Feature of the week:
Sri Saibaba and Fasting
Sri Saibaba has given us the middle path to follow on the path of emancipation. He did not advocate the over indulgence either in the senses or in asceticism.
Let us see what Sri Saibaba had said about fasting on Thursdays or any other holy days. M.W. Pradhan, a devotee of Sri Saibaba had organized the birthday party of his son in Shama's house at Shirdi and invited all devotees of Sri Saibaba to lunch. That day happened to be a Thursday. Bala Bhate apologized to Pradhan that he was unable to eat on that day as he had a wow to fast on Thursdays and went to the Masjid. As
Baba saw Bhate he asked, "Have you gone to Pradhan's party and had your food?"
Bhate: "Baba, today is a Thursday".
Baba: "So what?"
Bhate: "I do not eat on Thursdays. It is my wow".
Baba: "To please whom have you made this wow"?
Bhate: "I have made this wow in your name for your grace".
Baba: "I am telling you this myself. Leave off this fasting and go have your food with Pradhan".
From the above it is clear that Baba did not agree to do fasting to please him on Thursdays. Now, let us see what Sri Saibaba said about fasting on holy days such as Ekadasi, Maha Sivaratri and such days.
Tatya Kote Patil was one of the closest and most intimate devotees of Sri Saibaba. He had the great good fortune of sleeping along with Baba in the Masjid for fourteen years. Those who had seen the love and intimacy between Baba and Tatya Kote Patil felt that Baba loved Tatya more than his life even. Tatya in his reminiscences says thus, "I used to fast regularly on Ekadasi, Maha Sivaratri and other such holy days. Baba's opinion was that fasting had no usefulness in either the mundane worldly life or the spiritual life. I would try my best to fast on these holy days but Baba would some how or the other break my fast and made me eat something. On one Sivaratri I said, 'Baba, please let me fast at least on this day. Please don't make me eat anything.' Baba said, "Eat man, eat, what Sivaratri are you talking about?" Dada Kelkar who by standing by also told me to do as Baba says and not to disobey him. I did not raise any further objection to Baba and have never fasted on any day since then."
(Source: From "Sai bhakthi Sadhana Rahasyam" by Sri Sarathbabuji)
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Contributed Article: Living Sadguru
When faith wavers, the mind goes after a tangible physical experience. It becomes very necessary to long for His presence in our lives, His assurances for our well-being. It is natural. It is important to rely on our patience at such instances. "I shall speak from my tomb", said Sadguru Sainath. There are also certain type of followers who need a grander vision of the Lord. They prefer to see Him in the most physical state. Having lost the patience to realize that Sadguru is the embodiment of the spirit that can be realized anywhere, anytime, they bring upon themselves unnecessary burdens. This is not a good sign of spiritual progress. However, even great realized souls have gone through this stage. But, just like any intense quest is answered, Guru leads such souls to the answer in the most unseemingly way.
Let us see one such experience narrated by Acharya Bharadwaja in his, "Sree Guru Charitha": Once I visited Sri Ma Anandamayi at Naimisharanya during Bhagavat Saptah. At one of the daily expositions of the holy text, the revered speaker Sri Akhandananda Saraswathi remarked that only a living Sadguru could lead his devotee to self-realization and that a Sadguru who had cast off his body, however great he might be, can only fulfill prayers for one's material good. He spoke in Hindi, which I could only understand but cannot speak, and so I could not discuss with him. As Sai Baba was no longer available to me in flesh and blood, I wondered what I should do, but had no chance to get the clarification.
After a few months, I visited Shirdi on a proposed stay of seven days. I wished to obtain Sai Baba's guidance and clarification in this matter. On the second day, I was very strongly impelled to visit my old student who was working in Pune. It was quite unusual, as I never visited anyone of my friends or kinsfolk. I had to yield to the impulse and I reached Pune. My friend was away at the office. So I left my bag in his house and wet out, wishing to spend the time in going round the city until my friend's return. Quite accidentally, I enquired at a wayside florist whether there was any great saint worth visiting in Pune. The shop-keeper directed me to visit Sree Gulavani Maharaj, a direct disciple of Sree Vasudevananda Saraswathi.
As soon as I entered the Muth (monastery), the aged saint greeted me saying, "Oh! The child of Sai Baba has come!". I at once realized that I could get a reliable clarification for my problem from him. He heard my question and said, "What that learned speaker said is true of only those who attained enlightenment through their efforts. But Sai Baba of Shirdi is not such one. He is the Avatar of Lord Dattatreya. He manifests himself to his worthy devotees even today in his physical form and guides them. You are on the right track. Go ahead". At once I realized that Sai Baba had blessed me with the solution to my question.
(Contributed by Sai Vichaar team)
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Experiences of Devotees:
Ravina
I recently have put up our house on sale and had moved all our precious belongings except for a few to the bank locker. One day we had to attend a wedding and I looked for my diamond wedding ring to wear but could not find it. I was a little unsettled but my husband told me to go look for it in the bank. The following week I could not find it there either. I was too scared to tell my husband and did not get sleep. All night I looked for it but could not find it along with a few other items. I have had bad luck with jewelry before too and I was so overwhelmed. I cried all night and prayed to Baba and started reading the Satcharitra and lo and behold the next afternoon I tried to look for it again and found it in a box that had some precious pieces into my vanity case and kept at the top of my closet so that people who come to the house could not see it. I continued to read the Satcharitra and thanked Sai for his Leelas. Baba please bless us and help in selling our house so you can plan our future for us.
Bansilal
While on a shopping mission in Sultan Bazar area of Hyderabad during 1961, I had the first glance of a Sai photo that was hanging on the wall of a shopkeeper. I asked my friend accompanying me about the identity of the person but he was also ignorant about it as I was? I was intrigued to observe the photo of Sai Baba placed along the photos of Hindu deities who apparently had Muslim attire. Being new to the place and in prime youth I did not care to enquire further. Subsequently I came across an article pertaining to SHIRDI SAI BABA published in my favorite Bhavan's Journal that provided me the first hand knowledge about the person that I had the privilege of seeing in the Shop at Hyderabad. My curiosity to know more about Baba started increasing. I purchased a few books written by some Sai devotees and tried to understand Baba's teachings and life history. Since then my family members and me worship Sai as our Sadguru who is our presiding deity. His dyana brings us peace and happiness. Our day begins with listening Sai bhajans and other devotional music.
Sindura
I have been trying to sell my car since a month. The title was on my friend's name so I had to get it transferred in my name. I went to the title office and they said that since I needed a valid ID.I went to the driver's license office to get my license transferred. They said that they cannot transfer my license and that I have to take the written and the road test. I was so frustrated with the whole process. The very next day, I woke up and prayed Sai that they should transfer my License instead of asking me to take the test. Since it was a Thursday, I felt that I would be able to get things done. I went to a different office and they transferred my license without any tests. I went to the title office and got the title in my name within 30 minutes. I was praying Sai that the car deal should close very soon as I need the money urgently. To my surprise on the following Saturday, my car was sold. I felt very happy and could not believe it. This is all due to you only. I have experienced so many other Sai leelas during the past year. I have learned that all we need to have is nishta and saburi and he will take care of the rest. Please bless me and my family and please be with us in every step of our life.
Aruna
We are trying for a baby from past one year. It has been 2 years since our marriage. I was so much disappointed. My friends were getting pregnant. I went to Sai temple for six weeks continuously and offered Prasad. Then we opened Sai prashnavalli, which said to donate a book called Sai leelamrutum to a devotee. We donated the book and the same month I came to know that I was pregnant. I am so happy. Always believe in Sai. Have shradha and saburi in him. He will surely work out miracles for you. Sri Sachitananda sadguru Senath maharaj ki jai. I request the devotees to please pray for me so that my pregnancy goes smoothly.
Sridevi
Two weeks back my 22 month old son was having high temperature and we took him to the docter. The doctor checked him and ordered for some blood tests. On that evening the docter called us and said that he was concerned to see his blood test results a little abnormal and prescribed an antibiotic and told us that if he dosent get better with that he suspects something more serious. After 3 days my sons fever was subsided and the docter called us back for another blood test. We got the blood test done and that evening the docter called us and told that the blood results were still abnormal and that we should immediately take our kid for further testing to Childrens medical hospital at Dallas and that he made all the appointments necessary. Upon pressurising a lot he told us that he was suspecting some kind of leukamia. Hearing that we were all heart broken and we cried a lot. That whole night we were only praying to baba to save our kid and that he should be healthy. I applied baba's udhi to my sons forehead and somehow felt confident that we will come home with smiles. We went to the hospital the next day (which happened to be a thursday) and they did all the tests and they told us that my son was anemic and he just needs iron suppliments. Thankyou so much baba for taking care of my little one and being with us. Koti Koti pranam baba. We will never forget the blessings you have showered on us. Be with us and bless us all the time baba.
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Devotees say...
Bhanubharathi
Sai, I wanted every now and then to contribute to this magazine but I could not get praptam until now. Sai with your permission, I am sharing my experiences. There are a number of incidents where Shri Sai showed miracles. Some examples are: Once a Railway ticket was issued wrong due to the sensitive timing of midnight 12 pm. Actually we are to travel on 20th but understanding as 21st, we boarded train and TT alarmed the condition. At that moment, I prayed Lord Sai like anything and with his grace, no squad entered the train and even TT considered our condition and left us without charging anything. We felt happy because it was not intentional and so we are saved by Shri Sai.
Subrata
There is no word that can be used for expressing my gratitude. Your Love is immeasurable. A child does so many mistakes, and repeats them even after parent's cautions. I commit mistakes over and over again. You are so forgiving that I can even think of the depth of your love. You are more than my parents; you are the reason for my very existence. Without your love and blessings, we will not be who we are. Please bless your son who is on his way to see the light and warmth of this world. He is your kripa-prasad. Bless him with faith, good health and fortune.
Usha
I am doing my final year BSc. computer science. I am very much worried about my family because my father had lost his job and court case is going on. My mother's earning after deducting the loan is not enough for our family. So I am unable to concentrate in my studies. Suddenly one IT company came for campus interview. I have no hope that I will be selected. I prayed baba and he only blessed me to get that job. Still I did not believe that I had been selected. It was only by my dear Baba.Sairam bless me to get first class in the next two semesters and medically fit certificate from that IT Company. Give me confidence and positive thoughts.
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Prayer Club:
Kathyayini
Sai, please grant me my only wish, Sai that I should always live with my husband and my kids. I will always be indebted to you.
Anita
Baba please bless my son in his major project. Give him the strength and willingness to learn. Bless him with the master skills. Also, lighten our burden now please. I promise anndaan after both.
Subhash
Now, I am unable to concentrate on anything, as I am deeply perplexed and full of guilt and fears. Please help.
Sandhya
Dear Baba, Please help my father regain his mental and physical strength. My whole family believes in you and your miracles. You have always showered your love and blessings on us and helped us out of every obstacle. Please help my father walk as he used to.
Rekha
Our house is not getting sold, the lender is not agreeing for less amount. We are not able to pay the huge mortgage baba. Please help us Baba.. Please help us baba...
A Sai devotee
BABA I am going through terrible time in my life, my husband and me treated each other badly. You know my future please find the solution and fill my life with full of love, kids and happy life, bless me with a Good job, help me to complete my education and bless me mental peace.
Srinivas
I am undergoing a bad phase in my life and facing lot of financial problems. Baba help me to get out from my misery. Baba I pray sincerely to help me to come out of my problems.
Narasimha
I am not well and having fever and feeling week with pains in joints and back.Pl cure me and bless me with good health.
Shreepriya
This is my earnest prayers to you to bless my child with good studies and future, my husband with good job opportunity. If they both are fine then that is your blessing, which you have given me. We all live together happily always.
Geeta
Baba, please help me in my green card process.
Madhavi
Baba bless me with a healthy child.
Uma
Sai please let our child's visa come through. Let there be no hurdle in joining her new course and let her do very well in her course and feel proud about it.
Reshma
Baba I am going through the worst time in my life, my husband wants to divorce me and I cannot accept this, as I love him so much. I beg you sincerely to please help me save my marriage.
Mrs. Mohan
I live in London and have a special child named Rohit who is very sick. He is complaining of severe pain in his belly and head. Doctors are not keen on doing any test on him because with such children they are afraid to give an anaesthetic. He has a very high pain threshold but when this pain comes he literally squirms like a wounded worm on the floor screaming in agony. Could you please pray that my sons pain gets miraculously relieved by Babas grace.
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Quotation of the Week:
"A guru's advice or instructions should be strictly adhered to and if for some reason
they cannot be followed then the guru should be informed so that the guru can help overcome
the obstacle and show how the same be followed."- Source: "May I Answer"
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Question of the Week:
Q. How can one be consistent with their devotion to Sri Saibaba?
A. by Neha
One can be consistent with the devotion to Baba by always following the path, which he has been guiding us. Baba never believed in fasting as he said that if his devotees are hungry, how could they remember him with full peace in their mind. All he wants is the genuine remembrance of Baba, belief in his 2 golden words - Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). One should always realize or feel the presence of Baba in every creature on this planet including trees, animals, humans and no discrimination should be made between the rich and the poor. Everyone is equal in the eyes of Baba. Keep repeating Baba's name. Sai Satcharitra is the answer to all the worries and the way to attaining peace of mind and therefore, peaceful and full devotion to dear Baba.
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Sai Activities:
SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA VIGRAHA PRANAPRATISHTAPANA, Minneapolis, MN
SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA VIGRAHA PRANAPRATISHTAPANA & SAMPROKSHANA MAHOTSAV, the installation ceremony of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Idol and Consecration of New Temple Sanctum in Minneapolis will take place during the weekend of September 15, 2007 at Sri Saibaba Mandir 1835, Polk St NE, Minneapolis. We thank all Sai devotees for their enquiries and interest in participation in this ceremony. Please write to sai@hamaresai.org or visit www.hamaresai.org for more details. Sri Saibaba Mandir sincerely invites ALL Sai devotees to participate in this memorable occasion.
Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m (Summer hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 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.
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 Center in Bay Area, CA
Shirdi Sai Center is located 897-B East Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-705-7904 or 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com. You can also visit our website is www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org.
Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA
Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Los Angeles area. The temple is located at - 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938 or visit www.shirdisaila.org.
Saibaba Temple, Columbus, Ohio
Devotees in Columbus and surrounding Ohio locations area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Metro Columbus area. The temple is located in a leasing space at 7674 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call Panditjee at 614-799-8411 or visit www.saibaba.cc.
Shirdi Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, Florida
Devotees are invited to participate in Sai study and bhajans on Thursdays between 7-8 pm at Meditation Gallery, 219 E Horatio Ave, Maitland, FL 32715. For more details please contact Bonnie at 407-830-1276.
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