Faith and Patience (or forbearance) are one of the most commonly used words in Sai literature and readily recognized by most of Baba's devotees. The Webster dictionary describes faith as (a) belief and trust in and loyalty to God; (b) complete trust or firm belief in something; (c) allegiance to duty or a person with strong belief and conviction. Forbearance or patience is described as (a) the quality to hold oneself back from especially with an effort; (b) to control oneself, hold back or abstain under provocation or strain; (c) not being hasty and being steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity;(d) being able or willing to bear any situation.

Baba spoke about Faith and Patience to Radhabai Deshmukh who had sought a mantra from Baba and had gone on to fast till Baba answered her prayers. While talking to her, Baba went on to narrate the story of his Guru and how his guru asked for Daskshina in the form of two coins -Faith and Patience. Baba had this to say, "Courage, O Mother, is really the same as this forbearance or patience. Never cast it away. Whenever faced with a difficult situation, it will take you across safely. This forbearance is the essence of manliness in a man that overcomes sin, suffering and adversity; averts disaster ingenuously and drives away all fear. Forbearance or patience alone succeeds; it scuttles calamities away in all directions. The thorns of thoughtless indiscretion prick no one here. Forbearance is a mine of virtue, the queen of the noble, virtuous thought. Unswerving faith is its own sister, both being to each other, dearer than life itself. Without forbearance, the plight of man is pitiful. Be he a learned man or a virtuous man, without it his life is futile. Himself, the Guru may be very powerful, but from the disciple he expects only a penetrating insight, unwavering faith in the guru and the strength of a courageous forbearance".

After narrating the story, Baba said to Radhabai, "You now go and eat some food; do not put your life in danger. Only just have steadfast faith in me and spiritual progress will come to hand. You look to me with single-minded devotion, and I will look after you, similarly. My guru never taught me anything else." (Chapter XVIII) Hence, Faith and Forbearance are the two pillars on which Sai path is built. The devotees of Shri Sai, who lived with him, imbibed these qualities in them and worked very hard to preserve these and constantly receive his grace. Faith and the unswerving trust that devotees who lived with Baba exhibited, was recounted in the article "H.S.Dixit - the devotee par excellence" by Guruji Shri C. B. Satpathy in the first issue of Sai Heritage.

Baba not only talked about these qualities but helped devotees attain it by his constant companionship and grace. One of the many devotees helped in this way was Shri G.S.Khaparde. Sri Khaparde a prominent attorney and political activist of Amroati came to Baba to seek help and to be saved from getting prosecuted by the then British Government. He came to Shirdi in December 1911 and was forced by Baba to stay on under some pretext for ninety-eight days. Shri Khaparde's diary recounts each day of those times. Some recounts from the diary mention how Khaparde's had to live practically with no money, faced much criticism from family and friends and how they went through emotional and financially difficult times. In constant company of Shri Sai, Khaparde's developed the forbearance to tide over their crises and further immensely benefited by Baba's grace. The next one that comes to mind is Shri Damuanna of Ahmednagar. Damuanna once wanted to go for commodity trading. Lured into as a risk free business, He and his friends made big plans but Damuanna's faith came in between and he made a decision to act only on Sai's advice.

Shri Sai's advice came in the negative totally shattering all the dreams and plans made by Dammunna. Ridiculed by his friends for not joining him, he was dejected but was forced to develop the qualities of patience and finally was greatly relieved when he found out after a few months how his friends suffered a great loss on that trade and he was saved. Another one who got tremendous help was Shri Upasani Baba. Upasani Maharaj was made to stay in Shirdi much against his will and grinded in the lessons of faith and patience on regular basis by Shri Sai. At times he was ordered to stay in seclusion, he was told to give up his medicinal practice. He was interjected and reprimanded when he went around giving lectures. The patience that Smt Baija Bai had in walking miles in the jungle daily, hunting down Shri Sai and feeding him before herself eating, is difficult to fathom.

Faith and patience are not some mere words to be spoken, read, understood or reminded when one comes across; they have to be put into practice and become part of one's life. Faith and Patience are not another mantra but results from active participation and involvement of the person on a constant basis. One has to toil and work very hard every second to develop unswerving faith and patience in the master. Like a barometer, one has to constantly monitor their levels of faith and patience on an ongoing basis. At every bend of life's road, our faith and patience are tested, that too in all situations good or bad, happy or unhappy. Baba asked on one occasion, "Is there any one who will serve me as I served my Master? (i.e. with faith and forbearance)". Each one has to answer this question for themselves.
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Feed the Spirit as the body

In Bhagawatham, there is an incident where Yashoda reached the place where the child Krishna had hidden himself by following the footprints that he had left behind him with his curd-besmeared feet. He could not be caught and tied when she attempted to tie a rope round his waist and drag him to herself because the length of the rope was always short by two finger breadths! This incident indicates that Lord cannot be caught with the rope of ego. The 'two finger breadths' are two virtues - Dharmanishtha (steadiness in rectitude) and Brahmanishtha (steadiness in aspiration). It is enough if you seek him through one-pointed attention and devotion through his footprints: beauty, strength, truth, morality, love, sacrifice, goodness in Nature and in the heart of Man.

During Avatar of the Lord, every Leela is made up of two strands i.e., one earthly and the other divine (One External and the Inner). For instance, In Krishna Avatar he broke the mud pots wherein the milkmaids of Brindavan kept the butter they had prepared. The inner meaning is that Krishna broke the material casement in which their souls were imprisoned and liberated them from temporary attachments. He then appropriated to himself, the butter of Faith. This butter is the result of the churning of the mind i.e., the spiritual discipline of self-purification. In Narasimha avatar, The Lord taught a lesson that deha-thathwa ("I-am-body" Consciousness) must be split to reveal dehi-thathwa ("I-am-embodied" consciousness). No pain, grief or pride can tarnish you as long as you are in the dehi (I-am-embodied) consciousness. Do not separate and individualize yourself from the sea (Paramathma). The deha is only an instrument to realize the dehi.

You can know your 'self' only by intense spiritual discipline that is not marred by anger, envy and greed that sprout from the Ego. The Ego will fall away itself when one grows in Wisdom. So, do not worry about the Ego; develop Wisdom and know the ephemeral nature of all objective things so that the tail will no longer be evident. This must be your deeksha (steady pursuit). The deeksha must express itself in practice as Nishtha (discipline of an unflinching kind) and Sikshana (Training of the senses and emotions), which are essential for crossing safely the flood of "birth-death-continuum".

The mind must be withdrawn from its present comrades (senses) and make it loyal to its royal master (intellect or buddhi). You must separate the grain from the chaff through the exercise of viveka (discrimination) and fix your desire on the things that last and nourish rather than on things that are flashy and corroding. Close all the windows (outward-bound) senses so that the flame (mind concentrating on the single purpose of God-realization) keeps burning straight. The outward-bound senses are like frogs that hop about on the petals of the lotus and unaware of the nectar (sweetness) in the flower (God's name). Only the intellect can reveal that sweetness to you.

Do not postpone for tomorrow the dinner of this day. Feed the spirit as scrupulously as you feed the body.

(Contributed by Sathyanarayana)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees:

Rathna Kishore
I had calcium deposit in my left shoulder. This deposit resulted in a constant pain in the upper part of my shoulder and round the neck. It was very painful when I moved my hand and I had to be careful when I lift my hand, stretch or while holding some items. Initially I ignored this pain for past six months by taking painkillers and applying all kind of balms, by consulting various doctors. Also, doctors confirmed that if the deposit does not liquify then the other option available was a small surgery to remove the particles. This worried me further and I did not want to go to a doctor (as I was a heart patient and undergone an open heart surgery 5 years back). Somehow the pain kept getting worse and my movements were getting more restricted by the day. One evening, I was sitting on a sofa in my house seeing Sai's photo, I sent up a fervent, silent prayer to Sai asking him to cure the pain completely. As I prayed, the usual doubts haunted me -- "What if the pain doesn't go away? Will Sai actually cure it?" etc. I pushed down those doubts, thinking to myself firmly that Sai will cure it if I ask Him. Thinking same, I applied some balm and I slept. Next morning, I could feel the pain receding a bit. Of course, my doubts did not go away even then. I thought, "Maybe the pain won't go away completely". Again, I pushed the thought out and went about my day. At the end of the day, I was surprised to find very little pain and when I thought back, I realized that I had been able to move my shoulder freely through the day. The next day, the pain had gone and I was almost back to normal with absolutely no pain. I was overjoyed. I still cannot believe how incredibly lucky I am to have Sainath listening to me. Koti Pranam Sai Ram!

Prema Virabhadran
To my dearest Baba, You are the one who is taking care of me through out my entire life. Right from fifth standard to 10th standard, to college, to a job in India, to a job in US - everything is by your grace. I cannot imagine anything in life without you. In childhood, you made me realize my mistakes, made me to correct them, gave interest to study and made me to get third rank in fifth standard. You are the one who made me to get school first in 10th, you made me to get good marks in 12th. You ended up giving me admission in a good college. In the final year, you gave a good job. I was not planning to write written exam at all. You made me write the exam and somehow passed it. As you know, I was so nervous to attend the interview, you were with me through out the interview and got the job. All in just a week's time, even without an interview you got a job for me in US. When I was traveling to US all alone, in the flight I cried to you, as I felt alone. Next to my seat was sitting a Sai devotee and she spoke to me nicely and comforted as she started talking about Baba. I have no words to thank for all the things happened in my life. Thanks you so much Baba. I really do not know if I am worth for all these things. It all happened by your grace. I wanted to marry a Sai devotee. By your grace, I got a good husband who is also your devotee. You are my father and you are the one guiding me in all my deeds, please be with me always and help me Baba.
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Jyotsna Sunkara
I had many experiences about Baba. But, this is the very recent experience I had. My husband was trying for jobs all over and he got two call letters. He attended the interview for one job and felt it would be good if he had the job. He was confident in getting the position, but he was doubtful whether they would pay him according to his expectations. I prayed to baba, that he gets the job with the desired salary; I would complete Satcharitha in one week. Believe or not, The HR called him yesterday and gave a job offer. The offer contained the exact salary he was going to ask. We were little selfish and he asked a little higher pay then that. The HR told he would consult other members and call him back. But, he realized again and agreed the job on the previous pay. But, I am still worried whether he could manage things without me as I am doing my MS here and he was suffering from the past with very bad back ache. I have belief that everything would be under control with Baba's krupa.

Sai devotee
Dear Baba, where do I start the amount of grace You have showered on me and my family. The unconditional love that only You can give us, the strength and courage that You inbibe in us by always being there! Thankyou Baba for rescuing me from the clutches of adversity and my impulsive thinking many a time and for making me a more humanitarian person.There have been many times when I throw up my hands and leave my burden on You completely. Baba do what You think is best and You have never let me down on countless such instances. My one and only Baba once again give me your blessings and save my marraige, like a life saving doctor perform that much needed surgery it needs.Only You know best Baba.

Swetha
Om Sai Ram, I am very thankful to Sri Shiridi Sai Baba. I want to share the miracle that has happend in my life. Last week I started reading Sai satcharitha, by next Thursday I got a job. I am trying from last six months. I am very much thankful to Sai Baba about his leelas. But one thing is I am really confused to join the new job or to do the present job. So Sai Baba please help me to take a good decision about this.
Back to Menu

Prayer Club:

Saritha
Please Baba help me, you know all my problems and all worries, I don't have peace of mind and I can't sleep at night times. I am always worried where these problems will lead me to. Please Baba have mercy on me, Help me Baba. You are everything for me father, mother, friend, sister, guru and everything.

Ravindran
Sainatha, you have helped me many times. Our only son has failed in ninth standard and we are worried Pl give our son the will power and determination to study and excel in his studies and give me a secure and good career all sai devotees kindly pray for our son.

Srikala Ambati
Baba, I pray you not to give my kind of life to any other girl in this world. This is worse than any disease in this world. I know that you are there for me like a father who always helped me in so many ways. But the situation I am in from past two years is so much pain I am unable to take it. Please forgive me for the sins I have done and help me to be a good person. Please show your grace on me Baba. If not take away my life because I am not worth living in this world. OM Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!

Vimla
My beloved has been separated with me. Please make us united again. I cannot live without him. Please fill my life with love soon. I bestow self and prayers in your lotus feet. Please have karuna. Nothing is impossible if you bless your child. Day by day, my love is becoming stronger for him though many times, I decided to forget him but the more I forget him the more I remember him.

Geetha
Baba. I strongly believe you always. But now a days I am facing lot of problems. Because of my one mistake I am suffering a lot. I do know now what to do. I love him so much, but he does not love me, not having dareness to marry someone else. I am not concentrating on my work. Recently I am in business, it is also not going well. Always it's in my mind not able to forget all those things. It is killing me. I left the decision to you Baba. Whatever You decide is fine for me Baba. Please give me enough courage to face all difficulties. Give me enough courage to face it.

Rajini
Om Sai Sri Sai. Thank you Baba for everything you gave till now. Baba we are planning to buy a house, bless us to get a house by this June. Without your blessing we have not started looking. You know everything Baba. Thank you.

Sai devotee
Sairam, time is passing, am still not sure what I should do and what I need to do, it is getting very frustrating Baba. I know I need to change, but nothing is possible without your help, Baba Sainadha Pahimam. What ever I am thinking right now, is it right way to go? Can you tell me Sairam. There are not many options, pahimam Sairam.

Gauri
Dearest Baba, You have been there, where ever I need you, however I need you. Now Baba I would like to settle my life, marry with someone who loves me and cares for me. Baba could you please send some one for me.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week:
"Hatred is violence, love is non-violence. When the feeling of hatred resides in the heart in any form - words, actions or thoughts, it amounts to violence. Sometimes hatred does not even manifest in the form of speech. It assumes the form of emotional vibrations "-Sri C.B. Satpathy
Back to Menu

Question of the Week:

Q. What lessons can one derive from the episode of Anna Chinchanikar vs. Mavsibai in Sri Sai Satcharita?
Back to Menu

Sai Activities:

Sri Ramanavami celebrations in Chicago, USA
Sri Ramanavami and Urs festival celebrations are the first major celebration of the year for Shirdi Sai devotees. The tradition started in 1910 and continues each year. Shirdi Sai temple, Chicago will be celebrating the event for three days starting from Friday evening April 15th to Sunday April 17th. The program comprises of Aartis, Maha Abhishek, Homam, Palki procession, Satcharitra parayan, bhajans and much more. For complete details please visit www.saibaba.us or call 847-931-4058.

Sri Ramanavami - Baba's Urs Celebrations in Minnesota
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer center, Minnesota invites Sai devotees to participate in the Sri Ramanavami-Urs celebrations on Saturday, April 16, 2005 at Geeta Ashram, Brooklyn Park, MN. The event includes, Sai aarthis, Devotees' experiences, Bhajans, Kirtans, Chandan Utsav and Palki Procession. Please write to hamaresai@yahoo.com. Regular Sai activities in the Twin Cities, MN are conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, 725 Lake St NE, Apt #139 Hopkins MN. For details, please visit www.hamaresai.org or write to hamaresai@yahoo.com. Or call Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center at 952-938-2983.

Shirdi Sai- Ramanavami Celebrations in Bay area, CA
We welcome all of you with family, to join us for Shirdi Sai- Ramanavami celebrations in the Bay Area, CA on April 23rd (Saturday) in Sunnyvale between 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Las Palmas Park Building, 850 Russet Drive, Sunnyvale, CA (located off of Remington Dr. and Spinosa Dr.). For more information please contact: saibandhu@yahoo.com or call 408-564-6704

Shirdi Sai- Ramanavami Celebrations in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Welcome to Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple at Dallas-Fort Worth, a place of worship for the devotees of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. Ramnavami will be celebrated on April 17th 2005. For details on Sai activities and services please visit http://www.shirdisaidallas.org or write to shirdisaidallas@yahoogroups.com

Sri Ramanavami celebrations in Toronto, Canada
Sai devotees are invited for Ramnavami celebrations on Sunday, April 17th 2005 at Vithal Mandir, 5359 Timberlea Blvd., Unit # 10, Mississauga, L4W 4N5. For program details please call Vijay at 416-317-8063.
Back to Menu

You may subscribe to receive the newsletter by e-mail.

Fill out your e-mail address and hit the subscribe button: