Allah Malik! was the phrase Baba was heard saying very often ever since He arrived at Shirdi. He used phrase such as Anal Haq..Yade Haq. It is not known how Baba lived during the earlier years in Shirdi, but those who visited and watched the Shirdi God during later years clearly observed Baba's habits and lifestyle to be different than the sadhus and other ascetics of the predominant Hindu religion. He was heard talking in languages of Islam including Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. His way of life was fakiri and He did not have any possessions, a practice consistent with Sufi adepts of those days in Deccan. But, Baba never said that He was a Sufi and thus it would be inappropriate to call Him one based on how He lived in Shirdi. People saw in Him their own sense of happiness, security, and satisfaction; thus in their quick attempt to profile Saibaba's nature, He verily became the deities, gods and goddesses dictated by their religious backdrop. Is this enough for a true Sai devotee?

Blind acceptance of Sai as another deity without understanding Baba nor the other deity amounts to subtle self-deception. Who is Saibaba to me? The answer to this question starts with that first experience one has with Baba. Having truly touched by Saibaba, one's life cannot remain the same anymore. The natural prerogative of those touched by the Shirdi Saint has to be a lifelong yearning to know more about Baba and enquire about one's relationship with Sai and remain blissfully in that pursuit.
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Contributed Article: Inner Peace

Many of us feel a sense of inner peace when we're out in nature. We feel a sense of timelesness. We become aware of our own almost insignificance in relation to it. We can't change it; we can't control it. But the thought is somehow reassuring. We feel content to be a part of something so awe-inspiring and unarguably "there".

There's a sense of balance and harmony in nature. Seasons come and go with regularity. There are cycles of life, giving and receiving in a beautiful harmonious whole. Even cataclysmic events-storms, earthquakes, floods-are part of a larger harmony, a natural cycle of growth and change. Nature is always becoming. The beauty of nature constantly unfolds in accordance with its laws.

Nature teaches us more about inner peace. It reminds us that there are laws and that they are in control. With that reminder is a sense of comfort that there is order in the universe. We might as well attempt to reorder the seasons or annul the effects of gravity as to change the consequences of violating natural law in the human dimension. We simply cannot be a law unto ourselves without consequence. Inner peace and quality of life come only as we discover and align with the fundamental Laws of Life.

The inner peace we are talking about is obviously more than the absence of war. It is not a retreat into the wilderness to avoid the complexities and conundrums of daily living. The inner peace we are talking about is a function of our deep inner life. It's joyful living. It's found in the midst of life, not in retreat from it.

To the many devotees who sought real treasures, the ocean of love and mercy, Lord Sainath warned his devotees of roadblocks viz. ego, pride, anger, greed, jealousy, etc. in attaining this inner peace and gave his words of wisdom and the two fundamental principles in attaining inner peace viz. Faith and Patience.

To Abdul, Baba said, "Vices (actions that produce bad habits) can overpower a man. Do not be under their control, triumph over them. If one truly discriminates, good qualities will arise in one and keep company until the end of one's life and will serve one well bringing inner peace".

Take a moment and think about your own life. What does "inner peace" mean to you? Where does it come from? Are you satisfied with the amount and quality of inner peace in your life?
(Inspired by the book "First Things First" from Covey Leadership)

Experiences of Devotees:

Shekhar
Just believe Him blindly
It gives me immense pleasure in sharing my experiences of his blessings. In fact I should have written this down a long time ago. When it comes to crucial decisions that I cannot take, I tend to ask His advice by drawing a 'Yes' or 'No' note and stick to the direction accordingly. I have to admit - things NEVER went wrong! Earlier I shared my experience as how Sai helped us in buying a house and once again He came to our rescue this time - to sell our property in time and make some profit even in this type of market situation. Like I said we just followed His advice as mentioned above. It is interesting how things turn when you follow Him. Things just fall into their places. The experience makes us spell bound. I should also confess that we did, a couple of times went against His advice confusing ourselves in asking the right question that led us to have some uncomfortable experiences, but each time Sai showed us a way out which only just shows how kind and merciful He is. We are ever grateful to Him and sincerely beg him to be with us all our life and kindly pray Him to shower his blessings to every one of us. Om Sai Ram.
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Devotees say...

Anisha
Sai Vichaar actually is helping in my faith since I am a new devotee. By reading other devotees experiences it is wonderful to know how amazing Baba is! Thank you

Sai Devotee
Thank You Baba for everything in my life and in the life of my dear ones. Sorry for posting this late. Baba as promised I am posting my thanks, with Your blessing I got my SSN, which I never thought was possible, it was You who is doing everything in my life and I am so thankful for that Baba, and again thanks for making my brother's engagement a success, only You can do that, and I have faith in You completely, it is again only by Your miracle that his marriage got fixed and what to say we could feel Your presence at every instant, I do not have words to express my gratitude Baba, thank You, thank You so much my dear Baba, please bless us always and keep us all together under Your holy feet. Thank You for being with us always and I Love You Baba.

Devotee
Baba Bhagavan, Thank you very much for accepting my prayer regarding my son's marriage. Though the problem is not yet resolved, I feel very comfortable as I could get the message to you. I'm very sure you'll have a solution to my problem and make my son listen to us and marry who is amicable to our family requirements.

Devotee
To attain Sai one should have an intense most desire and passion for Sai. Associating with all kinds of aartis such as shej artis etc, excitement on spotting a true devotee, purest faith and devotion from within and without, regularly reading periodicals such as pratyaksha and following his ideals and teachings, surrender, prayer, service, donation, visits to Shirdi, propagating Sai Satcharita and his miracles, Imbibing virtues of humility,love,purity,faith,love,service,togetherness,selflessness,sacrifice,knowledge,respect,abiding by the Guru, defending the Guru, recounting his glories, not bothering too much about intricate details of the sadguru, giving up inquisitiveness and foolish questioning, respecting other devotees and not considering one to be a privileged one, satsang, maintaing silence and self control, sama, dama, prayer, visit to temples etc.

Sai Devotee
Sai Ram, Sainatha, thanks a lot for solving the time sheet issues. As I promised I am posting on this Sai Vichaar. Today, Thursday I got an email saying I got a new assignment in the company that I want to work for. Please help me do good in the new assignment. Thanks a lot Sainatha. I am surrendering at your lotus feet.
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Prayer Club:

Sai Devotee
Saideva! You gave everything that I asked you though prayer club. My daughter and baby are fine by your grace. We have a new problem. My nephew's H1 visa application was rejected though he has his project till June. He is totally shattered as the family is in deep financial problems. He is the sole earner and repaying all the debts. Baba, please shower your blessing on him and see that he will stay there and his family gets out of debts. You can only save him.

Devotee
Dear baba, You are the savior. You know the truth. Please save my elderly parents from further taunts and humiliation from my sister-in-laws, nieces and aunts. My parents did their best to look after their parents in the harsh life they lead. Still they get no justice after looking after them for 35-40 years. Baba, you know how my brother was ill as you helped him get well. Mum looked after him for over two years and yet they say she only did that to show people. No mum's want their child to suffer. It bleeds their heart. Baba, please bring justice so that they can live the rest of their lives easier. If not then please welcome them in your home up in heaven so that they can find peace. Baba, please look after them and their reputation.

Manickam
Dear Baba, I have lost my life partner (wife) last year on September eleventh. Baba, please take care of her soul. I love her so much that could not concentrate in my work. I might loose my job. Baba, please help me to settle down in this job or else get me another opportunity. Baba, who else I can depend on other than you? Om Sai Ram..... I believe in you, definitely, Baba will never let down his disciples.

Jagan
Dear Baba, I am facing severe problems for the past eight years in my life. Kindly help me to come out and bless our family. Right now I am waiting for my marine exam result and expecting a positive result. Bless for my sisters marriage and in buying and constructing new house and our health and mental problems. Bless us Sai Baba. Be with us always.

Devotee
Sai Baba my brother and my sister in law are having some serious problems in their marriage and are on the verge of separation. Baba they have three small kids. Please have mercy on those small children and do something to save this marriage. Baba you are my only hope.

Sai Devotee
My dear Sairam, Please bless my husband to get a good job with good salary. I am finding it very difficult to run the family without his income. My daughter want to shift to a new job. She is believing you very much. Kindly bless her also to get a good job. My family was in very bad condition for the past 23 years. You know everything. We are at your feet Baba. Please save our family.

Aruna
Baba you know about our problem. Baba our immigration papers are stuck for last ten years. Baba please help us, it is been effecting our daughter study and also us. Please Baba show some miracle in our life.Thank you baba.
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Quotation of the Week:

"The Bhakti of the Nathas may be strong and wonderful, but is not ours' loving and affectionate? And has not Baba told us authoritatively that remembering and chanting Hari's and Guru's name confers salvation? Then where is the cause for fear and anxiety?" - Shama to Kaka Dixit.-Sri Sai Satchaitha Ch 45
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Question of the Week:

Q. What is the attitude of Sai devotees towards raising their children?
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Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m. followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m. and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL. For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send email to maildrop@saibaba.org.

Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN
Sri Saibaba Mandir is located in Minneapolis, MN at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. The mandir is open 7 days a week in the evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and during morning hours from 9 am to 12:30 pm, everyday. Satsangs are conducted every Sunday mornings, 9 am to 12:30 pm. Please visit the mandir website www.hamaresai.org or call 612-789-7729 for more information on mandir activities, events and other information.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the website www.shirdisaidallas.org.

Shirdi Sai Temple of New England, Boston Area
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of New England is now operational. It is located at 1827 Bridge St # 8, Dracut, MA 01824. The temple is open every Thursday from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Saturday's from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. For temple hours and activities please visit the website www.nessp.org or send mail to maildrop@nessp.org.

Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA
Shirdi Sai Center is located 897-B East Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-705-7904 or 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com. You can also visit our website is www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org.

Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA
Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Los Angeles area. The temple is located at - 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938 or visit www.shirdisaila.org.

Saibaba Temple, Columbus, Ohio
Devotees in Columbus and surrounding Ohio locations area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Metro Columbus area. The temple is located in a leasing space at 6599 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call 614-799-8411 or visit www.saibaba.cc

Shirdi Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, Florida
Devotees are invited to participate in Sai study and bhajans on Thursdays between 7-8 pm at Meditation Gallery, 219 E Horatio Ave, Maitland, FL 32715. For more details please contact Bonnie at 407-830-1276.

Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, TX
Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, Texas opened at 601 E Whitestone Blvd (RM 1431), Cedar Park, TX. Daily 4 aarthis are performed to Sai Baba. As part of service to needy, a weekly sandwich seva is also conducted. For more information, please visit www.saiaustin.org.

Shirdi Sai Mandir, Dulles, VA
Shirdi Sai Mandir is located at 43671 Trade Center Place #166 Dulles, VA 20166. The mandir is open through the week in the evenings from 6pm to 9 pm. Sri Satyanarayan pooja will be conducted every full moon day. Please visit the mandir website www.shirdisaimandir.org or call (703) 661-4724 for more information on activities, events and other information.

Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto
The Mandir is located at Unit 7 & 8 2721 Markham Road Toronto ON M1X 1L5 Canada. Daily services offered to Baba include abhishek and all aartis. For Mandir hours and activities, please visit www.theshirdisaimandir.ca or call 647-444-4724.
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