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Sai Vichaar

 

www.saibaba.org

 

 

Thursday , March 22, 2007 :: Volume 9, Issue 46

 

 

 

(In its nineth 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: Emphasis on Bhakthi

Sai Baba of Shirdi is considered as the humblest of the humble and the most merciful Guru. Sadguru Sainath placed an enormous amount of importance to Bhakthi or devotion as a means for attaining salvation. Devotion is an emotion that is basic to every human and an attitude that could be cultivated by everyone regardless of one's religious preference. Let us observe what Smt. Mani Sahukar says in her beautiful work, "Sai Baba, the Saint of Shirdi", on Sai Baba and devotion:

"As a matter of fact, with the advent of the Saint of Shirdi, the great and traditional movement of Bhakthi (Devotion), as a virile Sadhana for attaining salvation, received a tremendous impetus. Sai Baba brought about a powerful renaissance of the cult of devotion. For this contribution alone has the Master earned Himself an immortal name in the annals of spirituality." Conscious of the beauty and power that reside in devotion that is tendered to the divine, Shri Sai Baba exhorted men and women to adopt Bhakthi as the most rewarding Saadhana. It must not be imagined however, that Sai Baba in any way decried the value and importance of other paths. After all, the goal is the same, declared Baba. Shri Sainath did feel that intellectual concepts have an uncomfortable and an infinite capacity of varying and multiplying with individuals. There are as many systems of philosophy as there are philosophers, and , as such, these concepts, more often than not, become causes of tension among seekers. However, Bhakthi is different. Bhakthi or love (love towards God is the principle emotion involved in Bhakthi), is the most natural and vital feeling of the human heart. Like a true and sensitive psychologist, Sai Baba recognized that the need to adore is inherent to human heart and as such, he felt that the saadhana of devotion could well become the basis of an inter-religious dialogue.

Shri Sai Baba, therefore, descended as the Avatar of Love. It could be said that after Jesus Christ, there has not been a greater apostle of love than Shri Sai Baba, the Saint of Shirdi.

 

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: My Saibaba

Silent footsteps along the wide road mark Your impressions on the way in the sound of silence, You arrived one day but, soon left Your mortal self- leaving us all to fend our selves.

Like birds tied to invisible threads You draw us to the warmth of Your nest; restless souls on receipt of Your grace embrace peace all the way. torrents of tormented thoughts that plague us vanish and a sense of tranquility pervades thence!

Silently spoken- A simple plea, Let me ever remain true to Thee; If, in a bout of anger I wander If in despair I from Thee, deviate If in my selfish loss I bewail If in my worldly desires I loose all hope If at all my heart turns sad Let me never ever forget that unasked - how many times Your helping hand has saved me from drowning.

Generation upon generations from the beginning You Have bestowed showers of grace divine; Silently without a word, you always give with an invisible hand; when I am miles away, Oceans apart, Your grace has seen no bounds when Sharddha and Saburi becomes inbound.

I do know for certain, My Lord that Your help has always been to me forthcoming, For reasons known only to Your Kind Self; My fervent plea to Thee that ever shall I remain Your servant till death takes me apart.

(Contributed by Srikanth N)

 

 

 

 

DEVOTEES SAY:

RohanI was working in a small company in their HR dept and was feeling worried over my future, as I was gaining experience here, which was not recognized by outside companies. I had a dream to work for the best IT company in India with a very good pay. I had never ever dreamt in my life that this could happen so soon. Not just this, I had an increment of two times in my salary and am also up for promotion. All this had happened only due to the grace of sadguru Sai. Not just this, I also thought that me and my brother should work in the same company for sometime and no wonder, my brother left his previous company and joined my company. I never had an end to my wish list, which God kept fulfilling.

AnimitaFor the last one month I was suffering from severe chest pain, I kept on calling Sai's name all the time that it should not be any major heart problem. I was worried, I have two children and since I live outside India no family help is there. I went to the doctor and he told me to do an ECG. Baba, by Your grace and blessings the ECG was okay and doctor said that there was nothing to worry and it is a minor gastric problem. Thankyou Baba, please keep on blessing me and my family all the time.

ShekharSince one month we started to search for a good house to buy and missed a good opportunity at the last minute. My wife and I felt a little disheartened but I strongly said not to worry as Baba will surely have something better for us. Last week, with Baba's grace I finished the one week parayanam and before starting I requested Baba to show us a good house for a good price. And then it came one of the greatest moments in our lives, on the last day of the Parayanam (Thursday), we received an offer acceptance from the seller! We finalized the deal on a very good house and in the price range that we were searching for. This is not the first time I tasted the fruits of reading the Sai Satcharita but number of times. I know all of us have varied life styles and commitments but my sincere advice to all of you is read Sai Satcharita on a regular basis and when ever you can.

Sai devoteeIt has been said many times that one should not pray for specific material things and then post them in the newsletter. But the fact remains that when someone is at a particular distress or inconvenience, it is but natural to call God/Guru to help and when the call is answered there is the thanks giving feeling, sometimes, it is prayed by those that they would post it and accordingly they would like to do so. It only goes to prove that God/Guru/Sai is there with the concerned person answering the prayer and making what was requested to happen.

It happened to me as well when I was renovating our house with an extension during which I had to stay at another accommodation on a temporary basis, supposed to be for 3 months or so but the construction work took too much time in that I was away from my place from January till September. Even so, at the temporary accommodation, the landlord wanted me to give a date for my moving so that he could bring in new tenants without losing even a day gap so that he will not lose rent. The carpet was to be put in before we could move in but the carpet person who committed could not be contacted in spite of repeated efforts as it was only a mobile phone no. which was going all the time into voice mail and the calls were never returned. Without carpet moving would not be possible. Based on earlier promise I had given the moving date to the landlord who had again arranged for new tenants to come in. I was caught on both sides as the work was not getting done at the same time the landlord tells me that based on my promise he had given dates to others to move in.

continued.....Solution? Prayer to Sai to help me out in this as extension of stay at the temporary place was not possible as the new tenant would have given notice at wherever he was staying and would have committed to move out. Intense prayers to save the situation were surely answered by Sai and he showed a way to get hold of the carpet person at a different location and by going and meeting the person there and explaining the situation (he was extremely busy and hence could not take calls, wanted to give dates for commitments only afterwards!). He said he would help during the weekend and by working late, etc, and sure he did or rather Sai made him to do it, to put it rightly.

Here I am putting in for information of the readers also for deriving comfort that yes, He is there for us to answer our prayers, to come to our dire need when we are desparately in need of His intervention, to make us feel His presence and blessings. Om Sai Ram, reading such experiences, whatever the matter could be as each one has their own urgency at that particular point of time, only makes the faith and confidence to grow more and more.

KrishnaWith the grace of Baba I have got a new job after a lot of search. I will be joining my new company on 15th March 2007. All this was possible only by His holy grace. Baba, wish me good luck in my future.

SiddeshwarSai never forget His promises to His devotees. It is true, believe Him in pure conscious and see His actions. Then you tell us the same truth what I am saying now. It is my day to day experience and attachment to Sai. Say 'Sai Sai' and listen to your heart.

 

 

 

 

PRAYER CLUB:

PadmaBaba, this evening we lost our video camera and digital camera which were in a bag together. Please help us find our bag and items. The items were expensive and all of them were bought by us only about 3 months ago. Please Baba, make whoever took it return it to us. Please help us Baba and let Your blessings be with us. Om Sri Sainath Maharaj ki Jai.

JPDear Swami, please help us and our son. He is doing A levels, but finds it difficult to cope. We do not know whether it is a good idea to put him in a private institution and start all over again. Please guide us.

ChitrekI pray to You whole heartedly and bow at Your lotus feet. Please with Your grace and blessing clear all my financial problems and debts. And bless me to get an increment in my salary so that we don't have any financial problems at all. I promise to post my experience when my problems are solved with Your blessings.

Sai devoteeOm Sai Ram, Baba my friend is facing some problem. She is loosing hope and faith. Please Baba help her. She has gone through a lot already. I know You test Your devotees for their good only, but please bless her with what she wants. I don't want her to loose faith in You or in God, please Baba be with her always and bless her with what she deserves. Without You nothing is possible in our lives, we are completely dependant on You. Don't ever leave our side.

Sai DevoteeBaba my elder sister's son is staying with me and he is studying in 3rd standard, but Baba he is not interested in study and all school notebooks are incomplete. Baba what can we do, please help me. Please put Your grace on him. This is his final exam and now I am in tension. Baba this can only be done by You and not by anyone else so kindly help my sister's son.

AnupHey Sai Baba, give me courage to support my decsion of resigning from my present company to go back to India, my home country, where my family is waiting for me. You will give me all support and job so I do not repent on my decision. I really need all Your support which I have been enjoying whenever I requested. Bless me, Jai Sai Ram.

Sai devoteeBaba, please help my daughter get well soon. Please help her with the medications she is getting now for pain. This can happen with Your daya only. Baba I beg You please take care of her. Thanks Baba for helping me in passing my exams. Please help me with the papers etc so I will get my license soon. Baba do some miracle so paper work is done fast and without any problems. Thanks for everything.

 

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

Sai AnkitaI felt very lucky that my birthday, 8th March, happened to fall on a Thursday this year. So, by Sainath's grace, we planned a trip to Shirdi. Though we booked more than a month in advance, the waiting list number in Karnataka Express train did not go below 40 even a week before departure. Hence, we cancelled that ticket and got confirmed booking up to Daund Jn by Mumbai bound Udyan Express, just 5 days before departure (this train is normally full all the time). As a result, it took more than 24 hours to reach Shirdi from Bangalore. But the journey was pleasant, though slower. At Shirdi, we had the fortune of attending all the 4 Aratis of Sri Sainath on my birthday. And we also had the rare chance of watching the Chavadi procession at night. The next day, I was in the queue for the afternoon Arathi, and went to have a cup of tea in the stall inside the queue complex. Even before I could open my purse, a person appeared and asked me, "Are you going for Arati?" and handed Rs.2 to the tea vendor on my behalf. Just then, when I opened my purse, I found that I did not have a single coin!! When I turned back, I could not find that person anywhere around!! Maybe it was Baba Himself? I had started Parayana of Sri Sai Satcharita at home a week earlier and had to finish quite a bit before we left Shirdi. So I got so deeply engrossed in it, that I realized suddenly that it was already 4 pm. My husband and children were waiting anxiously with all the luggage packed. We hardly had half an hour before Karnataka Express was to depart from Kopergaon at 4.45 pm. Praying to Sainath all along the way, we just rushed into the station to find that the train had just arrived. This experience (the tension followed by the relief after boarding the train in the nick of time) really proved beyond doubt that Baba himself takes care of His devotees once He decides to take them to Shirdi.

AnantBaba, I had prayed to You last week to help me get an admission offer for MBA and started doing the Naam Saptah last Thursday (and so did my Mom). On Monday night, I received a link from my friend in chat, to a video that was posted on YouTube which I clicked. To my surprise, it was Hanuman Chalisa and I was pleasantly surprised. However, I got involved in other activities and could not play it. I went to sleep, leaving the computer on. On Tuesday morning, I got up and saw the screen and that page was still open so I chided myself for forgetting it and immediately played it at 6:30 am while getting ready and enjoyed it to my heart's content. I checked mail at 6 pm from office before leaving and didn't find anything. When I came back at 7:30 pm, I couldn't believe my eyes, I had an admission offer from IIM Bangalore right there in my mailbox! And without any interview!! After two months of waiting, it was a miracle and nothing else and I firmly have come to believe that it is His will that alone matters, after all has been said and done. I thank You, Baba, from all my heart, for this pure miracle. Baba, please now get me an admission offer from at least one of the US Universities that I have applied to. Those were my first applications, and that was my first goal, as You know, and I have absolutely not a shred of doubt that with Your hands on my head, I shall get the offer before the deadlines, which are all at the end of March. Jai Sai Baba!

 

 

 

 

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

 

"Not a leaf moves without God's will".-Shri Sai Baba

 

 

 

 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. Question given below......

A. by Ramaa Prasad

 

Q. How should one conduct themselves if they are in a relationship that is unhappy and abusive?

A. It is not easy to give a direct and simple answer to this question. Firstly one should not be afraid of facing a disturbed relationship, even if it is abusive. Humans are not alike in their outlook, temperament and attitude towards others. The secret lies in facing such situations bravely to seek appropriate solutions. It is, however, necessary for every one to recognize that our relationships are due to past connections spanning over several previous incarnations / births. Has not Paramaguru Sai Baba said that 'rinaanubandh' or connections of previous births are the factors involved in bringing people together? Once we appreciate this important basic fact, our attitude towards the relationship would turn realistic and objective.

Conduct of the person facing an abusive and unhappy relationship should depend upon a dispassionate understanding of the factors that turned the relationship to such an unfortunate direction. The important factors that make a relationship fruitful and happy are (1) mutual trust, (2) selfless love and (3) commitment and consideration for the happiness of the partner or the persons connected to you. Behind all these, the underlying factors are truthfulness and patience, in the absence of which the above-mentioned factors lose their relevance. In other words, adherence to the crux of Sai-tattwa, i.e., Shraddha and Saburi can achieve remarkable results even under the most adverse situations. If the relationship has turned abusive and unhappy, let us try to find the reasons for such an unfortunate turn of events. The first and foremost step that one should take in this context is the self- examination and self-criticism. If there is anything that is wanting from your side to meet the above factors, you should change yourself to meet the requirements.

The basic reason for deterioration of any relationship is the clash of egos leading to lack of mutual trust. Once the ego is subdued, you should be in a position to discern the problem to take up the remedial measures. Please appreciate that 'tit for tat' is not the answer for the amelioration of the abusive / unhappy relationship. One should understand and appreciate that the happiness grows by giving than by taking. I am convinced that ego is one's own first and bitter enemy. Turn to Paramaguru Sai Baba and take His abundant help in checking your own negative ego. If the other partner is solely responsible for the deterioration of the relationship, the best possible step would be to have a frank and friendly conversation with him / her, setting aside your own ego. Open up yourself and explain to your partner as to how sincere and truthful you are about this relationship. Also explain that the relationship should be mutually beneficial. Such an effort too warrants interplay of Shraddha and Saburi. In this context, you should never close the channel of communication with your partner. Keep on communicating with him / her, leaving no stone unturned for a meaningful dialogue. The dialogue should never reflect your own ego and selfishness.

Q. Does Baba get angry if we keep praying to Him to fulfill our desires?

A. by Sathyamohan

Om Sai! At the inspiration of Sri Sai, this is an attempt to answer the question. Sri Saibaba has quoted as saying, "My business is to give blessings". We, all the followers of Sri Sai take Him to be our mother and father. So as His children, it is our duty to ask Him. Our prayers are nothing but requests. We request Him for our health, education, job and wealth. Does a child have to feel bad to ask the parent? Also is there anything else that we can do? At the very basic concept, all there is in this world is to give and receive. We give our attention to Him and receive His grace. So, there is no need to fear or feel shy to ask. We fear / hesitate to ask other's parents, other relations, but we don't fear or hesitate to ask our own parents. And if we are Sri Sai devotees, as Sai said, Allah has assigned us to Him and our care is His. So as Sri Sai is our own, for each of us, our very personal mother, who will be with us not just this life, but life after life and between lives. So dear brothers and sisters, let us pray to Him to fulfill our desires, and if possible please add in your prayers, the request to keep us always at His feet.

Q. Does Baba get angry if we keep praying to Him to fulfill our desires?

A. by Mukesh

I have been a Sai Bhakta for not too long. I visited Shirdi in 1985 with a childhood friend of mine who was (still is) a firm Sai Bhakta at that time. Since then till 2002, I did not get close to Baba's blessings and teachings. In 2002, I came across another firm devotee of Sai. In fact, Baba sent him to me. My friend and I were classmates in our Engineering school days - 1976 - 1981. We met each other totally by accident after 20 years. It's a miracle story. Since then, he and I discuss many spiritual aspects based on Baba's teachings. I have been reading Sai Satcharita regularly. Here is my thought on Question of the week:

Baba never gets angry on His children. His anger is also a blessing in a different way. Baba is always looking to fulfill His devotee's desires, depending upon devotee's Shraddha and Saburi. Baba knows what is best for His devotees. Baba continually fulfills our desire. Ultimately the devotee feels satisfied and develops thinking that Baba knows best for us and He is there with us all the time. This will result into Shraddha and Saburi, and at the same time develops Vivek and Vairagya. With all these magic terms- Shraddha, Saburi, Vivek, Vairagya- a devotee moves toward ultimate goal of life- "Aatmadarshan and Mukt". Baba is leading us towards this ultimate goal of life by always fulfilling our desires even if we keep praying to Him to fulfill our desires.

 

 

 

 

SAI ACTIVITIES:

Sri Ramanavami celebrations in Chicago, USASri Ramanavami and Urs festival celebrations are the first major celebration of the year for Shirdi Sai devotees. The tradition started in 1910 and continues each year. Shirdi Sai temple, Chicago will be celebrating the event for three days starting from Saturday, March 24th to Monday, March 26th 2007. The program comprises of Aartis, Maha Abhishek, Homam, Palki procession, Satcharitra parayan, bhajans and much more. For complete details please visit http://www.saibaba.us/index.html or call 847-931-4058.

Sai Palki program on Mar 24, 2007 at Baba temple in Hampshire, ILOn March 24, 2007, Sai Palki will depart Naperville, IL in the morning to visit devotees houses to the accompaniment of music and dance by devotees. Please feel free to contact Hariprasad Valada at 630-424-1800 ext 314(W), 630-697-2095 (cell) or email hariv for more details.

Shri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MinnesotaSaibaba activities in Minneapolis were conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer center since the year 2002. Now, with the grace and blessings of Baba and the support of devotees, a new Saibaba Mandir has begun to function at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis from July 11th 2006. Please visit www.hamaresai.org for all details.

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 Center in Bay Area, CAShirdi Sai Center is located 897-B East Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-705-7904 or 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu. You can also visit our website is www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org.

Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CADevotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Los Angeles area. The temple is located at - 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938 or visit www.shirdisaila.org.

Saibaba Temple, Columbus, OhioDevotees in Columbus and surrounding Ohio locations area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Metro Columbus area. The temple is located in a leasing space at 7674 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call Panditjee at 614-799-8411 or visit www.saibaba.cc.

Shri Ramanavami Celebrations in Toronto, CanadaShri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada (Toronto) will be celebrating Shri Ramnavami festival on Saturday, March 31st at the Gur Mandir 207 Queen's Plate Drive, Etobicoke. Program Highlight from 8:00 am - Four Aartis, Maha Abhishek, Satcharita Parayan, Palki Procession, Sai Amritvani, Bhajans and much more. Upon arrival devotees can visit the Resource table at the Lower level. Sai Satcharita is available in all languages along with Baba moorthis, pictures and other books and articles and a free gift. For more information visit www.shirdisainath.org or call 416-294-4804.

Sri Ramnavami celebrations in Sydney, AustraliaShree Shirdi Sai Mandir invites you to with family and friends to join Shree Ram Navami celebrations on March 23rd, 26th and 27th at 420 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South, NSW 2136, Australia. For detailed programme or Sansthan's activities, please contact Sansthan Info-Line at 0500 524 724.

 

 

 

 

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:

In recent days many devotees are using submission forms for their writings incorrectly. Please help Sai Vichaar by sending your contribution under appropriate topics. For example use Devotee Experiences page for sending your experiences and use Prayer Club for prayer requests only.

The Question of the week for this week is suggested by a Sai devotee as follows:

Q. Is it right that we are always praying Baba to fulfill our desires? Does this make Him angry?

Humbly Yours,The Editor

 

 

 

 

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From and Editor:

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site

 

 

Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha

 

 

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Mail:

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© Copyright 1998-2006 saibaba.org, Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha - Sai Vichaar Weekly may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter. Sai Vichaar is devoted to the philosophy and teachings of Shri Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi, and will take every measure to avoid topics or themes contradicting the same. Sai Vichaar team or the Shirdi Sai Baba web site is not responsible for the opinions expressed by individual contributors.

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Redistributed: Sai Devotees Toronto, Canada