It is said that life is a journey through the waters, sometimes difficult, sometimes not so difficult. The guidance of the Master is essential for the successful completion of the journey. The sail of Guru’s constant remembrance is very essential for crossing the mundane sea.

When things go astray in the material aspects of our lives, we are reminded of the consequences in several ways. The causes may range from habitual rash judgements to one time ego-driven decisions. The results of such actions range from subtle reminders to change our course of actions to a major shake-up forcing the very direction of our lives. A person with a habit injurious to the physical self will wake up to the reality of ill health at a later stage. Craving for riches and attempts to possess them through short cut will be jolted by the ensuing financial calamity. Yet, the power of myth is such, most fall a victim to its peril. One may ask himself an important and curious question. What would be an indication of a spiritually fallen? Are there any signs that would caution a spiritual aspirant of such pathos? Well, it turns out that there may not be any such indication.

Man is spiritual by nature. Firmly believing in this should naturally convince the self to give utmost importance to the means through which such a self is realized. Great souls of our times like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sri Ramana Maharshi were fortunate to realize this at the right time and more importantly, pertinent enough to pursue it. As long as one ascribes spiritual pursuit to a separate path parallel to the material life, this can not be achieved. It should be convinced that spiritual self is the ultimate truth that is magnificent and the material, just trivial. Fortunate are those who cling to Sai tatva (philosophy) for this is an easy way, constant and consistent remembrance of Sai, the easiest path.
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Experiences of Devotees

Sweta
I'd like to share the following moment, one of the innumerable times that I have felt close to Baba. I am a student, and had some extra classes on a Sunday Afternoon. On my way back home my car broke down in an absolutely isolated place, there was no petrol pump, garage or even a phone booth within several kilometers. If that is not synonymous with being helpless what is? Or rather, with Baba always with me I can never be helpless. Just when I was on the verge of tears, a motor bike with two men stopped next to my car on an otherwise quite road. They were both mechanics and offered to help me. Without any hesitation, I allowed them to check my car, to realize that one spare part was missing. So one of them stayed back with me and the other rushed to the nearest shop to fetch the part. When all was done and my car alright, I thanked them and asked them how much they had spent. I realized that I didn't have enough money to pay them, so I took the address and phone number of the workshop that the man belonged to and promised to pay him the balance. His name was Iqbal and he said that he was from Ganga Mechanics in Nizamudin. I then went home and related the incident to my family and called up this place to locate Iqbal. To my surprise they said that no one with that name had ever worked for them. I then went to another mechanics shop in Vasant Kunj where there was an Iqbal, but he turned out to be someone else. Till today I haven't been able to meet that person who I am sure was a roop of Sai Baba. I just wish I had been able to express my profound gratitude that day. Jai Sai Ram.

MRK, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Chinna Kistna (continued) (AS TOLD BY SRI B. V. NARASIMHA SWAMIJI) Later after some years, Chinna lost his child. Unable to see his wife's unbearable sorrow, Chinna told his wife that devotees should understands Baba's actions. Till the obsequies are done, take rest. But his wife could not stand seeing the dead baby. Chinna took the baby into his lap. Meanwhile, Baba presented himself, took him out and questioned him as to whether, Chinna wants him or the baby. You cannot have both. IF you decide to have me do not ask for the life of the baby. If you want the baby, you cannot have me. IF you can say no to this baby, I will later give you progeny. Chinna without hesitation said that without doubt, he wanted Baba. Then, Baba said do not grieve and disappeared. Thus Baba used to give him courage and strength at the time of crisis in his life. Baba had equal respect for all religions. Baba used to say that changing religions is like changing mothers. He used to tell devotees to follow their own religion. Baba always struggled for making people understand and PRACTICE understanding of Hinduism and Islam and asked Hindus to follow Hinduism and Muslims Islam.
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Devotees say...

Ramesh, Lowell, MA, USA
Could you please guide me to obtain Tamil bhajan songs on Sai Baba ?

(Please refer to On-line resources and services section elsewhere on this website for Shirdi Sai Potrigal in Tamil. For more information on songs and bhajans in Tamil, please refer to Baba Prayer Center, Chennai, India at Baba Prayer Center, B-13, Gokul Flats 53, 12th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai, India - 600083 ; Phone: 91-044-4892259; email contact: K. Bharathan, kbxy@hotmail.com.)

Sheena Bhatia, Los Angeles, CA, USA
It is so nice to read everyone's experiences and sharing my own through Sai Vichar. I know SAI BABAJI is always with us and wants all of us to live peacefully and lead a simple life. As we all know shraddha -saburi always pays. I pray to BABA to bless my dear jijaji and didi who have recently moved to Denver, CO. May SAI be with all of us.

Bhawna, New Delhi, India
I have a question. Please clarify. I am also a very deep devotee of Sai Baba. I always feel that he is very near to me and always around me. I have a group of Sai devotees around me. Some of them say that they talk to Baba and Baba replies them. Then they say internal voice comes to them which guides them whether to do the work or not. Then another thing the chit system. OK, I understand the chit system. But I am really confused that how the internal voice comes and speaks in form of Baba. Whenever I have something to decide even my conscious speaks but the thing is that is it really Baba or some other kind of voice comes from internal heart. Please let me know so that I can understand what exactly it is.

A.V.S. Prasad, United Arab Emirates
I request you to kindly send by mail the SAI CHALISA if you have it with you. We have a group here in the UAE and perform Sai Puja every weekend. An early reply on this would be highly appreciated.

(Please refer to On-line resources and services section elsewhere on this website for Sai Stavan Manjari and other resources useful for Sai Satsang. Please visit www.saidarbar.com/limks.html for Sai Chalisa. Providing Sai Vichaar with the address and details of Sai activities in UAE will be very helpful for other Sai devotees from that region to participate in Sai activities and be blessed - Sai Vichaar)
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Sai Activities

Baba Prayer Center, Chennai, India,
Baba Prayer Center invites requests from all Baba Devotees all over the world for solving their problems by Prayer to Sri Sai Baba, which is done by Sri Kumar baba at Baba Prayer Center. For the last 3 years there have happened so many miracles as a result of prayers in this center. Every Thursday prayers are conducted from 6 to 7 p.m. and Anna danam is performed on every poornima day by the center. The center conducts "OM SAI SRI SAYEE JAYA JAYA SAYEE" Chanting for seven hours every 15 days in devotees' houses in India. The nama saptah provides so much good to the household where it is chanted. Worldwide chanting is going to start from 2000 AD. The above chanting is called GURUPRAVESAM. It means GURU entering into the house. Sri Baba 's silver paduka and a Sri Baba's laminated picture are given to them. Instant prayer service is also available for those living abroad. Sri Kumar baba is available on phone for devotees’ service and the phone number in India is 91-044-4892259. He will immediately pray for them as soon as he receives the call. Nagasanam for Nagasayee Temple at Coimbatore is under progress and Sri Baba will bless those who contributed for this work. It is proposed to expand the prayer center with Sri Baba's idol with Dhyana Mandap and Prayer answering system and Internet connection. We need 2 to 5 grounds around Chennai for this purpose. People who wish to donate or sell their property can contact this center. For this purpose the center has prepared for release to devotees 1000 brass Padukas of Sri Baba worshipped at Shirdi Sai mandir on 6/9/99. Each set costs Rs.500/=(Rupees Five Hundred) and devotees can collect these personally or through representatives coming personally from the Baba Prayer center. Always in Sai seva, KUMAR BABA.

Sai Sandesh for September -1999
http://www.saidarbar.com
To enable devotees to express their personal bonds with Lord Sainath, a new page title share your experiences is introduced. This particular page is well received, as we note from the fact that devotees have sent poetry, songs and essays in support and for their inclusion. Messages for life is another feature highlighting the essence and character of life. Due to technical reasons we could not start SAI's calendar in September 1999 as announced earlier and intend to do it by coming VIJAYADASAMI during the month of October 1999. The number of experiences to be put is constantly questioned by Saibandhus and in this regard it is clarify that 22 experiences have been chosen to be put in the SAIBANISA page from the many such ones. So far 16 experiences are already covered. The comments from the Saibandhus are most welcome and it shall be our endeavor not only to follow them, but also work sincerely for implementing them effectively in service to Sai. In near future we have a desire to start a new feature titled - Sai in camera. There are many late devotees of Sai who have dedicated their lives in his service. It is our earnest thinking to share the valuable information amongst all of us. Saibandhus around the Globe are therefore requested to kindly co-operate with us and help in bringing out the articles and writings available with them to be included in the page titled ardent Sai devotees. It is felt that this will help in the growth of SADBHAVANA, BHAKTI and SPIRITUALISM. During the month of September the following Saibandhus have participated in different programs and got the blessings from Sai. Paritala Gopikrishna, Anitha Kandukuri, Sudha Sai, C K Krishna, Ravinder thota, Saisreeman, Vas, Ravin, Sriker, Asha Manjunath, Smitha, Sheena Bhatia, Annapurna, Ravi, S G Mallela, S R Katta, Badhari, Bhavana Puri, Srinivas Brahma Josula, Todd Scudiere, Mala, Pinky, Shankari, Preeti Khanna, and Lalitha Manjunath.
This site http://www.saidarbar.com has commenced its operations from 26/8/1999.

SAISANDESH
The appetite of children is well understood by the parents. They are nourished with due care for a happy and healthy growth. On similar lines, I know what is good and bad for my devotees. Accordingly I advise and direct them so that their life turns meaningful for self and society as well. SHIRDI SAI/ 30-09-1999
Important note: For seeking clarifications and information regarding Sainath, visitors may approach saibanisa@yahoo.com and for technical matters concerning the site webmasters@saidarbar.com.

Sai Baba Mandir, Agra, India
Pawan Goyal pgthree@nde.vsnl.net.in
Sai devotees will be glad to know that Shri Sai Baba is finally arriving in Agra (India) on 11th October. The ceremonies will take place from 10th through 12th Oct. This temple is a result of Sai Darshan in sleep of a devotee. Sai Bhaktas from round the globe are cordially invited and are requested to visit the temple whenever they happen to visit Agra
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Question of the Week

Does God Punish?

Alphanso.
Sometimes when we are going through troubles we are not sure whether the trial is the act of our past karma or it is God who is punishing us and we often end up questioning why? To me, it may be both and in any case the best is to pray--first, asking to be shown any wrong doings, which has not been acknowledged, and if not, prayer for deliverance in God's way and in God's time. "Why?" can be the easiest question to ask but the hardest to answer? The atheist's answer to this question is that there is no God; the rationalist says God is unable to act or doesn't care; and the legalist says this is punishment. There are at least two stages in this experience of asking why; if God does punishes at all?

The first stage is concerned is hiding. Many have asked for centuries, "Why doesn't God do something?" The wicked seem to be triumphing, and in doing so; they make false statements. They say, "There is no God". They also say, "Nothing can change me, I shall not be moved". They curse the God they do not believe in. They enjoy the taste of sin. Some say, "God does not see me." They picture Him as someone ferocious, catching the innocent unawares. Hypocrisy, deception, intimidation, threats and selfishness characterizes them. Finally, there are others who say, "God does not care." But we know God does exit and He does care, and wrong doings will catch up with them. I myself at times am guilty of asking the Lord "Why?" Although the world offers several answers to this question, we ought to deal properly with the question. Let us not be like the wicked, who make false statements about God and defy His judgment, but rest in His promises and assurances.

The second stage involves commitment and confidence--God is helping. Our purposeless condition can leave us helpless, and we must turn our attention from the wicked to God. Knowing that Lord Sai sees our tribulations and knows all our grieves, we are encouraged. Objectively, He knows what we face; subjectively, He feels what we feel. "The very purpose of life is the building of character through faith and patience." Character is built in the storms and battles of life; it is tested in the easy times of life. The most discouraging feeling can be that nobody listens. But we know that Lord Sai not only listens but also understands us when we call on Him and in His time, He accomplishes His purposes and in this must our confidence be.

Sai does not turn a deaf ear to our questions. Nor is He inactive regarding our past karmas. He is interested in helping us build character, and He will accomplish His purposes in due time. Yes, He does discipline (punish?) us but through it we are refined and molded to face days ahead. If you're wondering why He doesn't act, commit yourself to the Lord and place your confidence in Him. If you are questioning why the sorrows and pains, remember His throne is secure. He is in His holy temple. It is in difficult times, if we look up and see our Lord on His throne, lifted high above all, we will find the personal and tailored help that we need to attain self-realization.
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Prayer Club

Kadhir, India
Dear Sai Devotees, My name is Kadhir and I am from India. My family is in big and big trouble. I am a true and strong believer of Sai Guru. Please pray for my family. I believe good things will happen.

A Shridi Sai Baba devotee.
I am a devotee of Sai Baba. I have a friend here who is applying for a job. He has attended 4 interviews and has failed in all. Now he has applied for 3 more jobs.Please say a prayer for him so that he may get a job soon. His name is K. Mcintosh

Harsha Dave
I kindly request for all to pray for my sister and her family as they are going through a very difficult time morally and financially. Let us pray that my brother-in-law gets a good job and my niece also gets a job too so that she can study further. I pray that their lives come back to normal financially and morally!

At the moment my brother-in-law (my sister's husband) is out of a job. He has been for interviews at some places but has not yet received any reply. My eldest niece wants to study further but is not able to due to the dad being out of a job. My other two nieces are in school but the school fees, rent and other bills are outstanding and there's a lot of pressure on both my sister and brother-in-law.

May Sai Baba assist them and may they find peace in his name. May Sai Baba bless us all! Sai Ram

A Sai Devotee
Dear Sai Devotees, My brother is going through a very bad mental turmoil. He and his wife have a very bad misunderstanding. My brother's wife says a lot of bad things about my brother and our family and is not willing to stay with him. I sincerely seek the devotee's help in praying along with me to baba for her and my brothers rejoining and leading a happy life. Also join me in praying for her own happiness and peace of mind. Om sri sai ram.

Dear Sai Bretheren,
A very sad news is that my friend (Chethan) met with an accident & his condition is very serious since past almost 8 days he is in unconscious state & kept in I.C.U .He is unable to recognize anyone properly, I'm really in tension by seeing present state of condition.
He met with accident while dropping our friend Ramu our room mate was suppose to go shirdi along with his classmates. Its just 1KM away from room, head-to-head collision with maruti-800 early hours of last sunday & chethan was pillon rider. There were no visible injuries but internal brain got damage& blood clootedinhis brain, right now doctors are trying out the best to recover him through medcine or else after some days they are going to do surgery. Ramu had minor injuries he has been shifited immediately to hyderabad from poona.
Pls PRAY for my friend, I am unable to take not only my friend's pain but also his parent's for whom he is the only child. Om Sai Ram!!
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