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Sai Vichaar 1. Feature of the Week: Sai Baba of Shirdi and Humility 2. Sai Activities 3. Devotees Say 4. From the Editor's Keyboard From the editor's keyboard..... Ms. Tailor has raised an important point in asking the Sai Vichaar to include material aiming at younger readers (please see Devotees say…section). One of the divine duties of disciples is to spread the word of the Guru. This concept of preaching or propagating the holy message is an important part of a spiritual mission. We are aware of the role of twelve Apostles in the Bible. In ancient Hindu tradition we see examples of Vaishnavite (followers of Lord Vishnu) and Shiviite (followers of Lord Shiva) messengers who dedicated their lives in the service of their lord. In Sai Satcharitha the services of Das Ganu maharaj stands out as another citation for such a mission. The roles of Ramakrishna and Chinmaya mission in the present times are other examples. The media through whom a philosophy is spread, has to be conscious of the readers’ background and spiritual awareness. Variations in the culture, location, language, personal beliefs, and faith are to be taken into account while spreading the message of Sainath. It is requested that devotees making contribution to Sai Vichaar be aware of the above issues while reflecting the divine grace through their contributions. Attempts to adapt the content, language, style and presentation appropriate for a wider readership will be more fulfilling in a global forum. Humbly yours, The Editor |
Feature of the week: Sai Baba of Shirdi and Humility A well-known passage in Sri Satcharitha refers to the Saint referring Himself to human excreta ! Is there any other way a realized soul can express His humility? Can it be a reflection of His disgust? Dispassion ?. It is His wisdom! Sai Baba has His peculiar ways of expressing Himself. They are indirect yet piercing, graphic yet subtle. Followers having faith in His predisposition still experience His characteristic miracles in their lives everyday. Sadguru Sainath lived His entire physical life by begging food and living off of a dilapidated building reverentially referring it to masjid or mosque (place of worship for people of Islamic faith) or dwarakamayi (referring to the place of Lord Krishna revered by Hindus). We have no account of Sainath having accrued any form of wealth. Every penny that was offered to Him throughout the day was distributed to others by the end of the day. He often said that poverty is more precious than kingship. Acharya E. Bharadwaja, one of the most blessed devotees of Sadguru Sainath wrote about Baba’s estate as follows..”Everything is God’s creation, and God’s own. Yet, He possesses nothing and covets nothing. On the other hand he lavishes all that is His on His creatures, although only a few can receive what He gives. Others have eyes but do not see; they have ears but do not hear; they have understanding but do not consider.
The greatness of a saint or prophet depends on how near he is to this aspect of God. And such God-men arise amidst us only to tell us to be perfect, even as the Father in heaven is perfect”.
Sai Activities: It requires everyone’s help to give an opportunity for the disabled to lead a productive life with self esteem and hope. In its small way, the foundation has lead way through its impressive accomplishments aimed at alleviating some of the suffering and misery of the needy in India. Acomplishments of the Shamdasani foundation in India includes Shirdi Sai Baba Hospital in Vadu, Shirdi Sai Baba Nursery and Care center for babies born blind, in Poona, Shirdi Sai Baba Hospital for Leprosy patients in Anandwan, Shirdi Sai Baba Home for aged blind woman in Poona, Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital in Manipal, Shirdi Sai Baba Community Chest in Bombay, Shirdi Sai Baba Anand Ashram for destitute girls in Madras, Shirdi Sai Baba School for deaf and mute in Poona, and Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Madras. |
The foundation thanks everyone who supported them over the years in their endeavors, without whom the above projects would not have been possible. At present, the Shamdasani Foundation is raising funds for the construction of Shanti Niketan at Shirdi – the land of Sai Baba. Shanti Niketan is the home for aged women in distress and will be first of its kind. It will have a capacity of 50 inmates when completed. With an area of 4500 sq. ft., it will have a ground floor and two floors above it. More importantly, the site is walking distance from the Shrine. The Shamdasani foundation informs us that, at Shanti Niketan, aged women will be treated with respect and love. To keep themselves occupied, they can take up easy jobs to help themselves, and also do some handcrafts to help the community. Inmates can enjoy walks to the Shrine and avail of the darshan of Sai Baba, attend artis and prayers. Having just started, this project will take a year to complete. The estimated cost of construction and provision of all the free facilities is approximately $ 150,000. We offer our prayers and are confident that Baba will help through His children in successful completion of the project. Contributions to the Shamdasani Foundation can be sent to,
The Shamdasani Foundation
Devotees say... Reena Tailor suggested…”Writing in reference to the newsletter, It may be an idea if some literature could be aimed at younger readers, who may not understand some meanings fully. I'm 19, and sometimes have difficulty in following what is written, although I'm interested and want to know more”. Thank you. Dear Ms. Reena Tailor, we at Sai Vichaar thank you so much for expressing an important concern. We will strive every bit to address this issue as we progress. As it is already known, more about the Saint God of Shirdi can be known through reading other sections of this web site. Please feel to write to us if you would like to see more on specific topics addressed in Sai Vichaar. It is our faith that Sainath will inspire the right message for everyone. Thank you. The Editor.
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