The presence of Shri Sainath in the lives of millions today stands as a testimony to His continued existence. Each prophecy and promise made by Baba while He remained in His mortal body has turned out to be true and His words can be found to be true to this day. Baba had clearly said "My bones will speak and discuss the welfare of those who will put their full faith in me even after my passing away". On another occasion He had commented about the village of Shirdi, "People will crawl to this place like ants in the future". Blessing Hemadpant to write a book on His life stories, Baba had said, "People who are naturally attracted to me will feel happiness and joy on hearing my name and stories". When a devotee was worried as to what will happen to him once Baba passes away, Baba clearly told him not to worry and that "He will be ever present with him and whenever the devotee called him with love, He will solve his difficulties". When another devotee thought that he had seen Baba in a dream ordering him to do something and went to confirm the same, Baba said, "No that was no dream, it was me telling you personally; I require no doors to enter any place".

All the above incidents listed in Satcharita are happening even today. The only difference is that they are happening all over the world! There is another story in Satcharita of a Mrs Saptanekar being followed by a fakir offering help to carry the water pitchers and she later discovered that the fakir was none else than Baba when she saw His picture. A similar incident happened in Connecticut, USA this month where a stranger continuously visited an American lady. On every visit the stranger told her one incident from her life that only she was aware of. On the last visit she started to get eerie and started to do some research and stumbled on the picture of Shirdi Sai Baba on the Internet.

Strangely enough the stranger who visited her a few times turns out to be none other than the great master himself and more curiously the stranger has not visited her since the time she stumbled on the picture! Here dictums of Baba, "Wherever my devotee may go in this whole wide world, I am aware of his or her life and will draw him or her to me, when it is time, like a sparrow tied with a thread to its leg" and "We have been together for 72 generations, only I know them all and you do not remember", comes out to be true.

For one who follows Shri Sai with love and devotion, it is necessary to reemphasize their faith and evolve patience to overcome the curves that life pitches in from time to time. Losing courage and thinking that Shri Sai has deserted them will only bring unbearable agony and pain. Like a parent, Shri Sai can never desert his children. At the same time a mother will not refrain from giving a bitter pill to her child if it is needed! True to his words, Shri Sai works tirelessly for his ever-growing children and the children need to be conscious of the path laid by the master and make every attempt to walk on it. Baba himself has said that the path is not easy, so why cry when the going gets tough? Remember Baba with a pure heart and true to His words, He will carry you safely through life's tough situations.
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Contributed Article: My experiences with Saibaba(continued from last week)

Baba made me realized that what I did was wrong, while I was in India he made me think what I really want in my life. When I was not interested in the job I was doing then why was I pushing myself to do that. Baba showed me a path. I stayed in India for four months did some computer courses. I came to USA and applied H1 visa.

Since I was in India for more than four months, there were many chances for my visa not being approved. I sent all my documents to my employer and he said he filed my H1 for Premium processing. This usually takes fifteen days for approval. On the 15th day I was checking online status, it showed my application is received on August 8th and it would take 120 days for them to process it. I was shocked since first of all my employer lied to me that he filed through premium processing and he also lied that he submitted by application on August 4th. On August 10th the H1 visa quota was over and I was so lucky. If he would have delayed one more day, I should have gone back to India. On that day, I felt so bad and was crying. I spoke to employer and asked him to change my application to premium processing. Initially he did not agree but later he said he would fill it on Wednesday. I prayed to Baba, Baba knew that if I did not get my H1 visa as soon as possible I will be out of status and would have to leave the country in next 15 days. On Wednesday morning for some reason, I checked my status again. To my surprise it showed my case has been approved. My happiness knew no bounds. Everybody was amazed. This happened under normal processing. I have seen my friends who have applied in May under normal processing and have not heard anything till mid August. Baba showed his grace, I got my approval within 15 days from the receipt day. Baba is great.

This is just one of the several miracles. Recently my brother met with an accident, it was a very bad accident. Baba came in my dream the night before where my mom and I were crying, due to some reason related to my brother. Then I was thinking that I should do Sai pooja, Baba appeared in front on me and I woke up. This way Baba suggested that He is there to save my family. Baba saved my brother from the accident, no big injurious. If anybody has seen the car, then they would think that people inside would have been dead. But Baba saved him and his family.

My request to all Sai devotees, never lose your faith on Baba. He knows what is good for us. Keep patience and He will shower his grace on you. Love Baba like your father, mother, daughter, son, in all the ways you can. It is true that if you take one step towards Baba, he will take 10 steps towards you. So please have faith and devotion. Baba is my father and everything. Om Sai Ram.

(Contributed by Prasanna Ramavarapu)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Harini
One of my latest experiences is that I am having three children; they are all settled in America. I wanted to go US for the delivery of my younger daughter. Before leaving India, I needed medical checkup. So I went for general checkup, I am a healthy person, I used to think, but the doctor who checked me said that I have "Breast cancer" and that I needed a surgery immediately. At that time, I did not worry but put the entire burden on Baba. The surgery was done immediately. Even though, none of my children was with me. At that time, all of my relatives were by my side with so much love and affection. Through my surgery, chemotherapy and radiation Baba made sure that my body did not go through any pain. Many people told different stories and experiences about cancer, but I never got frightened at all. Why should I be frightened? I was always under the graceful eyes of Baba This happened in the year 2003 on 14th Jan. Until this day by Baba's grace, I am not facing any health problems. Even though I started doing, my entire household works, as soon as my surgery done, that was from 18 days only. My children are Baba devotees; during my surgery, they gave me a lot of courage. They always believe in Baba, so at time of my daughter's delivery even though no one went for her help, baba made sure that she was looked after with care by arranging one or the other person to help her in her need. By baba wonderful grace, she gave birth to a healthy and cute baby with out any complications. Both of them are very healthy with Baba's blessings .I think in every problem baba is there to solve with love, one thing we should have 'Shraddha bakthi'. With the grace of Baba, all my children are leading happy life. I am attending Baba's bhajans regularly, which keeps me happy and peaceful. Bestow your kindness always on us Baba one word to all Baba devotees, always believe in Baba and he will look after you. Baba, I bow to your lotus feet.

Uma
Om Sai Ram. My mother and my sister are both Baba's devotees. I came to USA with my husband and applied for work-permit. Meanwhile I went to my sister's place for her daughter's first birthday celebration. I told her about the things for which I am awaiting eagerly and anxiously. They are nothing but my work-authorization and my post-graduation results. She told me not to worry Baba will look after it. She told me about Sai Vichaar. Immediately I prayed Baba and said that if both the things will go right then I will post my experience in Sai Vichaar. When I returned to my place, within a week I got two good news. One is I got my work-authorization and the other is I passed my post graduation with very good percentage. So I felt very happy and told my sister about these two .She told me that Baba would look after the people, who with love and faith will pray Baba. From that day onwards my belief on Baba has grown more and more. Even I started reading Sai Satcharitha. Baba will solve all our problems. Every one will be showered with grace of Baba.
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Devotees say...

Madhu V
Baba, with your blessings, my son is doing well. Please be with him all the time and take care of him. We want to visit Shirdi in December and place him at your feet, please make this happen without any difficulty. Also, with your grace I was able to give my exam finally. Now, I am applying, please fulfill my dream. We have been through a lot, but with your blessings, are okay now. Please ensure that we are happy, peaceful and content with what we have.

Aruna
This is my life experience. We came to USA in 1999. Till 2003 we had gone through so may problems regarding my husband's permanent job and green card process. Finally, we found one Indian company and filed green card. I have done Masters degree in India. Because of my husband problems, I did not search for any job. Finally, I got a job on H1 and worked for one year. After that my six-year term is finished and I am waiting for my husbands labor approval so that I can get EAD and start the job. Four weeks back because of green card retrogression, I cried so much that until three or 4 years I would not get any EAD. But because of Baba's grace, I got a job as a recruiter. I wanted to post this if I get the job. From the past 10 years, there are so many Sai leelas happened in our life. Everyday I pray to Sai. From the past 6 years, I am on fast on Thursday and I do the Sai puja. I read so many times Sai Satcharitha. One thing I learned is that if you want to be a Sai devotee, you should be strong for His test. Jai Sainath.

Kaajal R
Fom my childhood I saw my family praying too Sai. I also followed the same but there were no surrender only just prayers. I would pray but deep down in my mind there was always stress, fear and tensions. This went on for a long time then one day I met a person who today is my friend, philosopher and guide and a very strong follower of Sai Naath and he taught me the difference of surrender and prayer or rather I should say prayer with surrender and from then on my life changed, miracles started happening each moment. When we surrender ourselves to Sai our desires, our actions, our thoughts, our commitments, our relationships, then we start living. We have to become like that small child who has total faith on his parents, we have to feel that innocent love for Sai. We just have to work honestly with faith that whatever the outcome, is the outcome decided by our parent and it will be for our good. So I want to tell all my brother and sisters please surrender yourself to Sai, become his humble servant to get peace and mukti without all worries.

Himabindu
Baba, thank you for blessing us with I-140 visa. It has not been even a week since I made a prayer to Baba regarding our green card; I got the answer. I am out of words except for tears of joy. You were with me in every aspect of my life and please bless my husband and me.

Anita
I was hopeless after loosing my job and had the inner desire of reading Sai Satcharitha. Before finishing, I got my new job. Now I only pray to Baba to bless me to be able to continue with my job without any break and sickness.

A Sai devotee
Thanks for your blessing and everything you have provided in my life. I am submitting this article to thank Sai for being with me and helping me publish my research articles in good journals. My chronic acid reflux was also cured by taking Udhi mixed in water every day. It really works; you only need to have belief.
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Prayer Club:

Manisha
This time I again call for You and request You to come to his side. His biopsy report should not have any sign of malignancy. Also as always I pray for my parents and for health and long life. Baba do come again as always.

Lata
Oh my dear lovable Baba, this is a humble request or prayer once again from me and my small little family of three that please bless me to get a permanent school teacher's job this year 2005 from any grades: K to 3 in public schools here in Ontario, Canada as I still haven't heard from any of them. Baba, I promise will write my experiences in this magazine without fail. Baba without You blessing me, I just cannot imagine where to go. Baba, you are our mata-pitta-bandhu-sakha. Baba, I am now fully qualified as per Ontario teacher's education ministry requirements. Please Baba hear our plea and also bless my son Avinash too as he too is looking for jobs and is an Electrical Engineer by profession and will be doing MBA next year. We love you Baba and be with us through thick and thin protecting us in your strong universal arms.

Swathi
Sai, You know what is going on in our family right now. I feel extremly stressed out and when I see elders worry about us it makes me more stressed out. Show us your miracle very soon. I know You are testing our patience. We can't take it anymore. Be with us always. Guide my son and make him more responsible and matured.

Chintan
Thank you Baba for all the things You have given me in life, just be with me in all the phases of my life. Thanks for granting US immigrant visas to all my family. Now help them to live a good life in the States and bless with peace and good health and unity. Bless me with my good studies. Just be with me always to guide me through and help me. Jai Sai ram

Sai devotee
Oh! kind Sai, my pranaams to You. Oh Sai, my friend has still not contacted me, please make him stay in touch with me. Kindly shower us with your blessings.

Kamakshi
Sairam, I request all the Baba devotees to please pray for my husband who has Parkinson's disease and the pain is severe. We are praying for him. I make him read the Sai Satcharitra everyday he does it. Only You can help, Baba.

Puja
Thank you Baba for making my deals come through for the month end in a miraculous manner. I just didnt believe that it will happen by me but by Baba's grace it happens and He makes this happen everytime when my position in th company is questionable. I love you Baba. Please heal the world and take care of all people praying to You for something or the other. Only You are the sole refuge to them.

Mohini
Jai Sai Ram, Baba thanks for your blessings. Last week I wrote my letter to Baba to please give me my drivers license before 15th October. Baba did this for me. I got my license on 12th. It was nothing but just Baba's miracle. Baba keep me and my family in your feet always. Baba please make my husband your devotee, only then I can come to the bhajans every Thursday. Baba Iam worried a lot about my India trip. Please keep my children healthy. Every thing should be solved nicely there. You know what I mean.

Sivaram
For the last couple of days I am not able to concentrate on prayers, bhajans, nor my work, nor speak with my family members or friends. Something is haunting me which is stopping me to talk to my wife properly. Please Sai help me in this dire situation. Please Sai shower your blessings on me and my family. Readers please pray for the well being of my twin daughters.
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Quotation of the Week:
"We must muse over our imperfections of yestarday and try to evolve towards a little more perfection".-Shri C B Satpathy in New Year's message 1996
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Question of the Week:

Q. What is the significance of Sankalp?
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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.

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.

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, 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.

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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