It is said that dwelling on miracles alone will not be sufficient for one's spiritual growth. A sign of accepting the omnipresence of God's supreme conscious should trivialize the occurrence of miracles as, yet another event in His cosmic play, a matter of fact. However, human mind constantly needs a means to confirm and re-confirm faith in God. It seems that this would be an essential stage of one's spiritual progression. Even the most spiritually disciplined minds seem to depend on this anchor known as miracles, for the power of human mind in perpetrating myth is such. Even great a devotee such as, Shri Ganpatrao Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe alias Das Ganu Maharaj, a blessed soul that spent the best part of its life in singing Baba's glory, admits his " poor weak faith ". Let us learn how Baba appeased Das Ganu's senses and re-confirmed his faith in his own words:

"Once for Mahashivarathri, I was at Shirdi and I wanted to have "Gangasnan" (dip in the river Godavari) at Singaba (three miles off Shirdi) that day. Megha daily brought that water for sprinkling or pouring (Abhishek) over Baba -, as Ganga must naturally fall on Mahadeva's head. But Baba did not allow me to go (for the Gangasnan). He said, "Ganga is here at my feet. Do not go". I felt depressed. Theoretically, I knew that he was God Narayana and Ganga flowed from Narayana's feet. But that was poor weak faith insufficient to give my heart the pleasure which a tangible Ganges bath would give me. Baba knew my mentality and asked me to approach his feet and hold my palm near his feet. The water began to flow from both his feet. It was not few drops like perspiration. It was rather a slow and thin current. In a short time, say a few minutes, I had collected a palmful of that water. Here was Ganga and I was delighted. I bathed i.e., sprinkled the water over my head".
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Contributed Article:Sufism

Sai Baba gave Abdul Baba Islamic preachings and explained the lineage and various aspects of Sufism periodically. Abdul Baba used to make notes of Sai Baba's sayings and later used them as reference when people approached him with problems. These sayings were translated into English in the book by Dr. Marainne Warren titled Unravelling the Enigma, Shirdi Sai Baba in light of Sufism. Sufi theory and practice reveals a very similar path to reality as any other spirtiual path and is briefly outlined below. The Sufi methods can be considered broadly under four headings a)Shariat, b)Tariqat, c) Marifat , d)Haqeeqat. By their definitions one may say that the first phase of "Shariat" is the moral code laid down by institutional religions. Once a person adheres to these social and individual norms of conduct he qualifies for "Tariqat" which is the discipline laid down by the master for him to move up the spiritual ladder. This is determined by the master according to the needs of the disciple. Once the disciple adheres firmly to both social conformity and the master's discipline he enters the third phase of "Marifat" which means awakening to a state of inner consciousness on the path to the transcendent truth or reality. It is a state or comprehension. Once these three preliminary stages are crossed the disciple enters the fourth and final stage of "Haqeeqat" which is merger with the transcendental truth or reality.

(Contributed by Sai devotee)
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Experiences of Devotees

Pradip Kumar Koirala
Baba was a guide to his devotees when he was with his physical body. He has continued to be so after his samadhi. Chapter 18/19 of Sai Sat Charitra has given a description of Mr. Sathe, one of the Baba's devotees of that time. Sathe suffered great loss in his business and to redress it comes to Shirdi and does one week parayana of Guru Charitra. When he completes one week parayana, Baba comes to his dream and explains a portion of Guru Charitra to Sathe. Sathe was a simple person and he could not understand what Baba explained him in the dream. He was also in a dilemma whether to continue parayan or not. Sathe goes to Kaka Saheb Dixit, a close devotee of Baba and request him to ask Baba on his behalf whether he should continue parayan or not. Kaka asked Baba accordingly and Baba gives instruction to Sathe to continue parayan for one more week for his kalyana. I am one of the sevak of Baba. I perform parayan of Sai Sat Charitra at regular intervals. I did not have any information about Guru Charitra except the minimum information I got from Sai Sat Charitra. Three years before I noticed that information and felt that Guru Charitra should be a very important book. I was also interested to perform parayana from Guru Charitra. I asked one of the Sadhu from Shirdi, he told me Guru Charitra and Sai sat Charitra are the same book. When I was in Shirdi one and half year before, I saw a woman in parayan room perform parayan from a book other than Sai Sat Charitra probably Guru Charitra. But I did not ask her the name and content of the book. I was bit confused but not convinced by sadhus information that two books are the same. Hunch continues in my mind about Guru Charitra parayan.

Recently, in the Navaratri week, I received a Magazine published by Shirdi Sai Heritage of New Delhi. From that Magazine, I also got web address of Sabkamalikek group. I went to the web to know their content of information about Baba. But to my great surprise, Baba gave me a full book of Guru Charitra for parayana in Florida shidisai temple, liabrary section. In such a miraculous way, Baba introduced me to the long awaited Guru Charitra. The day after I started parayan and completed in Vijaya Dashami. All knowing Baba is always around us and will remain forever although his ways of showering of grace vary. I express humble gratitude and million and millions of pranama to Sadguru Baba who did introduced Guru charitra and instructed me to perform parayana on such an auspicious week of Nava Ratri. Baba Please protect the members of my family from all the evils of the world. OM SAI SREE SAI JAI JAI SAI.

Sheeba
I would like to share my experience as a sai devotee with all other devotees out there and want to say that if we whole heartedly believe in Baba he will definitely come to your rescue, hear our prayers and bless you. Last January my brother met with a bike accident. Even doctors were not sure about the outcome but because of our continuous prayers to Baba his life was saved and he slowly returned back to normal in little time, which was a miracle of Baba. But because this happened just before his exams he could not attend his exams. So subsequently in the next semester he had to attend lot of back papers along with other subjects. Again because my brother himself is Baba's staunch devotee, Baba gave him the courage to face the exams and blessed him to pass the papers and get his eligibility for the next year. This is only because of the faith myself and my family had in Baba. Om Sai Ram, never leave us and always be there with us through out our life."
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Devotees say...

Sai Devotee, Bangalore, India
Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai, I am thankful to Baba for all the blessings received. Baba please bless me and my family members to have good health, long life and peace of mind. Baba, please bless me to live long with my wife, son and parents. I am sure that Baba will always be within us as God (Deva), Guide (Sadguru), Protector (Sarvarakshaka), Doctor (Dhanvantry) and every thing in our life.

Ashok Chandrasekhar
After being introduced to Shirdi Sai Baba a couple of years back, we have come in contact with many devotees. It has been my observation that for some, the results of their prayer are near instantaneous, while for others, problems and anxieties prolong. My initial explanation was that it depends on the faith of the person, that is, Baba helps those who surrender to him. Those who continued to suffer were doing something wrong or did not know how to surrender. However, there are those who have been ardent long time Sai devotees that continue to suffer. Some of them have lost their faith, while others continue to believe. Then there are the gadfly's, whose devotion seems to be very temporary. Their devotion seems to peak when they have problems and wanes as soon as the problem diminishes. Is there a right way of showing faith? Or is there some other explanation why some seem to have their prayers answered while others don't.

A Sai devotee
I hope someone can hear me. I pray everyday for swami to show me a sign that he is with me and I should not be afraid. I am in a very difficult situation now. It feels like I am at a crossroad and I do not know which side to go. I have been married for eight years. I have had two stillbirths in the 8th month of my pregnancy. I had two miscarriages thereafter. I have had so many problems from my in laws. Last year I learnt my husband was having an affair. Since then we have this cloud over our heads. He told me he decided to stay. Then suddenly he does not want to. He needs time. It has been a year and a half nothing has happened. He has become very distant and we have little or no communication. I went to a fertility place and they said they can help us but now my husband says he does not want to. He keeps telling me to file divorce papers. I have worshipped my husband this day one. I have done things for him even if I had to sacrifice myself. I put heart, body and soul into my marriage. I never knew such pain and hurt as the present. I have not forgotten my prayers. I read the Hanuman chalisa every morning. I read the Shiva novena everyday. I chant the beads about 5 times a day. I do not know what to do. I have written to baba I talk to him everyday but I live through the same pain everyday. I pray that he has taken my children, now my husband what else can I live for. My life is worth nothing. Take me. My prayers are like they are falling on deaf hears. My husband was once very god conscious today he refuses. I am holding the one month purtassi fast, while he is with his friends eating meat and drinking.

What use it is to hear Baba's mahimas about materializing vibuthi, making someone pass the exams or getting a job when he can not show me true faith, to enter my house and show my husband the power of god. To give me my husband and my children. I do not know why I am writing to you, maybe in the hope that someone can give me a solution or assure me that Baba is with me. He has abandoned my husband and me.
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Prayer Club

Ananthashayanam
Baba I am unable to express my feelings. Baba, I am having low blood pressure. Baba please give me good health. Baba, my sister is unable to walk for the past two days, please Baba give her good health. Baba, my son is having examinations from 15 October, Baba, please give him good knowledge to write the examinations. Baba, please give my son good health and good knowledge. Baba, we want to move to a new house of lease. Baba, the present owner is unable to give us the money, we have given to him. Baba, please guide him to pay the amount immediately. Baba, I sent one letter to my tenant to vacate the house by October end. Baba, the tenant has not sent the acknowledgement. Baba, please guide him and to vacate the house by the end of October 2003. Baba, I do not know, I am facing problems every day and night. Baba, Credit card bank has sent a court letter to pay the amount. Baba, you only have to save me from the court cases. Baba, please I am begging you to solve my problems. Baba, if problem is solved, another problem will arise. Baba, I cannot express my feelings and difficulties. Baba, I am at your Lotus feet, please save me from the problems. All the devotees of Sai are requested to pray for my problems.

Sai devotee
I am unable to express my problems and troubles. I do not know how to express my feelings. I want to settle our property problem and lead a peaceful life. Please help me Baba. I am always at your lotus feet and praying daily. Baba please give my son and daughter good knowledge and they are having examinations shortly. Babaji please guide them to do well in the examinations. One of my relative is suffering from dreadful disease. Please help him to recover quickly.

Mahesh
Saibaba, my professor is leaving to another University. Please help me find a job, a permanent one, in Central University.

Shyamala
I put my tension and burden you sai I hope you will help me. You have to help me no body is there for me expect you sai. Thanks so much for praying for me. I am so miserable and sad. My husband has begun to hide things from me, for example he sends money to his sisters and never tells me, I have begun to loose trust in him. I have neither friends nor family living here in Norway, and the only consolation is GOD. My husband is a very nice person or else, loving and caring. but he has a great weakness when it comes to his people and will beg borrow or steal to help them, and although they are well off financially, they are misusing his kindness, and I cannot utter a word against them. I am so depressed and sad, pray that my husband must stop helping them financially, and never ever hide things from me.

Sai devotee
Om Sai Ram ji, please Sai Baba listen to my prayers, get my daughter married soon, please forgive us for our mistake. Sai Baba please help us .Om Sai Ram ji
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Quotation of the Week
For a devotee the realization that Baba does everything and they are not capable of anything is called as "Complete Surrender". However, this should not become the dry and wry philosophy of uttering around, "Its all Baba's sankalpa, what do I have to do? He has done it". The cognizance of "complete surrender" should remain as just an inspiration, a background to the pursuit of our desires, ideals, and trials. Unless we get to completely experience the intent of Saibaba in every action, the term "complete surrender" becomes just a pretext for our conveniences.-Shri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji
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Question of the Week

Q. What is the significance of Mr. Sathe's vision in Sai Satcharitha?
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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.

Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir, Columbus OH
Sri Saibaba Temple Society of Ohio are celebrating Deepavali on October 25th at the temple. For details, visit http://www.srishirdisaibabamandir.org or email sssb_temple@yahoo.com.

Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston, Texas, USA cordially invites you for Thursday satsang at 6.30pm 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 Saibaba Sansthan of Canada, Toronto
Devotees in Toronto invite you all to join in our weekly Satsang every Thursday at the two Locations mentioned below. For other information please call 905 887 1752 or email at saileela99@yahoo.com. (1) 271 Ridley St. Avenue Rd. and Wilson South of Hwy 401 for details Ph: 416 4813593. (2) 5359 Timberlee Blvd. # 10in Mississauga Call Mrs. Dastoor for details Ph: 905 812 8290

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Minnesota
By the grace of Sadguru Sainath, Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center is established in Minneapolis-St.Paul, of Minnesota. Regular Sai activities in the Twin Cities, MN are being conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, 725 Lake St NE, Apt #139 Hopkins MN. 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).

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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