I was discussing reactions to the horrifying episode on 11 September 2001 with a friend. She was describing reaction of her 8-year-old son who was disappointed when they were showing nothing but the updates on Attack on America. The child's comments were 'that has happened last night people are dead, what can we do now talking about it, they should get along with other programs'. Then after going home my 8 year old son asked me 'it is so boring they keep on showing the same thing since morning, how long are they going to show all this'. These comments kept me thinking -- what values am I teaching my child? Is value of human life is just a minute of silence as a mark of respect to the dead and getting along with life pretending as if nothing has happened? Is this what our lord has taught us? As none of our dear ones was involved, so is it fair to think that it is not our problem, so we do not have to waste time in thinking about it?

I asked 8 year old how he would have felt if either his dad or I were in that building which collapsed, I asked him his reaction, he was stunned, he said he would be very sad, 'probably the saddest kid in the world'. Then I said that is how thousands of children, wives, or mothers who have lost someone very dear to them are feeling. As a human beings it is our responsibility to look after the welfare of others around us too and the least we could do it pray for them. Then my son asked me 'what is the use of praying for them they are already dead', I said to give strength to the family members and most important of all when these people are reborn in their next life they should not face such tragedy. About couple of hours after this conversation, my 3 year old who was present during this conversation, told me, 'mummy I am going to pray to Baba', I said okay. He prays to the picture of BABA in our bedroom, comes to me, and says 'mummy Baba says he will take care of the people'. This innocent remark moved my heart and I thought well it is not hard to teach good values. I made a difference! Children are like clays you can mould them as you like. Everything that they do and say is what they have learnt from us - Parents and environment they live in. When we react indifferently so do they. Empathy is a greatest quality that would stop the wars.

Why did BABA show his grief when Megha died? Why did BABA take on him the bubos of Mrs. Khaparde's son, when she prayed to HIM about her plague-inflicted son? Why do we pray to BABA when we are in pain and trouble? Is it not to lighten the burden of our problems? How will BABA lighten our problems unless HE suffers for us? Every religion has taught the same principle of love, forgiveness and empathy. Another thing we should remember is that BABA has promised that if HE takes a rupee from anyone HE has to return 100 times of the value of the rupee. HE also said that HE resides in the hearts of all human beings so to treat them with respect and love.

Does this not mean that when you covet someone's money or cheat them you loose in the same proportion too? When you harm someone, will you also not be subjected to the same humiliation at some point in your life? I know of people who disrespected their parents in their youth, gave them lot of trouble and neglected them in their old age, and now those children are somebody's parents and they do not have a night of peaceful rest as they are being subjected to the same treatment in multiples. I know of a daughter-in-law who abused her mother-in-law and now a mother-in-law herself is subjected to the same fate. I personally know people who profess to be staunch devotees of BABA and have destroyed lives of people to the point of driving a young woman to commit suicide and covering it up saying it was death of natural causes. Do you think these people are happy - no definitely not, they have offspring who have congenital problems and misery in their lives. I know of people who unintentionally committed harm to others - but were they spared because they did not intend to harm others.

I remember Guruji Satpathiji, when he was in Sydney for Sydney Sai UTSAV 2001 saying universe works on Einstein's equation of proportionality 'for every action there is equal and opposite reaction', so also Sri Gopala Rao Ravada saying to me when I visited him in India that 'love begets love, do no harm to others you will not be harmed'. I find this very true. I am sure all of you would agree with me too. Just take about half an hour of your time - I know it is difficult with our current life style, try it anyway - talk to your spouse about the people or yourself and your position and what have you done previously that is effecting you or others around you. You will be surprised with the answers. We do not have to die to go to hell for out bad deeds, we suffer the consequences of good or bad in our current life.

I remember an astrologer who is quite famous in Hyderabad saying 'we can change the lines of our fate through prayers and good deeds'. BABA also reassures Dr Pillay that he could work out his sufferings in 10 days, instead of 10 births, and blessed him. Perhaps we could make a start now, help your neighbor or friend, let us make it a conscious habit of doing good deed a day. That will unconsciously develop into a habit. Children are like sponges they absorb a lot of things and most important of all they trust us - 'parents'. So what we teach makes a lot of difference to world. Do not say that we cannot make a difference, start it at home. Perhaps when they grow up they will not suffer the trauma and impact of hatred, and destruction as we are suffering now.

BABA says "He, who sees Me in all these creatures is My beloved. So abandon the sense of duality and distinction, and serve Me". As true devotees of SAI let us all adapt these golden words and see SAI in all beings, perhaps that will reduce the ill feeling between us. Sairam

(Contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Saidarbar, Canberra, Australia)
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Kama is not love

We misuse the word "love" a lot. We think and say that two people are in love when there is physical attraction and emotional attachment between two people. Assuming this meaning for "love", some people even wonder why Krishna is called an Avatar because He had eight wives but also loved Radha and thousands of Gopikas and was loved by them all.

Krishna's love is not related to the physical body. Physical attraction and emotional craving is not love. It is Kama, desire. There is cheating and lust in the context of Kama when one does not honor one's commitments. God's love is true love, which Krishna gave to Rukmini, the other seven wives, Radha, Gopikas, Pandavas, and many other devotees. Each of the Gopikas was thinking that Krishna was with her. They were all His devotees and He was with every one of them. God can and does give His love at the same time to several devotees who love Him. In fact, God loves even those who do not love Him. They cannot see it because they have not opened themselves to receive it. Therefore there is no such thing as cheating in Divine love just like several children are all loved by one mother. Those who think Krishna is a playboy are misinterpreting the scriptures.

Since the mother's love is the most unselfish love that one experiences in one's life we often say Sai's love is that of a mother. In fact, Sai's love or Krishna's love is far superior to that of any mother in this world in the following sense. The love of an ordinary human mother is confined only to her children whereas God's love is not confined to one person or one community. God loves all His creation. Krishna loved not only women but men also. He was protecting Pandavas constantly. Because He taught Arjuna Gita does not mean that He loved Arjuna more or less than other Pandavas or Gopikas. He was showering His grace on each devotee in a way that is suiatable to him/her for receiving it because different people grasp through different ways of communication. Baba was like that too. Baba used different ways to teach those who approached Him and different ways to draw people to Him.

There is significance in depicting Krishna as being surrounded by Gopikas. In general, women are considered less egoistic than men are. This is a general view, it does not mean that every man is egoistic and no woman has any ego. A Gopika who is enjoying Krishna's company represents a devotee who has completely surrendered ego to the Lord. Krishna's influence was such that with His darshan, a devotee could easily lose the ego and is immersed in His divine love. The picture of One Krishna and several Gopikas conveys that He is the one and only one Supreme I, the Consciousness, and the devotees who are experiencing His divine love have absolutely no ego.

(Contributed by Syamala Hari)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees

Susheela Maganty
I would like to share my joy that I felt when I first visited Shirdi this August. I have become a Sai devotee for the past 9 month through a friend. She had such wonderfull things to say about Lord Sai that I was moved emotionally. I made my mind then and there that this time when I visit India I have to go to Shridi. We had planned a long journey and my husband was worried how our 6year old daughter would take it as she is or shall I say was a wheezing child. But the 15day trip which ended in Shridi was beautiful. My daughter who frquently falls sick with infection and wheezing was totally hale and hearty. We stayed for 2 days in Shridi and attended the Kakda Arthifor which I have no words to express my joy and bliss. It was truly magificent and I felt Lord Sai was there in personblessing all of us. I always feel He is looking over us where ever we go.I am very grateful to my friend who told me about the greatness of Lord Sai. We returned back from India with a feeling of peace and contentment. This trip was really unforgetable on two issues going to Shridi and my daughters health which has remarkable improved after we have come in contact with Lord Sai.OM SAI RAM
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

MRK and T.M. Srinivasan
In the article titled Speech and Sadhana, published in Sai Vichaar two weeks ago, the phrase, "Satyam bruyat nasatyam nabruyat" was mentioned as found in Bhagawadgita. It is not correct. The error is regretted. However, the fifteenth sloka of Chapter XVII of Bhagavadgita states the same thought as

anudwegakaram vakyam satyam priyahitam cha
yat swadhyayamabhyasanam
chaiva vagmayam tapa ucchate

In the Sankaracharya bhashya of Bhagawadgitha, the following translation is given for the above: Words that do not pain living beings, truthful, pleasing and good. The last epithet refers to results, visible and invisible. To achieve verbal penance, all those attributes must be present in every utterance.

Further, "Yaa kaavaar ayunum naa kaakka; kaavaakkaal sogappar solizukkapattu" says Tiruvalluvar, the greatest Tamil poet and writer. This means: "even if you can not control any other sense, control the tongue (naa). Inappropriate use of tongue will bring about tragedy. Yes, the tongue has a duel role; both are perhaps unique for humans; speech is the most unique.

Sriram Rachakonda
Please let me know if you know about a Saibaba temple in Singapore or Malaysia.

Poorna Sairam
I regularly read Sai Newsletter and was a regular reader of Shri SAiSatcharita for a long time. My family and I showed interest in the contemporary spiritual personalities like Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra etc. and had attended their discourses, or visit their centers. Recently we visited Kripalu center to listen to the lecture of one Mr.Rahul Patel. He had released audiocassettes on how he is healed of cancer and how he died twice and been in the LIGHT. He came with the message of "LIVE, LOVE and LAUGHTER". From my short personal experience in knowing about him I realized he is doing some sort of cancer curing and removing of karma or not of which I have no understanding about, after that he controls one's mind and personal decision making. By that process, he is dropping sexual feelings. From my inner prompting I understood without any spiritual confusions and working to stop this happening further. Spread the news. Live Love and Laugh at your own inner prompting.

Niranjana Kumaran
A devotee asked how to fast for Baba. Baba once told me the following, "At noon on Thursdays, eat half of what you normally eat. Then pack a lunch and deliver it to a poor person." I told him that in there did not seem to be any poor people around this city - to which He replied, "Yes, there is a homeless lady in your city. Give the lunch to her." He was, as always, right. There was a homeless old lady sitting in a bus shelter to whom we delivered sandwiches in His name on Thursdays until she passed away.

A Sai devotee
Dear Padma, these downturns of Life are nothing but the other side of the same coin. These are the times to hold "Steadfast to your Bolster" (Guru's teachings) and sure enough this tide will pass through. Baba has also told his devotees many a times that hard times will come but if they follow His teachings of Shradha and Saburi, the devotees will pass by these situations. So, have Faith in HIM and you will soon see that HE takes care of you now and forever. We can only see the small picture today but tomorrow, when the things are good, you yourself will look back on these times and see how Baba helped you.

A Sai sister
Sairam Syamasundar-ji of Houston, TX, as soon as I read your response about my appeal for suggestions to my sister who is settled comfortable in life... I called and left her a message about Gayathri Manthra. Thank you very much and yes, I will also say the Gayathri manthra.

Sairam sister Padma, our prayers are with you. Surely, all of us will pray for your success and for you to retain your current job. Swami will give you good health and you should be strong for the sake of your kids. Sometimes I go through the phase where I feel that I do not have any close friends to talk or share my feelings. Some people talk to you and suddenly turn their faces around. Ever since I have come into Swami's fold, I have no regrets about these friends. If you keep all these kinds of feelings its not fair for the kids. Your kids need you and you should be strong for them. A friend in need and Swami is your best friend. May BABA bless you with the good job, your testing period comes to an end soon, and may you be a great mother for the kids.

Dear Sai devotee Geeetika, you got the idea of fasting on Thursday with Baba's blessing only. This is my belief in Sai. I also fast on Thursday. Baba never recommended fasting on empty stomach. I avoid salt & spices on Thursday. You can have fruits, milk, and some nuts once or twice on fasting day. It depends on your mental ability. I get extra concentration on Baba particularly when I fast.
Back to Menu

Prayer Club

Rameshchandrabose Kanakamedala
I request all Sai brothers and sisters to pray for a speedy and complete recovery of a nice person and a staunch Sai devotee Mr. Satya Prasad of BHEL, Hyderabad, who fell down in the toilet causing a major fracture to his leg requiring surgery and insertion of a steel rod. Mr. Satya Prasad is a Raja Poshak of Shirdi Sai Seva Samithi of BHEL, Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad, India. May Lord Sai keep his family happy and healthy always.

Usha Ramaseshan
I am undergoing a lot of tensions regarding my family. My husband does not have permanent job yet. My kids also have gone through a lot of problems. Sorry but Sairam knows all that I do not want to tell those in the letter. Whatever we try is stopped midway. Nothing is getting accomplished. There is no peace in mind or at home. Please could you all pray to the Great Baba for us for his blessings? I know he is all prevailing but sometimes I feel that he has also closed his eyes on us. Please Sai open your eyes. Look at us and help us. I have surrendered myself at your feet. It is you now to rectify everything and let good happen. Please all Sai devotees please pray for us.

Usha Sastry
Om Sai Sri Sai jaya jaya Sai. Sai Mahaprabho. With your help only I got this job. I am working hard and work is worship for me. However, the employer is not recognizing my hard work. I want them to give me recognition & full time job, to enable me to work more hard dutifully, and support my family financially. Please also guide my son to find seat in good university. I pray, pray & pray always.

Aalap
Jai Sainath! My son is studying in USA. Last month he got layoff from his part time job. I request all Sai Bhakta to pray for his new jobs. From Sai Bhakta.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23

Question of the Week

Q. Why did Baba sleep at Chawdi and Dwarakamayi, and why is that women are forbidden to enter the sacred room in Chawdi?

A. by Niranjana Kumaran
Laxmibai Shinde was the only woman permitted to enter Dwarkamai at night. She was also the one whom He referred to as His "mother-in-law" because she had surrendered her mind, her "daughter" fully to Him. There was no differentiation - surrender was quite complete so she was deemed worthy of the "dakshina" from Him of the nine coins, depicting the nine forms of bhakthi. Restrictions can apply only when there is that "wall of differentiation" between Him and us. As He says, "Remove the wall of separation between us, so that the path between us is cleared for our meeting." Om Shri Sai, may love for our sweetest Sai Baba grow within us
Back to Menu

Sai Activities

Shirdi Sai Mahotsav 2001
Shirdi Sai Mahotsav 2001 was celebrated in Chicago, IL, USA on September 1-2, 2001. This Labor Day weekend witnessed the glory of Sadguru Sainath as celebrated by His devotees with pomp, gaiety, and devotion. The two-day event included Sai aarathis performed as done in Shirdi, Abhishek, Archana, Bhajans and Kirtans and spiritual discourses. The first day was delightfully concluded with eminent singer Shobha Raju from India who enthralled a crowd of over 750 with her renderings of Sri Sai bhajans and other devotional numbers.

The second day program included Vishwa Shanthi Homam for world peace, spiritual discourses, Inter-faith prayers, and a slide show depicting the life and teachings of Sadguru Sainath. The evening was beautified by the fabulous Festival of Lights and a play on miracles of Sai Baba enacted by children. The highlight of the evening was the Palki Seva, the ceremonial enactment of Baba's Palanquin. This event brought to the sight of devotees, those pious days in Shirdi whence Nana, Tatya, Mahalsa, Bhagoji, and Laxmibhai were immersed in the pure ambrosia of Sai devotion. The day concluded with Shej Arati and Mahaprasad. Shirdi Sai Mahotsav was organized by Sai Samsthan USA. Please visit www.saisamsthanusa.org for more details.
Back to Menu

You may subscribe to receive the newsletter by e-mail.

Fill out your e-mail address and hit the subscribe button: