Tumhaasee jaagawoo aamhi aapulya chaada - Baba aapulya chaada
Subhaasubh karme dosh haraavayaa peedaa.
Aataan Swaamee sukhe nidraa karaa Gopala - Baba Sai dayaalaa
Purale manorath jato aapule sthalaa.

We shall wake you up for our own needs to destroy the torment that is ours due to our fate, caused by our good as well as bad actions - Sant Tukaram Maharaj

How easy is the discrimination between real and unreal, good and bad, right and wrong and the doable and the undoable? Words of the wise have always insisted that one should show discrimination between what is good and what is bad for us. Discrimination requires knowledge and by insisting on discrimination, a definite even if minor significance is placed on the necessity of knowledge to seek Sadguru. However, surrounded by the tigers and the wolves, is it an easy task? How does one know whether a particular thing is right or wrong? On the other hand, is it possible for anyone to know all the rights from the wrongs? Can anyone assure that knowledge itself can help complete the process of discrimination? The path shown by Sai says that strong faith coupled with devotion is enough to win the grace of Sadguru who guides one not only in the worldly pursuits but also in the spiritual path.

God of the destitute, Saibaba of Shirdi has shown that simple devotion shown to him with pure heart is enough to win his grace. The devotee need not fall into the trap of trying to separate rights from the wrongs for such a pursuit is not possible in one's lifetime. Sant Tukaram Maharaj captures the same thoughts in his Abhang composition in Sainath Maharaj's Shej Aarthi, where he asks the Lord to rescue him from the consequences of actions that are not only good but also bad! This is one sign of complete surrender at the feet of Sadguru with the strongest conviction that whatever is retained is only the good and it is Sadguru who alone is capable of retrieving us!
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Contributed Article: Faith and Patience

"It is my special characteristic that I always look to, and provide to the welfare of those devotes, who worship me wholeheartedly with their minds ever fixed on me"

"My master told me bounteously to all that ask. No one asks with wisdom. My treasury is open. No one brings carts to take away the real treasures. I say dig and search but no one wants to take any pains. Be true sons of Divine Mother and fully stock yourself. What is to become of us. This body will return to earth and the air we breathe will melt in the air. This opportunity will not return"
Being a devotee of Baba, it would be very easy for me to ask from Baba. Since He has this characteristic to give.

Now if I carefully read the second saying of Baba. He says no one asks with wisdom. Yes surely I am not wise when I ask. Because if I want to ask something it is because I have some trouble, and how can a troubled mind be wise. So whenever in trouble my troubled or confused mind finds a solution, will ask or will try to force me to ask the solutions, which is mine, to be materialized. So even if it is materialized I may find some gratification for time being.

Baba is wise I am not. So even if I have to ask, I would rather ask, "Baba since I am not wise please give me what ever I need." Again if I have faith in Baba I even would not ask that (just looking at first statement my faith will not allow me to ask). Baba knows my every need, whatever situation I am in now, is needed. That is why Baba has given the present situation to me. Yes, it may be painful but I need to pass through this pain otherwise why would Baba give it to me?
And if I am asking for something like money, or a job it is very simple that I am more interested in what I ask than Baba.

Anyway, I am writing this because Baba has given me MORE THAN I COULD ASK FOR. The above statement should not be taken as I have much money and such kinds of things. Yes, I still pass through those inconveniences. I got what I could not ask for, means I was not aware of what I got and it happened, how I could ever ask something of which I am not aware of, or say something which my petty mind did not know about. How can I ask the unknown, that which is not known to me? And Baba has the treasure ready to be given of which my petty mind is not aware.

So FAITH and PATIENCE is all that is required.

(Contributed by Alpesh Patel)
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Experiences of Devotees

Muralidharan
First time I went to Shirdi was in July 2000 before leaving to Bangalore for joining in my new job. Even though I happened to be in Nasik for a year in my first job, I never visited Shirdi. It was my uncle who took me first to Shirdi. From that time, I started believing in Baba like any other God. But my devotion increased day by day towards Baba in the past 7 months because the moment I start thinking of Him all my worries are flown away. My wonderful experience with Baba is that whenever I commute to my office in my two-wheeler, I used to pronounce Sai Sthothram from start to end of my journey of 8kms from home to office. In between, I used to ask Him "Please show me your Sign". I used to see vehicles with OM SAI RAM written on it or Baba's photo itself on it. This has happened to me all the times for the past one week. This shows how much love He has for his devotees. OM SAI RAM
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Devotees say...

Charu
I was not really a very staunch believer of Baba till two years ago my husband had a severe business problem and I prayed to Baba along with other gods. One night I dreamt of him sitting in my husbands aunt's house, who was a firm believer of Baba, he raised his hand and blessed me, he did not say anything to me just raised his hand. After that we have been doing good and climbing up in life. My question is what did that dream actually mean? Did Baba bless me or did he want me to do something. I have promised him that when I go to India I will go to Shirdi for sure. But I would definitely like an interpretation of the dream and if it is common for people to see him in a dream, would be obliged if someone could answer back.

Ramkrishnan
Dear readers, I would like to share the joy I had during the last week, when baba showered blessing on us and showed that he is really listening and proved his all pervasiveness.

I had been few mental disturbances since my mother passed way and also a shift in the official work, I was contemplating in many ways to work out, nothing gave me sure answer then I decided to read daily one chapter of Shri Sai satcharita. The moment I started all my stress started reducing and completely cured and I now gain more confidence. It was possible only with Shri Sai and the joyful day comes on the 49th day I read the 49th chapter in the morning and at about evening 7 pm one of my ex colleague called me and asking about my welfare and said "your Shirdi prasad is waiting with me I will come and deliver to you tomorrow" these are the exact word he uttered, I considered that as shri sai's words that he himself come and deliver his udi and kalkandu to me and on completing 50th chapter the prasad came which we humbly took. Me any my wife were full of joy and the words are not enough to describe this. The reason why I saying is this the person who has given me the prasad came from his leave 10 days back and I could not even talk to him. He had been to Shirdi during his vacation and back to Oman. Where there is true devotion and belief is there and our Sai is there with us all

Vidya RS
In reply to a devotee's enquiry about where to read Gurucharitra online. The web address is www.shirdisai.org.
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Prayer Club

Y V Ramana
Lord sai, make me feel your presence always, end my sufferings and show me a right path to live in dignity and respect. Forgive me for everything and let me live further with my wife and children a meaningful life. Sai! Have mercy, as you are everything for me.

Ashish
I am in love with this person but things are not turning up nicely! As many people face we are facing family disapproval|! Both of us are suffering a lot! But we don't want to displease our parents specially me! We are separated now! I keep asking why Baba made us meet and then we are being separated! Please pray for us! I want my bulbul to be happy even without me!! Sai ram

Shree
Hello sister Sonia, the site we you can find Guru charitra in English.. May sai bless you. http://www.floridashirdisai.org/passages.html

N Kamal Kiran
Sashatanga Pranamas to Sainath Maharaj our only Protector. Baba this is the second time I am sending a prayer to you in this way. Sainatha as you know our family is passing through a very hard phase, as we have given our land (which is our only asset) to a builder for development, he is harassing us in all the ways and because of this all our family members are not in real deep pain. We now are planning to proceed through court for all other options are closed for us. And I am very much worried about my parents health, Please give all of us strength to face this. There is nothing hidden from you and we are 100% sure we have not done any act to trouble our Builder. And I am sure everything is in your hands, though I know our fate is bad you are the only one who can help us from this. OH..Sainath please help us from this problem OM SAI RAM.

Sai devotee
Dear Sai, I immensely believe in you and am in serious trouble with police and courts and have a very troublesome married life. I have an alcohol problem and wish to confide in you saibaba to overcome these problems and change myself. Please help me, as there is no one on this earth that will Sri Sai Ram.

Puneet
Whatever I am today it is only because of Sai Baba's blessing, I can't do anything without his support, every moment of my life is guided by him only. I pray him to do the best for all of us. Jai Sai Ram.

Ramjee
I would like to visit Shirdi some time during the second week of February. But I am very much aware of the fact that, until Sai wants me to visit him, I cannot go there no matter how much ever I try. I have started "Sai Samarth Sat Charitra Parayana" yesterday, and its going on well, I plan to complete it in 7 days. But as I progress through the book, my desire to visit Shirdi increases. So I request you all to pray for me also, so that Sai would grant me permission to visit Shirdi.
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Quotation of the Week
"Things have to be practiced and lived. Mere reading won't do. You have to think and carry out what you read, otherwise, it is of no use. Mere book-learning without grace of the Guru and self-realization is of no avail"-Sai baba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

Q. What does Balaram Mankar's episode in Sai Satcharitha signify?

A. by Radhika G

In the Sai Satcharitra written by Shri Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant, he has narrated the life of Balaram Mankar at 2 instances. Once with reference to Mrs.Tharkhad in Chapter No. 9 and the other episode in Chapter No 31.

In the first episode, reference is made to Balaram Mankar as a young lad who visits Shirdi to perform the obsequies of his father. A mention of this in chapter no. 9 tells us that Shri Sainath always taken Balaram in his fold to impart the best course of devotion. He demonstrated to Mankar by asking for the Pedha that Mother Tharkhad had sent with him for Baba, that Love is supreme. To help Balaram progress in Bhaktimarg and let the other devotees benefit from the episode of Balaram's life Baba inspired Hemadpant to mention the second instance of Balaram's life.

It is observed that Balaram was a very responsible householder and discharged his duties very sincerely. In the process, he felt very attached to his family. He was very devoted to Sainath and visited Shirdi to be in the company of Shri Sai; especially in times of distress as he found comfort and solace with Shri Sai. When Balaram's wife died he felt much dejected and lost interest to shoulder the responsibilities of the family anymore. So he entrusted his son with the household charges and headed to Shirdi. He lived in company of Shri Sai and served him.

Baba always chooses a best option to reward his devotees and help them progress in Bhakti marg. He sent Balaram Mankar to Machindragada and asked him to practise penance thrice a day. Baba also gave him Rs.12.

At first Mankar was unwilling to go away from Baba. But Baba convinced him that this was the best course. So, with a heavy heart that he has to go and be away from Baba in Shirdi, he reached Machindragada in Satara. Reaching there, he was pleased with the scenic beauty, fresh, pure, healthy water, air and surroundings. As prescribed by Baba he practiced meditation thrice a day. After a few days, Mankar got a revelation. Generally, Bhaktas get revelation when he came down to consciousness from trance state. Baba appeared in his true form to Mankar and also conversed with him. He asked Baba why was he sent to Machindragada, to which Baba replied that- "In Shirdi many thoughts and ideas began to rise in your mind, I sent you here to rest your unsteady mind. You thought I was in Shirdi, with a body composed of 5 elements and 31/2 cubits in length and not outside of it. Now, you see and determine for yourself, whether the person you see here now is the same you saw at Shirdi. It is for this reason that I sent you here."

From this episode, it can be realized that Baba is omnipresent and is also physically present everywhere where his child needs him. He is not just bound to the boundaries of Shirdi. Baba sent Mankar to Machindragada to gain control over his pancha jyanendriya and panchakarmendriya along with shraddha and saburi (5+5+2 =12 - the sum Baba gave to Mankar when he left for Machindragada). Also Baba wanted Mankar to gain Viveka and Vairagya from the materialistic world. He wanted to make him realize that he was not just confined to Shirdi. Because Mankar always thought that Baba was in Shirdi only and he was being sent away to Machindradaga meant he was sent away from Baba in Shirdi. Its worth a thought why did Baba choose to send Mankar to a Machindragada only? Well, probably as the name suggests Gada means fort i.e which is at a height. Baba wanted to take Mankar to a great height in devotion and spirituality and let him feel blissful in such a lovely beautiful spot.

From Baba's revelation to Mankar at Machindragada, it also reaffirms that Baba is always ever caring of his children. It should be remembered that because Sadguru Baba's krupa and akaranya karunya, that Mankar got this revelation to affirm his faith that Baba is all pervading and Omnipresent. It is by the loving grace of the Sadguru that transported him into a state to realize that Sai is within each one of us, within our own self. A line from one of the Marathi Abhangs depicts this beautiful meaning...

"Deha Zala Pandarapur Tyaat Nande Rakhumavar" - which means, make our body, heart the Pandharpur in which Lord Vittal and Rakhumai reside. Similarly, let us make our heart Shirdi where our Beloved Sainath resides. Shirdi is not miles away, but is within our ownself. This realization occurred to Mankar in Machindragada, rather Baba blessed him with this revelation, by sending him to Machindragada and make him realize the absolute.

After the revelation and stay in Machindragada as prescribed by Baba, Mankar wanted to return to his native in Bandra. He desired to travel by train from Pune to Dadar. But when he reached the ticket booking counter, he found it very crowded. In the meanwhile, a village rustic approached Mankar and offered his Pune-Dadar ticket saying that he could not travel because he had to attend to some urgent work. Before realizing and paying the village rustic for the ticket, he disappeared into the crowd. Here again Mankar realized that Baba helped him to procure a ticket by coming in the form of a village rustic. Our Sadguru Mauli is like a mother who knows the wants of her child. Here, Mankar did not keep an expectation that Baba should come in some form and help him to book a ticket. Sadguru Sainath comes in any form to help his child when he is trouble, irrespective of the place or whether the child calls to him or not. He is ever caring for us. Also through this, Baba once again blessed Mankar, reaffirmed his faith that Sai can take any form to protect his children, and is not only bound in Shirdi or Machindragada.

Thus Baba blessed Mankar through these revelations and helped in progress in Bhaktimarg. From his native place in Bandra he returned to Shirdi to serve Baba. But now, his mind was peaceful and always devoted his mind in the thoughts of the Lord. As Shri Krishna says in Gita- "He who remembers me in his last moments, comes verily to me, and he that meditates, otherwise, at that time, goes to what he looks for." Therefore, Sainath always encourages his children to engage their thoughts in chanting the Lords' name (Namasumiran) with love and devotion. Doing thus, our merits rise and we can feel closer to our beloved Sai. Mankar was much blessed by getting salvation in the feet of Shri Sai.
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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 952-938-2983

Shirdi Sai Satsang in Canada
SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN OF CANADA invites you all to join in our weekly Satsang every Thursday at the two Locations. For more information please call Shammi Chopra 905 887 1752 or Roshan Dastoor Ph: 905 812 8290 or email us at saileela99@yahoo.com
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