Oh Sayee main ne Jap Tap kacchu na kiyaa
Phir bhee thoo ne deen dayaalu
pyaar se mujhe apnaaya
pyaar se mujhe apnaaya

Oh Sai, I haven't performed any penance or other austerities
Yet, the most merciful Sai, You have taken me into your fold!

Is our love of Baba stronger than Baba's love and compassion towards us? Can we love Baba beyond the realms of desires and fear? Is it possible to imagine how "that" love would be where there are no expectations from Baba? Can we love Baba and just love Him forever and ever, willing to surrender our everything? Is our faith in totality even at times of distress? Do we remember Baba while laughing and crying? In Pain and Pleasures? In tears of happiness and sorrow?

Baba loves us and He does without expecting any gains from us. Baba needs nothing, nor He is in want of anything. What could the "Viswagarbha", the one who has entire universe in His fold need? He just asked for those two paise from those that were willing to give him, a virtue of the ancient link between Saibaba and those who are drawn to him. For anyone that had different ways, He said, "Allah Achcha Karega" (God will do good).

One sign of humility is the cognizance that it is Baba's love and compassion that brought Him close to us and not our efforts to be or our choice to serve Him and be devoted to Him. A sadbhaktha's prerogative is to question his/her worthiness to receive Sadguru's blessings. It is with this feeling one should ask how he/she could use the body, mind, and wealth be spent in the service of Saibaba. Love of Sadguru is manifold stronger than the affection that one would sheepishly exhibit towards Sadguru as mere gratitude to the fulfillment of a desire. Trying to know the difference is the beginning of the understanding of universal love.
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Contributed Article:Sai Baba's words from the Sai Satcharita

"My method is quite unique. Remember well, this one story, and it will be very useful. The (mother) tortoise is on one bank of the river, and her young ones are on the other side. She gives neither milk, nor warmth to them. Her mere glance gives them nutrition. The young ones do nothing, but remember (meditate upon) their mother. Just remember that Guru's tortoise-like loving glance gives us happiness. Make Me the sole object of your thoughts and actions; and you will, no doubt, attain Paramartha (the spiritual goal of life). Look at Me whole-heartedly, and I in turn look at you similarly. Sitting in this Masjid, I speak the truth, nothing but the truth. No Sadhanas, nor proficiency in the six Shastras, are necessary. Have faith and confidence in your Guru. Believe fully, that Guru is the sole Actor or Doer. Blessed is he who knows the greatness of his Guru and thinks him to be Hari, Hara and Brahma (Trimurti) Incarnate."

Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy. Let the world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are. Standing or staying in your own place, look on calmly at the show of all things passing before you. "Allah Malik" i.e. God is the sole Proprietor, nobody else is our Protector. His method of work is extra-ordinary, invaluable, and inscrutable. His will will be done and He will show us the way, and satisfy our heart's desires.

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Experiences of Devotees

Sai devotee
Sairam. I have a question today and will greatly appreciate if any one can answer . I greatly believe in Baba and surrender myself to him. Being a human sometimes I do worry about domestic problems despite believing that Baba will take care of everything. I am doing Saibaba pooja for past 52 days. I live in California and commute by train. Today (Thursday) as I entered into train I found seven pennies fallen near my seat. I believe some body might have lost those as I entered empty train. First I thought of picking up Heads-up coins (with belief that heads up coins bring good luck) but my fellow passenger picked another and gave to me. So I picked all seven pennies and thought Baba blessed me with that. Later I thought again it would have been more nice if I could have found nine coins as it implies NAVAVIDHA BHAKTHI. I prayed God so that I can find two more coins and place all these coins in pooja. To my surprise I really found two coins while I got off the train and on my way to work. But I was hesitant to pick one of it as it was found near panhandler and so picked only one. But I am so restless since then for not taking Baba's blessing. I could have given some money to that panhandler and picked the coin. I did not get that idea at that time. What does this mean? Did I do something wrong in that situation? Or do I need to console myself that Baba wanted me to pick one coin. Please advise.
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Devotees say...

Pradip Koirala
Baba's way of expression of spirituality was very simple and interesting. Chapter 9 gives an account of Baba's expression of one fundamental tenet of spiritualism. Once Mrs. Tarkhad came to Shirdi. The launch was ready and it was being served. At the same time, a hungry dog comes and starts to bark. Mrs. Tarkhad stood up and gives a piece of bread to the dog. The dog was hungry and it was fully satisfied with the piece of bread it took. When Mrs. Tarkhad went to masjid, Baba said to her, mother, today you have fed me with love, my hungry soul is fully satiated. If you go on feeding the hungry, you will surely get good return in future. Always, before you take part of your food, feed the hungry first. You have given to the dog the piece of bread, but the dog is my own form. Entire creature cats, pigs, flies are nothing but my own form. I myself am roaming around in their form. Those who experience darshana of me in all the creatures are very dear to Me. Experience God in every creature. Abolish the sense of multiplicity in you; realize the inherent unity in diversity. Protect all of my family and Sai community from all the evils of the world. Om Sai Ram.

A Sai devotee
This is for the lady who is undergoing problems in her marriage. I am undergoing a similar, maybe a little more worse situation than her for 1.5 years. While not going into those details, I want to share my thoughts and feelings with her. First of all, I fully understand the trauma and pain you are going through and understand your feelings of hopelessness and depression; even I have felt the same. I have been a Sai devotee since I was 16. Since then, Sai has taken care of me in every aspect, if I asked for something he gave me even better than what I asked for. In innumerable ways and instances I found his presence in my life. During the period of this trauma he has been like a bolster, giving me the best job in my profession, supportive friends and colleagues and appreciation for fostering my loss in self-esteem. This I feel was to give me the mental strength to tide over my testing period. While Sai answers my slightest prayers even today, on this greatest crisis of my life, he has strangely remained silent so far - How do I explain this? I think the following is perhaps the only reason. When we are all happy and in bliss we tend to ignore many things in life - like to be sensitive to the pain of others, to love, respect and understand all, to find joy and happiness in little things, to share and care. We get lost in selfish wants and needs and take things for granted. When we go through pain, we introspect ourselves to see how much of this suffering is caused by our own deeds, we discover the importance of having family and friends who really love and care for us, we learn to love and respect people and we see the world with a greater sensitivity. When we discover our bad qualities and resolve to correct ourselves and walk in Sai's path, we become purer and are one step higher in our karmic evolution. Above all by constant prayers we become closer to Sai.

Sai has said "Problems are only to make you pure and bring you closer to me, don't worry, meditate, repeat my name, all problems solve by themselves." Sai will never abandon his devotees and his words will never come untrue. Let me give you a very recent instance. A close relative of mine, an old lady was in serious trouble and was suffering a lot. I felt bad for her and thought that so far I have been so entangled with my own pain let me pray for her. I did a 2 week parayan for her (as my job is hectic and doing in 1 week was tough). On Wednesday, of this week, my prayers for the lady were answered. I could not hold back tears. How did this happen? I only know that I prayed from the bottom of my heart and fully believed Sai will hear the prayers. My parayan is inadequate; it is Sai's benevolence that answered the prayers. I know whatever we are going through is very tough and emotionally taxing, but we can live with the hope that Sai will show us the way and lead us to peace and happiness. Is it possible that Sai who helped his children in little things will abandon them when they need them the most? No, never. This test is only to make us pure. Sai is the wirepuller of the world, nothing is impossible for him. What is needed is an unflinching faith and belief. Very soon our troubles will end and we will emerge from this phase as stronger and better human beings. I humbly solicit the prayers and blessings of all devotees to give us the strength to tide over this period and be blessed by our benevolent father Sai.

Smitha
I am student doing my masters program in the US.I work very hard and I do very well in my exams. But the professors they do not give me the exact points. This has been happening or 2 years and I feel so frustrated and am scared abbot how my future exams are going to go. I just pray to Saibaba that he shows some pity on me to give me good grades in all my courses. Sairam

K.Ramaswamy, Chennai
This is a humble advice from an elderly person. In the Saivichar issue dated 30th October, 2003, saibandu Natasha wanted Lord Sai to Bless her for peaceful marriage with her selected person and settle a good independent life without hindrance from her in laws (it means avoiding her in-laws) Will she think for a minute how much his parents must have toiled their life to bring him up to the present position. Is it not his duty to take care of his parents too in life? Think for a minute, suppose you get married and children, when they become elders (especially sons), deserted you and live separately with his wife. How much feeling you will have? It is our primary duty to take care of our elders who shaped us to earn and live happily. You pray that your in-laws should live happily and at the same time not to give you any problem. This must be your (proper) prayer. Lord Sai definitely will help you, once if you have deep faith (shredder) and good patience (saber) in life. Try to avoid selfish attitude and more possessiveness in life. Real sai devotee should always pray for right things in life and live with simplicity with helping tendency to all human being including other creatures in life. I am sure if you pray for good of others, Lord Sai will take care of you.
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Prayer Club

Nighat
Dear Baba, Om Sai Ram Babaji. Baba I thank you for everything you have given me but lately Baba I have not been myself I get annoyed over no good reason and make my husband mad at me than I regret saying those words but I love my husband very very much Baba I cannot live without him and his love, he has kept me very happy and I have nothing to complain but what I pray for to you Baba is that give me the strength to cope with this situation and keep my mind clear so I can not say things that I am not suppose to say. I am married for only two months and I don't want to create a gap between me and my husband I love him too much and I don't want to loose him. Please Baba listen to my prayer and give me a sign that you have heard me and guide me to the right path. Baba, please I have left all to you, give me a cool mind and a healthy life to my husband. I know I have been at wrong and I am asking for forgiveness. Thank you again baba for being there with me at all times.

Mahesh Kumar
Om Sai Ram, I have lots of problems and I am not able to settle the problems so Sai give me the power so that I can settle my problems. Sai arrange my sister's marriage so that she can settle her life. Sai you have to bring a good husband because no body is there for us expect You, Sai.

Mahalakshmi
Jai Sai Ram, Baba, I am in lot of trouble. Please save me and give me the strength to face the challenges. You are almighty Lord, you know everything, please listen to my woes. My mother told me that if I write to You, You will set things right. Jai Sainath.

A devotee
Jai Sai Ram, Baba, Swami, you know very well that I am a devotee and my family is fully involved in your prayers and spiritual activities. I am very grateful to You that you are always with us to help us on every step we take until today. You are living in our hearts and giving guidance and we are following your instructions. Now I have a very big worry Swami that you know well. There is nothing that can happen without your knowledge in this world. Baba, my son is a very good character and obedient boy, but his education is getting retarded due to some unknown reason. He is doing handwork and we are helping him in various ways. Still, his progress is not appreciable Swami. I fear and have no peace in my mind when I think of his future. Baba, do you like that his life be in dark. My son is your child, a devotee, sings bajans, chants your name on every Sundays and on every Tuesdays participates in Namasmarans. You know Swami he took part in Balvikas plays as Shirdi Baba [your part]. Baba, I humbly beg you please give him a good memory power and enthusiasm in his studies. I am submitting this kind request at your lotus feet Baba with my humble pranams for your kind blessings to your devotee, my son.

Sai Devotee
Baba, please we need your help. Baba please see that my brother gets married. Baba you know what is going on in the family, there is lot of tension and fighting going on. Baba I believe in you a lot, please Baba show some mercy on us. Please see that daddy changes his ways. I am falling at your lotus feet and praying Baba please show some grace and daya on us.

Sai devotee
Baba please solve my problems. I am facing lot of problems. Baba, please give good health to my son, my wife and to members of my family. Baba, I am always at your feet. Baba, please bless me. Om Sai Sri Sai Jay Jay Sai. Om Sri Sai Ram

A Sai Devotee
Baba Sainatha, please help me finding a job. Baba.I feel ashamed if I go back to my place without a job. Help me Baba, I am very depressed.
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Quotation of the Week
"I get angry with none. Will a mother get angry with her children?"-Sai Baba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

Q. What is the significance of Mr. Sathe's vision in Sai Satcharitha?

A. by Sai Devotee

Through Sathe's vision Baba wanted to emphasize the importance of having faith in our Guru. In essence, the very purpose of human life is to develop this strong faith in our Guru.

When Sathe explained his vision to Baba and seeks His advise, Baba blesses him saying that he will become pure and will be benefited, the Lord will be pleased and will rescue him from the bondage of mundane existence. On hearing this, Hemadpanth becomes restless and thinks that Baba has blessed Sathe who did the parayan of Guru-Charitra only once, where as, he has been doing that for 40 years and has still been waiting for Baba to shower His blessings on him to help him reach the goal of life (self-realization).

By creating those thoughts in Hemadpanth, Baba not only blessed Him, but also all of His ignorant devotees who are struggling hard to cross this ocean of worldy existence. If we think about it, when a fortunate devotee like Hemadpanth who got the privilige of being with Baba and spending time with Him, got restless, this indicates that the power of maya is very strong. Inorder to overcome it, Baba gave us some nectar of wisdom through the story of Radhabai and we need to assimilate the essence of this story which was narrated by Shama to Hemadpanth and implement the instructions in our every day lives.

The essence of the story is that we need only to offer 2 paise as dakshina to our Guru, which are "FIRM FAITH" and "PATIENCE". Life is so uncertain that we do not know what the next moment will be. All we can do is place our entire and complete trust in Baba's words that He will protect us just as a tortoise feeds her young ones, whether they are near her or away from her on the other side of the river bank, by her loving looks.

If we use this precious life given by God, to develop these 2 qualities, our life will be of some value and we can find happiness only by trusting Him completely and letting Him bear the burden of our needs and desires. If we ignore this instruction from Baba, we will end up suffering with anxieties, fear and worries and fall into the cycle of births and deaths Firm faith implies the strong conviction that whatever happens to us, is by His will and it is for our own good and remain calm in sufferings and adversities giving Him a chance to mould us according to His divine will without offering resistance. As mentioned in the Sat-charitra, (patience) "Saburi is manliness in man, it removes all sins and afflictions, gets rid of calamities in various ways, and casts aside all fear, and ultimately gives you success".
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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.

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba idol installation in Bothell, WA
HTCC Temple in Bothell, near Seattle in Washington state is installing Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Idol in the temple on 15th November 2003. The program starts 10.00 am to 9.00 pm. For further information please contact HTCC at : 425-483-7115 or visit: http://www.htccwa.org.

Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto
Devotees in Toronto invite you all to join in our weekly Satsang every Thursday at the two Locations mentioned below. For other information please call 905 887 1752 or email at saileela99@yahoo.com. (1) 271 Ridley St. Avenue Rd. and Wilson South of Hwy 401 for details Ph: 416 4813593. (2) 5359 Timberlee Blvd. # 10in Mississauga Call Mrs. Dastoor for details Ph: 905 812 8290

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Minnesota
By the grace of Sadguru Sainath, Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center is established in Minneapolis-St.Paul, of Minnesota. Regular Sai activities in the Twin Cities, MN are being conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, 725 Lake St NE, Apt #139 Hopkins MN. For details, please contact hamaresai@yahoo.com. or call Sangeeta (651-481-6782), Kiran (952-233-1819), Ravi (651-342-0600) Bhuva (651-681-2042) or Sathya (651-739-2105).

Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA cordially invites you for Thursday satsang at 6.30pm 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.

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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