The world is an illusion is what the spiritual masters have been emphasizing time and again. People pursuing the path of spirituality too have realized and accepted the fact that the world is enveloped by Maya, which is the root cause of all unhappiness in the world. Still most of us are trapped and the tentacles of Maya spread far and wide that we find it difficult to extricate ourselves from its ugly clutches. When our Sadguru Shri Sainath Maharaj himself said that the Maya continues to tease Him, then what about the normal beings like us. But the moot point is that, is there any way we come out of it and live in peace? Revered Guruji Shri Satpathyji has said that,

"MAATI KE YE RISTHE SAARE, SABH CHOOT JAYENGE,
NAAM, DHAN, GHAR SARE PEECHE REH JAYENGE,
TERE JANMONKE SAATHI GURU KO PUKAR RE".

It is clear from these verses that all the relations with people break off, and the name, fame, money and the worldly acquisitions are left behind. So this being the truth, He said that from the moment one takes birth, one should look for Guru and seek His companionship.

Though we know this truth, we continue to be entangled in the web of this mundane world. As a result, we end up having umpteen desires, unfulfilled wishes and for their fulfillment, we constantly pray to God. This is a continuous process and there is no end to it as some thing or other keeps cropping up and we keep looking at the Lord for His intervention, to help us tide over various situations. Since none of us knows really the actual required things, we go by our intellect and invoke the blessings of Lord to have things happening in desired direction. By this act, we are actually limiting the grace of the God to some specific things only. When we realize that it is the play of Maya that forces us to seek for specific things in life, then we would blindly leave everything at the feet of the Master and just look at Him to guide us the way He thinks appropriate.

We the devotees of Shri Sainath, try to follow his teachings as described in Shri Sai Satcharitra. In spite of the fact that we read and analyze Satcharitra and try hard to internalize the essence of Sai's teachings, still we become victims of Maya. In the very first chapter in Shri Sai Satcharitra it is clearly said that, " the firm conviction of Baba is that the knowledge or Self- realization is not possible, unless there is prior act of grinding of all our impulses, desires, sins, three gunas and the Ahamkara, which is so subtle and difficult to get rid of". But most of us knowingly or unknowingly fail to take cognizance of this strong conviction of Shri Sai and as a result experience the difficulties while traversing the spiritual path.

When the realization dawns on us that it is difficult to get away from the effects of Maya which is nothing but the divine esoteric play of the Lord, our only option is to pray to the Lord fervently to save us from Maya and its effects. Here I am reminded once again the beautiful verses of Guruji Shri Satpathiji,

"BAHUT KUCH MAI SAMAJANA PAAVU, APNI LEELA SAMJHA DONA,
KRIPA KARO ES MOORAKH DAS KO, APNE CHARNOME RAKH LONA"

Oh, Sai, I am not able to understand anything, please make me understand your divine play and shower mercy on this ignorant servant and keep me at your lotus feet. The irony here is that a great realized soul like Satpathyji, composed these verses, then what about we the ignorant lot. Perhaps to overcome that inevitable maya, we need to utter these verses thinking of our Sadguru Shri Sainath Maharaj always.

Guru alone is our true companion and He is the one who walks with us in this world and the world beyond. So let us offer our humble salutations to Him and pray for His continuous presence. "Aum Shri Sai, Peace be to all"

(Contributed by P.Raghunadha Reddy, Tirupati, India)
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Contributed Article:Bhaja Govindam Sloka 29

Arthamanartham Bhaavaya Nityam
Naasti Tatah Sukhalesah Satyam
Putraadapi Dhanabhaajaam Bheetih
Sarvatraishaa Vihitaa Reetih
Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam.....

Meaning:
Artha - wealth, Anartham - (is) calamitous or ruinous, Bhaavaya - (thus) reflect, Nityam - constantly, Na asti - there is no, Tatah - from it, Sukhalesah - (even) a little happiness, Satyam - truth, Putraat api - even from his own son, Dhanabhaajam - to the rich, Bheetih - there is fear, Sarvatra - everywhere, Eshaa - this, Vihitaa - is (the ordained), Reetih - the way.

Summary:
Wealth is ruinous as there is no (real) joy in it. Reflect thus at all times. A rich man is frightened even by his own son. This is the way with wealth everywhere.

Commentary:
Like any evil, amassing wealth also leads to unassuming problems. There is nothing wrong in earning to make a living, but the objection is against avarice, hunger to earn and accumulate more and more wealth. With the accumulation of wealth, the desires also increase, which ultimately breed pain and misery. It is also difficult to keep the accumulated wealth safe from others like thieves and cheats and a time comes even one's own son or kith and kin may become enemy. The so-called source of strength will become a source of fear for the miserable man, who amasses wealth. Natural love disappears due to fear and ego.

In fact, the real happiness lies in sharing and the real joy comes when one relishes the idea of distributing or sharing of one's excess wealth, whether it is food, money, clothing or anything that is required for subsistence by the needy. Excessive money or wealth is not a source of happiness by itself. It has a limit and anything beyond will become a cause for concern, anxiety and unhappiness.

Unfortunately, in the present day world, most of us are under the false belief that a bundle of currency notes will bring us happiness. Thinking so, we become its slaves. At the end of the journey, every one has to go on two bamboo sticks and the amassed money or wealth will not accompany the one who sacrificed one's life to accumulate it. In some cases, the siblings start fighting with each other and come to blows or try to kill each other over the property. Any number of reasons or any length of argument to hoard money for self or for dependents will not justify it for the simple reason that the excess it is accumulated the more contempt it breeds and the more problems it invites.

The grip of Maaya is so strong and powerful that the man has become a slave of the money. One should not delude oneself thinking that one can feel secured by amassing wealth. One should learn to do the duty without any attachment and only such an attitude will give happiness. The foolish man wastes one's entire life for wealth by giving exaggerated importance to it thereby breeding subhuman impulses. The money-mania would make one jealous and conceit and it gives false confidence that one is very powerful. When one possesses money, wealth is a blessing, but when it is allowed to possess one, then the wealth is a curse.

(Contributed by Paritala Gopi Krishna, New Delhi, India)
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Experiences of Devotees

Subir
I would like to share my experience. In 1999, my family suffered major set backs, with losses in the business, me loosing my job and confidence. I lost my patience and it's funny how adversity had changed my nature. I fought with Baba and said I would never to speak to him again because I thought He didn't help me in spite of reading the Sat Charita! In spite of my ongoing fight with " Baba" came to me, in the form of his " Dhuni" sent from India, and a calendar with Baba's picture. He did not leave me inn that state. What I did not realize was that he was with me, standing by me, supporting me through out in the form of my Mother and Sister, who were pillars of strength.

One Day, I Opened the page in the Satcharita with the Samadhi Photograph and Cried like a Child. With a pure heart I Begged his Forgiveness and asked his help to get a Job I did not know why, I locked my room, cried and prayed like never before, The Miracle was, I was jobless for about a year, and after that day the next day, I was called for an interview and asked to join the day after.. The Job definitely helped eased the tensions to a certain degree, mostly I felt blessed, and that Baba was with me. Standing by me, and helping me, supporting me, Things don't have to necessary go as per ones will, but he would definitely stand with his devotees and help them face everything Not Only will his miracles be felt in every day life, but we would start feeling his divine grace and get the confidence that Whatever may be the case - MY BABA WILL BE THERE FOR ME I have firm faith, that During My Sisters Marriage he will stand besides us He will be one with the Family and make sure that everything is taking care of in the best possible manner We are His Children and he will never leave us Thank You Baba.
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Devotees say...

A Sai devotee
Om Sai Ram, thank you so much Baba for your mercy in helping my husband get a job. You know we have had to go through four tough months, we were holding on tight to you, I know that you never leave us - and suddenly you have him a good job. I only ask that it may be permanent, please Baba. I would like telling Sai devotees a little about myself. I have been a devotee for over 20 years and have been through very rough times but he has always held me up, I ask you all to hold on to your faith STRONG and remember he always listens - no one goes empty handed from his doorstep. This devotee of yours only wants sufficient to run the house - and would like to continue serving the needy and with her social work. My humble pranams at your lotus feet, SAB KA MALIK EK, JAI SAI RAM.

S Karthikeyan, Sydney, Australia
On how to read Sai Satcharita. There have been a few questions on the way to read Sai Satcharita over the last few weeks. The most common practice is to start and finish the reading within seven days. On an average seven chapters can be read in one day, this can be done in one sitting or in a number of sittings depending upon the convenience of the devotees. It is common to start the parayana (reading) on a Thursday, complete fifty chapters by the next Wednesday and finish off with Aarthi and prasad on the following Thursday. An elderly devotee told me that one should read seven chapters on the first day, any number of chapters thereafter. However, this can be started any day depending the need and convenience of the devotees. The most important thing is to read it with devotion and conviction instead of reading it as a ritualistic obligation. There is no right or wrong time, right place or wrong place, any time is a good time to read the leelas of Sai, after all, one cannot embark upon reading this unless HE wills it, isn't it. Again, one doesn't need to be unduly perturbed if difficulties appear that interferes with the schedule of reading, retrospectively, everything will be only for the good. Hope this helps.

Dr. Thuse
My sincere answer to the question of Jaya regarding reading of Sai Sacharitra. Though it is mentioned in the Sai Satcharitra to read within a week or daily one chapter, I am of the opinion that one should read with concentration whenever he gets time sufficient to concentrate. I read one chapter daily after taking a bath. However let me assure you that any time to read it is auspicious, no matter how many lines you read daily, read that with devotion in mind.
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Prayer Club

Mahesh
Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai. Please make my sister marriage as soon as possible many of them blaming my sister for this. Please answer our faith and do this for my sister. Please give my brother Rajesh a permanent job so that he can live properly.

Neeru
Baba, you already know my problem. Please solve your daughter's problem as soon as possible.

A Sai devotee
Dear Baba, please come to my aid, I have uttered a falsehood, a simple white lie, which I could have avoided. Please give me good sense and discrimination to always follow your teachings, especially in the matter of truth. Please help me find a good job soon, Baba, you know our situation. Om Sri Sairam.

Sai devotee
Om Shri Sai Ram. Sai Ram please forgive me for all the things I have done to hurt other people knowingly or unknowingly. Sai Ram you have done lot of favors to me in the past and are doing so now also .Sai Ram I pray you to help my husband, please help him to get a job according to his qualification and experience. Please god have mercy on us. Please forgive me if there are any mistakes.

Sai devotee
Dearest Shri Sai Baba, Shri Sainathaya Namha. Baba you have given me everything in life except our one wish is still not fulfilled. Baba, please keep us under your lotus feet. Forgive for our past sins. Give good Buddhi for not committing any sins. Baba make us happy by fulfilling our wishes. Baba don't put us under test.
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Quotation of the Week
"Unless a man discharges satisfactorily and disinterestedly the duties of his station in life, his mind will not be purified and unless his mind is purified, he cannot get self-realization."-Saibaba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

Q. What is meant by "TRUTH"?

A. by Sameer Sharma

The Truth is all about accepting things as they come to you and the manifestation of truth reveals many colors of divinity in all living and non living beings. The entire universe and the creation of the God are the reflection of HIS intention to provide us the platform to experience the pervasive truth. The fact remains that different people have different perceptions as to what Truth is but in its purest sense Truth is the purity of the heart and the Grace of God which constantly bestows on to us and if we re able to comprehend it we dwell into the higher planes of the divine romance to experience the bliss of truth. From time immemorial, the Truth has been the virtue of sages and as such is one of the means to achieve the ultimate aim of union with the God. Truth and Love are both important for eliminating the distinction between the self and the others, as we all are the part of the same source, the God. Jai Sai Ram.
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto
Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto, invites you all to join us for Thursday Satsang. Please note new address: #203, 6 Assiniboine Road, Toronto ON M3J 1L3. (York University, Keele Campus). Please contact Shammi Chopra (416-402-8089) or Suhas Godkhindi (416-650-2934) or saileela99@yahoo.com for further information.

Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA cordially invites you for Thursday satsang at 6.30pm and discourse by Mr. Gopal Rao Ravada, Saibanisa, on Aug 2 & 3 at 6pm & 5pm respectively at the following location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite #304, Houston, Texas, 77036. For more information call (713) 789 486, (832) 567 7861, (713) 992 1453 or send an email to: baba@babamandir.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. Regular satsangs include Sai pooja, Satcharitha Parayam, Sai Bhajans, Kirthans and Sai Naama Jap. For details, please contact hamaresai@yahoo.com. Or call Sangeeta at 651-481-6782 or visit www.hamaresai.org.

Sai bhajans in Orlando, FL, USA
For information on Shri Sai Bhajans at Orlando, Florida, please call 407 445 2520 for more details.

Sai bhajans in Tampa, FL, USA
Sai bhajans and Satsangs will take place at 311 East Palm Ave, Tampa. FL. 33602. Please contact 407 445 2520 or 407 458 6459 for more details.

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 still continuing with great enthusiasm across many states in the country.

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 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.

Visit online at www.saibaba.org and follow link to 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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