We have five senses that are used in spiritual saadhana. Out of them, the most difficult for controlling is tongue. Though we come to Guru for solving physical problems, we learn that this object does not satisfy us but we want to have permanent peace and happiness. GURU GOD ALONE POSSESSES IT. How do we get it? BHAGAVAD GITHA SAYS that only 'abhyasa' (practice) and 'vairagya' (detachment) can achieve this. Detachment is from desires and practice is control of our senses that run to the external world. In practice, the control of the tongue is the most difficult and the most important one to be achieved. Tongue dictates to the mind regarding taste and it rules the mind even when one is very old when one is expected to have given up all worldly desires.

Controlling the way we communicate is also very important. Either by talking or communicating by writing etc, one expresses his personality. If there is appreciation from the receiver, one is happy. The reverse is also true. A harsh word said to another hurts much more than physical ABUSE. You cannot withdraw the hurt you cause to another.

Bhagavadgitha says, "satyam bruyat, asatyam na bruyat, priyam bruyat napriyam na bruyat". The meaning is speak truth do not speak truth but sweetly, do not speak hurtingly. Hurt never love ever. Truth should be spoken sweetly. If you cannot communicate truth sweetly, keep silent. That will be better. Secondly, one feels many times that he has to speak truth and that too bluntly, to make the other understand. If you cannot speak to another, with out hurting you may better not speak This is the sadhana of controlling tongue, the most important sense organ God has given to us. Repeat His name and praise His glory but do not hurt another as both have the same spark of God in us.

(Contributed by MRk, Phoenix, AZ)
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Contributed Article: Speech

When I read the short feature article titled, 'Speech', I thought to myself, 'This is a terrific article. It is quite true and well intentioned'. I considered Sri Sai's quotations therein and soon wondered, 'Did Baba intend these words as they appear, or was the author using quotations to serve his own sentiment? Certainly his words echo instructions my own Gurudev often spoke, when reminding us that 'matrika shakti' is a very powerful tool, and that hurtful words can often have long term residual effects.'

The article immediately reminded me of a personality trait I possess. My speech is very direct, even by American standards; and at times, I have used words, which may appear to be cutting and abusive. Some Sai bhaktas have witnessed language in my private communications with them bring new meaning to the art of profanity. Even so, my words are served with love and humor, with the sole intention to seed new growth. There is not one among us who is not keenly aware how artfully vicious, sweet sounding words can be when used with impure intent. A simple heart felt apology certainly disperses the karma of impure action. If 'everlasting ill feeling' remains after one repents impure thought and speech, karmic debt is transferred to the recipient. Medical evidence reveals that suppressing our emotions, enduring suffering from prolonged abuse can often cause serious physical illness. Even so, I do not doubt the truth of the Master's instructions one iota. I remind everyone that when a Saint's words are taken out of context, and used to serve our own intentions, they often loose their purity. This is not expressed as a rebuttal to the article 'Speech'; instead, it is served as an addendum to the truth already offered through the written words of Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar.

While these thoughts were moving swiftly through my mind, I said to myself, 'Namdev, do not start writing another article of this genre. There are much more constructive things you can be doing with your time.' I proceeded to explore the Saibaba.org website, which I have not visited for a long while, and I was overjoyed to see how much it has expanded since I last accessed it. And then, unexpectedly, Baba performed a mischievous lila. As I clicked on the Sai Satcharita, clicked to a random chapter, I found myself immediately scrolling directly to the story of Bapusaheb Jog used in the aforementioned article. I was delightfully aghast. I felt that familiar nudge from my inner spirit along with its whisper, 'Compose an article for me.'

Please scroll to the next to last page of the 44th chapter of the Sai Satcharita (page 239 in Sri Gunaji's translation), titled, 'Bapusaheb Jog's Sannyas'. It is a precious story of a wonderfully advanced Sai bhakta named Bapusaheb Jog. During his later years, he very humbly petitioned his Gurudeva for the spiritual boon of Self-realization. Here is Baba's complete response according to Sri Gunaji's translation of the Sai Satcharita, "In due time, your bad actions (their fruit or result) will be destroyed, your merits and demerits will be reduced to ashes, and I will consider you blessed when you will renounce all attachments, conquer lust and palate; and getting rid of all impediments, serve God whole heartedly and resort to the begging bowl (accept Sannyas)". After some time, Baba's words came true. Bapusaheb's wife predeceased him, and as he had no other attachment, he became free, and accepted Sannyas before his death, and realized the goal of his life."

What a precious parable for the heart! Let us consider the true intent of Bapusaheb Jog's entreaty to Sai Baba. May we always seek the true meaning and intent of Gurudeva's advice to his beloved bhaktas. Aum Sai Ram!

(Contributed by Robert Kirk, New York, NY)
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Experiences of Devotees

Balachander
I would like to share with u all, the experience I had with Baba on my birth date i.e. 21-Aug-2001. Two days before my birthday only, I was telling one of my Sai sisters, Ms Saraswathy Aunty, that so many experiences of devotees are happening around us. Why Sai is not making me to experience his presence? She asked me not to say that and that Swami was always with us.

On 21 Aug 2001, my birthday, I told my office previous day itself that I will come a little late around 10.30 a.m. I was about to start for work on 21st, I got a call around 9.45 AM from Saraswathy Aunty after several attempts she made from 7.00 AM to 9.45 AM. She mentioned that a group of devotees from SAI Nama Sapthah Trust, Mylapore Shirdi Sai Baba Temple as a part of continuous chanting of Sai Nama, were coming for Biksha Vandanam, the occasion for feeding the people who do the chanting. What a Grace of Sai!. He came to our house, and we chanted Poorna Kumbha Manthra and did Ashtothram and one or two Bhajans and everything was over within 15 - 20 minutes. It looks as if everything just happened and I am still with that sweet thought.

My little daughter, Prashanthi, asked me in the morning only, "Dad why are you not celebrating with Cakes... Later only, We realized that we had bought cakes and distributed to the devotees along with thamboolam. Only at his Sankalpa he had come to my house and blessed us on my birthday... Jai Sai Ram.... I pray Sai to be with all of us and guide us for more service to all.
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Devotees say...

Le Mince Yvon
I am living in Paris. About ten years back, I came for the second time near a swami in Nashik. But he had just left his body a few days ago. So I took a car to Ajanta and Ellora. On the road, the driver told me that he would be happy to receive the blessings of Sai Baba because we were very close to Shirdi. I agreed and sat in the temple. I felt a so powerful Energy there that I told to the driver that I wanted to stay. Since I am going each year in Shirdi and the Shakti is transforming me. When I meditate in France, I imagine myself in the chavadi or near the tomb, and the same Shakti is coming. I visited several spiritual places in India since 25 years. But, at least for me, the more powerful place remains Shirdi.

A Sai devotee
Dear Archana, Baba is always with you. He knows what you are going through. Archana, I went through my divorce in 1993. I lost my job and I was very depressed. I was at a point where I wanted to end my life. At that time, I never believed in BABA. But some how he entered in my life and started to change my life. After six months I got a part time job through one of my friend and eventually I got a full time job at the same company and now I have been promoted as an IT Manager. Before my divorce I thought life was all about getting married and having kids. I was very shy and timid. Baba helped me to bring out the strength that I had within myself and gave me the support and guidance to my life. Now, on my own, I have bought a house and I own a small business. I think BABA put me through such a pain for two reasons. 1: He wanted to become part of my life 2. He wanted me to realize my capabilities and strengths. Now I have left my life in his hands and I believe 100% that BABA is there with me all the time. My mother always says that among all Baba's devotees he selects only devotees who could face His test and pass it as well. The test that you are going through is hard. BABA is testing your patience, your trust in him, and your love towards him. Do not loose your hope. Be strong and bring out that strength that you have within yourself. Do not loose your confidence. You will get a job. You should put 100% faith in BABA. The situation may get worse but do not give up. Think that BABA is testing you - pray to him and ask him to forgive all your sins and surrender yourself to Him. I will pray to BABA to help you. We are all His children and he wants all children to be happy. He will definitely take care of you and your son. SAI RAM

A Sai devotee
Dear Jyothirmayi Ryali, Please keep praying to BABA he will help you. Please do not loose your trust in him. Take this as a test given to you by BABA. Always chant his name, he will bear all your pain, and Baba will take care of your problem. He knows what is good and bad for us. He is our father, mother, teacher, and a good friend. Leave your life in Baba's hands. If your husband has an affair with another woman, do you think he loves you? I hope you will think this over and take a wise decision. Ask BABA to give you the strength to face the problem. I will definitely pray for you. Be strong and be cheerful. You are not alone - BABA is there for you. Sai Ram

Kavita
Dear Bindu Saju, there is a Vishnu Mandir in Unionville on HWY-7 and Yonge Street. They have Sai Bhajans on Thursdays at 6:00 PM. They do have an IDOL of SAI BABA. It is not far from Scarborough area. Sai Ram.
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Prayer Club

Rekha Tyagi
We live in New Jersey and have been here last 1 yr. everything was good until my husband job was good but suddenly, my husband's project was ended and it seems dark everywhere. No hope was there. Many interviews were held but all efforts were in vain. We just lost hope but, one ray of hope came with grace of Sai Baba and final interview came and then the call for joining. In between, we were disturbed but Baba always says to have patience and then happy days came again. Nobody was along with us except Him. He is alive today also and help His devotees when they are need. So, always believe in Him.

Mahalakshmi
Om SAI Ram, I believe in SAIBABA and have great faith in him, still for the past few days I am in a very confused state, just seeking for a job and still now I feel that there is no progress in that, Baba I have experienced your miracles and I don't know why I am in a very confused state, please help me out not to lose my patience and faith and be with me always

JN Srivastava
Om Sai Ram, I humbly request all Sai brothers & sisters to pray for my son, whose right foot is deformed as sequel of Juvenile Dermatomyositis along with extensive Calcinosis. Today on this auspicious Thursday, the orthopedic surgeons have opined that he may not come back to normal even after surgery. We cannot stand see to little boy's suffering. We believe that he can do anything. We also know that HE undertakes the test to see our commitment for SHRADHA & Saburi. But sometime we human being starts wavering. When will our turn come?

Shree
Dear Beloved Lord Sai, My sister is not a Sai devotee but is a religious person. Recently she called us and was telling us that she is not happy. She is young and mother of happy child, but she is not happy. She is a Ph.D., has a great job, a husband who is equally well educated and always encouraging and supportive. My sister went through a lot of medical problems and lives alone in a foreign country with her family. We think maybe her loneliness is making her miss family and that is the reason she is not happy. I am asking her to do namasmarana and think of you Dear Sai. I am praying so that she is happy. My Parents are both doing valuable community service and wish to see her happy. She is unable to express and does not know what worries her. Her child is happy, her husband is happy and she has all the comforts but somehow her mind is not happy. Please guide her dear Sai. I thank all the devotees for their help in locating a mandir in California Thank you Baba.

Padmanabha AH
It was in the year 1996 I was having too many difficulties. Although I was working near Whitefield, I knew neither Shirdi Sai nor Satya Sai. One day I happened to see The "Sai Sachharitra" in my boss's briefcase. My boss was a Vice President of our company, & I thought for a while, this boss's difficulties may not be as big as mine. So I cried from my heart if Shirdi Sai is TRUE let him help me. After some time, the things started changing without my knowledge. My new job & my flat were near Shirdi Sai Temple. I used to go & hold his Holy feet for help. After this, again I had a Job change. Shirdi Sai was keep testing my Patience. Although Shraddha & Saburi were his requirement, I never knew anything and I never discussed anything with anybody about SAI. One day my Supervisor called me for a dinner to his house and his parents happened to be a devotee of Satya Sai and Shirdi Sai. They gave me the Great Sai Sachharitra to read. My difficulties and financial constraints were so much I never had a chance to buy Sai Sachharitra. Although I read Sai Sachharitra casually, I got interested in it and started keeping the book in my Pooja place. The day has come to return the book and I called my Supervisors parents for lunch and returned the Book with due respect. I told them it is not an ordinary book and I was almost in tears. Immediately, they gave me the SAI SACHHARITRA, as gift .My happiness knew no bounds. By then, I knew Shirdi SAI was more than my parents, so loving ocean of mercy. Since then, I have been praying to him daily and offer dry fruits during morning Pooja as naivedya. My Sai keep helping me, taking care of my family and me every microsecond and what more do you want. I happened to see the Sai Sachharitra in boss's brief case in Gujarat. I happened to visit Sai Temple near my flat in Bombay, when I got my new job. I happened to receive Sai Sachharitra as my gift in Malaysia (Sai helped me to get a job in OVERSEAS also), is it not wonderful? . It is a PROOF again that he will cross seven seas to help his devotees. Everytime I read The Sai Sacharitra, I am moved by the way he help his devotees.
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Quotation of the Week

The Universal Master Shirdi Sai Baba's overall effort was directed towards developing His devotees control over their dispositions. All His informal advice and teachings to His devotees and all His thrilling parables , stories, disclosure of people's past lives and all His own life examples were aimed at one supreme goal; that of making men morally clean, inwardly strong and ever ready to face the ups and down of life, the turmoils of sansara or bhavsagar with a high sense of values and belief in the magnanimity of God who is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient - Dr. S.P. Ruhela in "Shirdi Sai The Supreme"

Question of the Week

Q. In interpreting Verse 34 of Chapter 4 from the Gita to his learned disciple Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Sai Baba asked about the meaning of the words "prostration", "questioning" and "service". What was Baba's explanation of these words?
A. by Priya Srinivasan,Omaha, NE
In the above incident, Baba explains the true meaning of the verse from Gita as follows:

(1) It is not enough merely to prostrate before the Jnanis. We must make Sarvaswa Sharangati (complete surrender) to the Sad-guru.

(2) Mere questioning is not enough. The question must not be made with any improper motive or attitude or to trap the Guru and catch at mistakes in the answer, or out of idle curiosity. It must be serious and with a view to achieve moksha or spiritual progress.

(3) Seva is not rendering service, retaining the feeling that one is free to offer or refuse service. One must feel that he is not the master of the body, that the body is Guru's and exists merely to render service to him.

If this is done, the Sad-guru will show the Jnana leading to salvation, the ultimate goal.
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Sai Activities

Guruji CBSatpathy visits UK (Aug 25 thru Aug 27, 2001)
Sri C.B. Satpathy, a prominent Baba devotee; chief patron of more than seventy Shirdi Sai Baba temples, trusts across the world, revered and lovingly addressed as Guruji, visited the UK over the long August Bank Holiday weekend along with Sai devotees from the US, France and India.

Guruji arrived into London on a beautiful sunny and warm Saturday. Devotees had a chance to meet him and seek his blessings all day. Later that evening, devotees were enthralled with a lovely discourse given by our beloved Guruji.

On Sunday the weather turned gloomy with overcast clouds and plenty of rain. In spite of his sickness, Guruji kindly gave time to his devotees who had come in high hopes of meeting him from long distances. This gave devotees an opportunity to spend even more time with Guruji that evening to share his knowledge and leelas of Baba. The mood was livened even more by Guruji's announcement of the formation and plans of a new Shirdi Sai Baba temple in the UK.

On Bank Holiday Monday the weather turned sunny again and it became clear that this would be an auspicious day when Guruji traveled to Kent in the evening to install a beautiful marble moorthi(idol) and padukas(holy feet) of Lord Sai Nath. The day started with preparations for the prathishta (installation) ceremony with devotees in an ecstatic mood. Baba's moorthi was taken to Kent on a 2 hour drive from London, via the scenic countryside, amongst cheers of "Sri Sai Nath Maharaj ki Jai". The installation, abhishek (washing and dressing of Baba), artis and pooja made devotees reminisce of Shirdi. Later, Guruji made us visualize the Chavadi procession (ref: Shri Sai Satcharitra, by N.V Gunaji, chapter 37) by his commentary. The evening was brought to a delightful end with bhajans sung by Guruji and devotees.

(Contributed by Manu Bajaj, UK)
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