Our Thoughts are precious. They are our very own property and can't be taken from us. - P.K Shaw.

Thoughts play havoc with our mind when the mind is unrestrained. When we do not control our thoughts, it keeps feasting on everything that the senses come up and dwell upon it. Training our mind is not easy. Vedanta says that we can master the mind and, through repeated practice, we can make the mind our servant rather than being its victim. The mind can be made pure by constantly focusing on the values and actions that are prescribed in the sacred scriptures. This involves integrating the all the senses and actions in an acceptable manner in order to achieve the spiritual goal. One needs to discard any thought that is undesirable and only feed those thoughts that are good to the mind. In chapter 6 of Satcharita Hemadpant refers to Baba's advise to his devotees and BABA says "fix the mind in remembering Me always, so that it will not wander elsewhere, towards body, wealth and home. Then it will be calm, peaceful and care-free. This is the sign of the mind, being well engaged in good company. If the mind is vagrant, it cannot be called well-merged."

Meditation helps in control of mind. Meditation is loving recollection of God, mental discrimination, and is an essential balance to selfless action. Initially one finds all thoughts crowding the mind at once and difficult for a man to concentrate on God either in nirgun or sagun akaar. But constant discipline and sticking to the path of godliness and focusing on the positive aspects of life one realizes the path towards happiness. It does not mean that spirituality and control of mind is restricted to those who have severed all the relationship in the world and lead celibate life. That is a wrong concept. In fact, any person leading a normal family life can control his mind and attain happiness. When mind is not allowed to covet other man's property, wife, children, and indulge in sensual thoughts and intoxicating drinks and discriminate between what is appropriate behavior then such mind is happy and in control. As we are the masters of our thought we do not crave for things that don't belong to us, and harm our thought process by neglecting our family when all the members of the family are happy so also we are happy calm and composed and the divinity within shines forth without too much of exertion. Katha upanishad reiterates this fact "The Self cannot be gained by the study of Vedas, nor by intellect, nor by much learning. He, whom the Self chooses, by him It is gained. To him the Self reveals Its nature".

Let us make a regular practice to keep time for meditation in order to create a habit; it's also helpful to have a regular place for meditation that is quiet, clean, and tranquil. And most important let us invoke the blessings of our guru to start this stage of purification of mind.

(Contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia)
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Contributed Article:Sri Sai Pancha Sooktam: Sooktam 1

Sirodharam Ujjvala-poorna-vasthram
Sadaa-bhrutam Aashrita-bhakta-bhaaram
Viswaatmakam Sadguru-sreNi-mukhyam
Sri-saainaadham Sirasaa Namaami

Meaning:
Sirodharam Ujjvala-poorna-vasthram - The one who wears on His head a cloth full of power, and brilliance
Sadaa-bhrutam Aashrita-bhakta-bhaaram - The one who always bears the burden of His sincere devotees
Viswaatmakam Sadguru-sreNi-mukhyam - The one who has the universe as His soul the most important of the Sadgurus
Sri-saainaadham Sirasaa namaami - Oh Sainaadha! with all my thoughts (head) focused on you I offer prayers

(Contributed by Prasad V Nimmagadda)
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Experiences of Devotees

Sanjay Jaiman
We live in the USA and recently visited Shirdi. It was a memorable trip. Everything went right - just as Sai Satcharita says - If Baba wants it, you will get there. It really seemed like Baba's hand was in everything - in planning the trip to its finally coming together. It was a very peaceful trip. My wish is that every Sai devotee experiences what my family & me experienced. Returning from Shirdi, somehow I feel I have been advised to spread a bit of what I received so abundantly. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to give Sai Baba's udi to whoever I feel would appreciate it. So far to whoever I have offered Sai Baba's udi - be it Indian or American, they have accepted it with respect and devotion. At the same time, I am acutely aware (as Sai Satchrit says) I am merely an instrument and the letter "I" is not important in my spreading some happiness as I am sure which will be the case to whoever's forehead Sai's udi touches. To end my little excerpt, it is my prayer to Sai that that the inner voice, which I hear, may always be there and also to give me courage to follow it. Also the same inner voice, which I have discovered, let it be heard by all of Sai devotees.
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Devotees say...

Mohanambal
SAIRAM, BABA after I lost my job with the bank, there were other jobs, which I had undertaken and they did not last. Now I have a job with an international firm, I strongly believe that this is the job you had in mind for me, and I know that it is with your blessings I have secured this job. I sincerely thank you for showering your blessings on me. However, BABA I cannot work with a peace of mind as I have other more serious problems bugging me, which you are aware of you. I sincerely seek your blessings and guidance in solving these problems and if these problems are not settled soon, I will be in hot soup! You know what I mean BABA. I pray to you BABA for your sincere help. SAIRAM

A devotee
Really blessed to get your experiences, which makes to realize your presence, as you know you are making some arrangements as a human being for whom we don't know the result but just expect the good to happen, what ever it is give us the strength and patience to accept the things happening around

Rakhee
Today tofu is very popular and is used in variety of ways, but when I first attempted to cook with it, it wasn't in such a usage. I remember buying a block of the beige stuff without any idea what to do with it. I asked a friend who told me," You can do anything you want with it." Well that sounded easy enough. Since I wanted it hot, I sliced it up, put it in the oven in a 350-degree oven for several minutes, and then sat down to eat. It was ghastly (nasty)! I was unable to swallow it. The next day I asked another friend who was vegetarian whether she ever ate tofu and if so, how she prepared it, because mine was surely awful. When I told her what I have done, she burst out laughing, and then patiently explained to me that tofu absorbs the flavor of whatever is put with it, but it has to be put with something.

Put it with nothing and it's tasteless. Put it in the Indonesian peanut sauce and it takes on that flavor. Put it in with Indian spices and it takes on those flavors. Tofu absorbs whatever it is partnered with. And that's how FAITH is like tofu: it absorbs whatever we partner it with. So, we should partner it with life affirming thoughts that have an expanding effect. We will have what we desire expanding in our lives.
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Prayer Club

Sai devotee
Baba, My husband suffers from Manic depression and we have suffered a lot in life because of this. He is much better now with your mercy but still has trouble at work as he can't take much stress. Baba, he was having a good contract which we came to know is ending soon. Please bless us that he will get something better and please Baba something locally. Kindly help him find a job close to home that is low stress and that he should stick on there till the end. I beg you baba, shower your mercy on us. I am worried and tensed.

A Sai devotee
I have always believed in Baba's two words "shradha" and "Saburi"..even at worse of times had trust in it Baba..even when all in family had lost hope..I was confident I would reap the fruits of my belief. I want my family to be happy. I know I have been the cause of their mounting tension..but I feel helpless..Baba please don't test me anymore. I always loved the belief I had in you and the firm conviction that you will be with me. Please baba if not for me, at least for my family, answer my prayers. I would believe in these strong words ever after, but please this time help me. I plan to start reading Sai-satcharitra from tomorrow (Thursday). Baba don't leave me on way, after years of trust. Right now, I am verge of breakdown..help me Baba..I would be at your feet rest of my life..Pl devotee pray for me that I could be successful and make my family happy.

Subramanyam Mekala
It has been years since my health condition has deteriorated. I pray you Baba to make me healthy again.

Lata
Om Sai Ram, Sadguru Sainath maharaj please help me to get a good job I am worried about the future. Baba, please help me please help my husband to get a job in his field, Baba please bless my family with peace prosperity and happiness Baba, I have done lot of wrong things I have committed lot of sins please forgive me for all my mistakes please bless me and my husband with good jobs Baba I pray may all the people on earth live a happy prosperous and peaceful life Om Sai Shri Sai Jai Jai Sai.

A Sai devotee
Om Sai Ram! Baba thanks for every thing, Baba you are antaryami I do not have to tell you what I am going through but I am still telling you. Baba you know I love this person so much, I am sure. I really love him, Baba please guide me what should I do, please Baba show me my path.

Sai devotee
SAIBABA, I am working in a foreign country and I want that I can bring pride and name to my country with your constant guidance and Grace. I remember you all the time. Please giude me Baba achieving my objectives and happiness in all the spheres of the life.

A Devotee
Dearest Shri Sai Baba, Jai Sai Ram, Jai Jai Sai Ram. Baba please fulfill our wishes. Baba forgive for our sins and mistakes, Baba always keep our mind and us under your lotus feet. Baba make us happy as you did for so many of your devotees.

Usha
Sai Maha Prabho, Thank you very much taking care of my son and blessing him with scholarship. Please help my sister who is in hospital with health problems and also please help my friend to get license to start practice without any hazards. Koti namaskarams maha prabho.
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Quotation of the Week
"One does not become a disciple by conversion, or by accident. There is usually an ancient link, maintained through many lives and flowering as love and trust". - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
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Question of the Week

Q. What do we learn from the experiences of Sai devotee Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandhare?
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Sai Activities

Shri Sai camp in Nashik Kumbh
Under the guidance of Guruji Shri C.B.Satpathyji, a camp of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba has been established during the period of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik. The Kumbh started on July 30th, 2003. During the camp days daily annadan, bhajans, Shri Sai satcharita parayan, palkhi procession among other activities will be conducted at Shri Saibaba Mandir, Panchvati, Nashik. For full coverage of the camp, please visit www.saibaba.org and follow "Shirdi Sai camp at Kumbh Mela 2003" link.

Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi and Dassera celebrations in Bay Area, CA
We invite all to join us for Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi and Dassera celebrations on October 5th(Sunday) from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Venue: Las Palmas Park Building, 850 Russet Drive, Sunnyvale, CA (Located off of Remington Dr. and Spinosa Dr.) For more details send an email to saibandhu@yahoo.com

Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, Twin Cities, MN
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center invites all for Sai Satsang on Saturday August 16, 2003 in Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center located at 725-139 NE Lake Street, Hopkins, MN. The program includes Sai pooja, Satcharitha Parayam, Sai Bhajans, Kirthans, Aarthis and a discourse on Saibaba, "My bones will speak from my tomb", by Saibanisa Sri Gopalarao Ravada of Saidarbar, Hyderabad. For details, please write to hamaresai@yahoo.com. Or call Ravin Gnanasambandam at 763-862-3910 or visit www.hamaresai.org.

Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA cordially invites you for Thursday satsang at 6.30pm and discourse by Mr. Gopal Rao Ravada, Saibanisa, on Aug 2 & 3 at 6pm & 5pm respectively at the following location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite #304, Houston, Texas, 77036. For more information call (713) 789 486, (832) 567 7861, (713) 992 1453 or send an email to: baba@babamandir.org.

Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto
Devotees in Toronto invite you all to join in our weekly Satsang every Thursday. Due to certain limitations, we are temporarily moving the venue for Thursday prayers from Durga Temple. For details on Chitra yatra, location of Satsang and other information please call 905 887 1752 or email at saileela99@yahoo.com

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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