Sai Vichaar
Aug 27, 2009
Volume 12, Issue 16
(In its twelfth year of publication)
01.Feature of the Week
02.Contributed Article
03.Experiences of Devotees
04.Devotees Say
05.Sai Activities
06.Prayer Club
07.Quote of the Week
08.Question of the Week
09.Subscribe to Sai Vichaar
10.Email
Newsletter to a friend
11.Submit Articles to Sai Vichaar
12.Un-Subscribe Sai Vichaar
13.From the Editor's Keyboard
14.Back Issues
15.Disclaimer
From the Editor's Keyboard...
Sai Vichaar has learnt that several have received their weekly email into their unwanted email folder due to the email filter function of the respective email providers. Please check your email folders before deleting to make sure Sai Vichaar is not delivered into Spam mail. 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.
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. A Sai devotee suggested the The "Question of the week" for this week as,,
Q.How does a Sai devotee stay grounded amidst the swell of spiritual ego?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor
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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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Feature
of the week: Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma
Shri BV Narasimhaswamiji wrote the following in "Life of Saibaba":
"Once a young man went out at night and under a tree saw an evil spirit, or ghost, and hastily returned. Baba the next day asked him what he saw. The young man answered, 'I saw an evil spirit'. Baba said, 'No, It was I'. The person answered again that he saw an evil spirit. Then Baba said. 'Go to your mother and ask her'. The man went to his mother, and she told him that Baba (being God) is in every creature, evil spirit, or good spirit, and, therefore, 'Baba wants you to remember that He is in everything and that you need not fear anything.' Similarly, when Baba passed away from his body in 1918, Lakshmi was praying, 'Baba, should you not show yourself to me?' and came out in the dark from the Mosque. On her way, there was a snake. At once, she said, 'Baba, if you come to me in this form of a snake, what am I to do?' In spite of the terrible form of the snake, she was able to picture Baba within the snake and prayed to it. This is the practice commended by Baba even to those who are at the lowest rung of the ladder. Those who are capable of achieving the highest aim find that Baba's advice or lesson is far more patent and easily achieved by yogic means. If you dip yourself by laya in God constantly, then you feel that you are part and parcel of God - "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" BG X1 (9) 22-23. Similarly, everything is part and parcel of God.
The dog, the snake, and everything is a manifestation of that sacred force which you call your God, and, if so realized, it will really react on you like God. Stand still before a snake. Worship it as God, and it will not bite you. Stand before an evil spirit, and say: 'Thou art Brahman'. The evil spirit will not harm you. The very moment you are thinking that everything is God, your spirit is part of God, you cease to be your body, and no harm can befall you. This is the most valuable teaching and training that Baba gave under this heading of Cosmic feeling of Godhood".
Similarly Sri Sainathuni Sarathbabuji says, " When we understand and are aware that what is in us is the same Chaitanya or Consciousness that is present in everyone, a sense of equality among all is established. The Chaitanya in everyone begins to respond favorably to the Sankalpa, the intent of our Chaitanya. Even if someone is angry with us, we do not feel like harming Him. If we are in need of something, we receive cooperation from others".
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Contributed
Article: Saibaba and Kabir
For a parallel with Saibaba, I shall focus on the following characteristics traditionally attributed to Kabir's persona and teaching: (1) the way he used to define himself, (2) the fundamental importance he gave to the teacher, (3) the path of devotion leading to surrender, (4) the essential role played by the remembrance of the divine name, (5) the use of attributing many different names to God, (6) the prominence of Rama's name and, finally (7) the refusal of "tantras" and "mantras" as being deceptions of the power of maya.
Kabir like Sai referred to himself in various ways: God's slave or servant, a devotee of God, faqir, even God himself. He said: "I am Hari's humble slave, and I would not let go of His lotus feet for anything the world might offer me". He said, "I am your humble servant, oh Lord, and you are the light which illuminates all of my recesses. "I am the fakir who has found his truth. One and the same God created Hindus and Muslims alike, and these poor fools fight each other in His name". He also said, I am your devotee, oh Lord, and I come towards You with the hope I my heart of finding refuge". Kabir particularly insisted on the necessity of finding a Guru. The Guru is everything in Kabir's vision, and innumerable are the passages in which he extols his supremacy. He said, "infinite is the Guru's kindness, and incalculable the help which he lavishes. Only he knows how to open the disciple's eyes, so that the vision of the Infinite may bless his sight". "Only the knowledge which Guru grants makes it possible for one to save himself."
Devotion is the foundation on which Kabir based his religious life. He insisted on the notion of surrender, of totally submitting oneself to God. Kabir, like Saibaba, insisted upon the necessity of practicing God's remembrance, not in a mechanical way but by reminding oneself of God's presence in one's heart, bringing to mind all that the divine name connotes. The divine name constitutes the only safe path leading to realization. Says Kabir: "Sing Rama's glory with your heart, tongue, and actions.
Kabir, like Saibaba, used different names taken from both the Muslim and Hindu traditions to designate God. He said, "To me Rama, Rahim, Karim, and Kesava are all truth. And the same are Bismil and Visvambhara. With Rama's name as his support, Kabir declares that both tantras and mantras are deceptions of maya. This offers another interesting parallel with Saibaba who always refused to give out tantras and mantras. G.G. Narke stated, Saibaba never gave me any mantra, tantra or upadesa, and so far as I know, he gave them to nobody.
(Source: "The Life and Teachings of Saibaba of Shirdi" by Antonio Rigopoulos)
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Experiences of Devotees:
Kavitha
During 2007 October, my husband was transferred to America. Therefore, he asked me to learn driving. So I started learning driving with my instruction permit. After a month, I went for driving license road test. But I failed. Again, I practiced for a month and went for the road test second repeatedly I failed. So I thought I should not drive. But my husband and me had lot of fights because of this. Even I thought I should go back to India because of this driving problem. Because of the severe fights we had, my kids were very much worried and afraid. So I started crying at the feet of my appa Saibaba. I prayed to him each and every day about my driving problem. After four months, again, I started practicing driving and after two months I went for road test and I failed for third time. My husband was very much annoyed and my situation was unexplainable. Again, I went to Sai appa's feet and cried a lot. I asked him 'how I should overcome this, please help me in getting the license. You are the one who can do miracle in this' and I wrote a letter to my Baba and kept at his feet. After two months practice, I went for the road test. That day one Indian instructor came with me for the test. He was talking to me nicely while observing my driving and he said 'you are driving nicely and I am passing you'. I got the license that day which gave me a great relief and I cried with joy at the feet of my Saibaba. As I wished now I am writing this great miracle done by my Sai appa who will be with us always and lead us the right path. Thank you appa Saibaba for your merciful blessings on us.
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Devotees say...
Manjula
I wanted to share a recent experience that I had. We have been trying to conceive since quite sometime but with no luck. I was getting very anxious about this and one Thursday I ardently prayed to Baba about this and asked Baba's help and decided to go for a text Thursday, look at the miracle next Thursday I came to know that I am expecting. Always trust and pray to Baba and have patience, He is always there to take care of his children.
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Prayer Club:
Naveen Kumar
SAI BABA, koti koti pranam, as you know Baba, this time my financial and family condition both is disturbed. I have a prayer only please take care of my family and me
MeenaKumari
Please Baba bless my kids to be healthy through the trip and as I have always said in my prayers that I strongly believe in you and I have surrendered my self to you. Help us Baba to have a safe journey
Sandhya
Dear Baba, We lost our father, our father who spent all his years helping others. We are now shattered, my mom is totally down. Please help us and be with us while we are going thru this phase. Help everyone in our family to be bold and help each other. Do not lose hopes. Thank you.
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Quotation of
the Week:
"Religion is the banana skin and spirituality is the banana. The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and are holding on to the skin." - Sri Sri Ravishankar
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Question of
the Week:
Q. How does a Sai devotee stay grounded amidst the swell of spiritual ego?
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.
Sri Sai Amruta Narayana Sarveswaraalaym, Richmond, VA
The temple is open from 5.15 am to 9.00 pm, everyday. We have all 4 aarthis every day and Baba's paalki seva on every Thursday after Dhoop Aarthi. Further information can be obtained by calling the temple at 804-708-0867.
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