"Stay, cast off your anxiety", said Baba to Bhimaji Patil. "Tell him to be fearless", was His assurance to Dr. Pillay. "What can he do to the children of Dwarakamayi...", said Sai when referring to the serpent that was to harm His child. Several such instances are found in Sri Sai Satcharitha and other great works on Shirdi God’s miracles. "Do not fear, I am here" is the most known assurances of Lord Sai.

It is a common experience that when difficulties crop in, one gets closer to his beloved deity. It is also natural to be apprehensive about untoward situations despite our faith in sadguru. This is human nature. Even realized souls and spiritually advanced, give in to the feelings of despair not knowing that events are not always in their control. The power of Maya perpetrated by human mind is such. The outcome of such events are the sense of desperation, anxiety, fear, and disappointment. Of all the human emotions, fear is the most destructive, for this has a long lasting negative impact on one’s spiritual pursuit. The spiritual path slowly and surely leads to the material contentment. However, anticipation and disappointment are the ebbs and lows of this path while fear is the key to the downward spiral. The inevitable consequence of fear is suspicion and suspicion erodes faith, in the self and sadguru.

It may be important for a spiritual seeker to recognize the negative impact of fear. This would be the first step towards conquering fear. Reciting Sai’s name and abiding by His guidelines are essential to achieving the objective. To be away from fear denotes progress and complete fearlessness is accomplished with total surrender to the disposition of the divine will.
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Experiences of Devotees

Srikanth Bhandari
My pranams to Dear brothers and sisters. I would like to share my joy with you. I was about to get an internship in a reputed company that was about to start a month back but was getting delayed and I was receiving no piece of information about it. I became bit apprehensive, as the company had some problem of merging with another. I desperately wanted it, and was praying Sai that the best be happen t o me and also started reading Satcharita seriously. I was happy to hear a good piece of news from my chairman this Friday morning, and my joy knew no bounds while I signed the papers, shook hands and was starting from Monday. It is all the blessings of HIM, lord Sai. Thanks for sharing this joy. God bless u all.

Sheena Bhatia, CA, USA
This is a lesson I received from my Lord yesterday. I have started reading "Sai Charita" recently and decided to read 2 chapters a day so as to finish the holy book in a month. While doing the same yesterday, when I reached the second chapter I was kind of sleepy and tired (as I do my prayers in the night) but somehow I did finish the second chapter although without concentration and at that moment when I got up from my place my gold chain opened and the Sai locket in it fell down whereas the other general locket was still in the chain. I got very scared and knew the reason and decided that the next day I’d start reading from the same chapter in which I felt sleepy and to my astonishment at that very moment I spotted my Sai locket in front of my eyes on the carpet. This is how I got the message from my lord ,my friend. Please pray for my dear jijaji and didi to have a child soon. They are such nice people and I'm sure that SAI BABAJI' will bless them soon.
THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US.
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Devotees say...

Jamuna Venkat, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
In reply to Raghu Sathya. I went thru your message in Sai Vichaar. You are a Sai Devotee, very good to know. Ups and down comes into our life. You have to have true devotion and total surrender to Sai Ram. Always think of him, listen to his songs. Sai will listen to your prayers for sure. I have experienced and I am experiencing in each and every step of mine, Sai is guiding me, supporting me, giving me so much of confidence that I don't have any words to express. So, don't lose heart and from tomorrow itself, read Sai Sat Charithra, as it is Thursday our Sai's day. Read at least 10 chapters a day and finish it by Wednesday. Next Thursday, do some Naivedya to Baba and see the miracle. I can assure you the amount of satisfaction and peace you will get after reading the SAT CHARITHRA. So say Sai Sai. Please do share your experience after you finish reading Sat Charithra. Take care. Don't at all lose hope. Sai is there, he will take care of everything.
Please find enclosed the 11 Assurances of Sai Baba: *Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end. *The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness, as soon as they climb the steps of my Mosque. *I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body. *Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end. *The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness, as soon as they climb the steps of my Mosque. *I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body. *My tomb shall bless and speak the needs of my devotees. *I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb. *My mortal remains would speak from my tomb. *I am Ever living to help and guide all, who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me. *If you look at me I look at you. *If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it. *If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once. *There shall be no want in the house of my devotees.

Arun Kumar, Sharjah, UAE
Do you recognize me? I am the one who under the loss of self-control over emotions & pain wrote to you a non-descriptive & incoherent letter. Sorry for giving you an additional trouble. This I am writing it to convey my hearty regards and happiness over the response that Sai devotees provided me for my negligible problem. It was your kind heart that accepted the letter and modified it in such a presentable way. I should be very thankful to you since I was not in a position to understand what I have written & to whom? Sai alone knows apart from my heart that I was a bit troubled.

Today I feel so refreshed & lively after getting a good number of advice which is truly filled with the essence of love & kindness from all over the world. My purpose of coming to Sharjah has served. I came here with the intention of earning wealth and lo I have earned a lot of wealth in the form of friendship with Sai-devotees. Tears fill the eyes when I read the suggestions & the courage, which only a Sai devotee can give. My sincere thanks to you & your organization for doing a service of this kind. And also many many thanks to all the Sai devotees for taking trouble to comfort me. I am unable to write to all my Sai-devotee-friends-but still I will reply to them all. Once again my sincere thanks & love to all of you. May sadguru Sainath provide all with peace & happiness. Om Sai ram.

Mohana, Brunei
Please send me the address of Sri Kumar Baba in Chennai, India.

(Sri Kumar Baba in Chennai, India can be contacted at Baba Prayer Center, B-13, Gokul Flats 53, 12th Avenue Ashok Nagar, Chennai. India 600083. Telephone 91-044-4892259 email contact Sri K. Bharathan at kbxy@hotmail.com - Sai Vichaar)

Mala Modgill
Dear Roger, I am grateful that you could understand me and of course the mother needs respect, care and happiness. No one in this world can disrespect the mother but I guess it becomes difficult for the children to see their mother suffering and unable to deal or help her with the pain.

Dear Preeti, First of all thanks a lot for your advice which I needed very badly and that is why I sought help from Sai brothers and sisters. I am grateful that you were willing to advice and guide me. All you have said is very true as I was feeling sorry for myself. My brother -in-law has left her with me now and I have put the reluctance behind me and am looking after her. Only Sai knows. Believe me it is very sad to see her suffering and no help can be provided - the doctor would not help either, that was the only reason that I prayed that she ends up peacefully but as you have mentioned that leave it to TIME to take its discourse and now I have digested that everything happens only when Shri Sai is willing. I was expecting a reply, which would suggest me to see my Sai in her - but I can't as My Sai is very special to me and it would be unbearable to see My Sai suffering in such a way, but as a human being I shall try my level best to look after her. Once again, thanks a lot as your message has relieved me a lot and guided me to the new direction. Also I would not like my people to suffer the consequences as I can understand the pain they share with the mother - where they cannot help her in any source.

Alphanso D’Souza
This message is for Aymee Minaya who was questioning about Why other religions do have fights and talk about each other, although we all are reaching the same God, no matter its form or name as posted in Sai Vichaar-29th July, 99.

I may be wrong but many a religious institution end up with corruption and evil thoughts of profitability and wrong motives for gain of membership. Then all preaching and teaching of the god is done only with that in mind and God is no more in the hearts of them and their followers. There are also, in a many, a blinding of truth with brainwashing that one can get caught up in, so much so, that fear is injected that if you question 'their faith', you are doing wrong and not worthy of the faith. Then if you do anything other than what 'they say' you belong not to the faith. Could it be it was for this reason that Sai Baba did not leave any institution behind Him?

I definitely, would not want to be associated with such a hypocritical faith, where there is divisions, fighting, and gossip amongst so called 'followers of what-ever religion'! Let us remember that true, genuine faith is tried, tested and proved. God is one, though called by different names and there is unity, for there is acceptance of other beliefs. There is no forcing or any restrictions. There are many religions, and people are free to choose to join them according to their beliefs, and in each of them there is truth. Religion is only a mean to the end and not the end itself. So let us be prudent as whom to follow, where your beliefs are, and let your life be the example, just as Sai, our Lord was. If our beloved Lord Sai has looked upon you, as you have looked to Him, He will teach of Himself to you, as you begin to see the Sai within you. For He has said 'If you seek my help and guidance, I will immediately give it to you and if you cast your burden on me, I will bear ! it.' We are all learners and need to just hold on, doubt not and worry not about the future. I hope I was of help to you. On similarities on Jesus and Sainath-29th July, I am truly 'sorry' for my mistake when I said that Jesus was born in 35 BC. Jesus was born in 1 BC, before He was sentenced to death by crucifixion (Mt 2:1, Jh 19:16, Pr 10-27:30). Also that it was Jesus' disciple Phillip and not Jesus himself that showed ways to the eunuch in understanding Isaiah's Scripture (Acts 8:29-35).

I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the feature of the Week by SathyaBhama Sharma, Maryland, USA posted on issue- 29th July. It was both soul stirring, and very edifying.
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Sai Center, Inc. New York
As part of the Independence day Parade in connection with India’s Independence Day to be held in NYC on the Sunday, 08/15/99, the Shirdi Sai Center, Inc New York is organizing a Palki Yatra. Devotees are requested to actively participate in the parade. On account of the Palki yatra, the regular Sunday Bhajans scheduled from 11.30-1.00 PM will be held from 10.30 AM to 12 noon. Devotees will leave from the temple on Sunday, the 15th of August after the bhajans. Transportation will be available for devotees interested in joining the parade. For devotees wishing to come to the parade directly, the parade commences at 1pm on Madison Avenue from 41st Street to 23rd Street. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Gangadhar Rao at (718) 321- 9243

A Sai devotee, New York/New Jersey, USA
Dear Sai Vichaar Readers and Sai Devotees around the world, Jai Sai Ram! With Baba's grace and blessings, the Siddhi Dham Mandir in Jersey City, New Jersey has successfully completed the "Pranaprathista" of Baba's murthi. The mandir is located at 126, Van Winkle Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306. In addition to the statue of Baba, the following statues are also present: Devi Maa, Shiva, Radha Krishna, Hanuman, Dattatreya and Ganesha. Baba's murthi was installed as the culmination of 3 days of celebration that included annadan, palki yatra, and the Pranaprathista. The event was attended by over 2000 people. The whole event was performed under the spiritual guidance of Swami Kalyan Das of the Amar Kantak Ashram. Baba's mandir will hold regular poojas for all the deities between 9 AM to 12 noon, and again between 4 PM to 8.30 PM. In addition, there will be special program on Thursdays and Sundays between 5.30-7.30 PM.

All Sai Devotees are requested to make a visit to the mandir whenever they get a chance to do so. The temple is accessible by public transportation, and is situated very close to the Journal Square Path Train Station. It is only one block from the Indian groceries and restaurants on Newark Avenue. For more information about the temple, or for performing special pujas/archanas or for contributing towards Baba's Mandir please call the temple priests, Pandit Upendra Shastri and Pandit Arvind Shastri. The priests speak both Hindi and Gujarathi. Pandit Upendra Shastri is also reasonably comfortable with English. The Priests can be reached at all times at either 201 216 9468 (temple) or 201 222 1951 (residence). Janmashtami celebrations are scheduled on September 3. Details will be made available at a latter date.

NABA K. MISHRA, COLUMBUS, OH, USA
SRI SRI DATTATREYA SAI TRUST, 4706/5845, Gajapati Nagar, Bhubaneswar 751005, Orissa, India , Phone: + 91 (674) 441703, Chairman : Sri Dwarika Mohan Mishra , SAI Devotee.

The aim and objective of this trust is to establish a temple complex (a miniature of SRI SHIRDI SAI COMPLEX) , a large prayer hall where devotees would offer prayer to SRI SRI DATTATREYA SAI.
The complex would comprise of an open air prayer mantap where saints and devotees would meditate and pray Bhagwan DATTATREYA SAI to shower peace and happiness to all. The mantap would also provide a seat for great saints to preach devotees on philosophy of life through devotion, moral and spiritual values. A second complex adjacent to the temple complex is proposed to provide shelter for devotees for their stay and hermitages for saints to meditate in an atmosphere of serenity. This second complex would contain an old age home , a community dining hall and shelter for important guests and visitors. A third complex comprising of a school to teach ancient Vedic shastra and old values of life in Gurukula style is contemplated to be established. The complex would be self-contained with residential accommodation, play ground and other facilities. It is also proposed to acquire further land to convert this complex to a self-sustaining unit by cultivating food grain ,vegetables etc. through "Shramadan". The total project cost is estimated at Rupees 134 lakhs. The work so far completed constitutes approach road, boundary wall, deep bore well for drinking water, office complex, open air mantap, out door electricity, and tree plantation.

The complex of SRI DATTATREYA SAI is situated 5 km and 15 km from Kapilas Temple and Dhenkanal respectively in Orissa, India. This scenic and splendorous location on the foothills and the lush green forest as a backdrop, provides an ideal atmosphere of solitude and peace. Those who want more information or send their contributions may do so by contacting the trust in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.

SAI SANDESH JULY 1999 - SAIBANISA
Dear Sai Bandhu, I hope our minds are still fresh with memories of GURU POORNIMA celebrated on 28th July 1999. Let us try to understand the essence of the SAI SANDESH given by Him on this occasion and pledge to put it into practice whole-heartedly. For the benefit of those of you who have not seen the message I am again reproducing below: "I am omniscient and all pervasive. No need to search for me in high skies or in every nook and corner of the earth. Without any exception, I am in your hearts. Those of you who realize this truth are my beloved".- Shirdi Sai - 26th July 1999.

Sai always advocated the path of devotion and in line with the thinking a `PRAYER ROOM' page and a page titled `ABOUT SHIRIDI' to give more details about SHIRIDI are introduced for the first time. Opinions are invited from Sai Bandhus on these two pages.

Two of my experiences highlighting SAI'S motherly love for feeding the hungry and his assuring message that he is promptly available even across the seven seas to protect his devotees are narrated in the page meant to cover my experiences with Sai. 27 new messages are added to the page titled on SAI'S PHILOSOPHY. Shri.Gopala Rao Aluru has kindly come forward to give in brief on SAI'S Life History for the benefit of those who are new to SAI'S fold. It is planned to introduce this page from the month of August 1999. Regular features already in circulation will find their due place in the coming month of August 1999. I feel that devotees will find it handy to pray on Sai's photographs introduced in the web sites specifically for the purpose.

SAI SANDESH FOR THE MONTH OF JULY - 1999.
"The ordeals you have undergone, the feasts and fasts you have undertaken during the course of fulfilling your moral/social obligations and responsibilities are well known to me. I am bound by your devotion to assure that I shall stand by your side for a safe voyage all through ".- SHIRDI SAI 31st JULY 1999
The web site addresses are furnished again to enable new readership to visit the site.
http://www.angelfire.com/ma/shirdi and
http://homepages.infoseek.com/~dwarakamai/chavadi.html
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Prayer Club

Aymee Minaya
Hello brothers, Last October for my birthday I was given a pendant that has Sai Baba's picture. Today I just noticed that I was not carrying it. Please pray so that my pendant is found.

Joy Ananda
Please pray for my family, especially my mother, Audrey, while she is in the hospital. Please pray for God's Perfect Healing in every area rather than a specific outcome. We are one in God's Love and all who pray and care for her are blessed. Thank you God for this opportunity to serve and be changed. I give it all to you, God, knowing you want us to be ever free. Thank you, God! Thank you for your Love, Light, Joy and Blessings.

Dolly Chhabra
I would like people to do prayer for me and my husband. Please let me know what should I do to provide all the details need to be included in the prayer.

(Prayer Club is a forum provided for readers and devotees to share their concerns, desires, and invite other devotees for participating in collective prayers. Devotees requesting for prayers may want to include the details of the objectives of such prayers. This forum is open to everyone. Sai devotees and readers wishing to participate are requested to go through the calls/concerns for prayer published in the Prayer Club section and include them in their daily or weekly prayers in their own way and terms - Sai Vichaar)
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Question of the Week

Havovi Medora, New Jersey, USA

What are the similarities between Jesus and Sainath of Shirdi?

Every Grandmaster who walked the earth, like Jesus, Zoroaster, Mohammad, etc, came here to give us an identity and a purpose in life. They all preached a religion, gave hope, goals and stability to our lives. They roamed from place to place teaching and spreading the glory of the Lord.

We are grateful to them for all the knowledge and hope they gave us. We can't all be black or white, Hindu or Muslim. On the other hand, Baba appeared with no religion and no identity. He said there is only one God - Hindus call him Rahim. However, he is the same. He sent the Grandmasters to help us find our way. Man has betrayed that trust, misused the meaning and purpose of religion. In the name of religion, people have covered up acts of wrongdoing.

Sai Baba stayed in Shirdi. He went nowhere, yet people from all over the world know of him and sing his praise. Baba is God incarnate. When all else failed, he himself came to earth to tell us here is only one God. Religion is our identity. The only similarity therefore between Jesus and Sai Baba is that they were both simple in their lives, humbles in demeanor, and taught us the difference between good and evil. Both concentrated on the sinner rather than the good person.

Sai has gone through great lengths to show us (Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, etc) how to live together in peace and harmony, seek God through patience and faith. In doing so, he has achieved volumes. Great is his power and Sai devotees are fortunate indeed to know him.
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