Sai Vichaar for Thursday , January 19, 2006

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Sai Vichaar

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Thursday , January 19, 2006 :: Volume 8, Issue 36

(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: Shri Sainath's life for posterity

The glory of Shirdi Sai is spreading across the globe at an amazing speed.

Shirdi Sai is today a phenomenon. It may well be that our great grandchildren

take Shirdi Sai to be a myth and fictious character in the ages to come. Much

of what is known to Sai devotees is primarily through Satcharita and a few

other books. The need of the hour is to scientifically research and document

the life of Shri Sai and His influence on the lifes of his followers as

happening today even after so many years of his Mahasamadhi. It is popularly

believed that Shri Sai Baba Sansthan and its official publication Sai Leela

were the first efforts towards publishing information of Shri Sainath. New

research by shraddheya Sri C.B.Satpathy has shown that in 1916 even before

Baba's leaving of mortal coil an organization was initiated by Mr Sathe (of

Sathe wada fame) called the Dakshina Bhiksha Sansthan to manage and organize

the events in Shirdi. A magazine by name "Sai Prabha" was first issued in April

1916 which was bilingual in English and Marathi. Details of research study and

more on what it means for Sai devotees can be found in an article in the

magazine "Heritage of Shirdi Sai" issued dated October 2004. Future generations

may well demand documentary evidence of Shri Sai's existence and his role in

today's society. It is imperative that such rare and important documents being

found be preserved for posterity. All Sai devotees should wish and pray that

such an effort be underway without any controversies, discussions and delay.

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Taking to the Forests

Is running away from the daily world the only solution for a person that is not

in a position to detach himself from the worldly affairs? Somdev did such a

thing. He reached Shirdi after his pilgrimage to Kedarnath and saw Baba's

grandeur, flags and chariot, and devotees flocking around Sainath. With

questions about Baba's detachment and feeling proud about his achievement in

being away from the family, Somdev approached Baba with a contempt that was not

uncommon with the doubting Thomases of those days in Shirdi. Baba struck at him

straightaway, without any compassion said, "get that rascal away!" Somdev was

puzzled, his pride running watery. Later, Baba, the one who knew past present

and future, reprimanded Somdev for running away from his family in search of

deliverance, and let out the words of wisdom; there is nothing more sinful than

renunciation as a means to escape from inability and weakness. In fact, such an

act amounts to selfishness!

Sri Ammula Sambasiva Rao in his "Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba" narrates an

incident involving Nana Chandorkar and Sadguru Sainath as follows: One's

closeness to Baba was the result of good deeds over many births, and such a

person was Nana Chandorkar. He learnt many things from Baba. He found this

samsara (worldly life) to be like a fearful ocean. The samsara appeared to him

like an obstacle to his spiritual progress. He learnt this truth by practical

experience. In the year 1918, one day when Baba was alone, Nana said to Him,

"Baba, I am finding the samsara very fearful. My mind is not interested in

worldly affairs. Somehow, give me salvation from this worldly affairs". On

hearing this Baba smiled and said, "There is some truth in what you said. But

the remaining is untruth and meaningless. You are under the impression that by

taking to forests, one can escape from trials and tribulations of the samsara.

But this is not correct. It is only an illusion, because wherever you go, your

body and mind are with you only. They will never leave you but will be giving

you some kind of happiness. Our past actions are the basis for our present

troubles and happiness. They should be faced courageously and with tact, and

you should lead a family life in the proper way. By getting away from samsara,

one cannot attain happiness. Everyone who proceeds in the spiritual way will

have to face all these problems and to think of renunciation (escape) as a

solution is not correct". This is the message of Baba.

(Contributed by Sai devotee)

DEVOTEES SAY:

A Sai devoteeI would like to request all the Sai Devotees not to put condition

to Sai, (saying you give me this and in return I will do this.) I think we have

some amount of good merits in our past births, that's the reason we are in the

safe hands of Sai, just pray to Sai, just say Sai every time you get time, He

will take care of the rest, then say your experience or thanks to Sai in this

newsletter or wherever you feel like. Talk to him as a friend, Guru and

whatever you feel like. That is where you will reach the next level. Thanks

very much Sai for your blessings.

KanthyI had nothing with me at one moment. Totally paralyzed to some extent,

personal life rocked and just was lying like a Dead Stone. When Baba lifted me,

gave me the strength. Whole new life with everything to live on. It was almost

like a rebirth with everything that even I could not have dreamt. Then he gave

a very respectful job, which is just his blessing; else, I don't think I would

be able to touch it. He has blessed me with the most understanding, loving and

caring husband. I just pray to Baba to give me more strength and courage that I

shall be able to do more good things in my life and be of some difference to

someone needful in this world so that he shall feel proud to have blessed me

with this rebirth.

AnjuSai Ram, You have helped me in passing the test. You gave me strength and

confidence. You were the only hope for me. I am very happy now. Thanks a lot

Baba.

SaveenThe mystical presence of Sai in my life is something that I cannot

describe in these few lines. I always felt it and continue to experience that;

why that a person like me can who is so uneven, insensitive, selfish, and

everything bad survive. It is only because of his blessings, even though, I am

only partially dedicated to him, only spiritually, but not that complete

surrender and I am only looking for that day when I can fully surrender to his

feet. I pray to Sai to give me enough strength to be your true bhakta in every

ways and help achieve that complete Nirvana in your (Baba's) lotus foot. Bless

me Sai Ram and I am so sorry that I am sharing it after a long period time,

though I promised it earlier.

Sai devoteeIt has happened so many times in our life when we find it is getting

tough in our life to over come problems. We start praying for you and request

you to bless us to get over the problem and you are always there to help us in

getting over the problem. The same has happened in locating a bridegroom for my

daughter also. Thank you Dear Sai for helping us in locating a nice bridegroom

who is down to earth and Thank you for the same as you have given me a chance

to thank you for your eternal help.

PRAYER CLUB:

SumanaBaba you know that I came out of depression and again started praying to

god and doing pooja every day. Please Baba I cannot face suffering any more

take care of my daughter and me. You know that now my daughter does not have

father and for both of us you are the only one who takes care of us. You should

give moral, physical, and financial security to us. I am writing my exams please

see that I successfully complete the whole program and find a good job. Take

care of my daughter.

KrishnaveniBaba you know what is going on in our family. Please see to that

everything goes successful and let my sister get married as soon as possible.

A Sai devoteeBaba Please help me out of this work problem. Help me to find a job

where I would have happiness, good salary and career. Please solve my marriage

problem, Find me the love of my life. Please shower with blessing. I have no

one without You.

RamkumarWe request you sincerely and earnestly to pray to our beloved Sai with

open heart that what we fear of must Not Be True and my heart should be

perfectly normal and let our dear Sai accept our humble prayer, forgive all our

sinful deeds in this as well as past lives and save us from this calamity as he

has done always.

BhanumatiAum Sri Sairam! Baba, Please bless me to get married as early as

possible to a very nice and honest person.

DevikaBaba please be with me and get me this job. It is a job opening, which

suits my qualification and experience. But Baba every time my talent will not

be enough for the firm. They will find some fault. Even my language becomes a

big prob. Baba this time please be with me and help me to get the job.

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

VenkatI would like to share my first experience with all the devotees. In 1992,

I was trying for opportunities in the Gulf countries through known people. One

day my father was asked me to visit his friend, who is staying other side of

city so that I will get some help from him. One fine day I thought I would

visit him today and handover my documents to him. I got into bus and got down

at Secunderabad to catch other bus. Suddenly I realized I need to take

photocopies for some of the documents and went to nearby shop and taken the

photocopies and taken bus to visit my father's friend. I have given all my

documents and returned home. After a month or so my mother was cleaning up my

Almairah (Wardrobe) and found out my passport was missing. She asked me

immediately and I do not have any clue about that. After thinking a lot, I

realized I might have forgotten my passport in the Photocopier shop. As I was

just started praying baba and visiting his temple. As I heard if we leave our

favorite food then we can see the results in no time. Immediately I went to

pooja room and prayed to Baba that I would stop eating Non-vegetarian food on

Thursday. Its almost a month and I'm trying different ways to get the duplicate

passport. One fine day, my father received a post card and surprisingly the post

card was from photocopier shop. He asked us to come and collect the passport. My

father immediately rushed to the shop and collected passport. When I returned

home, I came to know this and I was totally amazed and felt very happy. From

that day onwards I am praying Baba with more devotion. Sai, my humble sashtanga

namaskaras to You.

SharmilaMy humble salutations to my Lord Sai. Baba, my only prayer is to beg You

to bless the whole world. Let the world rest in peace, happiness and devotion

towards the divine. Let Your mercy rule over the world; let Your feet become

the sole essence of our meditation. Let human birth remain a boon on this earth

plane. I would like to convey my heart through my dream about Sai. There were

few people in a big hall and I was sitting alone to a side. There I saw one old

person walking around and speaking to a few. I thought to myself- Is that Shirdi

Baba? If so, He would definitely bless me with His presence near me. Lo, as

these thoughts crossed my little mind, Baba in no time approached me and I

placed my hands on His divine feet and prayed within twice- 'Lokaa samastaa

sukhino bhavantu.' Then Baba was about to leave but looked at me again with

eyes full of grace, being full of pure love. He looked at me as if He was

asking if I wanted anything. I looked into His eyes and said- 'Baba, andarnee

challagaa choodandi'- meaning to say- Look upon all with mercy. His eyes seemed

as if He was to grant me that boon as His feet made a move.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

"I am not bothered whether or not God has come in the form of Sai Baba - to me,

Sai Baba is God!"-Sri Sarath Babuji

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. What is the importance of khandoba temple in Satcharitha?

A. by Meenakshi Kumar

Sairam to all Sai devotees, Shree Sai first alighted in Shirdi at the Khandoba

temple. Khandoba is lord Shiva. Bhagat Mahalasapathi invited Sai saying ya Sai,

Sai means SA: Sakshata I: Ishwara, or Sakhata Ishwara/ Shiva. Mahalsapathi also

means husband of Mahalasa, which is husband of Parvathi, or in other words

Shree Lord Shiva himself! In other words, lord Shiva himself alighted at his

own temple and a devotee of Shiva himself invited him to enter the temple.

Beautiful coincidences as our beautiful Sainath!

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 Satsang, 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.

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

Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario, 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 is at 7:30 p.m. everyday.

Bhajans are 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.

Sai Baba Satsang in Auckland, New ZealandSai Baba Satsang ( Bhajans , Provochan

, Sai Ashotottram and Shej Arathi ) is held every Thursday from 7:00 pm to 9:00

pm at MT Roskill War Memorial Hall, May Road , Mt Roskill, Auckland, NZ. For

more detials visit our website http://www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz or mail to

info (AT) shirdisaibaba (DOT) org.nz.

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. When Hemadpant asked Sri Sai, "Baba do all the crowding around you are

benefited?" Sri Sai answered that only a few flowers ripe into fruits, not all

are benefited. My question is why is it so? Q. How are we to know that we have

won Sai's grace?

Humbly Yours,The Editor

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