What is needed of those involved in spreading Sai message is humility, utmost faith in Sadguru and acceptance that He is the wirepuller and the individuals are mere participants. Humility for a Sai devotee should be a constant reminder. The association with any image or emotion, even be sattwic, can only be a form of hindrance to the task. Hemadpanth aptly wrote that ahankara, the sense of doership in this context, couldn't be conquered as long as association with any emotion persists. Dasganu was chided by Baba for setting out like a bridegroom for singing God's glory. Sai prachaar may not be an elevated state of activity, time bound and material driven. It happens with the mere intention of sharing Sadguru's word. Until one truthfully considers himself to be the least qualified to do the task and realizes that it is providence that bestowed the blessing, the self remains hindrance to the task.

Baba set up an example by calling Himself a devotee of God. He extolled the virtues of God, Himself remaining a meek servant. Some say Baba was 'Bhagawad baktha', the devotee of Lord. "Allah maalik", "God is great", said the God Himself! In the spiritual context, one may ascribe this attitude of Baba to adwaita, the non-dual nature of the divine, where Sadguru and Sadbhaktha are one and the same. However, in the context of spreading God's words, Baba set up an example. If God calls himself a meek creature, an insect in the dung, where would that place his followers?

Let this be our reminder as we embark onto the newer phase of understanding Sai message, by learning and sharing, with humility as a mater of fact.
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Contributed Article: Baba's miracles in my life

Baba came to my rescue whenever I called him. Even for silly things, like not finding any important documents in the office, not able to do some work, meet people, or take a decision. I would like to share those miracles with you all.

Not even a year of my visit to Shirdi, my elder brother came to me. He was all in tears. This was the third incident when I saw tears in his eyes. On earlier two occasions, the deaths in the family - my father and my brother. He was the General Secretary of all India workers' association of Brooke Bond and at the same time, the President of their Co-operative Society, which dealt with money etc. Being the President, he had the powers to sanction the loans to the needy workers and was authorized to sign the checks. He had given loans worth Rs.60, 000.00 to some of the workers who became defaulters and duped the money. He had not only passed the loans but also stood as guarantors for them.

During the audit, my brother was held responsible for mismanagement and blamed for manipulation of Society funds. Though all were aware of the facts but some power crazy elements, waiting for an opportunity, took advantage of that situation to defame him, strip him off from the powers and position. They moved the matter to the Court. Now he had only one alternative, either pay the dues and save his skin or face the consequences. He came to me in that connection. Rs.60, 000.00 almost 24 years back, was a very big amount and I did not have that much hard cash with me and because of my differences with my husband, I did not take his help so I told my brother to dispose of my jewels I had left with my mother, valuing half of the amount, and asked him to manage the rest knowing too well, he won't be able to but I was helpless.

He left the same day, fearing untoward to happen. Both my husband and I went to see him off at the station. When the trained moved, I removed that metal ring of Saibaba from my finger and threw at his direction, saying, Baba save him. Please do not bring shame and disgrace to him or our family. He was not culprit. We had suffered the worst but never had the accusation of swindling money or cheating people.

After two days, the Court summoned him. The judge after giving a patience hearing of the versions, looked at my brother for sometime and said: This person can never cheat anybody or manipulate funds in his life. To me the allegations against him looked fabricated. It is a simple case of default. However, he being the President and guarantor is responsible to ensure that the amount is deposited in the Society. Since he is not capable of making the full payments, the Court orders him to pay off the dues in installments with interest.

We all got a relief. Saibaba heard my prayers and saved him or else anything could have been happened like imprisonment with fine. His participation in union activities made him remain absent from work for days together every month, which affected his salary and it, took 20 long years to pay off the debts from the Society and until such time, I managed his family.

(Contributed by Vijaya Nair)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Sai devotee, Qatar
I am working in Gulf (Qatar) and here the procedures are tough in getting family visa. I have been trying since 3 years for getting a permanent family visa. My family has been on and off in Qatar for all these years. We are really worried this year because my son who is 5 years old has to put in school. Both me and my wife are ardent Sai devotees and we sincerely prayed Sai to fulfill our reasonable prayer and start our life together. My wife sincerely believed that Sai is doing this for some reason all way long, but me being a very emotional person, found it very hard to accept. I was slowly losing my confidence in all aspects. I have applied this time also and it was again rejected. But the immigration official has given me an appointment with the officials on 0ctober 5th. My family is here in Qatar on 6 month's visit visa and their visa will expire on September 9th. We were very confused and without knowing what to do, tried all ways of preponing our interview date. Our house owner also tried from his side through his friend, to prepone the interview date. Suddenly last Tuesday night he informed me that my interview is for tomorrow (Wednesday) 7:30 am. I immediately started reading Sai Satcharitha and the next morning, after saying my prayers went to the meeting (15 minutes late). The office boy at the immigration took me directly to the chief there and not to the other officials in the meeting (where I was rejected for the past 2 times). There I was asked 3 questions, regarding my profession, salary etc, to which I answered the truth. Then the official said come after 3 days to check your application, since I had lost almost all hopes I did not talk even a word further, said thank you and came off. The same day around 12 pm I got a telephone call from the immigration office saying that my visa application is passed and I can collect my family visa immediately. Then I realized Baba has come to me through the office boy, who arranged my interview to the chief directly. It took me sometime to realize what Sai has given. I was almost in tears, once again Sai has helped me to overcome all my difficulties . I got married, got job abroad, got child, got a new and better job, got my family visa, everything by Sai's grace only and I am sure, what all things I am going to get in future also will be purely on Sai's blessings only. The 7th day I finished reading my Satcharitha. I got my family visa's all properly stamped etc in my hand.

A Sai devotee
Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai! Last year in September my husband lost his job due to a disability. He did not have disability coverage through his employer. He got state disability, which was only valid up to 1 year. I have been praying to Baba for my husband to get a job with proper coverage. He finally with Baba's grace has another job and the new employer gave him a starting date of exactly one year from when my husband lost his job! Baba you are amazing and have convinced me that you are there to look after us. Please Baba bless my husband to be able to hold on to this job. Please always keep me and my family under your protection!

Naveen K
In 2003, I left my very good job in India and immigrated to Canada. I have applied to many jobs (all kinds) but not even a single call from any employer in 3 months. I was frustrated and came back to India. I have spent all my savings on Canadian immigration. I was so worried that why this had happened to me despite of praying to Sai and visiting Sai's temple in Toronto. I returned back to India and immediately, by the grace of Sai, I was offered job in my previous company. At my job, due to some internal changes in the department, I was given the responsibility of the area which I was not interested at all. I was regularly praying Sai to get me a chance to work in the area of interest for my better prospects. Exactly after 6 months I was given the responsibility of area of my interest. He has given me all the confidence and courage to handle new responsibilities. In November 2005, I was offered an overseas placement in my company with a good salary. I felt that Sai had given me a better opportunity. He knows what is best. Finally, I moved to my Moscow office in May, 2005 and planned to bring my family in July. After coming to Moscow, I went to Indian Embassy School (Kendriya Vidyalaya) for getting admission in 2nd standard for my twin sons. The school principal has refused to give admission, as already the strength of the class is very high. I prayed Sai for my kid's admission. Very next day, by the grace of Sai, one of my colleagues had helped me in getting a recommendation letter from someone and Principal had given the admission without any objections. Without Sai's grace this would not have happened. I pray Sai this to shower His blessings on all of us.
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Devotees say...

Vidya S
Thank you my kind Saibaba for helping me pass my test. Thank you my sweet Baba for teaching me to value everything in life. I promise I will never underestimate anything or anybody. Thank you again my god for being there for us all, with us all always.

Saritha V
My sister got a very bad pain, because of the Epidural she took at the time of delivery. She was getting pain whenever she sits or stands. She need to be in bed all the time, it is difficult for her to feed her baby. We all prayed Baba. By the grace of Sai only, she got relief from this pain without any medication. Thank you very much Baba.

Aruna A
I am a Masters student studying in the USA. I got a visa issue so I took a break last semester and went to India. The trip turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I got to spend four months of quality time with my family. I again landed in the same situation this semester. I was so tensed. Sai came to my rescue once again and showed me a way. Sai thank you so much. You are a kind mother who protects the children even if they make mistakes.

Bhanumathi S
Aum Sri Sairam! Hi Wayne, read your experience. You are really blessed to have such a vision. In the Ulwa language (just found it on the net -- "Lumah" means Good Afternoon! (http://www.slaxicon.org/ulwa/dict/L.html) It is also mentioned as one of the year names saying Lumah - Priest (http://cdli.ucla.edu/dl/yearnames/E_GLOSSARINDEX/R919.htm) This word is also mentioned in one of the articles as the creator paintings: http://www.artnet.com/library/09/0928/T092870.asp)

Vasanthi
Sai Ram to Sai brother Wayne. You are indeed fortunate that you had a vision of Baba who is a Sarva Dharma Sadguru.I have not heard of the word Lumah but the moment I read through the following thoughts crossed my mind and felt bliss supreme so thought of sharing the meaning with you all. We call Shirdi Baba our Mai and Baap (Mother and Father). In your happy state you were telling Baba (1) L-Love U-You Mah-Mother.(2)L-Love Umah-Uma also known as Parvathi or Uma Maheshwari wife of Lord Shiva and shakthi personified and is the mother of all creatures on earth.(3)L-Love U-Uma(Mother) MAH-Maheshwar or ahaeashwar(Father).Love you Baba who is our mother and father.

Gokulakrishnan
Jai Sai Ram. Thank you very much Baba, with your blessing I could successfully submit my project and according to my vow I am writing this experience here, thank you Baba. Jai Sai Ram. Baba please help me in getting a job as you know my family situation. Jai Sai Ram.
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Prayer Club:

A Sai devotee
Please Baba; bless me with a child Sai. You know my situation and the predicaments I am facing. Please Baba, I am begging for your grace and blessings. Please forgive my husband and me for all our sins and please bless us with a child soon Deva.

Lavanya
I really need your help at this crucial time. Please help me in this situation. Baba, I do not have father and you are both father and mother to me. Please help me.

Rajiv B
Please lower my anger and provide some good and positive thinking to my wife as we are not living happily and due to this, my baby is suffering. Please show some miracle Baba. Save our married life.

Priya
Please please help us Sai. You have always done miracles in our lives. Please help us both find good jobs in Canada by the end of this year. You know how important it is for us. Also, help him find a sponsor for his visa and accommodation in Canada.

Saravanan C
My father was recently diagnosed at Apollo hospitals with blocks in his heart and one failed kidney and damaged liver due to excessive medications that he is taking for his previous heart and diabetics problems. Doctors advised to operate both kidney and heart one by one. He is going to have kidney surgery on September 14th 2005 (Wednesday) at Apollo Hospitals. Based on the out come, he might have by pass heart surgery after two to three months. I am not in a position to visit India now due to my Green Card related issues and to help my only brother who is staying with my parents. Oh Sai! please help us to pass through this critical stage by showering your blessings on my father and on our family.

Rajeshwara
I am in a big dilemma about my job and I need to find a job very soon. I am looking for a position and nothing is sure yet. Time is running out and please help me to find a good job soon either in USA or in India. Please bring me mental peace and happiness in my life and bless my family and friends.

Nishani
Please do not let my parents suffer anymore. Baba you know that my mother is not happy and she wants to go home. Please let us find someone honest and loving to live with her. Baba she has suffered for so many years in and last days give her some peace.

Sai devotee
Please Baba, do this for me and I will be forever obliged. I know I have not been a true Bhakta of you, but please Baba, I need you to do this for me so that my family is not destroyed. Baba, please help me I am in desperate condition. Baba, I do not know what came over me when I committed the sin and was caught red-handed, Please Baba, I cannot tell this to anyone. Please take care of my family. I am in my late forties and my daughter in only six years old. She needs me. Let not anything happen to me because of the sin.

Hari
Oh lord Shirdi Sai, my application for the H1 received in time to INS. Now, I would like to request all the Shri Sadguru Shirdi Sai devotees to pray for my success in getting the job done at the earliest without any hurdles. I once again request you all to pray for my success. I pray Lord Shirdi Sadguru Maharaj to answers all our Sai devotees prayers for ever.

Sai devotee
Baba, You have taken care of me and my family for the past so many years. Keep Your blessings and let us remain in Your lotus feet always. My wish is to sing your bhajans and leelas in everybody and anybodys house wherever and whenever it is required. Give me that courage. Koti Koti Pranama to You.
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Quotation of the Week:
"The moral of the story is that one has to reap what one sows, and there is no escape unless one suffers and squares up one's old debts and dealings with others, and that greed for money drags the greedy man to the lowest level and ultimately brings destruction on him and others"-Story of Chennabasappa and Veerabhadrappa in Sai Satcharitha.
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Question of the Week:

Q. Sai Satcharita clearly spells out that one should not drive away even an ant or a fly with disdain. How are we to deal with pests like rats, cockroaches and ants?

A. by Sakshi Sareen

As Baba said, " treat every human being and animal from one eye, do not be partial to any one of them, I am present even in a dog.". As we are taught to address any other human being not according to his physical form but according to deed he or she has done similarly we have to treat pests. Pests like rats, cockroaches and ants are also created by almighty, though sometimes we do hate them as they didn't look attractive or pleasing but they are here in this world to execute some task assign by Lord. This is even a allusion from God that your karma whether good or bad will be the base, the deeds they have done in their past might have landed them in this chassis. I request all of you to be nice to them and learn from the moral supreme, pointing out.
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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 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: Samuhika Satyanarayan Pooja on Pournima, Saturday September 17th.

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.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the website www.shirdisaidallas.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.

Shirdi Sai Satsang in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Shirdi Sai parivar in Vancouver invites you for bhajans, every Thursday (6.30pm - 7.30 pm) at 8571,118A Street, Delta,V4C 6L2.For further details contact Ritu (604)592 4182 or email at sai_ish@hotmail.com
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