In 1886 AD, Sai Baba left His physical body for three days entrusting it to the great devotee Mhalsapathy. Mhalsapathy sat for three full days with Sai Baba's body on his lap waiting for Him to return. The epitome of faith and patience, the greatest of Sai devotees Mhalsapathy's prayers were answered and Sai returned after 72 hours. Recorded incidents show that during this period of absence from His physical body, Sai Baba appeared to His devotees several hundreds miles away. The coming back to "life" of Sadguru Sainath has a similarity to the resurrection of Jesus Christ who rose to life three days after He was put to death. One source on the Christ says, "If only His earthly body was dead, then He was the same "spiritual being" with all the power and glory in the three days His body was in the grave that He has now or had before He came to earth". How true!

A careful examination of these incidents shows the limitlessness of the divine. Sai said, "My tomb will speak". This proved right as millions of his devotees still listen to Him even after several years of His physical demise. On the eve of Christmas, the celebrated of spiritual times, let us remind ourselves of His true nature that transcends time and space and His ever presence in our lives and His glory.
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Contributed Article:"I SPEAK AT RANDOM AND WHO BELIEVES ME" (Part I)

While going through the pages of Sri Sai Satcharitha, suddenly I stopped and looked at the statement, "I speak at random and who believes me". Hitherto, I have gone through Sai Satcharitha several times, but this time in an unusual manner, I was struck at this statement. When Damu Anna sent a letter to Shama requesting him to read the contents of that letter and take Baba's opinion, Baba uttered this statement.

Although in that context it looked like a casual statement, but when we look at it intently, it becomes clearly evident as to what exactly Baba wants to convey. As I started deliberating on it deeply, my mind was going in different directions and was supporting this statement. Though we claim to be the devotees of Sai and tell others that we follow his teachings and believe in Him, but in fact are we really doing this? Do we have the kind of faith that Sai expects us to have in Him? Do we follow His teachings in letter and spirit? Are we truly His devotees? I really fumbled myself to find answers to these questions.

Various divine miracles that Sai performed were meant to teach the humanity the right way of living, so that one could attain the highest goal of life i.e., self realization and become merged in that over soul from where we all have emanated. The essence of Satcharitra is that it shows us the way of life. If we walk through the way that Sai has shown then we wouldn't be troubled by any thing. Our journey in both the mundane and spiritual worlds becomes smooth with Sai's grace. The problem is that we know it well but still find it difficult to traverse this path, due to lack of unquestionable and unwavering faith in Him.

It is but normal for us that when subjected to calamities our faith wavers and as a result, we run out of patience. No matter how the Lord has helped us before and what divine experiences He provided us to help us overcome many a troublesome situation, unmindful of these we start questioning the very existence of the God or that divine power. We the human beings yearn for more things to come in our way always. When God grants us some divine experiences and make us feel Him through these, we have to march ahead without looking back. These few experiences should be good enough for us to lead an exemplary kind of life, but we fail here often. So the question of submitting the two paisa, 'Sradha and Saburi' that Sai always expects from us will not arise. Baba wants something and we do something else.

Coming to more specific instances:
1. Baba said that he who bears the brunt of the verbal attack silently and doesn't react is the one who is dear to me. We have this tendency to repulse any attack and this hit back attitude literally keeps us away from observing this.

2. Baba said that when some one comes to you for any help, if you can't do it, fine, but don't drive out discourteously. But we have this grumbling attitude, which prompts us to speak things that Sai doesn't want us to speak.

3. Baba said that we should not unnecessarily scold or scoff others as this is tantamount to the pig eating the dirt there by cleaning the environment. But we the human beings feel more pleasure in doing such things. Talking ill of others and backbiting has to be shunned, if we have to follow the dictum of Sai. We fail miserably once again.

4.By performing the divine miracle of lighting the lamps with water, Baba has sent a clear message that we should not speak lies and should adhere to truth always. But prevarication is something that comes easily to us, thus allowing the truth to fall by the way side.

5.When Baba was invited by Shri Dev to attend Udyapan ceremony at his residence and take part in the lunch, Baba told him that he would attend with two others and accordingly he attended the function. But the poor man thought that Baba hasn't kept his promise and wrote a letter to Baba expressing his displeasure. Before that letter was opened, Baba said that, once I promise to do something then I will give up my life to keep up that promise. Though I have attended the junction with two others, he is blaming me now saying that I have failed to keep up my promise. Through this incident Baba has sent a direct message that when we make a promise to someone, then we have to keep up that. But in real life how many promises and assurances given by us to others are being fulfilled needs to be examined.

6.Baba said that His spiritual treasure is full and those who want to take that can take cartloads any time. We run to Baba for the fulfillment of the various mundane wants and hardly want what Baba wants us to want. So where is the question of listening to his words?

7. Baba said that before the senses enjoy the sensual objects, He should first be remembered, so that we would become disinterested in them. Once Baba has directly asked Hemadpant whether he remembers Him before eating anything. On another occasion too Baba stressed that those who do not eat or do anything without first remembering Him, and to such people He said that He would remain indebted and guard them well all through. Despite of direct benediction pronounced by Baba, still we fail to remember Him many a time.

8.Baba said in several contexts that we should be humble and have no trace of ego. On the contrary, we suffer from too much of self-consciousness which ultimately allows the ego to raise its ugly head every now and then and robs our peace in the process.

9. Baba has said that we should have loving devotion to our Guru. Where there are no expectations, there it is possible to shower pure love. Shri Sai rains such pure love without any expectations, but are we in turn giving Him that unadulterated love?

(To be continued...)

(Contributed by P. Raghunatha Reddy, Tirupathi, India)
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Experiences of Devotees

Sathya Menon
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am writing this mail with a feeling of euphoria because, today, I really feel Sai Ma has spoken to me and that makes me feel really blessed. I recently attended a "Business Meeting" where the CEO of my company suddenly went into a topic which made me believe that this was Baba talking through him.

I would like to relate a story that he narrated in this meeting.
A king had announced that he will be showering money from his terrace to the people of his country, however he did not mention the time or day when he will do that. On the first day there was a hugh crowd and people came with big bags. As the days went by the number of people started dwidling and the size of the bags also started decreasing. Some came with small bags and held it open only a little doubting if the king will do as promised, some held slightly bigger bags and opened them slighltly wider but still not wide enough. They waited for one, two, three days and when they saw that money was not being showered as promised they left dejected. However there was this one man who had full faith and belief in the king and he brought his entire family and big bags with a wide opening and waited patiently and one fine day when the king fulfilled his promise this man was there with his entire family and wide bags to collect the money. Of course, he collected the maximum treasure because one he had the patience and two he and his family held their bags wide open.

Our CEO said that we should be like the man with the widest bag of belief and faith so that god can shower his blessings for even if we are patient, if we have a small bag and are not willing to open it wide enough, how will god be able to put his blessings in our bags.

I am residing in the Gulf region and our CEO is a Muslim, But the message he was conveying was that of Sraddha and Saburi (faith and patience). This just goes to show that all religions preach the same, does'nt it? I was really going through a low phase when this meeting was held and this message hit me and made me wonder how often we pray to baba asking for things and then do not open our bags of faith wide enough to allow him to pour his blessing into it?

To further reiterate his message, he send me another message through a mail from my parents. My parents who are in Chennai, India had to go to Kerala for my cousin's wedding. Our cat in our house in Chennai was about to deliver and was looking for a place to lay the litter. Without my parents realizing it, she had gone into the almirah in my parent's room. My parents not realizing this, locked the almirah and left on the 25th of November. They got back on 2nd December (8 days later) and heard a faint sound from the almirah. When they opened they found the cat with her two kittens, weak but alive. 8 days without food, water and ventilation (imagine how much oxyen will be there in a small closed almirah!). Who could have kept the cat and its litter alive except for our Sai Ma. What better proof of his ocean of love.

This miracle was another stamp that made me realize the Baba in his infinate love to us his children sends us messages through various sources. It is upon us to read them. My dear brothers and sisters, how often do we read them??

All of you out there who are praying to Baba, please, please believe that baba will answer ur prayer. His statement "Why worry when I am there" is the gospal truth. Never doubt it! Please have patience and hold onto to him tight like u would to a piece of log when you are drowing. HE WILL FULFILL ALL YOUR WISHES.... JUST HAVE SHRADDHA AND SABURI.

Incidently, I have asked my parents to name the new additions to the family 'Shraddha and Sabu' so that it will be a constant reminder to us that BABA is always with us, his children.
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Devotees say...

N Kamal Kiran
Sai Ram, last week I have sent a request to Sai Maharaj through Prayer club to help me in getting a job in another dept, and Baba answered to my prayer very movement. And I am in that job now.thank you very much Baba. Please help me in every step for you are my father and mother and I have none but you. Please let my faith be in you for ever. Jai Sai Ram.

Pradip Koirala
Hemadpant has given a small event in Chapter 4 of Sai Satcharitra. This is a short description of the relationship between Sadguru Baba and pseudo Guru Javhar Ali. But the implication of this short description is deep and wideranging, benefiting all the spiritual seekers. Fakir Javhar Ali comes back and starts to live in Rahata together with his disciples. He had a melodious voice. He was also able to read Koran by hard. The religious and spiritual aspirant of the area respected Javhar Ali very much. He used to live near Virbhadra temple. He decides to make Idga near Virbhadra temple. This decision took the shape of a dispute and Javhar Ali returns back from Rahata and start to live in Shirdi together with Sadguru Baba at Masjid. Quickly, Javhar Ali was able to win over all the people with the help of his melodious voice and started saying to them that Sadguru Baba is also his disciple. Baba did not deny it and accepted to be his disciple. Both Guru and disciple start to live in Rahata. Javhar Ali was not able to comprehend Baba's divinity. But the weaknesses of Javhar Ali were well known to Baba. Baba did not show even a trace of disrespect to Javhar Ali and gave every possible service to him. Both of them used to come to Shirdi frequently but they were settled in Rahata. The devotees of Baba however wanted Baba to come back in Shirdi. The devotees went to Rahata and requested to Baba to return to Shirdi. In the mean time, Javhar Ali enters in and he was furious with devotees invitation to Baba to return to Shirdi. Javhar Ali then changes his mind and accepts to return to Shirdi after some argument. Baba and Javhar Ali then started to live together in Shirdi.

In Shirdi, there was one Devidas. He was very sharp. He was the real image of sacrifice and knowledge. Baba's devotees Tatya kote, Kashinath and other devotees respected Devidas just like their Guru. Once Devidas decided to test Javhar Ali. The meeting was held between Tatya kote, Kashinath , Javhar Ali, Devidas and others. There was some controversy and argument amongst them in which Javhar Ali was totally defeated. Then Javhar left Shirdi and fled to Bijapur. After some years, Javhar Ali comes back to Shirdi and prostrated before Baba. His illusion that he is the guru of Baba has then non -existing. Even then, Baba treated Javhar Ali with respect. Sai Baba showed by actual conduct how one should get rid of egoism and does the duties of disciple to achieve Self Realization.
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Prayer Club

Sai Devotee
Dearest Shree Sai Baba, with your blessings my wife is pregnent after 5 years. Baba as you know doctors detected diabeties in her after conception. Now they said there is a chance of defective pregnancy in this case. Baba now it is two months pregnancy, everything is normal but if there is any defective in pregnancy it will be noticed with scan only after four months. Baba you are our only God who can prevent such things. Baba, be with us and protect our child from all abnormalities. Baba bless us so that my wife's pregnancy and our child be normal. All Sai Devotees please pray on our behalf. Satchidananda Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Sai devotee
Dear Baba, I do not know how to say, but I want to pray for my bavagaru, akka and my bannu. Please Baba, please do something so that our bavagaru gets his Ph.D with your grace this time. I am sure you can do anything for us. Please bless them and all of us for peace.

Rangarajan
My humble pranams on the eve of Christmas. You are the only Lord engaged in true secular system giving equal importance to all people of different walks of religion. Respected Sairam I do not know any body belonging to Christianity. I convey my good wishes for a happy and merry Christmas to all through you my Lord Sai Ram with kind regards. I seek you blessings.
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Quotation of the Week
"Do not be aggressive; when people complain, simply put up with it".-Sai Baba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

Q. On what basis our mind be set on one deity as our guru? Can any deity be a guru?

A. by Ravin Gnanasambandam, Minnesota

Baba appeared in many forms to people as they desire, as well sung in the aarathi "jaya mani jaisa bhaav". The eternal Sai takes any form as in the minds of those who seek him. Worshipping Sai in any and every way is perhaps the discipline or the structure that helps one in his/her attempts to see and feel the divinity. Baba did not prevent anyone from going to the temples of different Gods nor did he endorse a particular way of worship. As a matter of fact, with a few people Baba insisted that they follow their routine way of spiritual exercises such as visiting temples of Maruti, Shani or Dattatreya. Baba knows what is best for each and everyone. Having a routine way of worshipping or praying to many different deities are only the external signs of a deeper urge to seek, know, and keep the divine closer to one's hearts, whether for a material benefit or something different. This routine need not be a linear exercise of gradual succession towards any thing bigger. These could be different facets of the same absolute as long as one is not conditioned to the outward rigors of ritualistic formalities. Every ritual is OK if its sole purpose is to see Sai - be a Megha to see Sai Shiva, a Shama as the Visnusahasranama is recited, as Nana when Sai is venerable Datta or Abdul to see his Allah maalik. A true Sai satsang is perhaps one where there is enormous love and devotion for Baba that is expressed in every ritual. The love and devotion that is natural and unsolicited. A Satsang that perhaps uses every means and tries to provide everyone the opportunity to realize Sadguru in his or her own way beyond the barriers of language, culture or social status.

Baba said, "I draw to Me My man from far off, or even across the seven seas, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet." He also made it clear to him that if he were not Baba's man, he would not be attracted to Him and given a darshan. A Sai devotee, with time and some contemplation realizes that it is because of "rinanubandha" , the Karmic/Cosmic indebtedness that brings one closer to Sai. Those days in Shirdi when the God was walking in flesh and blood, several were attracted to His abode. Dixit, Nana, Sathe, Shama, Noolkar, Mahalsa..all these devotees were different in their own respect whether it be their social stature or spiritual standing. But Baba's love to each and everyone was the same. Everyone feels in an unknown way that Baba is closest to him/her than any other. Saibaba said, "I have to take care of my children day and night and give an account to God of every paise". The same continues even today, those who are meant to be in His fold remain there even if they are not aware of it. On the other hand, if it is not meant to be, one cannot remain even if he wanted to. Nisargadatta Maharaj says, "Gurus are like milestones. It is natural to move from one to another. Each tells you the direction and the distance, while the sadguru, the eternal Guru, is the road itself. Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy". He also said that no one comes to a Guru on his own, there is always an ancient link.
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Sai Activities

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).

Sai Baba Center in Toronto
Devotees in Toronto invite you all to join in our weekly Satsang every Thursday at the two Locations mentioned below. For more information please call Shammi Chopra 905 887 1752 or Roshan Dastoor Ph: 905 812 8290 or email us at saileela99@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 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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