The Absolute Consciousness or the divine form of the Divine Player is the real entity behind the manifestation, sustenance and transformation of this phenomenal world. Whether we consider the created world to be the reflection of God's unlimited intellectual brilliance and enlightenment or simply Divine Play, it is based on this Divine Consciousness, which manifests itself at different levels and in vivid forms. Everything that exists in this world, whether inanimate object or animate, object or not object (Vastu and Avastu) - all the species, existent or nonexistent, are amalgamated or embedded within the divine Super Consciousness.

Since pre-vedic times India's seers gave prominence to concentrating or meditating on "Tat Twam Asi" or "Thou Art That" or "You Are That." The evolution of civilization may also be termed as the evolution of consciousness. The pre-supposition of the creation of the entire phenomenal cosmos is borne of that 'Aham' or 'I' of that Divine One. However, this 'Aham' or 'I' is not the same as commonly understood, but it is the fundamental power which is the root of the process of creation. 'I am in everyone, everyone is Mine, and therefore, everything is within Me', this is what Lord Krishna preached Arjuna.

The human being is a very tiny particle of that Super Consciousness or the 'Absolute One'. Generally, his life is based on a very narrow thought process and he remains caught within the extremely limited boundaries of his self-centred role in life - himself, his family, his desires, his achievements, and that is all. Growth of God Consciousness occurs in the human being only when he expands his horizons beyond this limited boundary of his own and his family's needs and desires. Once this happens, his concern and sensitivity extend beyond himself and his family and include other human beings and creatures. Then the awareness of divine existence and power are awakened in him. This awareness enabled this small particle of the vast universe to become a part of the world creative process, the galaxies and even travel into and walk in space.

As soon as human concern and sensitivity, based on the power of love and power of desire, arises to work for the whole of God's creation, all conflicts come to an end and the jiva attains pure divine consciousness. This stage marks the end of the cycle of creation, sustenance and dissolution along the time continuum.

After transcending the concrete phenomenal world, the human being enters the world of Vijñayan or knowledge and then transcends the world of 'knowledge', he finally enters the world of 'Bliss'. Then, the individual 'self' exalts itself to a state of cosmic consciousness, which is the state of Paramahansa, Brahmastha, Jeevana-mukta, Tureeyaateeta, and Trigunateeta (the self emancipated from the bondage of the body despite being in the body) and attains the state of Sachchidananda, i.e. the 'Real', the 'Consciousness' and the 'Bliss'. Once this happens, the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the Gita becomes meaningful, 'I am in all, and all are Mine'. This is the real form of Sai Baba of Shirdi. Let us meditate upon Him all the time.

(A message by Shraddheya Shri C.B. Satpathy, New Delhi)
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Contributed Article: Sadguru Only the Competent!

Das Ganu sought Baba for an explanation of a highly complicated metaphysical work, the Upanishad. Saibaba blessed him and said, "You need not be anxious, there is no difficulty about the matter, the maid servant of Kaka (Kakasaheb Dixit) will solve your doubts at Vile Parle, on your way home." Those who were present around thought that Baba was joking, but not Das Ganu. He knew fully well that seemingly meaningless utterances of Sadguru Sainath Maharaj are nothing but utter truths and the most competent authority for any explanation is only Sadguru and none else.

Faith in Saibaba grows as the saadhana intensifies, taking the seeker to different levels of perception. It can be said that such faith in most cases is just a relative measure of one's standing with his/her Sadguru. However, as Guru ji noted, the highest stage of spirituality there can only be one truth one definition and one experience about it. Guruji C.B. Satpathy ji wrote, "Many devotees are heard saying that they have 'faith in Baba', 'full faith in Baba' or are 'surrendered'. Would one ask them as to why and how they got this faith for Baba, the general reply is that In their difficult times they prayed to Baba and got the required help and, therefore, think that Baba will help them when ever they desire to avoid painful situations or pray for desirable happenings. Some of them are even seen to criticize other devotees for not having as much faith as they have and thereby enjoy a sense of spiritual superiority as if they and not Baba have the right and capacity to pass such value judgments on such matters."

A seeker in his pursuit does encounter occasional glimpses of God's magnificence, but that does not completely make him competent to explain the Supreme to everyone. Unless all the samskaras vanish, the seeker cannot be considered as the one that is sought! Even the great souls that lived with Saint God during the golden age had to go through those phases whereas devotees such as Das Ganu had in their capacity to abide by the complete faith in Saibaba. Let us remember and offer our prostrations to the Sadguru who is the only competent.
(Contributed by Sai Vichaar Team)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Ramesh
I do not know how to thank my Sadguru SAINATH.I had resigned from my job recently owing to unbearable pressure and non-cooperation from my colleagues in office. This I did before getting another offer. My wife too was undergoing tremendous pressure in office where she worked. She had undergone a neuro surgery last year and after that, she was unable to take too much work pressures. Both of us were very anxious about our future. We started looking out for jobs. I was promised job elsewhere but somehow it did not happen so far. I have been out of job for past 2 months. My wife has just resigned and tomorrow is her last day in present job. At this juncture, I was daily reading Satcharita and going to Shirdi Sai Mandir almost everyday. Both of us were under tension but we never gave up. We knew our Sai would protect us.

Today, Thursday, my wife has good news that she is getting another job. And I got information that my job will be up shortly. All this is because of our unswerving faith in SAIBABA, our GOD. Our belief in Sadguru has increased manifold and we are sure He will always bless us and be merciful to us.

Dev
My wife and I are married over five years now, initially things were good at my home, but we had some issues at home after few months of marriage and had to move on. We came to one of the western country not knowing anyone without any financial support except few amounts, which was provided by mother in law.

Every face was a stranger to us. With Baba's grace, we got job in one week on same day, next month we moved to rental property from B&B, but after 1 year, my visa extension was required. Again, with Baba's grace I got my work permit. After six months, I lost my job. However, company paid me for three months and during that time, I found new job with Baba's grace and blessings as my wife was pregnant and she had stopped her work but Baba was running my house.

In a year, I was promoted to Head of my division in one of the world's good company and currently very well respected. One and half year back my wife conceived a child, and my child was down syndrome baby (which means one out of twenty five cases baby will have some disability), with Baba's blessings she has born with no issues and Baba is looking after her growth. Thou my wife in labor for 18 hours but Baba's udi helped her and doctor said it was miracle (to hear from English man this, was strange, but Baba is here and everywhere).

In one year we have bought our home in one of the best location on mortgage esp in these financial climate, but my loan was approved and even home loan which was big surprise and truly Baba is paying and helping us everyday by being 'KARTA' of my family.

At every stage, I &my wife has felt Baba's blessing and presence, while drafting emails or making presentations, or seeing my salary slips, or discussing my targets or bonus, during our food purchases, or utility bills payments, from driving car to putting fuel. Every single place Baba has showered his blessings. We always try to see Baba's face while making any single purchase and take his approval. If we bring new things, we show it to Baba as he is head of my family and his approval is required for everything.

I believe a lot in Satcharitra and please readers at least read one chapter daily or one paragraph, and Baba will help you all and truly, you will realize this is true and every word in Satcharitra is true. Baba, I am sure you have done something right now that I cannot understand but please always take me as your son and bless me.

I am too young to understand your leelas and need your support at every walk right from running my home, to business deals to making presentations. Please be with us and our home is yours and you are the Master, Karta and father, mother. We love you and pray for your presence as always.
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Devotees say...

Satya
I have been praying Baba for kids since last three years. It has been six years since we got married, ours was a love marriage, and we had to face lot of family problems, because of that, we did not pay any attention on kids. Especially my husband was so stressed out with all his family. Finally, with Baba's grace all, our family problems were resolved and now everyone in the family accepted us. This was happened only because of Baba's grace. In addition, I am six weeks pregnant now; I really do not have words how Baba is saving me from all the directions, thank you Baba for happening this.

Archana
Last year, when I was leaving with my husband to South Africa, I gave my husband's diamond ring to my mother in law and asked her to keep it safe. Few days back, when I asked her she said that she is not having any of our jewels with her and she is not aware of the ring. I was shaken, I asked her to check her locker once because I remember giving it to her. She was not willing to check her locker. I cried to my Baba and to my husband. When my husband came back home he insisted his mother to check the locker by then the bank was closed so had to wait until the next morning. I was praying continuously and requested Baba to help me in getting the ring back. I started reciting Baba's name until I got a message from my husband saying the ring is there in the locker. He came back home with the ring. I was overjoyed and I thanked Baba so much for helping me get the ring. Without Baba's help, I would not have got the ring.
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Prayer Club:

Debjani
Dear Sai Baba God.......Please bring back Sunita to life, she is having a baby just three day old, please revive her back, see all her organs recover and start responding to medicine..........pls God, you are the almigty, I know miracles happen......let this be another one. Pls bring her back to life and good health.

Suma
I bow before your lotus feet and you are my only hope. Please take care of this pregnancy and bless me with a happy and healthy baby.

Jagan
Baba you are well aware with the problem of my grand son who has started stuttering and is ignored by his colleagues in the school and in the colony, and thus is isolated. Baba I am worried about his future, kindly look at him and bless him. I am giving him udi as and when he comes to my place as I have a strong belief of his recovery with your sacred udi from Shirdi. Let my belief be not shaken. I am at your feet always and let me remain there only.

Minutha
My marriage is pending for long time please try to fine suitable match at the earliest.
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Quotation of the Week:

"Look at Baba's posture, how fine it is! He is sitting with His legs folded, the right leg held across the left knee. The fingers of His left hand are spread on the right-foot. On the right toe are spread His two fingers-the index and middle ones. By this posture Baba means to say, as it were-if you want to see My Light, be egoless and most humble and meditate on My toe through the opening between the two branches-index and middle fingers-and then you will be able to see My Light. This is the easiest means of attaining devotion"- Sri Sai Satcharita
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Question of the Week:

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

A. by Anu

Sai bhodha is key in raising the kids to make them good citizens. We should teach them the 11 sayings of Saibaba from the childhood, and most importantly be an example in following them. Constant remembrance of Baba will lead to shraddha in our Guru. Cultivate reading about our historical stories like Ramayana & Mahabharata at early age & later Satcharitra daily. We should also reveal the importance of Dakshina, two pennies that Baba asks shraddha & saburi (faith & patience). We should clarify that the worldly possessions are not ours; we are just trusties to His money so we should do dana to less fortunate. If we start teaching them with conviction & love, Baba will certainly show us the direction in guiding our kids. Remember first we should follow the saitatva a and the kids will follow us.
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Sai Activities:

Sri Ramanavami Celebrations at Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Sri Ramnavami will be celebrated for three days from April 2nd to April 4th, 2009. For full details and event information please visit temple website at www.saibaba.us and follow the link to events page from the menu. For sponsorship or other questions please call the temple line at 847-931-4058. To sponsor poojas in Sri Ramnavami celebrations visit the Saibaba.org homepage and follow the link to Sponsor Ramanvami Celebrations page.

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.

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada -Toronto
Devotees in Toronto, are invited to join in Sai Namavali, Satcharita reading, Bhajans, Aarti and Prasad every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. at GUR MANDIR 207 Queen's Plate Dr. Etobicoke - Hwy27 South of Finch for more info call (416) 294 4804.
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