MAHASAMADHI OF SHRI SAI BABA -By : Shri. P. S. V. Aiyer. Sri Sai Samaj, Calcutta-29.
Mahasamadhi of Sri Sai Baba on the 15th October, 1918 spotlighted the fulfilment of a life of absolute dedication to the service of the present race of humanity, towards its temporal and spiritual upliftment. Even in his earthly life, Sai Baba showered evidence of his presence at the same time in Shirdi and in whatever place or situation his devotees needed him. Now that by his Mahasamadhi, Baba has merged in the Infinite, he makes his presence felt wherever he is invoked or worshipped.
Baba warned his devotees not to take him for the human body of 3.5 cubits he held and clothed in a Kafani. Still for the sake of his less developed devotees he showed fancy for Purar-poli, love to smoke Chilm in a clay pipe, laughed and cried, showed tempo and shared in the joys and sorrows of the simple folk that came to him. These limitations served to mask his divinity in the ordinary human form, and therefore easy to approach. Mahasamadhi set him free of These limitations, and has made him universe and eternal. We now understand what Baba wanted us to lean, when he said that he was infinitely more than a man, 3.5 cubit in stature and clad in Kafani.
Sai Baba is a Mahayogi of yogis, Samartha Sadguru, a Perfect. Master, and his miracles go on after his Mahasamadhi as before that event. His inspiration spreads far and wide; his hold on us. is growing stronger and we are richer by it. The Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi draws crowds of pilgrims of all communities. It is a sight for gods to see when they all stand together in Baba's Darber shoulder to shoulder, united in brotherhood in their devotion to their Master arid mingle their voices in singing his glories as the camphor is waved in Aarti, before his image. Mahasamadhi anniversary reminds us of how Sai Baba lived a life of service, of sacrifice, a life that showed in itself the crowning example of the teachings of the Gita.
He taught us principally to integrate in our life the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual principles. He achieved in Shirdi communal harmony as the first step to universal brotherhood. He taught us to follow Swadharma - the religious duties of the family in which our karmas have caused us to reincarnate, to remain established in our faith in God, This he called NISHTHA. He taught us forbearance which he called 'Saburi'. By his Mahasamadhi, Baba has taught us that death opens the door to enter a higher life.
Mahasamadhi anniversary should be spent in meditating on Baba, in trying to understand his teachings, and in re-dedicating ourselves to follow them and to carry his message to our sisters and brothers everywhere
(Source Shri Sai Leela Magazine January 1974)
___________________
Friday, April 14, 2006
Satsang Thought for the day
Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida
a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old
swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive
into the cool water, he ran out the back door,
leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.
He flew into the water, not realizing that as he
swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator
was swimming toward the shore. His mother in the
house was looking out the window saw the two as
they got closer and closer together. In utter
fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son
as loudly as she could.
Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed
and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was
too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator
reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed
her little boy by the arms just as the alligator
snatched his legs. That began an incredible
tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was
much stronger than the mother, but the mother
was much too passionate to let go. A farmer
happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced
from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital,
the little boy survived. His legs were extremely
scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And,
on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's
fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to
hang on to the son she loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy
after the trauma, asked if he would show him his
scars. The boy lifted his pantlegs. And then,
with obvious pride, he said to the reporter,
"But look at my arms. I have great scars on my
arms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let
go." You and I can identify with that little boy.
We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator,
but the scars of a painful past. Some of those
scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has
refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle,
He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture
teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God.
He wants to protect you and provide for you in
every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into
dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.
The swimming hole of life is filled with peril -
and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.
That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you
have the scars of His love on your arms be very,
very grateful. He did not and will not ever
let you go.
a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old
swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive
into the cool water, he ran out the back door,
leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.
He flew into the water, not realizing that as he
swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator
was swimming toward the shore. His mother in the
house was looking out the window saw the two as
they got closer and closer together. In utter
fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son
as loudly as she could.
Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed
and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was
too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator
reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed
her little boy by the arms just as the alligator
snatched his legs. That began an incredible
tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was
much stronger than the mother, but the mother
was much too passionate to let go. A farmer
happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced
from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital,
the little boy survived. His legs were extremely
scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And,
on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's
fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to
hang on to the son she loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy
after the trauma, asked if he would show him his
scars. The boy lifted his pantlegs. And then,
with obvious pride, he said to the reporter,
"But look at my arms. I have great scars on my
arms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let
go." You and I can identify with that little boy.
We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator,
but the scars of a painful past. Some of those
scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has
refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle,
He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture
teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God.
He wants to protect you and provide for you in
every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into
dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.
The swimming hole of life is filled with peril -
and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.
That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you
have the scars of His love on your arms be very,
very grateful. He did not and will not ever
let you go.
___________________
Satsang Bhakta Leela Amrut by Das Ganu Maharaj
The six enemies like desire, avarice etc. are the
underlying causes. These make one believe that the unreal
is the real. When a poor man sees a gold bracelet on the
wrist of a rich man, he feels angry. The anger in turn gives
rise to envy, the desire to own something belonging to
another. One must therefore defeat the six enemies. Once
they are subdued they cannot disturb you with joy or sorrow.
You need not destroy these enemies completely; you need only
to learn to employ them as your slaves, keeping them in check
through knowledge or rational thinking.
"There is, however, one real joy and one real sorrow.
Being caught up in the cycle of births and deaths is the real
sorrow; getting liberated from the cycle is the real joy.
All the rest is illusion.
"How then, should one conduct oneself in the world?
Listen to what I say carefully. One must be contented with
one's lot in life; one must not keep worrying over it. If
riches come to you, accept them but be humble, like the
trees which bend on being loaded with fruit. It is good to
be humble, to be kind and polite but not to everyone. You
should learn to tell rogues, who take advantage of the
kindness of the rich, and be stern with them. Do not forget,
however, that wealth is but the noonday shadow. Do not get
puffed up with the power of wealth and harass others.
Instead give in charity according to your capacity. One should
never borrow and be extravagant. The world may be an illusion
but your destiny is not: it is real. You need wealth to conduct
your worldly affairs.
Wealth is essential but one should not get entangled
in it. Do not be a miser. Be generous but not over-generous.
Remember no one will care for you once your wealth is spent.
Generosity combined with extravagance is dangerous; avoid it
by all means. While giving in charity, consider how suitable
is the recipient. Ask yourself: "Is he worthy of your help? Is
he in real need? and only if the answer is yes, must you give.
The sick and the disabled are worthy of your charity; so are
orphans. All public welfare projects are deserving of financial
help: so are scholars of merit. Try and help, if you can, poor
and deserving women in labour.
(To be contd...)
Source http://www.saileelas.org/books/4chap.htm
underlying causes. These make one believe that the unreal
is the real. When a poor man sees a gold bracelet on the
wrist of a rich man, he feels angry. The anger in turn gives
rise to envy, the desire to own something belonging to
another. One must therefore defeat the six enemies. Once
they are subdued they cannot disturb you with joy or sorrow.
You need not destroy these enemies completely; you need only
to learn to employ them as your slaves, keeping them in check
through knowledge or rational thinking.
"There is, however, one real joy and one real sorrow.
Being caught up in the cycle of births and deaths is the real
sorrow; getting liberated from the cycle is the real joy.
All the rest is illusion.
"How then, should one conduct oneself in the world?
Listen to what I say carefully. One must be contented with
one's lot in life; one must not keep worrying over it. If
riches come to you, accept them but be humble, like the
trees which bend on being loaded with fruit. It is good to
be humble, to be kind and polite but not to everyone. You
should learn to tell rogues, who take advantage of the
kindness of the rich, and be stern with them. Do not forget,
however, that wealth is but the noonday shadow. Do not get
puffed up with the power of wealth and harass others.
Instead give in charity according to your capacity. One should
never borrow and be extravagant. The world may be an illusion
but your destiny is not: it is real. You need wealth to conduct
your worldly affairs.
Wealth is essential but one should not get entangled
in it. Do not be a miser. Be generous but not over-generous.
Remember no one will care for you once your wealth is spent.
Generosity combined with extravagance is dangerous; avoid it
by all means. While giving in charity, consider how suitable
is the recipient. Ask yourself: "Is he worthy of your help? Is
he in real need? and only if the answer is yes, must you give.
The sick and the disabled are worthy of your charity; so are
orphans. All public welfare projects are deserving of financial
help: so are scholars of merit. Try and help, if you can, poor
and deserving women in labour.
(To be contd...)
Source http://www.saileelas.org/books/4chap.htm
___________________
Satsang THE SAINT OF SHIRDI PEETH
THE SAINT OF SHIRDI PEETH -Shri J. N, Bose Two prominently distinguished features in the life of Lord Sai Baba The Saint of Saints
When the Lord Sri Sai Baba came in the year 1872 to a small village Shirdi(abutting on the Agra Trunk Road, in the. Kopargaon Taluka in Ahmednagar District) along with a marriage procession, He was welcomed at the outskirt of the village by a devotee of the Khandava temple, Sri Mhalsapati who first saw Baba, the former addressed Him as "Welcome Sai Baba and this is the name i.e. "Sai Baba", by which thereafter the Saint of Saints became known to the world. Like many other Avatars His ancestry was unknown. But when He came to Shirdi He was perfect Brahma Gnani and had attained Brahma. As such he used to foresee the past, present and future of His devotees who included big govt. officers, millionaires and eminent politicians of the country. Sri Baba at times used to please himself by uttering "Yade Haqq" (i.e. I always remember God) and avoided the expression "Anal Haqq" (i.e. I am God); still innumerable cases have been recorded where Baba's thousands of devotees have realised the omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of Shri Sai Baba.
This is the background in which the distinguishing features as indicated below have most appropriately been realised by His devotees. First, synthesis of religion which is considered to be the most essential factor in our national life in the present days. In His Dwarkamai (the Holy Masjid) where Sri Baba used to sit, synthesis of religion was demonstrated to the world as in same floor of the same Dwarkamai Hindus are worshipping freely with bells, symbols, on the other side Muslims are offering their prayers, Parsis are offering prayers before the Holy Shirdi Dhuni. This is a unique example in India-and in the whole world of today- how the synthesis of all religions could be achieved in the same floor simultaneously.
This is one of the personal experiences of the writer in 1943 who visited Shirdi after his adverse experience gained in the Bengal at that time.
Synthesis of religion was also achieved in the Dakshineswar by Sri Ramakrishna Paramashmsa Dev after His actual practical realisation of the God as a Hindu, as a Muslim and as a Christian This idea of synthesis of religion was preached to the world by His disciple Swami Vivekananda. Similarly Sri Bijoy Krishna Go swami of Ganderia Ashram of Dacca, Bangla Desh effected the synthesis of all religions. Mr. Campbell, an European Fakir and other Hindus joined him in his Kirtan songs. This is a wonderful achievement which is considered admittedly as an absolute necessity for advancement of our national activities of our country. As such this Dwarakamai which is considered to be holiest of the holy pilgrimage, like Brindaban, Puri, Dakshineswar and Gandaria Ashram where synthesis of all religions is achieved.
Secondly, the other distinguished aspect is that God after most sincere and utmost prayers appears before His devotees and speaks to them. Sri Ramakrishna Paramshamsa Dev stressed very strongly before His devotees that "God can be seen and spoken to as I speak to you all" God Sri Bejoy Krishna Goswami asserted the identical things. The humble writer believes that Baba still lives today as He told His disciples "Jog thinks I am dead. I am alive. Go and perform my morning arti. He used to assert that "I left my mortal body but my tomb will speak". One practical experience of the humble writter is Lord Sai conveyed His direction to the writer through one of His favourite devotees (Sri Saipadananda Radha Krishna Swamiji of Madras) "Tell Mr. Bose-he should take things easy, I shall take care of them". There are hundred other examples in the writer's life in which Sri Baba appeared and gave instructions in all troubles of the writer and his family and also to other devotees which have been incorporated in the Bengalee book "Kalpataru Sai Baba" (The Giver of Wishes).
(From Sai Bliss - July-August 1972) (Reprinted from May 1973 issue.)
Source : Shri Sai Leela Vijayadasami Special Number 1973 http://www.saileelas.org/magazines/SAILEELA/special1973.htm
___________________
When the Lord Sri Sai Baba came in the year 1872 to a small village Shirdi(abutting on the Agra Trunk Road, in the. Kopargaon Taluka in Ahmednagar District) along with a marriage procession, He was welcomed at the outskirt of the village by a devotee of the Khandava temple, Sri Mhalsapati who first saw Baba, the former addressed Him as "Welcome Sai Baba and this is the name i.e. "Sai Baba", by which thereafter the Saint of Saints became known to the world. Like many other Avatars His ancestry was unknown. But when He came to Shirdi He was perfect Brahma Gnani and had attained Brahma. As such he used to foresee the past, present and future of His devotees who included big govt. officers, millionaires and eminent politicians of the country. Sri Baba at times used to please himself by uttering "Yade Haqq" (i.e. I always remember God) and avoided the expression "Anal Haqq" (i.e. I am God); still innumerable cases have been recorded where Baba's thousands of devotees have realised the omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of Shri Sai Baba.
This is the background in which the distinguishing features as indicated below have most appropriately been realised by His devotees. First, synthesis of religion which is considered to be the most essential factor in our national life in the present days. In His Dwarkamai (the Holy Masjid) where Sri Baba used to sit, synthesis of religion was demonstrated to the world as in same floor of the same Dwarkamai Hindus are worshipping freely with bells, symbols, on the other side Muslims are offering their prayers, Parsis are offering prayers before the Holy Shirdi Dhuni. This is a unique example in India-and in the whole world of today- how the synthesis of all religions could be achieved in the same floor simultaneously.
This is one of the personal experiences of the writer in 1943 who visited Shirdi after his adverse experience gained in the Bengal at that time.
Synthesis of religion was also achieved in the Dakshineswar by Sri Ramakrishna Paramashmsa Dev after His actual practical realisation of the God as a Hindu, as a Muslim and as a Christian This idea of synthesis of religion was preached to the world by His disciple Swami Vivekananda. Similarly Sri Bijoy Krishna Go swami of Ganderia Ashram of Dacca, Bangla Desh effected the synthesis of all religions. Mr. Campbell, an European Fakir and other Hindus joined him in his Kirtan songs. This is a wonderful achievement which is considered admittedly as an absolute necessity for advancement of our national activities of our country. As such this Dwarakamai which is considered to be holiest of the holy pilgrimage, like Brindaban, Puri, Dakshineswar and Gandaria Ashram where synthesis of all religions is achieved.
Secondly, the other distinguished aspect is that God after most sincere and utmost prayers appears before His devotees and speaks to them. Sri Ramakrishna Paramshamsa Dev stressed very strongly before His devotees that "God can be seen and spoken to as I speak to you all" God Sri Bejoy Krishna Goswami asserted the identical things. The humble writer believes that Baba still lives today as He told His disciples "Jog thinks I am dead. I am alive. Go and perform my morning arti. He used to assert that "I left my mortal body but my tomb will speak". One practical experience of the humble writter is Lord Sai conveyed His direction to the writer through one of His favourite devotees (Sri Saipadananda Radha Krishna Swamiji of Madras) "Tell Mr. Bose-he should take things easy, I shall take care of them". There are hundred other examples in the writer's life in which Sri Baba appeared and gave instructions in all troubles of the writer and his family and also to other devotees which have been incorporated in the Bengalee book "Kalpataru Sai Baba" (The Giver of Wishes).
(From Sai Bliss - July-August 1972) (Reprinted from May 1973 issue.)
Source : Shri Sai Leela Vijayadasami Special Number 1973 http://www.saileelas.org/magazines/SAILEELA/special1973.htm
___________________
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Satsang THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI- issue-8-2006
THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI
Fourth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-Weekly
Issue 8/ 2006
13-04-2006
Sumeru Mountain Himalayas , before sunrise. Flying over the
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.
-------------------------------
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE:
From the Satsanghs of Saibanisa ji
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm
Sai Sevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar -Hyderabad
220. For life to be happier, keep away from those doubting yourBombay 08-05-1994 09-05-1994 15-05-1994 Hindu Kingdom NEW DELHI , INDIA April 8, 2006 : The ministry of overseas Indian affairs' Tobago Guyana Jamaica Mauritius Fiji Caribbean islands - over 500,000 in Trinidad and Tobago Mauritius Fiji 4/09/2006 14:00:00 -0600Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:11:41 -0700 (PDT)tonga Godavari , there was plenty of water in the river. The tonga OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI3/30/2006 06:01:05 +0530
Fourth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-Weekly
Issue 8/ 2006
Hanuman Jayanthi 13-4-06 & Tamil New Year 14-4-06 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:
Hanuman Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.13-4-06
Lord Hanuman was born in Anjaneri (now a hilltop temple). Anjaneri is near
Triambakeshwar, Nasik Maharashtra State
of Anjani and Maruti, born with the blessings of 'Vayu', the wind god (also
called Pavan). He is considered to be an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva.
He is one of the seven Chiranjivis and the only learned scholar who knew
the nine Vyakaranas. He learned the shastras from Suryadev, the sun god.
He is well versed with the Vedas and other sacred books.
He has exhibited astonishing physical strength and worked many miracles.
His valour, wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and superhuman strength
attracted everybody who came near him. He had extraordinary skill in warfare.
He is the chosen messenger of Lord Rama and the minister & messenger of
Sugreeva. Hanuman is fast, the most agile and oriented god.
Hanumanji is the symbol of Devotion and Service. Like Krishna , Rama is an
incarnation of Vishnu whose elevated character and righteous actions are
designed to inspire men to divine consciousness. In liberating his consort Sita
from the demon Ravana (symbol of material illusion); Rama is greatly aided by
the brave Hanuman. Hanuman was the chief of the armies of Sri Ramachandra
and took a prominent part in the war against Ravana, the king of Lanka, in the
Indian epic poem Ramayana. Hanuman helped restore Sita Devi back to Sri Rama.
Recognizing Godhead beneath the human disguise, Hanuman consecrates
himself wholly to service of Rama. Depicted in kneeling pose of utter devotion
and humility, he symbolized the strength and purity of the Perfect Servant.
Hanumanji is known by many names as Anjaneya, Anjani Putra, Bajarangbali,
Hanuman, Mahaveer, Marutinandan, Pavanputra etc. Hanuman, worshipped
for his strength, valor, agility, is a man of great teaming.
Hanuman carried Sri Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulder to Sugreeva,
the king of all Vanars (monkeys) in Kishkindha and helped them to find
Sita. Prior to the war between Sri Rama and Ravana, Anjaneya visited
Lanka, met Ravana, created havoc and burnt down the city of Lanka
(Lanka Dahan). During the war, when Lakshmana was injured seriously,
Sushena, the surgeon/physician of the monkey army, dispatched
Marutinandan to bring herbal medicine, Sanjeevini, from the far-off
Himalayas and unable to identify the particular herb fast, Hanuman
uprooted and carried the entire mountain in time to save the life of
Lakshmana along with the rest of the Vanar army. Hanuman was
blessed by Sri Rama with immortality (chiranjeevi) at the end of the war.
Hanuman was a bachelor (brahamachari) and is worshipped in all
the temples of India temple of Sri Rama
Hanuman. Worship of Sri Rama is complete only with the worship of
Hanuman. There are various temples dedicated solely to Lord
Hanuman also. Sant Tulsidas composed the 40 stanzas of Hanuman
Chalisa in praise of Hanuman.
The worship of Hanuman symbolizes the worship of the Supreme Lord,
for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, truthfulness,
sincerity, selflessness, humility, loyalty, and profound devotion to the
Lord. Students pray to him for intelligence and soldiers for strength.
In olden days, there used to be temples of Hanumantha, at the gates of
forts. The gymnasium of wrestlers invariably have his picture.
FromSaisatcharita--Behaviour of Sai Baba--Chapter VII
HE got almost all the temples in Shirdi repaired. Through Tatya Patil,
the temples of Shani, Ganapati, Shankar-Parvati, Village Deity,
and Maruti were put in order.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Tamil New Year 14-4-06
The months of the Tamil Calendar gains more significance and are
deeply rooted to the faith of the Tamil People. Some months are considered
very auspicious while a few are considered inauspicious as well. The Tamil
New Year, starts in the first month of Sithirai, in the mid-April every year. It is
celebrated with much enthusiasm among the Tamil Community all over the
world. It is marked by gifting new dresses for the family members and
giving prayers to God wishing for prosperity among the people for the
coming year. The second month of Vaikaasi and the tenth month of Thai
are considered very auspicious and most of the marriages usually
happens during those months than the other months of the year. The
third month of Aadi is considered inauspicious that usually marriages
does not happen in the month. It is usually the worst month for thriving
businesses and recently this situation has changed a lot, as the
businesses started providing discount shopping during that particular
month. The fifth month of Aavani is considered auspicious among the
Tamil orthodox people, and the special occasion of Aavani Avittam
marks the month. The sixth month of Purattaasi is auspicious to the
effect that, most of the non-vegetarian Tamil people do not eat meat
during the month. The full moon days and the new moon days have
considerable importance among the Tamil people. One of the famous
festivals, the Deepavali, is celebrated on the new moon day, in the
seventh month of Aippasi. The month of Aippasi is usually characterised
by the North-East Monsoon in Tamil Nadu, which has gave birth to
a phrase, Aippasi Adai Mazhai meaning the 'Non-stop Downpour'.
The Festival of Thirukaarthigai is celebrated during the eighth month
of Kaarthigai. The nineth month of Maargazhi is characterised by the
winter in Tamil Nadu, and considered auspicious for maiden
women to find their groom. The tenth month of Thai is the month
of Harvest in Tamil Nadu. The festival of Pongal is celebrated to
mark the harvest in the first day of that month.
From Saisatcharita--Madrasi Bhajani Mela--Chapter XXIX
It was in the year 1916 that a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the
Ramadasi Panth) started on a Pilgrimage to the holy city of Banaras
The Party consisted of a man, his wife, daughter and sister-in-law.
Unfortunately their names are not mentioned. On their way, the party
heard that there lived at Shirdi in Kopergaon Taluka, Ahmednagar
District, a great sage named Sai Baba, who was calm and composed,
and who was very liberal and who distributed money every day to His
Bhaktas and to skilful persons, who went and showed their skill there.
-----------------------------------------------
THIS ISSUE CONTAINS
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.
-------------------------------
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE:
From the Satsanghs of Saibanisa ji
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm
Sai Sevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar -
220. For life to be happier, keep away from those doubting your
integrity and avoid inquisitiveness to listen secretively to others.
221. Quality of the Gold can be assessed by rubbing against a
Goldstone. So are troubles which are sure test for true friends,
relatives and servants
222. A crow can be decorated with Gold and diamonds and
still it cannot become a swan. In the same way, a fool can
be throned, but he cannot rule the kingdom
223. A bad king with good ministers and servants is far better
than a good king with bad ministers and servants.
224. You should always be alert with your staff who are not loyal.
225. Gold gets beauty when polished and not from the fact that
it is embedded with pearls taken from the ocean. So also training
is essential for an intelligent student and not for those few born
intellectuals.
226. Trying to reform a bad person is like chasing a mirage
227. Refrain from taking loans, keep away from fire, enemies
and keep aloof from contagious diseases that can take toll of the lives.
228 It cost nothing to talk good and sweet that brings in good returns
229. A selfless person is like a candle giving light to others while
burning and finally loosing identity.
To be continued...
--------------------------------------
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
--------------------------------------
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
April 1886: Baba performed Yoga kriya samadhi for 72 hours.
April 1904: Rao Bahadhur.H.V.Sathe first arrived at Shiridi.
April 1912:Baba announces the first arrival of Dhurundhara brothers from
April1914: Baba appeared in the dream of B.V.Deo and explained as to
how to go about reading Gnaneshwari.
April 1918: Baba paid RS 25/- to person named Vaze and made him to perform Satyanarayan pooja.
April1923: First issue of Sri Sai Leela published.
April 1940: Shama (Madhav Rao Deshpande passed away at Shiridi at the age of 80 yrs.
-------------------------------
3. SAI IN DREAMS:
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/
These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SaiBaNiSa Ji
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/
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.
Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.
I was mentally upset, as I was not able to overcome the urge for
other women in life.
I prayed Sai to offer me with a way out. Sai appeared in the
form of a friend of mine and said -
You are not compromising even to look at the woman intending to
marry you just because she is not beautiful as the inner Jnana shakti
(intelligence) is unable to differentiate between the relative beauties.
Why does the same Shakti fail in realizing that seeking other women
is like putting one's hand in to a burning kiln?
None can help a knowingly ignorant one.
My mind was engrossed in thoughts on Sai philosophy.
Sai said -
When your mind stays disturbed as your children are hospitalized,
how can I live in peace idling and remain without reacting, when MY
children are in troubles?
SAI never fails in offering protection to his devotees.
I prayed Lord Sainath to show me my true position.
The scene was that of a marriage stage. Bridegroom's party reaches
the venue with full vigor demanding for the dowry. Bride's father having
entrusted me with task of guarding the brief case stored with money
asked me to do the needful. I opened the Brief and to my surprise,
the money was not in place. All the elders assembled there branded
me as a thief. Bride's father tries to commit suicide by immolating
himself. I considered myself responsible for the incident and I too
try to jump into the fire. In the meanwhile, the person who stole the
money arrives at the scene laughing. Bride's father and myself then
embraced the thief .He too is perished in the whole process along
with both of us. I got scared with such a dream and got up from the
bed. What could this mean? I am not clear.
Never offer services that can cost life.
To be continued.....
-------------------------------------
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY:
(By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)
"Shashi": shashi_31@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY:
(By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)
"Shashi": shashi_31@yahoo.com
22. Atma - Jnana
Atma is the active principle. From this, arises the world which is
originally inactive. So try to reach the active Atma and thus attain
peace. All worldly things arise form Atma and get merged in it
finally. Even the mind will get merged in Atma. We must know this.
Atma is self-effulgent. It will not have any change due to worldly
activities or due to time. It will always be one. This Atma is the
Self and the Atma is the Universe, both get merged in Paramatma.
The indestructible Paramatma will never get destroyed and is beyond
space, time and causation.
Atma is permanent and is without any change or alteration. It is full of
knowledge, bliss and purity. If we are in the state of Atma, we will always
be happy. So, all of us should do Sadhana and try to fix our aim and
visualize Atma. Know Atma is not an artificial, conventional thing.
The source of the Universe is the power of Atma.
If we practice the following good habits, we will have Divine perfection
and realize the Atma in ourselves. They are:
1. Purity of Anthakarna;
2. Resistance of external indriyas;
3. Reading philosophical books;
4. Straight forwardness;
5. Charitable nature;
6. Avoiding criticism of others;
7. Peace of mind;
8. Having mercy on all living beings;
9. Not having bad desires;
10. Not doing bad actions;
11. Not having wavering mind;
12. Having Saburi;
13. Having external and internal purity;
14. And not having egoism.
If we perform all these things perfectly, we will have Atma-Jyothi darshan.
To be continued.....
-----------------------------
5. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
-----------------------------
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
Death, is when the soul leaves the physical body and
Re entry of the soul in to another bodily form is reincarnation.
The underlying idea to be understood is that one has to pay the
price of his karmic deeds if not in this life definitely in the
lives to come. There cannot be an escape from this hard truth of
life and has been repeated by all great saints again and again. The sooner
It is realized the better it is." The seeds you sow, make the fruits
you reap". Probably Saibanisa was inspired to place before the
Lotus feet of Baba, the questions in his mind as he came across a
cross section of people suffering and undergoing hardships in their
present lives. The answers were in the form of visuals in dreams of
Saibanisa and are presented to the Saibandhus and bear relevance to
the title.
By: Sai Sevak Raghuraman Satulury
--------------------------
SANATANA DHARMA -NEWS FROM ABROAD:
King Gyanendra Inaugurates WHF Silver Jubilee Celebrations
www.kantipuronline.com
BIRGUNJ, April 7 - King Gyanendra has said Hinduism, which dates
back to the beginning of civilization itself, embraces the high ideals of
tolerance and "Vasudaiva kutumbakam" or universal fraternity, in which
ideals lies the strength in the relations amongst various faiths in this
Jubilee Celebrations of the World Hindu Federation (WHF) at Pipara
Muth in Birgunj, on Friday. On the occasion, the King said "Based
on humanistic ideals, the Hindu culture, which espouses the precept
Sarve bhawantu sukhina sarve santu niramaya or 'Let every human
being be happy and free of disease; let every individual's well-being
be ensured,' is dedicated to the good and peace of all. " These ideals
must be incorporated into our way of life, as inscribed in the great
religious epic The Bhagawat Gita, the King added. King Gyanendra
referred to many instances where, for peace, many sages had
sacrificed their lives, and said that to establish permanent peace in
the true sense is the need of the day "Let us all pledge to dedicate
some of our time towards this noble cause," said the King, adding
the holy Vedas also lay special emphasis on peace and humanism.
Project Set Up to Trace Indian Diaspora
inwww.rediff.com
(MOIA) effort to help persons of Indian origin (PIOs) abroad trace their
antecedents in the land of their forefathers has started bearing fruit
with the roots of eight people being traced in the district of Ballia in
Uttar Pradesh. A meeting held here reviewed the progress in a pilot
project started by the ministry, called "Tracing the Roots," which is
under way in the districts of Ballia in Uttar Pradesh and Bhojpur in
Bihar. The Uttar Pradesh government has already created an archival
database of 10,000 people who had migrated to different parts of the
world in the 19th and early 20th centuries. There are 56 names from
Ballia, where the pilot project is under way, on the list of 10,000 and of
them the roots of eight have been traced. Most of the ancestors of these
PIOs had gone as indentured labour to countries like Trinidad and
in tracing his or her roots, will have to produce the emigration pass that
had been given to the ancestor by the then British government in India
MOIA will then help the PIO trace his or her roots while charging a
nominal fee for the exercise. There are around a million PIOs in the
400,000 in Guyana Jamaica Barbados
----------------------
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
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.
Information about JyotirLingas:
5. SRI VAIDYANATHA in Parali
If one is to draw a line between Kanyakumari and Ujjain
can be clearly seen on that line. This village is located on the slopes
of Meru or Naganarayana Mountain
near three rivers, Brahma, Venu and Saraswati, because of the presence
of one of the twelve JyotirLingas of Shankara, it has become famous.
This village is also known as Kantipur, Madhyarekha Vaijayanti or Jayanti.
It is 26 kilometers from Ambejogai in the Beed district.
History of Parali Vaidhyanath jyothirlinga temple
Yogeshwari of Ambejogai was married to Lord Vaidyanatha of Parali. But
by the time the marriage party reached, the auspicious time of the
wedding had passed. As a result the people of the marriage party turned
into stone statues. Yogeshwari was waiting away from Parali. This is one
story that is frequently heard there.
When the Gods and Demons made their combined effort in Amrit Manthan
(Churning for Nectar), fourteen gems emerged. There were Dhanwantari
and Amrit Ratnas in it. When the Demons rushed to grab Amrit, Lord Vishnu
hid the Amrit and Dhanwantari in the Shiva Linga of Lord Shankara. Just as
the Demons tried to touch the Linga, flames started emanating from the
Linga. The scared Demons ran aay. But when devotees of Lord Shankara
touched the Linga, there was a free flow of Amrit from the same. Even today,
devotees touch the Shiva Linga as a part of taking Darshan. Here, there is
no discrimination between caste, creed or color. Anyone can come and
visit this place. As the Lingamurthy is supposed to have Amrit and
Dhanvantari, it is also known as Amriteshwar and Dhanvantari.
The mountains and jungles and the rivers, are full of useful medicinal
herbs. That is why Parali JyotirLinga is also known as Vaidyanatha.
It is here that Lord Vishnu successfully helped the Devas to obtain
Amrit. Therefore, this place is also known as 'Vaijayanti".
Once the Demon King Ravana went to Kailasa mountain and did a
severe penance to please Lord Shankara. Put up with cold, heat, rains
and fine and even then when Lord Shiva did not appear before him, he
began to cut his head off in order to offer it to the ShivaLinga. Then the
Lord appeared after Ravana tried to offer his tenth head. He restored
all of Ravana's heads and granted him boons. Ravana expressed his
desire to take Lord Shiva to Lanka as a boon. He said, "I want to take
you to Lanka". Shankara, who is very soft hearted to His devotees,
agreed to accompany Ravana to Lanka. He told Ravanan, "You must
carry my Linga with care and devotion, but do be careful not to put it
down on the earth until you reach your destination, or else, it will stay
at whichever place you put it down" Shiva cautioned.
Ravana began the journey homeward carrying the Shivaling. On
the way, he wanted to relieve himself by urination. He bid a cowherd
boy to hold the Linga while he relieved himself. The cowherd was
not able to bear the weight of the Linga and when he could no
longer hold it, he put it down on the earth. And the Shiva Linga put
there stayed as Lord Shiva already ordained and came to be known
as Vaidyanatheswar.
Here, the gods were sad about Ravana taking away Shiva to his Lanka.
They requested saint Narada to do something. Narada met Ravana
and said to him by way of praising his penance and Tapas. "You
made a mistake in trusting Shiva. Believing Shiva's word was wrong.
Go to him and slander him and get your way. Go to Kailasa and move
it entirely. Your success will be gauged by your art of moving Kailasa
from there". Ravana was tricked into believing Narada. Ravana promptly
carried out Narada's bidding. Lord Shiva saw the ego driven mischieves
Ravana and told him: "A unique power is soon going to born which will
destroy your pride in the strength of your arms". Narada informed the
Gods of these tidings and his success in his mission. The gods were
relieved and were happy. In the meanwhile, Ravana too was happy with
the boon he received from Lord Shiva. He returned and was in a trance
and was under the influence of Shiva's mythical power. He was heady
and drunk with power. He decided to conquer the entire universe. To
subdue his ego only God had to descend on the earth in the Avatar of Rama.
To be continued-------
-------------------------------
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
SaiRam!
I have seen the photos of Baba coming to me in miraculous ways
days after having read extensively on Shirdi Baba. On the way to a
pilgrimage, while speaking about these events with my sister, my
sister showed me his statue minutes after on the road near a
residence after traffic slowed down and yesterday thinking of him,
I again saw a small picture of his on the doorway of a bus as soon
as I sat down inside.
I am very much astounded by the way he shows his presence each
I am very much astounded by the way he shows his presence each
time we meditate on him. We pray that Shirdhi Baba enlightens our
path and guide us in all aspects of our life.
Also Congratulations to you people behind this marvelous website
Also Congratulations to you people behind this marvelous website
for all the good work you are doing. May I request for a prayer for
my auntie who is seriously ill and for my getting into a new challenging
international career. Many thanks for prayers and support.
Navind
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
swamymain@yahoo.com
Sai Ram. We have been enjoying the spiritual gems of Brahma Jnan and
how Guru takes care of His disciples in the last few chapters. In this chapter,
another great disciple of Sai, Shri Dasganu Mahraj is blessed by Sai and
Dasganu's doubts regarding the deeper meaning of Isa Upanishat are
solved by Sai Maharaj through a small drama. Sai Ram.
"Sai (Lord) was originally formless. He assumed a form for the sake of
Bhaktas. With the help of the actress Maya, He played the part of the
Actor in the big drama of the universe."
Sai Ram. Here, Shri Hemadpant describes the Nirguna nature of Sai.
Maya is the restraining influence of the Para Brahman which makes
the parts (individual souls) forgets that they are in fact of the same nature.
By trapping the awareness into physical senses which are limited in their
capacity to show the real picture, Maya allows each of the small fragments
to develop a sense of separate identity and thus sets up the stage for the
drama of the Universe to take place.
"Let us remember and visualize Shri Sai. Let us go to Shirdi, and see carefully
the programmes, after the noon-Arati. After the Arati ceremony was over, Sai
used to come out of the Dwarakamai, and standing on its edge, distribute Udi
to the devotees with very kind and loving looks. The Bhaktas also got up with
equal fervor, clasped His Feet, and standing and staring at Him, enjoyed the
shower of Udi. Baba passed handfuls of Udi into the palms of the devotees
and marked their foreheads with Udi with His fingers. The love He bore for
them in His heart was boundless. Then He addressed the Bhaktas as follows: -
"Oh Bhau, go to take your lunch; you Anna go to your lodgings; you Bapu,
enjoy your dishes".
Sai Ram. Sai was distributing Udi and love through His words and actions
and was also indirectly advising each soul to enjoy the fruits of the karma
with a sense of equanimity. It is an inescapable law of the universe that
action is followed by reaction, and that in turn sows the seeds for further
action, which in turn leads to more reaction and thus an endless cycle
is started. Only when the doer does the action without a sense of the
doership (which is possible when the limited soul realizes its true nature
of being one with every one and every thing), does the cycle stop (for that soul)?
"In this way He accosted each and every devotee and sent them home.
Even now, you can enjoy these sights if you bring into play your imagination.
You can visualize and enjoy them. Now bringing Sai before our mental vision,
let us meditate on Him, from His Feet upwards to His face, and prostrating
before Him humbly, lovingly and respectfully, revert to the story of this Chapter."
Sai Ram. One effective way of sublimating our ego is to serve the evolved
and enlightened Saints who are fully conscious of their real nature. Sai
Sadguru is indeed such and that is why we worship Him so that we too
become like Him in due course (Bhrama - keeta nyaya). Sai Ram.
We will continue with this chapter in the coming issues. Sai Ram.
S.V.Swamy
Author, Editor, Proof-Reader and Book Reviewer
www.freewebs.com/swamyreviews
To be continued.....
-------------------------------
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN:
http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg
Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar,Hyderabad
Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with
-------------------------------
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN:
http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg
Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar,
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 Farmer's Donkey
One day a farmer's donkey fell into an abandoned well. The animal
cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally, he decided the animal was too old and the well needed to
be covered up anyway; so it just wasn't worth it to him to try to retrieve
the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They each
grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. Realizing
what was happening, the donkey at first cried and wailed horribly.
Then, a few shovel-fulls later, he quieted down completely. The
farmer peered down into the well, and was astounded by what
he saw. With every shovel-full of dirt that hit his back, the donkey
would shake it off and take a step up on the new layer of dirt.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the
animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon,
the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off,
to the shock and astonishment of everyone.
The Moral: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.
The trick to getting out of the well is to stop wailing, and not
let the dirt bury you, but to shake it off and take a step up. Each
one of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the
deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it
off and take a step up.
-----------------------------------------------
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
"Sankaraiah Dubagunta" sainama@yahoo.com
WHO THE OLD MAN WAS??
Babu Rao Tukaram Kakade of Satara narrated his experience in June'1951 Sai Sudha as Follows:
In 1946, he started for Shirdi with his wife and children to attend Guru
Purnima. Rains were pouring in at and near Shirdi. He took the evening
train at Poona 2.30am , he knew none.
Rains were pouring. He was helpless. Suddenly an old man came to him
and asked him "What are you praying for?" Kakade answered "I wish to go
to Shirdi". The old man took him and his family and engaged a Tonga
go to Shirdi and suddenly disappeared when Kakade got into the carriage.
Kakade then turned to thank him but could find no trace of him. When the
driver did not wish to take the risk of crossing the river with occupants in it.
Some other person appeared there and asked Kakade and wife to ford the
river by walking. As for the two children the stranger carried them in his arms
till the other bank was reached. The tonga
human weight. Then Kakade turned to thank him but the stranger had left
the children on the bank and disappeared."
Beloved Readers, Baba confirms from the above incident "If you cast your
burden on me, I shall surely bear it" Did not Baba Sai provide water to
Chandorkar on harischandra hills in the guise of a Bhill? What is impossible
for Omnipotent Sai?
D.Sankaraiah.
--------------------------------------
11. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES:
"Leeladhar": leedhar@rediffmail.com
Dear Sir,
We request you to publish the following in Glory of Shirdi Sai E-magazine.
"We are setting up a library of Old Shirdi Sai Baba Books in Hyderabad
this connection we are searching for old books on Shirdi Sai Baba in
Marathi, Hindi and English. If any devotee has the same, they may please
contact us at leedhar@rediffmail.com .We are also searching for old Saileela
Masik magazines in marathi before 1973. If any devotee has the same,
Please spare a photo copy; we will bear all the expenses."
With regards
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