Devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai often ask a question to me - "How to be in closer relationship with Baba?". I have seen them striving in their own way to be close to Shri Sai, even if they are not aware as to what it would mean to be close to Shri Sai. Basically, it is an emotional rapport they would like to develop. The various methods they adopt, according to their stages of consciousness, strength of will, inborn and acquired qualities and faith in Baba, immensely vary.

It is true that the relationship of each disciple with Baba i.e. God will be unique and there cannot be exact second relationship. However, in all such relationships it is seen that the existence of certain common denominators and qualities are a prerequisite. If the devotees understand these qualitative prerequisites, which would entail them to be closely drawn by Baba, then the treading of the path would be simpler.

The first such quality as I feel is faith in Him. Mere intellectual faith acquired over a period of time by reading books, discussions etc., may develop certain amount of conviction in him, but this level of faith is not enough. Even though at the earlier stages it may be necessary. People are often seen saying, even publicly, that "I can sacrifice my life for Baba" or that "In this world I can depend on nobody except Him fully". However, if we closely observe their lifestyle, the way they interact with people, their reaction to adversities of others, their reaction to individuals and groups around them in the society, one would find that their proclaimed convictions are mere exercise in substance less assertiveness.

If the faith in Baba is genuine, they would not be indulging in the manipulations they do in relation to other people being fully aware that Baba many times forbade people/reprimanded devotees for committing such acts to satisfy their smallest of interest. We have to watch whether we are acting truthfully, howsoever difficult, according to the advise of Baba. Faith reflects in everyday reality. It is not a mental luxury or a philosophical dream. Therefore, let us seriously think about this strength of our faith in Baba.

(A message from Guruji Shri C.B.Satpathy in 1997. This year's Gurupoornima message will be in next Sai Vichaar.)
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Contributed Article: News from Shirdi: Jholi Tradition

Jholi or Zoli is a cloth bag that is usually hung from the shoulder by those that go on begging rounds in India. It is a common sight to see rishis and fakirs going around to collect alms with jholi on their shoulder.

It is a well known fact that Shri Sai Baba lived on alms collected from five houses daily in Shirdi. It was Baba's practice to collect bread and solid food in the jholi and liquid or semi-solid food in a tin container. Having thus collected his bhiksha, Baba would return to the Masjid and mix all food together before partaking it. At times hungry people and even stray cats, dogs and animals would eat from the same and Baba never said anything to anyone. It was considered opportune and luck to be able to offer something in Baba's jholi, since the benefits accrued by this act were enormous both spiritual and material.

The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan in Shirdi honors this tradition of Baba's rounds in Shirdi during Mahasamadhi celebrations by taking out jholi procession. Trustees, Sansthan officials, villagers and other devotees who are picked by lottery system are given a chance to go around the town with a jholi in their shoulder. After the morning abhishek all the lucky people selected as jholi bearers by the Sansthan gather in the Samadhi mandir and after performing pooja and getting tilak on their forehead start in a procession going around the town.

Residents, shop keepers and visiting devotees anxiously wait for the jholi bearers to visit them. Villagers decorate their homes, put rangoli and with pooja materials and offerings patiently wait for the jholi bearers. When the jholi bearer reaches their door, the villagers first welcome them as Baba was traditionally welcomed. They wash the feet of the jholi bearer, do pooja and then put their offerings in the jholi. The offerings are as varied as can be from rice grains, wheat, sweets, fruits, flowers, money, etc.. The jholi bearer then gives a handful from the jholi back to the offerer as Baba's prasad. The Sansthan vehicles follow the jholi bearers and when the jholi becomes heavy it is emptied in the vehicle and returned to the jholi bearer to continue in the procession. The feeling of each one is that Baba himself is visiting them and surely their faith is answered by Baba.

In his last few days, when Baba was very weak to go around for begging, his close devotees went for begging rounds on his behalf. That tradition still continues and Vijayadashmi is the time for it when the entire township of Shirdi decorates itself to welcome Baba in the form of His representatives - the jholi bearer. The feeling and emotion amongst both the jholi bearers and the devotees has to be experienced and felt. Next time when you are in Shirdi during the Mahasamadhi time, experience this tradition and do offer something in the jholi and seek Shri Sai's blessings.

(Contributed by Smita Deshmukh)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Phani Kumar
First, I would like to thank Sai for showering love on me and keeping me in right direction. My parents struggled a lot to make us have a better life. From my childhood, I had been head strong and always used to behave over. My parents took outmost care to see me behave properly that never happened.In 1992, my parents came to know about Guru Sainath and incidentally there were many changes in my home. To be clear I never used to believe in God. Though had been to many temples I never had the feeling of peace. I even ignored my studies and wasted time for useless things; my parents worried a lot about me and were afraid that my life is wasted. When even the whole world was against me for my misbehaviour, my parents believed in me that one day I would change my self. And all of a sudden, things started change, after my elder sisters marriage my father lost his job and again was taken in the position by Sai's grace. But after a few months, he resigned his job and wanted to go to village to have a peaceful life and look about his parents. I was still the same and never heard to any of their words, as they left the city .My life has changed and I was totally in bad condition. For 4 years I struggled a lot, though I visited Shirdi, only Guruji gave me some kind of peace always. I had to struggle for years; only I myself know "What a life is without a support?" Even my parents who thought about me left me alone to fight the battle

Last year I went to my village and incidentally a tough situation made me go away and even my parents insisted that I stay with them. They even made it clear that I do not do any job rather depend on them and this incident changed my life as no parents think their child to be idle. One fine day of my mothers insistence I started reading Sai Satcharitha, for the first week, I was not concentrated and could not read properly and I do not know how I read the second time with concentration.

From then my life took a change, I god good job and today my parents believe in me. I should thank Sai and my family for giving me immense power and faith. Last month incidentally I went to Shirdi, this time I was insisting to go and meet Sai, my journey from Hyderabad to back is always a never ending experience that I never forget .In my first visit I was not satisfied with the darshan as I started at 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, In the whole process I was just reading Satcharitha and had his darshan. I came out went to chavadi, nimba vruksham, khandoba mandir and masjid where Baba used to stay.

Later when I went to hotel, I was just insisting that my trip is not good, had my lunch and suddenly felt why can't I go again to see him. This time I got darshan in just 15 minutes and to my surprise I was crying and uttered the following words,"Baba! I am leaving my life in your hands, what ever I think and act is because of you, I am nothing", I sat in samdhi mandir for 20 minutes and again came back and I again went in for evening arathi. At 8.00 pm I came back and went back for palki seva.

The happiest thing is that it is he who made me to read his book, and be for hours with him. From that moment my life has changed, earlier I used to fear of life but now, nothing is there and I just see things happening. I always bow myself before my Guruji and my family for keeping me in right track, today there is nothing except my guruji, and my family. "Believe in the master and he will show you the way"
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Devotees say...

Rohini Bhise
As I was going thru devotees Experience and Prayers today, Sai Baba made me realize that I should write and say Thank you note to Shri Sai. Because of Sai, I also have an opportunity to work from home part time and take care of my kids. I am being lucky in so many other things because of Sai Baba's blessings. I am very Thankful to Shirdi Sai Baba. Thanks Baba.

Shashi Shekar
Please help me be settled in my life. I also want to go for onsite project to earn money. Please help me pull out of this project and make me settled. I do not want to waste my time in this project. Please help me get a clear vision.

Mallika P
Three weeks back I have asked my dear Sai through the same newsletter to bless me with a child. With Sai blessings I am pregnant now, this week I will be going for my first ultra sound. Sai please see that everything goes smooth. Please bless me that I sail through safely and deliver healthy baby (babies), you know what's the problem now, but I think its your blessing and everything will happen as you want, please give me courage and bless me that I become a proud mother. Thanks Sai for everything, with out your blessings it would have not been possible. Every week I read that so many couples asking for Sai blessings for child, I sincerely pray and wish all your wishes be fulfilled.

Sreelekha
We have read in Sri Sai Satcharitha about many people attaining mind calmness when they surrendered to Sai. Today, by grace of Sai, I had the same experience. My mind was disturbed with many things, with the past, present and future. It looked as though I had no control and the thoughts were flooding continuously prayed to Sai to take control of my mind and told him that I am surrendering my mind to him, and I want only those thoughts that are inspired by HIM. The next moment after this prayer, my mind became very calm and it felt as though I was meditating. Such is Sai's powers; he is the most compassionate and looks after us each and every minute. Jai Sai Ram.

Rebecca
I just read a piece from a lady with arthritis, colitis, gynecological problems and trouble conceiving. Have you ever heard of 'leaky gut syndrome' or candida albicans overgrowth? Leaky gut syndrome can cause the symptoms you have and leaky gut is often caused by parasites. Those of us who live or have lived in the tropics often have parasites. I do not know where you live, but my chiropractor here in the US, who also does nutritional counseling, was able to help me with these issues. I hope you find help, soon.

Parvathy
Baba, On Thursday as I was reading Sai Vichaar, I came across various articles of devotees experiences. I was praying You to help my brother get a job. So, I thought if my brother succeeds in getting one. Then I too with your grace will send my article. The very next day, I got a call from my brother saying he got a job in the same city where he is right now. Thank You very much Baba for showing your grace and blessings on us. My husband is an ardent devotee of Yours. Please keep your Karunamaya Drishti on all of us. Om Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai
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Prayer Club:

A devotee
I am seriously looking for a job change; please Sai help me in getting a new job. My father is still suffering from the paralytic attack effects, his speech is not yet fully recovered please help my father to regain his speech and also help me in getting the new job.

Shanthi P
Baba, please bless us all. I have gone through many fruitless efforts to conceive. I am in the middle of another IVF treatment, BABA. This Thursday is when blood test will be done to find out if I am pregnant. Baba, please bless us. Me getting pregnant will purely be your miracle. Please give me the opportunity to happily write this miracle.

Amala Bala
Saimatha please remove all my fears and worries about my health. I am not able to concentrate on housework and also my job. Please give me strength to do my day to day duties. My health problems are affecting my family and friends. Baba you are the only one who can save me from this mental agony.

Praveen K
Baba please help in finding a job. I promise to work hard and never waste time again. Please help. Thanks Baba.

N Karnad
Baba please cure my stomach discomfort and head numbness. Baba I am asking a lot! Please help my son find the right girl soon. Please take care of my husband, kids and grandson.

Vandana K
Baba it has been four years to our marriage but I am unable to conceive. Baba I have taken all the medicines but nothing is working out I know baba that by your grace only now this miracle can happen. Baba I have promised that if this month I conceive I will come to Shirdi next month please baba help us to fulfill this wish I want to come to Shirdi please Baba call us in your sharan.

Chandrasekhar
Saibaba please save Hemanth. Saibaba please stop his seizures; make him talk and play like a normal 4 yr old. All devotees please include our family in your prayers. Thank you.

A Sai devotee
Baba, my son is feeling little better, please make his asthma go away completely baba, be with us all the time and guide us and show us your love always.

Muktha
Baba I am far away from my daughter I worry about her lot specially her studies. Baba please see that she studies well, be with her, and guide her always.

Anuradha
Baba you have been there always for me. Baba bless my husband so that he can get the job that he wants. He needs your blessings Baba.

Sampa
You have always looked into my life, but right now, I am in need of a job as me and my husband will both will be studying. So you know Baba we need money, I know you have always helped us, please come to our rescue, Baba.
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Quotation of the Week:
"Do not be idle: work, utter God's name and read the scriptures".-Saibaba
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Question of the Week:

Q. Why can't Baba change all the bad into good, all the sufferings into joy? Why there should be anything bad or anyone suffering?

A. by Manav Sharma

Everyone in this world goes through cycle of bad and good phase. It is perfectly normal. It has been mentioned in the Sai Satcharitha, that the feeling of sadness or happiness based on the result of some event is the state of mind. In fact, God is always with us and He besets the circumstances from all side, which are the best for us. He is omniscient and He only knows what is good for us. So, the best lesson suggested is the feeling of contentment.

Regarding the change of bad to good and the removal of suffering, Baba has complete capacity to do this. However, the human being has to suffer the results of past Karmas. Sai knows best about the qualification of the devotees and He blesses them as per it. At one instance in Sai Satcharitha, Baba says to Damu Anna, a devotee, that what splendid crop it will be if all the flowers turn into fruits. Only few of them become fruits and the rest wither away with wind etc. Similarly, sufferings will be there, however, devotee has to develop good conduct, feeling of love and peace, patience and faith to be able to get the blessings. The best course is to have full faith in Sai and he will take care of the devotee.
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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 2005. Program highlights: Maha Abhishek, Aarthis, Satcharita parayan, Sri Dattarreya Yagya, Vishnu Sahasranama Archana, palaki procession and an evening of bhajans with Manhar Udhas and more. For program details please visit the temple website www.saibaba.us or contact the Temple office at 847-931-4058.

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.

Sai bhajans live in Chicago by Manhar Udhas
As part of Gurupoornima celebrations, Manhar Udhas will be rendering live bhajans at Shirdi Sai temple Chicago on Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Please plan to attend and share this information with your family and friends. For any questions please call temple office at 847-931-4058.

Gurupoornima celebrations at Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas, TX
Gurupoornima celebrations will be held at Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas from Thursday, July 21st through Saturday, July 23rd 2005. Program highlights: On Thur, July 21- Ganesha Puja, Baba Pada Puja, Maha Abhishekam, Sai Gayathri Homam, Asthothram, Vishnusahasranamam, Satcharitra Parayanam, Saibaba Vratha Puja, Sathyanarayana Vratha Puja and Sai Bhajans. On Fri, July 22 - Evening with Manhar Udhas - Sai Bhajans (Venue to be announced) and on Sat, July 23 - Ganesha Puja, Baba Abhishekam, Special Baba Laksharchana and Vishnusahasranamam. For further information please contact: Jayanth at 469-585-4275 or Vinay 214-621-9630 or Srivatsa 972-747-0021 or Sangamesh 469-939-0365. You can also visit the temple website: www.shirdisaidallas.org for more details.

Guru Poornima Celebrations, Toronto, Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada cordially invites you all to join in celebrating Guru Poornima on Sunday, July24, 2005 - 3:30PM at Vishnu Mandir 8640 Yonge St. Richmond Hill L4C 6Z4 Ph: 905-886-1724. For more information and to volunteer, please contact us at 905-887-1752 or 905-472-5899 email:saileela99@yahoo.com.

Shirdi Sai Gurupoornima celebrations, Bay Area, California
Shirdi Sai Parivaar invites all to join us for Shirdi Sai Guru Poornima celebrations on July 24th (Sunday) between 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Presidential Ballroom, Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94088. For details please visit www.ShirdiSaiParivaar.org or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com.

Gurupoornima Celebrations in Sydney, Australia
Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney invites you with family and friends to join and celebrate Gurupoornima on 21st July 2005 at Sai Mandir, 420 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South, NSW 2136 (Off Street parking in Hill Str, Hillcrest Ave and Bennett Ave). For more details on above programmes or Sansthan's activities, please contact Sansthan's Info-Line 0500 524 724. Please feel free to forward this Invitation to your near-n-dear.

Guru Poornima Celebrations, Vancouver, Canada
Shirdi Sai Family in Vancouver invites you all for Guru Poornima celebrations on July 21,2005,at 8571,118A Street, Delta,V4C 6L2.For details contact Ritu at (604)592 4182 or send email to dritu@hotmail.com
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