Human disposition is aimed at looking towards various means in order to be "happy", the definition of which varies from person to person. In the process of seeking this happiness, a man subjects himself to a lot of stress, anxiety and problems. Man measure happiness in terms of external resources such as wealth, achievements, children, physical well being or status in the society to name a few. Chapter 14 in Satcharita says, "Providential dispensation is such, that no one in this world is completely happy and rich". Isn't this true? Law of nature says that no Human is ever free from anxiety or worry. One has to pass through the phases of good and bad events based on prarabdh (previous acts). Even Prince of Ayodhya - Rama; an avatar of lord Vishnu, had to undergo 14 years of turmoil, separation, anxiety and misery. When god can't be spared from miseries of this world then what to speak of humans.

Man has access to various scriptures written by the age old spiritual masters, which would guide him in his quest for spirituality. Man is also endowed with intellectual capacity, which enables him to learn, comprehend, and practice those teachings in day-to-day life. Man is so fixated in chasing happiness that he has not realized that happiness is nothing but the "state of mind" and he is the controller of his happiness. If man decides that he will be happy, then no matter what catastrophe befalls him, his state of happiness will not be robbed from him. In chapter 20th of Satcharita Hemadpant mentions that "The Ishopanishad gives a valuable mystical description of the Atman, a description of the ideal sage, who stands unruffled in the minds of temptations and sorrows; and adumbration of the doctrine of Karma-Yoga as later formulated, and finally a reconciliation of the claims of knowledge and works." In short, one ought to discharge their duties with a sense of detachment knowing that atman alone is real and body is temporary.

Mahalsapathy, a blacksmith by profession is one of the prominent devotees of BABA. Sri BV Narasimha Swamyji, in his research titled "Life of Sai BABA Vol II" has given a detailed account of the simplicity of this humble devotee. Mahalsapathy did not have any riches. In fact, he was so poor that he could barely make both ends meet. He even had to subject to his family to starvation as he did not earn enough in his profession and lived only on the offerings given in the plate at Khandoba temple. Yet, Mahalsapathy was happy and contented. His mind was calm and composed, and never yearned for wealth and many a times did refuse the money from BABA as well who knew his financial situation. Mahalsapathy was well looked after by BABA though he did not have riches Mahalsapahty had the invaluable blessings, care and companionship of BABA.

When we lift our hands in prayers let us not read out wish list to god. Let us not measure our happiness in terms of wealth. BABA said, "Fakir (Mendicancy) was the real Lordship as it was everlasting, and the so called Lordship (riches) was transient". Keeping this mind let us implore HIM to be our constant companion and bless us with the ability to surrender all actions and thoughts to HIM. Let us beg HIM "to keep us always in the path of devotion and constantly focus on HIM and HIS teachings". Also, help us to keep in mind that "all the actions are originated from HIM and HE is the sole actor and doer, whatever be the consequences of our prarabdh, to give us strength to bear good or bad karma". When the path of salvation is so simple the reason why all people do not take to it is, because God has not created in them the will and need to "SEE, FEEL and COMMUNICATE" with HIM. Let us make the start and first and foremost seek HIS blessings. Let us remember that when we try to think using our intellect, the six vices of kama, krodha, madha, mastya, lobha and ahamkar surface with alacrity, but if we surrender thoughts to god and seek His guidance, then our mind is pure and calm, and we are blessed with ability to internalize our thoughts and actions and act in a positive way that is dear to BABA and we are content knowing that it is God's will. Let us also remember that those who take to the worship of BABA, they are well taken care. In chapter 6th of Satcharita Hemadpant writes about BABA's promise to His devotees - "If a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes, increase his devotion. And if he sings earnestly My life and My deeds, him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides.

Those devotees, who are attached to Me, heart and soul, will naturally feel happiness, when they hear these stories. Believe Me that if anybody sings My Leelas, I will give him infinite joy and everlasting contentment. ...." BABA always stands by HIS promises. May BABA bless us all to always keep focused on HIS Holy feet to attain happiness.

(contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia)
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Contributed Article:Bhajagovindam - Conclusion

Moodhah Kashchana Vaiyaakarano
Dukrinkaranaadhyayana Dhurinah
Sreemachchamkara Bhagavachchisyai
Bodhita Aasichchodhita Karanah
Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam....

Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam
Govindam Bhaja Moodhamate
Naama Smaranaa Danya Mupaayam
Nahi Pasyaamo Bhavatarane
Bhaja Govndam, Bhaja Govindam.....

Substance:
Thus, a grammarian, who has lost in rules, cleansed of his narrow vision and shown the Light by Sri Adi Sankaracharya's teachings. Therefore, O fool, at least now understand the purport of life and cross the life's ocean with the help of worshiping Govinda and reciting His sacred names with every breath that you take.

My Sincere Submission
While I was trying to understand the meaning of the Thousand Names of the Lord of Sri Vishnu, I had a unique urge of knowing and writing the meaning and essence of Bhaja Govindam. I know my effort is like showing a lamp to Sun. I also know very well my own limitations in understanding and then expressing myself, as it looks like a blind man guiding the other blind men. In spite of this apparent lacuna, I ventured to write for my own reference in my own understanding and language. I am sure that it has HIS stamp of approval and appreciation to do that. It is my good fortune and the result of some good deeds of my earlier birth that I could think of undertaking such a task. It is HE who has instigated, inspired, initiated and encouraged me, sometimes through dear and near, until it is completed. It may have to be revised for several mistakes. As and when I am blessed with new ideas, I will keep incorporating them in this commentary and submitting it to HIM every time. I have no words to express myself and I am thankful to HIM from the core of my heart for His inspiration to accomplish this sacred assignment. My Lord, let THY will prevail always. Always wishing to be a Paramaanu of Your Lotus Feet

References:
1. The Universe That is God by Dr. I. Panduranga Rao, published by Jnana Pravaha Centre for Cultural Studies, Varanasi.
2. Life of Sri Ramanuja by Swami Ramakrishnananda, translated from Bengali by Swami Budhananda, published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras.
3. Thousand Ways to the Transcendental Vishnu Sahasrnama by Swami Chnimayananda, published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai.
4. Aadi Sankaracharya's Bhaja Govindam by Swami Chinmayananada, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai.

Websites:
1. http://hindunet.org/alt_hindu_home/1994/msg00505.html.
2. http://hindubooks.org/books_by_rajaji/bhaja_govindam/bhaja_g.../page1.ht.
3. Bhaja Govindam.

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

Vidya Rao
The following is my personal experience about Sai Nath Maharaj. While in India I was not a great devotee of Sai. But away from the country, I started attending Sai Bhajans every Thursday and enjoyed it very much. My devotion increased and my family and I started visiting Shirdi regularly whenever we came to India and could make it. I retired from my assignment outside the country last year and when I thought I could enjoy my retired life, during a routine check up, it was found that I have developed a major illness. My wife prayed to all the Gods including Sai Nath and told him that we have no other shelter than him. We then went ahead with the treatment, leaving everything in his hands, which lasted 4 months. My daughters visited me during this period from abroad and visited Shirdi and both they and my wife was a tower of strength to me during this traumatic period. My wife used to apply Udi on my forehead constantly and make me take it in water. Initially it was thought that my remaining life was limited but with HIS GRACE, I became all right. Now there is no immediate danger to my life. I must confess that while I do pray and read Sat Charitra regularly, my wife's devotion is total and am sure her total surrender to HIM was what resulted in my recovery. My daughters and little grandson also pray to Lord Sai and read Sat Charitra regularly. As I write this I am with one of my daughters abroad, playing with my grandson and thanking HIM to have brought back happiness in our family. MAY HE CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR FAMILY. OM SAI NATH MAHARAJ KI JAI

Danesh
Ohm Sai, Oh my Lord THANK YOU, I was without a job from Jan 2002, and with your blessings, I got a job from April 2003. In the last week of March 2003. I had an interview with the HR director of an international organization; in the interview, I realized that the man had negative vibes about me. However, he said that the president of the company was in town and he would also like to see me and would you like to meet him, but there is really no need for you to do so. I was firm and said yes I would like to meet him. A meeting was arranged for the next day at 9:30am. Therefore, the next day I was there a little before the appointed time. As I waited my thoughts were with You my Lord Shri Sai, and if I recall rightly I ran through Chapter 15 of Shri Sai Satcharita. (which I knew by heart). At 12:30 I met him a lovely gentleman the president, who I took to immediately; our meeting was not brief but a lovely long chat, he offered me a job (he also said that the HR director, found me to be too old and therefore unsuitable, but he felt confident that I was correct for his organization) and asked whether I would like to think it over. By then I somehow knew inwardly that this was Sai Baba offering me this job, I accepted without hesitation. Thank you all Sai devotees for the Sai within all, who manifests himself and works his selfless and endless miracles; may He bless us with His faith and patience at all times. About the FEATURE OF THE WEEK article in Sai Vichaar of 7 August, I too have experienced the Bliss supreme from our Lord Sai on a Thursday in the morning Arti in Shirdi on my first visit, many years ago. I felt in sheer bliss words cannot describe it, at total peace, and an immense desire to continue sitting there forever was within me. Alas the Arti ended and I had to arise.

Rani Rao
First, Thanks to the devotees that created this forum to share Sai Baba's experiences. Reading Devotees' experiences and sincere pleas to Sai gave me solace and made me feel like we all belong to the Sai family that thrives in his mercy. A few months ago, I was overcome by fear and frustration when a blood test result came back positive .I was experiencing several symptoms, which were inexplicable by health care professionals. I felt very frustrated that I was being punished with these experiences for no fault of mine. My parents advised me to visit this site and to immerse myself in thoughts and prayers of Lord Sai. Lo, behold! He showered me with his Love and I came to hear that the confirmatory blood tests were negative and at the same time, my health ailments disappeared. Similarly, a few days ago, I was extremely apprehensive about the health of my 6 yr old daughter, when she had to undergo a surgical procedure. Again, Lord Sai gave me the experience of saving our family by delivering good news. I pray to Sai, that he protect all his devotees in similar situations and deliver good health and Peace to all of us. Lord Sai, please clear us all from our afflictions of worry, anxiety and restlessness, so that we may experience the joy of contemplating your merciful nature.
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Devotees say...

S. Ravi
Dear Sai, I feel that I am living under a Golden Umbrella - the umbrella of Your Grace. In its shadow, I am enjoying all that this world has to offer. Neither sorrow nor evil forces of nature dare to disturb me when I am in its shade. The Golden Umbrella has all the riches of the universe within it. I just need to ask and the fruit of my desire falls on my lap! I play on your stage, happy beyond words. What have I done to deserve this good fortune? Why did you choose this great sinner to shower your riches on? I did not sing a single prayer with devotion; I had not taken any effort to control my mind and senses. I did not know yoga nor did I recite the Upanishads. I was egoistic, jealous, lustful, and sinful beyond words. Still you tied me up with strings of love and made me your slave. Certainly some ancestor of mine has done good deeds in the past and I am reaping the benefits. How can I ever repay you for this kindness? Dear Sai, we cannot live without you. Please be ever-present in our hearts and give us the intelligence to live according to your guidance.

Sai devotee
Sri Sainath, I want to thank You for coming into our lives. Without Your guidance and blessings, we all would be so lost. Help us to realize that Your plans for our lives are far better than what we want. I want to thank You for always being there for Your devotees. Thank You especially for attending our wedding and for blessing us. Help us to live our lives with You in our minds.
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Prayer Club

A Sai devotee
Baba, I am tired of my fluctuating temperaments. Please make me think of positives in life any sign of love will help.

Sai devotee
Om Sai Ram. Baba thank you for all the things that you have showered on me. I have left my life under you lotus feet. However being human I still worry a lot. Baba after these long years you've found me a life partner of my choice. Today at this late age, I've conceived with your blessing. I'm seeking you continuous blessing for me to carry this child of your blessing without any complication & deliver a healthy baby. Please be with me in this trying time. I need your support a lot, as you're the only one that I have in my life. Thank you again baba for every aspect of life that you're with me. Om Sai Ram.

A Sai devotee
If I have done any wrongs, please for give me and correct me. Please help my father to find a good business for himself and for my brother-in-law. Take care of my brother and let my parents think that they have given birth to good children. Let them feel happy by our behavior. Please Baba you know how depressed I am. You are the only one who can help in this situation.

Meena
I would like to request all of you to pray for my daughter marriage. She is of a marriageable age and things are not working in a right way. Please pray to our Sai for that.

Gulnaaz
I have always trusted You in everything. Please bless my husband with a nice good job. You know what he is looking out for in long terms please grant us . Please walk with us in all walks and have your presence in our life. Jai Jai Sai Ram.
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Quotation of the Week
"For a greedy man there is no peace, neither contentment, nor certainty (Steadiness). If there be even a little trace of greed in mind, all the Sadhanas are of no avail."-Saibaba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

Q. How do devotees depend on Baba in their daily lives?

A. by Kamala Pallasenna

Jai Sai Ram! Last week a Sai devotee has responded well to this question by saying that "Baba is my life, my existence - that in essence is what Baba means to me in my daily life". In practicing such faith, one may adopt different ways. In Shri Sai Satcharita (Chapter XLV), in deciding whether Madhavarao should accept dhotar from Shri Anandrao Pakhade or not, Kakasaheb decided to cast lots. It was the invariable practice of Kakasaheb to cast lots in all dubious matters and to abide by the decision as shown by the picked up chit or lot.. Likewise, when in doubt and unable to decide, I use lots with a note saying "Shri Sai Baba, please bless me and guide me by allowing this chit to rest on your big toe and thus instructing me to (do -----). I include all reasonable options, though I may not like one or more of them. After closing the chits and smearing small amount of Sai Baba's vibhuti on them, I mix the chits and drop gently over Sai Baba's photo in which He is sitting with His left foot resting on right knee with His two fingers pointing to His big toe. I discard all the chits, pick up the chit that rests on His left big toe, and follow the message in that chit as Sai's instruction to me. There were times that His message was not my preference. But, with full faith in Sai that whatever He bestows on us is for our best, I have adopted His instruction. In the end, His messages have always proved to be good for me and our near and dear. Jai Sai Ram!
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Sai Activities

Shri Sai camp in Nashik Kumbh
Under the guidance of Guruji Shri C.B.Satpathyji, a camp of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba has been established during the period of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik. The Kumbh started on July 30th, 2003. During the camp days daily annadan, bhajans, Shri Sai satcharita parayan, palkhi procession among other activities will be conducted at Shri Saibaba Mandir, Panchvati, Nashik. For full coverage of the camp, please visit www.saibaba.org and follow "Shirdi Sai camp at Kumbh Mela 2003" link.

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
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center invites all for Sai Satsang on Saturday August 16, 2003 in Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center located at 725-139 NE Lake Street, Hopkins, MN. The program includes Sai pooja, Satcharitha Parayam, Sai Bhajans, Kirthans, Aarthis and a discourse on Saibaba, "My bones will speak from my tomb", by Saibanisa Sri Gopalarao Ravada of Saidarbar, Hyderabad. For details, please write to hamaresai@yahoo.com. Or call Ravin Gnanasambandam at 763-862-3910 or visit www.hamaresai.org.

Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto
Devotees in Toronto invite you all to join in our weekly Satsang every Thursday. Due to certain limitations, we are temporarily moving the venue for Thursday prayers from Durga Temple. For details on Chitra yatra, location of Satsang and other information please call 905 887 1752 or email at saileela99@yahoo.com

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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