Chapter VII
(Devotees are requested to read Sai Satcharitra
Chapter VII, translated byGunaji before attempting
this quiz)
21) In which year Babas hand got burnt
a) 1912 b) 1911 c) 1913 4) 1914
22) When Babas hand got burnt________ was done
till His Mahasamadhi
a) applying ointment b) Massaging the arm with ghee
c) applying udi from the Dhuni d) Massaging the arm
with ghee and tightly bandaging it again.
23) Separation of limbs and joining them is performed
in ___________ yoga
(a) Dhauti (b) Mano yoga (c) Khanda Yoga
d) Kundali Yoga
24) Baba saw no difference between religions. He ate
fish and meat with __________
(a) Fakirs (b) Brahmins (c) Orthodox Hindus (d) Muslims
25) Baba got the temples of Shani, Ganapathi, Shankar
Parvati were put in order through the service of
(a) Hemadripanth (b) Tatya Patil (c) Amir Sarkar
(d) Gopalrao Gund
Friday, December 08, 2006
Sai Vichaar for Thursday , December 07, 2006
Sai Vichaar www.saibaba.org
Thursday , December 07, 2006 :: Volume 9, Issue 30
(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: Sai Baba's Sacred
words to Abdul Abdul was amongst Sai Baba's
close devotees and lived with Sai Baba in Shirdi
for a continuous period of twenty nine years before
Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi and then remained in
Shirdi for a further thirty six years until his own
samadhi in 1954. Abdul wrote down some of
Sai Baba's utterances and explanations and over
the years these notes accumulated into a small
volume.
After Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi, this old notebook
manuscript became very precious to Abdul as he
made use of it, according to Sri Narasimhaswamy,
as a 'Book of Prophecy' through which Sai Baba's
message and guidance could be obtained.
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Marianne Warren, Abdul's
notes have been fully translated and published in her
book - "Unraveling the Enigma - Shirdi Sai Baba in
the Light of Sufism" published by Sterling Publishers,
India. In foreword to the book Dr. N.K.Wagle of
University of Toronto says: "Dr. Marianne Warren's
work is the first scholarly attempt to provide a
historical context to Sai Baba's teachings. An
equally original point argued convincingly by Dr.
Warren concerns Sai Baba's knowledge of Islamic
Theology.
Dr. Warren has translated the Saibaba manuscript in
which Sai Baba gave discourses on Islamic history
and thought to his pupil, Abdul, his personal attendant,
whose tomb rests near Sai Baba's shrine". For
Devotees who want to advance spiritually, and are
looking for gems to collect as Baba used to say, these
sayings are invaluable and should be taken as word
personally spoken to each one of us without any
prejudice, argument, discussion or controversy. Abdul's
notes on Sai Baba's teachings: Page 12: The religious
emotion is purely spiritual. Only secondarily it relates
to the material world. O Parvardigar! - Universal
Sustainer. O God! O Habib! - My Beloved! What we see
in this material state is not real because you cannot
understand it through the intellect or by inference.
Those who consider the spirit as without beginning,
this opinion is incorrect because thinking itself is
not permanent. And life is the real thing. The body is
subordinate to it... Page 14 : To understand the true
form of God is difficult. In the Qur'an, it is forbidden
to picture God with form. If you walk on the path of
righteousness, then you will not feel the need for it. It
requires great effort to walk on the path [of righteousness]
i.e. tapas. When a person practices taps (riyajat), divine
insight (ma'rifa) will automatically come. A sura from the
Qur'an says something to this effect, Ajjain jahidu fina
tabulana riyajat - He who performs tapas, I regard him
to be on the path. It would not be proper to give him full
knowledge about it. But before you proceed on the path
of Allah, you must discipline the mind. It is strategic to
strengthen the defenses, with fortifications. If an army
does not move how can the war of righteousness be
fought. O dear friend! Know this that the body is the
kingdom of the heart. Do not think that the heart has
many armies. The Qur'an says: Maya alam rabbuk
janud ilahu - The army of Allah, do not think that it
has to besiege the mind/heart. The heart is created
for the realization of God. To find the way to attaining
a vision of God is a man's true task. For the vision of
God, divine sight is necessary.
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: continued.....
Page 20: [Similar to page 12 but longer and written
at a different time] Religious emotion in full is purely
spiritual. It is not material. Secondly it means that
you will see the world as material or only relatively
real (until you have a vision of God). Parvardigar!
O Dear One!., O Dear One! the material (relative
state) world is unreal. There is no place for intellect
and inference. Those who regard the spirit as without
beginning, this is not true. It is wrong to address the
spirit because it is dependent on others. The real form
of man is prana - life force. The body is under the
control of prana. The people who equate the spirit
with the body are wrong. The body is impermanent.
Animals also have a spirit, which is also impermanent,
called dil or heart, which seeks the mercy of God.
(Source: Unraveling the Enigma - Shirdi Sai Baba in
the Light of Sufism by Dr. Marianne Warren)
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Baba's mission
The term "Mission" is derived from the Latin "Mitto"
meaning "to send". So, a missionary is the one who is
sent with a message or direction. As used in the
Christian literature, a mission was the most valuable
characteristic of the lives of such great Prophets as
Moses, Jesus, and others. Jesus' mission was by His
own death to absolve mankind from hereditary or original
sin, that is, the sin derived by being the descendents
of the first sinners, Adam and Eve.
His death was considered as a sacrifice on behalf of
entire humanity. Others' mission, for example, Moses'
was to lead the Jews from captivity in Egypt on towards
the Promised Land. The idea of a missionary is
practically that of an agent. In the case of Sai Baba,
he declared, "God has agents everywhere, they have
great powers". Baba added, "I also have great powers",
implying thereby that he was also an agent of God. He
also expressly told D.S. Rasane, "I can do nothing
except when God orders". He did not give a kupni to
G.G. Narke saying, "The Fakir (God) has not permitted
me to give you a kupni", i.e., the rope of a sanyasi or
begging fakir, as G.G. Narke was to be a family man,
an earning Grihastha, according to God's plan and not
a beggar. As an agent, he said that he had vast powers.
The powers and the mission have a close relation. The
mission has to be worked through the powers given
and the powers are given only for carrying out the
mission. Baba had by concentration on God practically
every siddhi (Great Power) that one can think of.
Srimad Bhagavadgeetha says, "What power is there
that can not be got by concentration on God with
conquest or control of mind and senses and breath?"
Baba's vast powers were always utilized for the
benefit of mankind, promoting individual benefits that
were obvious, seen, and well understood, and general
benefits which were not so equally obvious or well
seen and understood. We have to consider the
mission of Baba based on the possession of His
powers and notice what general benefits were
conferred on the country or mankind, though these
are not yet obvious to most people.
From "Baba's Mission" by Pujya B.V.Narasimha
Swamiji as appeared in "Sai Prabha"
dated October 1987)
(Contributed by From "Baba's Mission" by
Pujya B.V.Narasimha Swami)
DEVOTEES SAY:
Nandini
I thought I will post in Sai Vichaar if my sister gets
her visa. With Baba's grace she got her visa without
any problem and I am very happy and thankful to
my Baba for that.
Chaya
Koti pranams and thanks to Sairam for helping and
guiding my husband to get results in his research
work which was stuck up. It was possible only by
Your kripa. We are very thankful to You.
Namrata
Baba I have no words to thank you for what u have
done. Baba, I had given up hopes when I came to
Shirdi and you were my only hope. Baba, I feel
blessed. Always shower your blessings on me
and my family. Love you Baba.
Ram
Baba, please kindly forgive all our mistakes and
bless us. Baba, You stood by your son and helped
him pass his exam, how can I thank you. Baba,
always take us under Your kind shadow, and help
us love everyone and be loved by everyone.
Swapna
Thanks a lot to our beloved Guru Sri Sai Baba for
granting visa to my parents. Please continue Your
blessings on all your devotees.
A Sai devotee
With Saibaba's blessings my son was able to buy
a condo. He did not have much financial resources
but Saibaba was there with us and we were able to
overcome all the difficulties one by one. I know he
is there with us all the time. I want to share this
experience with others. Have faith.
Jayanthi
Recently I had done a mistake in my work, which
later I came to know where no correction could be
made. I was frightened so much where my superior
will take to task; I was afraid where I will loose job
also. I prayed to Baba to solve this problem. When
that mistake was told to the superior he easily took
the matter and never told anything. I was so much
relaxed after that. Thanks for your help Baba very
much.
Vaishali
From last two weeks my one year old daughter had
stopped eating food and drinking milk. I was too
much worried as she lost lots of weight. I pray to
Baba everyday to make everything normal.
Yesterday evening when we were doing prayer in
prayer room my daughter picked up Prasad (she
picked up one of the almond) and tried to put prasad
in Baba's mouth. I was very thrilled to see that
scene. Now I know in my heart she will get back
to normal routine very soon. I thank you very much
Baba for being with us all the time and taking care
of us.
PRAYER CLUB:
Rajiv
Please bless me with concentration. I am not able to
concentrate on things as I used to be. Please bless
me and improve my financial condition. Please bless
my brother in law to clear his CA final exams this
time.
Nalini
Baba, please save me sisters married life. Please
change her husband's mind. Please bless us.
Padma
Baba, I have an important account that I am
negotiating. Please let the other party agrees to
work with me on the project and please give me
your blessings. I need this project very badly in
order to succeed in my career.
Sharma
Please see that Sailakshmi's health should be
good. Please Saibaba, see that tomorrow I should
pass the test.
Sarita
Pranaam Saibaba. Please cancel my trip this time.
I don't want to go. Shower your blessings on me.
Alka
Where should I go? Pleas give me life partner. I
am praying You from bottom of heart. Please
show me the way.
Monica
I am traveling to India with my kid. I have a few
issues to be solved in India. Please shower us
with Your blessings.
Vasanthi
Please bless my husband to get the lease for
the location close to home and hold on to it.
Please bless my daughter to be of good character
and study well and come up in life.
Praveen
Om Sri Sai Ram, Baba please help us in the
problems what we are facing now in the business.
We don't know why it is happening, kindly help us
Baba. Nothing is hidden from you, even we work
efficiently the fruits are not coming. Please come
and help us in the problems to solve.
Chakry
Dear God, I am depressed for past couple of months
especially due to the Visa pending process. My
research and entire career is at stake and is totally
frustrating. My follow up for expediting the Visa
process is of no use. Please help to get over this
problem and move on into the spiritual journey.
Sai devotee
Baba I am very depressed, I am really tired Baba,
you know what is going on in the family. Every time
I try to talk he shouts at me saying that I have loud
voice, he keeps on calling names. Baba please see
that he changes and it is effecting the kids and me
a lot. Please see that we buy a house in India,
Baba, see that I have a good job and a better pay
so that I can save some for the kid's future. I am
really lost, please show me a way. You are the
only one.
EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Srinivas
I want to share some of my experiences where Baba
has come to my rescue. I had an accident a few years
back whereby I had a fracture in both my hands. After
a lot of pain and time, and physiotherapy, I got healed
and started to live as normal. But within three months
of this accident, I again met with an accident. This
time I was hit by a truck from behind while I was riding
my bike. I fell down and felt that the truck would go
over me. In that instant, I just remembered Baba and
prayed him earnestly to save me. It all happened in a
flash, the accident, the prayer and I could see the truck
go beside me damaging my bike and I escaped with a
few bruises. I believe it is because of Baba, I am alive
today. Thank you Sai.
Roy
Sai has helped me in more ways than one. I had prayed
that I will post my experiences if they come true. I had
started Sai Satcharita Parayan on Thursday and got an
interview call the very next day. Though the final offer
came almost twenty days later, I got the confirmation
on Thursday. This was the much-needed break for my
career for which I am extremely grateful to Sai. Also, I
believe Sai was instrumental in getting my sister-in-law
married. She was over 30 and was facing huge problems
in her marriage. It seemed like a distant possibility,
because of which there were immense problems at home.
I faced so much mental agony even during my pregnancy
and would cry regularly to Sai. It was then that we met a
Divine Soul who helped us sail through our problems. I
would like to thank Sai for standing by us and I pray
that he help me get closer and closer to Him.
Sreenath
This happened when I was in USA. It was April 2006. I
was looking for a suitable job in Salt Lake City in Utah State.
One day, I received an e-mail from an Operations & Trading
Manager of an Investing Company based in New York. The
Manager said in his e-mail this is a part-time job which
involves wire transfer of funds from a Western Union location
in Salt Lake City to his agent in London. A few days later,
he sent a Bill Check for $3,744.00 by mail. I cashed it in
a Wells Fargo Bank. I wire transferred around $3,400.00
from a Western Union location in Salt Lake City to his
agent in London. Around June 1st week. I received my
Wells Fargo Bank Statement. It showed I had a Bank
Originated Debit of $3,744.00 on June 1, 2006 in my
Checking Account. This meant I owed $3,744.00 to
Wells Fargo Bank. I was shocked and disturbed. I didn't
have any savings to pay the debt nor was I having any
earnings. I prayed to Baba crying to help me come out
of this crisis. I swore to Baba that if he bails me out of
this crisis, I would publish my experience in Shri Shirdi
Sai Baba Sansthan's web site. Subsequently, I received
my Wells Fargo Bank Statement which showed I had a
balance of -$3,807.91 as on 07/26 in my Checking Account.
It also showed the closing balance on 08/01 was $0.00. I
was overwhelmed by Baba's greatness and thanked him
for bailing me out of this crisis.
Meera
With Baba's grace I have been able to get admission in LLM
in Canada. Not only did I get a Visa and flew from India on
Thursday but I also got a job along with on Thursday. Baba
takes good care of his devotees. In addition to these miracles,
when I arrived here I was desperately looking for a job. I
prayed to Him and He would constantly make me read
some pages of a book by Kher wherein devotees sacrifice
sweet food till such time that their wishes are fulfilled by
Baba. So that was a signal to me and I decided to quit
sweets till such time that I get a job and I decided once I
get to know about it, I would go to temple with halwa. It had
barely been a week and one night I dreamt that I am making
halwa with lots of almonds in it and next day I told my aunt
that I think I will get the job. It was Wednesday morning and
by the time I checked my email, it was late night and there
I see an email stating that I have been selected. Baba had
his own way of telling me that he would fulfill my wish.
Lakshmi
I have been looking for a job for nine months. Finally, I thought
that I will do sapthaham and pray to Baba. And lo and behold
I have started working from today! I had interviewed in many
places and always had problem finding a position - internal
promotion, job was removed, etc. I am so thankful to Sai.
Now please bless my husband the same way and bless us
with a son as well.
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
"Oh mother, My Guru never taught Me any Mantra, then how
shall I blow any Mantra in your ears? Just remember that
Guru's tortoise-like loving glance gives us happiness. Do not
try to get Mantra or Upadesh from anybody. Make Me the
sole object of your thoughts and actions; and you will, no
doubt, attain Paramartha (the spiritual goal of life). Look at
Me whole-heartedly, and I in turn look at you similarly"
-Saibaba to Mrs. Radhabhai Deshmukh
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. Baba said, "What is our duty? To behave properly.
That's enough!" Comment?
A. by Meera
Dwarkamayi is the place where Baba used to spend most of his
time. It is not relevant why he chose Masjid to be called
Dwarkamayi, we should look at the fact that 'Mayi' is added to
the word, signifying mother. This is the reason that whenever
a devotee would go to Shirdi, he/she would find peace in
Dwarkamayi as one finds in mother's lap as a child. We all
are Sai's children and by calling it Dwarkamayi he made it
clear that he would be there as a mother in Dwarkamayi. Some
people may draw irrelevant inferences that he chose masjid to
be called Dwarkamayi as he wanted to show superiority of
Hindu religion or to show his inclination towards Hindu
religion. But that is a myth to be broken. If he had lived in
temple, he would have offered his prayers like he did in Masjid.
For him and for his devotees, there is only one God. What is
important is that Dawrkamayi is the place where Baba would
appear like a mother to us. He would sit and talk to us, smile
at us, shower his love on us and he does that every time we
step in Dwarkamayi.
SAI ACTIVITIES:
Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m
(Winter hours).
Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m. followed by
Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m.
and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama
and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To
request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please
call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy
bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple
is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection
of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL.
For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send
email to maildrop@saibaba.org.
Shri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Saibaba activities in Minneapolis were conducted at
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer center since the year 2002. Now,
with the grace and blessings of Baba and the support of
devotees, a new Saibaba Mandir has begun to function
at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis from July 11th 2006.
Please visit www.hamaresai.org for all details.
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located
at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano,
TX 75023. For temple hours and activities
please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the
website www.shirdisaidallas.org.
Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA
By Baba's grace, Shirdi Sai Parivaar is pleased to
announce the grand opening of Shirdi Sai Center in
Bay Area. The center is located at 897-B East Kifer
Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information
please call 408-564-6704 or 408-705-7904.
FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:
Sai Vichaar thanks you for your support for the
Question of the Week feature. This feature is intended
to initiate useful discussion on topics related to Sai
philosophy, His message, and Sai devotion. Please
participate by sending your contributions as well as
suggested topics for the same. The "Question of the
week" for this week is,
Q. Baba said, "What is our duty? To behave properly.
That's enough!" Comment?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor
Thursday , December 07, 2006 :: Volume 9, Issue 30
(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: Sai Baba's Sacred
words to Abdul Abdul was amongst Sai Baba's
close devotees and lived with Sai Baba in Shirdi
for a continuous period of twenty nine years before
Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi and then remained in
Shirdi for a further thirty six years until his own
samadhi in 1954. Abdul wrote down some of
Sai Baba's utterances and explanations and over
the years these notes accumulated into a small
volume.
After Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi, this old notebook
manuscript became very precious to Abdul as he
made use of it, according to Sri Narasimhaswamy,
as a 'Book of Prophecy' through which Sai Baba's
message and guidance could be obtained.
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Marianne Warren, Abdul's
notes have been fully translated and published in her
book - "Unraveling the Enigma - Shirdi Sai Baba in
the Light of Sufism" published by Sterling Publishers,
India. In foreword to the book Dr. N.K.Wagle of
University of Toronto says: "Dr. Marianne Warren's
work is the first scholarly attempt to provide a
historical context to Sai Baba's teachings. An
equally original point argued convincingly by Dr.
Warren concerns Sai Baba's knowledge of Islamic
Theology.
Dr. Warren has translated the Saibaba manuscript in
which Sai Baba gave discourses on Islamic history
and thought to his pupil, Abdul, his personal attendant,
whose tomb rests near Sai Baba's shrine". For
Devotees who want to advance spiritually, and are
looking for gems to collect as Baba used to say, these
sayings are invaluable and should be taken as word
personally spoken to each one of us without any
prejudice, argument, discussion or controversy. Abdul's
notes on Sai Baba's teachings: Page 12: The religious
emotion is purely spiritual. Only secondarily it relates
to the material world. O Parvardigar! - Universal
Sustainer. O God! O Habib! - My Beloved! What we see
in this material state is not real because you cannot
understand it through the intellect or by inference.
Those who consider the spirit as without beginning,
this opinion is incorrect because thinking itself is
not permanent. And life is the real thing. The body is
subordinate to it... Page 14 : To understand the true
form of God is difficult. In the Qur'an, it is forbidden
to picture God with form. If you walk on the path of
righteousness, then you will not feel the need for it. It
requires great effort to walk on the path [of righteousness]
i.e. tapas. When a person practices taps (riyajat), divine
insight (ma'rifa) will automatically come. A sura from the
Qur'an says something to this effect, Ajjain jahidu fina
tabulana riyajat - He who performs tapas, I regard him
to be on the path. It would not be proper to give him full
knowledge about it. But before you proceed on the path
of Allah, you must discipline the mind. It is strategic to
strengthen the defenses, with fortifications. If an army
does not move how can the war of righteousness be
fought. O dear friend! Know this that the body is the
kingdom of the heart. Do not think that the heart has
many armies. The Qur'an says: Maya alam rabbuk
janud ilahu - The army of Allah, do not think that it
has to besiege the mind/heart. The heart is created
for the realization of God. To find the way to attaining
a vision of God is a man's true task. For the vision of
God, divine sight is necessary.
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: continued.....
Page 20: [Similar to page 12 but longer and written
at a different time] Religious emotion in full is purely
spiritual. It is not material. Secondly it means that
you will see the world as material or only relatively
real (until you have a vision of God). Parvardigar!
O Dear One!., O Dear One! the material (relative
state) world is unreal. There is no place for intellect
and inference. Those who regard the spirit as without
beginning, this is not true. It is wrong to address the
spirit because it is dependent on others. The real form
of man is prana - life force. The body is under the
control of prana. The people who equate the spirit
with the body are wrong. The body is impermanent.
Animals also have a spirit, which is also impermanent,
called dil or heart, which seeks the mercy of God.
(Source: Unraveling the Enigma - Shirdi Sai Baba in
the Light of Sufism by Dr. Marianne Warren)
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Baba's mission
The term "Mission" is derived from the Latin "Mitto"
meaning "to send". So, a missionary is the one who is
sent with a message or direction. As used in the
Christian literature, a mission was the most valuable
characteristic of the lives of such great Prophets as
Moses, Jesus, and others. Jesus' mission was by His
own death to absolve mankind from hereditary or original
sin, that is, the sin derived by being the descendents
of the first sinners, Adam and Eve.
His death was considered as a sacrifice on behalf of
entire humanity. Others' mission, for example, Moses'
was to lead the Jews from captivity in Egypt on towards
the Promised Land. The idea of a missionary is
practically that of an agent. In the case of Sai Baba,
he declared, "God has agents everywhere, they have
great powers". Baba added, "I also have great powers",
implying thereby that he was also an agent of God. He
also expressly told D.S. Rasane, "I can do nothing
except when God orders". He did not give a kupni to
G.G. Narke saying, "The Fakir (God) has not permitted
me to give you a kupni", i.e., the rope of a sanyasi or
begging fakir, as G.G. Narke was to be a family man,
an earning Grihastha, according to God's plan and not
a beggar. As an agent, he said that he had vast powers.
The powers and the mission have a close relation. The
mission has to be worked through the powers given
and the powers are given only for carrying out the
mission. Baba had by concentration on God practically
every siddhi (Great Power) that one can think of.
Srimad Bhagavadgeetha says, "What power is there
that can not be got by concentration on God with
conquest or control of mind and senses and breath?"
Baba's vast powers were always utilized for the
benefit of mankind, promoting individual benefits that
were obvious, seen, and well understood, and general
benefits which were not so equally obvious or well
seen and understood. We have to consider the
mission of Baba based on the possession of His
powers and notice what general benefits were
conferred on the country or mankind, though these
are not yet obvious to most people.
From "Baba's Mission" by Pujya B.V.Narasimha
Swamiji as appeared in "Sai Prabha"
dated October 1987)
(Contributed by From "Baba's Mission" by
Pujya B.V.Narasimha Swami)
DEVOTEES SAY:
Nandini
I thought I will post in Sai Vichaar if my sister gets
her visa. With Baba's grace she got her visa without
any problem and I am very happy and thankful to
my Baba for that.
Chaya
Koti pranams and thanks to Sairam for helping and
guiding my husband to get results in his research
work which was stuck up. It was possible only by
Your kripa. We are very thankful to You.
Namrata
Baba I have no words to thank you for what u have
done. Baba, I had given up hopes when I came to
Shirdi and you were my only hope. Baba, I feel
blessed. Always shower your blessings on me
and my family. Love you Baba.
Ram
Baba, please kindly forgive all our mistakes and
bless us. Baba, You stood by your son and helped
him pass his exam, how can I thank you. Baba,
always take us under Your kind shadow, and help
us love everyone and be loved by everyone.
Swapna
Thanks a lot to our beloved Guru Sri Sai Baba for
granting visa to my parents. Please continue Your
blessings on all your devotees.
A Sai devotee
With Saibaba's blessings my son was able to buy
a condo. He did not have much financial resources
but Saibaba was there with us and we were able to
overcome all the difficulties one by one. I know he
is there with us all the time. I want to share this
experience with others. Have faith.
Jayanthi
Recently I had done a mistake in my work, which
later I came to know where no correction could be
made. I was frightened so much where my superior
will take to task; I was afraid where I will loose job
also. I prayed to Baba to solve this problem. When
that mistake was told to the superior he easily took
the matter and never told anything. I was so much
relaxed after that. Thanks for your help Baba very
much.
Vaishali
From last two weeks my one year old daughter had
stopped eating food and drinking milk. I was too
much worried as she lost lots of weight. I pray to
Baba everyday to make everything normal.
Yesterday evening when we were doing prayer in
prayer room my daughter picked up Prasad (she
picked up one of the almond) and tried to put prasad
in Baba's mouth. I was very thrilled to see that
scene. Now I know in my heart she will get back
to normal routine very soon. I thank you very much
Baba for being with us all the time and taking care
of us.
PRAYER CLUB:
Rajiv
Please bless me with concentration. I am not able to
concentrate on things as I used to be. Please bless
me and improve my financial condition. Please bless
my brother in law to clear his CA final exams this
time.
Nalini
Baba, please save me sisters married life. Please
change her husband's mind. Please bless us.
Padma
Baba, I have an important account that I am
negotiating. Please let the other party agrees to
work with me on the project and please give me
your blessings. I need this project very badly in
order to succeed in my career.
Sharma
Please see that Sailakshmi's health should be
good. Please Saibaba, see that tomorrow I should
pass the test.
Sarita
Pranaam Saibaba. Please cancel my trip this time.
I don't want to go. Shower your blessings on me.
Alka
Where should I go? Pleas give me life partner. I
am praying You from bottom of heart. Please
show me the way.
Monica
I am traveling to India with my kid. I have a few
issues to be solved in India. Please shower us
with Your blessings.
Vasanthi
Please bless my husband to get the lease for
the location close to home and hold on to it.
Please bless my daughter to be of good character
and study well and come up in life.
Praveen
Om Sri Sai Ram, Baba please help us in the
problems what we are facing now in the business.
We don't know why it is happening, kindly help us
Baba. Nothing is hidden from you, even we work
efficiently the fruits are not coming. Please come
and help us in the problems to solve.
Chakry
Dear God, I am depressed for past couple of months
especially due to the Visa pending process. My
research and entire career is at stake and is totally
frustrating. My follow up for expediting the Visa
process is of no use. Please help to get over this
problem and move on into the spiritual journey.
Sai devotee
Baba I am very depressed, I am really tired Baba,
you know what is going on in the family. Every time
I try to talk he shouts at me saying that I have loud
voice, he keeps on calling names. Baba please see
that he changes and it is effecting the kids and me
a lot. Please see that we buy a house in India,
Baba, see that I have a good job and a better pay
so that I can save some for the kid's future. I am
really lost, please show me a way. You are the
only one.
EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Srinivas
I want to share some of my experiences where Baba
has come to my rescue. I had an accident a few years
back whereby I had a fracture in both my hands. After
a lot of pain and time, and physiotherapy, I got healed
and started to live as normal. But within three months
of this accident, I again met with an accident. This
time I was hit by a truck from behind while I was riding
my bike. I fell down and felt that the truck would go
over me. In that instant, I just remembered Baba and
prayed him earnestly to save me. It all happened in a
flash, the accident, the prayer and I could see the truck
go beside me damaging my bike and I escaped with a
few bruises. I believe it is because of Baba, I am alive
today. Thank you Sai.
Roy
Sai has helped me in more ways than one. I had prayed
that I will post my experiences if they come true. I had
started Sai Satcharita Parayan on Thursday and got an
interview call the very next day. Though the final offer
came almost twenty days later, I got the confirmation
on Thursday. This was the much-needed break for my
career for which I am extremely grateful to Sai. Also, I
believe Sai was instrumental in getting my sister-in-law
married. She was over 30 and was facing huge problems
in her marriage. It seemed like a distant possibility,
because of which there were immense problems at home.
I faced so much mental agony even during my pregnancy
and would cry regularly to Sai. It was then that we met a
Divine Soul who helped us sail through our problems. I
would like to thank Sai for standing by us and I pray
that he help me get closer and closer to Him.
Sreenath
This happened when I was in USA. It was April 2006. I
was looking for a suitable job in Salt Lake City in Utah State.
One day, I received an e-mail from an Operations & Trading
Manager of an Investing Company based in New York. The
Manager said in his e-mail this is a part-time job which
involves wire transfer of funds from a Western Union location
in Salt Lake City to his agent in London. A few days later,
he sent a Bill Check for $3,744.00 by mail. I cashed it in
a Wells Fargo Bank. I wire transferred around $3,400.00
from a Western Union location in Salt Lake City to his
agent in London. Around June 1st week. I received my
Wells Fargo Bank Statement. It showed I had a Bank
Originated Debit of $3,744.00 on June 1, 2006 in my
Checking Account. This meant I owed $3,744.00 to
Wells Fargo Bank. I was shocked and disturbed. I didn't
have any savings to pay the debt nor was I having any
earnings. I prayed to Baba crying to help me come out
of this crisis. I swore to Baba that if he bails me out of
this crisis, I would publish my experience in Shri Shirdi
Sai Baba Sansthan's web site. Subsequently, I received
my Wells Fargo Bank Statement which showed I had a
balance of -$3,807.91 as on 07/26 in my Checking Account.
It also showed the closing balance on 08/01 was $0.00. I
was overwhelmed by Baba's greatness and thanked him
for bailing me out of this crisis.
Meera
With Baba's grace I have been able to get admission in LLM
in Canada. Not only did I get a Visa and flew from India on
Thursday but I also got a job along with on Thursday. Baba
takes good care of his devotees. In addition to these miracles,
when I arrived here I was desperately looking for a job. I
prayed to Him and He would constantly make me read
some pages of a book by Kher wherein devotees sacrifice
sweet food till such time that their wishes are fulfilled by
Baba. So that was a signal to me and I decided to quit
sweets till such time that I get a job and I decided once I
get to know about it, I would go to temple with halwa. It had
barely been a week and one night I dreamt that I am making
halwa with lots of almonds in it and next day I told my aunt
that I think I will get the job. It was Wednesday morning and
by the time I checked my email, it was late night and there
I see an email stating that I have been selected. Baba had
his own way of telling me that he would fulfill my wish.
Lakshmi
I have been looking for a job for nine months. Finally, I thought
that I will do sapthaham and pray to Baba. And lo and behold
I have started working from today! I had interviewed in many
places and always had problem finding a position - internal
promotion, job was removed, etc. I am so thankful to Sai.
Now please bless my husband the same way and bless us
with a son as well.
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
"Oh mother, My Guru never taught Me any Mantra, then how
shall I blow any Mantra in your ears? Just remember that
Guru's tortoise-like loving glance gives us happiness. Do not
try to get Mantra or Upadesh from anybody. Make Me the
sole object of your thoughts and actions; and you will, no
doubt, attain Paramartha (the spiritual goal of life). Look at
Me whole-heartedly, and I in turn look at you similarly"
-Saibaba to Mrs. Radhabhai Deshmukh
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. Baba said, "What is our duty? To behave properly.
That's enough!" Comment?
A. by Meera
Dwarkamayi is the place where Baba used to spend most of his
time. It is not relevant why he chose Masjid to be called
Dwarkamayi, we should look at the fact that 'Mayi' is added to
the word, signifying mother. This is the reason that whenever
a devotee would go to Shirdi, he/she would find peace in
Dwarkamayi as one finds in mother's lap as a child. We all
are Sai's children and by calling it Dwarkamayi he made it
clear that he would be there as a mother in Dwarkamayi. Some
people may draw irrelevant inferences that he chose masjid to
be called Dwarkamayi as he wanted to show superiority of
Hindu religion or to show his inclination towards Hindu
religion. But that is a myth to be broken. If he had lived in
temple, he would have offered his prayers like he did in Masjid.
For him and for his devotees, there is only one God. What is
important is that Dawrkamayi is the place where Baba would
appear like a mother to us. He would sit and talk to us, smile
at us, shower his love on us and he does that every time we
step in Dwarkamayi.
SAI ACTIVITIES:
Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m
(Winter hours).
Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m. followed by
Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m.
and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama
and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To
request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please
call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy
bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple
is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection
of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL.
For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send
email to maildrop@saibaba.org.
Shri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Saibaba activities in Minneapolis were conducted at
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer center since the year 2002. Now,
with the grace and blessings of Baba and the support of
devotees, a new Saibaba Mandir has begun to function
at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis from July 11th 2006.
Please visit www.hamaresai.org for all details.
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located
at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano,
TX 75023. For temple hours and activities
please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the
website www.shirdisaidallas.org.
Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA
By Baba's grace, Shirdi Sai Parivaar is pleased to
announce the grand opening of Shirdi Sai Center in
Bay Area. The center is located at 897-B East Kifer
Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information
please call 408-564-6704 or 408-705-7904.
FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:
Sai Vichaar thanks you for your support for the
Question of the Week feature. This feature is intended
to initiate useful discussion on topics related to Sai
philosophy, His message, and Sai devotion. Please
participate by sending your contributions as well as
suggested topics for the same. The "Question of the
week" for this week is,
Q. Baba said, "What is our duty? To behave properly.
That's enough!" Comment?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor
Satsang The Glory of Shirdi Sai - Issue 25--2006 from Saidarbar.
THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI
Fourth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-Weekly
Issue 25 / 2006
07-12-2006
-------------------------
You can also read this magazine on line
The first & only magazine in 3d Page turning format.
http://www.ettitudemedia.com
------------------------------------
GURUR-BRAHMA, GURUR-VISHNUH;
GURU-DEVO MAHESWARAHA;
GURUR-SAKSHATH PARAM BRAHMA;
THASMAI SREE GURAVE NAMAHA:
http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm
-------------------
Saidarbar will be celibrating the 9th birth day on
25-12-2006 and the e- magazine
"The glory of Shirdi Sai"will be entering fifth year of
publication on 01-01-2007 please offer your
suggestions and blessings in our endeavor to
serve you better.
-Editor
--------------------
THIS ISSUE CONTAINS:
1. FROM THE SATSANGHS OF SAIBANISA JI
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE
3. SAI IN DREAMS
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY
5. SANATANA DHARMA& SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO …..
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES
11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES
12. TELUGU SECTION
13. SAI'S BOOK WORLD
14. EDITORIAL.
-------------------------------
1. FROM THE SATSANGHS OF SAIBANISA JI
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm
Compiled by:
Sai Sevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad.
DREADFUL EFFECTS OF A VICE
Copious references are found in the variety of holy texts
about the disastrous consequences of the vices like
gambling and the dreadful effects of habitual drinking.
Intoxication results in absent mindedness. Some may
take shelter under the plea that drinks are consumed to
forget worries or to spend time or for enjoyment. In the
state of inebriation, even their position in society and
dignity will be forgotten.
Three verses in the Ramayan containing details of the
behavior of men under the influence of drinks, spelt out
by Lord Rama Himself while He was taking rest before
launching the search mission (Sita anevashana),
deserve to be propagated as they are of relevance even
in the Present days.
In SaiSatchritra – Chapter 19 – Baba appeared in the
dream of a devotee -
"To one addicted to drink, He appeared in his dream,
sat on his chest, pressed it and left him, after he gave
a promise not to touch liquor anymore".
Om Shantih Shantih Shantihi
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.
To be continued…
--------------------------------------
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
10th December, 1909: Devotees began to offer regular
worship to Baba in the Chavidi, where Baba slept on
alternate days.
25th December, 1909: Baba gave darshan in the form
of Sri Rama to a doctor who was an ardent devotee of
Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar to Shiridi.
10th December, 1910: Hon'ble Dadasaheb Khaparde
of Amraoti first visited Shirdi.
10th December, 1910: Foundation stone of Dixit Wada
was laid with Baba's permission
-----------------
3. SAI IN DREAMS:
http://www.ettitudemedia.com
These are the dream sequences and messages as
received by SaiBaNiSaji From our beloved GURU LORD
SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that this feature
will help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled
from his personal Diary and presented to SAIBANDHUS.
Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.
30-10-1994
Yesterday, I bowed before Sainath and asked HIM to tell
me about the heart. The dream went like this-
I began my life journey from a Railway station. By the time
I reached the next station, I got married to a woman. I
reached the next station and came across many friends
who tried grabbing my money by inducing me to the
luxuries in life. Then I alighted from the train in the next
station where everything is available for a price. I along
with my wife got down there and spent time together as
any other commoner does. Time passed away without
our knowledge on the platform itself. In the meanwhile,
our family size increased to four. We decided to board
another train, but my wife prevented me and wanted
us to stay for some more time. The statue of Potti
Sriramulu (a freedom fighter and a bachelor) was piteously
laughing at me sarcastically. I got furious and my sleep
got disturbed. What did Sai want to say in this dream?
Later I realized that journey through life is like a train
journey. Our heart takes the lead role of bridging the gaps
with other people. To sustain the contacts once made,
heart pushes us into the endless chain of burning desires.
It is here the help of Guru is needed to come out from
the vicious circle of desires.
Samardha Sadhguru alone can pull one out of the
worldly mess.
31-10-1994
As sequel to the yesterday's dream I continued to
know more about the ways the heart finds to fulfill
the materialistic desires.
The mind is always full of unfulfilled wishes and desires,
and mind is restlessly engaged in working to satiate
them.
Never let the mind loose the direction while exercising
continuous control. The disciplined mind always travels
in the right direction. Invite only good thoughts in to the
mind. Select the best of the good thoughts and make
them as the goals in the life to be achieved. To attain the
highest ideals is to knowing thyself. Never let anger
override as the power of reasoning gets lost and pulls
down, one to even greater depths.
A stable mind thinks healthy with wisdom applied.
NOVEMBER-1994:
01-11-1994
Sai- "How to keep the mind under control"?
The visual depicted mind as the one that is not bound
by any limits and boundaries is always filled with ever
lasting and skyrocketing desires. Every time it has to
be necessarily brought down to the ground state. This
realization alone will help in keeping mind under
control.
Let reality not vanish from the sight every time.
02-11-1994
I prayed Sainath to guide me in keeping the mind away
from the evil thoughts. Sai has shown the following
visual-
The mind is a Peninsula surrounded by the Thrikals-
The past, present and future. The bad thoughts gain
entry through the Fourth route. Having once entered,
it is extremely difficult to exercise control or get rid
of them. So the route has to be blocked and separated
like a water barrier from all the four sides.
Let there be an outer circle of protection with Sai as
center to guard from the evils.
To be continued…..
-------------------------------------
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY:
(By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)
"Shashi": shashi_31@yahoo.com
25. Importance of Swadharma:
Sri SaiBaba further explained: "If you are performing
Swadharma, you will get some beneficial results. Those
who are not able to understand the importance of
Swadharma, they criticize as they like. You should not
give importance to them. To those who perform their
Swadharma, not only their Ananda will increase, but
also their mental worries will be reduced. To them the
attraction towards worldly activities get reduced and
they proceed efficiently in Atma- Marga. Remember
that Divinity is present in everyone."
Observing your mental attitude do your destined duties
selflessly.
Practice this.
Lastly, Baba told about Swadharma thus:
"Do your duty bound activities, as divine activities and do
them with full of courage. Face the difficulties bravely.
You are not different from God – believe this fully. Why
are you getting mentally worried?
Why are you wasting all your energy in securing food?
Always think of
the Divinity in you. Without fear loudly express "I am
Brahman-Aham Brahmasmi". I am Para Brahma, I am
present every where in this universe; I am not only in this
body". Know this.
The whole Universe is in you. You are not realizing your
greatness. Converting your Divine power into dutiful
action, enjoy it as Divine pleasure with a delightful heart.
To be continued…..
-----------------------------
5. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
108 Names of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba
The Garland of One Hundred and Eight Names of the
Venerable Shirdi Sai
73. Om Anaathanaatha-diina-bandhave Namah.
Om, to the Protector of those without protector, the
Friend of the poor, prostration!
74. Om Sarva-bhaara-bhrite Namah.
Om, to Him who takes upon Himself everyone's burden,
prostration!
75. Om Akarmaaneka-karma-sukarmine Namah.
Om, to Him who well accomplishes the unsavory tasks,
prostration!
76 Om Punya-shravana-kiirtanaaya Namah.
Om, to Him the hearing of whose glorification is purifying,
prostration!
77 Om Tiirthaaya Namah.
Om, to the (holy) Ford, prostration!
78 Om Vaasudevaaya Namah.
Om, to (Krishna) Vasudeva's Son, prostration!
79. Om Sataangataye Namah.
Om, to the Ultimate Resort of the good, prostration!
80. Om Satparaayanaaya Namah.
Om, to the Final End of the good, prostration!
81. Om Lokanaathaaya Namah.
Om, to the Lord of the worlds, prostration!
82 Om Paavanaanaghaaya Namah.
Om, to the Purifier Immaculate, prostration!
83. Om Amritaamshave Namah.
Om, to (the Moon identified with Holy Plant Soma)
whose filaments give forth the juice of immortality,
prostration!
84. Om Bhaaskara-prabhaaya Namah.
Om, to the Sun of shining halo, prostration!
85. Om Brahmacarya-tapascaryaadi-suvrataaya Namah.
Om, to Him whose vows are chastity, asceticism and
so on, prostration!
86. Om Satya-dharma-paraayanaaya Namah.
Om, to Him who is the ultimate resort of truthfulness,
prostration!
87. Om Siddheshvaraaya Namah.
Om, to Shiva of Yogic powers, prostration!
88 Om Siddha-sankalpaaya-Namah.
Om, to the Lord of the Realized Ones (the immortal
yogin Dattatreya), prostration!
89. Om Yogeshvaraaya Namah.
Om, to (Shiva) the Lord of Yoga, prostration!
90. Om Bhagavate Namah.
Om, to the Possessor of Divine Glory, prostration!
91. Om Bhakta-vatsalaaya Namah.
Om, to Him who loves His devotees, prostration!
92. Om Satpurushaaya Namah.
Om, to the True Male (purusa), prostration!
93. Om Purushottamaaya Namah.
Om, to the Best among Men, prostration!
94. Om Satya-tattva-bodhakaaya Namah.
Om, to (the Guru) who awakens (His disciples) to the
Principles of Reality, prostration!
95. Om Kaamaadi-shad-vairi-dhvamsine Namah.
Om, to the Destroyer of the Six Foes beginning with
Desire (Desire, Anger, Greed, Hatred, Pride, and Envy),
prostration!
96 Om Abhed-aanandaanubhava-pradaaya Namah.
Om, to Him who freely gives the actual experience of
Undivided Bliss, prostration!
97. Om Sama-sarva-mata-sammataaya Namah.
Om, to (the Sai himself, here presented in a characteristic
feature of His teaching) who approves all religious
persuasions as equal, prostration!
98. Om Shrii dakshinaa-muurtaye Namah.
Om, to the Venerable (Shiva as the Teacher of Absolute
Truth through silence) with His face to the South (the
direction of Death, as identified with one of the Fires in
the Vedic sacrifice), prostration!
99. Om Shrii venkatesha ramanaaya Namah.
Om, to Ramana, the Lord of Venkata Hill, prostration!
100. Om Adbhutaananta-caryaaya Namah.
Om, to Him of wonderful and blissful deeds, prostration!
101. Om Prapannaarti-haraaya Namah.
Om, to Him who takes away the pains of those who
yield themselves (to Him), prostration!
102. Om Samsaara-sarva-duhkha-kshaya-karaaya
Namah.
Om, to the Cause of the obliteration of every suffering
of the Round of Rebirth, prostration!
103. Om Sarvavit-sarvato-mukhaaya Namah.
Om, to the Omniscient One, whose face is, turned
everywhere, prostration!
104. Om Sarvaantar-bahih-sthitaaya Namah.
Om, to Him who stays inside and outside all (beings),
prostration!
105. Om Sarva-mangala-karaaya Namah.
Om, to the Cause of all auspiciousness, prostration!
106. Om Sarvaabhiista-pradaaya Namah.
Om, to Him who freely gives all things wished for,
prostration!
107. Om Samarasa-sanmaarga-sthaapanaaya Namah.
Om, to Him who consolidates the Truth Path along which
all experience (for the mystic) has the same taste,
prostration!
108. Om Shrii samartha sadguru Saaii naathaaya Namah.
Om, to the Venerable Efficacious True Guru, the Lord Sai,
prostration!
Shrii Sadguru Sai Naatha Mahaaraaja kii Jaya!
Hail Shri Sainath Maharaj, the Supreme Guru
--------------------
NEWS FROM ABROD
www.contracostatimes.com
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA, USA, November 30, 2006:
The Shiva-Vishnu Temple in Livermore is holding a open
house and a celebration on Saturday -- the Geeta Jayanti
Celebration --, and is inviting the whole community.
Prabha Duneja, one of the organizers, also sees it as
a retreat. She will lead a guided meditation, which she
described as a "journey to the infinite bliss."
The free, public event is a combined feast, pageant and
open house. It begins at 10 a.m. with a recital of the
Hindus' Holy Sermon of Bhagavad-Geeta. The celebration
includes recitals of hymns, devotional singing, dancing
and other Hindu observances and celebrations. A free
Indian vegetarian lunch will be served from 11 a.m. until
4 p.m. The Shiva-Vishnu Temple of Livermore can be
reached for more information at 925-449-6255
------------------------------------------------
6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO "LORD SHIVA"
In GOKARNA
Gokarna meaning "Cow's Ear" is a small town situated
in the North Kannada district of the coastal Karnataka
state, India. Gokarna is about 453 km from Bangalore,
240 km north of Mangalore and about 59 km from
Karwar. Sandwiched between the Gangavali and
Agnashini river mouth it is named for the ear-shaped
confluence of two rivers. The town is known more as
a pilgrimage centre than a tourist destination.Locals
believe that Gokarna derives its name from the legend
in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow.
Gokarna, with its coconut palms, its blue seas and
clean sands, is perfect for an idyllic vacation by the
sea. Gokarna is also an important centre of Sanskrit
learning. Many Hindus perform last rites of a person
here in Gokarna. The ancient Mahabaleshvara Temple
is one of the major temples in Gokarna. It is situated
at the western end of the main street. History has it
that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here
and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing
the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar,
Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar
temples. The deity here is two-armed, standing, and
at least 1500 years old. In the sanctuary is a stone
linga, encased in brass, placed on a coiled stone
serpent. The floor of the hall in front has an intricate
engraving of a gaint tortoise. The Bhadrakali and
Venkataramana temples, Kotiteertha tank are other
holy places in Gokarna.
Shiva Ratri is celebrated here with great fanfare.
Each year a team builds up two great temple
chariots which is used during the Shiva Ratri
festival. The two great temple chariots lead a
procession through the town's narrow streets,
while priests and pilgrims chant hymns in praise
of Shiva. More than a hundred people are needed
to pull the chariots with thick ropes while priests
conduct religious ceremonies inside. During the
four day Shiva Ratri festival the small town of
Gokarna is visited by up to 20,000 pilgrims.
Note: Sri Shirdi Sai devotees are advised to do
Sri Sai Satcharitra Parayana in Gokarna atleast
onetime in lifespan.
---------------------------------
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
From the files of Saidarbar:
S. Nagarajan, Chennai, India
On 11th Feb. 2001 at Kancheepuram we performed
Maha Kumbabhishekam to our presiding deity
Lord Shiva located in the serene and idyllic village
of Singadivakkam which is situated at a distance
of 14 Km away from Kancheepuram towards
Chennai. About a thousand of devotees were
blessed to attend the celestial ceremony in all its
splendor and glory. The function was graced by
high dignitaries from all walks of life. This function
lasted for two days.
Having performed the Maha Kumbabhishekam
in all its fullest and utmost satisfaction we
proceeded to the bus terminus to board the bus
To Chennai. Whilst waiting in the queue to
collect the reservation tickets, due to the high
commotion and unmanageable crowd at the
reservation counter my mother by oversight
left the bag on one of the chair in the waiting
hall.
The bag contained Jewels worth 30 sovereigns
and cash amount of Rs.1500/= in all. After
lapse of ten minutes having collected the
reservation coupon we boarded the bus which
started after a delay of ten minutes. Fifteen
minutes after the bus left Kancheepuram, all
of a sudden we realized the bag was missing
and we could recollect that the bag was left
behind at the bus terminus. My mother and my
wife were in a confused state of mind about
the missing bag. On coming to know about the
loss of the bag, the co-passengers discouraged
us from going back to Kancheepuram to retrieve
the bag. But my wife Mrs. Rani Nagarajan was
firm and confident that the bag would certainly
be there.
So we alighted from the bus and proceeded back
to Kancheepuram by an autorickshaw to reach
the bus terminus after a period of 15 minutes.
By the grace of our ANTHYARYAMI AND
SABKASAMI the bag was lying there safe and
untouched in the very same crowded place having
not attracted the eyes of passers-by. And now
shall I tell you my dear SAI bandhus the bag
contained Babas Udhi, Aarthi Song books and
locket of Shirdi Sai apart from the things mentioned
earlier. This exhilarating experience reveals the
unending and continuous miracles of Sai Udhi
----------------------
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
Swamy swamymain@yahoo.com
12/3/2006 05:55:50 -0800
Sai Ram. Let us continue with the Spiritual Gems
from this chapter.
Sai Ram. SS refers to Sri Sai Satcharitra and SVS
refers to me, Sai's servant and tool to bring these
Spiritual Gems to you. Sai Ram.
SS: The Pandharpur Pleader
We shall close this Chapter with short story showing
Baba's omniscience and His using it for correcting
people and setting them on the right path. Once a
pleader from Pandharpur came to Shirdi, went to
the Dwarakamai, saw Sai Baba, fell at His Feet
and, without being asked, offered some Dakshina,
and sat in a corner eager to hear the talk that was
going on.
SVS: Sai Ram. His eagerness is good and brought
him to Shirdi. Sai Ram.
SS: Then Baba turned His face towards him and said -
"How cunning the people are! They fall at the feet,
offer Dakshina, but inwardly give abuses behind the
back. Is not this wonderful?" This cap (remark) fitted
the pleader and he had to wear (take) it. None
understood the remark. The pleader grasped it, but
kept silent. When they returned to the Wada, the
pleader said to Kakasaheb Dixit - "What Baba remarked
was perfectly right. The dart (remark) was aimed at me;
it was a hint to me that I should not indulge in reviling
or scandalizing others (calling by names). When the
subjudge or munsiff of Pandharput (Mr.Noolkar) came
and stayed here for the improvement of his health, a
discussion about this matter was going on in the
bar-room at Pandharpur (as it ever happens in many
a bar-room). It was said or discussed there whether
the ailments, from which the sub-judge suffered were,
ever likely to be got rid of without medicines, by
merely going after Sai Baba, and whether it was
proper for an educated man, like the sub-judge, to
have recourse to such methods. The sub-judge was
taken to task, i.e. he was criticized, as also Sai Baba.
I also took some part in this affair; and now Sai Baba
showed the impropriety of my conduct. This is not a
rebuke to me, but a favor, an advice that I should
not indulge in any scandal or slander of others; and
not interfere unnecessarily in others' affairs".
SVS: Sai Ram. Being a cunning fellow (cunning
people are intelligent, but their intelligence is going
in wrong channels, by addressing him indirectly as
cunning, Sai advised him to channelise his
Intelligence rightly), he got the message quickly.
It was Sai's specialty to make some remarks which
only the intended among the audience understood.
Sai Ram.
We heard of Sri Tatyasaheb Noolkar in the early
chapters of Satcharitra. Shri Hemadpant was met
by Sri Noolkar (See Chapter 2) and Shri Hemadpant
refers to him as a great Sai devotee. And it is
interesting to note that Shri Noolkar was not initially
willing to go to Shirdi but was pulled there because
of his poorva janma bandha and it is also interesting
to note that he stayed in Shirdi without going back
to Pandharput and passed away in Shirdi. Sai
remarked that Noolkar went ahead of us and he
won't be reborn, indicating that Shri Noolkar got
Mukti, liberation. Sai Ram. Similarly Baba took
pity on this pleader too and pulled him to Shirdi
and gave him a good upadesh.
Sai Ram.
SS: Shirdi is about 100 Koss (Koss=3 miles) distant
from Pandharpur; still Baba by His omniscience
knew what transpired there in the bar-room. The
intervening places -- rivers, jungles and mountains -
were not a bar to His all-perceiving sight and He
could see or read the hearts of all. There was
nothing secret or veiled from Him. Everything, far
or near, was plain and clear to Him as broad as
daylight. Let a man be far or near, he cannot
avoid the all-pervading gaze of Sai Baba. From
this incident, the pleader took the lesson that
he should never speak ill of others, nor
unnecessarily criticize them. This his evil
tendency was completely got rid of, and he
was set on the right path.
Though the story refers to a pleader, still it is
applicable to all. All should, therefore, take
this lesson to heart and profit thereby. Sai Baba's
greatness is unfathomable, so are His wonderful
Leelas. His life is also such; for He is Para-Brahman
(Lord God) incarnate.
SVS: Sai Ram. Baba was One with all animate and
inanimate objects, the whole universe and hence had
no difficulty to know what is going on anywhere. And
when the devotee is ready, he was pulled to Sai and
given the right advice so that the path becomes
easier to him. Sai Ram.
We will take up the next chapter in the coming weeks.
Sai Ram.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
-----------------------------------------------------
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN:
http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg
Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad.
Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know
Baba use to play with children and used to tell
stories to them? I felt children visiting Saidarbar
should be entertained with good stories. For the
last two years I have told you about Lord Krishna's
Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I want to tell
the stories what heard in my child hood.
The Legend of the Rice
In the days when the earth was young and all
things were better than they now are, when men
and women were stronger and of greater beauty,
and the fruit of the trees was larger and sweeter
than that which we now eat, rice, the food of the
people, was of larger grain.
One grain was all a man could eat; and in those
early days, such, too, was the merit of the people,
they never had to toil gathering the rice, for, when
ripe, it fell from the stalks and rolled into the villages,
even unto the granaries. And upon a year when the
rice was larger and more plentiful than ever before,
a widow said to her daughter "Our granaries are too
small. We will pull them down and build larger."
When the old granaries were pulled down and the
new one not yet ready for use, the rice was ripe in
the fields. Great haste was made, but the rice
came rolling in where the work was going on, and
the widow, angered, struck a grain and cried, "Could
you not wait in the fields until we were ready? You
should not bother us now when you are not wanted."
The rice broke into thousands of pieces and said
"From this time forth, we will wait in the fields until
we are wanted," and from that time the rice has
been of small grain, and the people of the earth
must gather it into the granary from the fields.
-----------------------------------------------
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
Sai ka laadla: saikalaadla@yahoo.com
11/8/2006 05:14:58 -0800
He is The Father - Only Eternal
Aum Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai
The relationship between Sri Sai Baba and His
devotee is expressed in several ways. He is the
mother, He is the father. He is Sadguru and He
is God. He can be anything to anyone, just the
way one would like it. However, the difference
is that the relationship is permanent and existed
even before it was known or felt. Sri Sai Baba
would often say, I will draw my devotee to me,
just as a bird is drawn with strings attached to
its legs. The analogy aptly refers to the agitated
mind of the child that is comforted by the thought
of His safe hands. Let us see the relationship
beautifully expressed in the following phrases:
This relationship between the Supreme Being
and the individual soul [human being] will never
be allowed to be snapped. Unlike the steps taken
by a father to groom his son or daughter and the
Latter expressing his gratitude, which acts are
merely temporary, the tie between God and His
devotees will be unbroken forever. The essential
requirement of the latter is to shed his ego. Saint
Appar has said even as a snake bites a person,
ego stings him resulting in aberration in his
behavior. Secondly, as a servant, he should
demonstrate how he is always dependent on
the Almighty. Poet Kamban has pointed out how
Rama [God in the form of human being] followed
Sage Vishwamitra and how Laxman dutifully
attended on Him. I serve Him to please Him
Were his words. Likewise a sincere devotee
should declare pleading with God, I want only
You and none else and nothing else'.
The term devotion' has been described in holy
works from different angles. The essence of it,
in simple manner, will be that it represents
perfection of humility and ardent service to God
and His messengers and also extinction of ones
ego and ill will. It should not be mistaken with
the display of mere emotional rapture. Then,
What will be the definition of a sincere devotee?
This too has been stated clearly, namely that he
is one who has clear understanding of his
relationship with the Almighty and that the bond
that exists between the two is permanent. He
should hold on to the feet of one God alone
without switching his loyalty to various deities.
A devotee will assiduously carry out Divine
commands, and will attend on spiritual guides.
Bow To Sri Sai - Peace Be To All
May Baba Be Always With You
-----------------------------------
"Saraswathi Devi": saras_devi@yahoo.com
Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:19:30 -0800 (PST)
At the Dvivne feet Of mother Sai!
Paap kiya kya bolo Swami
tere darshan mile na
tujhe dekhe bina ek pal bhi
roye mere naina
sab ko thum ne bulaaya SHIRIDI
aur PARTHI
mujh ko kyun na bulaaya thune
kya mujh mein nahin bhakthi
kithnaa bhi samjhaun Swami
kithnaa bhi samjhaun dilko
ye dil maanenaa
tujhe dekhe bina
ek pal bhi roye mere naina paap kiya
kya bolo swami
ithna katin na raho
o mere SWAMI
darshan dikao mere antharyaami
mein na shabari SWAMI
mein na shabari
jisne kiya tera
saalo intezaar
dil mera pukaare tujhe
yuhin baar baar
dil mera pukaare tujhe
yuhin baar baar SWAMI
paap kiya kya bolo SWAMI
------------------------------------
11. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES:
"Kumbakonam Venkataraman"
Fri, 17 Nov 2006 01:41:03 -0800 (PST)
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara
Dear friends,
You would be happy to know that in the interest of
easier and wider reach, as directed by Sri Periyaval
of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti peetam, the English monthly
magazine Nitya Kalyan, dedicated to spreading
knowledge on Vedic Heritage, Devotional Literature,
True values of life, and Principles of Self Development
has become a free E-magazine from October 2006.
The magazine will be posted as a file before 20th of
every month in the yahoo group Nitya Kalyan (category:
Vedism). Interested persons may join the group and
have the advantage of Nitya Kalyan. Those who would
like the magazine to be sent to them as individual
E-mail may kindly write to K S Venkataraman.
E-mail: venkataramanks7@yahoo.com
With kind regards,
K S Venkataraman
-------
shobhashobha60@rediffmail.com
Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:17:27 +0530
JAI SAI RAM!
I feel very excited to receive your emails on Sai
Magazine "The Glory of Shirdi Sai". It is indeed a
blessing from BABA to get associated with you all.
Regards,
Shobha Venugopal
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