Feature of the Week: Worship Of Baba

The worship of Baba when He was in flesh and blood, was an unheard of phenomenon in the history. The fakir who went around begging for His food, was seated on a throne like a king at the end of the day, and was taken in procession with grandeur every alternate day! More mystic was the power He wielded over His devotees, Hindus and Muslims alike.

Muslims considered Baba to be a great Saint or Aualia. For Hindus Baba was Guru and God. While Hinduism permits Idolatry or worship of Guru as God, Islam completely forbids worship of any idols. Therefore, the Muslims of Shirdi had to endure the disturbance of Baba's worship by their Hindu brethren. One day, they hatched a plan to prevent Mahalsapathy to enter the masjid and worship Baba his usual style. They stationed themselves at the entrance of the masjid and prevented frail Mahalsapathy from entering His abode. Now, let us hear about this episode from Prof. C.R. Narayanan in his own words, taken from "Shirdi Sai: The Supreme" by S.P. Ruhela. "So, one day when as usual Mahalsapathy came to do his usual puja of Baba, he started to find his way barred by a few stalwart Muslims. Being meek and gentle by disposition Mahalsapthy retired to the wall of the masjid and from there started his worship of Baba seated in the masjid. When Baba saw this, He asked His bhaktha as to why he offered his worship from a distance. The masjid being small was visible and audible from anywhere. Mahalsapathy pointed out to the Muslims guarding the entrance of the masjid to prevent his moving in.

Now let the reader prepare himself or herself for another "chamatkar" from that God presiding over in Shirdi. His eyes flashed fire and taking His satka dashed it on the floor, and addressing Mahalsapathy asked him to walk into the masjid, do his puja even to the extent of anointing His entire body with sandal. The sound of Baba's satka was like a peal of thunder to the Muslims who trembled at its sound and were made mute by Baba's words. The gentle devotee Mahalsapthy walked majestically into the masjid and did his usual worship of his living God.

Here is the actual miracle of Baba. The beef-eating Muslims could have over-powered the little goldsmith (Mahalsapathy) just by a whiff from their mouths. The same Muslims could have overlooked the person of Baba sitting in the Masjid. Why did these not happen? It was because of the mystic power of God Baba was seen at its zenith. The walking in of Mahalsapathy into the masjid is a scene worthy of being recorded by a Poet Laureate. The Muslims designed to bar him, were reduced to pitiable objects and Baba of Shirdi shone like the sun in all its splendor".

Contributing Article
Logic vs. Faith
Contributed by Namdev (Robert Kirk), Brooklyn, New York, USA. MoonSwan@aol.com
I am happy once again to read S.V.Swami's long eloquent explanation of his logical approach to interpreting the reasons why people pray, along with his interpretations of it's relationship to karma. I believe that he has given 'insightful' dialogue about people's methodology. I do wish that he would substitute the word 'we' when categorizing his vision of the world. It is not fair for me, or for anyone in Baba's family, to be categorized.

I have no right to speak for anyone else but myself, nor is what I envision, necessarily what others see and interpret; however, I have not changed my feelings concerning the positive benefits of prayer. I also believe that those who were kind enough to express their surprise by using the word confusion, in relation to S.V.Swamy's essay, were simply stating that they disagreed with his interpretations and conclusions.

Logic has no aptitude in interpreting a devotee's experience of union with his or her Creator. Whatever motive prayer adopts, logic cannot penetrate the need to experience prayer, or in any way, can logic deny its validity. It is like trying to analyze an apple without taking a bite out of its flesh. Certainly, S.V.Swamy's explanation of those who pray for different reasons is well noted; however, his interpretation of 'karma' reveals insight into his psychological trigger mechanisms. I believe that this is the reason why several people responded to Swamy's past essay, 'To pray or not' in the 'Sai Vichaar' newsletter.

Hinduism has two basic interpretations of the world and its relationship with God. The Vaisnavite describes the world as 'neti, neti', 'not this, not this'. The world is an illusion and only God is the true reality. Disassociation with the world and its karmic ties is the surest way to liberation. The Saivite sees the world as the 'Pure Consciousness' of Siva (God)', reflecting and emanating throughout the whole of creation. The animate and the inanimate, everything within, and all that exists around us, is pure consciousness, to be embraced, and to be cherished.

For myself, I am a Saivite, with a deep respect for the tradition of Vaishnavism. I believe that both schools of thought can blend very well together, forming one's conscious reality, with partiality, depending on the 'color' variations of an individual's psychic framework, and/or, our subjective interpretation to the world in which we presently associate.

S.V.Swamy omitted one important aspect that motivates people in prayer, and I believe, this is the most prevalent motivation of all. People pray with love. Must one be purely selfless to love? Does karma hold any power over love for Baba? Is there anything that exists, or any action committed, whether pure or impure, that is not fully traceable to love, or the lack of love, or the quest for love in one's life? Love is the primary motivation of existence, from which, all is traceable. Is mastery of meditation an achievement of the mind becoming blank as S.V.Swamy seeks; or is it, God's vision piercing a devotee's consciousness with the most celestial lights, sounds, and fragrances imaginable? God is love! Once a seeker is blessed with God's vision, the elements cannot bind him or her. All karmic ties are severed. The state of Sahaja Samadhi begins to dawn.

Trying to discard the mind or the ego is like standing under a raging waterfall with a bucket, trying to catch all the water. The proper approach is Self-Inquiry: tracing the emanations of the mind and the ego back to its Source. For a devotee who has God's blessing, even when the mind and the ego becomes unruly and turbulent, God's love will dissipate the disorder like the sun burning through the clouds. What does a true devotee of Sai Baba of Shirdi need to concern themselves about?

Reflect on Sai Baba's life. Baba embraced all creatures. He never turned away a sincere seeker. For those who turn to Him, He turns toward them. For those who pray, Baba, as God, hears. Baba will give you what you wish, in the hope that one day, you wish for what He truly has to give. Accept what you receive and be content. Perform positive actions that are beneficial to your Self and others. Never be afraid to offer your heart and your prayers, no matter how many times people violate your love. When love flows, heart scars transform into wisdom.

In closing your splendid insightful essay, you wrote, "In the beginning itself, I submitted that logic and faith are poles apart. Prayer , in the end, is a matter of faith." My dear friend, Prayer is completely logical. Use Self-Inquiry to realize your own motives as well. This is what you asked of us. And most of all, when you approach the Dwarka Mayi of your heart chamber, as you take off your shoes, leave logic outside the entranceway as well. The Master is waiting there to embrace you. All the love that is mine to give. Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!
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Devotees Say

Sonali Kamath, Maryland, USA
Bhakti Yoga
The Need of a Guru
Every soul can become perfect through thoughts and actions. Man can reach this state of perfection even more quickly with a spiritual teacher or guru. A guru is the one that helps manshishya or student through his spiritual journey. Without the guru, man can come into all sorts of difficulties. There are pitfalls and negative influences that can sway the aspirant from his true path. Can anyone be a guru No, there are definite qualifications of a guru. The spiritual teacher must be pure in speech, thought and action. He continuously wants to learn and most of all, is persistent. Successes can come quickly and other times take such a long time that without true persistence, the guru himself can forgo his quest. The guru should also practice what he preaches as an example to his student, exhibiting a pristine character and personality. Otherwise what he says is nothing more than mere words. Lastly, the guru teaches out of love and not for any external rewards such as money, fame or name. If a spiritual teacher does not portray these characteristics, then one should not study under this guru.
(Sources Shri Sai Satcharita , The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda )

MRK, Phoenix, AZ, USA
YOGA- continued-
Weakening the negative forces and nourishing positive ones ,is the spiritual way. The method and discipline of doing this may be called yoga. If one turns his gaze inwards, he becomes aware of a larger spiritual life that was invisible ordinarily. This can be called yoga. Chittavritti nirodha is what Patanjali defined as yoga. When mind's activities, turbulations etc can be reduced and nullified , the truth is revealed. Along with control of mind, one has to develop benevolence, compassion sympathetic joy and equanimity. Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama and pratyahara are outer disciplines and dharana, dhyana and samadhi are the inner practices. In doing the practice, first requirement is to be seated comfortably, straight. this is needed for doing breath control- pranayama. The time and place also should be conducive. The best results could be obtained at early morning and when you are alone and silence surrounds you. If the spine is kept straight there will be help breathing to move properly inducing the prana or breath to move without hindrance. The purpose is to see that one is completely relaxed and enjoy the movements of energy inside you. Pranayama is controlling the breath. When you breathe in, it is called purakam. When you retain breath it is called kumbhakam. when you exhale breath, it is called rechakam. One should learn the proper technique from a proper guru. One should also learn the time for breathing in, retaining and exhaling as per fixed time scale. One can watch the movement of breath and thus get full concentration. One may also do japa simultaneously watching breathing or repeat mantra while watching the breathing. While breathing, retaining and exhaling one may repeat soham, aham brahmasmi, tattvamasi , om namo narayana. om nama sivaya. If one can keep mind away from all thoughts and concentrate on any one of these methods, one will enjoy the subtle side of self. With Asana, and pranayama one can acquire a feeling of all pervasive expansion, and body consciousness which is peaceful and clear. Pratyahara is the process of internalization of the mind and senses. The mind is anxiously running to the outside world with the help of senses. If this process is stopped by going into your inner being and use the mind and senses to discover the real you- that is pratyahara. Let us say, we repeat a mantra to obtain this internal concentration. When one becomes constantly aware of the mantra in the inner consciousness to the extent of the mantra alone is awakened whatever you see, then we can say one succeeded in prayahara. Similarly japa becomes so much of your consciousness, that without your effort, you repeat japa called, ajapa and see the guru or idol you worship whatever you are doing ,you succeed in pratyahara. Dharana is fixing and holding one being in God's power and ananda. If one is able to fix his mind at a point like hear center or between the eye brows with thought of God without conceptualizing him, it becomes dharana. Dhyana is meditation ending in prolonged absorption in the object of one's contemplation. Dharana flows into Dhyana. Patanjali says it is that state where the perceptions of the mind become continuous without any break. Samadhi-Samadhi is attained when movements of the mind cease which results in total absorption into that which is, call it God or energy. It is mentioned by Ramana maharshi, that mind gets absorbed fully for some time and comes back to thoughts. Maharshi calls this manolayam. This is temporary absorption. If mind ceases an individual or aham or ego is destroyed, it is manonasa where the I dies and he becomes absorbed in SELF OR REALITY OR GOD.
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Prayer Club

Annashank
A loved one is in dire trouble. I sincerely appeal to devotees to pray for her .She is a good soul and needs every encouragement. I request everybody to read the following prayer for her as an appeal to lord Sai who would act with care and silence ::

Oh Sai !
Thou art great Datta !
You listen to downtrodden !
You listen to all appeals to in your Durbar!

I am now in great trouble!!
I have appealed ! Several times to you Datta,
I am again appealing to you, I am entreating you ,
To save me from this Wrath !!

I wish you would listen to my Antaratma !!
My loud Cries My shouts, My entreaties
I pray again oh Datta Sai
So that you would listen like Hanuman
who was left by Rama
To give Succor
To such People like me
Who have no recourse
But to singly appeal to you alone
Oh Datta please help me !!!

Please ,please Sai we really need your help this time...we really need your protection from evil forces that surround us at this very time ..Only you can destroy that evil with you power

Sai Baba we lay at your feet begging for protection for a loved one who needs you now more than ever. Please get us out of this situation , its gone on long enough .. We really need you during this really troubled times .. You are the only light at the end of a very dark dark tunnel . We awaiting for the light to lighten our path Praise be the lord Sai..

Ravin Gnanasambandam, Ithaca, NY, USA
I request dear Sai brothers and sisters to pray for the happiness and welfare of someone I know and is very dear to me. This sister of mine lost her husband within a year of her marriage. She has a little son to take care of and I strongly hope and pray that Lord Sai will bless His daughter with whatever that is best for her.
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Sai Activities

SAI WITH LEPERS Balkampeta Leper Colony at 12:30 hours on 31-07-2000.
SAI DARBAR volunteers undertook this unique activity of service to mostly neglected Lepers. The afflicted received free clothing. The lepers were also helped with their housing; the huts were covered with plastic cover. All of them were given food and sweets. About 250 food packets and sweets were distributed during the 15-kilometer stretch using Saidarbar’s mobile Annadanam Ratham. Saidarbar believes that the following incident during this activity shows the Omnipresence of the Omnipotent Sai;

During Sai with Lepers activity, Saidarbar volunteers suddenly encountered a person claiming himself as Brahmin in shabby attire demanding clothes and food standing along leprosy affected people. By then, the distribution was over and it was found that only one dhoti was left and it was given to him. He immediately changed into new dhoti and demanded Dakshina from Saibanisa by addressing him as Gopala Rao surprisingly. After taking dakshina he left in a hurry.

The entire program was conducted on behalf of Saidarbar Baltimore Chapter USA and Saidarbar Team prays Lord SAINATH to bless them. Please visit for more details and Photographs http://www.saidarbar.com/saiinannadanam.htm, http://www.saidarbar.com/annamcamera.htm

Sai Baba Mandir, El Paso, TX, USA
We are seeking help of Sai Devotees everywhere! We are in the process of building a Sai Baba Temple and are in need of funds! We beg you in the name of Sai Baba for your help in this matter. Please contact Sai Baba, USA, 4848 N. Mesa, Suite 67, El Paso, Texas 79912 U. S. A. at 915-351-8388 or 877-751-8388 (Toll Free) or You may visit us at http://www.SaiBabaofShirdi.org for more information.
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Experiences of Devotees

Asha, USA
I am staying all alone in the US. One of my friends shared room for few days. But while she was leaving I was literally crying because I was alone again. In the afternoon on the day she was leaving, a small fly came into my house and till now it is with me in my house. So He is none other than BABA. I know that. Because I had many such experiences when I was India also.

Manohar Adusumilli, USA
For few Thursdays it happened to be very difficult to get up at 4.30AM to perform Kakada Aarathi. Even awakened by the alarm I slept again being lazy. But when I woke up in the early morning I used to feel guilty. So one Wednesday night I requested BABA to help do Kakada Aarathi. On Thursday morning when I was awakened by alarm at 4.30 I slept as usual again. But few minutes before 5AM a got a dream that I was in Aarathi which made me wake up and felt fresh, and my sleep was gone. I checked out the time and hurried to perform Aarathi at 5.15AM. So BABA is making me do Aarathi, nothing is done by me, NOTHING.
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Quotation of the Week

There appears to be some persons and some forces who will carry on the message of love and bring light where there is darkness. We have in our midst the great supermen, the God-made men, the modern Rishis. The age of Rishis some say is gone. But believe me, the Rishis and their benevolence and blessings is coming. The stream of Rishis has not dried up, but is swelling. I shall mention one clear and startling instance of a modern Rishi, as powerful as Vasishta or Rishyasringa, a saint as powerful and deep in his love for mankind as Jesus – Rangaswami Parthasarathy in “Apostle of love Sri Saipadananda”.
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