Sai Vichaar for Thursday , May 22, 2008

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Sai Vichaarwww.saibaba.org Thursday , May 22, 2008 :: Volume 11, Issue 2 (In its eleventh 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: How to be closer to Baba?Devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai often ask a question to me - "How to be in closer relationship with Baba?". I have seen them striving in their own way to be close to Shri Sai, even if they are not aware as to what it would mean to be close to Shri Sai. Basically, it is an emotional rapport they would like to develop. The various methods they adopt, according to their stages of consciousness, strength of will, inborn and acquired qualities and faith in Baba, immensely vary. It is true that the relationship of each disciple with Baba i.e. God will be unique and there cannot be exact second relationship. However, in all such relationships it is seen that the existence of certain common denominators and qualities are a prerequisite. If the devotees understand these qualitative prerequisites, which would entail them to be closely drawn by Baba, then the treading of the path would be simpler. The first such quality as I feel is faith in Him. Mere intellectual faith acquired over a period of time by reading books, discussions etc., may develop certain amount of conviction in him, but this level of faith is not enough. Even though at the earlier stages it may be necessary. People are often seen saying, even publicly, that "I can sacrifice my life for Baba" or that "In this world I can depend on nobody except Him fully". However, if we closely observe their lifestyle, the way they interact with people, their reaction to adversities of others, their reaction to individuals and groups around them in the society, one would find that their proclaimed convictions are mere exercise in substance less assertiveness.If the faith in Baba is genuine, they would not be indulging in the manipulations they do in relation to other people being fully aware that Baba many times forbade people/reprimanded devotees for committing such acts to satisfy their smallest of interest. We have to watch whether we are acting truthfully, howsoever difficult, according to the advise of Baba. Faith reflects in everyday reality. It is not a mental luxury or a philosophical dream. Therefore, let us seriously think about this strength of our faith in Baba. (A message from Shri C.B. Satpathy ji)

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Bundle up your notes!When the rich merchant sought Sai Baba for Brahma Jnana (Self realization), Baba made him sit and asked someone else to fetch some money, the money Baba never needed. The merchant sat quite anticipating that he would be rewarded with the ultimate wisdom, the only riches that he has been denied in life. Or so he thought! After the drama was over, the Merciful One asked the merchant to take out the bundle from his pocket, spelling out exactly the amount to its last rupee! Bewildered and humiliated, the merchant knew exactly what Baba meant to teach him through the drama. How could someone who is not willing to part with the most transient of the possessions gain the experience of more than a lifetime! Missed opportunity! Sai Satcharita quotes several incidents where Baba read the minds of those who came to him; the pleader from Pandharpur was referred to as someone cunning, and Sapatnekar was made to endure the abuse and the humiliation until his mind was completely transformed and his faith in Baba grew to the unconditional extent.The realization that Sadguru is Antaryamin, the one that is the most awake and the one that is the most aware is a significant stage in one's spiritual pursuit. He stays in the Conscious observing every thought and every action. Such a realization should naturally lead one to the thoughts and action that are truthful with the acceptance that the self is not the doer. Good or bad, right or wrong, necessary or wasteful, mandatory or optional, any logic and every thought will have His supervision. Whatever such a mind does will always have right consequences. The self charioted by Sadguru does not stop at the transitory bundles, however big that might be!(Contributed by Sai Vichaar team)DEVOTEES SAY: NikhilaBaba, You have been with me and my family from the day I have started to trust You. I am blessed to be your child. You have helped me in taking lots of decisions in life and also consolled me during harder times.Though I don't visit You often in temples, I have you in my heart and mind. With Your blessing and grace I am going to be a mother soon. I am sure you are going to be be there with me through this entire new phase of my life. I am sure once we start giving ourselves to Baba with trust He is going to be there with us throughout our lives. Om Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki jai! RoshanThankyou Sai Baba for helping my son get his H-1 visa stamping done easily and clearing all requirements. It was all completed within less than three days. Although the visa officer said it would take 20 days, he called the very next day to say that all formalities had been completed. Saibaba, it is all due to your blessings. Thankyou Sai Baba for helping our family. May your blessings always be with us. Jai Sai Ram.SudhirWant to thank Sai for all His gifts and guidance to me. He is always by our side guiding us in our daily life, family, work and other needs.PRAYER CLUB: UmasudhanBaba, please help me to have good thoughts and take me in the right path. Swami, please help me to get a better job with better income. Swami please protect everybody. Swami thank you for pouring your grace on us.

KrupaliniWith Your grace I got this wish of mine come true, Sai see to it that every thing goes smoothly and let me go to Dammam very soon. Every thing you only have to take care deva, please be with me. Now one more problem has started on my name deva, please see to it that it gets clear and I go to Dammam soon with your grace. I am counting on you more than anyone so please be with me and take me out from all the difficulties.

PadmavathyDear Baba, please try to understand my problems, why all these things are happening. I am helpless nobody is there except you to help me. I am in lot of troubles. Please help me to get rid of my all problems.

Sai devoteeDear Sai Deva, kindly shower your blessings on us and our team members. Please find some job for Madhu as he is without a job for the past one year and he has a lot of commitments. Also, kindly continue his schedules with us. We request you to kindly help us dispose off the house and we can concentrate more on the operations and ease our liability. We are always dependant on you and only your mercy is driving our operations and family.RekhaBaba, please forgive for my sin and dirty thoughts on you. Baba, please give peace to my mind and heart and give me power to increase concetration. Please give me a job in my field and bless me to come to Shirdi.

InderaThank you Shirdi Sai Baba for so much in the past. You have helped us get Amar, please help Amar at school that he is recognised as the brilliant and caring student. Please help my husband grow to a VP in the company and help keep us together and harmony among us, as well all legal issue be disolved and we overcome our enemies.

Sai devoteeBaba, I got this job by your grace and blessings. Things are getting harder. Please take care of everything Baba.

SarangapaniKindly help my father from his sufferings and help my son to get rid of his problem so that he can lead a happy life with his family. You have always given me everything even before I ask. Please bless my family to lead a happy, healthy and comfortable life. You know what to give and when to give and so it is not proper to ask you but still I am also a human being. Sai pranam.

SunitaI am going through intense difficulties at my home with my husband giving me lots of trouble. I am helpless with two

children and have no one but Sai for help.Sai devoteePranam Sairam. Baba I can't bear this pain, Lord why are You not responding to my prayers, every day I am sending my prayers to You, I lose my hope now, I lost everything. Prabhu help me.

ManjuBaba, please relieve me from all of the confusions, which I am having at present. Please let my friend to understand my feelings and let him talk with me as a good friend. Please take me from my current work place to another good one. Please bless my family and my lovely dog. Take care of my brothers. Please let me have strength to override all the problems which I am facing.EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES: AjayOm Sai Ram, I just like to share one of my experiance where the benevolent Sai has guided me. I am in the habit of asking guidence from Baba. It goes like this, if He agrees with my decision He gives me darshan, if He does not give darshan that means, I am not pursuing the right course. One day I was very depressed because of some personal problems and asked Him if He agrees of what I am thinking, to give darshan and bless me, but He did not give the darshan. In the evening while coming back I reversed the question and asked Him to give darshan if He is in agreement with what I am thinking. I was waiting at a red light signal on the road in my car when one car came on my right side and I saw a huge statue (Moorthi) of Baba on the dashboard. The occupant of that car knocked at my car window and gave me a photograph of Baba. To my amazement it was the same photograph of Sri Sai. I was completely mesmerised. This shows that Baba is omnipresent and if you seek His advise or guidance with full devotion and patience He is there to guide you. This is one of my various experiences with our benevolent Sai.QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: "Engage yourself in good thoughts and actions. Do your duties and surrender yourself, heart and soul, to Me".-Shri Sai BabaQUESTION OF THE WEEK: Q. Question of the week is given below......A. by .Q. All the faithful devotees mentioned in the Sai Satcharita during Sri Baba's time, are there references to what happened to them, their future generations?

SAI ACTIVITIES: Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USAShirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Summer hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 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.Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MNSri Saibaba Mandir is located in Minneapolis, MN at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. The mandir is open 7 days a week in the evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and during morning hours from 9 am to 12:30 pm, everyday. Satsangs are conducted every Sunday mornings, 9 am to 12:30 pm. Please visit the mandir website www.hamaresai.org or call 612-789-7729 for more information on mandir activities, events and other information.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 Temple of New England, Boston AreaSri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of New England is now operational. It is located at 1827 Bridge St # 8, Dracut, MA 01824. The temple is open every Thursday from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Saturday's from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. For temple hours and activities please visit the website www.nessp.org or send mail to maildrop.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.Shirdi Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, FloridaDevotees are invited to participate in Sai study and bhajans on Thursdays between 7-8 pm at Meditation Gallery, 219 E Horatio Ave, Maitland, FL 32715. For more details please contact Bonnie at 407-830-1276.FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD: Please note that Sai Vichaar is only yet another global platform on the electronic medium for sharing information on the life and message of Sadguru Sainath of Shirdi. Sai Vichaar does not profess to endorse any particular thought, nor will judge or reflect the opinions expressed by individual contributors. A Sai devotee suggested the "Question of the week" for this week as follows: Q. All the faithful devotees mentioned in the Sai Satcharita during Sri Baba's time, are there references to what happened to them, their future generations?

Humbly Yours,The EditorABOUT THIS EMAIL:This newsletter is not sent unsolicited. This newsletter is e-mailed to you because of at least one of the following reasons:1. You have d through our on-line page, 2. You have visited our web site and shown interest in the Sai topics and asked for information, or 3. You have been gifted a subscription by a friend or a relative.To Subscribe Sai Vichaar for receipt by Email please visit the URL http://www.saibaba.org/newsletter.html and select the option from the menu. If you are subscribing the newsletter for your friend or a relative, we request that the person concerned may be notified about receiving the newsletter and the willingness to receive the newsletter be confirmed. To Un-Subscribe receipt of Sai Vichaar, please visit the URL http://www.saibaba.org/newsletter.html and select the option from the menu. If you have problems accessing the web page due to network problems, please send an e-mail to support with the words "Un Sai Vichaar" in the subject line. To make a contribution to any of the sections of Sai Vichaar, please visit the URL http://www.saibaba.org/newsletter.html and select the Submit Articles to Sai Vichaar option from the menu. Back copies of HTML version of Sai Vichaar can be accessed by visting the URL http://www.saibaba.org/whatsnew.html. For any questions or more information regarding this e-mail or our web site, please send an e-mail to maildrop and your inquiries will be attended to promptly.Thank you,The webmasterFrom and Editor:Shirdi Sai Baba Web SiteShirdi Sai Baba Sanstha(A non-profit organization)Mail:12N950 State Route 47 Hampshire, IL 60140, USAEmailmaildropPhone847-931-4058Fax847-931-4066© Copyright 1998-2008 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.