For the last three summers, I have been visiting a friend of mine who is a Mahamandeleshwar Saraswati monk of the Shankaracharya order. We share the same Guru lineage and I cherish our friendship. This summer, I had the pleasure of sharing my experiences with his devotees once again. One of the subjects that surfaced during our chats was the path of Dattatreya and the sacred scriptures, Guru Charitra, and Tripura Rahasya. My love for Tripura Rahasya, composed by Sri Haritayana is very deep. Our Sai Baba recommended both Guru Charitra and Tripura Rahasya for study. Sri Ramana Maharishi also loved Tripura Rahasya very deeply and asked his devotee, who became Sri Ramanananda Swami, to translate it into English. It is still available in Ramana Maharishi's ashrams in the United States and India. I have also noticed other English versions during my past travels in India.

November 27thmarks the twenty-fifth anniversary of my first pilgrimage to Shirdi. I am pleased that I can once again share with my Shirdi Sai family through Sai Vichaar. I plan to open up my heart more deeply to Sai bhaktas these upcoming months, but first, I wish to comment on a recent lead article in Sai Vichaar titled, "Flower without Fragrance", which contains a lengthy quote from "Tripura Rahasya". I consider it a privilege to further introduce this precious work.

Tripura Rahasya is sacred scripture. When copies were not available for seekers this summer, I traveled one hundred miles to acquire them, rather than quote its text from the only copy in the library. Holy scriptures add dimension to our sadhana; however, grace from a living Sadguru is absolutely essential to unlock the treasures contained within us. How else could one acquire the experience of Self? This is the essence of Tripura Rahasya. The scripture is based on Lord Dattatreya bestowing enlightenment to Parasurama. Most of Lord Datta's dialogue contained therein is the revelations of Hemalekha and the process of enlightenment she bestowed upon her husband, Prince Hemachuda. Rare in history did anyone receive enlightenment without a living Master. I know of none that received it from scriptural texts. Sai Baba of Shirdi is a Natha Guru. This tradition is an unbroken lineage transferred from Guru to disciple through the process of shaktipat. I consider Lord Dattatreya my deepest heritage and Avaita philosophy, most holy and a truly fine form of scriptural study; however, Datta Marg is the dust of Sri Shirdi Sainatha's feet. For a Shirdi Sai devotee, Sri Sai is Lord Dattatreya. I thank the author of the feature article, "Flower without Fragrance" and I thank him for introducing "Tripura Rahasya" in Sai Vichaar. Aum Datta Sai!

(Contributed by Robert Kirk, New York )
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Contributed Article: Eternal Guru

"But for our Guru, who can show the right path?, Millions of Stars, the Sun and the Moon may simultaneously put forth their best light. And yet the darkness, the impenetrable darkness will be there to block your path, if you have no Guru."

"Know the Guru to be God, serve him with all your heart, then the fetters of worldly bonds will fall off and the fruit of absolution will be yours." " Surrender unto the Guru, mediate on the God's reality, obtain release- the all pervading joy " says Bramananda.

Few seem to have even the faintest idea of the immense powers of a perfect man, of a man who has by constant meditation wholly identified himself with the Brahman. As the last chapter of Brahma Sutra clearly states a realized soul has the power to assume any form he likes, that he may not, if he wills take any form, that he can by his mere will not only assume one form but as many as he wants, that he will create and uncreate his own world, that he can move in the whole of the universe material and spiritual by that power and wherever he goes he will be adored and respected. Sai Baba fully answers to the description of the perfect soul given by the Brahma Sutra as we know he manifested himself in many forms as he deemed necessary either to satisfy the loving hearts of His devotees or to show to the real aspirant that he is the same, in no way different from the God, who the aspirant worshipped.

"Mediate always on My formless nature, which is the knowledge incarnate, consciousness, and bliss. If you can not do this, meditate on My form from top to toe, as you see here night and day" said by Baba to Dhabolkar. "You thought, that I was in Shiridi, with a body composed of the five elements and 3 1/2 cubits in length, and not outside of it. Now see and determine for yourself whether the person you see here now, is the same you saw at Shiridi," said by Baba to Mankar. " I require no door to enter, I have no form or any extension, I live everywhere, I carry on as the wire puller, all the actions of the men who trust Me and merge in Me" said by Baba to Megha.

Hence, Baba is Parabrahmaaya. One without birth, body, age or death. He was, is and will be with us eternally.

(Contributed by Bindu)
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Experiences of Devotees

Prashant K Shukla
Dear Sai devotees, I surrendered to Sai's Lotus Feet just three years back and since then, He has extended lot of love to me. It is his Kripa (kindness) alone that I have immense love and faith in Him. I have lot of experiences and wish to share two of them with you this time.

It was July 98 when I had a serious heart problem, following an angiograph which revealed 100, 100 and 95 % blockages in my coronary arteries, I got admitted in Escorts Heart Institute in Delhi for an immediate by pass surgery. Just a day before my surgery I changed my mind and thought of visiting Shirdi and hand my most typical case to the Great Healer of the Universe and left the hospital same day against the advice of the doctors.

My position was such that even if I walk 100 meters I used to have chest pain. It was my very strong faith that if I visit Shirdi, for sure He would cure my ailment. I reached Shirdi with one of my best friends Arun. During the distance from bus-stand to the Samadhi Mandir, I had to take at least ten Sorbitrate tablets since there was chest pain after every 100 meters.

There is a window in the main market outside the Samadhi Mandir where I could have the first view of BABA. It was really an experience for me that I could not stop my tears for at least ten minutes as I first saw HIM. I was really fortunate that I had very exclusive Darshan of BABA and surprisingly there was really no pain while we were on our return. And since then, I do not have any sort of pain though now I walk 6 to 8 kilometers every day and that too real brisk walk. I am sure The Great Healer has cured my ailment forever.

Recently, on 4th December, 2001, I had just finished my daily adoration to BABA and had requested Him - BABA do come in view before me some day in your original appearance and please do tell that it is You so that there remains no doubt in my mind (which otherwise always tends to find logics in every thing). Just then, my mother called me and said, "If you have finished your Pooja, go downstairs and receive a Sadhoo for a cup of tea which he was asking for." I was thrilled to see that none but BABA himself in his original appearance. Tall, big foot and in usual dress BABA used to wear and the same beard face, I am always sure about his affection on me but was really surprised that so soon He would fulfill my want.

BABA stayed with me for about two hours and during this time He told many times - "Mujhe pehchaan, Mein tere liye hi aaya hoon." (You should recognize me, I have come for you only.), I was just speechless at that time. BABA then opened a very old cotton bag which He was carrying and brought out some UDI and applied on my forehead with His own hand which instantly somewhat enlightened me and gave me some UDI to keep where I worship.

Then I requested Him to bless every member of my family, which He did. He said to my parents," It is only this child (me) that every one in your family is viewing me and taking my blessings." My father, mother, wife, kids and me every one was overwhelmed and having tears in their eyes.

He is really such loving and caring for his children that never keeps them waiting for their wishes. These days I am passing through acute stress because of huge business losses, may be He granted this my wish so instantly in order to strengthen my faith and patience.

Aum Sai Shri Sai Jai Jai Sai....
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Devotees say...

A Sai devotee
I am very happy and thankful to you for helping me and being with me during my thesis. I was so stressed and depressed during the writing of my thesis. I was not sure if I would be allowed to defend it this semester. Finally, with your help Baba, everything went on fine. If not for your help I would not have completed. Even during the defense, you helped me answer the questions. I was very scared of my committee members and on the defense day, you made it very easy for me. I once again thank you Baba for being with me.

Swati Kothari
Sai Ram, at present my situation is too bad. Oh! Sai, please help me to get back my love as soon as possible. Day by day, I am loosing hopes in my self. Oh, Baba, I am your new devotee. I know I am lacking faith, confidence and patience. Which is most necessary if I want to be your true devotee. Baba, please forgive me, with your kindness and stay with me and guard me with your merciless. Please, Baba helps me, without your help, I cannot do anything. Baba, show me your miracle to get me back my love, as I want. I never got what I want in my life, please show me your miracle and help me to get what I want, so I can settle in the life. All of Sai Devotees please pray for me.

Venkat
Baba, I am great believer of you since my childhood, You have been giving me success in every step I have taken, but since my marriage my wife is not getting along well with me and having health problem. Please help my wife health being cured and bless us a happy married life. Jai Sai Ram.

B.L.Venkatesh Murthy
My humble pranams at the lotus feet of our beloved Sai Baba. I had written about three weeks ago in the Prayer Club, and lo and behold, I received a response from three devotees from the Sai family (two of them living abroad), the very next day. They had even offered to help me find a better job. I feel heartened and thank Lord Sainath for His grace. I am facing many problems as an administrative head, and letters to my seniors at Mumbai to relieve me of this additional burden (actually I am an electronics engineer performing technical duties, too) have not received the expected response. I once again request all my Sai brethren to pray to Him to lead us to a better job and life.

Ch. Ganesh Babu
Sai in our lives act as a divine master. In the anniversary of Sai Samaj, Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh, Baba gave me a chance of enacting my self in the posture of Sai Baba. I gave the performance there and I happened to see a staunch devotee of Sai, who is working as a lecturer waiting to get married at the age of forty. Sai made me to bless her, that she would be married within a year. The marriage is fixed now and the function scheduled at Eluru, in Andhra Pradesh, India. This is nothing but of our divine master sai. He selects people to be his own instruments and gives message through them. Let us all pray for her comfortable married life praying the master along with her husband.

Rakesh Dixit Namaste! Is there a mantra that devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba chant? Is it Om Sai Shree Sai Jai Sai? Is it Om Shree Sainathaya Namaha? Also do Sai devotees fast on Thursdays like eat only one time? Do they keep a "manat" of fasting for 5 Thursdays for the outcome of whatever problems they are facing in life? Thank you.
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Prayer Club

Nandakumar and Vineetha
My wife has applied for extension of leave so that she continue to stay with me in UAE. But the chances are very dim. If leave is not granted she has to go back to India immediately. We offer our prayers to get extension of leave. With Pranams! Kanagaraj.R
Dear SaiRama, Sairama, You know everything. I have to keep my wife kalpa very happy. At the same time our marriage shouldn't cause any harm to our family and my vellore uncle's family. I am in confused state. please solve the problem as soon as possible. You are the only place where i can show my pain. Our family should be very happy. Sairama, i am remembering your words "WHY FEAR, WHEN I AM HERE". Please help me my God.

Swati
Please help me to fulfil my wish

Srinivasan
om sai sri sai, jai jai sai. i am a regular devotee of shri sai.... as and when i get time i keep doing ashtothara to shri shirdi sai. i have one small prayer. my close friend and colleague bindu .. her mother is not keeping well for the past one month,, she is infact bedridden and i believe she dreamt tht someone is trying to break her legs ,,, after this incident,, she is really in bed.... i believe some witchcraft work is been done on her,,,, dear sai,,,and all sai devotees, i would like everyone to pray for bindu's mother for getting up from the bed as quickly as possible,,, not to get possessed with any eveil spirits which is making her very weak .. she is required to conduct lot of humanitarian work........ i would like someone to give me some vibuthi or prasad or any holy water that i would give to her to get sprinkled and taken inside. dear sai , pl show some good sign to their family.... i bow to you..

Rabi
I am not able to get any work since 8 months here in japan,it is getting really worst,i am looking for the your valuable suggestion.I had been praying the Sai Baba since 2 months.

Nisha, Mauritis
I believe in lord baba.actually i`m facing lots of problems ,i never had financial problems.i lost my husband last year and i have to receive his insurance money,each time there much be a problem and actally they r looking for a police report.i got someone in my life but he is very far ,he live in india and his parents accept to marry his son with me although they knew about my past. what i want to know if i will succeed this time because i feel that i am very unlucky and sometime i think why i am still alive because i have to take courage infront of my mother . baba please help me show me the way .thank u Sai Ram
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Quotation of the Week
"Baba's touch was experienced by devotees when he gave Udi or allowed them to touch His feet or press His legs. Even here, He did not touch or allow every one to touch in the same way. When He desired to instruct anyone, He allowed the devotee to touch according to his faith and feeling and sometimes even objected" - Sai Sharananand in " Shirdi Dairy of The Honorable Mr. G.S. Khaparde".
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Question of the Week

Q. What does Baba convey through Mrs Khaparde's experiences?
A. by Subramanyeswara Prasad Nimmagadda

Our lord SAINATH Maharaj exhibited that love with pure devotion leads to union with him through Mrs. Kharparde. Dadasaheb Khaparde came with his family and lived in Shirdi for some months. Though Dadasaheb was not an ordinary, and very knowledgeable man in Vedas dared not to open his mouth before Baba. Dadasaheb and Mrs. Karparde were meek, modest, humble and good-natured. Dadasaheb stayed for four months, but Mrs. Khaparde stayed for seven. Both were highly pleased with their Shirdi stay.

Mrs. Khaparde was faithful and devout, and loved Baba deeply. Every noon she used to return from Masjid to take her meals only after lord SAINATH had accepted her naivedya. Seeing her steady and firm devotion, Baba wanted to exhibit it to others how pure love and devotion would bring them closer to him. One noon when Mrs. Kharparde brought the naivaedya - Sanza (wheat-pudding), purees, rice, soup, and kheer (sweet rice) and other sundry articles to the Masjid. Sri SAINATH who usually waited for hours, got up at once, went up to his dining seat and removing the outer covering from the dish began to partake of the things zealously, when questioned by Shama, Lord SAINATH explained how much he missed Mrs. Khaparde love and devotion and that it is not the dishes he (Sri SAINATH) was partaking but it was the sweet morsels of pure love and devotion of Mrs. Khaparde.

Thus, the relation between Sri SAINATH and Mrs. Khaparde illustrates that Man after many births realizes the perfect union with him through true love and pure devotion. We always begin as dualists. God is a separate Being, and I am a separate being. Love and devotion comes between, man begins to approach God, and God, as it were, begins to approach man. Man takes up all the various relationships of life, as father, mother, friend, or lover; and the last point is reached when he becomes one with the object of worship. "I am you, and you are I; and worshipping you, I worship myself; and in worshipping myself, I worship you." There we find the highest culmination of that with which man begins. At the beginning it was love for the self, but the claims of the little self made love selfish; at the end came the full blaze of light, when that self had become the Infinite. That God, who at first was a being somewhere, became resolved, as it were, into Infinite Love. Man himself was also transformed. He was approaching God; he was throwing off the vain desires, of which he was full before. With desires vanished selfishness, and, at the apex, he found that Love, Lover, and Beloved were one. This is what is illustrated between our Lord SAINATH Maharaj and Mrs. Khaparde.
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Sai Activities

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA organized by saibaba.org
Hemadpant narrates several incidents about Baba's appearance in the form of portrait to those who intended to receive Him into their hearts. Appearing in the form of portrait was also Baba's assurances of His presence and blessings to the devotees. Baba gave darshan to Shama in the form of a big portrait at the dormitory in Gaya during the former's visit. Thus, Baba had kept His earlier word to Shama that he would be ahead of Shama after doing Banaras and Prayag. In another incident Baba attended the family function at Hemadpant's house in the form of a portrait. Sai Satcharitha narrates the chain of events that led to Baba's appearance as a portrait, in the process fulfilling His assurance to Hemadpant. Portraits and pictures of Baba are at the least the signs of His omnipresence. They represent the universal love, compassion and merciful bounty of Baba's treasures.

In commemoration of the essence of Shirdi Sai Baba's message of universal goodwill and the Omnipresence of the Divinity, saibaba.org announces Shirdi Sai Baba Chitra Yatra: 2002 commencing from January 2002 in USA. The Chitra Yatra is being organized to bring peace and to invoke Shirdi Sai Baba's blessings for the benefit of devotees all over the country. He who inspired millions during His life continues to be a beacon of spiritual enlightenment even today and the objective of this event is to spread His message to the ever-growing numbers drawn to the spiritual path. Let us on this Thursday, contemplate on those beautiful stories of Sai Satcharitha and pray that Baba would provide the same happiness and satisfaction to the participants of Shirdi Sai Baba Chitra Yatra. Please visit Yatra page for more details.
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