Devotees are often heard to be saying that Shri Sainath Maharaj or Baba is either angry with them or is not taking care of them as before for reasons which they fail to understand. Such an attitude indicates a highly personalized approach. It is a unique feature of the Sai faith that the devotees get highly emotionally attached to Him although He is no more in His physical form. Psychologically they depend a lot on Shri Shirdi Sai for solace, guidance and more importantly for getting a solution to their day to day mundane problems. For most of the devotees He is a part of their lives. They worship Him, they read about Him, they meditate on Him, they do Naamjaap, they talk about Him a lot without getting tired and they hold Lungers and even donate alms to beggars in His name. Some of the ardent devotees even before taking any food or drink offer it to Baba mentally. Like children they collect all sorts of photographs, trinkets and other articles related to Baba. Such activities are a pointer to the fact that they are ever in search of Baba in their mind and soul and wish to establish an intense relationship with Him.

It has been observed that a devotee when he first enters into the fold of Shri Sai Baba's divine and magnanimous personality gets attracted to him in a very short time which ordinary human reasoning cannot explain. When Baba was there in Shirdi many of the devotees used to go into a spiritual trance or sort of emotional hype at the very look at Baba. Such examples find a depiction in Shri Sai Satcharitra and many other books like Khaparde's diary etc. Such was the attraction of the master that when a non believer like Balasaheb Bhate met Baba for the first time he just decided to stay back and settle down in Shirdi forever and later resigned from the government service only to serve Baba for the rest of his life.

Most of the devotees hold Baba's relation with them as their most prized possession. Baba before departing from His physical embodiment had assured his devotees that he would continue to protect them from His invisible abode. He had even said that whenever His devotees would call him earnestly He would make His presence felt in some way or the other and also render help to remove their difficulties. Incidents happening in the lives of most of the devotees after Baba had taken Samadhi show that Baba continues to keep his promise.

Thus Shri Sainath Maharaj continues to render love, assurance, protection and faith to all His devotees. At times being busy tackling their earthly problems, the devotees are not in a position to remember Baba as much as they used to do earlier. In such a situation, they feel an emotional vacuum in them. Lets just understand this sense of void in the devotee when the feeling towards the Sadguru reduces in its intensity through the example of the sun and the sunlight. The light rays continuously emanate from the sun and the sunlight falls on earth. When the sky is clouded the Sun's rays cannot be seen. Similarly, Baba's love and protection towards devotees flows continuously but some of the devotees do not experience it when their life is engulfed by worldly clouds.

Sai Nath Maharaj often used to tell devotees at Shirdi in no uncertain terms that whosoever prays to Him intensely and intimately would certainly receive His grace, help and experience. Once the teacher - pupil emotional rapport is established, the pupil is bound to go through a series of alternative emotional experiences. Sometimes he will feel flooded with loving emotions towards His Master and sometimes he will feel a sense of emotional void. This bipolar emotional situation is not due to the change in the mood of the Master as perceived by devotees because a Perfect Master is a perfect soul. The reason for such a feeling in the devotee lies in the devotee himself. Hence, whenever such a situation comes the devotee should not get bogged down under his own emotional pressures and feel frustrated. Instead he should pray Baba to stabilize his emotions towards Him. Every devotee should try to understand that a Perfect Master has a thousand things to do for benefit of innumerable number of devotees at the same time. Therefore to expect that the emotional impulses of each devotee would be immediately reciprocated by the master is not the correct approach. Such an unstable mental state of the devotee indicates a lack of faith in the master. If the devotee is convinced that the Sadguru is always busy in helping a large number of His devotees, at the same time, he (the devotee) should take care to see that he does not disturb the Master for frivolous issues. The master is best left to carry on His magnificent and universal work. This understanding on the part of the devotee will make the master comfortable.

A message from Shri C.B. Satpathy ji.
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Contributed Article: An experience of Baba's grace and guidance

This is mere not an experience for me but it is a miracle Baba made it happen in my life. Whenever I used to read prayers and experiences of other devotees I used to roll on with tears in my eyes how Baba can be everywhere in the world to bring out devotees from their problems and sorrows. I really had some difficult time in my past about my family matters. I used to ask Baba every time why this is happening to me. Why can't I make people happy whom I love most in my life.

My sister whom I love most had a terrible past. To say in brief she had a love marriage and within a few months, she came to know she was cheated. Her husband was very kind in nature but then he was not having proper job. He didn't even finish his schooling and she is post-graduate. Life started to get tough for her. On and above her in-laws side were also were not supportive. I tried my level best to support her in every way.

However, that was not end of her problems, within a year of marriage we got to know that her husband is suffering from a fatal disease. It was a big shock for her and even to me. Her husband said not to disclose this news to his family since already they are not giving any support and if they will come to know about this disease he will die early than what he has destined. He couldn't do any kind of job. And my sister was suffering all that time. There was no income source for her, her husband needed attention all the time. Slowly his health started to get very bad. Being a realist, I asked her to get a divorce but since it was her love marriage, she did not want to leave him alone. The intention was to take divorce but not to leave him alone because he was at his final stage and if he would have passed away she would have remained as his widow, which I didn't want because in future life would have been much difficult for her, at least in Indian society to live behind as a widow of a person who died with disease.

In that process 5 years passed. My sister and I strongly believe in Saibaba. Every time I used to pray for her and asked Baba to give us strength to face difficulties in life. When things went out of hand, we informed her in-laws but then they were not ready to take responsibility of their own son. At that time, my sister started to work but her income was so less hardly she could take care of his and her daily life. In those circumstances, it was very difficult for her to take care of him. That time we came to a decision that at least at his last stage his family should take care of him to which they disagreed. Finally, we filed for divorce. Her in-laws made our life more miserable. Those days were really tough for us. But I know Baba was with us, finally divorce got cleared. After divorce, my sister was always in off mood. Her mental status affected but then that time also we stood in life with help of Baba. Two years passed after divorce, and I was trying to settle her life back but then she was not ready for re-marry. It was very difficult to get a person who can understand the whole situation and accept her without any grievances, which was more difficult.

And then miracle a happened. I come across a person from one of the marriage websites, who settled in UK. Initially I was totally against it since she had a bad past and suffered a lot. I don't want to take another risk by sending her abroad. Also we are from middle class family and we couldn't have able to afford such foreign proposals. But as we always say marriages are fixed in heaven, I explained each and every situation of her past life to him and he agreed to go ahead. It took 4-5 months to get things on proper track. Initially my sister was hesitant to talk to him since she never had any conversation with a person who stays abroad. But as I said it is miracle, that person made her to feel easy in every aspect.

He made her to speak to his family, his mother, sister etc. Gradually my sister started to have proper conversation with them. We started in September 2006 and finally my sister got married in India on 11th February 2007. Things were just not over, when we applied for UK visa her application was rejected by British Embassy on many grounds. We were upset. We were not sure and we had no path to go ahead. But from February 2007 to June 2007 we applied twice for visa and second time she got cleared with it. My sister is now in UK.

In every difficult situation Baba was with us. I know we all have Shraddha on Baba but sometimes we are impatient and we lack in Saburi. But every time I prayed to Him in my difficult days. I asked Him to give me strength to face difficulties in life. I just can't forget what He has done for me. It was sheer miracle in my life that my sister got such a husband who loves her in any circumstances, in spite of knowing her bad past. Today I am much happy to see her settling down in her life.

I am just an ordinary human being, I cannot write much about Baba, but the only thing I can say is, He is the Master for me. He is everything for me. When you totally give yourself to Baba, He takes care of you. So all my friends just have complete faith in Him and you will be free from worries. I know it's difficult to follow in our tough situation but then we need to follow His mantra i.e. "Faith and Patience".

(Contributed by Vijay)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Vinod
Baba helped me in many critical situations in my life. Let me share one of my experiences, which happened last week. Last Sunday, I went to supermarket and I was returning home with two heavy bags in my hands. I just got down the local train and was walking towards my home. Because of the weight, I was not able to walk and my hands were getting tired and had much pain. I started chanting Baba's name and was asking for help. After a few minutes, I just dropped the bags on the road and was praying Baba. Suddenly two of my friends came and took my luggage and dropped me at my home. I live on the fourth floor in that building. Because I was so tired, I could did not notice what happened. I just opened the door and went inside. Suddenly I looked towards my pooja mandir and saw Baba's photo. He had a smile on His face and I felt, Baba is blessing me like "Don't worry I am always with you". Baba! You are my everything. Keep blessing me and don't allow me to do anything wrong.

Harendra
I first visited Shirdi and Darshan of Saibaba in 1994. I felt great relief and Shanti during the visit which was amazingly conspicuous. Next visit while doing Darshan I thought that if any body touches my head I would consider it blessing of Baba. But I immediately realized that though there was heavy rush it was almost impossible that some one will touch me on my head. To my surprise when I was in front of Baba and bent for Pranam and was saying my prayers, one of Pujari put his hand on my head like blessing and asked me to move. I was extremely happy as it was apparent that rush was being cleared by security staff not by Pujari and also no one control the rush of people in such a gentle manner. Then there were several happening that I desired including a new job but I did not realize that it was due to Baba. But before it went too long I realized it. It so happened that I was under terrible stress at my new job. I remembered Sai and told Baba I came to You twice still this is my condition? Immediately I heard someone asking what you want. I replied that I wanted a job that fulfills all my requirements. Then I had forgotten it as inadvertent self thinking because my all requirements were impossible to meet with any job. But later, I got a job that was exactly as per my conditions. Then I could recollect what had happened on that stressful day and who did take care of my wishes which had five different conditions.
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Devotees say...

Arathi
Baba thank you for solving the problem Baba. Money reached to dad in time and registration went on well. Thank you very much it's all your grace that make impossible things to happen in this world and this is yet one situation. Thank you very much Baba. I don't have words to say but u brought back smile on our face back and peace at home. I am posting this as promised Baba. Thank you. Bless us all and be with us through out Baba.

Ushabala
Dear Baba everyday I learn through my mistakes and with Your guidance to become a better person. I am going through a difficult time in relationships. Please guide me to be more tolerant and create peace in my family. Thank you Baba. I need Your blessings. The Baba pendant that my son lost was found yesterday (on a Thursday). Thank you Baba

Swetha
Once my father had a sever heart attack and went into coma for few weeks. My older sister and I were with our parents then and were very worried. We felt so helpless seeing our daddy in bed for so long unconscious and were praying to Baba to save our father. One night I dreamt that one bad person was chasing my sister and me. We were running and trying to hide here and there to save ourselves. At last, I felt that I was exhausted and could not run anymore. In my heart, I prayed to Baba that I cannot handle anymore and I am leaving to You, you have to save us BABA. In the dream itself, I felt very relieved after I prayed that way. When I woke up, I felt it could be the problem with our father's health, which was chasing my sister and me. I thought now as I left it to Baba, he would take care of our dad. Within few days after that, our father got well and is living healthy. It is all Sai's grace. Thank you Baba, we are truly blessed. Om Sairam.
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Prayer Club:

Savithri
We are planning to celebrate our mother's 70th birthday on 27th July with Your blessings. So Baba please keep everybody happy. My mother's test should be normal and she should have a happy life.

Murthy
I am having hard luck with my green card. During my first trial with my previous company, since I switched job I got the denial of my green card. Now again I have received my labor certificate last week which was pending since February 2004. Now I am trying to file concurrently. Please help me this time and bless me with the Green card this time by Your grace.

Lalitha
But please Baba, nothing bad should happen to us. We strongly believe that You are there with us always.

Sirisha
Baba my cousin is severely suffering from the side effects of the chemotherapy. Please help her so that she can recover soon.

Arpita
I am out of job, out of love, out of belief in myself and out of confidence and yet I go on because I know You are orchestrating things this way for my good. I pray to thee to give me the courage and be by my side at this difficult times.Show me the right way even if it is against what I wish for.

Subramanian
Please help me to go in the right path. Please be with me always whether I continue in the current job or take up the new job. Your blessings are more than anything. Please show grace on me and protect my family and me.

Ramamaohan
Jai Sai Ram! Baba, You are aware that I am taking up a new job next week. You also know my confusion. Please bless me and clear all the hurdles I am facing. Jai Sai Ram!

Savitha
We have waited for so long and at last You gave me a good job. Please help me to perform well, become successful, clear all our debts and have peace of mind. After all our bad karmas are over, please help me get a transfer back home to be with my children and husband.

Suresh
Sainath kindly solve my financial problems and grant me a good job at the earliest.
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Quotation of the Week:

"Nobody should take the labor of others in vain. The worker should be paid promptly and liberally".-Shri Sai Baba
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Question of the Week:

Q. How can one be consistent with their devotion to Sri Saibaba?

A. by Rama

Jai Sai Ram. One's consistency or inconsistency in his Bhakti towards Baba will entirely be made up by Him. He is the string puller. Depending on one's level of Bhakti, Baba will bless him and thence will be the consistency or inconsistency in his Bhakti towards Baba.

We can develop our bhaki and there by consistency by chanting or remembering Baba's name whenever we are awake, by remembering Him as soon as we wake up, by remembering him before we go to sleep, by taking his blessings before doing anything, by accepting that even though we will be committing actions - He is the one behind them and all consequences are decided by Him and that everything is our "Prarabdha Karma". This state can be understood as "Sarvasya Saranagathi". If we try in this way and develop our devotion towards Baba by manifold, we can be consistent with our devotion. However, Baba will only make that consistency to grow in us when we surrender to HIM in the above way or in any other way that one likes, but remembering and praying Him always.

Q. How can one be consistent with their devotion to Sri Saibaba?

A. by Ramaa Prasad

Before talking about the consistency of one's devotion, let us ponder as to how one develops devotion to Paramaguru Sai Baba. Faith is the basis for devotion. Faith develops with the experience. Baba is providing with opportunities to every one to experience His divine grace. Whether one is perceiving and availing of such opportunities or not, is a different matter. The strength and intensity of one's devotion depends on the intensity and strength of the devotee's linkage with Baba. Baba is there everywhere and for every one to experience. To perceive Him and being linked to Him is based on one's own effort and love for Him. The ordinary and average human being getting drifted away in this materialistic and mundane world can be compared to a rudder-less boat being carried away disastrously in a powerful current of water. It is due to the good fortune of the inmates of the boat that an expert sailor takes control of the boat and directs it to a safe destiny. We are indeed extremely fortunate that He is always there to direct and guide us, the embodied souls in this powerful current of the worldly ocean i.e., "samsaara saagara". The very feeling that He is with us guiding us every moment, is so thrilling that it instills in us nothing but devotion for Him. The very fact that I am borne as a human being (attaining "manava janma") fills my heart with gratitude to Him for this privilege that He has bestowed upon me. The human body, the instrument that he has given me enables me to worship Him, conduct myself as per His guidance in this world and use the intellect and the power of discrimination to get away from the side-tracks that could be misleading with disastrous consequences. The diverse experiences that I have accumulated so far in this "manava janma" are the testimony of His kindness, generosity and love, for He always lifted me when I fell, cajoled me when I was in distress and sobered me when I was elated beyond limits. How can I not be devoted to my Sai?

The day must start early to be at His feet to carry out His divine worship and enjoy the heavenly bliss that so accrues to me. The succeeding hours of the day will be filled with His divine presence and loaded with His sweet memories. His divine history is laden with everlasting new miracles of eternal truth, which are so refreshing, pointing towards a novel direction, aim and objective each time I browse through them. His divine image in every body and every thing I perceive fills me with awe and inspiration. The uplift that I gain thus is much beyond any worldly riches that a human being could think of. How can I not be devoted to Him? Getting entangled in ever changing maze of human desires, no doubt, I tried to ask Him to grant me this and that. He, however, made me realize that I tended to ignore what He has given and is giving me without asking! I look back and realize that what He has given me and is giving me is infinitely enormous and what I tried to ask Him was so trivial. How can I not be devoted to Him?

Q. How can one be consistent with their devotion to Sri Saibaba?

A. by Vipul

Answer is very simple. When you are facing some problem you pray Baba and at that time you are consistent with your devotion to Sri Saibaba, because you need his help. Same way try to be consistent with devotion to him in your good time remembering his help in your bad time. If you can not then you are only selfish person. Also think your good time is not going to be continued and you will need his help. This will help you a lot to be consistent with devotion.
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Sai Activities:

Gurupoornima at Shirdi Sai Temple, Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Gurupoornima celebrations will be held in Shirdi Sai Temple, Chicago from Friday, July 27th through Sunday, July 29th 2007. Program highlights: Maha Abhishek, Aarthis, Satcharita parayan, Sri Sai Satyanarayan Pooja, Sri Datta Moola Mantra Homam, Palaki procession and more. For program details please visit the temple website www.saibaba.us or contact the Temple office at 847-931-4058.

Gurupoornima at Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sai devotees of Twin Cities, Minnesota invites everyone to participate in Gurupoornima celebrations on July 28, 2007 at Geetha Ashram, Brooklyn Park, MN. The program will start at 3.30 PM with Sri Sai Sathyavrata performed by 108 couples followed by Abhishek pooja, traditional Saibaba arathis, bhajans and naama jap, and palki procession. Please write to hamaresai@yahoo.com or visit www.hamaresai.com for more details.

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.

Gurupoornima Celebrations in Sydney, Australia
Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney invites you to with family and friends to join and celebrate Guru Poornima on 28th and 29th July 2006 at 420 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South, NSW 2136, Australia. For more details contact contact Sansthan's Info-Line 0500 524 724 or email: events@shirdibaba.org.au

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.

Sri Saibaba temple inauguration, Bangalore
Dear Sai Bandhus, we cordially invite you to participate in the celebrations on Thursday, the 23rd Aug 2007 at temple premises No. 72, Sai Nagar, Chikkabettahalli, Vidyaranyapura PO, Bangalore 97, and receive the blessing of our Sadguru Sri Saibaba. Sri Dwarakamayi Sai Mandali (R) phone : 91-80-22715618 / 91-80-23641052.

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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