Deeds and the results of one’s deeds are fundamental aspects of the karmic cycle. Once this "every action has a reaction" phenomenon is understood, the limitedness of the individual’s role in the bigger realm of things should become clear. However, as it may seem due to the ignorance, the craving for the ownership is an irresistible eventuality. It is as involuntary as the heart beat. How could one yield to the cycle of action and reaction, and yet contemplate on what the Sadguru is capable of giving? Baba said, its Viveka (wisdom) that leads one to Vairagya (detachment). It is the "stateless state" that could only be perennial. It is possible only by surrendering the "self" to the Sadguru.

The following is an interesting passage from Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swami ji’s "Bhakthi Maala". The fruits of action and the experiencing of those fruits in this world are dependent on the effort we put in. If one works hard in the fields, one gets good harvest. But the fruits of action, like the grains that one grows, will be spent after some time. To replenish it, one will have to work hard again. Happiness in the other world also depends upon the amount of merit earned by us in this world. More the effort, more the merit and more the happiness. With more and more effort, one might become eligible to go to Vaikuntha or Kailasa or Brahma loka. But it must be remembered that even this merit is like a bag of grains. It will be exhausted sooner or later. In this world, there is a possibility to preserve a part of the harvest for producing crops again. In other words, here it is possible to experience happiness as well as to strive hard to earn merit. It is not so in the other world. There, it is not possible to earn Punya while enjoying the fruits of merits earned previously. One will have to experience happiness completely, exhaust his merit, and then return to this world to earn more Punya.

By this, we can realize that the happiness of the other world is not only temporary, but is also troublesome to us because it drains us of our merit and sends us here to strive hard again and again. When this knowledge sets in, you will automatically lose interest in the pleasures of this and the other world. The detachment should be so strong that even if someone offers you heaven, you should turn it down and look upon it with disgust. To reject a cake when the stomach is full does not constitute Vairagya. Real Vairagya is that state in which an individual shows no desire for any sort of pleasure - here or hereafter.

Yes, it is possible only by surrendering the "self" to the Sadguru.
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Contributed Article:Hindu Worship-Part III

The Sevas both in Sakara or Nirakara procedures are performed with a view to reach Him ultimately, which is known as Puja. In the Sakara or Bahya Puja style, the devotee directly (if he knows the significance) or indirectly worships his Ishta Daivam through offer of sevas in the shape of external articles to the object of worship, thereby involving Pancha Tanmatras (i.e., Sabda, Sparsa, Rupa, Rasa and Gandha) or Panch Jnanedriyas (i.e., Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue and Skin) while offering Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedya, Alankaras to the Lord. The gross aspects of the Pancha Tanmatras in Puja are the Pancha Upacharas. They are Pushp, Dhoop, Deep, Naivedya and Gandh. The corresponding Pancha Mahabhoothas (Five Elements) are Sky/Ether (Akasam), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi), which indicate respectively the vastness of heart, the fastness of manas, the tejas, the amrit and the patience (saburi) aspects of human being. In Manasik Puja, the devotee mentally dedicates everything at the sacred feet of his Ishta Daivam. In fact, Manasika Puja is considered superior to Bahya Puja.

In other words, Puja should not and cannot be a rigid and systematic procedure, without which one cannot offer oneself to God, but it should be more of love oriented or bhava pradhana offering to God. Then only the heart opens up, otherwise it would be a routine and mechanical procedure to be followed. Through Puja, the devotee’s love and sense of belonging for his Ishta Daivam grow and thus the Bhava or relationship with Ishta Daivam matures and finally the devotee will succeed in establishing in his real self (Swa-swarup) through gradually experiencing oneness with the Ishta Daivam. Having understood what Puja is, now let us try to analyze and understand the essence behind Sakara and Nirakara or Bahya and Manasika Pujas.

Arranging the Articles: First of all, before sitting in front of our Ista Daivam, we keep all articles that are required for performing Bahya Puja wholeheartedly and successfully.

Physical freshness: Purity of body is conducive in making the mind pure, so that only purity emanates from us. So, we keep ourselves fresh before we start any Puja or any sacred work in order to get only right feelings and thoughts while we are performing Puja, and also emanate only such statements from us. Freshness also helps us to keep our concentration on what we are doing or offering to God. One should wear vibhuthi, chandan, namam or kumkum. Then we do Pranayamam before Sankalpam.

Sankalpam: Sankalp or Sankalpam, literally means, taking a firm decision or forming a firm opinion. No work can be successfully accomplished without dedication. Like-wise, no Puja can be performed satisfactorily without invoking HIS blessings through sincere devotion and complete surrender. We pray to Lord to bless us to successfully fulfil our resolve to worship HIM through performing HIS Puja with heart, mind, soul and all senses together. Here in Puja, Sankalpam means reciting those words which will indicate what, who and where we are. Unless one starts any work, especially the one which is being done for the society at large, with pure and sacred sankalpa, the end result will be disastrous. Sruti Smruti Puranokta Phalaprapyartham, which means, that in Srutis (Vedas), Smrutis (Manu Smriti, etc.) and Puranas, it has been said that any karma being done with a desire should be started with a pure and sacred Sankalpa to get the expected result. The idea behind praying for the Sankalpasiddhi is to eradicate the feeling of doership or Ahankar. In other words, the result of Puja is thus offered to God. To achieve this object, first one should visualise the purpose or goal and plan meticulously what work should be done to achieve that particular goal and then start seeing the other points such as, who is the doer, where it is being held, when it is being performed, what is being done and what is the result of it. Once these have been identified and verified, then one needs to take Dhruda Nischay (firm resolve or Sankalpam) to do it according to the prescribed rules and regulations of that particular karma. These points have been included, probably, to make the devotee know and remember the place, the year, the month, the gotram, birth star, the thithi (star) or day, etc. I personally feel that it was included in our system or tradition in olden days because the people from Brahmana varna were ordained to do all Puja ceremonies, astrological predictions, ceremonies in temples and society, etc., and if they do not remember the important points such as the time, day and date, the position of grahas, the name of the month or year or the relevant thithi, etc., they may err in their decisions and calculations resulting in wrong predictions. Now it has become a part and parcel of the Puja so as to tell God every day in which Kal(time)/Yug we are in, where (which area) we are offering Puja, which is the current year (name of the year -- there 60 names), month, ayana (side), paksha (shukla/krishna - i.e., first half or second half of the month) date and day (thithi), etc.

Kalasa Sthapanam or Kumbha: This involves invoking Lords Vishnu, Rudra and Brahma, four Vedas, Gayathri, waters from all oceans and sacred rivers, such as, Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Thungabhadra, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, Cauvery, etc., in the water of Panchapatra, then sanctifying the vessel with Gandham, Kumkum, Akshata and Pushpam. After invocation, the Kalasodaka has to be sprinkled on all Puja materials and the persons performing Puja for purification.If Sankhapooja is to be done, then purified water has to be filled in the Sankha, then Puja offered to Sankha add a few drops of Sankhodaka to the vessel and then sprinkle the water on Puja materials and the persons performing Puja or Self (Atmanam ca Prokshyan). Then, Ghantanadam is to be done.

Kumbha means water-pot. It symbolises fullness. Sanyasins and eminent persons are welcomed with a Purna-Kumbha (a pitcher filled with holy water). All the sacred rivers like Ganta, Yamuna, Saraswati, Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri, etc., are supposed to flow into the Kumbha, filling it.

The Kumbha stands for generative power. Hence it is associated with the Divine Mother, the Grant Creation.

In worship, the deity is invoked to enter the Kumbha, remain there throughout the Puja and then go back to His or Her own abode.

As the Kumbha is meant to serve as a temporary image of the deity, its various components are equated with various parts of the deity. Thus the jar represents the body of the deity; the water in it stands for blood; the nine gems (navaratnas) placed in it represent the nine-fold spiritual power (siddhis); the kusha grass in the pitcher stands for blood vessels; the triple strands of yarn over the mouth of the jar stands for the nerves; the tower wound around the vessel is the skin, the coconut placed at the mouth of the jar represents the face, the kusha grass over the coconut stands for Lord Siva and the mango leaves above everything else stand for the matted locks of Siva.

During Kumbha-abhishekam the sanctified water in the vessel is poured over the pinnacle of the vimana above the garbhagriha of the deity. The is the climax of the consecration ceremony and huge crowds of men, women and children throng to get a sprinkling of the sacred water on their heads (taken from the Vedanta Kesari, February 2000 - A Monthly Journal of the Ramakrishna Order)
(A contribution by Paritala Gopi Krishna, New Delhi, India)
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Experiences of Devotees

S.V. Swamy, Hyderabad, India
This is in response to the interesting feature from last week’s Sai Vichar, Is Baba a teacher?. Page 94, Chapters XVIII&XIX of Sai Satcharitra has this to say. "He was a man of strong will. He, at once, started to make a Parayan (study) of Guru-charitra. When the reading was finished in the Saptaha (seven days), Baba gave him a vision that night. It was to this effect: Baba, with Guru-charitra in His hand, was explaining its contents to Mr.Sathe, who was sitting in front and listening carefully. When he woke up he remembered the dream and felt very happy." Page 100, of the same chapter(s), opens with the following lines: "Baba, the restlessness of my mind has vanished and I have got true peace and rest, and come to know, the true path." (by Sri Hemadpant). Then, Baba spoke as follows: "My method is quite unique............. Similar is the relation between the Guru and disciples." When Baba uttered these last words, the chorus of the Arati songs stopped and all cried out loudly in one voice: "Victory be to our Sadguru Sai Maharaj, Who is Existence, Knowledge and Bliss." In the same chapter(s), on page 103, we have the story of a slanderer being taught by Baba. "Behold, how, with relish it is gorging dung. Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit, you are born as a man; and if you act like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?" Needless to say that the Bhakta took the lesson to his heart, and went away. In this way, Baba went on giving instructions, whenever necessary. (Passage from the first and second para on page 103.) Page 108, of Sai Satcharitra, Chapter XX, has this title: "Unique Method of Teaching" the first few lines of which are reproduced below: "from the above incident, the reader will see that, Baba's method was unique and varied. Though Baba never left Shirdi, He sent some to Machindragad, some to Kolhapur or Solapur, for practicing Sadhanas. To some, He appeared in His usual form, to some appeared in waking or dreaming states, day or night and satisfied their desires. It is impossible to describe all the methods, that Baba used in imparting instructions to His Bhaktas....." Well Sai Bandhus, Sai Satcharitra is the Pramana for all Sai devotees. And in the above pages, you have in Baba's own words, the proof that to those, whom He accepted, He did teach. The other stories are by Sri Hemadpant, the author of Sri Sai Satcharitra, and we know that Baba blessed the author and what the author has written. To those who lacked faith, Baba, did not bother to teach and He deliberately, in true Dattatreya tradition) gave the impression of a Mad Fakir and a Mendicant. And to those who slandered Him, did not accept His 'Upadesh' (suggestions given by Baba given at the time of their taking leave), or tried to argue, He, simply said, "Allah Accha Karega." because, He, wished the good of all, but if somebody wanted to go in a different path and if he was not His man, He, did not interfere. But, if the devotee, was His man, He did not leave him (her), but pulled them to Him (like a sparrow with a string) and by kind words (to the Ramadasi whose Vishnu-Sahasranama book was given by Baba to Shama), by harsh words (to Megha and to Somadev Swami when they first tried to step into the Masjid), by dream vision (to the Ramadasi, of Chennai bhajan Mandali)etc., He put them on the right path. He was certainly no ordinary Teacher, but the great Sad Guru, i.e., Who teaches and makes us practice. (Pl. recall the story of Mr.B.V.Dev, whom Baba asks to read Jnaneshwari and subsequently asks whether he has understood!). Om Sai, Sri Sai, Jaya Jaya Sai. Sri Samardha Sadguru Sachhidananda Sai Nath Maharaj ki Jai!

K.C.Lokesh
I am an devotee of Sainath Maharaj. I do hereby wish to share one incident that happened recently with me. I was visiting one of our clients with my father at the place of my client I lost my Credit Card ATM Card and other things. I came to know about this after about 2 hours when I stopped at an ATM on the way back to my home I prayed to baba, Baba heard my prayer (He always heard my prayer everywhere every time for everything) after reaching to my home I received a call from one Gentlemen that he has got my Credit Card and all other things and he asked to collect the same and I Collected the same from that Gentlemen. this is only one incidence I am sharing with you there are lot of incidence which I can share with you. Whenever I get disappointed I take refuge in baba he solves all my problem and whenever I go to baba mandir I feel a sense of belonging, a sense of warmth, a sense of Satisfaction. I always fell like speaking to baba and baba guiding to me in all aspects of my life really in every moment of my life feel that baba is with me.

K.Krrishnamohan, Brisbane, Australia
Dear Sai Devotees, I wish to share my recent and most wonderful experience of BABA's benevolence. I say recent because BABA has been helping us right from the time we became his devotees in 1996/97. A brief background will be helpful here. I am a student in Brisbane, Australia pursuing PhD. I was not successful in getting a scholarship for my PhD when I enrolled in March 2000, but with BABA's grace we (my wife and son) have been able to survive paying tuition fees and also our living expenses because my wife was able to get a full time job and me a part time job. My contract with the employer expired during this month (Jan 2001) and we were very worried as to how we are going to pay the fees due in March. I did apply for a scholarship the second time again in Oct 2000 but got a regret letter in Dec 2000, but was told there was a second scholarship round in Jan 200, but I had lost all hope and left everything to BABA. Whenever my wife gets worried about our future, I only tell her we should do all that we possibly can and leave the rest to BABA, what ever happens is his will. He will never forsake his devotees. When we were thus worried, last Monday (22/01/01), I got the news that I have been awarded a scholarship. I consider this a miracle of BABA, as I later came to know that a student who was offered a scholarship in the first round refused and I was next in the waiting list and thus it was offered to me. This only goes to prove beyond doubt the unlimited love and affection that BABA has for his devotees, and more importantly the need for "Shraddha" and "Saburi" or simply put unconditional surrender on our part. Om Sai Ram
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Devotees say...

Kamal Thakar
I strongly believe in two words Shradha & Saburi given by Shree Lord Saibaba. This two words helps everyone in frustrating situations of life. Everyday I pray to him and remembering that "If you look at to me, I will look at you" slogan. I understand that whatever you give to me is the best for me. With the blessing of Lord Shree Saibaba, I have good wife, a three month old son, and good job. His majesty is proven.

Havovi Medora, New Jersey, USA
This is regarding the last week's Sai Vichaar There is an article of a man who wants Baba to give him the strength to be nice to his maid. I ask you what sort of absurdity is that. Surely it is upto us to be polite and nice to people who are underpriviledged. Why should he call upon Sai to give him strength to be nice to his maid. There are so many things we aks of Baba but this is something we have to do for ourselves. Let us not lose the purpose and meaning of Sai Vichaar which is to gain from others faith to know what our beloved Sai taught and to abide by his principles. Also there was an articles where someone asked that we read in their Satchatrita that a leaf from a tree will not fall without Sai's bidding then why is it that there is crime in this world . The answer to that is nature is perfect man is not. Crime comes due to the unsteady mind of man, greed, intolerence,hate are all imperfect factors of life and we are put on a path and have to chose our destiny. Those who choose correctly and abide are saved and the others are responsible for their own Karma. It also says that all who sat with Sai did not necessary benefit as like fruit from a tree some rotted, some got blown away . Baba was the only one to say to his devotees that he needed them as much as they needed him as it was their faith in him that helped him fight evil.So fellow devotees do not lose the purpose of Sai Vichaar newsletter for the positive and happy website for the lucky and fortunate persons like us who know our Beloved and Incredible Sai Baba

A S Vijayaraghavan
For Ms. Sujatha NJ USA. Hello Sai Devotee Your request has been seen. Baba will not let anybody down. By this time the mail reaches Saibaba.Org who in turn will forward to you, the PASSPORT would have been received by your Brother and you are all sure to leave on Feb 1st to attend his Wedding on 11th Feb. Deep devotion and gratitude are very essential. SAI Maharaj will do miracles but at the same time he will give a small test also. It is for us to accept that and pray to him and surrender to him totally. May SAI MAHARAJ brings happiness to ALL. Sairam

Karthi, Sydney, Australia
Information for Sri Ramesh. There is a proposal to build a Temple for Sri Shiridi Sai in Sydney. The Sydney Sri Shiridi Sai Satsang meets every Sunday between 4.30 and 6.30 PM for Bhajans at 430 Liverpool Road, South Strathfield. This is a huge old sprawling complex in corner of Liverpool Road and Hill Street, entrance through the gate in Hill Street. Hope this is useful. Regards Karthi

Madhu Sharma, Australia
I would be very grateful if you could help me understand lord shiva and the meaning of shiva lingam.
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Sai Utsav 2001, London, UK
Sai devotees of London UK, have scheduled Sai Utsav 2001 in London UK, in August 2001. Please contact www.shirdisaibabautsav2001.co.uk. for more details.
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Prayer Club

Gayathri
Baba I am going through lot of problems past 20 years one after the other. God give me strength to bear it, My parents are in lot of problems, please give them peace of mind and good health. I am staying away from my husband past 15 years. please bless me to live with him. You are my only hope. please pray for me.

A Sai devotee
BABA, The sweet look on Your face makes tears roll in my eyes, I've always loved You and continue to have Faith in You. But from past few weeks I feel like I've lost my most valuable friend of my life, that is disturbing me a lot. BABA, please answer my prayers and bring us back together and never separate us. My only asset has been my Faith in You BABA.

Shyamala Pattisapu
Om Namo Sri SaiRam. I believe in SaiBaba and he has always helped me in my times of need. Though whatever happened to me and my husband at that juncture was not what we wanted, but as time passed by we felt that it was for our good. As we began to see the results which might have happened if things happened the way we wanted. Exactly one year back I was praying for a Good Job for my husband(which I supposed was) but it he never got it, though the people wanted to hire him. Today we are so happy that he did not join that company because things are pretty bad there. We'll always thank SaiBaba for that.

Now, I lost my Job, got laid off...but by SaiBaba's grace I am given a notice of 2 months. One of my Senior Managers whom I worked with offered me a job knowing my situation. For which I thanked Baba but I am a little skeptical to join because his is a new company. I have a feeling that though I am not so keen about this job it is for my good. Please pray for me so that I can get rid of all my apprehensions and work hard and join this new job within the given time without any problems and live up to my Manager's expectations. Please pray for me that our Faith in Baba never deters whatever we pass through and may he take care of all of us. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.

Ravin Gnanasambandam, Ithaca, NY
I request devotees to pray for the speedy recovery of a dear one who is in the hospital after a major surgery. Let us pray that his discomfort is taken care of for ever. Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all.

Sai Devotee
Recently I had been to shirdi and had a good darshan of Saibaba. After that I do not know whether it is the testing done by Saibaba, my husband wants a divorce from me on all filmsy grounds. I would like the prayer club to pray to Shirdibaba to provide me strength to overcome the problem.
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Quotation of the Week

"The Supreme Light Divine - the Eternal one " lives and shines in everyone’s heart. Thus everyone is immortal. I shall vouchsafe to you the freedom of the path of the pure Spiritual Divine Light. You need not search for it. Simply ask for it and it shall be given to you. This path I have found readily at the mere thought of my Master, the revered Baba. - Pujya BV Narasimhaswamy ji to his disciple Sri Radhakrishna Swami ji, as cited in Apostle of love Sri Saipadananda by R. Parthasarathy.
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Question of the Week

What does one learn from Haji Siddik's story?
by Robert Kirk, New York, USA
In the Guru Gita, Lord Shiva tells Sri Parvati, "Guru bhava param tirtham anyatirtham nirarthakam, sarvatirthasrayam Devi padangustam cha vartataye." "Devotion to the Guru is the most sacred pilgrimage; every other pilgrimage is meaningless. Oh Devi, it is a fact that all centers of pilgrimage are in the Guru’s feet, even in one of the Guru's toes." With this in mind, let us contemplate Gurudev Sai Babaa's initiation. Haji Siddik Falke was learned in the Koran, respected for his compassion, and blessed to have completed difficult far off journeys to the holiest shrines of the Muslim tradition. The praises he received from others made him content in his role as Haji; yet, he had not met a being like the Master of Shirdi. As a result, he had not yet reached the zenith of his spiritual evolution and longed for the Master's blessings. When Haji arrived in Shirdi, to his surprise, Baba would not pay any attention to him. Sri Sai would not even allow him to enter the masjid. Haji's resolve was such, that he remained in Shirdi for nine months, viewing Baba from a distance. He patiently awaited permission; from Baba directly, in order to enter the masjid, and receive the Master's blessing. Let us think about the love and the longing that this man must have felt for our Babaji. Finally, Sri Sai's servant Shyama interceded on Haji's behalf. Baba told Shyama that he is too young to understand these matters and responded that only his Fakir (Guru) can offer consent and Grace to enter the masjid. Soon after, the Master asked Shyama to convey to Haji; whether or not, he would be willing to take the narrow footpath near the Barvi well? (The footpath to the Barvi well was very hazardous. The question that Baba posed was allegorical, and concerned a seeker's willingness to travel the difficult roads toward a Guru's blessing and toward Self-realization) Haji answered affirmatively to this question, and responded wisely and lovingly to Baba's other inquiries, which S.V.Swami related last week in the January 18th issue of Sai Vichaar. In response, Baba became so enraged that he began to toss his earthenware about the masjid. He would not even offer a crumb of food from his kolamba, which dogs were permitted to use to satisfy their hunger. Finally, the Master stormed toward Siddik Falke and further humiliated him by publicly refuting Haji's spiritual attainments. Siddik Falke never wavered. He remained steady and he humbly lowered his head. He recognized the great being that he encountered. While watching Haji's response, Baba's heart jolted. He could no longer suppress the floodgate of Fakir's Grace. The Master rushed to welcome Haji Siddik Falke. From then on, Baba accepted his newly arrived devotee, and he treated him very lovingly, frequently offering him dakshina and prasad.

This story touches me very deeply. I recall how one of my own beloved teachers humiliated me publicly at times, while inwardly, I knew that he was very pleased with me. I feared my Guru's praises even more than his reprimands. His love was the only spiritual nourishment I required. Let us contemplate what an extraordinary being Haji must have been to have such resolve to receive Baba's blessing. Let us also contemplate the importance of the teaching one can receive through properly studying the interaction between Haji Siddik Falke and our Gurudeva. Please refer to the eleventh chapter of the Sai Satcharita. Except for a loving heart and a clear mind, there is nothing that one need attain in life in order to be accepted by Gurudeva; however, Gurudeva will test you. All spiritual attainments, all knowledge, as well as the imaginings of one's station in life, should be left outside the door with one's shoes whenever entering Sri Sai's masjid. Only then can the Fakir's Grace properly enter your heart and transform your spirit. I pray that Gurudeva and Haji Siddik Falke are pleased with my interpretations. Aum Sai Ram

Q.What did Baba teach us through the wrestling bout with Mohdin Tamboli?
by Ravi Rajasekharuni, California, USA
Allah Malik. Baba taught many points here. First , loosing a bout is accepting the will of god without any pain. Life consists of successes and failures and we should accept the results without sorrow or happiness. Another point taught here is dispassion towards the end result of doing karma. Results from karmic actions should be accepted without pleasure or pain. Finally one must try and attain the fame in God's court and not in material world. Baba demonstrated practically the importance of accepting the will of God.
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