LETTERS OF SRI M.B. REGE

SRI GURUDEV

M.B. Rege, B.A., LL.,B.,
Advocate
28, South Tukoganj,
Indore, M.P.,
Tel: 7235

24th August 1968

Dear Brother Sridhar,
I received your letter of the 9th instant on the 15th; that was
probably delayed because of dislocation in the traffic. Your letter
of 22nd came into hand this morning. I regret the delay in replying
to your first letter. You
had asked me to reply early, time and health permitting. I had enough
time and more to spare but incessant rain and chilly weather gave me
an attack of influenza and I had to be in bed for over a week; even after
that I ran a slight temp. I am better now, but cannot sit for a long time.
therefore I am dictating this letter from my bed.

Let me first say that if you got the impression that I personally witnessed
the miracle of Baba going up a plank to sleep, it is incorrect. As far as I
recollect, I told you that my Revered brother Shri Dasganu Maharaj had
told me about it. There was no question of peeping through because Baba
slept in the open Masjid and Shri Dasganu told me that he had stood in
the open space in front of the Masjid to find how Baba went up; and that
he saw Baba either on the floor or on the plank. I told you that Shri
Dasganu would not invent a story and that I believed him as though I had
been with him myself.

When my Revered brother Narasimha Swami showed me his collection
of 'Devotees Experiences' I told him that a large percentage of what
people had said was reflection of their own minds and his reaction was
characteristic of a missionary. he said "I know; but unless some miracles
or things out of the ordinary were mentioned, the mere man would not be
attracted to Baba. Swamiji's love and faith and the Master's grace made
it possible for so many persons being attracted to get the blessings of
the Master.

I shall now give brief replies to your questions.

1) The colour of Baba I would put as wheat colour but there were some
brilliance which cannot be described. At times there would be bright
aura round his face.
2) His height was approximately 5'10"

3) His daily routine was that in the morning just after sunrise he would
wash his face and hands sitting in what I may call the Verandah. Then
he would be in his seat smoking a tobacco chilam, and people would
come for his Darshan. About an hour later, He would go to the Lendi.
The route was through the village and Radhakrishna Ayee would sweep
the road backwards so as not to step on the swept portion. The Lendi
was then a sort of deep canal. some people accompanied and awaited
his return from the canal. He would be there for about an hour. On his
return he would wash his feet and then go out for Bhiksha. During my
visit I would accompany him. As far as I know, He went to Lendi only
once in a day.

(to be contd....)
BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990,
All India Sai Samaj (Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

What all I read about Sri Baba, what all I saw and heard
at Shirdi, were enriched by my personal conversations with
this staunch and uncompromising Sai devotee. But certain
doubts still lingered and certain gaps remained unfilled in
my mind and I took the liberty of writing to Sri M.B. Rege
after I returned to Madras, filling them with numerous queries.
Inspite of his age, failing health, family mishaps, and domestic
preoccupations he was kind and patient enough to reply to me
in great detail, because he must have been convinced that I
am very anxious to be authentic and factual as far as possible,
in my writings.

In his letters Sri Rege opened the windows of his mind and
heart, sometimes also anticipating my unexpressed doubts.
In a later meeting between us in Madras, he mentioned that
some unseen power was compelling him to confide everything
to me --even incidents and feelings that were locked up in his
mind all these years. He was convinced that it was the Will of
his Master that they must see the light of day and get
recorded in black and white through me.

Such a conviction of his was very much in evidence while he
revealed to me certain incidents hitherto unknown in the life
of Radhakrishna Ayee who, according to Sri Rege, was the
very embodiment of 'Madhura Bakthi' of the Gopis and whom
Baba referred to as His Mother.

I am happy I have been given this opportunity by the Sai Samaj
organisers to acknowledge with gratitude the great help
rendered by Sri Rege in my humble contribution to Sai literature.
It is my great pleasure and privilege to publish two valuable
letters out of four or five written to me by Sri Rege for the benefit
and enlightenment of Sai devotees and also for serving as
authentic record for future Sai biographers and research
scholars.

BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.

Satsang Sri Sai Amrit Vani

Sri Sai Amrit Vani
22nd June 2006

Jai Sai Ram
Week after week, Baba is blessing us
on Thursdays with HIS leelas with slight changes only,
but in abundance. The miracle effect of the water
oozing from HIS charans is curing many devotees. To
cite one instance only ,
A lady was having fibroids in her uterus and was
advised to have surgery. She was given this holy water
and now the fibroids are so small that Dr. is of the
opinion that surgery is not necessary at the moment.
The Holy water is in limited quantity as compared to
the demand and is being given to the devotees who
actually needs it and it will be given to the devotees
as long as BABA is giving it.
This Thursday the 22nd June, the word
RAM also appeared along with OM on the photo on which
Swastic, Onkar, and other figures appeared earlier ,
but the honey was missing again. About 80 devotees
participated in the Sri Sai Amrit Vani in person this
Thursday. Even Pandit ji of our colony offered Bhog
to Baba this Thursday, which was accepted by HIM.
As I remain busy on Thursdays with the
devotees visiting Baba and Mrs. Gupta, I am unable to
work on the internet and consequently no emails on
Thursdays.

We were able to see the following
Leelas of Baba on Thursday the 22nd June 2006.

1. This Week Udi started appearing and oozing from the
photos on the walls from Tuesday morning and in the
mandir from Wednesday morning after Mrs Gupta
performed her pooja. As usual the words formed with
Udi were again 'RAM' and 'SHAM' 'OM' and Trishool.
2. OMs was formed along with the word RAM with Udi
this week on the photo were swastic and onkar and OM
used to form .
3. Bhiksha Patra in one photo contained one OM formed
with Udi.
4. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week
also. This water was collected in the plate. The
taste of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara.
After Sai Amrit Vani, this water was given to the
needy devotees and again the plate was filled with
water. This water was taken out of plate 3-4 time
throughout the day.
5. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered, it was
duly accepted by Baba and after the Sri Sai Amrit
Vani we noticed that the box, which was placed
before HIM. was half empty with partly eaten and
partly remained pieces of items in the box, Only
small pieces of items were left in the box. Part of
Bhog was on the lips of many photos and statue of
Baba. These parts of the remains in the box were
given to the devotees who offered that item of bhog to
Baba.
6. Only Bread Pakora in the Box of bhog which was
placed before Baba was intact and was not eaten by
Baba. Mrs Gupta and the devotee felt very unhappy over
it. There may be some cause about it.
7. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table
were blessed with Udi,
8. Besides Mrs. Gupta many devotees also had Udi in
their Laps and books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
9. Many devotees felt the presence of Baba during the
recitation of Sai Amrit Vani in different ways.
10. The Charnamrit of Baba was also sweet as if some
honey has been mixed into it.
11. Two Sai Satcharitra were placed by Mrs. Gupta
before Baba, which were blessed with Udi and after the
Sai Amrit Vani, were gifted to two devotees.
12. Documents, Photo of Baba and the locket/pandet of
devotees were placed by Mrs Gupta before Baba were
blessed with lots of Udi, as soon as they were placed.

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.
Prayers and thanks were offered by Mrs. Gupta to Baba.

Next Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 29TH June again
will be held in Sidhartha Extension, New Delhi.
Devotees interested in attending it in person may
contact on phone nos 26346942, 9810714688 or
9312494767 only after 11 AM (IST) on all days except
Thursdays and no calls on Thursdays PLEASE.. They
should NOT bring any bhog with them and be in time.
Kids are also not allowed in the hall. No disturbance
is tolerated as soon as the Sri Sai Amrit Vani starts
till it ends.

Besides the devotees who had made the direct
request to Mrs Gupta on phone and 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
Sri Sai Amrit Vani in absencia only of those devotees,
---------------- WHO WILL RECITE/READ OR AT LEAST
LISTEN TO 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 Tamil and 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

Sai Vichaar for Thursday , June 15, 2006

Sai Vichaar www.saibaba.org
Thursday , June 15, 2006 :: Volume 9, Issue 5
(In its nineth year of publication.)
Sai Vichaar is a Weekly newsletter distributed every Thursday and
is devoted to the life, philosophy and teachings of Shri Sai Baba of
Shirdi.
Feel free to forward this newsletter to your interested associates
in its original form.

IN THIS ISSUE:
FEATURE OF THE WEEK
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
DEVOTEES SAY
PRAYER CLUB
EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
SAI ACTIVITIES
FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: To overcome negative experiences...
In his later role as a Sufi Master Sai Baba encouraged his visitors
to practice repentance, to turn away from the life they had been
living, and to practice devotion to God in whatever form they chose.
He admonished his devotees to give up bad habits such as addiction
to liquor, and exhorted that negative qualities such as caste rivalry,
pride of learning, greed, etc. should not be harbored. In answer to
a devotee's question concerning samsara (worldly activities), Sai
Baba observed:
The Shadripus (the six enemies - lust, anger, covetousness,
delusion, pride & jealousy) are all delusive. They make the unreal
appear as real. If a rich man wears a gold ornament, the poor
man gets jealous, and thinks he must have one. This is lobha
(greed). All are like this. So one must conquer the six enemies.
If they are conquered, waves of passion will not arise. Else they
will enslave you. If they are subordinated and reason made the
commandant, then the delusive pleasures and pains will no
longer hold sway over you.
Commenting to Nana Chandorkar, he said that of this jealousy
is the easiest to conquer:
Jealousy (matsara) is the inability to endure another's profit and
prosperity. If another gets fortune or power, we cannot put up
with it, we scandalize him. When he meets with loss, we rejoice.
But is this good? When that man attains prosperity, what loss
have we really suffered? But people do not consider this point
of view. If he attains good let us rejoice; let us attain or strive to
attain equal good. That should be our desire and determination.
One technique, which Sai Baba enjoined for overcoming such
negative experiences, was to repeat the name of God. He said:
"if others hate us, let us simply take to namajapa (recitation of
the names of God) and avoid them."
(Source: ."Shirdi Sai Baba in the Light of Sufism" by Marianne Warren)


CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Conversations between Baba and Nana
Chandorkar (continued from last week) Nana folded his hands and
said, "I understand that but what puzzles me is this: why should
there be pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow? There cannot be these
if one gets rid of worldly affairs."

To this Baba said, "Pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow are illusions.
They are not real, although people think them to be real. Thanks to
his previous karma, one man feeds on delicacies; another feeds on
dry bread; a third gets only stale food or worthless left-overs. Those
who feed on stale food or worthless leftovers consider themselves
unhappy, while those eating good food say that they have
everything they need. The purpose of eating is to quench the fire
in the stomach, no matter what one eats delicacies or leftover.
Similarly, the purpose of covering one's body, whether with
delicate fabrics woven with gold thread or with rough garments
made from the inner bark of trees, is to protect the body; nothing
more. Thus, joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure are simply ways
of looking at things. They are, as I said, illusions and you should
not be deceived by them. Illusory as they are, these feelings
cannot exist without a cause just as waves cannot exist without
water or light without a lamp.
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 labor.
"There are three types of feedings: mass feeding, regular
feeding and occasional feeding. Mass feeding is feeding
people in thousands. You may do this if you are very
wealthy and your intentions good. When you mass-feed,
you need not differentiate between caste or between good
and bad people; all are worthy. Feeding in the name of
the Lord also falls in this category. However, you should
not undertake some feeding if you have to borrow and get
into debt.
(Contributed by Continued......)

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Conversations between Baba
and Nana Chandorkar (contd.)
Regular feeding, on the other hand, calls for discrimination.
Only way farers, mendicants, the worthy poor among
students who live by begging their bread, and the hungry
deserve to be fed regularly. "Then there is occasional
feeding - feeding on occasions like weddings, festivals
and the completion of the observance of religious vows.
On such occasions you may invite your good friends and
relations and feed them. These are the three types of
feeding and the reasons behind them. The same holds
good for the offering of clothing as well.
"Try to help those in distress whenever your purse permits.
When in power, do not misuse it. Do not take a bribe while
sitting in judgment on a case. Whatever responsibility is
given to you, carry it out well and with due care. Do not
dress overly and show off. Do not, without proper reason,
insult anyone. Know the bad and the wicked and deal
carefully with them. If you are blessed with sons, daughters,
servants and maids, treat them all affectionately but do not
take pride in these blessings, for such pride is the cause of
the cycle of births and deaths. We must finish up with our
past store of karma so that nothing is left for us to carry
forward. Blessings like sons, daughters etc. are meant for
this life only. Where, for instance, are the friends and
relatives we had in our past lives? They ceased to be when
the lives for which they were meant ceased to be. Desires,
on the other hand, bind us from birth to birth and bring
about the next birth. Do not therefore take false pride in
your progeny, relations or friends. Only then will you get
everlasting bliss. We go to a hotel to take shelter there for
a short while. We do not get attached to such a temporary
dwelling. The world too is but a temporary abode for us.
"Everybody should perform his duties and at the same time
remember the Lord, who is full of bliss.
The one God created all children on earth but your own child
is your responsibility. You must bring him up properly,
educate him, give him some money and leave some wealth
for him. Do not, however, take pride in his upbringing or
education or the wealth you have left him. Do your duty and
give the Lord the credit for doing it. Give the Lord the fruits of
your duty too. This will help you to remain aloof and detached
from worldly activities. Use your intelligence and knowledge
to differentiate the good from the bad, accept the good and
discard the bad. Take up good projects and make all possible
efforts to complete them. You must by no means be
apathetic towards the affairs of this world. Do your duties
proudly but cast off this pride as soon as they bear fruit. "As
long as life exists, one must take good care of one's body
but one should not weep over death. After death nothing
exists for you to cry over. Wise men are unmoved by death;
it is only the foolish who give vent to their feelings in times
of death. The body until its death is a loan from the five
elements, which the life force repays. On full and final
repayment of the loan, air mixes with air, fire with fire.
Thus, the five elements go back to their respective places.
The body belongs to the earth and as such its loss is not
a matter for mourning. Similarly the birth of a child need
not be a cause for rejoicing, birth being as natural a
phenomenon as death. One must simply stay calm,
unmoved by birth and death, O Narayan! The earth bears
the seed, the cloud waters it and the sun helps the seed
to germinate. When the seed germinates, do the earth,
the cloud and the sun rejoice and start dancing? Whether
the sprout turns into a big tree or it dries up and withers is
something that should cause neither rejoicing nor sorrow.
If we act in this manner, how can there be any misery or
cause for lamentation? The state of absolution is the
absence of misery and lamentation.
(Contributed by Source: Sri Sai Gurucharithra: Collected
works on Saibaba by DasGanu Maharaj)

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Conversations between Baba
and Nana Chandorkar (contd.)
Baba then told Nanasaheb that we would receive from him
more 'upadesh" later. Nanasaheb was very pleased to hear
this. His eyes moist with tears of joy and his body full of
goose pimples, he caught hold of Baba's feet and said in a
voice overwhelmed with emotion."O generous Sai: you have
redeemed me. Your "upadesh" has washed away the dust
of nescience that had gathered over me. I am deeply
grateful to you." Nimonkar was equally overwhelmed. They
both fell at Baba's foot and left for their respective homes.
(Contributed by Source: Sri Sai Gurucharithra: Collected
works on Saibaba by DasGanu Maharaj)

DEVOTEES SAY:
Savitha
I want to thank you Sainatha for Your grace on my family and
me for all these years. As per my vow to You I am writing in
this newsletter to spread the bhakthi that indeed you are with
everyone who believes in you. Please continue to bestow
Your grace on everyone. Om Shri Sai Ram.
Vijay
Thank you Sai because of you my brother got good job.
Thanks for every thing, please shower your blessings on all
your devotees and my family.
Suresh
I have prayed with Sai Nath that if I receive last months salary
from my company I will publish this in Sai Vichar as the
company was not in a position to pay salary and I received
salary only with Baba's blessings. I thank you Baba.
Jyothi
A many thanks to dear Sai, You have gifted me a with a baby
boy. After I lost a baby last year I thought I would never have
any child but by Your grace and love for Your children You
bestowed upon me this great gift. You also got my husband
a job in India and now a new home. I just can't believe that
everything is happening so soon. Once again I would like to
thank you and request You to keep me ever chanting Your
name. Sai, O Lord, this time my mother has some health
problems, kindly help her recover without any trouble.
Thank you O Lord, thanks a lot.

PRAYER CLUB:
Prakash
Due to poorvarjita karma, I am trapped in a serious debt
problem. Though You have blessed me and my family with
a good salary, all my earnings are getting drained out in
repayment of debt. You are the only solace and help me in
getting out of this problem as soon as I can. Though You
are aware about my problems, I am making a request to
you specially like a baby requests his mother for food.
Karnad
Sai Baba, please help my son overcome all his doubts
and wavering mind and to concentrate on his studies.
Punam
Om Sai Ram. By Baba's grace my IUI was done. I prayed
and requested to Baba that please bless me with a baby.
Already my 4 IUI were failed, but I know Baba can do
miracles any time. Everything is in Baba's hands. So please
Baba, take care of me this time. I request all Sai devotees
to pray for me.
Neetu
Baba, You what I am going through. Please Baba tell my
husband to come back soon. Please Baba tell him that
we are missing him very much. Baba please have mercy
on us.
Swaminathan
Baba please solve our problems and give us some peace
and happiness. Please forgive my mistakes and bless us.
We are trying our best bit still the results are not in our
favor. We are keeping all our faith in you. Only your help
can save us.
Srinivas
Please, see that I don't lose my Job. I will perform well
Baba. With your grace, I will perform definitely well. Please
provide your blessings to me. I always recite your name
wherever I am.
Hemisha
Forgive for all mistakes committed in my life and please
Saibaba shower your grace on me and my family and
assured to me to get a good job.
Shai
I don't know whether I should go ahead with my idea of
changing my career path should I just be patient and see
what Baba has stored for me. I feel so confused. Please
guide me my Mentor.
Nikhil
Please pray for my mother, she has got airthritis from
past five years. Baba please help her, give Your heeling
touch Baba. Take her problems away. Baba give Your
love to my family.
Zinda
Please bless my brother with a child. Please help my
sister's son to get admission for Engineering. You are
taking good care of me and my family. Help my husband
in his job and take care of our health.
Reshma
Baba, please help my husband to get a job. We have
relocated interstate and it is increasingly difficult for him
to get back in the lecturing or teaching profession. Also
Baba my son who is very bright but tend to get careless
with his studies. Please guide him to concentrate in his
school work for this is such an important year for him. I
beg you Baba please show my sixteen year old the right
way. He must not get sidetracked. Thank you very much
Baba for everything. Om Sai Ram

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Ambika
I am 22 years old and Baba came into my life in the year
2002. For me it was complete belief and love from the
beginning, no doubts, no questions. Since then Baba has
given me loads of beautiful experiences, not once has He
let me down at every step He has held my hand and helped
me walk through life without which I have no idea whether I
could even take a step forward but the experience I am about
to relate is absolutely unbelievable. It's a miracle. I still feel
that I experienced something so beautiful and perfect very
early in life, I've got much more than I deserve. I mean after
loads of prayers and good deeds not many people witness
something like this. I still don't understand the reason behind
Baba choosing me. I always try to be his perfect daughter but
I don't think I've really always managed it. But as they say He
has His reasons or probably Faith does move mountains. But I
am so thankful to Baba for choosing me. I study in Pune and I
have been offering Baba a glass of water and prasad as Naivadya
everyday since September 2005.This is generally how we all
express our love to Baba. Just that I did it a little differently, every
time while offering water I always took a drop of water from the
glass on my finger and put it on the lips of the Baba's murti I have
with me. It was just my way of making Baba drink water and as
expected the drop would either trickle down to the chin or just
stay on the lips and dry up in some time. So on the 27th
February 2006 night at around 11 pm (which was rather late than
usual) when I did my regular offering I as usual put the drop of
water on Baba's lips. And to my utter surprise the drop
disappeared immediately in front of my eyes. I was shocked,
actually too shocked to believe my eyes. So I took another drop
and put it on the lips of my Baba's murti. And that within
seconds disappeared too.
continued...
I decided I will do the same once more and if it happens for the
3rd time I'll go and call my masi (who was the only elder person
at home at that time). I did it for the third time and Baba seemed
to have drank that drop too. I immediately went and called my
masi and I showed her the miracle. And she was shocked to no
bounds. She immediately took a drop from the glass and put it
on Baba's lips. And that disappeared too, we were so happy with
the miracle that we alternately made Baba drink water from the
glass for an hour till the water in the glass was over. By the time
we finished the glass and brought more water my brother sister
and their friends were home. And Baba accepted water from them
too. In fact their friends who are not really Baba devotees were
too shocked to believe what was happening. But that was Baba's
way of drawing them closer to Him. As a result all of them took
the first bus to Shirdi two days later in order to take Baba's
darshan. After around one and a half hour (that is at 12:30 am
approx Baba stopped drinking water). This miracle was something
none of us had ever dreamt of. I was so shocked that there was a
point of time when I thought probably the clay of the murti was
absorbing the water so I put a drop of water on the murti's head.
And that just stayed there, it was only when we put it on the lips
did Baba drink it. It was not the clay it was Baba for sure. After
that day till today whenever I offer water to Baba I put the drop on
His lips and as usual the drop remains on his lips. Guess that
was the day Baba wanted to literally drink water from my and the
other's hands accepting our love and devotion for him. I really don't
know how to express my love and gratitude to Baba for everything.
All I can think of telling Him right now is 'I Love You Baba'.
Charul
I would like to share my experience with all Sai devotees. My 4
year old son was hospitalized on 3rd April, 2006 as he was
suffering from severe gastroenteritis. He developed severe fever
that reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit. He had not eaten since the
morning so he couldn't take in the medicine for reducing his fever.
The medicines that were being injected into his bloodstream were
having little effect. The cold strips treatment to lower his temperature
was leading to nowhere. My poor child was also having convulsions
from time to time. The doctors suspected meningitis but weren't sure.
I was crying bitterly to Sai and praying to Him to take care of his child.
All of a sudden we heard the sounds of Jai Mata Di from the
neighboring temple, as these were the Navratras days going on. We
all prayed to our Sai Mata to bless our little baby and all of a sudden
his temperature reduced to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, much to the
surprise of everyone including the doctors around. He started talking
normally as if nothing had happened! Thank you Sai for having saved
the life of our son.
Arun
Thanks a lot Sai, I promised Sai that I will publish this once my
brother gets a job. I started reading Sai Satcharita and committed
to complete it in 7 days with request to Sai to give my brother a job
who is being idle after our set back in business. I completed reading
Sai Satcharita in 7 days, there was no news of my brother getting
any job, I was disappointed and thought that Sai did not bless me.
I was depressed, but within a week my brother got an offer for job
and they asked him to join from Thursday itself. My belief in Sai is
reconfirmed and felt Saibaba's presence in my life is always there. He
does not leave His devotees in middle. Thanks a lot Sai, have Your
grace on my family and me always.


QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
"Wholesome food will bring good health. A man of restraint is better
than a man of indulgence".-Shri Sai Baba


QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. What does Sai Baba say about the wealthy/rich?
A. by Prakash
God descends from the heaven in the form of Yuga Purusha to protect
the Dharma from evil spirits. We read about Shri Rama and Shri Krishna
in our great epics. Even though they were taken the human form, they
stood above the human traits. This shows how one can raise to the level
from Manava to Madhava.
The riches are the accumulated fruits of the past good deeds. By virtue
of being rich due to one's own good deeds in the past, one should be
humble and do good deeds even during the present life also. Sainath
always teaches the humility and the path of renunciation. He always
recommends and believes in the Karma theory. Sainath never teaches
running out of the responsibilities of Grihastashrama. There is a Sanskrit
saying that "Vidya dadati Vinayam, Vinaya dadati patratam, patratvat
dhanamapnoti tad dana dharma tatah sukham". Which means, education
brings the humility and humility brings the capability and the capability
brings the money. Out of the money you earn through these means, first
you do some good deeds by donating some portion of your earnings to
the poor and needy (Daridra Narayana Seva- which pleases our beloved
Sai Sadguru) and then utilize the balance for your personal well being.
This should be the ultimate aim of all. This is exactly what Sainath
preaches to all the riches to bring down the parity between the haves
and have-nots. During the divine presence of Sainath in the human form,
he never gave importance to money. All that he used to get in the form
of Dakshina used to be distributed among the needy devotees. Taking
dakshina from the devotee is an indication of the movement towards the
path of renunciation. This is the real lesson, which Baba used to say it
to all the wealthy/rich. "Sainathaya Namaha".

Satsang Thought for the day

Easy is to get a place in someone's address
book.Difficult is to get a place in someone's Heart.

Easy is to judge the mistakes of others
Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes

Easy is to talk without thinking
Difficult is to refrain the tongue

Easy is to hurt someone who loves us.
Difficult is to heal the wound...

Easy is to forgive others
Difficult is to ask for forgiveness

Easy is to set rules.
Difficult is to follow them...

Easy is to dream every night.
Difficult is to fight for a dream...

Easy is to show victory.
Difficult is to assume defeat with dignity...

Easy is to admire a full moon.
Difficult to see the other side...


Easy is to stumble with a stone.
Difficult is to get up...

Easy is to enjoy life every day.
Difficult to give its real value...

Easy is to pray every night.
Difficult is to find God in small things...

Easy is to promise something to someone.
Difficult is to fulfill that promise...

Easy is to say we love.
Difficult is to show it every day...

Easy is to criticize others.
Difficult is to improve oneself...

Easy is to make mistakes.
Difficult is to learn from them...

Easy is to weep for a lost love.
Difficult is to take care of it so not to lose it.

Easy is to think about improving.
Difficult is to stop thinking it and put it into action...

Easy is to think bad of others
Difficult is to give them the benefit of the doubt...

Easy is to receive
Difficult is to give

Easy to read this
Difficult to follow

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE
Sai's Ankita Child!

In January 1968, I had the rare chance of accompanying the
pilgrimage party organised by All India Sai Samaj, which was
bound for Shirdi, en-route, I had the good luck and unique
experience of visiting Bhadrachalam, Mantralayam and Pandarpur.

At Shirdi, my meeting with Sri M.B. Rege of Indore was
memorable. He was an amiable, kind hearted, soft spoken
gentleman who was then though eighty plus, beamed with the
enthusiasm of a youth, while narrating his memories of his
Master and Mentor, Sri Sadguru Maharaj. He was one of the
chosen few who sat at the feet of the Saint of Shirdi and
bathed in His Divine Grace and drank the 'amrit' of His
benign blessings in plenty.

I had two sessions of intimate and fruitful talks with him during
which I imbibed his inspiration born out of his experiences
with the holy presence of Sri Sainath, which enabled me to
have a glimpse of the ineffable range and depth of the Sidda
Purusha's Life and Mission.

The words which flowed from the pure and sincere heart of
Sri Rege, had such a magical potency and power of Sathya
that I almost had Baba's darshan for a fleeting second and
invoking His blessings, could present a convincing and
cogent pen picture of the Great Master, in my serial entitled
'Aalaya Darisanam' which I subsequently wrote in Ananta
Vikatan week after week. Sri Rege's immense capacity to
recall the many incidents in vivid details, and narrate them
with an undercurrent of emotional involvement, and spiritual
commitment, completely surrendering his ego at the feet of
the Master, influenced me deeply and as though transformed
to those enviable days, I could record with unmistakable
authenticity, Sri Baba's daily routine, His endearing
mannerisms, the soothing manner of His comments, the
sweetness of His words, the charm of His smile, and the
grace of His eyes.

(to be contd....)
BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990,
All India Sai Samaj (Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

Satsang LATE TATYASAHEB NOOLKAR -- A GREAT AND BLESSED SAI-DEVOTE E

Shirdi Shri Dated : 20-12-1912
Humble Salutations,
Yesterday on Thursday the 19th instand, at the time of Arati,
the postman delivered to Sai Maharaj the locket parcel sent by
you. Sai Maharaj took it and moving the box round his face,
kissed it He then said to me, "There are two persons in this"
and handed over the parcel to me. On opening the box I found
in it the locket with photos and the letter from your mother. I
read out the letter to Sai Maharaj and handed over the locket
to him. He held the photo in his hand for about 15 to 20 minutes
and showed it to almost every person come for Arati, saying.
"This person took me away with him." These exact words said
by Sai Maharaj have been written down and sent to you by
me. The locket has teen handed over to me for safe custody.
My respects to your mother.
Sai Das
Madhavarao Deshpande.

From the above letter, we can imagine how much Baba loved
Tatyasaheb Noolkar. By Saying "There are two persons in the
locket", Baba has, as if, equated Tatyasaheb with Himself
and certified the advanced spiritual status of Taiyasaheb.
And when looking al Tatyasaheb photo in the locket locket,
Baba said, "This person took Me away with him", it seems
as if Baba has confirmed that, after death, Tatyasaheb's soul
has been merged withh that of Baba.
(Contd. on page 17)
No wonder at the end of this story in Ch. XXXI of Shri Sai
Satcharita, Hemadpant sings :
"Blessed is Noolkar, who in the end, left his body at Shirdi,
absorbed in repeating God's name."
"Whatever form one meditates on, at the time of death, the
same form he is born with. If one is absorbed at the feet of
Lord, one is not reborn again.

by Late Lt.Col Nimbalkar
Pune (Source Shri Sai Leela May June 1991)

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

Sai Baba wants only two things in return from all his devotees.
* Nishta ~ Complete Faith in Him
* Saburi - Patience coupled with Courage
It is beyond man's intelligence to understand Sai's mighty powers.
He is Samartha Sadguru. He knows what is best for us. We should
accept the results with humility and always crave for his love and
grace. Before concluding this booklet I wish to make the following
observations:
Even though 'Paramatma' is devoid of all attributes - pure -perfect -
infallible - immutable - free from defects, failings, passions, emotions,
diseases - and is always in eternal bliss, He takes the form from his
formless state occassionally for the sake of His devotees because of
their 'Intense Love' and 'Faith3 This is the eternal truth and the prime
reason for all His incarnations.
It is said in the "Prabhoda Sudhakaram":
"Though the sky is vacant, it satisfies the wishes of the Chataka Bird
in the form of a cloud and that of a Chakora Bird in the form of the
moon. Similarly God fills the hearts of the devotees with the nectar
'Sat-Chit-Ananda' after showing His 'Grace' on them.
To me, Sri Sai Baba is - Hari - Hara - Surya - Dattatreya -Ganesa -
Kali - Fate - Brahmam - Christ - Goutam Buddha -Allah- and all other
forms of God worshipped in this universe.
May Samartha Sadguru Sri Sai Baba correct our minds and thoughts
and give his blessings!
May this be dedicated to Sri Sat Baba!
May all live in Peace and Happiness!
Om Tat Sat

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

Satsang LATE TATYASAHEB NOOLKAR -- A GREAT AND BLESSED SAI-DEVOTE E

Funeral rites and Babu's mourning,
Afterwards, persons gathered there one by one paid his or her
homage by touching Tatyasaheb's feel and then as per custom
the body was taken to the cremation-ground via the Masjid. In
the cremation-ground when the body was kept on the pyre,
Baba's great devotee Radhakrishna Aai, who was then sweeping
Baba's route to Lendi Baug, came running swiftly with the broom
in her hand, went round the pyre once shouting "my mother's
darling child has gone away" and after kissing Tatyasaheb's face
and bowing down at his feet, went away.
That day Baba's daily routine such as taking the wash and breakfast,
going out for begging etc. was quite delayed and Baba Himself in a
lamenting mood exclaimed, "My Tatyaba has left "Now what am I
to do? I shall also leave. What for this Masjid and what for Shirdi!
Taiyaba was a good man. He listened to Me and I helped him to
accomplish his life's goal. He will be born no more."
Then, on the third day, Baba disappeared and went lo Nimgaon -
a village near Shirdi. All the villagers and devotees at Shirdi were
worried and alter a search went to Nimgaon and brought.back
Baba ceremoniously in a procession singing Bhajans. Arathi time
Talyasaheb's bones and ashes were being carried in a cart to
Kopergaon for immersing irto Godayari River. When the cart .and
Baba returning from Nimgaon met on the road, Baba stopped for a
while, made some special signs-with hands towards the cart and
then started walking further.
Amazing story of the locket
To show how much Sai Baba loved Tatyasahcb, his grandson Shri
Raghunath Vishvanath Noolkar, narrated to me one more incident
along with a copy of a letter dated 20th December 1912 in Shri
Madhavrao Dcshpande's (Shama's) own handwriting as a proof.
Both being interesting, I am presenting here in the grand-son's
own words :
"Our grandfather died at Shidhi in 1911 at the age of 48 years.
Afterwards my father (Talyasahcb's younger son Vishwanath) to
satisfy the wishes of our grand-mother (Shrimati Janakibai) got
a locket prepared, in which on one side there was Baba's picture
and on the other side that of' my grandfather Tatyasaheb. The
locket was sent to Shirdi hy registered post, the idea probably
being to get it back after Baba touching it and blessing it. When
the parcel reached Shirdi, what actually happened at the Masjid,
was conveyed to my father by Shri Madhavrao Dcshpande
(Shama) by a letter in Marathi language, a photostat copy of
which is given below" :

to be contd...

by Late Lt.Col Nimbalkar
Pune
(Source Shri Sai Leela May June 1991)

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

To the second question: Are the existing Gods not enough? God
assumed many forms several times out of His boundless Love for
His children and taught Dharma and showed right path to them.
But people could not grasp this Dharma with their religious
intolerances. They lost happiness in this world and also denied
salvation in the other world. They were constantly troubled and
were unable to have any peace of mind. They lost direction.
Under these circumstances God assumed the form Sri Sai Baba
to alleviate their sufferings and remove ill will borne out of
religious fanaticism. He showed these warring fractions, the
right path. He brightened their souls with the truth that "God is
only one". God came into this world as Sai Baba to teach the
'Prema Tatwam' (Love towards all). He preached to the followers
of different sects in Hinduism that "All forms of Gods are One
and the same". He demonstrated to them by giving Darshan in
that form in which they perceived of Him. They could feel from
their experiences that Sai Baba is none other than the 'Godly
Form' which they worship. He could also make them feel that
all saints are forms of Him only
'Sri Krishna' says in Bhagavadgita:
"Sages look with equal eye on a Brahamine, rich with learning
and culture, or a cow, or an elephant or even a dog or an eater
of; dogs" (Gita - 5-18)
"He who sees Me in all beings, and all beings in Me - to him
I am never lost nor he to me (Gita - 6-30)
Baba had taught this truth, as revealed in the scriptures to his
devotees, not as some sacred words, but practically in their
day to day experiences. Those who follow the teachings of
Baba with infinite faith can attain peace and contentment in
their lives. Baba has gone nowhere. Though He left his mortal
body in 1918, He is still there, where He had stayed earlier.
It is my friend's query which prompted me to speak a few
good things about Sri Sai Baba. It was the will of Baba
instrumental in raising the question -
and it was his wish only that made me press some of my
thoughts. I bow hundred times to Sai in the form of my friend
who has given me this opportunity.
To sum up, I venture to state the following at the cost of
repetition. Sri Sai Baba is truely God. He is an incarnation
of God. He knows everything. He dwells in the hearts of
every one as the 'Inner Self. He knows our minds and directs
us. He commands the five elements. He leads the entire
universe according to his will. Sai's love is unparalled on all
living beings including the mean and low. He is Omnipresent,
Omniscient and Omnipotent. His teachings are all of universal
nature. He is the modern prophet. Those who surrender to Him
with full faith, look to Him for solutions to their problems, and
worship (love) Him with devotion will surely be rewarded. They
will be successful ultimately in their pursuits. Their genuine
wishes shall always be granted. Sai grace is not confined to
persons of any particular sect, caste, religion or nationality.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

All the preachers, who advocated the path of reaching God
through Bhakti, are generous and broad minded. Their sole aim
is to rescue people overwhelmed by Maya and awaken them to
realize the Truth. This noble aim is seen in every religion. In
course of time, the followers of different religions formulated
certain codes of conduct and imperceptibly sowed the seeds of
jealousy. This led to mutual hatred and people divided
themselves into separate entities, forgetting the basic principles
of their religion.
They started giving more importance to the outward manifestations
of their faiths, customs, dress, manners, and religious practices
than the inner values.
It is a Dharma enunciated in our scriptures that "Sweet things
should not be taken all alone". It means all good and beneficial
things should be shared with others. Following this, great
saints Preached in public what they believed to be the truth to
uplift the mankind. Over a period of time the nobler ideas
disappeared. Instead they developed a narrow out look, building
dividing walls.
Once Ramanuja's Guru taught him a powerful Mantra and
warned him. "This is a powerful Mantra, capable of providing
Salvation. It should be kept as a secret. You will go to hell if
you give this to others" But Ramanuja thought otherwise. If this
could lead people to Salvation he was ready to go to hell for
their sake. He chanted this Mantra loudly from an elevated
platform so that all could hear and attain salvation. Such is the
spirit of a noble saint.

Baba made it clear to his children that all incarnations are His
and He is in all saints. Akkalkot Maharaj, Nanded Moula Nagpur
Tajuddin Baba, Vasudevanandaswamy, and all other have claimed
to be one with Baba. The non-dual state of was proved beyond
doubt. Now, to the question, "Is Sai Baba also a God?" asked by
my friend, we can say that those who had the experience of
Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient nature of Baba will
say that Baba certainly is God. He may not be a God to others
who never had such an experience. But even they are bound to
get good results, if they regard Him as a great saint treat Him
with reference. For instance Fire provides relief to all those who
are suffering from devastating morning cold in the winter season.
For a traveller suffering from severe heat of the Sun, one need
not say specifically, to take shelter under a tree. He knows very
well where to take shelter and be happy. Similarly everyone knows
and decides for himself how to get solace and happiness and
takes refuge in it.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

Satsang LATE TATYASAHEB NOOLKAR -- A GREAT AND BLESSED SAI-DEVOTE E

Death
Although Talyasaheb's condition was getting worse day by
day, his family members were hoping that with Baba's grace
he will recover from it Babasaheb Sahasrabuddhe used to
sleep next to him for any service required. One night about
2 Taiyasaheb started calling his servant. Bubasaheb
immediately woke up and asked him what he wanted.
Tatyasaheb replied, "Nilkanthrao! What should I tell you!
I want to pass urine and how can I ask you to bring the
urine-pot for me!" On that Babasaheb said, "Now give up
this craziness of yours! What is the sense in observing
etiquettes between close friends!" So saying Babasaheb
placed the urine-pot under Tatyasaheb's body and when
urine was passed, removed it and placed it aside.
With tears in his eyes, Tatyasaheb said, "Nilkanthrao! When
you arrived at Shirdi, did you or me ever imagined that you
will have to serve me in such a manner! On your arrival
Sai Baba repeatedly for three days-, ordered you to stay
back and serve me, does it not mean that Baba has brought
a nursing expert like you here especially for me! If you were
not here, what would have been the plight of myself and my
family members here?"

Then at 3 a.m. Tatyasaheb wanted to discharge his bowels
(evacuate faeces). Babasaheb and Wamanrao both helped him
and when it was over, the carbuncles were dressed again. From
that time Talyasahcb's weakness started increasing and he
kept on lying on the bed repeating Sai-nama continuously.
After some-time he asked his younger son Vishwanath to be
awakened. He asked his both sons to sing Bhajans (Hymns).
Everybody knew that end was approaching. The sons with
'chiplics' (pair of small chips of wood used for clapping by
devotees) in hands, started singing Bhajans loudly. Some of the
devotees around also got up and joined. The Bhajan continued
for about one and half hours. Taiyasaheb was listening quietly
but he seemed to be very tired. Wamanrao, the doctor son,
checked the pulse. It was very slow and forgiving some stimulant
injection, Wamanrao looked for hypodermic (introduced beneath
the skin) syringe, but it was found to be broken. Hence he
became helpless. Bhajan was going on. At about 5 O'clock
Tatyasaheb, by raising his hand, signalled to stop the Bhajan
and said something in a low voice. On going nearer the sons
heard him asking them to sing the famous Bhajan, meaning
"O Lord! Wait and stand before my eyes and I see you new."
The sons sang the Bhajan and that time Tatyasaheb seemed
to be in a very happy stale, as if his mind was merged with
that of Lord Himself. Then Thatyasaheh asked his sons to
stop singing and bin sell remained quiet in his bed.
Tatyasaheb's wife, brother-in-law, Kakasahcb Dixit and quite
a few other persons were present.

Meantime, Talyasaheb's younger son Vish-wanath went
running to Radhakrishna Aai and brought Baba's Pada-tirtha
and Udi. Wh.cn Udi was applied lo Talyasaheb's forehead,
he opened his eyes clearly and looked around. Really at that
time the depth, brightness and probing nature of his-glance
was worth observing. When the Pada-tirtha was given in a
spoon, Tatyasaheb opened his mouth. The Pada-tirth was
poured three limes and as soon as the third pouring was over
Tatyasaheb breathed his last. Just a few minutes before this,
Sai Baba in the Masjid said, "Behind our Masjid a big star
has collapsed" and stepping out in the open, he shouted
loudly, beating the mouth with hands. Whenever a dear
devotee passed away, Baba sometimes behaved thus.

to be contd...

by Late Lt.Col Nimbalkar
Pune
(Source Shri Sai Leela May June 1991)

___________________

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

* Das Ganu Maharaj says, "Baba is the primordial cause of the
entire universe. He is the pure inner self enveloped with, compassion
and love. He is the Absolute Brahman in human form'. He is the
embodiment of compassion and love. He, removes at once removes
all the difficulties of his devotees.
He is the abode of eternal bliss. Oh, God I pray to you in all humility."
* Hemadri Panth (Anna saheb Dabholkar) considered Baba a holy saint
and served him; but finally came to the conclusion that Baba was God
only - (Parabrahma).
* The residents of Shirdi, Madharao Desh Pande (Shyama), a close
associate of Baba and many others, called Baba as Deva (God).
Baba's existence still prevails even after his Mabasamadhi (in 1918.)
Sai Baba is everywhere controlling, directing, guiding, and protecting
all his devotees with vigilance and care. He bestows on them peace
and tranquility. The seers and saints propounded the theories on the
incarnations of God in the Upanishads. Bruhadaranyaka, Chandogya,
Kata and Swetaswatara Upanishads say: "God's, pervasiveness is
always seen in the animate and inanimate things. in this universe and
He lies in the 'Inner Self, as the controller and protector". Sai Baba is
the ideal example of this truth. [Yemme Ninnupekshintuna' (What! Do
I ignore you?), a book written by the author (in Telugu), describes in
detail the varied experiences of several devotees which bears
testimony to the above facts.
Today devotion to Sai Baba has gained importance among millions
of people all over the world. 'Saijyothi' (Light of Sai) is illuminating in
all directions and removing the darkness in the minds of the people.
Can we afford to ignore it? Sai's devotion has become the life force -
the vital force enlightening force - to many It awakens the minds and
guides them in the proper direction to reach their objective. His force
continues to work whether any one accepts it or not. That is God's
will. A person who has the good fortune of performing noble deeds in
his past births will make the best use of the opportunity provided to
him and will attain Salvation (Mukti). He will rejuvenate the society
and make it a better place to live.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm