Can you help me?

[Guest guest]

I am a liberal christian and I have always been interested in other religions. I have a friend who is a Hindu and I am very close to her family and I have been invited to a Hindu event on Saturday, it is to bless their house, I can't remember what the ceremony is called but many people from their temple are coming on saturday so it seems very important. But what worries me is that i know very little about Hindu beliefs and sometimes I find it difficult understanding my friend's explanation! So I would really appreaciate it if someone could inform me of the basic beliefs of Hindu's and what their events mean. I know she is a follower of Sai Baba and again I know nothing about him or what he means to the Hindu faith.

 

Any replies would be wonderful!!

Thank you

Carrie x

[Guest guest]

I know she is a follower of Sai Baba and again I know nothing about him or what he means to the Hindu faith.

 

sai baba is not at all an accepted hindu master, so being him out from any tradition it will be very difficult to help you

[Guest guest]

"I know she is a follower of Sai Baba and again I know nothing about him or what he means to the Hindu faith."

 

Sai Baba (or Satya Sai Baba as he is known) is only accepted by some Hindus (who are his devotees). He claims to be God, so he is not fully accepted by all Hindus and many believe he is a false guru and his movement is really a cult. Sai Baba doesn't claim to be a Hindu or teach Hinduism, rather he teaches a spirituality which combines teachings from all religions including Christianity. Sai Baba also claims to be a re-incarnation of a previous Sai Baba (of Shirdi) - however some followers of the previous Sai Baba do not accept Satya Sai Baba as genuine.

 

Satya Sai Baba makes his followers believe he performs miracles, though he's 'magic tricks' have been exposed as hoaxes many times, his followers still tend to believe in him. Last night in the UK, there was a docmentary by the BBC which alleges sexual abuse and murder at his ashram. it alleges Sai Baba himself carried out sexual abuse many times. However after viewing it myself, I must say it did look biased as there were only 2 people featured claiming sexual abuse against him. But it looked very suspicious because they 2 were both white american males and look like the 'bible-belt' type...though they claim to be from california. While talking about the sexual abuse they didn't look that affected - you would expect them to look uneasy and cry, but I think the younger one even smiled a few times. This makes me questions the whole thing. It could easily be a conspiracy because these 2 Americans looked like useless actors. Plus we know how much American christian missionaries are trying to convert India...maybe this is all part of their plan? We know they hate Sai Baba because of the power and influence his organisation has, resulted in westerners (Christians) following him. You can never really trust Americans or the BBC.

 

No doubt Sai Baba is a trickster...but an abuser...? I'm not sure about that!

 

You can read more about last nights programme here:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/this_world/3791921.stm

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/this_world/3813469.stm

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/this_world/3811875.stm

 

Satya Sai's offical site:

 

http://www.sathyasai.org/

[barney]

She did not mentioned anything about Sai Baba and here you are misleaidng her. Is this the way to clarify anyone in doubt of Hindu religion? I wonder what if you really know wthat Hinduism is all about.

[barney]

Some of you are ingonran fols who are either jealous or have discontent for Sai Baba. Do you know what he preaches or what is he here for? Anyone can discredit anybody but only those who believe in him would know the truth. No one is forcing you to believe in Baba or his teachings so keep your comments to yourself.

[barney]

Who is a Hindu

 

 

A Hindu is one that believes in one God who incarnates, as and when He feels fit, in the shape and form He wants. God has incarnated in many forms as Lord Rama , Lord Shiva , Lord Brahma( in His form as The Creator) Lord Krishna and others that were in existence for shorter periods.

 

Certain incarnations of God have come under criticism from those who have the inbuilt mind concept that God should only be in a certain form. This is totally refuted by Hinduism. Our belief is that God has the infinite capacity and will take forms as and when He so feels. A simple little human has no right to put limitations on God.

 

Creation and destruction of the universe

 

God creates, sustains and destroys everything , when time comes. The Creator form of God is known as Brahma. He breaths out the universe as stated in the Holy book Gita. This is the same as Big Bang Theory only in a different language. Saying it in English does not make our eternal theory obsolete.

 

 

Upon creation , the form of Vishnu takes over as the maintainer of the universe . He is the prime enjoyer of the creation and its profound complex beauty and wonders. At the end of the whole creation it is all destroyed or breathed back again, as stated in the Holy book Gita. This is no different from the Back Hole as found recently by the scientists. The Vedas clearly state that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing . The is a clear indication of Hinduism's claim of understanding the "Zero" long before any other cultures.

 

The whole process from creation to destruction is divided into 4 parts called yugas : Sat Yug, Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug and the Yug of Kali. The universe is now in the era of darkness ( kali Yug ), although the destruction is a long way to go ,the whole process starts all over again after destruction. The progression from the first yug to the last counted as one day of Bhraman - The Supreme Lord, The creation has 427,000 years to go before the destruction , upon which the new cycle will begin.

 

 

Names, forms and deities

 

Many names and forms are given to each incarnation and different powers of God, with the love and affection by each individual devotee. Deities are a part of our worship and whilst a miracle should never be a prerequisite for a true believer , the Milk Miracle by The supreme Grace of Lord Ganesh is a

living proof of its powers .No Hindu will allow this Miracle to be forgotten.

 

Deities are made full use of in Hinduism for the purpose of concentration. We are not apologists for the same. This has been highly maligned by the Islam and Christian beliefs. They fail to see that they themselves have always used deities. The Islamics use the Kabaa ( a black stone) and the Christians the statues of Christ , Mary and the use of Cross .

 

That God created man in His own image (Christian belief) comes from the Hindus deities being lovingly sculptured in beautiful human forms ages ago before Christ was born.

 

 

 

 

Dharma, God and soul - Eternal

 

Hinduism, Our Dharma is eternal, so is God and all the souls. It is our conviction that body dies but not the soul. At death time the soul simply passes out to take another body , be it a human or any other living thing. This unfortunately, is so frightening to some other beliefs that they turn a totally blind eye and bury their ostrich heads in sand over this issue. Next birth is dependent upon the life style one lived in the last one. Known to all, God is always kind will grant unto the devotee what he asks for. Our mind set at death will lead us to the next birth. If food was the passion than the next birth would be such as to facilitate the fulfillment of the

desires. Needless to say a maggot swimming in swill would never desire it any other way because in its physical form its requirements are totally fulfilled.

 

It has also to be remembered that the nature of desire for worldly things (maya) will lead to desire for more. It is indeed a vicious cycle. The desire for nature will lead to moksha (salvation) a permanent state of bliss and being in service of the Lord Himself, thus the attainment of the true destination of soul. Paradise is the ultimate goal of other beliefs where pleasures that have not been fulfilled during lifetime can be enjoyed. This is an extreme form of self gratification. Hindus ultimate aim is to be in selfless service of God . Is there a higher , deeper and more pure philosophy on earth .

 

The world is at a loss for turning a blind eye to the tenets of Hinduism but it has to be understood that every human has a capacity of understanding and they will follow what their mental and spiritual levels lead them towards.

 

 

Many Paths and one God

 

The old scriptures are a guide to salvation and an individual can steadily make his way back to God in the speed and path selected. Each soul is at a different stage in the spiritual development and thus, will make his way up as seen fit personally. Hinduism is conservative and liberal at the same time as the previous sentence portrays. It is primarily due to this reason why in a Hindu society, one will find different ways and means of reaching God. The beauty of it all is that each is tolerant of others. As in any religion , diversions and divisions are a must, as seen in Christianity and Islam , although looked down upon by those who call themselves the true believers (Shia/Sunni/Catholics/Protestants etc. Due to the age and maturity of Hinduism we have numerous divisions and learnt to live with each other long ago. Our tolerance demonstrates our age and maturity. Others are just scratching the surface by trying to come to a compromise and making peace as in the case of Catholics and Protestants. Regret, the Islamics have a long way to go , they have not even sat on the table with their Shiite brothers to

make peace. War , killing and subjugation are the blue print of the day , most unfortunately.

 

 

 

Karma & Dharma

 

 

Karma (deeds) and results of Karma are the basis of our lives. Knowing that good karma will bring good results and vice versa, our lives can be guided towards fruition of Salvation termed as Moksha. Karmas are of various levels and will effect a soul for short or long time depending upon its gravity. A simple act will bring a simple and short term reward , whether it be good or bad. More serious karma can bring a longer lasting reward and yet still some karmas are so good or bad that they last for some lifetimes. The result or the fruit of a karma cannot be escaped. This is hard and fast. As for bad karma when one gets realized, begins to do good deeds and takes the path towards God then fortunately the punishment of any past bad deeds only helps one reroute to God. That is the best part of it. Never is a soul condemned to eternal hell as in Christianity or Islam. There is always a chance to come back to God and He is more than willing to give even the worst sinner a chance at every corner, so much so that if a total sinner thinks of God at death, moksha is not denied to him. Although , it is hard to think of God on death bed, when the whole life has been in sin. One cannot go to a doctor's exam and pass without studying for it. When asked by Larry King on the CNN, Rev. Jerry Fallwel had no answer as to why a 2 year old Somali child dies of hunger when he has had no time even to sin against God , all Jerry had to say was that he did not know. He went on to say that, if and when he died and met God he may find the answer. My six year old son could have answered that question without thought - carried over karma from past life.... period.

 

The results of karma (deeds) cannot be obliterated just by accepting Jesus or Mohammed / Allah . One has to work towards personal salvation .

 

 

Who a guru is

 

A Guru is a teacher/guide, who will recognize the aptitude of a student and take him from there.

 

Guru plays a very important part in molding our lives and whilst the Holy book Gita can be accepted as Guru, so can the word of Guru Nanak , Mahavir , Swami Narayan, Buddha and numerous other thinkers and philosophers that India is proud to have contributed to the world heritage.

 

 

What is heaven

 

 

The description of heaven is simply a place where all the mayavic ( materialistic) fantasies are fulfilled. It may be right here on earth or what can be termed as heaven A person who has done good deeds like helping the poor , disabled persons in need, amount to something like a bank account that one can spend and enjoy but it does not necessarily deliver a human at the feet of God. At the time when one enjoys activities of materialistic nature as in heaven , God is the last thing in mind. If the human has accepted the true meaning of this life, as one that ends in moksha, then even if he does good deeds, the results of such deeds are offered to God and all turns into bahkti, devotion and love for Him.

 

 

What is sin

 

In very simple words, sin is an act that takes one away from God even if it is for a short period or for longer in relation to the seriousness of the deed. So the true devotee , even if he is a family man, will know and accept that all his karma is for God. His spiritual life is number one, without which all the zeros written on a page mean nothing. His number one is God and his life is bhakti in the truest sense. He sees God in all, the clouds, rain, heat , mountains, flowers, seasons etc. He brings up his family in the awareness of God. Due to the karma so done, his children will obviously be of good character and lead the life in love for God. A good soul also has the privilege of taking birth in such a family to continue towards the final truth. Very rewarding indeed.

 

Does God punish Eternally ?

 

No . Unlike the Christian and Islamic beliefs, God is kind and will always give a chance to a lost soul to come on the right path. In fact at every stop in this life there is a chance to go back. So much so that , even if one has lived his life in total sin, if thinks of God at the time of death , He will accept the soul . Permanent and eternal punishments are always stressed in beliefs that have huge gaps in their philosophies. Brainwashing is the base of instilling fear and keeping the "flock together". One cannot question any tenets of other beliefs just out of fear of severe punishment from God .

 

 

Hinduism is different , one is encouraged to meditate (think) many answers out for one's self. This in fact develops the mind to much higher understanding than just reading and accepting what is offered in a book or a scripture.

 

 

Mantras & Shlokas

 

Mantras and shlokas are used by devotees to divert their minds towards God. It brings the whole mind frame diverted to God and at the same time live a normal life as termed by humans. A Guru will prescribe a mantra in relation to the capacity and spirituality a person has reached. Just as there is no single drug for all diseases there is no single mantra for all. In the

absence of a Guru , the chanting of OM will no doubt lead one to the correct direction. A natural , inborn attraction to a mantra is a good one to start with.

 

The Shlokas (verses) and beautiful names of God have a spiritual vibrations

that leads one to higher levels of thought and understanding.

 

 

 

What is evil

 

All creation is the work of God and so is evil. The decision for a human is which path he wants to select the good or the bad? The path via evil is full of self destruction and killing one's conscience , the path from good is allowing that hidden voice of God within us to flourish. This is termed as Mahabharat, the war against what is one's own - lust, greed, pride, anger and jealousy. They are as much a part of us as Bhishmapita was to Arjun.

 

The Caste System

 

 

This is the most misrepresented, misunderstood and misused aspect of Hinduism. For some it was to retain their authority and for some it is a point by which Hinduism can be demeaned and make the Hindus demoralized. Sinister persons and organizations have used and misused this theme for their benefit and divided the Hindu community into fractions for the purpose of converting them to other religions.

 

What is the caste system as prescribed in the Gita ? It is a division of community into four different classes in relation to their trade. This is all the enemies of Hinduism will say ; if they read the Gita further , it says, one is not of a particular caste by birth, it is by his karma. This last bit is purposely ignored. A simple fact sinisterly ignored and our enemies have been successful in dividing us without much effort. This is where this website comes in and will unite and undo the damage done by these foreigners.

 

Vegetarianism

 

The whole concept of vegetarianism is based on respect of God and his creation , whereby the animals are also considered as a great part of His wonderful universe .

 

 

Vegetarianism is strictly recommended in Hinduism, for the simple fact that to harm an animal , a creation of God, for taste and self gratification only brings bad results. It is naive to think that because one kills in the name of God/Allah the fruits of such an act is forgiven. If Allah or Jesus were co kind would they slaughter a cow for consumption ? The rule is steadfast, one must suffer the consequence of it. Just think of the basis on which a Muslim will not eat pork and a Hindu will not eat beef. One , Islam's refusal of pork is based on hate for the animal and a Hindu's avoidance of beef is based on kindness and respect for an animal. The basic difference is hate versus love and respect. Yes, there are numerous Hindus who eat meat but the results of such a karma is their own and nobody else's. The suffering that such deeds bring are visible all over the world. Immorality, cruelty , lack of ethical behavior etc are the results of it. In these times, incest , teen pregnancy, abortions, premarital sex , lack of respect for parents, Gurus and Saints is rampant. It is indeed in these times when it is the easiest and hardest to get moksha. Simple bhakti (devotion) and good karma are the shortest road to God but it is also hard due to the presence of the lustful activities all around you. If life is surrendered to God then the atmosphere has no effect on the devotee. Simple living and high thinking should be the basis of life. This is why the faces of most Hindus reflect a humility that the west finds hard to apprehend. For a Hindu, pain and pleasure have no meaning, these are considered just two ordinary states that are temporary. Life itself is temporary.

 

 

Hinduism - no loose ends

 

 

This is a very bold statement to make indeed. Hinduism is a complete religion with no loose ends and all questions have answers within its concept. There is no denying. There are other beliefs that have huge gaps and are explained away by simply saying that God is impossible to understand fully. If anything God is indeed very easy to understand by simply loving Him, the rest just follows.

 

 

What is a cult?

 

 

A cult is something that a person starts, attracts people to it with rewards, even kills fellow humans to convert, has hard and fast rules, if not followed, permanent punishment like eternity in hell etc are advocated to keep the followers in the flock. Any diversion is scorned. All free thinking is banished. The flock is ordered not to discuss other faiths. Even the love and respect of your land's rivers, mountains and Holy places suddenly become simple water and dust and at the same time be replaced by Mecca or some city in the Middle east. Total hypocrisy. Non believers are called names in derogatory terms to keep the flock under the cult leader. Animals are sacrificed in the name of God, but for the selfish purpose of consumption and self gratification. I will leave the reader to decide which beliefs fit the mold of a cult.

 

A Hindu may or may not agree to some of the points above but he will willingly give his fellow human the right to practice religion as and how the other sees fit. Please comment via Email or on the message board

 

 

[Guest guest]

She did not mentioned anything about Sai Baba and here you are misleaidng her. Is this the way to clarify anyone in doubt of Hindu religion? I wonder what if you really know wthat Hinduism is all about.

 

sai baba is a cult, not hinduism

[barney]

I would very much appreciate if you could define cult because I am ignorant of it.

[barney]

NEW AGE UNDER REVIEW

 

In David C Lane's review of Baba and I, written by Dr John S Hislop, some

comments expressed about Sathya Sai Baba need to be critically examined, for

a balanced view and honest approach to this phenomena of the millennia.

Whenever Sai Baba has been examined by scientists or other such

investigators, He has always proven to them to be what He claims. The only

criticisms which tend to remain, belong to those who base their assertions

either on the testimony of others or without ever going to within 100 miles

of the person they believe they can report upon. And when basing their

findings on the works of others, never allow the Reader to know that their

source also failed to go and see for themselves, whether their claims were

accurate or false. Fair reporting at its worst.

 

Many scientists have travelled to investigate Sai Baba and come away totally

in awe of the person. One such scientist was an amateur magician and

declared without a doubt that there was no sleight-of-hand used by Sathya

Sai Baba. While professional magicians have also taken a trip to see this

man and returned with the same findings. However, we keep seeing such

people as James Randi and his class of "investigator" being raised up as the

most honourable people to quote. Yet Randi has never bothered to venture to

see Sai Baba at close quarters; approach the "butcher" to get the "meat" of

their scrutiny out on the table. Like one another, they refer to the

proverbial "block".

 

One news reporter, sent to de-bunk Sai Baba, was given an interview and

placed right to the front of the group. Sai proved His ability to know the

inner thoughts of others, when He turned to this man, smiled and rolling up

His sleeves, right in the face of the reporter, before materialising a

special ring. This ring had a profile view of a man on it, which Sai Baba

announced to all, was the face of Prema Sai Baba - the third in the Sai

Baba trilogy, who Sathya Sai claims He will reincarnate to become, in the

21st Century. The reporter had in mind to ask Sathya about this

incarnation to come, and so his every purpose for being there was fulfilled.

He was given an interview, from which he could take back a story on this

Master, a ring of the person he wished to know more about, as well as the

opportunity to see at first hand, whether this character was using a

magician's trick to materialise items.

 

A year after his story was published in a New York paper, a friend asked him

about the ring and wished to see it. The reporter searched his home and

finally found it. However, to the surprise of them both, the portrait of

Prema was no longer in profile. It had begun a journey to face the front.

This man knew without a doubt now, if not before, that Sathya Sai was who He

claimed He was. In the years that have followed, that face on the ring has

turned to now become a full front view !! Oh, that reporter is now a

dedicated Devotee of Sathya Sai Baba. See what true investigating can bring ??

 

But this rebuttal to the review on Baba and I is not to be taken as an

attack on such people as Randi or even our David C Lane. As scientists or

persons with a scientific mind, no less can be expected of them. To be a

scientist, one must have a mind which accepts nothing that cannot be seen,

touched, smelt or tasted. Nor can science advance as it has if it were any

other way. One either has a mind of a scientist or a mind of a spiritual

person. Scientists can only judge, test and examine that which is right

before them in black and white. Anything which fails to fall within the

parameters of known "laws" simply cannot exist or should be shunned until

evidence gives rise to think otherwise.

 

They fail to remember one major fault in this method and that is: the spirit

realm (whatever that might be to you personally) cannot be measured,

examined or tested by anything from the material zone. Well, at the

present time it can't. Maybe in the future, our scientists will learn ways

of gathering information from that area and what we now discuss will become

unnecessary. But while many scientists refuse to think with some humanity

- a spiritual mind - they will never develop such instruments. They will not

be able to do this because they refuse the idea that a God might be behind

these things they don't understand. And they feel so angry that He might

fail to show His face to them !!

 

Yet, if they looked at the very basics of their craft, all the proof that a

God exists is plain to see. Ask any scientist what this material world is

made up from at its basic level. Answer ? Atoms. What is an atom ?

Protons and Electrons. What are Protons and Electrons made up of ?

Energy. And how does this energy come about ? It MUST be created. It

cannot manufacture itself. The universe these scientists claim to be

mastering is made up of material which stands as living proof that it had to

be created at some distant past. I don't mind what you wish to call this

Creator of the Universe. God will do fine if you wish. So, where is this

"god" who brought everything into being ? Why would "it" hide "itself"

from that which "it" created ? Maybe "it" didn't hide. Maybe certain

eyes are unable - or unwilling - to see "it" when it stares them in the

face. Maybe, as our ancient ancestors refused the idea of a rounded earth,

our modern scientists fear the idea that there is "something" out there

which has a little more grey matter than themselves - answers they cannot

find are known by - something, already.

 

But enough of this. Lets examine a few things David said in his review of

Baba and I. He wonders why Baba produces trinkets rather than billions of

dollars to feed the hungry. Hey, this is a valid question and one I held

as my own until I understood better myself. Nor will many non-spiritually

minded persons like the answer. Firstly, let your mind drift a moment to a

point where you say - all right, there is a God and I am able to stand

before "Him". Now, if you daydream on this for just a moment, then ask

yourself, when standing before this God, what would I ask of "Him" ? If

you have a logically thinking mind you realise, there is no need to ask of a

single thing once you ARE standing before God. Therefore, anything "He"

gives you is merely a token of love. This is what Baba does for His

Devotees. Those "trinkets" are in fact, expressions of love - whether they

are diamond rings set in gold, ear rings, photos or ash, which Devotees call

Vibhutti (said vib-boot-tee). It is not a mindless act for Sai Baba to

produce those items for others. Its His love pouring out.

 

But why then doesn't He lift the blanket of hunger, sickness and pain from

the shoulders of everyone as David asked ? Well, it seems David has no

children. Any parent, shopping with their child, knows what comes of giving

that child whatever it wants as they wander the supermarket. The more the

child is given, the more it seems to want. Further, the toy bought to

quieten the child is tossed aside before you reach home in the car and cries

for new toys come bellowing from the back seat. Are we any different from

those children ? If "God" stepped in and removed all hunger tomorrow, would

not some greedy government take the bulk and leave the rest in the same

situation it was in the day before ? If "God" removed sickness tomorrow,

wouldn't we all rush out and starting eating, drinking, smoking and living a

very careless life, believing "He" will fix it up again tomorrow ? What

would we learn from a parent who gives us everything we want when we cry for

it ? Greed, lack of discipline, selfishless ? Yes, all the above and many

other delightful traits. And after all, this world is our class room.

What do we learn of that which is given on a platter ? Nothing. That which

we work for, strive to achieve and foster as valuable are our reward for

such efforts. The world would learn nothing if "God" (or Sai Baba) waved a

magical hand and removed all suffering, hunger and need. The day after, we

would be back on the same path - down hill. "He" does us a great service

to be a strong "parent" and hold back when we demand and scream for attention.

 

I agree with David when he says that there is nothing wrong with a magician

who preaches about God to others. Although, I am yet to see such a person.

Magicians tend to be self serving, performing for the love of the art and

what it will bring them in material gains. David failed to mentioned (or

was it that his investigations failed to provide him with the knowledge)

that Sai Baba owns nothing Himself and His organisation has built hundreds

of hospitals and schools, all of which are free to anyone who wishes to use

them. No matter what country you come from, class, background or religion,

you can gain the best of care in any Sai Baba Hospital or attend any school

under His name. When natural disasters have hit India and nearby regions,

He has personally stepped forward and asked His followers to pack up and get

all the aid possible to that area. Sai Baba is not motivated by His art as

a magician is, but instead by His compassion toward all.

 

As for the sleight-of-hand claims: these can be disproved many times over.

I am fortunate to have returned from India only in April, where 2 members of

my group had valuable rings produced for them as well as seeing many other

wonders. But lets centre on these "trinkets" he made for two men in our

group. One is a silver band, imprinted with the face of Shirdi Sai Baba.

This was given to a man who was not a Sai Devotee. He had been travelling

India with his son and came upon the shrine for Shirdi Sai and after

learning about Him, and Sathya Sai, decided to investigate. How did Sai

know to give him a ring of Shirdi ? The second ring produced was a

beautiful gold ring with 3 sparkling diamonds. There is no doubt of its value.

 

The group of 15 men and women from Australia stood and watched Sai Baba

produce these rings and quite a large amount of Vibhutti. I spoke with

them immediately after the Interview (no I wasn't so lucky to be part of

this group) and each told the same story. They knew I was writing a book on

Sai and were willing to give me in-depth information. They all said the

same - when the silver ring was produced, Sai merely waved His hand (as is

His way of producing most things) for a short while, maybe 30 seconds.

Then, upon turning His hand up, ALL SAID it was empty. Suddenly, the ring

"popped" onto the palm. The same applied for the gold ring, although His

waving hand actions took much longer. Nevertheless, the hand was turned to

all, empty, before the ring actually "appeared". I had never heard the

following news, when He produces Vibhutti, from any other source, but again,

all gave me the same reporting. After waving His hand, He would turn it

palm up and there appeared to be "dew drops" on the first two finger tips,

which He then brushed away with His thumb. As these "dew drops" fell, they

turned into a cascade of ash. There is no mere sleight-of-hand taking

place here. Further, have you ever heard of a magician who gives his

creations away ? Magicians use all sorts of props to bring about the visual

effects they do. Lighting, capes, handkerchiefs, hats, boxes and bottles.

Sometimes, the effect is created merely by camera cuts. Sai Baba creates

with none of these things as aids, especially lighting effects (a magician's

most necessary tool) and further more, He does this out in the open, in

front of thousands of people. And never forget, He often does this with

sleeves deliberately rolled up when He knows someone has a sceptical mind.

 

There is nothing wrong with being sceptical. In fact, its very healthy.

Our group leader on the April trip to Kodaikanal to see Sai Baba told us all

to have a special question or request ready, on hand, should we have an

Interview. So, I pondered what I would ask. Strangely enough, my request

would have been - how to curb my doubts about Him. This comes even after

His many amazing displays, which are impossible to be sleight-of-hand; some

of which I will briefly cover presently. I still felt I had some doubts

and believed this unhealthy. In a dream (which means a great deal once you

are spiritually aware - not so of a "scientific mind") He told me, doubt is

good (in small amounts) as it produces questions, which answers are sort

for, and the result is a spiritual growth. Without some doubt, we have no

questions, no answers, no growth. So, I would never criticise a doubting

or sceptical mind, as long as it was seeking an unbiased answer. This is

the key to why many scientific minded persons have trouble with people like

Sai Baba and Jesus. They don't wish the answer they claim to be

investigating and often rig the evidence to suit their preset goals.

 

In brief, I have had some amazing events occur to me and friends and family

as well. Much can be proven, as Sai Baba usually performs miraculous

episodes with witnesses. The first I relate to you had no such witness.

However, for many years, from youth in fact, I often woke to find this

person sitting on my bed or standing beside me, talking. I woke knowing we

were covering important points and I had no reason to fear this person. I

always considered him as - a guide - friendly ghost maybe ? Anyway, I

become a Sai Devotee once I saw His photo. The person who visited me on

many occasions was in fact this very same Sai Baba - after all, He is

unmistakable ! Was this sleight-of-hand ?

 

Once I come to know about Him, He gave me swift and impacting lessons.

Soon after I come to know about Him and was still only reading my first book

about Him, I was driving out my front gate, when I spotted this beggar

inside our front courtyard area, holding our iron in one hand and the cord

to the iron in the other hand. He bowed to us as we drove out and I turned

to my friend (Carl) and said "who's this silly old bastard ? And what's he

doing with our iron ?" We carried on to the movies and nothing more was

thought of this until 2 days later, when my Mother told me she had a visit

from the local nurse. My Mother had only just come out of hospital, after 3

months, due to being knocked down by a car. The nurse came to see how she

was dealing with the steps and such like. The nurse suggested that my Mother

do some ironing, as it should help with her injured shoulder.

 

When she went to do some ironing, she found the bad shoulder wouldn't allow

her to iron as normal. She had to pull the ironing board out from the wall

and walk around the board. In doing so, she found the cord was bared to the

wires for about 6" and would have been deadly had she not seen it. Then, I

remembered what Carl and I had seen. I asked her about this and she

reminded me, she wouldn't have thrown our iron away, as she had not done any

ironing for months - I had been doing it !! Then, I realised Sai was

behind this, but why did He come to me in a different "body" ? Then, within

a few days, my reading brought me to another photo - Shirdi Sai. The man

who materialised at my front gate and Shirdi Sai were one and the same

person. Carl never spoke to me for 12 months after I asked him to look at

the photo of Shirdi Sai. He was fearful and it upset him so, he stepped

back from talking to all his friends, family and myself. Now, he has

settled in with the fact and had many equally amazing

events take place and has become a Devotee himself. Facing God can shock

some people ! These are only a fraction of the "miracles" Sai Baba has

performed around me and my family-friends. Sleight-of-hand ? From India ?

Gee, one thing scientists best explain to me is how he has such long arms !

 

Good thoughts -

 

I have many more wonderful stories of Sai if anyone wishes to investigate.

 

doddgr@aquarius.com.au.

[Guest guest]

because I am ignorant

 

not so ignorant.. unfortunate

[barney]

I ask for defination of cult and you seem to deviate from answering my question. Is there a problem?

[Guest guest]

"Some of you are ingonran fols who are either jealous or have discontent for Sai Baba."

 

Barney, did Hinduism teach you to call people who have a different opinion to you ignorant fools? I have no reason to be jealous of baba, I think he is just a fake. And as a Hindu I have every right to say so as Vivekananda had warned us to beware of false godmen.

 

"Do you know what he preaches or what is he here for?"

 

I know he teaches peace and hormony of all religions and he's hear to fool gullible people like yourself to think he is an incarnation of God who came previously to this earth as Krishna, Rama, Buddha and Jesus...as a matter of fact the founder of all the major world religions!

 

"No one is forcing you to believe in Baba or his teachings so keep your comments to yourself."

 

Thank you, I don't believe in Sai Baba and never will. He may teach some good things which I agree with, but I don't believe he is an incarnation of God. Also if you've actually seen the footage that PROOVES that Sai Baba's miracles are nothing but hoaxes! They have been exposed many times, so there's no doubt that he's a hoax-monger. It's not good that so many people of India are fooled by his magic tricks...if he wanted to do something better he should've taught his followers to be rational and to develop themselves.

 

You said that BBC is Christian based is out to discredit him. Well I must say that I was suspicious of the sexual abuse claims made by the Americans and how come not one person featured was Indian? It could be that the American youth (Ahlaya Ram) who said Baba wanted oral sex with him has a family who are really working for a right-wing Cristian organisation (or American gov) who realise that to convert India, they need to break-down people like Sai Baba, then once this is done, turn their attention to other sects/organisations. The thing is...how did they manage to get the BBC on their side? However I do know that the BBC certainly does have an anti-hindu bias especially in the UK.

 

I wouldn't put anything past the American govenment and the church in the US as they are quite capable to do almost anything to destroy another faith or country! But if you think they have, you need to build up as strong case and then present it to the world. Just saying "Leave baba alone, we don't believe it", isn't going to do much. The fact that the Satya Sai organisation has not yet released a statement answering back the allegations is not doing good for it's already negative image and may even make people think that Satya Sai Baba is really guilty! Remember that it's not just that he is a hoax, and sexual abuse, but there was the MURDER allegation too!

 

I do believe that the Satya Sai org is a cult and some of it's members are brainwashed as they asked the owner of Hard Rock cafe - Isaac Tigrett (who is a Sai devotee) if he thinks Satya Sai is guilty to which he replied "Absolutely, I think there is truth to the rumours!" He stated that even if Sai Baba murdered people, it's not gonna change him being a Sai devotee. Now wouldn't you say there's something wrong here?

[barney]

Your reply:

 

Barney, did Hinduism teach you to call people who have a different opinion to you ignorant fools? I have no reason to be jealous of baba, I think he is just a fake. And as a Hindu I have every right to say so as Vivekananda had warned us to beware of false godmen.

__________

 

I would rather refer you to ISKCON founder the late Srila Prabhupda who call the Hindus rascals and fools. So, calling someone who is blinded by romours as ignorant fool would be ok I guess. Anyway if it hurts you too much than I would apologise for my remarks.

__________

 

Your reply:

 

I know he teaches peace and hormony of all religions and he's hear to fool gullible people like yourself to think he is an incarnation of God who came previously to this earth as Krishna, Rama, Buddha and Jesus...as a matter of fact the founder of all the major world religions!

__________

 

Weather he s an incarnation or not is beside the point here. Why do you want to think so? I do not think of him as an incarnation but someone with special gift to gather people of all faith to one single congregation to unite them inot loving each other as brothers and sisters. Tell of any such in this world if you can name a few. Are heads of states and dignataries gullible? Have you wittnessed such gatherings in person? To call him a fraud do you have any concrete proof of the allegations? Did you personally go to Puttaparthi to investigate his materialization in person? On what grounds you are saying he is a fraud and a cult? If he is a cult than what about ISKCON? Read the profile of ISKCON by American investigators and read what they wrote about ISKCON and calling Srila Parabhupada as a cult leader. Do you believe them?

__________

 

You reply:

 

Thank you, I don't believe in Sai Baba and never will. He may teach some good things which I agree with, but I don't believe he is an incarnation of God. Also if you've actually seen the footage that PROOVES that Sai Baba's miracles are nothing but hoaxes! They have been exposed many times, so there's no doubt that he's a hoax-monger. It's not good that so many people of India are fooled by his magic tricks...if he wanted to do something better he should've taught his followers to be rational and to develop themselves.

__________

 

Did I ask or beg you to believe in him? All I am saying is do not condemn him without personally investigating him. If you do not want to do so than you do not have the right to condemn him. Is he saying that you must only pray and believe in him or does he say all other Gods are demigods while he is the real incarnation of God. Read what Sb says about Shiva, Brahma and Sakthi. Than you will know what I am talking about.

__________

 

Your reply:

 

You said that BBC is Christian based is out to discredit him. Well I must say that I was suspicious of the sexual abuse claims made by the Americans and how come not one person featured was Indian? It could be that the American youth (Ahlaya Ram) who said Baba wanted oral sex with him has a family who are really working for a right-wing Cristian organisation (or American gov) who realise that to convert India, they need to break-down people like Sai Baba, then once this is done, turn their attention to other sects/organisations. The thing is...how did they manage to get the BBC on their side? However I do know that the BBC certainly does have an anti-hindu bias especially in the UK.

__________

 

It is the comon pratice of westerners to discredit authentic spiritual icons of India for fear that more westerners would switch over from their Christian faith. Morever they are very good at claiming millions of dollars as settlement for such allegation but as you can see Sai Organisation have never give in to such demands as they have nothing to fear. Anyway, al I can see is allegations but no official police reports because they thought that by making such allegations Sai Baba would negotiate payments like what Micheal Jackson did when he was firts accused os such act. We have the brains to think and investigate, don't just listen to rumours and folow the bandwagon.

__________

 

Your comment:

 

wouldn't put anything past the American govenment and the church in the US as they are quite capable to do almost anything to destroy another faith or country! But if you think they have, you need to build up as strong case and then present it to the world. Just saying "Leave baba alone, we don't believe it", isn't going to do much. The fact that the Satya Sai organisation has not yet released a statement answering back the allegations is not doing good for it's already negative image and may even make people think that Satya Sai Baba is really guilty! Remember that it's not just that he is a hoax, and sexual abuse, but there was the MURDER allegation too!

__________

 

Did you know there was a suicide case of a member from Syberia at ISKCON in US? How would you surmise that report? Would you blame the ISKCON for the death of it's member? Use logic when you think.

__________

 

Your comment:

 

I do believe that the Satya Sai org is a cult and some of it's members are brainwashed as they asked the owner of Hard Rock cafe - Isaac Tigrett (who is a Sai devotee) if he thinks Satya Sai is guilty to which he replied "Absolutely, I think there is truth to the rumours!" He stated that even if Sai Baba murdered people, it's not gonna change him being a Sai devotee. Now wouldn't you say there's something wrong here?

 

__________

 

Who is this owner of Hard Rock Cafe? What are his credentials and how does he fare in society? Any of his personal matters know to any of the accusers? Oh! Sure I too can make such statments but who am I and what is my backgorund and motive. All this has to be known before jumping the gun.

 

As for calling Sai Baba as a cult leader would not be proper coz SB too can be branded as a cult leader. A cult leader is one who promotes the belief of one single leader and in this case SP is promoting only Krisha and now ISKON is branded as a cult organisation in US. All his 75 years as a preacher and motivator why would he want to kill someone to tarnish his good name? There is no logic to such allegations.

 

 

[Guest guest]

again... some one is asking about sai baba and you are diverting on bkaktivedanta swami prabhupada

 

if you demonstrate that vaishnavism is a cheat, it does not save you if you remain the follower of a cheater

 

who is convinced by prabhupada can explain in full his message and krsna's message.. he has no need to defend him insulting others

 

again... demonstrate that sai baba is authentic, then, when you will be sure that you are following something authentic you will be able to save others who follows something that you consider a fake or a cheat

 

if some one comes to you saying that you are stupid, you do not say "you also are stupid".. for first you defend yourself

[barney]

I do not divert but merely pointing out how stupid some can be. First and formost learn what Sai Baba teaches than you would know if my comments are against Vaishnavism.

 

No one can decide who is save and who is not coz only the Supreme Power knows best.

 

Messages can be interpreted in may ways and it is better to understand what is the core of the message.

 

Nothing to demonstrate. He is not selling soap or tooth paste to demonstrate. You need to understand his message that's all.

 

What is there to defend? This is not a matter to argue who is right and who is wrong. It is a matter of understanding the message of the divine and if you cannot swallow just puke it out.

 

[Guest guest]

First and formost learn what Sai Baba teaches than you would know if my comments are against Vaishnavism.

..i know the teachings of sai baba, i read them also from your messages.. i have my opinion and they have nothing at all to do with vaishnavism. They are some cheap and confused advaitism/new age theories

 

No one can decide who is save and who is not coz only the Supreme Power knows best.

..so what's the use to criticize others when you are asked to demonstrate that sai baba is what he, you and other followers are claiming?

 

Messages can be interpreted in may ways and it is better to understand what is the core of the message.

..much better is to understand the core and the details.. but what this has to do with us?

 

Nothing to demonstrate. He is not selling soap or tooth paste to demonstrate. You need to understand his message that's all.

..you are propagandizing a person who is claiming to be god, we are spiritualists and we ask you why he's saying to be god or that for us he's not god. Is it strange? The fact that he claims to be god is a very important part of his message, it is not possible to avoid to examinate it, if we want to understand his message

 

What is there to defend? This is not a matter to argue who is right and who is wrong

..this is what you are exactly doing in criticizing others to react to critics against sai baba

 

It is a matter of understanding the message of the divine

..in the process of understanding there's doubts and questions... we doubt that he's god and we ask why are you calling him god.. where's the problem?

 

if you cannot swallow just puke it out.

..you are in a forum.. dialogue is the rule, not that you spam and we digest without objections

 

 

[Guest guest]

Please visit a website www.URDAY.COM which will give you lots of information about Hindu religion & faith.

Hope that helps you.

Regards