Maj. Vishwanathan, Capt. Amok Kalia, Maj. Adhikari...just a few of the brave men who laid their lives with the true spirit of sacrifice, courage, and love for their motherland. History repeats itself. In its own cruel way or so it seems. Disturbing is to see it happen in a land known for its peace, love, brother-hood and co-existence. It is a century ago that Sainath has blessed His children fighting oppression, that they will see the light one day. It is also His will that the peace will return and let us pray that it happens soon.

Black Brahmins to white Moslems, Sainath has said in its sternest terms that it is the conduct and character that should divide the people, not their caste, community, or religion. On this day, let us, the children of the merciful fakir remind ourselves of the priorities that should mould our lives. Let us, for a moment acknowledge the martyrdom of those whose noble causes may be accomplished. More important, let us all remember for ever and ever that growth is where we are all equal, advancement is where there is universal love, and happiness is where there is true service, selfless and illuminating.
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Experiences of Devotees

K.Bharathan, 8, Krishnapuram street, Royapettah, Chennai -14, India
Phone: 91-80-8223600 kbxy@hotmail.com
I am a devotee of Sri SHIRDI SAI BABA. I have visited six days the meditation program at BABA PRAYER CENTRE. I felt peace of mind every time I visited there. Sir Kumar Baba talks to SRI SAI BABA. He has devoted his life to spread the message of SRI SAI BABA. He prays for the health and education of devotees. My daughter has been getting 25 to 30% in school exams. She is a spastic child. She passed in the 10th PUBLIC EXAM with 54.6% marks- all this due to blessings of SRI SAI BABA and prayers of Sri Kumar Baba. I have got severe health problem and retired prematurely from service. I got a peculiar severe problem of choking last year and was unable to breathe. It was only through Sri Kumar Baba’s prayer and BLESSINGS OF SRI SAI BABA, I have got rid of this problem. Please contact me at the above address for more information on Baba Prayer Center and the services of Sri Kumar Baba.
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Devotees say...

Meher, UAE
I would like to respond to Natasha Singh's letter in Sai Vichaar of 03 June '99. I know how you feel as sometimes I feel the same way, LOST and ALONE. But, Sai Vichaar has provided us a forum where we can share our pain and suffering with other devotees. It has certainly helped me to regain strength and revived my spirits. Sometimes even shedding a lot of tears can help to ease the pain. Important thing is to keep the faith and believe that whatever happens is always for our own good. Our souls are repeatedly cleansed by the cycle of re-birth due to past and present karmas. We learn from our distresses in life after life until finally we are one with HIM. If we look around us we'll find many people in this world whose sufferings are a lot worse than our own. Compassion for others makes our sufferings rather negligible. When we put ourselves in the shoes of others we feel very lucky. Some good actions and a daily prayer will help you overcome your grief and you'll be on the road to recovery sooner than you think. Time is a great healer. Have faith in God Almighty who has promised to take care of us all. May the blessings of Sainath Mahraj be upon us all. Amen. Natasha, if you wish to talk to someone or share your grief with feel free to write to me in wish to talk to someone or share your grief with feel free to write to me in full confidence at: meher@emirates.net.ae

Rajesh
Om Sri Sam Ram, can you please forward this email to one of the devotees by name Jeevan Chinani, in last week's newsletter he was inquiring about Sai temples in Pennsylvania, there is a temple in Pittsburgh. I like that temple a lot and have been there. It is very near to Pittsburgh Venkateswara temple, in fact this temple officials will be able to give directions to Baba temple.
(Please refer to "Sai Activities around the world" on this web site for more information on Sai Mandir, Pittsburgh - Sai Vichaar)

Aimee Minaya: aymee_minaya@hotmail.com
I will like to take a few minutes to express my total agreement with Alphanzo D'Souza. He is totally correct when he states that money is not everything in life. Money is necessary for us to survive In this world, but it is the feelings, the good deed that we perform in our daily lives what will leave this planet with us once we are gone.

Some times we desire things in life for many reason thinking that they will help us either succeed or live a better life. But not always what we desire is what is good for us. Our lord Baba only gives us what he thinks is good for us.

Never loose your faith. For many weeks I wrote to Sai Vichaar giving advises to people, seeking prayers for some love ones that were facing difficult time. Every day I try to make people aware of Sai Baba's existence, because I truly believe that this is what I am here for. And although all the problems both emotionally and financially that I am currently facing, I never loose my faith, because I know he listens to me and that my situation is only temporary. Like another devotee said there is a solution for every problem, otherwise it would not be a problem, it would be a fact. This is 100% correct. It all has to do with analyzing the problem and looking for the correct answer. The problem is that we tend to look for solutions in the wrong places, thinking that these solutions will be permanent when in terms they are only a work around.

I ask for every one to pray for Liliana from Argentina. If you read this email, please respond to my email, I will help you in any way I can to have your husband brought to the United States and be treated for his illness. Liliana is currently facing very difficult times and she feels as though Sai Baba is not listening. But he truly is that is the reason why you are talking to me through emails, because coming to New York can be the possible solution to some of your problems.

Also there was a devotee that wrote to me regarding his temper. Sai says that Temper gets you in trouble and pride keeps you there. We must learn to leave and love with those things that we can not change, asking our Lord Sai Baba for the strength to comply with these situations. Do good without expecting anything in return. Remember it is not us who you need to prove your goodness to. It is to our lord who sees and hears every thing we do and say.

And most of all I will like for you to pray for me, so that our Sai Baba gives me the strength I need to survive, to raise my children in the right direction, to be able to teach others what I have learned since I've been a Sai’s Devotee, to be financially stable because through my financial stability my children will be able to get a better education. I don't ask to make me rich, nor to give me treasures unless is the treasure of wisdom and self- knowledge so that I can share it with others and help others the same way he has helped me.

Ravi Shankar
I really enjoyed the Feature of the Week, "The Virtue of Patience". Thank you, whoever wrote that article.

Venu Gopal Sanka, MA, USA vsanka@hotmail.com
Jai Sairam. I am a staunch devotee of Shiridi Sai Baba last two years. By his grace I came to the USA in last year as a soft engineer. As lot of new projects are postponed and delayed due to the year 2000problem,my situation in the company became highly vulnerable and I am in constant tension. But I am able to get strength and guidance from Lord Shiridi Sai in this period and now I got an employment offer from the company by Baba’s grace. Jai sairam.

Joanne Loh
I would like to send you my congratulations and convey my thanks and others who read your newsletter, which I pass on to my Sai friends. We appreciate your devotion to our lord Shridi Sai. with his grace and blessings we are able to share our experiences. please thank Amy Mine for relating her Sai experience, which has comforted me to say the least. In fact, faces of an old man have appeared in photos after it has been developed. photos were taken in Sai centers. this has happened twice. I am beginning to wonder whether I had a past link with Shirdi Sai Baba. Best wishes to you Sai Vichaar.

Valli Mohan
I am herewith sending, my sincere congratulations for your completion of first year of Sai Vichaar. I am very grateful and thankful to you for providing Sai Vichaar with all details and very happy to receive the same on Thursdays. I do feel everything is happening with Baba's blessings. Please keep it up and continue the same with Baba's blessings.

Suresh, India
In reply to last week’s Sai Vichaar in which Krishna Ghosh as enquired about Gayathri Mantra, I would like to pass on reply to him that there is no restriction on chanting Gayatri Mantra by women. Only puja is restricted during their (menstrual) period days.

Ramakrishna Madhavapeddi, AZ, USA
Regarding question of Krishna Ghosh of Canada-Every one can do gayathri-there is no shastra which prohibits women from doing Gayathri and definitely very useful. In Bengal, Devi saptasati is done on Dushera days. Ladies can daily do mantras relating to Devil-in south Lalitha sahasranamam is repeated. Regarding Vittal Anup's question, he may call this devotee at 840(602 NOW) 893-7551-RAMAKRISHNA MADHAVAPEDDI and I can give some guidance though I am not aware of Shirdi SAI Bhagavan's mandir.

Shailaja Divakarla, Australia
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the feature of the week this time – about Baba's focus on action rather than theoretical aspects.

I would like to reply to Krishna Ghosh of Canada's query as to whether women and non Brahmins are qualified to recite the Gayatri Mantra. In my opinion, if one is a devotee of Baba, the only two qualifications needed by Him are Faith and Patience. No other paraphernalia is needed. In the Satcharita it has been described that other paths like yagna, dharana etc. are difficult and do require certain qualifications and hence not all can follow them. But Baba is unique. His objective is to lead and lift the masses. His path is the easiest path. As far as Baba is concerned, if you have these two "coins" of Shraddha and Saburi, no other restrictions apply. So in my view, you as well as women are certainly qualified to recite the Gayatri Mantra. Sri Satya Sai Baba has also advocated the same as I have come to hear from His devotees.

Also, in my view again, a Brahmin is not a Brahmin by birth but by deeds. Baba has never supported caste and creed (the feature of the week this time has described this very well). And Baba is here to lead us along the "white path" and assures that He will continue guiding you in birth after birth till the goal is achieved. Hemadpant has also said in the Satcharita, that it is good fortunate to be born in a Brahmin family but better still to get Baba as Sadguru.

Response from Raj Ponnaluri (hemaraj@indiatimes.com)to the question of the week
What is the role of scriptures in our lives?

A tree's roots help the ground beneath from not slipping away into flooding waters, its branches help sustain a bird's nest from not being blown away by a high-speed wind. Similarly, scriptures help the committed devotee from not loosing sight of goals at hand, be it spiritual enlightenment or heavenly attainment. Just as engineers write project reports and scientists publish research papers, thinkers of the past issued their findings in what have come to be known as 'scriptures.' The essence of their thought processes and subsequent discoveries regarding all conceivable aspects of the Supreme Self are believed to be contained in these texts. Just as vigilant devotees pick what they aspire for, from say a 'Harikatha', so do individuals select what stimulate their mental activity when they read the scriptures. If soul-rendering hymns are what please particular devotees, that are what they choose. If information on nama-japa is what they seek, that too they shall find in these texts. It may not be further from truth to stake a claim that scriptures answer every query of each individual, be it a staunch devotee or a curious browser. With scriptures, the quintessential statement will have to be 'seek, and ye shall find.' So what is the role of scriptures in our lives? Plain and simple: please our souls to the maximum, reduce our woes to a minimum and strike a balance between illusion and reality. Myriad are ways to explain their purpose of existence. However, a credible explanation may not be entirely possible unless we truly welcome scriptures into our lives. As I write, this note makes me pose to both myself and you, what I believe is, a legitimate question: "So, when are you beginning to squeeze spiritual nectar from the scriptural honey-comb?" I guess the answer ought to be 'better now than later.'

Response from Alphanso D’Souza to the question of the week
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training for righteousness that the man of God may be completely equipped for every good work. (Quote from the Bible. 2 Tim 3:16) and as Sai devotees who accept Shri Sai Satcharita as their authoritative Scripture, how much more assured can one be for the very oneness of the individual soul with universal soul be quickened, if one is faithful, diligent and consistent in reading it with true devotion, dedication, reverence and perseverance. -Alphanso.

Response from a Sai Devotee to the question of the week
regarding question of the week--Role of scriptures in our lives.

Scriptures are guiding lights for proper living. It is seen Sai took scripture from one bhaktha to the other-Vishnu sahasranama. They are is a possibility of devotees being pundits without experience. When Sai found a person who was well versed in scriptures reading Bhavadgitha, he asked him what he was reading and pointed out that his intellectual understanding is insufficient to the deep meaning of the scripture. Second mistake, we usually feel is to think that scriptures of our religion are proper while scriptures of other religions are bigoted. All scriptures are great as they come out from realized souls and God is one though called by different names. In fact God speaks through pure souls who are themselves Gods. Guru is thus Brahma,Vishnu and Maheswara as Guru is spokesman of God himself. Scriptures guide us to lead a Dharmic life. One who follows them has artha and kama controlled by Dharma and reaches Moksha.The living scripture is Guru. THAT IS WHY as BABA tells of four friends going into forest and one who followed the compassionate God reached destination very safely.
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Sai Activities

Guru Poornima Celebrations 1999, Shirdi Sai Baba Web site Organization

Sai Ram. Another year and we are here to celebrate the festivities of Guru Poornima 1999, dear to Sainath. Shirdi Sai Baba web site organization would like to thank all Sai centers and devotees for sharing and continue to share with us all about Guru Poornima celebrations through Sai Vichaar. The following activities are planned in connection with Guru Poornima 1999.

Essay writing activity
Devotees and readers across the world are requested to participate in this activity by sending in their entries as well as by voting their opinion for the best three entries. In this activity, entries in the form of essays and articles are invited from Sai devotees on topics related to the life and teachings of Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi. Three topics will be given and the entries are solicited on or before September 1 1999. All the essays will be displayed on the web site from September 3 to October 15th. Readers and devotees are request to read each entry and give their vote. The results will be announced on Sai Baba’s Mahasamadhi day.

Age Groups The topics
10 to 17 years Shirdi Sai Baba’s miracle I liked most
18 to 25 years Sai Baba and Communal Harmony
26 years and above Devotees in Crisis and the help of Lord Sainath

Shirdi Sai Baba’s miracle I liked most: Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi has performed several miracles during His life time and even today. These miracles are intended to save His devotees during bad times and show them the right path. Please choose a miracle that you liked most and write an essay as to why you liked it. The essay should not be more than 250 words. Sai Baba’s miracles can be found in books written on Sai Baba of Shirdi by several authors. Some of the books are available on-line on this web site.(link)

Sai Baba and Communal Harmony: The essay may reflect the views of Shirdi Sai Baba on communal harmony and how that relates to the present day world. The entries should not be more than 250 words.

Devotees in Crisis and the help of Lord Sainath: Sai Baba’s help during times of crisis of the devotees is well depicted in several incidents in Sri Sai Satcharitha and other great books on the Life and teachings of Sai Baba. The difficult pregnancy of Smt. Maina Thai, daughter of Sri Nana Saaheb Chandorkar and Sai Baba’s miracle help by sending udi through Bapu Girbuva stands out as the best example of the result of devotees’ faith in Sai Baba. Entries on this topic should depict such help of Lord Sainath in devotees’ life during crucial time. The entries should not be more than 250 words.

The rewards for essay writing activity are as follows:-
Age Group I
1st PrizeUS $ 50.00 or equivalent
2nd PrizeUS $ 35.00 or equivalent
3rd PrizeUS $ 20.00 or equivalent
Age Group II
1st Prize US $ 75.00 or equivalent
2nd Prize US $ 60.00 or equivalent
3rd Prize US $ 45.00 or equivalent
Age Group III
1st Prize US $ 100.00 or equivalent
2nd Prize US $ 85.00 or equivalent
3rd Prize US $ 60.00 or equivalent

Tele Satsang
Sri Gopala Rao Ravada, Hyderabad, India has kindly consented to conduct TeleSatsanghs on and around Guru Poornima day. Sri Gopala Rao’s service has been included in the earlier issues of Sai Vichaar. Tele Satsangh includes Sai prayers, bhajans, kirtans, and Sai sandesh to devotees questions through the meditative efforts of Sri Gopala Rao. This is activity conducted over telephone from Hyderabad, India and more than one devotee can participate at a given time from anywhere in the world at times suitable. Please write to grravada@hotmail.com or call +91-40-7123926 for more particulars. Sri Gopalarao Ravada in stationed in Hyderabad, India and the calls would involve international/national STD if made from locations other than Hyderabad. Devotees are strongly urged to keep in mind of the limitations due to Sri Gopalarao’s time and other resources and are encouraged to contact Sri Gopalarao in advance for a schedule. Shirdi Sai Baba web site organization is profoundly thankful to Sri Gopalarao Ravada for this selfless service in spreading Sai message.

Bhajans
Shirdi Sai web site organization would like to invite entries from devotees for a Sai Bhajan. This bhajan composition may include a short verse on the glory of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The selected Bhajans will be musically composed and professionally recorded as an audio piece and featured in the Shirdi Sai web site. This is an excellent opportunity for devotees with a flair for writing and musical compositions.

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, USA
Sai Samsthan USA, 27 W 321 Butterfield Road, Warrenville, IL

Sai Samsthan USA is celebrating Guru Poornima at Shri Sai Baba Mandir on Wednesday, July 28, 1999. Sri Sai Baba is considered as an incarnation of Lord Datttreya, the parama Guru who propogated the "guru" tradition and knowledge. Later, Bhagawan Vyasa propagated the same through his "Puranas". The letter "gu" stands for darkness (ignorance) and "ru" represents its destruction. Guru, therefore, is one who destroys the darkness of ignorance. Sri Sai Baba acknowledges the importance of a Guru when He indicates the need for a guide who can take us straight to our destination avoiding all difficulties on the way. Baba personally instructed His devotees to celebrate Guru Poornima.

As a special event of Guru Poornima celebrations this year, Vishnu Sahasranaama Homa will be performed. The study of Vishnu Sahasranaama purifies the mind and hence Sri Sai Baba thrust this on His close devotee Shama in a unique way. We request you all to participate in the Guru Poornima celebration by sponsoring for one or all events. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir is located at 27W321 Butterfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555. Phone Number 630-653-4444. For more information on Sai Samsthan USA, please contact Shri Ananth Sonti at 630-790-3800
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Prayer Club

Anand
Please let me know how can join the prayer club? I pray to Sai Baba all the time but I need my fellow Sai Baba devotees to join me for my prayers. Can I get help? Thanks.

Prayer Club is a forum provided for readers and devotees to share their concerns, desires, and invite other devotees for participating in collective prayers. This feature is intended to highlight the concerns of those devotees requiring prayer for specific concern. This forum is open to everyone and readers wishing to participate are requested to go through the calls/concerns for prayer published in the Prayer Club section and include them in their daily or weekly prayers in their own way and terms. Devotees are requested to visit Sai activities around the world section elsewhere on this web site to know more about their nearest Sai Centers for Satsangs and other community activities - Sai Vichaar

Ira van Keulen Bandoengstraat, The Netherlands
I am Ira, a Dutch woman. Eight years ago I stayed in India for a year on a student exchange program. Most of my time in India I spend with an Indian family in Bhavnagar. They are very dear to me. I call them my family, I have three Indian sisters and one Indian brother. We are all about the same age. Since 1991 I went back two times for a couple of months. Last year I went back because my one Indian sister Soniya got married. It was a typical Indian marriage, lots of people, lots of food and a big ceremony. When she had to leave her father's house for her husband's house in Bombay we had to cry a lot. Not long after I got back to Holland the news reached me that Soniya was pregnant. Of course I was very happy, because I was going to become Ira massi (as children call their mother's sister in Gujarati). The pregnancy went successfully on its way. She was due on 28 June, but delivered the baby boy earlier, on 10th of June. Soon after the delivery it turned out that the baby was not healthy. He has spinal bifida or an open back, as some people call it. Within two hours the baby was operated on his back. Now he still has to be operated on his head to avoid brain damage because he has hydrocephalus or a waterhead. Still there are a lot of other medical complications. At the time he is at home with his parents in Bombay. The doctor told them to wait a couple of days before they were going to continue operating. I have not seen the baby; I have not seen my sister. She is crying nearly all day. She was not prepared for this; the pregnancy went really well. She loves her child enormously of course, since she has carried him inside her for nearly nine months.

I am reading Sai Vichaar regularly and I am reading the Prayer Club every week. This time I thought: why not send a message myself, because I know that my sister needs a lot of prayer. She is incapable of praying herself and not able to go to the temple because she has to cry all the time. I am praying for her, just like my sister Purvi, who introduced me in the world of Sai Baba. I wish I could be with Soniya and her child at this time. I hope you can take her into your prayers asking Sai Baba for strength. I do hope she will keep her faith in Sai Baba. Jay Sainath, Ohm Shri Sai Nathaya Namaha!

Jyoti Vohra, London
Pranams at the lotus feet of Shirdi Baba. I am very, very upset at the moment. Last night I wept uncontrollably at Baba. I have misplaced a blue, velvet pouch, which contains all my gold jewelry. Before I went to Moscow in August last year I placed it in a safe place in a cupboard. Somebody had come to help me shift the cupboards in the next room so that Sharps Bedroom could built some more cupboards in the master room.

I had promised Shirdi Baba that I would send him £11 to Shirdi in return he help me find my pouch. I sent the £11 in January & still have not found it. The beauty is in that blue velvet pouch contains a pendal of Sathya Sai Baba, which my sister had given me. Please, Please, Please everybody pray for me that wherever my blue, velvet pouch is I find it quickly. By the way thank you for the Guru Charita, which I read in 2 days.

I live alone & how am I going to explain my Mother that I have lost all my gold jewelry. Please somebody who can has some gift of getting in touch with Shirdi Baba please guide me & direct me as to where it is that I can find my jewelry.
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