Guest guest Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 As far as Parayana of Shri Guru Charitra by Sai Master Ekkirala Bharadwaja Maharaj is concerned, the rules prescribed therein for Parayana for any specific purpose, I feel. If you do parayana on regular basis with no specific purpose, no rules need to be observed, I believe. C.Saibaba csaibaba On 1/28/09, Sai Dhyana Mandir <srisaidham wrote: > Sai Ram Rohit Ji, > > Thank you very much for this very instructive piece of information. > > I used to do Saptah Parayan of Guru Charitra. The Book I use for Parayan > (Written in Telugu language by His devotee Sai Master E Bharadwaj. In the > procedure of parayan mentioned in that book is that we should not eat > anything until the parayan of the day is finished (No meal in the evenings > and to sleep on floor). Prayan of whole book can be done in one day also > instead of seven days; and we can use juices, milk or coffee during the day > (No hard food) > > In the Book Sai Satcharitra by the same author I read about the Sai view on > fast. > This seems to be contradicting. > > Kushabhav finished parayan of Guru Charitra at the instance of Baba for 108 > times. > Whether he followed the rules as written by Sai Master Bharadwaj or no > fasting as Sai insistes no fasting? > > Please help me understand. > > On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 2:30 PM, rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33wrote: > >> >> >> TO FAST OR NOT ? >> >> (Shri Sai Leela July August 1991) >> >> P. M. Sarangan >> >> Hyderabad, A.P. >> >> >> >> Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He was >> against fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devotees >> practice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on >> austerity towards Sai Maharaj. >> >> Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a >> total of 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts >> lasted >> from 3 to 21 days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and >> end >> with mere deprivation of physical food. " >> >> But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims >> fast for a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on >> every >> Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the >> rest of the day's supply remains at its normal level. >> >> Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What >> is >> the purpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? >> How >> long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ? >> >> >> >> *PURPOSE OF THE FAST* >> >> In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a >> purpose in mind. But these purposes vary widely. >> >> * As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba >> for >> Upadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death >> or >> Upadesh from Baba. >> >> (Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism) >> >> * As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir >> advices a Goan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he >> will not eat it, till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. >> >> * As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi >> and >> desires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks >> her to prepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was >> needed these. >> >> * As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives >> it up as per Baba's advice. >> >> * As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on >> 'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast >> for a day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee) >> Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to >> accomplish with the fast. >> >> >> >> *CHECK YOUR MOTIVE* >> >> Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : " Do >> you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you >> offer >> Me anything before you eat? " >> >> >> >> *LENGTH OF THE FAST* >> >> Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as >> to how long you intend to fast. >> >> * H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights. >> >> * Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi. >> >> * Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only. >> >> * N. Radhika fasted for three days. >> >> * Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. >> >> >> >> *THE FAST ITSELF* >> >> To make your fast as meaningful as possible; here are a few pointers: >> >> * Keep your fast a secret. I should not call attention to itself. It >> should >> not disrupt the household or go against medical advice. >> >> * Make creative use of the time given to you by the skipped meal. Read >> 'Shri Sai Satcharita'. While skipping a meal once a week will make you >> healthily >> hungry, it is also an excellent aid to spiritual development >> >> * Keep records : It is useful to write down all the benefits and >> difficulties you face with your fast. >> >> * As a secondary thought, consider saving the money you do not spend on >> your meal and giving it to the needy. It is a good idea to contribute >> towards 'Poor Feeding' done by Shirdi Sansthan. >> >> * * >> >> *EVALUATION* >> >> ** >> >> Take time to evaluate your fast. How successful were you in maintaining >> your discipline ? What benefits have you noticed ? >> >> * An increased sense of concentration for prayer. >> >> * The ability to distinguish between desire and basic needs. >> >> * More power for intercessory prayers. >> >> * Thankfulness, doing without highlights the good we have. In conclusion, >> by deliberately withholding from ourselves the usual source of >> nourishment >> and strength, we are thrown upon the 'pure spiritual milk' of our >> Kamadhenu >> Lord Sainath; we are drawn into a new dependence upon Him. >> >> >> >> >> >> *Love - Rohit Behal* >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> Get perfect Email ID for your Resume. Get before others >> grab.<http://in.rd./tagline_dbid_13/*http://in.promos./address\ > >> > > > > > -- > Sai Nathaa Arpanastu > Akhilanda Koti Brahmanda Nayaka > Raja Dhi Raja Yogi Raja Para Brahma > Shri Sachidananda Sadguru > Sai Nath Maharaj Ki Jai!!! > Please visit http://immoffice.tk/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Dear Sai devotee: I have a question. Baba says " Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat? " I would appreciate, if you could guide me how to offer food for Baba before we eat every day? Jai Sai Ram Prakash On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM, rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33 wrote: TO FAST OR NOT ? (Shri Sai Leela July August 1991) P. M. Sarangan Hyderabad, A.P. Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He was against fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devotees practice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on austerity towards Sai Maharaj. Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a total of 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts lasted from 3 to 21 days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and end with mere deprivation of physical food. " But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims fast for a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on every Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the rest of the day's supply remains at its normal level. Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What is the purpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? How long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ? PURPOSE OF THE FAST In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a purpose in mind. But these purposes vary widely. * As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba for Upadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death or Upadesh from Baba. (Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism) * As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir advices a Goan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he will not eat it, till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. * As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi and desires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks her to prepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was needed these. * As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives it up as per Baba's advice. * As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on 'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast for a day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee) Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to accomplish with the fast. CHECK YOUR MOTIVE Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : " Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat? " LENGTH OF THE FAST Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as to how long you intend to fast. * H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights. * Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi. * Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only. * N. Radhika fasted for three days. * Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. THE FAST ITSELF To make your fast as meaningful as possible; here are a few pointers: * Keep your fast a secret. I should not call attention to itself. It should not disrupt the household or go against medical advice. * Make creative use of the time given to you by the skipped meal. Read 'Shri Sai Satcharita'. While skipping a meal once a week will make you healthily hungry, it is also an excellent aid to spiritual development * Keep records : It is useful to write down all the benefits and difficulties you face with your fast. * As a secondary thought, consider saving the money you do not spend on your meal and giving it to the needy. It is a good idea to contribute towards 'Poor Feeding' done by Shirdi Sansthan. EVALUATION Take time to evaluate your fast. How sucÂcessful were you in maintaining your discipline ? What benefits have you noticed ? * An increased sense of concentration for prayer. * The ability to distinguish between desire and basic needs. * More power for intercessory prayers. * Thankfulness, doing without highlights the good we have. In conclusion, by deliberately withÂholding from ourselves the usual source of nourÂishment and strength, we are thrown upon the 'pure spiritual milk' of our Kamadhenu Lord Sainath; we are drawn into a new dependence upon Him. Love - Rohit Behal Get perfect Email ID for your Resume. Get before others grab. -- May all your days be filled with God's love and blessings!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Dear Sai devotee; Thank you so much for your kind reply. May Baba Bless you. Jai Sai Ram Prakash On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 1:30 PM, Saibaba C. <csaibaba wrote: My Dear Sai Bandhus! Baba says " Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat? " Just chant His name, remember Him at all times. Thats what our Supreme Father wanted from His children.SairamC.Saibaba On 1/29/09, rashalatha <rashalatha wrote:> sairam,> Let me tell you, my way of offering to sai. As soon as I cook food in the > morning I immediately take the plate of baba, keep little of all the dishes> and serve him , I also have a small water pot for him , which I fill in the> morning with breakfast. If by chance before serving sai I get to fill my > kid/husband lunch box then I chant the name of sai and fill their boxes. As> soon as I finish packing for them I serve to sai, and let the dish stay with> baba for sometime and then do naivedya by sprinkling water and waving my > hand towards baba . In the afternoon I try to feed baba by carrying little> food in my hand and try to feed as we feed our kids, then show the same> plate to ancestors and then I sprinkle little to aditi(in the ground so that > some creatures in teh grass/birds will get some) we partake the prasad.> Since we r staying in U.S. the chances of feeding dogs/cow is not> possible. If we are eating outside like party/restaruant then I chant > sairam before eating. This is what I follow. I feel if we utter the name> sai, sai will immediately heed to our call and bless our food.> Sairam.>> --- On Wed, 28/1/09, Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202 wrote: >> Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202> Re: Too Fast Or Not To Fast ?> > Wednesday, 28 January, 2009, 8:32 PM>>>>>>>>> Dear Sai devotee:>> I have a question. Baba says " Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not > always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat? " >> I would appreciate, if you could guide me how to offer food for Baba before> we eat every day?>> Jai Sai Ram >> Prakash>>>> On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM, rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33@ .co. in>> wrote:>>> >>>>>>>>>> TO FAST OR NOT ?> (Shri Sai Leela July August 1991)> P. M. Sarangan> Hyderabad, A.P.>> Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He was > against fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devotees> practice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on> austerity towards Sai Maharaj.> Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a > total of 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts lasted> from 3 to 21 days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and end> with mere deprivation of physical food. " > But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims> fast for a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on every> Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the > rest of the day's supply remains at its normal level.> Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What is> the purpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? How > long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ?>> PURPOSE OF THE FAST> In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a> purpose in mind. But these purposes vary widely. > * As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba for> Upadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death or> Upadesh from Baba.> (Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism) > * As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir> advices a Goan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he> will not eat it, till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. > * As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi and> desires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks> her to prepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was > needed these.> * As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives it> up as per Baba's advice.> * As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on > 'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast> for a day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee)> Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to > accomplish with the fast.>> CHECK YOUR MOTIVE> Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : " Do you> remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me > anything before you eat? " >> LENGTH OF THE FAST> Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as> to how long you intend to fast.> * H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights. > * Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi.> * Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only.> * N. Radhika fasted for three days.> * Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. >> THE FAST ITSELF> To make your fast as meaningful as possible; here are a few pointers:> * Keep your fast a secret. I should not call attention to itself. It should> not disrupt the household or go against medical advice. > * Make creative use of the time given to you by the skipped meal. Read 'Shri> Sai Satcharita'. While skipping a meal once a week will make you healthily> hungry, it is also an excellent aid to spiritual development > * Keep records : It is useful to write down all the benefits and> difficulties you face with your fast.> * As a secondary thought, consider saving the money you do not spend on your> meal and giving it to the needy. It is a good idea to contribute towards > 'Poor Feeding' done by Shirdi Sansthan.>>> EVALUATION>> Take time to evaluate your fast. How sucÂcessful were you in maintaining> your discipline ? What benefits have you noticed ? > * An increased sense of concentration for prayer.> * The ability to distinguish between desire and basic needs.> * More power for intercessory prayers.> * Thankfulness, doing without highlights the good we have. In conclusion, by > deliberately withÂholding from ourselves the usual source of nourÂishment> and strength, we are thrown upon the 'pure spiritual milk' of our Kamadhenu> Lord Sainath; we are drawn into a new dependence upon Him. >>> Love - Rohit Behal>>>>>>>> Get perfect Email ID for your Resume. Get before others grab.>>> -->>> May all your days be filled with > God's love and blessings!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to > http://messenger./invite/ -- May all your days be filled with God's love and blessings!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Dear Prakash, Only sanctified idols kept in the puja room need nivedya to be placed before them. Photographs do not have such rules. this is the view as per the shasthras I was told. Baba does not need any such offerings. all he needs is your total faith. If you do want to give Baba anything place a tumbler of water. You surely must be chanting "brahmarpanam" before partaking food I suppose. By the way, why dont you stop non veg? You could read Babas thoughts on non veg food. Praveen Chandra In the interests of the environment, please do not print this email unless necessary. Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202 Sent: Thursday, 29 January, 2009 12:01:00 PMRe: Too Fast Or Not To Fast ? Dear Sai devotee: Thank you very much. However, as I am staying as a bachlor, and I do take veg and non veg as well. Of course, I can offer some sweets or fruits to Baba. However, it will not be possible for me to offer lunch or dinner to Baba, I mean to keep in front of Baba's picture or Prathima. Is it ok to chant Baba's name before I take any food? or is it necessary that, I should serve to Sai in a plate whatever the food before I eat? Sorry for asking so many questions. Jai Sai Ram On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 1:30 AM, rashalatha <rashalatha (AT) (DOT) co.in> wrote: sairam, Let me tell you, my way of offering to sai. As soon as I cook food in the morning I immediately take the plate of baba, keep little of all the dishes and serve him , I also have a small water pot for him , which I fill in the morning with breakfast. If by chance before serving sai I get to fill my kid/husband lunch box then I chant the name of sai and fill their boxes. As soon as I finish packing for them I serve to sai, and let the dish stay with baba for sometime and then do naivedya by sprinkling water and waving my hand towards baba . In the afternoon I try to feed baba by carrying little food in my hand and try to feed as we feed our kids, then show the same plate to ancestors and then I sprinkle little to aditi(in the ground so that some creatures in teh grass/birds will get some) we partake the prasad. Since we r staying in U.S. the chances of feeding dogs/cow is not possible. If we are eating outside like party/restaruant then I chant sairam before eating. This is what I follow. I feel if we utter the name sai, sai will immediately heed to our call and bless our food. Sairam.--- On Wed, 28/1/09, Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202@ gmail.com> wrote: Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202@ gmail.com> Re: Too Fast Or Not To Fast ?Wednesday, 28 January, 2009, 8:32 PM Dear Sai devotee: I have a question. Baba says "Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat?" I would appreciate, if you could guide me how to offer food for Baba before we eat every day? Jai Sai Ram Prakash On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM, rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33@ .co. in> wrote: TO FAST OR NOT ? (Shri Sai Leela July August 1991) P. M. Sarangan Hyderabad, A.P. Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He was against fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devotees practice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on austerity towards Sai Maharaj. Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a total of 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts lasted from 3 to 21 days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and end with mere deprivation of physical food." But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims fast for a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on every Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the rest of the day's supply remains at its normal level. Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What is the purpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? How long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ? PURPOSE OF THE FAST In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a purpose in mind. But these purposes vary widely. * As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba for Upadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death or Upadesh from Baba. (Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism) * As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir advices a Goan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he will not eat it, till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. * As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi and desires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks her to prepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was needed these. * As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives it up as per Baba's advice. * As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on 'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast for a day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee) Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to accomplish with the fast. CHECK YOUR MOTIVE Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : "Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat?" LENGTH OF THE FAST Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as to how long you intend to fast. * H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights. * Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi. * Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only. * N. Radhika fasted for three days.. * Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. THE FAST ITSELF To make your fast as meaningful as possible; here are a few pointers: * Keep your fast a secret. I should not call attention to itself. It should not disrupt the household or go against medical advice. * Make creative use of the time given to you by the skipped meal. Read 'Shri Sai Satcharita'. While skipping a meal once a week will make you healthily hungry, it is also an excellent aid to spiritual development * Keep records : It is useful to write down all the benefits and difficulties you face with your fast. * As a secondary thought, consider saving the money you do not spend on your meal and giving it to the needy. It is a good idea to contribute towards 'Poor Feeding' done by Shirdi Sansthan. EVALUATION Take time to evaluate your fast. How successful were you in maintaining your discipline ? What benefits have you noticed ? * An increased sense of concentration for prayer. * The ability to distinguish between desire and basic needs. * More power for intercessory prayers. * Thankfulness, doing without highlights the good we have. In conclusion, by deliberately withholding from ourselves the usual source of nourishment and strength, we are thrown upon the 'pure spiritual milk' of our Kamadhenu Lord Sainath; we are drawn into a new dependence upon Him. Love - Rohit Behal Get perfect Email ID for your Resume. Get before others grab. -- May all your days be filled withGod's love and blessings!! Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now. -- May all your days be filled withGod's love and blessings!! Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Sairam Prakashji, My sincere opinion is just chant the name of sai where ever you are. Iwhen it is possible you can offer in a plate you will also feel happy when you do that. Even my family eats non-veg food. I personally stopped eating n/v for the past 1 year as a mark of showing my small gratitude to sai. I cook n/v at home and I offer the same to my sai also. He is my eternal father so whatever it is even a chocolate i feel like uttering his name and gazing at him and eat the same. I have been questioned by my relatives and friends abt offering n/v to sai but this is my reply. He is none other than my own dad/grandpa how can I not share with him before I taste.. Please feel free to write abt your doubts and I am just writeing whatever I follow I hope sai accepts my reply. Sairam.--- On Thu, 29/1/09, Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202 wrote: Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202Re: Too Fast Or Not To Fast ? Date: Thursday, 29 January, 2009, 5:31 PM Dear Sai devotee: Thank you very much. However, as I am staying as a bachlor, and I do take veg and non veg as well. Of course, I can offer some sweets or fruits to Baba. However, it will not be possible for me to offer lunch or dinner to Baba, I mean to keep in front of Baba's picture or Prathima. Is it ok to chant Baba's name before I take any food? or is it necessary that, I should serve to Sai in a plate whatever the food before I eat? Sorry for asking so many questions. Jai Sai Ram On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 1:30 AM, rashalatha <rashalatha (AT) (DOT) co.in> wrote: sairam, Let me tell you, my way of offering to sai. As soon as I cook food in the morning I immediately take the plate of baba, keep little of all the dishes and serve him , I also have a small water pot for him , which I fill in the morning with breakfast. If by chance before serving sai I get to fill my kid/husband lunch box then I chant the name of sai and fill their boxes. As soon as I finish packing for them I serve to sai, and let the dish stay with baba for sometime and then do naivedya by sprinkling water and waving my hand towards baba . In the afternoon I try to feed baba by carrying little food in my hand and try to feed as we feed our kids, then show the same plate to ancestors and then I sprinkle little to aditi(in the ground so that some creatures in teh grass/birds will get some) we partake the prasad. Since we r staying in U.S. the chances of feeding dogs/cow is not possible. If we are eating outside like party/restaruant then I chant sairam before eating. This is what I follow. I feel if we utter the name sai, sai will immediately heed to our call and bless our food. Sairam.--- On Wed, 28/1/09, Prakash M.C <prakashmc1202@ gmail.com> wrote: Prakash M..C <prakashmc1202@ gmail.com> Re: Too Fast Or Not To Fast ?Wednesday, 28 January, 2009, 8:32 PM Dear Sai devotee: I have a question. Baba says "Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat?" I would appreciate, if you could guide me how to offer food for Baba before we eat every day? Jai Sai Ram Prakash On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM, rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33@ .co. in> wrote: TO FAST OR NOT ? (Shri Sai Leela July August 1991) P. M. Sarangan Hyderabad, A.P. Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He was against fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devotees practice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on austerity towards Sai Maharaj. Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a total of 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts lasted from 3 to 21 days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and end with mere deprivation of physical food." But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims fast for a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on every Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the rest of the day's supply remains at its normal level. Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What is the purpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? How long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ? PURPOSE OF THE FAST In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a purpose in mind. But these purposes vary widely. * As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba for Upadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death or Upadesh from Baba. (Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism) * As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir advices a Goan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he will not eat it, till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. * As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi and desires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks her to prepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was needed these. * As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives it up as per Baba's advice. * As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on 'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast for a day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee) Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to accomplish with the fast. CHECK YOUR MOTIVE Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : "Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat?" LENGTH OF THE FAST Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as to how long you intend to fast. * H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights. * Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi. * Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only. * N. Radhika fasted for three days... * Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj. THE FAST ITSELF To make your fast as meaningful as possible; here are a few pointers: * Keep your fast a secret. I should not call attention to itself. It should not disrupt the household or go against medical advice. * Make creative use of the time given to you by the skipped meal. Read 'Shri Sai Satcharita'. While skipping a meal once a week will make you healthily hungry, it is also an excellent aid to spiritual development * Keep records : It is useful to write down all the benefits and difficulties you face with your fast. * As a secondary thought, consider saving the money you do not spend on your meal and giving it to the needy. It is a good idea to contribute towards 'Poor Feeding' done by Shirdi Sansthan. EVALUATION Take time to evaluate your fast. How successful were you in maintaining your discipline ? What benefits have you noticed ? * An increased sense of concentration for prayer. * The ability to distinguish between desire and basic needs. * More power for intercessory prayers. * Thankfulness, doing without highlights the good we have. In conclusion, by deliberately withholding from ourselves the usual source of nourishment and strength, we are thrown upon the 'pure spiritual milk' of our Kamadhenu Lord Sainath; we are drawn into a new dependence upon Him. Love - Rohit Behal Get perfect Email ID for your Resume. Get before others grab. -- May all your days be filled withGod's love and blessings!! Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now. -- May all your days be filled withGod's love and blessings!! Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Sairam everybody I think offering or nt offering food is not the question.The Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 sairam everybody i think its not about whether to offer food or not.Its more about what we feel from deep within our heart ,to do for baba .I always follow this sense of belongingness for baba and do whatever my heart tells me to do for baba .I do listen or pay attention to what other people do but follow it only if my heart tells me to follow it. sairam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.