All of us are searching for the correct path to carryon our mundane worldly existence, everyday and every moment. Each moment confronts us with a new question, a new problem whether regarding our duties, family, society, body or mind. Then we seek for an answer and a solution. No sooner than one problem is over another unknown problem appears suddenly. The problems, about the possibilities of which we are aware of does not take us by surprise, but the ones that manifests suddenly are the ones about which we had not contemplated earlier. Then we try to find out if there exists any correlation between our own action and these problems only to find that in certain cases there is none. Then we start blaming some one else or the circumstances as we imagine of ourselves as the victims of the problems rather than being the creators.

For example, a car comes and hits us when one standing in the extreme corner of a street or towards the end of his life one suffered cancer in spite of all the precautions one had taken throughout his life. One visits a temple in a religious mood and some one starts off a quarrel or Panditji starts his journey on a pilgrimage having evoked Ganeshji but unfortunately gets his bones fractured as his bus turtles in an accident. Such incidents lead one to an Astrologer or others from whom some answer is expected. Yet, one is never satisfied with the answers.

Such a situation evokes the thought that if in this life one had not done anything which could have been the cause of these troubles then why are these happenings. Some people even think that if one is conducting so many pujas in the temple and feeding the poor then why is it that his child fails in examination or his wife falls sick? Unlimited numbers of such thoughts like the waves of a Sea often arise in us and create mental turbulence. When one links devotional or religious activities, like visiting a temple with the failure of his son or the sickness of his wife so directly, it surely proves that his prayers to the deity or Guru is not with any other higher intention than simply to be saved from all the troubles and tribulations of life. Such limited type of devotion is an attempt to achieve the desirable results and not to spiritually experience the deity or Guru. Such people at times leave the path when their wishes are not fulfilled. They do not understand that the effects of the actions of the previous lives also manifests in his life. Sudden and unforeseen incidents particularly are the results of the Prarabdha i.e., actions of the last lives. Unwise people do not want to accept the unhappy results of their own sinful actions. They desire only for desirable and good results to all their actions, good or bad. When in distress one feels miserable thinking that others are not facing the same troubles like him, but he forgets to compare the brighter aspects of his life with the sad aspects of the lives of others. Unhappiness creates such illogical thoughts in mind. Such limited thinking is like an attempt to stand on the earth and calculate the number of hills on the moon.

As written in Shri Sai Satcharitra Baba has advised to such people in the following manner:

• "The reactions of the last lives actions has to be tolerated in this life."
• "As you sow so you reap.."
• You must surely tolerate the happy and unhappy results of your past actions. In case such reactions are not complete in one life then rebirth will take place
• "I do every thing for one who remembers me always with faith and emancipation.."

Sadguru Sai had also promised "I shall help you to bear the reactions to all your past actions easily, if your faith and patience in me is unflinching. Many such examples can be found in Shri Sai Satcharitra.

Sadgurus do not break the laws of nature, but they manipulate the natural laws in such a manner that His faithful devotees can face the ordeals of life rather easily. Therefore, let our New Year prayers to Baba be thus:
"Oh Master, the ocean of compassion, we promise to destroy the results of our Prarabdha Karmas of the past lives by tolerating them in this life, but we request you to control our inner thoughts in such a manner that knowingly or unknowingly we do not repeat those sinful activities". (New Year 2002 message from Guruji Chandrabhanu Satpathy Ji, New Delhi, India)
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Contributed Article: Spiritual Rejuvenation: A New Year Resolution

The nature of human conscious is nothing but true bliss. However, it is thrown into the chaotic web of sorrow, grief, pain, pleasure, anger, passion and the countless grades of different states these emotions may have. The involvement in the cause and the effect is a tough whirlpool, a situation that is not easy to deal with and most in fact, yield to it. Scriptures are unequivocal about one fact, the significance of Sadguru and the faith in His as the means to achieve the state of true bliss. So, the encounter with the chosen path of salvation has to be the single most significant event in one's life.

Dr. S.P. Ruhela in "Shirdi Sai The Supreme" wrote, "With the speed of education and emergence of the age of logic, science and concern for functionality in every sphere of life, educated people of today do not have much interest and faith in divine or spiritual personalities and spiritual matters, their miracles and teachings which they usually consider to be rather very traditional, superstitious or out of tune with modern times. On the other hand, the sociological fact is that there is a widespread anomie (normlessness), misery, immortality and resultant insecurity and unhappiness in the world. Only the intervention of Prophets, Saints and their teachings of the right kind of moral and spiritual values, which focus on universality and nobility of man's existence can save the crisis-ridden contemporary world".

Sri BV Narasimhaswamiji wrote that the spiritual ladder starts with fear, and proceed with awe and gratitude towards the stage of contentment and bliss. It was an excellent observation that devotion for the most begins as a Thanksgiving and remains the same. Is devotion just an emotional gratitude expressed to the Sadguru, a feeling of thankfulness for a temporary material benefit? Perhaps not! It is just a beginning of a blissful process, a sign of more magnificent things to come. Let us dwell on these thoughts as the New Year dawns. Let us resolve to seek the coffers He has open for us. Let the New Year and the New Millennium bring the awakening, the beginning of our spiritual journey with our beloved guide, the Saint God of Shirdi. (Contributed by Sai Vichaar team)
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Experiences of Devotees

Azalea, USA
Om Sai Ram! In connection with the topic of 'Satsang', a few days ago I had written the story of Two Lizards concluding that the lizard in the Masjid had developed the intuitive power to know what was happening in Aurangabad [that her sister was packing her bags to come to Shirdi to visit her] because of her constant satsang with an Incarnation of God. Today I was happy to read a paragraph, which I had not read before. It reads as follows.

"The Bombay Advaita teacher Maruti Kampali, better known as Nisargadatta Maharaj [1897-1981] of the Maratha Navnath Sampradaya, stated how even an animal might attain jnana if in physical proximity to a guru. A dialogue between Nisargadatta and a devotee makes this point.

"Devotee Can any animal also develop a sense of reality
Maharaj Yes. If associated with a jnani, animals can in turn become jnanis, though they will never be able to express it through speech. Such was the case with the cow of Ramana Maharshi or with the horses of Sathya Sai Baba or Shirdi Baba.'"

Shirdi Sai Baba's horse Shyamsundar [as called by Baba's Hindu devotees and Shamsuddin by his Muslim devotees] was venerated by all Baba's devotees as an enlightened soul.

I would like to write about a story of a dog, which was a much-honored member of the family of my very close friend. All the members of this family are devout devotees of Baba. This beautiful dog had very attractive, kind looking eyes that always caught my attention. Gentle in nature he would come near you and put his head in your lap instead of sniffing your feet. He invariably sat with closed eyes, resting his head on his stretched out legs in front of the shrine room when these friends performed their daily worship. He remained in the same position until the last ritual was done and he knew what was the last line of the Arati. If the members of the family were late in going to the shrine room, he would circle around the members as if reminding them that it was the time to go to the shrine. He ate at the specific quiet place in the house and only if the woman of the house fed him with her own hands. He would go hungry if the woman had to go out unexpectedly. When the family went for the weekly bhajans of Baba, the dog insisted on going with them and always sat in front of the door of the room where the bhajans were going on, without making slightest noise or movements. All other devotees also had accepted him lovingly.

One day when he fell ill, the dog became very restless until the couple of the family members took turn to read something from Baba's literature. If I remember correctly, the cassettes of Baba's bhajans also pacified him. When he became very ill, he was taken to the veterinarian who told the couple that the dog will not survive for long and he could be kept in the hospital for care if they did not want to 'put him to sleep'. The dog started whimpering as if requesting his family to take him home. The family took him home. And after hearing a few chapters of Gita and Baba's bhajans, he passed away in the lap of the tearful woman of the house.
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Devotees say...

Sashwat Riazada
Om Sai Ram: In the recent issue of 27 Dec 2001; "Are everybody equal in Saiji's eyes". It states that a some of the articles in devotees corner were a manifestation of devotees' ego and had very little humility, which is characteristic of any experience with Baba. This simply is untrue. When Baba bestows his blessings, miracles rather the unbelievable happen. Das Gunu's Bhajan famous bhajan - Sai Raham nazar karma, has the burden - " ab kya boolon thak gayi meri rachna," meaning we have no words to describe these mystical experiences. The description of Sai Baba's magnificent miracles is beyond the ability of mere mortals and thus we may appear egoistic and proud, but reading the same with sattwic emotions will be able to gauge the depth of the author's happiness & joy.

The writer also mentions that he has been is so much trouble for months together and also writes that now he is able to realize what depression is and how it drives people to suicide. At this juncture, is this not the manifestation of Baba's grace that u have been able to weather the most difficult years of your life where ordinary people would have crumbled. Only by heating in fire does the iron come into shape. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THROUGH ALL THE TROUBLED TIMES BABA IS STEERING YOU. Although the devotee has not listed his problem, yet I would sincerely request a humble reading of chapter XX of Satcharitha. It shows the interpretation of Ishopanishad by the little maid girl. Very beautifully, it demonstrates that, "Happiness is a state of mind, not a reflection of ambient state of affairs." It is we little children long for the sweets whilst our Baba with his motherly affection gives us the bitter medicine for our own welfare. Needless to say it is my firm conviction that when Baba will reply you yourself would understand & be happy at how he saved you. As of now, our prayers and best wishes are with you. May peace, calm & tranquility adorn your life.

Shree
" Sai Satcharitha " nicely indexed on a daily basis for a seven-day parayanam is now available on the Internet at the following website: http://www.geocities.com/seenukv/

Manav
I was depressed, as I was not getting project. And I became restless. I thought of visiting Shirdi on the way to Hyderabad. My Baba's grace I could attend Kakad Aarti. I felt as if my lifelong ambition was fulfilled. And throughout Aarti, I felt Baba looking and listening to me. It was Friday. And As soon as I reached Hyderabad after that, I got a call from office that I am rush for a project. This shows that Baba listens to his Devotee, only thing is devotee should have a faith in Him. With this I thank Baba and my advise to Sai devotees to have full faith in Sai Baba.

A Sai devotee
Baba, I thank you for all the support you have provided to me ever since I came into your fold. Your help has always been timely and in spite of all the financial difficulties my family faces, there has never been any shortage of cash to tide over emergency and unforeseen circumstances and even now, we do not have any shortage for food, clothing and shelter, which would have arisen to many people faced with our problem.

Prasad V Nimmagadda
It has been only a few months ago that I began to turn to Sri Shirdi Sai Baba as my divine guru and pleaded sarvasya saranaagati (total surrender) with him. I started doing the 7-day readings (saptaaham) of Sri Sai SatCharitra and had the opportunity to do so about 3 times so far. Each time I did the 7-day "paaraayana" of SatCharitra, the following Thursday showed a sign of improvement in the situation I was in. With his divine blessings and guidance, I was able to overcome the problem.

I have been receiving this weekly newsletter for the past three months and have been reading it with great interest. I am impressed by the articles being written in this newsletter and I commend the great efforts the editorial staff is investing in making this newsletter available to worldwide audience.

I for one have become a devotee of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba for life. I derive tremendous spiritual pleasure through this newfound devotion towards Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. I am sure many of you can relate to this experience of inexplicable joy in meditating on Sri Sai Baba. "Sraddha", and "Saburi" are the two key elements of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba's teachings. You need to focus with intention; you need to be patient and you need to totally surrender yourself and your life to HIM. Once you are able to do that, you will see that your life begins to run on "autopilot" under the guidance of divine guru Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. Never lose faith; faith is what gets us through tough times in life.

With the blessings and inspiration of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, I would like to offer the following poem to you all for your thoughtful consideration. It was HE who wrote a set of 11 poems through my pen. This is the first one:
ParaMaavadhi! Paavana Daivika Loka Bandho!
SaraNaagatha Aartha SuPaalaya Prema Sindho!
KaruNaalaya! Bhakta Bhara Bhrutha Bhujaskandho!
Sri Sai Naadha ChaRaNam Mama SaRaNu SaRaNam!

Word-by-word meaning:

Line 1: Paramaavadhi - Ultimate Destination; Paavana Daivika - Pure & Divine; Loka Bandho - Friend of the World;

Line 2: SaraNaagatha Aartha - Suffering People who surrendered to You; SuPaalaya - You take care of them; Prema Sindho - Ocean of Love;

Line 3: KaruNaalaya - Abode of kindness; Bhakta Bhara Bhrutha Bhujaskandho - The one to carry the burden of your devotees on your shoulders;

Line 4: Sri Sai Naadha ChaRaNam - Sri Sai Naadha's foot (used as poetic expression for feet); Mama SaRaNu SaRaNam - is the place for my surrender.
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Prayer Club

Sivakumar
As you will be aware, I am desirous of being admitted in UK for MBA for obvious reasons known to you. Please get me admitted in a university in UK with sponsorship and a job Baba, I will be ever grateful to you. I am already deep in your debt and cannot repay them except express my gratitude. I once again pray to you my loving Baba, my grandfather, to get me admitted in UK.

Prema Nair
Sai thank you for having helped mom in successfully undergoing an operation. She was suffering for a very longtime. Thank You Sai so much for your timely help financially. Sai please help Bose to find a good job. Help us in all our troubles. Guide us Baba and help us follow your principles in our life. Thank you once again Sai for all the help and blessings, which you have been showering on me. Om Sai Shri Sai Jai Jai Sai

Usha Sastry
Sai Mahadeva, Mahaprabho, please be with me and bless me with a job in the New Year. My son is studying hard. Help him to get seat in good university & financial help for his studies. I depend on you and you are everything for me. Help me Sai. Om Sai sri Sai jaya jaya Sai.

SC Mittal
Dear Sai Baba, please take care of my daughter and son in law's marital harmony matter, health of mine and my family, marriage of our 2nd daughter, and confirmation in my present officiating post. We submit us at your holy feet.
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Quotation of the Week
Enjoyment cannot bring about satisfaction of a desire. On the contrary, it makes the mind more restless after enjoyment through intense craving. Man is bound to this world, through raga or passion or attachment. He is liberated through vairagya (dispassion). Sensual pleasure is the cause for birth and death. It is an enemy of devotion, wisdom and peace. This span of life is given to you for lofty duties, not for selfishness. Not to be spent worthlessly in idle gossiping, eating, drinking and sleeping, but to improve yourself, to cultivate virtues, to serve humanity selflessly and to attain God-realization. -Mata Karunamayi
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Question of the Week

Q. What is the significance of Baba giving away certain books to some people?

A.Robert Kirk, New York, U.S.A.
(Originally published in Sai Vichaar 2000, Vol. 3, Number 9)
Besides stressing one pointed meditation, our Gurudev, Sai Baba of Shirdi, also prescribed various scriptural works to be studied and contemplated upon.

On Guru Poornima day, devotees often came to Baba with a book in their hands. They presented it to Him for blessings so that its course of study would be fruitful. Generally, Sri Sai returned the book to those who offered it to Him: however, on occasion, he gave the book of one to another. As the devotees approached the Master, Sainath commented on their offerings.

To Kakasaheb, Baba advised, "Yes, these two are quite enough! (Adhyatma Ramayana and Eknath's Bhagavata)

To Lakshman, "Read Tilak's Gita Rahasya."
To Kusa Bhau, "When you enter this mosque, be reading Sri Guru Charitra. You should also read Dasa Bodha."
Baba commented upon G.C.Narke's offering. You are reading an excellent book (Yoga Vasishta). Get me fifteen rupees dakshina from that."
To Upasni Maharaj, "The Panchadasi is our treasury. It contains all we want."
To M.Lele Shastri, "For ten days, repeat the Upanishad Taittariya."
To B.V.Dev, "Read the Jnaneshwari and the Ramavijaya."

Bhakta M.B.Rege of Indore came to darshan with no book at all. Baba replied, "You are right! Do not read any book. These people think that they will find Brahman in books; however, they only find bhrama (confusion). It is enough if you keep me in your heart and make the heart harmonize with the head." I hope this Guru Poornima holiday finds all Sai's Bhaktas, happy and in peace. I spent the day imagining how wonderful it must have been for these blessed devotees. I am reminded of past Guru Poornima holidays spent with my teachers who were Sai Bhaktas. How much I miss them. I thought today, "What would I come to our Sainath with on this Guru Poornima holiday?" I am reminded how little studying I do these days and would probably come with no book at all; however, my mind has entered my library and reached for the Sri Tripura Rahasya and Sant Jnanadev's Jnaneshwari. I would lovingly give these spiritual majestic works to our Babaji and whisper in His ear, "Gurudev, I have not yet studied a translation of Sri Eknath's Bhagavata. Happy Guru Poornima!"
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Sai Activities

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA organized by saibaba.org
"Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra" is officially underway in USA and will run for the next several months. You may participate in this event by inviting Baba's picture to your home. Register yourself to participate and become an Anchor home in your locality or just be a host home. Visit online at http://www.saibaba.org/yatra/saiyatra.html for all the details and to register.

For questions, comments or suggestions send us an email at maildrop@saibaba.org with the subject line of "Shri Sai Chitra Yatra"
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