Shirdi Sai BABA has left his mortal coil on 15th of October 1918, on Vijayadashami day. BABA did not have any known true disciple(s) whom HE has initiated and asked them to carry on His work to humanity. Since then and now in present times; people have been swayed by the benevolence and kindness of this Mad Old Fakir accepting Shirdi Sai BABA as Sadguru. Some of these people were chosen by BABA to carry on the light of Sai philosophy by spreading Sai Tatv - of Universal love, compassion and brotherhood in all the corners of the world. HE alone assigns each person different tasks. Some are assigned the job of worshiping BABA at the temples, some building Temples, some writing books, composing music, giving discourses on BABA some running charitable trusts in helping the poor by providing food and clothing some using the medium of internet and providing literature on BABA. These people make BABA available to almost each and every household through their web pages. And there are some that are assigned the job of listening to the sorrows of fellow beings and praying for others welfare and well-being. It is said that when we share our feelings then our sorrows reduce and happiness multiply. This is a fact. In fact, all the people who have embraced Sai into their heart are unknowingly involved in serving BABA by serving the humanity. Sai message is about praying, love, and compassion, sharing, listening, respecting and giving. One finds these characters or qualities in followers of Sadguru, though they may not be aware of it.

Shirdi Sai Baba's teachings have always been shrouded with mysticism. BABA always spoke in parables as is evident in Sai Satcharitha. It is difficult for common man to understand these teachings unless the Guru graces the man. During His time BABA tested his followers, Chapter 14 of Satcharitha testifies this fact "Woman and wealth are the two main obstacles in the way of our Paramartha (ultimate purpose of life); and Baba provided in Shirdi two institutions, viz., Dakshina and Radha-Krishna-Mai. Whenever they came to Him, He demanded Dakshina from them, and asked them to go to the 'SCHOOL' (Radha-Krishna-Mai's house). If they stood these two tests well, i.e. if they showed that they were free from attachment for woman and wealth, their progress in spirituality was rapid and assured by Baba's grace and blessings."

We consider BABA as Anantha, the one with no beginning and end and all pervasive, so it is fair to assume that this MAD old man does pull the strings and tests His children even to this day and time. One might wonder what is the relevance of this point in providing service to humanity. While doing service to fellow beings, Sai followers get emotionally attached to people whom they are serving, as a result a bond is established, now at this point it becomes necessary to use our discretion. One must hold on steady fast to the holy feet of the lord and analyze the emotions that we go through. In heightened emotional state, one might think they are in love - as associated with physical wanting, hatred, anger, desire etc.; towards the person who are helped and consider these feelings are ordained by BABA. This happens many a times and is still happening now. It is essential that one who is involved in such sacred work be aware of the situations and gear accordingly and understands that it is a situation created by Lord to test the sincerity of the person. It is up to us to use our discretion and act accordingly by severing to the best of our abilities.

Shirdi Sai Baba has so subtly warned His children of this effect when He said "Though I have become a Fakir, have no house or wife, and though leaving off all cares, I have stayed at one place, the inevitable Maya teases Me often. Though I forgot Myself I cannot forget Her. She always envelops Me. This Maya (illusive power) of the Lord (Shri Hari) teases God Brahma and others, then what to speak of a poor Fakir like Me? Those who take refuge in the Lord will be freed from Her clutches with his grace".

The maya here BABA speaks is interpreted as 6 inner enemies - Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha Madha and MathsaryaThese inner enemies do surface at some point when we are involved in serving the MASTER when take up his work of serving the humanity. When that happens mind is clouded with ignorance and we indulge in infidelity, arguments, scandalizing, sin and are self opinionated and pompous in our actions without considering the consequence of our actions. One should keep future aspects of actions in view rather than acting on the spur of the moment. One derives satisfaction to ego at that moment, but Lord is our witness, and we will reap the fruits of our actions either good or bad later - there is no escape.

BABA gave an antidote for such behavior. Chapter 20 of Satcharitha, in which Hemadpant writes about Ishaopanishad describing it as "The poetry of the Ishopanishad is a Commixture of moral, mystical and metaphysical (ibid, Page 41)"." Das Ganu learnt through the actions of the poor girl that "all our feelings of pain and pleasure depend upon the attitude of our mind". We have to surrender negative thoughts and feelings to Lotus feet of our Sadguru and ask Him to guide us and help us to take hold of the reins of these wild thoughts and actions so that we may do our service diligently and with purity. One falters in the way of executing works of BABA, but by using knowledge and focusing on goals one needs to render highest quality of Service.
(Contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Saidarbar, Canberra, Australia)
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Contributed Article: In praise of Sadguru Sai - Part I

The concept of Guru (The Supreme Being) is very deep and wide. It is also as old as this universe. From times immemorial, there is hardly any literature - whether it is our Vedas, Upanishads, Shastras, Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharat and so on where the mention of Spiritual Preceptor is not alluded and eulogized. It is the spiritual guide who runs this illusory world and is the wirepuller and mentor of all. The whole creation of the Lord, which is inhabited by human beings, Devas, Gandharvas, hermits (Rishis), Rakshas, Pichasas and so on cannot be elevated to the final stage of self-realization until the Satchitanand, who is Existence, Knowledge and Bliss, flash upon His Divine Light to awaken the idle and ignorant soul, to guide and lead us to the highest platform from where there is no return. Therefore, the necessity of Guru is no less important but also vital, critical and absolutely necessary in our life to see emancipation and liberation from the riddle of birth and death.

Our Guru or Sadguru is our Sai Baba who has really indebted us in the form of Incarnation to uplift this mankind and take us away from the maze of this world. Renunciation from this physical world is not feasible unless we understand the force behind Guru and take refuge in His feet.

The sages of yesteryears like Jnaneshwar, and Eknath the premier poet saints of Maharashtra had reiterated the importance of a Guru. Shri Jnaneshwar Maharaj in his Jnaneshwari has stated that the Lord loves those who write the lives of Saints; and the saints also have a peculiar method of their own of getting the service, which the devotees long for. Similarly, Eknath Maharaj in his Eknath Bhagwat alluded that these eyes may be beautiful and enchanting but without the help of the Sun, they cannot see anything and standstill in the darkness. So, a man stands blind and ruffled without the help of Guru.

Even Avtars like Rama and Krishna had to submit to their Gurus, Vasishtha and Sandipani for getting self-realization and only virtues necessary for such progress are faith and patience.
(Vide Satcharita - Chapter II).

In Guru Charita by Saraswati Gangadhar, a Guru is described not only as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Creater, Preserver and Annihilator of the universe) but also as Parabrahman itself:

Gurur Brahma Gurur VishhNuH
Gururdevo MaheshvaraH
GuruH Sakshhaat ParaH Brahma
TasmaiH Shrii Gurave NamaH

We offer our Salutations to that Guru, who is in the form of Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Sustainer) and Maheshvara (Destroyer) and the Guru is indeed the Para Brahma. A Guru looks to the intense feeling of the devotees and endows them with knowledge and eternal bliss. All our actions are nothing but carried out at Guru's wish. We are mere instruments or players carrying out his wishes accordingly. So let us take refugee at His feet, which are life rejuvenating and source of infinite happiness. And those who took delight at His Feet were established in their own self.

Our Vedas, Shastras and scriptures are replete with the mention of name Guru. There are innumerable instances where faith, trust, gratitude and praise have been shown and sung in honor of Guru. Our scriptures declare that it is impossible for anyone to achieve self-realization without the help of Sadguru. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna enjoins upon Arjuna -

Tadviddhi pranipatena pariprashena sevaya
Upadekshayanti te jnanam jnaninan tattwa darshinah

The collective purport of the sholaka is that "If you wish to know the truth of the Paramatman you must seek such Masters, who have an awareness of it themselves. Learn from them by surrendering unto them, by devoted service and by right questioning. Thus will you come to know the Supreme Truth". In other words, surrender must be of body mind and wealth and the question must not be made with any improper motive or attitude or to trap the Guru and catch at mistakes. It must be serious and with a view to achieve moksha or spiritual progress. And also Seva is not rendering service - one must feel that he is not the master of the body and that the body is Guru's and exists merely to render service to him.

Sai Baba himself had praised the greatness of Guru by narrating his own experiences and gave examples of real Guru Bhakti. One Radhabai Deshmukh loved Baba intimately and resolved in her mind to fast until Baba accepts her and gave her Updesh (Sermon) and incantation (Mantra). Later seeing her tenacity and determination Baba called her and said that my Guru was a great saint and most merciful. I served him for a long time and always craved for Mantra. But he had his own ways. First he asked me two pice of Dakshina i.e. (1) Firm Faith and (2) Patience. I gave these two pice or things to him and he was pleased.

I resorted to my Guru for 12 years. He brought me up with great love. He was love Incarnate. How can I describe it? Night and day, I looked at him with no thought of hunger and thirst. Without him I felt restless. I had neither other object to meditate, nor any other thing than my Guru to attend. He was my sole refuge. My mind was also fixed on him. He always protected me by his glance just as the tortoise feeds her young ones, whether they are near her or away from her on the other side of the river bank, by her loving looks. Oh mother, My Guru never taught me any Mantra, then how shall I blow any Mantra in your ears? My relationship with my devotees is the same. Look at Me whole-heartedly and I in turn look at you. Believe fully, that Guru is the sole Actor or Doer. Blessed is he who knows the greatness of his Guru and thinks him to be Hari (Lord Vishnu), Hara (Lord Shiva) and Brahma (Trimurti) Incarnate. Instructed in this way, the old lady was convinced, bowed to Baba and gave up her fast. (Vide Satcharita - Chapters 18 and 19).

So who is this Guru who is so extolled, eulogized and exalted in our Vedas and Shastras and nothing is possible in this physical world without His Grace. What does Guru mean? What is significance of Guru in our day-to-day life and what can He do to liberate us from this mundane world. Here is the explanation -

Guru is derived from Sanskrit language. Gu means darkness and Ru means light. Thus Gu+Ru means one who gives light to dispel/remove darkness and shower divine light on us. Divine light of the Guru brings untold happiness, dispels the darkness of mind, awaken our soul to take us to the path of self-realization. Thus -

Guru is all -pervading, Divine Spirit, the Divine Light
He is Sanctuary and abode of peace
Though he is formless (Nirgun) Lord
Yet He is All-powerful, fathomless and limitless
His casual words are life-giving Elixir
Whosoever shall obey
Shall get unparalled joy and bliss
Ineffable is His praise
What we can say or describe?

(Contributed by Rajesh Rai Anand)
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Experiences of Devotees

Pradip Prasad Koirala
I am a Sai devotee. I have visited Shirdi four times. I have many experiences about Sainath of Shirdi. I want to get published one of my very recent experience. It was the Guru Poornima day of 2002. I always do two aratis of Baba in my house Kakad and Dhoop arati. Every Thursday, I used to change Baba's dress and his garland. I felt in Guru Poornima day last Wednesday that I should make arrangement for more new dresses for Baba so that I can change his dress every alternate day. I made the new dresses for Baba and change his dress in Guru Poornima day last Wednesday. I read Sai Vichaar in my computer in Thursday and an article by Sai devotee stated that in Guru Poornima day of 1908, Baba's important devotees Krishnaji Nulkar, Sama and other devotees had also worshipped with new dresses. It was the inspiration of Baba to me that without knowing the worship of Nulkar, Shama and others in 1908, I also worshipped Baba with new clothes in the Guru poornima day of 2002. PLEASE GOD BABA PROVIDE ALL THE NEEDED GUIDANCE TO ME AND FAMILY IN THE SAME WAY.

Bindu
Dear Sai Devotees, I would like to share this small experience of mine, I was in a confused state if I should take a car or not, as I could buy on loan from the company, but then it was that I would have to pay in 3 years time. Meanwhile if I happen to leave this place then I would require paying the whole amount at a stretch. When last Friday I went to Baba's temple near to my place, the president to that temple gave me a key chain with Baba's picture on it. I had never expected this. I take is as an approval from Baba, to go ahead and buy the car. I would also like to thank Baba, for what he gave me a few weeks back. I'm thankful to him for that, and also pray that I'm able to go back to US, on my project. May Baba be in the hearts of all.
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Devotees say...

A Sai devotee
Jai Sai jai Sai by your blessing I got a good offer all my suffering's for past one and half year's has been removed by you Sai prabhu. Thanks a lot Sainath you have been with me all this times this special thanks is for giving me the strength to survive in all the odds for the past one and half years. I want one more help from you Baba please provide me a way so that I could come to Shirdi for your darshan please Baba I want to be your devote till my end please Baba shower me your divinity so that I can mold my self as an spiritual person. Jai Bolo Sainath Ki.

"Guru Bramha Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheswara Guru Saksadh Para Bramha Tasmai Shri Guravey Namaha"
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Prayer Club

A Sai devotee
Dear Baba, I am separated from my wife for over 17 months. We have two boys. I do love her very much. Please pray that our family is back together .Om Sai Om Sai.

A Sai devotee
Dear Baba, Please help me to clear my interview and get the job I am eagerly waiting for. I need this job very badly dear lord. Please bless me. Dear devotees please pray to our Sai to grant this job for me. It is very important for me. Everyday I am going through mental torture by some people. Only if I get this job I will be treated better. These days this world is so materialistic and only people of rich materialistic wealth will be respected and treated well by everybody. I cannot write anymore as tears blind my eye. Please show your mercy dear Lord.

Krishna Alluri
Dear Sai, please help my husband to get through this test. Please boost his self-confidence. He is feeling very dejected and loosing hope in life. Please help him prove himself and make him feel better. Please write his test for him Sai. He cannot get through this test if you do not write for him. If he gets through this it is a miracle for us. This is going to make our lives be so much better. Please Sai you are my sole refuge. You are my only savior. Please bless him and my family. Om Sai Ram.

Lakshmi Viswanath
Oh My Dear Sai, I don't know why this is all happening. Every other week, my parents have been having some health problem or other. I being their only child is not with them now when they go through all these health problems. You already know what is happening to them. But still, I am crying out to you to save them and be with them always.

Couple of weeks back my dad suffered from severe headache. My mother told me about this when I called them over the weekend. None of the medicines proved effective. They were then recommended to go to a neurologist. With all the MRI and other scan reports; it has been found that there is a small cyst between the skull and brain. SAI, why should this happen? Though the doctor had initially mentioned that all the reports are normal and that the cyst is benign, now he has said that there is a 10% chance for the cyst to become malignant. The doctor now says that an operation is necessary in a few months if the cyst grows. Why do you raise an alarm like this BABA? SAI, I pray daily to you that no one in this world should suffer from Cancer. Be merciful to me BABA. Though I daily sing to you that you are my mother and father, I still need my parents to live long. Let the alarm raised by you be a false alarm. I have totally surrendered to you. I will come to Shirdi and sit in your Dwarakamai and do SATCHARITHA PARAYANAM. I believe in you. Please do not ignore this child of yours or her prayers. OM SAI RAM.

Sandhya
Dear Sai, Please let my friend Giribabu get a good job offer. He has been trying to get good job since last 3 years but nothing has worked out for him. You know that he has lot of financial problems at home. Please Sai, help him get a good job offer. I promise you I will come to visit you at Shirdi within one month from his getting good job offer. Please help him get a good job offer and solve his problems. May Sai bless you all devotees. Today on the auspicious day of Gurupournima I humbly seek your blessings at your feet. Please shower your blessings on all your devotees and me.

A Sai devotee
This is true story of mine life. I have fallen in love with a person. I truly love him. But as I am not from there caste and not very rich, their family rejected me, and that person also ran away to US. I just begged them but nobody listened to my request and insulted me badly. I still remember we both used to visit Baba's shradha, Saburi and surrendered myself to Baba's feet.

Baba's devotees always are true to the heart. Why he can't be. What is caste? Baba says there is no caste on this earth Baba never seen any caste any religious always help needy people ...

Please help me I love him and want to be with him. My soul longs for him cause I can't see him. He is now in Bangalore India but he can't meet with me because his mom given him promise.

Baba please make him understand that I love him madly and want to be with him. Please God convey my message to him and let me see him one time in my life
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Quotation of the Week
Sai Baba had different ways of dealing with different people. He was the center and to each man he darted a separate radius. Most people who approached Baba cared for material things only and hardly any came to him for the highest spiritual benefit of Atma Nishta - Sri Narayana Asram, Sanyasi of Wai, as quoted by Poojyasri BV Narasimha Swamiji in "Life of Sai Baba - Vol. III"
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Question of the Week

Q. Baba's face is not the same in all pictures. Why?
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Sai Activities

GuruPoornima in Austin, TX
Sadguru Sainath maharaj ki Jai! We had Sai Satsang on Gurupoornima day at our residence in Austin. Though it was a weekday, devotees turned up and the satsang went off successfully. It was quite a pleasant feeling to celebrate the occasion and with the help of the events like Saichitrayatra, boosts once spiritual interests towards involving often, mass worshipping Baba. Sai, bless all with happiness!

GuruPoornima in Twin Cities, MN
Sai devotees in Twin Cities, MN, celebrated Gurupoornima on July 20, 2002. Over three hundred devotees attended the evening's program of Sai pooja, Abhishek with devotees' participation, Sai Sathya Vratha, aarthis, Bhajans and kirthans. For more information on Sai activities in Twin Cities, MN, please contact Sangeeta (651-481-6782), Kiran (952-233-1819), Ravi (651-342-0600) Bhuva (651-681-2042) or visit. http://www.geocities.com/hamaresai/

GuruPoornima in South Brunswick, NJ
Sai devotees in New Jersey had a great Guru Poornima celebration on Sunday. Beginning with Ganesh Puja we did a variety of services, Sai Abhishekam, Namavali, beautiful Bhajans, Satcharitra reading, and finally the 'Aarati Sai Baba" which one can never get tired of. Everybody had a chance to do Abhishekam to Sai and offer flowers and Aarati with their own hands. While singing and clapping to Anup Jalota's 'SaiRamah Sharanam Mama' devotees really forgot this world and were completely immersed in Sai thought with closed eyes. May Sai continue to stay in our hearts in the days to come.

Saibaba Mandir, Garla, Khammam Dt., A.P, India
People in Garla village of Andhra Pradesh are constructing SAI Baba Temple and are in need of donations to complete the construction. The temple construction began in March 2001 and ever since they are committed to work and finish the construction. Myself and people of Garla village would very much appreciate your cooperation and kindness for any donations that you make towards the temple construction. For further details, please contact Sridhar by email at svallampatla@hotmail.com.

Note: Please verify accuracy of the infomation and ascertain its authenticity before making any donations - Web Site Administrator

Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, VA
Please join us in Shirdi Sai prayers, Bhajans, Kirtans, arathis, etc every sunday at Compton Village Community Center from 10am to 1pm starting Sunday, May 26th. For more details contact Padma Balusu at (703) 631-0972, Kumar Swami at (571) 643-0203.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in UK
Devotees may participate in Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra currently underway in UK. To invite Baba to your home and for further details please contact Manu Bajaj at bajaj_manu@yahoo.com or call at +44 7905 933 489 in Wembley, UK

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA
"Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra(Pictorial Journey)", started in USA on Jan 01, 2002. With anchor points across USA concurrently participating from day one, this unique event is off to a great start.

The journey which involves the ceremonial travel of Baba in the form of a portrait will stop at all Baba devotees homes who are interested in being a host to his protrait. The Yatra which will run till fall of this year, is open to one and all. There is no fees or charges involved to take part in this event. You may participate either as a host home or serve as an anchor point in your community.

Vist online at yatra page for all the details and to register.

For questions, comments, suggestions or to get details on an Anchor home in your area, send us an email at maildrop@saibaba.org with the subject line of "Shri Sai Chitra Yatra".
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