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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Oh Sayee main ne Jap Tap kacchu na kiyaa
Phir bhee thoo ne deen dayaalu
pyaar se mujhe apnaaya
pyaar se mujhe apnaaya

Oh Sai, I haven't performed any penance or other austerities
Yet, the most merciful Sai, You have taken me into your fold!

Is our love of Baba stronger than Baba's love and compassion towards us? Can we love Baba beyond the realms of desires and fear? Is it possible to imagine how "that" love would be where there are no expectations from Baba? Can we love Baba and just love Him forever and ever, surrendering our everything? Is our faith in totality even at times of distress? Do we remember Baba while laughing and crying? In Pain and Pleasures? In tears of happiness and sorrow?

Baba loves us and He does without expecting any gains from us. Baba needs nothing, nor He is in want of anything. What could the "Viswagarbha", the one who has entire universe in His fold need? He just asked for those two paise from those that were willing to give him, a virtue of the ancient link between Saibaba and those who are drawn to him. For anyone that had different ways, He said simply, "Allah Achcha Karega" (God will do good).

One sign of humility is the cognizance that it is Baba's love and compassion that brought Him close to us and not our efforts to be or our choice to serve Him and be devoted to Him. A sadbhaktha's prerogative is to question his/her worthiness to receive Sadguru's blessings. It is with this feeling one should ask how he/she could use the body, mind, and wealth be spent in the service of Saibaba. Love of Sadguru is manifold stronger than the affection that one would sheepishly exhibit towards Sadguru as mere gratitude to the fulfillment of a desire. Trying to know the difference is the beginning of the understanding of universal love.
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Contributed Article: The Future of Religion

Experiences of Devotees:

Shakila Rao
Sai ram, it happened in March my son had nervous problem. Actually we were so sacred and upset cause the doc could not diagnose what it is. For a week we ran from one clinic to another and at last by Sai's grace we found a doctor who could diagnose and treated immediately. But something kept me postponing things and today I decided I have to submit. Without Sai baba' grace nothing we could have done. Now my son is normal and continuing his studies and the doctor say the medication will be quite for a long time but I have faith in my Sai that it will be for a short time. I apply udi on his hands and legs before going to bed and also give him. Saibaba I had promised that I would post this in Sai vichar. We always have faith in you and are sure this critical time what we are facing today will also pass by your grace. We are at your lotus fee, bless us all and everyone.

Sarasa
I believe in Sai since I was a kid, as my parents and grand parents are his devotees. When I was a kid I prayed to him, because I was told to, but then without me knowing I prayed to him out of love. He is the only God I had ever known. He has always been there for me, even at times when I completely ignored him, due to some worldly matters. I had graduated last December from one of the college at MA (USA) and I was looking for a job. It's really a bad time to graduate as the economy totally collapsed. People asked me not to graduate and try to be in school till next semester. But I did not listen. Due to visa issues here, I have to get job in 3 months (dead line). I have no previous job experience or internship experience before. I kind of totally freaked out, and the only support I have what so ever is that Baba is going to get me out of this. And amazingly he did. I went to number of interviews with in last 3 months. Nothing clicked and finally I attended an interview, it took place on Thursday. With in two hours after the interview they called me and offered a job. The job started exactly on the day of my dead line. I cannot thank enough to Sai for this. I believe no matter where ever you are, or no matter in whatever position you are, there is always a way out. You can find a way, when one has complete trust in their guru. Even when you feel like the whole world is against you, your guru will always be there waiting, to help you. And all he needs in return is nothing but pure love.
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Devotees say...

Lakshmi
Recently I worked on a project and part of the analysis was submitted in a public meeting. My boss was very picky and wanted to complain all the time. I prayed Sai to protect from him and also from the meeting. Guess what everyone liked my work and appreciated and as I wished everything went smooth. After meeting, even my boss appreciated me. All that happened because of Sai's blessings. He was there with me all the time and protected me. Thanks Sai for being with me all the time.

Deepti
We had been trying to go to Shirdi since long but didn't get any chance. Baba called us and we got to go there... My two children and me went there and had a nice Darshan of Baba thrice. It was a nice blissful trip to Shirdi. We did have the reservation for the journey to Shirdi but not the return ticket's reservation...The waitlist was about 98. My children and me took the train at 12:00 midnight from Kopergaon to Raipur...The train was overcrowded. People were even sleeping on floor. My children were very much afraid about crossing the tough situation sleeping on floor. I had faith in my God, Baba. I was continuously mumbling Sairam, Sairam.

We were then given suddenly two upper berths from Manmad separated. It took about 14 hrs. to reach Raipur. It was almighty Baba's grace that we reached Raipur comfortably even in such a throng.

Sasi
My name is Sasi. Here is my experience. There are no words to describe his endless love, blessings and kindness. How Baba is showing his kind, love, blessings to his devotees. Last month I had symptoms like diabetes. I was so nervous and worried. Then I prayed BABA and sent a prayer thru Sai Vichar. And went to hospital for checkup. Doctor told me your symptoms are not diabetic. And gave me the first hope. Last Thursday my results came. surprise. I don't have any diabetes. This is miracle. Baba you are great. And also I have lot of work tensions. I am praying Baba everybody about work tensions. With Baba grace slowly my work tensions are going away. We are very happy because yesterday one of my friends brought Shirdi prasadam.
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Prayer Club:

Sheela
Please cure my mother and giver her good helath. Please give me what I need. Please take care of our family and give us good health, jobs and life.

Pattabhiraman
Please guide me in my professional, personal and Spiritual life

Padmini
I lost my mother, then had abortion, then lost my grandmother. Papa and youngest sister are staying alone and I worry about them. Help my sister to qualify in medical exam and get admission in a very good college. There is problem with my husband's job also. Baba please fulfill our wishes. Those wishes about which I have been regularly talking to you Baba. If I have done any mistake please guide me to rectify it Baba.

Lakshmi
Baba, Please bless mamma. We see u in her. She is the only person who takes care of us. Bless her. Kindly take out the disease from her body because you are the divine doctor for us

Vanita
Dear Baba I thank you for taking care of me and my family today my mother is in lots n lots of pain for the knee replacement surgery. I earnestly request you to free her of the pain and make her surgery successful and pain free.

Uday
Please Baba bless me to do the coming exam well and get an interview this time

Yogita
Sai baba pls help my husband to get a new jobs. He is trying since last 4 months yet he didn't get anything

A devotee
Baba, please cure my wife's illness. Since two months she is suffering with stomach ulcer. Please bless my father, wife and daughter Baba.
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Quotation of the Week:
"The divine form of Sai Baba is boundless, endless and undifferentiated. One principle which envelops the whole universe, (from a stone pillar to Brahma) incarnated in Sai Baba. The really meritorious and fortunate people got this treasure-trove in their hands, while those people who not knowing the real worth of Sai Baba took or take Him to be a man, a mere human being, were and are indeed miserable" - Sri Sai Satcharitha

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Question of the Week:

Q. Can intellect be an obstacle to devotion?

A. by MV Ramaa Prasad

In the body-mind-intellect complex of embodied 'Jeeva', mind is to be guided by intellect, which forms the basis for the power of discrimination i.e., 'viveka'. Mind always perceives worldly matters through senses of body or 'indriyas'. Many times mind comes under the influence of senses guided by 'vaasanas' or the inclinations due to past 'karma' of the embodied 'Jeeva'. At this stage 'Jeevaatma' has the choice or prerogative to employ intellect to use the power of discrimination or 'viveka' that provides the analytical power to perceive right and wrong. If 'viveka' or discrimination is not accompanied by 'vairaagya' i.e., the sense of detachment, which is devoid of the subjective element, there is a danger of intellect justifying the wrong as right, thereby leading to spiritual down fall. Additionally, with regard to devotion, faith too is very important. The 'Jnaani' in the path of 'Jnaana yoga', no doubt can be wise, bestowed with intellectual power. However, if intellect is not accompanied by detachment and faith, there is a danger of the wise or 'Jnaani' being subjected to the play of ego. Under the influence of ego, devotion cannot flourish. Therefore, in order for the intellect not to become an obstacle for devotion, 'saadhaka' or spiritual seeker though an intellectual should acquire absolute faith in Guru and detachment for the influence of worldly matters. True 'Jnaani' who is basically an intellectual, will take to 'bhakti' or devotion, when buttressed by faith and detachment. This point is best illustrated by the example of Govind Raghunath Dhabolkar or Hemadpant, the author of 'Sri Sai Satcharita'. Initially Dhabolkar was an intellectual, who felt that there was no need for devotion and faith in guru for spiritual growth and as such believed that one's own effort guided by intellect should be the sole factor that would take 'saadhaka' towards spiritual maturity. However, on his very first visit to Shirdi, he entered into argument with Bala saheb Bhate who emphasized the need for ego less faith in guru. Subsequently Baba revealed to him the need for 'guru bhakti' backed up by 'shraddha' and 'saburi', which annihilate ego of 'saadhaka', through the classical episode of enlightenment of Radhabai Deshmukh by Parama guru Sai Baba. Thus the intellectual Dhabokar turned into a staunch devotee bolstered by faith and detachment that obliterated his ego due to intellectual pride.
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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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