Time and again, it needs to be stressed that mere gratitude to Sainath for what He bestowed on us is not enough. The gratitude must lead to the pure state of devotion. Few are born with the absolute realization of Omniscient and Omnipresent God. For the most, the first encounter with the supreme conscious happens as a result of an event that defies logic. Everyone of us stand a testimony to this phenomenon; students getting rewards that they did not expect, hopeless patients whose fortunes were reversed for the better, the jobs that we believe Baba give us, and even the occasional bliss our spiritual pursuits have brought us.

It is also the experience of several that such gratitude fades away slowly with time as other priorities occupy the lives. Although conscious of the never ending chain of wants and desires, the spiritually aspiring mind gives in to what appears as the real happiness. Stages of life according to Hindu scriptures include balya (infancy), kaumarya (youth), grihastha (household), and vanaprastha (retirement). It is thought that vanaprastha is a stage where in, the man proceeds for a recluse in woods and spends time in search of spiritual fulfillment. The myth of life also concocts convenient justifications for waiting for tomorrow, not realizing that tomorrow does not exist for granted. Time is an entity that human life has no control over.

Shri B.V. Hanumantha Rao wrote "Sai Anusaranamu" a great work on Sainath of Shirdi in Telugu, "Time is a valuable commodity. There should be no waiting to initiate any kind of attempt for liberation. It should be done when all our senses are in right order and we have the right physical and mental condition. It is a common practice for man to wait until the earthly life is settled, and it is his tendency to procrastinate until he will be ready for the spiritual journey. In reality, such a day may not come at all. Every stage of life brings with it, its own situations that may demand one's time and attention. It is very easy to be entangled in the trap of earthly comforts, joy, sorrow, fear, and a myriad of myth. Human life can be short and no one can predict when it will end. On the other hand, leaving everything, our thoughts, deeds, and their consequences at God's disposal will bring a renewed sense of well being, happiness and fulfillment that is everlasting. Cultivating the attitude of staying immune to the earthly uncertainty will bring one close to the Lord and assure him of a fruitful spiritual realization".
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Contributed Article:Bhaja Govindam Sloka 25 (Attributed to Medhaatithira)

Satrau Mitre Putre Bandhau
Maa Kuru Yatnam Vigrahasandhau
Sarvasminnapi Pasyaatmaanam
Sarvatrotsrija Bhedaagynaanam
Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam....

Meaning:
Satrau - against an enemy, Mitre - against a friend, Putre - against a son, Bandhau - against a relative, Maa - never, Kuru - do, Yatnam - strive, Vigrahasandhau - for strive and for making friends, Sarvasmin api - in everything (everywhere), Pasya - see, Aatmaanam - the Self, Sarvatra - everywhere, Utasrija - lift away, Bheda agyanaanam - the sense of different (born out of ignorance).

Substance:
Do not waste your efforts to win the love of or to fight against friend or foe, son or relative. Seeking the Self everywhere, lift the sense of difference (or give up the feeling of duality completely) born out of ignorance and treat all alike.

Commentary:
One must attain liberation by gradually reducing and ultimately getting rid of attachments, as from attachment flows grief and delusion. In other words, in our dealings everyday, one should develop equanimity and try to see the Divinity in everyone and everywhere. It is possible only when one cultivates a sense of impartiality, as friendship or enmity only perpetuates the impediment of attachment. Yes, it is a very difficult task to achieve in worldly life.

It is no use to pretend to be calm externally when anger burns inside in the heart, and how many occasions come about for anger. It is no doubt that it is a tall order to ask the human beings who are totally immersed in worldly affairs, where one is after the life of the other, for petty gains to develop divine outlook. Like wise, hate can come only when one sees the other as something different from one. Can one hate or get angry if one's teeth bite one's tongue? Like wise, when the whole universe is born out of One, how can one afford to hate or get angry with the other.

Sri Adi Sankaracharya has provided an easy remedy to overcome the feeling of duality. He says that one should nurture pure (untainted by selfish intentions) love while constantly reminding oneself and firmly believing in the truth that Govinda resides in everybody. The way to control and overcome anger and aversion is to keep telling oneself, how many times one was guilty of one's own lapses and how many are the evils that lodge in one's heart concealed from the gaze of others. Our elders keep telling us to remember God's name or Govinda always, so that one day the heart is filled with HIS love and it will be lifted upto HIM. Counting the lapses of others will only add to one's misery. Life after life will be wasted in such pursuits. Therefore, there should not be any doubt in one's mind that the first and foremost task to accomplish is to quickly go about purifying one's heart and that is possible only when one takes refuge in the lotus feet of God.

(Contributed by Paritala Gopi Krishna, New Delhi, India)
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Experiences of Devotees

A Sai devotee
Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai. First, I would like to thank SAIVICHAR for giving me such a nice opportunity to share my experience as Sai devotee. I also would like to thank all Sai devotees who are sharing their experiences with the rest of us. By reading these articles my devotion towards BABA is increasing. I knew very less about BABA before going thru this SAIVICHAR. I am devotee of BABA for almost 10 years now. I have seen so many miracles in my life. I would like to share two of them.

I got a good rank in MCA by Baba's grace. My plan was to join in a good college for MCA. So, I was waiting for counseling. But BABA had some different plans for me. One fine day my sisters friend gave me a copper kind of ring, which she brought from Shirdi. Just five minutes after wearing that ring, one of my friends called up and told me that there are recruitments in one of the most reputed companies in the world. After that, things happened so fast. I applied for that job, and I got into it. This was almost 7 years back. Now I am in US still working for the same company. I got married to a very nice person who also works in that organization. I am so thankful to BABA for giving me such a comfortable life.

After marrying for 3 years, we were blessed with a baby boy. Everything went on so well till my due date. But during delivery time, my son had to undergo lot of pressure because of which he was kept under observation for one week. A day after, he had seizures also. We were so scared. We could do nothing except praying BABA. The hospital in which he was kept was 60 miles away from our place. My husband used to go daily once, sit there for couple of hours and come back. On 5th day, I too went to see my son. Felt so bad to see him in ICU. We went thru hell kind of a situation for that one week. After one week, he came home. From then on, he did just normal like any other baby. Doctors were not positive about his regular growth. They said that he might fall behind in his regular growth. But with BABA's grace, he is healthy. When he was 8 months old, after checking my son, doctor said that it's a miracle to see him so healthy. But all the time we were cursing doctors thinking that for without any reason they are doing all kinds of medical tests. After reading the experiences of Sai devotees, I realized that its the miracle of BABA but not the mistake of Doctors. Thanks a lot BABA. Thank you very much.
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Devotees say...

Sudha
We live in a desert state and have noticed scorpions in the home. This is very scary especially with my elderly mother and two young children living in the home. We request devotees to pray that scorpions are not seen ever again. My mother is reading Chapter 22 from the Sat Charita daily, starting the 21st. In that chapter, there is a story of how Hemadpant is protected from the scorpion by Baba. I am also doing milk abhishekam for Baba daily for 21 days. I know Baba states not to harm any living creature. We pray that we can avoid seeing scorpions so that we do not kill them. May Baba protect us ever. Sairam.

Neelima
Om SaiRam. I am planning to start reading sai satcharithra. I want to finish reading it within a week. Can I possibly know how many chapters to read in a day, what rituals to be observed and what not? Also, please let me know if I have to know anything before starting to read Sai Sathcharithra.

Shree
The answer to the question from Sai devotee previous week is yes you should count on Baba completely. It is easy to say have faith & patience in a difficult situation but this is what we have to do. Baba is with you and will always be with. Life has its ups, downs just have faith, and he will take you across the seven seas. This reminds me of a story or should I say Baba reminds me. For those who do not know this story it is about footsteps in the sand. A man has a dream in which he is walking across the seashore with his god next to him. He sees his and his lords footprints in the sand and the scene flashing across the sky from his life. During his most hardship times in his life, he only sees one set of footprints, which makes him question the Lord. He says, Lord I thought that once I have faith and believe you, you would never leave me but I see during the most hardship times I only see one set of foot prints. The lord said my child I love you and will never leave you the prints you see in the sand are mine it is I who carried you. So Baba will carry you through this just have faith.
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Prayer Club

Sheeba Ramachandran
I am a little concerned and anxious since I was submitting article from the last two weeks to appear in the prayer club of SAI VICHAR but does not seem to come up.It is really urgent since my brother's exam starts from July first week and he is in a critical position. I badly need the devotees prayer and BABA's blessings for making my wishes come true.

A Sai devotee
Please pray for my well being i have lot misunderstandings with my husband. He doesn't treat me properly; he treats me like dirt. He has lot of stress at his work and he is not keeping good health also .We have two boys very small. I am worried about everything please pray for our family. We are going down financially, physically and mentally. Why Baba is playing with our lives like this i don't know. Please guide me Baba.

Sai devotee
Baba, you are guiding me in every aspect, which I know and feel very well, but with respect to one thing, there is no progress. When once it started at your temple I thought it is going to happen and it is your blessings. Just give me the faith and patience to accept the things that you bestow me

Sai devotee
Baba please help us. Bless us with your warm wishes and make my husband get a nice job baba.

SN Sai
Sairam, please help me. Baba you need to answer my Prayers, please don't let me down. You know my problems; please show mercy on me Baba. I completed four parayanas until today. Please give me strength to complete another parayana tomorrow, without any disturbances. I am eagerly waiting for your answer baba. Please take Care of our careers Baba.You are the ray of hope in my life.

R Raju
Dear Baba, I have an extremely important interview at 1 pm tomorrow. Please bless me and help everything to go off smoothly. Please help me get the job that I am interested in. Pranams.
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Quotation of the Week
"Unless man has turned away from wickedness and stopped from doing wrong, and has entirely composed himself, and unless his mind is at rest, he cannot gain self realization, even by means of knowledge"-Sai Baba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

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

A. by Ramaswamy KG

Meaning of 'perfection' differs in the case of true sai devotees. Sri sai baba practically showed the way of life is humbleness. It is followed by sweet speech, less talk, truthfulness in thoughts, words, & deeds. In day-to-day life, 'perfection' stands for high living. Merely putting "ring or chain" of Saibaba doesn't mean perfection. Each & every moment sai remembrance, surrendering all activities to his glory, praising his name by singing bhajans, Rendering service to others according to each one's capacity etc brings perfection. In Bhagavat Gita, lord Krishna proclaims to Arjuna that " ma chitta madgata prana bodayantha parasparam, kadayantacha ma nithyam thushayanthi cha ramanthi cha--a truly perfection came only when we directs all our thoughts to the lord and talking & glorifying his stories each other- Om Sai Ram
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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 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 the 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.

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, 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 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.

Sai Mandir USA, Nori Foundation Inc. New York
Sai Mandir USA, Nori Foundation Inc. New York,1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All are welcome to receive blessings from BABA and participate in the Anniversary celebrations of Shirdi Saibaba Mandir, Baldwin, NY, on Friday, July 4, 2003. The program starts from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. 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

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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