Mujhe duniyaa se kyaa lenaa denaa
Haath Sai ka jab sar per
Mukh mein mere naam Sayee kaa
Seesh sadaa charanon per

(What do I have to do with earthly dealings? As long as I have your blessings Sai; I lay at your feet, always chanting your divine name)

When Panduranga Dixit the renowned lyricist penned the above words, he was probably feeling that state of esoteric bliss. Sai Baba Himself lived up to this tradition. The Saintly Father of Shirdi lived His entire life in the thoughts of God. Always uttering, "God is Great", Baba gave immense importance to remembering God's name. Baba spent His entire duration in Shirdi in this God intoxicated state known as "Mast" in the Sufi tradition. When one thinks of God before every action, sensuous or spiritual, the desires for things transitory will surely wane away, so said Baba.

The purpose of mind is to think. If it is given things of sensuous nature, the thoughts will be on the senses. If the object is Sadguru, the benefits are immense. Sensuous pleasures are transitory at best and will lead to the destruction at worst. On the other hand, if Sadguru is made the object of one's thoughts, it leads to a state of fulfillment that is permanent. Pursuit of things of earthly nature leads to longing that never ends while the thoughts on Sadguru leads to contentment that ever stays.

Let us start this beautiful Thursday with the reminiscence of Hemadpanth: "Oh Sai Sad-guru, the wish fulfilling tree of the Bhaktas, Let us never forget and lose sight of Your Feet; we have been troubled with the ins and outs (births and deaths) in this samsar; now free us from this cycle of births and deaths. Restrain us from the outgoing of our senses to their objects and introvert us and bring us face to face with the Atma (Self). As long as this outgoing tendency of the senses and the mind is not checked, there is no prospect of self-realization. Neither son, nor wife nor friend will be of any use in the end. It is only You, Who will give us salvation and happiness. Destroy completely our tendency for discussions and other evil matters, let out tongue get a passion for chanting Your name. Drive out our thoughts, good or otherwise and make us forget our bodies and houses, and do away with our egoism. Make us ever remember Your name and forget all other things. Remove the restlessness of our mind, and make it steady and calm. If you just clasp us, the darkness of night of our ignorance will vanish and we shall live happily in Your light".

Shirdi Sai Utsav 2002 - Johannesburg, South Africa

The Shirdi Sai Utsav took place at the Gandhi Hall situated in Lenasia, Johannesburg (South Africa) on 28 April 2001.

The program commenced at about 9.00 and was completed at about 7.00 PM. Guruji Sri Chandrabhanu Satpathyji directed the proceedings, which were conducted exactly in the same manner as at the Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi. It was clear from the outset that Guruji was truly Baba's divine instrument; his love, compassion, humility, tolerance and all embracing nature were clear evidence that Baba was not only with him but also within him. In fact, those in tune with Baba's energy attested to the fact that Baba Himself was present at the Utsav. A joyful vibrant energy filled the hall, which was unmistakably Baba's energy. The pleasure of Baba's company was requested at the Utsav and undoubtedly Baba honored those present with his divine company. A seed was planted in South Africa at the Utsav and I have no doubt that a forest will result. On behalf of those present at the Utsav, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Guruji for bringing Baba to South Africa, what a blessing!
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Contributed Article: The Nature of Sadguru

(Contributed by Shyamala Hari)
A Sadguru is one who fixes us in our Nature (Self) and carries us beyond the ocean of worldly existence. A special characteristic of India's Vedantic literature is that it portrays a unique and pious relationship between the guru and any disciple of his, the ultimate goal of all studies always being union with God or realization of the Supreme Self. Even when one has an earnest desire for Liberation, it needs an inspiration that can come only through contacts with great Seers and Saints who come into this world not only to guide the seekers to their destination but also to lift many others up from the quagmire of worldliness and place them on the right path to the ultimate goal. Theoretical knowledge derived from books can never achieve what the Guru's compassionate guidance can do. Shri Sai Baba emphasized that a firm and unfaltering faith in the guru is the best sadhana (effort to achieve the goal).

Is a Guru- disciple relationship without a flaw possible? To answer this, Baba often talked about His experiences with His own Guru. "I had a Guru. He was a great Saint and most merciful. I served him long, very long; still he would not blow any Mantra into My ears. I had a keen desire, never to leave him but to stay with and serve him; and at all costs receive some instructions from him.

But he had his own way. He first got my head shaved and asked Me two pice as dakshina. His two pice were (1) Firm Faith and (2) Patience or perseverance. I gave these two pice or things to him, and he was pleased. I resorted to My Guru for 12 years. He brought Me up. There was no dearth of food and clothing. He was love incarnate. Rare is a Guru like him. When I looked at him, he seemed as if he was in deep meditation, and then we both were filled with Bliss. Night and day, I gazed at him with no thought of hunger and thirst. Without him, I felt restless. I had no other object to meditate, nor any other thing than My Guru to attend. He was My sole refuge. My mind was always fixed on him." Baba suited his teachings to the needs and capacity of the seeker. He never confused an unsophisticated mind with unnecessary flights of metaphysical subtleties. To a question once asked by a simple devotee at ShirdiBaba's response was "there are tigers and wolves on the route, but if one has a guide with him, there is no difficulty. Then the tigers and the wolves move aside. If there is no guide (Guru), there is the danger of falling into a deep yawning pit. If one makes the Guru the sole object of one's thoughts and aims, one attains Paramatma.

Baba described how he once roamed about in a forest seeking for truth with three young men. Among the four, one was a Karmartha (Ritualistic) who only knew how to observe, and abstain from, certain rites; the second was a Jnani, who was puffed up with pride of knowledge and the third was a Bhakta who surrendered himself completely to God, believing that he was the sole Doer. As to Baba, He respected a low Vanjari, by accepting his food and showed how those who rejected Vanjari's hospitable offer suffered and how it was impossible to get Jnana without a Guru.

Baba attracted people naturally. They were willing and anxious to surrender to him. Why should anyone fear, when I am near, he said, Cast all your burdens on me and I will bear them. He never advised anyone to leave the world and retire to the forest. He called this a shirking of one's duties and responsibilities. According to him, not by running away from life and its problems but by facing them with courage and fortitude does man reach the true understanding of his Creator. He repeatedly warned seekers against a vain preoccupation with the future. Very often, he said, "Watch the present, and the future will take care of itself. Contemplate on and invoke the 'I' within you in the ever insistent NOW, and you will be able to open the gateway to salvation.
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Experiences of Devotees

N. Sivanandam, Coimbatore, India
While doing Sai service, if we face any unexpected disturbances, we feel irritation, no matter what we read in Sri Sai Satsaritram over the years. The moment, if any resistance or opposition rose by someone, either known or unknown persons. Even though our anger may last for just a fraction of second, yet our mind is not tolerating. After all, we are normal humans, always praying to our Lord Saibaba to guide us in all walks of life. Here I wish to narrate one such incident happened to me recently.

After visiting various web sites on Shirdi Saibaba, I thought of publishing a monthly magazine on Saibaba in our local language (Tamil) and supply free of cost to the poor people of Coimbatore. I humbly appeal all Sai devotees all over the world must think of poor people around us and make them to understand and follow Sai messages in such a way they easily understand. Especially in a country like India, poor people do not have any access for English language education and most of them just know their local language alone.

It was second Thursday April 11, 2002; I decided to distribute the copies to the Sai devotees who attended evening pooja at Shri Naga Sai Mandir, Coimbatore, India. I distributed one copy to each in prasadham counter, and all were happy to have a copy of the book. After 10 minutes, one volunteer came and asked me to stop distribution, I politely said, "It is a Sai service, for the benefit of Sai devotees, I am supplying these books free of cost to spread Sai philosophy." The person got angry because of my argument and disrespect shown to his ego, and then finally he warned me to get out of that place. As I am normal human being I lost my temper for a fraction of second, then I apologized to Lord Sai for my act.

I do not get peaceful sleep during that night, I prayed to Baba to give me some direction or His opinion on my act, whether to continue this free book publication or discontinue? I did not get any clear answer during that night; I consulted my Sai friend, Shri K Ramaswamy, Past President, All India Sai Samaj (Regd), Chennai 600004. He advised me not to stop this kind of prachaar work, especially in local language, because such kind of prachaar is need of this hour. I made up my mind to continue to publish the monthly, but I was waiting for clear signal from Baba on proper method of distribution.

Today 4th Thursday, April 25, 2002, after completing my morning prayers, at His inspiration I realized and got clarification on my doubt on distribution of books from Saibaba. As the book was primarily designed to the benefit of poor people who do not know about Saibaba, majority of Sai devotees who regularly visiting the temple, must have read the contents of the book - Vedic prayer-1 page, Selective sentences from Sai Satsatitram-1 page, Devotees experiences-14 pages, His Highness B V Narashimaswamiji's writings-2 pages etc.- and any repetition is not called for. The entire work must have to go who do not know about Sri Shirdi Saibaba.

I thanked Baba for guiding me to choose right channel of distribution for Sao Prachaar work. Nothing is impossible with Baba and all our prayers will be addressed to by Baba. Just have full faith on Him and constantly seek His advice on matters in your life. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.
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Devotees say...

Prasad
om sai, sri sai, jai jai sai
I would like to share my experience as being a devotee of sai baba. Baba has always been my driving force and my guide always. He is our mother, father, brother, sister and also a friend. "We don't have anyone except you baba!" Once I was coming from my college. I boarded a bus, which was very fully loaded and I was the last person to board it. It was the closest encounter with death. I was sure to fall under the rear tyre of the bus. My hand was going on slipping and I had no other alternate other than falling. Just than BABA'S figure flashed into my mind and the very next second the bus stopped. An old man got down the bus and unboarded the bus. BABA saved my from coming under the bus by taking the form of an old man, just as he had saved a devotee from falling under the train (from sai-the superman). BABA is very great and full of mercy. If we think him as our mother, no doubt he will always take care of us as a mother. BABA, please pardon me for the mistakes I do. you are the only one on whom I can rely.

Vemulapalli
I learned about Baba in 90 when I was doing engineering through my roommate. From that time, Baba is with me whenever I need him. He is giving me whatever I need me. I will tell some of my experiences. In 95, I was traveling in a bus. Suddenly one lorry came and hit the bus from the back. Next second, all of us were on the floor. When I was getting up, I saw Baba's picture on the floor. I did not get a single scratch even though some of the people got some wounds. I felt this was happened because of Baba.
My wife and I met first time on Thursday. Both of us agreed for the marriage. We are now happily married for the past 7 years and by Baba's grace we got two wonderful kids. We have all the support we need. What can I ask Baba? He is giving everything without asking. I can ask Baba one thing. Baba, please forgive all of your kids and make us pray for good for everybody.

Gayathri Malladi
I was in my B.Sc 2nd year when Sai came into my dream. I used to go to Venkateswara swami temple every Saturday with my aunt. After some days, I stopped going to Balaji temple and I started going to Saibaba temple, then I used to think will god be angry on me that I stopped going to Balaji temple. On that night Sai came into my dream he holding my little finger took me to Krishna temple which is very near to my house in that temple there are lot of idols of different gods he showed me each and every idol and again dropped me back into my house. The next day I thought yes, Baba is everywhere he cleared my doubt so easily. He wanted to tell me that god is one and he is Baba to me.
The second instance happened when I was in M.Sc first year. I went to Shirdi by Baba's blessings. I was in Secunderabad for couple of days in my uncle's house then I thought to go to Baba's temple in Dilsukhnagar. I heard that it is a very big temple I have never been there before. But I did not go, as I had to return. After couple of days, Baba came into my dream and I was surprised that it is Dilsukhnagar temple in my dream and by seeing his eyes with so much of light and grace, my body became numb and I fainted. That was in dream but in reality my phone was ringing at 5a.m I got up but my legs were really numb, I was shocked I didn't see him in my dream but I saw him really that's what I am thinking. I always pray Baba to clear all my doubts like this and pray him to come to my dreams everyday. I love you Baba.

Tina Grover
Dear Sai Devotees I am not sure if Sai Chalisa is Sai Satcharitra. Please Sai Devotees do let me know. May Baba fulfill all his devotees' wishes.

Snigdha
Dear Baba, thank you very much for all the help you did. We had a baby boy and everything went on smoothly. Thank you for all the help.
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Prayer Club

Darshan Kaur
Baba, I have been praying to you for years to find me the right partner. Please help me find my true love and soul mate. I feel very alone these days and I have lost all hope of meeting anyone. Now you have to perform a miracle in my life Baba.

Sai Devotee
Sai Ram Neelu, Vidya KVS Babu and all my brothers and Sisters, have faith in Baba Read Satcharitha over and over and Chant Sai Ram Sai Ram all the time you all will be blessed with Children: Our prayers are for you all!

A Sai devotee
Dear Baba, Why do I suffer from lack of self-esteem? I know I try my best to be a good person, but I am never satisfied with what I do and achieve. I see people so confident about themselves even when they do wrong and I feel that there is something really wrong with me. Please help me assert myself and be emotionally strong.

A Sai devotee
OM SAI RAM. I am a devotee of Sai Baba. We are married since 6 years, but we do not have kids. I am praying to Baba for kids. But Baba is not listening to me. May be I have done any mistake. Please forgive me Baba and shower me with your blessings to have kids. I request all Sai devotees to pray Baba for me.

Hema
I have sister who is suffering from her relationship with her husband . Baba please grant her good family life and both husband and wife to visit shirdi soon. Baba, I have faith in you, please help me not to loose the faith. Jai Sai baba

Geeta
I am married for the past 10 years. I have one daughter aged 9 years. I would like to be blessed with one more child at the earliest. I need your blessings. My husband Jagdish is slightly depressed and has some behavioral problems. He is sometimes very different in behavior and this troubles me a lot. He hates families, relatives and likes to stay alone. He does not like to meet people. He is trying to change his job and with Baba's blessings, I want him to get something better. We are facing lot of financial problems and would like to be away from these problems with your blessings. Kindly bless me with another child, more understanding and affectionate husband and free me from all financial problems. Seeking your blessings.

Dewie
I need all your prayers to help one of our Baba's devotee. I came to know her through my sister, her name is Sudha married with a baby boy. Her husband is divorcing her and she is left alone here in Singapore to struggle on her own. For the time being she is working in a company but it is not enough to make ends meet. She is working in a firm from 10.00 to 5.00 pm and then she goes out to give tuition everyday and she only return home at about 11.00pm. Her 67 years old mother is so worried for her daughter and she has to baby sit the boy the whole day. Sudha is one person who leaves everything to BABA. Her only words are "Baba will know everything and he knows what he is doing". Well, now she has a job interview for the post of librarian in a school. She is very keen in the job and she is going for an interview tomorrow. Please pray that her interview will be successful.
I have written about my daughter Vishaalini and her problems she is facing in the school. Well I met the principal and told him about my daughter's problem and how it has affected her studies. Her exams are starting tomorrow and I pray that Baba will be with her and help her to do well.
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Quotation of the Week
Sugar stimulates the tongue, music stimulates the ears and sight stimulates the eyes. And what stimulates the soul? Sadhana and satsang stimulate the soul. Even a faint idea of it keeps life going - Sri Sri Sri Ravishankar
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Question of the Week

Q.There seem to be many doubts about being a vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Though Baba hinted that all life was sacred but there was no clear indication in Sai Satcharitha on whether one should be a Vegetarian. Any thoughts on that?
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Sai Utsav 2002 in Nairobi, Kenya
Sai Devotees of Kenya and saibaba.org invite you to "Shirdi Sai Utsav 2002" at Sanatana Dharma Sanstha(SSD) Hall in Nairobi, Kenya on the weekend of May 4th, 2002.

The full day event will include four tradional arathis and Pooja by priest visiting from Shirdi, discourse by Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, video presentations on Shirdi, Bhajans, etc.

Please contact Jitubhai at 0733548632 or send an email to maildrop@saibaba.org for hour wise events, directions or more details.

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Toronto, Canada
Devotees in TORONTO, are invited to please join us in Satsang and bhajans as part of Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra at Durga Mandir 2691 Markham Rd. Unit #5 every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. For any details and directions contact Shammi Chopra at 905 887 1752 or shchopra@trebnet.com or visit www.saibaba.org

Sai Satsang, Twin Cities, MN
For Shirdi Sai Satsang and Sai Chitra Yatra in Twin Cities MN, please contact Ravin or Sunitha at 763-862-3910.

Bhajans and Satsang at New Jersey, NJ
Sai Devotees of New Jersey and saibaba.org invite you to join us for sai bhajans, Sai leela, Saicharitra readings, aarti and prasad every sunday starting 5th may 2002 at VFW hall at Henderson Rd, Kendall Park, NJ from 3pm-6pm.
For further details or directions contact Mr. Kumad Sachdev at (732) 257-1438 or Mr. Shyam Addanki at (804) 967-0833 or email us at maildrop@saibaba.org.

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Pleasonton, CA
Please contact a_wusirika@hotmail.com to participate in Saichitra yatra 2002 in CA - Pleasanton

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, London, UK
Devotees in UK, especially in and around London, are invited to please join us in Satsang and bhajans as part of Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra at Wembley, Middlesex. Please contact Manu Bajaj at manu_bajaj@yahoo.com for full program details and directions.

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 yatra page 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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