Sai Vichaar for Thursday , December 06, 2007

December 6, 2007

Note: forwarded message attached.

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Sai Vichaarwww.saibaba.org Thursday , December 06, 2007 :: Volume 10, Issue 30 (In its tenth 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: The significance of Sri Sai's "Re-birth"In 1886, Baba died his first death. One day when sitting along with his devotee Mahalsapathy in the Dwaraka Mayi, Baba said that he was going to Allah and that consequently for three days his body was to be looked after for, after that period, he might return to the body, and that in case he did not do so, the body should be interred near the mosque. For a time being, Baba's body became a corpse. An inquest was held over the same and the officer holding the inquest insisted on Mahalsapathy burying the body. But Mahalsapathy vehemently opposed the proposal and succeeded in preventing the internment. On the fourth day, Baba's body revived and for thirty-two years thereafter, Baba worked through that living fleshy case and finally left it on the 15th October, 1918, with the same prescience and clear control over all the circumstances which he showed in 1886. This leaving of the body at will and returning to it at pleasure is a siddhi, described in the Yoga Sastras; and Baba's exercise of such powers convinced and would convince many of the truth of the Sastras. 'Dharmasamsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge' (i.e. 'I am born in each age for establishing Dharma') said Krishna of Dwapara Yuga to Arjuna. And this divinity of the twentieth century A.D. in Kaliyuga, like other men of God (Devatmas) of the same period, has frequently by his conduct proved the truth of, and confirmed, the belief in Dharma and Sastras.

One noticeable feature of Baba's life after his return to the body was that he began to encourage the arrival of bhaktas to his feet. Evidently the object of his return to his body was to carry out his mission more fully and for a longer period on earth, especially with reference to the devotees and others bound to him by former ties, rinanubandha. This is well illustrated by his call to Narayana Govind Chandorkar, B.A., Personal Assistant to the Collector of Ahmednagar, to come to his feet.When N.G.Chandorkar or 'Nana' as Baba affectionately called him, was halting at Kopergaon, Baba sent word to him repeatedly to come to Shirdi for a visit. Nana after much hesitation came up to Shirdi and asked Baba why he was sent for. Baba replied that for four previous births, Nana had been intimate with Baba and that therefore in this life also, he should get into similar close contact. Again Nana hesitated. But Baba, by the exercise of his wonderful powers and his kindness especially, filled Nana's heart with faith and gratitude for numerous miraculous favors showered upon him. On one occasion when Chandorkar was stranded on a hot day on a waterless hill (Harischandra Hill) unable to climb up or get down, he suddenly exclaimed; 'If Baba were here, he would give me water'. Baba who was then at Shirdi, forty miles away, mentioned to the people there that Nana was thirsty and should be provided with a palmful of water. At that time, a Bhil appeared on that hill and pointed out a palmful of water to Chandorkar, under the very rock over which the latter was seated. Later when Nana visited Shirdi, Baba informed him that it was; he who provided water on the waterless rock. When Nana's daughter was undergoing the tortures of prolonged parturition, Baba sent a gosavi from Shirdi with udhi to be used for easing the parturition. Chandorkar wondered at Baba's power to provide everything he wanted at any place and at any time and at the depth of Baba's love for his devotees.

Nana had innumerable proofs of Baba's vast, nay, unlimited powers, his perpetual watch over his beloved devotees, his invariable kindness towards all that approached him, and summed them all up in the phrase that Baba was omnipotent, omniscient and universally kind. No word aptly expresses the sum total of these attributes except 'God'.FEATURE OF THE WEEK: The significance of Sri Sai's "Re-birth" (continued......)Chandorkar was convinced that Baba was God and worshipped him as God; and by reason of Chandorkar's vast influence, Baba's greatness and glory became known to all in various parts of Maharashtra. One Ganpat Rao Sahasrabuddhe, a constable attending on NGC was similarly turned in to a devout Bhakta and made to quit Government service (in 1905) substituting therefore the service of God or Baba. Sri Sahasrabuddhe has thenceforward been known as DasGanu Maharaj and as a Kirtankar-devotee of Baba all through these forty years. By his powerful Harikathas and his talents, he has carried Baba to the homes of tens of thousands in Maharashtra. His works on Baba are the earliest authorities on the life of Baba. The above mentioned two gentlemen with others like H.S.Dixit and Anna Dabolkar, may be regarded as Baba's apostles who carried the faith in Baba to the length and breadth of Maharashtra.

Baba's own miraculous personality surviving his release from his physical body has however been the principal reason for the success of all this propaganda. His power is still working and by reason of that along, myriads in Madras and other Presidencies have become firm adherents to, and worshippers of, Baba. The faith is well grounded in the experience showered upon them now as liberally and miraculously, as they were showered before Baba's passing away. Baba's figure is occasionally seen by, and his wondrous powers are manifested to, those that have the necessary faith, at any place, as Baba has no partiality and his grace cannot be the monopoly of any person or place. He is working wonders today at various places and therefore Sai Mandirs have sprung up in many of them.

(Source: "Who is Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi?" by Shri H.H.Narasimhaswamiji)CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Happy HanukahHanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for eight days, commencing on the 25th day of the month of Kislev (November/December), to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the Hellenist Syrians in 165 BCE. Hanukkah is celebrated this year from December 5th. Hanukkah in Hebrew means dedication and the story goes as follows: The Maccabees, sons of the Priestly Hasmonean family led the Jews in their revolt against the Syrian overlords. After their victory, they cleansed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem defiled by the Syrian invaders, dedicated it again to the service of God and in memory of their victory, the Maccabees celebrated the first Hanukkah. Judah Maccabee and his associates, while making ready to rededicate the temple were unable to find enough clean oil to light the lamps. However, in one of the temple chambers, they finally came upon a small cruse of oil, which, under normal circumstances, would have lasted only one evening. Miraculously, this small amount of oil kept the temple lights burning, not for one night, but for all the eight nights until new oil fit for use in the temple could be obtained. This is the miracle commemorated by the kindling of the Hanukkah lights.The most important observance associated with Hanukkah is the kindling of the Hanukkah lights on the Menorah or Hanukkiya, a seven- or nine-branch candelabrum. On each night, more light is kindled, beginning with one candle on the first night of Hanukkah and ending with eight on the final evening. The chanting of appropriate blessings and the singing of songs accompany the lighting. The ninth branch is reserved for the shamash, the servant light, which is lit first and used to kindle the other lights of the Menorah. Hanukkah light symbolizes the light of religious, national and cultural freedom won by the Maccabees for their people. It gave new force to the faith that had waned under the influence of Hellenism and Jewish culture began to flourish again. In addition, the Hebrew language, which had been largely supplanted by Greek, came into its own once more. Hanukkah is a joyful family festival for Jews all over the world. They celebrate this festival of lights by praying, exchanging gifts, children playing games and having parties. Special delicacies during this period includes latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts). These are delicacies made with oil, long associated with Hanukkah.(Contributed by Sai Vichaar team)DEVOTEES SAY: NirupamaAs promised I am posting thanks on the eve of Thanksgiving. We were blessed with a baby girl after many complications during pregnancy and during delivery. Thanks Baba for taking care of my daughter and me during delivery. Thank you for being there for us during tough time and bless us with Your love. We owe everything at Your lotus feet. Bless my daughter throughout her life and be with her.SravanthiThanks a lot Baba for my husband's green card approval. We have been waiting for this moment since many years with lot of frustration.ManjuI would like to thank Ankita for her contributed article about the 'Ten guidelines from God'. It was really inspiring. Knowledge becomes purposeful only when we impart it to others. It made me realize that my Sai is there and so why fear or worry about anything in life. I do agree that He takes care of us every second; the only need is faith and perseverance. Believe in Sai and sail your life peacefully.DimpleI just want to thank Ankita for contributing such a wonderful article. It is just an eye opener for the people who do not believe in God. Tears came rolling down from my eyes while I was reading this article. I forwarded the same to all the people I know. Anyone who will follow the ten things will get whatever they have wished for in life. I have no further words to express. I Pray to Saibaba to bless me as well so that I can sing His glory and make people sing as well.GitaThank you Baba for helping us sell our house and bought a new house in a short time. It would not have been possible without Your grace and blessing!RamadeviBaba thank you very much, couple of weeks before, in prayer club, I asked Baba to solving my medical insurance bill. The next day my insurance problem was solved.AnjuI read Ankita's ten commandments and for a moment I thought You are talking to me through her. I needed these ten directions at this time for my mind was wandering and my faith shaking. My troubles seem to be pushing me even further into an abysmal corner. There could not have been a better time to receive these commandments. I am positive You chose to tell me this through dear Ankita. Thanks my dear Baba, I am feeling much better and can feel the strength come back into me. Thanks my dear father, father of the universe!RajeshwariAt every stage He is there to help us, surrendering to Him is the only way. Yesterday when I brought my son from his preschool, I suddenly found that he did not have his gold chain around his neck. I was much disturbed, the reason for that was my mom had given him as a token of blessing at his birth and secondary mama used to say never lose a gold it is not good. I prayed to Baba, I don't know anything, I should find it in his school only. When I went to his preschool today, the teacher gave me the chain. I know He is always there besides me, my pranams to Your lotus feet Sai. Bless all who need You at every stage.CynthiaThank you Baba for all our prayers that You have answered especially by giving my brother a job. We are still to fulfill our wish to feed the needy in Thanksgiving.PRAYER CLUB: SrivalliBaba, please help me. I am very worried every minute of the day for something or the other. I am very much tensed about my career, my husband and my son.PoornimaPlease bless my husband good health. He is going to doctor, hope he doesn't have any serious health problem. Please be always with us. Jai Sai Ram.AparnaDear Sai deva, please see that my husband recovers from his surgery fast and get well soon.ShivaniSai, you know I am suffering from past four years and now I cannot take it anymore. Please Sai help me. I know You are listening to my prayers but I don't know why am I not getting the answers. I know You will give me what I want but why are You not giving. Please Sai I need you, help me.

PrasantBaba, You areoOmnipotent. You know all about me. How I suffered from my childhood. Presently I am in a comfotable position but there is no growth in my future. At this company I am not able to learn anything. As you know Baba, learning is an unending process. I feel so far I learned only 1 percent. With your grace, I would like seek a job in a top ten MNC software company where I can learn things. I will visit Your place after my joining in new company.VishalBaba please help me to come out clean from the court case and Baba please call me to Shirdi again. Please give me the strength and Your bakhti to get rid of my weakness. Jai Sai Ram.SudhakarDearest Shree Shirdi Sai baba, give me peace of mind and always bless me and my family with good health and happiness. As you know I am looking for good job, Baba fufill my wishes and make us happy.EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES: YashWe had never thought of visiting Shirdi till about 2 years ago, though we had heard about Baba. My Uncle and Aunt who live in Mumbai have been staunch devotees of Sainath and have had the blessings of Baba with numerous visits, sometimes on monthly basis. It was through them that my sister's family and my family had the privilege of visiting Shirdi for the first time. My wife and me were blessed with Baba's darshan exactly 2 years ago in December of 2006. I went with a very open mind and just requested for Baba's blessings and other materialistic things. My wife however prayed to Baba for curing my 5 years old son's skin problem from which he was suffering since he was 2 years and had no relief from any medication. We went back to Delhi and my son had been cured of his bleeding skin and my son narrated to us upon our arrival that the night before Baba had come in his dream and had touched and blessed him though he could feel them but doesn't remember seeing them, which to date he still remembers and thanks Baba for the treatment.AshajyothiI had the wonderful experience of making acquaintance with Baba during my internship. My friend was reading the Satcharithra book and I borrowed it from her for pleasure reading and out of curiosity. Every page I read brought immense sense of peace and a feeling that I knew Baba before itself though this was the first time I read about him. I feel His presence very often quite more when I need Him. Especially there was a time when I had foot surgery, had to go to college and it was hard. Out of nowhere came lots of help, in the form of friends, neighbors and auto men. Even my mother's health is lot better with God next to us. Thank you very much dear Baba for coming into our lives and please don't ever leave us.PallaviThis may seem like a minor everyday incident but to me it was nothing less than Baba's miracle. On Diwali this year, I was alone and lonely with no one at home. I was dejected with the thought of celebrating the festival by myself and so did not take any efforts at all for the celebrations. In the afternoon in order to get away from this loneliness, I decided to go somewhere out. On my way out I opened the mailbox and I was overwhelmed to see Baba's udi and prasad sent from the Sansthan. I was overjoyed and moved to tears as I interpreted this as Baba's assurance to me that He is with me. All my sadness disappeared instantly and I was all smiles all day long. When I later shared this experience with my husband and my mother, they too were moved with Baba's love for His devotees.QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: "It is a general rule, that it is our good luck in the form of accumulation of merits in past births, that enables us to seek the company of Saints and profit thereby."-Sri Sai SatcharithaQUESTION OF THE WEEK: Q. Question of the week is given below.....A. by .Q. Baba left his bodily coil for 72 hours much before His mahasamadhi. Did Baba give any indication to his devotees what transpired in those 72 hours or was there any kind of discussion on this?SAI ACTIVITIES: Special New Year Eve pooja on Monday December 31st Temple open till midnightThis year Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago, Illinois, USA will be open till midnight on New year eve for devotees wishing to invite the new year in Baba's presence. Bhajans and Naam jaap after dhoop arathi onwards. Participate in person or in absentia in special archana pooja followed by Shej arathi at midnight to Shri Sai Baba for all His blessings in the new year. Please call temple office at 847-931-4058 for sponsorship details or questions.Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USAShirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 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, except Mondays. 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 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: In recent days many devotees are using submission forms for their writings incorrectly. Please help Sai Vichaar by sending your contribution under appropriate topics. Kindly do not use Devotee Experiences page for sending your prayer requests, and use Prayer Club for prayer requests only.

A Sai devotee suggests the Question of the week for this week as follows: Q. Baba left his bodily coil for 72 hours much before his mahasamadhi- did Baba give any indication to his devotees what transpired in those 72 hrs or was there any kind of discussion on this?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 1998-2006 saibaba.org, Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha - Sai Vichaar Weekly may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter. Sai Vichaar is devoted to the philosophy and teachings of Shri Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi, and will take every measure to avoid topics or themes contradicting the same. Sai Vichaar team or the Shirdi Sai Baba web site is not responsible for the opinions expressed by individual contributors.