Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 Sai Vichaar www.saibaba.org Thursday , October 02, 2008 :: Volume 11, Issue 21 (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 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: Maha Samadhi Every incarnation has an end. The supreme power that manifests itself in a physical form has to follow certain temporal rules and Sadguru Sai Baba's mortal form came to an end on Vijayadashami day, a Tuesday, the 15th day of October 1918. The day was also significant for other reasons; Moharram and Buddha Jayanthi, two important occasions for the people of Islamic and Buddhist faith, were observed on the same day. The day resulted in an enormous grief for the followers of Sai Baba who had the divine fortune of living with Him for several years. These included Bhagoji Shinde, Mhalsapathi, Madhavrao Deshpande, Nana Chandorkar, Booty, Laxmi Bhai, and Tatya. Sai Baba's mortal remains were placed in Booty's bhavan, which was initially constructed for as a temple for Murlidhar, and Sai Krishna has Himself become Murlidhar. During His last moments, Sai Baba in His own characteristic way demonstrated the virtues of devotion, sacrifice and faith. His emphasis on devotion came through His charity to Laxmi Bhai, a devout soul who was with the Sadguru when the end came. Sai Baba gave Laxmi Bhai, nine coins symbolizing nine forms of devotion, Shravana (hearing) , Keerthana (praying), Smarana (remembering), Padasevana (resorting to His feet), Archana (worship), Namaskara (bowing), Dasya (service), Sakhyatha (friendship), and Atmanivedana (surrender of the self). Sai Baba always mentioned that if any of the above is faithfully followed, God will be pleased. It is also believed that Sai Baba had sacrificed His life for Ramachandra Dada and Tatya Patil two devotees who fell ill at the same time as Baba's passing away. While Ramachandra Dada got well a few days prior to Vijayadashami, Tatya's condition grew worse. As Vijayadashami dawned, Tatya's pulse became weaker and he was expected to pass away very shortly. Truly inscrutable His ways are, Tatya became all right but Sadguru Sainath's physical form came to an end. By averting the death of His devotees, Sai has proved that it is the duty of the Lord to protect the devout. The virtue of sacrifice is stressed similarly in the life of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life for His followers. Shri Hemadpanth wrote in Sai Satcharitra (Ch. 42) ... ...next morning (16th October 1918) Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur in his dream and said to him - "The Masjid collapsed, all the oilmen and grocers of Shirdi teased me a lot, so I left the place. I therefore came to inform you here, please go there quickly and cover me with 'Bhakkal' flowers." Das Ganu got the information also from Shirdi letters. So he came to Shirdi with his disciples and started bhajan and kirtan and sang Lord's name, all day before Baba's samadhi. Sagun form is the most convenient form of worship since human being can relate to an existing physical entity. However, Sai Baba always said that God exists everywhere and in every being. To emphasize this fact, Sainath appeared in the dreams of Das Ganu and directed to His devotees to have faith in His words and see Him even after His physical end. The words of Sainath is so true that even today, His presence is felt in Shirdi and seven seas across by anyone who has faith. Thus, Mahasamadhi is the day for the devotees of Sainath to remember His teachings on virtues of devotion, sacrifice, and faith. CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Sri Sai's attitude towards reading and self-enquiry Saibaba appears to have understood that the literary forms are only a focus for the underlying truths that are not nearly so susceptible to ethnic and religious pigeonholes. At one time, pupils at Shirdi were in the habit of approaching Saibaba with books that each found inspiring. The objective was to obtain his blessings in their studies. On one of these occasions a visitor came empty handed. The others expected the adept to rebuke this man, but instead Saibaba gave him an expansive smile and told him that he was wise - since wisdom could not be assimilated even by reading many pages of the scriptures. True wisdom was concealed in one's own atman. Even in respect of understanding meditation, one must first understand the meditator. The human psychology is a mass of contradictions and conflicts he stressed - how then can a man assimilate anything from outside? The impressions of such a confused and un-integrated psychology would inevitably be unreliable. "We have only to see the Self and the rest becomes revealed" he is reported to have said on another occasion. But it is apparent that he considered this to be a rare event. Hence he repeatedly urged some of his pupils, probably the more attentive ones, to: Think always about this question - Who am I? This stress on vichar (self-enquiry) did not mean any neglect of the teacher, as is sometimes thought by persons intent upon self-remembering. The essential emphasis in Saibaba's verbal injunctions was the need for rapport with the teacher. The living potency of his baraka (blessing) was the proof here, something stronger than scriptures or dogmas. Pupils found that stray remarks of his caused an impact out of all proportion to a pedantic analysis of his words. One sentence from Saibaba was enough to acutely affect someone's life for days, weeks, or even months and years on end. His words might sting or they might heal; none could predict what would come. His words might be in the form of an instruction, something which had to be carried out no mater what if the pupil wished to continue further. This might well involve the elimination of an undesirable personal trait, or the elimination of a new and more desirable one - although this would not be explicit in the order given. It might be something which appeared to have no connection at all with the "spiritual life" as normally understood. It is this concrete application to life events which distinguishes the real teacher, something quite apart from standard religio-mystical attitudes. (Contributed by (Source: Gurus Re-discovered: by Kevin Shepard)) DEVOTEES SAY: PrakashJai Sai Ram, We have been getting various messages through sms and mail and in some print matter that print 100 messages like this and you will get worth. Same way sms saying send this message and you will get benefits.I personally feel that this kind of propaganda's should not be attached to Baba's name. Whole world worships him and every one knows Babas miracles. My request to all saibabas worshippers is that Baba is above than this and if you really want to spread messages of Baba then distribute Sai Vachan to devotee's who come and throng the temple . BanuMy pranams. You have helped me in all my difficult situation. But i haven't kept up my promise. Please excuse me. I'll try to finish all by your grace. Please baba now my husband is facing some problem in his office. Help him. Save him from this difficulty. Please bless him. DevoteeDear Baba, As you know, I am going through one of the most difficult periods of my life. I pray to you to pardon me for all the mistakes I have made in my life and give me an opportunity to redeem myself. All my life, You have always protected me and its only with Your blessings that I have survived so far. I pray to you to help me and my family and give me good job soon, so that I can start afresh in my life. I pray to you to pardon me for all the sins I have done. I hope and pray that you will pardon me and answer all my prayers and give me a chance to redeem myself. I am eternally thankful to you for all that you have done for me, for showing me light in darkness and always protecting me and I am very indebted. I trust that You will Bless me and come to my rescue. AmruthiaSwami Sainatha, These days I don't get your darshan in any form. Why is it so swami, if I have done anything wrong, please forgive me. Baba my husband's health is deteriorating, please , please help me. You have always done miracles for me and given me support and confidence in every way. I beg of you to continue the same. Please swami help me by helping my husband. You know everything about his health.I have always trusted you and feel that you are there with us and thats why even now we are managing our lives. Baba, I beg you to take care of his health. Koti pranamamulu. PrasadBaba , Thank you for the news which you have given me . Baba be kind to me please , I need only your blessings and all my difficult moment will vanish . without your help i cant move , I know your ways are strange but you always stand for your bhakts . And my this faith in you has given me enough courage and belief that nothing is impossible when you are with me. Baba please make me think correctly , and positively . Baba please help, though i have nothing to worry because neither success is mine nor failure is mine , everything is your and i am yours so you know better what is good for me and what is not. so please keep your blessigs on me. thankyou baba PRAYER CLUB: DevoteeI request all Sai devotees in the prayer club to pray for mother who was not treated properly by my brother's wife. She is completely going beyond her limits and not bothered about anything and she is thinking we all are burden to her and even we all were treated by the same way my mother was treated. Give our brother's wife a good heart and bless her kindness towards our mother. DevoteeSAI BABA, please help me complete this semester successfully..please help my father,mother and me baba.... you are my only hope..please make me realize my dreams baba.... please baba.... DevoteeThere is so much anger in me. Help me to be able to forgive. DevoteeSaibaba! As you are aware I am desparately in need of a job. Please forgive for my sins and provide me with a good job. You saved me and my children from many a crises in the past. I surrender to Your lotus feet. DevoteeBABA, You are aware of my problems . I am in deep depression surrounded with all kinds of problems . Fathers health , my Health problem, infertiflity , problems with my brother and job threat . With all these i am troubling my husband a lot and theres no peace of mind for us .I have doctors appointment on saturday, please be with me BABA . Doctor should not say that i have to be on medication. My health problem should be sloved with physical excercises. Please bless me to overcome all these problems. I will read Sai Sat charita and complete it in 7 days once my doctor appointment is clear . I need YOUR blessings BABA. DevoteeDear Sai Baba, I pray to you to help me keep my current job, and not be laid-off or fired. I pray to you to get me out of my current situation by helping me get a project very soon, or get another job very soon, or by saving my current job. Please save me Sai Baba, I pray to you, and I trust that you will not let your devotee down. Please Sai Baba, I pray to you to help me from not getting fired from my current job. Please save me, and show me a route to take Sai Baba. I am very confused, and do not have any one to depend on except you. Please help me Sai Baba. VasudevanSadguru Sainath, please cure my health related problems and solve the volatile condition in my work place. Please show me the path. Your devotee. DevoteeI really believe you a lot and you only had encouraged me to join in the research job even though i have kids. Now I am in much more tensed regarding the extension of my contract job, Please help me baba and please look after my two kids,and my husband always. I hope your blessings are always on us and please show me progress in my job. SuneelBaba am I not your child, am I not your devotee, Donot I follow what you have said Then why my prayers are not answered -Isnt it better to die instead of living like dying everyday Why I am suffering -Why I am fearfull, Why I am worried, Why I am tense ,Why I feel I am ill Baba Please have pity on me - Take me out from this vortex. BhaktJai Sai Ram! Baba I am in a big problem.I have come on contract for overseas assignment where contract was not clear on terms of early termination. Due to my family problems I am supposed to terminate it before completion where company senior personnel taking the benefit of grey areas in contract are not ready to pay my entitlements. Please help me to come out of this difficult situation. Koti Pranam EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES: SandhyaI was very tense as i had sent my visa to be renew and the home office was every time finding a fault in my application. This has been happening for 3 months but by Sai grace i have finally got my visa renewed. Thank you Baba for teaching me how to have patience and to have faith in you. I would like to thank you too for passing my exam which without your help and guidance I would never have passed it. Baba please changed sud's heart as he behave very badly to us all here, make him realise that he is not doing right to us all here. Baba have full faith in you i know you will set everything right for us all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, massive Jai sai ram. Ravinder WaliaThis is a true incident that took place during the summer of 2000. Being an employee of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. Of India, I was allotted & living in Government Quarter at Sadar Patel Marg, Chanakaya Puri, New Delhi-INDIA. These are double story quarters and my quarter was on upper floor. On that summer night when water cooler was running at full throttle, time was around mid-night I was in deep sleep. I had a vision. A person in his late thirties, about 6 feet tall sound built, trimmed black beard, wearing white robe came to me and woke me up telling that; " get up & see, some body is stealing your car". I got up instantly without thinking who woke me up, and walked to the balcony. I saw the car (Maruti 800) was where it was supposed to be. There was deep silence in the atmosphere. All lights were off, except streetlights. I thought it must have been a bad dream. There was cool air blowing. I felt a need to inhale some fresh air before returning to the bed. As I was standing there; I saw a young man in his early twenties, slim built, wearing jeans appeared on the corner of our quarters lane. My first impression was that he might be a guest or boy returning from late night film, going to some quarter in the front lane. As he was heading in that direction, he suddenly stopped by my car that was almost in the middle of the lane. I saw him touching the driver side front door window; I shouted "thief", "thief", "thief". He ran back through the gate he entered. My wife and daughter too got up and we all came down and saw the driver side door glass about one inch down. Nobody but a professional thief can pull the secured glass down by slight touch. Continued..As I was climbing stairs back to the bedroom, I was thinking who woke me up. Who is so concerned about my very little material possession and me? If "HE" he is so caring about my possession and me; should I stop worrying about things and seek "HIM". But, being a human, these good thoughts of seeking "HIM" kept playing hide and seek. I never gave a serious thought expect extending my due reverence when ever and where ever possible. Can U tell me; who "HE" was? To be honest I am not the greatest Sai Bhakat. But I have firm belief that there is some energy out there that runs the universe at its extended and quantum level so perfectly. I used to visit Lodhi Road Sai Temple on and off, during my stay in New Delhi (1995 to 2002). I have never been to Shirdi, and I have never read Shri Sai Satcharitra. But, lately I have been experiencing a pull towards Sai baba. Let us see, where he takes me!!! QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: "I am not confined to these three and a half cubits of body."-Sri Saibaba QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Q. What is the significance of chapter 15 of Sri Sai Satcharitha? A. by Devotee This chapter narrates a beautiful story of one Mr. Cholkar, a poor man who had a large family to look after and very limited source of income. Such a person, overpowered by his adverse circumstances was one day, listening to Das Ganu maharaj's kirtan. He was so absorbed in the personage of Sai Baba as was being discoursed by Das Ganu, that he then and there mentally took a vow that he would distribute sugar candy in Baba's name, should he pass the departmental exam and get a permanent post. It does happen that many a times, when one is overcome by anxiety and calamities, a small knock of help on that person's door provides one with a great hope and relief. Baba rescued his devotees and freed them from their troubles and anxieties either by giving them visions, talking to them by appearing in their dreams and giving them proper directions and guidance about their lives, or taking any form and appearing before them. Other methods in which Sai Baba dragged his devotees to Him was by creating interest in His stories, His actions and His way of life. This is what happened in Mr Cholkar's case. True to his word and vow, Mr. Cholkar stopped using sugar in his diet to save money as expenses for his Shirdi trip. And when he went to Shirdi for fulfillment of his vow, thanked Baba and fell at His feet to express gratitude and distributed sugar candy in His name, Baba knew of his devotee's determination and sincerity and asked Bapusaheb Jog to give his guest "cups of tea fully saturated with sugar". These words moved Mr. Cholkar and brought tears in his eyes. Only Baba and he knew about his secret determination not to use sugar in his tea until his vow was fulfilled. These words were very touching and strengthened Mr. Cholkar's faith in Baba. Q. continued.. A. by continued.. Quoted from Sri Sai Satcharita - "If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, Blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows Me thus." This story shows that Baba's answer or help is in immediate response to the devotee's intention, faith, resoluteness and sincerity. For those who believe in Him and love Him, there's nothing hidden from Him. He is our best friend who is constantly listening, watching, talking to us through our own feelings, thoughts and instincts. SAI ACTIVITIES: Navarathri and Punyatithi Celebrations in Chicago - Oct 7th to Oct 9thShirdi Sai Temple Chicago will celebrate Navarathri from Sep 29th and Dasherrah and punyatithi celebrations from Oct 7th to Oct 9th. For event details please visit www.saibaba.us and follow the links to the event page. Please send email to maildrop for more information or call the temple line at 847-931-4058 for sponsorship and volunteer details. 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. Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, TXSri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, Texas opened at 601 E Whitestone Blvd (RM 1431), Cedar Park, TX. Daily 4 aarthis are performed to Sai Baba. As part of service to needy, a weekly sandwich seva is also conducted. For more information, please visit www.saiaustin.org. Shirdi Sai Mandir, Dulles, VAShirdi Sai Mandir is located at 43671 Trade Center Place #166 Dulles, VA 20166. The mandir is open through the week in the evenings from 6pm to 9 pm. Sri Satyanarayan pooja will be conducted every full moon day. Please visit the mandir website www.shirdisaimandir.org or call (703) 661-4724 for more information on activities, events and other information. Shirdi Sai Mandir, TorontoShirdi Sai Mandir Toronto is open from 7am to 9pm for darshan. Extended hours on thursdays and saturdays. For more information, program schedule or directions please call 647-444-4724 FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD: In the true spirit of Sai devotion, contributors are requested to remember the global nature of Sai Vichaar readership. Therefore, the content, language, style and presentation, appropriate to a worldwide readership will be more rewarding and fulfilling. It should also be noted that when a section from any material other than their own is quoted or referred to, it is the authors' responsibility to acknowledge the source appropriately The "Question of the week" for this week is The Post Script to Chapter 15 of Sri Sai Satcharitha states that those who respectfully read this Chapter or study it daily, will get all the miseries removed by the grace of the Sadguru Sai Baba. What is the significance of this chapter? Humbly Yours,The Editor ABOUT 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, or3. 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 webmaster From and Editor: Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha (A non-profit organization) Mail: 12N950 State Route 47 Hampshire, IL 60140, USA Email maildrop Phone 847-931-4058 Fax 847-931-4066 © 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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