Satsang Chapter 37 :Sri_Sai_Sat_Charitra_Concise(Version)

Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah
Om Sai Ram

Chapter 37:::
Chavadi Procession

Baba slept alternatively in masjid and chavadi. From December
10, 1909 at chavadi also the ritual of night worship commenced
regularly. When the turn for chavadi stay came crowd would
collect like a festival day. Masjid would be decorated with lights
and festoons.
People with various musical instruments would be stationed at
different points and would be singing. The horse ‘Shyamakarna’
fully decorated and the beautiful chariot would be stationed
along. Tatya would come at the appropriate time, place an
embroidered shawl on His shoulders and help Baba to get up.
Baba would start with his charka, soli etc. With Tatya on one
side, Mahalsapathi on the other and Jog holding the decorated
umbrella from behind Baba would come to the steps of masjid.
The announcers would loudly announce His arrival. Thus, would
slowly start moving out Yogi Raja’s bewitching procession. The
procession would slowly wound its way while the sky being
decorated with colorful fireworks and the heaven and earth being
enchanted with music from instruments and ‘Jai Gosha’ from
the emotional devotees. It was a sight that Gods would vie with
each other to witness. Sometimes, Mahalsapathi would appear
to be possessed and dance around. Kaka Dixit would spread
all around sandal and incense powder. Baba would make with
His hands gestures, the secret of which none knew. On
reaching Chavadi, Baba would be made to sit on a lovely
cushion. Nimonkar would hold an umbrella over His head.
Jog would do ritualistic worship to His feet in the silver
vessel. Nice sandal paste would be applied to His forehead.
Many a crown of flowers would be brought and held above His
head by the devotees. He would be adorned with a number of
jewels. He would be fanned on either side. Then the chillum
puffed by Baba would come around to one and all as Prasad.
To the enchanting beats of auspicious instruments at the end,
Jog would take the conventional arathi. Everyone would get
the Prasad, prostrate before Sai and would depart. Baba
Himself would spread 50 to 60 white clothes and prepare
His bed.

Alas ! Those divine golden days have gone once for all. Let
us recollect it in our mind everyday before going to bed and
get His blessings.

Satsang Shirdi wale Sai Baba Tour

Om Sai Ram
This site has all the wonderful pictures of all the sacred places
in Shirdi which are related to the life of Shri Shirdi Sai baba.
For all those who are unable to go to Shirdi, these pictures
will give you a very nice darshan of the Samadhi mandir and
all the other holy places .It is like being in Shirdi itself.
[click here to go the site-]
http://www.liveindia.com/sai/tour.html

Satsang UNIQUE COINCIDENCE OR A STRANGE MIRACLE

My personal experience: It was the 28th of October 1996. I was
suffering from intense pain in my lower back. I was not able to
move about due to a pain in my leg. Our family doctor, Dr. N.V.
Krishna Reddy, said mine was a case of Disc Prolapse and
advised my immediate removal to Chennai for proper treatment.
My husband took me by taxi and admitted me in Surya Hospital
situated in Vadapalani (Chennai}. Several tests were done. On
2 November, a myclogram test was done. By the afternoon, I
developed intense pain in the neck and I was unable to keep it
in position. I could neither sit nor get up. I could not do anything,
not even to attend to my own boy's needs. For five days I suffered
living hell. Even breathing was painful. I was dreading even to weep
in pain. During those five days, doctors did their best to ease my
suffering and to help me to hold my neck in position. But their
efforts were futile. On 6 November (Wednesday), at night, I
begged Shirdi Sainath, my eyes full of tears, "Oh Swami,
Sainath, you manifested your divinity even while appearing
among human beings. You are fully aware of the sufferings
and agonies of mankind. I have come to this place to get
treatment for my backache and leg pain, but more pain has been
added. I am now suffering from unbearable pain in the neck also.
I have no control over my neck. In spite of the pain in the leg, one
can somehow move about with the help of a stick. But if I cannot
hold my neck, how can I get up? How can I attend to my daily
chores? How can I teach my little school children hereafter? My
Lord Sai Ram, kindly free me from this neck pain. Enable me to
get up. "In all humility and with tears in my eyes, I prayed
silently. On Thursday, the 7th of November, at about 3.00 a.m.
in Room No. 107 where I was lying as a patient, Lord Sainath,
and a little behind him Raghavendra Swami, appeared in my
dream. Sai Nath was lifesize, about 5 feet high, with his hand
held in the 'Abhaya Mudra'. The room was filled with the sweet
aroma of scented Vibhuti'. I woke up. The benign, heavenly
beautiful form of the Lord melted away; but at that very instant
90 per cent of my neck pain, also vanished as though it was
swept away by an unseen Lord. I could now keep my neck
erect. I could now rise and sit up. I could not fully grasp whether
it was dream or reality. I felt that it must be a dream because
the Lord was not now standing before my eyes; but no, it must
be reality because my pain was gone. I did not fully recover
from this dreamy or part wakeful state of mind.

The younger sister of my mother, who was with me as help
and Rajasekhar, a relative, were surprised to see me rise up
and sit on my bed. They were also very happy. The nurse,
who came in the morning to check my B.P. and temperature,
was also surprised to find that my neck pain had disappeared
so suddenly. I told her that my relief was the blessing of Lord
Shirdi Sai who had appeared in my dream that night. My
husband is not much of a believer in gods and deities. Yet,
he told me that it was undoubtedly Lord Sai himself who had
appeared in my dream and healed me with his heavenly eyes
pouring divine love, My ailment was feared to be incurable and
this miraculous cure was due only to the blessings of Lord
Sainath. Doctors, who had earlier advised me to remain in
hospital for 15 days more, discharged me on Friday the 8th
of November, itself. After getting fully healed, on 19 March 1997
my husband and I visited Shirdi. On Thursday the 20th of
March, We witnessed all the 'Poojas' to Lord Sainath and felt
blessed. On 21 March, we returned to Chandragiri.
Only Sai Nath is truly KALI YUGA DAIVAM.

Satsang Sri Sai Amrit Vani

Sri Sai Amrit Vani
28st Sept 2006

Jai Sai Ram

With regret I have to inform that Sri
Sai Bajan Sandhya scheduled for the 7th Oct 2006 has
been postponed. Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 5th Oct will
also be not for the public as Mrs. Gupta has to under
go some surgery on 3rd Oct and may not be able to
entertain the public.

Thursday the 28th Sept was again a
normal Thursday with Usual Leelas of Baba which we
are able to see almost every Thursday. There was
nothing new.

More than 80 devtees attended the Sri
Sai Amrit Vani in person and following devotees,
participated in absencia in the recitation of Sri Sai
Amrit Vani by reciting Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their
places. The list is sorted as per their email id’s.
However Mrs. Gupta prayed for all the devotees. We
include only those devotees in the list, who
themselves recite or read Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their
places. The names of the devotees “for prayer”, are
prayed for, but not included in the list. Kindly
mention clearly, against each devotee’s name that
he/she will recite or read or listen to Sri Sai Amrit
Vani, or only for prayers, If no mention of it is
made then it will be presumed that the names are only
for prayer and will not be included in the list.
Please also give the name of the place of residence.
Letters received upto Wednessday night (Indian Time)
are considered.

This Thursday the 28th Sept, we were able
to see the following Leelas of Baba.

1. Sindoor/Kumkum started oozing from all the photos
of Maa Durga kept in the Darbar of Maa, from the
first day of Navratre. It was falling on the paper and
the quantity was increasing everyday. Sindoor was even
oozing from the photo of Shiv Parvati. A photo of the
Darbar of Maa of the first day of Navratre was sent to
the members.
2. Udi started appearing and oozing from the photos
on the walls from Tuesday the 26th Sept. Hindi words
‘Ram’ ‘Sham’ and were there. On Wednesday it started
falling on the papers below. Udi also started oozing
in the mandir from photos and the statue. Hindi words
‘RAM’ and ‘SHAM’ were formed on the photo. Swastic
and OM were on many photos.
3. There was a lot of Water from the Charans this week
also. This water was collected in the Thali. The
taste of water was similar to gulab jal and
Kewara-Kesar. After Sai Amrit Vani, this water was
given to the devotees. Many devotees brought small
bottles with them and took this holy water home also.
Water was taken out many times and every time thali
was again filled up.
4. Lap of Mrs. Gupta was filled with lots of Udi
during the prayers.
5. Many devotees sitting in the hall felt Baba walking
through them in the white dress. So many devotees
having the same experience.
6. Sri Sai Amrit Vani was so soothing and very
powerful this Thursday. There was no disturbance and
devotees had a very good meditation time and enjoyed
the presence of Baba.
7. 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 with
partly eaten pieces and only partly remained pieces
and some engraved pieces of items were there in the
box, Part of Bhog was on the lips of many photos and
statue of Baba. Part pieces of the remains in the box
were given to the devotees who offered that item of
bhog to Baba.
8. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table
were blessed with lots of Udi . Due to Navratre all
the items in the Bhog were eatable during the fast.
9. The Charnamrit, the water in which Baba took the
bath in the morning was also sweet as if some honey
has been mixed into it.

Jai Sai Ram

Sri Sai Amrit Vani was started exactly
at 11:04 AM and Noon Aartee exactly at 12:00 Hrs.
followed by brief Meditation and the prayer, Prayan
of one Chapter from Sai Satcharitra. Prayers and
thanks were offered by Mrs. Gupta to Baba, Aartee of
Maa Durga and Finally distribution of Prasad, Udi
and the water from the Charans.

6 video clippings of the Palki Procession
at Shirdi on the occasion of Rang Panchmi, which is
celebrated on the 5th day of Holi have been uploaded.
As there is no space in the present yahoogroup, I
have created a new yahoogroup ‘mysaibaba21’ to use
its file section to host the clippings. There are only
6 clippings at present in its file section. . PLEASE
DO NOT POST ANY EMAILS TO THIS GROUP AS
NO MAILS WILL BE SENT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THIS GROUP. To go to this
key in or simply click the link
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba21 .

Sri Sai Amrit Vani is now available in Tamil
script also besides in Devnagri, English and Telgu, in
the file section of the yahoogroup. Links of Audio MP3
files are given in the link section of the home page
of ‘ mysaibaba20’ yahoogroup. 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.

Jai Sai Ram.
Ashok Gupta
mysaibaba20@yahoogroups.com
akg_vg@bol.net.in
veena_gupta_2000@yahoo.com

Satsang SHRISAIBABA AND SERVICE TO THE DISTRESSED

SHRISAIBABA AND SERVICE TO THE DISTRESSED
Lt Col. M.B. Nimbalkar(Retd.)

From his very early days in Shirdi, Sri Baba used to serve
the distressed and poor. In the beginning, He used to go
round Shirdi village and treat the sick persons:
"In the beginning, He used to act as a physician and after
examination prescribe medicines. His treatment was very
effective and he became famous as a physician" (46)
"He did not charge any fees and brought health to the poor
and helpless.
With his effective treatment, He became well-known in that
part of the country as a great physician."(47) –

Chapter 7
Sai baba not only used to cure their diseases but sometimes
draw those on his own body. Once Dadasaheb Khaparde's
young son while at Shirdi suffered from a very high fever. At
that time, Shirdi village had an epidemic of bubo., plague.
Naturally the boy's mother got very worried and holding
Babas feet started requesting His permission to return to her
native place Amaravati. Thereupon:
"Baba said in soft words, "The sky is full of clouds, It will
rain soon and the crops will grow. Then the clouds will
disappear and the sky will be clear." (106)
Then, raising His Kafani (long robe) upto the waist, He said,
Why are you afraid? and displayed to all those present four
buboes appeared on His body" (107).
"There were four buboes of the size of a hen's egg all round
and pointing at them He said, "Look! H... for your sake I have
to suffer this burden of yours,."(108)
Chapter 7 Sai Charita
Sai Baba not only used to cure the diseases of the distressed
persons but also used to ward off their calamities sometimes
even at the risk of His own life. Once an ironsmith's wife was
blowing the belows. Being under the stress of her husband's
anger, she forgot about her child in her arms. The restless
child slipped from her arms and fell into the burning furnace.
Sai Baba, being omniscient, learnt this and immediately thrust
his hand in his own dhuni (sacred fire kept continuously
burning in Dwarkamai) and thus saved the child by pulling it
out at that distant place. As a result, Sai Baba's hand was
heavily burnt but He was hardly aware of it. After some time,
Sai Baba stopped giving medicines and started using Udi
(holy ask from His dhuni) for curing diseases. For instance
in Ch 33, He relieved Nanasaheb Chandarkar's daughter
Maanatai from labour pains and in ch, 34. he is said to have
cured chronic bone ulcer of a Malegaon Doctor's nephew by
prescribing Udi only. This Udi even today is found to be a
most effective cure or a panacea for all diseases.

(to be contd....)

SAI: THE SUPREME

To quote one incident:
One fine morning (sometime after 1910) people thronged
before the mosque where Baba began to make preparations
for flouring wheat by setting a hand-mill on a sack and
grinding wheat. Thereafter, one could read the amazing
faces of the people present. They riddled themselves-about
the freakish nature of Baba as there was no need for grinding
wheat for he was living on alms. Why was he grinding wheat?
- was only the puzzling question to them. Four bold women
folk disburdened him by taking forcibly the peg of hand-mill
into their hands and singing the glory of Sai Nath, embarking
on their business. The Treasure of Love gave a repugnant look
at them for a while but beholding their inveterate love and
devotion towards him, gave an enchanting chuckle. They
finished grinding and shared the flour among themselves,
dreaming of a good feast at home. This impelled him to assail
them with abuses, What made you go mad? Whose father's
property is this?" Furthermore, "What induced you to loot
away this property? Do I owe you anything so that you can
take this safely?" After this he asked them to spread the flour
on the borders of the village limits. The women obeyed his
directions and surprisingly this resulted in the eradiction of
cholera in the village.

The Philosophical Significance of Grinding
Apart from the meaning which the people of Shirdi put on this
incident of grinding wheat there is, we think, a philosophical
significance too. Sai Baba lived in Shirdi for about sixty years
and during this long period, he did the business of grinding
almost every day -not, however, the wheat alone; but the sins,
the mental and physical afflictions and the miseries of his
innumerable devotees. The two stones of his mill consisted
of karma and bhakti, the former being the lower and the latter
being the upper one. The handle with which Baba worked the
mill consisted of Jnana. It was the firm conviction of Baba that
knowledge or Self-realisation is not possible, unless there is
the prior act of grinding of all our impulses, desires, sins; and
of the three gunas, viz. as Sattva, Raj and Tamas; and the
Ahmakara, which is so subtle and therefore so difficult to be
got rid of.
(Sai Sat Charita - Chapter I).
For a while O man, ponder over,
Not even a piece of cloth to cover,
With pearls embedded necklace never,
Nor with brightened bracelets in showers,
While coming from mother's womb
Or entering into the tomb.
Thine karmas good and bad are yours ever,
O man, Don't forget ever
Sai Nath's blessings are your true saviour.

"If one meditates on me, repeats my name, sings my deeds,
and is thus transformed in me, one's Karma is destroyed. I
stay by his side always."

-Shirdi Sai Baba.

Satsang Thought of the Day!

When God leads you to the Edge of the Cliff,
Trust Him fully and Let Go,
Only One of Two Things will happen,
Either He'll Catch You When You Fall,
Or He'll teach You How to Fly!!!!"

Satsang SHRI SAINATH PRABHU AND SAIABAD

SHRI SAINATH PRABHU AND SAIABAD
D. Sankahah
The Dakshina Bhiksha Samstha was established during the
year 1915 to serve the needs of pilgrims visiting Shirdi. The
Samstha published a Journal called Sainath Prabha. The
information furnished hereunder is taken from the journal as
every Sai devotee would like to know more about Shirdi alias
Sheeladhi alias Saiabad of 1915 and also what Baba spoke
/taught to the visiting devotees of yesteryear. The population
of Shirdi was only 1500 at that time. They considered Sheeladhi
as Mukti-Kshetra of the Yuga with Shree Sai Baba as Mukti
Data. Many of his bhaktas heard him saying that Shirdi with
three other villages had been given to him by his Malik. Shirdi
was his ancestral place. Baba declared more than once that
he had come to stay there permanently after an interval of
about two hundred years. Maharaj did not say the name of the
original place from where he came. But he often mentioned that
that place was inhabited by typical men well versed in all arts
and professions besides being kind-hearted and God-fearing.
Even Shirdi which was a barren and forsaken village during the
early period, was an excellent citadel encircled with pleasant
groves of fruit trees. Its bazaars were large enough to have kept
his favourite Marwari-vysyas in great affluence.

Again with the advent of Sainath the spiritual importance had
steadily grown. Baba's unique, pure and divine love, his simple
ways, his scanty and ordinary food enhanced observers' regard
for him. Baba saved many sufferers from bodily ailments. Though
he did not leave Shirdi, his body was seen in distant lands
attending to his bhaktas. In his own words:
The sick and the wounded expect miraculous cure from Amritic
Vibhuti. Many an atheist had changed and become his sincere
bhakta. With the increasing fame of Shri Sainath, the importance
of Shirdi also had grown and it is reckoned as an important pilgrim,
centre in the world. The good and deserving attempted to reach
His paramarthic goal under his safe and sure guidance. Sainath
Maharaj had practically shown to the world that the platform of
Dwarakamai was a sight to see where devotees of all religious
faith gather for common prayer irrespective of their caste, creed,
sex, region. Not a single disturbance had ever been witnessed
during so many years of such congregated worship, consequent
on any religious difference.
No doubt Baba Sai accepted dakshina or arpans from visting
Bhaktas; (If I borrow money from somebody I will utilise for his
work. I don't require his money).
Of course Baba did not ask for dakshina from every one nor did
he accept everything offered by everybody. He was often heard
saying that he had to keep an account for the owner and
Government.
Perhaps associations or individuals who receive money should
bear in mind that every paisa has to be accounted to the giver
as well as to Government as the collection is in his name.
Sainath Prabhu used to disburse dakshina amounts among
sevakaris bhaktas, gosevis. fakirs, bairagis and children.
Seasonal fruits were purchased and distributed. His care for
the poor, the needy and crippled worked . Baba used to say,
who else would see the poor except myself. He used to impress
on the devotees such charities would confer extraordinary
benefits on the giver.
We may conclude this article with Sadguru Math's invaluable
assurance. Fifty thousand people may come and fifty - six
thousand may go. Why we should bother? A person whose
faith is firm and integrity is established he can cross seven
seas. I look after my people for 72 generations.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI
"Your life is in your own hands. So elevate it, purify it and fill it
with the bliss of immortality. " May God who is within be your
guide. "
-Swami Ramdas

Satsang GOSPEL OF SRI SAI BABA

This happened in the year 1903 and Dasganu finally left the
job, went to Baba, prostrated before him and said with tears
in his eyes "Baba, I am without any property and I have no
income. Unless there is some provision, myself and my wife
have to starve" (No children were born to him). Then Baba
said, "Do not fear. I will provide for you, Ganu." Baba did
provide. He told him, "Go to Nanded in Nizam's state. Attend
to your Brahaminical duties (Swadharma) of reading' Puran',
explaining them and conducting keertan, etc." Dasganu did
so. He had an excellent voice and had a good mastery of the
art of keertans (singings). He used to keep Baba's photo by
his side while doing keertan and used to draw thousands of
devotees (through his melodious voice). His name was a
"household word" throughout Maharashtra. It was said in
those days that Dasganu Maharaj by his inimitable keertans
and Nana Saheb Chandorkar by his talks and discourses on
Baba to his friends, spread Baba's name and fame (glory)
throughout Maharashtra. Ganu was a great devotee of lord
Panduranga and he used to make "Vari" trip to Pandharpur
every year. He died at the ripe age of about 90 at Pandharpur
itself as per his wish. Thus Baba made him to cast his mortal
coil and fulfilled his wish to attain "Sadgati" at the abode of
Lord Panduranga. In fact, Baba and Panduranga are one and
the same. It may not be out of place if I say that his Samadhi
is at 'Umri' near Nanded and hundreds of his disciples even
now flock there (Umri) every year to participate in the Samadhi
Utsav (function).

It is also to be mentioned here that Dasganu, after becoming
Baba's devotee, never had to suffer for want of food and clothes.
Always someway or other money was pouring in and later he
began to own land in Nanded, which he gave to his adopted
son. Baba's undertakings for his Bhaktas are never left
unperformed.

Let us see what was Dasganu (Police constable Dattatreya
Ganpatrao Sahasra Budhe) before becoming Baba's ardent
Devotee; He was leading a sinful life and he used to take
pleasure in composing "Lavanis" (Marathi poems in typical
language) and the same was sung by groups of nautch girls
(dancing girls) during the performance of "Tamashas" (very
popular stage dramas) in villages throughout Maharashtra
arousing passion in the minds of audience (viewers). How
great our Lord Sai is! He transformed a sinner into a great
saint - par excellence.

(to be contd...)

Satsang GOSPEL OF SRI SAI BABA

Then again take the case of Balaram Mankar, who attached
himself to Baba with intense love, solely for spiritual purposes.
His relatives complained to Baba that he was the only earning
member in his family and by his staying on with Baba at
Shirdi there was utter damage done to the family welfare.
They said that Mankar had a number of sons who would be
left destitute by his neglecting business. Baba then said, "I
will provide for Mankar's sons." Mankar was sent away to
Machindragad for spiritual meditation and especially for
learning the fact that Baba was as much with him at
Machindragad as he was at Shirdi.

Baba one day appeared to him at Machindragad and told him
that the object of his being sent there was to demonstrate to
him that Baba who was at Shirdi was, at the same time at
Machindragad also and could talk to him and guide him,
Mankar had very great spiritual advancement and it was one
time hoped that he would be the successor to Baba's "throne".
So high was his spiritual position. But, unfortunately he died
in the year 1913, long before Baba attained Mahasamadhi
in 1918. As for provision for his family, all the four sons of
Mankar are now well placed and are in high positions drawing
incomes mostly in seven to eight figures (in 1913). Baba's
statement that he would provide for Mankar's sons (Yoga,
Kshemam, Vahamiaham) has proved to be absolutely true.

In conclusion, it is to be stated that Baba had also provided
hundred of his devotees (when he was living) to mention a
few, Shri Abdul Baba, Madhavarao Deshpande (alias school
master Shama), Anna Saheb Debholkar (all's Hemadpant;
Mahalsapati, Appa Shindi, Kashiram Meghapa, etc. Even now
he is providing every sincere and ardent devotee who has
completely surrendered to him with "Tan, Man, Dhan" (Body,
mind and wealth) and worship him with wholehearted devotion.

Therefore, let us always remember Baba's leelas/stories,
meditate on them and chant his "Taraka Mantra"- Om Sai
Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai, so that we may easily cross over the
sea of Samsara (Mundane Existence) and finally merge in
the eternity of Baba (Self -Realisation).

Satsang GOSPEL OF SRI SAI BABA

GOSPEL OF SRI SAI BABA
R. Radhakrishan
"There will never be any dearth or scarcity of food and clothes
in my devotees' home. It is my special characteristic that I
look always to and provide for the welfare of those devotees
whose minds are ever fixed on me.
Lord Krishna has also said the same in the Bhagavad Gita
(Chapter IX Verse 22). Therefore, strive not much for food and
clothes. If you want anything to beg of the Lord, leave worldly
honour, try to get the Lord's grace and blessings and be
honoured in his court. Do not be deluded by wordly honour.
The form of the deity should be firmly fixed in the mind. Let
all the senses and mind be ever devoted to the worship of the
lord. Let there be no attraction for any other thing; fix the mind
in remembering him always so that it will not wander elsewhere
towards body, wealth and home. Then it will be calm, peaceful
and carefree.This is the sign of the mind being well engaged in
good company. If the mind be vagrant, it cannot be called well
merged. (Sai Satcharita, Chapter - VI}.

Now, I will relate the life story of two ardent devotees of Baba
namely, Dasganu Maharaj and Balaram Mankar, who implicitly
obeyed Baba's orders and got all the benefits (both material and
spiritual) from him which bear the testimony to Baba's words
stated above.

Shri Ganapatrao Sahasra Buddhe alias Dasganu Maharaj was
a police constable and an orderly of Baba's ardent and a great
devotee, Shri Nana Saheb Chandorkar Deputy Collector.

Once Dasganu visited Shirdi along with Nana and had darshan
of Baba. Baba (looking to his future bright spiritual prospects),
told him to resign from the constable's post, come to Shirdi
and stay with him. But, Dasganu replied that he would do it
after becoming fouzdar (Sub-Inspector). Although Baba
repeatedly told him to resign, he did not. But, finally Baba
created a grave situation for him - he was to be killed by a
notorious dacoit by name Khana Bhill in Ram Mandir, when
he took the oath as follows: "Baba, I will resign this time if I
am now saved." Wonder of wonders! The dacoit warned him
not to try to catch him nor hand him over to the police and let
him go scot free.

Satsang OBEISANCE TO SAIPADANANDA

OBEISANCE TO SAIPADANANDA

Srichand T. Rajpa!"
How to Acquire Knowledge
A young devoted follower of Socrates pleaded with him to
share the secret of acquired knowledge. Socrates willingly
consented and led the young man to a river. "This is how,"
Socrates stated as he pushed the young man into the river,
and then jumping in himself, he held the young man's head
under the water. The young man struggled frantically to free
himself, but Socrates held him tight and kept his head
submerged.

Finally, after the young man scratched , clawed and fought
with every ounce of his being, he was able to break loose
and emerge from the water. Socrates then asked him, "When
you thought you were drowning, what one thing did you want
most of all?" Still gasping for breath, the young man exclaimed,
"I wanted air!" Socrates smiled and then wisely commented,
"When you want knowledge, as much as you wanted air, then
you will get it!"

There is a temple built of flowers, and from this flower temple -
the temple of the heart -I bring a flower to offer it to the sacred
memory of the blessed one .
- Sri Saipadananda Radhakrishna Swamiji.

What right have I have to speak of him and his message? I am
a child of silence - the silence of nature and deeper silence of
the soul. I have watched the silent moon and the silent waves.
I have felt the silent power of the sun's rays. In silence have I
felt the influence of the grace that Sai Baba and Sri Radhakrishna
Swamiji have poured on me.

Rightly has he been called 'Saipadananda'. He is in the ocean of
Sai-bliss. In the world around us 'milk' is mixed with 'water'. Milk
is the purusha. 'Amritam' is the word used with regard to the purusha,
the Supreme, in ancient books. Milk is the Divine Spirit, and water is
Maya. By asking us to recite Vishnusahasranamam, Sri Radhakrishna
Swamiji separated milk from water. He drank in God daily.

(to be contd...)


Subject: Satsang OBEISANCE TO SAIPADANANDA (contd...)

We are often swayed by the outer. We are often dominated by externalities.
We are oppressed by our environment and so we feel, again and again, so
unhappy. But Shri Radhakrishna Swamiji recognised the difference between
'Spirit' and 'matter1. He not only recognised the difference, he lived the
life which the saints live. They drank in God every day. So did this great
one. He lived and had his breath in God!

A long story this, of my quest of Shri Radhakrishna Swamiji. I went in
search of him, and at last found him. I found the blessed one. I found in
him the face of a child. This child-man walked the simple way, the way of
humility.

I went through a cycle of experiences, I came in touch with many. Man has
been the enemy of men, man has plundered men; man has trampled upon men,
subjecting them to slavery, ravaging civilisations, preying as a vulture
upon culture. What has been made of man !

My drooping faith revived - faith in the universe and life - on my finding
Shri Radhakrishna Swamiji. i saw the light in his face; in this devout
worship of Sai Baba, I saw the light of a new life; I saw in him the face of
a child.

Far away from the mad crowds of men lived he - this great one - in a corner
of Shri Sai Spiritual Centre. He lived day after day, always reciting the
Vlshnusahasra namam and blessing the miserables. He led many seekers to the
lotus feet of Sai Baba to grant whatever they sought. He was a genius imbued
with the real spirit of the great religions. Swamiji is so simple, so
childlike in faith, in trust in love, a bhakta. He developed through the
power of intuition and sympathy a wondrous vision of soul. Swamiji grew in
understanding and sympathy until he saw the essence of the great religions
of the world. His one word for everyone is : 'Avoid hatred; Love everyone'.

I have but given a partial picture of this great one. His life is so
wonderful! They enshrine his message - for me, for you - his message for
India, his message for the entire humanity.

Infallible mark

'The Mark of the true man is -

how much he is prepared

to sacrifice for others".

"Sai Baba is a most potent spiritual force that moulds and transforms the
life of spiritual aspirants who seek his guid­ance and Blessings even to
this day."

Satsang BABA ANSWERS PRAYERS PROMPTLY

BABA ANSWERS PRAYERS PROMPTLY
Janakraj Laroiya

Prayer to Shirdi Sai Baba is an experience of bliss and
delight. That is why Baba prescribed "prayers" for all his
devotees. One of the assurances given to his devotees
by Baba before he took mahasamadhi (Eternal Rest) in
1918 is "TRUST IN ME, AND YOUR PRAYERS SHALL
BE ANSWERED". Numerous Sai-devotees have
benefited by his kindness.

A prayer to Baba is a release from the miseries of human
life, viz:, disease, poverty, etc. Prayers invoke the
blessings of the Lord. Prayer offered with depth and
sincerity enables the devotee to feel Baba's physical
presence in his midst. The words of Gandhiji are very
much relevant. He said, "A heartful prayer is not only a
recitation with lips, it is a yearning from within which
expresses itself in every word, every act, nay, every
thought of man." An important characteristic of prayer
dedicated on the lotus feet of Baba is that it is answered
very promptly. The devotee has not to be fussy about
the manner of worship or the offerings. He has not to
indulge in costly undertakings. The most essential
ingredient for prayer before Baba is deep devotion and
complete surrender with an offering (if desired) of just
a flower, fruit, water or a leaf. Of course, one must
eradicate both ego and anger before actually offering
prayer to him.

A few days ago, my wife and I went to our bank in
Delhi for withdrawing some jewellery items from our
locker for use by our daughter-in-law on the eve of
a marriage in the family. After the function was over,
the jewellery was again to be deposited in our locker
for safe custody. On account of certain unavoidable
circumstances, it took us about a fortnight before we
could go back to the bank. In the meanwhile, we
made a packet of the precious articles very carefully
and placed it in a briefcase.

When we finally got time to go to the bank for this
purpose, we took the briefcase and in order to avoid
risk, travelled all the way to the bank (about 35 kms
away from our Noida residence) in an autorickshaw
instead of usually a bus.

After completing bank formalities, when we entered
the 'Locker Room', to our dismay, we found that the
packet of jewellery was not there. We tried to
recollect but could not find any reason as to why it
was missing from there.

Eventually we returned home and searched for it
everywhere we could think of but in vain.
The same evening we went to Baba's temple and
silently prayed to him to come to our help. This
was followed by regular prayers, morning and evening,
for the next one week or so. It was a disgusting time
for us because, on one side we had suffered a big
financial loss and on the other, we had to bear the
criticism of our children for "gross negligence" on
our part. One day, on our return from the temple in the
morning, we found that our pet dog had completely
spoiled our double bedding with his loose stools and
vomitting. it was rather strange because for the last
five years our dog had never jumped on to our bed
especially during our absence. However, this required
complete replacement of the bedsheets including the
matresses. In the process, we spotted the jewellery
packet lying with the wastepapers on the double bed
and on opening, everything was found in-tact.

How it came to be there, the circumstances which
forced us to remove the beddings and its recovery
beneath, still remains a mystery. It was, of course
certainly a quick answer to our prayers to Baba.

Moral:
Communion with Shirdi Sai Baba results in the
removal of ignorance and thus ensures happiness
and peace.
"Sri Sai Baba is the master of existence, the Sat
Guru, the bosom of bliss, the ocean of peace, the
store house of power, the revealer of truth, the
master being sporting the. hearts of all beings,
move able and imnovable, Take refuge in his oceanic
compassion and be at perfect ease, leading a
carefree life. 'Remember the words of Sai who
scattered the bread of Grace even to the poor,
the wretched, the lowliest and the los. Why should
you fear, when I am here, Cast all your burdens
upon me, and
I Shall bear them
-SwamiSivananda Saraswati

Satsang EIGHT FOLD PRAYER by an unknown devotee

EIGHT FOLD PRAYER
Sai Nath, you are the ocean of compassion,
embodiment of serenity,
repository of cosmic intelligence,
the perennial river of mercy,
truth incarnate and the dispeller of the darkness
of illusion (Maya)

You are the sage beyound caste and creed,
the abode of compassion and beyond comprehension.
O, Lord, the dweller of the village of Shirdi,
protect me, protect me!

You are the river of divine knowledge,
you are the bestower of knowledge,
you are the cause of all auspicious actions.
O Paramahansa of the hearts of all devotees!
I seek refuge in you-Protect me.

You are Brahma, the creator;
you are Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe;
and you are Shiva, the destroyer of the three worlds.
O Sai Nath! You are omnipresent and omniscent.
There is no place in the world without you and
your presence is felt in everything.
Every heart is your abode.

Pardon all my sins, I beseech you,
O Lord! Remove immediately the cause of doubts
and delusions arising in my heart.
You are the cow and I am your calf,
you are the moon and I am the ray of its light.
At your feet like the Ganges,
I, your slave, prostrate with reverence.

Sai Nath, place the hand of your mercy on my head
and ward off all sorrows and worries.
This Ganu is your slave.

Written by a Devotee who name was not published,
Adopted from the Souviner published in connection with
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF SHIRDI SAI DEVOTEES
& UNVEILING OF SAIBABA'S STATUE (19-21 Oct, 1997)

Satsang Thought for the day

I feared being alone
Until I learned to like
Myself.

I feared failure
Until I realized that I only
Fail when I don't try.

I feared success
Until I realized
That I had to try
In order to be happy
With myself.

I feared people's opinions
Until I learned that
People would have opinions
About me anyway.

I feared rejection
Until I learned to
Have faith in myself.

I feared pain
Until I learned that
it's necessary
For growth.

I feared the truth
Until I saw the
Ugliness in lies.

I feared life
Until I experienced
Its beauty .

I feared death
Until I realized that it's
Not an end, but a beginning.

I feared my destiny,
Until I realized that
I had the power to change
My life.

I feared hate
Until I saw that it
Was nothing more than
Ignorance.

I feared love
Until it touched my heart,
Making the darkness fade
Into endless sunny days.

I feared ridicule
Until I learned how
To laugh at myself.

I feared growing old
Until I realized that
I gained wisdom every day.

I feared the future
Until I realized that
Life just kept getting
Better.

I feared the past
Until I realized that
It could no longer hurt me.

I feared the dark
Until I saw the beauty
Of the starlight.

I feared the light
Until I learned that the
Truth would give me
Strength.

I feared change,
Until I saw that
Even the most beautiful butterfly
Had to undergo a metamorphosis
Before it could fly.