In a search of Sai apostles of the present day, the first name that comes to a Sai devotee’s mind is that of Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathy. Shri Satpathy ji in his fifties now, is a religious and devout person with inborn divine qualities nourished and blossomed under very pious and caring eyes of his father.

Shri Satpathy ji has been a police officer all his life and was a recipient of the President's gold medal for bravery. As an IPS officer, he had worked for the ministry of Civil Aviation, and as the Director of Vigilance in India. Yet, to the hundreds of people, he is simply a man with the healing touch. Fondly called by a number of people as "Guru ji", Sri Satpathy ji truly embodies the tradition of "Guru" providing guidance to those who seek his help. Several hundreds flock to him every Saturday at the Chatterpur Sai mandir in India, to find solutions to their mundane and spiritual problems. To some Shri Satpathy ji is like a brother while some look at him as a father figure. Guru ji treats everyone like a dear and beloved child of Shri Sai and addresses every lady very affectionately as 'Maa' (Mother). Satpathy ji is no professional astrologer, but it's his divine instinct and the willingness to help prompts his predictions.

Shri Satpathy ji’s enormous motivational and organizational skills are the reasons for the spread of Sai message and teachings in India today. He has inspired and influenced several devotees to come forward and lend a support to the Sai movement in India and abroad. Religion of love knows no boundaries. Guru ji preaches that a single drop of tear from the eyes of a pious person can move - be it Shri Sai or Christ, in a fraction of a second. Thus Guru ji does not recommend the path of running away from the world in search of God but encourages and lends spiritual support to seekers, to become pious and find Shri Sai within us while fighting the materialistic battle. One can live in this materialistic world of money, relations, and duties and still be pious and be a detached 'saint' at heart. Guru ji says that the easiest way to spiritual evolution is to:

1. Believe that the Sadguru is the Divine incarnation to lead people towards temporal and spiritual development.
2. To follow the path laid down by Him as reflected in His earthly conduct and preaching.
3. To understand that no man how much ever he strives, can evolve in the spiritual field beyond a certain limit without the help and kindness of a Sadguru. Even incarnations like Shri Krishna and Shri Rama, in the process of experiencing the God-hood in Them, had to be helped by Sandeepani and Vasishta, the Sadgurus of the time.
4. To focus the entire spiritual consciousness on the Sadgurus, both in Sakara (formed) or Nirakar (formless) and worship them.
5. To believe that the Guru is the repository of all Divine powers -and therefore, He alone should be made the mainstay of one's life. All needs, worries and questions should be projected to him

(Please visit www.saibabaofshirdi.net for more information on Shri C.B. Satpathy ji, his mission and message. )
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Experiences of Devotees

MRK, Phoenix, AZ, USA
I am writing the little I know about Sri B.V.Narasimhaswamyi ji. He was a leading advocate in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. He was related to Sri C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji, eminent freedom fighter, scholor, politiacian, and spiritualist) who in turn was related to Mahatma Gandhi. From what I was told, Sri Narasimhaswamiji left his lucrative practice as a lawyer in Salem, when a very brilliant young son died. I met him in Madras in thirties when he then was staying with another son who was doing business. After leaving legal work, he spent three years (about) in Ramanashramam with Bhagavan Ramana and wrote his biography. He was more attracted by bhakti marga and became Shirdi Sai maharaj's ardent devotee. He took pains in thirties to personally meet devotees who personally saw Shri Sai Maharaj in physical body and published about eight volumes called Experiences of Sai devotees. I saw these books and read them. He spread Sai Maharaj’s name allover south of India. I again saw him in 1937 when he came to our house and addressed series of lectures on Shirdi Sai. My father was his classmate and so he stayed with us. This was in Bapatla, Guntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh, India. It will be not an exaggeration to say that in circar districts of Andhra Pradesh, Shirdi Sai was known only because of him. By 1949 or so, he settled down near and then in Shirdi Sai temple at Mylapore Madras. I met him a number of times in the temple and he did namakaranam (naming ceremony) to my second daughter in that temple. Even now his marble statue is in this temple and worshipped by all devotees. He ordered one late Bapatla Hanumantha Rao to publish Shirdi Sai’s books in Telugu and he produced and published numerous books and they are still reprinted by his son Sri Bapatla Parthasarathy who is a very great devotee of Shirdi SAI. I also met Sri Rege, a retired High court judge of Nagpur at Madrs Sai Temple.He knew Shirdi SAI IN HIS PHYSICAL FORM and he asserted that till then, and all the time Shirdi SAI IS CONTINUOUSLY BLESSING HIS DEVOUT DEVOTEES. I MET Sri Kesaviah garu who built a Shirdi Sai temple in Shenoynagar Madras and his life is available in book form at this temple I also met Sri U. Sangasmesam garu at madras then living near Vijaya studios, Madras. I also knew late Krishna Priya who was a great Sai devotee. If you thought of any problem and placed bananas, she would place before Shirdi Sai and bring them back to you. Answers were printed on the bananas. I saw this in Madras.
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Devotees say...

Joseph Galea, Malta
Peace be with you all! I am a new reader of the Sai Vichaar newsletter. I found this Newsletter amazing! It helps me in various topics of my life. I started receiving the newsletter from Vol 2 issue 2. Now, I want a favor from you! Could you please kindly send me all the past issues of the newsletter or tell me how can I obtain the past copies? I really need this literature. I want to keep a print out of all the newsletters. Hope that you are able to help me in this matter. Thanks for all your help and hope to receive from you good news.

Thanks for your support. Archives of past issues of Sai Vichaar can be obtained at "What is new?" section, on this web site - Sai Vichaar

Reena Tailor, USA
I would like to thank you all, for providing this wonderful service, which has on many occasions given myself much hope for the future. At times when I am feeling disorientated, or anxious, I go back and read previous additions of Sai Vichaar, which helps me see a positive light. I'm sure that there must be other people out there who do the same. I would like to thank Baba, for helping me and looking down on me when most needed, and pray that Baba continues on doing so, forgiving me of my wrong doings, and thoughts, and helping me become a better person.

Ravi Shankar, USA
Mr. Alphanso D'Souza's answer posted today to the "Question of the Week" is really extremely illuminating. Thank you, Alphanso, for sharing a little of your spiritual life with us.

Shailaja Divakarla, Australia
To the devotees' queries about what is Parayana. Parayana means study of spiritual texts. To Sai Devotees, this is usually study of the book Sri Sai Satcharita by Hemadpant which has been translated into many languages. Some also read other books (such as one telugu book by Acharya Bharadwaja). Many do the parayana over a week, starting on a thursday and ending it on the next wednesday and then offering prasad (food) to Baba on the next day, Thursday. However, it can also be done over a week, a month, or even 3 days or even 1 day (which is very difficult ! I tried it once) or even simply "one chapter a day", etc. to suit one's situation, and then offer some prasad to Baba after its conclusion. What is most important for the parayana is to do it with Faith and Devotion and with a concentrated mind.

It was very encouraging to read Vrinda Kumar's letter sharing her views about restrictions regarding the parayana, illustrating the same very appropriately with the story on Hanuman. I believe rules and regulations are the means to an end and not an end in themselves. The aim of rules should be to assist people towards achieving some good end or objective. If rules are followed as an end in themselves, they not only become useless, but on the contrary can sometimes be even harmful. Sairam.

Response from A Sai devotee to the question of the week
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SCRIPTURES...?

Scriptures are guiding lights for proper living. It is seen Sai took scripture from one bhaktha to the other-Vishnu Sahasranama.They are is a possibility of devotees being pundits without expierience.When Sai found a person who was well versed in scriptures reading Bhavadgitha,he asked him what he was reading and pointed out that his intellectual understanding is insufficient to the deep meaning of the scripture. Second mistake, we usually feel is to think that scriptures of our religion is proper while scriptures of other religions are bigoted. All scriptures are great as they come out from realized souls and God is one though called by different names. In fact God speaks through pure souls who are themselves Gods.Guru is thus Brahma,Vishnu and Maheswara as Guru is spokesman of God himself. Scriptures guide us to lead a Dharmic life. One who follows them has artha and kama controlled by Dharma and reaches Moksha.The living scripture is Guru. THAT IS WHY as BABA tells of four friends going into forest and one who followed the compassionate God reached destination very safely.

Response from A Sai devotee, Vancouver, BC, Canada to the question of the week

Sai Ram!
Some relevant dictionary meanings of "Ritual" for our topic are: the forms of conducting a devotional service especially as established by tradition or the prescribed order and words of a religious ceremony or any practice regularly repeated in a set precise manner so as to satisfy one's sense of fitness and to have a symbolic significance. At a cosmic level, the whole solar system, on which we depend, is highly organized. We can notice the order from the sun, moon, earth and all forms of life. So, by nature, we humans are happy when we are able to regularly repeat words or actions that we like and believe in. Periodic and regular repetition of some practices have become incorporated as rituals in various religions, cultures and traditions. While at first it may be difficult to justify or make sense of some rituals, on a careful analysis a number of them do seem to make sense. Of course, others may have become out of date due to changing circumstances and they need to be carefully analyzed and modified or discontinued.

Let us see if we can learn something related to rituals from Sai Baba. From what we read, Sai's method was unique in so many ways. Sai, Himself practiced Dhyana (meditation), Dakshina (charity), Discrimination (Real from Unreal) through Agnihotra (sacred fire), and to highlight the significance of being able to Discriminate the Real, after Arti, distributed Udi to the devotees with very kind and loving looks.

Sai suggested us to practice 9 forms of Bhakti (Shravana, Kirtana, Smarana, Padasevana, Archana, Namaskara, Dasya, Sakhyatva and Atmanivedana). Another very striking message from Sai is related to simply remembering Him before the senses, mind and intellect enjoy their objects. If He is remembered, it is in a way making an offering to Him. In this way, all the Vrittis (thoughts) regarding Desire, Anger, Avarice etc. should be first offered and directed to the Guru and if this practice (ritual) be followed, the Lord will help us, in eradicating all the Vrittis. Then the object that is not fit to be enjoyed will be shunned, and our vicious habits or vices will disappear and our character will improve. By simply practicing recitation of Sai's or God's name, as mentioned to Mrs. Khaparde to chant 'Rajarama, Rajarama', life's object will be gained, mind will attain peace and immensely benefited.

A specific mention on 'Ritualistic', one who follows rituals, is made in the Chapter XXXII of Shri Sai Satcharita, under the topic 'The Quest'. There Sai highlights the benefits of practicing 'Shradha' and Saburi', as also expressed to Mrs. Radhabai Deshmukh (Chapter XVIII & XIX). The messages that we can draw from Sai are innumerable and above are just a few related to the relevance of the purpose of 'Ritual' in religion.

Response from A Sai devotee, Vancouver, BC, Canada to the question of the week

What are rituals in any religion? They are acts committed by our body through the five senses available to us to praise God whatever the religion may be. Our activity in this world is through these external instruments available to our body. Now how do we praise and express gratitude to God who has no form? We can approach God only through symbols. The idols we worship are these symbols.THE GURU who we worship as he represents God to us is also the highest symbol for us to worship. How can we convey our surrender or submission, gratitude etc to them. Only by using the external five senses. we usually use them to make money and enjoy the worldly pleasures. Instead by rituals we use these bodyinstruments to reach guru's grace and eventually be one with God through these instruments. Certain procedures are in practise in each religion to reach Guru and God.By cleaning the place of worship, lighting light-deepam and thoopam-agarbathi and giving naivedyam we are offering a clean heart with purity, giving our soul's sight andoffering our soul through harathi.As we cannot give our internal organs, we express these submissions through the symbols like above. WHEN giving naivedyam we offer ourselves in surrender-saranagathi to Him. By doing these acts we will be purifying ourselves Hence the rituals are to purify our worldly activities and submitting and surrendering to God.
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Sai Activities

The Shirdi Sai Center, Flushing, NY
The Shirdi Sai Center, New York, has planned the following schedule for Guru Poornima 1999

7.30 AM to 8.00 AM Sri Sai Suprabhatham
8.00 AM to 8.30 AM Prabhatha pooja and Archana
8.30 AM to 9.00 AM Kakada Arathi
9.30 AM to 12.00PM Gurupoornima Maha Abhisheka Pooja with Veda and Upanishad Patan.
12.00 PM to 12.30 PM Bhajans
12.30 PM Mantrapushpa and Mahamangala Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba's Padhuka and Prasada Viniyoga
3.00 PM to 5.00 PM Sri Sainama Japa
5.00 PM to 6.30 PM Sri Sai Satcharita Parayan
6.30 PM to 7.00 PM Dhoop Arathi
7.00 PM to 8.30 PM Special Bhajans
8.30 PM Sheja Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba's Padhuka by devotees and Prasada Viniyoga.

Sai devotees are requested to attend the same and get Baba's blessings on this very auspicious day!
The Center is located at 46-16, Robinson Street, Flushing, NY 11355-3455. If you have any questions or if you need more information, please contact Dr. Gangadhar Rao at 718 321 9243.

Shri Shirdi Sai Center, East Brunswick, New Jersey
The Shridi Sai Center in East Brunswick, New Jersey, has planned the following program for Guru Poornima 1999.

1} On Wednesday July 28 , Guru Purnima day program of Bhajans, kirtans and aarti will be held at the Center from 7-9 PM. Please call Kumad or Rekha Sachdev @ [732} 257-1438

2} August 1, 1999-Guru Purnima will be celebrated at THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL-Edison/Iselin New Jersey from 1-5 PM-Bhajans will be sung by Mr Mahender (MAC) Patel and Shridi Sai group members

ALL ARE WELCOME. PLEASE CALL KUMAD OR REKHA SACHDEV @ {732} 257-1438. ALSO, HASMUKH PATEL IS AVAILABLE @ {908} 686-4789.

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, USA
Sai Samsthan USA, 27 W 321 Butterfield Road, Warrenville, IL

Sai Samsthan USA is celebrating Guru Poornima at Shri Sai Baba Mandir on Wednesday, July 28, 1999. Sri Sai Baba is considered as an incarnation of Lord Datttreya, the parama Guru who propogated the "guru" tradition and knowledge. Later, Bhagawan Vyasa propagated the same through his "Puranas". The letter "gu" stands for darkness (ignorance) and "ru" represents its destruction. Guru, therefore, is one who destroys the darkness of ignorance. Sri Sai Baba acknowledges the importance of a Guru when He indicates the need for a guide who can take us straight to our destination avoiding all difficulties on the way. Baba personally instructed His devotees to celebrate Guru Poornima.

As a special event of Guru Poornima celebrations this year, Vishnu Sahasranaama Homa will be performed. The study of Vishnu Sahasranaama purifies the mind and hence Sri Sai Baba thrust this on His close devotee Shama in a unique way. We request you all to participate in the Guru Poornima celebration by sponsoring for one or all events. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir is located at 27W321 Butterfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555. Phone Number 630-653-4444. For more information on Sai Samsthan USA, please contact Shri Ananth Sonti at 630-790-3800

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site Org - Tele Satsang
Sri Gopala Rao Ravada, Hyderabad, India has kindly consented to conduct Tele Satsanghs on and around Guru Poornima day. Sri Gopala Rao’s service has been included in the earlier issues of Sai Vichaar. Tele Satsangh includes Sai prayers, bhajans, kirtans, and Sai sandesh to devotees questions through the meditative efforts of Sri Gopala Rao. This is activity conducted over telephone from Hyderabad, India and more than one devotee can participate at a given time from anywhere in the world at times suitable. Please write to grravada@hotmail.com or call +91-40-7123926 for more particulars. Sri Gopalarao Ravada in stationed in Hyderabad, India and the calls would involve international/national STD if made from locations other than Hyderabad. Devotees are strongly urged to keep in mind of the limitations due to Sri Gopalarao’s time and other resources and are encouraged to contact Sri Gopalarao in advance for a schedule. Shirdi Sai Baba web site organization is profoundly thankful to Sri Gopalarao Ravada for this selfless service in spreading Sai message.

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site Org - Call for Sai Bhajans
Shirdi Sai Baba web site organization would like to invite entries from devotees for Sai Bhajans in various languages. This activity is being conducted as a part of Guru Poornima celebrations 1999. The bhajan composition may include a short verse on the glory of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The selected Bhajans will be musically composed and professionally recorded as an audio piece and featured in the Shirdi Sai web site. This is an excellent opportunity for devotees with a flair for writing and musical compositions.
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Prayer Club

Sai Devotee
I have a serious dilemma regarding my future. I have just graduated and have been seeing my boyfriend for 2 years now. I love him very much and he is all I could wish for in a future husband. I am not a perfect person but I try to be a good person and have never treated people differently because of their color or religion. The only problem yet a large one is that he is Iranian. I respect his beliefs and he respects mine. I would never compromise my Hindu beliefs and have strong faith in Sai Baba, But unfortunately I don't think my parents would understand in fact I think they would feel ashamed and would disown me. I am the eldest of three sisters therefore have a responsibility towards them. I will probably give up my love for my parents because I could not live with knowing I had hurt them so much too. Yet I am sacrificing my boyfriend and hurting him for being the wrong religion, which is wrong. Even Sai Baba says we should not discriminate on the grounds of religion or color. I am extremely confused and worried about what to do. In my heart, I don't think I have done anything wrong, yet I have also been brought up to respect my parents wishes and obey them. Please give me some guidance because I just don't know what to do. Either way now, I feel I'm going to have to hurt someone. Please help me choose the right decision.

Mala Modgill
OM SAI RAM! To all brothers and sisters. I would like you all to pray to Sai Nath for my mother -in-law. She is in a poorly state due to her old age though her organs are all fine. She is in her 85 - 90+. she is incapable to look after herself anymore. She lives with her elder son but seems that they are all fed up with her and his wife is facing depression. It is so easy to look after a child but very difficult to look after an elderly person. I know I might sound selfish and stupid but at least I am honest. I pray to Sai that HE gives her the end. She is suffering for no reason and there is nothing that she looks forward to. She cries and asks for death. It hurts to see her like this. Please SAI help her to reach her end. To be very honest, I can not look after her........the inner me is very reluctant ....... I know old age would strike me too but still I don't feel very comfortable...... I feel very sorry for her when her son shouts at her and refuses to give her what she wants. PLEASE DEAR SAI - HELP ME - GUIDE ME. Please Sai Family help me and guide me on how do I look after her. How do I get rid of my reluctance? SAI knows how I feel and I am very honest with my SAI by telling me that I can't look after her. The only thing that kills me is when she asks me to feed her with delicious foods (which I do - but her son gets mad at me saying that his wife ends up cleaning her). If I don't give her what she asks for, I feel guilty thinking that what if she dies and throughout my life, I'll have to live with a guilt of not providing her. SO I BEG OF YOU TO HELP & GUIDE ME - WHAT DO I DO? I DO NOT WANT HER TO CURSE ME IN HER LAST DAYS. I would appreciate an early guidance. Sincere thanks to you all. JAI SAI RAM.
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