No one has been able to fathom the nature or the form of the Almighty. Even the Vedas and the thousand-tongued Shesha are not able to describe it fully; but the devotees cannot but know and look at the form of the Lord, for they know that His Feet are the only means of their happiness. They know no other method of attaining the supreme goal of life, except meditating on the Holy Feet. Hemadpant suggests an easy way of devotion and meditation as follows:-

As the dark fortnight of every month wears out gradually, the moonlight also wanes in the same degree and on the newmoon day, we do not see the moon at all, nor do we get her light. Therefore, when the bright fortnight begins, people are very anxious to see the moon. On the first day, the moon is not seen and on the second day also she is not clearly visible. Then the people are asked to see the moon through an opening between the two branches of a tree, and when they begin to see through this aperture eagerly and after concentratedly, the distant small crescent of the moon comes, to their great delight, within their ken. Following this clue, let us try to see Baba's Light. Look at Baba's posture, how fine it is! He is sitting with His legs folded,the right leg held across the left knee. The fingers of His left hand are spread on the right-foot. On the right toe are spread His two fingers-the index and middle ones. By this posture Baba means to say, as it were-if you want to see My Light, be egoless and most humble and meditate on My toe through the opening between the two branches-index and middle fingers-and then you will be able to see My Light. This is the easiest means of attaining devotion.

(Source: Sai Satcharita, Chapter 22)
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Contributed Article: News from Shirdi

Right from the days of Shri Sai Babas advent in Shirdi, people from distant places visited him to seek his blessings and guidance. Some were so much pleased with his darshan that they decided to reside in Shirdi. The tradition that started more than a century ago continues today. Thousands of family from all walks of life have made their home in Shirdi , and there are many more who long to be able to reside in Shirdi.

For those who have a strong desire to have a home in Shirdi, there is a good news. A new housing project has just started in Shirdi by renowned family of Shirdi for benefit of devotee from far away places. Interested devotees may get full details by visiting www.silveroakresidency.com or by sending e mail contactus@silveroakresidency.com

(Contributed by Smita Deshmukh)

Contributed Article: Nuisance of Chain Mail

When we get a mail addressed to us, we receive it eagerly wondering where it is from. Alas! It turns out to be one of those chain mails. In addition to the existing concerns in our daily lives, now we have to deal with the "harassment" of increasing numbers of this chain mail also known as link letters. These are the anonymous letters written in the name of Saibaba or Lord Venkateswara or Santhoshi maatha and other Gods asking the receiver to forward it out to another 11 or 21 people luring them to receipts of fortunes and warning those who neglect that they would face calamities. It appears that the craze of these letters has increased in recent times. We receive several letters asking us as to how to deal with these letters.

Saibaba, the God incarnate never encouraged or participated on chain letters for enticement of fortunes or threats of misfortune in order to spread His message of love. The form of Sri Sai is as Upasani Maharaj sang, "Ahambhaavaheenam.. Prasannaathma bhaavam". Don't we know that Baba himself said, "My mission is to give blessings"? Not just that, Baba said that he would never ever get angry with anyone. Baba's grace and blessings are always showering on us and only the umbrella of our ignorance is hindering us from receiving it. If we seek Sai with single-minded love, that hindrance will be removed. It is mere illusion to think that one can accomplish Baba's kripa by sending out Baba's name in chain mails out of fear and greed.

Threats of dangers if some one does not comply - as if they are (Baba is) some evil demonic forces - amounts to disrespecting the divine nature of Baba. Lack of fundamental understanding of Spirituality and Sai Saadhana encourages the ignorance such as the above. Even an argument that, "What is wrong? Its only Baba's name that we are writing and someone else is asking us to write" also amounts to self deception due to the reasons explained above. Not only that, encouraging these type of letters, some times written by those who withhold their names out of ignorance and cowardice, is harmful misappropriation of the tradition of Sai devotion. The only answer to those receiving these letters and wondering what to do with them is - just tear them and trash them!

(Contributed by Translated from "Sai bhakthi Saadhana Rahasyam" by Sri Sarath Babuji in Telugu)
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Experiences of Devotees:

A Sai devotee
For quite some time I have not been happy with my life. I am not able to stick on to one job and am not successful in business, which I attempted and then again went to job. I am also not happy with my family life, as my wife & son and me are living separately for long years. To pray to Sai Baba, for peace and for a solution, I went to Shirdi. I was sitting in the Bhajan hall in the evening. One could observe many Saibaba look alikes in Shirdi. It is said, "As you think, So you become" It is because of their constant thinking of Baba they have become like him. I saw a Sadhu who was some what looking like Sai Baba. I was staring at him and he was staring at me. He slowly came to me and asked me, "What is your problem? Are you confused, whether to do business or go for a job"? That gave me a shock. I said, "Yes" He immediately placed his hand on my head and said, "Go ahead with your business. I am telling you in front of Saibaba, you will surely succeed. Help me for the time being". I said thanks, " I am not certainly not so big as to offer help to others, and at the same time I cannot go without helping you. I do not know what you expect. But, whatever I can offer, I am offering. Please take it". So saying, I continued. "I do not seem to be liking anything in life. I want moksha. That is what I am praying to Baba. I know there is still a long way". To which he said, "What do you want? Would you be happy if you build a temple for Sai Baba?" I said, "If I am used as an instrument for that purpose by Baba, what else do I need in life" He said, "I am telling you in front of Baba, you will surely build a temple for Baba in your life. Be happy" With this note I took his blessings and parted. It was like; the purpose for which I went to Shirdi was fulfilled. Who was that Sadhu and how did he know my problem? Only Sai Nath Maharaj can answer these questions. Om Sai Ram.

Srinivasarao
My wife all of a sudden went to India to see her father who was in Critical condition. She did not have any prior appointment for visa stamping. As she went to application center in Mumbai, they gave right away appointment available in two days. She got her visa stamped on passport. Her father also is recovering from stroke and Sai Ram saved us. Lord Sai Ram is really great. My one year old daughter was all of sudden running with high fever of 103 degrees and we did not know what to do except pray. My daughter became normal. Unbelievable.

Sai devotee
I had a miraculous experience the day before yesterday. It was around 8pm and I was trying to walk back to the metro station (to catch a train back), which was about 2 miles from where I was located. I found out from a passerby the direction and I started walking. It should not have taken me more than 20-30 mins but even after 40-45 mins of walking, I did not see any familiar signs and also, it had grown quite dark and there were no streetlamps or passersby. I was quite worried and I started praying to Sainath to help me find my way back to the metro station. Within a few minutes, a couple with a small child came walking in the opposite direction. I asked them if they knew the way to the metro station and they told me I had been walking in the opposite direction all this time and so the distance to the metro was now 4 odd miles and it would take me more than an hour to reach it. I was already tired, frustrated, hungry and this piece of information just crushed me. But, the man said "Wait, I'll take you to the metro station" and he walked up to his place (which was just across the road) and brought out his car and drove me to the metro station in a few minutes. I was incredibly amazed. I simply could not believe that I was witnessing something like this. I was stunned that such kindness towards total strangers could still exist in this world and that I would be a witness to it. I can only imagine that it is Baba Sainath who came himself to help me. How can I even put into words what Mother Sai does for me? I, who continually break my vows, keep asking Him to fulfill my worldly desires and keep arguing with him and yet He is so very kind to me. I was in tears when this happened and even now, when I think about it, my breath is taken away and I am filled with so much gratitude and love for Sai that I cannot even begin to express it. Thank you Sainath!
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Devotees say...

S.G.K.Murthy
I have been a devotee of Shirdi Sai since 1957 when I was thirty years of age and my first visit to Shirdi was towards the end of 1957. Strangely enough immediately after my initiation to Sai worship I got a transfer to Ahmednagar and this enabled me to visit Shirdi atleast five to six times a year.I consider myself and some of my family members extremely lucky that we were able to meet Smt. Laxmibai Shinde ( who served Saibaba in Dwarakamayi for almost all her lifetime) and her family members several times and touch her feet. My experiences of the divine grace of Saibaba are indeed many and varied like the beautiful colors of the rainbow and many of them miraculous and to narrate them in one sitting is impossible. However I am thankful to Sai for this opportunity.

Kandula Radha
I really wonder when I receive chain letters somehow, I do not believe in threatening some one to spread His words. It bother' s me.

K Subramanian
Last week I went on pilgrimage to Mantralayam (Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt) along with my family. Until the last day of travel, the onward tickets for my wife and daughter were not confirmed. We got the return tickets confirmed; seva ticket was also booked earlier. Though I have requested a friend who is Railway official to help me by raising EQ, I was under terrible tension. This being the situation, I sincerely prayed to Guru Raghavendra Swamy and Shirdi Sainath. I also prayed that once the tickets are confirmed for us to proceed with our pilgrimage, I will write a thanks-giving message in Sai Vichaar. I pleaded Baba to somehow help. It was 3pm, my railway friend called and said he has put in his best efforts and I can go to station. He said that we would come to know the confirmed berth numbers only at station. Even after this, I did not get relief. I continuously prayed to Guru Raghavendra Swami and Sainath to help us. At 4.30 pm, my friend again called and said the chart is prepared and conveyed our berth numbers. Luckily, my wife and daughter's berths were within the same compartment of mine (next cube). I was overwhelmed and thanked Guru Raghavendra Swami and Sai Maharaj. The pilgrimage went on very well and we returned with full of bliss and blessings of Guru Raghavendra Swamy. As promised to Sainath, I am writing this experience in Sai Vichaar. My humble thanks and namaskaram to Sai Maharaj.

Visalaakshi
Dear Baba, Koti pranams to You. I posted a prayer in this forum last week begging You to help me pass my exams. Thanks Baba, I passed a tough paper with flying colors (a lot of people were finding it tough to pass this paper). Am writing my experience here as per my vow. Am awaiting the result for one more paper and Baba, please bless me to pass this paper too. I passed the paper only due to Your Kripa and Karunyam. Thanks a lot, Baba, Thanks so much
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Prayer Club:

Hariharan Iyer
Om Sai Ram.. Saibaba has been a guiding force in my life for the past 1.5 years and I wish that Baba helps me in increasing my devotion to him, so that I can chant Sai naam always and read his holy scriptures and never fall from this path of spirituality. Let Baba bless so that my sister's wedding get fixed. Om Sai Ram

Sirisha
You have given me this child after putting me through a lot of tests and ordeals. Now, you are testing me again by giving me gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Please Baba, I beg you to protect this child and give health, long life with happiness and prosperity. Please bless me to have a safe smooth delivery and bring this child safely into the world. Please bless us Baba. And be with us always.

Vidya S
I am getting ready to take my USMLE StepIII exam for the second time. I failed it a couple of months ago, without adequate preparation and busy hospital routine before the test with no time to read for my test. I have to pass it to go to the third year of my residency. Baba help me.

Nilesh Vaidya
I have been an atheist for most of my life, and have always thought that I did not need a higher power in my life. But the truth has hit home with a vengeance. My little daughter has developed a medical problem that has the potential to be disfiguring. It has dawned on me now that we really are nothing in front of this higher force, the Almighty. I humbly subject myself and my daughter's happiness to your mercy, Sai Baba. Please heal her.

Shefali
Koti Koti Pranam at your Lotus Feet. I have written you so many prayers through this website I hope you are listening to my prayers Baba please help me find a job before June ends. Nothing is helping me I am very uncomfortable please help me Deva.

Nitin and Deepa
Sai Ram, we are very grateful to Baba for whatever he has done for us. We just want Him to be by our side always and shower his blessing on us and always stand beside us in every situation. Baba, himself is a miracle and I know that only he can do the impossible become possible. Baba, help us in making our path easy in whatever we are doing, brighten our days with happiness and prosperity. Always keep us bonded one to each other. I bow my head in front of you and sending you my heartful pranam. Jai Sai Ram.

Mahesh
Sai please do something to my brother's case so that he will get a prement job in the Urdu university so that he can settle in his life. We all your hope that Sai will help their devotees. By next week he has to get the job atleast NMR position.

Sai devotee
Sai Ram please help my daughter. She is very hard working person trying her best to do her own business but it is not working, she is not married yet either. Please Baba help her to do well in her work and find a suitable match soon, please Baba listen to my humble prayers, forgive us for our bad karma. Baba please always be with us.

A devotee
Thank you very much for sending Sai Vichaar to me. These days I am very much depressed. But still I thank Sai baba for what he has given me. You would not believe that how desparately I wait for this magazine. Whatever I ask to Saibaba, he exactly gives the answer in the newsletter. This increases my faith in Saibaba. I know he is alive for his devotees. I dont have enough words to describe his leelas. Sai baba please forgive me for whatever wrong I have done. Please bless me.

Shweta
Saibaba please listen to my prayers. You blessed me with everything I need, now you know what situation I am going through. Please help me baba .I am so scared of the situation coming ahead. Please Baba if that situation comes my happy family is going to be shattered. Also I am worried about my test. My future is depend on it. You know Baba if I passed my test how much it will help us and after that I can plan for next baby, so Baba bless us. Om Sai Ram!!
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Quotation of the Week:
"The idea of enlightenment is of utmost importance. Just to know that there is such possibility changes one's entire outlook. It acts like a burning match in a heap of saw dust. A spark of truth can burn up a mountain of lies. The very hearing of it is a promise of enlightenment".-Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
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Question of the Week:

Q. What does Sai give us? That what we desire, we wish or that which he thinks is best for us?
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Sai Activities:

Gurupoornima at Shirdi Sai Temple, Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Gurupoornima celebrations will be held in Sai Temple, Chicago from Thursday, July 21st through Saturday, July 23rd 2004. Please mark your calenders and watch for full details in the next week's issue. You may also visit the temple website www.saibaba.us or call 847-931-4058 for more information.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minnesota - Guru Poornima 2005 - Sai Utsav
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center invites you to a daylong festival of Sai Utsav on occasion of Gurupoornima on Saturday, July 23, at BAPS Mandir, Brooklyn Park, MN. The events includes havan, Sri Sai sathyavrata, Sai arthis, abhishek, cultural program, palki procession and Sai naama jap. Please write to hamaresai@yahoo.com for more details.

Shirdi Sai Satsang, Bay Area, California
Shirdi Sai Parivaar invites all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 7:30 pm at Odd Fellows Temple, 20589 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 95014.For details please call 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com or visit www.ShradhaSaburi.org

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

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW, Texas
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW is located at the north west intersection of Custer and Parker road in Plano, Texas. The temple is open daily. For temple hours and other details please visit http://www.shirdisaidallas.org or call 469-467-3388.

Sai Satsang, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Shirdi Sai devotees in Vancouver, Canada invites you to join in for satsang with your family and friends every Thursday 6:30 pm at 8571-118 A Street, Delta, Vancouver BC V4c 6l2. For more information please call Ritu (604) 592 4182 or Panna (604) 501 2687 or email at dritu@hotmail.com.
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