Any serious relationship is born out of love and respect for each other. The pure love that evolves in a relationship over time becomes unconditional and unselfish. It dissolves and overlooks any impurities that may exist in between. There are no hidden motives, agendas or things to prove in such a relationship. Such types of relationships exist in long lasting marriages and between parents and children. The power of pure love is such that it provides strength and courage to those involved in times of need and crisis. When the children grow up and move on, the love of parents does not diminish. In fact it works the other way; when children progress, parents feel happiness. In such relationships someone is always there to fall back on. An anchor in the family always looks to the needs and wants of others before thinking about themselves. We come across many strangers daily but we do not feel the same special bond that we feel with our loved ones. The starting point of any relationship is to have faith in each other and be honest and serious to continue a relationship. Through disappointments and excitements one discovers the true nature of each other and thus the relationship becomes stronger and stronger leading eventually to pure love where no questions are asked nor are necessary. Yes, each one is there for the other.

Such a relationship also exists between a perfect master and the soul. The perfect master is eternally bound to the soul in a relationship of pure and unconditional love. All other relationships end when the life on earth ends but the relationship of the master and soul continues beyond all borders. For that reason one has to take this relationship seriously and put all efforts from their side to make it stronger. The master is ever aware of this relationship but the soul becomes unaware because of its state of evolution. The master being ever vigilant keeps guiding the soul through its journey.

At some point in the journey, the master's involvement in its life awakens the soul and sends through bursts of love and gratitude for the master. Then the soul becoming aware of the relationship becomes bound to the master and starts exerting to make it stronger and stronger.

The relationship between a disciple and master is aptly described in "Shri Satcharita". There are many stories exemplifying the relationship between Shri Sai and his children, those who were first unaware of its existence but once it was discovered they could not live without Sai and they went to the extent of leaving their homes, family and profession just to be with their beloved master. Notable among them was Kakasaheb Dixit, a very strong personality of those times. Dixit was a member of legislative council of Bombay presidency nominated by the British government. He was a very famous solicitor and active member of the society. After visiting Shri Sai in Shirdi, He lost all his interest in fame, name and money and took every opportunity to be in Shirdi with the master. To the extent that in 1910 he built a wada or home in Shirdi to make it his permanent place of abode. Dixit's life serves as an example of relationship that had reached its zenith in just one life. So much so that Baba spoke about Dixit as, "When his time comes, I will take him with me in an airplane." Another relationship that stands out is between Megha and the Master. Upon Megha's death, Baba had said, " He was my true disciple". Even after Baba's leaving the mortal coil, such relationships have continued and continue to this day. The foremost example is of B.V.Narasimha Swami who was so overpowered by the love of this relationship that he left his roaring attorney practice to research and document the experiences of those who had spent their life in Shri Sai's physical presence.

What one achieves in fulfilling a relationship may be frightening to others. Many a times Baba took upon the pain of others to relieve them of pain! A story that reflects this is of Kharparde's. Once when the Kharparde's were visiting the Master, the son fell sick and the mother was very scared and nervous. She sought Baba's help and the Master showed them how he took on the disease upon himself. People say that Baba gave up his life to fulfill the promise he made to Tatya's mother. Such is the sacrifice and love of the Master towards his relatives! In comparison to that what have we to boast about? One should seriously reflect on their eternal relationship with Shri Sai and ask this question to themselves.
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Contributed Article: Saints work in Unison

Baba always asked His devotees to show respect to Saints and bend at their holy feet just as grass bends when wind blows! The wind is the grace of Sadguru, to that wind we submit our Ego and seek refuge at the holy feet of Saints. Baba has shown through innumerable experiences to His devotees that He is none other than the Saints. Just as Lord Krishna said, "Saints are verily my living forms". Sri Ratanji's offer of humble service was received by Baba even before Ratanji visited Shirdi to seek the grace of Lord Sainath to bestow male progeny. Baba said that He has already received the Dakshina of Rs 3 and 14 annas from him. Later Ratanji discovered that he worshiped a Mohammedan Saint and the expense related to that was Rs 3 and 14 annas. Baba mourned and grieved at the loss of Sadguru and Saint of Shegoan Gajanan Maharaj. Baba said, "Lo! my Gajanan has gone!". According to Khaparde, Baba mourned the entire day and crying profusely at the loss of Shri Gajanan Maharaj!

Shri Gajanan Maharaj was seen eating left over from remnants of the leaves, which came from rich Brahmin's house celebrating his son's ceremony. Two devotees noticed and approached Shri Maharaj and they could see the divinity in Maharaj. They offered food to Shri Maharaj and maharaj mixed all the food, as His tongue knew no taste! When Maharaj was thirsty they went to bring water but on their return they noticed Maharaj drinking water from the near by tank that was used by animals! Food is Brahman and the entire creation is Brahman! Why the distinction of Good and Bad water! Just as Baba's Kolamba was source of food for Crows, Dogs and Cats!

Shri Maharaj's compassion and love for devotees was similar to Lord Sainath. Once a leper approached Shri Maharaj and devotees asked to take Darshan from far as the decease is contagious. Not minding he approached Shri Maharaj, Maharaj slapped him and spat on him. Later he again slapped on other side and kicked him with His foot! An Atheist commented that he should rather go to Doctor and take medicines rather waste his time going after Saints! The leper commented that it is not spit but the "grace" of Sadguru and leper started applying the spit on the entire body with Faith. The leper stayed in Shegoan for a while and started applying the mud to his body where Shri Maharaj took his bath! The mud turned into ointment in leper's hand. The decease was ultimately cured! Just how Lord Sainath of Shirdi bestowed His grace on Bhagoji Shinde, a leper who later turned into staunch devotee who always used to carry umbrella for Baba and accompany Baba to Lendhi! Similarly blessed was the devotee Sri Balaji Patil Newaskar who used to offer his entire crop to Lord Sainath and take as "Teertha" the mouth washings of Baba. The law of Karma (you reap what you sow) cannot be altered but "The law of mercy" works through Sadguru. The touch and efficacy of Sadguru can burn mountains of sins accrued through innumerable births just as dry grass burns in fire!

Let us offer our humble prostrations and seek refuge at the holy feet of Sadguru. Shri Maharaj and Lord Sainath are verily the incarnations of Lord Datta. May the grace and "The law of mercy" be always be on us and we His children pray for the compassion and protection of the Sadguru, "Sai Reham Nazaar Karnaa .. Bachon Ka Palan Karana".

(Contributed by Kiran Buddi)

Contributed Article: The Power of Nama Japa

The Lord Himself has settled the nature of His worship for every age. Bhakti Marga is Kali Yuga's simplest and safest way for Realization of soul for all. Though the scriptures relate that there will be a decline in dharma in this Kali yuga, man can take heart from the fact that it is in this age that the method for Realizing God is easy. Chanting of His Holy name is the prescribed sadhana for the present age, which gives immense pleasure & peace to attain Moksha in one's life. Easy to adopt by anyone it does not have any restriction in the manner, time or place for its recitation. There are different methods in which the Divine names can be handled, Nama Japa, Nama Sankeertana, Bhajans and Recitation of Sthotras, being some of the popular methods followed according to one's preference.

"Nama Japa" means constantly chanting the name of one's beloved God or Guru with respect and devotion to invoke God's blessings and free one from material (worldly) attachments to move towards Spiritual Realization. The Holy name is the Divine medicine to save us from the chronic disease of worldliness. Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh had said that Namasmaran is the 'Namopathy', the best of all Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Allopathy medicines in curing the physical and mental ailments. He gave the gospel 'DIN' that means 'Do It Now.'

The power of Nama Japa is well known to all. In the epilogue to the great Vishnu Sahasra Nama, Parvathi asks Lord Shiva: How do the wise chant the thousand names in brief? And Lord Shiva responds with the well-known couplet "Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Raame Manorame" Rama Nama, he says, is singularly equal to the thousand names. Scriptures say that the celestial Narada Muni once asked Srimannaryana "Which is your permanent abode?". To this Sri Vishnu replied "Naham Vasami Vaikunte,NahiYogi Hridaye,Yatra Mad Bhakta Gayanthe Tatra Thistami Narada !" which means "Oh Narada, I am not in Vaikunta, nor in the hearts of yogis, you will feel my presence where my devotees sing my name with love and affection".

Lord Sainath was very fond of Nama Smaran and Nama Sankeertan. He always uttered 'Allah Malik' and in His presence made others sing God's name continuously day and night for seven days. This is called Nama Sapthaha. In 1913 during the Sri Rama Navami Festival, Sai asked Radhakrishna Aayee to do Nama Sapthaha. Once He asked Shri Das Ganu Maharaj to do Nama Sapthaha and blessed him. Baba in His immortal Sri Sai Satcharitha stated thus " The simple remembrance of my name as 'Sai, Sai' will do away with sins of speech and hearing."(Chap 3) "If you always say 'Sai Sai' I shall take you over the seven seas, believe in these words and you will be certainly benefited."(Chap 13).

When Arjuna asked Lord Krishna, "Oh Lord, how can I perceive when I am engaged in worldly activities?" To this Lord Krishna replied, "Oh Arjuna, you can always do my Namajapam by which you will remain in my pure consciousness". (Bhagvadgita). Meerabai turned ecstatic when she discovered the potency of Rama nama. It was like coming upon a treasure - " Payoji maine Ram ratan dhan paayo!" This treasure, she says, none can rob, it does not reduce if you draw from it, in fact, it grows at a compound rate! It is said "God Realization will not spring out of one's heart, if the seed of the name is not sown in the proper soil of a saintly and devoted heart, carefully sifted by the process of renunciation, watered by the tears of Love and Repentance and guarded always by good, moral character." - Sai Ananda.

The practice of chanting the Name of God is recommended by all religions. If one believes in God, he must necessarily believe the word of God as well. Listening to the glory of God (Sravanam) is also as important as chanting His names. It is important to coordinate thought with chant. If the mind wanders while lips utter the Name, the exercise is futile.

In Baba's words " Leave off all your cleverness and always remember Sai, Sai. If you did that all your shackles would be removed and you would be free."(Chap 10) Friends, constant remembrance of Sai is possible only through Nama Japa as there are no restrictions. Let us do the Japa feeling God's presence in everything and everywhere. Let us draw closer and nearer to Him while repeating His name. Let us think He is shining in the chambers of our heart and witnessing the repetition of the Mantra, as He is the witness of our mind!

(Contributed by Sai Eshwari)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Mani
Today being Sunday, I had spent more time in Puja and I was somehow felling emotional when I was singing a bhajan. After that, I started talking to Sai and was telling to the photo of Sai "Baba You should visit my house today". I was almost pleading with Him. Then after that I came to my routine jobs and in the evening, I was chatting on net with my family in India. Then my daughter was telling me that she saw Shirdi Baba's image at the entrance gate of Mantralayam. I was happy and told her "You will go to Shirdi also. Baba is with us. Please wait till Dad takes you there". It was 6:48 in the evening and I almost forgot my request to Baba, which I made in the morning. Then I got a call from one of my friends and she spoke to me for a while and at last told me that her child wanted her to cook the special rice, which I made few weeks back. Then I was explaining her and then suddenly I told her "Please come to my house. I will just make it and today I was requesting Baba to come to my house and your husband, an ardent devotee of Baba was in my vision today morning. So, I will be glad if you can come over". Then all of them came by 8:00 p.m. and I fully understood the Leela of Baba that he listened to my prayer in the morning.

Mahi
Being an Indian I was aware of the name Sai Baba of Shirdi but had never dwelled on the subject and did not realize how powerful He was. A few months back I was going through the worst period of my life. I had lost my job and I had very little savings to go on. I was so depressed that many times I would think of taking my life. I felt I did not make a difference to anyone and that no one would miss me. By chance when I was browsing the net for jobs I came across this site and it opened my eyes to a new world where Baba takes care of everyone and makes each person feel special. I read about the experiences of so many Sai believers. It gave me a new kind of hope. I started reading Sai Satcharitha and praying to Sai to help me get a job and move ahead in life. Within two days, I started getting interview calls and finally on a Thursday I had this interview at a very big company where now am presently working. Sai Baba has changed my life. There are still so many things which have to be sorted out in my life but I am sure Baba will help me. Baba I thank you for blessing me and helping me get this nice job. Please continue to have your kripa on me.
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Devotees say...

Manita
During my elder sisters wedding preparations my mother who is a single parent was having a tough time to catch up. She vowed to read the book Sai Satcharitha in 7 days in order to get everything in line. But being so held up in preparations I decided to read it on her behalf. With Baba's grace I not only managed to do the saptah but the outcome was wonderful. My working hours are so long but I managed to do my Saptah on the net and for me the first miracle was that no one at work enquired as to why I spend more hours on the net. I don't know what words to use to explain how many miracles Baba has shown us during this period. We had people from all over including strangers who came up to assist. The Satcharitha is a blessing to us. I have personally read it so many times but such is Baba's leela that every time you read it you learn a new lesson.

Chandrasekhar
Koti Pranams Sainath. Thank you very much Sainath for helping us to get EAD and project to my wife so soon.

Akhil
Om Shri Sai Ram. Dear devotees, I was wondering if anybody knows of any Shirdi Sai Baba temples in London. I have been living here for some time but, alas, I have not been able to find one. If you have any information, please e-mail me at eksaibhakt@hotmail.co.uk

Jaya
Thank you Baba for all the help. I was praying Baba for a visitor's visa for my mom and by Baba's grace, my mom got a visa. She was barely asked any questions. Baba, I am posting the result in Sai Vichaar as promised to you. Thanks again Baba for all the help. Please be with us every moment as always.
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Prayer Club:

Geetha
Baba, my business is not gointg well now a days, also having lot of financial problems. I need Your blessings Baba.

Sai Devotee
Oh! Sai koti pranaams to You. Sai please ease my uncle's pain, who is suffering from cancer. With Your blessings he should recover from the illness soon. Please give his family the strength and courage to stand by his side and give him moral support.

Sheela
My father had a paralyzed stroke on 28th October; it is all your kirpa that he is recovering so fast he is going to come out of the hospital on 16th Dec, 05. He still cannot lift his left arm and leg but we have full faith in you. During this time in hospital baba we kept on applying vibuti everyday and we made him drink vibuti water, which we believe has cured him so fast, I would request all the devotees to have sharda and saburi. Baba is there all the time looking after his children.

Sai devotee
Koti koti namaskarams Baba, please show some daya on us. You know what I am going through, please save my children, please please show some mercy. I am lost Baba, please guide me. See that my daughter's illness is cured, You know what I meant Baba. Please there is no one for me except You. Please show some daya.

Sai devotee
Dear Sai, I bow my head at your lotus feet to thank for what You were, are and will be in my life. You are solving all my problems at correct point of time. Please make Your own decisions for me as I strictly believe You and only You in this world. Please take care of my child and beg You to see that she will not have any kind of health problems in her life for she suffered more than what a kid has to go through. Please also help my elder brother to come out of his problems and do good things as per my mother's wish. Please protect all our family members Sadguru, please stay with us and also increase my bakthi and faith towards You.
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Quotation of the Week:
"Well, bridegroom! Where are you going dressed so beautifully like this? Why do you want all this paraphernalia-coat, uparani and pheta etc, do off all that before Me, why wear them on the body?"-Saibaba to Dasganu
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Question of the Week:

Q. What is the two-fold importance of Khandoba temple in Baba's life history?

A by Sadashiv

When Shri Sai Baba entered first time in the village of Shirdi, Khandoba temple was the first place where he stopped over. Hence, the temple has gained importance. Another importance gained to the Khandoba temple is because that was the place where the priest of that temple welcomed Baba by calling him 'Sai 'for the first instance on meeting him and from then on the world knows Baba by Sai (Shri Sai Baba).

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Nainesh

The answer to this question is easy. No, we should just have faith and patience and Baba will take care of the rest. In Sai Satcharita, Baba told Babu's mother Mrs Tendulkar, "Tell your son to believe in Me, to throw aside horoscopes and predictions of astrologers and palmists and go on with his studies". Also he did not give his own palm for reading when Shastri bhua kept asking for it. Finally, when Nanasaheb Dengale predicted danger to Booty's life by Baba's grace he suffered no harm. So just keep saying Sai Sai and He will take care of the rest.

Q. Should Sai devotees believe in Astrology and Palmistry?

A. by Rama

There is no need for Sai devotees to believe in Astrology or Palmistry. My Lord Shri Shirdi Saibaba never encouraged it although he never discouraged it either, as He would normally do in all cases. Lord Saibaba said in 'Satcharitha' that one would get beauty and all other things in this life according to 'Prarabdha Karma' (consequences of previous birth) from previous lives. One's 'Prarabdha Karma' also decides palmistry and the time one takes birth in this materialistic world in the same way. So, it is mere greed but nothing else to try to know how our future might be. There is no way one could change it. Lord Saibaba is the divine power responsible for all these things and He will look after everything. It is often tempting for one to know how his or her future might be, but one should try to cultivate 'Shraddha', 'Saburi' and 'Pure Faith' towards Lord Saibaba, instead. There is no need in believing astrology and palmistry. It is more than enough if one could cultivate 'Candid and Pure Faith' towards Lord Saibaba. That faith will guide them in the right direction with Lord Saibaba's blessings.
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Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m (Winter hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. 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.

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.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the website www.shirdisaidallas.org.

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 Saibaba Sansthan invites all to join for satsangs every Thursday 7:00 pm at Sai Dwarkamai, 147 Winston Castle Dr. Markham, Ontario, L6C 2N4, phone 416-402-8089 or email: saileela99@yahoo.com. To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family for any occasion at your residence, please call. Devotees can request udi or Holy water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone.

Sri Shirdi Sai Mandir, Scarborough, Canada
The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m and Saturday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. Dhoop aarti at 7:30 p.m everyday and Bhajans on Saturday from 5:00 p.m onwards. For other temple activities and information please call 647-444-4724 or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.com.

Shirdi Sai Satsang in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Shirdi Sai parivar in Vancouver invites you for bhajans, every Thursday (6:30pm - 7:30 pm) at 8571, 118A Street, Delta, V4C 6L2. For further details contact Ritu (604)592 4182 or email at sai_ish@hotmail.com.

Sai Satsang, Singapore
To all Shirdi Sai Baba devotees in Singapore, Sai Sansthan, Singapore is organizing Shirdi Sai Baba prayer session every Saturday between 18:30 hrs to 20:30 hrs at 2nd floor function hall, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman temple, (opp. to Sinda), 555, Serangoon Road, Singapore-218174. We invite you all to participate and seek Baba's blessings. For further details, please visit www.saisansthan.com.

Sai Sasang, New Jersey, USA
Shirdi Sai Dham, Inc regularly conducts Sai bhajans followed by Aarti and Parsad on every 1st Saturday of each month at Durga Mandir, Kendall Park, New Jersey from 3 pm to 5 pm (Winter Hours). All are requested to kindly come and receive Baba's blessings. For more information, please call us at 609-275-1334 or visit www.shirdisaidham.org or email us at shirdisaidham@hotmail.com
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