In our day-to-day life, only a tiny percentage of time is dedicated towards divine topics. For some even this is not possible as they are entangled with worldly affairs to such an extent that they are blind to divinity and its impact on them. For those lucky ones who do take out time for the Divine, a lot of it is spent on analyzing and arguing about the merits and demerits of the Divine, its attributes, properties and variations. There is at last only a few left who unmindful of anything else continue their persistent push towards that divine path in the firm conviction that in it lies their eternal happiness. Divine energies that manifest from age to age also give encouragement to such persistent and single focused souls so that they can speed up their search of the Ultimate.

In Satchairta, Shri Sai Baba clearly guides one to lead a life of action and fulfill the obligations of this life but without attachment to the fruits incurred as a result of their actions, either good or bad. Shri Sai Baba never initiated anyone with unique mantras or symbols. In fact He himself led a life full of relationships and action till his end. He practiced and showed people that in addition to fulfilling the worldly responsibilities one can still be single pointed in their devotion and their goal. The name of God was always on his lips and it was common to hear "Allah Malik" from him at all times. Even though it was easy for Shri Sai to lead a life of riches, eat delicacies at all times and be served by literally thousands; He chose to walk away from all the comforts and till the very end of his mortal life, practiced what he preached. He often said being poor is better than lordships and Mendicancy is better than Kingship. He also said that wealth used to foster righteous behavior and thoughts is always welcome but if it leads to argument, competition, greed, avarice, anguish, etc. then it is of no use.

It has been and continues to be Shri Sai's efforts to continuously evolve the life and spiritual level of devotees who earnestly seek him. It is only by consistent practice that one can imbibe the qualities that are needed to evolve spiritually. It is very difficult to change the nature of human being who is already predisposed to walk on the worldly path and who is always focused on the outside world. For one who always measures him or her through other's eyes, it is very difficult to figure out what lies within! Only saints like Shri Sai can open their inner eyes and make them see the true path.
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Beedkar Maharaj

Shri Beedkar Maharaj was one of the foremost-celebrated disciples of Shri Swami Samartha of Akkalkot (popularly known as Akkalkot Maharaj). Shri Beedkar Maharaj visited Shri Sai Baba in 1873.

His original name was Ramananda Beedkar. He lost his father in his child-hood; but developed a spiritual out look in his earlier stages of life. As a young man, he performed several pilgrimages and settled down in jewelry, perfumery and sandal wood businesses in Pune. He strived very hard and acquired the capacities to transform different metals into gold. Thus, he became enormously rich. Along with wealth, he acquired some vices and got into an infatuation for a woman in Gwalior, when he went there on a business tour. However, due to his spiritual background, he felt very guilty of his deeds and tried to get rid of the vice.

A saint whom he approached for redemption, advised him to go through a penance and worship Lord Hanuman to conquer the carnal desires. During his prayers to Lord Hanuman, he received a divine instruction to take refuge under Swami Samartha of Akkalkot. He immediately reached Akkalkot, but could not see Swami as he was with the king. Beedkar, however, decided not to leave with out the darshan of Swami and hence spent two nights doing namasmarana by reciting Swami Samartha's sacred name. Then Swami appeared before Beedkar and asked him as to why he was there. Beedkar replied, "I want your grace that is a strong spiritual base!" Swami tested Beedkar's devotion by strongly scolding him and showering abuses on him. Beedkar appealed to Swami, "I treat all your scolding and abuses as sweet blessings. Even if you kill me, you are my ultimate refuge". Swami sent a 'spiritual wave' through Beedkar's body, due to which he reverberated, leading to a blissful state. With that experience, Beedkar's mind attained enormous peace and solace. Consequently, he was always found in an uninterrupted state of Samadhi.

On Beedkar's next visit coinciding with day of maagha poornima, Swami Samartha remarked about his spiritual status, "The mango is partially ripe. It will take some more time for the mango to ripen fully." It took another three years for Beedkar to have the next darshan of Swami, when he decided to remain at Akkalkot serving Him endlessly. One day, he was serving Swami by gently pressing His feet for a long time; but Swami did not ask him to stop. The service continued through out the night. Then in the early hours of the next morning, a cobra materialized with its hood raised in between Swami's feet, ready to sting Beedkar. Beedkar, however, was not afraid. He thought, " It is my good fortune to die serving Swami". Miraculously, the snake vanished; but Swami got up shouting at Beedkar, "You are a tough nut to crack!" Swami slapped Beedkar on his face and shouted, " You stubborn fellow, get out!" With this Beedkar experienced enormous bliss and deep happiness and got into a state of Samadhi.
After getting out of the state of Samadhi, Beedkar decided to feed thousand persons as per the hint from Swami. He wanted to earn the needed money by selling perfumes. However, on his way, he met with an accident and all the bottles of perfume were lost. With great difficulty, he could offer food to Swami alone, instead of feeding one thousand persons. Swami smiled and said, " You have fed me no doubt. You are yet to give me dakshina. Can you do it? What would you give me?"
Beedkar responded, "I shall do as per Your orders."
Swami again smiled and said, " No, You cannot do it".
Beedkar again affirmed, " Swami, I promise You. I will obey your orders."
Swami laughed aloud and said, " Well, the dakshina you can give me is this. Give up making gold!"
Beedkar was aghast at this demand of Swami for he never thought that Swami would demand his Guru dakshina this way. Nevertheless, he gave up making gold as his guru dakshina.

All the while, Beedkar Maharaj was experiencing the immense grace of Shri Swami Samartha. As he reached a pilgrim center Maheshwar, Shri Swami Samartha attained maha samaadhi. On the same night Swami appeared to him in his dream and said, "I have not passed away. I am very much alive!" After making several pilgrimages, he established a sanctuary or matt and became famous by the name Shri Beedkar Maharaj. Under his guidance, several people attained spiritual enlightenment and many saints were trained to guide citizens. When he met with Sadguru Sainath in 1873, Shri Beedkar Maharaj stated, "Sai Baba is no ordinary saint! He is Jagadguru! He is Swami Samartha Himself in another form!" Shri Beedkar Maharaj attained maha samaadhi on April 4, 1913.

(This article on Shri Beedkar Maharaj is prepared based on the information from "Swami Samartha" (in Telugu language) by Achaarya Sri Ekkirala Bhardwaja, "Sai Baba of Shirdi - a Unique Saint" by M.V. Kamath and V.B. Kher and some personal communications from elderly and saintly persons whom I met with at Shirdi).

(Contributed by Maddipatla Prasad)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees:

Sai devotee
I was going through a very bad experience and I thought I would never be able to come out of it. I prayed Baba everyday, sometimes, I was so angry I would not meditate and pray to HIm. Months and months passed and the experience got worst and worst. On a Thursday, I was reading Sai Vichaar, and it said, have patience and faith and I said," for how long Baba, You will be testing me?". It lasted for two years and I gave up hope. They say, one remembers God when they have problems, for me it was just the opposite. The more I thought my problem had no solution, I gave up on Baba and all the saints. I said this is my karma and I should take it with a smile, Baba cannot change the destiny. Even if God existed, He cannot do anything. I lived day to day, waiting for the solution. After two years, I have seen the light. Now, I am close to Baba than ever and pray to Him not to give me that experience anymore.
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Saravanan C
Wow! No words to express Lord Sai's blessings and Leelas. On the day my article appeared on the Sai Vichaar, my father had a successful kidney surgery. Now he is recovering and hopes to have his heart surgery in few months! I am sure Lord Sai is going to be there to shower his blessings again and rescue my father! Thanks a lot Sai! Jai Sai Ram!

Lavanya
Hey Sairam, thank you very much for your timely help in canceling the housing contract. Please be with me always. Please help all those who are suffering.

Manjita
Baba, you are not unknown about my three miscarriages and I need your blessing to protect my future pregnancy and bless me with a healthy child. I also pray to bless my husband with honesty and faithfulness. Baba when my sufferings will end? I have taken refugee in You and I only trust You. I ask forgiveness for our sins and always keep your blessed hand on us and bless everyone whoever needs your blessings.

Harini
Thank you so much Baba for helping me in securing the job. I knew it that You were testing how much of 'Shradha and Saburi' I was following.

Sai devotee
Dear Baba, Thank you for helping my sister's family reach safely to Dallas during Rita's threat. I have always felt your grace. I am really thankful that I have come in contact with a Sadguru like Saibaba.

Nainesh
This is response to the article about a lady who fed Baba and then saw ants in his mouth, and the son says it was Baba. Bless you for having a son who thinks like this for Baba has said in Sai Satcharita that he moves around and is one with all in this world. Whether it is a dog, a pig, an ant or a fly. Therefore, by ants eating the prasad was same as Baba eating it. Jai Sai Ram.
Back to Menu

Prayer Club:

Srilakshmi
My husband got a very good job in Middle East where he is working now, but the present company is not allowing him to change the job. May Baba shower His grace to get release from the present company as early as possible.

Sai devotee
Sainath, You know what I am asking for. How long is it going to take? Please Swami help us, at the same time I want to thank you for so much You have given us. We love you Sai.

Gokani
We lost our dear beloved mother on 15th August 2005. We pray to Sainath to give her a place in her shanti ashram and true bliss. We were blessed as when she passed away in the hospital she was offered Sai's vibhuti and also on the funeral day a gentleman had just arrived back from India and had a shawl and vibhuti from Shirdi. We now require the strength and courage to go through this period of mourning and bereavement. We feel that a piece of our lively hood has been taken away and cannot sleep, eat, etc. We pray to Baba to help us through these times.

Sai devotee
Dear Baba, kindly help this friend and co-worker of mine, a Mexican. He is a staunch believer of Yours and comes to Your temple and does a lot of work for the temple too. He is awaiting his green card. He went through the process and even went for the interview but in the last minute he found out that there was some complication with his case and he was rejected. However, he can get his green card if one of his cases is dismissed. We are doing everything possible but there is nothing that can be acheived without Your grace and permission. So please Baba kindly get the case (it is a small one) dismissed and grant the green card to him. I know You will. I will surely write about this in details, when he gets the green card for him and his family.

Meenakshi
My dear Sai, I don't know from when are You there with me. But I started believing You from 1991 before my 10th class result and since then I believe that you treat me like your daughter and love me. I pray You to look after my family and bring a change in my father -in law's heart. Please see that he leaves his selfish nature and starts loving us and maintain peace in the house. And also be always in my heart and soul as you used to be before my marriage. Please accept my wish to visit Shirdi in October for having your darshan.

Jayalakshmi
Baba, please help. Please remove all the negative tendencies from my husband and make him a healthy person filled with Divine Love. Please make him worthy of Your Grace and bless him. Please take care of all us and make us see You in everyone. Pranams at Your Feet

Desai
Baba, thanks a lot for giving me the visas. I am going to start a new life, please bless us Baba and please cure all my health problems. keep my family in good health and mental peace. Thanks a lot.

Vaishali
Baba, you know everything about the phase through which me and my husband are passing. We are not able to take decision regarding job change. Also, after trying hard still I am not getting job which offers me a good salary. Baba, I know You are testing our patience by doing so and when You will wish we will surely get succes, but Baba I cannot see my husband this way. So please shower your blessings on us and help both of us get a really good job in some other city. Baba, you also know the problem with my sister-in-law. Please, I beg you to give them and my family the happiness they want. You have given them everything now the only thing they don,t have is a baby. Baba I know you will do right thing at right time. I trust You and your love for your devotees. Take care of us.

Divya
Baba I love you and have a very good faith in You. This is my humble request to You for my friend, he is a very good person who is not able to lead his life peacefully without any tensions. He has to look after his family and he has lot of credits. So please somehow make him to come out from all his problems and keep him happy. Give him your blessings for his good health and protect him from all evils and darks. Also a humble request for Baba to keep both of our relation happy until the end. Bow to Sri Sai Baba.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week:
"Since you are not a prophet, follow the way taught by prophets. Since you are not a king, be a loyal subject to the king. Since you are not a captain, do not take the helm of the ship. Since you do not possess every skill, have partners in your business. Be as pliant as dough in the hands of others, that you may rise well"-A Sufi saying
Back to Menu

Question of the Week:

Q. What is the significance of Sankalp?

A. by S.L Abhyankar

Unless Sai wills it nothing happens. So, your thinking of reading Sai Satcharita is also due to Sai's inspiration only. You have been inspired to read Sai Satcharita, most probably because of some difficulties and your own experience or another devotee's experience that reading of Sai Satcharitha is a sure way of overcoming the obstacle. Read it in one week (Saptah) if possible. If not, read at least one chapter a day. Give up an item of food if possible. Read with a Sankalpa to Sainath that you are reading the Satcharitha for that particular purpose. Read it in the morning or in the evening, preferably after taking a bath. Start on a Thursday and complete by next Wednesday. Sai will certainly bless you and will sanction that wish of yours if it is in your higher interest.

I get to think that Sankalp as a basis for Karma is not acceptable to Geeta. For example, see second line in verse 2 in chapter 6, "Na hi asanyasta-sankalpo yogi bhavati kashchana" None whosoever can become a Yogi, if he has not renounced 'sankalpah'.

One reason why Sankalp is not endorsed by Geeta, may be, because sankalp implies an element of ego, "I shall do such and such a thing". In Chapter 40 in Sai Satcharita howsoever much Mr. Deo planned that he will read Dnyaneshwari, alongside of Geeta, he would stay stuck when attempting to read Dnyaneshwari. He was able to proceed only after being blessed by Baba. In Chapter 25, Damu-anna Kasar planned that he will get Baba's consent to go ahead with trading cotton, offering a share in the profit to Baba. Baba had already read his mind and said, "I am not in any such things, dear" More than Sankalp, what Godhood advocates, is "surrender" and seeking blessings.

Sankalp is for wanting to do something. But Sankalp is also in 'not wanting to do a thing'! In respect of this other type of Sankalp, Lord Krishna warns in 18-60, "Kartum neychhasi yan-mohaat karishyasi avasho-pi tat" You will end up doing, what you are not willing to (or not wanting to) do!
Back to Menu

Sai Activities:

Sri Shirdi Saibaba Punyathithi (87th) celebrations at Shirdi Sai Temple, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Shri Sai Baba Punyatithi (Mahasamadhi ) will be celebrated for three days from Oct 11th to Oct 13th at Chicago Shirdi Sai Temple. Vijayadashmi day in 1918 was also an auspicious day when Sri Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi in Shirdi and ever since this day has been celebrated in Shirdi in honor and rememberance. For program details please visit www.saibaba.us or call 847-931-4058.

Other Upcoming Events: Monthly (second sunday of every month) Pooja, Sunday October 9th and Navarathri Celebrations, Monday October 3rd through Wednesday October 12th.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minnesota - Mahasamadhi Celebrations 2005
Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minnesota, invites you to join Saibaba Mahasamadhi Celebrations on October 15, 2005 at Geeta Ashram, Brooklyn Park, MN from 4 PM to 9 PM. The program includes Abhishek, Vishnu Sahasranaama, aarthis, parayan, bhajans and kirthans, and Palki procession followed by Mahaprasad. Please visit www.hamaresai.org for more details.

Navrathri and Sai Punyatithi celebrations at Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW, Texas invites all devotees to participate in Navrathri and Shri Sai punyatithi from October 3rd to October 12th 2005. The temple is located at 2109 West Parker Road, suite 212, Plano, Texas 75023. The temple is open all 7 days of the week. For program details please visit www.shirdisaidallas.org or contact temple office at 469-467-3388.

Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi and Dassera celebration in Sydney, Australia
Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney invites you with family and friends to join Dusserah and Baba's Punyatithi (Mahasamadhi) day on 7th, 9th and 12th October 2005 at 420 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South, NSW 2136, Australia. For detailed programme or Sansthan's activities, please contact Sansthan Info-Line at 0500 524 724.

Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites you to Baba's Punyathithi celebrations on October 15th and 16th 2005 at 4:00 pm at 335 Web Drive Suite 803, Mississauga. For direction, full program and other details or to participate in Bhajan please send us an email at saileela99@yahoo.com or call 905-848-8272 or 416-402-8089

Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi and Dassera commemorations in Bay Area, California
Shirdi Sai parivaar invites all to join us for Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi and Dassera commemorations on October 16th (Sunday) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Presidential Ballroom, Sunnyvale community center, 550 E Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. For details please visit www.shirdisaiparivaar.org or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com.

Sri Shirdi Sai Punyatithi celebrations at Scarborough, Canada
Devotees are invited for the Punyatithi celebrations and inauguration of Shirdi Sai mandir on October 12th 2005 at 10:30 am, located at 2721 Markham Rd, unit 8, Scarborough, ON M1X1L5. For more details please visit www.theshirdisaimandir.com.
Back to Menu

You may subscribe to receive the newsletter by e-mail.

Fill out your e-mail address and hit the subscribe button: