The concept of Guru is unique. With careful observation, one might appreciate the existence of the concept of Guru in every way of life, in one form or the other. This includes all civilizations and cultures mankind has seen thus far. Could there be a substitute to Guru? If we can say that books can substitute teacher, we could probably say that one needs no Guru.

Could exercises such as meditation or just performing rituals compensate the benefits of having a Guru? Experiences can be felt or realized through several sources. However, pursuit of such an experience without the right objective does not constitute a spiritual experience. On the other hand, it may just be a temporary state of well being, without any permanent gains. Exercises such as meditation have been scientifically proven to exert a positive influence on the human mind and body. Several great men have practiced and preached different ways of such activities. However, temporary spurts of feeling good do not lead to any permanent transformations. This is evident from the rate with which such phenomenon have arrived and vanished. One reason for the failure to accomplish any thing major through these exercises may be the fact that enough importance is not placed on the importance of completely understanding the concept of Guru.

Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji during a discourse challenged, "Is it possible to meditate upon something unseen or unheard?". How many of us can truthfully do this? If this could be possible, then where is the necessity for Guru, for the objective of a meditation is the merger of meditator and the object meditated upon. Human intellect responds to attributes that it can easily relate to. Such an object makes the pursuit of the unknown easier. In fact, it becomes absolutely necessary for some, given the frivolous nature of the mind. Reference to Satan in some religions and Maya in some others probably indicate the same predicament.

The necessity for a Guru is well explained in scriptures. Guru's manifold functions, and the fact that Guru is the closest to God one can experience is also well illustrated. Realization that Guru is none other than God and He is nothing but the all pervading conscious, is truly a blissful experience. We find several examples for this phenomenon in Sri Sai Satcharitha including the episode of Madrasi Bhajani Mela and Dr. Pandit. Who might say that there is no need for Guru? The Guru Himself? How could a soul that personifies humility and modesty say such a thing? Baba said always, "Allah Malik, God is great!" and yes, He Himself has referred to His Guru many a times!
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Experiences of Devotees

Juturu Swetha
I am a masters student in the USA. Its my first few months here and I would like to share a small incident with those who believe in Sai Baba. I have been living in a lovely apartment for the past three months with two other wonderful girls which I should say I got hold of due to Sai's grace. While a lot of my counterparts have been struggling to get assistantships I am grateful that I have been lucky enough to have it from the beginning . One of my room-mate recently got an admission to another university and I suddenly found myself short of money to afford the apartment. I would like to mention that our owner being a wonderful person that he is agreed to reduce the rent out of his pocket but we still couldn't afford it. We looked at a lot of apartments, on foot, in the horribly cold winter. It was an ordeal I cannot express. Finally we decided to take an apartment which had nothing but a carpet and a roof on top. We both got prepared to finally move in. The day we went to the real estate agents to sign a lease I took only one check with me. Disturbed and unhappy that I was, I absently wrote "six hundred dollars only" at the slot where I had to write to whom the check was "payable to". The female in-charge said she won't accept the check and asked to get another check. We were already exhausted by walking about 6 kms. As I started to go to the bank, on foot again which was a few kilometers from there, she said she was leaving for lunch . So we decided we I'll come back the next day. I and my roommate went back home and called up our present owner who incidentally is one of my professors, to tell him about the incident. He promptly decreased the rent by 100 dollars and said that he would like us to stay back. I forgot to inform that these lovely apartments are owned by a fellow Indian and are always in full demand. He could have easily got other tenants without loosing a single penny. This might not be a heart rendering incident ,but all those things falling together was no coincidence. It was definitely Sai's grace. I love Saibaba and I only hope that people see the small boons he bestows on us proving that "if you love me, I am always there to help you".
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Devotees say...

DC, USA
Dear Vivek,

I read your experience with great interest. I have this suggestion for you. In order to get a clear accurate message from Baba(Lord Dattatreya) especially through dreams, the best method to follow is read ing the Sri Guru Charithra (saptah parayana) and the Sri Sai Satcharithra (saptah parayana).

I know because of the time limits it is hard to read both at a time. Try alternating it every week. One week read Sri Gurucharithra the next week Sri Sai Satcharithra. Read it with interest, but forget about when you are going to get the precise message. it will come and my experience tells me it will. I had these experiences when I was reading Sri Gurucharithra and occassionally when I was reading Sri Sai Satcharithra.

Read it in the language that you are most comfortable and the experience of reading will move you to tears generally, when you are really into it. Good luck, and take care.
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Sai Activities

All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, Chennai, India
Sri Datta Jayanthi was celebrated with special pooja on 11th December 2000. Sri Satyanarayana Pooja was also performed along with Sri Datta Pooja. Very large number of devotees participated and performed Satyanarayana pooja individually. Prasadam was distributed to all those present on the occasion. AISS also celebrated Karthigai Deepam and pooja was performed on 10th December evening.

Sai Samsthan USA, Chicago

NEW YEAR EVE & MONTHLY PUJA- Sunday, December 31, 2000
6:30 PM Dhup Aarti
Abhishek - Sri Sai Ashtothara Puja
Bhajans & Kirthans - Mangala Aarti
8:30 PM Maha Prasad
10:30PM Bhajans & Kirthans
12:30AM Shej Aarthi

VENUE: ------ 27W321 Butterfield Road Warrenville, IL - 60555, USA
(on south side between Winfield Road & Herrick Road) Phone:(630)-653-4444 .
For more details please visit http://www.saisamsthanusa.org
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Prayer Club

Sujatha Srinivas
Dear Baba, You know me very well. I was a sparrow dragged to your darbar. You recognized me? You know, we got married in your temple with the acceptance of elders and your blessings. You have been with me since more than 10 years. US is a new place for us. Then why are you testing us like this? Don't you hear me? You always say "You look to me, I look to you"! I am looking to you Baba, and humbly begging you not to test us like this. We are just your kids Baba! I believe firmly that you are with me in US also! I need your help Baba...I need you! I will stand on my words. Don't hurt my husband. If he makes any mistake, punish me! punish me! We are in dire need of you! Please look at me. Be with us. Be our father! Come to me! I beg you Baba please do the needful!
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Quotation of the Week

The hierarchy of saints and their various roles in the world and cosmos was a topic taught extensively to Abdul by Saibaba. He comments that to an unenlightened person, these saints appear like himself, but there is as much distinction as between earth and sky as between himself and these saints. In an eloquent description of the sweetness of God-realization, Saibaba declares that only those who had experienced this divine insight could recognize these great Divine ones. - Dr. Marianne Warren in "Shirdi Sai Baba in the Light of Sufism".
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