During these times of mental anxiety and worry, one has to pray Guru's name and read and reread books about Him and obtain peace. SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA is such a book for all Shirdi Saibaba's devotees. As we go on reading and reread the book, we will find pearls of wisdom and philosophy. In the first chapter, Hemadpant, describes the cholera and the grinding of wheat and spreading it around the village to destroy cholera and at the end mentions that Baba did the business of grinding almost every day the sins, the mental and physical afflictions and the miseries of His innumerable devotees. The two mills of His mill consisted of Karma and Bhakti, the former being the lower and the latter the upper one. The handle with which Baba worked the mill consisted of Gnana.

It was the firm conviction of Baba that knowledge or self realization is not possible unless there is the prior act of grinding of all our impulses, desires, sins and of the three gunas viz. Sattva, Raja and Tama and the Ahamkara which is so subtle and therefore so difficult to get rid of. In a short space, Hemadpant described the unity of paths of Karma, Bhakti, and Gnana.

Seekers unnecessarily quarrel over whether one particular is better than the others. If one sincerely take to a path and with patience and faith work out that way, it will be realized that all paths lead to the same. A sadhaka must surrender and serve one path with his full strength. That is the most important thing. Once he puts all his efforts in getting rid of bad impulses, desires and sins, the path becomes easier. This is the essence of realization.

(Contributed by MRK, Phoenix, AZ, USA)
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Contributed Article: Shraddha...Saburi

OM SAI NATHYA NAMAH! The world is changing fast, faster than we can imagine. Let us ask this Question to ourselves, Who is changing the world? The Answer is We i.e. Humans. Human History is full of good and bad deeds. Just look at our history and we will conclude that it is only because of our greed, our ego, our disbelief, and our impatience that we have had so much bloodshed. We created religion according to our belief. Religion was made so that we follow the path that GOD has spelt for us. Does any of the religion teach us to fight, quarrel or harm anyone? Does these religions teach us that we have to satisfy an individuals ego? Have any of the humans who has caused bloodshed or for that matter harm to others, succeeded? They have failed miserably. This is the fate that HE has chosen for ill doers, for all of us who do not follow in HIS specified path.

HE after a good amount of thought has sent us to this world. We find that, HIS world is full of creatures that HE has found suitable. We are part of HIS Universal Family. HE has taken so much care in giving us our form. HE has also been kind enough to give us what other creatures in this Universe lack, (a) Thought, (b) Speech. And what are we doing with it? Are we using it in the right manner, as HE wanted us to do it? We have misused the greatest gift that we possess. The world that we see today is what we have made it. Every individual in his / her capacity has contributed towards either developing it or causing harm to it. It would have been much better if we had used our gifts positively.

HE through his messengers, who have come repeatedly, has tried to explain us what HE requires from us. Noticing our weakness, many a times HE has personally come to us to give HIS message. But we have failed to understand these messages. This time HE came to us as SAI BABA and chose SHRIDI as HIS ABODE from where HE showed us our correct path. During HIS stay in SHRIDI, HE specifically spelt out his two important messages for all of us i.e. SHRADHA and SABURI. SHRADHA means faith, belief, and SABURI means patience. We only have to be patient and have faith in HIM; he will take care of the rest. If all of us practice it in our day-to-day life, we will never be depressed, loose self-control and will always lead a happy life. SAI Baba's two messages SHRADHA and SABURI is actually what life is and what one should do in life, if they wish to live in harmony and peace with all living beings. These messages have come from Baba's mouth directly and he requires nothing else from any individual who believes and prays to him. Even to people who are iconoclastic by nature, BABA always finds a way so that they believe in HIS presence.

SHRADHA and SABURI will give us the power to face all the ups and down's of life. To start with never forget to offer your prayers every morning and evening to SAI BABA. You can pray as per your own way or method. There is no prescribed format for prayer to be done for SAI BABA. In Baba's words, he likes your faith in him more rather than the method of prayer. Always make it a point to meditate after your prayer or any time found suitable. While meditating, it is necessary that you see the world becoming idyllic. See peace and love flowing like waterfall from Baba's lotus hands and feet, see it and feel it everywhere around you and in you.

We have to accept this fact that we as humans, do tend to make mistakes, but it is these mistakes on our part, which shows us the right path, if at all we take it in right spirit and try to understand where we went wrong. Let all of us combine our faith and belief together and make this world a better place to live. We have to do it for our self, for others who are part of this world and also for our future generation. If all of us join together and try to change this world, we will see a lot of difference. Instead of bloodshed, there will be peace, instead of greed there will be love and more important belief in self, in humans and SAI BABA. We will live with each other only with SHRADHA and SABURI. Each one of us will be a power to reckon with and will play an important part in making this world an idyllic and a better living center. OM SAI! JAI JAI SAI! SAI SAI! NAMAH NAMAH!

(Contributed by Rakesh Mishra)
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Experiences of Devotees

Arun Kumar Dhulipala
Dear Devotees, things happened in my life that whenever I happened to think of something and pray SAI he used to show some way or the other. Being a staunch devotee of Baba, I am used to read Sai Vichaar newsletter every Thursday. In the month march or so, I read an article posted by a woman from Omaha. I knew I was going to shift to the University of Nebraska, Omaha from New Orleans for the fall then I thought to have contact with her but as days passed I neglected and eventually I forgot her name. Today when I started reading Sai Vichaar, I felt I should have contacted her in the month of March only. But as I scrolled down reading the newsletter to my surprise, I found the same person Ms. Priya Srinivasan to be submitting an article. I was very very happy that I just thought about it and I got the name. All thanks to the glory of Baba and to be his devotee completely and perfectly. As I am new to this place, I wanted to know if there are any Sai temple here. Sachchidananda Satguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai! Believe him to your utmost and never think anything negative, We must remember these three THings. 1. When Baba is with me which problem can be against me. 2. I can do all things through Baba who strengthens me. 3. Baba is with me, helping me, guiding me.
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Devotees say...

Sudhakar
I would like to know if there is any Shirdi Sai Baba temple in bay area or San Jose. I would be very grateful if someone could provide me the information. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya jaya Sai

Jothi
Is there any Sai Mandhir or Bhajan group in Denver, Colorado or in the surrounding area? Please let me know I would like to attend.

Kalpesh Ramakrushna Sonar
I came from India to London 3 months back for my masters in IT. I am devotee of Sai Baba searching for Sai temple in London. Any body please if you know about that please do inform me by writing to me at k_sonar@yahoo.com.

Zinnia Umana
I was born in the middle of a war. I grew up in the middle of a war. I have been through three earthquakes. I know how the Americans feel right now. But regardless of what they would have wanted to happen or not to happen, they should be thankful to GOD. Nothing wrong or bad happens. Karma happens. One may ask oneself, "Why GOD allow this to happen?" Karma has to happen. BABA may free someone from Karma. But there are situations where not even HIM can interfere. It is like when the lion hunts a zebra. "Poor zebra, the lion is going to eat it". One would even like to save the zebra. On the other hand, what is the lion going to eat? How is the lion going survive? There is nothing one can do about it. Maybe not even BABA. All one can do is watch and admire the lion's ability to hunt despite its size and weight. The same thing happens here. Just as we have the laws of nature, we have the laws of Karma. Karma cannot always be avoided. Once again, as every single second, Karma has happened. One is where one belongs. BABA watches us and looks after us even when we think we are "suffering". BABA is with us. Karma is happening. We are making Karma happening.
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Prayer Club

Rohit Suri
Jai Sai Baba .I pray and would request me to get my love from the person I love. I am waiting for this auspicious thing for last two years. I had even visited your temple at Vaishno Devi Shri. Please be with me. Please solve my business problems also. Please help me to get my love and I promise you that I will change and have changed already.

Swati
I have been with you for 4 yr. now, and it was because of someone I love so much that I got close to you. And today he is not with me, but I thought you will remain with me, you too have gone and taken away him from me. Is he with you Baba? Can you not solve the misunderstandings between us? Can you not bring us together again? I miss you and him in my life. Without you both, I am so lonely. Come back Baba and bring him back as well.

Swapna
Baba please help us as you did until yesterday. You know everything and there is nothing to say extra. I know that you are always with us and helping us in all the your means. And you also came to my home before my arrival. I believed in you and will believe in you, and I trust in you whether something goes wrong or right. I always think of you, while eating, drinking, or sleeping or in happiness or in sadness. I may have done something wrong knowingly or unknowingly in my present life, or in my past life, but please forgive me. For that, you punish me but not others. Please show me the way to correct the mistake that I have done. Baba please show some mercy on us and help us. Please take us in the right path and protect us from everything. We are still babies in your hands and your are our father, mother, God, Guru, and our dear BABA. Please forgive us and help us.
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Quotation of the Week

"My eye (of vigilant supervision) is ever on those who love me. Whatever you do, whoever you may be, ever bear this in mind, that I am always aware of everything you do" - Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi

Question of the Week

Q. "What is death? Discuss death and immortality?"
A. by Alphanso D'Souza

Death! Do I look forward to it? No, but it sure has neither fear nor any sting in itself. The grieving can find solace in the fact that the person they knew would continue to exist, all but in a different form. Quote "O mighty Arjuna, even if you believe the Self to be subject to birth and death, you should not grieve. Death is inevitable for the living; birth is inevitable for the dead. Since these are unavoidable, you should not sorrow. Every creature is unmanifested at first and then attains manifestation. When its end has come, it once again becomes unmanifested. What is there to lament in this?" -Bhagavad Gita 2:26-28. The Hindu belief in RENICARNATION is now so strong in me, that it totally eliminates any fear or dread it once clouded me. Death to this life is no determination of eternal damnation of hell or eternal life in heaven! To me, it is merely a transition, simultaneously an end but also a new beginning. Along with law of KARMA, it explains as to why we see (what we think) injustices and sufferings that befalls mankind. It also explains how and why God would never wish any one to suffer in hell (if there is a place like that!) and that he cares and loves each of us through every incarnation. The certainty of LIBERATION helps me to overcome any fear and uncertainty of what the tomorrows may hold, for one day we have the joy and assurance to be merged into God. Life's every step helps me to be more like Him, bringing me back to Him, which is inseparable. Yes, I do love God. He is my source of existence. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without Him, I will be nothing. Without him, I am nothing but with Him, I can do all things that strengthen me. True sustenance is in service, and through it, a man or woman reaches the eternal Brahman. But those who do not seek to serve are without a home in this world.
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Sai Activities

Shri Shirdi Sai Seva Sangham, Nagalapuram, AP, INDIA - Bhoomi Pooja
Braving the incessant rain, Sai devotees of Nagalapuram, Chittoor Dist., in Andhra Pradesh have made elaborate arrangements for Bhoomi pooza of a new Shirdi Sai Temple. Members of Shri Shirdi Sai Seva Sangham and other devotees had been waiting for Guruji Sri Chandra Bhanu Satpathy for more than a year. Their long anxious wait came to an end on 6th October 2001, when Guruji put His holy feet on the soil of Nagalapuram.

During the last two years there were no rains and this affected agriculture badly. Guruji's visit brought good showers that the streams, rivulets and rivers were overflowing and the tanks were full to the brim. If His visit were to take place two days before, all the people would have prayed to Sai and Guruji to bless them with good showers. But here Shri Sai answered the wishes of these people with a good rainfall before Guruji's visit itself.

As Sai's ways are inscrutable and difficult to understand, first He creates storm like situation and later pacifies the whole thing. All the devotees who assembled in thousands experienced the following divine leela of Sai on 6th October 2001. It was raining heavily on 6th morning. Bhoomi pooza muhurtham was around 11-15a.m. and the devotees were in a state of confusion but about twenty minutes before the arrival of Guruji, whole atmosphere changed at once. The rain stopped all of a sudden and the thick clouds vanished giving way to bright sun light.

There was an overwhelming response. Devotees have come from places like Bangalore, Chennai, Nellore, New Delhi, Tirupati and the surrounding areas. Devotee volunteers, police and others had tough time controlling the devotees who had assembled in thousands. Guruji offered His prayers in the small Sai mandir situated adjacent to the site. He carried the SANKHU and placed it in the pit dug up for Bhoomi Pooza. Later He performed Baba's abhishekam and gave arati. Due to rain Prasad Distribution was shifted to Tirumal Tirupati Devasthanam Choultry.

Later Guruji was taken inside the Veda Narayana Swamy Temple. He offered special prayers there. This temple is one of the oldest temples in South India and it attracts large number of tourists all through the year. The presiding deity is Lord Srimannarayan in the form of Matsavataar( the first avatar of Dasavatharams). The unique feature of the temple is during 25th, 26th and 27th , March every year, the sun rays fall on the holy feet of the Lord on first day, the second day on the abdomen of the Lord and on the third day on the forehead of the Lord. The most bewildering thing is that the sun rays pass through as many as seven prakarams to fall on the Lord. Even here, devotees thronged in great number and every one of them wanted to touch the holy feet of Guruji and take His blessings.

Guruji spent a few minutes exclusively with the trustees. Shirdi Sai Seva Sangam headed by Sri Munirathnam Chetty is a real Sai Sangham. It has all in all twenty two members belonging to different communities and are engaged in different professions. Yet it is such a cohesive team, as they have driven out their political, caste, etc. differences and are working in unision for this noble cause. This team stands as a role model and it needs to be emulated by one and all.

Later addressing the devotees, Guruji observed that, here, in this historic sacred temple town, a good Sai temple would come up soon. He appreciated the efforts of all those devotees especially, the donor of the land, the trustees and others associated with this holy venture and blessed them profusely. He explained in brief, Sai philosophy and His teachings and their relevance in the present day world. With a heavy heart, devotees bid farewell to Him. Sai devotees of Nagalapuram are yet to come out from that divine hangover. They were taken to a different world in the presence of Guruji which they have not experienced before. Now they all are looking forward to His next visit. Once again the anxious wait started and only Shri Sai knows when that happens and till such time it will be like a painful seperation for them, similar to the Gopikas with Lord Krishna.

Contributed By: P.Raghunadha Reddy, Tirupati, India Email: saichandrabhanu@yahoo.co.in
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