Guest guest Posted April 30, 2009 Report Share Posted April 30, 2009 N E W S L E T T E R VOL80, APRIL 2009 FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE Q & A FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI DEVOTEE EXPERIENCE POEM: Life is beautiful so let us make it meaningful TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: WHAT ARE BABA'S VIEWS ON YOGA DEVOTEES' FORUM READER'S REFLECTION NEWS OF SHIRDI SAI ACTIVITIES FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE ……“Believed to be an incarnation of Shri Dattatreya Avdhoot, the name of this Spiritual Master, popularly called ‘Swami Samarth’ is a household word in Maharashtra and the region around. As this Sadguru chose to reside at a place called Akkalkot for 22 years where he took Mahasamadhi in 1878, he is also known as the ‘Maharaj of Akkalkot’. Akkalkot is situated in district Solapur of Maharashtra. For the devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, it would be inspiring to learn about the life and deeds of ‘Swami Samarth’. A comparative picturisation of the lives of these two great Saints, i.e. ‘Swami Samarth’ and Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi would establish a surprising amount of commonness in their lives and deeds, which include their methods of teaching, the universality of their approach and the miracles they performed. In fact, to say that they had many things in common would be an understatement. Even a critical approach by a non-conformist would ultimately lead to the assertion that the over-all role of these two Spiritual Masters during the second half of nineteenth century was similar, if not the same. One who is capable of making finer spiritual analysis, would be faced with a bewildering reality. The reality is that ‘Swami Samarth’ and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba were the manifestations of the same Divine spirit in two gross bodies. Many published writings on both these Saints by different writers authenticate the interaction between these two Sadgurus both in the gross, and the subtle planes. Just before Mahasamadhi, ‘Swami Samarth’ advised one of his disciples to worship Shri Sai at Shirdi saying that he (the ‘Swami Samarth’) would stay at Shirdi in future. The early life of ‘Swami Samarth’ like that of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, is shrouded with mystery. Mystical possibilities about his advent in the physical form have been conjectured by some writers. However, concrete proof, based on material evidence is lacking to authenticate such a theory. For that matter, even Shri Shirdi Sai Baba’s advent and early life has not been established. Yet this does not really matter to those who have faith in Him and continue to experience his benevolence in different ways. How does it matter if Christ was born of a virgin mother! He took the pain of the suffering humanity and led them in the path of spirituality. This is what the world needs. Shri Narasimha Saraswati, about three centuries before the advent of ‘Swami Samarth’ is believed to be the earlier incarnation of Shri Dattatreya. The ‘Guru Charita’ one of the most famous books gives lots of information about Him. As per the most popular belief, Shri Narsimha Swami, after helping and spiritually uplifting a large number of people over a few decades, went away to the Himalayas for penance and went into Samadhi. He remained in that state for about three hundred years. With the passage of time a huge ant-hill grew over him and he was lost to the outside world. One day a wood-cutters’ axe accidentally fell on the bushes that had grown around the ant-hill. He was shocked to find blood stains on the axe of the blade. He cleared the ant-hill and, Lo and behold, he found a Yogi in meditation. The Yogi slowly opened his eyes and consoled the dumbfounded wood-cutter saying that it was the Divine Will for him to re-appear in the world to resume his mission. This Yogi, in his new role came to be known as ‘Swami Samarth’."......... Q & A Why did Sai refer to the Masjid, sometimes as Masjid Mayee and sometimes as Dwarka Mayee? What does Dwarkamayee signify? Dwaraka was the capital of Lord Krishna. It was also called ‘Dwarawati’. Lord Krishna created Dwaraka (presently in Gujarat) for the final habitation of the Yadava family (His clan) and security from attackers like Jarasandha and others. Like a mother protecting a child, Dwaraka, protected the Yadavas. Baba has given the same concept to the dilapidated mosque where He stayed for over 60 years. He gave love, protection and solution to the problems of His devotees. Baba has been quoted saying in “Shri Sai Satcharitra†that Dwarakamayee protects its children i.e. His devotees. The word ‘Mayee’ in Hindi means mother. BABA MAY I ANSWER book by Shri C. B. Satpathy released on Ram Navami For details see www.heritageofshirdisai.org FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI ……“Humour is a distinct human quality. And of all Baba’s human qualities, His sense of humour was the most outstanding. Baba's sense of humour was of a very peculiar kind being at first hardly intelligible to people around him. The humour consisted in there being two applications for the words he uttered, one being patent and the other often being discovered after some time and enquiry. We shall give some examples. In the case of one G.D. Pelaspi who approached Baba, the latter according to his custom of revealing his antarjnana about the visitor so as to infuse faith in him, mentioned the fact that the trouble of Pelaspi was that a debtor of his, named Bapu Saheb was delaying and evading payment of Rs.4,000 due to Pelaspi. So Baba said when Pelaspi came, ‘What is Bapu Saheb doing?’ Thinking that Baba referred to Bapu Saheb Jog, someone present said, ‘He is sleeping’. Baba said, ‘When he comes here, beat him. He owes me Rs.4,000 and is delaying payment’. People fancied that Baba was angry with Bapu Saheb Jog for the alleged non-payment of debt to him. But Baba was referring only to the pandit of Pelaspi. Pelaspi understood Baba’s words well enough and took Baba’s words as good augury that pressure would be brought upon his debtor to make the payment quickly. But the others who misunderstood Baba thought that he referred to his poojari namely, Bapu Saheb Jog. They informed him of Baba’s words and he was very upset by Baba’s statement, for he did not owe Rs.4,000 to Baba and he said, ‘The claim is unjust’. But Baba was enjoying the fun. Similarly Baba used the words, Tatya, Bapu, Vani, referring to particular persons or particular sorts of persons. People who heard him could not make out the real reference. Baba enjoyed the fun. On one occasion, when Shama was bitten by a serpent, he was advised to go to the Bairoba temple to which people usually resorted to when bitten by cobras. But he said that his temple was Baba’s place, and he ran upto Baba. Baba had wonderful powers of curing cobra bite and other poisons. But when Shama came and, climbed up the steps of the Dwarakamayee, Baba said, ‘Do not get up, Brahmin Get back. Descend.’ Hatmage, Hatmage. Shama was shocked. Here was his hope in Baba, and Baba was, asking him not to get up but to get down. Baba enjoyed his confusion for a moment and then asked him to get up. Baba said, ‘Come up. The fakir is kind. You will be cured’. He then told people to take Shama home and see that he did not go to sleep, but was kept awake for 24 hours till the poison should be completely absorbed in or expelled from the system. The humour in Baba’s words was in the fact of the words, Do not get up Brahmin, which appeared to be addressed to the Brahmin Shama, when Brahmin was used in the vocative case. But that word was used by Baba in the accusative case. The words addressed were not to the Brahmin but to the cobra poison, and the cobra poison was directed by the command of Baba not to go up the Brahmin, that is, go up Shama’s body. Get down, Get down, were addressed similarly to the poison and not to the Brahmin. So, the poison had to get down his body and get away.â€â€¦â€¦ DEVOTEE EXPERIENCE I am a doctor working in Kuwait. Unfortunately I got into financial troubles by my own foolishness, trusting wrong people and signing many documents. If not for Sri Sai our life would be on the streets. Sri Sainath helped us in numerous ways. Of late due to increasing pressure, probably my belief must have gone down. I had a dream three days ago in the afternoon. I am in Bangalore, my city, probably to buy a house. I have a good amount of Kuwaiti Dinars in my pocket. I go to a cycle rickshaw (not present in Bangalore though) in order to reach a particular place. I do not find the cycle rickshaw driver. Instead I find under the canopy Sri Sainath in white kafni sitting on the passenger seat. His forehead is marked by a dark circle as for devout muslims doing five times prayers. It appeared He had no legs below the knee. Then I ask Him with due respect as to where could be the cycle rickshaw puller. He asks me if I had any aversion to sitting next to Him in the journey. I say never. Then He asks did I have any doubt regarding His pulling the rickshaw just because He is lame. I did not know what to answer. I keep waiting. Then the call for maghreb prayer is heard at a distance. Then Baba tells me to wait, as the driver has gone to perform the prayer. Then I feel like giving him 10 KD note to buy food (around Rs 1450). I keep pulling notes from my pant pocket. But each time I get only 1 KD (equal to Rs 145). Then I give it to him saying he can get around Rs 150 in any bank and buy food for it. Baba says how can I expect Him to go to a bank. So he asks me to buy food and give it. I find a hotel near the place where the rickshaw is parked. I go there to buy some food for Him. By then some one woke me up. It was a lesson to me :1). not to have doubt in Him.2). He is not pleased with rich offerings but with humble ones.3).He is the only person who can take me across the distance.4). Offering food to poor is the best way of offering our respects to Sri Sai.Similar dreams have come earlier too, but this dream really woke me up from my slumber. Badarinath S.Murthy, Kuwait Share your experience, articles poems etc. POEM Life is beautiful so let us make it meaningful Life is beautiful so let us make it meaningfulIt’s a melody so pleasant and soulfulLet’s croon, to our heart’s content, this divine songAll day and all night long. Life is a gift that’s why it’s lived in the presentSo let’s live in the here and nowThe only way is up so let’s ascendWith our head bent down in a bow. Our life is like the Maker’s clayLet’s shape it with faith and patienceBe polite in whatever we sayLet’s live with determination and perseverance. Let’s dedicate this life to GodSpend it at the lotus feet of our LordLet’s spread it’s fragrance all around the worldFor we are born free so let’s fly like a bird. Sabka Malik Ek Aman Kumar, Delhi Share your experience, articles poems etc. TOPIC OF DISCUSSION Views of Shirdi Sai Baba on YOGA The word yoga in Sanskrit means union. In spirituality, it means union with God. Normally people believe that yoga is a set of postures to exercise the body. It helps to keep the body fit. However yoga is a way of life. Yogic way of life means controlling the body, mind, and intellect. We think we are the body. However, it is very well established that we are actually a product of body, mind, and intellect. The latter two are a part of our subtle body. The subtle body and the gross body together shape our personality. In other words, we are the product of our thoughts. If we repeatedly think about something, we get attached to it. Our thinking in turn governs our actions. It governs the choices we make, the food we eat, the people we associate with, the places we live in and the professions we choose. Exercise normally works on the gross body. Yoga on the other hand is more holistic. It works on body, mind, and spirit. One who practices yoga is termed a yogi. A yogi connects with God. Yoga brings discipline from within. It streamlines the gross and the subtle body. In the Bhagavadgita Lord Krishna explains eighteen yogas to Arjuna. This knowledge is required for spiritual evolution in the journey of life. The first six yogas deal with devotion, next six with selfless service, and the last six with wisdom. When we face a moral crisis and have no ray of hope, we surrender to Lord for guidance. This is what Arjuna did when he was in a state of despondency and not able to fight. Lord Krishna admonished him and delivered a sermon to make him fight. Such righteous action is required to maintain the world order. In that hour of crisis, a profound spiritual message was delivered by Lord to bring solace for humanity. In its eighteen chapters, Srimad Bhagavadgita teaches us the path of righteous action through devotion and wisdom. Automatically falsehood starts disappearing from life as we are propelled towards truth. It eradicates all that which is unnecessary and superficial from life. It makes us simple and pure. It makes us more focussed. Our memory sharpens and the intellect becomes one pointed. This one pointed approach helps us to achieve our target. Therefore, yoga is a way of life. Its tenets of yogasanas, pranayam, and meditation lead to health, wealth and prosperity. It leads to a life full of joy, peace, and fulfilment. Anuradha Mal, Gurgaon Share your views on Topic of Discussion- TRUTH ULTIMATELY PREVAILS DEVOTEES' FORUM Thank you Shirdi Sai,You are the protector of my soulIn Thee I take refugeIn Thee I take solaceYou are the light of my heartand for all of Your love I am eternally grateful!from Your daughter in the Light Elisabeth Constantine, Cornwall, England One should have true love for Baba. Nothing else is required. He will Himself give you Shradha and Saburi. It has to come from Him. Unconditional Love for Him is a must. He is there for you Always. He is the Only Light in Darkness. Munish Batra, Virginia, USA Share your feelings about Shirdi Sai in Devotees’ Forum READER'S REFLECTION Thanks a lot for such a great work on explaining very clearly the Need for Puja or Prayer in vol 73. Thank you Heritage of Shirdi Sai for doing such marvelous work. Keep it up. Bow to Sri Sai. Peace be to all. Sai Ram. Kussum, China I really look forward to receiving the Heritage newsletter, as it brings me Satpathyji's message as well as our Sadguru's blessings. It so happened that today being an auspicious day, Thursday, I just opened my computer and was pleasantly surprised to see your mail, being first on the list!!!!!! indeed, I feel, that our Sai has sent His blessings through this mail. Indeed a commendable work in the direction of Sai movement by bringing all Sai bhakts under one roof. Hope to be an active participant with Sai Baba's blessings. Nanda Pandya, Mumbai Share Reader's Reflection NEWS OF SHIRDI SAI ACTIVITIES ONLINE SHIRDI SAI BABA RADIO With the blessings and grace of Shri Shirdi Sai , the first ever online Shirdi Sai baba radio will be broadcasting,- leela's of Baba thru His bhajans in Hindi, Telugu, Marathi and Gujrati, Sai Mahima , Sai amritwani, Sai mantra ,Sai Satcharitra prayaan ,discourses ,Geeta Gyan , Vishnu Sahasaram and much much more. I will be hosting it from this thursday. I will also be sharing my experiences and experiences of other Sai devotees thru this media. This is the first ever online radio dedicated to the lotus feet of Shri Shirdi Sai baba. Just by listening to this radio, Sai devotees will feel the bliss of Baba and His leela's around them. You can go to http://debu7366.blogspot.com/ to listen to this radio [ password- omsrisai ]or for knowing the weekly program guide and to post your request, suggestions ,feedback and comments- plz visit http://sairadio.blogspot.com/ . You will also find a lot of important information at this site in the coming weeks. SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA (TORONTO) Located at SAI KA MADHUBAN in Unionville - Three Annual Events celebrated: Ram Navami Guru Purrnima, and Vijay Dashami, Monthly Weekly and daily Activities: Abhishek - Akhand Parayan - Bhajan Sandhaya - Aarti - Annadaan..."Prepare a Meal" - Chitra Yatra - Paduka Puja - Palki Pothi & Portrait Procession - Volunteer Sevices - Character and Moral Values. A Youth Program based on Baba's Teachings and Shri Sai Ceremonial Yatra. For event updates visit www.shirdisainath.org INVOCATION OF BLESSINGS ON AUSPICIOUS THURSDAYS Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada, (Toronto) cordially invite Devotees to attend - volunteer - Receive Baba's Grace and be Immersed in Divine Bliss on the AUSPICIOUS day of THURSDAY 6:30PM at the GUR MANDIR 207 Queen's Plate Drive., Etobicoke (South of Steeles on the East side of Highway 27 on Queen's Plate) Invocation Ceremony of Baba's Divine Blessings will be conducted with Sacred Ashtotra Namavali to the accompaniment of Bhajans, Satcharita Paraayan, Naivedaya Offerings Dhoop Aarti and Mahaprasaad (Preeti Bhoj) Devotees are welcome to bring a dish for Naivedaya Offerings as inspired by Baba. Details at www.shirdisainath.org SHRI SHIRDI SAI BABA RESOURCE CENTRE IN TORONTO Maple Crest Private School 28 Roytech Road. Woodbridge, ON L4L 8E4 PHONE - 416-294-4804 (by appointment only). Complementary copy of "Sai Satcharita" (one per family) in all languages is now available, excluding Pothi in Marathi, Indira kher ji's English Version and Hindi Pothi by Kakaria ji,. Reserve your copy today. For pictures - posters - CD's - VCD's- Baba Murtis and other books on Baba visit the Resource Centre. On Line Shopping coming soon at www.shirdisainath.org . HERITAGE OF SHIRDI SAI MAGAZINE is now AVAILABLE IN CANADA: Send your request for subscription. Limited copies only. Email: saileela99 SHIRDI SAI MANDIR, TORONTO, CANADA THE SHIRDI SAI MANDIR, TORONTO, CANADA 2721 Markham Road, Unit# 8, Toronto, Ontario, M1X 1L5 (North East corner of Markham Road and Nashdene), Tel:647-444-4724, Email: info Website:www.theshirdisaimandir.ca Daily Operating Hours: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Extended hours on THURSDAY and SATURDAY: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Baba's Kakad Aarti, Abhishek Puja, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti, Satcharita Reading and Shej Aarti are performed every day. Bhajans and Sai Naam Sankirtan are offered to Baba on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Various resources such as Satcharitas, Photos, CDs are available. Please visit our website for information on Mandir activities. SHIRDI SAI PARIVAR VANCOUVER Shirdi Sai parivar in Vancouver holds Satsang on Thursday (6.30-7.30pm)and Sai abhishek and aarti first Sunday of every month at 8571, 118A St, Delta, V4C 6L2. For further details contact (604) 592 4182 or email, say.sai.sai. SHRI SHIRDI SAI SANSTHAN LOS ANGELES By the grace of our Shirdi Sai we are happy to announce the inauguration of Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in LA region in the city of Montebello. We need the support of all Sai Devotees. For more information please email krishna SRI SAI BABA MANDIR OHIO USA Location:7674 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH-43016Daily timings and activities: Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM 9:00 AM Kakad Arati, 12:00 Noon: Madhyan Arati 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: 6:00 PM: Dhoop Arathi, 8:30 PM: Shej Arathi Weekends: Temple is open from9:00 AM to 9:00 PMEvery Thursday:7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Sai Bhajans followed by Mangal Arati and Shej Arati at 9:30 PM. For more information please call at 614-799-8411 or visit http://www.saibaba.cc/. SHIRDI SAI CENTER, BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA Location: 897-B E. Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA - 94086 Daily timings and activities: Weekdays:6:15 am – 7:40 am: Abhishekam and Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am11.45 am – 12:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm6:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm Weekends:6:15 am – 7:40 am: Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am11:00 am – 9:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm, Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm Every Thursday:7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Shirdi Sai Bhajans For more information please call 408-705-7904 / 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu or visit our website at http://www.shirdisaiparivaar.org/ NORTH AMERICA SHIRDI SAI TEMPLE OF ATLANTA Location: 700 James Burgess Road,Suwanee GA 30024, USAThe North America Shirdi Sai Temple is located at 700 James Burgess Road,Suwanee GA 30024.Temple is open all seven days of the week. Baba's Kakad Aarti, Abhishek Puja, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti and Shej Aarti are performed every day. Bhajans are sung on all thursday and sunday evenings. For information regarding the daily schedule, temple activities and events please visit Mandir's website: www.templeofpeace.org or call 678-455-7200 SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE, MICHIGAN, USA Location: Sri Shirdi SaiBaba Temple in greater Detroit 28875 W SEVEN MILE RD, LIVONIA, MI 48125, USA Daily timings and activities: Kakad Aarti 09:00 AM; Abhishekam 10:00 AM; Archana 10:30 AM; Mid-day Aarti 12:00 PM; Temple Closed 12:30 - 5:30 PM; Dhup Aarti 6:00 PM; Archana & Bhajans 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM; Sai Chalisa 8:00 PM; Shej Aarti 8:30 PM Special: Hanuman Chalisa 6:30 PM (Tuesday); Lalitha Sahasranamam 6:30 PM (Friday); Vishnu Sahasranamam 6:30 PM (Saturday); SHRI SHIRDI SAI SAMAJ MALAYSIA No.744-1, Tingkat 1, Jln. Sentul Selatan, Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaThis is a new Shirdi Baba center in malaysia. We conduct weekly prayers/arathi at the following times:Friday - 7pm - 10.30pmSunday - Noon - 2.30pm Our official centre website is http://saisamaj.blogspot.com/For more information, please email hyperkinetix PERSATUAN SHIRDI SAI BABA SELANGOR, MALAYSIA This is to inform all of you that we have a Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Malaysia. Here we have daily prayers and special prayers on thursday mornings 9.00am and bhajans and satsang from 8 pm onwards. Also breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked by our seva-group is provided to all devotees. other than that first thursday of the month we have talk on spirituality, second thursday on health, third thursday satsang on Sai Satcharitra, fourth thursday talk on general topics, by experts in the respective fields. Lot of charitable activities are conducted by our Centre,like sponsoring immediate services to childrens\' homes, old-folks homes, sick and needy, etc. etc. If any devotee, from Malaysia or Singapore likes to join our Centre, please contact Mr.SP Kannan at Mobile -012-2739486; usha - 006122392911; Res: 03-33717540. Our Centre address is : Persatuan Shirdi Sai Baba Selangor, No.2574, Jalan Seruling 59, Taman Klang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Thank you and Sai Ram. SHIRDI SAI TEMPLE SINGAPORE The dream of having a full fledged exclusive Shirdi Sai Temple in Singapore, will soon come true. Thanks to the efforts of a Sai devotee in making this happen. The Shirdi Sai Baba Centre in Singapore is now live with the 3rd floor function hall, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman temple, being secured and converted to a full fledged exclusive Shirdi Sai worship centre. The Centre will be devoted to celebrating the life & teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba only. For more information visit our website http://www.saisansthan.com/ SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND Bhajans Every ThursdayVenue Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland 7.00 pm - 7.50 pm Sai Bhajans, 7.50 pm - 8.10 pm Pravachan and Sai Ashtotharam 8.10 pm - 8.30 pm Shej Aarthi8.30 pm - 9.00 pm Prasad distribution.For more details contact us Hari Gangisetty (President) Mobile: (+64) 21 629 993 Email: President or Bhaskar Reddy Duvvuru (Secretary) Mobile: (+64) 21 292 3807 Email: SecretaryAddress: Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of NZ, P.O. Box: 16142, Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand. Visit our website http://www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz/Share News from your part of the world Copyright Heritage of Shirdi Sai 2009. All rights reserved. www.heritageofshirdisai.org http://heritageofshirdisai.org/newsletter/Vol80.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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