Shirdi Vaasaaya Vidmahey
Sacchidanandaya dimahi
Tanno Sai Prachodayat!

At some point in each individual's life, the purpose of human life and questions about the universe and sheer existence, come up. Some suppress those thoughts whereas others nurture and start exploring for answers. This exploration awakens the spark of divinity that exists in each human being and leads the questioner in the path of spirituality and on to the ultimate reality.

It is without question a fact that a Supreme Being exists; be it called God or the many variations of it, to suit the individual. What are of interest are the qualities and attributes of this Supreme Being or soul. Even the Vedas, the other ancient scriptures of the world, though explaining the birth of this universe, purpose of human life, etc. fall short of explaining the Supreme Being by just making an exclamation that the Supreme Being is indescribable. No one book or saying can describe in full all the attributes, qualities, form or energy that this supreme soul possesses. Since this whole universe is permeated with that supreme soul, one can only gauge and imagine till the Supreme Soul decides to reveal itself to one who has come close to God realization.

What is the characteristic that will attract one to this Supreme Being? Are there any prescribed methods that this Supreme Being can be understood, attracted or sought after? That is what all the religions of the world are about. They are the various paths laid out by the founders to discover and lead to the ultimate, which is the same regardless of which path one takes. Every major religion of this world predates to modern age when the information was restricted to the local community. Imagine what would have happened if the Internet existed at the time of birth of Christ or when Mohammed was formulating the Quran or when Lord Krishna incarnated on this earth! Today, with the growth of information sharing and explosion of the Internet, it is very easy to be caught in the confusion and think that one thought is better than the other or one religion is superior to the other one.

Far from it, it is the opposite, as all religions lead to the same supreme soul. It is also foolish to think that this Supreme Soul, the creator of this universe does not care of its creation! The Supreme Soul out of its infinite compassion and love, descends on to this earth very frequently to ensure the development of not only the society as we call it but the entire universe. When the supreme soul arrives, spiritually advanced souls of that particular time or age recognize this being. Every periodic appearance of the supreme soul on this earth is called an Avatar, is christened a different name and each one has its own significance and purpose. The avatar of this age happens to be Sadguru Samarth Sainath of Shirdi! This avatar is the third avatar of love and compassion in the entire history of all the avatars. The first one being Lord Krishna which was universal love, the second one being Christ which stood for love for the father, son, neighbor and now Shirdi Sai Baba!

Sai Baba, who extends the love not only to human beings but the entire creation and that too on an individual basis. One can approach him as a father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather, grandmother, cousin, friend or any of the relationship descriptions known to humankind! The eleven assurances of Shirdi Sai Baba are his charter! If you are in doubt, put them to test and you will find your own answers!
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Contributed Article:Busy in a market place! - A Poem

Sai , I am busy in a market place
With millions to earn
And miles to run
Here, I am busy in a market place

Titles to claim
And battles to win
Here, I am confused in a market place

With thousands of faceless people around
And selfishness abound
Here, I am tired in a market place

In a dog eat dog world
Where everything is bought and sold
Here, I am lost in a market place

Where have You gone
Where are You hiding?
Here, I am seeking You in a market place

Can't You hear me?
Can't You see me?
Here, I can't find You in a market place

Oh, My dear Sai
I need You
I want to hug You
I want to touch You
Please bless me
Please embrace me
Here, can You help me find You in a market place

(Contributed by Suresh Raspayle, London, UK)
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Experiences of Devotees

JULURU MURALEEDHAR RAO
I am a staunch devotee of Sri Sai and I would like to share some of my experiences during my recent Shirdi visit.

I was on a 2-week trip to India and I planned for Shirdi visit during those 2 weeks. I was supposed to take a train to Hyderabad (on my way to Shirdi) from my hometown on 21st April night. The train was at 11:30 PM. I reached station about 45 minutes earlier. I was waiting on the platform and without my knowledge I fell into sleep as I was feeling very tired. The train came on to platform and about leave in few minutes. (Obviously I was unaware of this as I was in sleep). Somebody woke me up in my dream reminding me about the train arrival and I could catch the train.

I hired a taxi from Bombay to Shirdi. On reaching Shirdi, I was surprised to know that they are not giving lodges to people who are single. I tried in some 2 to 3 good hotels and they refused to give me accommodation, as I was alone. I was feeling very sad, as I want to have the darshan of my master. Then the taxi driver came to my help. He told me that he also wants to have darshan of Baba, as he is also a devotee. He asked me whether I mind sharing room with him. I gladly accepted the offer and we had a very good darshan of Baba.

I am sure in both the occasions its Sri Sai who came to help me and time and again he proved his existence to me.

I am grateful to him for what all he has given me and I am offering my Pranams to his lotus feet.

Om Sai sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.
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Devotees say...

Mohan Erra, London
OM Sri Sai Ram Om sai sri sai jaya jaya sai Baba by your grace and care I got a very good job, even though you know every thing I thought this is my duty to inform first to you then only rest of all. I am very happy this is a great gift in my life, you gave me many things what ever I need in time but this gift is very great then any thing else. When I come to India then I will come to Shiridi to get your holy dharsan once again please give me this wonder full chance very soon.

Jigish.S.Dixit, Kenya
We want blessings from baba and to guide us in our life.
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Prayer Club

Smita Prasad
Om Sai Baba, you know how I got married. I loved a person and went ahead with the marriage, without my parents' approval. Today the same person who said who loved me, wants to divorce me. IT hurts very much Baba. Please give me the strength to go through this trying situation. Also, I pray that you forgive my husband for everything wrong that he has done and does. Give him your wisdom and keep him away from all forms of evil.

Dinesh Adhikari
Dear Brothers and sisters, my brother Rajan Kumar Adhikari lives in Nepal. He wanted to come to the US for his studies, but he was denied last friday.He waited long time to come here and study, but still he couldn't make it. He must be going through hard times. Please pray for him so that he can be patient and he can have stronger faith on Swami Sai Ram. Jai Sai Ram.

Pravin Kumar
My request to Baba is - I am suffering from lots of problem. My firm M/s Sai Retreading has been closed. I am loosing faith on god Sri Sai Baba and this will be a major setback in my life. I have visited Shirdi twice but perhaps Baba could not consider my request. I therefore would like to convey my problems through this site and hope baba will save me.
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Quotation of the Week

"I am the mother-Origin of all senses, the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. Nothing will harm who turns his attention towards Me, but maya will lash or whip him who forgets Me. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world is My Body or Form" - Shirdi Sai Baba quoted in Sri Shirdi Sai Baba The Universal Master

Question of the Week

Q. What is the significance of offering sacred rice and flowers at Baba's lotus feet during Sai Ashtothra Pooja?
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Sai Activities

Sai Utsav 2001 in UK
(Reported by Pravin Unadkat)

Shirdi Sai Utsav will be celebrated at Shree Kutch Leva Patel, Sports & Community Centre West End Road, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6RE United Kingdom, on 26th and 27th of August 2001. For further details, please contact Pravin on +44 7967 443 250, Suresh on +44 7974 954 859 Raj Yesweker + 44 956 963 060 or I.C. Patel +44 780 132 30 37

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Samsthanam, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad, India
(Reported by Pappu Venkata Bhoga Rao)

I am very much delighted to share the experiences of Guru Poornima Celebrations in Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Samsthanam (under construction) in Vijayapuri Colony Phase-I, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad. The day started with KAKADA HARATHI. We performed Sai Sahasra Naamaarchana, Abhishekam, Sai Sathya Vratham. ANNA DAANAM was also performed. Nearly 500 people attended. Though ours is a small residential colony in the outskirts of Hyderabad devotees thronged the Samsthanam on Guru Poornima and had Darshan. A devotee presented Baba with a Silver Kireetam. On the Sankranthi Day of 2000 Sri Baba appeared in our colony on a high place on South West side under a Very Big NEEM TREE which is 200 years Old. We devotees took it as order from Sai and laid a thatched shed over the Idol. Started construction of Sai Mandir by performing Sankhustapana on Sri Rama Navami Day in same year 2000. All the time regular Aaratis and Bhajans and other rituals are being observed. Ever since the advent of Baba, entire atmosphere in the colony is changed to a serene one. Baba are the courage, Baba are the almighty...we have started construction with a meager amount in hand...Now we have finished the entire Mandir leave a few finishing items. Everybody in the surroundings wondered how speedily the Mandir came and attributed the efforts to the Leelas of BABA. Devotees formed into a Trust by name Sri Sai Baba Samsthanam Trust and registered it. Baba's blessing are there for PRATHISTHA in the UTTHARAYANAM i.e., in the Month of Feb.2002. Whenever the devotees happen to visit Hyderabad Please do visit the Mandir in Vijayapuri Colony, Vanasthalipuram. We appeal to the Sai devotees for donation towards Marble Idol of Sri Sai Baba. Please contact Sri S.P. Sankaram, Chairman, Sri Shiridi Sai Baba Samsthanam, Vijayapuri Colony Phase-I, Vanasthalipuram, HYDERABAD-500070, INDIA for further details. Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.

Shirdi Sai Center, New Jersey, NJ, USA
(Reported by Kumad Sachdev)

"GuruPoornima celebrations and Sai Palki in New Jersey" Guru Purnima, a day that has been sought as a day of reverence for all the great sages, gurus, sadgurus and preachers of spirituality and divine life, their divine blessings yearned for a beneficial spiritual and perpetual prosperous life. Though Guru Purnima was on July 5, the Shirdi Sai Center of East Brunswick in New Jersey celebrated the auspicious occasion on the 7th at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Iselin, New Jersey. Baba's idol sat atop the stage, adorned with flowers and surrounded by numerous portraits, which were also beautifully decorated. Baba looked majestic as he sat upon his throne. Devotees participated in abhishek on the idol of Ganesh and of Baba, which was given to the center by Mr. Mukund Raj. Baba's idol was then decorated with new clothes and garlanded with flowers. Bhajans and kirtan were sung with great devotion and the whole atmosphere in the hall was charged with a unique sense of brightness and light. Baba's presence could be felt throughout the hall as people joined in singing and chanting bhajans led by Dr. Kamath, Mr. Khanna and Sherry of the Sai Center group. A gathering of 300-350 devotees joined in witnessing the beautiful Palki of Baba, taken around the hall making the devotees cry in ecstasy. The devotees then followed by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. The experience allowed for the feeling of a Shirdi in NJ. The Sai Center welcomes all devotees in and around NJ to join them at the Knights of Columbus hall in Iselin NJ every 1st Saturday of the month between 3pm-6pm. For directions and information, visit www.saikrupa.org or call at (732)-254-1599.
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