HERITAGE OF SHIRDI SAI NEWSLETTER

May 16, 2007

N E W S L E T T E R

VOL29, MAY 2007

FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE

……"The man who has cancer and knows he will die, is experiencing his body becoming weaker but does not see how exactly his body is becoming weaker from inside. In this state he is sure that he will leave the body one day. Therefore, logically he would be thinking that his body is not a permanent friend as it would die away with the change. He will experience that his soul and not the body is permanent. Thus the soul can experience the laws of motion as a finer reality.

God is like a pillar and all human beings are like calves tightly attached with a rope of destiny and `Karma'. But would we consider that pillar to be the Master then we will consider that the rope is tied to the Guru and being this tied one is moving around on the earth. Some times we are pulled near the pillar and some times we go far away from the pillar as per our "Karma" and as per the positive/negative actions of last lives. When we are near to the pillar we are grinded less, when we are far towards the outer side of the grinding stone we are grinded more - that means we suffer the worldly miseries more. So far as we are between the two stones being continuously grinded by the motions of time, we have a chance to go near the central pole, but once we go out of the grinding wheel as powder, we will difficult to return. So let us try to be as close to the pole as possible under all circumstances. Kabirji depicted this situation when he wrote:

"Chalti Chakki Dekh ke Diya Kabira RoyeDo Pattan ke Beech Main Sabut Bacha na Koya"

Once someone asked Kabirji if nothing is safe between the two `Pattans' that means two stones, what to do. Kabirji advised that one should be near the pole or the `Khunta', because near that pole the grains are least grinded. Our pole, our protection is Shri Sainath. We should be as close to Him as possible. In every state of mind and soul while going though the different events of life, we should always look to Him so that we do not go far away from Him and we are grinded badly by the illusions of the world."…….

FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

……"It is always good to pray, because it brings one in contact with God. The prayer, however, that is found most common in society is occasional prayer for a definite material object, and there it stops. It is always advisable to avoid the commercial spirit when dealing with God. We should not bargain with God. Nor should we say, `I will pray to you only for such and such an object being gained'. The thought of God purifies the soul, and the purified soul gets power to draw God more and more into it. The commercialised soul, if too much oppressed with the contemplation of the worldly benefit is handicapping itself and preventing its purification, that is, saturation with God idea (purity means having God-idea and impurity is lack of God or God¬ idea). The very idea of material objects may so obsess a mind as practically to obliterate the thought of God. God then becomes only a secondary consideration, a sort of side element, a weak coloration when the main object before the mind's eye is worldly gain. Such approaches are deplorable, however attractive the object to be gained by prayer may be. One ought to have prayer without concentrating too much on worldly gains. Concentration on God alone is purity. Purity means power, and when a soul is thoroughly pure, then the objects entertained in the mind of the prayerful soul some time previously, that is even before the prayer began, remain in the subconscious, i.e. at the back of the praying party's mind and may come to fruition by the power of the purified and strengthened soul. This is an incidental benefit which ought not to turn the scales when one considers how he should pray. Prayer is primarily and essentially only an affair of the soul with God. All intervention of outside objects is an interference with the soul's concentration on God. Prayer must be purified by very keen practice - i.e., it must be shorn of all undesirable gross elements just as we keep off the floating moss repeatedly when we bathe in a tank. In cases where however one is in dire extremity and prayer comes out from him for a much needed object, in spite of oneself, as was the case with Chandorkar on the Harischandra hill, then prayer cannot be condemned at all. Prayer is a natural vent for the heart. We leap out at what we want on the wings of prayer. It is God Himself that has implanted this tendency to seek God's help to attain objects of great importance to one's material or spiritual life and each time we so seek, we should stress in our mind that God is our first and final object and that other objects form a temporary and partial diversion or screen."……

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

Relevance of Sai in Today's Society

Selfishness, materialism, condition oriented, fanaticism, racial discrimination, riddled with terrorism, anarchy, struggle for power, is what rules the present world. Living amongst such strong negative forces, man is lost among web of emotions. There is fear, greed, anger and competition to be successful in such a world. Where would man go when faced with tyranny? When there is no value for relationships? When money becomes the main driving force for establishing any kind of relationships. When there is no respect for parents, and when parents themselves are driven by selfish need? When siblings look for a pound of flesh to get better share in property? Present relationships are based on condition and mutual benefit. Gone are the days of compassion, empathy, kindness, and selfless service. A person who is charitable is looked down upon as being crazy and a misfit in this selfish society. Where would such man go? The only place such a man finds respite is at the holy feet of Sadguru and His teachings. For followers of Baba, if qualities like compassion, empathy and kindness prevail it is because of His teachings through Satcharita. Guru's holy feet are the only place where one finds hope, love and bliss in spite of being surrounded by evil forces in society. Love for Guru helps us to tide our weaknesses and emerge as successful. No doubt we are burdened by our environment and society but one who has implicit faith in Guru finds happiness and knows that He is loved unconditionally, even though man's devotion is conditional – a man looks towards Guru to remove his problems and sufferings.

Shirdi Sai Baba's teachings of mutual love, respect, tolerance, non discrimination on the basis of religion, caste and nationality is to be practiced in present context. Baba always urged people to show kindness, empathy and love towards fellow humans. Shirdi Sai BABA is a symbol of unity among religions, their practices and beliefs. People from all religious backgrounds worship Him even today based on their practices and beliefs. Poor and rich are treated alike in His darbar even today. His life the is best example of simple living and higher thinking. He was charitable, benevolent, shared sorrows and gave happiness by granting wishes. As followers of Shirdi Sai one must develop such qualities. One cannot emulate a Sadguru but one can learn from His life and follow His teachings to make the world a better place to live now and for future generations by instilling the right values and conduct among younger generation. Shri Satpathyji has emphasized the relevance of Sai in the present world with the following heart warming lyrics.

Jab dil udhas ho toSai ka naam lenaJeevan soona lage toSai ka naam lena

Jab aafat gehare tujkoSab chod de tera saathJab kahina mile saharaSai ka naam lena

Jeevan ka har din toRoshan nahin hotaJab sham nazar aaye toSai ka naam lena

Is ghat ka kya BharosaYe khabhi bi choot jathaJab aakhir saas chale toSai ka naam lena.

The above words say it all. Let us turn towards Sai when we are plagued by uncertainty and confusion. He will save us.

Anitha Kandukuri, Australia

Share your views on Topic of Discussion- Sai's Message to the Children

POEM

Blessings

I knelt to pray when day was doneAnd prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,Lift from each saddened heart the painAnd let the sick be well again."And then I woke another dayAnd carelessly went on my way,The whole day long I did not tryTo wipe a tear from any eye.I did not try to share the loadOf any brother on the road.I did not even go to see The sick man just next door to me.Yet once again when day was doneI prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."But as I prayed, into my earthere came a voice that whispered clear,"Pause now, my son, before you pray.Whom have you tried to bless today?Gods sweetest blessing always goby hands that serve him here below."And then I hid my face and cried,"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,But let me live another dayand I will live the way I pray."

Source Unknown

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DEVOTEE EXPERIENCE

My husband's friend is from India and they are Sai devotees, so from them I managed to get a packet of "udi" and Baba's picture. My goods got stolen from my rented apartment, so I wanted to move out. Finding flats in Suva is quite difficult and flats are very expensive. My budget was up to $300.00 only so I prayed to Baba, that I need to find a suitable flat and need to move there by following week Thursday. So after few hours I found a newspaper and thought of going through advertisements and I found one flat. But than I thought I may be late and someone else might have taken away this flat. Then I called my husband and we went to see the flat. It was good, all bills included and worth $300.00. On Thursday we moved into our new house. I thanked Baba.

My second experience was when I was supposed to send a parcel to my grandma who stays far away. My husband told me to personally go and drop the parcel at the courier office. I didn't know about that office and was worried. After a few minutes I saw that courier truck parked outside my shop. I was so happy, I ran and delivered the parcel and thanked Baba. It was amazing.

Another incident happened one week ago. I was supposed to sit for an English exam with my husband. I am not that good at speaking and writing. I prayed to Baba, to help me in my exam. When the results came, I scored the same band score as my husband who is far smarter than me.

All credit goes to Baba, whose grace is always with us. Whenever we remember him and need his help he supports us.

JAI SAI NATH!

Priti, Fiji

DEVOTEES' FORUM

About 23 years ago my husband's friend told us about Sai Baba. At that time my older son was a 3 month infant. He was lacking breast milk. We were trying lot of other sources to feed him. Nothing worked out. He was suffering from diarrhea; we tried ayurvedic, unani, homeopathy and allopathic medicines for 6 months. Nothing worked. Finally some of my husband's friends advised us to go to Shirdi with the infant. As soon as we stepped in the temple premises our son started getting down from the hands of his father and started running around in the temple. That is the first Miracle in our family. Since then we experienced innumerable incidents. Everyday we see his presence in our home.

But the saddest part is my son is now 23 years old, but he doesn't believe in Baba. I pray Baba to forgive him for his ignorance and make him understand Baba's greatness before we die. My husband and I are staunch devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba. We strongly believe that "He made us notice His existence through our son", and also he is testing us by the negative attitude of our son. He studied about all religions through the internet, including Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas etc. I don't know what is written there. He says that God never takes birth as a human being. That is why he doesn't believe in Baba. Whenever I remember these words tears roll down from my eyes. And my heart sinks. Let Sai Baba Bless him. Other than this he is very lovable. Dear Sai devotees! Please pray that our son's attitude changes and make us happy.

Lalitha Katthula, USA

You can adore God according to your own fancy and pleasure. He remains unchanged even when the names and forms by which you adore Him keep changing. The effectiveness does not lie in which name or form you worship, but depends on the extent of yearning and depth of feeling with which you adore Him in your heart. God will assume that very form which you pray to and fulfill your yearning; that is the indication of His grace and the boundless love He has for you.

God's grace is the greatest wealth. To consider the amassing of money, gold or other material objects, as the ultimate goal is not right. The goal of life, instead, should be the acquisition of the divine wealth of God's grace. Try to win His grace by reforming your habits, reducing your desires and refining your nature. One step makes the next one easier; that is the unique quality of the spiritual path. With each step, your strength and confidence increases and you feel the Lord's grace all the more.

Arun N Reddy, London

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READER'S REFLECTION

My heartfelt thanks to you all for starting this magazine and helping me feel closer to Sai community and thereby Lord Sai. I know I have miles to go before I can call myself a true Sai devotee. Your magazine is helping me in this endeavour.

Shilpa B. Roy, Mumbai

Sai Heritage E-Zine Newletter received on December 14th had an eye opening message for all of us. I was in a total awe as it was very clear that Baba reiterated the message I received from one of the 44-50 Chapters I finished just few minutes before receiving Satpathyji's message. With humble Pranaam I say, "Satpathyji, thank you for being our Guiding Light".

Going through the magazine 'Heritage of Shirdi Sai' and the Heritage of Shirdi Sai magazine and Newsletter 'Sai Heritage E-Zine', gives the feeling of taking a small step closer to Sai.

Shammi Chopra, Toronto, Canada

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NEWS OF SHIRDI SAI ACTIVITIES

SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA

Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada holds Satsang on Thursdays and third Sunday of every month at Gur Mandir, 207 Queen's Plate, Toronto (Etobicoke). For other Details call 416-294-4804 or visit http://www.shirdisainath.org/

THE RESOURCE CENTRE

Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada is pleased to announce the establishment of it's first Resource Centre in Woodbridge, Toronto. All visits are by appointment only. Shri Sai Satcharita is available in all languages. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Location: Maple Crest Private School - 28 Roytech Rd. Woodbridge, On L4L 8E4 Ph: 905 - 652-6666. For other Details call 416-294-4804 or visit http://www.shirdisainath.org/

SHIRDI SAI MANDIR, TORONTO, CANADA

The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Toronto, Ontario, M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is open through out the day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays and in the morning and evenings on all weekdays. Baba's Kakad Aarti, Abhishek Puja, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti, Satcharita Reading and Shej Aarti are performed every day. Bhajans and Sai Naam Sankirtan in the evening on Thursday and Saturday. For information regarding the daily schedule, temple activities and events please visit Mandir's website: http://www.theshirdisaimandir.com/ or send an email to info or call 647-444-4724.

SHIRDI SAI PARIVAR VANCOUVER

Shirdi Sai parivar in Vancouver holds Satsang on Thursday (6.30-7.30pm)and Sai abhishek and aarti first Sunday of every month at 8571, 118A St, Delta, V4C 6L2. For further details contact (604) 592 4182 or email, say.sai.sai.

SHRI SHIRDI SAI SANSTHAN LOS ANGELES

By the grace of our Shirdi Sai we are happy to announce the inauguration of Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in LA region in the city of Montebello. We need the support of all Sai Devotees. For more information please email krishna

SHIRDI SAI CENTER, BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA

Location: 897-B E. Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA - 94086

Daily timings and activities:

Weekdays:6:15 am – 7:40 am: Abhishekam and Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am11.45 am – 12:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm6:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm

Weekends:6:15 am – 7:40 am: Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am11:00 am – 9:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm, Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm

Every Thursday:7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Shirdi Sai Bhajans

For more information please call 408-705-7904 / 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu or visit our website at http://www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org

SHRI SHIRDI SAI SAMAJ MALAYSIA

No.744-1, Tingkat 1, Jln. Sentul Selatan, Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaThis is a new Shirdi Baba center in malaysia. We conduct weekly prayers/arathi at the following times:Friday - 7pm - 10.30pmSunday - Noon - 2.30pm

Our official centre website is http://saisamaj.blogspot.comFor more information, please email hyperkinetix

PERSATUAN SHIRDI SAI BABA SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

This is to inform all of you that we have a Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Malaysia. Here we have daily prayers and special prayers on thursday mornings 9.00am and bhajans and satsang from 8 pm onwards. Also breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked by our seva-group is provided to all devotees. other than that first thursday of the month we have talk on spirituality, second thursday on health, third thursday satsang on Sai Satcharitra, fourth thursday talk on general topics, by experts in the respective fields. Lot of charitable activities are conducted by our Centre,like sponsoring immediate services to childrens\' homes, old-folks homes, sick and needy, etc. etc.

If any devotee, from Malaysia or Singapore likes to join our Centre, please contact Mr.SP Kannan at Mobile -012-2739486; usha - 006122392911; Res: 03-33717540. Our Centre address is : Persatuan Shirdi Sai Baba Selangor, No.2574, Jalan Seruling 59, Taman Klang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Thank you and Sai Ram.

SHIRDI SAI TEMPLE SINGAPORE

The dream of having a full fledged exclusive Shirdi Sai Temple in Singapore, will soon come true. Thanks to the efforts of a Sai devotee in making this happen. The Shirdi Sai Baba Centre in Singapore is now live with the 3rd floor function hall, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman temple, being secured and converted to a full fledged exclusive Shirdi Sai worship centre. The Centre will be devoted to celebrating the life & teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba only. For more information visit our website http://www.saisansthan.com

SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND

Bhajans Every ThursdayVenue Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland

7.00 pm - 7.50 pm Sai Bhajans, 7.50 pm - 8.10 pm Pravachan and Sai Ashtotharam 8.10 pm - 8.30 pm Shej Aarthi8.30 pm - 9.00 pm Prasad distribution.For more details Contact us Amar Alluri(President) Mobile: (+64) 27 230 5360 Email: President or Sai Krishna Tridandapani (Secretary) Mobile: (+64) 21 239 7907 Email: SecretaryAddress: Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of NZ, P.O. Box: 16142, Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand. Visit our website www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz

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Topic of Discussion

Topic of Discussion feature is intended to initiate useful discussions on topics related to Shirdi Sai Philosophy and His teachings, Guru Tradition, Teachings of the Sadguru, the nature and functions of the Perfect Masters, true devotion, qualification of a disciple, etc.

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION : SAI'S MESSAGE TO THE CHILDREN

Reader's Reflection

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