Everything in this universe, living, or non-living, visible or non-visible is changeable and mutable because every thing is in motion. This law of motion operates in the smallest particles of nature called atoms and sub atoms as also in the milky ways, universes, and beyond. Whether on this earth or in the space, everywhere divine energy in the form of uninterrupted motion is present. Therefore, the first and foremost principle of the divine manifestation is un-interrupted motion. There is motion in birth; there is motion in death. Any action means motion because motion is the "Swabhav" or "Nature" of nature itself. Therefore, any thing created by God has a motion. In fact, the whole universe with all its aspects is God in motion. For example when we think, there is a motion in mind, when we do not want to think and resist there is a motion in mind. Even if we go to sleep the motion continues in a subconscious state of mind and we see dreams. This brain of human being contains millions of cells, which are in mobility without our knowledge. Even if are not aware of it, it is said that in seven years, the body molecules are replaced by new ones. Even if we do not know or we are not aware as to how the changes take place not only in the gross body but also in the subtle mind, such changes are taking place continuously and in a certain manner ordained by nature.

In short, life is motion, life comes out of motion, and life is motion itself. When physical motion stops at the time of death, the soul or the subtle body continues its journey in a certain form and therefore, it has motion. That is why death is called "Jivagati". ("Jiva" means soul and "gati" means motion). It is never said that it is a "Jivanashtha", (that is Jiva destroyed or the actions of the Jiva are dead). It means that even if the Jiva or the soul has completed its actions in a gross body in a certain period of time, the mobility of soul yet continues. Thus, this motion in a living human being changes to a dis-embodied consciousness state. The subtle body particles like the gross body particles later are destroyed and it goes to another body called the "causative" body. After some time the "causative" (means the cause of creation of all bodies) is also transcended and the soul reaches a state where the "cause" to be born is not there. Once the causes are destroyed after completion of a time circle covering thousands of lives, then it comes back to its original state of "cause-less-ness" and the state of cause-less-ness is without any motion. In that 'cause-less-ness' state neither there is a cause nor there is a motion to experience the effects of cause. Neither there is light as we see, nor there is the Pancha-Bhootas (five elements), nor the Devis, Devtas, nor the phenomenal Universe. It is beyond the imagination of any body. Only Spiritual Masters experience this motionless action-less causeless, space-less, timeless, state of existence. The universe was created due to some reasons, which is called "KRIPA" or "WILL" of God. In order to experience Himself in multiple forms that the primordial energy set a process of motions and that the motions created millions of universes. Again, on completion of their time cycle through a process of motion, they go back to the "causeless state". Thus millions of living creatures are created, sustained and are evolved through this principle of motion. All souls ultimately go back to its original source. This has been going on and shall continue. Philosophy speaks and the Saints experience these motions in its varied form. Material laws of motion are limited to matter. The laws of motion beyond matter are the laws of spiritual motion. One who meditates and concentrates to find out the principles of such motions will know about his own past and future because the laws of motion carries within it the past and shall also carry the future in a time continuum. The spiritual sadhana is, therefore, nothing but a preparation for the understanding and experiencing of these laws of motion, which creates ever-changing worlds. Happiness is created by this law of motion as also unhappiness. Even if we do not understand the laws of motion, we are a part of the motion and can try to witness ourselves as a part of the process of this motion in case we develop objective understanding of ourselves. This is called a "Drashtha-Bhava" or objective look at ones self in relation to all the happenings around us and in us.

The man who has cancer and knows he will die, is experiencing his body becoming weaker but does not see how exactly his body is becoming weaker from inside. In this state, he is sure that he will leave the body one day. Therefore, logically he would be thinking that his body is not a permanent friend, as it would die away with the change. He will experience that his soul and not the body is permanent. Thus, the soul can experience the laws of motion as a finer reality.

God is like a pillar and all human beings are like calves tightly attached with a rope of destiny and 'Karma'. But would we consider that pillar to be the Master then we will consider that the rope is tied to the Guru and being thus tied one is moving around.

(Contributed by Guruji Sri C.B.Satpahty, New Delhi, India)
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Contributed Article: Did Baba preach "Just feel good" gospel?

What is the method of teaching that Baba followed? Did He install any institution or a particular way of thought for His followers to propagate? For that matter, has there been any record of Sadguru Sainath appointing anyone to continue what we conceive as the mission He had set?

Inscrutable are His ways! This is a famous phrase from Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji's English version of Shri Sai Satcharitha. It turns out to be true. During His lifetime and after, Baba showed a peculiar way of teaching and guiding His followers. He had asked some to be more disciplined, perform rituals, and undertake reading of sacred texts, while some were asked to keep quiet or just wait. Some were commended for their piety while some denounced for their orthodoxy!

Baba seemed to have answers to the innermost of the questions His followers had. He seemed to have a certain way of giving "individualized instruction" depending on one's earnestness. However, He seems to be very particular in emphasizing certain virtues in His followers. The two pice (two cents) He demanded were faith and patience. Invaluable! By calling Himself as a servant, Baba has stressed the importance of humility, because humility is a virtue that reaps rich harvest in one's pursuits. By insisting on the surrender of the self and accepting the will of the supreme over the individual, Baba stressed the existence of a unifying higher order. His views on the purpose of religions were simple, "There is only one God and the purpose of every religion is the same". In a unique way, Sai Baba of Shirdi also had asked His followers to investigate the "self". He also expounded on the obstacles for such a pursuit, native as well as acquired. Is it possible to categorize this unique way of spiritual leadership?

For some, Baba's life and teachings might look like a paradox, but in reality, His ways are as simple and natural as it could be! He did not give any set of rules to follow for His disciples. On the other hand, He was present in the minds of earnest devotees who sought His guidance on matters, big and small. For such people, in His words, He guarded them from front, back, and sides. To those who would differ with His advice, Baba said simply, "God will do good". Faith and patience are two traits common to everyone and by invoking these qualities common to every human being, Sai Baba of Shirdi has indeed simplified the pursuit.

Eleven assurances of Sainath are well known to His devotees. Baba said that none who would approach Him would turn back disappointed. Did He mean that every prayer would be answered? Yes! Every prayer will receive an answer. Sometimes, the answer is "Yes", sometimes, "No", and some other times, "Just wait". Baba's coffers are open to those who believe in waiting and wanting His grace and love. His gift to those is not "just feel good" temporary material appeasement, but bliss that is perpetual, a state of permanent contentment. Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all!

(Contributed by Ravin Gnanasambandam, Ithaca, NY, USA)
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Experiences of Devotees

Sai Kumar Vijayadevan, Hyderabad, India
Dear Sai Devotees, I wish to introduce myself to the SAI community as Sai Kumar Vijayadevan, from Hyderabad, India. I have been reading "Sai Vichaar" since Nov 2000 when I was in USA for a few months. It is really an excellent newsletter and I am enjoying reading about SAI activities across the globe and experiences of our SAI brethren. I would like to state a few more lines about how our family members became staunch devotees of Lord Sainath. My Father Late Shri R.Vijaya Devan, Retired Additional Finance Secretary to Govt of AP was an ardent devotee of Lord Sainath since early 1950s. Initially a non-believer of Saints, we were told that one fine morning a Saint appeared in his dream and just disappeared in a few seconds after showering blessings. This happened when he was in Kurnool, working for erstwhile Capital of Andhra during early 1950s. The very next day he happened to visit a temple with one of his uncles. To his surprise, it was the same saint who appeared in his dreams the other day. Eversince, he started praying to this lord, who has been showing his mercy eversince. He used to visit Shirdi eversince, once or twice a year without fail. What we are now, is because of Lord Sainath's blessings. My father had spread this SAI message to all our family members and each one of them (his brothers, sisters and their family members) are staunch devotees of Lord Sai Nath. I would like to share our experiences in subsequent issues of Sai Vichaar. Bow to Sri Sai-Peace be to all. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.
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Devotees say...

Ramakrishna
Sairam. I have been a Sai devotee for about 10 years. I made three visits to Shirdi in the last ten years. My devotions is not full-fledged. Sai gave so many material things in my life. Sai saved our lives in more than one occasion. I am indebted to him for so many things. When I was not having any solution, he showed me a way in lot of situations. My Wife and I are asking for kids for sometime and we are praying him to grant us the same. I am aware that everyone has to bear fruits of their past actions and Sai knows what is good for us. I know I did lot of mistakes in the past. We think despite our persistent prayers Sai is not granting us our wish. He granted us so many wishes in the past and we are praying from bottom of our hearts to get kids. We are praying for kids for my brother also. I pray again to the great Lord to grant us children. Sai thanks for everything, please grant our wish.

Rakesh Mishra Email: mishrarh@indiatimes.com
I would take this opportunity to thank all the persons involved in Sai Vichaar, who have published this article in the issue of 11th October 2001. It is glad to hear from a Sai devotee that my article Shraddha and Saburi was enjoyed and accepted it to be true. Thanks for the appreciation.

Havovi, you have really put the facts in straight and in simple words, which I am sure every one of us can understand. It is so true that his devotees have spread Baba's fame. All Sai devotees feel his omnipotent power and see his Miracles in our day to day life. I hope the message of PEACE, SHRADDHA and SABURI given to us by BABA, reaches to all of us and we follow it sincerely in our life.

Havovi, You have mentioned in your article of 18 October 2001, that you enjoyed reading the article written by Mr. Rakesh Mishra of Phoenix Arizona. I would take this opportunity to make a correction here, it is Rakesh Mishra from Thane, India. I think you have mixed the location with the Feature of the week in 11/10/2001 issue, which was titled as The Power of Sri Sai Satcharitra by MRK - Phoneix, AZ, USA.

If in any way I have hurt your or any of the Sai devotees feeling, I apologize for it. But I thought it was better to bring it to your notice.

Manu Bajaj, UK
I have quite liked your recent articles in the Sai Newsletter. Very interesting.
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Prayer Club

Sreegopal Mandapaka
Dear Sai, kindly help me in moving to my Muscat job without any hurdles. My present company is giving me troubles at the time of me leaving them. Sai, please help me.

Usha Sastry
Oh Sairam. Apatbandhava, Anadha Rakshaka, please help me to get a job again. What wrong I have done to lose the job. I never forget you. All these times you helped me. I do not want to materially progress but still I need a job to support the family, so that my son can have good education. I am trying my best to progress spiritually. You have to help me in every way. I did Satcharitra parayana and I will do again on Mahasamadhi day. Please help me to get a job soon. Om Sai Sri Sai jaya jaya Sai.

Shalini Agarwal
Sai devotees please pray for my son. He gets into big trouble due to immaturity and is in a big one now. Only your prayers and Baba's blessings will help him out. Please pray for him. You all are my only hope! I cannot thank you enough.

Padma Sirisha Dhulipala
This message is for MR.Shreeram.B who expressed his problem in the last week's Sai Vichaar newsletter. Mr.Shreeram, never worry or be depressed for anything, which had happened in the past. With our Dear SAI, all things are possible. I request you to please try meditating upon Sai's lotus feet especially the posture of Sai's left hand fingers apart placed on HIS right feet (written in SAI SATCHARITRA that meditating on this posture removes all our miseries) and keep saying 'SAI' 'SAI' whenever you find time. Also, imagine Sai with you always helping and guiding you wherever you go. See the difference you feel. Miracles will start taking place in your life. I can tell you this much that you will definitely complete your studies successfully and achieve top grades. Not only this that you will make all your family members especially your parents the happiest on earth. Therefore, I request you to please try the above and feel the difference. Thus when Sai is with you and with every Sai devotee there should and will not be place for worry or depression. May SAI shower upon you all the blessings you require. OM SAINATHA.

Saibaba.org, USA
Baba, we seek your blessings and grace in making the "Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002" a successful event.
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Quotation of the Week

"Love all creatures. Do not fight with any, retaliate, or scandalize any. When anyone talks against you, pass on unperturbed. His words can not pierce your body. Others' acts will affect them alone, not you. It is only your own acts that will affect you" - Sai Baba of Shirdi

Question of the Week

Q. "What is death? Discuss death and immortality?"
A. Shyamala Hari

One major difference between a living being and a dead body is that a living being exhibits "consciousness" where as a dead body is not conscious like any other lifeless object in nature, say a stone. What happened to the consciousness after death? Was it inside the living body? Did it leave the body at the time of death? Upanishads answered all these questions. Vedanta explains what life is, what death is, what is conscious and what is dumb. Although there are many living beings and all are conscious, there is one and only one Consciousness which is the same as what we call God and it is omnipotent and omnipresent, so consciousness is not only in the living beings but everywhere. Then why is a stone not conscious? The following well-known example from Vedanta explains all this as follows: Consider sun light falling on several pots containing water. We see a sun in every pot. So, the omnipotent light of one sun reflects in many pots of water creating as many reflections. For the reflection to occur, it needs water, and water needs a container to hold it. Similarly, a living body has two components, a physical body which is like the pot, and a subtle body consisting of mind, thoughts, memories, desires, etc., this is like water. The reflection of Consciousness in the subtle body interacting with the physical body is what we perceive as consciousness in living beings. Note that it is not the real sun but only a reflection. Just like reflections of the same sun light appear differently in different pots depending upon the nature of water, for example the image in still water appears solid, whereas the image in water with waves appears shaky, the same consciousness produces different personalities in different living beings. Now, if one of the pots is broken and cannot hold any water, there is no more reflection in that pot but suns light shines everywhere as ever. A dead body cannot interact with the mind just like a broken pot cannot hold water. A stone or a dead body does not "reflect" Consciousness because it is not in interaction with the subtle body just like a pot without water cannot reflect the sun light. Death is simply the separation of mind stuff from the body. Also, if the water leaking from a broken pot is somehow carefully caught into another container, sunlight will produce another reflection there. Similarly, the subtle body if its identity is maintained, can begin a new life in a new physical body if one is available, because Consciousness is always available like the sun light. How is this identity maintained? In this analogy, the reflection phenomenon represents what is called identification of the Self with the subtle and physical bodies. The omnipresent and omnipotent Self when it identifies itself with these two bodies produces a being who is conditioned by their characteristics, space, time, desires, etc., again like the reflected light which is conditioned by the shape, color, etc. of the pot and water and can spread over only a limited space unlike the sun light. The living being therefore experiences pleasures, miseries and all the opposites that occur in life. Note that the formation of a reflection does not diminish the original sun light in anyway. Also, images created in all pots are distinguishable. Similarly, after the creation of all different beings, the Self remains as bright and undiminished as ever. The interaction of the physical and subtle bodies is what we perceive as life. Death occurs when this interaction stops. If the physical body is not in a good enough condition, the mind cannot cause it to perform actions like seeing, talking, walking etc. So, at death, physical and subtle bodies separate but since the identification phenomenon occurs at both physical and subtle levels, the identification of Self with the subtle body can continue. This latter identification is what maintains the identity of the subtle body and is usually called the soul. So, the physical body undergoes changes and dies when it separates from the soul. The soul may go through different lives; it does not die but suffers pleasures and sorrows. Once the Self dissociates itself from the mind stuff, there is no more soul, no more rebirths. There is only the immortal and blissful Self.
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Sai Activities

Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, India
Members of the Management, Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, cordially invite you all to join them in celebrating 83rd Punyatithi Festival of Shri Sai Baba from Thursday, 25th October 2001 to Saturday, 27th October 2001 at Shirdi.

The three day program includes all four traditional arathis to Baba, Holy bath of Shri Sai Baba, Abhishek pooja, Adhyay reading, Keertans, Vocal music, Procession of Shri Sai Baba's palanquin and chariot, Kathak Dance, Gopalkala, Dahihandi program and National Cultural Program. Dwarkamai will remain open for Parayan all night on Thursday. Samadhi Mandir will reamin open all night on Friday for Darshan. For more information, please contact the Executive Officer at Shirdi.

Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan, Sydney, Australia
Baba's Mahasamadhi Day will be celebrated on Sunday 28 October, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney invites you everyone to join in blissful evening of Bhajans and Satsang. The program will commence with Dhoop Aarati and end with Shej Aarati, followed by Maha Prasad. To coincide with Dussehara, Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan is organizing Durga Maata Bhajans on Saturday from 8:30pm onwards in the Sai Mandir. All are welcome. The temple will be open for extra hours during Dussehara, Maha Navami and Vijay Dashmi days for Darshan. Wednesday to Friday 24th, 25th 26th October: Between 7pm and 9pm Saturday 27 October: From 7pm until late. 28th October: On Sunday 9:30am till 9pm (all through the day) Devotees wishing to contribute food for Maha Prasad or anything in kind, please contact Mrs. Sujata Hemchander Rao 98710163 or Mrs. Padmaja Prasad 97978970 or Mrs. Bhanu Chandra Mouli 9763 1951. For any other details on the function or Sansthan's activities, please contact Sansthan Hotline on 0500 724524. Please pass this e-mail to your family and friends. This will be the first Mahasamadhi Celebrations after Baba's arrival in Sydney. All devotees are welcome to join the Mahasamadhi Divas activities and seek Baba's blessings.

All India Sai Samaj (Regd), Mylapore, Chennai.600 004,India
Mahasamadhi celebrations during the period 16th October to 2nd November 2001. Daily abhiseka to Lord Sainath, Sri Sai Sahasranama archana, arathi both in the morning and evening. 27th October, Mahasamadhi day. On 31 October Pujyasri Narasimhaswamiji (Founder and pillar of Sai movement) aradhana day will be performed. Daily music performance in the evening arranged.

Shirdi Sri Sai Seva Samajam, Thirumanilaiyur Agraharam, Karur. 639 003,Tamil Nadu, India
Mahasamadhi arathana of Baghawan Shirdi Sri Sai Baba 26th October and 27th October. Ganapathi Homam,Navagraha Homam,Durga Suktha Homam,Sudharsana Homam,Mahalakshmi Homam,Rajamathangi Kubera Laxmi Homam for the welfare of the world. Devotees desires to contribute may send DD/check in favor of the above address.

Shirdi Sai Shakti Dham, Sai Nagar, Vikas Puri, Jagadhri Road,Ambala Cantt.India
Mahasamadhi celebrations on 27 October. Abhisek, narayana seva on that day.

Shirdi Shiv Shakti Sai Baba Pawan Dham, Sector V, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh 173330, India
Mahasamadhi celebrations in a grand manner on 27 October 2001. Last year due to heavy cyclone, heavy damages to temple complex. Now reconstruction work is nearing completion. Devotees are requested to participate for this re-construction work and contribute their mite by check in favor of Sara Charm Saber, Prawn and forward the same to the above address.

Sri Sai Baba Seva Samajam, 8-2-22,KONERU, Market Street, Secunderabad-3, India
Sri Sai Baba 83rd Punya Thithi dasara celebrations during the period 23 October to 27 October 2001.Daily abhisekam, special Sri Sai Sahasranama archana, Prasadm distribution to all devotees, annadanam. Evening Bhajans. All are requested to participate and obtain the Blessings of Lord Sai. The founder President Late Sai Bhakta Sri G.V.R.Naidu has dedicated his life for the spreading of Sai movement in almost all parts of Andhra Pradesh under directions from Pujyasri Narasimhaswamiji of Chennai All India Sai Samaj

Shirdi Sai Trust,C-31, Eleventh Cross, Thillai Nagar, Tiruchirappalli-620 018 Tamil Nadu, India
Request all devotees to kindly attend the Kumbabhisekam and inauguration of the Shirdi Sai Community Center on 26th October 2001,Friday, the Mahasamadhi Day of Shirdi Sai Maharaj and receive His Blessings. Shri K.V.Ramani, Managing Trustee, Shirdi Sai Trust,E-54, 19th cross, Besant Nagar, Chennai-600090 will participate the installation of Sai Maharaj at 6.30 a.m. on 26 October 2001.

Akhanda Sai Nama Saptaha Trust, Dwarakamai, 147, 32nd Main,11th 'C'Cross, Mahalakshmipuram, Bangalore-560 066 India
SAINT SHRI SAIBABA OF SHIRDI taught Shradda and Saburi, Universal love and tolerance. Baba always chanted God's name "Allha Malik" continuously and often made His devotees do "NAMA SAPTHAHAM" to destroy all evils. Inspired by this "Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai" nama sankeerthana for 72 hours is organized from 17 October to 20 October 2001 in MANDIR PREMISES AT SHIRDI. Shri Sai Sansthan, Shirdi authorities have accorded permission to conduct at Shirdi Sai darbar.

Shri Shirdi Sai Center of NJ, USA
Center will celebrate MahaSamadhi/Dussehra day at Dugra Mandir, Kendall Park, NJ on 27th Nov between 5PM-8PM. Program: Ganesh Stuti, Kirtan bhajans, Sai Mahima, Nama Japa and Arti Please come one and all in the Tri state area. For Directions and Information call Kumad Sachdev @ 732-257-1438 or visit Saikrupa.org

Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India
VIDHYA DHANAM -8 The eighth Vidyadanam program was conducted at 10.00 am on Wednesday, October 17th, 2001 at Government Upper Primary School, village Kapra, Keesar Mandal, R.R.Dist. Andhra Pradesh. Thirteen students received school dress and sweets. The event included prayers to Baba invoking His mercy and blessings for more such events.

SAI IN VASTRADANAM -4 On 17th of October 2001, 4th VastraDhanam program was conducted by Saidarbar - Hyderabad. new Dhoties and Saris were distributed to homeless, poor and disabled people. Twenty-five people were benefited by this event.

Saibaba.org, USA
Saibaba.org announces "Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002" starting on January 1, 2002. Chitra Yatra involving the ceremonial travel of Sai Baba in the form of portrait along four routes from four corners in USA will end in Chicago later in the year after staying at devotees homes enroute. Please look for more details in the weeks ahead and register yourselves early by contacting the web site adminsitrator at admin@saibaba.org to enable us to work out the logistics.
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