Feature of the Week: Skepticism and Ego

Can knowledge be an obstacle to anything? It is not too rare to hear the experiences of the educated that admit their discomfort at topics related to spiritual matters that defy their logic and thus elude any conclusions. How could one train the mind so used to completing a book or a thesis and take home the message in minutes, to accept the reality of an unfinished treatise? Skepticism is destructive. God’s wisdom is as finite as space. In the mad rush to defy nature, human logic so bound to advance itself, conveniently neglects to contemplate on its very purpose. Sad would be the situation when the spirituality remains eternally parallel and its fruits forbidden.

Skepticism, the initial bar to spiritual progress ends as soon as the necessity for the Unknown and the Unseen felt. Necessities may arise due to causes as simple as a material shortcoming. Once in the path, the difficult bar called ego takes over the reins, at times almost in complete control of the pursuit! This attribute is the one that makes the seeker, accept and reject, rejoice and condole, elate and deject, and in the process making believe that s/he is responsible. This is the attribute that makes one think how "Right" his/her pursuit is, and how pitiful is the others’ plight. This attribute establishes the superiority of one Religion over the other, and denounces everything dissimilar.

"Maya (myth) troubles even me", said Sainath. But, He also assured that those seek Him will be saved from its perils and those who turns away, lashed. What could be easier than resorting to the Merciful Fakir that never stopped anyone from asking? How difficult would that be to listen to the most benevolent Sai who does not expect His children of rigorous rituals, but just faith and patience? How inconvenient could that be do simply submit to that Guru whose demands are love and devotion? Stay with Him and the ego will vanish!
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Experiences of Devotees

Mrs.Veena Gupta, New Delhi, India
This Thursday was Basant Panchmi and Lord Shri Krishna has said in Geeta "Rituo me mai Basant Ho" and our Baba is our Shri Krishna. Therefore, we thought to serve Baba with Kesar Kheer on this day. On Wednesday Evening my friends were going to Vrindaban, the place of Radha-Krishna and they were assuring me that they will come back by 10.00 on Thursday and I can do full justice to Sai Amrit Vani starting at 11.00 AM. But I have not gone with them as I was not sure of their return by that time and they did return at 11.30 AM. As usual Udi was coming from Baba`s photo and his statue in our Mandir. But this Thursday Udi was coming from one more photo of Baba in Mandir and two big photos in the house. The quantity of Udi was also as usual 5-6 spoonful from the main photo of Baba. As usual, Baba sprinkled Udi on kheer during Sai Amrit Vani and which was distributed among the Sai devotees present there. During the last two Thursdays I was not here in New Delhi and was in Chennai. I went there with my elder daughter-in-law and the newborn baby. I am glad to mention that Baba blessed me in Chennai also. On both these Thursdays Udi came from the photo of Baba kept in the Mandir of my son in Chennai. Udi did not come from any photo of Baba in New Delhi on these Thursdays although my husband was there in New Delhi on one Thursday and was regularly performing pooja except Sai Amrit Vani at residence. One week he was also in Chennai. In Chennai on Thursday morning, I had the feeling that Baba is roaming about in the house. I asked Baba "What is this Baba, that you give me only Udi and Kumkum". Baba replied "I have given you so much what else, you want". He applied kumkum on my forehead and vanished. In the morning, first I looked into the mirror and not finding any kumkum, I realized that it was only a dream. My grand daughter was not having sound sleep and will get frightened with the slightest sound I was thinking of putting a small locket in her neck. With that intention we went to Sai Baba Temple in Mylapur in Chennai, I was thinking that I should garland the Baba myself. When my turn came, the priest turned towards the dais and was occupied with the Prasad of the previous devotee and I put the garland on to Baba. Thus, my small wish was fulfilled by Baba. We purchased many books from there. One book, which was in four volumes "The Life of Sai Baba" by Shri Narsimha Swamiji Maharaj was under print. When I told that I have come from Delhi and want the book for somebody, they directed me to see the Secretary in the office. In the office, the office bearer not only arranged the four volumes but also gave us a silver locket of Baba. Thus, `ashirwad` of locket was given by Baba to our little grand daughter.

MY TRIP TO SHIRDI - Pinky Garg
I would like to share with Sai family my latest experiences at Shirdi. I would like to give little background before I explain my experiences so that the devotees can understand these experiences easily. Every Friday I used to cry so much for Shirdi Baba as I used to visualize Him walking fast bear foot and I am walking and trying to catch up with Him. I was yearning so much and praying to Him that I want to come to Shirdi to see Him but there was no way that I could have manage to go as my husband does not have a job from last one year, my son goes to school 45 miles one way from home, I myself being suffering from severe arthritis and the only person earning bread and butter for my family. Knowing all this, I could only yearn and cry for Him. On November 1, 1999 at about 3:30 a.m. I had a dream in which I was holding Lord Krishna (In His Bal Gopala Form) in my arms, while playing, laughing, and having the happiest time ever, I told Him! "Oh Krishna! Do you know how much I cry for You?" He smilingly replied "That is why I come to you." Right after 30 minutes or so early morning about 4:00 a.m. My eldest brother from India called and wanted us to come to India as his only son’s marriage is scheduled on December 1, 1999. My husband told him that we could not come due to the circumstances at present. However, I knew that Lord Sai had made marriage an excuse and told my husband that I need to go and attend the wedding. With Lord Sai’s grace, I was able to convince my husband.

On November 25, 1999, the day I was leaving to the airport, I prayed to Lord and asked Him to be with me. As soon as I left the house, I could visualize myself in the middle of Shirdi Baba and Sathya Baba going with me. We were waiting for the plane, I got message in my brain twice, "Electrical Problem, Electrical Problem". I realized that there may be a problem in the plane but was not concerned about it knowing that Lord Sai is traveling with me. We boarded the plane, plane is in the runway, trying to take off but could not take off. After a while the pilot announced that there is an Electrical Problem and they have to take the plane to the main gate. I was thanking Sai for protecting all of us and not letting the plane take off. I Bow to You my Lord with all my heart and soul.

Plane was jam packed no seat was vacant. There were only two seats vacant in the whole plan and those were next to me. I was sleeping all the way to Japan (Tokyo). I had night stay in Tokyo and the next morning I woke up at 3:30 a.m., took bath and started my prayers. All of sudden, I was pondered again with a question in my mind why there were two seats vacant next to me only? The answer comes "We both were traveling with you" (means Sathya Baba and Shirdi Baba). I just could not imagine the extent of His Love for me and started crying, sobbing, visualizing Shirdi Baba and Sathya Baba besides me and I was sleeping in Their Lap and causing so much inconvenience to my Lord. Oh all merciful Mother! How far you go to care for Your Children. Oh loving mother, keep your infinite Love and Grace always upon all of us.

On December 16, 1999, brother, and myself Vijay left for Shirdi and reached there on December 17, 1999 morning. We took prasad and beautiful flower garlands for Lord Sai that I was longing for so long. I was all excited and happy. At about 10 a.m. we were in the Samadhi Mandir. Baba’s statue is just like Baba alive sitting there. Pujari’s were very nice to me. I got chance to touch Baba’s Samadhi and had tears of happiness flowing from my eyes. After taking tea and lunch, brother Vijay went back in the hotel to take some rest and I sat out side of the samadhi Mandir and started reading Sai Satcharita. Fortunately, after a few minutes, the afternoon Aarthi Started I was so glad that I did not go to the hotel as Lord wanted to give me an opportunity to attend the Aarthi. When I was reading Sai Satcharita outside of the Mandir, an old man in this white Kurta, dhoti and turban with a stick came, sat next to me and asked me for money. I looked at him as if he is Sai Baba, and he smiled at me, I gave him Rs. 10.00 and he walked away, at the very movement I was watching him if he is asking for money from any other devotees too. To my surprise, this old man disappeared in front of my eyes. Now I am realizing that this old man was no one else but Baba Himself.

Next morning, we went to the Temple at about 3:00 a.m. for morning Aarti. I was again blessed to be inside the temple. This time they give bath to Sai and perform Kakar Aarthi. This was a seen for Gods to see. After that, I asked brother Vijay to see if he can find a leaf of Neem Tree, as I still wanted to have one more time Baba's Darshan. I went through Public Relations Office and it was fast. When I came back, I asked him if any luck finding a leaf. Brother Vijay replied that he looked all over but no luck. Besides, there were so many people if there is any we will not be able to get it anyway. I said Ok, wait I am going to Gurusthan and after that we will leave. While I was standing in the line, I saw in the middle of the space between two lines a Dry Leaf of Neem Tree. I looked at it and ignored so no one else notices this leaf before I get to that. As soon as I got close I picked it up and was in tears of thankfulness to Lord Sai for fulfilling all my desires. I came back and showed to brother Vijay the leaf, he was completely in shock to see it and asked me who and where did I get it from. I told him this is given to me by Sai.

In the end, I thank Lord Sai for His kindness, motherly care and absolute love. I pray to You Lord bless every one of your devotee peace and prosperity. I bow to You Lord with all my heart and soul.
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Devotees Say

Pranav Agnihotri
I admit money is an obstacle in spiritual growth, but not a woman. Woman gives birth to a man. We learn to love through a woman, for example, mother, wife, and sister all teach us how to love. I see God in everybody.

Ellie
I read with great interest the need for fasting but I would like to know how do you fast and what is the suggested method of fasting.

Radhika, St.Louis, MO, USA
Sai Ram I am currently residing in St Louis, MO, where there is a beautiful temple with Sai's Statue also and where bhajans are held every Thursday. There are also Sathya Sai Baba centers with satsang on Fridays. I will now be moving to Boise, Idaho and would like to know if any Sai devotees hold bhajans or satsang. My mail-id is radsiva@aol.com and I would be very grateful for the information.

R. Lakshman
Sai Ram, Sai Baba I lost the job as you know after reading the "Shri Sai Satcharitam". Please help me in my job hunting.

MRK, Phoenix, AZ, USA
The very purpose of life is to seek happiness. Our moment to moment happiness is largely determined by how we perceive our situation and how satisfied we are with what we have. Our feelings of contentment are strongly influenced by our tendency to compare. When you are in a state of anger or hatred, even a very close friend appears to you as somehow sort of frosty, or cold, distant and quite annoying. In our experience of daily life, there is a tremendous influence of the mental state. In terms of enjoying a happy day to day existence, the greater the level of calmness of our mind, the greater our peace of mind, the greater of our ability to enjoy a happy and joyful life. As long as there is lack of inner discipline that brings calmness of mind, no matter what external facilities or conditions you have, they will never give you the feeling of joy and happiness that you are seeking. On the other hand, if you possess the inner quality, a calmness of mind, a degree of stability with in, then even if you lack various external facilities that you would normally consider necessary for happiness, it is still possible to live a happy and joyful life. (Extracts of passages from The art of happiness by Dalai Lama and Cutlur)
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Prayer Club

S.V. Sankaran, Chennai, India
My grandson, Vikram had completed three years of age but has not started talking. This has resulted in difficulty in getting admission in Schools. My son and daughter-in-law in Dubai are very much worried. They had visited SHIRIDI last August and prayed for their son. I request all Sai Devotees through this column, to pray the child to speak early, thereby relieving us from the mental agony. OM SAI, SHRI SAI, JAI JAI SAI.

Srikanth Kalluri, Hyderabad, India
Dear Sir, SaiRam, I wish to request Sai devotees around the world to pray for my fathers health who has had a Heart Attack yesterday and is in ICCU of an hospital. My father is a doctor and has helped many patients recover to full health. I pray and request Lord Sainath to take care of him and nurse him back to full health at the earliest.

Chinnu, Chennai, India
To the Prayer Club, I seek Baba's blessings for a peaceful life with my husband and child. Though my husband and me love each other, so much we are destined to be away for the past eight years, for compelling reasons. I once again seek Sairam's blessings to come out of the financial burdens and have a loving peaceful life. I request everyone to pray for us.

Jayanthi, Singapore
OM SAI RAM, I reside in Singapore. Please let me know where I can find the mandir of SAI RAM. I will be grateful if I could get the Vibuthi that comes directly from SAI RAM'S picture. Though I am a stronger devotee, I do not get this privilege. We are having financial problems & would like my fellow devotees to pray so that my husband will get a job soon here. Right now, he is in India.

Raja, New Delhi, India
I am a devotee of Sai Baba for over a decade and have unshakeable belief in His Lordship. The simplicity and the selfless service to mankind professed by Baba coupled with the strongest values that mankind has or will ever see and practice are the endearing traits of the Lord and makes me surrender to him body and soul. In fact everytime I see Him, my whole body feels a surge of emotion and tears come to my eyes in happiness and bliss and the feeling can be equated to a child seeing his or her mother after a long lapse and running towards her. Nothing in my life I do without seeking his blessings and guidance and he has always stood by me and heard my prayers. Unlike many, I ask him from him many things, not for me, but for my family, friends, relatives, and I have never ever been disappointed. "AAh sahayatha lo barpoor Jo maanga wah nahin hai dhoor " epitomizes his benevolent self and true to what he says, he gives. There is nothing more divine or sacred than HIM is my conviction. My niece a 17 year old girl has been suffering a lot for the past six months. She has undergone everyone possible medical examination and we have even gone to tantriks to get her healed on the premise this may not be biological. The irony is that she is physically and mentally strong, has no illness but suffers from sudden bout of weakness and her whole body goes through a pricking /tinkling sensation causing her body to jerk. This lasts for a few hours and then she is back to normal and even during this period she is fully conscious, talks and moves around but obviously suffers a lot. Over a dozen doctors including specialists have seen her and all tests show that she is perfectly fit biologically. The whole thing started after she had severe bout of chicken pox. She has already lost the opportunity of writing her class 12 exams this year and being a bright student this miss in academics is also gnawing at her. I keep praying to BABA and even today when I went to BABA temple (Thursday) I prayed for her speedy recovery and restoration to normalcy. Reading the Sai Vichaar I decided to seek the support of all of you who read this, to pray for my niece and ask BABA to get her back to her old normal self soon. I know and believe that only BABA can cure her and if all of us collectively pray He will not only cure her but also bless her with the very best of health in life.

Sai Shree
Sai Ram to All My Brothers And Sisters Of This Dwarkamaayi. This is a humble request to all my brothers and sisters to pray for one of our sister who has lost both her Kidneys and doctors have lost hope. She has lot of responsibilities and more over she has two small kids to look after. Please pray for her health. We know that Baba will surely hear our prayers and cure her by his miracle, as his ways are inscrutable. Sai Ram.
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Sai Activities

Manik Desai, Shri Shirdi Sai Center of NJ Inc. 404 McDowell Drive East Brunswick NJ, 08816, Telephone (732)-254-1599
MAHA SHIVRATRI CLEBRATIONS

Shri Shridi Sai Bhajans will be held on the auspicious occasion of MAHA SHIVRATRI on March 4, 2000, Saturday 12 p.m. till 4 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 116 Grand Street, Iselin NJ 08830, (Ph.: 732-283-2495). All devotees are invited with family and friends to attend this auspicious occasion. Maha Prasad will be served after Aarti. NEW LOCATION
Shri Shirdi Sai Center of N.J. Inc. also announces with Sai Baba's blessing and grace, the new location for holding the monthly pujas, bhajans, and kirtans will be at Knights of Columbus Hall, 116 Grand Street, Iselin NJ 08830. Please note, all monthly programs held every first Saturday of the month at McDowell Drive would now be held at the above location, to enable more devotees to receive Baba's blessings and grace.
For more information, Contact:
Mr. Hasmukh Patel: 908-686-4789 or 908.851-0939
Mr. Kumud Sachdev: 732-257-1438
Mr. H.Rao: 732-355-0777
Directions: Knights of Columbus, 116 Grand Street, Iselin, NJ 08830 Phone: 732-283-2495

1. From North New jersey/New York/G.W. Bridge/Lincoln and Holland Tunnel, Goethals and Verrazano Bridge:
A. Take New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 11.
B. Then take Garden State Parkway North to Exit 131.
After 131 ramp, turn left at the traffic light on RT 27N, then go to the next traffic light and turn right for Green street. Make immediate left under the Railroad Bridge on Middlesex Turnpike, behind Flip's Bar, and then right on Grand Street, the hall is on the left at the corner.
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Question of the Week

How do spiritual pursuits help material contentment?"

Alphanso D’Souza
As Sai Baba devotees, I believe that we have surrendered our lives, our ambitions, and our very self at the feet of Sadguru. The more we yearn for the Lord; the more He bestows on us and we are truly blessed. In fact, the very surrender and praise to Him pleases Him and we are blessed even more than we can think or imagine. In our spiritual pursuits, to be aware that nothing will get by the moat of his protection without his permission and that He is always under control in all our lives be it, finances, health or relationships is our assurance. We will never ever even know of how many trials or hardships we have escaped or not endured simply because of our faith in Him as He lays aside our past karmas. In Him, we have our strength and contentment. Material quest can always be a hurdle in ones pursuit to spirituality but if handled correctly can bring satisfaction and true gratitude to our Lord, the giver of all things that are good and pleasing to him that asks. Sai Baba encourages those who come to Him to ask for material wealth with the contention that one's satisfaction of mundane affairs would lead to the pursuit of spiritual wealth. Baba differs from almost all others who insist on an outright renunciation as the primary step towards spiritual progress. To ask for material or physical blessings are not at all less spiritual or selfish, for it is through it, that we are convinced that He cares, listens and we are able to experience His power and bliss. It is just one of his ways to show His love and presence and by it our faith and devotion is strengthened even more. However, it is our faith and surrender to Him -ABSOLUTE SURRENDER to the Lord that will cause both material and spiritual benefits to one and all. On the other hand, I am reminded of a story told to me when I was young, of a little girl whose father was a chronic grumbler and said to her mother, "I know what everybody in this family likes. Johnny likes burgers, Janis likes ice-cream, Jamey likes bananas and mommy likes greens." The father was irked because he had not been included in the list, and asked, "What about me? What do I like?" The innocent one replied, "You like everything we haven't got." Oh! To be content in whatever state I am -for the things I have and for the things I have not. To prayer and to know I will be listened to, to be shown great and mighty things in almost any difficult or 'fenced in' or inaccessible situations are far greater than any temporary satisfaction money can possibly buy. "The confidence that SAI is in control of my life-of what shall I need?" Sai Baba, You are my God, my everything.

Sai Youth of Qatar, UAE
In spiritual parlance, it is common to compare this body to a boat, which is tossed mercilessly in the ocean of samsara. Waves of temptation, jealousy, anger, hatred all this causes the boat to toss about either & thither and finally it either reaches the soar somehow or is drowned helplessly. Spirituality helps a man to guide this boat tactfully in this world that is full with desire.

Spirituality pursuits alone can calm the monkey mind and steer it clear in this world. It is not the aim of spirituality to isolate the seekers and lead him into a state of lonely desolation - something akin to an ivory tower existence nothing can be farther from the truth than this. Rather a true Spiritual seekers is one who tries to remain Contented and he is one who tries to be in the world but not of the world. He tries to accept things around him readily and unconditionally and what is more important known for sure that he is expected to change himself foremost and not the world. Thus, Spiritual pursuits try to lead one to a life of perfection and containment, happy with what he has and try to spread joy around by his words and action. Self analysis helps him to conquer the one greatest enemy of man i.e. anger and by being calm in the face of Vicissitudes, he can certainly emerge a winner in the game of life. Love of God translates into love for man and this enable him to develop a positive feeling of forgiveness and forbearance towards all.

"How does a Sai devotee define truthfulness in devotion?"

S.V. Swamy, Hyderabad, India
The relationship between a devotee and his God is sacred and only the devotee and his / her God will know the truthfulness. External signs can be false and misleading but we cannot deceive the God who dwells in our heart. Thus we may put on all the external symbols like Vibhudi, Rudraksha, Kumkum or many other marks to show that we are devoted, but what counts is our mind and heart. We cannot pretend to our conscience. Since Sai is SATCHITANANDA, SAT means TRUTH. He knows whether our devotion to him is true or not. During times of difficulty, do we remember him and pray to him? After all the prayers, do we accept the result as his will especially if the result is not what we prayed for? If yes, we can say we are true devotees. It is a very difficult test indeed and though we may pass it once or twice, we may not pass it all the time. In fact getting a steadfast devotion to any God is itself due to God or Guru's grace. So let us pray to SAI to give us true steadfast devotion. I read with a lot of interest the experience of Ravi Subramanian Gahanna, USA. I was really moved by the love of SAI towards his devotee and tears came to my eyes at his love. Sai blesses all his devotees.
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