How can I ever describe the love I feel for my spiritual teachers? How can I ever repay them for the path they revealed to me? What meaningful deeds can I accomplish in this world, if it in any way, distracts me from remembering my love for my Gurudevas?

Why should it matter who I was in the past, who I am in the present, or who I will become in the future? If all the power and all the riches of this timeless universe were laid at my feet, it would be valueless, compared to having just a few more moments in Gurudevas' physical presence again. What solace is there in achieving enlightenment, in acquiring siddhis, in harvesting fame and wealth? Would great armies of devotees offered at my command entice me in the least? What use is there in scriptural knowledge? What value can be put to my analytical mind and the cleverness of my speech? If an infant suckles rocks, would it quench its need for nourishment?

Who can heal the wounds of separation that cause me to ache for my Gurumataji? Even the Saints, the Devas, and the Devis sit alongside me and share my grief. My paternal aunts (Shaktidevi, Siddhidevi, Hamsadevi, Layadevi, Kecheridevi, Neelambindudevi, and Purushadevi) huddle around me. They fondle me and they gently hand me from one to the other in an attempt to quiet my lamentations; however, nothing can solace my sobs, my tears, and my longing to see Gurumata's form once again. Just as no one can quiet an infant who misses the embrace of his or her Mother, in the same way, nothing can quell my longing to be cradled in the heart of Gurudeva.

Baba's child, Nama says, listen to the following words of Sadguru Paramavadhoota Shirdi Sainatha to understand the path I travel. " I stayed with him and became his disciple. He took care of me as tenderly as a mother bird cares for her young ones!" "Endlessly, I remained staring into his eyes as he sat before me. I focused my whole being upon his form and merged in the expanse of his consciousness. I loved him completely!" "Being the incarnation of love, how can I attempt to describe him? It is rare that a spiritual seeker meets a Master of his stature!" "Sitting in this Masjid, I speak the truth, nothing but the truth. No sadhanas or proficiency in the six Shastras are necessary for one who realizes this!"

A long time ago, I approached my Babaji and I said that I accepted him as my Guru and I asked him for permission to teach. My Babaji quickly snapped, "Where will you go for your Babaji?" Before his response reached my ears, I answered, "Anywhere!" My beautiful majestic Master smiled and replied, "Then anywhere you go, wherever you may be, whatever you do, I will always be with you."

I remained in his darshan as long as he allowed. Oh my mind, where can you look that is not permeated with Him? He emanates through your heart and through your eyes. He touches everything within and everything without, through your worldly senses, and through your spiritual senses. Oh my heart, know this as sure as you know your breath. You can enter the Masjid whenever you wish. Go quietly. Enter the Dwarka Mayi while every one is asleep. Babaji remains awake, sitting near the Dhuni, just waiting for you. On Guru Pournima day, I fully prostrate my soul to Shirdi Sainatha, who continually teaches me how to serve Him. I pray that all Sai bhaktas, their families, and their loved ones, remain at peace in Gurumata's love. I offer special thanks to Sai Vichaar for asking that I compose some words for Guru Pournima. Aum Sai Ram!

(Contributed by Robert Kirk, New York)
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Contributed Article: CELEBRATIONS IN SHIRDI- GURUPOORNIMA!

The word Guru stands for the source of light, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. Thus, worship of Guru means a journey from darkness to light (Tamaso ma Jyotirgamaya!). Gurupoornima is the day of worship of all our True Gurus!

In the year 1908, an old man Krishnaji Noolkar came to Shirdi from Pandaripur and was staying in Chavadi. Baba told Shama, his nearest devotee to call and tell the old man to worship the Pillar near the Dhuni and after that, Baba suggested to celebrate that day. Shama questioned Baba why to worship the central pillar while Baba Himself was very much there. Finally, Baba conceded to the request of Shama. Meanwhile another devotee Noolkar referred Panchanga (the Hindu calendar) and found that the day was Gurupoornima. On that day Tatya, Noolkar, Shama and others worshiped Baba with new clothes etc. From that day, the celebration of Gurupoornima became a tradition in Shirdi. This is the only celebration suggested by Baba to his devotees!

Then the question arises why Baba asked to worship the pillar. Symbolically, Baba suggested the worship of the pillar to the benefit of the devotees. A true Guru never tells his devotees to worship Himself. In the eyes of a Jnani, all are the replicas of God. Then how anybody can have disciples! Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi remarked that anybody who proclaims himself as the Guru deemed to be unfit for that holy position. Sai, a true Sadguru never craved for disciples.

The central pillar is rooted deep into the ground, supports the entire load of the house, and thus protects all the inhabitants. Similarly, a Sadguru remains steadfast in Atmasthiti and Gurubhakti and protects all his devotees in that Godly state. It leads to the conclusion that the universe is the house and we are all the inhabitants. The Guru the protector of Dharma is the central pillar of this world and Atmasthiti is the supporting ground. He is deep rooted in the ground of Atmasthiti and thus supports the creation. Such a true saint is called Qutub, the pillar of Dharma in Islam.

Source: Sri Saileelamrutam by Sri E.Bharadwaja

(Contributed by Syamasundar V Davuluri , Saibaba Temple, Houston TX)

Book Review

The book "Shirdi Sai Baba and other Perfect Masters" published by Sterling Publishers Limited, India, offers fascinating glimpses into the lives and miracles of Shri Sai Baba and other Perfect Masters. It is an experience that is bound to transform one's sense of perspective and bring about perceptible and meaningful spiritual growth.

This book acquaints the reader with the spiritual powers at work beneath the mundaneness of our material existence, and reawakens the dormant consciousness of the divinity that lies beneath every aspect of the universe.

The book not only goes into the life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba but also reveals the life and works of other perfect masters like Hazrat Babajan, Sarmad, Shri Akkalkot Maharaj, Shri Gajannan Maharaj, Hazrat Baba Tazuddin and Shri Upasani Maharaj- The loftiest creation of Shri Sainath.

This book is a compilation of extempore speeches, articles and writings of Shri C.B.Satpathy over a period of time, between 1991-1995. From a casual reader to a serious seeker, this book offers many insights and perspectives in a simple yet powerful language that makes it easy to understand and comprehend.

The book is available in paper back, 145pp, soft cover edition from this web site and can be ordered by visiting Online store
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Experiences of Devotees

Lakshmi Vishwanath
Dear SAI Bandhus, SAI is indeed the Supreme power. Without Him besides us, I cannot imagine how life would be! One never knows when he/she is going to become SAI's devotee... Here are my experiences on how I became a SAI devotee.

I came to US in 1995 and my parents were not devotees of SAIBABA at that time. During 1996, my parents got to know about SAIBABA through one of our relatives. My mom started reading the SAI SATCHARITHA. My parents started visiting the SAIBABA temple in Mylapore, Madras, India. Soon they both were SAI devotees even without their knowledge. When I used to call them over the weekends, my mom at least spent 10-15 minutes talking to me about SAIBABA and used to tell me that when I come to India, she will take me to the temple.

In 1997, when I made my first trip to India from US, my parents took me to the SAI temple in Mylapore. (For those people who have not been to this temple, this temple has a beautiful marble statue of BABA that is very similar to the one in Shirdi.) In the temple, my mom was telling me the stories of BABA behind each painting on the walls of the temple.

I made couple of visits along with my parents to the SAI temple during my 3-week stay in India. It is so unbelievable to know that when I returned to US, I was already a SAI devotee even without my knowing it. I arrived in US on a Tuesday night. I was feeling homesick and could not sleep properly. In the wee hours on Wednesday, I got this dream, wherein SAI BABA is standing in my bedroom near my bed, in a white dress. Around 7:30 AM, I woke up and only then, did I realize that I had seen BABA in my dream. I immediately called my parents to tell them about my dream and ask them the meaning behind it. When I told my dream, my mom was literally in tears. On Monday, when I was leaving for US, my mom had prayed to SAI BABA to be always with me during my flight and take care of me in US as I will be feeling homesick and missing them a lot. And BABA did answer my mom's prayers by doing so! This dream was so influential that my faith in BABA grew more day-by-day.
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Devotees say...

Sriram Rachakonda, Singapore
I request you all if any one can let me know about Saibaba temple either in Singapore or in Malaysia-Kaulalampur. Please give me full address with nearest landmarks. Thanks in advance.

Anjani, Ohio, USA
Om Sai Ram. I am enjoying your weekly Sai Vichaar newsletter. Through this letter, we get to know so many people and their experiences and problems. You are bringing all over the world under one roof. You are giving us up-to-date news from all over the world about Sai activities. Really, it is a great job.

A Sai devotee
I recently came to Westborough in Boston. I would like to know is there any Saibaba temple near to my place. It would be very grateful if u can give me this information and if possible route map. Thanks.
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Prayer Club

Sonu, Maryland, USA
Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters, A few days ago my mother 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 strongly believe that group prayers will work. Thank you all for all your support.

Venumadhav
I request to all Baba devotees to pray for me so that Baba can forgive me for all the mistakes I have committed in my life, I am trying my best to be as good as possible and to always take Baba's name before I do anything. I have complete faith in Baba, my problem is patience, I have developed a lot of patience now as I now look at the positive things of what is happening, earlier I would look only at the negative things and jump to conclusions. Please Sai Baba forgive me and please guide me, please help me in these difficult times. Sai Baba, you know everything, you are all pervasive. Baba, please bless me with your grace. I feel sorry for what I have done, Baba also help me by supporting me in not doing things which hurt others feelings. Sai Baba please take care of my family, my loved ones and me. Please forgive me & please always guide me & support me. Baba, please help me & let my mind attain peace, let me not be diverted & please help me fight bad thoughts. I remain at Baba's Lotus feet. Om Sri Shirdi Sai Nath Maharaj Ki Jai.
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Quotation of the Week

The question arises, "Who is Sainath? How should we measure Him? Can we really? Let us not try. Let us surrender to Him, for He is the Ultimate" - Shri C.B.Satpathy in Shirdi Sai Baba and other perfect masters.

Question of the Week

Q. Why should not one divulge Guru's Upadesh to others?
A. by S.V. Swamy, Hyderabad, India
There appears to be two schools of thought on this subject. One school of thought says that the relationship between Guru and Sishya is very sacred and what the Guru tells Sishya should not be divulged to others. The other school of thought says that what is received as a gift by us should always be shared with others. Let us explore a little further both these schools of thought. When the Sishya is still in a spiritually early stage of development, the dictum of the Guru that the Upadesh or Mantra given by Him to the Sishya shall not be disclosed to others is valid. The Sishya is still unripe and is not in a position to judge the fitness of the other person with whom he is sharing the Upadesh that he got from his Guru. The reasoning here is that the Upadesh or Mantra is powerful and gives a lot of Energy and Power which can be used for either positive or negative purposes. Therefore, until the Sishya is sufficiently matured (spiritually), that he is able to discriminate between genuine and false people, he is not permitted to share the knowledge with others. This school of thought is supported by Shri Guru Gita, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Sata Namavali (Sri Siva tells Sri Parvati that what He is going to tell Her is Secret), etc.

The other school of thought, which the author of Sri Sai Satcharitra, Sri Hemadpant supports is that whatever good knowledge we get, we should not hoard but share with others. It is like sharing food, for which Sri Hemadpant says there is no need to discriminate, unlike other charity. So, just like physical food, spiritual food also can be shared without discrimination. The great Sri Vaishnavite Saint, Sri Ramanujacharya also followed this school of thought. When He was given a Mantra by His Guru with a strict injunction that He should not share it with others, He immediately went and climbed the tall Gopuram of Sri Ranganatha Swamy's temple in Sri Rangam and called all people and told them the Ashtakshari Mantra! (Readers, pl. correct me if I am wrong!). The other disciples who were probably less advanced went and complained to the Guru about the 'sacrilege' of Sri Ramanuja. When the Guru called Him and asked for an explanation, Sri Ramanuja humbly tells Him: "Sir, If all the lakhs of people get the benefit of chanting His Name and thus get Salvation from the worldly miseries and if I have to go to Hell for disobeying Guru's instructions, I will happily accept the punishment!" The Guru is immensely pleased with Sri Ramanuja's selfless love for the less fortunate sufferers! The whole episode was probably a test for Sri Ramanuja and a revelation to the other disciples. In general, Satvik Mantras like Rama, Narayana are considered fit for everyone, whereas other Mantras invoking Sri Devi (which contain Beejaksharas) and other Gods (mainly used for getting lot of powers and Siddhis) are not to be divulged to one and all, since they can harm the other person and thus the giver also incurs some negative Karma. Simple devotion and chanting of God's name (Hari, Narayana, Govinda, Kesava etc.) or Guru's name (Om Sai, Sai Ram etc.) are allowed for everyone. Finally, if one has a Guru, it is evident that one should not act without Guru's permission in any matter temporal or spiritual. So, it is always essential to take Guru's permission for any action. That is total and real surrender and that is the object of all Mantras, Sadhanas and Upadesh etc. Sai Ram.
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Sai Activities

Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi
Members of the management, Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi cordially invite you all to join in celebrating 'Shri Gurupournima Utsav(Festival)' from Wednesday, 4th July 2001 to Friday, 6th July 2001 at Shirdi.

Programme as follows:

First Day, Wednesday July 4th.
05:15 AM Kakad Aarati of Shri Sai Baba
05:45 AM Procession of Shri Sai Baba and Pothi
06:15 AM Akhand Parayan of Shri Sai Satcharita in Dwarkamai
Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba and Darshan
08:00 AM Abhishek Pooja (on behalf of the Sansthan)
08:30 AM Auction Sale, as Prasad, of the Sacred Clothes,
Articles etc. offered to Shri Sai Baba
12:30 PM Mid-day Aarati and Teertha-prasad
03:00 PM Abhay-reading in Samadhi Mandir as usual till 04:00 PM
04:00 PM Keertan till 06:00 PM
06:15 PM Dhoopaarati
07:30 PM Programme of invited Artists till 09:00 PM
09:15 PM Palanquin Procession of Shri Sai Baba through the Village
09:30 PM Programme of invited Artists continues till 11:00 PM
11:00 PM Shejaarati(on return of the Palanquin Procession)
Note : Dwarkamai will remain open for Parayan throughout the night.

Main Day, Thursday, July 5th
05:15 AM Kakad Aarati of Shri Sai Baba
05:45 AM Akhand Parayan Samapti(Conclusion)
06:15 AM Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba and Darshan
08:00 AM Abhishek Pooja (on behalf of the Sansthan)
08:30 AM Auction Sale, as Prasad, of the Sacred Clothes,
Articles etc. offered to Shri Sai Baba
12:30 PM Mid-day Aarati and Teertha-prasad
03:00 PM Abhay-reading in Samadhi Mandir as usual
03:00 PM Keertan Programme till 05:00 PM
06:15 PM Dhoopaarati
07:10 PM During this period, owing to Lunar Eclipse till 09:49 PM,
there will be chanting of 'Mantras' only. Darshan will
remain in abeyance and the programme of invited artists
will also not be held.
09:55 PM Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba
10:30 PM Procession of the Chariot of Shri Sai Baba through
the Village
11:00 PM Artist's Programmes to continue all night till 06:00 AM
on Friday July 6th
Note : Samadhi Mandir will remain open for Darshan throughout the night.

Last Day, Friday, July 6th.
06:00 AM Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba and Darshan
07:30 AM Rudrabhishek in Gurusthan
08:00 AM Abhishek Pooja (on behalf of the Sansthan)
08:30 AM Auction Sale, as Prasad, of the Sacred Clothes, Articles etc.
offered to Shri Sai Baba
10:30 AM Gopalkala Keertan and Dahihandi Programme
12:15 PM Mid-day Aarati and Teertha-prasad(after Dahihandi Programme)
03:00 PM Abhay-reading in Samadhi Mandir as usual till 04:00 PM
06:45 PM Dhoopaarati
07:30 PM Programme of invited Artists till 09:30 PM
10:00 PM Shejaarati
Utsav(Festival) Ends
Note:

(1) Sai Devotees desiring to participate in the Akhand Parayan may enroll their names at the Temple Office in the Samadhi Mandir on July 3rd between 02:00pm and 06:00pm. Participants will be selected by draw of lots at 07:30 pm on the same day.

(2) Artists desiring to present their programmes on July 5th may contact the Sansthan Gawai in the Samadhi Mandir in advance.

(3) During the festival period the Saisatyavrat(Satyanarayan) Pooja will be performed as usual but Abhishek Pooja will not be performed.

(4) The Board of Management reserves the right of making alterations in the programme as may be deemed to be expedient.

For further details, please contact
B.R.Wakchaure
Executive Officer
Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi
Post Shirdi, Tal. Rahata, District Ahmednagar
Maharashtra-423109, India

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Guru Purnima Celebration and Sai Palki Yatra,
Shirdi Sai Center, Iselin, NJ, USA
Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall, 116, Grand Street, Iselin, NJ
Date: Saturday, July 7 2001 Time: 2.00 pm till 6.00pm

Program:
Ganesh Stuti, Abhishek, Bhajans, Guru Mahima,
Sai Baba Palki Parikrama, Hanuman Chalisa, Aarti.
Maha Prasad will be served after the Aarti.
For information contact:

Shirdi Sai Center @ 732-254-1599
Email: shirdisaicenter@hotmail.com
Web: www.saikrupa.org.
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