Prayer is an act of communication by humans with the sacred or holy-God, the gods, the transcendent realm, or supernatural powers. Prayer has been described in its sublimity as "an intimate friendship, a frequent conversation held alone with the Beloved". The most important part of any prayer, whether it be a prayer of petition, of thanksgiving, of praise of Lord, or of confession, is the introspection it provides, the moment that we spend looking inside ourselves, seeing our role in the universe and our relationship to God and emphasizes the One to whom prayer is directed. For an observant Sai devotee, prayer is not simply something that happens in temple once a week (or even four times a day). Prayer is an integral part of everyday life. Observant devotees are constantly reminded of Sai's presence and of our relationship with God, because we are continually praying to Him.

Our first thought in the morning, even before we get out of bed, is a prayer thanking Sai for returning our souls to us. Prayers are to be recited before enjoying any material pleasure, such as eating or wearing new clothes; before performing any acts; upon seeing anything unusual; at the site of a great tragedy; whenever some good or bad thing happens; and prayers to recite before going to bed at night. All of these prayers are in addition to formal prayer services, which are performed every weekday and at additional times on festivals and holy days.

Many people today do not see the need for regular, formal prayer. "I pray when I feel inspired to, when it is meaningful to me," they say. This attitude overlooks two important things: the purpose of prayer, and the need for practice.

One purpose of prayer is to increase awareness of God in one's life and the role that God plays in one's life. If one will only pray when one feels inspired (that is, when one is already aware of God), then one will not increase their awareness of God.

In addition, if one wants to do something well, one has to practice it continually, even when one doesn't feel like doing it. This is as true of prayer as it is of playing a sport, playing a musical instrument, or writing. The sense of humility and awe of God that is essential to proper prayer does not come easily to modern man, and will not simply come to one when one feels the need to pray. If one waits until inspiration strikes, one will not have the skills needed to pray effectively. Before one starts praying regularly, one finds that when one wants to pray, one doesn't know how. One doesn't know what to say, or how to say it, or how to establish the proper frame of mind. If one prays regularly, one will learn how to express them in prayer.

When one says the same prayers day after day, one might expect that the prayers would become routine and would begin to lose meaning. While this may be true for some people, this is not the intention of prayer. The most important part of prayer is the introspection it provides. Accordingly, the proper frame of mind is vital to prayer. The mindset for prayer is referred to as "bhavah", which is generally translated as "approach", "intent" or "devotion". The minimum level of bhavah is an awareness that one is speaking to God and an intention to fulfill the obligation to pray with devotion. If one does not have this minimal level of bhavah, then one is not praying; they are merely reading. In addition, it is preferred that one have a mind free from other thoughts, that one know and understand what one is praying about and that one think about the meaning of the prayer. Satcharita details the prerequisites of prayer as explained by Baba generally referred to as nine forms of devotion.
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Saibaba - The Destroyer of Karma

"Om Karma Dhwamsinenamah"

"As you sow, so you reap" is the dictum of Karmic Law. No one is an exception neither to nor above this irreversible Law. We are the creators of our own destiny be it good or bad. Our past actions determine our present state and the present actions the future. So if some one is enjoying the riches and the other is suffering in life it is because of the effect of Sanchita Karma (Accumulated Karma) accrued by one over the past births.

Even the Creator himself cannot alter fate or destiny of a person except by a Sadguru. As fire is extinguished by water and as dry grass turns into a heap of ashes by a spark of fire, so also our Karma is nullified by a mere merciful and compassionate look of a Sadguru. It only requires steadfast belief, increased fervor and unfailing faith towards our Sadguru to be bestowed with his grace.

In Baba's Ashtothara Sata Namavali, Baba has aptly been praised as "Karma Dhwamsi" the destroyer of Karma. It is lucidly depicted by Sri Hemadpant in the XIII chapter of Satcharitra that when Bhimaji Patil suffering from severe chronic chest disease, was advised by Nana Saheb Chandorkar to seek recourse to Baba's feet as all the available remedies failed to cure him. When Bhimaji entered the Masjid, Baba on seeing him remarked that the disease was due to the previous evil Karma and was reluctant to interfere with it. On praying for mercy, Baba took pity on him and his blood vomiting at once stopped in the presence of Baba. Later Baba appeared two times in Bhimaji's dreams and completely cured him.

In another instance of Chapter XXXIV one Dr. Pilley an ardent devotee of Baba was once suffering from guinea worms. The pain was so unbearable that he preferred death to it. He realized that he suffered because of his past Karma and sent a word to Baba through Kaka Saheb Dixit to distribute his karma for the next ten births so that his suffering would be diluted. Baba being moved by his request directed Dixit to bring Dr. Pilley on somebody's back. When Dr. Pilley arrived at Dwarakamai Baba told him that the true remedy for his ailment was to endure his pain to get over his Karma. Baba pacified him that 'Allah" would take care of him if surrenders totally at his feet. Just then, one Abdul who used to clean the Masjid accidentally stepped over the swollen leg of Dr. Pilley and by its impact all the guinea worms were squeezed out. In ten days time by applying Udi on the effected part his leg was restored to normalcy as foretold by Baba. These two illustrations beyond doubt establish the fact that only a Sadguru can relieve us from the adversities of our past evil Karma.

It is our good fortune that we came into the fold of Sainath Maharaj and let us all take refuge at his lotus feet and pray him with reverence to cast his Divine Grace on all of us.

(Contributed by T. Radhakrishna)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees:

Meenakshi
Om Sai Ram, I would like to share one of my experiences with you all. I was travelling in an auto and I left my purse in the auto itself. My debit card and some amount were there in the purse. I also had a photo of Saibaba pada (which is a very rare photo). When I reached my home, I realized that my purse was missing. I immediately started crying. I was very much worried about the photo as that was very precious to me. All my friends were with me. They assured me that I would get another photo of the same kind. But I wanted the same photo. Then I was taken to the bank by my friends to block the debit card. While traveling to the bank, I was continuously praying asking Baba to help me and get back my purse. Then we went to the bank and blocked the card. I also thought of applying for a new card but the staff there asked me to wait for two days saying that I might get my card back. Then I came back from the bank just to know that the purse was returned safely by a stranger. It seems that a person who boarded the auto had seen the purse and asked the driver about it. The driver had said that it was his purse. But the passenger not believing him, as it was ladies purse asked him to drop him at the place where I got down. Then the purse was got by my friend. On knowing this, I was in tears thinking about the leela of Baba who has come to the rescue of an ignorant person like me. I do not have words to explain the greatness of Baba. Baba is the savior of all.

Jignesh
Leela's of Shree Satchitananda Sadguru Sainath Maharaja cannot be expressed by any means in this world. I was a dull boy in the school. I always used to be the last in the class. In 2001, I visited Shirdi first time. I saw Baba's pratima in the Samadhi Mandir. I was so pleased from head to toe that I cannot express. I prayed to Baba and I took a vow that if I stood first in the class I will come here and trim my hair of the head and present it at Baba's feet. Now here is the unbelievable result. That year I stood first in the class and after that next year, I stood not only first in the class but I was first in the whole University. I won a Gold Medal. This does not end here. Later I came to know that I was first in the whole state of Gujarat and for that government of Gujarat and other institutions has given me other credentials for excellent performance. By the blessings of Baba, I went for higher study and I finished my M.Tech from IIT Bombay. Now how can we believe that a dull boy of the class became a state topper and studied in the premier institute of the World? I pray to the Lord Sai only that do not remove us from Your feet. This is the place in the whole universe where we can stay calm and peacefully.

Nirmaljeet
Around five months back I resigned from my company and accepted another job. I asked Baba before finally taking the offer and He did not want me to take up the offer. But I still went ahead and took the offer. After five months, I realized what a mistake I did and now I am back to my old company. I am never going to commit this mistake of going against Baba's will. Things have been good again for me and now I have made up my mind that whatever is going to happen in my life is going to happen with Baba's blessings. I urge you all to keep the faith in Baba and I assure you that you will never need to repent for the same.
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Sanjeeva
I remember that day very much. When I saw Baba first time. Daily I was going to office; on the way I was seeing one temple. I thought of going many times but I could not. Once on Thursday, I automatically went there, when I was climbing the steps, I was crying, and when I saw Baba first time automatically, water was coming from my eyes. Really I wont forget that day. From that day I started going to temple when I ever I feel to go, almost every Thursday.
Back to Menu

Prayer Club:

Devi
My husband has been diagnosed with cancer last week. And you know how he prays you. And I was saved by you why should not he Baba. Please do some miracle Baba. Whatever they said should be false. He is going through a lot of pain. Please bless us Baba.

Neeru
Please listen to my prayer and bless me with a healthy boy. Sai devotees please pray for me.

Devika
I have being for a very long time for a good job. Baba today also I was rejected by one of the best companies for a small reason. Yesterday I dreamt about You. You were Blessing me and I was asking for a good job. Baba I thought this time I will get a good one. But I was rejected. Everything is going wrong. What should I do?

Kalyani
I have given interview for a government job. Please bless me with that government job Baba. Now, I beg you, I plead you, I request you, I pray you to bless me with that government job.

Sai devotee
Sathguru Sai, please help my children to study well and guide them to behave decently. Om Sai I am trying for some help for my father for medical expenses, please help me to get the work done. Sathguru Sai please help my husband to become your devotee so that all the problems will be solved. Please help my son to get admission abroad for higher studies and guide him to get admission.

Mythraeyi
Sai Ram, please help us have a baby soon. We have been waiting for a long time. Please shower Your grace and blessings on us.

Varaprasad
Baba please shower your kind blessings on us on the eve of new year. Give me confidence and wisdom to lead successful career. Provide me a shelter. Show me a way of leading my life after retirement. I must get back my lost vigour.

A devotee
Sainatha, please do something good for my sister. She is having lot of problems in her life now. She is too timid and innocent to face all of those. You know very well that she is not expecting too much in her life. Please just give her a normal routine life to her which I requested You. Please do something good for her.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week:
"I stay by the side of whoever repeats my name".-Sai Baba
Back to Menu

Question of the Week:

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Bhagavatula Moorthy

Sai Ram! I have gone through the latest issue of Sai Vichaar. A very good magazine spreading Sai philosophy across the Globe through Internet. With regard to the question of the week, Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry? I have gone through the views of devotees and few are expressing that Baba is against Astrology, I wondered when I had gone through the Chapter 26 of Sai Satcharita - The Story of Gopalnarayan Ambadekar- "He then got Sai Baba's blessings and his prospects began to improve. He studied astrology and gained proficiency in it and there by improved his lot. He was able to earn sufficient money and passed his later life in ease and comfort". In another example, (please refer Chapter 22 of Sai Satcharita) one astrologer predicted the death of Mr. Booty with snake bite, Baba told Mr. Booty not to worry and the snake was killed before biting Mr. Booty. With this, we can say the predictions of Astrologer can come true. But Baba saved his devotee from death. In my opinion, Baba is not against astrology but at the same time, He is above Astrology.

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Sadashiv Kavthankar

Some students while appearing for their examinations or even afterwards, would ask Astrologer, whether they would pass or not. Sai Baba discouraged such habits. He would advise the students to concentrate on their studies and for the rest, put their trust in God. Baba would bless them and apply Udi on their forehead. Such students would always come out with flying colors. (Matter extracted from the Book 'Children's Sai Baba', Author: - Prof. D.D.Parchure.- first edition -1974.) A Publication of Saibaba Sansthan of Shirdi.

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Anandagiri

My dear friends: I have been so pleased to have found this website. I enjoy it very much. I first learned of the life and teachings of Shirdi Baba more than forty years ago, in my Guru´s ashram. I am a little disconnected from many things because, although I am an American, I have been living in Argentina for thirty years now, in South America. A long way from Bharat! Please keep up the wonderful work you are all doing. I think it is very important!

However, another reason I am writing is to express my humble opinion with regard to this week´s question, about astrology. I think all three of the answers were nicely put and very sincere. But I think the responses reflect an unfortunate problem as well. I realize that, in India, there is a different slant on astrology than in the West. In some ways this is very good; in some ways it is unfortunate. Too often in both East and West astrology is taken as a sort of magical solution or answer to the problems of life. It should almost never be thus. In this way, people put responsibility on someone else or somewhere else: karma and the stars. This is not to say, of course, that karma is not real and will usually "have its way", nor that the "stars" may have something to say to the perceptive person. That is not the question at all. It is merely to create a balanced and prudent attitude with respect to these subjects. One would not go to another town, seeking the home of a friend there, without knowing something about that town: where the streets are and the particular address of the friend? Oh yes, the miracle could certain occur of wandering about aimlessly in that town and, finally, finding oneself at the doorstep of the sought friend. But it is just common sense to look at a map of the city, look at the street signs, and look at the numbers on the houses....and quickly, thereby, find the house you are seeking! This is the properly understood purpose of astrology, in a nutshell.

And if one of the direct roads on the way to that house is congested with traffic or some other problem, would it not be nice to have heard about it beforehand on the radio or television so that you could simply take another road to the house and not be trapped for hours by that traffic problem? This is the role of astrology, and nothing more. The individual´s responsibility should always be involved. This helps very much afterwards with our sadhana also! And it also helps us to deeper our devotion and surrender to God and the Guru, and to neutralize the waves in the mind and consciousness, as Patanjali has so wisely taught. Again, thank you all for your regular inspiration. Namaskar!
Back to Menu

Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m (Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. 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.

Sai Sasang, New Jersey, USA
Shirdi Sai Dham, Inc regularly conducts Sai bhajans followed by Aarti and Parsad on every 1st Saturday of each month at Durga Mandir, Kendall Park, New Jersey from 3 pm to 5 pm (Winter Hours). All are requested to kindly come and receive Baba's blessings. For more information, please call us at 609-275-1334 or visit www.shirdisaidham.org or email us at shirdisaidham@hotmail.com

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Toronto, Canada
Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan invites all to join for satsangs every Thursday 7:00 pm at Sai Dwarkamai, 147 Winston Castle Dr. Markham, Ontario, L6C 2N4, phone 416-402-8089 or email: saileela99@yahoo.com. To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family for any occasion at your residence, please call. Devotees can request udi or Holy water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone.

Sri Shirdi Sai Mandir, Scarborough, Canada
The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m and Saturday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. Dhoop aarti at 7:30 p.m everyday and Bhajans on Saturday from 5:00 p.m onwards. For other temple activities and information please call 647-444-4724 or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.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.

Sai Satsang, Singapore
To all Shirdi Sai Baba devotees in Singapore, Sai Sansthan, Singapore is organizing Shirdi Sai Baba prayer session every Saturday between 18:30 hrs to 20:30 hrs at 2nd floor function hall, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman temple, (opp. to Sinda), 555, Serangoon Road, Singapore-218174. We invite you all to participate and seek Baba's blessings. For further details, please visit www.saisansthan.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: