Any serious relationship is born out of love and respect for each other. The pure love that evolves in a relationship over time becomes unconditional and unselfish. It dissolves and overlooks any impurities that may exist in between. There are no hidden motives, agendas or things to prove in such a relationship. Such types of relationships exist in long lasting marriages and between parents and children. The power of pure love is such that it provides strength and courage to those involved in times of need and crisis. When the children grow up and move on, the love of parents does not diminish. In fact it works the other way; when children progress, parents feel happiness. In such relationships someone is always there to fall back on. An anchor in the family always looks to the needs and wants of others before thinking about themselves. We come across many strangers daily but we do not feel the same special bond that we feel with our loved ones. The starting point of any relationship is to have faith in each other and be honest and serious to continue a relationship. Through disappointments and excitements one discovers the true nature of each other and thus the relationship becomes stronger and stronger leading eventually to pure love where no questions are asked nor are necessary. Yes, each one is there for the other.

Such a relationship also exists between a perfect master and the soul. The perfect master is eternally bound to the soul in a relationship of pure and unconditional love. All other relationships end when the life on earth ends but the relationship of the master and soul continues beyond all borders. For that reason one has to take this relationship seriously and put all efforts from their side to make it stronger. The master is ever aware of this relationship but the soul becomes unaware because of its state of evolution. The master being ever vigilant keeps guiding the soul through its journey.

At some point in the journey, the master's involvement in its life awakens the soul and sends through bursts of love and gratitude for the master. Then the soul becoming aware of the relationship becomes bound to the master and starts exerting to make it stronger and stronger.

The relationship between a disciple and master is aptly described in "Shri Satcharita". There are many stories exemplifying the relationship between Shri Sai and his children, those who were first unaware of its existence but once it was discovered they could not live without Sai and they went to the extent of leaving their homes, family and profession just to be with their beloved master. Notable among them was Kakasaheb Dixit, a very strong personality of those times. Dixit was a member of legislative council of Bombay presidency nominated by the British government. He was a very famous solicitor and active member of the society. After visiting Shri Sai in Shirdi, He lost all his interest in fame, name and money and took every opportunity to be in Shirdi with the master. To the extent that in 1910 he built a wada or home in Shirdi to make it his permanent place of abode. Dixit's life serves as an example of relationship that had reached its zenith in just one life. So much so that Baba spoke about Dixit as, "When his time comes, I will take him with me in an airplane." Another relationship that stands out is between Megha and the Master. Upon Megha's death, Baba had said, " He was my true disciple". Even after Baba's leaving the mortal coil, such relationships have continued and continue to this day. The foremost example is of B.V.Narasimha Swami who was so overpowered by the love of this relationship that he left his lucrative career in law to research and document the experiences of those who had spent their life in Shri Sai's physical presence.

What one achieves in fulfilling a relationship may be frightening to others. Many a times Baba took upon the pain of others to relieve them of pain! A story that reflects this is of Kharparde's. Once when the Kharparde's were visiting the Master, the son fell sick and the mother was very scared and nervous. She sought Baba's help and the Master showed them how he took on the disease upon himself. People say that Baba gave up his life to fulfill the promise he made to Tatya's mother. Such is the sacrifice and love of the Master towards his relatives! In comparison to that, what have we to boast about? One should seriously reflect on their eternal relationship with Shri Sai and ask this question to themselves.
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Contributed Article: Resurrection

In 1886 AD, SaiBaba left His physical body for three days entrusting it to the great devotee Mhalsapathy. Mhalsapathy sat for three full days with SaiBaba's body on his lap waiting for Him to return. The epitome of faith and patience, the greatest of Sai devotees Mhalsapathy's prayers were answered and Sai returned after 72 hours. Recorded incidents show that during this period of absence from His physical body, SaiBaba appeared to His devotees several hundreds miles away. The coming back to "life" of Sadguru Sainath has a similarity to the resurrection of Jesus Christ who rose to life three days after He was put to death. One source on the Christ says, "If only His earthly body was dead, then He was the same "spiritual being" with all the power and glory in the three days His body was in the grave that He has now or had before He came to earth". How true!

A careful examination of these incidents shows the limitlessness of the divine. Sai said, "My tomb will speak". This proved right as millions of his devotees still listen to Him even after several years of His physical demise. On the eve of Christmas, the celebrated of spiritual times, let us remind ourselves of His true nature that transcends time and space and His ever presence in our lives and His glory.
(Contributed by Sai Vichaar team)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Parthasarathy
I saw four aarthis on March 14 2008 at Shirdi which was one of my life's objective. By blessings of Sainath it got fulfilled. The next day March 15 2008 Baba came and spoke to me. After issuing the poor feeding tokens to poor people I was near Gurusthan. One pundit of the temple came with a smile towards me. I was a bit surprised. I too smiled at him and said that yesterday I saw you. You were very busy. He agreed. Then he said that early morning a batch of pundits will come and will be there till one pm and leave home. Another batch takes over for the afternoon session he said. I told that I am doing volunteer service in Cambridge Layout, Bangalore in Sai samaj. He patted on my shoulders and said that you are doing good job. I was surprised of having a chat with him for a minute. After a minute I turned around and saw. He was not to be seen. During the after noon aarthi I saw him pouring 4 or 5 drops of milk in baba's mouth and putting some elaichi powder[I presume] and cleaned with a towel after the aarthi was over. While I was in the train in the night I recalled the experience and it flashed me that Baba came and spoke to me. Then after going through Sai Satcharitra [page 179] Hemadpant said that "He who loved him whole heartedly, gets response from him at any time and at any place". "He is always by our side and will take any form, appear before the devout baktha and satisfy him". What I mean to say is that I got Baba's response at shirdi itself and he appeared through the pundit who is doing abisheka or alankara to him. My life's ambition got fulfilled. Sorry for the delayed posting in sai vichar. I surrender myself to your lotus feet. OM SAIRAM!

Puja
After I bore two daughters, I decided to get back to work very desperately. The reason I had quit my highly paid job was to take care of my younger daughter who two small. I finally got an interview call from a company but my desperation was very bad as I had worked for twelve years and was missing it now. I prayed to my deva and believed this is the job for me. I was on my way for the interview and was continuously praying to Baba. While I was in the traffic I saw an auto which was covered all over and I could only see the lower leg portion of the person sitting inside. That person was wearing a white kurta and white wrap around lungi and slip in shoes kind of sandals and my immediate reaction was that as if its Baba's appearance and I saw that auto for a moment and never again after that. So I thought Baba appeared to show me that things are going to be in my favor. The moment I reached the company, I saw Baba's white marble idol on the front desk and I was very happy and delighted. In my interview all was ok but the lady in the end told me that your experience was very different from our requirement. I felt very dejected and complained to Baba for it and was very upset. Then I stopped looking for a job and in the mean time it I realized my kids need me more and Baba actually helped me go in right direction. Thanks Baba
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Devotees say...

Malati
Sai Ram, Thank you very much Babaji for solving all our problems. We have been going through very rough times for the past couple of years. I sometimes wondered if I will ever lead a normal life. But somehow Babaji has made it happen. Our multifold problems were eliminated by his krupa. For those devotees who are still waiting for blessing from Babaji, please do not give hope, have faith in Babaji. Once again Thank you babaji and please keep your krupa on us at all the times. Sai ram.

Vinod
Baba I do not have words to convey my thanks for fulfilling my desires to solve CPE and my wife got pregnant too. Baba please take care that these things go smoothly. Aapke charno main

Kalyani
omsairam, Why are you playing with my family. already you took my sister and happiness, then what do you want to do. Is this the result of trusting you. Please help me and my family.

Triloth Kumar
Thanks very much for answering all my prayer regarding Avinesh and Avishek as well. I am very thankful and happy. Please do guide me so that I can always be like this to be close to you and be helpful. Please guide my family too. Thanks for everything.

K.K. Khattar
I shall be grateful if you could kindly pass on my congratulation and best wishes to Ms Rima Naik for the excellent poem given in the Sai Vichaar, which I really enjoyed. Thank you.

Suresh
Namaskar Sashtang SriSainatha, as wished I am posting this message to say my thanks to Baba for the blessings and grace shown on me getting a new job.This would not have been possible without Your grace. Please shower your blessings on all of us. Please take care of us all the time.

Devotee
Om Sai Ram... Thanks Sai Baba to given me this happiness and joy. By your grace Baba, I'm achieving the success day by day. Hey Shradha Saburi Baba, bless me always in the same manner and also give me the right directions through out my life.

Padma
My dear dear sainatha, Thank you so much for everything that you have given me and also for always guiding in me in my day to day life. I am forever indebted to you my dear father. Thank you for helping my brother in getting back his stolen car. Once again thank you for everything. This weekend I am planning to go to Shirdi. Please be with me and my family so that we are get very good darshan. Please protect us.
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Prayer Club:

Maheswari Srinivasan
This is Maheswari here from India. I feel proud and happy that I have the opportunity to surrender myself to my sai ram. I would like to pray for the welfare of people in world and for their happiness. Also a special prayer for my marriage that I should get my life partner as I have preferred with our family's full support and happiness.

A devotee
I am again and again requesting you Baba to cure my son. I am sure that our prayers are answered. But still I hold on to your feet every day and remind you to take special care. Today he has another blood check. Please baba remove all the obstacles which is there in his life. He will be admitted in the hospital next week to get treatment and prepare him for further that purpose. I want my Baba to be with his bed side and cure him each minute day and night by your miracle touch and your loving glance.

Ramu
My daughter is going to be married. Please cure her the disease which prevails for the past eighteen years.

Shama
Baba, Koti koti Namaskar. Thank you Baba for giving me jobs. Please always shower your blessings on my family. Baba, help my husband. Make him your devotee. Baba, please listen to my prayers. I have a complete trust on you. Baba, show him the way whether he should go for job or business. If he has to go for business Baba, please help him to solve his office problem. It is hard for him to do from home. Baba please save our money as you know everything. Please bless my husband. I am so worried. Om Shri Sainathay Namah.

Ameet
Baba, you been helping all through the rough times and problems like a shadow and protected me for so long.. thanks for your love and care. I need you to be with me always baba. Please help me come out of current worries!!! Allow me to visit Shirdi soon.

Ravi Kiran
Please SAI BABA JEE get my transfer to pant nagar as I am in hilly region for last four years and I have met two accidents in my left knee and it is going bad day by day. We are very simple people and nobody pays heed to my several requests for transfer in the plains area. Please bless my transfer and life partner.

Aarthi
Dear baba, Please bless our Shreya. She should start talking very soon with you blessings. we are very desperate baba. Please help us baba,please. With lots of love.
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Quotation of the Week:

"Baba's main object in taking Dakshina, from His devotees was to teach them the lessons of Renunciation and Purification"-Sri Sai Satcharitha
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Question of the Week:

Q.) Sri Sai said, "Come what may, leave not, but stick to your Bolster (support, i.e. Guru) and ever remain steady, always at-one-ment (in union) with him." How does a Sai devotee live by the above words from Baba?

A.) by Havovi Medora

This is something I have always thought about . For me myself there is only baba who is my everything -yes I am very tolerant and respectful of all religions ,saints, etc but if I happen to be in a church the only words out of my mouth are Sai Baba if in a fire temple its the same. One father and one mother are all we need I guess we do not need two and three of those -so one belief ,one faith is all that we need. I firmly believe in the lines of the Sai Satcharita-"that is our abode and place of rest where the mind is most pleased and charmed". Of course we give respect but he wants that we stick to one guru and one faith as there is no point going round in circles. Also to each his own. But when you find that which gives you ultimate peace and happiness your have achieved your goal.
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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.

Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN
Sri Saibaba Mandir is located in Minneapolis, MN at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. The mandir is open 7 days a week in the evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and during morning hours from 9 am to 12:30 pm, everyday. Satsangs are conducted every Sunday mornings, 9 am to 12:30 pm. Please visit the mandir website www.hamaresai.org or call 612-789-7729 for more information on mandir activities, events and other information.

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 Temple of New England, Boston Area
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of New England is now operational. It is located at 1827 Bridge St # 8, Dracut, MA 01824. The temple is open every Thursday from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Saturday's from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. For temple hours and activities please visit the website www.nessp.org or send mail to maildrop@nessp.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.

Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, TX
Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, Texas opened at 601 E Whitestone Blvd (RM 1431), Cedar Park, TX. Daily 4 aarthis are performed to Sai Baba. As part of service to needy, a weekly sandwich seva is also conducted. For more information, please visit www.saiaustin.org.

Shirdi Sai Mandir, Dulles, VA
Shirdi Sai Mandir is located at 43671 Trade Center Place #166 Dulles, VA 20166. The mandir is open through the week in the evenings from 6pm to 9 pm. Sri Satyanarayan pooja will be conducted every full moon day. Please visit the mandir website www.shirdisaimandir.org or call (703) 661-4724 for more information on activities, events and other information.

Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto
Shirdi Sai Mandir Toronto is open from 7am to 9pm for darshan. Extended hours on thursdays and saturdays. For more information, program schedule or directions please call 647-444-4724
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