"There are several ways to go up. One starts from here. The journey is difficult, path full of tigers and wolves. If you have a Guide with you, then your journey would be safe".

These words are not new to a Sai devotee. However, what may be lacking in him/her is the inability to remember of Sadguru's assurances. This is enough to make the difference between hope and despair, happiness and gloom. To be cautious of tigers and wolves needs a very conscientious effort, for most of those beasts are hidden in the self.

Karma, Bhakthi, Gnana and Yoga are the different roads leading to the same destination. Sai Baba has stressed once and several times, the importance of Devotion and surrender of the Self. For the material man, this may sound like a forfeiture of the self, a passive giving in to some unknown entity. Does this surrender demean the human spirit? Does this by any means make a man less divine? Not at all! The ability to even raise this question is a function of human nature, the ability to analyze, discriminate and identify with a particular attribute. If we let the self, give itself away, we are divine! Dispel the darkness and what we have is light!

Traits that have made the man an advanced species on the globe are the same ones that seem to take him away from the self. The material self of the day is the result of the sequential build up of our intellectual function, the faculty immersed with the pursuit of definitions, data, facts, figures, theses, and functions. Does this approach help one in anyway to seek the perennial happiness? If so, how far is the goal? From the days of Flat earth to the hurricanes on the mars, centuries of time are just a few feet of the miles. Who shall build the computer that takes us to God? Saadhana, and surrender, faith and patience are not passive states of existence. On the other hand, they are the active pursuits that are not easily comprehensible and unquantifiable entities that take one to the Sadguru in all his glory.

On this beautiful Thursday, let us remember His love towards us, towards our perfections and imperfections. Let us reinforce our faith in Sainath and the Goodwill of Sai brothers and sisters worldwide.
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Contributed Article:Bhaja Govindam Sloka 24 (Attributed to Medhaatithira)

Tvayi Mayi Chaanyatraiko Vishnuh
Vyartham Kupyasi Mayyasahishnuh Bhava Samachittah Sarvatra Tvam Vaanchhasyachiraadyaadi Vishnutvam Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam....

Meaning:
Tvayi - in you, Mayi - in me, Cha - and, Anyatra - in all other places (too), Ekah - (there is) but one, Vishnuh - All pervading Reality (Vishnu), Vyartham - unnecessarily, Kupyasi - you are getting angry, Mayi - with me, Asahishnuh - being impatient, Bhava - become, Samachittah - equal-minded, Sarvatra - everywhere (in all circumstances), Tvam - you, Vaanchhasyachi yadi - if you want, Achiraat - soon, Vishnutvam - The Vishnu-Status.

Substance:
In you, in everywhere and me there is but one All-pervading Reality dwells, i.e., Vishnu. Getting impatient and angry with other is meaningless. Giving up all egoistic-feelings of duality completely and maintaining equal-minded in all circumstances, attain soon the Vishnu-status.

Commentary:
This Viswam is nothing but Vishnu Mayam, i.e., the All-pervading Reality. How to believe this truth? There is no short cut for this. Every student of spirituality has to understand this Reality in one's own heart. Till then, it is a kind of repetition, which is necessary to emphasize that one point, which says that the multiplicity is the nature of the world, but the Realized Soul sees only One-ness in and through of all. It means, there is only One, without second and that One is appearing in multiple facets, because of one's ignorance. When one has reached the Perfection or realized the Truth, then the feeling of imperfection will automatically give way to completeness or complete satisfaction. What is the first step to reach the Ultimate or to realize the Truth? It is "be-equal-minded in all circumstances". Yes, it is a tall order, as most of us are in the grip of moods and momentary pleasures.

No amount of study of scriptural literature will help one to realize the Truth, unless one applies the knowledge learnt in search of that Truth. Theoretical knowledge to know how the "sweet" tastes is fine, but the experience will be altogether different if one really tastes "sweet". Likewise, the acquired knowledge should help us to realize the truth and make us to resolve not to take rest until we achieve the Ultimate. As one succeeds in this sadhana, the subtle influences from the higher planes of Consciousness starts emanating and the mind has to listen to these influences to progress and to reach the Ultimate Reality.

Samachittatvam i.e., equanimity of mind, is an important ingredient in the whole sequence of things, which makes one to lead a life of a witness rather than a participant. This equanimity or even-mindedness should not be disturbed or shaken by the world of external objects and either positive or negative happenings in one's life. One has to be solid and strive to filter away from one's mind the influences of vicissitudes of life in order to develop the mental equipoise. All this is possible with only Sadhana, dedicating the action, devotion to the Lord, service to the mankind, constant introspection, and contemplation on the Highest. Samatvam, i.e., equal vision on all things and beings and in all circumstances is, therefore, an essential part of Sadhana to attain the Ultimate.

(Contributed by Paritala Gopi Krishna, New Delhi, India)

Contributed Poem: Srishti mein SAI

Sooraj ki kirano mein hai Sai
Chand sitaro ki roshani mein Sai
Gagan mein sai, pataal mein Sai
Srishti ki sundarta mein Sai

Kheth khaliyano mein hai Sai
Nadi aur zarano mein Sai
Sagar ki lehron mein Sai
Pahadomein aur khayi mein Sai
Har ek nazara mein basaa hai Sai

Phool ki khushbu mein hai Sai
Khilti pankhadiyon mein Sai
Bhavar ki udan mein Sai
Pedh paodho mein Sai
Badal ki garaj mein Sai
Barish ki boondo mein Sai
Har ek mitti ki khushbu mein basaa hai Sai

Koyal ki kook mein hai Sai
Mor ki nitrya mein Sai
Sangeet ke har raag mein Sai
Sadhana ke har paatth mein Sai
Har ek kala mein basaa hai Sai

Param roop paramata Sai
sachidanand swarroop hai Sai
Maha yog sampanna hai Sai
Brahma avataar hai Sai
har ek dil mein basaa hai Sai

(Contributed by Aparna Sanghvi)
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Experiences of Devotees

Kapil Gupta, New Delhi, India
Some time back I was very sick and was on deathbed, before my operation was to take place the doctors in Apollo Hospital had told my family that my chances of survival were only 20%. After the operation I was unconscious and still very critical, the doctor use to brief my family members about my progress and was still saying that next 72 hrs are very critical and we cant say anything know and he is on life support, but my wife was 100% sure that I will survive the pain and the agony with the blessings of BABA and with HIS blessings only today I am leading a life given by BABA.

When I came back home very week and very fragile then, my wife told me why she was 100% sure about my recovery. Before coming to the hospital every day in the evening she use to go to BABA'S temple and use to ask him for my life, it was on Thursday and there was a long line to reach BABA'S Statue and my wife confused and worried standing outside how to reach HIM and she was loosing time, a very small boy approaches her and asked her that want to have Darshan of BABA without line, my wife said yes and the boy said please follow me and in no time she was standing in the front of BABA and when she looked around the little boy was not there. After this when she reached the hospital the doctors told her your husband is know OUT OF DANGER.

This was in month of June and I was asked for four months bed rest. But I had made up my mind that I am going to Shirdi what ever comes so when I reached home told my father and mother that doctor had allowed me to go.

That was my first trip to Shirdi and me my wife and my two daughters left for Shirdi. When I reached there I was shocked to see the crowd there, no hotel room, long line for BABA'S darshan, but the strength BABA gave me was unbelievable I must have walked the whole of Shirdi looking for room and in last I got one. I rushed and asked my wife and children to make it fast to line for darshan with thousands of people standing behind me. It was a hot day and my elder daughter fainted. The security people rushed and picked my daughter and took us straight inside the temple for the BABA'S darshan and that was the first time I was standing in front of my BABA in Shirdi.

Dear BABA devotees since the last six years I am going to Shirdi very often and in January this year I had booked my tickets to Shirdi but BABA didn't gave me the permission to visit him and I was down with fever. I request you all to please ask BABA to call me to Shirdi and bless like he is always doing.

Rohini Kalidindi
Dear Saibaba, I am very glad that you have helped our family so much and thanks again for your kind mercy, I don't know where my family would be without you. Thank you Saibaba for your grace on us. My husband is now on the most important phase of his career please let everything go smooth BABA. This is an event which can change our lives forever please BABA take care of us and Bless us as we start on this.
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Devotees say...

Madhavi
I did sapthaha (one week parayana) 2 months back. But I am not exactly sure of the rules associated with it. In the book, which I got, says to eat one time in a day, to sleep on the floor and to do brahmachayam. Are there any other rules apart from these? I have question about eating one day. In Satcharitam, BABA says, not to fast. But how come one of the rules to read satcharitam says to eat only once in a day. This is kind of conflicting rule which confuses me a lot. Can any one of you please let me know what exactly needs to be done while doing the sapthaham. I need answer to this as soon as possible, as I wanted to do sapthah again this month. Thanks in advance, to whoever answers this.

Devi
Dear Devotees, I have a question which is bothering me for almost 15days now. On 2 June, I suddenly came to know that one of our friends who were a staunch devotee of Saibaba died of heart attack at the age of 57 or so. His one daughter is not married yet and nor does he have any house yet. He was perhaps planning to do all that after the retirement. My wife has been telling how can Baba leave his such a strong devotee in such a problem. Should I count completely on Saibaba, this was her question. It has perplexed me. How do you explain? Should you cast doubts on Baba? A couple of weeks ago he gave darshan to me in dream. I need some guidance. Om Sai Nath.

Sameer Sharma, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I want to share my experience regarding the blessings of Saibaba on me. While I was in Geneva in 2001, suddenly I got the news of my father having suffered with a heart stroke. It was very severe. I was very far and helpless. I prayed Baba for the well being of my father and when I returned India, Baba saved my father and now he is fine with his grace. Another occasion was when I wanted to change my job from India to abroad, I prayed Baba for his help. Baba listened my prayers and now I am blessed by Baba and happily working here. Now I pray for His blessings for a child. May Baba bless me.

Radhika
Thanks a lot BABA, without your grace my husband would not have the passed the exam, please shower your blessing on our family, baba please resolve all the other issues we are having, you know them baba, please help us. I thank you one again for helping my husband. Please guide us. Koti namaskarams to your lotus feet. SaiRam.

Vijay Kulkarni
I read Sai charitra daily and I am following this routine for last 10 years. Imagine, how many times I have read each chapter. Coming to the subject, everyday comes up with new situation, new problems or new direction. When I get up, I get new guiding thoughts, which never would occur to me otherwise. So lately for last 3 months, I started keeping my diary devoted only for guiding thoughts from baba. For my great surprise, I get answer to my changing situation or problem from baba, in these early hour thoughts. The diary has become gospel for me. When I start reading through my diary, it is getting me stronger on my resolution in dealing with the situations. I get eye opening thoughts on my behavior with my mother, my wife, my in-laws, children, colleagues and even opponents created by my ego. I have realized all my wrong doings from the past, which never had occurred to me. Now, I am trying to change and revert on damages caused by me over past. Not all is possible due to social systems, but it has given a feeling of subdued ness and I am changing into not so rude person as I was in the past. It is not guilt but realization of mistakes of the past. It is Sai's blessings to give me this new sight.
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Prayer Club

Sai devotee
Dear Sai Devotees, my husband has been out of employment without a proper job for the last 2 years. I pray to Baba for him to get a good, decent and permanent job in his field. May I request all sai devotees to pray for us?

A Sai devotee
I am in great turmoil as I am extremely worried about my sons. Please keep them safe and away from all evil, especially when I am not around. Also please convince my younger son that you are there and he should believe in you. Give me the strength to deal with his rebellious nature. Show me a sign that all will be well. I am concerned about my own mental health. Sainatha! Prabhu! Anjani Putra! Please hold my hand and never let go.

A Sai devotee
Could you please pray for my following needs? I am very depressed and need urgent prayer. Please pray that my husband must get job assignments 2.That Dharshini and her family must give up the idea of sending Dharshini to Norway, but she must be in Srilanka and study there. 3.That Indrakumar must work as a banker and neither as an interpreter nor translator. 4.That Manju and family must get the visa to Canada.

Sai Devotee
Dear Sai, my husband has been without a proper job for the last two years. I pray to Baba to get my husband a good, decent and permanent job in his field. May I request all Sai devotees to pray for us.

Pooja
Dear Sai Baba, thank you for letting me come to Shirdi and experience your completeness, which fills the void in my heart, mind & soul. Guide me Baba... be my best and only friend.
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Quotation of the Week
"All that a guru can tell you is, 'My dear Sir, you are quite mistaken about yourself. You are not the person you take yourself to be."-Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
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Question of the Week

Q. How does a Sai devotee define "Perfection"?

A. by Sai devotee

This is difficult, dare I say impossible question to answer. Defining perfection is a job for the gods. How can imperfect mortals like us even expect to know or realize, let alone define perfection? All we can hope for is to resort to the feet of our perfect Lord (Sai) in the hope that he showers his blessings and instructions on us, such that we become better human beings. As he states in the Satcharitra-'What is ours (good or bad) is ours, is with us and what is another's is with him. When all of us have inherent flaws in our nature, it would be wrong on our part to define perfection. But we know one truth- that God (Sai) is perfect beyond any definition of perfection that our human minds can conjure. Therefore, submission to His will and wholehearted devotion to Him alone is the way to Self-realization.

A. by Syamala Hari

Self-realization is perfection. In Satcharitra, Baba explained who He is - "You need not go far or anywhere in search of Me. Barring your name and form, there exists in you, as well as in all beings, a sense of Being or Consciousness of Existence. That is Myself. Knowing this, you see Me inside yourself, as well as in all beings. If you practice this, you will realize all-pervasiveness, and thus attain oneness with Me." Baba also explained what delusion is "The idea that 'I am the body' is a great delusion, and attachment to this idea is the cause of bondage. Leave off this idea and attachment if you want Self-realization, that is, to see who you really are."

Satcharitra is full of stories in which He actually demonstrated His Perfectness by being omnipresent and omnipotent. Though He lived in Shirdi, He knew what happened outside far away from Shirdi. He knew the past, present and future, and could identify Himself heart and soul with anybody. Baba had all the eight Siddhis (powers) at His command. He never practiced nor craved for them. They came to Him naturally, because of His perfection. The ability to identify oneself with anybody and anything is also the source of eternal and flawless Bliss. A Perfect person has no craving for anything. For example, about His Guru, Baba said, "If you say that as My Guru was perfect, why should he ask for money and how should he be called desireless? I replied plainly that he never cared for coins." His Guru asked for Sharaddha and Saburi from His disciples. Perfect detachment is part of the state of Perfection and a perfectly detached person never bears enmity or ill will to anybody - Baba's life again demonstrates this. There is no Bheda Buddhi in the state of Perfection.

Baba's life also demonstrates that Guru and the disciple love and serve each other as One. There is neither distinction nor any difference between them. Both are One, and one cannot live without the other. The disciple placing his head on the Guru's feet is a gross or outward vision; really and internally they are both one and the same. Those who see any difference between them are yet unripe and not perfect.

Baba described what a perfect gift is "what a man might give does not last long and it is always imperfect. But what My Sircar (God) gives, lasts to the end of time. No other gift from any man can be compared to His." The gift is perfect divine bliss. Having Himself attained all objects of life, He made His devotees desirelss and free.
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Sai Activities

Sai Chintan a quarterly Gujarati magazine ISSN 1545-2174
Saibaba.org is bringing out a quarterly Gujarati magazine "Sai Chintan". The inaugural issue will be released on Gurupoornima day. Devotees who wish to receive this magazine may register online by visiting http://www.saibaba.org/saichintan.html. Those who wish to volunteer for distributing Sai Chintan magazine in their local communities may contact the Sanstha by email at saichintan@saibaba.org or by phone at 847-931-4058.

Shirdi Sai- Gurupoornima celebrations in Bay area, CA
We welcome you all to join us for SHIRDI SAI- GURUPOORNIMA Celebrations in the Bay Area, CA on July 13th (Sunday) in Sunnyvale between 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Venue: Las Palmas Park Building 850 Russet Drive Sunnyvale, CA (Located off of Remington Dr. and Spinosa Dr.) AGENDA: Ganesh Mantram, Significance of GuruPoornima, 108 Shirdi Sai Namavalli, Sai Ke Gyarah Vachan-Recital by Children, Shirdi Sai Bhajans, Naivedya, Dhoop Arathi, distribution of prasad. For details contact by email at saibandhu@yahoo.com

Gurupoornima 2003 on July 12, 2003 -, Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Twin Cities,MN
Sai devotees of Twin Cities, Minnesota invites everyone to participate in Gurupoornima celebrations on July 12, 2003, at Geetha Ashram, Brooklyn Park, MN. The program will start at 3.00 PM with Sai Shodasopachara Pooja, Sai Sathya Vratha and will include aarthis, devotees experiences, kids programs, bhajans and palki seva. Please write to hamaresai@yahoo.com or visit www.hamaresai.com for more details.

Gurupoornima celebrations at Baldwin, NY
All are welcome to receive blessings from BABA and participate in the First Anniversary Celebrations Friday, July 4th & Guru Purnima Celebrations on Saturday 12th & Sunday, July 13, 2003. For more information call 516-867-8008 or 516-771-4500 or visit our web site at www.saimandirusa.org

Gurupoornima, Toronto, Canada
Devotees in Canada welcome you all to join us for SHIRDI SAI- GURU POORNIMA Celebrations in TORONTO, July 12th (Saturday) between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Shri Durga Temple 2691 Markham Rd. Unit #5 Devotees interested to volunteer and those interested in participating in Baba's Abhishek or for any information please call 416 402 8089

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Minneapolis, MN - July 4th weekend Satsang
By the grace and blessings of Sadguru Saibaba and Sadguru Sainathuni Sarath Babuji, Sai devotees of Twin Cities, Minnesota propose to celebrate the love and message of Saibaba during the July 4th long weekend. Sai bandhus are invited to this Satsang that includes Parayan, Devotees Experiences, Kids activities, Bhajans, Aarthis and Sai Palki Procession. Please contact Bhuva Valluri at 651-338-9680 or 651-681-2042 or Ravin Gnanasambandam at 763-862-3910 for more details.

Gurupoornima, Flushing, NY
Gurupoornima celebrations Sunday July 13th 2003 at Shirdi Sai Center, Flushing, NY Sai devotees are requested to attend the same and get Baba's blessings on this very auspicious day! The Center is located at 46-16, Robinson Street, Flushing, NY 11355-3455. If you have any questions or if you need more information, please contact Temple @ 718 321 9243.

Gurupoornima celebrations at Sydney, Australia
Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney invites you with family and friends to join Guru Poornima celebrations on Sunday 13th July 2003 from 6pm at Sai Mandir, 420 Liverpool Road (Cnr. Liverpool Road & Hill Streets), Strathfield South, NSW 2136. For more details please contact Sansthan's Info-line 0500 524 724 or visit http://www.omsrisai.com.

Gurupoornima celebrations- Auckland New Zealand
Shri Saiababa Sansthan, Auckland NZ, is celebrating Gurupoornima and Sai Pooja on Sunday the 13th July 2003 at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace, Auckland. For more details please contact Dr Ram Prasad at prasads@quicksilver.net.nz.

Sai bhajans in Tampa, FL, USA
Sai bhajans and Satsangs will take place at 311 East Palm Ave, Tampa. FL. 33602. Please contact 407 445 2520 or 407 458 6459 for more details

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Houston, TX
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA cordially invites you for Thursday satsang at the following location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite #304, Houston, Texas, 77036 between 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more information call (713) 789 486, or send an email to: saibabahouston@yahoo.com

Sai bhajans in Orlando, FL, USA
For information on Shri Sai Bhajans at Orlando, Florida, please call 407 445 2520 for more details.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 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 still continuing with great enthusiasm across many states in the country.

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 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.

Visit online at www.saibaba.org and follow link to 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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