Sai Baba of Shirdi is considered as the humblest of the humble and the most merciful Guru. Sadguru Sainath placed an enormous amount of importance to Bhakthi or devotion as a means for attaining salvation. Devotion is an emotion that is basic to every human and an attitude that could be cultivated by everyone regardless of one's religious preference. Let us observe what Smt. Mani Sahukar says in her beautiful work, "Sai Baba, the Saint of Shirdi", on Sai Baba and devotion:

"As a matter of fact, with the advent of the Saint of Shirdi, the great and traditional movement of Bhakthi (Devotion), as a virile Sadhana for attaining salvation, received a tremendous impetus. Sai Baba brought about a powerful renaissance of the cult of devotion. For this contribution alone has the Master earned Himself an immortal name in the annals of spirituality."

Conscious of the beauty and power that reside in devotion that is tendered to the divine, Shri Sai Baba exhorted men and women to adopt Bhakthi as the most rewarding Saadhana. It must not be imagined however, that Sai Baba in any way decried the value and importance of other paths. After all, the goal is the same, declared Baba. Shri Sainath did feel that intellectual concepts have an uncomfortable and an infinite capacity of varying and multiplying with individuals. There are as many systems of philosophy as there are philosophers, and, as such, these concepts, more often than not, become causes of tension among seekers. However, Bhakthi is different. Bhakthi or love (love towards God is the principle emotion involved in Bhakthi), is the most natural and vital feeling of the human heart. Like a true and sensitive psychologist, Sai Baba recognized that the need to adore is inherent to human heart and as such, he felt that the saadhana of devotion could well become the basis of an inter-religious dialogue.
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Contributed Article: Sri Sai Gurucharitra - Chapter IV(continued from last week)

Nana then asked, "How has this maya originated? Who originated it? When did it arrive and from where? You said that pure conscious is the basis and foundation of this world. You also said that the entire universe is nothing but pure conscious. Whence sprang this maya?"

Baba, that kindness incarnate patiently replied to Nana. "I will let you know whence this maya came. Listen to me with concentrated attention, Oh son of Govinda. The energy contained in pure conscious is maya. Maya encloses pure conscious. As how one cannot separate sugar and its sweetness, as one cannot separate the sun and its light; in the same way are the maya and the Brahman. The sun and the sunlight are two different words. But it is only by a conjoining of the both that the form of the sun visible to us. We distinguish and identify the sun by its form, the heat and the light it radiates. In the same way is maya and Brahman. But there is an end to maya and there is no end to pure conscious. Pure conscious has no beginning too. It just is. It is by maya or prakriti or nature that this whole world has formed. The detailed explanation of purusha (Brahman) and prakriti (maya) may be seen in the book 'Amritanubhava' written by Jnanadev in the Mohiniraj temple at Nevasa village. Let me tell you its secrets in brief."

"Those who enter the cave of Self realisation do not revert to ignorance. They take the form of that cave and dance in the joy of infinite bliss. The reason for all this is eternal Brahman. Maya is his creation. Oh Narayana, the power of this maya is as the limitless ocean of unplumbed depths. The feeling, 'I am such and such' is formed by maya. This is an untruth. Once maya casts its net of deception on us, we cannot know and recognise either the truth or untruth. Maya has two principal qualities. Know you what they are! What is visible and true is hidden by maya. What is not visible and is untrue is shown by maya.

All people are mesmerised by maya and are victims of illusion. A servant gets a dream that he has become a king. By this dream maya has shut out his true state of servant hood. In addition even if he was not the king, he fell in to the illusion of believing himself to be the king by the power of maya in the dream. In this manner, maya hides the true Brahman and shows the world which is illusory. In truth, this world is not. It is only the universal conscious which fills all. But due to maya we are able to see only this world. All things visible to us in this world are mere illusion but we are deluded in to thinking that they are true by the power of maya. If we succeed in removing the covering of maya by discriminate knowledge, we will be able to see and realise the Brahman. You will then realise that you are the world. When the pollutants are removed from the water one gets pure water. In the same, way when the maya is removed pure conscious is visible. Oh Narayana, you think of, pray for and seek the truth. Atman is the truth. I tell this to all. To recognise, realise the atman and to be immersed in it is the sole objective of all spiritual endeavour."

All those who heard these words of true wisdom from the holy lips of that repository of all knowledge, Sri Sai Baba; prostrated at his feet in gratitude. Vaidya, Sathe, Chandorkar, Nimonkar, Bere, Nana, Maruti, Lakshman, Noolkar and other devotees were present there. Baba looked at all of them with love shining from his eyes. He said, "Keep this instruction safe in your heart. Let it be ever alive to lead you on the right path." They all assented eagerly and clasped his feet again and again in gratitude. When the sun of knowledge rises, can the darkness of ignorance remain? Oh my master, Sri Sai Baba, please put me in your lap. Please give a small place for this child of yours in the shade of the great tree of your grace.

This 'Sant Kathamrit' is the rain of true knowledge which has rained down on all of us from that great cloud - Sri Sai Baba. All this is dedicated to his service.

Here ends the 57th chapter of 'Sant Kathamrit' written by Dasganu Maharaj.

(Contributed by Source: "Sri Sai Gurucharithra" originally by Santkavi Sri Dasganu Maharaj. Translated from Telugu version by Sri SVL)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Srikanth, Visakhapatnam, India
This is my great pleasure to take this opportunity for giving my real grace and experience of the Lord towards me. Firstly I have to thank the trustee for giving this divine opportunity for me. When I am studying in school I just heard of Lord Sai Baba, then I did not know anything much Baba. I just used to worship and pray to Him. I had done my schooling where there was a Shirdi Sai Baba temple just adjacent to our school. Later on, slowly I heard many people talking about Him and His miracles and the divine experiences towards them. When I am doing my 10+2, then I started going to East Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. As I had to take the EAMCET entrance exam, I hardly prepared for the exam and given the exam. But unfortunately, I could not succeed in the exam. Then, I had made up mind to take the exam for another attempt. This time I am very serious and prepared fully. With all the enough homework done, I had given the exam. Before going to the exam center, I had first been to the Sai Baba temple for taking the blessings of the Lord. I had put the hall-ticket and pen at the feet of the Lord. To the examination center I had carried one of most sentimental Sai Baba's photo along with me. Even now I feel that photo was saving from all the hurdles which come across me. I had seen my results of the EAMACT in the East Shirdi Temple itself. Unfortunately, I could not find my number in the paper. I am totally disappointed, even then I did not lost my faith and confidence in Him. Exactly after five days I went to campus to know my results then I came to know that I had secured a rank which seems to be big rank. Then every one started telling that I could not get a seat in Engineering due to such a big rank. But at no point, I had lost my hope and faith on the Lord. I kept worshipping Him to my best. Meantime every day I used to visit the temple in the night for attending the Shej Arthi, and also performed the pradakshinams to the Lord.

Finally on July 9th 1995 the Lord came into my dream and given me two wishes .The first one was He told me that He was offering me an Engineering seat, even my rank was quite big. The second one was, He had made me see my marriage which was done in front of Him. At that moment I promised to Him that "I will neither have any type of unwanted relationships nor unlawful events with any females". Till to date I am bound to my promise. The first boon came true as I secured an Engineering seat in my home place, at Visakhapatnam. I am anxiously waiting for the second boon also to come true. When I shared this experience of mine with others, they all had a lighter moment, but I did not lost any hope at any point of time. Due to some circumstances I am forced to join a degree college I am waiting and waiting finally that day had arrived notification for the counselling had been published in the newspaper. I had been to the center along with my father, I am very much confident about my seat. With the Lord's Grace, I secured an engineering seat at my home place. I can finally conclude telling that the "Lords words never go in vain." With this much done to me and also safeguarding me at all ups and downs I love my "Lord Shirdi Sai Baba" to the full of my heart. With His grace and blessing, I had completed my B.E and wants to complete even MBA where I am into final year. Until today, I keep visiting the Shri Shirdi Sai Baba temples which ever I go.

Latha
I would like to share the wonderful experience that I had during my Shirdi trip. I am from Bangalore and this is my third trip to Shirdi. I had gone to the book the train tickets for my husband, 10-year-old daughter and myself, 2 weeks before my planned journey date. I had planned my journey such that I should attend the Kakad Arathi on Thursday. The last two times I have been to Shirdi I was unable to attend the first Arathi on Thursday and this was my wish, which I wanted to fulfil this year. But at the railway counter they refused to issue me a ticket saying the waiting list is loo long and there were no chances of getting the tickets confirmed. I then took the help of one friend who works for railways. He was also not sure of the confirmation but I insisted him to book the tickets with full confidence that Baba will take me to Shirdi on the planned day. On the day of journey when we were on the way to railway station, we got a call from my friend asking us to postpone the journey, as he was unable to get the tickets confirmed. But I was sure Baba will show me some miracle and we proceeded to the railway station with full hopes on Baba. My husband went and spoke to the railway officials and all gave us negative replies. My daughter was so upset that we may have to cancel the trip and she said, "Mummy we will stand in the train and go but lets not cancel this trip." She just turned back and happened to see Baba's photo in the juice shop. She immediately pointed the picture to me. I felt Baba telling me with a smile "be patient I will take you". The train was to start at 6:30 and until 6:15 there were no signs of getting even one berth. Finally, at 6:20 my friend came to the station and with the help of his officer managed to talk to some TT's in the tatkal coach. They some how helped us to get two berths. We thus reached Shirdi safely as per our plans and we attended the Kakad arathi. This was a great miracle for us.

We wanted to start back to Bangalore on Friday. Return tickets we hadn't booked, as the seats were full until Jan 2nd. So we decided to return by bus. But we came to know that there were no buses from Shirdi to Bangalore. We tried all ways of getting the tickets from Pune but all in vain. The travel agent in Pune said he could arrange for three seats for Saturday and that too by paying him Rs 1000 for each ticket. We had no other option but to agree for this. On Thursday as we were walking towards the railway counter which is inside the temple premises my husband asked me to go and enquire at the counter if we could get 3 tickets to Bangalore for Friday. With no hope, I went and enquired and to our surprise, they immediately told me that there are three seats free and that I make the payment immediately. Tears ran down my eyes to see this miracle again. I just couldn't believe my eyes. My husband and daughter too were so shocked seeing this wonderful leela of Baba. Our faith in Baba has increased enormously. Dear Sainath our koti pranams to you. Dear Sai, devotees have full faith in Baba and he will protect you until the end like the way a mother protects her kids. Jai Sairam!
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Devotees say...

Sirisha
Dearest Baba, there have been times when I had needlessly doubted my fate....which is like doubting you...yet you stood by me against all odds. You have been that force which has guided me through all what I have faced and am yet facing. I ask you for one favour and you give me more than what I am entitled to. Baba now I ask only for one thing and that is to settle down with that one person whom you know is the chosen one for me. He has been your ardent devotee and I have never seen anyone more pious than him. I have been very selfish by always praying for myself and have been ungrateful not to have thanked you before, but today I pray for him....to give him all that he desires because you know he deserves every bit of it. I pray every day to keep everyone of your children happy and satisfied. May glory be to you O Deva.

A devotee
Why me Baba??...I have never harmed anyone in my life and wanted only the best for everyone. You what I am going through....I love him so much. Can't think of leading my life with anyone. The noblest thing I have ever done is to give annadhanam in his name, on his birthday to your temple, as you have always said that there is nothing like feeding the poor. Why is he avoiding me god? If it was not meant to be...then why did you let it happen? Should I let him go? How can I do that? Give me strength god! I am miserable.... Please help me! I am losing my sanity. I am not able to concentrate on anything else. Please make him realize God!

Pranati Shukla
Baba, Thank you so much or helping me in the other matter I wrote to you last week. As requested by me you took care of the problem before Dec 1st. You solved my problem in 2 days, which I had been trying to solve for two months. Baba now I have another big problem, as you know I have fallen into some bad habits, which prevent me from sleeping peacefully. Baba only you can cure me Baba, please help me. Baba please refrain me from doing these kind of things. I am trying Baba, but I cannot control myself. Please help me Baba, Please let not anything bad happen to me Baba, please cure me of my bad habits and save me. You always put your devotees on the right path, please do that for me Baba. I will continue to have faith in you Baba. On Sri Sai Sainath Maharaj ki Jai.
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Prayer Club:

Vijaya
Baba sai naatha! I need your blessings for my situation. We don't know what do. My family peoples are worrying so much. I don't like that to happen. Be with me, and guide me how to approach. Baba you're my saviour guru and my father. Baba you know what to do. Take all my problems and give me good life. Sai I am leaving my three things at your lotus feet. I know, will get answer after this. Bless my family.

Bhanumathi
Aum Sai! Sri Sai!! Jai Jai Sai ! Baba, my humble pranams to you. Baba, I want to get married only to whom I met on 6th November 2004. Please make that happen very soon! I need all your blessings!

A Sai devotee
Sai Baba, what's wrong in my wish. You know how people are making fun of me. Baba you know what I am talking. Please Baba make my wish come true without any problems. Baba see that the land my parents gave me can be sold as early as possible. Thanks for whatever u have given me.

Girish Malkan
Om Sai Ram. Baba you are aware of the turmoil currently taking place in our relationship. This has started to affect both the children. I ask for your forgiveness for any wrongs I may have done in the past and ask you to guide us through this difficult period and show us the way. As you know, my wife prays to you daily and asks for salvation from this emotional turmoil. Please grant us our wish for peace and harmony and good health.

Sai devotee
Baba, I know, I have been arrogant. Please forgive me and help me to come to your place in Shirdi. Bless my loved ones and give peace to the world.

Purna
I am looking for a job in software from a long time . I do prayer every day and also we do bhajan every alternate week in our community. I don't know why Sai Baba is not helping me. Please pray for me in getting job.

Kasim
Ha Panduranga Vithal Sairam help me Baba, Sai I heard you will help those who can't help themselves. I am one of them, mother Sai I pray you to bless me with a job without which my life is miserable. Baba there are none in this world who are dependent on me, I can't live without money in this world. One have to buy bread by paying money. Baba if I cannot get any job I have to take sanyasm for the rest of my life chanting your name. I have faith in you. Please forgive me if I have done mistakes. Om Sai Sri Sai jai jai Sai. Allaha Malik.
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Quotation of the Week:
"True repentance entails constant regret of your sins. Without remorse, good deeds, be they abounding, could be eclipsed by pride that follows piety. Remorse for a sin is superior to good works. Never forget your transgressions to save yourself from conceit"-A Islamic Quote
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Question of the Week:

Q. How is Sadguru dependent on his bhaktas?

A. by A Sai devotee

To answer this question one should know who is a Satguru! Satguru is the one who revels in the self (sat or eternal awareness), and one who destroys the darkness of ignorance (Guru) and makes his devotees to reach the same stage. A Satguru never identifies himself with the body, mind, and intellect. He is beyond the ego. But, as it is true that most of us identify lot of the times with our physical form, the self takes the form of Satguru to benefit and to guide us in the right path. It is clear for us that to find a Satguru lot of meritorious acts of present and previous lives are required. Some times, Satguru who is the abundant ocean of grace can just shower us with his innate nature of mercy, irrespective of our present qualifications. One can count the grains of sand on the shore of ocean but one cannot comprehend the greatness of the Guru. It is our great fortune to serve the master when he is in his physical form. It should not make one to feel that master is dependent on us. There are always waves in the ocean, if the wave starts thinking that the ocean is existing (depending) because of me, it is ridiculous. By serving the Satguru sincerely and submissively, one will be able to see the eternal truth, as told by sri Sai, while explaining to Nana about the sloka in Gita (ch.4 :34)

tad viddhi pranipatena
pariprasnena sevaya
upadeksyanti te jnanam
jnaninas tattva-darsinah

The grace of Satguru makes the devotee to realize the Truth that the self in him and in the Guru (as a matter of fact in each and every one) is the same. The devotee's darkness of ignorance (false sense of identification) is destroyed .The devotee comes to know that the Self is the only non-fiction and eternal substance in this whole world of fiction. When this realization dawns in the mind of the devotee, the question of,"Is Satguru dependent on the devotees" pales off! It is like the knowing and experiencing that the ocean is always in the wave and the wave was never separate from the ocean from the very beginning.
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Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm(Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8am followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop arathi at 6pm and Shej Arathi at 9pm. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL. For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send email to maildrop@saibaba.org.

Upcoming Event(s): Christmas, Saturday December 25th. Sri Datta Jayanti and Sri Satyanarayan Vratha Katha Full moon day, Sunday December 26th. New Year's Eve Special Pooja, Friday December 31st.

Shirdi Sai Satsang in Singapore
I am Kalaiselvanam from Singapore. Currently, two of us are working on setting up a temple for Shirdi Sai Baba. We need 10 committed and keen devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba to form a team. The reason why we need 10 is that the Registrar of Societies in Singapore needs at least 10 members to form a society. If you are keen, call me in Singapore at 91799733 or email to gpk83@hotmail.com.

Sai Satsang at Marlboro, MA, USA
Om Sairam. We are doing sai sathsangam on every alternate Saturday from 5pm to 7.30pm since last year successfully with baba blessings. In sathsangam we do guru dhyanam, Sai asthotharam, sai the master written by Sri Ekkirala Bhardwaja book parayana, sai sandhya aarthi, bhajans and prasad distribution. We cordially invite all of you to participate in baba sathsangam. Please contact Pallavi or Uttam at 508-786-0380 or send us email to saiuttampallavi@yahoo.com. Our address is 36 Royal Crest Drive #2 Marlboro MA-01752.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, 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 Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center at 952-938-2983, and to read the monthly newsletter Sai Sandesh, visit www.hamaresai.org.
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