God is addressed differently by different groups of people and also personally by individuals through various names. God, the unseen, is thus addressed differently as He does not have a single form. His manifested forms are millions and millions. These forms may be visible to the human eye or may not be. He has gross forms, subtle forms, energy forms, thought forms, feeling forms. But the ultimate form of God is an unseen form which no one has seen. All Saints, paths and religions, at their best, have called it a vast, timeless, space-less, causeless, attribute-less ocean of emptiness or a primordial void.

Whatever God reveals about Himself through the sense and beyond perceptions to the human beings, is what they understand Him to be. Species other the human beings are not mentally evolved to conceptualize that the movements in the universe and also in them are created by God as their soul-force. The excellence and superiority of the homo-sapien lies here. Not only that they have the capacity to conceptualize God in myriads of forms but also that they have worked the methods to experience God at different stages of consciousness. Where as other religions have conceptualized limited number of these forms of God, Hinduism, being one of the oldest religions on this earth has created thousands of symbols for millions of aspects of the unlimited God. It has not been so in a day or year. It has evolved through a passage of time of thousands of years through the experience of full life practitioners in the realm of spiritualism.

The universally accepted principle of experiencing God can be explained through the parallelism of a river meeting an ocean or sea. All rivers emanating from different places (locations), meandering through different lands and paths ultimately merges in Sea. Thereafter, ever if the river is a part of the sea, it merges its total identity in it.

When we think of the Bay of Bengal, we do not picturise is it as a combination of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and similar other rivers and thousands of other water channels merging in it. Herein comes the concept of multiplism and dualism leading to Monism (Advaita). Since each of these rivers flows on different soils, through different hills and forests, takes different curves and falls, the attributes of the water it carries cannot be the same - i.e. in content, speed, density, quality and quantity. However, once merged in the sea, all its qualities merges and becomes one with the attributes of the sea water.

Different religions and paths that people follow are like these different rivers. It is wrong to criticize any of these religions and paths. One is free to practice any path He choses, but is socially and morally not free to slander other religions or paths.

This is what Shri Sai Nath Maharaj taught to his disciples through His own conduct and precepts. Shri Sai Satcharitra amply elaborates on this universalism of Baba in the back drop of some day to day happenings at Shirdi. Following the Master, Sai devotees should, therefore, develop the highest quality of religious tolerance. As Baba used to say all are the children of God and He is the only and ultimate Lord.
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Imbibe Sai in every breath and gulp!

"Dwarakamayi pe dhyaan lagaana Sayee ke gun gaana
Main Sayee mein aur mujh mein Sayee main tho Sai diwaana"

As I meditate on Dwarakamayi.. singing the glory of Sai
The admirer of Sai that I am ..Sai is in me and I am in Sai

Pure bliss is when the whole being, the thoughts, words and actions are soaked with Sai. The purpose of life is fulfilled when such a state is pursued. Knowledge and scholarship aside, the true pursuit of Sai begins in seeing the self in Sai and the Sai in the self. Such state is achieved as one sees Sai in everywhere and in every self.

Let the day begin with the bounty of thanks to the Sadguru, the merciful fakir that guides us every day. Let Sai's presence be felt in sunshine and rainfall alike; let us see Him in everything good and everything bad. Ignoramus that we are, let us realize that good and bad are just manifestations of the myth. Let His thoughts lead us to the victory over fallible discriminations, our immature attempts to decipher what is good for us from what is bad for us. Let us limit ourselves to just one resort, the choice to make Sadguru as our only object of thoughts in our everyday lives. Let our practices, our habits, our routine include Sai at every step in any form. This is the true saadhana!

(Contributed by Support team)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees:

Latha KrishnaDas
Shri Sai Baba had made his presence on many occasions in my life. Very recently, my sister's daughter who is just one year old was choked as my sister was feeding the baby. As a result the baby could not breathe ad her face turned pale blue. Then she was taken to the hospital on emergency. On my way to the hospital, I cried to Baba and asked Him to be there with her as she was a special gift to us sent to our family by Baba Himself. My sister gave birth to this special daughter after she constantly read the Satcharitha. The child was again transferred from Al Wasl Hospital -Dubai to Dubai Hospital,-Deira. I always carry a picture of Baba's feet in my coat pocket. I kept that on the child's chest and put some Udhi on her forehead, which my sister carried with her. The baby started vomiting the mashed food through her nostrils and mouth when I first met her in the Al Wasl hospital while waiting for the tests to be done. That is when we bowed down in prayers to Baba on the bed that she was first kept. Slowly, the baby regained her normal breathing. Together, we were sobbing, tears rolled down our eyes when the baby was taken from us into the Operation theatre. I cried to Baba, asking him to be inside the operation theatre and do the needful. I saw my sister crying and holding the picture of Baba's feet to her heart and uttering Baba please save my child. Within me, I heard these words" Tell your sister, what is the necessity to cry, when I am here. Doesn't she have faith in me ". The very same moment , I told my sister "Don't doubt on this precious gift given to us by Baba. When he has blessed us with her , he will also look into her welfare. After the operation, was done the Doctor came out to say, that there was nothing to worry. The lungs and the passage were clear. Everything had come out when she vomited probably. I thanked the Doctor. The Doctor said, thank God. Baba is always there with us.

Chandrika
Two years back, on an early morning. My husband and myself went for a walk around 5 am. That was in Dec, pitch dark it was with some streetlights only on. We both were walking, suddenly one TVS Champ came, and two people got down from the vehicle with a sharpened big knife in one of their hands. The other one blocked our way and asked my husband to talk to him. The first one held my neck and kept the knife in front of my neck and we were literally in tears. So helpless we were and I pushed his hand from my neck and started screaming Sairam, Sairam. My voice went inside and I was not able to hear myself uttering Sairam. But my husband's voice went to the peak that even God would have heard in heaven. Suddenly these two became so helpless and was gazing at both of us for a few seconds. I ran on the road banging all the gates. One gate opened and one man came out of that house to our rescue. When these people saw him, they immediately got on their vehicle and drove very fast leaving us unhurt. Oh God what a miracle it was and even now when I imagine, I get shiver throughout the body. And when that person took us inside his house, Sai's photo was there right in front room with a saying, "Why fear when I am here. I broke down and started crying out of joy that Sai Himself came and saved me. Then the husband and wife made me sit down and they played a cassette, Sai Gayatri, gave us milk and then we came back home.
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Lakshmi Yadla
I would like to share my experiences with other devotees. Baba helped me in several ways through out my life. I am the only child to my parents and got married and staying very far to them. Three years back, we moved to abroad. Everyone thought that we might settle in US. However, Baba made to move back to India in previous place only. Within few months after our return to India, my father has been diagnosed with oral cancer. It was detected early. Even at the age of 72, also Baba saved his life. As soon as he recovered, my mother who is 65 years old was burnt in an accident. Doctors told 50 percent chances for survival, as she is diabetic and heart patient. With long battle for life for 2 months in hospital day and night she survived with Baba's grace. I cannot imagine my life without parents. Now also even problems appears to come like big but with Baba's grace they go away like cotton flakes. All these days I trusted him and prayed him. I definitely can say Baba will be with us if we completely dedicate our lives to him.

Jyothi
I would like to place an experience of mine here; I was to go to Mandya to my In Laws place. There they do not have Sai Baba Photo or idol, I was very disturbed, and was praying that I will be missing him for my stay in my in-laws house. All through the journey, I was thinking of the same, but when I went to my in-laws place I was so surprised, Sai was there much earlier waiting for me. He was in the prime place to say, " See here I am waiting for you" there was a big idol placed in the Showcase, I was so filled with tears of joy.

Nitin
Sai Ram and our kind regards to Baba. We really want to thank Him for everything that he is doing for us. Everything is fine and we have all our faith in Him that he will set things right for us. Our last wish is to get our supervised practice in nursing, it is for this reason that we have come in UK. Hope that Baba will support us as always. Sai Ram and I pray for all Baba devotees.

Sai devotee
Thank you Lord, You are so kind, as a kind mother you have given me what I asked for. I had sent a prayer to You through Sai Vichar and took a vow that I would be writing if it comes true and today I am writing, thanking you for the favor. Lord I know you test your children and teach them shradha and sabhuri that is why You let them into maya, and you are always behind them and save them in time. Dear brothers and sisters please have faith in Sai, he is there everywhere and he will definately help everyone.
Back to Menu

Prayer Club:

Daya
I am so grateful to this website because I get to learn about Baba's teaching. I am going through a rough time regarding my job.I am a person who believes in quality teaching. I used to do many classes for my school. I never said no to my boss. One day, they asked me to do more classes and I told them my body could not take it too much. I was suffering form largintis, headache and many other problems. Before, they always said you are a star and when I said no to them, they bribed me with money. My answer was still no and this time, they asked me to go and recharge my battery. I felt so hurt and immediateltly I told them I want to take a break. It has been almost a year that my career is not very stable. I do a lot of substitute and tutions. I am still able to carry on because of Baba's blessing and consider myself lucky compared to many people. I've a great desire to visit Shirdi and one day I can open a house for destitute women and orphan children. I want all my friends to pray for me and join me in prayinging for all the people, children yet to be born and our mother earth form all the evil things. Please be with us all the time Baba and bless us. Thank you.

Sai devotee
I am going through a terrible pain in my life. I am looking for a life partner for last 10 years, who will treat me well and who has settled down. I want to have a baby and would like to help others. Please pray to Baba for me.

Kanya
Om Sai Sri Sai. Thank you Baba for everything you gave till now. Baba we have purchased a new flat which is under construction, bless us to get the flat completed and easily repay the loan amount. Without your blessing we have not done this . You know everything Baba.

A devotee
I am having too much tension Prabhu. Help me becuase I really need you now. I am a student and I have work permit now but haven't found the strong job yet. I study hotel mangement and have to to work in hotel. Hey Sai please help me and my partner to get job in good hotel with accommodation soon. We want to work together. I have an interview tommorrow in one hotel. Oh Sai if my job is fixed by tommrrow I will definately write again when I get job. I belive in You and only You. I love you Sai.

Rajagopal
If any one can do it, Saibaba only you can. Please restore vision of our mother who is 83 today, has recently come to this situation that she is unable to see. Doctors have concluded her one eye is not repairable because of her age. They would not try operating on her, her second eye is presently with a lot of ulcerations, so they are unable to determine and she is under lots of pain. Please save her, bless her for all of us, request of a devotee, who lives helplessly far far from all of them.

Radhika
Dear Sai, my pranaams to you. Thank you for helping me have a safe delivery. On April 6th, I delivered a beautiful healthy baby girl. When I was pregnant I had asked Sri Sai to look after my baby and protect her. Thanks to Sai I had a comfortable pregnancy and a very safe delivery with only 2 hrs 40 mins labour. Thank you Sai also for making my mother get her visa on time so that she could be with me in time for my delivery. My prayers now are Sai that please look after my 5 yr old son and my 15 day old daughter. With your kind blessings they should lead a healthy life. Please look after my family and protect them always. Also, please shower your blessings on my sister who is in the US. She has been trying to concieve for some time, please make her wish come true. She is an ardent devotee of you Sai, you know very well. I would like to come to Shirdi with my whole family and seek your blessings. Please make it happen some time. Thank you Sai. Please continue to bless us as you have done so far.

Sai devotee
Sai, from the day I have started to follow Your path, You have made me realize that I don't have to ask You for anything. I just leave it to You and You know what's best for me. You have always given me what I is good for me. I am sure You are not going to let us down in the next venture. Please bless us with what is good. Be with me in successfully completing what I am currently doing without any issues.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week:
"What do we lose by another's good fortune? Let us celebrate with them, or strive to emulate them. That should be our desire and determination".-Sai Baba
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?

A. by Ashish Bhola

Well, Baba's life itself is full of many thought provoking incidents that convey messages on how to deal with everday life practical situations in the right direction. The incident of Anna and Mavsibai was also one of them. Both Anna and Mavsibai were ardent devotees of Baba.So, Baba conveyed the message of importance of humour in daily life through his devotees only. Baba also conveyed that such small humorous incidents only add spice to life, condition that both parties are not made fun of. He conveyed that we should not miss the moments of laughter, joy and happiness not only with our near and dear ones, but even with strangers too! Baba has given us this life to spread joy and happiness, to wipe out tears of others and to help everybody. As Baba once said , "Never neglect anybody who comes near you, even if he or she is a stranger. There might be a connection of yours with the person, maybe from previous births". Om Sai Ram.
Back to Menu

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(Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7:10 am 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.

Upcoming Events: Monthly Pooja ( 2nd Sunday of every month) on Sunday May 8th.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minnesota, USA
Regular Sai activities in Minneapolis, St.Paul area 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.

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Toronto, Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 6:30 PM at 147 Winston Castle Drive, Markham, Ont. L6C 2N4. For details on other Activities and Services please call Shammi Chopra at 416-402-8089 or send email to saileela99@yahoo.com
Back to Menu

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

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