Spontaneous human nature is to have an amicable inter relationship with individuals, groups or situations, which are considered more powerful. Before the evolution of the cerebral potentialities, the earliest human beings considered the forces of nature like fire, cloud and even some other species to be more powerful than themselves and thus started the earliest systems of worship. This concept of God at the level of consciousness of the earliest human beings was interpreted as more powerful forces of nature around and was based on fear. Gradually, with the expansion of the thinking capacities, the human race started understanding about the all pervading and subtle forces of nature which they called God. Gradually they realized that behind the manifested forms of sun and fire, there exists a subtle consciousness. They further knew that this subtle consciousness is the primordial causative force creating the visible and non-visible aspects of the universe. The developed intellect and expanded consciousness of the spiritual minds of India delved deep into these subtle causative forces of the universe and realized that the existence of an eternal entity can be defined as God and the Ultimate Truth. This primordial entity known in Vedas as 'Param Purusha' is not bound by time, space or mutability although it creates time, space and mutability.

The different incarnations of God and the Perfect Masters came on this earth to reveal this ultimate truth to the human beings through their conduct and precepts. The instances of their exemplary actions, at times bordering on miracles created a conviction about their superior powers in the minds of the devotees. Initially, it is these wonderful and unexplainable miracles that started drawing devotees towards these most powerful entities of nature. Would one like to logically understand the causes of such acts of miracles, at the end of his search he will find that his limited intelligence and intellect are a poor instrument to correctly appreciate such phenomena? Even if the human race has gone beyond the earth and landed on the moon, yet the question that naturally comes to mind is as to what exactly has been achieved by the humans in the context of the yet unconquered universes having millions and billions of solar systems. It seems like an ant moving from one pebble to another pebble on seashore. As the spiritual Masters have revealed from time to time, beyond the boundaries of the perceptible and in-perceptible universes there lies the vastness of an infinite void or 'Mahashunya'. Only after crossing this universe chains can one enter that void.

In the path of spiritual journey the first step is to cross this void and have an experience of the eternal being or primordial being or the 'Adipursha' or 'Ananta Purusha'. Given this unimagined and unimaginable vastness of the creation of God, is it possible to comprehend or cross this vastness with the help of our very limited intellect and by the endeavors of a lifetime? A positive answer to this question will indicate that the person has not entered the path leading to the spiritual world as yet. A negative answer will indicate that he is yet to understand the potentiality of a human soul which is the part of the over soul. If one reacts to this question neither in affirmation or negation then he is in a neutral state of mind which can simply be called a state of 'be as it may'. This is a better state of mind than otherwise in order to evolve in the path. If a man is in such a state of mind then who will give him a correct answer and who possibly can lead him in the path? In the 'Satyayug' the answers to such questions were revealed through 'Meditation' (Samadhi). In Tretayug through 'Yoga', in Dwarparayug though 'Yagna' and today in the Kaliyug it is being revealed through 'Science'. However, the answer given by Science is due to a natural process of expansion of the cerebral capacities of human beings as ordained in nature. But would one like to shorten the process of his evolution and grow at a faster pace, he has to go through a certain special experimentation's on himself. He has to bring into focus his entire physical and mental potentialities and to combine it with his will power by increasing the will power enormously. In short he has to put his entire energy, time, will and aspirations into a single focus of attraction. Experience with the 'laws of human motivation' has shown that love and not fear can create the highest motivation in a human being.

If the approach to this path emanates out of devotion and love rather than fear then the path becomes easier and takes less time.The laws of nature are well defined, exact and operate universally. To understand these natural laws one should have similar thought vibration and insight. All the saints on this earth had a simple, innocent and guileless personality. It is difficult rather impossible to evolve in the path of spiritualism purely with an intellectual and logical approach. Kabir, Nanak, Tukaram, Meera, Ravidas, Budha, Christ, Sri Sai Nath all went through this path and made people understand only this path. Sri Sai Nath in spite of being in the state of total divinity lived with illiterate and semiliterate rural folks of Shirdi for more than sixty years. He established a tradition with these people which is attracting millions others from within the country and abroad. Millions of intellectuals have surrendered at his feet after getting attracted by this simplicity and innocence. This is because the soul is always in search of simplicity, peace and love. Wherever these qualities appear they become centers of attraction. This is not the attraction of intellect but the attraction of the soul. This is not based on fear but on devotion and love. Let us pray at the holy feet of Sri Sai Nath always to help His devotees in their spiritual evolution through the easiest path he has shown.
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Contributed Article:All or None?

Contributed by Ravin, Minnesota, USA

The uniqueness of Baba's message of God-realization outside the realm of religion is by no means considered as a discounting attitude to any given set of practices. On the other hand, this may be an all-inclusive approach that regards and respects everything under the sun with the disposition that God is all-the dispenser and it is not for us to judge. A few practices under the name of religion cannot make the whole religion as superstitious. Divisive attitude in the name of discrimination has its limitations. On the other hand, the attitude that "everything is Sai" prepares a seeker to receive the more important realization of the self - a natural process that constant contemplation on Sadguru would lead one to. As mentioned in several earlier occasions, all or none is not an approach to Sai devotion but everything and anything with the faith that unless Baba wills nothing comes to us - including the opportunities to serve and seek him. As devotee Kamala Pallesenna wrote last week, in spirituality one size does not fit all and not everything that Sai gives us appear sweet. The best recourse is to pass the burden on to Sai and learn to wait.

It is easy to give in to the tricks of discrimination and lose the basic tenets of Sai devotion - humility and compassion to fellowmen. It is a fortune to have the blessings and taste the grace of Baba and a challenge yet to remain meek and humble just the way our Lord showed us. The attitude that "I am holier than you" is not a sign of humility. At the same time, one's enthusiasm in sharing the love and devotion to Sainath of Shirdi and willingness to help the needy should not be judged as showmanship but be seen in the best of lights, as a noble intention at the feet of Lord Sai. Hemadpanth's reference to subtle ego is probably a daily reminder to Sai devotees. All Sai bandhus all over the world who rely on Sai Vichaar for Baba's love and compassion can benefit from the understanding that Sai Vichaar is done by a group of volunteers with diligence, love and devotion to Sadguru Sainath, and with the only intention of sharing His love and message. Happy New Year to all. Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all.
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Experiences of Devotees

Sridhar, Mumbai
Our SAI stood as a reference book during his life time to teach the mankind the theme of love and alas the mankind has not reached or rather attained that level to understand the meaning of love. Even today we are living in the midst of hatred and the life covered with cloud of ego. Unless one understands the meaning of love and the way our SAI taught us, we cannot really make this world a happy field. Let us hold HIS feet and pray with sincere tears in our eyes - OH LORD SAI THE PROTECTOR OF THE UNIVERSE - PLEASE HEAR OUR SINCERE PRAYERS AND GRANT THIS UNIVERSE PEACE AND PROSPERITY SO THAT ALL LEAD A HAPPY LIFE AND LET YOUR THEME OF LIFE "SHRADHA AND SABURI" PREVAIL IN THE WORLD AND GUIDE US WITH YOUR LIGHT OF LOVE AND SAVE US FROM THE MISERY!
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Devotees say...

Ram
Dear Smita, it was very nice to hear that you wanted to conduct Sai bhajans in your house. Being a member of a bhajan group in South India, I would like to let you know how we go about it:

We are a group of 6 - 10 Sai devotees performing bhajans every Sundays between 4 pm to 7 pm, the funds being utilized for construction of a Sai Mandir, which is halfway through. The bhajans start with recital of Vishnu Sahasranamam, then invocation of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Sai as Guru and followed by Sai bhajans ending with a bhajan on Pandurang Vittal. The house arranging the bhajan are asked to keep five types of fruits, for example, plantains, apples, guavas, pomegranates, pineapple (can be anything), dhoop sticks, camphor for arathi, a lamp with five wicks for pancharati. In addition, the members of the house on their own, Arrange some refreshments on their own. Sometimes it can be a three-course south Indian meal or it can be idlis, dosas, and vadas with a sweet. This is their way of devotion to Sai. Even the food items prepared are kept for Naivedhya in front of Baba at the end of the bhajans. We sing the Dhoop Arathi after recitation of Sai Ashtothram. The order in which it is done is as follows:1. Vishnu Sahasranamam 2. Bhajans 3. Naivedhyam 4. Arathi with five wicks.5. Final arati with camphor.

All members present are given yellow rice with flowers to shower on Baba, one by one, and prostrate before his picture/idol. This is the practice we follow in South India, you may alter it to suit your convenience in Florida. I pray to Baba to help you to organize and conduct a bhajan in the near future. Sai Pranaam.

Kiran Reddy
Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai............ To all the Sai devotees out there in different parts of the world, I Wish One and All a Very Happy New Year and Have Lots Of Good Things done for the betterment of the world and be Happy Always and make others to be happy. SAI always mentions that let all be Happy in what ever they have. Spread the SAI message to all parts of the world. Please every one remember faith and patience, help all the persons those who are in need, and try to encourage good things and good deeds. If any one feels this message to be disturbing Please excuse me. May the coming year be as good as ever and we learn many good things in SAI MARGA and spread SAI's Teachings to one and all. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the SAI VICHAR staff (you are doing great work in maintaining this site for Sai devotees) and SAI DEVOTEES. SAI BLESS EVERY ONE.

Sai devotee
Om Sai, I read the article a devotee has written about her bad words and actions towards her loved ones. I too am going through the same problem. I love my parents, sister and friends very, very much. But, I am so much frustrated in my life that I speak very badly to them when I am angry. I repent a lot immediately after. But then that has got no value. I am already losing friends because of my nature, which has become like this lately. But I really don't understand how to control myself. I read Satcharitra and pray to Baba that I should not be like this. I am unable to get a job since the past four months after the lay offs in my company. I am not so bad that I should not get a job Baba. I study so much and go for an interview, but then, in the interview, they ask something altogether different. I have no more courage left in life. I am tired today of struggling. I hardly remember when I was happy last. I have to thank Baba for giving me a supportive and loving family. But then Baba, please give me a chance to keep them happy too. Grant me a job soon Sai. I beg of you. I tired of all the rejections I am facing. Help your child Baba.

Rahul Shirodkar
Dear Mrs. Kapoor, SAI RAM!! I have gone through your prayer wherein you have mentioned about not having a child for almost a decade. As you mentioned that you had a strong belief in GOD and slowly it has started fading away. Please do not let that happen. Also please do not impose conditions on BABA that only if you have a child then you will become his devotee. What I understand is that BABA wants you to come in his fold. Do it. Start believing in BABA. I am not telling you to do aarti's or start visiting Sai temples, but start having faith in him. Just believe whatever you do he is around you and within you. Go through BABA"S 11 assurances. Start speaking to him by closing your eyes and visualizing him. And believe me he is there. Start reading SAI SATHCHARITA. If possible finish it in 7 days and BABA will listen to you. While reading start meditating upon BABA.

Tayal
I am writing in response to the devotee who asked for directions and guidance. We are nobody to direct and guide you, only BABA can do so. If you have started having faith in BABA then stick to it. HE knows your anguish and has the cure for it. I am sure you are an educated couple and must have explored all the medical options. Medically, there is so much possible today, please contact the Mount Sinai's IVF department and explore other options. There phone number is 212-241-1879. Good luck and may BABA bless you with his choicest blessings.
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Prayer Club

A Sai devotee
Sainath, today is the last day of 2002. Sai, throughout 2002 I was unemployed but with your support and grace we could pull through safely. Your protection and blessings helped us each day. Thank you for being there for us Sai. Sainath be with us throughout 2003. Make 2003 a great year for us. I entered 2002 chanting your name. I will be chanting your name and Lord Rama's name while entering 2003. Be with us and protect us Sainath.

Shalini Agrawal
Sai Baba you must be testing us, please bring peace and harmony in our house.

Lalita Vedula
Om Sai Ram, I am a staunch devotee of Lord Sri Sai Baba. Since few days my mind is getting very restless and disturbed. Any work undertaken is resulting in severe failures thereby incurring losses. Apart from this I am blamed for no cause. I get blasting from everybody for no fault of mine. I undertake all the work and serve my husband and his kin and am blamed for no reason. I am desperately looking for a Job to keep my mind away from all these things but unable to find any. Previously this was never with me. Whenever I used to go to baba with any problem he immediately used to come to my aid. But now though I read his satcharitra and pray him still he is not responding me in anyway. From when I am married I have no peace of mind and am desperately restless. Please pray baba to bless me with peace of mind and a good job and come to my aid.

A Sai devotee
Sri Sachidanand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai! Dear Sai Baba, with utmost faith and deepest feelings I pray to you to kindly grant 'Sanmati' or good sense to my husband and me so that we may stop picking on each other for small things and be able to live in peace. Though we love each other and cannot live without the other, we see to be quarrelling over no rhyme or reason. Also I find my husband to be very miserly and dominating over me in such a way that I feel dependent on him for everything and frustrated in the process. Whatever I say is wrong to him and he does not accept any advice from me - no matter how right I may be. I don't have the right to spend on anything unless he feels it is necessary. I have also been trying to convince him that we should try for a child - but in vain. He has been postponing the issue for the last one year. It has already been more than 3 years since our marriage and I want a child very badly - not just for our family's sake - but because it is a very fulfilling experience and creates a unique bond between husband and wife too. I feel that a child will in a way bring peace and amicability into our lives. But he is not ready for one yet. There is constant doubt and fear in his mind about his own abilities and insecurity about his job. I pray to all Sai devotees to please pray for us so that my husband may feel more at peace with himself and be mentally prepared for a child. So that he may initiate the process and end my anxiety and mental pain. Bow to Sai - Peace be to All! Sabka Malik Ek! Om Sai Ram!

Nitu
I need your blessings for the coming years and of course in every moment of life. My family and me need your love and blessings. Baba please show your presence in our life.
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Quotation of the Week
Concretization of one's own abstract sense of fulfillment is at the basis of all our spiritual and worldly endeavors. As such it is futile to draw a line of separation between the so-called spiritual and worldly, because all kinds of aspirations, ambitions, desires and emotional pulls are different expressions of one's abstract sense of fulfillment. That was why Sai Baba never discouraged his devotees from asking him for the fulfillment of worldly desires and protection against mundane problems. Baba made it clear when he said, "Saints exist to give devotees spiritual and temporal welfare. ...I give to my devotees whatever they ask, till they ask for what I want to give them!"-Sri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji
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Question of the Week

Q.The leaves of neem tree under which Baba used to sit has lost their bitterness and tastes sweet. Is that authentic information?"
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Sai Activities

Sai Satsang, Houston, TX
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA cordially invites you for Thursday satsang at the following location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite # 304, Houston, TX 77036, between 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more information please call 713-789-7486 or contact Syamasundar at 713-383-6501.

New Year Celebrations,Baldwin,New York
New Year Celebrations by Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Samsthan of America Nori Foundation Inc. 1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510 All are welcome to get the blessings from BABA and participate in Archanas, Aarthi and bhajans. For more information call 516-867-8008 or 516-771-4500 or visit our web site at www.saimandirusa.org. Directions: Take L.I.E. To Exit 30 South (Cross Island Parkway). Take 25A (Southern State Parkway). On Southern State Parkway, take exit 20 South (Grand Avenue). Travel about 1.2 miles on Grand Avenue. Mandir is on left. (Free Parking is available across the street).

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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