"Chale re Baba bheek maangne, bachche hai bukhiyare"
Bachchon ke liye Hari bhikaari, liye haath me jolee"

"There goes Sai, set out to beg as the children are hungry
God the beggar resorted to the bowl, Oh! children for your sake"

'Unless you have given it before, you do not get it now. Therefore, the best way to receive is to give. The giving of Dakshina advances Vairagya (Non-attachment) and thereby Bhakti and Jnana. Give one and receive tenfold. If I take one rupee as Dakshina from anybody I have to return it tenfold to him' said Shri Shirdi Baba. So did our scriptures many times. That is why great teachers like Vivekananda told us not to lose an opportunity to give ever. But to be able to give, one has to have something first. For example, in the story of Krishna's poor friend Kuchela, after searching his home again and again, by the grace of Krishna, Kuchela found a handful of grams and offered them to Krishna who then blessed him with prosperity. Does all this mean that one should never fall into a state of not having anything because then one cannot give and therefore never get out of it. Interestingly, the answer is no. If one truly gives up everything and has no desire to receive then such a person will not only lack anything but can give abundantly. The simple life of Baba, a renunciate by birth, illustrates this.

Baba begged His bread from four or five houses. In one hand, He carried a tin pot and in the other a zoli. He daily visited certain houses from door to door. Liquid or semi-liquid things such as soup, vegetables, milk or buttermilk were received in the tin pot, while solid things like cooked rice and bread were taken in the zoli. He mixed them up and threw the mixture in an earthen pot from which dogs, cats and crows ate freely. He ate a little of that hotchpotch with content because His tongue did not care for taste. The woman who swept the floor of the old abandoned Masjid in which He lived, took home some of the food collected by Baba. When He first came to Shirdi, Baba lived at the foot of a (Neem) tree. Nobody even knew what He ate or when He ate in those days. He was a celibate sannyasi from boyhood. He slept on a wooden plank tied like a swing, to the rafters of the Masjid with old shreds and rags. People began to gather around Him as He gave them health by curing their various ailments, sometimes by giving them strange medicines but often by Udi and His blessings. He was soon giving them not only cures for illnesses but jobs, promotions, help with exams, wealth, progeny, and protection from dangers, and anything and everything they wanted. Above all, He was showing them how to get to that perfect state when they would be so content and so full that they would not have a thing to ask for any more.
Though He begged for His food like a Sanyasi, to show us giving food is the best charity; sometimes He undertook to distribute food to all. Then He made all preparations from beginning to end, Himself. He went to the bazaar and bought all the things, corn, flour, spices etc. He did also the grinding. He cooked 'Mitthe Chaval', 'pulava' and Ambil and served them with His own hand to all the poor and helpless people to their hearts' content. Though He collected a lot of money by Dakshina, Baba would distribute the whole amount the same day, and the next morning He would become a poor Fakir as usual.
He had no desire for fame. He did not make an effort to get devotees around Him. Devotees gathered around Him because they were benefiting by His association. He had no wealth, no house, no family but He could say with confidence 'My treasury is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give. My Sircar says 'Take, take' but everybody comes to me and says 'Give, give'. Nobody attends carefully to the meaning of what I say. My Sircar's treasury (spiritual wealth) is full, it is overflowing. I say, Dig out and take away this wealth in cartloads.' (Contributed by Shyamala Hari, USA)
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Experiences of Devotees

Alpesh Patel
I would like to post my experiences in Shirdi and with Sai Sat Charitra, i.e. With Saibaba himself. I read many books of philosophy and religious scriptures and I had started feeling subtle vibrations at holy places like temples and pilgrimages. Once, two of my friends and me wanted to visit Shirdi. We reached Shirdi and had darshan at the Samadhi temple. It felt nice, however I could not feel much vibrations there although I felt a feeling of calmness, serenity and silence.

Then we went for the darshan of Gurusthan and then to Masjid Mai, We had darshan of dhuni and then opposite to the dhuni was the stone on which Baba used to sit. Devotees were placing their heads on the stone and I stood near the stone waiting for the small queue to get over.

As I was standing, I felt as if someone was hitting my legs with the sand. I was wearing jeans and when I looked down there was nothing to be seen hitting my legs still the feeling was the same and soon the feeling took over the other parts of the body. My friends had the same feeling. I had never felt the subtle vibrations so strong, ever. I was getting overwhelmed. We stood in the queue, which was reduced to about three devotees. I placed both my hands on the stone and then the head. What great energy I felt. Whole of my vertebrae column was vibrating and I felt energy rushing between my eyebrows. I stayed there for about 3 minutes. My friends later told that a devotee wanted to disturb me as there were devotees waiting in the queue. But another devotee stopped him by saying "Achi Bhakti kar raha hai" ( he is doing good devotion). I was like a drunk with the divine energy of Baba. I sat besides the stone enjoying the bliss and the energy I was receiving. Both my friends had the same energy. We sat there and again and again put our heads on the holy stone with the same effect. The feeling of that great energy the presence was felt even when we reached hotel and thereafter for few days. This presence is always felt when ever I go to the holy land Shirdi.

We had bought Sai Baba’s pictures, the original one with the umbrella. After reaching home, I was watching the photo and the energy began to rise within and without. What energy that is, one thing is sure that such energy cannot be created by us, but can only be received by grace. I feel so thankful to merciful Baba who showers this grace on unworthy child like me. Whenever I feel this presence, I am sure that it cannot be produced by my efforts.

Once I got impatient and thought why I cannot have this energy every second of the day. I want to be in the same energy always (I still have this feeling). So, I decided that I would sit watching Baba’s picture until I get the self-realization. I decided that I will do nothing else but keep watching Baba’s picture. I watched the picture for about an hour. I thought that I should also read Sai Sat Charitra, as the energy felt was too much.

I casually opened the book and began to read. The chapters 18 and 19th, chapters had the story of the author who had the similar thought of impatience. Baba had sent him to chitchat with another devotee Shama. Shama then narrated the story of Mrs. Radhabai Deshmukh, who had decided and gave up food until Baba gave her a mantra. Then Baba called her and told her his own story where he had said that he had served his Guru for long and his guru had asked for two paise. Those were Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). Here I was struck with the word patience with great impact and also in the second last paragraph the words To some devotee, who was practicing Hath-Yoga, He sent word that he should leave off Hath-Yoga practices, sit quiet and wait (Saburi) struck me. I then left the idea of hath and decided to remember and watch his picture with Saburi. Here I remember the Shree Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s words that how could one who think about consciousness get unconscious. So how can one who watches the picture of consciousness incarnate get unconscious? I still meditate on Baba’s picture and feel this consciousness within and without. I was also very much against the miracles. There is a very good book Meher Baba on Sai Baba. In which Meher Baba had explained they perform miracles so that they can attract devotees and give them what they want them to give. Also, there is nothing like miracles. Our small mind when it sees something happening, that is beyond its grasp it calls it miracle. Nothing was and is beyond Baba’s grasp. For instance, television, or phone or radio or even switching of the light bulb would be termed as miracles by the people living in 15th century. In the similar manner, many times when I would feel troubled and casually read Sai Sat Charitra. I had opened the chapters that would get my agitated mind and lead it to peace. Other great thing about this blessed book the invaluable gift to us by Baba is that even holding it makes me feel the presence. Once I was in deep emotional pain. I felt that the very roots of my being were shaken and I choose to get in this painful experiences rather than avoiding them. The pain was deep and I thought I would go mad by this painful experience. My body was paralyzed by the emotional pain and I was lying on the bed. At that time, I put Sai Sat Charitra on my heart I felt much energy going from the book in my heart and balanced it. The pain was there but the energy to sustain was received.

I have also bought a shawl from Sai Sansthan Shop in Shirdi and get touched by Samadhi of Baba. The shawl when placed on my body also makes me feel this presence. I had this desire of touching and placing my head on the articles used by Baba. Last time I was I Shirdi and was visiting a house of a devotee of Baba, when Baba was still in the human form. The ancestor of the devotee suddenly stood up and started showing me the articles used by Baba, the kafni, the satka, the tin pot, the footwear, which were gifted by Baba to his forefather devotee. Not only this, he insisted that I hold them for a while. There were devotees in queue before me and after me, none he asked to hold them but me. SadGuru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai.
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Devotees say...

Savita Jayaram
Swami Vivekananda says, the first test of true love is that it knows no bargaining. So long as you see a man love another only to get something from him, you know that, that is not love; it is shop keeping. So, when a man prays to God, 'Give me this, and give me that', it is not real love. I offer you a prayer and you give me something in return. Look how selfish it sounds. True love has to be unconditional and altruistic, like that of a child towards his mother. BABA said "Look calmly on all the things passing before you". Come what may "Stick to your bolster", love HIM in spite of everything that is happening to you, without expectations.
The second test is that true love knows no fear. Can you frighten one into love? Servants sometimes simulate love for their master, but is it love? It is always a sham. Many people fear God will punish them if they do wrong. Hence, the moment they did something wrong the guilt and fear of punishment makes them turn to God for forgiveness. True divine love can see no fear. True love will love for loves sake not for fear or for satisfaction of desires.
True divine love should be our highest ideal. Love BABA for no other reason but because you cannot help it, it is your very nature. Every event in our lives all the problems are there because of us (NO ONE ELSE IS RESPONSIBLE) - BABA has said repeatedly that one has to suffer the effects of his past actions. It is better to suffer and be done with it, HE says. Do you think BABA does not know of your problems? HE is Sarvantharyami. He is the pure unchanging, eternal SELF in you and knows everything that is happening. So why bother HIM with problems? Why ask for help? Do you think HE wouldn't have helped you if HE wanted to? If you want to ask something of God ask that, that divine love for BABA be yours and nothing more. BABA himself has said, "I give you what you want in the hope that you will want what I want to give you". Let us all crave for what HE wants to give us. Let us pray to him without expectations knowing that all that HE has arranged for us is for our own good.

Prasanna
I just wanted to share my experience. I am praying Baba from 1993.With Baba's Blessing I am able to survive day-to-day life. With out his blessings I cannot think about future or present. Daily each and every movement I am surviving with his blessings only. I bow my life on his feet. He is leading. I pray Baba daily that "please take care of my life (Career as well as physical)". I know with his blessings I am able to survive in this world. Thanks a lot Baba for each and every minute being with me taking care. Please take care of my future. Please make sure that I should achieve greater heights with your blessings.

Madhurima Tenneti
I had a dream on Saturday night rather Sunday early morning hours where I saw Baba in his orange sadhu dress sitting and posing for a photograph, the rare thing was he was having a toothpaste smile (showing all his teeth) on his face which I have never seen of Baba. I am not able to find out the significance of this. Can anyone answer to my question? Is Baba trying to tease me or amuse me or just says he is very happy with me? I do not know.... waiting for what other devotees have to say about it.... I love you Baba.

Vadlamani Srilakshmi
This is in regard to the article submitted by mr. Sankar of Hyderabad giving information about Dr.Yoganand of Hyderabad. He specializes in herbal medicine and does that as a social service free of cost. Any body that has faith in this can go to him and benefit from his medicines. We have met him and know this for a fact. This information is very authentic.
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Prayer Club

A Devotee
Oh Shirdi Sai Baba, Thank you for being with us always and protecting us and guiding us, Please let my husband to have good health and to recover fast from the treatment he is being given. Let all the medications and advise of the Dr, be right, Sai Baba you have always been with us and we know right now you are guiding us in the right path. I beg you to help my husband recover fast and his devotion in you grow more and more. With love and pleasure, I am reading your Sat Charitra. Let our devotion in you grow more. We know this is a testing period for us but we have full faith in you as you are always our guide and protector. My prayers are that we come to Shirdi with my daughters also who worship you. Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai

A Sai devotee
Baba, please help me; I am in a real predicament. Please show me the right path, and bless all of us.

A Sai devotee
Om Sai Ram, Baba, Please help me in my job. You know what happened last Thursday at work and I am very disturbed about it. I am scared of facing life everyday. I am unable to concentrate and work, please help me Baba. I am feeling I have been very unfairly treated, if that is not so, please remove the unpleasant thoughts from my mind. I am trying to do that but all facts point to the unfairness and my mind refuses to let go of those thoughts. Baba, all the people I thought were my friends have turned away from me. You know Baba, I helped one of the same persons secure a job in my division and he has taken advantage of the situation. Baba, every morning I am nervous to face this world and unable to concentrate on my job. Please help me Baba. I understand what you are doing is for my own good, but please Baba, give me the saburi to go through it. The last couple of months have been very trying for my family and me, please please help me Baba. I need this job, I cannot get a job elsewhere and have no confidence in myself. Please Baba, take care of your child. My children are also feeling my stress and there is little peace at home Baba. You know that. Please give us all faith and patience. I remain yours Baba. Jai Sai Ram

A desperate devotee
Dear Sai Baba, You are like a father to all of us, please help me out. Please help my father who is suffering from debilitating and serious lung disease, its very painful to see him suffer and deteriorate every day. I am so stressed out; please help me get a residency by next year, as I want to serve you by going back to healing sick people with your help. Please help my husband be a decent person and to show consideration and respect. God please help me as I am facing so many problems, which seem insurmountable. I humbly request you to help and guide me. I want to visit Shirdi before the end of next year. I also request all the other Sai Baba devotes to please pray for me Thank you Protector of all of us
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Quotation of the Week
"Shri Sai Baba’s conversation and sayings were not delivered with the purpose of dazzling a handful of intellectuals with technical discussions of philosophy; his aim was to rouse the moral insight of the average seeker. Often employing analogies and similes drawn from experiences that are common to all men and women, the Master was able to carry conviction and inspiration to those who came to him. Using simple stories and clothing great truths in simple parables like Jesus Christ, Baba was able to create a pyramid of perceptions in the listener” – Mani Sahukar in “The Saint of Shirdi.
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Question of the Week

Q. In all Baba’s original photos, Baba’s face does not appear the same. Why?
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Saibaba Chitra Yatra, Pleasanton, CA
Baba thank you very much for taking me to Shirdi. This time I felt very near to Baba. I am back from India, in the meantime, Sai brother Srinivas took care of Baba photo, which is part of chitra yatra. Participating in Saibaba chitra yatra, and being a member of Sabkamalikek group I am feeling very close to Baba. Thanks to the saibaba.org and the group. Those who want to invite Baba to their home in CA -in and around Pleasanton please contact: a_wusirika@hotmail.com

Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India
Please visit http://www.saidarbar.com for new updates. 1. Saibanisaji will be delivering discourses on 14th and 15 August 2002 at SRI SAI SPIRITUAL CENTRE, Thygarajanagar, Bangalore, India. He will be dealing with the subjects "Sai's advise to married Couples" & "Sai in Bhagavatham" respectively. Those interested may attend.
Gurupoornima was celebrated on 23 July at Saibaba Mandir in Dilsukh Nagar. Te program included discourse by Saibanisa and bhajans by Smt. And Sri Phanindra Prasad
SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
July 1941: All India Sai Samaj formed by H.H Narasimha Swamiji at Madras.
July 1953: Waman Rao Patil renounced the World and adopted Sanyas Ashram with a new name Shri Sai Sharanananda.
July 1976: Shri. Mota Maharaj, a great Saint of Gujarat left his mortal coils at the age of 78 years.
For further details regarding conducting Satsanghs please contact: saidarbar@saidarbar.com

Shirdi Sai Baba Chitra Yatra, Toronto, Canada
Devotees in TORONTO, are invited to please join us in Sai bhajans, Sai Namavali, Saicharitra readings Aarti and Prasad at Durga Mandir 2691 Markham Rd. Unit #5; Ph: 416 754 2983 every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Devotees may participate in Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra currently underway in Toronto. To invite Baba to your home and for further details and directions contact Shammi Chopra at 416 402 8089 or shchopra@trebnet.com or visit www.saibaba.org

Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, South Brunswick, NJ
Saibaba.org invites you to join for Sai puja, bhajans, Saicharitra readings, aarti and prasad every sunday at VFW hall at Henderson Rd, Kendall Park, South Brunswick, NJ from 3pm-6pm. For further details or directions contact Kumad Sachdev at (732) 257-1438, Shyam Addanki at (610) 648-0191 or email us at maildrop@saibaba.org.

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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