Truth is the power and the manifestation. Truth is eternal and indestructible. Truth is the most beautiful and the brightest. Truth is silent because it does not need a voice. Truth remains at the core of the conscience, the abode of Sadguru. Every spiritual aspirant has to confront the entity of Truth, the biggest obstacle. Conquering falsehood, most tiring of all the battles, is the beginning of Baba's expanse. It becomes at one point the task of utmost relevance, to distinguish Truth from the set of other operable facts, the premise under which everyday dealings are carried out, material and even spiritual!

Are being devotional and having faith in Sadguru all what on needs? Faith and patience are sure what Baba demanded from His children. However, just faith and having patience did not win the heart of Sai. Stories are plentiful in Sadguru Sainath's abode where Baba whipped up the conscience of those that he wanted to bless. Those who seek Him could never resist the piercing eyes of the compassionate father; the eyes that know the past, present, and the future. The eyes not that of the punishing policeman, but of the benevolent caretaker longing to lead one from the convenient facts to everlasting contentment, Truth!

How could one trying to realize that Baba is the indweller of all beings even attempt to either lie to the self or to others? Baba never lied to anyone. He always spoke of parables; some of them were literally true while some were figurative. They were the individualized instructions that Baba provided to those who deserve it and none else.

Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar in his book "Shri Sai Baba's Teachings and Philosophy" wrote as follows: "Sai Baba was always practical and realistic in his teachings. He never told his devotees to lie and asked them always to speak truth. The devotees knew that Sai Baba was antharjnaani (knower of the secrets of every being) and he would certainly catch them if they told a lie. Hence hey dared not speak untruth in his presence. Hemadpanth in his original Marathi Shri Sai Satcharitha rightly says: Untruth does not work before Sai and Sai cannot be procured with untruth. Untruth means downfall. Untruth in the end takes you to hell"

Let us on this beautiful Thursday remind ourselves of that benevolent caretaker longing to lead us from the convenient facts to everlasting contentment, Truth!
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Contributed Article: SRI SAI GURUCHARITRA -Chapter I(Continued from Last week..)

One day a group of people came for the darsan of Sri Sai Baba. The first was the son of Govind Chandorkar, Narayana Chandorkar, who was working at the collector's office at Ahmed Nagar as the Chitnis. He was called Nanasaheb by all. The second was a singer of ballads honoring God called Ramadas of Vayi village. The third was Bapu Nagarkar and the fourth was Kangaokar. They had all arrived at Shirdi on the day before Hanumajjayanti (the birth day of the monkey God Hanuman, the foremost devotee of Sri Rama). They had all come to Shirdi to have the darsan of the divine Sai and to hear his gospel. Ramadas had to sing the ballad of god on the day of Hanumajjayanti at Ahmed Nagar, situated on the banks of the Seena River. He was hurrying the others of the party to leave immediately after the darsan of Sri Sai Baba. He stated shouting for the cart to take them all to the railway station.

Then Baba told Chandorkar, "You have your food first and only then leave." Nana did not know what to do. He took Kangaokar with him and saw to the food for himself and the others of his party. Ramadas, however, was hurrying them and was insisting on leaving at once for the railway station. Bapu Nagarkar said, "What is your hurry?" Ramadas retorted, "I have to sing the ballad of god tomorrow at Ahmed Nagar. We have spent enough time with this madman. Chandorkar is well off, he has no worries about his next meal. If we do not leave now, I will be losing a lot of money. What do we gain by following this Sai Baba? I will not get even a paisa here. Let us go to the railway station immediately. It is now time for the train to arrive. We have in any case accomplished what we have come for." He prevailed upon Bapu Nagarkar to accompany him and they both started for the station. Chandorkar and Kangaokar stayed on at Shirdi as per Baba's instructions.

Baba then said to Nanasaheb, "Have you noticed how people behave? They leave those with them and go away to seek their own selfish interests. That is why we should bring with us those who stay with us till the end of the world as the perfume stays with the flower."

They all finished their meal. Baba said, "Now you can start. Believe in my words. Do not worry that you will miss the train. There is time yet for its arrival." Chandorkar and his friend believed Baba. They listened to his advice and after reverentially saluting his feet, started for Kopergaon. As they reached the station, they found Bapu Nagarkar and Ramadas with drawn faces, famished with hunger. They could not find anything to eat at the railway station. They hung their heads in shame as they saw Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Nana said, "Why, you have still not left for Ahmed Nagar? It seems that your train has still not arrived." Nagarkar replied, "Today the train is late by three hours. It is our fate to fast and go hungry today. We have received our just desserts as we have not heeded the instructions of that great saint, Sai Baba." The train arrived and they all boarded it to go to Ahmed Nagar. Sri Sai Baba knows the past, present and the future. His words are never in vain. My obeisance to the great Sai Baba, my only refuge.

Appa was the Kulkarni (revenue official) of the Shirdi village. He was ever immersed in service to Sri Sai Baba. It is the merit of our past lives, which rules our mind and dictates our actions. Now hear what happened once to Appa Kulkarni by the effects of his past Karma. A case was filed against him alleging misappropriation of funds. Only god knows for certain whether he was innocent of the charge or not. The people started vilifying Appa, saying that he was a corrupt man and a troublesome character. Appa heard these gossip of the villagers. He was troubled in his mind whether Sai Maharaj too would hear these rumors and start believing them. The revenue officer superior to Appa issued summons to him to come for an inquiry into the allegations against him. Appa was in a great panic. He was apprehensive that he may not come back to Shirdi again from the inquiry. He went to the Masjid and saluted Baba with reverence. He said, "Oh! Supreme amongst the guru's, you are a saint. You are verily god. A great calamity has befallen me. Baba, I know that you can command time itself. You know whether this calumny is true or not. Oh powerful one! You are omniscient. You know the past, present and the future. What more can I say than this? You are my mother. I turn to you as my refuge and last resort. Only you can save me and my good name from these infamous allegations." Appa grasped Baba's feet and prostate on the ground, started weeping piteously.

"Baba, if something bad happens to me at the inquiry, it will bring you a bad name and disrepute. Oh powerful one, keep this in mind and remove this affliction. When I have Kuber (the god of riches) with me why should I wander abroad for alms form house to house? Do the children who drink the milk from the overflowing udders of that gem amongst cows, the wish fulfilling Kamadhenu, search elsewhere for milk? When the Kalpa Vruksha which fulfils all one's desires is with one does he seek thorny bushes?

Do the fish leave the vast ocean of milk and seek refuge in mere rivulets? Baba, I have sought shelter at your lotus like feet. You are my mother, my father, please save me from this danger. If you remove me to safety from this danger, all will laud you as the saviour. On the other hand, if I am punished, it will be a black mark on your fame. Sai, please shower your kind, benevolent grace on me." Appa begged Baba piteously for his kind grace.

Baba's heart melted. He said, "There is no need for you to worry anymore. Have faith in me! Go from here to Nevasa Village. There, one the bank of the Pravara River, the God who plays the part of the unseen director of this whole universe, has taken the form of Mohini. Go thou there. He, to whom Jnaneswar had surrendered when he wrote, the 'Bhavartha Deepika' (commentary on Bhagavat Gita); He who incarnated ten times to rid this world of evil and uphold the dharma; that Allah-I-llahi has assumed form there to save these foolish people steeped in ignorance. Go thou there to him. Salute him with reverence and then go to your superior. The all merciful Allah will protect you. Do not fear."

Appa Kulkarni went to the Mohini Raj on the banks of the Pravara River and after paying obeisance went to where the inquiry was scheduled. He kept repeating the holy name of Sri Sai Baba while answering the questions of his superior. The inquiry concluded. The officer said, "It is my belief that you have been falsely accused in this case. I am of the opinion that you have not misappropriated any money. You are free to go." Appa turned towards Shirdi and danced with happiness.

Appa praised Baba, "Sai Baba, thou wish fulfilling Kalpa Vruksha of the devotees! Thou the protector of the devotee! Thou abode of dispassion! You have shown great kindness to me. I have succeeded by your grace. You have upheld my honor, Baba, thou great mahatma."

Appa arrived at Shirdi the next day and hurried to the Masjid. He informed Baba of what all had transpired at the inquiry. Baba heard him out in silence and said, "God is the one who is the doer and the one makes us do action. He is the refuge of the true devotee. Even the impossible becomes possible by his will." (To be continued…)

(Contributed by Source: "Sri Sai Gurucharithra" originally by Santkavi Sri Dasganu Maharaj. Translated from Telugu version by Sri SVL)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Gaurav Uppal
It was a Thursday around 7pm we had a plan to go to Vaishnodevi late night I was in a car accessories shop, I had thought in the morning that I will trying go to sai temple for darshan but I got very busy some how could not manage. I was sitting from 1:30hrs in that shop then I prayed, Sai I wont be able to do your darshan today then just I raised my head I saw sai Baba's murti there! I was shocked and for me it was like Sai darshan because from last 1:30 hrs I could not see that murti but as I prayed it appeared from where I don't know. Jai Sai baba

Gitanjali
I just wanted to thank sai baba through this mail. He has always treated both of us, me and my husband, as his dear children and has helped us in various walks of life. By his grace we got married last month on the tenth of July. This is an incident which happened with us. We along with our parents had gone to Punjab to attend a family function. On our way back the car tire burst and we heard a loud explosive sound and the car started to loose balance. My husband immediately applied the brakes and stopped the car on the road side. We saw that the back tire had burst and peeled off. My husband was driving at a slightly higher speed and just by the grace of SAI BABA we were saved of a very big accident. We thank Him a lot and will always pray to him that he protects and loves all his devotees like this. Thanks.
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Devotees say...

Mithun Boda
Thanks Baba, With Baba's blessing, I would like thank you very much Jalaja Koteeswaran. Thanks for answering my question regarding sai activities in Dallas, I really felt nice when I have seen your reply. I am really looking forward to attend the Sai's pooja or bhajan. After seeing, your reply I feel baba has blessed me through you. I am a student and I stay in a place called commerce, this place is 1 and 1/2 hour journey from commerce. I pray and request Baba to help and see that my wish is fulfilled.

A Sai Devotee, Canada
Baba has always manifested His omni presence by His miracles whenever Mrs. Veena Gupta moves in India or abroad. It is every Thursday at the end of Sai Amrit Vani prayer in Georgia; Baba has blessed her with Vibhuti manifestation either on her Sari, Prasad and on glass and frame of photo of Baba. I came across this divine soul 2 years ago when Baba has manifested Vibhuti on the idol of Him at my place in Toronto during her brief Aarthi prayer to Him in the presence of all Sai Devotees at my new residence. She drove all the way from Washington just to bless my Home as per Lord Wish. On Sept.1, 2004 I was struggling with my Life and Death and was to undergo surgery in Toronto, Canada. Prior getting admitted to the Hospital for Pre surgery check up, I phoned up to her and took the blessing. By Lord Sai Grace, everything went on well and I am back home safe on Sept.12.2004 with success. Baba once again blessed her this Thursday on Sept. 9, 2004 by His presence while she was traveling from Georgia to Florida in the car. After Sai Amrit Vani prayer, which she performed in the moving car, Baba manifested Vibuthi on the sari in the car and proved his presence. Baba never left His Devotees alone; He has always showed His presence in some form or other at any place on this earth. May Baba Showers His blessings on you all who has Faith and Patience in Him

Ponraj
Om jai sri Sai baba namah! I came to Singapore 3 weeks back from Delhi. I'm a devotee of shri Shirdi Sai. I do never missing to visit his temple and have his blessings on his mandir. But I'm trying my level best to find one baba's mandir in this big urban jungle. But till now I couldn't find one and often get frowned thinking of the state. Although baba is always with me, but visiting him in a mandir at least once in a week makes all the pain and sufferings to void and above all for his blessings. I humbly request you people with your kind heart could tell me that is there any Sai mandir in Singapore. And if yes, then please let me know the address of that. I do really be very grateful to you in this regard.
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Prayer Club:

Sharma
Om Sai sri Sai jaya jaya Sai. Saibaba i know that you are with me throughout my life. You saved me in all the difficult situations. Please save me now also saibaba. Please see that everything should go well.

Shree
Please help me. You know my problem. I completed 5 times parayana and 3 sai satya vratam, why are you still testing me. Please help me. Make every thing smooth. Everything is in your hands only. Please baba I am in a tough situation now. I don't have control on my life. I can just pray .you need take care of me protect me all sorts of

Ritu
Dear Baba, please come to my aid, I cannot bear the loneliness and isolation. Please protect my child, help me and my husband get better jobs. Baba, I am literally alone, I have no one to turn to but You. Please help me, only You can help, please remove my loneliness.

Mahesh
Hay Sai I have lot of problems but till now no solution for that Sai when my sister marriage will take place some of our relatives saying that she is mental she cannot speak properly Sai weather its true or false you know everything Sai but you will listen from your mouth Sai please arrange my sister marriage so that she can settle in her life Sai you have to bring a good bride for my sister you have to do my sister marriage so Sai my family but my sister problems and burden and tension on your head Sai we have hope that you will take the problems of your devotee by yourself . Sai do some thing special to my sister.

Meena
Sai Ram ji, Sai baba when will You hear my prayers, please Baba listen to my humble prayers. My daughter is 30 not married yet; I have no one else to turn to than my Baba for help. Please Sai baba help her find a suitable match soon. Please help my son also to get the job he wants to get and get married soon, I pray to you baba to help my children. Thanks Sai baba

Shiban
Sai ram. I am always praying for your help in favor of my daughter. She was married in 2001 and till date she has no issue or child. You have always saved us from all kinds of problems today I am praying for your help. Please bless her with child. She is strong devotee of Sai ram .she should not be discouraged. Since 1997 she is keeping fast on every Thursday. I once again request Sai baba with humble hands to bless her with child. After hearing the good news we all shall visit Shirdi definelty. Jai Sai ram. I have every faith on you hope by your blessing her desire shall be fulfilled.

Sai devotee
Om Sri Sai Ram. Baba, please accept our Koti Humble Pranams at your Lotus Feet. Please give my children lots of patience to study and understand their subjects well. Baba only you can help to make their study easier, and they should always enjoy studying. They should start getting good marks in all their subjects. Baba, I know, you are there to look after us.
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Quotation of the Week:
"Serving Baba and being in love with him is the ultimate reality. I, therefore do not seek things like 'Samadhi' , emancipation, to be yogi, have miracle powers etc. When the most extraordinary God descends on earth as an ordinary person, how can the ordinary persons try to be extraordinary?" - Guruji Shri C.B. Satpathyji
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Question of the Week:

How does one develop the habit of chanting Baba's name, Sainam incessantly?
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Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7am followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop arathi at 6pm and Shej Arathi at 9pm. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL. For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send email to maildrop@saibaba.org.

Shri Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 17th-18th.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, 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 Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center at 952-938-2983, and to read the monthly newsletter Sai Sandesh, visit www.hamaresai.org.
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