISTAKES in it are MINE., Its value UNSPECIFIC.,
AUTHOR and PUBLISHER being the IMMORTAL "SAI" HIMSELF.,
PROFIT, never was the MOTIVE, PRICED just to cover the

costs., HOPE, ALL SAI-DEVOTEES; Study it in DEVOTION.,
And be pleased to send their "MITE" as "GURU'S 'DAKSHINA'
TO SAI SHRINE at SHIRIDI., And thus Earn their LIBERATION

and Help my SALVATION, TO reach ULTIMATELY the LOTUS-FEET
of the SACRED SAI of SHIRIDI., HALLOWED be HIS NAME, LET
HIS DIVINE HEAVENDOM COME UPON EARTH.

(Original in Telugu by Caringula Sathyanarayana Madhu -

Translated by Caringula Sathyanarayana Panduranga Rao.
This book can be read at
www.saileelas.org/books/revelation.htm)




___________________

Satsang Chapter 16 & 17 :Sri_Sai_Sat_Charitra_Concise(Version)

Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah
Om Sai Ram
Chapter 16 & 17:::
Instant Brahmagyan
Even small things Baba would gladly accept if offered with love and devotion. But if anything is offered with ego and highhandedness He will not accept.
Instant Brahmagyan: A rich person once came to Baba, hiring a horse drawn carriage for to and fro trip and asked Baba to show him Brahmagyan (knowledge of Supreme Being). Baba said that He would do so and asked a little boy there to go to Nandu Marwadi and get Him a loan of five rupees. The boy came back empty handed and said that Nandu was not available. He then sent him to a few others like Bala Kuroser but the boy came back with the same reply. The rich man who was watching all this did not bother to offer a loan of rupees five to Baba. Instead he pressed Baba to show him Brahmagyan quickly (as he had hired the cart for to and fro trip), Baba instantly replied that the essence of His act in his presence was that for realization of Brahmagyan for which one should sacrifice one's own five senses and five vital forces. He gave a long discourse on mumuksha (liberation), vrakthi (disinterest in worldly affairs), inward search, destroying bad traits, good conduct, yearning for good, control of mind and sense feelings, purity of heart and the importance of Guru-which were [sine quo non for Brahmajan] important for Brahmagyan. Then He told the rich man: 'Well Sir. Take out five rupee Brahma which is fifty times in your pocket'. The man took out his wallet and found exactly two and hundred and fifty rupees! Baba added: 'Bundle up your rolls of Brahma. Unless greed is completely eradicated one cannot realize Brahma. The illusion of attachment should be shed. My treasury is full but 1 should see whether the person seeks that is eligible to receive the treasure."
By A.Govindakrishnan
PS- There is a slight editing in this message done by me-,the spelling of brahmajan was changed to brahmagyan and the word important was added to the phrase "sine quo non for Brahmajan" .


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Thursday, March 30, 2006

Satsang Saint Tulsidas and his wife

Before his spiritual quest, Tulsidas (author of the Tulsidas Ramayana) was a businessman. He was madly in love with his wife, and his physical craving for her was so intense that he did not even want to go to work.
Once, when she went to her parental home, Tulsidas' craving for her grew so uncontrollable that he walked a long distance in the dark, through wind and rain, just to be with her. So determined was he that he mistook a dead body for a boat to cross a torrential river. Finally, after midnight, he reached his destination only to discover that all the doors were locked. Since his wife's room was on the upper floor, he had to climb in order to reach her room. Taking a python to be a thick rope, he scaled it and slipped into his wife's room.
After all his difficulties, he expected his wife to be happy to see him. But instead, she was so ashamed of his insane attachment to her that she said to him, 'Had you directed this craving that you have for me towards God, you would have realised God long ago.' Those words came as a shock to Tulsidas, a blow to his ego, and he himself must have felt extremely ashamed of his unintelligent and foolish attachment to her.
He must have felt the burden of his attachment. Thus his whole being, every cell, every atom of his body, every heartbeat, every breath, and every pore of his body turned inward. That very moment he realised the heavy burden of attachment he had been carrying in the name of love. His heart skipped a beat to unload it and then was filled with pure love for God. At that moment he decided to die to his body-consciousness and to live in God-consciousness. He left his wife and home and wandered as an ascetic.
Later he became the renowned saint we know as Tulsidas.
Sivaya Namah


___________________

Satsang (By S.Subba Rao, Pleader)-(SAI SUDHA April 1944)

(By S.Subba Rao, Pleader)

On or about the end of the 1st week of February 1944, I heard a voice in
my sleeping moments saying"Make incessant namajam of Dattatreya". I got up
from my bed and thought that Baba, has armed me wirh a weapon toward off
the calamity that is about to befall. I serously resolved to make
namajapam of Dattatreya as directed by Baba, but owing to my
preoccupation with other wordly matters, I could not do namajapam. Next
day Baba appreared as a judge in my dream and was very angry with me for my
act of omission to make namajapam. I got up and could not then understand
the cause of Baba's indignaion. I again slept and dreamt of having seen
gingelly seeds and of having eaten them in large quantities. This is
really a very bad dream and devotes death according to the Science of
Dreams. I got up in the morning and was sorry for the bad dream. I got a
letter from my son at Engineering College Guindy, that he was laid up (in
the in-patient sick ward of the Guindy Hospital, suffering from a severe
atack of asthama and in a precarious condition. This, letter on the
subsequent day, reminded me of Baba's precaution on the previous night
directing me to make Datta namajapam. I went before Baba's picture in my
house, repented for my folly and made serious namajapam of Datta.
Three days a fter that, I received a letter from my sicky son at Guindy
that he was getting better by Baba's grace and that he would go over to
Gooty in spite of his serious and awful weakness. I ran up to Madras to
put him in a nursing home but the Doctor in charge advised for a
change. I accompanied him to Gooty from Madras by day train in spite of
his dreadful weakness entirely relying upon Baba's Udhi and making Datta
namajapam even in the train. We reached Gooty and he began to recover
without any further meidicine. He was here for about a fortnight and went
to Madras in a decidedly better state of health. Even now, I am making
Datta Namajapam for his complete recovery; and he is on the sure road to
health.

Thus Baba saved my soon (Enggineering student) from the throes of death by
his timely advice to me to make namajapam of Datta as directed by Him and
by the application of Udhi. Dear Readers! Understand how Baba has shown
his love towards me and my son by prompting caustionery steps to do
namajapam, this is entirely due to my having placed intense faith in Him
and to my complete surrender to Baba of all my cares and worries.
___________________

Satsang SAI's ACCEPTANCE OF "SAI DEEPIKA" / "SAI's SPLENDO

SAI's ACCEPTANCE OF "SAI DEEPIKA" / "SAI's SPLENDOUR"

1. With "THY" Limitless ABIDING LOVE, with "THY"

INSPIRING INNATE ASSURANCE; With ABSOLUTE, Unparalleled
TRUST, in 'THEE' and THY' WORD; "I" did have the Experience
of SEVERAL BIRTHS, and only because of "THY" Blessings.,
O! SAI the Ever VICTORIOUS, O'.THE SAI of SHIRIDI;

2. With ECCLESIASTICAL NUANCES, "THOU" hath made the

LAY Happy; Making the LOTUSES of "WORSHIP and DEDICATION"
Enblossoming in their HEARTS., Enblooming the FLOWERS of
DEVOTION with Radiance of "THY" LOVE; In Beauty and In
SPLENDOUR, and in MAGNIFICENT MAJESTY;
When needed, "THOU" hath come and driven away the Darkness

of DOUBTS; As "SACRED-DUTY" I had penned the HIGHLIGHTS of
"THY" philosophy; Though Lacked courage to commence, Yet
Accomplished with Satisfaction; And could thus, Fullfil
"THY" Holy command, which became a Mission for me;
Entirely because of "THY" Divine Blessings;
O! SAI the Ever VICTORIOUS, OI THE SAI of SHIRIDI.,

3. Sieged by unending 'Needs', yet enabling me to rein

Emotions; Quelling Anxieties, "THOU" hath reassured me,
again and again., With "THY" POPULAR PHILOSOPHY, PERSONAL
EXAMPLES, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES, Applauded and Adapted by
the LAY and the LAITY, ALWAYS "THY" Words SIMPLE and
STRAIGHT FORWARD, RUSTIC and MAJESTIC.,
"THOU" hath made me to Express LUCIDLY the SUBTILITIES of,
ETHICAL, MORAL and SPIRITUAL LIFE., Enabling thus, my Life, my
mission now and for Ever.,
To 'THEE" I offer in Gratitude, all that is mine.,
THUS, I Dedicate Humbly and in all Humility,
THIS "SAI DEEPIKA", "SAI's SPLENDOUR",
To THY ILLUSTRIOUS MEMORY and in Eternal Praise of "THY" mission.,
And to Enable 'me' to Earn "THY" Divine Grace and Blessings,
And To reach and reside in "THEE" for EVER.,
O! SAI the Ever VICTORIOUS, O! SAI the Ever GLORIOUS,
O! THE SUPER SERENE SAI OF SHIRIDI.

___________________

Satsang THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI- Issue 7/ 2006

THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI Fourth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-WeeklyIssue 7/ 2006 30-03-2006
UGADI & SREE RAM NAVAMI SPECIAL

Please visit our Web site:
http://www.saidarbar.org/

------------------------------------

GURUR-BRAHMA, GURUR-VISHNUH; GURU-DEVO MAHESWARAHA;

GURUR-SAKSHATH PARAM BRAHMA; THASMAI SREE GURAVE NAMAHA:

http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm
-----------------------------------------------

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY UGADI & GUDI PADWA.-30-3-2006

Ugadi (literally - the start of an era) is the New Year’s Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. While the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka use the term Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa.

The festival marks the New Year day for people who follow the southern Indian lunar calendar, pervasively adhered to in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. This calendar reckons dates based on the Salivahana era (Salivahana Saka), which begins its count from the supposed date of the founding of the Empire by the legendary hero Salivahana. This Empire is generally accepted as being that of the "Andhra Dynasty". The Salivahana era begins its count of years from the year corresponding to 78 AD of the Gregorian calendar. Thus, the year 2000 AD corresponds to the year 1922 of the Salivahana Era.

In the terminology used by this lunar calendar, Ugadi falls on Chaitra Sudhdha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. This generally falls in the months of March or April of the Gregorian calendar.

Observance in Andhra and Karnataka

The Telugu and Kannada people celebrate the festival with great fanfare; gatherings of the extended family and a sumptuous feast are de rigueur. The day, however, begins with ritual showers followed by prayers, and then the eating of a specific mixture called "Ugadi Pachhadi" in Telugu and "Bevu-Bella" in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain, which should be accepted together and with equanimity.
Later, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of the religious almanac (Panchangam) of the coming year, and to the general forecast of the year to come.

Observance in Maharashtra

The festival is called "Gudi Padwa" in Maharashtra; it heralds the advent of New Year and is one of the most auspicious days for Maharashtrians.

It is customary to erect ‘Gudis’ on the first day (Padwa) of the Marathi New Year. 'Gudi' is a bamboo staff with a colored silk cloth and a garlanded goblet atop it, which symbolizes victory or achievement. Hence, this day is known as “Gudipadwa” in Maharashtra. The New Year is ushered in with the worship of the "Gudi" and the distribution of a specific "Prasadam" comprising tender neem leaves, gram-pulse and jaggery.
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Sree Ram Navami 07-3-2006
The birthday of Rama Chandra is observed on the 9th of the light half of the month Chaitra (March-April) and is kept by some as a strict fast. It was on this day that Vishnu incarnated as Rama through Dasharat's wife Kaushalya. This day is also important because the celebrated Sanskrit poet Tuli Dasa started composing his classic Ram Charit Manas. The devotees take a bath in Saryu River on this day. The fast on this day reminds us about the righteousness of Rama, his devotion to his teacher, removal of casteism, shelter to the refugee, brotherhood, devotion to parents, monogamy, devotion to the master by Hanuman and Angad, dutiful devotion of huge bird Garud. The temples of Rama are illuminated and his image adorned with costly ornaments. The Ramayana is read in the temples and Naches (nautches) are kept up during the night of the 9th. The celebration concludes on the 10th.


SREERAMA-NAVAMI FESTIVAL from Sai Satcharita-Chapter VI

This day was very dear and sacred to the devotees of Sai Baba. Most of them turned out on the occasion, and took a leading part in the management of the fair. Tatya Kote Patil looked to all outward affairs, while the internal management was entirely left to one Radha Krishna Mai, a female devotee of Baba. Her residence was full of guests on the occasion, and she had to look to their needs, and also to arrange for all the paraphernalia of the fair. Another work, which she willingly did, was to wash out and clean and white-wash the entire Dwarakamai, its walls and floor, which were blackened and were full of soot on account of the ever-burning Dhuni (sacred fire) of Sai Baba. This work, she did during the night, when Sai Baba went to sleep every alternate day in the Chavadi. She had to take out all the things, including even the Dhuni, and after thorough cleaning and whitewashing replace them, as they were before. Feeding the poor, which was so dear to Sai Baba, was also a great item in this fair. For this purpose, cooking, on a grand scale and preparing various sweet dishes, was done in Radha-Krishna Mai’s lodging, and, various rich and wealthy devotees took a leading part in this affair.
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THIS ISSUE CONTAINS
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE
3. SAI IN DREAMS
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY
5. SANATANA DHARMA& SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES
11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES

12. TELUGU SECTION

13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS
14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD
15. EDITORIAL
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1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE: From the Satsanghs of Saibanisa ji Sevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad.210. Anger is like a fire which will hurt others the way the fire burns the wood obtained from the trees or the coal excavated from the earth.

211. A person who was unnecessarily abused by others may feel the pain momentarily, but the person who abused him feels the guilt life long
212. The life is equally dearer for one and all.
213. One should not be carried away by other’s words and should always think twice before putting them into action.
214. You should know that your neighbor only will come to your rescue when you are in trouble but not a highly elevated person who is away from you. In the same way thirst can only be quenched by water drawn from a nearby small well but not by huge ocean.
215. You can see, once in fifteen days, the moon will reduce its size and after fifteen days, it will grow to its full size and if you cut the branches of a tree again it will grow. In a similar way, when you are encountering the bad days, you should not lose heart, as good days will definitely follow.
216. The tree full of fruits will always bend towards the ground and the plants without fruits will always shoot up skywards. Similarly, a good person will observe obedience towards all others as a bad person will behave head strong.
217. Normally every one will try to point out mistakes in a good person the way we talk about the black spots in the moon showering the cool and pleasant light in the darkness.
218. No doubt performing charities is great, but still greater is giving an assurance of protection.
219. A bad person with money will behave like an Iron, but when he is in trouble, he is like Iron in a molten condition.

To be continued…

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2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:

March 1917- (Holi). Baba appeared to Hemadripanth in dream and said that he would come for meals that day and finally he arrived in the form of a picture.

March 1988- Swami Ram Baba a noted devotee associated with Baba left his mortal coil at Bombay.

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3. SAI IN DREAMS:
These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SaiBaNiSa Ji From our beloved GURU LORD SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that this feature will help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled from his personal Diary and presented to SAIBANDHUS. Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.

30-04-1994

Sai appeared in the form of an unknown person and narrated a story-

A Brahmin is walking past aimless in a desert on a mid summer day. He comes across two bags kept on a small rock: one containing food and the other one having footwear. A note is kept nearby with inscription-

I know for you, being a wonderer is in dire need of both the bags, but do restrict to choosing any one of them. The one containing food will satiate your physical body whereas the one with slippers will take you along to the destination untiring. The Brahmin was quite undecided and Baba questioned me – ‘which one will you opt for, Gopala Rao?’ My sleep was interrupted without my having come to any conclusion.

Certain choices are difficult ones to make.

MAY-1994:

01-05-1994

I was mentally disturbed, as my presence has gone unnoticed in an official meeting. The craze for recognition has not ceased even after my turning Saibanisa. I prayed Lord Sainath to help me in getting rid of this longing.
Sai appeared in the form of an unknown person and said –

A Tribal to earn his livelihood will start foretelling future events of others. As witnesses and with an eye for future, he takes few photographs with VIPS and uses them in exhibiting his marketing talents to others. This he does with a fond hope of earning more recognition and publicity in his profession. Always remember that only those who feel their security is at stake seek recognition. There is no dearth or want in the house of MY devotees. Where does the need arise for recognition?

Recognition will come searching when something good is done for the benefit of society at large.

05-05-1994

Sainath, please throw some light on Sai Thathva. Sai presented me with the following visuals –

The grace of Sai ultimately reaches the devotee in spite of innumerable number of obstacles on the way.

Sai is present in all the living beings. Look for SAI Ganesh in a mighty elephant and mother Sai in a cow giving us the milk.

Sai is beyond the barriers of space and time.

To be continued…..

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4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY: (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)"Shashi":
shashi_31@yahoo.com

22. Atma – Jnana

Constantly think of Atma. Atma is indivisible. Cause and effect are not concerned with Atma. Atma is not bound by God or bad results of action. When the mind gets purification by doing duty bound actions, then one can attain 'Jnana'. Then only one can realize the pure Paramatma, residing in all animate and inanimate objects. When we are performing actions which are ordained to us, as our duties in a selfless manner, we will get purity of mind. If we do not do this, we will be wasting our time in pleasures of life.

We must first of all know 'What is Atma'. The 'Atma' that is present everywhere is God. There is nothing except God, we must know this clearly. If we are in constant meditation, we can visualize Atma and that the entire Universe is seen in Self-Effulgent Atma. The whole world is a mirage. It is a projection of Maya. As we are not having real knowledge of Atma-Swaroopa, we will see the tricks of Maya as real. When we attain real knowledge, the Maya gets dissolved.

Atma and its power are eternal. It is pure knowledge independent of any attachments. It will never get tied up with any action. So, the truth is that man is a permanent embodiment of Atma. Atma is not a thing to be cultivated. Its always present. This is a supreme truth. All worldly activities in due course of time get destroyed and merged in Atma. That is why, Atma is said to be Ekam and is without a second. Atma is permanent and does not change, but the world is impermanent and will always be changing. We must know that the basis of the Universe is Atma only.

If one tries to know his true-self, that is Atma and then he will get rid of worldly attachments. He, who is enjoying the Atmananda, will get detached from dualities of the world, from birth and death cycle and gets salvation. If we attain such state, there will not be worldly disturbances in us.

To be continued…..-----------------------------5. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA

AKHILANDAKOTI , BRAHMANDA NAAYAKA, RAAJAADHI RAAJA, YOGIRAJA, PARABRAHMA SREE SATCHITANANDA ,SAMARDHASADGURU, SAINATH MAHARAAJ KI JAI”
From the Satsanghs of Saibanisa ji

Sai through Reincarnations
By: Sai Sevak Raghuraman Satulury
From a Magazine:

In order to clear the debts of a friend - as appeared in the
magazine -The Asian Age dated: 22-06-1997.

A tailor was living in a village and in order to perform the marriage of his daughter, took loan from a landlord. The tailor could not clear the debt as he died prematurely due to illness. The tailor, one day appeared in the dream of the landlord and told him that, he would be reborn as a He-buffalo in another friend’s house and that he should purchase it from him. “I shall then grow up, work in your fields and thus clear my debts”. Initially, the landlord hesitated but then on seeing the birth of a he-buffalo in his friend’s house, purchased it as advised. As said it grew up strong enough to work in the fields. He – buffalo then worked with the landlord for four years and one day, the tailor again appeared in the dream of the land lord and said to him “my debt now stands cleared, so please relieve me from the bonds of service”. The landlord then stopped extracting work from the he – buffalo, simply kept it tied to a tree. It was patiently waiting for it’s death and one day it took a bucket full of water and died.

Soul is eternal where as the physical body decays.
Jai Sai Ram
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SANATANA DHARMA –NEWS FROM ABROAD:
Penang Hindus Celebrate With Lanterns

thestar.com.my

PENANG, MALAYSIA, March 16, 2006: The Sea off Teluk Bahang in Penang was awash with lights as devotees of Sri Singamuga Kaliamman temple there released thousands of styrofoam lanterns into the water. The devotees made wishes before setting the lanterns afloat during the temple's annual floating chariot festival on Monday night. Celebrated during the Masimagan month of the Indian Calendar, the festival was held in honor of Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman. "This is the 109th year we are celebrating the festival. This is the only temple in Malaysia to have a chariot in the sea," temple secretary N. Ganesan said. He said the crowd grew bigger every year as an increasing number of people were coming from all over the country and Singapore to witness the unique chariot in the open sea. "We really hope that this annual celebration will become a tourist attraction in Penang," he added. The devotees, numbering more than 20,000, began filling up the beach in front of the temple in the afternoon although the festival only started at 7.30pm. Many stalls selling various items including food, accessories and Indian costumes were set up along the small road leading to the temple. A beautifully decorated float, affixed with decorative bulbs, carried the statue of Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman and some of the temple's committee members for a ride into the sea to mark the start of the celebration. At about the same time, devotees waded into the water with their lanterns of various shapes, made their wishes and released the lanterns into the sea. Nithiya Yogarajan, 16, from Kulim, said this was the first time she came for the celebration and she found it very enjoyable. "I am making a wish to excel in my studies and I really hope Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman will grant it," she said while releasing her lily-shaped lantern into the water.
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Ancient Thailand Siva Temple to Experience Rare Alignment with Sun

www.etravelblackboard.com

CHALERMPHRAKIAT DISTRICT, BURI RAM PROVINCE, THAILAND, March 20, 2006: In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, mountains are believed to be homes to the Gods. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, a magnificent temple sanctuary set on the summit of Phanom Rung Hill, was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. According to the stone inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer found at the site, the original name of the temple complex is Phanom Rung, Khmer words meaning "big mountain." A religious sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu God, Siva, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung symbolizes Mount Kailasa, the heavenly abode of Siva. Phanom Rung Hill rises 350 metres above the surrounding plain. Astrologers have predicted that an extraordinary astro-archaeological phenomenon will occur at sunrise during the April 3-5 period this year. The doors of the temple sanctuary are so perfectly aligned that during this period, at sunrise on a cloudless day with clear blue skies, the sun's rays will shin e through all fifteen doorways of the sanctuary in a single shaft of light.
Texas Hindus Open New Temple

www.courier-gazette.com

PLANO, TEXAS, March 12, 2006: Just months after a prayer meeting got the ball rolling early last summer, a new Hindu temple will be established in Plano this week. The final steps in the installation of the deity will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Sri Ganesha Temple at 910 W. Plano Parkway. "The discussion centered around how nice the group prayer was and how wonderful it would be if there was a local place of worship," said Giridhara Gopal, a member of the working committee for the temple. After some research, it was discovered that the Hindu population is near 10,000 in Collin County. "The need was there. There was a common goal, preserve and promote the values, ideals, culture and philosophy of Hinduism," Gopal said. "The decision was easy. It was decided to build a Hindu place of worship."

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6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO “LORD SIVA”
From Sai Satcharita -chapter 28

Megha began to look upon Sai Baba as an incarnation of Shiva In order to worship Shiva, bela leaves are required and Megha used to go miles and miles every day to bring them and worship his Shiva (Baba).

Megha returned to the Wada, and drew a red Trident on the wall near Baba's picture. Next day a Ramadasi Bhakta came from Poona, saluted Baba and offered Him Pindi (an image of Shiva). At this time Megha also turned up there. Baba said to him - "See, Shankar has come, protect (i.e., worship) Him now." Megha was surprised to see Pindi following Trident immediately.

http://www.saidarbar.org/sarwam/shiva.jpg

Information about JyotirLingas:

4. SRI OMKARA MAMALESHWARAM

Omkareshwar is a beautiful self manifest (swayambhu) linga. From the Vindhyanchal mountain range in Madhya Pradesh, river Narmada, turns westward and meanders in that direction. The deep wide river looks like it has assimilated into itself all the sins and sorrows of the humans and releasing them from these. This river Narmada, which flows rippling from the mountains, is also known as “Reva”. The smooth, round pebbles found in this river are called “BanaLingas”.


On the banks of river Narmada, there is a huge island on which the fourth of the JyotirLinga “Omkaram Amaleshwar” is situated. This island and the river are shaped like “OM” and that is how it derives its name. It is a natural phenomenon. The devotees who go round the temple consider themselves blessed because they are doing a Parikrama or Circumambulation of Omkara itself and Darshan of the holy JyotirLinga. The Narmada banks and the island are extremely beautiful. The beauty of Nature here is seen to be believed. The houses perched on the terraced green, strong mountains, the temple, KotiTeerth located in the waterfalls and valleys like Chakrateerts are some of the places to be seen. One can see very big fish and also crocodiles in these waters. There are many trees with beautiful creepers all over them. Groups of monkeys live on these trees. There are a variety of birds. The temple towers look bright and shiny in between. The whole atmosphere echoes with the sound of “Om Namah Shivaya”. It is here that Lord Sankara has taken the forms of “Omkareshwara” and “Amaleshwara”, as JyotirLinga.
Sthala puranaa of Omkareshvar

In the ancient times the Demons defeated the gods or divines. Indra was worried. The Danavas or Demons have wrecked havoc in all the three worlds, i.e., Trilokas. In order to empower the Devas once again, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He came out of the nether world or Patala. Lord Shankar came out in the form of Linga on the banks of river Narmada. The gods or Devas have worshipped the Linga which made them powerful once again. This time they were able to destroy the demons and re-acquired their empire in Heavens.

Brahma and Vishnu also lived in the same place as Omkar Amaleshwar. That is why on the banks of Narmada Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri and Rudrapuri are built which are known as Tripuri Kshetra. The Amareshwar JyotiraLinga is situated in Rudrapuri.

Later on, in the mythological era or Purana Kala, Yavanaswa Putra Mandhata came into power here with the blessings of Indra. He served Lord Shankara with great devotion. Lord Shankara was pleased with him. The waters of Narmada emanated from the Arghya (holy water) or Jalahari of the Omkar JyotirLinga and flown through the mountains, downward and later on flow unseen. Narmada joins the deep-water spring located near the Linga idol of Omkareshwar. It flows there eternally. When some bubbles appear at the bottom of this spring, it is said, that Lord Shankar is pleased.

King Mandhata made this holy place his capital. Therefore, this place is also known as Omkar Mandhata. The descendents of Mandhata live here even today. The Vindhya Mountain also performed a severe penance and pleased Omkar-Amareshwar. As a result of which, the whole place turned beautiful. Many hermits like Agastya have performed severe penances and japas at Omkar-Amaleshwaram JyotirLingam. They had built their hermitages.

This place of pilgrimage became famous in the historical times too. In 1063 AD, Paramarking Udayaditya installed four stone inscriptions with four Sanskrit Stotras and dedicated them to the Amaleshwar Temple. Pushpadanta’s “Shiva Mahima Stotra” can also be seen as a stone inscription.

To be continued

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7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
From the files of Saidarbar 1998:

Baba appeared to a non-devotee

Peace be with you all.
I would like to share this experience with all Sai Devotees. I am a devotee of Sai Baba since child hood. I often conduct prayer meetings at my home. One of the attendees, a woman asked me who is that Baba with a crown. I have Sai's picture with the saffron cloth, tied to his head so I could not understand at that time what she was talking about.

After 2 weeks, I received a picture of Baba with a crown (from Shridi). I left it on my altar. That same woman came visiting me again, saw the picture of Baba and said "This is the same crown I saw in my vision" I knew for a fact that Baba had visited her, here in Kuwait. Amazing isn't it.
Sunita, Kuwait

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8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA Sat, 25 Mar 2006 21:03:19 -0800 (PST)
swamymain@yahoo.com
Sai Ram. Sai is the Samartha Sadguru and He uses all possible methods to teach the right path to His devotees.

"To a devotee, who was practicing Hath-Yoga, He sent word that he should leave off Hath-Yoga practices, sit quiet and wait (Saburi)." Sai Ram. Apart from Sraddha, Sai was always stressing on Saburi. Saburi is patience for the results after doing karma. Impatience leads the ego to run here and there and get into all sorts of troubles. It is like digging here a little, a little there and then some more at another place and so on. It is like praying to one God today, another God tomorrow and yet another the day after and so on. It is the foolish ego which, with its limited perception differentiates between this God and that God, between this Guru and that Guru. Once the ego is ripe, it realizes that it is THE GURU who takes different forms of Gods and Gurus. Saburi is a good form of Tapas. Sai Ram.

"It is impossible to describe all His ways and methods." There are as many solutions as problems, since both are created by the same Creator. Problems are actually stimulants to action. If we act with Faith in Guru (Sai in our case), He shows us the further course of action. "In ordinary worldly dealings, He set examples by His actions, one of which is given below.”

Remuneration for Labour

"One day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and said - "Bring Me a ladder." Some men brought it and set it against a house as directed by Baba. He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar's house, passed the roof of Radha Krishna-Mai's house and then got down from the other corner. What object Baba had, none could know." Sai Ram. And when Baba did not will it, none of His disciples or devotees including Shama, Tatya Kote Patil etc., could think of asking Him.

"Radha-Krishna-Mai was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that fever that He may have gone there. Immediately after getting down, Baba paid Rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked Baba, why he paid so much for this. He replied that nobody should take the labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly and liberally." Sai Ram. It is always better to pay liberally. The recipient feels obliged and will come gladly the next time the giver requests. Also, Baba was indicating that karmic debts should be settled as fast as possible.

Sai Ram. We have come to the end of a wonderfully rich chapter. In the next issue, we will take up another great chapter, where Baba explains to Sri Dasa Ganu Maharaj, the essence of Isa Upnishat. Sai Ram.

S.V.Swamy
Author, Editor, Proof-Reader and Book Reviewer
www.freewebs.com/swamyreviews

To be continued…..

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9. SAI WITH CHILDREN:
Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad.Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with children and used to tell stories to them? I felt children visiting Saidarbar should be entertained with good stories. For the last 2 years I have told you about Lord Krishna's Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I want to tell the stories what heard in my child hood.

The Heron, Serpent and the Mongoose

Once upon a time there lived a group of herons on a banyan tree. In the hollow trunk of the tree dwelt a black serpent who ate the young herons before they grew. Out of sorrow the heron, approached the crab.
.
The crab heard of the serpent and then thought to itself, “The heron is also the natural enemy of our race. So I need a scheme to get rid of all of them". So he advised the heron to throw fish bits all the way from the house of the mongoose to the tree where it lived.
.
The heron did as told and the mongoose following the trail of the fish came and ate the serpent and at the same time crept up the tree and ate all the herons too.

MORAL: Don't listen to the advice of your natural enemy.
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10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
"Sankaraiah Dubagunta"
sainama@yahoo.com
Origin of Rama Mantra

OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM

Samarth Ramdas of Sajjanghad had propagated the above Nama for Rama Sakshatkar. He did 13 crore times and had Rama Darshan.Sri RamDas who is dearly called 'Beloved Papa' of Khananghad, Anandashram by prefixing "OM" assured that one would have Rama Darshan if he repeats 9 crores of times. This Ashram has a target of 15,500 crores for world Peace and Prosperity. They have been doing for over seven decades. The Shirdi Sai Sharan group of Florida, US has fixed a target of 100 crore of "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" Nama japa for World Peace and Prosperity. Some of you may like to know how the 'Rama Mantra' was originated.

Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj narrated in 1944 October issue of Sai Sudha as follows:

Once upon a time, Sri Rama after His return from Lanka was sitting in His Darbar with Sage Narada, Viswamitra, Vasishta and host of other people. Suddenly Sage Narada posed a question “Whether Naam (Lord's name) or Nami (Lord HImself) is superior?" As they could not arrive at a conclusion, Sage Narada Himself gave the verdict "Certainly Naam is superior to Nami." He wanted to prove his verdict and played a small drama. He told Hanumanji not to salute Viswamitra, a Rajarshi. Sri Hanuman obeyed this and incurred Viswamitraa's displeasure. Narada approached Viswamitraa “O Great Rishi!!! Hanuman didn’t respect you. Please punish him." Enraged Viswaamitra went to Rama and explained how he was insulted by Hanuman and also suggested to award death sentence.

Hanuman was very much agitated and told Narada he did as per the latter's suggestion only. Sage Narada assured nothing would happen "Repeat Maha Mantra 'SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM', it would protect you." Next day Hanumanji had a bath in Sarayu River, with folded hands repeated the Mantra. Though Lord Rama rained the arrows on Hanuman, even Brahmastra would not touch Hanuman. On seeing Rama's helpless condition Narada approached Viswamitra and told Rama should be given rest as He was tired. He further added “You have understood the Glory of Sri Rama's Name." Then Hanumanji prostrated to Rama and also Viswamitra.

Sri Ram ----- 'Sambhodhana' or the locative addressing Rama

Jay Ram ----- Is His praise

Jay Jay Ram ---- Total Surrender to Him

While repeating this Mantra, have this in mind "O Rama!! I Salute Thee, I Surrender to Thee"

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
D.Sankaraiah.
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11. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES:
"aradhana jha”:
ajha12@rediffmail.com
21 Mar 2006 13:58:51 -0000
SaiRam!First let me thank you for the great work you have done for all Saidevotees. I am a member and really enjoy going through the E-magazine-”The Glory of Shirdi Sai”.I am a devotee of Shirdi Sai and love reading about HIM. I have not as such experienced his miracles, but pray that Baba will show it one day. Many times I get angry and then as soon as I remember Baba it subsides. Jai Sai Ram, Aradhana
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"Shanthi Ramakrishnan" :
shanthi@sigmacgi.com
3/16/2006 20:56:35 -0800
Sai Ram!
We had wonderful sessions of our monthly Sai Darbar on December 24th,
January 12th & 21st and February 18th.

We started the sessions with OM, Gayatri and Sai Gayatri followed by Sai Ashtothram and sang a Ganesh Bhajan. Then we read 5th & 6th chapters in Sai SatCharitra on December 24th, 7th chapter in Sai SatCharitra on January 12th and 8th & 9th chapters in Sai SatCharitra on Januarry 21st, 10th & 11th chapters in Sai SatCharitra on February 18th.
Shanthi
-----------------
saileela99@yhoo.com
Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:14:00 -0500 (EST)
Om Sai Ram
Devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada welcome all to join in for Ram Navami Celebrations on Saturday, April 8th at 03:00pm followed by preeti bhoj
Location: The Gur Mandir
207 Queens Plate Drive
Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Z7, Canada
--------------------------

Please visit for Sai Aartis in Telugu:
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/PDFS/pdfs.htm

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FOR STARTING A SAIDARBAR CHAPTER OUT SIDE INDIA:Please contact:
saidarbar@saidarbar.org &saidarbar@gmail.com
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13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS:
Due to space constraints of E-magazine, we are not able to give the full report on activities of Sai organizations. However, we are providing their contact e-mail ID’s and web site address for interested readers.
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The Following Saidarbar chapters are functioning around the Globe; devotees may be contacted for necessary information about their activities to the following E-maid ids:

Saidarbar Orlando, Florida USA:
sathgurusai2002@yahoo.com

Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA:
murali_krishnamurthy2003@yahoo.com

Saidarbar Chennai-India:
saidarbarchennai@yahoo.co.in
Saidarbar-Canberra -AU:
kandra@iprimus.com.au

Saidarbar Wallingford-PA- USA:
technical@saidarbarusa.org
Sai Darbar Portland OR USA:
shanthi@sigmacgi.com

Sai Darbar Kitwe, Zambia :
raoas@zamnet.zm
Saidarbar Danbaru-Canitcut-USA:
zutshi_anil_k@sbcglobal.net
Saidarbar Woodland Hills-CA-USA:
vskachanta@hotmail.com
Saidarbar Livermore-CA-USA
happythursday999@yahoo.com

Saidarbar-London UK :
suresh@vaghela.net, suresh@somtek.com

Saidarbar – Hyderabad -INDIA:
saidarbar@saidarbar.org
For Further details visit:
http://www.saidarbar.org/
-----------------------
Sai Activities in NJ Visit:
http://www.shirdisaidham.org/ or email at shirdisaidham@hotmail.com
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Sai Sansthan, Singapore:
http://www.saisansthana.com/
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"The Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto": visit
http://www.theshirdisaimandir.com/
Or send an email to
info@theshirdisaimandir.com
-------------------------
"Atlanta Sai Temple News": Visit: www.
templeofpeace.org
Or send an email to
webmaster@templeofpeace.org
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"Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center":
All the issues are now available online. Please visit the
website www.hamaresai.org or click on URL
http://www.hamaresai.org/saisandesh/saisandesh.htm
Email:
hamaresai@yahoo.com
--------------------------------

"Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW" USA: E-mail:
admin@shirdisaidallas.org
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"Om Sai Mandir" For a detailed flyer, please visit:
http://www.omsaimandir.org/mahashivaratri_flyer_2006.pdf
E-mail:
saisandesh@omsaimandir.org
--------------------------
SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA:
saileela99@yahoo.com
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Sai Mandir-Houston-TX-USA:
E-mail:
babamandir@babamandir.org
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SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA TEMPLE, 46-16 ROBINSON ST, FLUSHING, NY
info@dwarakamaishirdi.org
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Sri Shirdi Sai Florida Center: E-mail:
voora@yahoo.com
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14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD: Books in English:
1. SHRI SAI SATCHARITA
The Life and Teachings of Shirdi SaiBaba
Govind R.Dabholkar (Hemadpant)
Translated in English by:
INDIRA KHER
Published by: Sterling Publishers Private Limited.
L-10, Green Park Extension, New Delhi -110016
E-mail:
ghai@nde.vsnl.net.in
Web site:
http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/
Price: Rs.300/-
Books in Telugu:

1. SHRI SAI SATCHARITA - Govind R.Dabholkar (Hemadpant)
Translated in Telugu by: Sri Swami Achalanand Saraswati
Published by: Dr.V.A.Sanvikar
“Sri Sai Meenakshi Bhavan”
81/ A, Sri SaiBaba Officer’s Colony,
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15. EDITORIAL.
Things impressed me from this Magazine:

One should not be carried away by other’s words and should always think twice before putting them into action.

The life is equally dearer for one and all.

The tree full of fruits will always bend towards the ground and the plants without fruits will always shoot up skywards. Similarly, a good person will observe obedience towards all others whereas a bad person will behave head strong.

Normally every one will try to point out mistakes in a good person the way we talk about the black spots in the moon showering the cool and pleasant light in the darkness.


Sai devotees may write about their Sai activities in their place, essays, articles and poetry on Sai to "The Glory of Shirdi Sai" – We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the Glory of Shiridi Sai- the bi-weekly E -Magazine. Unless the author of the articles instructs, not to publish his/her E-mail id, we will publish them as a matter of routine practice.You can subscribe for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI for a friend /relative bysubmitting e-mail ID in the main page of
http://www.saidarbar.org


If you are subscribing this E-magazine for your friend or a relative, we request that the person concerned may be notified about receiving the same.Editor does not accept responsibility for the views expressed in the articles published.This e-magazine is intended for Private circulation only. Submitted by Sai Sevak: Srinivasa Rao Kasturi—Saidarbar—HYDERABAD--INDIA

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Satsang SAI's LAST TESTAMENT (Part II)

Satsang SAI's LAST TESTAMENT (Part II)

6. SUBMERGED in SINS; DISOWNED, DESPISED, Ditched
and Demoralised, SEVERAL "UNFORTUNATE", yearn to be saved
and protected., 'THOU" Alone RESCUED "them", befriended "them";
shown "them" the path of "HOPE".,
Of salvation and for FINAL LIBERATION, O! THE Ever Compassionate.,
O! OUR PRE-EMINENT SAVIOUR, O! OUR ULTIMATE RIDEEMER,
OI THE SAI of SHIRIDI.,


7. THIRSTY like the "BEE" for the delicious celestial NECTAR,
I wonder at "THY" philosophy of "NISHKAMA" KARMA; Enamoured at "THY"
PURE-HEART., Enthralled at "THY" YOGIC-ATTAINMENTS; Encaptivated

at "THY" Rustic SIMPLICITY;
THE "THREE" paths of BHAKTI, KARMA, GNYANA-Devotion, Duty and

enlightenment; As unfolded by "THEE"', simple and cognant., have
bestowed Immeasureable PEACE and Joy.,
Why then should "I" NOT BE WITH "THEE" ? within "THEE"?
O! OUR SANCTIMONIOUS SAVIOUR, O! OUR ETERNAL PROTECTOR,
OI THE SAI of SHIRIDI.,


8. UNOSTENTATIOUS, UNPRETENTIOUS, UNASSUMING, SIMPLE
and SOLICITOUS., That 'THOU" Art, charmed by "THY" conduct,
LIFE and MISSION; Enthrilled by 'THY" preachings and Teachings;
"THOU" I had elected to follow and warship.,
Decided, I had to reside in "THY" Presence and Proximity.,
For the containment of my 'SINS" for conquering the Abberations of
INTELLECT; "THOU" becoming my MASTER, My Lord; Accepting my

SINS as well as VIRTUES.,
Pervading 'MY' being, Mind and Intellect, 'My' SOUL and SPIRIT.,
Occupying the THRONE OF 'My' HEART'S DEVOTION; Accept the

Offering of my "HUMILITY";
O! OUR CELESTIAL SAVIOUR, O! OUR GOD's CHOSEN-INCARNATE.
OITHE SAI of SHIRIDI.,


9. TRANSCENDING, PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE; LOTUS-Eyed
"SRI KRISHNA" THE GREAT DESTROYER of the wicked, BENEFACTOR
of the VIRTUOUS; KNOWING "HIS" End, selected the"HUNTER" as the
LIBERATOR; "THOU" hath like-wise knew "THY" End and REVEALED
TO 'THINE" Followers; When the "TIME" Arrived, "THOU" hath left for 'THY"
Eternal Abode; Concluding "THY" LIFE and completing "THY" Mission;
Enbolden us, when Deathly TIME Arrives to shed our bodies Calmly
Like the serpent shedding it, sheath silently;
O! OUR SUBLIME SAVIOUR, O! OUR UNSURPASSED REDEEMER,
O! THE DIVINE SAI of SHIRIDI.


(Original in Telugu by Caringula Sathyanarayana Madhu - Translated by
Caringula Sathyanarayana Panduranga Rao. This book can be read at
www.saileelas.org/books/revelation.htm)

___________________

Satsang SRI SAI BABA AS SANKARACHARYA (Sai Sudha March 1944)

EXPERIENCES (March 1944)
SRI SAI BABA AS SANKARACHARYA
To the Sceptic Hindus who still hesitate to acknowledge Sri Sai Baba as a
Divine Avatar, we narrate below the experience of Mr.V.Swaminathan Iyer of
Mayavaram.


Mr.V.Swaminanatha Iyer arranged a pooja to Sri Baba on 6-2-44 and for the
purpose he requested Maruthur Santhana Ganapatigal (Purohit) to come with
four other Vedic Brahmins. On his expressing inability he requested a local
Sastrigal to come with four brahmins for the Pooja. Though he consented the
brahmins did not turn for the pooja till 10 A.M. But the Sastrigal came only
at 10.30 A.M. and when questioned he said, " The previous day, doubting that
Baba is a Muslim, I decided not to attend the pooja, but on 6-2-44 at 5.30
A.M. Sri Kanchi Kama Koti Peethathipati Sankaracharya Swamigal appeared in
my dream and directed me " You go to Mayavaram Junction immediately and do
my pooja there, don't doubt." Having had this dream I went out immediately
and told all Vedic brahmins and came with 4 others for the pooja. This is
the reason for my late coming. Out of ignorance I committed a mistake in
doubting Baba's Divinity. Certainly Baba is an Avatar an there can't be any
objection."


The above declaration was openly made by the Ganapathigal in Mr.Swaminatha
Iyer's house before a large gathering. This fact will be enough to satisfy
the doubting Hindus. Baba has declared often that he is all pervading God.
The above experience will add one more proof to the hundreds of similar
incidents experienced by the devotees of Baba.


(Source Sai Sudha March 1944)


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Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Satsang SAI's LAST TESTAMENT

(Source Sai Sudha February 1944)

SAI's LAST TESTAMENT

1 FOLLOW the path of DEVOTION, I can not, mind mortaged, Name
Ill-Reputed.,
No will to worship, no patience to practice Rituals; knowing NOT,
That 'THOU" Art beyond the "CAUSE-EFFECT-RESULT"- PHENOMENON, Unable to
Respond to "THY" RESPLENDENT-FORM, Ignorant that Devotion and LOVE have no
Limitations,
How could I follow the path of Devotion and Dedication?
O! The DEITY of DEVOTION, O! OUR SALIENT SAVIOUR,
OI The SAI of SHIRIDI.,

2. Follow the path of "KARMA"-"THE-DUTY-BOUND-ACTION", I can not,
For everything "THOU" ordain, "THOU" 'my' ONLY MASTER,
AH 'my' THOUGHTS, WORDS and ACTIONS, THOU' Alone control,
"Frank" in Expression, "Straight" in behaviour, No Flatterer I am,
Target of censure, often I become., unperseverant in "pursuits".,
Mind Unsteadfast, Vagrant, Vagabondish; Hesitant in Action, unsure of
Results., Weak in Body, Meek in Mind, Timid in Approach; searching for
TRUE-IDENTITY., How could I follow the path of "KARMA" - The
"DUTY-BOUND-ACTION" ?
O! The APOSTLE OF DUTY, O! OUR SALIENT SAVIOUR,
OI The SAI of SHIRIDI.,

3. Follow the path of "ENLIGHTENMENT", I can Not.,
'SANS' Saintly-company, 'SANS' Guru's Benediction;
Unable to Experience the AII-PERVADING, Unable to practice CONTEMPLATION and
meditation.,
Slave to IGNORANCE, "without" a good Thought, a good ward, a good Deed.,
With "LEARNING" Eclipsed", "REASONING" clipped, "Hopes" lost.,
Totally PERPLEXED, CONFUSED, DISPAIRED, DEMORALISED.,
How could "I" follow the 'path' of ENLIGHTENMENT?
O! THE PRODIGAL PROPHET, O! OUR SALIENT SAVIOUR,
OI THE SAI of SHIRIDI.,

4. "ALL" of the 'THREE' paths, though Equally difficult and Arduous,
'THOU' hath mastered them and Mingled them so SKILLFULLY,
That "they" seemed NATURAL to "THEE".,
That "they" manifested often in "THY" Daily-Life and Teachings and Sayings.,
Captivating the HEARTS and the MINDS of the LAITY as well as the LEARNED.,
"THY" shrines Dotting Every Locality, Every SUBURB;
Transcending countries and continents, TIME and AGE.,
How can I Describe "THY" Teachings? Eulogise "THY" philosophy ?
Determine "THY" Role in HISTORY, in the SAGA of HUMAN CIVILIZATION?
O! OUR SUPREME MASTER, O! OUR SUPREME SAVIOUR,
O! THE SAI of SHIRIDI

5."EPICS", Philosophical Dissertations Religious Treatises, Many read I did;
Discourses heard Discussions made, all in Vain.,
"HE" who is Supposed to Exist; Never seen, Never heard.,
Doubts Nagging the Deluded-Mind, "intellect" Rebelling to Accept the
"UNKNOWN" the UNSEEN.,
What CHOICE, what ALTERNATIVE, then Exists ? Except to TRUST
With "ABIDING-FAITH", the "CREATOR" and HIS COSMIC-CREATION.,
O! OUR SAGACIOUS SAVIOUR, O! OUR DIVINE OBLIGOR,
OI THE SAI of SHIRDI.,
O! THE DIVINE SAI of SHIRIDI.

(TO BE CONTD...)

(Original in Telugu by Caringula Sathyanarayana Madhu - Translated by
Caringula Sathyanarayana Panduranga Rao. This book can be read at
www.saileelas.org/books/revelation.htm)

___________________

Monday, March 27, 2006

Satsang Chapter 15 :Sri_Sai_Sat_Charitra_Concise(Version)

Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah
Om Sai Ram
CHAPTER I5:::
Narada's music tradition, Cholkar, two lizards
*Narada's music tradition: Once, like all the traditional religious storytellers and kirtankars, Das Ganu also dressed himself with turban, coat, nice shirt inside, long angavastra etc. and presented before Baba, on his way to a Hari katha. Baba sarcastically remarked: "Fine, groom. Remove all those attire and place them before me, Narada, the celestial kirtankar, never wore anything above the waist." From then on Das Ganu did not wear anything above his waist while reciting Hari katha.
*Cholkar:
Das Ganu used to place a photo of Sai Baba and sing in His praise, wherever he performed Hari Katha. Due to this yeomen service, thousands came to know about Baba. Once Cholkar, a temporary Government servant, on hearing about Baha during Das Ganu's Hari katha, prayed that if he was made permanent he would come to Shirdi and offer sugar candies. Shortly he became permanent. He began to save money to go to Shirdi by avoiding sweets and even foregoing sugar in tea. Once adequate money was saved he came to Shirdi, bowed to Baba and distributed sugar candies in the masjid. When he was about to leave, Baba told his host: 'Give your guest tea saturated with sugar!' A stunned Cholkar was moved to tears.
*Two lizards:
One day during noon a lizard on the walls of masjid made a continuous noise. People sitting there asked Baba as to what the lizard's sound meant. Baba said that it was expressing its happiness about the anticipated arrival of its sister from Aurangabad. A little later, a pilgrim from Aurangabad came non-stop on a steed. When he alighted and dusted the bag containing horse gram, a lizard jumped out of that bag, ran to the masjid wall and started dancing around with the lizard that was already there.
Those who read this chapter with devotion would be rid of all deep sorrows.

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