Kansai Light for January Issue-37

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KANSAI LIGHT . JANUARY 2009. ISSUE-37

News letter of Sri Sathya Sai Organization Japan

address: I.S.S, 2nd Fl, 1-3, Kumochi 5-Chome, Chuo Ku Kobe

Tel: 078-222-1885, Email: rgcjp

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PLEASE PRINT COPY FOR YOUR EASY REFERENCE

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Thought for the Day

Some say knowledge is valuable, but character is more valuable than knowledge. One may be a learned scholar, one may hold high positions of authority, one may be very wealthy or be an eminent scientist but if one has no character, all the other acquisitions are of no use at all.

Sacrifice, love, compassion and forbearance are the sterling

human qualities that should be fostered, shedding jealousy, hatred, ego and anger which are animal qualities.

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SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - PART 48(Continued from the previous issue - Final Episode)This page has lots of Graphics. Allow time for the images to download]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to go to Previous issue story > >

ACT XXII : SCENE 1

 

The fourteen year old who went from Puttaparthi as Sathyanarayana Raju has returned as Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and is now established in a shed built on a piece of land donated most kindly by Subbamma. This shed is now enshrined in history as Patha Mandiram [Old Mandir]. It is from here that Baba started His Mission that now has grown to immense proportions, spanning all continents. But back in 1940, the crowds were small [by today’s standards] and some were yet to be convinced of Baba’s Divinity. The most important of them was Seshama Raju. Seshama accepted that there was something extra-ordinary about his brother, but found it difficult to accept that this brother of his was in reality God walking on earth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People today find fault with Seshama, but this is an opinion based on hindsight. We must remember that Seshama merely played a part he was destined to – God wanted to show that there would be ‘Doubting Thomases’, and He cast His own bodily brother as the first doubter. However, Seshama finally realised that he was mistaken and accepted Baba as an Avatar.

 

 

 

 

In this the last scene of this play we see how finally, even Seshama came around.

A group of devotees have gathered around Baba in the Patha Mandiram, and this includes members of His family; Seshama Raju is also present. Baba is seen speaking to them.

SATHYA: Embodiments of Divine Love! Man believes in everything, but does not have faith in God! He is not able to know that God resides within him. He is unable to understand this fact…God’s Grace cannot be earned through tricks, cunning, power, charity, or learning. You can see the radiant Moon by its own light. In the same way, God who is the very source of Divine Love, can be seen only with Love...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Man today has become blind,

Having lost his eyes of faith.

He may not see God,

But does that mean God does not exist?

Foolishly he may believe God is nowhere,

 

But for you, God is NOW HERE! A blind man cannot see the Sun, even if it is shining brightly. And those who shut their eyes, cannot see the world. Does that mean that the Sun or the world does not exist? If the child does not have faith in its mother, it will not love its mother. In the same way, in the case of God also, faith is very important. It is sheer ignorance to declare that there is no God just because He cannot be seen. It is wrong to assert that the Unseen does not exist. The rose can be seen, but can its fragrance be seen? Similarly, the mother has a form but her love does not. Faith is God. Devotees must therefore cultivate faith… Faith begets peace and in this way you can secure total happiness. Sathya creates sugar candy by a wave of this hand and calls his mother to receive the prasadam. SATHYA: Lady………..

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASWARAMMA: Seshama... come, take it Seshama. VENKAMA RAJU: Seshama, why are you looking like that? Go ahead and receive it.

 

 

 

 

 

KONDAMA RAJU: God’s Grace is dependent upon the merit earned in earlier births. One who enjoys God’s Grace in full measure has Divine qualities. One with Divine qualities appears as God to all, and one who worships this God [in human form] will find happiness and fulfilment. All this holds true in the case of Sathyam! Go. Go and receive Prasadam. SESHAMA RAJU: In Nature, it is only after ripening that one has a fruit. One cannot have a fruit as soon as a flower transforms into a bud. Similarly, in life, some time is required for the attainment of spiritual maturity. Grandfather, you know all this! Yet, you see Divinity in your grandson in His boyhood. That may be OK for you but for me, I cannot understand how Sathyam can be called God. EASWARAMMA: Seshama! What are you talking! SESHAMA RAJU: Yes mother. It takes years of arduous spiritual practice to become a Wise One... to become a saint. Such being the case, is it not strange if one who is innocent of the ways of the world and is yet to enter it has suddenly become spiritual? Above all, how can He say He is God? VENKAMA RAJU: Seshama, you are wrong! There is no age bar for receiving God’s Grace. It all depends on the merit earned in earlier births. Once upon a time, I too had such doubts. But now I am convinced. If so many devotees have such strong faith and belief, I cannot but fall in line. As father says, I believe it is all the result of good actions done in earlier births. SESHAMA RAJU: It is okay to talk about the fruits of Wisdom and earlier births, but one must also be realistic and think of the present too. While some revere Sathyam as God, there are others who dismiss it all as trickery and magic. We all know that right from childhood, Sathyam’s behaviour has been quite unusual. It was because of this that He was sent to Uravakonda. But that did not produce any change. He was brought back to Puttaparthi... and what happened here? KONDAMA RAJU: What happened? Devotees are coming in large numbers; they sing bhajans and listen to discourses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SESHAMA RAJU: True. I agree with what you say. But, was not Sathyam’s abode also set on fire? Why? VENKAMA RAJU: Oh that! Some people were jealous of Sathyam, that’s all. SESHAMA RAJU: Indeed. But don’t you see that those who wanted to test Sathyam did not believe in His Divinity? VENKAMA RAJU: Yes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SESHAMA RAJU: As long as there are such non-believers who are prepared to test Sathyam, who can say what danger awaits Him, where and when? EASWARAMMA: Seshama, what is it that you are saying? Are there people who would harm my child? Is this true Seshama?

 

 

 

 

 

SESHAMA RAJU: Yes mother. How can you bear to see harm come to the child whom you have carried for nine months? What is the guarantee that others would not inflict danger in the future, just as some did recently? Mother! Sathyam’s life is in danger because of the path He has chosen. No mother, we don’t need this kind of danger. KONDAMA RAJU: Seshama, think again. Perhaps this event occurred in order to reveal to the world the Divine power latent in Sathyam. That is why nothing happened to Sathyam. Besides, the wicked ones have had their eyes opened. SESHAMA RAJU: Grandfather! Is it enough to say that the present danger has passed? Is there any guarantee that there will be no danger tomorrow or the day after? How do you know? It is better for Sathyam to give up this path and choose some other. I am not saying this out of any selfishness. Father… Mother… it is only in the interests of Sathyam that I am speaking like this. All of you please understand the words of this brother. EASWARAMMA: Seshama, Sathyam has chosen this path for Himself long ago. He has also firmly declared that He will never give it up. But who can say what God’s Will is? I fully understand your anguish as a brother. Whatever I have to say as a mother, I already have. Your father too has. When Sathyam says He has no bonds of relationship with us, how can we stop Him? Tell me! SESHAMA RAJU: If you won’t tell Him, I will! Sathyam, You have said that You have no bonds with us. Does that mean that similarly, no bonds exist between devotee and God? SATHYA: No! That relationship is not bondage. The devotee has love for God, and God has compassion for the devotee. That is all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SESHAMA RAJU: If You really have Divine power in You, then how come those wicked people were able to set fire to Your hut? SATHYA: You have already said that they were wicked people. Only when people are wicked there is retribution. Punishment is given not to hurt, but to correct and to proclaim to the world that evil actions beget pain as the ultimate reward. SATHYA: I have incarnated not for punishing the wicked. Instead, it is for correcting them, leading them to the proper path and to show them the Light of Wisdom. It is the duty of the Avatar to show the correct path to evil ones. SESHAMA RAJU: Agreed! But such work must be done by people who are rich in experience and therefore full of Wisdom. It ought not to be done by one of Your age! SATHYA: Nowhere is it said at what age Wisdom should dawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SESHAMA RAJU: Look. I am Your elder brother who came running here out of deep anxiety about what happened to You. I am Your brother who wants You to be safe and happy, wherever You are... mother, father, and grandfather all regard You as God. But, I alone am not able to understand You! Now tell me, if God exists in all, why then are You alone acting so different from others? Who exactly are You? What is Your goal in life? What is Your life’s objective? I must know Your true nature. What is it that You possess? Are Your materialisations due to the power of magic or the result of Divine power that can also transform the wicked? SATHYA: Here is your answer... God is not only the One who materialises objects, but in fact, the One who created the entire Universe. He has no need for any magic. He is the Almighty God who can do anything, including transforming the wicked into good by invoking Divine power. SESHAMA RAJU: Does that mean You are God? Tell me! Tell me now! Who exactly are You?

 

 

 

 

 

 

SATHYA: Responding to the prayers of Venkava Dhoota, that jewel of the Ratnakara family, I have now incarnated in that very same family, descended from Sage Apasthamba and in the lineage of Sage Bharadwaja. SATHYA: I, who earlier incarnated as [shirdi Sai] a sequel to a boon granted by the Lord, have now been born to Easwaramma.

 

 

 

 

 

I am ever present in the hearts of those who worship Me with a pure mind, sacred feelings, total faith, and complete devotion. You asked Me: “Who are You?” The time has come to resolve all your doubts. You will know who I am. A pause I AM SAI BABA! Seshama Raju is stunned by the declaration. Slowly the realisation sinks in that the ‘young lad’ before him, whom he had all along treated as his younger brother and about whose future he was very much concerned, is not an ordinary mortal. In fact, He is no mortal at all but the very Lord in human form, born in the Ratnakara family to continue the work begun earlier in Shirdi. Seshama falls at Baba’s feet. SESHAMA: Swami! Forgive me! Till now, I did not realise that You who do things beyond human comprehension, You who say things that even the Wise are not aware of, and You who make the scriptures [Vedas and Upanishads] come alive, are verily God in human form, visible to our ordinary eyes. Swami, I found fault with You because You did not follow accepted customs and conventions. I tried to correct You. I even punished You! But now, You have removed the scales from my eyes. You have also annihilated my pride born of ignorance. You have revealed to me Your true nature. With the Darshan of that Divine and Auspicious Form, my life has achieved fulfilment. Swami, my life has truly been fulfilled!

 

 

 

 

 

 

From this moment, You alone are my Guru! You alone are my God! And Swami, Your Lotus Feet are my refuge, my sole refuge Swami! Other than You, there is no refuge! To You, I surrender completely! You are the Real Doer! Protect me, O Shirdi Sai! Protect and save me, O Parthi Sai! Protect and save me, O Parthi Sai!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone assembled chants:

Shirdi Sai, Parthi Sai ki, Jai!

Shirdi Sai, Parthi Sai ki, Jai!

Shirdi Sai, Parthi Sai ki, Jai!

 

 

 

 

- THE END -

------------- The Master Of The Mass Shirdi Sai Baba is one of the popular saints of India; a master looked upon for spiritual guidance and a fulfilled material life even today by multitudes living in India and abroad. Baba's birth

details remains unknown and uncertain though He is been told to have born of Hindu parents and brought up in a Muslim background. He was considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Dattatreya.Baba is said to have first arrived in Shirdi at about the age of sixteen. He stayed there for three years, disappeared for a year and returned back to Shirdi with the wedding procession of Chand Patil.He was first addressed by Mhalsapati as 'Sai' a word which carried a Persian and Indian meaning, of 'saint' in Persian and 'father' in Indian language. Baba lived on alms in a mosque, now called Dwarakamai and slept in Chavadi. Shirdi Saibaba led a very simple life. He was

revered and loved not only by the people of Shirdi but also from other parts of India who visited Him.

 

 

 

TeachingsShirdi Saibaba's teachings were Advaitic in nature. He asked His devotees to practise Shradda (Faith) and Saburi (Patience) fervently. His teachings were from the religions of Hinduism and Islam. He was found to utter 'Allah Malik' while He asked some of His devotees to read the Vishnusahasranama and worship Vitala (Lord Krishna). He also encouraged 'Kirtan'. He always sat by the Dhuni or a fire place in the mosque. The ash (Udi) from the Dhuni was distributed by Him to His devotees which again resembled the Hindu way of worshipping. His devotees celebrated the Rama Navami and Urs festival on the same day in Shirdi with the approval of Baba. Yet one could not discern whether He was a Muslim or a Hindu. Baba's very life was a teaching for the world at large. He was an embodiment of simplicity, love and humility. He encouraged charity and taught the virtues of forgiveness, contentment,

humility and piety . Though He was the all knowing almighty, He credited all the glory to Allah for all the miracles that happened with just a thought of Him or by just a single visit to Shirdi.The 'Sai Satcharitra', a book originally written in Marathi by Hemadpant, a devotee of Baba and translated into English throws light on the life and teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba.Baba, A Miracle WorkerShirdi Saibaba wiped away the miseries of the people who flocked around Him and guided them in their spiritual pursuit. The burning of lamps with mere water, perfect control over the elements of nature, curing diseases miraculously, the disintegration of His limbs (a kind of a Yoga) etc are evidences of His Omnipotence. While having His arm burnt on account of saving a child miles away from Shirdi, the knowledge about the Mr.Cholkar's secret fast of abstinence form sugar, foreseeing the calamities that wrer to befall his devotees and

alerting them accordingly etc were proofs of His Omniscience and Omnipresence. He bestowed His blessings in the form of boons to the dejected and the deprived, not to forget that His miracles are a happening feature even today.Shirdi Saibab's devotees even today draw their strength and faith from His utterances of assurance that He gave while He was in His body. They areWhosoever puts their feet on Shirdi soil, their sufferings will come to an end. The wretched and miserable will rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of my Samadhi.I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body. My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees. I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb. My mortal remains will speak from my tomb. I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me. If you look to me, I look to you.

If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it. If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.There shall be no want in the house of my devotee. Shirdi Saibaba shed His body on October 15, 1918 at 2.30 pm on Vijaya Dashami. His body was laid in the 'Booty Wada' as per His will and later a temple was built there known as the Samadhi Mandir.Shirdi Shirdi is one of the most known pilgrimage centres of India attracting crowd in multitudes across the world to this day to the Samadhi of Sai Baba. Apart from the Samadhi Mandir, Dwarakamai and Chavadi are also places of worship. Shirdi is a miracle breeding ground, where thousands flock to seek solace, comfort and spiritual progress.

Articles

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Sathya Sai Speaks The Divine Unity of Humanity

 

 

 

 

More than two and half decades ago, Bhagavan Baba sent a powerful message to an International Symposium held in Rome on October 30-31, 1983 on the theme “Unity is Divinity.” Each directive in this message is profound and extremely pertinent for all times, and more so in the present world scenario. It is for this reason that we have dug this out from our archives to place it before you. As you read excerpts of this Divine Message below, do ruminate upon them and try to make them a part of your understanding and conduct in your daily societal life.

 

Embodiments of the Divine Spirit!

 

 

 

 

 

The ancient saying, "All roads lead to Rome,” has been vindicated today. It is not without great significance that people from many countries have gathered in this historic city. You have to realise that you have come here to learn things which you have never heard before, and to derive inspiration from new ideals about the human adventure.

The whole of mankind belongs to one Religion - the Religion of Man. For all men, God is the Father. As the children of one God, all men are brothers. This Conference is therefore a family gathering. It is not a meeting of nationalities and religions. It is a meeting of minds. It does not relate to any one culture or philosophy. It is concerned with the Divine way of life that is implicit in the teachings of all religions. Its purpose is to see Unity in Divinity. The One Truth of all Religions The basic truth in all religions, irrespective of country or race, is one and the same. The philosophic ideas or the practices and methods of approach may vary. But the final objective and goal is only one - all religions proclaim the Unity of Divinity and preach the cultivation of Universal Love, without regard to caste, creed, country or colour. Those who are ignorant of this basic Truth develop pride and ego because of their own religion. Such people are creating great confusion and chaos by fragmenting Divinity. To confine and divide the Infinite Divine into such narrow compartments is treason to the Divine.

The basic truth in all religions, irrespective of country or race, is one and the same. The philosophic ideas or the practices and methods of approach may vary. But the final objective and goal is only one - all religions proclaim the Unity of Divinity and preach the cultivation of Universal Love, without regard to caste, creed, country or colour.

The basis for a spiritual, God based life is the indwelling Spirit - the Aathman (Divine soul). The body is the home of Spirit. Life in society should also conform to this spiritual basis. Man, however, bases his life on the belief that the body alone is real. It is to rid him of this error that he has to be taught about the Spirit. Mankind has to realize that both the individual and society are manifestations of the Divine Will and that the Divine permeates the Universe. Only by recognizing this Truth can man give up his ego and lead a life of devotion to duty. Society should not become a cockpit of selfish individuals, but a community of divinely guided Individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

With the progress of science, man imagines that he is the lord of the universe and he tends to forget the Divine. Although man today has gone to the moon and is exploring outer space, if he were to consider the innumerable mysteries and wonders in creation yet to be known, he will realize that these are far beyond the limited capacity of mind and intelligence. The more man discovers the secrets and mysteries of the Cosmos, the more he will realize that God is the Creator and motivator of all Creation. All religions are agreed upon this Truth. All that man can do is to strive through his limited intelligence and knowledge to understand the Invisible and Infinite Divine and learn to worship and adore Him. Service to Society is the Means to Promote Unity Instead of realizing his innate Divinity, man is caught up in the prison house of his own material achievements. Greater than all his scientific and technological progress is man himself as a being endowed with the Divine consciousness. By choosing to regard only the material world as real, it may be possible to bring about the prosperity of a scientific, technological and materialistic society for a time. But if, in the process, human selfishness, greed and hatred develop, as they usually do, society will destroy itself. If, on the contrary, the essential Divinity of man is realized, mankind can build up a great society based on unity and on adherence to the Divine principle of Love. This profound change must begin in the minds of individuals. When individuals change, society will change. And when society changes, the whole world will change. Unity is the secret of social progress, and service to society is the means to promote it. Everyone, therefore, should devote oneself to such service in a spirit of dedication. It should be realized that material comfort is not the sole aim of social living. A society in which the individuals are concerned only about material welfare will not be able to achieve harmony and peace. Even if it is achieved, it will only be a patched-up harmony, for, in such a society, the strong will oppress the weak.

 

When individuals change, society will change. And when society changes, the whole world will change. Unity is the secret of social progress, and service to society is the means to promote it. Everyone, therefore, should devote oneself to such service in a spirit of dedication.

Nor will an equal distribution of the bounties of nature ensure anything but a nominal equality. How will the equal distribution of material goods achieve equality with reference to desires and abilities? Desires have, therefore, to be controlled by developing the spiritual approach and diverting the mind from material objects to the Divine seated in each one’s heart. Divine Experience is Inherent Nature of Man

 

 

 

 

 

Once the Truth of the Indwelling Spirit is recognized, there dawns the awareness that the world is one family. One is then filled with Divine Love which becomes the driving force for all of one's actions, and man turns away from the pursuit of endless desires to the search for peace and equanimity. By converting the love for material things into Love of God one experiences the Divine. This experience is not something which is beyond man. It is, in fact, a part of the inherent nature of man. It is the secret of his humanness and his Divinity. Once the Truth of the Indwelling Spirit is recognized, there dawns the awareness that the world is one family. One is then filled with Divine Love which becomes the driving force for all of one's actions, and man turns away from the pursuit of endless desires to the search for peace and equanimity.

Whatever one's religion may be, everyone should cultivate respect for other faiths. One who does not have such an attitude of tolerance and respect for other religions is not a true follower of his/her own religion. It is not enough merely to adhere strictly to the practices of one's own religion. One should also try to see the essential unity of all religions. Only then will man be able to experience the oneness of Divinity. There should be no kind of coercion or compulsion in the sphere of religion. Religious matters should be discussed calmly and dispassionately. Do not entertain the feeling that one's religion is superior and another's inferior. Conflicts on the basis of religion should be totally eliminated. To divide men on grounds of religion is a crime against humanity. Man today imagines that he knows everything about Nature and the Universe. But of what use is all this knowledge if man does not know himself? It is only when he understands himself that he will be able to know the Truth about the external world. Man's inner Reality cannot be known by exploring the world outside. When he turns his vision inward and realizes his essential Divinity, he will acquire an equal-mindedness towards all beings. Out of that feeling of oneness he will experience the Bliss that passeth understanding. ~ Divine Message to International Symposium in Rome on the theme"Unity is Divinity," held on 30 and 31-10-1983

----------------- CONVERSATIONS WITH SAISatyopanishad - part 11:Direct Directions from the Divine

 

 

 

Dear Reader,

In response to your positive feedback to this section where we have a conversation with the Divine, we continue with Prof. Anil Kumar’s ‘Satyopanishad’ after completing Dr. John Hislop’s series ‘Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’ in January 2008.

This series is also is in the Question-Answer format that many devotees prefer, and has answers from Bhagavan on topics as wide ranging as the origin of evil, the goals of human life, and aspects of God – embodied and formless, to price hikes, women’s liberation, vegetarianism, and the generation gap of the present times.

Published in two parts by the author, these volumes have 270 questions in all, which are neatly grouped under separate chapters. In this issue, we begin the fourth chapter: The Outer Door.

CHAPTER 4 - THE OUTER DOOR (Continued from the previous issue)

Prof. Anil Kumar: Bhagavan! Should we follow any discipline or regulation in our food habits? Is that necessary for our spiritual pursuit? Sai devotees all over the world are vegetarians because of Your teachings; this is amazing. However, we have none today to tell us matters relating to our food habits. Kindly direct us. Bhagavan: As is the food, so is the mind.

As is the mind, so are our thoughts.

As is the thought, so is the action.

As is the action, so is the result.

Therefore, the result depends on the food you eat. Meticulously and unerringly, you should follow discipline in your food habits. Food, Head, and God are to be viewed in this sequence. As is your food, so is your head; as is the condition of your head, so is the manifestation of God in you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should not eat too much. You eat to live and never live to eat. Eating in excess is a tamasika quality. If you eat once a day, you are a yogi; if you eat twice a day you are a rogi (sick). If you take sattvika, soft, and balanced food in moderate quantity, you develop sattvika or a pious mind. However, if you eat rajasika, spicy, hot food you will have rajasika or an emotionally agitated mind, and if you have tamasika food, that is meat, alcohol, and so on, you will have tamasika or a bestial, dull, and passive mind. So, it is food that shapes the mind, and on this your actions depend, leading to their corresponding consequences.

You should also think of patrasuddhi, the cleanliness of the vessels and utensils used; padarthasuddhi, purity of the materials; pakasuddhi, clean method of preparation or cooking; and bhavasuddhi, purity of the thought of the person who cooks the food. You shouldn't eat food offered to you everywhere. A few years ago, there lived a sanyasi (ascetic) who on invitation dined at the residence of a businessman. That night this sanyasi, a celibate and spiritual seeker, could not sleep. Somehow, he fell asleep very late, and had a dream in which he saw a sixteen-year-old girl shedding tears. Then, this sanyasi went to his guru and told him about the dream. The guru meditated for some time and told him the reason behind the dream. The day on which the businessman invited him for dinner happened to be the eleventh day after the death of his sixteen-year-old wife and he was performing the traditional special rites. Since the sanyasi ate the food cooked for the occasion, the girl who had died appeared in the dream with tears in her eyes. The young girl's father was very poor and could hardly maintain his family. So, much against her wish, he gave her in marriage to this aged businessman. Out of frustration, she committed suicide by jumping into a well. The businessman had been performing her customary funeral rites and on the eleventh day requested the sanyasi to come over to his house for meals. This is the whole story behind the sanyasi's dream. Hence, without discrimination, you shouldn't eat any food offered to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A similar thing happened once to a disciple of Swami Nityananda. One day, he went out of the ashram and ate food outside. While returning, he stole from a house a silver tumbler and brought it to the ashram. But soon, he felt very sad over this action of his. He cried and repented. The next morning, he went to his guru and confessed the whole incident. Because of his spiritual power, Nityananda could find out the reason. He said to his disciple, "Well, the food you had outside the ashram was prepared by a cook who at one time happened to be a thief, and as a result you developed the instinct to steal." Therefore, cooks must have purity of thought. Further, you should feel your body as light after eating, as before eating. The best thing is to keep half of your stomach empty. The remaining half should be filled in with water and other foodstuffs. Tubers are not good for the body. You should not drink whole milk. You should mix some water in your milk before drinking. You should have a minimum interval of four hours between two meals. You should take food, which gives you enough calories needed for the body. You shouldn't have too much of oily and fried curries. Sleep a while after lunch, and walk a mile after dinner. You should work hard and eat well. Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! In Your organization or your institutions, workers, students, teachers, devotees and doctors wear the white dress always. Why? What is the reason? Bhagavan: White symbolizes purity and cleanliness. A pure white cloth may be compared to a clean mirror. If dust gathers on the mirror, you will not be able to see your reflection clearly. Similarly, buddhi or intellect is like a clean white cloth. It is only then that you will be able to find out your own faults and apply your discrimination to rectify them. Today, this does not happen. People are able to see clearly the mistakes of others but don't find their own faults. If you stand in front of a mirror, you see your reflection. But, if you turn it towards another man, naturally you will find his reflection. Isn't it so? Similarly, the mirror of your buddhi or intellect is turned towards others, and this makes you see the mistakes of others.

 

 

 

 

Even the slightest spot or mark is very clearly visible on a white dress. If you wear a colored dress, you don't see dirt, spots, or any other stains. This is wrong. You should never hide and cover the dirt on your person. You should immediately wash it off. You should share the good with others. Neither good nor bad should be in you. You should shed the bad in you and share the good with others. But, some of you keep the good to yourselves and distribute the bad to others. It is a mistake on your part to do so. Lord Siva offers you the best way by setting forth an ideal to this world. He kept and retained poison in His throat. So, He is Nilakantha, the blue-throated God. But, the cool and comforting moonlight from the moon over His head is distributed to others. It is for this purpose of sharing comfort with others that He kept the moon on His head. Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Today Sai devotees are spread all over the world. They range from Heads of Governments to ordinary citizens. As Your devotees, they enjoy special respect and esteem in society. What is the key to this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bhagavan: Naturally so! This is the effect of the company you are in. Even the string that passes through and binds the flowers in a garland acquires a value. The rat as the vehicle of Lord Ganesh is also worshipped. The bull as the vehicle of Lord Siva is respected. Likewise, all the vehicles of all our deities are worshipped.

Once, Lord Vishnu sent a message to Siva through His vehicle, Garuda, the eagle. As Garuda was flying fast with the message and was about to land near Siva, due to severe gusts of wind from his wings, the dust rose up as in a dust storm. Watching this, the snakes adorning the neck of Siva started hissing at Garuda ready to bite him. Then, Garuda replied to the snakes, "You are with Siva, so you are hissing at me fearlessly. You come out of the Lord and see what will happen to you! I can finish you off in no time." In the same manner, since you are with Me, you are respected and served. If you are away from Me, you will be put to infamy and humiliation. You should not run after all silly, worldly things, like the common flies that land on anything and everything. Like honeybees you should only draw honey from flowers. Look at the person who drives the car of the President of India. He can never act as a common taxi driver. Similarly, those who sing the glory of God shouldn't run after people for petty favors. Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! We visit temples religiously. We go on pilgrimage once in a while. We continue to do our rituals and religious acts. But there is no cognizable change in our life pattern. Why is this so? Bhagavan: Worship, penance, meditation, bhajan, and so on are sacred activities that make your life meaningful, purposeful, and useful. But you can't brand them as spiritual. All these are good actions and help you to spend time in a sacred way. Anything that you do with your mind (ego, 'I-ness') can't be spiritual. The true spiritual path is atmavicara, self­-enquiry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The seeker should know that he/she is not the deha (body), the manas (mind), or the buddhi (intellect) and that his/her atma (true self) is beyond time and space. The self is not a nama (name) or a rupa (form) with which it is identified in this transient world. Atma is eternal, pure, and non-dual. True spirituality is the awareness of the atma. This is Brahman, the divinity which is spread all over in all creatures according to the scripture which says “eko vasi sarvabhutantaratma.” True spirituality alone can make you experience this awareness. But you find many forms of religious practice in the name of spirituality. The prasadam or sacrificial food offered to God is actually eaten by the devotees. They just show it to a picture or an image of God and it is then consumed by them only (cupulu and mepulu in Telugu). If God really starts taking anything offered to Him, I am sure no one would offer Him anything. Always remember that tyaga (sacrifice) is the highest and the best form of sadhana. You have to sacrifice your time, money, resources, and energy. You should at least offer a tulasi leaf to God in worship. So, tyagenaike amr tatvamanasuh. Sacrifice makes you attain immortality. Tyaga is yoga, spiritual exercise. Love expresses itself as sacrifice. Love without sacrifice is meaningless and totally selfish. You have to sacrifice the body feeling or attachment to the body. You have to sacrifice your wicked thoughts and bad feelings. Sacrifice is your true nature. Sacrifice is a divine quality gifted to man. In fact, you are not doing anything great and special by sacrifice. You are doing it for your own self. A yogi noticed a cow struggling for life in a river. He went and rescued it. Someone asked him, "Why did you save the cow?" The yogi replied, "I saved the cow for my own happiness. I couldn't see the cow struggling and suffering." Many might have passed that way and noticed the cow in its miserable plight, but none did a thing to save it. Therefore, sacrifice is an opportunity given to man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is another small story. A householder one day wanted to serve food to a Brahmin as part of a ritual he was performing. He could get one poor old Brahmin who agreed to dine at his house. The Brahmin came and hurriedly started eating the food placed before him. The householder thought, "What a Brahmin is he? He didn't even take his bath and do any puja before taking the food. It is not punya, meritorious to feed such a man." He grew so angry with the old Brahmin that he beat him with a stick and drove him out holding him by the neck. On that day when the householder was asleep, he had a dream in which God appeared and said to him "Why did you invite the old Brahmin for food and beat him? Why did you turn him out wringing his neck? After all, you could not feed him even for one day while I have been giving him food all these eighty years! What a shame!"

Tyaga is above any restrictions and stipulations. A mother is ready to sacrifice her life for her child. Why? It is only love that makes her sacrifice. Trees sacrifice fruits so that you may eat them. No tree takes its own fruits. Rivers flow and sacrifice water to quench your thirst. The cow yields milk and sacrifices it for all of you to drink and nurture your body. Your body too is intended for sacrifice, Paropakarardhamidam s'ariram.

Worship, bhajan, and such other external activities are less than seva and sacrifice. The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray. Love of God is devotion, which has to be expressed as sacrifice. Love is sacrifice. Sacrifice is Prema yoga, the path of love to God. Sacrifice is yoga. If you have this faith, devotion and steadfastness would get strengthened and deep rooted. Through the path of jnana (self-enquiry) proceed to atmavicara, follow and experience God. It is said, jnanadeva tu kaivalyam, the practical wisdom obtained from tyaga is the only way to kaivalyam (liberation). This is a process beyond the mind and the activity performed by the body. Only then will you be able to achieve the expected results and attain ananda (bliss). Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Why do we differ? Why does our behavior vary? What is the root cause behind these differences? How are we to cultivate good ideals and ways in life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bhagavan: Since you have not studied and understood human nature wholly, you get this doubt. Man is a combination of three primary qualities, demonic, bestial, and human. It is the human quality that helps you to attain divinity. Take, for example, an orange fruit. It consists of an outer bitter skin, hard seeds, and a soft juicy pulp. Likewise, a human being has a demonic nature like the outer bitter skin of an orange, bestial temperament like the hard seeds, and finally the human values like the soft juicy pulp. If we take, for instance, the ripe tamarind fruit, its outer skin is the bestial nature, its hard seeds symbolize the demonic nature, while its soft pulp is like human nature. If the pulp joins the seed, that is, if human nature is in association with demonic behavior, it manifests itself like a demon. Similarly, if the soft pulp associates itself with the outer skin, that is, if human nature joins bestial behavior, he behaves like a beast.

So, more or less, this depends on the association, be it demonic or bestial. This is the root cause of all the differences. But it is the human value that makes you ideal and enables you to experience divinity. There lies the sweetness and purpose of life. Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Is it necessary for us to observe austerity and follow discipline only inside an ashram or should we follow them in the society outside as well? Bhagavan: I suggest that you follow discipline and lead a simple life wherever you live. You may go to any place, you should always follow niyama (discipline), have sraddha (sincerity), and take to sadhana (spiritual practice). This is the spiritual way of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out of two sick persons, one may be treated as an outpatient and the other may be admitted to a hospital depending on the ailment. But, both should necessarily take medicine for a cure, should they not? Similarly, you may reside in an ashram or outside, but you should definitely follow discipline, be simple, and lead a spiritual life. As individuals caught in the cycle of birth and death, Bhava roga, you need to take the medicine of sadhana. Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! Some people pose challenges that are quite unwarranted. Pious and noble people are disturbed and agitated in such situations. What should we do with those who challenge us unnecessarily? Bhagavan: Only egoistic and jealous people with bodily attachment challenge in this manner. Aspirants and seekers should not be disturbed by these challenges. You should not react to their words and be affected thereby. A cow that grazes in a field may challenge another cow. A pig that feeds on dirty matter can challenge another pig. Should man, who takes good food, challenge a pig? You can talk to an equal, but not to everyone. Don't respond to everyone and lose your peace. In fact, you should face a challenge, if you must, in this way, "Do you help everyone as I do? Have you taken up welfare programmes as I have done? Are you broadminded like me? How many people have you transformed into the righteous way of life?" People should have healthy competition. You should not challenge for petty, low, and mean things. (To be continued)

 

 

 

 

 

seemed a satisfactory enough answer to all the travails and tribulations of every heart.

------

 

Are you really suffering?

By David Jevons

Those of you who are regular readers of the Ramala newsletter will no doubt be aware that in recent months I suffered a heart attack, which necessitated a visit to my local hospital on three occasions and having to undergo two minor heart operations. These visits gave me time for reflection, both on the nature and purpose of suffering and on the way that I viewed other people's suffering.

 

Many of you will also have heard that Sai Baba fell and fractured his hip a few months ago, and that he had to undergo a painful operation. For me personally it has been a challenging time, because I knew that Sai Baba had willingly taken on the illness of devotees at various times in the past in order to save their lives, and had subsequently healed himself, so why would he not heal himself now? Furthermore, why did such an accident happen to an avatar, a realised being? If even they have to suffer, then, what hope is there for us lesser mortals? I just could not understand why this accident had happened to Sai Baba and all sorts of niggling doubts began to arise in my mind.

 

We were in an interview with Sai Baba several years ago and some one asked him about how they should handle suffering. Sai Baba replied that all suffering is associated with body consciousness and that the spirit, the divine atma, never suffers. He then took a handkerchief in his hand, held it up and dropped it saying, "This handkerchief represents the suffering, just let it go and it will fall away" and then to illustrate this he let go of the handkerchief and it dropped to the ground.

 

At the time I remembered thinking that whilst this process might apply to psychological suffering, I was not too sure as to how it would help me to cope with physical body pain. Nevertheless, in succeeding years, whenever I was faced with physical pain, usually in the dentist's chair, I got myself into the habit of chanting silently "I am not my body, I am not my body" and of saying the Gayatri Mantra. I used to meditate and try to move my consciousness onto another plane of being, to be the observer of my body, to disassociate myself from it, but I only met with limited success. The main problem was that I only practised the technique when I was about to face pain, rather than on a daily basis and, as with meditation, you just can't sit down and expect to do it.

 

You have to practise. It is rather like practising a fire drill. You practise it even though no fire is present at the time. Nevertheless I know that the principle is correct and my more recent experiences have proved to me that relaxing and focussing on something other than the pain is most beneficial. Sai Baba says, " To rise above pain one should meditate and chant God's name. Without meditation it is not possible to control and master the mind. Thus, meditation is essential, to immerse the mind in the Supreme Consciousness."

 

Suffering is an integral part of life on the physical plane of Earth. If you come on the Earth, even if you are an avatar, then you must expect to face suffering in one form or another because, as Sai Baba says, "You have to pay your human taxes." But why would our Creator base the drama of life on such a premise? Why does even a realised being, a Godman, have to suffer? Sai Baba says, " Various saints had endless troubles in their lives with family, harsh treatment from others, and so on. But their faith in God remained untouched.

 

They themselves did not suffer. Jesus did not suffer. But it was necessary that they go through what is generally regarded as suffering so that the world could have noble examples of worldly detachment and unshakeable faith in God." This is a lesson that many of us have to learn. When things go wrong we tend to look outwards and to blame others, especially God. Comments such as "How can God allow this to happen?" and "Why is God doing this to me?" abound. Whilst God does not personally instigate suffering against any individual or group, nevertheless, as the creator of the divine drama of life, God did create suffering. What would be His purpose in doing this?

 

Sai Baba says, "Regarding people suffering; they are being tested, but it should not be called so. It is grace. Those who suffer have my grace. Only through suffering will they be persuaded to turn inward and make inquiry, and without turning inward and making inquiry they can never escape misery." How many of us regard suffering as God's grace? Very few us us, I believe, and why should this be so? It is because we approach suffering from the point of view of body consciousness.

 

The body does suffer, but not the spirit. Our bodies are made of physical finite matter, and are inextricably bound to the cycle of birth and death. Disease and death are an inevitable part of life, especially when Man lives in a world of ever increasing pollution of thought, word and deed. So if we recognise that suffering is an inherent part of physical life, what decides the degree and fruits of our suffering? It is our attitude towards it. Our attitude is the cause of both our suffering and our happiness. With whatever feeling we see an object or person, the same is reflected back to us. If we see the world as God's creation, empowered by God's love, existing only to awaken the God in us, then any suffering is seen as God's grace.

 

But if we see the world as a Godless creation, where events are controlled by random fate, where might is right, where the weak fall pray to the strong, then suffering is seen as something to be avoided or endured, and always, always, to be blamed on external forces.

So it is the wise person who sees suffering for what it is, namely, a gift from God. Suffering is designed to test your faith in God, to test your devotion to God. It is intended to make you live up to the truth in which you believe.

 

Do you stop believing in God just because you are struck down with cancer? Do you stop believing in God just because you are injured in a serious automobile accident, which forces you to be in a wheelchair for the rest of your life? Does it prevent you from achieving the purpose of your life? Certainly not! The purpose of life is simply not to be born again, and if you are striving to achieve this goal, then recognise that in all probability you will be beset by pain and suffering as a means of burning away all the karma of past births. The goal of life is liberation, is to be free for ever from the cycle of rebirth, and if you always keep the goal in mind, then any suffering, any sacrifice, has both meaning and

purpose.

 

As Sai Baba says, "Good people are always beset by difficulties and troubles. The messiahs, the prophets, the saints and God-men, have always suffered from troubles and ordeals of various kinds. You too should not be bothered by them. Have faith in God."

 

It is by looking at the suffering of God-men that we can better place our own suffering in its right context. I have been reading the book 'Great Swan', written by Lex Hixon, which describes a collection of meetings with Paramahansa Ramakrishna, who was regarded by his followers as an avatar, a direct, fully conscious manifestation of Divine Reality in human form. Towards the end of his life Ramakrishna developed throat cancer, which generated excruciating pain, and at times he was hardly able to eat or to talk. His devotees believed, and Ramakrishna confirmed this fact before his passing, that the illness was caused by him taking on the negativity of

the entire world. Ramakrishna bore his illness with cheerfulness and understanding, saying, "Let the body endure its inevitable ailments, but you, O mind, be immersed in the Divine Nature and enjoy unalloyed bliss."

 

He then went on to explain his illness by saying, "Within me are two persons - Divine Mother (God) and Her child. The child has taken ill." Ramakrishna's illness threw some of his devotees into confusion. Some believed that it was a trick to test their faith and loyalty. Others lost faith in him as an avatar, refusing to believe in his human vulnerability. Only a few were able to accept his humanity as well as his divinity and to accept the inevitability of his illness.

 

Does this begin to sound at all familiar to you?

The fact that Sai Baba has had to undergo a hospital operation has thrown many of his devotees into a similar confusion. Sai Baba was unable to appear in public and to give his darshan for over a month. When he did appear to give his first discourse after his operation Sai Baba stated quite categorically that he had not taken on anybody's illness. His body had quite simply broken down. The body is made up of five elements and one day or another it has to collapse. His hip had broken into three pieces. He should have experienced excruciating pain, but he did not because he gave up body consciousness completely.

 

Why did he allow this illness to happen and why did he not heal himself immediately, as he had done in the past? It was to demonstrate to us that we have to rise above body consciousness and enjoy divine consciousness. We are not our bodies. If we identify with body consciousness then we will suffer. If we aspire to enjoy happiness and peace, then we must get rid of body consciousness. Three days after his operation Sai Baba was up and walking around - an almost impossible feat. How was this possible? Sai Baba said that it was because he had not even a trace of body consciousness. You only face suffering when you develop attachment to the body.

 

He then made an amazing statement. "What is the reason for Swami getting well so soon. It is the prayers of the devotees that have made Swami's body healthy so soon. There have been prayers in all the corners of the world. With prayer you can conquer and achieve anything. The impact of prayer is responsible for Swami's body getting healthier so soon. Neither did I want this suffering nor did I desire to cure it. You wanted this body to be cured of the pain and you achieved it through your prayers. This body is not mine. It is yours; hence it is your responsibility to look after it. I am not the body, I am the indweller." He then went on to say that chanting the Divine Name can cure even the most incurable disease. May we all see our own suffering in

a similar light. The first step on the spiritual path is to control body consciousness. As body consciousness decreases so divine consciousness increases, and with divine consciousness comes the end of suffering.

 

Source: Ramala Centre Newsletter, September 2003

Courtesy: http://www.saibaba.ws------------------ Connie Shaw's recent trip to see BabaJanuary 2002 Forwarded by: Holly Spragens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They pined for every chance to touch and feel Him...

 

 

Dear Friends, Family, Brothers and Sisters, Colleagues,There were several unique features to our most recent trip to Sai Baba's Puttaparthi, India ashram. Rather than writing a lengthy report, I'll just hit the highlights to make the following very easy reading for you. Three of us from our center left about Dec. 16th and returned home to Colorado on Jan. 5th. The Indo-Pak struggles hit a new high - or was it a new low - while we were there but we felt utterly safe the entire time. Indiaphiles and Sai devotees willappreciate the details of the following:1. Crowds: Except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day, the crowds in Sai Kulwant Hall were so sparse that the hall was about three-quarters full most days.2. Weather was unseasonably cold for India with lots of wool head-warmers and heavy shawls in sight.3. War and Expansion of Consciousness for Humanity: An American physician

(anesthesiologist from the Midwest) with whom I spoke had two interviews before we were graced with ours on our last day, Jan.3rd. He reported in a group meeting of about sixteen people that Baba had said:a. Bush is frustrated with the war and with his advisors who have special interests as motivations.b. Baba will up the level human consciousness not in one step but by gradual stages.c. In response to the doctor's question, "Swami, how do You manage it when Muslims pray five times a day, Christians pray to You,and all are bombing each other?"Baba: These prayers are rote/automatic, not from the heart. I don't respond to such prayers. The way to deal with terrorism is not to kill people. Do you know who the real terrorists are? Hatred and jealousy in every heart. Deal with that in your own hearts, then we will have peace."4. Healings: Another Indian-American family, with relatives in Delhi, had an interview the

day after Christmas. (Dr. Sunny Ananda's parents and in-laws) Baba gave a Christmas Discourse as He always does (enjoining us to take the love of Jesus as our example).5. Resurrection: On Christmas Eve morning after Baba's darshan and before bhajan singing, one of His attendants expired on the temple veranda. He was about twenty-six and just keeled over. There were still a few doctors and others who had not yet gone to breakfast. They ran for Swami, Who was in the area and said, "Swami! Yourattendant has just expired! Shall we remove the body and call his parents immediately?" Baba replied, "Don't touch the body! Bring me a glass of water." When the water arrived, Baba sprinkled a few drops into the mouth of the deceased and brought him back to life. After the resurrection, Baba told him to rest for ten days, not to come todarshan, and not to give his name out to protect his privacy and the health of the subtle bodies. Just as newborns

have to rest away from the harsh vibrations of worldly people upon entry into our plane of existence, resurrected people also must take strict rest. When our friend Bharosa Adhikari of Nepal was resurrected by Baba after dyingof a heart attack during devotional singing in Sai Kulwant Hall, Baba later made her stay in the hospital for 16 days. She couldn't speak for 26 hours after being re-born.6. Other Resurrections: We now have knowledge of 19 resurrections and have personally met four people who have been brought back to life by Sathya Sai Baba.7. Unconfirmed Resurrection Report: We were told on Jan. 3, 2002 by a friend of 20 years, who is a permanent resident in the ashram, that Mr. Suri was resurrected twice by Baba last year. Surely there have been countless resurrections, the details of which will be shrouded in mystery.8. Our Interview: On Dec. 3, 2002, four of us Americans (purple scarves) went into the Interview Room

with ten Italians (orange ribbons with gold medallions) and six Russians (blue, white and yellow scarves). Baba manifested a three-diamond ring for an Italian man; a large diamond ring for another Italian; a gold and silver watch for a Russian.a. An Italian woman asked if the messages she had been receiving daily, and writing down, were from Him. He said "Yes, they are."b. Connie showed Baba the recent photo making the rounds and asked if the so-called Krishna photo with Baba's face on it were legitimate, as it looked very suspicious to her and she suspected it was a computer rendering with a fraudulent story attached to the photo re its origin. Baba said, "This is artificial. It is (like a) painting." Connie asked, "You mean, as on the computer, Swami?" Baba replied, "Yes, I don't like artificial (things)." He tossed it down.Connie thanked Him for confirming it.c. Baba healed a boy with high blood pressure in the rear

Interview Room. He said He would bless and heal others.d. Connie asked Baba in the rear room, "Swami, NO JOKING NOW, how much longer will the war last? Really, NO JOKING!"Baba: Really, no joking. (He made some invisible writing in the air.)Five years more. In 2007 there will be no more war. Peace on earth. Connie: Five more years?! Then really, truly the war will be over?Baba: Yes, you will see.Connie: Then what about the Golden Age (of Peace and Plenty which will last for a thousand years)? When will that actually be here?Baba: The Golden Age must begin in each person's heart. Then only can we have peace on earth. Each must start now to make the Golden Age in his heart.Connie: But Swami, we're all doing the best we can in that(department) now. I mean when will (all of) humanity agree - This is the Golden Age, here, now?Baba: In five years. 2007. By then. All must do their part.

Heblessed the group, answered personal questions and specifically told Connie to do Sai radio, TV and to write (books, articles) consistently. She has been doing radio and TV off and on for decades.9. Connie's friend, Mrs. Hejmadi, nearly died of cholera, but after 30 bottles of IV fluid and Baba's grace, she recovered and is back at work escorting devotees to the Interview Room. While in India and since, I have received extensive guidance that the year 2002 will stretch all of us in every possible way. We must not waste any time or energy and need to pray constantly and to be watchful for ways to selflessly serve those around us who may be confused, uninformed, depressed, ill, lonely, fearful, overwhelmed or otherwise unproductively engaged. Meet them where they are (in consciousness, belief), rally them to action serving others, and train as many people as possible to lead others to the Truth of Being within, regardless of creed,

culture, religion, caste, degree of ignorance or despair. Baba battery-charges us, we battery-charge each other. Runners: At your mark! (Race-car) Drivers: Start your engines. Light-workers: The count-down to the Golden Age and cessation of war has begun. Let's make our time and our lives (consciously) count!Lovingly, from the deep stillness of the I AM Presence Which suffuses all Being, Connie Shaw

 

Source:

http://www.saibaba.ws/articles/connieshawtrip.htm------------------

The Privilege of being a Sai Devotee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grander by His presence

 

 

 

Hot sun… humid air…. smoky roads… It was a normal day in Chennai. A Sai devotee was driving her car. A police constable stopped her vehicle. She wheeled her car to a halt. The constable said, "Why are you speaking over the mobile phone while driving?" She opened her hand bag and showed the mobile and said "Sir, I was not using my mobile. It is in my hand bag". Since the constable had an unexpressed hidden motive, he was not ready to believe her.

 

 

 

An argument ensued. Slowly people gathered around. But she was not willing to monetarily compensate the constable to escape the embarrassment.

 

Suddenly a police vehicle arrived. A well dressed police officer got down. The constable, noticing the officer, immediately saluted and explained the situation. The officer turned to the devotee and looked at her and then at her car. There was a photograph of Swami pasted on the front glass. The officer then enquired whether she was a Sai devotee. She replied in the affirmative and said that she was a State office bearer in the

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations. Immediately the police officer told the constable that since she is from the Sai Organisation she would not lie and hence he should let her go.

 

 

The constable obeyed with a sullen face.

 

When we are ready to uphold Swami's teachings against all odds, His Grace will surely flow! When Swami says, 'Our life is His Message', it is not a mere aspiration of Bhagawan, but the desire and expectation of the world. Apart from being a privilege, the titles 'Sai Student' and 'Sai Devotee' attaches additional responsibilities. The respect shown to any Sai Student or to any devotee is not to that individual but to the message that he or she represents. And the message is 'Selfless Service with Abundant Love'.

 

 

With every passing day, I understand more clearly the Vision of Bhagawan and the depth of His Teachings. The experience of being a student in Swami's Educational Institution expands one's vision and gives clarity. We would have heard Swami saying that the four pillars of society, namely, Vidyalaya (educational institutions) , Bhojanalaya (food houses), Vaidyalaya (medicare centres) and Devalaya (temples) should generally be left to the benevolence of the benefactor and should not be priced. Bhagawan therefore, went on to establish Institutions providing various services free of cost.

 

 

 

It was a pleasant day at Sundaram and I was with the Sai Samithi State President. An old woman with a helping stick walked in with great difficulty. She stopped a passing devotee and showing a small old bag, asked as to where she could donate the money. The devotee pointed to the office and guided her. Then she came into our room and opened the small old yellow bag which contained some money. She slowly laid the money on the table and said, "Give this money to Sai Baba because He is giving water to us. We suffered for many years without water. I sold my belongings and this is all the money that I could get. Please give it to Him and ask Him to use it for our water project." She had read some newspaper reports on Swami's water project in Chennai. And she further added, "Because this project is for the benefit of all, I decided to dedicate everything." Bhagawan inspires us to practice values and

ensures the blooming of the goodness of human nature.

 

 

 

It was the first day after the devastating Tsunami hit the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. We immediately rushed to the coastal districts. Being the State Youth Coordinator, a greater responsibility rested on my shoulders. The Nagapattinam Collector requested us to take care of the relief operations and body recovery activities at Velankanni, a small pilgrim town near Nagapattinam which was one of the worst affected areas. We, the Sai Youth numbering around fifty, immediately plunged into the work recovering bodies. The Tsunami hit on the day after Christmas and Velankanni was a Christian pilgrim centre. One can imagine the extent of loss to human lives.

 

 

 

The youth members were all from far off towns with a good financial background too. On the first day we did not have any protection material with us. But we all knew that it was Swami's work. As we were cleaning the debris, a middle aged man came to us and said, "This was where my house was yesterday, and today it is in shambles. Moreover, my six year old daughter is missing. So could you just see whether she is caught anywhere in this rubble?" So we started carefully removing the debris. And after a few minutes we found his daughter. We slowly removed her body and placed it carefully on the ground. He identified her as his daughter and started wailing but was not prepared to touch the body of the child. A father was not ready to touch the decayed body of his own daughter, but the Sai devotees were ready to work with those bodies – all in the name of Bhagawan!

Many organisations later

joined in the recovery and relief work, but there was a significant difference. Members of many social service organisations got themselves photographed, gave press reports and the publicity went on unabated. But here was a group of devotees, working silently and relentlessly, shying away from all potential publicity, only for the labour of Love – for the relationship with God.

 

 

 

Can the joy of being in Love with Bhagawan ever be explained? Can the joy of working for Bhagawan ever be worded? These are feelings beyond the expression of human language. Each moment, when we reflect and realise that we are the messengers of Bhagawan, every human cell gets infused with energy. This allows the blooming of the inner character shelled in devotion, that spreads the fragrance of selfless service permeated with abundant love.

 

 

When the Divine Painter takes the brush and colours the canvas, can the shades be anything but beautiful? When the Divine Sculptor chisels, can the statue be anything but exquisite? When Absolute Wisdom decides to teach, can the student ever be other than one of blemishless character? And can I ever express fully the privilege of being one such Sai Student?

JAI SAI RAM

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MIRACLE: BY STUDENT OF BHAGAVAN'S UNIVERSITY

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The Omnipresent One cares for you in your absence as much as He enthralls you in your presence. One such account by a student of Bhagawan's University sheds light on the affection par excellence of the Divine Mother. Read on for an account by Sri P.S.Priya Chakravarthi, an alumnus of Sathya Sai University as published in Fragrance - A Tale of Love, souvenir brought out by the School of Business Management - Accounts and Finance, Sri Sathya Sai University.

 

From Disability to Ability

 

It was during Dasera in 1995, just after my B.Sc. (Honours) Course, in the Brindavan campus of SSSIHL. All the Brindavan boys who stayed back for the vacation were accommodated in the old Hostel located near the Mandir. As usual, the students used to rush inside the Mandir and were often selective about their sitting locations. I used to have a particular seat where I sat for Swami’s Darshan. May be it was my perception, but Swami appeared to avoid looking in the direction where I used to sit.

 

 

One day during Darshan, observing my vacant seat, Swami enquired about my absence from my brother (Vamsi, MBA 1995-97) and asked him where I was. My brother was perplexed and he feared that I was absconding from Darshan with no valid reason. Once the Darshan got over and Swami went inside the interview room with a few devotees, my brother immediately rushed to the old Hostel where I was sleeping. He approached me with anger but seeing me, his anger melted down. He saw me in lot of pain and my face wet with sweat. I was finding it difficult to even sit down on my bed. I was struggling with excruciating pain at the right lower side, but I had not mentioned about this to anyone.

 

 

He immediately went back to the Mandir and Swami again approached him and asked him as to where Chakravarthy was. My brother promptly replied that I was in agony and was experiencing unbearable pain. This shows the Omnipresence of Swami. Bhagawan exhibits His Love for all His beings where ever they are, immaterial of whether they are present physically in front of Him or not.

 

 

Swami smiled at him and immediately calling a doctor, told him to take me to the Super Specialty Hospital. He also directed my brother to accompany me. I was transported to the Hospital & was given medical attention. In the evening Swami again called my brother and the doctor, materialised Vibuthi and gave money to buy tender coconuts to be given to me with instructions that the Vibuthi should be applied externally at the place where the pain occurred. It reached me by evening. This act of Grace repeated for 3 days (Swami materialising Vibuthi, giving money to buy tender coconuts to be given to me)! The 3rd day, Swami instructed that the Vibuthi should be taken with water.

 

 

Then came the D-day, when the senior surgeon recommended that I should be operated upon immediately. I was in a dilemma and could not accept the fact that I was suffering from appendicitis. But the situation demanded surgery and I had no choice. Prior to my operation, I wanted to have Swami’s Darshan and possibly, a chance to talk to Him about my operation (shows my ignorance!). I was permitted for Darshan and was sitting in the front line, mainly to catch the attention of Swami. As usual Swami was busy and He was distributing Prasadam. I was not making any attempt to talk to Him as He was very busy, but the doctor on the verandah began insisting that I should take a chance to talk to Swami. Then, by Swami’s Sankalpa I got a chance to talk to Him. I told Swami, “The doctor says I need to be operated; I need your Grace and Blessings”. Swami gave a stern look and He moved away from me without saying a single word. This gave me a shiver that

chilled my bones! I was baffled and scared.

 

My operation was scheduled for the next morning and the doctor administered some medicines. He advised his team to do an initial scan on me to get more clarity about my ailment. But lo and behold! When the reports of the scan arrived, the protrusion of the appendix was literally not visible! The team wrestled with the machine but it always showed a negative report for the protrusion. I was brought back to my ward. The senior doctor was astonished, but was ready to accept this as an instance of the Omnipotence of Swami. I was discharged in a day and I went for Darshan. This time Swami gave me a smile and moved on silently!

 

 

This is just one of the many incidents showing His Omnipresence, Omnipotence & Omniscience.

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...Karmic Laws...Why do we suffer ?

"It is mentioned that we are bound by acts of our past karma, the so called fate. Is there any way for us to escape from this fate, especially by the Grace of Divine personalities like Baba?" Swami smiled at the person who had asked this question and started explaining. Indeed it became a fulfilling discourse lasting about an hour. "Yes, not only man, by all the creations in the universe take birth again and again based on their past karmas. The evolution takes place on the merits of their karma. From birth to birth, man very often indulges in dushkarma (bad deeds) and he will have necessarily to pay for it by way of retribution some time or other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no way of escape at all from the effects of such bad Karmas, which act as the preordained fate or destiny, deciding the births, the pain, the sufferings etc. If there have been good deeds to his credit, he will get good rewards of such good karmas. In short man is the author of his own destiny, from which he can not escapeGod may choose to influence or soften the destiny of a man but in some extreme situations. He himself decides how far He can come to the rescue of the devoted calls of a man who sincerely repents and engages in Sathkarmas. Or sometimes God can also make things easier for him to pass through the sufferings, which he has to undergo as a result of past bad karmas. Much depends on the efforts of the incumbent." Swami illustrated this with an example: "In a vast slush green field, a cow is tied to a peg, with a rope of about 100 meter long. The fate of the cow is now fixed.

It can choose to graze in a circular area of 100-meter diameter. By a foolish act, if the cow chooses to go round, round very often, the length of the rope gets reduced, and it cannot even enjoy the allotted area of grazing. On the contrary, if the cow uses its own strength to uproot the very peg to which it is tied down; it can reach out a much larger area without any limitation. Thus many options are available for the cow. The cow's specific choice of the option and the effects of such option becomes it fate. By using its intelligence and making efforts, it can overcome the so called fate, or the limitations enforced upon it.Likewise, man can also over come the effects of the fate destined for him. By leading a pure spiritual life, he can cleanse his chitha, his intellect. He will then engage himself in "Nishkama Karma" Seva activities, which will go beyond his self-interests and benefit people beyond him or his family. The rewards of those

good acclivities will start accruing to his account, which will slowly erase the effects of past misdeeds".Always engage in 'sath' karmas, engage in service activities, live a life useful to the humanity at large, and then pray to Him. In such cases, God will definitely hear your prayers and will show compassion and reward you with His merciful Grace to mitigate or overcome the so called fate, to which the human beings are bound in bondage".

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The Governor, Rameshwar Thakur, offers his pranams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even a Blade of Grass Can't Move

This is about an experience that happened at PRASANTHI NILAYAM several years ago.BHAGAVAN was going into the rows of devotees & he selected an Indian lady for interview who was sitting with a fairly 'grown up' child but she was sobbing inconsolably. It turned out that this child was not able to walk & must have been 10 years old.I was standing at a little distance away from BHAGAVAN. This was in the olden days before the SAI KULWANT HALL was built. When SWAMI selected this lady for interview, she just couldn't get up as she tried to 'lift' the child who was quite a weight! As she was struggling, I thought I would rush forward to help. As I tried to come forward, I saw SWAMI visibly angry & asked me to get back! I got taken aback & I moved away.Then SWAMI turned to this child & said: "WALK"!!!LO & Behold!!! The child started WALKING though not in a perfect fashion.

This fairly grown up kid, who was on his mothers' lap, who had not been able to walk for several years NOW WALKED TO THE INTERVIEW ROOM!!!The whole gathering burst into a loud applause & tears started flowing from my eyes. This is an experience that stands so vividly even today in front of my eyes. Shows that SWAMY can do anything at any time but sometimes does not do so instantly. He has his own time table! He didn't even wait for an interview. He didn't wait for the vibhuthi to be materialized. He just COMMANDED the child to WALK in ENGLISH & the child started walking. It was truly a moving experience.PS: These are excerpts from an interview with Sri V. SRINIVASAN, ALL INDIA PRESIDENT, SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANIZATIONS broadcast on 6th OCT '02 & on 10th APRIL '03 on RADIO SAI GLOBAL HARMONY.There are no shortcuts in the spiritual field. As a matter of fact, the path of devotion is even more difficult than

that of knowledge. The ego has to be fully curbed. The faith that 'Not even a blade of grass can shake in the wind without His being aware of it" has to be implanted in the mind. Devotion is not an activity to be undertaken at leisure time. Erase sensual desires; clear the heart of all blemish. Then, the Lord will be reflected therein as a mirror. - Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 5, Ch 16, 26-Mar-................................................................................................................................-------------------

 

 

God, is that You?

 

 

 

 

 

A young man once went to an evening Bible study class. In the course of the meeting, the pastor spoke at length about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man could not help but wonder, “Does God still speak to people?”

Now that was an interesting proposition. And when the young man went out with his friends for coffee and snacks after the Study, they discussed the pastor’s message. Some of his friends even shared amazing experiences of how God had guided them at different stages in their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home, full of wonder whether God might speak to him. Was it possible? Sitting in his car, he began to pray, “God, if you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.” He said this prayer earnestly and repeated it over and over…

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.

He stopped his car and said out loud, “God is that You?” No response.

“Weird,” he said, shrugging his shoulders and resumed his journey homewards. Hardly had he driven a few yards than the thought ‘Buy a gallon of milk’ filled his mind once more. This time, the thought was overpowering.

“Okay, God, in case that is You, I will buy the milk.” It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. So the young man stopped his car, purchased a one-gallon can of milk and started off towards home. As he passed by a street, the seventh in a row of streets, he felt the urge, 'Turn down that street.'

”This is crazy,” he thought, and drove on past the intersection.

But then again, he felt the compelling impulse to turn down Seventh Street.

“Okay, God, I will,” he said aloud, half-jokingly.

At the next intersection, he veered his car, back to Seventh Street.

He drove past several blocks when, suddenly, he felt that he should stop. So the young man pulled his car up to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-urbanized area of the town. It wasn't the best of neighbourhoods, but it wasn't the worst of them either. The shops were closed, and in most of the houses, the lights had been put out for the day.

Again, he sensed a voice that said, “Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.” The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked as if the inmates of the house were either out, or were already asleep.

The young man started to open the door of the car, but slumped back in his seat. ”Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad at me, and I will look stupid.” But the feeling to deliver the can of milk would not go away.

”Okay God,” the young man said finally, “If this is You, I will go to that house and hand over this can of milk. If You want me to look like a dingbat, it is Your wish. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something. But if they don't answer right away, I’m outta here.”

He walked across the street and rang the doorbell. He could hear the shuffling of feet within. A man bellowed from inside, “Who is it? What do you want?” Sensing the unfriendliness in the voice, the young man turned around to leave, but the door had opened.

A man was standing there in a rumpled t-shirt and jeans. He looked like he had just got out of bed, and not too happy to have some stranger standing at his doorstep. “What is it?” the man asked testily.

The young man thrust out the can of milk, “Here, I brought this for you.” The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway calling out, “Hey honey, look at this!”

Immediately, a woman came out, carrying the milk and a baby. The little one was crying. The man followed his wife out to where the young man stood. Tears streaming down his face, the man began half-speaking and half-crying, “We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk even for our baby. We were just calling out to Him and asking God to show us a way.”

The lady of the house continued, her voice choked with gratitude, “I asked Him to send an angel with some milk. Are you an angel?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The young man reached into his wallet, pulled out all the money he had with him, and put in the man's hand. Then, he turned and walked back toward his car, tears streaming down his face.

He knew that God still answers prayers. And he knew that obeying God’s voice had the most beautiful results – beyond all imagination.

Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do. If we pay heed to His call, we can actually hear His voice clearer than ever.

God is always speaking to us. But to listen to Him clearly, we need to shut out the sounds of the world, put our egos aside and make ourselves pure of heart. For, as Bhagavan Baba puts it –

“It is in the depths of silence that the voice of God can be heard.”

One devotee had such an experience of inner-hearing on Akhand Bhajan day in Prasanthi Nilayam a few days ago. This happened on November 9, 2008, mid-morning time. Swami had gone out of the ashram in the car and there were many possible routes for Him to enter His residence. Walking with his baby daughter he was yearning for a darshan of Swami together with his new-born as looking after his little one had not allowed him many opportunities to see Bhagavan Baba.

But, how to catch a glimpse of Swami? He could return via the back gate and move around the ashram; or come through the school children’s entrance; or go straight into the Mandir from the road. At that point of wondering and yearning, he clearly heard the words within “Go to the Shirdi Baba Temple.” This lay near the main road and he felt it was a sign to go to the road there after having darshan of the Shirdi Sai statue. He quickly made the 10 minute journey from the north buildings lawn, trusting that this was a sure sign from His Lord - or maybe His ministering angels!

Arriving at the shrine of Shirdi Baba he made a prayer and then straight away made his way to the road which lay 100 metres away. Just at that very moment Swami came by. He did not even have to wait a minute! He was overjoyed with Bhagavan’s precious darshan, while holding his three weeks old daughter!

This is just one instance of inner guidance by the Lord. There are, of course, many thousands of such prayers which are simultaneously fulfilled, all over the world every day. These touch our hearts, heal our bodies and connect us within to the Omnipresent One.

All we have to do is to fill our hearts with love and keep a prayer always on our lips; His voice will resound within louder than anything else in this world. We can then truly become His angels and our lives will revolve in harmony.

Illustrations: Ms. Lyn Kriegler Elliott

- Heart2Heart Team

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83rd Birthday Celebrations in Tokyo Sai Center

 

 

Monday, December 22, 2008 11:13 PM

 

 

 

 

 

"Chikako Oguri"Add sender to Contacts

 

 

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REPORT FROM TOKYO SAI CENTEROm Sai Ram.Sathya Sai Seva organization of Tokyo Center celebrated Bhagavan's 83rd birthday on 23rdNov 2008 in Sathya Sai Prayer Hall in Tokyo.The program started withVedam chanting and thrilling sound of Taiko, Japanese traditionaldram, to evoke deities.

 

170 ardent devotees shared their love witheach other singing bhajans, watching drama of ' Shankara' played bySai youth, chanting 1st anuvaka of Rudram. At the end of theceremony, Ambassador of India came to bless all youth for theirwonderful performance. The celebration concluded with Narayana Seva.After the function, we found some vibhuthi appeared on Padka at thealtar.Please see attached photos.Yours in Sai Service,Chikako Oguri

 

 

 

 

 

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KOBE CENTERS PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place : l.S.S. 2nd Fl. 1-3, Kumochi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Kobe (Tel: 078-222-1885) Home Page MAP

 

 

Bhajans

 

Bhajan Practice

 

Study Circle

 

 

every Sun 4:00-5:00pmevery Thur 7:30-830pm

 

1st,5th Sun 2:00-3:40pm 2nd Sun 2:00-3:20pm3rd,4th Sun 2:30-3:40pm every Thur 7:00-7:20pm

 

2nd Sun 5:30-6:30pm (English)4th Sun 5:30-6:30 (Japanese) 2nd Sun 3:40-3:55 (Gayatri Chanting)

 

 

Ladies Programme

 

3rd,5th Sun 5:30-6:30pm

 

 

Youth Programme

 

3rd Sun 0:30-2:20pm 2nd Sun in odd months 5:30-6:15pm(Study Circle)1st Sun in even months 0:30-1:50

 

 

Seva

 

Aisei-en (Orphanage home): 3rd Sun 9:30-11:30amNarayana Seva: 2nd,4th Sun 10:00-11:30am, 1st, 3rd Thur 9:00-10:00pm

 

 

Veda Club

 

Veda clup is held on every 4th Sunday after Bhajans.

 

Study Circle in (Japanese) is held on every 2nd Sunday on 1st fl.

Subscribe/Un information: (Free copy)

To , please send your request to rgcjp

To , please type “REMOVE” on the subject line and send to rgcjp

----------------------- SAI CENTERS: KOBE, YOKOHAMA, OSAKA, SAPPORE,HAMAMATSU

OKINAWA, CHIBA, NAGOYA, TOKYO & KYOTO.'

 

SAI BHAJAN GROUPS.: OBIHIRO, SAITAMA, SHIZUOKA, KITAKYUSHU, MORIOKA

TAMA, NARA, FUKUOKA, TOHOKU, NAGANO, IWAKUNI,

HIROSHIMA, KAGOSHIMA, GUNMA, KANAZAWA, KAGAWA.

 

Note: Some schedules are subject to change.

Please contact respective centers and groups for information.

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Inside This issue

 

 

1. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2. BABA'S STORY

3. THE MASTERS OF MASSES "SHIRDI BABA"

4. THE DIVINE UNITY OF HUMANITY "SATHYA SAI SPEAKS"

5. CONVERSATION WITH SAI "PROF A.K"

6. ARE YOU REALLY SUFFERING

7. CONNIE SHAW'S TRIP TO SEE BABA

8. THE PRIVILGE OF BEING SAI DEVOTEE

9. MIRACLE BY STUDENTS

10.WHY DO WE SUFFER :KARMIC LAW:

11. ONE OF THE FINEST EXPERIENCE EVER.

12.GOD, IS THAT YOU

13.BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN TOKYO

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Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for sending me SAI BABA'S "NEWS LETTER" for the whole

of the year 2008. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. In fact, I am always on the lookout

for the same.

May Sai Bless you for this glorious service to your fellow Brothers and Sisters. Wishing

you and all a very Happy, Healthy,Prosperous and Sai Loving New Year 2009

 

Your Admirer and Regular Readers of Sai News letters 'KANSAI LIGHT'

GORDEN FROM OMAN-------------------Dear Sis

Thank you very much for sendi

ng the wonderful articles of "KANSAI LIGHT' . It has

answered many many of my questions of my questions and came at the most approprietate time in my life. I thank youagain and thank Sai Baba to give me his wondeful messages. I also congratulate you for being his wonderful instruments.

Sai Ram,

Chandragupt Potdar

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Good day Ramchand Sir,

 

I would like to check if there is a place wheathe I could download the previous issues of

'KANSAI LIGHT' .These E-Magazines are really worth saving and keeping as references and also pass around to others. Thank you very much

 

Warm Regards,

Jeyainbam Jeysingam

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Om Sri Sai Ram

Sir I am devotee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, when i came here to Japan, I feel very bad

that i am not attending at all getting any Sai devotees here in Japan. I am staying here in Hon-atsugi in Yokohama with my husband, who is working here as engineer and my 2 year old baby. I celebrated baba's birthday im my home, Only I visted Puttaparthi lots of time

and even i do seva their for more than 10 times, I got Padnameskar i also thank Sai Baba

that I got very nic devotee here in Japabn also

'KANSAI LIGHT' FOR DECEMBER 2008 is so nice to read this is Baba's grace.

Sai Ram and Pranaams,

Thank you Sir,

Meti Pooja Yokohama

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GLOBAL KANSAI LIGHT READERS CORNERIn this issue we share with our readers responses received from our readers.Since we have alloted a limited space for these acknowledgments, we can only print a few of these letters in every issue.

Sai Ram