Every aspirant would like to believe that he or she has surrendered the self at the feet of Sadguru. A typical day for such an aspirant would start with the reminiscence of the Guru. However, it is more common to observe that a blissful day is marred by an incident, sometimes very small, and soon it is realized that one is far away from Sadguru. What goes wrong? Spiritual progress is in a way a retreat; regression from the acquisitions the self has to become of. Acquisitions of every proportion, ranging from the material prosperity to the lesser visible attributes of self-respect, prejudice and pride. Resignation from the material acquisitions may be an apparent goal and task for an aspirant. While the physical attributes of the material self may be gotten rid of by practice and preparation, the challenges in fighting the enemy within, requires Guru's grace. One might forego the cravings of material pursuit, truthfully realize the temporary nature of worldly acquisitions, and even win past the shackles of attachment.

However, this does not guarantee a freedom from the playfulness of Maya, the delusion. Somdev Swami may have renounced everything, but when he reached the shores of Shirdi and saw Sainath's glory, his pride did not allow him to accept the greatness of the God who walked on earth! The power of Maya is such. One that was successful in physically arising above the bondage of attachment and material wealth, blinded by the ego, did not see the equanimity of Lord Sai. Eventually, blessed that he was, Somdev had the fortune of seeing Sai reveal Himself to him. Was Saibaba the begging fakir that allowed others to decorate Him with silk and perfume? Or is He the supreme Lord that took a morsel out of the most offensive appearing leper's bowl? Does Baba have any "self" to Him? He is Antaryamin! Working towards material detachment, in thoughts as well as action, is a significant part of that regression process. Completion may not be possible unless Guru reveals Himself to the aspirant. Equanimity is the reward an aspirant earns from the saadhana. This is a secret the Guru, only Guru, can lead the aspirant.
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Sai Baba's Crow

Abdul was a resident of Nanded. From his sixteenth year, he was serving Fakir Amiruddin, a saint of Nanded. In the year 1889, Baba appeared in a dream of Amiruddin, put two mangoes in his hands and asked him to send Abdul to him. When Amiruddin woke up, he really found two mangoes in his hands. He gave them to Abdul, and asked him to go to Shirdi and be in the service of Sai Baba. Abdul came immediately to Shirdi. On seeing him, Baba said that his crow had come. Baba asked him to do his service without any other thoughts. From then onwards Abdul kept the mosque and adjoining places clean and the paths on which Baba walked. He cleaned the lanterns in the mosque, not forgetting Lendi Bagh. In his leisure time, he sat near Baba and read the Quran. He put two pots of water near the Nanda Deep in Lendi Bagh. Baba set in the evenings daily at a fixed time near Nanda Deep. He took water in his hands from the pots and reading something sprinkled the water on all sides. After that, he got up and looked seriously in all directions in which water was sprinkled. Devotees used to think that by his actions, Baba was protecting his devotees who were there on all sides. One whole night Abdul knelt down and put his hands on his head and Baba asked him whether he wanted to see the moon. After remaining in that position for sometime, Abdul fell on Baba sleepy. Baba woke him up and told him that he would show him the moon. Next day afternoon, when Abdul took water in his hands, he found the image of the moon in the water. Abdul also washed the clothes of Baba daily in the nearby rivulet and kept them neat.

(Contributed by From Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba by Ammula Sambasiva Rao)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees:

Krishnamaohan K
I wanted to share a recent miracle of Baba in my life. I am a non-resident Indian. We have had several miracles happen in our life ever since we became Baba's devotees in 1997. I currently work for a Government Department and had applied for a higher position. I did the interview well and was merit selected. However, the position went to another candidate who was working at the same level but wanted a transfer to my Division. I therefore did not get the job. However, I was told I was merit listed and if there was any opportunity for a similar position within a year, I would be given preference. I had full faith in Baba and prayed to him that I should get this higher position job by end of June 2005 by when I would be completing 40. For my age and experience, this position was most suitable and would give me a lot of confidence. In the second week of June, I was told that there was a position available and I was being considered for it. June was almost coming to an end and there was no news, but I was still hopeful that Baba will help me if I deserved and if it was beneficial to me. In the last week of June when I had completely forgotten about it and was not thinking about it, and the paper work was also getting delayed, it was as if Baba himself wanted things to move faster, one day my manager called me in asked me about the paper work, I said I am not aware of anything happening. He himself personally saw to that my paper work was completed and also informed me that my higher duties in the new position will commence from the 30th of June and I signed my acceptance letter on the 30th of June! It was as if Baba in the form of my Manager helped me achieve my ambition. However, being a Baba devotee, he has also given me the maturity to accept his decisions. My family is totally convinced that if we do our best and leave the rest to Baba, he will take care of all our needs and help us attain spiritual maturity.

Sasidevi Arunachalam
I am Baba's devotee for past few years. He has done so many wonders for me and for everybody. I would like to share one of my recent wonders. As my father passed away last month, I need to go to India. I do not have valid visa to enter back to US. And there is no web appointment dates till the month of December. So many of them encouraged not to go since my father has any how died and I won't be able to attend his last funeral party. Everybody advised me not to take risk. But looking at my condition my husband asked me to proceed leaving everything into Baba's hand. So, I came to India and attended my fathers other ceremonies. My return to US was uncertain. Me and my husband tried for the emergency visa appointment by Baba's grace luckily we got it immediately and I went for the interview to worrying for so many reasons and questions but the consular didn't ask any questions and gave me the visa. Everything happened only because of Baba's grace and blessings. Though I will miss my father as well as mother Baba is there to guide me in every step as I totally believe and trust Him.

Srinivas B
With mercy of Baba he had got us a tenant for a property which we were struggling to get, While I was praying and submitting my request there was a phone call from a lady that she is looking for an apartment for rent, what more leela we need, straight away she agreed to stay and agreed for the rent etc. with Baba, nothing is impossible.
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Poonam Arora
I want to share my experience with all Sai devotees. One day my husband lost his job due to some reason. He is on his notice period. I was very tense. I thought to read Sai Satcharitha and wish from Sai Baba that my husband get an offer letter within his notice period. I started to read Sai Satcharitha from Thursday and I think that on another Thursday I will complete Sai Satcharitha. Before my completion, by the grace of Saibaba, my husband got offer letter. On Thursday i.e. the day of my completion, I feel that Baba is here to overcome my problems. I read Sai Satcharitha first time in my life and I feel its effect.

Rohini Kalidindi
I would like to thank the people maintaining this website and sending out the newsletter every week. I would like to share the happy news that we were blessed with a daughter two weeks ago the day after Gurupoornima. Sai blessed us all along, everything went well, and I promised to write my experience if everything went on safely. God forgive our sins, bless us all, and please help my sister get married soon

Ranjini
Sai, as per my promise to you, I am posting my experience here. Sai, thank you Sai for helping me to be registered in college. Sai, its all your because of you help Sai.
Back to Menu

Prayer Club:

Anitha
Thanks for everything You have given me. But how long should my parents wait for my youngest sister's marriage. Her marriage has become the cause of their restlessness and worry. You know that whatever happens in my house is only because of then Baba why so late in this matter. We beg you dear Lord, please settle my sister's marriage at the earliest. Accept our pranams at thy lotus feet.

Bhuvana R
Dear Sai, You know me well and my mind. You have only introduced him to me when my mind was out of the way from marriage. You have only made him to tell his interest in marrying me. You know well all the oppositions in both sides. Baba please do some miracle without hurting all our life to change the minds of both our family members. Without him as partner, I do not need any marriage life. Bless both of us to live long with love on you and peace through out our rest of the lifetime and rest of our births.

Renu
Baba please reunite myself and my ex husband in holy matrimony again. Baba please bring us together as one family living under one roof. Baba please help me and help my children, I really need him and the children need their father.

Suma Ramisetti
We are trying to have a baby and not successful. I get depressed sometimes but I try to remind myself of your words to keep patience always. I am sure by your grace we will have a baby. Please give me enough patience and strength. I know my husband is worried too though he does not show it. Please take care of my husband and give him patience and faith in You.

Subramanian K
Dear Sai devotees, please pray Saimaa for my good health and peace of mind. Please pray for my daughter to concentrate on her studies.

Chakraborty Ranjan
Param Pujya Shri Sai Baba, Koti Koti Pranam to you, please keep us always at your holy feet. My wife has worked very hard to get teaching license and now she is applying for job, which are very hard to get. Baba, please bless her so that she gets a job where she is professionally satisfied and happy.

A Sai devotee
Please help me to get positive results and help me in getting visa. Without you, I am sure that I cannot do anything. Please help me to get visa to UK also and help me in finding a job there. Look after my family. Be with me in writing thesis and other reports, and help me in completing my reports successfully.

Meenakshi
Baba, only you can remove from his heart all hatred for me. Baba please show your mercy and fulfill my wish that he will come back to me with a feeling of love and respect for me.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week:
"The efficacy of God's name is well-known. It saves us from all sins and frees us from the cycle of births and deaths. There is no easier Sadhana than this. It is the best purifier of our mind. It requires no paraphernalia and no restrictions"-Hemadpant in Sai Satcharita
Back to Menu

Question of the Week:

Q. How to read Sai Satcharitha?
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. Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 am followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop arathi at 6 pm and Shej Arathi at 9 pm. 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 (second sunday of every month) Pooja, August 14th, Samuhika Satyanarayan Pooja and Raksha Bandhan on Poornima day, Friday August 19th and Temple Anniversary Day, Friday August 19th and Saturday August 20th.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minnesota
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, Bay Area, California
Shirdi Sai Parivaar invites all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 7:30 pm at Odd Fellows Temple, 20589 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 95014.For details please call 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com or visit www.ShradhaSaburi.org.

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Ontario, Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 6:30PM at 147 Winston Castle Dr. Markham, Ont. L6C 2N4. For details on other activities and services please call Shammi Chopra at 416-402-8089 or email us 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: