Shirdi Sai - Sai Vichaar for Thursday , September 15, 2005

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Sai Vichaar

 

Thursday , September 15, 2005 :: Volume 8, Issue 18

(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: Mahaa Bhagath, a matter of fact!

What is needed of those involved in spreading Sai message is humility, utmost

faith in Sadguru and acceptance that He is the wirepuller and the individuals

are mere participants. Humility for a Sai devotee should be a constant

reminder. The association with any image or emotion, even be sattwic, can only

be a form of hindrance to the task. Hemadpanth aptly wrote that ahankara, the

sense of doership in this context, couldn't be conquered as long as association

with any emotion persists. Dasganu was chided by Baba for setting out like a

bridegroom for singing God's glory. Sai prachaar may not be an elevated state

of activity, time bound and material driven. It happens with the mere intention

of sharing Sadguru's word. Until one truthfully considers himself to be the

least qualified to do the task and realizes that it is providence that bestowed

the blessing, the self remains hindrance to the task. Baba set up an example by

calling Himself a devotee of God. He extolled the virtues of God, Himself

remaining a meek servant. Some say Baba was 'Bhagawad baktha', the devotee of

Lord. "Allah maalik", "God is great", said the God Himself! In the spiritual

context, one may ascribe this attitude of Baba to adwaita, the non-dual nature

of the divine, where Sadguru and Sadbhaktha are one and the same. However, in

the context of spreading God's words, Baba set up an example. If God calls

himself a meek creature, an insect in the dung, where would that place his

followers? Let this be our reminder as we embark onto the newer phase of

understanding Sai message, by learning and sharing, with humility as a mater of

fact.

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Baba's miracles in my life

Baba came to my rescue whenever I called him. Even for silly things, like not

finding any important documents in the office, not able to do some work, meet

people, or take a decision. I would like to share those miracles with you all.

Not even a year of my visit to Shirdi, my elder brother came to me. He was all

in tears. This was the third incident when I saw tears in his eyes. On earlier

two occasions, the deaths in the family - my father and my brother. He was the

General Secretary of all India workers' association of Brooke Bond and at the

same time, the President of their Co-operative Society, which dealt with money

etc. Being the President, he had the powers to sanction the loans to the needy

workers and was authorized to sign the checks. He had given loans worth Rs.60,

000.00 to some of the workers who became defaulters and duped the money. He had

not only passed the loans but also stood as guarantors for them. During the

audit, my brother was held responsible for mismanagement and blamed for

manipulation of Society funds. Though all were aware of the facts but some

power crazy elements, waiting for an opportunity, took advantage of that

situation to defame him, strip him off from the powers and position. They moved

the matter to the Court. Now he had only one alternative, either pay the dues

and save his skin or face the consequences. He came to me in that connection.

Rs.60, 000.00 almost 24 years back, was a very big amount and I did not have

that much hard cash with me and because of my differences with my husband, I

did not take his help so I told my brother to dispose of my jewels I had left

with my mother, valuing half of the amount, and asked him to manage the rest

knowing too well, he won't be able to but I was helpless.

He left the same day, fearing untoward to happen. Both my husband and I went to

see him off at the station. When the trained moved, I removed that metal ring

of Saibaba from my finger and threw at his direction, saying, Baba save him.

Please do not bring shame and disgrace to him or our family. He was not

culprit. We had suffered the worst but never had the accusation of swindling

money or cheating people. After two days, the Court summoned him. The judge

after giving a patience hearing of the versions, looked at my brother for

sometime and said: This person can never cheat anybody or manipulate funds in

his life. To me the allegations against him looked fabricated. It is a simple

case of default. However, he being the President and guarantor is responsible

to ensure that the amount is deposited in the Society. Since he is not capable

of making the full payments, the Court orders him to pay off the dues in

installments with interest. We all got a relief. Saibaba heard my prayers and

saved him or else anything could have been happened like imprisonment with

fine. His participation in union activities made him remain absent from work

for days together every month, which affected his salary and it, took 20 long

years to pay off the debts from the Society and until such time, I managed his

family.

(Contributed by Vijaya Nair)

DEVOTEES SAY:

Vidya SThank you my kind Saibaba for helping me pass my test. Thank you my sweet

Baba for teaching me to value everything in life. I promise I will never

underestimate anything or anybody. Thank you again my god for being there for

us all, with us all always.

Saritha VMy sister got a very bad pain, because of the Epidural she took at the

time of delivery. She was getting pain whenever she sits or stands. She need to

be in bed all the time, it is difficult for her to feed her baby. We all prayed

Baba. By the grace of Sai only, she got relief from this pain without any

medication. Thank you very much Baba.

Aruna AI am a Masters student studying in the USA. I got a visa issue so I took

a break last semester and went to India. The trip turned out to be a blessing

in disguise as I got to spend four months of quality time with my family. I

again landed in the same situation this semester. I was so tensed. Sai came to

my rescue once again and showed me a way. Sai thank you so much. You are a kind

mother who protects the children even if they make mistakes.

Bhanumathi SAum Sri Sairam! Hi Wayne, read your experience. You are really

blessed to have such a vision. In the Ulwa language (just found it on the net

-- "Lumah" means Good Afternoon! (http://www.slaxicon.org/ulwa/dict/L.html) It

is also mentioned as one of the year names saying Lumah - Priest

(http://cdli.ucla.edu/dl/yearnames/E_GLOSSARINDEX/R919.htm) This word is also

mentioned in one of the articles as the creator paintings:

http://www.artnet.com/library/09/0928/T092870.asp)

VasanthiSai Ram to Sai brother Wayne. You are indeed fortunate that you had a

vision of Baba who is a Sarva Dharma Sadguru.I have not heard of the word Lumah

but the moment I read through the following thoughts crossed my mind and felt

bliss supreme so thought of sharing the meaning with you all. We call Shirdi

Baba our Mai and Baap (Mother and Father). In your happy state you were telling

Baba (1) L-Love U-You Mah-Mother.(2)L-Love Umah-Uma also known as Parvathi or

Uma Maheshwari wife of Lord Shiva and shakthi personified and is the mother of

all creatures on earth.(3)L-Love U-Uma(Mother) MAH-Maheshwar or

ahaeashwar(Father).Love you Baba who is our mother and father.

GokulakrishnanJai Sai Ram. Thank you very much Baba, with your blessing I could

successfully submit my project and according to my vow I am writing this

experience here, thank you Baba. Jai Sai Ram. Baba please help me in getting a

job as you know my family situation. Jai Sai Ram.

PRAYER CLUB:

A Sai devoteePlease Baba; bless me with a child Sai. You know my situation and

the predicaments I am facing. Please Baba, I am begging for your grace and

blessings. Please forgive my husband and me for all our sins and please bless

us with a child soon Deva.

LavanyaI really need your help at this crucial time. Please help me in this

situation. Baba, I do not have father and you are both father and mother to me.

Please help me.

Rajiv BPlease lower my anger and provide some good and positive thinking to my

wife as we are not living happily and due to this, my baby is suffering. Please

show some miracle Baba. Save our married life.

PriyaPlease please help us Sai. You have always done miracles in our lives.

Please help us both find good jobs in Canada by the end of this year. You know

how important it is for us. Also, help him find a sponsor for his visa and

accommodation in Canada.

Saravanan CMy father was recently diagnosed at Apollo hospitals with blocks in

his heart and one failed kidney and damaged liver due to excessive medications

that he is taking for his previous heart and diabetics problems. Doctors

advised to operate both kidney and heart one by one. He is going to have kidney

surgery on September 14th 2005 (Wednesday) at Apollo Hospitals. Based on the out

come, he might have by pass heart surgery after two to three months. I am not in

a position to visit India now due to my Green Card related issues and to help my

only brother who is staying with my parents. Oh Sai! please help us to pass

through this critical stage by showering your blessings on my father and on our

family.

RajeshwaraI am in a big dilemma about my job and I need to find a job very soon.

I am looking for a position and nothing is sure yet. Time is running out and

please help me to find a good job soon either in USA or in India. Please bring

me mental peace and happiness in my life and bless my family and friends.

NishaniPlease do not let my parents suffer anymore. Baba you know that my mother

is not happy and she wants to go home. Please let us find someone honest and

loving to live with her. Baba she has suffered for so many years in and last

days give her some peace.

Sai devoteePlease Baba, do this for me and I will be forever obliged. I know I

have not been a true Bhakta of you, but please Baba, I need you to do this for

me so that my family is not destroyed. Baba, please help me I am in desperate

condition. Baba, I do not know what came over me when I committed the sin and

was caught red-handed, Please Baba, I cannot tell this to anyone. Please take

care of my family. I am in my late forties and my daughter in only six years

old. She needs me. Let not anything happen to me because of the sin.

HariOh lord Shirdi Sai, my application for the H1 received in time to INS. Now,

I would like to request all the Shri Sadguru Shirdi Sai devotees to pray for my

success in getting the job done at the earliest without any hurdles. I once

again request you all to pray for my success. I pray Lord Shirdi Sadguru

Maharaj to answers all our Sai devotees prayers for ever.

Sai devoteeBaba, You have taken care of me and my family for the past so many

years. Keep Your blessings and let us remain in Your lotus feet always. My wish

is to sing your bhajans and leelas in everybody and anybodys house wherever and

whenever it is required. Give me that courage. Koti Koti Pranama to You.

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

Sai devotee, QatarI am working in Gulf (Qatar) and here the procedures are tough

in getting family visa. I have been trying since 3 years for getting a permanent

family visa. My family has been on and off in Qatar for all these years. We are

really worried this year because my son who is 5 years old has to put in

school. Both me and my wife are ardent Sai devotees and we sincerely prayed Sai

to fulfill our reasonable prayer and start our life together. My wife sincerely

believed that Sai is doing this for some reason all way long, but me being a

very emotional person, found it very hard to accept. I was slowly losing my

confidence in all aspects. I have applied this time also and it was again

rejected. But the immigration official has given me an appointment with the

officials on 0ctober 5th. My family is here in Qatar on 6 month's visit visa

and their visa will expire on September 9th. We were very confused and without

knowing what to do, tried all ways of preponing our interview date. Our house

owner also tried from his side through his friend, to prepone the interview

date. Suddenly last Tuesday night he informed me that my interview is for

tomorrow (Wednesday) 7:30 am. I immediately started reading Sai Satcharitha and

the next morning, after saying my prayers went to the meeting (15 minutes late).

The office boy at the immigration took me directly to the chief there and not to

the other officials in the meeting (where I was rejected for the past 2 times).

There I was asked 3 questions, regarding my profession, salary etc, to which I

answered the truth. Then the official said come after 3 days to check your

application, since I had lost almost all hopes I did not talk even a word

further, said thank you and came off. The same day around 12 pm I got a

telephone call from the immigration office saying that my visa application is

passed and I can collect my family visa immediately.

A Sai devoteeOm Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai! Last year in September my husband

lost his job due to a disability. He did not have disability coverage through

his employer. He got state disability, which was only valid up to 1 year. I

have been praying to Baba for my husband to get a job with proper coverage. He

finally with Baba's grace has another job and the new employer gave him a

starting date of exactly one year from when my husband lost his job! Baba you

are amazing and have convinced me that you are there to look after us. Please

Baba bless my husband to be able to hold on to this job. Please always keep me

and my family under your protection!

Naveen KIn 2003, I left my very good job in India and immigrated to Canada. I

have applied to many jobs (all kinds) but not even a single call from any

employer in 3 months. I was frustrated and came back to India. I have spent all

my savings on Canadian immigration. I was so worried that why this had happened

to me despite of praying to Sai and visiting Sai's temple in Toronto. I

returned back to India and immediately, by the grace of Sai, I was offered job

in my previous company. At my job, due to some internal changes in the

department, I was given the responsibility of the area which I was not

interested at all. I was regularly praying Sai to get me a chance to work in

the area of interest for my better prospects. Exactly after 6 months I was

given the responsibility of area of my interest. He has given me all the

confidence and courage to handle new responsibilities. In November 2005, I was

offered an overseas placement in my company with a good salary. I felt that Sai

had given me a better opportunity. He knows what is best. Finally, I moved to my

Moscow office in May, 2005 and planned to bring my family in July. After coming

to Moscow, I went to Indian Embassy School (Kendriya Vidyalaya) for getting

admission in 2nd standard for my twin sons. The school principal has refused to

give admission, as already the strength of the class is very high. I prayed Sai

for my kid's admission. Very next day, by the grace of Sai, one of my

colleagues had helped me in getting a recommendation letter from someone and

Principal had given the admission without any objections. Without Sai's grace

this would not have happened. I pray Sai this to shower His blessings on all of

us.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

"The moral of the story is that one has to reap what one sows, and there is no

escape unless one suffers and squares up one's old debts and dealings with

others, and that greed for money drags the greedy man to the lowest level and

ultimately brings destruction on him and others"-Story of Chennabasappa and

Veerabhadrappa in Sai Satcharitha.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. How are we to deal with pests like rats, cockroaches and ants?

A. by Sakshi Sareen

As Baba said, " treat every human being and animal from one eye, do not be

partial to any one of them, I am present even in a dog.". As we are taught to

address any other human being not according to his physical form but according

to deed he or she has done similarly we have to treat pests. Pests like rats,

cockroaches and ants are also created by almighty, though sometimes we do hate

them as they didn't look attractive or pleasing but they are here in this world

to execute some task assign by Lord. This is even a allusion from God that your

karma whether good or bad will be the base, the deeds they have done in their

past might have landed them in this chassis. I request all of you to be nice to

them and learn from the moral supreme, pointing out.

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 on

Pournima, Saturday September 17th.

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.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, TexasSri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212,

Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities please call the temple office

at 469-467-3388 or visit the website www.shirdisaidallas.org.

Shirdi Sai 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 are requested to use appropriate headings based on their subject of

writings for sending contributions to Sai Vichaar. Experiences of Devotees

pertains to specific experiences with Saibaba of Shirdi devotees might have,

while "Devotees Say" is appropriate for making their comments, responses and

other topics related to Saibaba. The section "Contributed Article " is meant

for devotees to submit their articles on philosophy and teachings and messages

of Saibaba of Shirdi. In the true spirit of Sai devotion, contributors are

requested to remember the global nature of Sai Vichaar readership. Therefore,

the content, language, style and presentation, appropriate to a worldwide

readership will be more rewarding and fulfilling. It should also be noted that

when a section from any material other than their own is quoted or referred to,

it is the authors' responsibility to acknowledge the source appropriately. 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, Sai devotee Deepak Bellur suggests the

following question of the week, Q. Sai Satcharita clearly spells out that one

should not drive away even an ant or a fly with disdain. How are we to deal

with pests like rats, cockroaches and ants?

Humbly Yours,The Editor

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>From and Editor:

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site

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