Once a king led his mighty army across the snowy peaks into neighbor's kingdom for the war. On his way, he saw an ascetic (one who has mastered the senses and the mind) sitting on a bare rock with no clothes on his body and with his head held between his knees evidently to protect it from the chilly wind. The king was overcome with pity; he took off his own shawl and coat and offered them to the yogi. The yogi refused to accept them and said "I am wearing the cloth given by God since my birth and will wear it until the grave. This cloth is enough to guard me against heat and cold. Please give these to some one who is poor". The king was surprised and asked, "Where can I find a poorer man than you?" Then, yogi asked him 'where he was going and why?'. The kind said, "I am going into the realm of my enemy so that I can add his kingdom to my own". Now, Yogi smiled and said, "You are not satisfied with your kingdom and prepared to sacrifice your life and lives of thousands to get a few more square miles of land. Certainly, you are much poorer than me and so, offer the clothes to yourself. You need them more than I do." The king was greatly ashamed and realized his innate poverty and the futility of fame and fortune. He understood that contentment is the most precious treasure.

Man suffers from two types of agony - The first can be allayed through the intercession of others and the second can be allayed only by the individual's own effort. Hunger and thirst can be overcome only when the individual eats or drinks but not even an iota of hunger will abate however much others may eat. Similarly, the illness of inner man is cured only by helping yourself. The illness is produced by the viruses of kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion), madha (pride) and mathsarya (jealousy) which will not allow your divinity to shine forth and cause discontent, worry, grief and pain. Do not yield to them. You can brave them only by manifesting your inner strength.

Man is a mixture of two strands of the same substance - Maaya and Maadhava (Divine illusion and God), Moha and Raama (delusion and God), deha and dehi (body and soul), jada and chith (inert matter and consciousness), sareeram and sareeri (body and the embodied), jeeva and Brahmam (individual soul and the Supreme Soul). Maayaa can be recognized and driven out only when the mind is purified by prema and by avoidance of envy and hatred born out of egoism.

The traits of Raavana's lust; Shishupaala's pride; Kamsa's hate and Hiranyaaksha's envy are tainting every human heart. Only the discipline of spirit through Japam and Dhyaanam can quench the flames and sooth the conflagration. Naama without bhaava (Godward inclination of the mind) rarely reaches the target (Naami). The name of the Lord must be recited with awe and wonder, humility and reverence. The bow has to be drawn full before the arrow is released so that it will pierce the target. Similarly, Feeling is the force that draws the string taut and makes the Naama reach the Naami (the bearer of the name). The bhaktha must form himself on the model of Bhagavaan; otherwise, he cannot claim for saaruupya (sameness of the Form of the Lord).

Having body-consciousness is against the highest spiritual dharma. Give your heart over to the Lord and move around as a dedicated being so that no harm can come to you. Give each problem the attention it deserves but do not allow it to overpower you because anxiety will not solve any difficulty. Remove the weight from your head by transferring all burdens to the Lord; leave everything to his will. Feed your mind with sweet and wholesome food---Sathsangha, Sathpravarthana, Sarveshwara-chintha (company of the holy, speaking of God, thinking of the Lord of the Universe). Believe in God and the efficacy of prayer. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai

(Contributed by Devotee Sathyanarayana)
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Contributed Article: Sri Sai Gurucharitra - Chapter III(continued from last week)

"I, you, God, truth, in the same way Maruti, Vittoba of Pandarpur, Mhalsapati, Kasinath, Adkar, Sathe, Haripant, Kaka, Tatya, Ganesh Bere, Venu, Balachandra- all are God's forms. That is why we should not hate anyone. God lives in all beings. Do not forget this. The feeling of universal love will spring in the heart on its own. Once that feeling prevails in the heart one can achieve every thing. Till such time one should try to keep his mind steady under control".

"As the fly revolves around the fire and goes away; so does the mind go everywhere but runs away on seeking Brahman. Unless we concentrate the mind on Brahman we cannot escape the cycle of births and deaths. Narayana, we must first escape from all this. We can have no better opportunity to do this than this birth in human form. This birth as a human presents us with an invaluable chance. The worship of god with form (moorti puja) has been started to help us concentrate the mind."

"One should worship the statue or representation of god with the firm feeling that god is residing in it. By doing worship of the moorti with devotion and faith one achieves concentration of the mind. Without concentration, the mind does not get stilled. So one should do worship, study spiritual texts, remember what one has studied and meditation. One should try to follow what one has studied or one has heard from the saints. Spiritual learning is the foremost of all learning. As the five-headed Siva is the foremost in knowledge, as the Meru mountain, is the foremost among the mountains, in the same way liberation (mukti) comes by itself to one who has realized his self. The almighty god will become his servitor. The steps leading to the realization of self are most difficult. However, this is the easiest way to achieve Moksha. Let me explain this in even more detail.

You, Maruti, Haripant, Bere, Kaka, Tatya and the others are all following this path. Surrender whole heartedly to god keeping in mind what I have told you and Nimonkar earlier. Visit and have the darsan of mahatmas frequently. One should follow the moral way of life punctiliously and do only those actions which brings merit. By such conduct your heart will be pure at the end of your time. Do not be deluded at your end by increasing your love or being infatuated by any person or object. Call upon god with a mind stilled in concentration. Meditate upon your Ista. By such meditation, you will achieve samipya mukti at the end. Recently a lady called Bannu had left her body and achieved this state in Bodhegeon. In the same way Adkar and Venu will also achieve mukti". Baba concluded his discourse and kept his right hand on Chandorkar's head in benediction. Chandorkar was overcome with happiness. He prostrated and with his hands folded in reverence said, "Baba, Oh siddha of siddhas! Mountain of mercy! Thou art the father and mother and everything to me. Oh manifestation of the perfect eternal Brahman! Oh the receptacle of all auspiciousness in this world! Oh thou most munificent one! Oh thou who would enable us to cross this dangerous ocean of worldliness! Thou hast taught me the divine knowledge and hast taken me, an ignoramus, forward towards salvation! May your kind grace fall on us thus forever." Baba said firmly, "I will never let my devotee fall from grace. You need have no doubt about this. This is my promise. May the all merciful Allah-i-llahi bless you".

Dear listeners! The devotees prostrated at Baba's feet in devotion remembering Baba's infinite greatness in their minds. Their devotion is so great that we are not even equal to the dust of the dust of their feet. Baba is the mother and father of us orphans. He has incarnated in this world with the mission of leading us forward towards salvation. Baba and his devotees met today in that Maharaj's royal court. Baba has cooked with his own hands the delicious dishes of devotion, knowledge and dispassion to serve to his devotees. Let us all partake freely of that meal. Eat to your heart's content taking what you will. Enough, for now. Let us repair to that great saint - Sri Sai Baba. Let us wait like dogs at his door sill for the crumbs of knowledge from his table. We would achieve salvation if we can get even a single crumb from him. Our life would not have been spent in vain. Come, we may not get such a chance again. The merit of a thousand yajnas is obtainable here.

May all those who reverently read this chapter; or those who listen to it with concentration even once; achieve salvation. The history of that great saint Sri Sai Baba given in the three chapters of 'Bhakta leelamrit' is like the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna,and Saraswati. Come, gain the merit of bathing in the holy confluence of the three rivers by immersing yourself in the holy teaching of Baba given in these three chapters. May all weal be to you.

This is the end of 33rd chapter of 'Bhakta Leelamrit' written by Dasganu Maharaj.
(Chapter III of "Sri Sai Gurucharithra" Concluded)

(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:

Shashank Mehta and Dhara, Bangkok
Om Sri Sai Ram, Om Jai Jai Baba. We want to share our experience of Baba's mercy and kindness. My wife was pregnant of four months baby, once she felt no moving inside or no felling, we got worried and went to hospital. Dr. has checked her for at least 25 to 30 min and after his initial checks up, Dr has said there are no heartbeats and no moving so there is some problem in side for sure. Then he did sonography but still he has with the same opinion. We both were worried like anything. Then after Dr. has suggested us to go for ultrasound. Before Ultrasound, we had to wait for 1:30 to 2:00 hours as the specialist was not there, and this time was very crucial for us. We both were thinking we never did wrong to anybody or not think even then why this is going to happened with us? We both were crying and try to accept this bitter reality. Same time I told my wife, Don't worry, do think of Baba only, Baba is here only and seeing us, Our baby is gift of Baba and he will take care of it for sure. We both were seating in hospital and waiting for our turn. Then we went for Ultrasound, Between the Ultrasound Process, At least after five or seven min baby got started moving, after finished the process, Dr. has declared everything is normal. We both were so happy as we have another life. When we came out from hospital my wife told me, I spoke to BABA in my heart that we will bring our baby to Shirdi for his blessings, And that time my eyes were full of tears as I was supposed to tell her the same thing. Baba has just given us a very sweet and healthy baby boy on October 7th. Baba, we wanted to come to Shridi in coming January, please permit us to do so, kindly accept our Sat Sat Pranam.

Deepak
I would like to share my experience with all beloved Sai Devotees. About 2 weeks ago I woke up in the morning with severe abdomen and back ache, the pain was so terrible that I wanted to get admitted in the hospital. But gathered patience to chant Sai's name, pray to Him to relieve me of this pain, after intake of Udi and also applying on my abdomen and back, within 10 minutes the pain subsided to 50 percent and another 15 minutes I was back to normal. I wonder what caused the pain, I was eating in regular intervals the previous day also but what ever it is I'm glad Sai helped me and offer my gratitude to Him. And pray for that He blesses each and everyone one of us with His Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding. Bow to Sri Sai, Peace be to all.
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Devotees say...

Vimla
Jai Sai Shri Sai jai jai Sai namoh: namah: Wish a very Happy Diwali to all my Sai Devotees. My sai you know what trauma has taken in my life. Now I am really tired of all these restless troubles and pains fallen on me. Today onwards, I leave; surrender all my pains, sorrows in your lotus feet. You are my savior always and will further. You only can remove me from this toughest situations of my life. Previously also I bowed my prayers in your lotus feet this time also I am doing the same. Today onwards all my tensions, pains, sorrows everything is yours. You only have to remove me from this in your own ways. Hope this deepavali you give me a good news. You enlighten my life forever throughout the life. I totally surrender to you. Let you take care of me. Without your wish nothing can happen this much I strongly believe. Toh merei Sai aaj sei merey guma aapke, meri mushkile aapke. Aap ine se hum koh ubarao. Bless my sister with a child and friend with good job and life partner. Give my family new hope, prosperity, wealth and good health. Give my brother a good success in his business. Give peace to the entire world. Have karuna on your this daughter and do not make her down in the eyes of the world. Bolo mera Sachidanand Saitnath Maharaj Ki Jai

Supriya Rele
Sai, I will be always be your devotee. Please help me with my daughter eye problem of retinal pigmentosa .as I know there is no cure for that disease but I have only hope in you that u will find some remedy to her eye problem and show us the way. As you know I am always praying for her eyes to get cured as she is only 10 years now as she also get upset with her school assignment. I have no other wish then her eyes are cured nor will I ask for a wish anytime in my life in future. Sai I will not forget that you have cured me from the horrible disease of cancer about 8 year back when you had come in my dream and told me that I will be cure. I will always be your devotee and you increase by devotion my granting me my daughter eyes and remedy for her problem, which she is suffering for 4 years now. SAI shraddha bhakti badao.
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Prayer Club:

Gayathri
Baba I have been treated badly, fooled, and cheated from my own husband. Baba there is no end to this? Can You not make him realize? Please give me a peaceful end in my life.,

Nirmala Devi
Sairam Baba, you know the reason for this mail. Please solve our problems and give happiness. Being your devotee, She has acted so cruelly and has literally destroyed Him. Baba, you know it all. No one can do anything without your knowledge. Please give Him peace, freedom, and good life. Your blessings alone can help Him. Please bless us.

Soumya Rajesh
Sai baba, please help me in retaining the job at present and deva please see to it I am not affected in the current situation.

Sai devotee
Sai Baba.As you know we are unable to sell the land, which my parents gave to me during my marriage. Baba please help us to sell the land for a good value.

A Sai believer
Dear Sai Baba. You are omniscient. Nothing is hidden from you. You have given me everything. Being a human being who is selfish by nature, I want to ask for more. Please help my pregnancy go smoothly and help me deliver a healthy, happy and beautiful baby boy. Please give my son and baby, my mom and dad very long, healthy, wealthy, happy and normal lives. Please make my husband more understanding and loving towards me. Thank you Sai Baba. Jai Sai ram. Om Sai Nathai namah.

Deepa
Sai Baba please forgive me for all the sins I have committed knowingly and unknowingly. Please bless us Baba with children, show us the right path to walk on. We have been suffering for so long now; please give us hope and happiness. Our prayers at your feet. Sai Ram Sai Ram Sai Ram

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. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai

Madhu Nedunuri
Om Saibaba! Jai Saibaba, please cure all my illnesses and make me healthy again so that I can concentrate on work and my family. Please also bless my family with good health and peace and we all live together happily. I know you are "Sab ka Malik" and please hear my prayers.
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Quotation of the Week:
"If we see all actions as God is doing, we will be unattached and free from karmic bondage"-Saibaba
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Question of the Week:

Q. What is "Unconditional love"?

A. by Sai Madhur

Unconditional love is one that seeks nothing in return. It is love that is only given without any attachment to any entity. In the world of words where love is defined as the opposite of hatred, Unconditional love is in reality not confined to a single synonym. It is indescribable and indefinable. True love IS and has to be Unconditional lest it becomes a deal between two individuals. When a mother loves her offspring she doesn't seek anything in return and that can be called as unseeking love. Yet, there is a cognizance that the offspring belongs to her and thus there is some attachment. After all, this mother cannot love others' offspring, just as she loves her own!

When love is expressed without seeking anything, without a narrower sense of attachment and without any qualifications from the object of love, such a love is unconditional. It becomes very apparent that only Sadguru, the embodiment of divinity, is capable of such love. Mother Sai loves every child without seeking anything, He loves even though the child is unqualified to receive the love and His love is one that encompasses one's entire life and transcends several lives even though the child is not aware of that.
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Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm(Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8am 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.

Sai Satsang at Marlboro, MA, USA
Om Sairam. We are doing sai sathsangam on every alternate Saturday from 5pm to 7.30pm since last year successfully with baba blessings. In sathsangam we do guru dhyanam, Sai asthotharam, sai the master written by Sri Ekkirala Bhardwaja book parayana, sai sandhya aarthi, bhajans and prasad distribution. We cordially invite all of you to participate in baba sathsangam. Please contact Pallavi or Uttam at 508-786-0380 or send us email to saiuttampallavi@yahoo.com. Our address is 36 Royal Crest Drive #2 Marlboro MA-01752.

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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