Sai Baba, who can describe you but yourself?
You are knowledge incarnate but we are ignorant!
How can we understand you with our ignorance!
Sai, the ever merciful, please shower mercy on us!

In our ego, we think we rule this world!
In our ignorance, we feel we are learned and smart!
In our pride, we make a fool of ourselves day in and day out!
In our greed, we cheat on everything!
In our anger, we call you names and are rude!

Sai, the ever merciful, please show us the light!
Remove this darkness that engulfs and envelops us!
Remove this fear that we live with every day!
Remove this complex that we have developed in our lives!

Sai Baba, you are infinite love whereas we are null!
Sai Baba, you are infinite compassion whereas we are null!
Sai Baba, you are infinite knowledge where as we are null!
Sai Baba, you are infinite wisdom whereas we are null!

With reverence and respects, we come to you!
Baba, the ever merciful, please show us the path!
There is none other than you in this Universe,
From Ignorance to Knowledge, who can lead us there!

Sai, the ocean of mercy, why the delay?
Baba, why do you keep us away?
Sai, we have lost our hopes and feel very low!
Baba, is there any purpose of Life without you?

Sai Baba, the king of kings, shower your grace!
Sai Baba, the eternal living soul, please pardon us!
Sai Baba, please pull us out of this darkness!
Sai Baba, please give us a chance to reach you!

Sai Baba, the ruler of this universe, we seek mercy at your doorstep!
With folded hands, bowed heads and full surrender, we pray to you!
Sai Baba, please accept our prayers!
Sai Baba, please lead us to the ultimate truth!

OM SAI RAM
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Contributed Article: Sai Utsav 2001 - Sydney, Australia

Recently the Sai Utsav 2001 was held in Sydney. I would like to relate my personal experience of this joyous festival of Baba. It was a wonderful and leisurely family affair for the whole family in a real festive atmosphere where we could share with other devotees, amongst ordinary conversion, our experiences with Baba. Baba's statue was most beautiful. Although we have been praying and singing in front of Baba's huge picture, and know that Baba is there in everything, still, the statue somehow evokes a different feeling. It felt like Baba was actually sitting there in front of us. May Baba bless the sculptor for bringing life to the ordinary stone and thus bringing such joy to the devotees.

Baba was the magnet drawing all the huge number of people - the first time it felt like being in a temple in India where crowds throng to get a glimpse of God and there is not an inch of space left! We were very fortunate to see and meet Baba's apostle Sri Sathpathiji (and his disciples), hear his pravachans and get his blessings, and to hear excellent devotional songs.

What made the most impression on my mind and which was so much in keeping with Baba's philosophy of love was the conducting of the children's activities. Baba used to love children, as we all know. The children were told Baba's stories and quizzed on them - often getting such innocent and funny answers (when asked where did Chand Bhai find the horse? - the answer by a two year old was "on the table"!). They then had to color Baba's picture - the children really made our "old Baba" look oh so handsome - with black beard, pink lips and red nails! The happiness on their faces when they were told they could take the whole coloring set home is indescribable. They also sang songs and recited Sanskrit slokams (in their lisping speech). It was amazing how much they were in touch with Baba. There was such a tremendous atmosphere of love there - Saburi was also there as we had to listen to songs which some little children wanted to sing 2, 3, and even 4 times! These kids are so fortunate to be exposed to Baba so early in life. May Baba bless everyone involved in every capacity in this event and help us all to worship both Him and His teachings and thus remain ever anchored to His Feet.

(Contributed by Raju Divakarla, Sydney, Australia)
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Experiences of Devotees

Sunil Babbar
Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters, I have been a devotee of Sai for the past fifteen years. Whatever God does is for our own good, some of us do not have a job, or you may have lost a dear one, or suffer an illness. Whatever our fears or pains we must trust God.

We must be "Fearless", we must be strong and overcome "Depression" and last of all we must not "Doubt Sai". We must not resort to thinking about killing ourselves; this is the coward's way out. You will still have to undergo your Karmas in the next life, better to resolve them her and now in this life.

Think how much better off you are than the person who has not had a meal for a few days. Who has no family or friends? Who has no home? Who has a disability or has an illness? Are you not better than them? Of course you are! Has God not sheltered you? Thank God that you are alive. Life is too precious to lose its because of your fears, these are just passing clouds. Have faith.

Whatever your problems, no harm can come to our true selves the ATMA, Seek not rewards in this life, for this rotting body, which will drop-off at anytime, but rewards in the after life.

We should look within ourselves to resolve our own problem that is why God gives us these problems. We should not disturb the vibration of our Dear Brothers and Sisters by complaining about our problems, and broadcasting them.

I am writing from personal experiences, I have lost my wife and child, I have suffered financially, and was homeless, and I had health problems. Now with gods Grace, I have got stronger and have got married again. I know that sometime in the future I have my own house, we have to leave it to Sai, He knows when it right, it is better to pick a reap mango than to pluck a raw one, it tastes so much better.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, for some of us the tunnel is a little longer, for our past Karmas. But we will overcome them. So pray for God Blessing and his Grace.
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Devotees say...

Pinky Garg
In response to Sister Subbalaxmi's experience, Dear Sister! I do not know if that person was Baba or not but the amount he asked you equals to number 9 (2+1+6) leads to 9 types of Bhakti, when Baba was leaving his physical body, He gave 9 rupees to Laxmi Bai.

However, if you think that person was not Baba, do not regret for your action of kindness as nothing happened without His will, it was meant to be like this and may be you have helped a person in need. Therefore, in both scenarios, you have deposited Rs. 216 in your Account with the Lord for your future uses. I hope this will help you to understand and enjoy your experience either way.

In response to Sai Devotee who says he is Sai Devotee and is giving up his life just for "Maya"? My dear Sai Brother/Sister you cannot even think of committing suicide if you call yourself a "Sai Devotee", You did not loose anything, you will come out of this experience very strong which you may not understand now but will realize it in future. Committing Suicide is not the answer to end your Karams, you in fact are going to add much more negative Karrams in your account. Remember "Nothing happen with His Will" What you think God accepts the weak people? If God is that easy to find then everyone could have done it. He tests our Faith, do not give up, and be a rock having faith in Him, he will never let His devotees down, He will come at the last moment. My dear, whatever comes accept it as His Prasad and once you surrender, good things will come out of all this. Baba is Kind and He never punishes His children. He helps, He takes the punishments for our Karams, Please do not blame Him. Whatever we are going through that is the result of our past and present life karams that we might have committed knowingly or unknowingly. Pls. use your time instead of thinking negative but reading Sai Satchrita. May Lord Sai give you a lot of energy and strength to pass this test.

Padma
I subscribed for Sai Vichaar, I am getting Sai Vichaar at home. I am not receiving at my work mail id. I really appreciate if you can include my name to the list. Because by reading Sai Vichaar it brightens my day and it answers my questions all the time. I am grateful to all of you for making this letter come to all of us by Thursday and giving everybody an opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts many more things.

Syamala Hari
Last night, the power was off for a while due to rains. It came back but the somehow the Internet settings on my Personal Computer were corrupted. I could not access the Internet. I have been reading Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba by Sri Ammula Sambasiva Rao, English Translation by Thota Bhaskara Rao since four days, early in the morning. I was disappointed and a little bit worried because about a week ago, when the settings were mistakenly changed, I could not figure out and had to wait for my son to come and fix them two days later. Even now, he will not be able to come until late in the afternoon. I do not want to eat before reading the story. It looked like an obstacle. Still, I desperately opened the menus and tried changing the settings without knowing what I was actually changing. Amazingly, I got the connection and I could not do so last time. I felt that Sai fixed it. I also felt that if the problem did not occur, I would not have recognized that He was watching me and helping me. Later, I showed my son the settings I entered and told him that they worked this morning. He could not understand why they worked So it was Sai who fixed the problem for me I then thought that the problems we encounter in life help us to turn our minds towards Him and pray to Him and help us to feel His presence.
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Prayer Club

Sonu
Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters, A few days ago my mother Azalea had told me that she had lost the sight in one eye. It is a very frightening experience. I implore to you all to say a prayer for her for a speedy recovery. I believe that group prayers will work. Thank you all for all your support.

Janaki and Vedantham
I request you all to join me in my earnest prayer to Shri Sainath for the quick and good alliance for my daughter, unmarried, 38, with no reason for delay in her marriage so long even though we tried our best. She is well mannered, soft and good-natured philanthropist as Baba knows. We are Brahmins from Tamilnadu, India. He knows our anxiety. I beg Him for His Mercy upon her soon. She works in a good company. Om Sai ram. I am very eager to have a picture of Baba with vibuthi in Holy Hands, from you.

Sanjay
I am Baba's devotee for the last 17 years. My son was born after 5 years of marriage and we kept his name"Sanyam" i.e Sai. Six months back I had some problem with my wife and was surprised that she went for a divorce and Sanyam was put in hostel. I have not seen him for the last six months. Do not know why Sai has done this to me. People say, " Jo hota hai ache ke liya hota hai". But I do not know what "acha" is going to happen. I had very hard time in last six months.

SAI has come to my place writing "Om Sri Sairam" himself in my book. During mediation, I have seen him. Please pray to Sainath to get all of us, me, Sanyam, and Deepika together and if this happens, it will be miracle for me by SAI.
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Quotation of the Week

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. - Proverbs 3:13-18, from the Holy Bible

Question of the Week

Q.Who are demigods?
A. M.N.Reddy
Kaamais tais tair hrta-jnaanaah
prapadyante nya-devataah
tam tam niyamam aasthaaya
prakrtyaa niyataah svayaa Srimadbhagavadgita makes two distinctions: 1) an ideal devotee free from all material desires and a not so ideal devotee full of material desires 2) A supreme paramatma and a demi-god. Ideal (pure) devotees are those who are freed from all material desires and surrender unto the Supreme Lord (in this case, Lord Krishna who we all know is an incarnation of paramatma) and engage in His devotional service. He only desires god and not material desires. The not ideal devotee dwells in worshipping demi gods. Non symbolically demi-gods usually are referred to people like Indra, The astha dik palakas, moon, the nava grahas and so on... It is said in our culture that those who want quick results and want worldly desires usually turn to these gods. These demi-gods cannot grant liberation, only the paramatma can. The atman inside us is the Supreme Lord and the senses that provide us the quick worldly pleasure are in fact the demi gods. Mind is the root cause of the five senses. As it is stated an ideal devotee will look for more than worldly sense therefore look beyond demi-gods and go for the I within, which is the parama atman. However, It is recommended that whether one is an ideal devotee or not-ideal devotee, he should in all cases surrender to the Supreme Lord and worships Him. They soon become free of all material desires. Sai Ram

Q.Who are demigods?
A. S.V. Swamy, Hyderabad, India
Why is therefore a distinction made here between Supreme Lord and other gods who are demigods?" While all demigods are Amsas of The Supreme God, and a Namaskar offered to any one or anything reaches Him (like all rivers finally reach the Sea), the desire for worldly objects or even for Swarga (heaven) makes people pray to the lesser demigods. The desire for Mukti or Moksha and SAYUJYA (reunion) is the ultimate desire and comes only because of the Poorva Janma Punya over many births when the individual soul has almost reached the end of a long journey or is about to pass out from a class. This earth is compared to a classroom and the birth and death cycle is compared to a pilgrimage extended over many lives. The lessons learnt in one life are carried over to the next though due to Maya, the conscious mind of the person is not aware of the same. Over many lives, the lessons are learnt, the lessons of selfless love, devotion to the Supreme Lord, the determination to do one's duty without expecting a reward, etc. It is like a child's growing up. Once the individual soul acquires a degree of spiritual maturity, it is ready to go forward to other planes and carry out the role allotted to it at a different level. Once the soul is awakened and the light of True Knowledge is well lit, the same Supreme God will be seen by it in every atom of this Universe. Then all demigods become ONE GOD. Sai Ram.

Q.Why not speak of Upadesh ? ?
A. MRK, Phoenix, AZ
First upadesh is not experience. It is manthra told from a sanctified mind to a pure mind seeking truth. A manthra is effective when it was practiced by guru and with that power communicated. Actually spiritual matters or Veda is said to be communicated after testing by disciple and given a saint only after he assimilated the truth divine by that manthra. In order to keep the power and sanctity, these prohibitions were laid down. These prohibitions do not apply to the experiences and when communicated are useful for instilling faith in the seeker. Shakespeare mentions pearl before swine. Therefore, if manthras are just thrown before nonbelievers, the purpose of using manthra is gone.
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Sai Activities

Saidarbar, Canberra, Australia
GuruPoornima Celebrations
DATE - 05/07/2001
Day - Thursday
Time - 7:00 PM
Venue - Vishnu Shiva Mandir, Cnr. of Ainsworth St and Mawson drive, Mawson
Telephone at Mawson Mandir: 02-62866404.
Program details: Omkaram, Ganapathy stothram, Shirdibaba Ashtothram, Bhajans, Aarthi,
Distribution of Udi, Reading Sai Satcharitha.
For further details contact - Anitha Kandukuri at the email address
given below. A_kandukuri@hotmail.com Phone:H:62913713\ W:62446738
Visit web site http://www.anglefire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra

Guru Purnima in New Jersey
Guru Purnima will be celebrated on 5 July in NEW JERSEY at Clinton Manor Banquet Hall,
2735 Route 22 West, Union, NJ 07083, between 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
The program is as under:
7:30 - 7:45 PM Three Omkaars & Chanting of Vedas
7:45 - 7:55 PM 108 Names of Sai
7:55 - 8:05 PM Sri Ganesh Bhajan and Guru Bhajan
8:05 - 8:45 p.m. SAI BHAJANS
8:45 - 8:55 PM Significance of Guru Purnima and Ved Vyasa (2 SSS-EHV Children)
8:55 - 9:15 PM Closing Prayers and Aarthi
9:15 - 9:45 PM VIBUTHI and MAHA PRASADAM
Please inform friends and relatives. For Directions, please contact Clinton Manor:
(908) 686 - 7214 or (732) 283 -1661 OR E-Mail Kitab@India.com or Ndave123@aol.com

Shirdi Sai Center in Flushing, New York
Gurupoornima Day Celebrations - Thursday 5th July 2001
7.30 AM to 8.00 AM: Sri Sai Suprabhatham
8.00 AM to 8.30 AM: Prabhatha pooja and Archana
8.30 AM to 9.00 AM: Kakada Arathi
9.30 AM to 12.00PM: Gurupoornima Maha Abhisheka Pooja with Veda and Upanishad Patan.
12.00 PM to 12.30 PM: Bhajans
12.30 PM: Mantrapushpa and Mahamangala Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba's Padhuka and Prasada Viniyoga
3.00 PM to 5.00 PM: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama & Sri Sainama Japa
5.00 PM to 6.30 PM: Sri Sai Satcharita Parayan
6.30 PM to 7.00 PM: Dhoop Arathi
7.00 PM to 8.30 PM: Special Bhajans
8.30 PM: Sheja Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba's Padhuka by devotees and Prasada Viniyoga.
For Puja Sponsorship and other details please contact Dr. Rao at 718 321 9243

Gurupoornima at Sai Samsthan USA, Chicago
Shri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir, 11313 Katherine Crossing Lemont, IL-60439, USA.
For more information, please contact Phone: (630)-783-1400 Fax: (630)-783-0999
E-mail: mandir@saisamsthanusa.org.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
1449 Abers Creek Rd. Monroeville, PA 15146.
Contact 412-374-9244 for information on Gurupoornima activities. Visit www.baba.org.

Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India
GURUPOORNIMA CELEBRATIONS ON 5th July 2001 (THURSDAY)
10:00 Hrs : Sree Ganesh Pooja
10:30 Hrs: Veda Parayana by Brahmasri.Sankaramanchi Ramakrishna Sastry And his students.
11:00 Hrs: " Saidarbar" - presiding over by Daivagna Siromani. Srimahakali.Venkatarao.
11:30 Hrs: Introduction to Saidarbar by Saibanisa Gopala Rao Ravada.
11:45 Hrs: Felicitations to Dr.G.V.Subrahmanyam, Retd.Professor (Telugu) Central University, Hyderabad.
12:30 Hrs: Aaarathi to Sree Shiridi Saibaba
13:00 Hrs: Annadhaanam to the poor - at Shiridi Saibaba Mandhir, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad.
(Sponsored by Smt and Sri.Jagan Mohan Reddy from Canada )
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