Saburi is the word repeatedly told by Baba. Saburi means Forbearance. It is the attitude that makes one to cross the ocean of life safely. The literal meaning of the word is acceptance of everything that happens in our lives with a cheerful nature. The other way to explain this is, to wait patiently for the good days to come and at the same time doing our best in the present. Practically speaking, we accept the events cheerfully only if they create a sense of happiness and security to us. If there is any threat to our security or happiness, we feel very much scared about it. Then what does it mean? Does it mean that we lack Saburi! This question troubles the minds of lot of us. Actually, the paradox is, this question is the beginning of Saburi in us! It opens the new frontiers of intellect in us. We will start to realize our potential in practicing the Saburi.

Tsunami in the Indian Ocean is the very recent devastation that was a heart breaking news to all of us. It made some of us to question the logic of life associated with it! Even though, we were crippled by it, slowly we started making the recovery. Saburi makes us to stand the tests of life without losing our heart. In Sai Satcharitha Sri Hemadpant writes, " What trying times are ahead, we know not, nor what forces will be at work. For all this is Allamiya's sport! And his loving devotees are but spectators in it." For lot of situations in the worldly life the intellect cannot offer satisfying answers. For lot of things in life the causes cannot be readily accessible. Believing in the Guru (Shraddha) and acceptance of what life gives without much grumbling helps us to progress on spiritual path. Saburi is the patience needed for our spiritual practice. As long as we live, there are always lessons to learn in life. Saburi helps us to know our resistance in learning particular lessons in life. In other words, Saburi teaches us we cannot always control the changing situations in life.

It teaches us to do our best and leave the rest in the hands of God. Some times, the problems seem unending and we become frustrated with life. Often we stand at life's crossroads and think what we view is an end, but God has much bigger vision and says it is only a bend. In the words of Sri Ramakrishna, the child is safe as long as it holds on to the pole, while it is playing round and round in the pole festival. Like wise, we are also safe as long as we hold on to the lotus feet of God in this roller-coaster ride of life. Developing Saburi is necessary, if one wants to walk on the spiritual path. Saburi forces us to transcend the physical reality and asks us to have faith (Shraddha) in the higher force above us. It also shows the limitations of human intellect. Sri Sai Baba always used to repeat the importance of the Shraddha and Saburi to his devotees. In this present testing times, they are necessary for all the spiritual aspirants. Shraddha and Saburi are the two sides of the same coin. Both are complimentary to each other. They are divine qualities. Sri Sai demonstrated all these qualities with his immeasurable love for us.
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Contributed Article: Sri Sai Gurucharitra - Chapter VI(continued from last week)

As Gangagir entered the Masjid, Baba smiled, "So, the mandir has come to the Masjid, very good". He invited him with all courtesy into the Masjid. After Gangagir sat, Baba said, "We are both from the same family. We were happily staying with god in his abode in Vaikuntha. Hari sent us to convince the people of the futility of wrong conduct and put them on the right, moral path. But it seems that the people are not going to change their ways even by an inch in these days. Wherever one looks, one sees the liquor taverns full of people. The prostitutes are brought here in the month of Phalguna to dance in the Chavadi. As the horse breaks free of the reins and gallops away, all classes of people are stopping work and galloping, without even bothering to see if they are properly clad to see the dance of the prostitute. Here it is all immodest behavior. They put red powder on each other as if it was a festival and dance about singing songs and playing loud music. In this age and in these days Hari has sent us here with pots of milk on our heads and asked us to convince the people to drink the milk. But every one who sees me laughs in derision and throws stones at the pot of milk on my head. Some put on devilish faces and laugh at me. Some bring presents for me. Some say, "I have got the Sai Fakir's spirit in me now, so (as he has no power now) listen to me. Come and listen to my words of wisdom - drink the liquor to your hearts content. Drink as much as you want to and make merry." The moment they hear the word liquor the majority of people run there. Not many people prefer milk to liquor. Only some have come to me and have drunk the milk. But of these some have the madness of Vedanta. So the world has termed all those who have taken milk from me as mad. The tendency of these people addicted to liquor is such. See how they are all saying, "All hail to the liquor Maharaj." This world is a strange place. I seek to give them nectar, they prefer poison.

They are losing the respect and confidence in the truth. They prefer the lie to the truth." Gangagir heard what Baba said. He said, "Maharaj, my experience is also the same as yours. I have tried to put at least a few people on the true path but I have failed. They have all decided that I am a madman and pay no heed to what I say. I have seen this happening and I have stopped even trying to change the people." Baba heard Gangagir saying these words with a voice that was dejected, the result of a lifetime of ridicule and rejection. Baba was saddened. He said, "Those that go will go to perdition. Those that will abide by us will abide by us. Let us seek no recompense and help with a pure heart all those who come to us sincerely."

They discussed many more matters. If I start to detail those matters here, that itself will become as big a book as the Mahabharata. After a while, Gangagir took have of Baba and went away from the Masjid. Baba continued to sit there in contemplation.

See how clearly and lucidly Baba has described the present day circumstances in this age of Kali? Baba has described this age of Kali as Phalguna month. Liquor is his term for bad habits and bad proclivities. The true path of wisdom and dharma is the milk which he wishes to give us.

Sri Sai Maharaj's method of teaching is unique and exhilarating. It is beyond me to explain them. Baba talks casually of some thing and the doubts plaguing the jijnasu are cleared in a second. No one has the expertise in teaching wisdom and the true knowledge as he had. His devotees, be they even so far away, continually experience his kind grace.

While this was so; Sri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Tembe Swamy) the great mahatma was staying at Rajamahendravaram on the banks of the holy Godavari at that time. He was going from place to place in the country and teaching the right path of the karma to the people. He was a great scholar.

The Rigveda would stand in respect when he entered. His knowledge was the fruit of long experience and not mere book learning. He was a self-realized man. He needed none to illumine him or teach him. Pundaleekarao of Nanded and others went to Rajamahendravaram for his darsan. Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) is a beautiful town situated on the banks of the holy Godavari River. At a place nearby called Dhawaleswaram, Godavari splits into seven streams and is called Saptamukhi. With the musical sound of the water flowing brimful along the banks; the various calls of the birds residing in the huge trees which had grown thickly on its banks; with the rhythmic utterance of mantras such as "Imam me ganga" chanted by the Brahmins who come there for their ritual bath; with the colorful display of males and females who come to bathe in that holy river; that place is beautiful beyond description at dawn.

(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:

Srujana
Hello Sai devotees, I want to share my experience. I had an interview yesterday for the Practicum. I was preparing for my interview from one week but I was really tensed about facing the interview. I was reading Sai Satcharitha for the week in which I had interview. I was saying to one of my friend the night before of the interview that sai should make the people not to ask any question in the interview. To my surprise when I met the team leaders (two) and Project Manager they did not ask me any question. Just asked me what I was studying and what I knew. They later showed me the software they were preparing and what part I should in it. They asked how much I am expecting. Then I told 12 or 13 euro per hour would be nice but later we agreed on 10 per hr and it is all because of Sai's grace. He helped me all the time. Baba please be with me and also with my family and with all the people in the universe and help them.

Vijay Bhargava
Hi everybody, I can't think my life without Saibaba, what ever I am now its all due to Sai and other gods. Whenever I had any problem whether it is related to my studies or getting job Sai was always there with me. I am working in an MNC and Identity Card is very much important in order to enter my company, but some how on Wednesday I lost my ID card. I thought of applying for new ID card but it is a lengthy process so I thought to wait for one day, as I know my Sai is there to take care. In addition, I did not pray like "If I get my ID card it means you are there because I know Sai is there" but I thought If get my ID card I would write this incident. I did get my card, thanks to Sai. Now I want to do MS or MBA from a reputed college and I know this will be possible only if you wish and also please see that every one in the world get 2 meals a day, clothes to wear and house to live.
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Devotees say...

Thyagarajan Kanagasabai
Why I say, "Sai is Mystery"? Yes, you can't predict what Sai Maharaj thinks and reflect a devotee's prayer. Sai Maharaj knows a devotee's Past, Present and Future. Sai Maharaj knows a devotee's life secrecy. Unless Sai Maharaj permits a devotee, he or she cant even pray to sayee and get his blessing. How I say this. For example, when a devotee (he or she) prays to sayin Maharaj for a matter in life and takes a vow to do saptaham of Satcharitha for that. Unless Sai Maharaj wish to bless that devotee, Sai Maharaja will never ever allow he or she to read even a single chapter in Satcharitha. Then how can he or she do saptaham? It means you can't predict what is Sai Maharaj. Even if his or her fate is against that wish, If Sai Maharaj wants to fulfill that devotee request, he will permit to do saptaham and bless that devotee. That is Why Sai Maharaj is Mystery. Sai Maharaj is Omnipotent and Omnipresent.

Nandita
Does anyone know any Sai activities like a bhajan, meeting etc anywhere in Orange County, CA? Please let me know at nkodali@yahoo.com. Thank you

Aruna Adiraju
I am a student doing masters in United States. In one of the articles I read about a devotee who wrote that Sai helps young students. I am in a country far away from my homeland. I was stuck up in financial struggles and was no way near to graduation and I left home 2 years back. I was totally stuck up with my challenges and did not know what to do. I also had some visa problems because of which I was much panicked. I felt so helpless that I wept in front of Sai's picture asking him to help me. I just believed in Him and prayed him daily. Now I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I am very sure that Sai is always with me. In this foreign country, he is the one who is taking care of me like my mom and dad. If not for Sairam I would have been totally lost the very purpose of my life. Koti Koti namaskarams to Sainath Maharaj who takes care of his devotees like his own children. Now I know that with Sai's help and my hard work, I can achieve whatever I want in life. Thank you Sai for making me realize what I am.

Gunjan P
In reply to Shilpa's comments, I would say it has been a very brave attitude taken by her. In fact, I too am going through the same phase in my life. At times, I decided to give up when I used to get too depressed but perhaps He knows the best for us. Seeing her attitude has also given me some strength to go through my days. Perhaps He tests our faith sometimes; however hard they may be, we should always believe in Him. In the long run, I have always seen that whatever He does, is for our own good.
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Prayer Club:

Lal Lachmandas
We want your Blessings to settle, please give courage and divine guidance for our love relationship and marriage and give a meaning to this relationship, which happened only because of you. Unite us as husband and wife to the world soon.

Rajani A
Baba, you have given me everything that I wanted and I am eternally grateful to you. You know that my son in having problems with his education and I pray to you everyday to give him success. But I am not seeing an end to this ordeal. Please show him the right way and guide him to success Baba. You are everything to me and you know that I have dedicated myself to you. Please give success to my son in education and give me peace of mind. Baba, please provide my family with good health and peace of mind. I promise Baba that I will write my experience in Sai Vichaar as soon as I see some change in my son. Thank you baba for everything you have done for me and please be with me always.

Ranu
Help us oh Sairam: Please help us in getting our enquiry soon and then after that our green card. You know that I lost my only brother last year and I am very depressed and upset that I cannot go to India until I get the green card. Please listen to my prayers.

Lalitha Karthik
Dear Sai devotees, I had long back submitted a request regarding my brother's job and with Baba's grace and all your prayers, he has got a job. It is not that wise of me to keep asking you all to pray for his marriage. As Baba knows to the right thing at the right time. But, I believe a lot in mass prayers. Hence, I request you all to pray for my brother so that he finds his partner soon.

Shashi
It is the pain in my life, which is forcing me to make a request to you. Firstly, the court case going against me due to the serious accident occurred with me so, I request you to kindly remove this obstacle out of my life. Secondly, the marriage for which finalization is required. I told her that even once she will visit to you, she will be fulfilled with her wish but it seems unfavorable. Sai Baba, please take care of me.

Sai devotee
Dear Sai, this is my second publish to you in this year, Sai please shower your blessing on me, please forgive me for what ever sins I have done till today and in my past life, please bless me with a child, I cannot lead this life with out your blessing. Please Sai, I beg for child, please bless me.

Padmavathy
This is my experiance; I prayed sincerely to Saibaba about my sons education . I am very happy to say that my son got 90 percent marks in his major subjects. Baba I am very thankfull to you, please Baba with bless my son and daughter to study well and get good marks like this and they have good future. Please bless me to get admission in ACS course, I am depressed please help me to get rid of that and to study well. Sri Sai jaya jaya Sai.

T.M. Subramani
I am working in Saudi Arabia since last 5 years. By May 2005, I would like to go back once and for all by making exit from Saudi to India and want to settle in Chennai. Actually, since 1992, I am a devotee of Sairam. Presently, I am not well which affects me mentally and physically. I have suffered palpitation in chest, which is due to a little high blood pressure and I have to reduce and control salt in food. Hence, I am really worried, because of my health. At the same time, I have faith in Sainath who will help me in getting well through his blessings. Hence, I decided to go back by February end instead of May, to see my family and mother and all. Please pray for me to Sai, so that I would get cured. Ohm Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha.

Kareshmah
Baba, please bless me and my husband always. Only you know through which situation we are going through. Baba, please help us finding a way to our problem. We are really thankful to you to let us receive so many application packs regarding our work but please help us in deciding which one is the best for us. We know that you will surely guide us. Always give us your ashirvaad, this means a lot to us. Baba, help us to always help others in their problem, delivering your blessed lessons to them. Please Baba, do let us receive our interview which mean a lot to us both, it will really help us. Only you are aware y this job is important for us. Enlighten our path to succees Baba and we have faith that you are the only one to help us. Baba please help my father-in-law in improving his health, give him the shakti to fight against his illness. Help hime to recover from his health problems, we are sure that you are able to do anything. Always have your blessing with us, Baba.
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Quotation of the Week:
"Do not be obsessed by egotism, imagining that you are the cause of action: everything is due to God"-Sai Baba
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Question of the Week:

Q. Sai Satcharitha says, "Debt and enmity has to be atoned for". Please comment?
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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 Events:Monthly Pooja ( 2nd Sunday of every month) on Sunday February 13th and Samuhika Satyanarayan Pooja on Poornima (Thursday), February 24th.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minnesota
Regular Sai activities in Minneapolis, St.Paul area 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.

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 6:30PM at 147 Winston Castle Dr. Markham Ont. L6C 2N4. For details on other Activities and Services please call Shammi Chopra at 416-402-8089 or email us saileela99@yahoo.com
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