Satsang Prayer of Rehnquishment By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumar
Prayer of Rehnquishment
By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumar
'What you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to Him.'
Like most Sai devotees, when I first began active experimentation with prayer to Sai Baba, I was full of questions, such as: Why are some agonizingly sincere prayers granted, while others are not? Today I still have questions. Mysteries of Sai Baba are always ahead of present knowledge - luring, beckoning on to further experimentation. But one thing I do know - I learned it through hard experience. It is a way of my prayer to Sai Baba that has resulted consistently in a glorious answer, glorious because each time power beyond human reckoning has been released. This is the prayer of relinquishment.
I got my first glimpse of it in the fall of 1985. I had then sustained an injury to my right shoulder and the arm was out of use for over two months. Long immobilization practically made me unable to lift the right limb above the chest-level. A bevy of specialists and physiotherapy seemed unable to help. Persistent prayer to Sai Baba, using all the faith I could muster, had resulted in nothing.
One afternoon, a pamphlet was put in my hands. It was the story of a missionary who had been an invalid for eight years. Constantly she had prayed that God would make her well so that she might do his work. Finally, worn out with futile petition, she prayed: 'All right, I give up. If you want me to be an invalid, that is your business. Anyway, I want you even more than I want health. You decide'. In two weeks the woman was out of bed, completely well.
This made no sense to me, yet I could not forget the story. On the morning of 18th October 1985 - how can I forget the date? - I came to the same point of abject acceptance. 'I am tired of asking' was the burden of my prayer. 'I am beaten through, Sai Maharaj; you decide what you want for me'.
My wife suggested that we go over to Bangalore as my sister, Mrs. Usha Ranganathan, was returning to India from USA. We could not only receive her but also participate in the 'Punya Thithi' celebrations at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore on November, 23rd and 24, 1985. I told her that if Saipadananda Radhakrishna Swamiji gives mean indication that I should be present at the Mahasamadhi Celebrations' we would surely go over to Bangalore. I had no faith as I understood faith, expected nothing. The gift of my sick-self made me say these with no trace of graciousness.
The mail brought me a deluxe invitation from Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore. It was unexpected as well as surprising because I am not a member of the centre. Sai Maharaj and Gurudev Radhakrishna Swamiji greeted me and beckoned me to be present at Bangalore for the Mahasamadhi Celebrations and Kumbabhishekam of the renovated temple. The riddle of my getting this V. I. P. invitation was solved by Mr. S. P. Nanjunda Mudaliar, then President of Sai Spiritual Centre, later at Shirdi in February 1986. He told me that Sai Baba prompted him to dispatch invitations to all Sai bandhus who had contributed articles to the Souvenir of the forthcoming Devotees' Convention. As my article too found a place in the Souvenir, I got an invitation to attend the Mahasamadhi Celebrations.
As I saw the invitation for Mahasamadhi day as well as the 'Kumbabhishekam' of the Sai Spiritual Centre, tears flowed. It was as if I had touched a button that opened windows in heaven, as if some dynamo of heavenly power began flowing.
Within minutes I had experienced the presence of the living Sai Baba and Radhakrishna Swamiji in a way that wiped away all doubt and revolutionized my life. From that moment my recovery began.
We journeyed to Bangalore on the night of November 19th 1985. We were stunned to see the magnificent change that had come at the Sai Spiritual Centre. As I offered my obeisance to Sai Maharaj and Swamiji, a surprise awaited me. I could lift my arm. There was no more the disability.
As I sat in a corner of the Centre, Sai Baba was trying to teach me something important about prayer. Gradually, I saw that a demanding spirit, with self-will as its rudder, blocks prayer. I feel that the reason for this is that Sai Baba absolutely refuses to violate our free-will that, therefore, unless self-will is voluntarily given up, even Sai Baba cannot move to answer prayer.
In time, I gained more understanding about the prayer of 'Relinquishment' through the experiences of others in contemporary life and through Sai Satcharitra. Sai Baba's life is a pattern for us, I learned. He could have avoided his Asthmatic attacks. He did not have to give up his body for three days on the lap of Mahlsapathy to get rid of Asthma. He had the power, but Sai Baba used His free will to leave the decision to 'Allah-Malik'. Sri Junnerkar in his novel on Sai Baba 'THE MISSION DEVINE' brings Sai Baba's prayer into focus for us. "Dear Allah, all things are possible to you, please let me not suffer from these attacks of Asthma. Yet it is not what I want, but what you want".
The prayer was not answered as the human Sai Baba wished. Yet power has been flowing from His tomb at Shirdi ever since. Even as he was suffering from repeated attacks of Asthma, Sai Baba never forgot the presence or the power of God. The prayer of 'Relinquishment' must not be interpreted negatively. It does not let us lie down in the dust of a God-less universe and steer ourselves just for the worst. Rather it says: 'This is my situation at the moment. I will face the reality of it. But I will also accept willingly whatever a loving father sends'. Acceptance therefore never slams the door on hope.
It is good to remember that not even an expert cowherd can lead if the cows have not this trust and insist on running ahead of him or taking side paths or just stubbornly refusing to follow him. That is why Sai Baba commended: "Cast your burdens on me. I shall surely carry them". Our pliability must be complete, from our wills right on through to our actions. So Mother Sathya Kapoor, wife of Sri P.K. Kapoor, 1121, Chah Rabat, Delhi - 110006, found as she wrestled in prayer years ago. Their only child Rachna was seriously ill. The attending physician warned that unless the young girl's fever abated before morning she would die.
As Mother Sathyaji sat by Rachna's bed her thoughts went to what her husband had said earlier that day: "I cannot endure the alternations of hope and fear, therefore I have settled with myself not to hope at all". But the mother could not share Kapoorji's hopelessness. Rachna could not, must not die. This daughter has a fine mind and attractive features. Why should some capricious providence demand that they give her up?
As the night deepened, the girl lay so still that she seemed to be in the ante-room of death. The mother went to the window and looked out. There was no moonlight; a dark and silent sky was heavy with clouds.
"I cannot bear this loss - cannot - cannot...... .," Then suddenly, unaccountably, another thought took over, "Why should I doubt the goodness of Sai Baba? Let him take Rachna, if he sees best, I can give her to him. No, I won't fight against him anymore".
Then an even stronger thing happened. Having made the great sacrifice, Mother Sathyaji expected to feel sadder. Instead she felt lighter, happier than at any time since Rachna's illness had begun.
Some minutes later, she walked back to the girl's bedside, felt her daughter's forehead. It was moist and cool. Rachna was sleeping naturally. And the mother rushed in to the next room to tell her husband that a miracle had happened.
Now the intriguing question is: What is the spiritual law implied in this prayer of 'Relinquishment' ? Fear is like a screen erected between us and Sai Baba, so that His power cannot get through to us. So how does one get rid of fear? This is not easy when the life of someone dear hangs in the balance, or when what we want most is involved. At such times, every emotion, every passion, is tied up in the dread that what we fear most is about to come upon us. Obviously only drastic measures can deal with such a gigantic fear and the demanding spirit that usually goes along with it. My experience has been that repeating ?OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI' as a faith affirmation is not drastic enough.
So then we are squarely up against the law of relinquishment. Was Sai Baba showing us to use this law when He said: "Why fear when I am here" In Sai's eyes, fear is evil because it is acting out of lack of trust in Him. So he is advising: "Resist not fear". In other words, Sai Baba is saying, admit the possibility of what you fear most. And lo, as you stop feeling, force yourself to walk up to the fear, look it full in the face - never forgetting that Sai Baba and His powers are still the supreme reality-the fear evaporates. Drastic? Yes. But it is one sure way of releasing prayer power into human affairs.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Satsang Janmashtami special Bhajans
Satsang Janmashtami special Bhajans
Om Sai Ram
HAPPY JANMASHTMI TO ALL......... ......... ........
File 1:
File Name: 22 KANHA AAN PADI MAIN {SHAGIRD}.mp3
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File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/jcsjb0 delete 8:19 pm (11 hours ago)
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Submitted by Ankush
Om Sai Ram
HAPPY JANMASHTMI TO ALL......... ......... ........
File 1:
File Name: 22 KANHA AAN PADI MAIN {SHAGIRD}.mp3
File Size: 4 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/3s8i62
File 2:
File Name: 15 BADI DER BHAI NANDLALA {KHANDAN}.mp3
File Size: 3 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/2wxvtn
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File Name: Track 05.mp3
File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/eqok9w
File 4:
File Name: Track 04.mp3
File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/551cj4
File 5:
File Name: Track 03.mp3
File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/jcsjb0 delete 8:19 pm (11 hours ago)
File 1:
File Name: 01.Aisi Lagi Lagan.mp3
File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/k579kv
File 2:
File Name: 07.Prabhhu Ji Tum Chandan Hum Paani.mp3
File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/c7b5px
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File Name: 06.Radha Aisi Bhai Shyam Ki Diwani.mp3
File Size: 6 MB
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File Size: 5 MB
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File Size: 4 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/56d9z6
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File Size: 9 MB
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File 2:
File Name: 5 Shyam Aan baso vrindavan.mp3
File Size: 7 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/wb2dp9
File 3:
File Name: 2 Kabhi ram banke kabhi shyam banke.mp3
File Size: 8 MB
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File 4:
File Name: 1 Shyam chudi bechane aaya.mp3
File Size: 6 MB
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Submitted by Ankush
Satsang Dasaratha Rama and Sai Rama By Sri Narasimha Swamiji
Satsang Dasaratha Rama and Sai Rama By Sri Narasimha Swamiji
Dasaratha Rama and Sai Rama
By Sri Narasimha Swamiji
Down From His Glory
The land of Persia was once ruled by a wise and beloved Shah who cared greatly for his people and desired only what was best for them.
One day he disguised himself as a poor man and went to visit the public baths. The water for the baths was heated by a furnace in the cellar, so the Shah made his way to that dark place to sit with the man who tended the fire. The two men shared the coarse food, and (tie Shah befriended him in his loneliness. Day after day the ruler went to visit the man. The worker became attached to this stranger because he "came where he was".
One day the Shah revealed his true identity, and he expected the man to ask him for a gift. Instead, he looked long into his leader's face and with love and wonder in his voice said, "You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat my coarse food, and to care about what happens to me. On others you may bestow rich gifts, but to me you have given yourself".
As we think of what our Lord has done for us, we can echo that fire tender's sentiments. Oh, what a step our Lord took - from heaven to earth, from the worship of angels to the mocking of cruel men, from glory to humiliation. What a sacrifice - our great Creator became our Savior! Surely He deserves our heartfelt worship and humble adoration.
We are celebrating an Utsavam today which is the well known Sri Rama Navami day. This is the day when the Divine Light came upon earth in the garb of Dasaratha Rama's body. In the Dwaparayuga they first hailed him as a famous prince and still more famous emperor who established Dharma and promoted peace and happiness throughout the country not only by the exercise of his Sovereign position but also by his splendid personal example and inspiring influence. Rama was the very embodiment of virtue -the ideal Hindu to be followed by every reasonable creature. He was more than that. He was the incarnation of the Almighty whence all virtue, powers, goodness and perfection emanate. This fact however, was not perceived by his contemporaries or at least by the vast majority of his contemporaries. Avatars are not always recognized during their life in the flesh. People are mostly guided by superficial observation and to add to their difficulties, not only the parents and other relations deal with the Avatars as a mere human person, but the Avatar himself corroborates their views. Sri Rama declared "Atmanam Manusham Manye", that is, "I deem myself a mere human being"- when he was addressed by Indira and others as the Supreme. Jesus who is now worshipped as part of the Trinity also stated "Why do you call me God? There is none good but God" and he prayed to God on most occasions, for achieving the desired objects. Sai Baba who is now worshipped as God also led many devotees into the same attitude of treating him as a mere man. Though Sai said, "I am an agent of God, I have vast powers", he yet also added "Maim Allah, I am Ganapathi, I am Lakshminarayana, etc". Thus Sai and Rama alike though treated by devotees as an embodiment of Divinity led many people during their lives to act on the footing of their humanity. Hence the birthday that is the day of the birth of human body is celebrated by devotees in both cases.
The exact date of Baba's physical birth is not known - not even the year is known. But when asked about the celebration of a birthday, Baba approved of the Rama Navami being considered his birthday. So for nearly sixty years the Rama Navami is being celebrated at Shirdi as being Baba's special day. Though Baba with his divine glance was watching over all his devotees at all times and places, still, on a special day like the Rama Navami his attention was emphasized and concentrated on the special bhaktas who specially sought to win his grace and love by the above celebration. "Look to me and I look to you" is what Baba said and what Lord Krishna said -in effect what Sri Sai Krishna still says, 'Fix your mind on Me. Be devoted to Me. Do your sacrifices (pooja etc.,) for me. Bow to Me, you will attain to Me having thus made Me your supreme goal and direct your mind and heart to me' for This is the solemn truth. I proclaim it as you are dear to me'.
Thus it will be seen that on this Rama Navami day, we remember the fact of Sri Rama or Sri Sai Rama being ushered in a human body into this earth and starting a career which was and is entirely devoted to bless mankind temporally and spiritually in every conceivable way, - with loving appreciation of that fact. If we do pooja to Sai Rama or his portrait or image, let us do it with the best flowers we can pick up in our joy and enthusiasm. Let us sing songs of praise etc., and fill the air with our slogans of appreciation and gladden all hearts with our music and inspiring thoughts. Let us go on with keertans, Bhajans, Poojas and every other form of manifestation of our love to Sri Sai Rama and though we do not do all these for the sake of reward, the reward is certain. Joy and Blessings are for ever and ever.
A Thought
Saburi is courage, do not discard it. It ferries you across to the distant goal. It gives manliness to men, eradicates sin and dejection, and overcomes all fear.
Baba says: For 12 years, I waited on my Guru, who is peerless and loving. How can I describe his love to me? When he was Dyanastha (i.e., in love trance), I sat and gazed at him. We were both filled with Bliss. I cared not to turn my eye upon anything else. Night and day, I poured upon his face with an ardor of love that banished hunger and thirst. The Guru's absence for a second made me restless. I meditated on nothing but the Guru and had no goal or object other than the Guru. Unceasingly fixed upon him was my mind. Wonderful indeed the art of my Guru! I wanted nothing but the Guru and he wanted nothing but my love. Apparently inactive, he never neglected me; but always protected me by his glance.
If you make me the sole object of your thoughts and aims, you will attain Paramartha, the Supreme Goal. Look at me with undivided attention; so will I look at you. This is the only truth my Guru taught me. The four sadhanas and the six sastras are not necessary. With entire confidence, trust your Guru. That is enough.
(Source Saipadananda Magazine Special)
Dasaratha Rama and Sai Rama
By Sri Narasimha Swamiji
Down From His Glory
The land of Persia was once ruled by a wise and beloved Shah who cared greatly for his people and desired only what was best for them.
One day he disguised himself as a poor man and went to visit the public baths. The water for the baths was heated by a furnace in the cellar, so the Shah made his way to that dark place to sit with the man who tended the fire. The two men shared the coarse food, and (tie Shah befriended him in his loneliness. Day after day the ruler went to visit the man. The worker became attached to this stranger because he "came where he was".
One day the Shah revealed his true identity, and he expected the man to ask him for a gift. Instead, he looked long into his leader's face and with love and wonder in his voice said, "You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat my coarse food, and to care about what happens to me. On others you may bestow rich gifts, but to me you have given yourself".
As we think of what our Lord has done for us, we can echo that fire tender's sentiments. Oh, what a step our Lord took - from heaven to earth, from the worship of angels to the mocking of cruel men, from glory to humiliation. What a sacrifice - our great Creator became our Savior! Surely He deserves our heartfelt worship and humble adoration.
We are celebrating an Utsavam today which is the well known Sri Rama Navami day. This is the day when the Divine Light came upon earth in the garb of Dasaratha Rama's body. In the Dwaparayuga they first hailed him as a famous prince and still more famous emperor who established Dharma and promoted peace and happiness throughout the country not only by the exercise of his Sovereign position but also by his splendid personal example and inspiring influence. Rama was the very embodiment of virtue -the ideal Hindu to be followed by every reasonable creature. He was more than that. He was the incarnation of the Almighty whence all virtue, powers, goodness and perfection emanate. This fact however, was not perceived by his contemporaries or at least by the vast majority of his contemporaries. Avatars are not always recognized during their life in the flesh. People are mostly guided by superficial observation and to add to their difficulties, not only the parents and other relations deal with the Avatars as a mere human person, but the Avatar himself corroborates their views. Sri Rama declared "Atmanam Manusham Manye", that is, "I deem myself a mere human being"- when he was addressed by Indira and others as the Supreme. Jesus who is now worshipped as part of the Trinity also stated "Why do you call me God? There is none good but God" and he prayed to God on most occasions, for achieving the desired objects. Sai Baba who is now worshipped as God also led many devotees into the same attitude of treating him as a mere man. Though Sai said, "I am an agent of God, I have vast powers", he yet also added "Maim Allah, I am Ganapathi, I am Lakshminarayana, etc". Thus Sai and Rama alike though treated by devotees as an embodiment of Divinity led many people during their lives to act on the footing of their humanity. Hence the birthday that is the day of the birth of human body is celebrated by devotees in both cases.
The exact date of Baba's physical birth is not known - not even the year is known. But when asked about the celebration of a birthday, Baba approved of the Rama Navami being considered his birthday. So for nearly sixty years the Rama Navami is being celebrated at Shirdi as being Baba's special day. Though Baba with his divine glance was watching over all his devotees at all times and places, still, on a special day like the Rama Navami his attention was emphasized and concentrated on the special bhaktas who specially sought to win his grace and love by the above celebration. "Look to me and I look to you" is what Baba said and what Lord Krishna said -in effect what Sri Sai Krishna still says, 'Fix your mind on Me. Be devoted to Me. Do your sacrifices (pooja etc.,) for me. Bow to Me, you will attain to Me having thus made Me your supreme goal and direct your mind and heart to me' for This is the solemn truth. I proclaim it as you are dear to me'.
Thus it will be seen that on this Rama Navami day, we remember the fact of Sri Rama or Sri Sai Rama being ushered in a human body into this earth and starting a career which was and is entirely devoted to bless mankind temporally and spiritually in every conceivable way, - with loving appreciation of that fact. If we do pooja to Sai Rama or his portrait or image, let us do it with the best flowers we can pick up in our joy and enthusiasm. Let us sing songs of praise etc., and fill the air with our slogans of appreciation and gladden all hearts with our music and inspiring thoughts. Let us go on with keertans, Bhajans, Poojas and every other form of manifestation of our love to Sri Sai Rama and though we do not do all these for the sake of reward, the reward is certain. Joy and Blessings are for ever and ever.
A Thought
Saburi is courage, do not discard it. It ferries you across to the distant goal. It gives manliness to men, eradicates sin and dejection, and overcomes all fear.
Baba says: For 12 years, I waited on my Guru, who is peerless and loving. How can I describe his love to me? When he was Dyanastha (i.e., in love trance), I sat and gazed at him. We were both filled with Bliss. I cared not to turn my eye upon anything else. Night and day, I poured upon his face with an ardor of love that banished hunger and thirst. The Guru's absence for a second made me restless. I meditated on nothing but the Guru and had no goal or object other than the Guru. Unceasingly fixed upon him was my mind. Wonderful indeed the art of my Guru! I wanted nothing but the Guru and he wanted nothing but my love. Apparently inactive, he never neglected me; but always protected me by his glance.
If you make me the sole object of your thoughts and aims, you will attain Paramartha, the Supreme Goal. Look at me with undivided attention; so will I look at you. This is the only truth my Guru taught me. The four sadhanas and the six sastras are not necessary. With entire confidence, trust your Guru. That is enough.
(Source Saipadananda Magazine Special)
Sri Sai Amrit Vani and Prayan of Sai Satcharitra - 6th Sept 2007
Sri Sai Amrit Vani and Prayan of Sai Satcharitra
6th Sept 2007
Jai Sai Ram
On 13th Sept 2007 Recitation of Sri Sai Amrit
Vani will be held at Chandigarh instead of Sidhartha Extension, New
Delhi.
Devotees are also requested to send their names,
(i) for recitation of Sri Sai Amrit vani and (ii) for prayers
separately in the same letter and send it directly to
veena_gupta_ 2000@yahoo. com rather then sending to the yahoogroup.
Only such letters should be sent to the group which are ment for all
the members.
Today Baba rewarded a devotee instantly. It so happened that 2
lady devotees hired a three wheeler from Lajpat Ngr at about 10 AM
for Sidhartha Extension. They got dropped at Gurudwara Baba Sahib,
as it was only 10:15. After visiting the Gurudwara they simply
walked down to our house, as it is nearby. At about 10:45 A
scooter wala came along with our socity Chokidar and enquired about
the two ladies who have come from Lajpat Ngr. I enquire from the
gathering inside the hall and these two ladies came out. They had
forgotten a bag in the scooter and were praying to Baba, to get the
bag returned. The Scooter wala gave them the bag, He spent so much
area looking for them and atlast the bag was returned to them .
This, they narrated only after they got the bag.
Today Mrs. gupta had not started Sri Sai
Satcharitra as we are going to Chardigarh and next Sai Amrit Vani
will be held there. Every week Prayan of only one chapter was done
every Thursday. Next cycle of Prayan of Sai Satcharitra will start
from 20th Sept 2007. Devotees may follow with us in this regard and
they also read the same chapter on Thursday along with recitation
of Sri Sai Amrit Vani and have the blessings of Baba.
Following devotees participated in absencia in the recitation of
Sri Sai Amrit Vani, Pooja, prayers to Baba (Shirdi) and Prayan of
Sri Sai Satcharitra by reciting Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places
on 30th August 2007 (The list is sorted as per their email ids, to
avoid duplications) . However Mrs. Gupta prayed for all the devotees.
In this list only those devotees are included, who themselves
recited or read Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places.
Please give the names separately along with the place
(i) Who will recite/read/ listen Sri Sai Amrit Vani and
(ii) who are to be prayed for, but would not be able to
recite Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
IF YOU HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER FOR THE INCLUSION OF
NAMES FOR THE RECITATION OF SRI SAI AMRIT VANI AND THE NAME ARE NOT
THERE THEN IT MIGHT BE LACKING SOMETHING. EITHER YOU HAVE NOT
MENTIONED THAT SO AND SO WILL READ/RECITE OR LISTEN SRI SAI AMRIT
VANI OR YOU HAVE NOT MENTIONED THE PLACE.
This Thursday the 6th Sept. we enjoyed the following Leelas of Baba
(of Shirdi). It may seems to be repitative for the old members,
but when the Leela are repetative, so the discription is also
repitative. Every week many new members join the group, so I
have to repeat the whole events that happen on this day.
1. On Tuesday, as it was Krishan Astmi and Baba blessed with Udi
from almost all the photos and from statue in good quantity.
2. On Wednesday again Udi started oozing from the two photos on
the wall and Hindi words `RAM' `SHAM' and `OM', and figure of
Trishool were formed with Udi on one photo. Udi also started
oozing from the main photo in the mandir. `RAM' `SHAM' and `OM'
along with other figures were also formed on the photo. From
Statue also, Udi started oozing from Wednesday.
3. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week also. Thali
was emptied several times and one time it even over flowed. The taste
of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara mix. After distribution
of Prasad, this water was also given to the devotees and again the
Thali was filled with water. Devotees bring bottles to take the
water home.
4. Lap of Mrs. Gupta was filled with Udi during the prayers.
5. Several devotees had Udi in the books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
6. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered, it was duly accepted
by Baba and after the Sri Sai Amrit Vani we noticed that the box,
which was placed before HIM was partially eaten and partially
remained pieces of items in the box. Part of Bhog was on the lips of
many photos and statue of Baba. These parts of the remains in the box
were given to the devotees who offered that item of bhog to Baba.
Partly eaten remains were having some figures on them. Several items
were commen and parts of it were given to several other devotees.
7. Presence of Baba during the recitation of Sai Amrit Vani,
Prayer and Prayan of Sri Satcharitra was very strong. Several
devotees felt the presence of Baba in different ways.
8. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table were
blessed with Udi,
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.
10. Udi was there on the Documents, Photos of Baba, and also on
and inside of many Sai Satcharitras which were placed on the table
before Baba.
Jai Sai Ram
Sri Sai Amrit Vani started at 11:04 AM. Noon
Aartee, the same Aartee which is being recited in Shirdi, started at
12:00 Hrs. followed by brief Meditation and the prayer, Prayan of
Extracts from Sai Satcharitra were done. Mrs. Gupta offered prayers
and thanks to Baba. Finally distribution of Prasad and the water from
the Charans. Devotees narrated their experiences and the benefits
they are have with Baba's Blessings.
Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 13th Sept 2007 will be done
at Chandigarh, Sector 9A. Devotees interested in attending at
Chandigarh may contact on Chandigarh Tel no 0172-3244900 or 0172-
4644623 from 7th Sept onward.
Sri Sai Amrit Vani is available in Tamil script
also besides in Devnagri, English and Telugu, 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/mysaibaba2 0 . Audio Mp3 file has also
been made available in the publication section of
http://saimemorial. com , the site of Sai Memorial Temple of Baba of
Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
This activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani and Recitation
of Sai Satcharitra will be in addition to any other pooja or sewa or
prayer that you are doing.
Jai Sai Ram.
Ashok Gupta
mysaibaba20@yahoogroups.com
veena_gupta_2000@yahoo.com
6th Sept 2007
Jai Sai Ram
On 13th Sept 2007 Recitation of Sri Sai Amrit
Vani will be held at Chandigarh instead of Sidhartha Extension, New
Delhi.
Devotees are also requested to send their names,
(i) for recitation of Sri Sai Amrit vani and (ii) for prayers
separately in the same letter and send it directly to
veena_gupta_ 2000@yahoo. com rather then sending to the yahoogroup.
Only such letters should be sent to the group which are ment for all
the members.
Today Baba rewarded a devotee instantly. It so happened that 2
lady devotees hired a three wheeler from Lajpat Ngr at about 10 AM
for Sidhartha Extension. They got dropped at Gurudwara Baba Sahib,
as it was only 10:15. After visiting the Gurudwara they simply
walked down to our house, as it is nearby. At about 10:45 A
scooter wala came along with our socity Chokidar and enquired about
the two ladies who have come from Lajpat Ngr. I enquire from the
gathering inside the hall and these two ladies came out. They had
forgotten a bag in the scooter and were praying to Baba, to get the
bag returned. The Scooter wala gave them the bag, He spent so much
area looking for them and atlast the bag was returned to them .
This, they narrated only after they got the bag.
Today Mrs. gupta had not started Sri Sai
Satcharitra as we are going to Chardigarh and next Sai Amrit Vani
will be held there. Every week Prayan of only one chapter was done
every Thursday. Next cycle of Prayan of Sai Satcharitra will start
from 20th Sept 2007. Devotees may follow with us in this regard and
they also read the same chapter on Thursday along with recitation
of Sri Sai Amrit Vani and have the blessings of Baba.
Following devotees participated in absencia in the recitation of
Sri Sai Amrit Vani, Pooja, prayers to Baba (Shirdi) and Prayan of
Sri Sai Satcharitra by reciting Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places
on 30th August 2007 (The list is sorted as per their email ids, to
avoid duplications) . However Mrs. Gupta prayed for all the devotees.
In this list only those devotees are included, who themselves
recited or read Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places.
Please give the names separately along with the place
(i) Who will recite/read/ listen Sri Sai Amrit Vani and
(ii) who are to be prayed for, but would not be able to
recite Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
IF YOU HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER FOR THE INCLUSION OF
NAMES FOR THE RECITATION OF SRI SAI AMRIT VANI AND THE NAME ARE NOT
THERE THEN IT MIGHT BE LACKING SOMETHING. EITHER YOU HAVE NOT
MENTIONED THAT SO AND SO WILL READ/RECITE OR LISTEN SRI SAI AMRIT
VANI OR YOU HAVE NOT MENTIONED THE PLACE.
This Thursday the 6th Sept. we enjoyed the following Leelas of Baba
(of Shirdi). It may seems to be repitative for the old members,
but when the Leela are repetative, so the discription is also
repitative. Every week many new members join the group, so I
have to repeat the whole events that happen on this day.
1. On Tuesday, as it was Krishan Astmi and Baba blessed with Udi
from almost all the photos and from statue in good quantity.
2. On Wednesday again Udi started oozing from the two photos on
the wall and Hindi words `RAM' `SHAM' and `OM', and figure of
Trishool were formed with Udi on one photo. Udi also started
oozing from the main photo in the mandir. `RAM' `SHAM' and `OM'
along with other figures were also formed on the photo. From
Statue also, Udi started oozing from Wednesday.
3. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week also. Thali
was emptied several times and one time it even over flowed. The taste
of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara mix. After distribution
of Prasad, this water was also given to the devotees and again the
Thali was filled with water. Devotees bring bottles to take the
water home.
4. Lap of Mrs. Gupta was filled with Udi during the prayers.
5. Several devotees had Udi in the books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
6. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered, it was duly accepted
by Baba and after the Sri Sai Amrit Vani we noticed that the box,
which was placed before HIM was partially eaten and partially
remained pieces of items in the box. Part of Bhog was on the lips of
many photos and statue of Baba. These parts of the remains in the box
were given to the devotees who offered that item of bhog to Baba.
Partly eaten remains were having some figures on them. Several items
were commen and parts of it were given to several other devotees.
7. Presence of Baba during the recitation of Sai Amrit Vani,
Prayer and Prayan of Sri Satcharitra was very strong. Several
devotees felt the presence of Baba in different ways.
8. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table were
blessed with Udi,
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.
10. Udi was there on the Documents, Photos of Baba, and also on
and inside of many Sai Satcharitras which were placed on the table
before Baba.
Jai Sai Ram
Sri Sai Amrit Vani started at 11:04 AM. Noon
Aartee, the same Aartee which is being recited in Shirdi, started at
12:00 Hrs. followed by brief Meditation and the prayer, Prayan of
Extracts from Sai Satcharitra were done. Mrs. Gupta offered prayers
and thanks to Baba. Finally distribution of Prasad and the water from
the Charans. Devotees narrated their experiences and the benefits
they are have with Baba's Blessings.
Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 13th Sept 2007 will be done
at Chandigarh, Sector 9A. Devotees interested in attending at
Chandigarh may contact on Chandigarh Tel no 0172-3244900 or 0172-
4644623 from 7th Sept onward.
Sri Sai Amrit Vani is available in Tamil script
also besides in Devnagri, English and Telugu, 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/mysaibaba2 0 . Audio Mp3 file has also
been made available in the publication section of
http://saimemorial. com , the site of Sai Memorial Temple of Baba of
Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
This activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani and Recitation
of Sai Satcharitra will be in addition to any other pooja or sewa or
prayer that you are doing.
Jai Sai Ram.
Ashok Gupta
mysaibaba20@yahoogroups.com
veena_gupta_2000@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 06, 2007
The Philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi: A Global Perspective by Sigamoney
The Philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi: A Global Perspective by Sigamoney
This essay attempts to reveal the possibilities of the philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi for resolutions of the problems faced by mankind internationally. In attempting to do so, the essay will focus on the following (i) provide some clarity on the philosophy, (ii) identify the problems and indicate how those problems could be resolved by the philosophy of Sai Baba.
PHILOSOPHY OF SAI BABA OF SHIRDI
The philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi is universal, based on love and is dedicated to service to all people of this world. Firstly, the universal nature incorporates all religious beliefs. That includes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and every other religion. Secondly, the main thrust of the philosophy focusses relates to love. That love for humanity, love expressed in all relationships with one another is a central tenet of the philosophy of Sai Baba. Thirdly, service to humanity is a crucial aspect of living the above-mentioned philosophy. All these ingredients are pivotal for the future of an harmonious world, where all people are to be respected and are able to live their lives free of discrimination, poverty and exploitation.
IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS AND HOW THE PHILOSOPHY OF SAI BABA OF SHIRDI CAN BE A SOLUTION.
An assessment of the current conflicts in the world include the following categories: (i) religious conflict as is the case in Northern Ireland and Palestine/Israel, (ii) ethnic conflict in Yugoslavia, Nigeria and Rwanda, (iii) economic exploitation of third world countries and economic exploitation of people in third world situations in first world countries (iv) racial hatred for example, hatred of foreigners or black people in France, Germany, Britain and the United States.
The philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi can go a long way in resolving the above-mentioned problems. The major problem associated with religious conflict is a lack of tolerance for diversity and a difficulty with embracing difference. By understanding the importance of embracing all religions allows one to respect the rights of different ways in which people understand God. The universal symbolism projected by Sai Baba of Shirdi can help people to respect and celebrate diversity. This will help to resolve major conflicts in countries and allow people to concentrate on the focussing in the right way. The benefits of this will be enormous in the development of these countries.
Ethnic problems appear to be surfacing in many regions in the world. In many cases this has caused much harm, injury, death and poverty. The concept of love and the practice of love for humanity can assist in the attempt to eradicate hatred and mistrust of people with different ethnic backgrounds. The genocide during the holocaust in Germany, the murder of large numbers of Hutus in Rwanda and the killing fields of Yoguslavia could have been avoided if the concept of love was understood and practiced in these regions. This problem is also related to racial hatred as it occurs in most parts of the globe. Racism is not something that naturally occurs but it is taught to people. In fact racism, is about the most serious problem in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany. The only way one could eradicate racism is through love. This love has to be nurtured no matter how difficult it is. It has been proved in South Africa that black people, if given the opportunity can do as well as anyone else. The myth of blackness being assoicated with incompetence, crime and laziness has been proved wrong. The majority of people are socialised into thinking in these ways. Therefore, the only solution is love. Sai Baba speaks of loving all and serving all which brings me to my next point about economic exploitation.
Whilst it is important for people to progress, it is important that people do not progress at the expense of someone else. In many cases cheap labour is used as a basis to justify that those employed would have not obtained work elsewhere. Sai Baba speaks regularly of serva and serving all. Therefore the first step is to ensure that no one earns below the breadline. Those people in senior positions have the capacity to employ the poor, empower the poor and assist in the upliftment of the most downtrodden human beings.
What becomes quite clear from the above essay is that the philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi can go a long way in resolving the major problems that confronts world today. It is a matter of understanding and translating into action the philosophy. Finally, the simple rule is to love all, serve all and respect all and put that into practice in our daily living. - End
Sharing with Sai Love,
Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
This essay attempts to reveal the possibilities of the philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi for resolutions of the problems faced by mankind internationally. In attempting to do so, the essay will focus on the following (i) provide some clarity on the philosophy, (ii) identify the problems and indicate how those problems could be resolved by the philosophy of Sai Baba.
PHILOSOPHY OF SAI BABA OF SHIRDI
The philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi is universal, based on love and is dedicated to service to all people of this world. Firstly, the universal nature incorporates all religious beliefs. That includes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and every other religion. Secondly, the main thrust of the philosophy focusses relates to love. That love for humanity, love expressed in all relationships with one another is a central tenet of the philosophy of Sai Baba. Thirdly, service to humanity is a crucial aspect of living the above-mentioned philosophy. All these ingredients are pivotal for the future of an harmonious world, where all people are to be respected and are able to live their lives free of discrimination, poverty and exploitation.
IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS AND HOW THE PHILOSOPHY OF SAI BABA OF SHIRDI CAN BE A SOLUTION.
An assessment of the current conflicts in the world include the following categories: (i) religious conflict as is the case in Northern Ireland and Palestine/Israel, (ii) ethnic conflict in Yugoslavia, Nigeria and Rwanda, (iii) economic exploitation of third world countries and economic exploitation of people in third world situations in first world countries (iv) racial hatred for example, hatred of foreigners or black people in France, Germany, Britain and the United States.
The philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi can go a long way in resolving the above-mentioned problems. The major problem associated with religious conflict is a lack of tolerance for diversity and a difficulty with embracing difference. By understanding the importance of embracing all religions allows one to respect the rights of different ways in which people understand God. The universal symbolism projected by Sai Baba of Shirdi can help people to respect and celebrate diversity. This will help to resolve major conflicts in countries and allow people to concentrate on the focussing in the right way. The benefits of this will be enormous in the development of these countries.
Ethnic problems appear to be surfacing in many regions in the world. In many cases this has caused much harm, injury, death and poverty. The concept of love and the practice of love for humanity can assist in the attempt to eradicate hatred and mistrust of people with different ethnic backgrounds. The genocide during the holocaust in Germany, the murder of large numbers of Hutus in Rwanda and the killing fields of Yoguslavia could have been avoided if the concept of love was understood and practiced in these regions. This problem is also related to racial hatred as it occurs in most parts of the globe. Racism is not something that naturally occurs but it is taught to people. In fact racism, is about the most serious problem in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany. The only way one could eradicate racism is through love. This love has to be nurtured no matter how difficult it is. It has been proved in South Africa that black people, if given the opportunity can do as well as anyone else. The myth of blackness being assoicated with incompetence, crime and laziness has been proved wrong. The majority of people are socialised into thinking in these ways. Therefore, the only solution is love. Sai Baba speaks of loving all and serving all which brings me to my next point about economic exploitation.
Whilst it is important for people to progress, it is important that people do not progress at the expense of someone else. In many cases cheap labour is used as a basis to justify that those employed would have not obtained work elsewhere. Sai Baba speaks regularly of serva and serving all. Therefore the first step is to ensure that no one earns below the breadline. Those people in senior positions have the capacity to employ the poor, empower the poor and assist in the upliftment of the most downtrodden human beings.
What becomes quite clear from the above essay is that the philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi can go a long way in resolving the major problems that confronts world today. It is a matter of understanding and translating into action the philosophy. Finally, the simple rule is to love all, serve all and respect all and put that into practice in our daily living. - End
Sharing with Sai Love,
Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Satsang Dogma and Sai Grace By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumari
Satsang Dogma and Sai Grace By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumari
Dogma and Sai Grace
By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumari
What is Life?
A young married couple once had a sickly and feeble son who died one hour after birth. They put this inscription on his grave; "He was born........ Cried....... . And died".
This is what we do in the brief span of life allotted to us. We are born; cry and die, and none of this can be avoided, for we depend on God.
No Matter how great the trials that come into our lives, no matter what the problems are, we should remember that Shirdi Sai Baba is guarding us. We should not be surprised to encounter such things in the spiritual path. We should face them boldly, confident in the knowledge that Sai Grace is with us.
If we become absolutely pure, we can transform an enemy into a friend, by which we elevate ourselves as well as the other party. In such cases, we must love them with all our heart and treat them with kindness and live with them in all patience, understanding that they are so behaving with us out of ignorance. Instead of condemning them, we should feel compassionate for them. Very recently, Lord Sainath focused this fact into light in his own inimitable manner. One fine morning in September '83 T.A. Ram Nathen of Sarangabad {West Bengal) received a packet of 'udhi' prasad unsolicited from a devotee visiting the shrine of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba at Nagpur. Sai devotees are aware that Hazrat Tajuddin Baba (1861-1925) considered Shirdi Sai Baba as his 'Elder Brother' and infact, admonished Shri Booty (a gem in Sai durbar) by saying "Why have you come here? Your Guru is anxiously waiting for you at Shirdi".
Ram Nathenji thanked our Heavenly Father, Sai Baba, for this flow of Sai grace from Hazrat Tajuddin Baba. He shared this grace with his brothers and sisters in the 'Sai-fold' of the postal 'Sai Satsang' catalyzed by him. He wrote to each one of them enclosing a bit of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's udhi to use for Sai-advantage.
R. Radhakrishnanji of Hubli (Karnataka) too received this Tajuddin prasad from Ramnathen and reverentially placed it in his home-shrine of Lord Sainath. Very soon, Lord Sainath brought forth on him a miracle.
Muppayanavar is working as a broker in the Marketing Society at Dharwar (Karnataka). He has been worshipping Lord Sainath for the last twelve years. He is also a regular subscriber of 'Sri Sai Leela' magazine. He lives in a locality predominantly inhabited by Muslim-brothers.
Since they belong to the iconoclastic religion, Sai'-Bro. Muppayanavar' s neighbour Muslim-Bros., did not tolerate idol worship. In September 1983, a few masked Muslim-Bros., gate-crashed into Muppayanavar' s House, assaulted him, and tried to snatch the Sai-Photo from him. But it was not to be so they turned round and threatened to kill him if he continued with idol-worship. Naturally he was shaken and developed a fear-complex. He did not wish to file F.I.R. but only prayed to Shirdi Sai for protection. "Faith accomplishes everything; doubt destroys everything", said Paramahansa Yogananda truly. Shirdi Sai responded to Muppayanavar' s prayer. He, a "Sai leela" subscriber, came across an article on noble R. Radhakrishnanji, noted down his address from it rushed post-haste to his house 15kms, away.
It was 2nd October 1983, Sri Radhakrishnanji had just performed the ceremony of his forefathers, as it was a 'Mahalaya Amavasya' day and was chitchatting with his children in the front verandah. Sri Muppayanavar rushed to him with tears gushing out of his eyes and narrated him his tale of woes. He was obsessed with the fear that the Muslim-brothers in his neighborhood might liquidate him any moment.
Sai-Bro. Radhakrishnanji gave him a patient hearing. He is a gem among Sai-devotees. He immediately rushed into his home-shrine of Sai Baba and prayed to Him for relief. He took a pinch of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's udhi and gave it to Muppayanavarji with the advice: "Love your Muslim-brothers with all your heart and treat them with kindness and live with them in all patience, understanding that they are so behaving with you out of ignorance. Individually, we have to bear up with everything however unpleasant, that comes to us from anyone opposed to us and take it that Lord Sainath sends these troubles to raise us beyond the pairs of opposites, so that we can remain calm and unaffected in all situations. This attitude changes in a mysterious way the heart of the person who is opposed to us".
With this advice, Radhakrishnanji asked Muppayanavarji to keep udhi always with him and mentally pray to Baba for relief. He also told him an anecdote from Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's life :- "Once at the time of communal riots, a Muslim devotee complained to Hazrat Tajuddin Baba - 'Hindus are killing Muslims. Please save them'. The saint said - 'shut up, none can kill a true Muslim'. The aulia meant that those who have real faith in God would be saved and that all others are only Muslims and Hindus in name. They serve petty politics and not God".
It was Lord Sainath consoling Sri Muppayanavar through Sri R. Radhakrishnan. He returned to Dharwar and three days later, i.e. on the 5th October 1983, the same Muslim brothers who had beaten him two weeks ago re-entered his house. On this occasion, Sri Muppayanavar was bold enough as he had Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's udhi with him. The Muslim brothers apologized profusely for their misconduct and requested him to punish them in any manner he chose. Pious by nature, Sri Muppayanavar pardoned them and hugged each one of them with love and compassion.
My creed - To love justice, to long for the right, to love mercy, to pity the suffering to assist the weak, to forget wrongs and remember benefits, to love the truth, to be sincere, to utter honest words, to love liberty, to wage relentless war against slavery in all its funs, to love wife and child and friend, to make a happy home, to love the beautiful in art, in nature, to cultivate the mind, to be familiar with the mighty thoughts that genius has expressed, the noble deeds of all the world; to cultivate courage and cheerfulness, to make others happy, to fill the life with the splendor of generous acts, the warmth of loving words; to discard error, to destroy prejudice, to receive new truths with gladness, to cultivate hope, to see the calm beyond the storm, the dawn beyond the night, to do the best that can be done and then be resigned.
This is the religion of reason, the creed of science. This satisfies the brain and heart.
- Rovert G. Ingersoll
Dogma and Sai Grace
By Dr. G. R. Vijayakumari
What is Life?
A young married couple once had a sickly and feeble son who died one hour after birth. They put this inscription on his grave; "He was born........ Cried....... . And died".
This is what we do in the brief span of life allotted to us. We are born; cry and die, and none of this can be avoided, for we depend on God.
No Matter how great the trials that come into our lives, no matter what the problems are, we should remember that Shirdi Sai Baba is guarding us. We should not be surprised to encounter such things in the spiritual path. We should face them boldly, confident in the knowledge that Sai Grace is with us.
If we become absolutely pure, we can transform an enemy into a friend, by which we elevate ourselves as well as the other party. In such cases, we must love them with all our heart and treat them with kindness and live with them in all patience, understanding that they are so behaving with us out of ignorance. Instead of condemning them, we should feel compassionate for them. Very recently, Lord Sainath focused this fact into light in his own inimitable manner. One fine morning in September '83 T.A. Ram Nathen of Sarangabad {West Bengal) received a packet of 'udhi' prasad unsolicited from a devotee visiting the shrine of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba at Nagpur. Sai devotees are aware that Hazrat Tajuddin Baba (1861-1925) considered Shirdi Sai Baba as his 'Elder Brother' and infact, admonished Shri Booty (a gem in Sai durbar) by saying "Why have you come here? Your Guru is anxiously waiting for you at Shirdi".
Ram Nathenji thanked our Heavenly Father, Sai Baba, for this flow of Sai grace from Hazrat Tajuddin Baba. He shared this grace with his brothers and sisters in the 'Sai-fold' of the postal 'Sai Satsang' catalyzed by him. He wrote to each one of them enclosing a bit of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's udhi to use for Sai-advantage.
R. Radhakrishnanji of Hubli (Karnataka) too received this Tajuddin prasad from Ramnathen and reverentially placed it in his home-shrine of Lord Sainath. Very soon, Lord Sainath brought forth on him a miracle.
Muppayanavar is working as a broker in the Marketing Society at Dharwar (Karnataka). He has been worshipping Lord Sainath for the last twelve years. He is also a regular subscriber of 'Sri Sai Leela' magazine. He lives in a locality predominantly inhabited by Muslim-brothers.
Since they belong to the iconoclastic religion, Sai'-Bro. Muppayanavar' s neighbour Muslim-Bros., did not tolerate idol worship. In September 1983, a few masked Muslim-Bros., gate-crashed into Muppayanavar' s House, assaulted him, and tried to snatch the Sai-Photo from him. But it was not to be so they turned round and threatened to kill him if he continued with idol-worship. Naturally he was shaken and developed a fear-complex. He did not wish to file F.I.R. but only prayed to Shirdi Sai for protection. "Faith accomplishes everything; doubt destroys everything", said Paramahansa Yogananda truly. Shirdi Sai responded to Muppayanavar' s prayer. He, a "Sai leela" subscriber, came across an article on noble R. Radhakrishnanji, noted down his address from it rushed post-haste to his house 15kms, away.
It was 2nd October 1983, Sri Radhakrishnanji had just performed the ceremony of his forefathers, as it was a 'Mahalaya Amavasya' day and was chitchatting with his children in the front verandah. Sri Muppayanavar rushed to him with tears gushing out of his eyes and narrated him his tale of woes. He was obsessed with the fear that the Muslim-brothers in his neighborhood might liquidate him any moment.
Sai-Bro. Radhakrishnanji gave him a patient hearing. He is a gem among Sai-devotees. He immediately rushed into his home-shrine of Sai Baba and prayed to Him for relief. He took a pinch of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's udhi and gave it to Muppayanavarji with the advice: "Love your Muslim-brothers with all your heart and treat them with kindness and live with them in all patience, understanding that they are so behaving with you out of ignorance. Individually, we have to bear up with everything however unpleasant, that comes to us from anyone opposed to us and take it that Lord Sainath sends these troubles to raise us beyond the pairs of opposites, so that we can remain calm and unaffected in all situations. This attitude changes in a mysterious way the heart of the person who is opposed to us".
With this advice, Radhakrishnanji asked Muppayanavarji to keep udhi always with him and mentally pray to Baba for relief. He also told him an anecdote from Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's life :- "Once at the time of communal riots, a Muslim devotee complained to Hazrat Tajuddin Baba - 'Hindus are killing Muslims. Please save them'. The saint said - 'shut up, none can kill a true Muslim'. The aulia meant that those who have real faith in God would be saved and that all others are only Muslims and Hindus in name. They serve petty politics and not God".
It was Lord Sainath consoling Sri Muppayanavar through Sri R. Radhakrishnan. He returned to Dharwar and three days later, i.e. on the 5th October 1983, the same Muslim brothers who had beaten him two weeks ago re-entered his house. On this occasion, Sri Muppayanavar was bold enough as he had Hazrat Tajuddin Baba's udhi with him. The Muslim brothers apologized profusely for their misconduct and requested him to punish them in any manner he chose. Pious by nature, Sri Muppayanavar pardoned them and hugged each one of them with love and compassion.
My creed - To love justice, to long for the right, to love mercy, to pity the suffering to assist the weak, to forget wrongs and remember benefits, to love the truth, to be sincere, to utter honest words, to love liberty, to wage relentless war against slavery in all its funs, to love wife and child and friend, to make a happy home, to love the beautiful in art, in nature, to cultivate the mind, to be familiar with the mighty thoughts that genius has expressed, the noble deeds of all the world; to cultivate courage and cheerfulness, to make others happy, to fill the life with the splendor of generous acts, the warmth of loving words; to discard error, to destroy prejudice, to receive new truths with gladness, to cultivate hope, to see the calm beyond the storm, the dawn beyond the night, to do the best that can be done and then be resigned.
This is the religion of reason, the creed of science. This satisfies the brain and heart.
- Rovert G. Ingersoll
Satsang Sai Descends to help Devotee in Distress By Puttanna
Satsang Sai Descends to help Devotee in Distress By Puttanna
Sai Descends to help Devotee in Distress
By Puttanna
Sri Sai is ever watchful. He is always with those, who constantly repeat Sai... Sai.... Sai. Not only that, He helps them. He nourishes their devotion. He takes care of their worldly needs. He becomes one with them.
Poor Swarna for she lost her husband at the age of 21 or so. Her only daughter, Champa, was three years then. Through somebody's help, she got employed in the Khadi Gramodyoga Bhavan and started living independently with none to help her.
It was somewhere in the beginning of 1996, she started coming to Sri Saipadananda Satsanga to participate in Sai Satcharitha Parayana on every Thursday morning. When she was introduced to the Satsanga, her daughter, Champa, was already 20, studying in college. Swarna's worry then was how to find a suitable boy and to conduct the marriage without anybody's help and money. She said Sri Sai was her only refuge and she was sure that parayana of Sri Sai Satcharitha would fulfill her desires. She also said she was not poor as Sai is her father. She was so strong in her faith in Baba.
After 2 or 3 months, she stopped coming. I wanted to know what the problem was. When some devotee took me to her small house, I was very much pained and moved to see her lying in bed due to severe pain in the back bone, which had made her unable to sit or walk. Sand bags had been tied to her legs by the Doctor. During this difficult time, some of our Satsang members were inspired to help her by Baba's Grace. After two months treatment she recovered and was able to attend the office too. She started again to come to Satsanga for reading Sai Satcharitha.
Baba is always aware of the needs of His devotees. It so happened that she was invited to attend a relative's marriage where she went with her daughter. When she was witnessing the marriage, an elderly couple came to her to enquire whether she would offer her daughter to their son who was working in ISRO. Swarna never expected such a surprising situation. She believed that Sri Sai only had directed the elderly couple to approach her. Then and there the boy and the girl saw each other and consented to the marriage. When Swarna explained about her health and financial conditions, the boy's father only said "Don't worry. Everything will be all right by God's Grace."
Now, Swarna had no money and she has to conduct the marriage. The boy's father also fixed up the marriage hall and told Swarna to take care of the expenditure with regard to food only on the marriage day. But Swarna's problem was how to raise money.
Lo! Baba's unseen hand worked. At that time her brothers at her native place decided to dispose of their father's house. Through this deal, Baba helped her to get a fairly good amount as her share, just enough to meet the marriage expenses.
Thus, Champa was married on 6.12.1996. Sri Sai will never let down those who surrender and take total refuge in Him and Him alone.
Bow to Sri Sai - Peace be to All.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
(source Shri Saipadananda Special Magazine)
Sai Descends to help Devotee in Distress
By Puttanna
Sri Sai is ever watchful. He is always with those, who constantly repeat Sai... Sai.... Sai. Not only that, He helps them. He nourishes their devotion. He takes care of their worldly needs. He becomes one with them.
Poor Swarna for she lost her husband at the age of 21 or so. Her only daughter, Champa, was three years then. Through somebody's help, she got employed in the Khadi Gramodyoga Bhavan and started living independently with none to help her.
It was somewhere in the beginning of 1996, she started coming to Sri Saipadananda Satsanga to participate in Sai Satcharitha Parayana on every Thursday morning. When she was introduced to the Satsanga, her daughter, Champa, was already 20, studying in college. Swarna's worry then was how to find a suitable boy and to conduct the marriage without anybody's help and money. She said Sri Sai was her only refuge and she was sure that parayana of Sri Sai Satcharitha would fulfill her desires. She also said she was not poor as Sai is her father. She was so strong in her faith in Baba.
After 2 or 3 months, she stopped coming. I wanted to know what the problem was. When some devotee took me to her small house, I was very much pained and moved to see her lying in bed due to severe pain in the back bone, which had made her unable to sit or walk. Sand bags had been tied to her legs by the Doctor. During this difficult time, some of our Satsang members were inspired to help her by Baba's Grace. After two months treatment she recovered and was able to attend the office too. She started again to come to Satsanga for reading Sai Satcharitha.
Baba is always aware of the needs of His devotees. It so happened that she was invited to attend a relative's marriage where she went with her daughter. When she was witnessing the marriage, an elderly couple came to her to enquire whether she would offer her daughter to their son who was working in ISRO. Swarna never expected such a surprising situation. She believed that Sri Sai only had directed the elderly couple to approach her. Then and there the boy and the girl saw each other and consented to the marriage. When Swarna explained about her health and financial conditions, the boy's father only said "Don't worry. Everything will be all right by God's Grace."
Now, Swarna had no money and she has to conduct the marriage. The boy's father also fixed up the marriage hall and told Swarna to take care of the expenditure with regard to food only on the marriage day. But Swarna's problem was how to raise money.
Lo! Baba's unseen hand worked. At that time her brothers at her native place decided to dispose of their father's house. Through this deal, Baba helped her to get a fairly good amount as her share, just enough to meet the marriage expenses.
Thus, Champa was married on 6.12.1996. Sri Sai will never let down those who surrender and take total refuge in Him and Him alone.
Bow to Sri Sai - Peace be to All.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
(source Shri Saipadananda Special Magazine)
Satsang The Call Divine
Satsang The Call Divine
The Call Divine
By Janak Laroiya (Noida U.P.)
We were all born in this world to learn to know ourselves as souls. How are we going to know our true selves, if we don't conquer this little self, this flesh, and this emotional, moody, constantly changing mind? And it can be done, by self-discipline and by practice of deep meditation, by devotion to God, making Him the Polestar of our lives; by fixing the mind on that one Goal. Man's consciousness is always centered in something. It may be sex, money, or possessions. One has to be fixed in something, whether an object, an emotion, or in the soul. Our choice is as simple as that. What is it going to be? Every one should learn to be anchored in Him who is changeless. That is the wisdom taught by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
Sri Sri Daya Mata heard Sai Baba's name for the first time in 1958, when I was working in the Indian Embassy at Katmandu, Nepal. Perhaps the time was not ripe for my anchorage to Lord Sainath. In 1959, I was posted back to New Delhi and from my Office-Secretary I got a picture of Sai Baba, books on him and Sai Leela magazine.
I began worshipping Sai Baba and got all my prayers answered by Him. I started penning my experiences to 'Sai Leela' magazine. Day by day my devotion to Sai Baba increased. After a couple of years, I got an invitation from Shirdi Samsthan to participate in the Annual gathering of contributors to Sai Leela magazine. We had not visited Shirdi till then and I took this as a sign from Sai Baba that we should be at His feet.
I did not even know the route to Shirdi. From New Delhi, I landed at Bombay and then hired a taxi to reach Shirdi next morning. It was a new moon day and was raining heavily. Indeed it was a difficult job for the driver also because of bad road condition and pouring rain. It was Sai grace that we avoided a few mishaps on the way and reached Shirdi safely.
On arrival at Shirdi we forgot all the discomforts of the previous night journey. Myself and my wife were treated as V.I.P. guests and comfortably accommodated. I had good 'darshan' of the Master and went round Dwarakamayi, Guru Sthan, Lendi Bagh etc., Baba was pouring His grace on us.
Since a few of my articles had appeared in Sai Leela magazine, I considered myself a great author and a very great Bhakta of Sai Baba. This ego made me consider myself too great and looked upon other shabbily-dressed devotees as not worthy of attending this annual gathering of Sai Leela contributors.
But in the ensuing sessions, I found to my great dismay that there were stalwarts, people from all walks of life - IAS officers, Doctors, Professors, Engineers, Scientists etc., and all of them were much ahead of me spiritually. In that session, Baba was talking to me in whispers about my shortcomings and how I could correct myself. By the time the gathering concluded, my mind was cleansed and Sai Baba made me consider 'absolutely nothing'. We thanked Baba and took leave from Him to return home.
This process of learning on my maiden visit to Shirdi has made me more humble in the last forty years. Sai Baba made me read a lot and take every event as 'divinely sent'. But I still feel I have miles to go to reach the goal of 'Self-Realisation'.
(source Shri Saipadananda Special Magazine)
The Call Divine
By Janak Laroiya (Noida U.P.)
We were all born in this world to learn to know ourselves as souls. How are we going to know our true selves, if we don't conquer this little self, this flesh, and this emotional, moody, constantly changing mind? And it can be done, by self-discipline and by practice of deep meditation, by devotion to God, making Him the Polestar of our lives; by fixing the mind on that one Goal. Man's consciousness is always centered in something. It may be sex, money, or possessions. One has to be fixed in something, whether an object, an emotion, or in the soul. Our choice is as simple as that. What is it going to be? Every one should learn to be anchored in Him who is changeless. That is the wisdom taught by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
Sri Sri Daya Mata heard Sai Baba's name for the first time in 1958, when I was working in the Indian Embassy at Katmandu, Nepal. Perhaps the time was not ripe for my anchorage to Lord Sainath. In 1959, I was posted back to New Delhi and from my Office-Secretary I got a picture of Sai Baba, books on him and Sai Leela magazine.
I began worshipping Sai Baba and got all my prayers answered by Him. I started penning my experiences to 'Sai Leela' magazine. Day by day my devotion to Sai Baba increased. After a couple of years, I got an invitation from Shirdi Samsthan to participate in the Annual gathering of contributors to Sai Leela magazine. We had not visited Shirdi till then and I took this as a sign from Sai Baba that we should be at His feet.
I did not even know the route to Shirdi. From New Delhi, I landed at Bombay and then hired a taxi to reach Shirdi next morning. It was a new moon day and was raining heavily. Indeed it was a difficult job for the driver also because of bad road condition and pouring rain. It was Sai grace that we avoided a few mishaps on the way and reached Shirdi safely.
On arrival at Shirdi we forgot all the discomforts of the previous night journey. Myself and my wife were treated as V.I.P. guests and comfortably accommodated. I had good 'darshan' of the Master and went round Dwarakamayi, Guru Sthan, Lendi Bagh etc., Baba was pouring His grace on us.
Since a few of my articles had appeared in Sai Leela magazine, I considered myself a great author and a very great Bhakta of Sai Baba. This ego made me consider myself too great and looked upon other shabbily-dressed devotees as not worthy of attending this annual gathering of Sai Leela contributors.
But in the ensuing sessions, I found to my great dismay that there were stalwarts, people from all walks of life - IAS officers, Doctors, Professors, Engineers, Scientists etc., and all of them were much ahead of me spiritually. In that session, Baba was talking to me in whispers about my shortcomings and how I could correct myself. By the time the gathering concluded, my mind was cleansed and Sai Baba made me consider 'absolutely nothing'. We thanked Baba and took leave from Him to return home.
This process of learning on my maiden visit to Shirdi has made me more humble in the last forty years. Sai Baba made me read a lot and take every event as 'divinely sent'. But I still feel I have miles to go to reach the goal of 'Self-Realisation'.
(source Shri Saipadananda Special Magazine)
Satsang Video link for the 26th Aug episode of Saibaba serial
Satsang Video link for the 26th Aug episode of Saibaba serial
Om Sai Ram!
Video link for the 26th Aug episode of Saibaba serial
http://media.putfile.com/www-desi9-com-26-AUG-SaiBaba--desi9-rls
Also You can Listen Sai Bhajans from following link.
You can save the file and it will play in Realplayer/Winamp Etc.
www.omsrisai.net/SaiBhajans.m3u
Om Sai Ram!
Video link for the 26th Aug episode of Saibaba serial
http://media.putfile.com/www-desi9-com-26-AUG-SaiBaba--desi9-rls
Also You can Listen Sai Bhajans from following link.
You can save the file and it will play in Realplayer/Winamp Etc.
www.omsrisai.net/SaiBhajans.m3u
Satsang A True Sai Sevak
Satsang A True Sai Sevak
A True Sai Sevak
By N. Subramarim (New Delhi)
He who serves 'Sai' does not serve himself;
He who worships Sai spreads Sai's Glory, not his.
He who invokes Sai's Name erases his own;
He seeks no advantage for himself
When he works for the benefit of others;
Self-effacement is the hall-mark of a Sai Sevak,
And Self-sacrifice is his identity card.
Truthfulness in word and deed is his passport.
To project one's own personal image for selfish gains,
Material profit or hunt for popularity,
Or needless vanity and egoistic self-publicity,
Is not the way of a Sai Sevak, true and pure
He goes about unnoticed and serves unseen.
For him everything has Sai-sanctity and Sai-Love.
Every paisa collected or spent is accounted for.
Sai is Agni that has to be feared and respected,
And His oodhi (Udhi/Vibhuthi) burns sins and sinners to ashes.
Sai needs no big imposing shrines in brick and mortar,
But needs to be graciously enshrined in every heart
A true Sai Sevak goes about in utter humility
Like Narasimha Swamiji and Sai Padanandaji,
Avoiding outward show and awkward obsequious postures
For a true Sai Sevak, a litany of pious wishes
Is not prayer or pooja or ceremonious ritual
But selfless service is his meditation and worship.
His conviction is that true devotion is most inexpensive
And the spirit of service is compassion and detachment.
He knows it is not in our power but in God's;
To wipe out karmic effects in life or cure all ills
As an ordinary mortal, he well believes
That it is Sai's Grace we have to secure by prayer.
(source Shri Saipadananda Special Magazine)
A True Sai Sevak
By N. Subramarim (New Delhi)
He who serves 'Sai' does not serve himself;
He who worships Sai spreads Sai's Glory, not his.
He who invokes Sai's Name erases his own;
He seeks no advantage for himself
When he works for the benefit of others;
Self-effacement is the hall-mark of a Sai Sevak,
And Self-sacrifice is his identity card.
Truthfulness in word and deed is his passport.
To project one's own personal image for selfish gains,
Material profit or hunt for popularity,
Or needless vanity and egoistic self-publicity,
Is not the way of a Sai Sevak, true and pure
He goes about unnoticed and serves unseen.
For him everything has Sai-sanctity and Sai-Love.
Every paisa collected or spent is accounted for.
Sai is Agni that has to be feared and respected,
And His oodhi (Udhi/Vibhuthi) burns sins and sinners to ashes.
Sai needs no big imposing shrines in brick and mortar,
But needs to be graciously enshrined in every heart
A true Sai Sevak goes about in utter humility
Like Narasimha Swamiji and Sai Padanandaji,
Avoiding outward show and awkward obsequious postures
For a true Sai Sevak, a litany of pious wishes
Is not prayer or pooja or ceremonious ritual
But selfless service is his meditation and worship.
His conviction is that true devotion is most inexpensive
And the spirit of service is compassion and detachment.
He knows it is not in our power but in God's;
To wipe out karmic effects in life or cure all ills
As an ordinary mortal, he well believes
That it is Sai's Grace we have to secure by prayer.
(source Shri Saipadananda Special Magazine)
Satsang Beautiful Pearls
Satsang Beautiful Pearls
Jenny was a bright-eyed, pretty five-year-old girl.
One day when she and her mother were checking out at the grocery store, Jenny saw a plastic pearl necklace priced at $2.50. How she wanted that necklace, and when she asked her mother if she would buy it for her, her mother said, "Well, it is a pretty necklace, but it costs an awful lot of money. I'll tell you what. I'll buy you the necklace, and when we get home we can make up a list of chores that you can do to pay for the necklace.
And don't forget that for your birthday Grandma just might give you a whole dollar bill, too. Okay?" Jenny agreed, and her mother bought the pearl necklace for her.
Jenny worked on her chores very hard every day, and sure enough, her grandma gave her a brand new dollar bill for her birthday. Soon Jenny had paid off the pearls. How Jenny loved those pearls. She wore them everywhere to kindergarten, bed and when she went out with her mother to run errands.
The only time she didn't wear them was in the shower. Her mother had told her that they would turn her neck green!
Now Jenny had a very loving daddy. When Jenny went to bed, he would get up from his favorite chair every night and read Jenny her favorite story. One night when he finished the story, he said, "Jenny, do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy, you know I love you," the little girl said.
"Well, then, give me your pearls." "Oh! Daddy, not my pearls!" Jenny said. "But you can have Rosy, my favorite doll. Remember her? You gave her to me last year for my birthday. And you can have her tea party outfit, too. Okay?" "Oh no, darling, that's okay." Her father brushed her cheek with a kiss. "Good night, little one."
A week later, her father once again asked Jenny after her story, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy, you know I love you." "Well, then, give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls! But you can have Ribbons, my toy horse. Do you remember her? She's my favorite. Her hair is so soft, and you can play with it and braid it and everything. You can have Ribbons if you want her, "Daddy," the little girl said to her father. "No, that's okay," her father said and brushed her cheek again with a kiss. God bless you, little one. Sweet dreams."
Several days later, when Jenny's father came in to read her a story, Jenny was sitting on her bed and her lip was trembling. " Here, Daddy," she said, and held out her hand. She opened it and her beloved pearl necklace was inside. She let it slip into her father's hand.
With one hand her father held the plastic pearls and the other he pulled out of his pocket a blue velvet box. Inside of the box were real, genuine, beautiful pearls. He had had them all along. He was waiting for Jenny to give up the cheap stuff so he could give her the real thing.
So it is with GOD. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so he can give us beautiful treasure.
Isn't God good?
This made me think about the things I hold on to and wonder what God wants to give me in its place.
Want Beautiful Pearls?
Give up cheap things in life...
Jenny was a bright-eyed, pretty five-year-old girl.
One day when she and her mother were checking out at the grocery store, Jenny saw a plastic pearl necklace priced at $2.50. How she wanted that necklace, and when she asked her mother if she would buy it for her, her mother said, "Well, it is a pretty necklace, but it costs an awful lot of money. I'll tell you what. I'll buy you the necklace, and when we get home we can make up a list of chores that you can do to pay for the necklace.
And don't forget that for your birthday Grandma just might give you a whole dollar bill, too. Okay?" Jenny agreed, and her mother bought the pearl necklace for her.
Jenny worked on her chores very hard every day, and sure enough, her grandma gave her a brand new dollar bill for her birthday. Soon Jenny had paid off the pearls. How Jenny loved those pearls. She wore them everywhere to kindergarten, bed and when she went out with her mother to run errands.
The only time she didn't wear them was in the shower. Her mother had told her that they would turn her neck green!
Now Jenny had a very loving daddy. When Jenny went to bed, he would get up from his favorite chair every night and read Jenny her favorite story. One night when he finished the story, he said, "Jenny, do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy, you know I love you," the little girl said.
"Well, then, give me your pearls." "Oh! Daddy, not my pearls!" Jenny said. "But you can have Rosy, my favorite doll. Remember her? You gave her to me last year for my birthday. And you can have her tea party outfit, too. Okay?" "Oh no, darling, that's okay." Her father brushed her cheek with a kiss. "Good night, little one."
A week later, her father once again asked Jenny after her story, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy, you know I love you." "Well, then, give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls! But you can have Ribbons, my toy horse. Do you remember her? She's my favorite. Her hair is so soft, and you can play with it and braid it and everything. You can have Ribbons if you want her, "Daddy," the little girl said to her father. "No, that's okay," her father said and brushed her cheek again with a kiss. God bless you, little one. Sweet dreams."
Several days later, when Jenny's father came in to read her a story, Jenny was sitting on her bed and her lip was trembling. " Here, Daddy," she said, and held out her hand. She opened it and her beloved pearl necklace was inside. She let it slip into her father's hand.
With one hand her father held the plastic pearls and the other he pulled out of his pocket a blue velvet box. Inside of the box were real, genuine, beautiful pearls. He had had them all along. He was waiting for Jenny to give up the cheap stuff so he could give her the real thing.
So it is with GOD. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so he can give us beautiful treasure.
Isn't God good?
This made me think about the things I hold on to and wonder what God wants to give me in its place.
Want Beautiful Pearls?
Give up cheap things in life...
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