Sai Vichaar requests the devotees to continue to submit to Sai Vichaar using the pages intended for various sections of Sai Vichaar. Sai Vichaar gratefully appreciates the patience of its readers during the past few weeks of revamping of our database.

In the true spirit of Sai devotion, contributors are requested to remember to suit the content, language, style, and presentation, appropriate to a worldwide readership. It should also be noted that when a section from any material other than their own is quoted or referred to, it is the authors' responsibility to acknowledge the source appropriately.

The "Question of the week" for this week is,

Can intellect be an obstacle to devotion?

Humbly Yours,

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Disclaimer

Sai Vichaar is devoted to the philosophy and teachings of Shri Sadhguru Sai Baba of Shirdi, and will take every measure to avoid topics or themes contradicting the same.

Sai Vichaar team or saibaba.org is not responsible for the opinions expressed by individual contributors.
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Saibaba said, "I have to take care of my children day and night and give an account to God of every paise".

The humble Lord of Shirdi also said that He is a servant of God. Are God and His servant one and the same? Let us question the Omniscience of God, we shall find the answers ourselves. The manifestation we see is in fact the Omnipresent conscious appearing closer to us lest our ignorance shall fail to grasp!

No body can seek Saibaba unless he is destined to. The loving assurance of the Saint God that He is responsible to those who come to Him is yet another unique feature of Sai path. Baba said, "I draw to Me My man from far off, or even across the seven seas, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet." He also made it clear to him that if he be not Baba's man, he would not be attracted to Him and given a darshan. Once such a "rinanubandha", the Karmic Indebtedness is established and if one were to be the fortunate sparrow, what is his prerogative? Just to believe that Saibaba was a Saint, a realized soul who bestows material wealth? Or who by miracles make the impossible happen? Or more than the above?

Saibaba laments that everyone wants to ask what he or she wanted but none wants to receive what he wanted to give. What could that be? How does one receive it? Is one capable of receiving it? Most important things do not come without asking and nothing is impossible in Baba's path.

Seek Baba as Rama, Sai Krishna, Dattatreya, or Jesus. See Baba in anyone and in anything at your convenience. If any of the above would seem to limit the magnificence of the Saint, for any reasons, see Baba as Baba! Top to toe, in and out. Neither is a need to institutionalize Baba nor radicalize! Read, write, talk and sing, dwell on the thoughts of the benevolent fakir and none else, day and night, day after day! See Baba in hunger and deprivation; see Baba in wealth and prosperity. See Baba in dirt and clean, in pain and anger. In captivity and freedom. In Sattwa or Tamas or beyond. Seek Baba in every attribute until the imagination exhausts itself. See Baba until you know that you are not capable of seeing anything else. In that surrender, in the sweet incapacity, perhaps lies dormant, what Baba wanted to give you!
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Contributed Article: Radhakrishna Ayi

Those of us, who visit any temple of Paramaguru Shirdi Sai Baba in any part of the world, see Baba being decorated in a manner befitting an Emperor and worshipped as 'Para Brahman'. We also see that Sai Baba is worshipped by His devotees singing 'Aaratis' four times every day. On every Thursdays Baba is specially decorated in a gorgeous manner and taken in a procession. All these 'sevas' or services are carried out in accordance with the procedures of worship performed at the Temple of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan at Shirdi.

Sai Baba of Shirdi, who lived as a simple alms-seeking fakir / saint in His human form, later came to be worshipped gorgeously, due to the pure love of His devotees headed by Radhakrishna Aayi, the foremost female devotee of Sai Baba. She was largely responsible for starting the present mode of worship of Sai Baba.

Her original name was Sundari Bai Kshirasaagar, who came from an orthodox Brahmin family. She reached Shirdi in 1905 accompanied by Nanasaheb Chandorkar, her relative. She was married as a young girl and her husband died very soon after her marriage. The young widow vowed to lead a spiritual life, away from all the earthly bondages. She was totally devoted to Lord Krishna and got into reciting the sacred name 'Radhakrishna' continuously. Therefore she acquired the name Radhakrishan Aayi. She always carried a beautiful statue of Lord Krishna and performed all the religious services to Him in the statue. She used to visit Pandharipur on pilgrimage, leading teams of devotees. She was well versed in techniques of meditation and several spiritual procedures. She had a melodious voice and used to sing innumerable 'kirtans' and 'bhajans' that used to enthrall the audience taking them to heights of heavenly bliss. Her personality combined an extraordinary spiritual splendor together with a rare physical beauty, which she always tried to conceal. She always wore white sari covering her head and face.

On the very day she stepped into Shirdi, she perceived the omnipotent, all-pervasive and omniscient Lord Krishna / 'Brahman' in Paramaguru Sai Baba, whom she served with unparalleled dedication and devotion through out her life. In spite of her orthodox upbringing and background, she treated and cared for all Sai devotees of diverse creeds and castes without any discrimination whatsoever. Radhakrishna Aayi used to organize and conduct 'Gokulashtami' festival at Dwarakamayi every year without fail. She also used to be behind the organization and conduct of 'Raama navami' every year at Dwarakamayi.

She used to spend all her time in serving Sai Baba and intense 'saadhana' (spiritual exercises). She mastered several techniques and procedures of spiritual pursuit. She worshipped Baba as her Lord Krishna and surrendered herself to Baba. Baba used to send her unleavened bread ('roti') and vegetable curry as her food. She also used to play host to the devotees sent by Baba. She used to sweep and clean all the streets treaded by Baba before He stirred out of Dwarakmayi. Aayi also used to sweep and clean Dwarakamayi and 'Chaavadi' the place where Baba used to spend the nights on alternate days. On one day Aayi was sick and bedridden. Baba asked some one to get a big ladder, by which he climbed over the roof of her house and descended by the other side, there by curing her ailment. He, however, never encouraged Ayi, to visit Dwarakamayi frequently or appear in public.

Some of the devotees of Baba who had stayed at her place as per Baba's orders were Raghuvir Purandare, Pran GovindVamanrao Patel (Swami Sai Saranaand) and Tarabai Tarkhad. They said that what ever Radhakrishna Aayi said could be considered as statements of Sai Baba. She used to command respect and awe from all Sai devotees. All including a millionaire like Gopalrao Buti, who built 'Samaadhi Mandir' at Shirdi complied with whatever she wanted to be done in the service of Sai. She used to forewarn the devotees about the impending pit-falls in their spiritual paths and advise them as to how to overcome the impediments.

She used to say that devotees might miss to experience divinity, omniscience and spiritual power of Sai Baba due to their familiarity and proximity to Him. She therefore introduced the procedures of daily worship along with carrying out four 'aaratis' to Sai Baba. She felt that the only way for the devotees to get rid of their baser instincts was to worship Sai Baba and sing His 'aaratis' whole-heartedly. It was Radhakrishna Aayi, who introduced the current procedures of worship practised by Sai devotees at different 'Sai mandirs' including the one at Shirdi.

She lived at Shirdi only for nine years and passed way at a young age of 35 years in the year 1916. Baba got her body cremated on the banks of Godawari River. Several spiritualists interpreted her death as chosen by here self for she never wanted to live after Mahaa-samaadhi of Sai Baba of which she had known by virtue of her spiritual power. Notwithstanding her premature death, it is said that her contributions to 'Sai tatwa' were enormous, which many cannot achieve even in 50 years.

(Contributed by MV Ramaa Prasad)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Divya
Dear Sai Devotees, when we see Baba holding on to his Bhaktas standing straight on his way to the chavadi - in the black and white photo where Mahalspathi is holding the umbrella. It seems that he is old, tired, and holding on to his devotees for support. But the truth is that the three Bhaktas in the photo are the ones who need Sai's support. He who supports the entire' worlds weight in himself appears so weak but it is from him that we all derive our strength. So am I a devotee like that. I derive my everyday energy to live, my hope, my light's light from my dear God, Sai. I had been his devotee right from my childhood. Bad times fell on me after I fell into wrong ways during my Teenage. For few years, I had lost touch with him...those were the worst years of my life. I had undergone a lot of torture at the hands of my in-laws. At a point of time, I had even decided to end my life. But then came Sai. My in-laws tease Him and don't believe in his Worship, but today, within 6 months, beginning from the day when I went to a Sai temple with my parents in South India (after 3 long years), because I cant go to Shirdi, I finally got peace of mind. My hubby's mind changed. We shifted out to our own home, which is rented and I believe that though I do not have a job nor is my husband in a stable financial position, we are able to pull on the expenses as Sai is taking care of it. I hope Sai will take care of my family and me forever. Today when I close my eyes, I see a bright light in front. I practice meditation on Sai, and he is such a tremendous source of energy, within minutes I lose sense of my body and join the light, which is nothing but pure happiness. I didnt need any Tapas, just deep concentration and Sai Naam Jaap pulls me to reach the Trance state. Try it dear friends and it is so wonderful, you will not feel to come back to this real world. I do have to because I have small kids an have to finish my role of a mother and wife and daughter, until I get free from all bondage to be His only at the end of this worldly life. Although I cannot express what these words mean, I have experienced seeing him in his formless light. And truly, he is equal to the light and energy of (Anantha Koti) multi crores of Suns which is the soul (Brahma) of all souls of the entire world which pulrely The Truth, The Knowledge and Unending Happiness (Sat- Chit - Anandam). I have only had a minute glimpse of the energy, and I am so affected I cannot imagine the state of those who have reached the state of Self - Realization! Blessed indeed are they!

Venkatesh
Dear Sri Saibaba, as I promised, I am sharing my experience and your miracles with all the devotees. I lost my job at the end of 2008. We were praying Sri Saibaba to get me a job as it was getting problem for us financially and worried about our GC processing. By the grace of Sri Saibaba, in the month of Mar 2009, I got a job at the same client and through same consulting firm but different state. If you see his miracle, he wanted me to stick to same consulting company until I get my GC. We never expected this one would work out. This happened in a matter of 2-3 days. This is all because of miracles of Sri Saibaba. When we were not having insurance, he took care all of us without any problems and helped financially. I would never imagine, because of his miracles, everything was good. Sri Sainath, pls bless my daughter with good health, life and future. Pls make my wife be calm, always in your prayers and good health. Pls bless us with second child. Pls bless us to get GC within a month and get a stable job in Houston after I get my GC. Pls bless us to have peaceful and stable life. Pls make us pray for you everyday and before performing any activity. It is because of you we are having such a wonderful life. It is you always taking care of us and pls be with us always. Pls bless my parents with good health and long life. Pls bless my sister with good health and job and a good family. Pls bless everyone on this earth. Jai Sri Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai. Jai Sri Saibaba.
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Devotees say...

Anil
I write this with a deep feeling of gratitude to Baba for having helped me pass my exam. It is with Baba's grace and kindness that I have been able to pass the final exam for my licensure. On the day of the exam just as I parked my car and was ready to enter the exam center, I received a text message on my phone that read "Om Sai Shri Sai Jai Jai Sai Ram Om Sai Ram. That moment I felt that Baba was with me. It gave me great comfort and confidence. Today as I received the result, I knew that it is Baba's presence in the exam hall that made me come out successful. I thank you Baba for all your graciousness. Please bring success to my wife and children too.

Bala
Jai Sairam, Thank you so much Baba for helping us out from enormous pressure and tension caused last night because of my 3-year-old daughters illness. You really saved us from big hassle and relieved from huge tensions. I am submitting this as I promised to do so last night.

Srinivas
My family is very grateful to the Supreme Lord Shirdi Sai Baba for his continued blessings & support in every day of our life. His miracles are countless and once again, he showed his grace and support in addressing a problematic situation in my family very recently. I would like to reiterate only one thing and is please have continued Faith & Patience on Lord Sadguru Sainath that Maharaj and he will take care of the rest. Om Jai Sai Ram!
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Prayer Club:

Sasi
Baba, since two months our family is facing lot of health issues. Right now, it is my turn. I am feeling like I have diabetes. Baba, please help me. Please take care of my wife, daughter, father's health, and mine. Please cure my diabetic if I have. Baba, bless us with your holy hands.

Reggie
Baba my family and I having a very difficult period. Please shower us with your blessings. Please assist in us getting new jobs and improve our financial status. Baba nothing happens without you knowing. Please assist us by showering your light in our home. Please give me a sign that you are listening to my prayer.

Lakshmi
Saturday is the ET process for the treatment...Please be with me through out the process and bless me with a child of your blessings Baba..

Ameet
I have done all the pending family works, now planning to settle myself in life.. For this, I need your support and guidance. Please help me and Indu settle down.

Jayakumar
We are trying to visit Shirdi for last one year. But due to some reason it has not happened. Oh Baba, Bless us to have your darshan at Shirdi and clear all our karmas.

Navin
Please my entire family needs you in this time of pain, especially my wife. Please have mercy and deliver us from our sins. I am trying my best and have not given up hope and life only because of you.

Ranjan
Dear Baba, it is only with your grace that my son was accepted in an engineering school that he wanted to go; please bless him so that he stays focused and does well throughout his course of studies

VenkataSharada
Om Sai Ram....Please bless my brother and sister in law with a child, its been 9 years since they have been married.

Preeti
Baba take care of my papa health pl...Make him all right..
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Quotation of the Week:
"Like a loving mother forcing bitter but wholesome medicines down the throats of her children for the sake of their health, Sai Baba imparted spiritual instructions to His devotees. His method was not veiled or secret, but quite open. The devotees who followed His instructions got their object" - Sri Sai Satcharitha

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Question of the Week:

Q. Can intellect be an obstacle to devotion?

A. Your answer can go here
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Sai Activities:

Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Sri Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Summer hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 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.

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.

Sai Mandir, Baldwin New York
Devotees in New York and surrounding locations are informed about Sri Sai Mandir in Baldwin NY. The temple is located at 1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday Panchamruta Abhishekam and bhajans. For more information please call at 516-867-8008.

Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Iselin/Edison New Jersey
Devotees in New Jersey and surrounding locations are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Iselin NJ. The temple is located at 465 Lincoln Highway (Route 27) Iselin, NJ 08830. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday Panchamruta Abhishekam and bhajans. For more information please call at 732-283-1800.

Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Flushing New York
This temple is located near the famous Ganesh Temple, Flushing, New york. All the day-to-day rituals at the temple are being conducted in a manner similar to that in Shirdi. The temple is located at 46-16 Robinson Street Flushing,NY,USA 11355. For more information please call 718-321-9243.
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