Fw: Sai Vichaar for Thursday , January 05, 2006

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Sai Vichaar

www.saibaba.org

Thursday , January 05, 2006 :: Volume 8, Issue 34

(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: Prayer

Prayer is an act of communication by humans with the sacred or holy—God, the

gods, the transcendent realm, or supernatural powers. Prayer has been described

in its sublimity as “an intimate friendship, a frequent conversation held alone

with the Beloved”. The most important part of any prayer, whether it be a

prayer of petition, of thanksgiving, of praise of Lord, or of confession, is

the introspection it provides, the moment that we spend looking inside

ourselves, seeing our role in the universe and our relationship to God and

emphasizes the One to whom prayer is directed. For an observant Sai devotee,

prayer is not simply something that happens in temple once a week (or even four

times a day). Prayer is an integral part of everyday life. Observant devotees

are constantly reminded of Sai’s presence and of our relationship with God,

because we are continually praying to Him. Our first thought in the morning,

even before we get out of bed, is a prayer thanking Sai for returning our souls

to us. Prayers are to be recited before enjoying any material pleasure, such as

eating or wearing new clothes; before performing any acts; upon seeing anything

unusual; at the site of a great tragedy; whenever some good or bad thing

happens; and prayers to recite before going to bed at night. All of these

prayers are in addition to formal prayer services, which are performed every

weekday and at additional times on festivals and holy days. Many people today

do not see the need for regular, formal prayer. "I pray when I feel inspired

to, when it is meaningful to me," they say. This attitude overlooks two

important things: the purpose of prayer, and the need for practice. One purpose

of prayer is to increase awareness of God in one’s life and the role that God

plays in one’s life. If one will only pray when one feels inspired (that is,

when one is already aware of God), then one will not increase their awareness

of God.

In addition, if one wants to do something well, one has to practice it

continually, even when one doesn't feel like doing it. This is as true of

prayer as it is of playing a sport, playing a musical instrument, or writing.

The sense of humility and awe of God that is essential to proper prayer does

not come easily to modern man, and will not simply come to one when one feels

the need to pray. If one waits until inspiration strikes, one will not have the

skills needed to pray effectively. Before one starts praying regularly, one

finds that when one wants to pray, one doesn't know how. One doesn't know what

to say, or how to say it, or how to establish the proper frame of mind. If one

prays regularly, one will learn how to express them in prayer. When one says

the same prayers day after day, one might expect that the prayers would become

routine and would begin to lose meaning. While this may be true for some

people, this is not the intention of prayer. The most important part of prayer

is the introspection it provides. Accordingly, the proper frame of mind is

vital to prayer. The mindset for prayer is referred to as "bhavah", which is

generally translated as "approach", "intent" or "devotion". The minimum level

of bhavah is an awareness that one is speaking to God and an intention to

fulfill the obligation to pray with devotion. If one does not have this minimal

level of bhavah, then one is not praying; they are merely reading. In addition,

it is preferred that one have a mind free from other thoughts, that one know

and understand what one is praying about and that one think about the meaning

of the prayer. Satcharita details the prerequisites of prayer as explained by

Baba generally referred to as nine forms of devotion.

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Saibaba - The Destroyer of Karma

" Om Karma Dhwamsinenamah As you sow, so you reap" is the dictum of Karmic

Law. No one is an exception neither to nor above this irreversible Law. We are

the creators of our own destiny be it good or bad. Our past actions determine

our present state and the present actions the future. So if some one is

enjoying the riches and the other is suffering in life it is because of the

effect of Sanchita Karma (Accumulated Karma) accrued by one over the past

births. Even the Creator himself cannot alter fate or destiny of a person

except by a Sadguru. As fire is extinguished by water and as dry grass turns

into a heap of ashes by a spark of fire, so also our Karma is nullified by a

mere merciful and compassionate look of a Sadguru. It only requires steadfast

belief, increased fervor and unfailing faith towards our Sadguru to be bestowed

with his grace. In Baba's Ashtothara Sata Namavali, Baba has aptly been praised

as "Karma Dhwamsi" the destroyer of Karma. It is lucidly depicted by Sri

Hemadpant in the XIII chapter of Satcharitra that when Bhimaji Patil suffering

from severe chronic chest disease, was advised by Nana Saheb Chandorkar to seek

recourse to Baba's feet as all the available remedies failed to cure him. When

Bhimaji entered the Masjid, Baba on seeing him remarked that the disease was

due to the previous evil Karma and was reluctant to interfere with it. On

praying for mercy, Baba took pity on him and his blood vomiting at once stopped

in the presence of Baba. Later Baba appeared two times in Bhimaji's dreams and

completely cured him.

In another instance of Chapter XXXIV one Dr. Pilley an ardent devotee of Baba

was once suffering from guinea worms. The pain was so unbearable that he

preferred death to it. He realized that he suffered because of his past Karma

and sent a word to Baba through Kaka Saheb Dixit to distribute his karma for

the next ten births so that his suffering would be diluted. Baba being moved by

his request directed Dixit to bring Dr. Pilley on somebody's back. When Dr.

Pilley arrived at Dwarakamai Baba told him that the true remedy for his ailment

was to endure his pain to get over his Karma. Baba pacified him that 'Allah"

would take care of him if surrenders totally at his feet. Just then, one Abdul

who used to clean the Masjid accidentally stepped over the swollen leg of Dr.

Pilley and by its impact all the guinea worms were squeezed out. In ten days

time by applying Udi on the effected part his leg was restored to normalcy as

foretold by Baba. These two illustrations beyond doubt establish the fact that

only a Sadguru can relieve us from the adversities of our past evil Karma. It

is our good fortune that we came into the fold of Sainath Maharaj and let us

all take refuge at his lotus feet and pray him with reverence to cast his

Divine Grace on all of us.

(Contributed by T. Radhakrishna)

DEVOTEES SAY:

SanjeevaI remember that day very much. When I saw Baba first time. Daily I was

going to office; on the way I was seeing one temple. I thought of going many

times but I could not. Once on Thursday, I automatically went there, when I was

climbing the steps, I was crying, and when I saw Baba first time automatically,

water was coming from my eyes. Really I wont forget that day. From that day I

started going to temple when I ever I feel to go, almost every Thursday.

PRAYER CLUB:

DeviMy husband has been diagnosed with cancer last week. And you know how he

prays you. And I was saved by you why should not he Baba. Please do some

miracle Baba. Whatever they said should be false. He is going through a lot of

pain. Please bless us Baba.

NeeruPlease listen to my prayer and bless me with a healthy boy. Sai devotees please pray for me.

DevikaI have being for a very long time for a good job. Baba today also I was

rejected by one of the best companies for a small reason. Yesterday I dreamt

about You. You were Blessing me and I was asking for a good job. Baba I thought

this time I will get a good one. But I was rejected. Everything is going wrong.

What should I do?

KalyaniI have given interview for a government job. Please bless me with that

government job Baba. Now, I beg you, I plead you, I request you, I pray you to

bless me with that government job.

Sai devoteeSathguru Sai, please help my children to study well and guide them to

behave decently. Om Sai I am trying for some help for my father for medical

expenses, please help me to get the work done. Sathguru Sai please help my

husband to become your devotee so that all the problems will be solved. Please

help my son to get admission abroad for higher studies and guide him to get

admission.

MythraeyiSai Ram, please help us have a baby soon. We have been waiting for a

long time. Please shower Your grace and blessings on us.

VaraprasadBaba please shower your kind blessings on us on the eve of new year.

Give me confidence and wisdom to lead successful career. Provide me a shelter.

Show me a way of leading my life after retirement. I must get back my lost

vigour.

A devoteeSainatha, please do something good for my sister. She is having lot of

problems in her life now. She is too timid and innocent to face all of those.

You know very well that she is not expecting too much in her life. Please just

give her a normal routine life to her which I requested You. Please do

something good for her.

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

MeenakshiOm Sai Ram, I would like to share one of my experiences with you all. I

was travelling in an auto and I left my purse in the auto itself. My debit card

and some amount were there in the purse. I also had a photo of Saibaba pada

(which is a very rare photo). When I reached my home, I realized that my purse

was missing. I immediately started crying. I was very much worried about the

photo as that was very precious to me. All my friends were with me. They

assured me that I would get another photo of the same kind. But I wanted the

same photo. Then I was taken to the bank by my friends to block the debit card.

While traveling to the bank, I was continuously praying asking Baba to help me

and get back my purse. Then we went to the bank and blocked the card. I also

thought of applying for a new card but the staff there asked me to wait for two

days saying that I might get my card back. Then I came back from the bank just

to know that the purse was returned safely by a stranger. It seems that a

person who boarded the auto had seen the purse and asked the driver about it.

The driver had said that it was his purse. But the passenger not believing him,

as it was ladies purse asked him to drop him at the place where I got down. Then

the purse was got by my friend. On knowing this, I was in tears thinking about

the leela of Baba who has come to the rescue of an ignorant person like me. I

do not have words to explain the greatness of Baba. Baba is the savior of all.

JigneshLeela's of Shree Satchitananda Sadguru Sainath Maharaja cannot be

expressed by any means in this world. I was a dull boy in the school. I always

used to be the last in the class. In 2001, I visited Shirdi first time. I saw

Baba's pratima in the Samadhi Mandir. I was so pleased from head to toe that I

cannot express. I prayed to Baba and I took a vow that if I stood first in the

class I will come here and trim my hair of the head and present it at Baba's

feet. Now here is the unbelievable result. That year I stood first in the class

and after that next year, I stood not only first in the class but I was first in

the whole University. I won a Gold Medal. This does not end here. Later I came

to know that I was first in the whole state of Gujarat and for that government

of Gujarat and other institutions has given me other credentials for excellent

performance. By the blessings of Baba, I went for higher study and I finished

my M.Tech from IIT Bombay. Now how can we believe that a dull boy of the class

became a state topper and studied in the premier institute of the World? I pray

to the Lord Sai only that do not remove us from Your feet. This is the place in

the whole universe where we can stay calm and peacefully.

NirmaljeetAround five months back I resigned from my company and accepted

another job. I asked Baba before finally taking the offer and He did not want

me to take up the offer. But I still went ahead and took the offer. After five

months, I realized what a mistake I did and now I am back to my old company. I

am never going to commit this mistake of going against Baba's will. Things have

been good again for me and now I have made up my mind that whatever is going to

happen in my life is going to happen with Baba's blessings. I urge you all to

keep the faith in Baba and I assure you that you will never need to repent for

the same.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

"I stay by the side of whoever repeats my name".-Sai Baba

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Bhagavatula Moorthy

Sai Ram! I have gone through the latest issue of Sai Vichaar. A very good

magazine spreading Sai philosophy across the Globe through Internet. With

regard to the question of the week, Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology

and Palmistry? I have gone through the views of devotees and few are expressing

that Baba is against Astrology, I wondered when I had gone through the Chapter

26 of Sai Satcharita - The Story of Gopalnarayan Ambadekar- "He then got Sai

Baba's blessings and his prospects began to improve. He studied astrology and

gained proficiency in it and there by improved his lot. He was able to earn

sufficient money and passed his later life in ease and comfort". In another

example, (please refer Chapter 22 of Sai Satcharita) one astrologer predicted

the death of Mr. Booty with snake bite, Baba told Mr. Booty not to worry and

the snake was killed before biting Mr. Booty. With this, we can say the

predictions of Astrologer can come true. But Baba saved his devotee from death.

In my opinion, Baba is not against astrology but at the same time, He is above

Astrology.

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Sadashiv Kavthankar

Some students while appearing for their examinations or even afterwards, would

ask Astrologer, whether they would pass or not. Sai Baba discouraged such

habits. He would advise the students to concentrate on their studies and for

the rest, put their trust in God. Baba would bless them and apply Udi on their

forehead. Such students would always come out with flying colors. (Matter

extracted from the Book 'Children's Sai Baba', Author: - Prof. D.D.Parchure.-

first edition -1974.) A Publication of Saibaba Sansthan of Shirdi.

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Anandagiri

My dear friends: I have been so pleased to have found this website. I enjoy it

very much. I first learned of the life and teachings of Shirdi Baba more than

forty years ago, in my Guru´s ashram. I am a little disconnected from many

things because, although I am an American, I have been living in Argentina for

thirty years now, in South America. A long way from Bharat! Please keep up the

wonderful work you are all doing. I think it is very important! However,

another reason I am writing is to express my humble opinion with regard to this

week´s question, about astrology. I think all three of the answers were nicely

put and very sincere. But I think the responses reflect an unfortunate problem

as well. I realize that, in India, there is a different slant on astrology than

in the West. In some ways this is very good; in some ways it is unfortunate. Too

often in both East and West astrology is taken as a sort of magical solution or

answer to the problems of life. It should almost never be thus. In this way,

people put responsibility on someone else or somewhere else: karma and the

stars. This is not to say, of course, that karma is not real and will usually

"have its way", nor that the "stars" may have something to say to the

perceptive person. That is not the question at all. It is merely to create a

balanced and prudent attitude with respect to these subjects. One would not go

to another town, seeking the home of a friend there, without knowing something

about that town: where the streets are and the particular address of the

friend? Oh yes, the miracle could certain occur of wandering about aimlessly in

that town and, finally, finding oneself at the doorstep of the sought friend.

But it is just common sense to look at a map of the city, look at the street

signs, and look at the numbers on the houses....and quickly, thereby, find the

house you are seeking! This is the properly understood purpose of astrology, in

a nutshell.

And if one of the direct roads on the way to that house is congested with

traffic or some other problem, would it not be nice to have heard about it

beforehand on the radio or television so that you could simply take another

road to the house and not be trapped for hours by that traffic problem? This is

the role of astrology, and nothing more. The individual´s responsibility should

always be involved. This helps very much afterwards with our sadhana also! And

it also helps us to deeper our devotion and surrender to God and the Guru, and

to neutralize the waves in the mind and consciousness, as Patanjali has so

wisely taught. Again, thank you all for your regular inspiration. Namaskar!

SAI ACTIVITIES:

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

daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m (Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad

Arathi at 8 a.m followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi

at 6 p.m and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama and sponsored

poojas continue in between the Arathis. To request a pooja for yourselves, your

friends and family, please call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from

the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple is located

25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection of IL Route 47 and Plank

Road in Hampshire, IL. For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send

email to maildrop (AT) saibaba (DOT) org.

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.

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, 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.

Sai Sasang, New Jersey, USAShirdi Sai Dham, Inc regularly conducts Sai bhajans

followed by Aarti and Parsad on every 1st Saturday of each month at Durga

Mandir, Kendall Park, New Jersey from 3 pm to 5 pm (Winter Hours). All are

requested to kindly come and receive Baba's blessings. For more information,

please call us at 609-275-1334 or visit www.shirdisaidham.org or email us at

shirdisaidham (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Toronto, CanadaShirdi Saibaba Sansthan invites all to join

for satsangs every Thursday 7:00 pm at Sai Dwarkamai, 147 Winston Castle Dr.

Markham, Ontario, L6C 2N4, phone 416-402-8089 or email: saileela99 .

To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family for any occasion at

your residence, please call. Devotees can request udi or Holy water (Abhishek

Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone.

Sri Shirdi Sai Mandir, Scarborough, CanadaThe Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721

Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is

open Monday to Friday from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m and Saturday to Sunday from

10:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. Dhoop aarti at 7:30 p.m everyday and Bhajans on Saturday

from 5:00 p.m onwards. For other temple activities and information please call

647-444-4724 or send an email to info (AT) theshirdisaimandir (DOT) com.

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.

Sai Satsang, SingaporeTo all Shirdi Sai Baba devotees in Singapore, Sai

Sansthan, Singapore is organizing Shirdi Sai Baba prayer session every Saturday

between 18:30 hrs to 20:30 hrs at 2nd floor function hall, Sri Vadapathira

Kaliamman temple, (opp. to Sinda), 555, Serangoon Road, Singapore-218174. We

invite you all to participate and seek Baba's blessings. For further details,

please visit www.saisansthan.com.

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:

Sai Vichaar thanks you for your support for the Question of the Week feature.

This feature is intended to initiate useful discussion on topics related to Sai

philosophy, His message, and Sai devotion. Please send your suggested topics for

the same. Sai devotee Kumari wrote, "Jai Sai Ram, I am a devotee of Sai since

two and half years. I am very depressed now because I posted my articles two

times in prayer club. But I did not see my article in prayer club. When I am

not seeing my articles in Sai Vichaar Newsletter I am feeling very sad. Could

you please reply me about this?" Sai Vichaar receives several emails everyday

and they will be posted in the order they are received. Devotees and readers

are requested to note that it is not feasible to have all of their

contributions promptly published due to reasons including size of the writings,

space, and priorities of the topics. It would be helpful if devotees make their

Prayer requests short, specific, and to the point. This saves time, space and

opportunities to publish more requests. Please be assured that all our prayers

and requests are heard by our God Saibaba and fulfilled without fail by His

grace. Sai devotee Meenakshi Kumar suggests the following "Question of the

week" Q. What is the significance of the story of The Quest in Sai Satcharitha?

 

Humbly Yours,The Editor

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>From and Editor:

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