What is the method of teaching that Baba followed? Did He install any institution or a particular way of thought for His followers to propagate? For that matter, has there been any record of Sadguru Sainath appointing anyone to continue His mission?

Inscrutable are His ways! During His lifetime and after, Baba showed a peculiar way of teaching and guiding His followers. He had asked some to be more disciplined, perform rituals, and undertake reading of sacred texts, while some were asked to keep quiet or just wait. Some were commended for their piety while some denounced for their orthodoxy! Baba seemed to have answers to the innermost of the questions His followers had. He seemed to have a certain way of giving "individualized instruction" depending on one's earnestness. However, He seems to be very particular in emphasizing certain virtues in His followers. The two pice (two cents) He demanded were faith and patience. Invaluable! By calling Himself as a servant, Baba has stressed the importance of humility, because humility is a virtue that reaps rich harvest in one's pursuits. By insisting on the surrender of the self and accepting the will of the supreme over the individual, Baba stressed the existence of a unifying higher order. His views on the purpose of religions were simple, "There is only one God and the purpose of every religion is the same". In a unique way, Sai Baba of Shirdi also had asked His followers to investigate the "self". He also expounded on the obstacles for such a pursuit, native as well as acquired. Is it possible to categorize this unique way of spiritual leadership?

For some, Baba's life and teachings might look like a paradox, but in reality, His ways are as simple and natural as it could be! He did not give any set of rules to follow for His disciples. On the other hand, He was present in the minds of earnest devotees who sought His guidance on matters, big and small. For such people, in His words, He guarded them from front, back, and sides. To those who would differ with His advice, Baba said simply, "God will do good". Neither was there an insistence on a rigorous stewardship. Faith and patience are two traits common to everyone regardless of their religious, social, and financial or other status. By invoking the traits common to every human being, Sai Baba of Shirdi has indeed simplified the pursuit and the purpose life may have in the mosaic of modern day life. How shall one thank the God of Shirdi for this? On this Thanksgiving Day, let us be happy for being so fortunate.
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Contributed Article:Ramadan

Contributed by Sai Vichaar Team

Baba's views on the unification of religions are of eternal nature. His universal message of brotherhood beyond the religions is well depicted in Sri Sai Satcharitha vide Chapter VI in the English version where an account is given on how Baba permitted both Ram Navami, a Hindu festival and Urs, a Muslim celebration to be celebrated together. On this holy month of Ramzan, let us take a moment to observe and respect Sainath's values on religious harmony. Let us know about the significance of Ramzan the values of which are fundamental to other religions as well. The holy month of Ramzan is very auspicious and significant to the Muslims all over the world. It is celebrated on the day after the crescent moon (Idd ka chand) is sighted during the 10th lunar month of the Islamic calendar. The Muslims are ordained to observe fast for 30 days starting with the sighting of the new moon and end it after seeing the new moon a month later. Holy Quran is believed to be compiled during this month. Prophet Mohammad who compiled this was an illiterate person. But he was chosen by God to be His messenger. He would get "Vahi" (inspiration from God), and would speak out spontaneously. All these utterings were written down by His disciples and during this month they were compiled in the form of the holy Quran. It is believed to be a message from God to the mankind.

Ramzan is considered as a period signifying discipline and declaration of subservience to the laws of God, enumerated in the holy Quran. A Muslim is told to give Sadaqa (charity) and Fitra (alms given during Ramzan) to the poor before the Idd prayers and recite Quran intensively during the holy month. The last 10 days of Ramzaan are more important as the faithful watch for Lailathul Qadr (the Night of Power) during which the revelation of the book to the Prophet was completed. Observers keep awake all night praying or listening to sermons by Ulema or the high priest. The fasting during Ramzan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslim men and women. Those who cannot fast, have to arrange to feed at least one needy person in lieu of the days one missed out on fasting. Fasting is practiced by followers of all religions in one form or other. It is said to enable one to understand the privations of hunger and thirst and be kind to the poor and the needy. Ramzan is a month of brotherhood, compassion and festivity and the rigor of fasting ends with the celebration of Idd.
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Experiences of Devotees

Prasanna Patale
I would like to share my experience of Sai's leelas with you all. In Saicharitra it says Sai Baba will pull his devotees to him like a sparrow with a string attached. The following story will certainly illustrate this. I was going to Shirdi with my wife. Midway in our journey the car we rented broke down. The driver and his partner left us to make a phone call. I thought that Sai did not want to see me and was feeling dejected. Much to my amazement and delight the driver and his partner came back and told me that another rental car is waiting for us another 2 miles up the road to take us to Shirdi and back home. We were also informed that the owner of the first car we rented would take care of all expenses for the new car. Not only that there was rickshaw waiting to take us to our new car. As it turns out this new car was more comfortable and air-conditioned. Sai Baba truly answered my prayers and made my journey to and from Shirdi very comfortable. Thank you so much Sai for answering my prayers. May my body, soul, spirit, mind, and all senses always be at Your lotus feet.
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Devotees say...

A Sai devotee
Dear Sai Devotee, I appreciate that you have been facing to manage with your in-laws staying with you in your house and involving themselves into your personal matters and you want them to stay away from you when their other children are there in some other towns. If you have to look into the issue from elder in-law's side, this is their ultimate life to be with their liked children and grand children and spend their rest of their life and pass away. Many of us in our life are very much eagerly interested into peeping into other colleagues/friends/relatives matters though not essential for us, it is an academic interest to know things in around us what is happening, not to receive any fringe benefits from out of, but to pass on our time, refresh ourselves, talking to them and to come out of our regular monotony. You are aware man is a social animal and wants to live in the society around him, if not, one can live alone like a sanyasi in the forests, that a normal human being cannot do. Young couple/people have to know and understand the feelings of elders, respect their ideologies/suggestions what they earned during their lifetime, help them showing some kindness on their aged non-cooperative body. I don't think the Sai devotees have to pray for you to make you free from in-laws, rather, I request you to be kind enough towards them to stay with you or any of their children and spend their rest of life happily and comfortably. Being a Staunch Devotee of OUR BELOVED SHRI SHIRD SAI BABA, you may kindly show some mercy on your in-laws, or practice to show kindness on elders so that you will not have any problem in your life. Good Luck. May Baba Bless you towards this achievement.

Jaya Tammiraju
The bomb blast incident that took place in south India on Thursday was in Hyderabad near a very famous Sri Shirdi Sai temple. The culprits intended the blast to occur during the Paduka Utsav but by the grace of Sri Sai, the blast took place after the Paduka procession. Some how, I feel very disturbed and I am worried how Sri Sai feels about this incident and I request you to send an email to all Sai Bandhus to pray for Sri Sai and for those who were hurt during the incident physically (and mentally). Saibaba.org is an excellent media that is uniting all the Sai bandhus, as we share our feelings, we pray for our Sai brothers and sisters and I am sure Baba is listening to all our prayers and coming to our rescue at the time of need. Service to humanity is service to God. Though we cannot offer our services in person, we can always pray for the humanity which Baba loves the most.

Jamuna Venkat, Abu Dhabi, UAE
I am replying this mail to Raghu who has expressed his problems in the Sai Vichar about his office. I would sincerely suggest him to finish reading Sai Satcharithra within a week automatically all his problems will get solved. One more worry for him is his sister's alliance for marriage. I would request him to send his email id so that I can get in touch with him directly as, in our friends circle we have good well settled boys out here in Abu Dhabi. Shradha and Saburi is our Baba's saying, everything will work out smoothly for him. SaiRam.

Sonik Chopra
I don't have words to express my feelings about this newsletter. This is really out of world and impressive. Its great to see the Sai prachar in USA and Canada. And I personally thank to all my brothers and sisters who are devoted to promote Sai Name in whole of the world.

V. Murugarajan
Thank you very much Sai Baba for the miracle which you have done to me today you made things which is impossible to possible in my life which is a miracle till my end of the life I will never forget your help. You are one who make me still live, always on your feet
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Prayer Club

A Sai Devotee
My dearest Saibaba, Why it is happening like this? If I have done something wrong, please forgive me. I should really thank you from the bottom of my heart for whatever good you have done to me. Baba..please tell me what I have to make her life normal. You know how I am praying to you everyday for the past year and very intensively from last four months. There is no one for us except you, Baba. With great hope I am writing this to you.

A devotee
SaiRam, I'm a Sai devotee. I am facing so many problems during these two years. I lost my job so many times. Somebody stole my things. We have faced so many health problems, due to that I'm facing economical problems. My wife had a miscarriage. Since 8 months I have no job. I applied for Green Card, my employer didn't want to continue the process, and so I lost so much of money in that. Since our marriage my wife and myself are facing so many problems. My parents are also worried about our life. My in-laws are also worried. Please pray for us. Baba please help me getting job and applying for Green Card. Samardha Sadhguru Sri Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!!!!

A Sai devotee
Baba please help my friend Vishwani 's son who is still in hospital, suffering from severe burns following an accident at his workplace. He received an electric discharge whilst working with one of the electric machines. He had undergone several surgical operations, skin graft, etc. He is in intensive care and suffering from pains and infections. Please pray for him to recover soon. Saibaba, please forgive him for any wrong doings he might have done in the past. His mother and family depend on him a lot for their living. Please give him your blessings. Om Sai Ram.

A Sai devotee
I am very grateful to have experienced your leelas in my life. I am at a point in life where without your direction I feel I am loosing control. Please take pity on excuse and me for all my sins of this life and my previous lives and bless me with your guidance and direction. Especially regarding my career I have not been doing well. Please bless me with the right opportunity and ability to do well in my career and be a good person.

Sarma
I am reading this newsletter since two months and found it good. It is like nectar to a thirsty traveler. It also fulfills the desire to know more about our Guru 'Sri Sai' and leads our life's progress. Also many people address their problems and difficulties and pray for Guru's help and receive the blessings. For those whose prayers are not answered, they may still fortify and increase their faith in Guru and accept that it is a better situation which god puts them into than any other worse situation. Pray Guru ji that everybody is happy. OM SAI RAM.

A Devotee
Dear Baba devotee, please pray for me to get the home I put a contract on yesterday if this is what BABA want for us. Thank you all

Sudhakar, Thane, India
Baba please help us. You have helped me in passing my CA exam. You have given me good job. In our life everything is fine with your blessings. But Sai we do not have children since our marriage of 4-1/2 years. Now again my wife has developed some kind of infections in one of ovaries. Doctor has given medicine for it and after medication she will have to repeat scan. Then doctor will decide whether that particular ovary is fine? Baba we are in tremendous pressure. Please help us to come over of these problems and bless us with children. Jai Sai Baba Jai Sai Ram.

A Sai Devotee
My dearest Saibaba,why is it happening like this, not even a single day I am sleeping happily and my mind is totally out.The same is the situation with my family members.If I have done something wrong please forgive me.I should really thank You from the bottom of my heart for whatever good You have done to me,You helped me achieve all my dreams but this one is really shattering like anything..aisa laktha hai kuch paake bhi sab kuch koya hai.What wrong did my sister do,why are You making her life so hard, why can't You change even to small extent,why there is no change in him and day by day the things are getting worst. Baba please tell me what I have to do to make her life normal. You know how I am praying to You everyday for last 1 year and very intensively from last 4 months.Baba when will my family members including me sleep peacefully atleast for one night.You know about my mom, she suffered her whole life and she sacrificed so much for us. I was able to do everything to keep her happy but this thing is realy shaking her like anything. She is crying everyday and gettiing tensed every minute. She is not able to even go out, Baba I beg you please bring changes to her life and make it normal, please Baba I am not able to understand who should I say this to. Baba for us You are our only hope we dont have anyone in this world. Baba please tell me what I have to do. I am ready to do anything I just wish she is happy and all my family members are happy..If I have done any mistakes please forgive me Baba or lessen their affects and spread it across other lives. Baba..Baba.
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Quotation of the Week
Serving Baba and being in love with him is the ultimate reality. I, therefore do not seek things like 'Samadhi' , emancipation, to be yogi, have miracle powers etc. When the most extraordinary God descends on earth as an ordinary person, how can the ordinary persons try to be extraordinary?"- Guru ji Shri C.B. Satpathy ji.
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Question of the Week

Q.What is the significance of rotating around the self while standing (pradakshina) during Baba's aarathi?

A. by A Sai devotee
The Self or the Paramatma resides in every person's heart. Thus when we do pradakshina around our own Self, it signifies doing pradakshina around the Paramatma by the Jivatma.

A. by Gopi Krishna, New Delhi, India
The body is known as "Puri or Puram" with nine doors. The body is also considered as "temple". The King of this Puri or Puram is Aatma or Aatman or the Indweller, who resides in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, is Soul. When we are doing Pradikshana, especially Aatma-Pradikshana, In a way, we are doing Pradikshana to this Indweller or Soul of this temple or puri. One should reverentially remember this truth while doing Pradikshana to a temple, to a lake, to a mountain, etc. It only intensifies and strengthens the idea of Advaita (One-ness) Bhaava preached by Bhagawan Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, that the whole universe is HIS rupa and HE is the only Indweller of this universe. Otherwise, in other words, we are constantly pulling ourselves into Maya again and again and strengthening Dwaita (Dualism) Bhaava in us whenever we deviate from the prescribed path by not following the preaching of Baba sincerely and by thinking and differentiating ourselves on the lines of sex, religion, region, language, status, etc. Universal-Love is possible only when one sees everything in him and himself in everything. It is only an extension of self, which is visible outside us to the karma-chakshus but one can see that One-ness or Self only with Jnaana Chakshus. Pradakshina and/or Aatma Pradakshina signifies this truth only.

A. by Renuka Kumar
The body is not only a "puram" with 9 doors, it is "the Universe". It is akin to the "sivalingam", with the Creator at the centre/the Atman as the prime mover". In the body, meaning thereby the "universe", resides "Jagadeeshwara", SAI, the Creator. He is the "antaratman", the "witness", the everpresent. We do pradakshina around ourselves because this "body" is the "universe" and by going around "ourselves/Universe" we are paying obeisance to the Creator, who is the fulcrum of this "universe", the "lord" residing as Atman in us.
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Mysore, India
A Shirdi Saibaba Temple was inaugurated in Mysore, Karnataka, India by Srimad Sai Raja Rajeshwari Devi on 23rd November. For more information and directions, please contact Srimad Sai Rajarajeshwari Trust (R), 125, 8th Cross, N.R.Mohalla, Mysore, Karnataka Ph :(91)-(821)-2495521 /2483251 /2510883

Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, Kendall Park, NJ
Saibaba.org invites you to join for Sai puja, bhajans, Saicharitra readings, aarti and prasad every sunday at Durga Mandir,Kendall Park, NJ from 11am-1pm. For further details or directions contact Kumad Sachdev at (732) 257-1438, Shyam Addanki at (610) 648-0191 or email us at maildrop@saibaba.org.

Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, Twin Cities, MN
By the grace and blessings of Sadguru Sainath Maharaj, Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center has started for the benefit of Sai devotees in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas of Minnesota at 725-139 NE Lake Street, Hopkins, MN. The program will include Sai Bhajans, Kirthans and Sai Naama Jap. For details, please contact hamaresai@yahoo.com. Or call Sangeeta (651-481-6782), Kiran (952-233-1819), Ravi (651-342-0600) Bhuva (651-681-2042) or Sathya (651-739-2105)

Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India - November 2002 Activities
Saidarbar under the stewardship of Sri Gopalarao Ravada has organized satsangs at Sri Vijayadurga mandhir, Miyapur, Hyderabad on November 1, Kamalanagar, Hyderabad, on November 10, and from November 14-17 at Sri Shiridi Sai mandhir, Meerpet, Saroornagar, Hyderabad. "Sai Gana Harivillu" a Sai bhajan program was conducted by devotees Smt. Revathi Prasad and Sri. Phanindra Prasad on the fourth day.

SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
Nov 2,1909: KakaSaheb Dixit, fist arrived at Shirdi (Aged 45 years)
Nov 5,1918: Khushalchand sheth of Rahata passed away.
Nov 6,1960: Shirdi Sansthan's administration was taken over by the City Civil Court and a "Court Receiver" was appointed.

Shirdi Sai Baba Chitra Yatra And Weekly Satsang, Canada
Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto cordially invites you all to for Thursday satsang at the following 2 locations: Durga temple., 2691 Markham Rd. Scarborough, ph: 416 754 2983 and Shri Vithal Hindu Mandir., 5359 Timber Lea Blvd. Mississauga, ph: 905 238 0946. between 6:15pm to 7:15pm.

We invite all devotees in Canada to join us in celebrating "Shri Ramnavami festival 2003 in Toronto. Devotees joining from outside Toronto looking for accommodation please register by 25th of February - devotees interested in volunteering or those interested in offering bhajans to Baba pls call Shammi Chopra 416 402 8089 from 7 to 9am or after 9pm in the evening.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra in UK
Devotees may participate in Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra currently underway in UK. To invite Baba to your home and for further details please contact Manu Bajaj at bajaj_manu@yahoo.com or call at +44 7905 933 489 in Wembley, UK

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 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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