Is there any such thing as spirituality? To accept spirituality is to accept the concept of God. Spirituality revolves around GOD or the supreme soul at its core. Everything emanates out of GOD. That is the fundamental point put forth in all the scriptures, religions and by enlightened ones. If something emanates then it has to end and it is said that everything ends in GOD. Hence GOD is one with no beginning, no end, ageless, timeless, space less, dimensionless and is also referred to as void. It is said that everything that exists and that we see was created out of God's will and is hence referred to as his creation or manifested form.

The manifested form had to sustain or had to have a life of its own, hence laws were created to reproduce, sustain, destroy the various countless objects and species that contribute to these manifested forms. Laws exist for each manifested object and species from the smallest to the greatest. Some we have discovered over time like the laws pertaining to our planet and species that exist in our planet. These known laws of nature form the basis of all branches of Science. All the laws that are known to us thus far are limited to what can be experienced through our five senses of touch, smell, sight, sound and feelings. This is so true for the species and objects around us also. After creating the universe, God is said to have felt the need of a creature that can appreciate his creation and had the intellect to differentiate between these manifested forms and the pure unmanifested form. So God created mankind. Like other laws of nature, laws were created to reproduce, sustain, and destroy the human being. Since God wanted this creature to have the intellect, he created a reflection of his own self called the soul to reside in each human being. To follow everything else in nature, Laws were also applied to the soul as well. The human body follows the laws prescribed to reproduce, sustain, die and the laws of other sciences, whereas the laws of the soul are not clearly visible to the five senses that this human body possesses.

Spirituality is the path that enlightens one to the laws governing the soul, its effects and the path that a soul needs to take. Spirituality is one such science that is mystical and not yearned for, since no gain is visible to the seeker. Unknown the soul traps itself in this dilemma of not knowing the reality and falling into the cyclical laws of nature viz. reproduce, sustain and destroy. At the appropriate moment, the soul is made aware of its reality by associating with the wise ones and from then on it embarks in spiritual pursuits. Even while pursuing spiritual paths, both the body and soul are subject to the laws of the nature. That is what makes the path of spirituality very difficult to pursue. To successfully tread the path of spirituality a Guru or teacher is needed who can safely guide the soul through the difficult path. On this day, let us pray to Sadguru Shri Sainath to grace all the souls and help each soul in its journey.

Contributed Article: Potsherd

I never exactly know what I will write when I sit to compose an article for Sai Vichaar. I think about things that effect me, and the current topics discussed in previous issues. I then empty my thoughts and allow my inner being to take over. It is always with the prayer that, what I compose, is appropriate and guided by Gurudeva. Special prayers are offered today, with the hope that somehow, someone brings sanity to the issues of Kashmir. In the U.S., most now cherish the wondrous insights of our Native American culture. Perhaps one day, the new residents of Kashmir will learn to cherish the extraordinary insight embraced by the original Native Kashmir culture. They left us a wealth of knowledge, and are certainly founding Fathers of breathtaking spirituality.

A few weeks ago, someone wrote a splendid article about Sai Baba and Javhar Ali. I believe that this Sai Lila, which appears in the fifth chapter of the Sai Satcharita, is filled with insight concerning the Guru-disciple relationship. With the author's permission, I wish to add just a few additional lines to this lovely parable. Devidas was a close friend of Sainath. When he returned home and noticed Sai Baba's peculiar behavior toward Javhar Ali, he decided to test him to see why Sai Baba took the role of student. Finding that Javhar's inner knowledge fell far short compared to his ability to sway people by his sweet words and his vast scriptural memory, he proceeded to humiliate him. Unable to accept reform at that time, Javhar Ali left Shirdi, not to return for several years. Sai Baba, who witnessed these interactions, later spoke these words. "It is not the Guru who makes himself your Guru. It is you who place faith in him, regarding him as your own. Take a potsherd (a pottery fragment) and regard it as a spiritual guide, and see if your goal is reached or not."

These words of Sai Baba are spiritual gemstones. They contain many meanings to me, and are worthy of lifelong contemplation. When people approached my own Babaji and asked him whether or not he was their Guru, he would always respond, "Are you my devotee?" I repeat Sainath's words. "It is not the Guru who makes himself your Guru. It is you who place faith in him, regarding him as your own." Choosing a teacher wisely is very important.

The Sai Baba movement has grown so enormous in numbers. Everywhere, you find people wanting to share their voice. Often it seems that the better you can quote the Sai Satcharita, the more able you can win the respect of others. I have grown accustomed to the words; Baba always said to never speak ill of others unnecessarily, Baba never blew mantras in peoples ears, Baba never prescribed scriptural study, as a possible prelude for someone about to say something prejudiced. A few weeks ago, it was a prelude to words like; Moslems and Christians do not believe in worshipping God in all forms, Christians do not worship idols, and by comparison, Hinduism is not based on rituals. How would Devidas react to gorgeous in-depth quotes from the Sai Satcharita, being used to support false profiling of Moslems and Christians? Is it any wonder that the world is as it is? My dear Sai family, please lighten the heart of this aging bhakta. Sometimes, use less quotes, and try to share exactly what it is you experience of your own Self and your relationship with our Beloved Sainath. And please, say things that you know by direct experience. May the blessings of Sai Baba of Shirdi open our hearts more and more each passing moment. Aum Sai Ram! (Contributed by Robert Kirk, New York, USA)

CONTRIBUTED POEM: Sai My Lord

Experiences of Devotees

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra Anchor Home, Houston, TX
Om Sairam. With Baba's grace and blessings we started Saichitra yatra on 10th Jan in Houston with great enthusiasm and devotion. As we had more list of waiting members, I again contacted Saibaba.org for more pictures and I was talking with web admin on 30th Jan. I just told him the position and conveyed him the need of more pictures. While talking, he himself told that they had some books of Baba for distribution and also he talked about the book written by Arthur Osborne. He told that that it works like a good introduction to those new to Baba. I accepted his offer and requested a few books. In fact just a few days before my talk one member of our Satsangh Mr.Venkat was enquiring in the temple for a book on Baba as he had no books. On 1st feb we received the parcel of the books and on 7th Feb, Thursday Venkat got Saisatcharitra. Baba fulfilled his wish of having the book. On the same day of 7th Feb another fellow devotee Smt. Nihan Paloba was talking to me and asked for a book on Baba as she wanted to introduce Baba to her friends. When she was talking with her friends about Baba they asked for a book on Baba. When she looked at the book of Arthur Osborne she picked it up though I recommended Saisatcharitra (English version). Baba's ways are unpredictable. He sent Shama to Kakajivaidya the priest of Saptasringhi when he was looking for a person who can guide his trip to Shidi. Is not the above thing similar to that. Baba used us to reach the books to the hands of the needy. Some of our fellow devotees are returning the pictures after the turn of their worship with a heavy emotional heart. Is it not the unseizing love of Baba towards us? Om Sai Sri Sai Jai Jai Sai!

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra Anchor Home, Beaverton, OR
I am a Saibaba devotee along with my family since 1988. Later, we have had innumerable incidents in our lives to quote as miracles of Sri Saibaba. We contacted saibaba.org, offering to anchor Shirdi Saibaba Chitra Yatra in our home town. Recently, I lost my job with the existing group and my company gave me some time to search for an another job within the same company with the other groups. I started sending my resumes to various groups and friends. One of my friends, by Baba’s grace, sent my resume to his ex-colleagues. They instantly liked my resume and wanted to interview on the 28th of January afternoon. This I came to know only on that morning. I went home for lunch and opened the mailbox and to my surprise I found the priority mail cover sent by saibaba.org. My daughter gave me the cardboard tube containing Saibaba Photo. I immediately opened all the mail to see the "puja" items and the photo. I felt very happy on this incident. Then after lunch, I attended the interview and the result is obvious to any Baba devotee. Baba offered me the new job in that new group. That same evening, my friend who forwarded my resume to this new group, invited us for "Sri Satya Nararayna Vratham" which he performed on that day (Jan 28th, 2002 was a Full Moon day) in his home. Before this, we performed Sri Satyanarayana puja two times in January, in our home. So, if we try to relate all these incidents together, Baba’s miracle unfolds. When I requested Baba’ help in my distress, first He came to my home, then helped me getting out of my troubles and then He made me to attend Sri Satyanarayana puja on the same day to confirm my belief in Satyanarayana puja.
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Devotees say...

Padma
Om Sai Ram, I cannot express my gratitude and thanks to the creator of Sai Pooja Room in Flash. It is so beautiful. Once while at work I went to this page and offered my prayers and from then on I have started doing my regular prayers at this page. I feel that I am praying more sincerley here than when I do at home. At home I am always rushed, but here I am at work and start the day by offering pooja to Sai Baba. I then take out on my headphones while working and keep listening to the slokas when I get time. Thanks for giving me this great opportunity. (To access the Sai Pooja room in flash, please visit http://www.saibaba.org and follow the links to Sai Pooja room)

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra Anchor Home, CA
I just wanted to let all the devotees know that we had two hours bhajans on last Saturday and our Dearest Baba did come to rescue us. The weather was perfact, no rain, no clouds and no winds. Everyone felt Baba's presence and Baba droped few flowers from His pictures and showed us that He is listening to our Bhajans. We had plenty of bliss, happiness and plenty of food. Everyone was happy and full of bliss. Thank you Lord soooo much for being the most Loving and Merciful Father and Mother to this little pinky, who cannot do anything without your help. Please Baba be with us all the time and we see you in everywhere and in everyone. Oh Lord or Lords, kindly shower your kindness and blessings upon all of us.

Sai Devotee
I would like to share with my sai brothers and sisters. I have been praying Baba for basic desires to live in peace. I received his blessings and got a job. Koti namaskaramas sairam. Please guide us in every way. I was very happy when I got a small photo of Baba

Sandeep Kappor, NJ
Sai Ram. I would like to share with you my experience of how Baba draws his devotee. Last wednesday, it just occurred to me with baba's blessing that I should offer baba with Bananas and Grapes on Thursday morning pooja in Jersey City. I took the desired fruits and placed at the lotus feet of Baba. After Baba's blessings we all had prasad. Similarly, on Friday as per desire of Baba I was asked to buy four sets of Bananas and Grapes to be offered to Shri Gurunanakji in a Gurudwara in Flushing,Shri MahaVallabha Ganapati, temple in Flushig,Shri Mahalaxmi Devi temple in Flushing and Shiri Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Flushing. As per Baba desire, I performed my pooja and offered my fruit basket to respective gods. When I visited Baba's temple in Flushing,New York, I put the grapes and Bananas at the lotus feet of Baba and saw that a flower droped from baba's garland after I placed the desired fruits at Baba's feet. I was so happy and thought that Baba desire to have Bananas and Grapes drew me to his temple. It was his blessings that I could serve him. Sachha Teri Nam Sai Nam !
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Prayer Club

Sai Devotee
Dear Sai, As you know I have committed a huge mistake in my life, despite being your devotee. Please forgive me. You knew it was not right, then why did you not stop me from doing that. Now all I can ask you is to forgive me for that ( "Agar balak, maa se bichhad jaaye to uski raksha kon karta hein, aur phir mein aapka balak hi to hoon"). Everything that happens is according to your wish. You are my guru, parents and friend. As a friend I would argue that if something good happens to me its because of you, similarly if I mistake then you should be responsible for that. Also please bring stability to my mind. I know you will, because I have complete faith in you.

Shalini Agarwal
My sisters took me to Shirdi. I know Baba made them the means to visit Shirdi. Baba made me have mental peace. Even made my son so wise. Please baba what happened to my Husband suddenly? He is bright and respected and has money, starts saying weird things to me, totally foolish. Please baba guide me to understand him. He has been having these moments a lot. I have peace because of you but teach him to be satisfied and happy. Teach my children to have peace. Guide our family and call all of us to your darshan. Pranam Baba

Sai Devotee
Dear Sai, As you know my husband is suffering for a long time with a serious medical condition. No amount of medication or doctor's visit seem to help him. Now, due to his parents suggestion, he is convinced that moving permanently back to India will help him get cured. Please Baba lay your hand on him and heal him. Strengthen him so that he no longer needs any medication. You are our only hope and I know I can leave this burden at your feet. Om! Shri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai. Your faithful and devoted believer.

Bindu
Dear Baba, I'm in a total confused state, my current project is over , and by your grace i got one in US, but it seems very far and i dont know anybody there,i have to leave my family behind . What do i do, please guide me.

Rohit Suri
Om Sai Ram. I am your devotee Baba, please do something so that my love comes and talks to me . I am not able to work and consentrate on anything except her. Thank you Baba for helping me before in this matter but please do something so this time we come really close to each other. I want you to shower your blessings on me. Keep me under your eyes. Sai Baba please help me! I will not harm her in any way this is a devotee's word.

Sai Devotee
SAI BHAKTA SAI SAI, BABA SAI, DEVA SAI Sai, you know my husband has got very firm and strong aastha on you. I sometimes, when surrounded by problems, become shaky, but his devotion is never unbalanced. Still he is facing lot of problems with his jobm finance etc. Please Baba bless us so that we can face these problems. Please Deva give us little ventilation to breath. Let our jobs and finances be secured so that we can concentrate on your feet only without any worldly disturbances. I always read you do mircles for your devotees, do we have still some lapses in our pooja, that is why we are not accepted by you? Please Maulasai take us in your charans. Sai Ma please take us in your anchal and protect us. Baba Mujhe aapne charano me jagha de, aapna bhana ley, ki aur mera koi nahi hai.

Sai Devotee
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI. Baba, what is happening with my life. Why are You not helping me Baba. Please forgive me for the mistakes I did and am still doing. I dont know how to take permission from You. But still, I felt You accepted for my staying at my Moms place and learn all the software courses,but after I came here I am jobless. Baba, in sheer frustation, I did not pray you and blamed you for not helping me. Please forgive me Baba for that.If you dont help me, I can't succeed. Show the direction in which I should go. Help me Baba. Please

Prema Nair
Om Sai Shri Sai Jay Jay Sai. Baba please bring peace at home. Please help my sister-in-law in being more helpful, patient and down to earth. You know the problems we have been facing due to her behaviour. Please bless her Baba with your grace and help her change her behaviour. Help my brother in overcoming all the difficulties he has been facing due to his wife. Help me Sai to control my anger. I am unable to control my temper when I see things happening at home. Bless our Home Sai with your grace. Let my sister-in-law understand the meaning of family life and lead a life more meaningfully. Thank You also Sai for having helped Bose find a job. I hope with your blessing he finds this job more satisfactory. Bless my younger brother who recently got married. Bless them with a happy married life. Sai bless this family of yours. You have always blessed me and helped me out of any difficulties. Shower your wonderful grace on this family. Om Sai Ram
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Quotation of the Week
"If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the seven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows Me thus." - Sai Satcharita Chapter 15
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Question of the Week

Q. What is faith in GOD?
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Sai Activities

SRI SHIRDI SAI SAMSTHAN
1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York 11510, USA
Recently a life sized Baba's murthi has been placed at Baldwin Long Island New York. Darshan starts in February 2002. For further information contact: romeshnyc@hotmail.com or sunildevalla@yahoo.com

HAPPY NEWS TO THE SAI DEVOTEES OF TWIN CITIES IN AP, INDIA
Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, an ardent Sai devotee who is spearheading the Sai movement across the globe is visiting Hyderabad on 25th and 26th February to participate in the Prana Prathista celebrations of Shri Sai in the newly constructed temple at Shri Lakshmi Nagar colony, Saidabad, Hyderabad. Besides He will be visiting Sai Brindavan(Deshmukh village,after Ramoji film city) on 25th afternoon. On 26th Morning Guruji will be inaugurating the newly built meditation hall at Koneru Sai Temple, Secunderabad. On 26th evening Guruji will address the devotees at Hanuman Vyayam Sala Public School, Sultan Bazar, Koti. Sai bhajans and cultural programmes follows. Guruji will inaugurate the Bilingual(Telugu and Hindi) website www.shirdisaiashirvadam, brought out by Saibaba.org(USA) and Shri Shirdi Sai Kalyanam Trust, Tirupati. For Details contact : Sri OSVD Prasad: Ph.4078898 fax:3315236 Email.osvd@Rediffmail.com Or Sri Sambasiva Sashtry Ph.4077103

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Niagara Falls, NY
Devotees in and around Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Amherst in New York are invited to join us for Bhajans and participate in Shri Sai Chitra Yatra by hosting Baba. Any one interested may please contact at sucharitag@yahoo.com.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Middletown, CT
Om Sri Sairam Gurudevadatta. By grace of Sri Saibaba, we were selected as anchor home. I have received Sri Baba's picture on Thursday, Feb 7th 2002, around 12 noon. I'm very fortunate to get the opportunity to serve sri sai maharaj. If any of sai devotees are interested in being host, you are welcome to contact me at sairamp@earthlink.net or call me 860-704-8319

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Little Rock, Arkansas, AR
On Feb. 3rd I had made a request to participate as an anchor home in the Sai Chitra yatra. Saibaba has graced our place and we have now started to perform the poojas and prayers to Him. If any of sai devotees are interested in being host, you are welcome to contact me at kams20773@yahoo.com.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Freemont, CA
Sairam. I am participating in the Chitra Yatra as one of the anchor homes in Fremont CA.If anyone is interested in contacting me for being a host home,my email id is:sunitapatibanda@hotmail.com. Sunita

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Orange County, CA
TUSTIN/IRVINE/ORANGE COUNTY HELLO, I am a devotee of Saibaba and by my Baba's grace, I am one of the anchor homes in Orange county. This is a message to all devotees in and around Orange county/Tustin/Irvine that I recieved the picture. If any body wants to contact me, please write an e_mail to prerana1975@yahoo.com

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Indianapolis, IN
I am a devotee of Shri Saibaba and by baba's grace I am one of the anchor homes in indianapolis -indiana. This is a message to all devotees in and around Indiana that Baba's picture has arrived to our home on jan 17th i.e on thursday. May baba be with each one of us and always guide us. Anybody who is interesed to participate as host home, please contact me at mayu_76@hotmail.com. OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Bensalem, PA
Om sai. I want to inform all sai devotees in my area that baba's potrait has reached my home on 5th feb.anyone in Bensalem area of PA ,interested to host baba's chitra yatra can contact me on my e-mail address : sarablakhia@yahoo.com. May sai baba bless everyone

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Indiana, IN
I am a devotee of saibaba and by my baba's grace I am one of the anchor homes in Indiana. This is a message to all devotees in and around Indiana that I recieved the picture. If any body wants to contact me, please write an e_mail to anithajay@hotmail.com or contact me at my phone number at 317-579-0747

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Columbia, SC
Sairam. I am glad that I am selected to be an Anchor home for the SAI CHITRA YATRA and received the kit today, Feb 6th. I reside in Columbia South Carolina. Interested Devotees who are willing to be a host please contact me at psairam@sc.rr.com.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Houston, TX
In Houston area those who want to join in this Chitrayatra program may contact sai_syam@hotmail or rajesh_yadlapati@hotmail.com

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Orlando, FL
Devotees in and around Orlando, Florida are invited to join us for Bhajans and participate in Shri Sai Chitra Yatra by hosting Baba. Any one interested may please contact me at shirdisai2001@yahoo.com.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Raleigh, NC
With SadGuru SaiNath Maharaj's Blessings, we have been selected as the Anchor Home in Raleigh, NC. I invite individuals and families in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill to host Shri Sai Baba at their residence. Please contact me at saisharan@mindspring.com for more information.............Thanks

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA
"Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra(Pictorial Journey)", started in USA on Jan 01, 2002. With anchor points across USA concurrently participating from day one, this unique event is off to a great start.

The journey which involves the ceremonial travel of Baba in the form of a portrait will stop at all Baba devotees homes who are interested in being a host to his protrait. The Yatra which will run till fall of this year, is open to one and all. There is no fees or charges involved to take part in this event. You may participate either as a host home or serve as an anchor point in your community.

Vist online at Chitra Yatra for all the details and to register.

For questions, comments, suggestions or to get details on an Anchor home in your area, send us an email at maildrop@saibaba.org with the subject line of "Shri Sai Chitra Yatra".

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