Sai Vichaar for Thursday , February 16, 2006.......!!! Sai Ram

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Sai Vichaar for Thursday , February 16, 2006Sai Vichaarwww.saibaba.org

Thursday , February 16, 2006 :: Volume 8, Issue 40 (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 WEEKCONTRIBUTED ARTICLEDEVOTEES

SAYPRAYER CLUBEXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEESQUOTATION OF THE WEEKQUESTION OF THE

WEEKSAI ACTIVITIESFROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARDFEATURE OF THE WEEK: Outcry of the

IndiscriminateTumhaasee jaagawoo aamhi aapulya chaada - Baba aapulya chaada

Subhaasubh karme dosh haraavayaa peedaa. Aataan Swaamee sukhe nidraa karaa

Gopala - Baba Sai dayaalaa Purale manorath jato aapule sthalaa.

We shall wake you up for our own needs to destroy the torment that is ours due

to our fate, caused by our good as well as bad actions - Sant Tukaram Maharaj

How easy is the discrimination between real and unreal, good and bad, right and

wrong and the doable and the undoable? Words of the wise have always insisted

that one should show discrimination between what is good and what is bad for

us. Discrimination requires knowledge and by insisting on discrimination, a

definite even if minor significance is placed on the necessity of knowledge to

seek Sadguru. However, surrounded by the tigers and the wolves, is it an easy

task? How does one know whether a particular thing is right or wrong? On the

other hand, is it possible for anyone to know all the rights from the wrongs?

Can anyone assure that knowledge itself can help complete the process of

discrimination? The path shown by Sai says that strong faith coupled with

devotion is enough to win the grace of Sadguru who guides one not only in the

worldly pursuits but also in the spiritual path.God of the destitute, Saibaba

of Shirdi has shown that simple devotion shown to him with pure heart is enough

to win his grace. The devotee need not fall into the trap of trying to separate

rights from the wrongs for such a pursuit is not possible in one's lifetime.

Sant Tukaram Maharaj captures the same thoughts in his Abhang composition in

Sainath Maharaj's Shej Aarthi, where he asks the Lord to rescue him from the

consequences of actions that are not only good but also bad! This is one sign

of complete surrender at the feet of Sadguru with the strongest conviction that

whatever is retained is only the good and it is Sadguru who alone is capable of

retrieving us!CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Spiritual SadhanaA husband and wife lived in

a small village. They were earning enough money to have four meals a day. Every

day, a beggar used to come to their doorstep for food. The beggar was very

stubborn in nature. He would never go away until food was given. The wife and

husband felt very uncomfortable about the beggar's stubbornness. Therefore,

they devised a plan to send the beggar away. When the beggar came to their

doorstep for food, both the wife and husband started fighting with each other.

They started shouting loudly on each other. The beggar observed this and went

away. Once the beggar was out of sight, both of them congratulated each other

for their best show of false pretence. The husband told the wife that, "I

shouted at you as if it was real." The wife replied to the husband, "I cried so

much as if it was real." The beggar came back and told them, "I had also gone

away as if it was real, and now, I am back again."This story shows the power of

Maya in one's life. It can come back at any time like the beggar in the story.

In Sai Satcharitha, Sri Sai talks about the power of Maya. (Ch. 13). Sri Sai

says, "It is the Adi Maya of Sri Hari who distracted even Brahma and other

Gods. Without ceaseless Hari-bhajan, there is no release from this Maya. Follow

your goal, consistent with what has gone before, and what is to follow; always

act in compliance with what has been ordained. Forever be content and never

leave any place because of worry or anxiety." As long as one is living in the

world, one should not abandon studying or listening to the Scriptures and

contemplating the meanings-Sastra sravana (Sri Sai advised the devotees to read

jnaneswari, Gurucharitra), Devotion to the Guru-Guru bhajana (Guru Gholap

darshan to Mule ji), and Worship of one's own chosen Deity - Devatarchana

(worship of Lord Siva by Megha). At the same time, one should not turn the

sadhana into another ego booster. Sincere and Genuine spiritual sadhana makes

the person to become humble by showing the vastness and greatness of the

infinite. The spiritual practice should be done with a understanding that,"Thy

will be done." Shraddha (devotion and faith in Guru and his teachings) and

Saburi (forbearance to the different situations in life with a feeling of

surrender to the lotus feet of the Guru) are necessary to make the spiritual

practice fruitful.(Contributed by Sai Devotee)CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Expression

of LoveLove as thought is Truth

Love as action is Right Action

Love as feeling is Peace

Love as understanding is Non Violence

Love cannot be seen or expressed in words, but has to originate from the mind or

heart and should be experienced and understood by the action. A mother -child

relationship is reflected by her thoughts, actions, feelings and understanding

and this unique experience is Love. This devotional affection and bondage is

Love. The creator's love to all the creations is the same as the love of the

mother and child. Logically the love of the Sadguru to us is similar to that of

the mother's. In this sense, the love of the humans to each other should also be

the same. In the world, we could proudly say we know of at least one who

demonstrated the Truth and that is Mahatma Gandhi. He demonstrated true love by

calling 'Ram, Ram, Ram when he was shot at and with the request not harm the one

who shot at him showing equal love to all. The motivating energy (jeevatma) in

all living beings is a spec of the supreme energy (paramatma). Therefore, all

human beings are 'Brothers and Sisters' and when one realises this fact this

world is the heaven and the most peaceful place.(Contributed by

Kandappa)DEVOTEES SAY: DeepikaBaba my tons of thanks to you for helping me with

my first teaching session. With your grace and blessings, I held up well and did

all I could.GopikrishnaDear Sanjay, I also stay in Delhi. Of late, I have been

closely associated with an NGO, which is doing a great service to the Mentally

Challenged or Retarded children and persons, including Autism, cerebral palsy,

MR and MD. Though they are not from Delhi proper, they keep visiting Delhi

often. They are highly qualified. I can bring them to your residence whenever

they visit Delhi next time. Kindly do not hesitate to contact me, should you

think that I would be of any service to you. My contact number is 98999

29066.SivaThese days I have started believing that what ever we do is known to

Him. It has been a long time that I am looking for a project in fact very long

but I believe that there is a purpose behind. I am hoping to get a project

really soon. What Baba did for me last year. So I was looking for projects

similarly and situation are getting worse and one day I have promised Baba that

I am quitting smoking forever and guess what! in 24 hours I got a project

(vendor called that night and interviewed next morning) part of a huge

implementation and I did not expect that. Seemed that He was just waiting for

me to quit smoking.BalaThanks to Baba for answering our prayers. Our friend is

out of ICU and back to normal. Sai devotees, thanks for all your prayers. Right

next day after posting my prayer request our friend showed signs of improvement.

Thank you Baba.RichaEvery time I read about Sai devotees experiences and Baba's

miracle stories my eyes are filled with tears of love for Baba. I have been

going through a hard time in life lately and I get close to giving up

sometimes. But reading about stories of Baba and experiences shared by Sai

devotees on Sai Vichaar each week fill me with hope and bring me closer to

Baba. Thank you Sai Vichaar!PRAYER CLUB: AshwaniBaba, my mom has just been

diagnosed of suspected ovarian cancer - in some of the reports it shows

indications of cancer but in some it does not show as a cancer. Due to this

non-confirmation, the doctors have not started the treatment yet also - it has

been almost a month and we are just running and trying to know about the

disease. Baba, please help me in coming out of this situation - so that my

mothers treatment can start and she is cured.HaripriyaMy grandpa is very ill

and is in ICU! Please be by him and give him the strength to recover. Become

his guardian angel and be by his side at all times. I have heard experiences of

others whom You have taken out of problems. Today, I stand in front of You and

pray for grandpa.TanazOm Sai, I am jobless since last two years please help me

to get a job. I am getting depressed with financial problems. My son is in

tenth standard. Please guide him to study well and score good marks. Please

Sai, You know everything please help me. You know I lost my job due to somebody

else's mistake. Please guide me Baba.AnithaI am trying very hard with no results

yet oh Sai Ram, please give me strength to stand on my own feet and to help my

family.RashimaI am divorced and have two children with me who are studying. My

alimony payments have stopped and I have never worked in the USA. I cannot pay

my rent and think that I would soon be in a homeless shelter. Please Sai Ram,

help me get a job so that I can survive with dignity.SastryYou know I have

risked my career, confident of Your blessings. Please make things to happen

fast so that everything can go according to plan.SrinivasMy family is suffering

from some setbacks, please help to get resolve of my family problems.BalaBaba

please help two members of our community that have been diagnosed with cancer.

One of them has young kids also.JPDear Sai, kindly shower Your grace on my son

and help him to choose the course he has to take and the school to attend.

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES: MadhaviBaba made my wishes come true several times

after that. One of the experiences is - It was Gurupoornima. I wanted to do

pooja on that after coming back from work &; prayed Baba to make it happen.

Once I got to work, I completely forgot about resolve. When I was driving home,

I remembered what I wanted to do &; was hoping pooja can still take place. I

told my husband earlier about this Gurupoornima. He invited two of my neighbors

over (two aunties). One of them came from India and used to do Sai Bhajans I

guess and was feeling very sorry that she was not able to do the pooja. My

mother in law made prasad and kept that ready. When I came home, there were

flowers, prasadam and people. I felt overwhelmed with this happening since it

was so unbelievable that everyone remembered this day. Finally, we had a long

nice pooja, bhajans, Satcharitha reading and invited few more people for

dinner. During pooja, I wished the prasadam should be finished before pooja is

complete. Guess what, my little daughter came and finished all the prasadam,

which she usually does not eat. At the end of everything, I cried since Baba's

grace was all around us. Baba, I know we are asking for a world by asking you

to be with us. Thank You so much Baba for being with us every second of our

life and taking care of us. He is the Only one who can and will take care of

you.

DeepaRecently I had a great experience, which I wish to share with all. I took a

night bus from Ajmer (Rajasthan) to Delhi on Jan 25th, my husband told me to get

down at Dhaulan Kuan and that he would pick me up from there because if I

entered the city I would get stuck due to the Republic Day Parade. I heard

somebody in the bus saying that he had to get down at Radisson Hotel so I told

over phone my husband that I would meet him at Radisson (near Delhi Airport).

Due to construction work of a flyover near the airport, there is a lot of

confusion and diversions and I am not too much familiar with the area, the

conductor suddenly told me that my stop had come and I got down (in my mind

praying to Saibaba to help me reach home safely). To my dismay found that I was

all alone standing on a deserted highway at 5:40 am on a cold and dark winter

morning; not a soul in sight and no building or Radisson Hotel in sight. I was

totally lost and did not know which way to walk, just as I stood thinking and

ready to take the wrong way, a cab stopped on the other side and a man got

down. Immediately I approached him, told him about my dilemma, and sought

guidance from him. He was a worker coming from night duty and his house was

nearby, I requested him to walk down with me until Radisson, which he readily

did (it was a long walk and I was sweating at the end of it) and I even made

him wait until my husband came. We thanked him profusely for his timely help; I

was overwhelmed at the greatness of Saibaba; this incident has made my faith

stronger in Sai Baba and now I know that I need not have any fear in life, as

Baba will be there to guide me! He has proved his existence to me and through

me to many more!QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: "If we see all actions as God's doing,

we will be unattached and free from karmic bondage".-Sai BabaQUESTION OF THE

WEEK: Q. How are we to know that we have won Sai's grace?A. by LV SubbaraoThis

is a vital question it calls for a study of Sri Sai Satcharitha in a mood of

renunciation an refuge in the lotus feet of Shri Shirdi Sai under the guise of

unalloyed devotion. Every chapter in Satcharitha depicts the way to seek refuge

in the Lord's feet to attain Paramartha - Salvation. Lord Shri Sai Baba

categorically emphasized that He is all pervasive and omniscient and hence it

infers clearly that to get benefit, it is immaterial whether or not one is in

the crowd around Him. It is a known fact, clear from many scriptures besides

what is understood from Sai Satcharita itself, that one has to reap what one

sows and there is no escape unless one suffers and squares up one's committed

debts and dealings, vide, Chpter 47 in Satcharitha, the story of Veerabhadrappa

and Chennabasappa which was told by Shri Sai Himself. In fact, the past actions

are the basis for the present incidents and in other words, the troubles and

happiness we face in the life are our own deeds. Evidently, it is not necessary

that all in the crowd be benefited for the reason that they are dragged before

Him, which was on account of one's past Karmas to the extent to which their lot

was put-in. Further, regarding Shri Sai's grace, the Antaryamin is like ground

water, which can be tapped only with some effort where as the image form of God

is similar to potable water in a pond, which one can drink to one's content. In

Chpter 26 of Satcharitha, the blessed author stated a novel form of worship: 1)

Wash Sadguru's feet - in the form of Tears of Joy. 2) Besmear His body - with

Sandal paste of Pure Love. 3) Cover His body - with cloth of True Faith. 4)

Offer Lotuses - In the form of eight Satwik Emotions 5) Offer fruits - in the

form of Concentrated Mind. 6) Decorate Him - in the form of Devotion and tie

waistband of Bhakthi. 7) Namaskar Him- Place our Neck (head) at His Toes.When

once His grace spreads on us, we remain in His bliss supreme, whether in

waking, dream or sleep state and all happenings in the life tends towards the

merger of the same in the absolute form. To cast His Spell and Awoke, the being

to the realization of a higher rhythm and a deeper purpose of life lays hidden

infinite treasures of Spirit. May His infinite grace shine upon this humble

effort to pay homage to his resplondent life and teachings.Q. How are we to

know that we have won Sai's grace?A. by Manav SharmaThere are two methods of

worship. One is traditional method and other one is remembering Baba in every

event of the day and offer Him first, whatever we use. The main method in

second approach is to completely love Baba and follow his teachings in

day-to-day activities. In this way, devotee feels that Baba is with him and

Baba is taking care of him always. Devotee feels the contention and peace. At

this stage, we can say that a person has won the Baba's grace. If then the

devotee has patience, his hopes will be realized and in due course, he will

indeed be having feeling of being with Baba.Q. How are we to know that we have

won Sai's grace?A. by Maddipatla VR PrasadI have come across persons

complaining that Sai Baba was not kind to them, as they were subjected to

several insurmountable trials and tribulations in their lives. Does it mean

that He is partial in showering His grace on some of us alone? If I face

certain difficulties and crises, does it mean that He is not kind to me? No,

certainly not. Pandavas including Draupadi have suffered untold difficulties

and misery despite the fact that they were dearest to Lord Krishna. Let us not

measure His grace in terms of our material prosperity and tranquility. Why

can't we consider that He is putting us through a puzzle or a test to sharpen

our spirituality and thus take us to newer heights of spiritual growth? Thus,

don't we experience His grace? It is worth mentioning the case of Bhaktha

Mahalsapathy in this context. He suffered privation and hardship but never

wavered in his faith in Sai Baba. He is one of those who 'won' His grace. Great

Masters viz., Sai Baba and Narasimha Saraswathi have revealed that Guru "Kripa"

or Guru's grace is like life giving rain that is showered impartially on every

one. However, the rain that falls on a fertile soil is well conserved and

sustains fruitful crop. On the other hand, the rain that falls on a rocky

terrain is wasted as run-off. Thus, every one reaps His love and grace

depending upon ones own spiritual back ground. In other words, one has to mold

oneself in a manner to deserve and conserve His grace. That is to say, that one

has to evolve by "saadhana" checking one's "vaasanas" and negative tendencies

including the "arishadvargas" to enjoy His grace. Has He not said that His

"Khazana" is full and every one can take however much he or she wants? The ego

factor being the most responsible for proliferation of the negative tendencies,

the same has to be checked to experience His grace.Baba is always at our beck

and call to support and strengthen our efforts in this context. Once the ego is

checked we become desireless and thereby we experience His grace. Attaining

"manava janma" or to be born as human being is the greatest blessing of God.

Our sense of gratitude to Him for granting us "manava janma" makes us

experience His grace. The awareness that He is always with us at every step of

our journey towards reforming ourselves and becoming helpful to others around

us, shows how fortunate we are to enjoy His grace. 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) comShirdi

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. The "Question

of the week" for the week is,

Q. Baba said, "I give my people what they want until they will begin to ask me

what I want to give them ". Comment?

Humbly Yours,The EditorABOUT THIS EMAIL:This newsletter is not sent unsolicited.

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