What is surrendering to Sadguru? As said in many instances, is it following Sadguru to the letter, in thoughts, words and deeds? If so, is it an easy task to be able to do it? How many births would it take to garner this as an enterprise? An ambition or a life-long mission with the intellect unleashed?

Someone that can line up his thoughts, words, and actions is a Yogi, someone that has achieved a state of continuum with the infinite. This is harmony in its most perfect state. Such specks of truth are rare. Sai Satcharitha has examples of those souls that surrendered completely to the will of Saibaba and for them everything else was secondary. Do we know if they followed the principles of thoughts, words, and action? No!

Once, Nana smitten by the beauty of the lady that visited Saibaba was having difficulty to curb his enthusiasm. Baba commented that it is the nature of the mind to be restless and the thoughts difficult to control, but body should be kept in check and not allowed to go after such thoughts. Is there any advice that is more practical? It is with such messages that Baba taught the practical way of living and not through any metaphysical rigor. Fortunate are those devotees that had the bounty of Sadguru's physical presence and guidance in their daily lives. For they didn't have anything except implicit faith in Sadguru's words and the loving disposition to make Sadguru happy always. For them, nothing else matters.

It is not known whether surrender might be a lengthy process of stepwise accession well spelt and guided in the light of scriptures. But, when love for Sadguru is sparked in the hearts and when the spark flames into eternal fires that consume everything on its way in hunger for Sadguru, surrender sure happens unsolicited without even being aware of it.
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Contributed Article: Sai apostle Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao

Gopal Ambadekar was embittered with trials and tribulations of his life, and tended to commit suicide at Shirdi during the earthly tenure of Sai Baba. The manner in which Paramaguru Sai Baba averted the suicide attempt by Gopal Ambadekar using SagunMeru Naik as His instrument at Shirdi is ample testimony of enormous love and care that Baba extends to His devotees.

Life of Bapatla Hanumantha Rao is another testimony to show that after leaving His human coil too, Baba is still engaged in protecting and guiding His devotees. Twenty years after 'Maha Samadhi of Sai Baba, at a rather remote place known as China Ganjaam in the current state of Andhra Pradesh, a devoted Telugu Teacher Hanumantha Rao was trying to swim the sea of worldly life facing several insurmountable odds, at times getting discouraged and disillusioned, despite his traditional spiritual moorings. Realizing that what he earned in his teaching job was inadequate to give a decent education to his children, Hnaumantha Rao took to tobacco business that ditched him to rock bottom, thus pushing him to end his life. On the 27th December 1944 at 5.00 AM, Sainath dressed in yellow robes, appeared in his dream. "I am Sai Baba! You are blessed with scholarship and poetic excellence. As you have done in the past, engage yourself in literary works and take new strides. Don't worry about your earthly problems. Suicide is not the solution to any problem. Then Baba appeared to him as Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Sri Sankar, Sri Hanuman and Sri Dattatreya and blessed him.

Did not He say that He would pull His men towards Him like a sparrow with its leg fastened with a thread?

Soon after the dawn of the day, his friend B. Adinarayana of Chirala came all the way to see him and said in all jubilation, "My friend, you are the most fortunate one. Sri B.V. Narasimha Swami, President of All India Sai Samaj is at Chirala now. He was directed by Sai Baba to meet you and collaborate with you. I have come here to take you there".

It was the most exhilarating moment of his life for Hanumantha Rao. On reaching Chirala, B.V. Narasimha Swami embraced him affectionately and presented him a beautiful portrait of Bhagawan Sai Baba. Narasimha Swami said, "Hanumantha Rao, you are a dear child of Bhagawan Sai Baba. He has chosen you as His poet-laureate. He appeared in my dream and asked me to give you the job of bringing out Sai literature in Telugu language. That will help to spread Sai tattwa in Andhra region.

This development changed altogether the life of Hanumantha Rao. Initially he translated some of the English works of Sri B.V. Narasimha Swami into Telugu language.

Some of his more popular works in Telugu language are, (1) "Yemi! Ninnu Upekshintunaa " (What! How can I neglect you?) (2) Sri Sai Bodhaamritam, (3) Sri Sai Baba kooda Devudena? (Is Sai Baba also a God?) and (4) Sri Sai Anusaranamu (Following principles of Sai philosophy). His works on Sai philosophy include poetic exposition of Sai-tattwa, folklore episodes on Sai Baba, street-plays explaining Sai philosophy etc. His books have become popular sources of Sai philosophy in Telugu.

Several times Sai Bhagawan came to his rescue, when he faced most critical moments in his material life. In 1962, a number of relatives and friends visited his home stayed on for lunch and dinner. There was shortage of food material at his house. The grocer refused to supply him rice and other groceries, as the previous dues were not settled. Hanumantha Rao stood before the portrait of Baba and implored Him to bail him out of this difficult situation. With in half an hour the same grocer who refused him provisions, arrived at his house with a bag of rice and other groceries and said, "Raoji, please excuse me for my discourtesy. Please accept my offer of the provisions. Please don't worry about payment" Hanumantha Rao wrote a nice poem in Telugu about the above episode.

Once when he was engaged in writing, a dog picked up one of his foot-ware. Angry Hanumantha Rao took the left over foot ware in his hand and threw it on the dog. The dog picked the second one too and ran away. Immediately Hanumantha Rao realized the all pervasiveness of Sai Baba and repented his act with tears welling up in his eyes, "Sainatha, for this grave fault of mine, I desist wearing footwear from today!"From then onwards, he used to walk barefoot and suffer from blisters in his feet due to summer heat. On one hot summer day, he alighted from a bus, but could not walk due to extreme heat. He ran to the shade of a tree and prayed, "Baba, please forgive this human mortal (meaning himself) who cannot walk now due to immense heat"

No sooner he uttered his prayer, than an unknown young man came running to him with a pair of footwear and put it on his feet saying, "Sir, this pair of footwear suits you. Please pay just two rupees that you have in your pocket and put on this foot-ware for you are not in a condition to walk without footwear now!" Rao paid him the two rupees left in his pocket, wondering as to how the person knew that he had only two rupees. Later he remembered his prayer to Sai Baba and realized that it was Baba who gave him the footwear and helped him. Sri Rao has done yeoman service to the cause of dissemination of Sai-philosophy and turned out to be a source of great inspiration to all Sai devotees, particularly in Telugu speaking zones of India.

As indicated in the Feature of the Week of Sai Vichaar of December 11, 2008, in his famous book entitled "Sri Sai Anusaranamu" in Telugu, Shri Hanumantha Rao wrote, "Study a holy scripture not bothering to question the qualifications of the author. Go through its contents with devotion, no matter who said it. Realize the truth of the matter rather than attempting to apply one's rationale to the narration. The message of God is timeless and the way it is delivered and perceived varies from individual to individual. What is needed of a reader is the realization that Lord Almighty Sai Baba is the benefactor of riches that humans cannot fathom". This would automatically make a reader obedient and impart the humility necessary for spiritual growth

Sri Hanumantha Rao passed way on the 7th November 1973.
(Contributed by Ramaa Prasad MV)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Pradeep Koirala
Hindu all over the world believe that the body of Shiva is in Kedarnath temple of India and his head is at Pasupathinath temple In Kathmandu, Nepal. March 22, Sunday was the papmochini ekadasi. About 5A.M of March 22, Sunday, Baba gave me a dream depicting this conviction.

I was praying Babas darshan since two or three preceding nights. As I dreamt on March 22, 2009, I was in the long queue on ekadasi day in Pasupatinath temple. The Purohit of the temple was looking at me in the queue. Suddenly, I was in the front from where people do darshan of the Shiva linga in Pasupati temple. The Purohit of the temple came nearer to me, took sandal paste parshad over his palm and spread it liberally and fully over my forehead. I then closed my eyes, bended my body for prostration to the lord. When I opened my eyes after prostrating the Shiva Linga, I saw lord Shirdi Sai Baba marble murti in Dhyana mudra wearing twinkling brown color vastra in the place of Shiva Linga.

Kumaraswamy R
Right from my childhood Baba has been with me and taking care of my family and me in every difficulty. The below incidents are just two of the many times when we felt the presence of Baba and his loving care. Two years back I was applying to universities in the US for higher studies and before I began my application process I went to Shirdi to take Baba's blessings. I wanted to sit down in Dwarakamai and begin writing my statement of purpose before Baba. I opened my notebook and started writing. But much to my disappointment, my pen was not writing -maybe the ink was over in the refill. I felt bad and thought that it was a bad omen. But before I could think further, I saw a pen extended towards me (I was sitting down with my head towards my book). I looked up and saw a smiling lady offering me a pen. I was very happy and thanked her. She smiled and walked out of the Masjid with her husband. I don't know where she was sitting and when she saw me struggling to write and unable to do so. But I know this much that it was Baba's way of assuring me that come what may, I will be there with you in this endeavour. HE was trying me teach me this with this small example - I think he meant to say that even if things don't happen as they should or as you want them to, I will immediately extend my help through someone or the other and make sure your wishes are fulfilled. And this was in Dwarkamai - Baba has always said, "Sitting in this Masjid, I shall never, never speak untruth". Accordingly Baba has kept up His word.

And so my application process went off very well and I started getting admits. Though I got an admit from a not-so-well-ranked university with full scholarship, I somehow (do not know how I made this choice - I am sure it was Baba who influenced my decision at that time), I chose to come to University of Minnesota where I was not funded. After coming here, the very third day, I realized that there was a Sai Baba temple in Minneapolis and what more - the temple is very close from my house. It had to be Baba's grace that brought me to Minneapolis (of all the places I had applied to, I later did a thorough search and found out that no other university town/campus had a Baba temple closeby). All through my life, I happened to stay close to a Baba temple (in all the places that I have lived in: Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Pilani and Bangalore) and now in the US too He has made sure I stay close to Him and serve Him. I can't ask more from You Baba!
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Devotees say...

Bidhan
Dear Sai Baba I am really grateful to You for blessing my daughter. She has been suffering from cough with fever and ear problem for many days. I prayed to Sai Baba to cure these diseases, and if He cures these diseases I will share my experience in Sai Vichaar. With Sai Baba's grace above diseases cure and she is now completely good condition

Malathi
For the last few years my problems were piling up and becoming huge. I was sometimes even wondering would I ever lead a normal life. But Babaji you are antharyami, you didn't leave our hand. You solved all the problems at the same time. Thank you very much once again. I would like to say - Baba ke ghar me dher hai lekin andher nahi. So people who are waiting for Babaji's miracle, have hope and faith, he will surely come to rescue.

Anjana
Thank you very much for making the test results of my father normal and making my father and my mother healthy. Please bless my father and my mother with a happy healthy long life.

Rajnish
As always and once again with your blessings I find a job in my hometown. I was very depressed and loose all my hopes to find a job and was very tensed before the interview. Before leaving for an interview I sit and prayed in front of you with all my hearts and with your miracle I got a call after two days that I got selected for a job. Baba Thank you so much for always shower your blessing on my family and on your devotees.

Neeru
Few Months back I was in some confusion and I Asked Baba to help and solve the confusion and by the Grace of My Lord, My Pita, My Sai My confusion got solved within half an hours time I am so thankful to u my Sai I give you my Gratitude and my Thanks through this article. Plz Baba accept the Gratitude and Thanks of your this stupid Child.
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Prayer Club:

Swathi
Dear Baba please solve the problem of my marriage. As You already know I've been interested in someone for last several years, it was by Your Divine Grace we met. If we are on the right path, please shower Your Blessings on us, so things work out for both of us.

Bhanu
Please answer my prayer Sai and show me the right path, Give me peace, composure and help me become more organized in my studies, projects and family life.

Monica
Sai please listen to my prayers and do something so my parents can come and visit me this year and spend some good time with me.

Manjita
Baba, my daughter has lost her gold chain. It is my father's first gift for her after her birth. Baba please bless me to find her gold chain.

Shefali
Baba please bless my son. Always be with him. Please help him to get into a good college. Make him more mature and hard working.

Jaya
Please bring light in the eyes of my sister and brother in law. Please wipe the tears in their eyes with your grace. Please see that there is baby's laughter in her house.

Subba
Baba, I have tried so many matches to my daughter. But nothing is materialized. My daughter is your devotee. Kindly bless her with a good match. And see that she gets married soon.

Sai devotee
Our only son who is week in studies is appearing in +2 exams after doing all the hard work he can do. We are very much worried. Baba please be with him and bless him with good marks and a bright and happy future.
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Quotation of the Week:

"God's method of work is extraordinary and invaluable. He will show us the way and satisfy our desires" - Sri Saibaba
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Question of the Week:

Q. Can intellect be an obstacle to devotion?
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Sai Activities:

Sri Ramanavami Celebrations at Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Sri Ramnavami will be celebrated for three days from April 2nd to April 4th, 2009. For full details and event information please visit temple website at www.saibaba.us and follow the link to events page from the menu. For sponsorship or other questions please call the temple line at 847-931-4058. To sponsor poojas in Sri Ramnavami celebrations visit the Saibaba.org homepage and follow the link to Sponsor Ramanvami Celebrations page.

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 6599 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call 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
The Mandir is located at Unit 7 & 8 2721 Markham Road Toronto ON M1X 1L5 Canada. Daily services offered to Baba include abhishek and all aartis. For Mandir hours and activities, please visit www.theshirdisaimandir.ca or call 647-444-4724.

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada -Toronto
Devotees in Toronto, are invited to join in Sai Namavali, Satcharita reading, Bhajans, Aarti and Prasad every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. at GUR MANDIR 207 Queen's Plate Dr. Etobicoke - Hwy27 South of Finch for more info call (416) 294 4804.
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