Sai Vichaar for Thursday , August 18, 2005

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Sai Vichaar

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Thursday , August 18, 2005 :: Volume 8, Issue 14

(In its eighth 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: Contentment is Key to Happiness

Human disposition is aimed at looking towards various means in order to be

"happy", the definition of which varies from person to person. In the process

of seeking this happiness, a man subjects himself to a lot of stress, anxiety

and problems. Man measure happiness in terms of external resources such as

wealth, achievements, children, physical well-being or status in the society to

name a few. Chapter 14 in Satcharitha says, "Providential dispensation is such,

that no one in this world is completely happy and rich". Isn't this true? Law

of nature says that no Human is ever free from anxiety or worry. One has to

pass through the phases of good and bad events based on prarabdh (previous

acts). Even Prince of Ayodhya - Rama; an avatar of lord Vishnu, had to undergo

14 years of turmoil, separation, anxiety and misery. When god cannot be spared

from miseries of this world then what to speak of humans. Man has access to

various scriptures written by the age-old spiritual masters, which would guide

him in his quest for spirituality. Man is also endowed with intellectual

capacity, which enables him to learn, comprehend, and practice those teachings

in day-to-day life. Man is so fixated in chasing happiness that he has not

realized that happiness is nothing but the "state of mind" and he is the

controller of his happiness. If man decides that he will be happy, then no

matter what catastrophe befalls him, his state of happiness will not be robbed

from him. In chapter 20th of Satcharitha Hemadpant mentions that "The

Ishopanishad gives a valuable mystical description of the Atman, a description

of the ideal sage, who stands unruffled in the minds of temptations and

sorrows; and adumbration of the doctrine of Karma-Yoga as later formulated, and

finally a reconciliation of the claims of knowledge and works." In short, one

ought to discharge their duties with a sense of detachment knowing that atman

alone is real and body is temporary.

Mahalsapathy, a blacksmith by profession is one of the prominent devotees of

Baba. Sri BV Narasimha Swamyji, in his research titled "Life of Sai Baba Vol

II" has given a detailed account of the simplicity of this humble devotee.

Mahalsapathy did not have any riches. In fact, he was so poor that he could

barely make both ends meet. He even had to subject to his family to starvation

as he did not earn enough in his profession and lived only on the offerings

given in the plate at Khandoba temple. Yet, Mahalsapathy was happy and

contented. His mind was calm and composed, and never yearned for wealth and

many a times did refuse the money from Baba as well who knew his financial

situation. Mahalsapathy was well looked after by Baba though he did not have

riches Mahalsapahty had the invaluable blessings, care and companionship of

Baba. When we lift our hands in prayers let us not read out wish list to god.

Let us not measure our happiness in terms of wealth. Baba said, "Fakir

(Mendicancy) was the real Lordship as it was everlasting, and the so called

Lordship (riches) was transient". Keeping this mind let us implore Him to be

our constant companion and bless us with the ability to surrender all actions

and thoughts to Him. Let us beg Him "to keep us always in the path of devotion

and constantly focus on Him and His teachings". Also, help us to keep in mind

that "all the actions are originated from Him and He is the sole actor and

doer, whatever be the consequences of our prarabdh, to give us strength to bear

good or bad karma". When the path of salvation is so simple the reason why not

all people take to it is, because God has not created in them the will and need

to "See, Feel and Communicate" with Him. Let us make the start and first and

foremost seek His blessings.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: continued....

Let us make the start and first and foremost seek His blessings. Let us remember

that when we try to think using our intellect, the six vices of kama, krodha,

madha, mastya, lobha and ahamkar surface with alacrity, but if we surrender

thoughts to God and seek His guidance, then our mind is pure and calm, and we

are blessed with ability to internalize our thoughts and actions and act in a

positive way that is dear to Baba and we are content knowing that it is God's

will. Let us also remember that those who take to the worship of Baba, they are

well taken care. In chapter 6th of Satcharitha Hemadpant writes about Baba's

promise to His devotees - "If a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill

all his wishes, increase his devotion. And if he sings earnestly My life and My

deeds, him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides. Those devotees, who

are attached to Me, heart and soul, will naturally feel happiness, when they

hear these stories. Believe Me that if anybody sings My Leelas, I will give him

infinite joy and everlasting contentment. ...." Baba always stands by His

promises. May Baba bless us all to always keep focused on His Holy feet to

attain happiness. (Anitha Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia)

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Response to "Spiritual Paradox"

This is further to my previous posting in response to the featured article

"Spiritual Paradox". There is an interesting instance in Sai Satcharitha, which

I have been studying for nearly one and half years now. Somebody brought a plank

with an idea of making a cot for Baba. Of course, one narrow plank was not

enough for making the cot. But before more planks could be collected, Baba

hoisted the plank near to the ceiling and tied it with thin and withered rags.

Question had been asked in my pratham A examination of panchshila to explain

Baba's couch on the narrow plank hoisted high with rags. Another interesting

aspect of that couch on the narrow plank hoisted high with rags was that nobody

could ever see how he went up the plank and how he came down. Venerable

Dabholkar alias Hemadpant has made a very poetic guess on this, saying, "May

not one bestowed with 'siddhI's become a fly and go up there or come down from

there?" It occurred to me when writing my answer that Baba making a couch up

there, away from all world was sannyasa (renunciation), going up there as a fly

was siddhi attainment and being unconcerned whether the narrow plank was

comfortable enough or not was samAdhi equanimity - all the three approaches

rolled in one single instance, same as their having been quoted together in the

verse 3-6!

In the context of this instance, one can also wonder whether Baba ever slept.

Would God ever sleep? In this context it is interesting to relate this question

with verse 2-69 in Bhagavad-Gita, "Yaa nishaa sarva-bhootaanaam, tasyaam jagarti

sanyamee, yasyaam jaagrati bhootaani saa nishaa pashyato muneyH" When the people

retire to sleep, sanyamee, one with unpurturbing mind yet stays alert, (caring

for the world?) and when the world is up and kicking, the Muni is oblivious to

it all, even when seeing it all. Baba exemplified all this. People tell that

the philosophy of Geeta is not just for reading and understanding but also for

imbibing into one's life. But one needs examples to show how this is done.

Sai-Sat-Charita is full of such exemplary directions for one to improve one's

life! This then becomes also an answer to the question of the week, "How to

read Sai-Sat-Charita?"

(Contributed by SL Abhyankar)

DEVOTEES SAY:

SL AbhyankarThe theme of the article "Spiritual Paradox" seems to be that

renunciation itself is not enough. I do not see much paradox in it, because the

principle that renunciation itself is not enough has been well emphasized by

Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita. See second line in verse 3-6 "Na cha

sanyasanaadeva siddhim samadhi gatchati". This line is beautiful where three

approaches are summarised, Sanyaasa (renunciation), siddhi (accomplishment or

attainment), samadhi (equanimity). They are all important on the spiritual

path. But individually they are not enough. They all have to combine together

for consummate self-realization. It is also not adequate to have a flash of

self-realization. Self-realization ought to become second nature.

Deepa MisraThank you Sai Baba for giving me this job. I am confused and scared

..I need this job but do not know how to tell my old employer that I am leaving

as I am still confused whether I am taking the right decision. Please guide me

Baba. You are the only one who can show me the way. Baba please bless me when I

take up this job.

Rajiv BhatiaSamarth Sadguru Shree Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai. This was the first

time I got the incentives from my company in cash. I was very happy and in

sheer happiness, I forgot to zip my bag in which the money was kept in my

organizer. I started on my way back to home. As I went about one k.m from my

office, I checked my bag and I was shocked. The money and one phone were

missing. I went back and checked all the way to my office. I got the phone on

the first instance but did not find the money. I searched there for about an

hour everywhere but all in vain. Then I proceeded back to home. At that same

place where I found my things missing, I stopped and prayed to baba that if I

didn't find my money I will stop praying your name and I again went back to

check for my organizer in which money was kept. I started searching again, even

below the cars and simultaneously praying to baba. One person from MTNL asked me

that what I was looking for. I immediately caught his feet and said " Please

give my organizer back to me ". He smiled and said that you must drive slowly

and carefully keep your things and after saying this he handed over my

organizer to me. I found my money intact in the organizer. I was sure that He

was Baba only as there is very less chance that if someone finds money and has

the courage to return it back. Baba thank you for your mercy shown on my family

and me. I will surely write in other sections of these newsletter about my

experiences in which baba has fulfilled my desires. Pranam to you baba. I am

coming to Shirdi to have your holy darshan on 26th of August.

PRAYER CLUB:

UshaBaba you know what happened to me. Please take care of my fracture and save

me from this accident. Please give me strength and knowledge to succeed in my

job. Baba you have done everything for my son, please help him to settle down

permanently in a good city. Koti namaskarams to Sai Mahadev.

PujaHey Sai thank you for reminded me to write about a wish I vowed for in a

miraclous manner. I want to thank my Baba for making my sisters delivery safe

an d less painfull and blessing her witha healthy babay boy. Baba please help

her in the sutuation where she needs my parents. Please help my father in

getting an early date for visa interview and a visa so he and my mother

together cab visit my sister in the moment when she needs them the most. Help

us Baba. Baba I want to ask something, I know you will listen. Help me in doing

some great work and achieve something different so that on my bosses visit to

India, I can prove my worth to them. Please Baba don't let me down . Please

Baba help me. Love you Baba. Help my friend come out of the situation I faced

earlier.

ChanchalJai Sai Ram, Baba I want to thank you for so much you have given. I know

I have never been appreciative, but I do now after going through all that we

have gone through. I understand everything now, please forgive and thank you

once again.

LataThis is my humble request to You to keep all 3 of us: my son, husband and

myself always covered in Your univeral white light with your strong protecting

arms around us. Baba please bless me to get school teachers job effective this

school term from grades:K-3 as this is my passion, my love and prayer to be

amongst children as this has been my career, teaching in Mumbai all along for

15 years. Baba always keep your blessing hand on our small little family. And

once I get school teachers job, I promise will write my experiences with Baba

all along in my life. Baba please give me a chance. Koti Koti Pranams, Love you

Baba.

Sai devoteeMy son who is employed in USA is in dire straights. His employer is

teasing him to a maximum extent by not paying the salary and perquisites in

time. For all the requirements under the law for which he has to pay, he is

pressuring my son to make the payments. Mentally and physically my son has lost

peace and therefore I surrender to Baba for solving his problems. Even in the

days of distress my son's affection to Sai increases and hence Baba is the

person to interfere and do the needful urgently.

PremakumariDearest Sai, I earnestly pray to you that my daughter should be cured

of her skin problem (pityriasis versicolor) at the earliest. Sometimes I am so

confused please help me Sai, my daughter is very good child of Yours please

solve her problem. Tomorrow with your grace I will take her to the doctor. Give

her a solution Sai. But she is taking homeopathic medicines also. I hope there

is no problem. Please given a solution Baba and cure her. Thank you Sai, thanks

for giving this oppurtunity to write to You.

RajuDear Baba, please give me peace of mind and solve all my problems which are

becoming intensified day by day from the last 5 years. Please save me. However

thanks for solving the problems temporarily all these while.

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

HariI thought of writing this after the experience I had; although it may seem

trivial to many. I have planned to go to India this weekend and on Sunday, I

just checked if I needed a transit visa. The airline asked to check with the

embassy, but there was no response to my email. The French Embassy takes only

60 entries per day and I had to drive to New York, so was worried if I would

reach early enough to beat the traffic. After my morning bath, I took up the

Sai Satcharitha to read, and lo behold; I had chapter 33 - The Greatness of

Udi. I remembered to apply the Udi before I left. I reached there at 8 and

found around 25 people ahead of me and I was happy. Then I realized there were

people with appointments and hence it was possible my chance will not come. The

people nearby had made repeated visits and said they do not allow more than 5-10

people from the line. So I was bit scared. But then I had full faith that my

chance would come; especially after the morning reading, but still I was

skeptical. All the while, I was chanting, and it was 11.30 and still I was not

in. I just prayed that if by noontime I get in, I do would write this

experience since the consulate closes at 1 pm and I was reminded of the morning

chapter where Bapugirbua comes just in time to give the Udi to Nanasaheb. And as

it should happen, I did get in at noon and I got the visa stamped, without which

my plans to go to India could have been in trouble. It was a great realization

once more to me that Baba was with me to help me out, but more important was

that in-spite of all the premonitions, how skeptical we are in times of

distress. Just pray to Baba to give me unshakable faith and devotion and that

he gives me opportunity to be his humble devotee.

Munmun BanerjeeI have been a Baba devotee since 1999 and since then Baba has

showed us many miracles and blessed us. My husband was in need of a document

for his GC processing, we were waiting for a long time, and somehow we were not

able to get the document from the Indian govt agency. Time was passing by and we

were really tensed. Then my husband started reading the Satcharitha, one chapter

a day. He completed the book this week on Wednesday. Thursday we went to the

temple and did the aarati. We also did aarati at home. Friday I got a call from

my dad saying that he was able to get the document ready and he actually posted

it on Friday. What we believe is with Baba's blessings nothing is impossible

May he bless us all.

Anuj JaiswalI would like to share one of my various wonderful experiences that I

have had while being under the guidance of our Guru God, beloved Sri Sai Baba. I

have applied for my permanent residency in Australia and due to Sri Sai's grace;

I was getting all the hurdles solved without even my knowing about them. In my

inner heart, I had the feeling that my each step will be solved on Thursdays.

In my case I got the first step: clearance from computer society on Thursday,

second step: I got case officer allocation & medical request from immigration

on Thursday and third step: by Baba's grace immigration officer send me my

permanent residence approval on Thursday 11th Aug. Isn't this Baba's grace! I

would like to deliver the message that Baba is always with us and he will

always step in the picture when ever he thinks is best for us. Dear devotees,

it doesn't depend which religion we follow, but when ever we are in guidance of

Sri Sai Baba as our Guru and savior, he will bless us with happiness and will

always help us.

Jagdeep NagdevWe were at a critical stage of our Greencard process and I really

wanted that stage to go through without any problems. We submitted the response

for the additional information to USCIS, I started reading Satcharitha on

Thursday and the next Thursday as I finished reading it we get to know that our

case has been approved. Baba is great.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

"Selfishness is the cause of suffering. There is no other cause. It is only with

separateness and self-seeking that real suffering appears in the world".-Sri

Nisargadatta

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. How to read Sai Satcharitha?

A. by Pratyusha

It has been a week I have known this website. It is doing a great job for Sai

Baba devotees. I started reading Sai Satcharitha from last month. It was given

to me by my father in Shri Shirdi Sai Mandir, in the prayer hall. He advised me

to read the book by spending few minutes everyday by reading only one chapter

per day and to completely absorb its essence. I am reading it in the same way.

In other 2 weeks, I will complete the book. I recommend the devotees to follow

the same, please read daily one chapter and you see the miracle and please let

people know about it through Sai Vichaar.

SAI ACTIVITIES:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USAShirdi Sai temple is open

daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 am

followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop arathi at 6 pm and Shej

Arathi at 9 pm. 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 (AT) saibaba (DOT) org. Upcoming Events: Samuhika Satyanarayan Pooja and

Raksha Bandhan on Poornima day, Friday August 19th and Temple Anniversary Day,

Saturday August 20th.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, MinnesotaRegular Sai activities in Minneapolis,

St.Paul area are being conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, 725 Lake St

NE, Apt #139 Hopkins MN. For details, please contact hamaresai , or

call Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center at 952-938-2983, and to read the monthly

newsletter Sai Sandesh, visit www.hamaresai.org.

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Bay Area, CaliforniaShirdi Sai Parivaar invites all to join

us for Satsang every Thursday 7:30 pm at Odd Fellows Temple, 20589 Homestead

Road, Cupertino, CA 95014.For details please call 408-564-6704 or send email to

saibandhu or visit www.ShradhaSaburi.org.

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Ontario, CanadaShirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites

all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 6:30PM at 147 Winston Castle Dr.

Markham, Ont. L6C 2N4. For details on other activities and services please call

Shammi Chopra at 416-402-8089 or email us saileela99 .

Shirdi Sai Satsang in Vancouver, BC, CanadaShirdi Sai parivar in Vancouver

invites you for bhajans, every Thursday (6.30pm - 7.30 pm) at 8571,118A Street,

Delta,V4C 6L2.For further details contact Ritu (604)592 4182 or email at

sai_ish (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:

Devotees residing in and visitors to Vancouver, BC, Canada are requested to

refer to Sai Activities section to know details about Sai activities in that

city. Sai Vichaar is immensely happy to publish details about growing Sai

activities all over the world. Please write to maildrop (AT) saibaba (DOT) org if you want

to know about Sai activities or interested in initiating Sai activities in your

area. The "Question of the week" for the week is, Q. What is single-minded

devotion?

Humbly Yours,The Editor

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>From and Editor:

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site

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