Feature of the Week: Fear and Sai Devotion

In nature, when two individuals meet, either they are attracted to or repelled by each other, i.e., they meet as friends or foes. Their respective strength, position, powers; sympathies and attitude towards external objects will determine the question of friendship or enmity. In the case of divine beings, the attributes in question include superior power, vast strength and protection or help to all creatures. So, normally, fear and awe are the first responses to be aroused when such a creature encounters the divine. These responses are followed by gratitude and service, and the creature may subsequently rise to or be risen to the level of being in friendship and love with the divine. This is accompanied by the spirit of perfect unreserved surrender ending in merger.

Sri Narasimha Swami ji wrote that the above ladder of salvation begins with fear and humility and ends with transmutation of the fearing and separate individual self into the supreme self. Fear, like many other emotions, is seen to be a transient phase. Fear, though natural at first or early stages of contact must pass or be changed into higher emotions and sentiments. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. However, it cannot even in the lowest forms, remain unalloyed fear. In higher cultures especially, it is seen to be soon transformed to awe. Awe, which recognizes the sublimity of Divine power, marks a distinct cultural advance. Even awe must be transient. If not, one would contemplate their life’s time on witnessing God’s miracles and stay at distance from God. It is unhealthy for one to remain longer in this stage of spiritual ladder.

As fear is the most common, almost normal beginning of devotion, it is held to be a virtue. However, it is a virtue only at one stage. Fear is the teething ring or a rattle that has to be shunned away at one point in order to see the higher states of bliss.
(Inspired by "Glimpses of Sai Baba" by H.H. Sri Narasimha Swami ji, published by All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, Chennai, India - 600 004)
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Devotees Say

Darshan
I read the article in today's SaiVichar regarding whether to pray or not. Certain doubts have arisen in my mind regarding today's article. The author says that we should not pray for others and if we do then we have to adjust for the negativity by paying from our own karmic bank balance. Now, my question is that we have always thought that praying for others and praying selflessly is what is going to contribute to making one a better person, more compassionate and full of love. If we are not supposed to pray for others then why do we have prayer clubs?
From my personal experience, I have realized that whenever I pray for others, I am able to pray with more intensity than when I pray for myself or my near and dear ones. Also, my prayers are answered almost always when I pray for others but almost never answered when I pray for myself. A very recent example is that I lost my father despite the fact that I prayed and prayed and my Sai family also prayed with me. Ever since I have been unable to pray at all. I have not lost my faith, just the ability to pray. And today it came as a big shock to learn that you loose your own positive Karma by praying for others. Is that why my own prayers are never answered? I am totally confused. I would really appreciate if someone amongst you could clear my doubts regarding the matter. I do want to start praying again but I am only being pushed away from it.

Mamta, Jaipur, India
I would like to know if there is any Sai Baba temple in Jaipur (somewhere near the Jaipur railway station)?

Ravin Gnanasambandam, Ithaca NY
I read with interest the features on prayer in the last two issues of Sai Vichaar. Shri Swamy has contributed very interesting and thought provoking articles with references from scriptures and science. One may wonder if this would dissuade one from prayers or would make those pray ignorant. But we should always remember that spiritual matters most of the times lie beyond our intellect. This much is known about prayers that they are universal and they exist in every religion, civilization or other man made divisions one could think of. We have witnessed prayers done for common good answered. If the logic argues that to be just a karmic coincidence, how do we prove it? Who controls the timing? It may not be easy to completely comprehend this subject, much less to interpret. However, I feel that Shri Swamy’s articles point us towards some of the most important attributes of the spiritual self. Truthfulness in devotion and selflessness. When we pray for someone else’s benefits, are we able to feel their pain? Or should we assume that one can not pray for the other’s welfare for the same reason? If the logic interprets that way, how shall one explain so many miracles that we have witnessed, yes, miracles that involved those prayed for. We have seen such incidents happen at the Prayer Club of Sai Vichaar. It’s a belief that selfless prayers are answered. Under this premise one doesn’t lose ANYTHING because of praying for someone else’s benefit, because the premise by default stresses the most important spiritual charter that one does not possess anything. Who gives what.. to who? Are all prayers answered? Sainath said, "If Allah doesn’t allow, what am I to say". The fakir does point towards the role of karma in one’s sufferings. However, we also know that He is "Karma Dhwamsi", one who relieves us from the shackles of karma. This may mean at the outset that Sai would relieve the burdens of one’s Karma, please refer to Pillay’s episode in Sri Sai Satcharithamritha. At a different level, if not a higher level, Karma Dwamsi is capable of taking us to a state beyond we feel the effects of karma. After all, Karma does not affect the soul.

Shri Swamy’s articles did strike me with an important message. Prayers can be seen as a spiritual exercise towards one’s benefit, the state where necessities for prayers cease to exist. Something that would make one realize the bigger purpose not recognized by other activities including, yes, in some cases meditation. One may not feel others’ pain with the same intensity. This is our intellectual limitation, the very reason why it doesn’t come easy to comprehend advaitha. Very reason why the Fakir want of us, the two coins. Finally, prayers not done properly may not damage the one prayed for, the same premise that who gives what..to who?, but prayers done improperly may damage one’s spiritual pursuits. Honest prayers would make one realize the complete bliss of total surrender at Sadguru’s feet, while the other kind will only serve to reflect the self, the ego. I see prayers to be only positive and I also see opportunities for prayers to be more positive. Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all.

Sonali Kamath, Maryland, USA
Article written in Guide Post Magazine: What I remember the most about the summer of 1934, when Dad got his tonsils out, is how hot it was. The ice man hadn't been around and the last block of ice in our icebox had long since melted. Dad was recovering from his operation in the downstairs bedroom when Mom rushed out to the kitchen telephone. She called the doctor's office. "He's hemorrhaging badly, what can we do?" she asked. "Make a compress of ice and pack it around his throat." came the doctor's reply. But there was no ice for miles around and dad was too sick to be moved into town which was ten miles away. Compress of cold water didn't help. Daddy's throat kept swelling and bleeding. Tears filling her eyes, Mom said brokenly, "Lord, you take over. I'm lost." I was worried so I wailed a prayer of my own. "God, please help my daddy. Please!" The sky grew dark as dusk, then simply opened up. The hammering noise on the roof was deafening. Mom ran outside with a pail. She came back in 15 minutes. Dad's bleeding had stopped by the large balls of ice she'd collected from the heaven-sent hailstorm.

S.V. Swamy, Hyderabad, India
The following is in response to the query of Mr. Raghu Vissamraju in Sai Vichar, dated 15th June, which is reproduced at the end of this mail. "God can be visualized in 2 forms, Saguna and Nirguna. In the Nirguna form, He/She/It is envisaged as without form, without any attributes etc., but as pure bliss, pure consciousness. Very difficult to explain or visualize. That is why Saguna, i.e. with attributes forms are visualized. Why we have so many different Gods is to cater to the various individual tastes. Once we accept Saguna form of God, we are also adopting a Child Ego State vis-a-vis God, whom we are considering and worshipping as a Protector, Father/Mother. Thus any worship is some form of praise, which is different from sycophancy. Sycophancy involves attributing to the other person characteristics which we know he/she does not possess. Worship is to a higher entity who we think possesses the qualities which we lack. Another perception on the same subject. We too are of divine origin but because of Ego, we feel different from God. Thus we have cut off our power connection and hence are enfeebled. Worshipping and praising help in destroying our own ego, and thus reestablish / strengthen our divine connection, thus restoring our strength. Thus God may be thought of as being pleased with our worship, not because He needs our praise (an elephant doesn't bother about the barking of the dogs!) but because we, His children, who have drifted away from Him because of our ego which is because of Avidya and Agnana, are coming closer to him through prayer. The divine rule seems to be " You can't respond unless you are called!" The first move is with us. When we asked for freedom, probably we also have to accept responsibility for our actions. When we do need divine help, we have to overcome our pride which is like an opaque screen which prevents light from reaching us. Prayer and worship helps in overcoming the barrier of pride.

Sandeep Rambhatla
I am a Sai Baba devotee from Chennai. I would be much obliged if you could send Shri Sai Baba photos through the net, or please tell me in which place in your site I could get Baba wall paper.
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Prayer Club

Pushpa Patel
I am a Sai devotee. I read so many times Sai Satcharitra. and still I am reading. I am very much worried about my daughter. I am requesting you all Sai devotees pray for my daughters to get married soon. Let Sai Baba help us as he helps others. Please include my daughter in your daily prayers. I am confident that Sai will shower his blessings on my daughters soon.

Shalini Thyagaraja
I am currently a student doing my undergraduate studies in the US. I came here as a transfer student 10 months ago and am looking for an internship this summer. I really need to get this experience and am tired of looking around for one. So I would really appreciate if someone could give me any suggestions on this! God bless you all with health and prosperity!
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Sai Activities

Guru Poornima, Sai Darbar, Orlando, FL
By the grace and blessings of Lord Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, Orlando Charter of Sai Darbar will start functioning from July 16th 2000, Guru Poornima day. The major activities of this charter of Sai Darbar of Orlando, is to spread SAI Philosophy by prayers and bhajans. To start with the members will organize pooja and bhajans to foster Sai 's Principles. All suggestions for Satsangs are welcome. On 16th July 2000, the charter will start with Ganesh Pooja, followed by Bhajans and Arathi.
Venue: 5230 Conareef Ct, Orlando, FL-32810
Time :16.00 hrs
Please contact Sridhar Rangaswamy at shirdibaba@yahoo.com for further details.

Guru Poornima, Sai Darbar, Canberra, Australia
With the blessings of Sri Saibaba, Saidarbar Canberra is starting on 16th of July. I would be delighted to have your presence here in Australia with us as nothing goes on without your good wishes and support. So even if you cannot physically attend this, I pray you to be spiritually present here with us and make this occasion a success and invoke Baba’s blessings. Sai be with us in all our endeavors. For more information on Sai Activities in Canberra, Australia, please contact http:www.angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra or write to Anitha Kandukuri at a_kandukuri@hotmail.com

Guru Poornima, The Shirdi Sai Centre, Flushing, New York.
Gurupoornima Day Celebrations : Schedule
7.30 AM to 8.00 AM Sri Sai Suprabhatham
8.00 AM to 8.30 AM Prabhatha pooja and Archana
8.30 AM to 9.00 AM Kakad Arathi
9.30 AM to 12.30PM Maha Ganapathi Abhishek, Sainatha Maha Abhisheka Pooja
11.30 AM to 1.30 PM Special Bhajans
1.30 PM Mantrapushpa and Mahamangala Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba's Padhuka and Prasada Viniyoga
3.00 PM to 5.00 PM Sri Sainama Japa
5.00 PM to 6.30 PM Sri Sai Satcharita Parayan
6.30 PM to 7.00 PM Dhoop Arathi
7.00 PM to 8.30 PM Sri Sainama Japa
8.30 PM Sheja Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba's Padhuka by devotees and Prasada Viniyoga.

Generous donations and contributions are requested from all devotees on this Grand Occasion. For Puja Sponsorship and other details please contact Dr. Rao at 718 321 9243. Please join us at the mandir on this holy day.

Sai in Annadanam, Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India
Annadanam at the Leprosy Colony situated at Moula Ali, Hyderabad, was sponsored by Smt & Sri Vinay Tadvai of Austrlia . Around 150 inmates of the Leprosy Colony received the food. Saidarbar team thanks wholeheartedly, the management of Shiridi Sai Baba temple, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad and sponsor Sri Vinay Tadvai ,Australia for making this possible. Sri SAI Showers HIS grace and Blesses Smt & Sri Vinay Tadvai ,Australia.
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Experiences of Devotees

R. Easwari Prasath
Today what I am is due to Baba. Baba done many miracles in my life. I am a Software Engineer. Today may be I am very much successful but early in my career I met many failures. One day, I was totally dejected and I even thought of committing suicide but one of my friends told me about Baba. I started to go to Baba's mandir every Thursday. From the day one, I started to see the changes in my life. I became a team member of the prestigious department in my work place then by the grace of Baba I was immediately assigned an important job and I finished the job successfully. From the day I became a devotee of Baba, my mind became clear and my thoughts were filled with divine feelings. In my childhood I never used to go to mandir. But now. I go to mandir weekly. My life graph has been climbing upwards by the grace and guidance of Baba. I want to quote the word’s of the Baba which I like very much, "wherever you may be, when you spread your hand before me in humble prayer, with faith and devotion, there I stand behind you, day and night, as steadfast as your devotion is ". Finally, what I am now is due to God, he is behind me and guiding me. Jai Sai Ram
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Question of the Week

Discuss the role of meditation in Bhakthi Marg (Path of devotion)

Robert Kirk, New York, USA
Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!
For the last few weeks, I have noticed (that) the question of the week in Sai Vichaar had to do with what is meditation, and what is the role of meditation in the path of devotion, Bhakti Marg. Rather than answering from my own writing abilities, or thoughts of the subject of meditation; mostly because it is an absolutely huge topic, and I am amazed that so many Sai Bhaktas didn't immediately respond to such an important question, I have decided to use a practice, which I have been trained in, over the last thirty years, which is normally called channeling in the U.S.. This was taught and revealed to me by my first teacher nearly thirty years ago, and it is from this state, that I wish to answer the questions concerning meditation and the path of devotion. It is a form of meditation, and it is a form of dissolving my outer ego, and working from a deeper dimension of my personality.

I request (the Grace of) the Supreme Datta Triad, Swami Samarth Baba of Akkalkot, Sai Baba of Shirdi, and my deep love to Sri Datta (Guru), Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri, (all of) whose devotees are so closely united, as to form a very holy and ancient order of Sai worship. Without further ado, I will now go into meditation.

I welcome you with all of my heart. Before I speak about meditation and the corresponding application to Bhakti Marg, I wish to speak a little about prayer, since it was a topic for the last two weeks in Sai Vichaar. It is not necessary to analyze (the) movements of their hearts when indulging in communications with their God. Does God not hear prayers? Does prayer and meditation have such a close affinity (with) each other, that indeed, the words are nearly synonymous? Prayer is healthy. Do not be afraid to pray to God, to send your love through prayer meditations to loved ones. There will be more to say about this subject in the future. Let us now go to the subject in question, at hand.

Meditation simply means concentrating on an object, and through this concentration, the meditator and the object of meditation learn to join in the mind's eye. Meditation is a source of Universal phenomenon. It is true meditation that (makes) flowers bloom, trees bud, celestial bodies travel around (each other) in mutual attraction.

Meditation is the source of life for the mind's eye. When we are attracted to a form of spirituality, concentration on the object of meditation and the meditator become one, in the mind's eye. Gurus of the tradition of Sai Baba (of Shirdi) teach many forms of meditation. It is through Sai Baba's Shakti that a meditator and the object of meditation become one, in the mind's eye. God is the Light of the Self. He (She) flows through the heart of a devotee by meditating on their heart worship. Didn't Sai Baba say that, if you wish to meditate, meditate on the Atman. If you cannot do this, then meditate on my form as you see here. When a meditator meditates on their object of desire, the mind's eye learns to merge in that form.

In the case of meditating on the form of Avatara Spirit Sai Baba: the Atman, the Inner Self, or God will unfold Itself. This, in effect, is Saguna-Nirguna Bhakti (meditation): meditating on the form of God, to eventually have the mind's eye, in fact, be pierced by the Formless Reality. Do we remember stories of the great Bhaktas of Maharashtra, who through their love for Panduranga (a form of Krishna), had God (materialize), play, and rejoice with them? Do you think this is not possible (meditations) for Sai Bhaktas presently? I affirm the positive. Sai Baba (of Shirdi) lives now through meditation. Through prescribed meditations, one can learn to pierce the mind's eye, and have God reveal himself as you. I thank you for taking the time to be with me. All the love that is mine to give. AUM SAI RAM!

A Sai devotee, Vancouver BC, Canada
Jai Sai Ram and prayers to all. Shri S. V. Swami of Hyderabad has written interesting contributions during these recent two weeks and also in the past for 'Feature of the Week' section. Likewise, a number of contributions made by Messrs. Pallavi Vadrevu, Raghu Vissamraju, Jamuna, and Praveen Dandu last week once again stress the importance as well as trust in prayers, devotion, faith and patience in Shri Sai Baba. As Shri Swami says if one really succeeds in feeling total unity with Sai, by completely dissolving one's ego, there is actually no need for any prayers. But, as easily said giving up one's ego, to the extent of disassociating with one's body, name and appearance, is perhaps the most difficult task. Perhaps, successful ones are close to attaining self-realization.

'Meditation' in various dictionaries is explained differently. But, by and large there seems to be some agreement that it is 'a discourse to engage in contemplative manner and intended to express the reflections of the one who meditates' or 'a private devotion or spiritual exercise consisting in deep continued reflection - that is a very hard work'. The word 'meditate' is referred to as 'to engage in studious reflection; or project in the mind; or dwell in thought'.

Interestingly, one of my friends who have been practicing meditation for nearly 50 years on a daily basis for about 30 minutes has a different view. He says that what he practices is to eliminate all thoughts and make the mind completely blank.

It is in this context that we could view the role of meditation in Bhakti Marg and see what we could learn from Shri Sai Baba and His teachings. It is not easy to keep the mind blank without any thoughts at all. On the other hand continuously repeating the Lord (Sai)'s name enables one to focus on Sai and thus not allow our mind to get distracted with any other thoughts. No wonder that simple remembrance and recitation of His name or His feet is authoritatively indicated as sufficient to attain Self-realization and such practice of meditation is the simplest Bhakti Marg.
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