Sai Baba's famous parables and off guard cryptic remarks are well known. These comments were always impregnated with a message directed towards the individual who is addressed. Once, a devotee wanted to take a photograph of Baba. When Baba was approached regarding this, He said, "No, it is enough if he knocks a wall down". The devotee stood confused. Later, an explanation was given as follows: The photograph is one's likeness of Baba. The wall is "I am the body" idea, which is an obstacle that interferes with identifying the spirit.
One straightforward remark of Baba has always been "awaken the self". The nature of self is not easily explained. The pursuit to know the self is as varied as the individuals themselves. However, it is said that one must have an honest yearning and God's grace to know the nature of self.
Now, why should one know the "self"? The most famous Hindu scripture The Geetha says, " With the self unattached to external contact, he finds happiness in the Self; with the self engaged in the meditation of BRAHMAN, he attains endless happiness".

Swami Chinmayananda on his commentary on The Geetha explains further, "Why should I deny myself the brilliant flashes of momentary joys in exchange for a steady stone-like, impregnable monotony, call it equilibrium or equaninimity, peace or God-hood? Any sensible seeker entering the halls of spiritual study with his intellect bright and clear should come to doubt its efficacy and utility. Though the process of self-development is essentially a process of detachment, this technique of negation does not take us to an empty and purposeless zero, but when we have negated all that is false, we come to experience and live a total positivity. When the dreamer has renounced all his contacts with the dream world and thrown away his dream personality, he does not become a non-entity, but he re-discovers himself to be the more vital, more effective personality, the waker". Sadguru Sainath's remarks on awakening one's self refers to this state of awakening that is more vital, blissful and permanent.
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Contributed Article:Sri Sai Pancha Sooktam: Sooktam 2

Mrityunjayam Komala Teja Laasyam
Mukthi-pradam Srigururaaja Bhaavam
Dattaatmajam Dwaarakamaayi Tubhyam
Sri-saainaadham Sirasaa Namaami

Meaning:
Mrityunjayam - Oh! The immortal and eternal that conquered death.
Komala Teja Laasyam - Oh! The one that is a soft, brilliant player (dancer) of karma.
Srigururaaja Bhaavam- Just the thought of the Guru Raj.
Mukthi-pradam - gives eternal bliss (no rebirth).
Dattaatmajam - The one born in the 'ansh' (incarnation) of Datta.
Dwarakamaayi Tubhyam - Dwarakamaayi is yours.
Sri-saainaadham - Oh Sainaadha!
Sirasaa - with all my thoughts (head) focused on you.
Namaami - I offer prayers.

(Contributed by Prasad V Nimmagadda)

Contributed Poem:Love, the Universal Prayer !

I once questioned God,
"Are you there with me lord?"
The lord said "yes, always my child"
Then I asked lord "why cant I see you, how shall I find you?"
Then the lord said
"Where there is love, there I shall reside, where there is truth, there I shall sing, where there is Faith I shall be the slave, and where there is patience I am the victory"

I went around looking for love,
There I found it in my parents, in my brothers and sisters,
The feeling of security, cared and cherished.
That tender wanting to share and care,
In happiness and sorrows alike with my partner.
The little life of my child that filled me with joy.
The feeling of love,
I found God in them.
God looked at me and smiled, for I discovered his identity.

Then I looked beyond,
And was dazzled by the wonders of beauty
Which tugged my heart
And I thought it was love, but I was in a mess.
My heart was entangled in intense emotions beyond reasoning.
This love made me sad.
I looked at lord and sought his advice.

God said, "Remember this my child,
A relationship is like Chinaware,
Costly rich and rare,
Once broken it can be mended,
But the crack is still there.
Beware not all the feelings are of love
Look at me when you are lost
And I shall take you across.

I thanked lord for saving me from disgrace.
The truth about love was starring at my face
Love is divine, love is giving,
Love is wanting to make others happy.
Love is sharing, love is praying
Love is sacred having no desire.
Love is protecting, love is cherishing
Love is the need to see God in all beings.
Love is faith, love is patience,
Love has no expectations
Love makes one dance in glee.
Love brings smile of peace on the lips.
Love is silent yet speaks volumes through actions
Love is divine, love is tender
Love is the essence of human life.
Love of lord causes no pain
Love is tolerance, love is unity.
Love makes the world go round
And it is you and I that make the love go round
Love is free for everyone.
Love makes god a slave and makes him dance in glee.

(Contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia)
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Experiences of Devotees

Aparna Pandit
Baba.. Baba.., I do not know how many times I chant this name in a day. I strongly feel that, Baba is with me always and I never lost faith on my beloved God. Baba, You know very well that I always take your permission to do all major tasks and with out the sign of your approval, I won't do anything. I strongly wish that all things must happen in our lives according to your wish only, but not according to our choice. Baba, you blessed us with good comfortable jobs and we are indebted to you always for everything you provided us. In the same way please shower your blessings on my mother, father, grandmother and brothers. And also I wish you to bless all living things in this world.
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Devotees say...

V. Ahuja
Below extract from Shri Sai Satcharita is for the devotee who wrote in Sep 4, 2003 Sai Vichaar Prayer Club and requested BABA not to leave mid way after year's of trust and believing in 'Shradha' and 'Saburi': Hemadpant in his poetic verses says:

'Treading on the path suggested by him, everything is pleasurable, to begin with. But later, that path will be so overspread with thorny shrubs, that there will be only thorns on all sides'
'Faith then begins to waver, the mind is easily swayed by doubts and starts wondering why Sai brings it to this by-path'
'And it is when you feel thus, that your faith should remain steadfast. These difficulties are the real test and that is how an unshakeable faith is firmly planted'
'By facing the hardships squarely, with a ceaseless chant of Sai's name, all the calamities will disappear. Such is the tremendous power of naam'
'And this is the main purpose behind these obstacles. For they too, are created by Sai and it is only then that Sai is remembered. The troubles also vanish only then'.

Sai Devotee
Dear Sai Devotee, I really need your help. My parents and my family are all in India. They were supposed to celebrate my brother's engagement. My brother got engaged on Guru Pournami couple of months ago. Him and my parents went to India to celebrate the occasion. All of a sudden now the girl who is supposed to be my new sister in law has decided to call off the engagement without any explanation. All of us are really shocked and hurt. My brother lives for Baba, everything he does is for Him. I had a vision of the number 93 in my mind over and over again. I unfortunately do not have a copy of the book, Your Questions Baba's Answers. If you have this book, can you please write the answer and email it to me. I know this email is unrelated to the newsletter, but I did not know whom else to ask. I thank you for your time.

Nalini
I came to know from my friends about the power and superior skill of Baba. Baba I wish your showers of blessings to every one of us in this earth. Baba give me the strength and wellness to pray and love you forever. Please give me the concentration during my thoughts of GOD.OM SRI SAI RAM

A devotee
My father has been reading "Shri Sai Satcharita" for a number of years. I too am a devotee of Sai Baba and have firm faith in him. But I do not know why I never picked up this Holy Book to read. After so many years of being a Sai devotee, I started reading "Shri Sai Satcharita" and to my surprise I found that the kind of solace and peace of mind it gives is unfathomable. I urge everyone to read "Shri Sai Satcharita" daily. You would see the difference it makes in your lives. It helps to understand the futility of worldly mundane things and serves as a guide to attain spiritual goals. Let our eyes be ever fixed at His feet and let us all chant "Om Sai Namo Namo" day and night.
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Prayer Club

Kavi
Baba please help Deepu get a good job. He is trying for a job for the past 9 months. Although he is qualified, he does not have one yet. He is suffering a lot mentally and physically to make a living. Please help him find a good job Baba. Please, only with your grace it is possible for him to find a job. I request all Sai devotees to pray for the same. Thank You.

A Sai devotee
Baba You have given everything I have asked you in life. Please shower your blessings on us and always allow us to serve your lotus feet. Please give our family good health and give us pure mind and thoughts to serve others. Please help me with the health problem I have. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.

Venu
Om Sairam, I have an interview on this Thursday (your day). I got this interview call by your blessings only. You are arranging interviews but nobody selected me so far. You know you let them select me in one position but I don't know what happened, until now I didn't receive any info. Saibaba don't leave us like this. Please give this job. Please let them select me like how I got my previous job. Once I got selection then I'll come to your temple in Atlanta.

Sai Devotee
Om Sai Jai Sai Jai Jai Sai Sai, this is your bhakt asking you to bless us all. My mother suffers from back pain and my father is asthmatic, please give them both good health. Give me Saburi and Shakti to look after them. Also please help my niece who has just finished her masters in computers - help her find a job of her kind and liking. She has done some interviews so please bless her with a good job, otherwise I know she will go back to India and then it will be hard for her to come back here. Also my son is just starting school bless him to do us all proud and help him get over all his obstacles. He has gone away far from all of us may be it was because of us not understanding him but please help and protect him and make him come back to us and do us proud. This is your bhakt pleading for your blessings. Om Sai Jai Sai Jai Jai Sai.

Mahesh
Om Sai Ram, hai Sai please provide a sweet tongue and better speech to my sister. Many of our relatives specially my father's sister children and my grand mother blaming my sister saying that my sister is mental and mind less. Sai, you have to do some thing best for that girl. We put her tension and burden on you Sai. Nobody is there for us expect you Sainath. Sab ka malik ek hai.

Sai devotee
Om Sai, Sri Sai, Jai Jai Sai. Please help all my friends and bandhus who are in trouble. Baba you know that one of my friend's father is suffering a lot of pain because of kidney failure. Please baba help him to recover from pain and help his daughters to get good jobs so that they can support the family. Help my sister to recover from her depression and make her to start a new life. Please help my brothers to settle in his life. Please help my parents so that they can live in peace always. Dear Sai devotees, I kindly request you to take few minutes to pray for the above families and all those who are in trouble. Om Sai Ram.

Babita
Dear Baba thank you for everything you have given us and for your blessings Baba please let me pass my EXAM and please help me find a job soon. It has been a year since we have left India and I still have not started working. Please Baba bless me with good results that way I will be able to help my husband too financially. I have done my best, rest everything is in your hands. OM SAI RAM

Keshav
Dearest Baba, please help me to overcome all the grief and bless me to find a good job where I can serve my duties honestly. Forgive me for all my ill activities, which caused dishearten to others. I always try to do something good but it never comes true. I need your blessing. Om Sai Ram.

Neelam
OM Sairam, I am a devotee of Saibaba. I have always trusted him even in my worst times. I have seen his miracles in my life. Now this time I am passing through a very bad period. My husband is sick and we are separated and have two small children. Kindly pray for me to save my marriage and I will be back to my home. Kindly pray for my husband's welfare also. Hope Baba will accept my request through you. I will be very thankful to all and remain Sai devotee throughout my life.
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Quotation of the Week
"I take nothing from anybody. The Masjidmayi (The presiding Deity of the Masjid) calls for the debt, the donor pays it and becomes free. Have I any home, property or family to look after? I require nothing. I am ever free"-Saibaba of Shirdi.
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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.

Baba's Mahasamadhi and Vijayadashami, Toronto, Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites you all to join in to celebrate Vijay Dashami and Baba's Maha Samadhi on Oct 4 2003. For further details please call the number below or refer to community news. Due to certain limitations, we are moving the venue for Thursday Prayers from Durga Temple. For details on Chitra Yatra, location of Satsang and program information please call 905 887 1752 or email at saileela99@yahoo.com.

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 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 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.

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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