Tumhaasee jaagawoo aamhi aapulya chaada - Baba aapulya chaada
Subhaasubh karme dosh haraavayaa peedaa.
Aataan Swaamee sukhe nidraa karaa Gopala - Baba Sai dayaalaa
Purale manorath jato aapule sthalaa.

We shall wake you up for our own needs to destroy the torment that is ours due to our fate, caused by our good as well as bad actions - Sant Tukaram Maharaj

How easy is the discrimination between real and unreal, good and bad, right and wrong and the doable and the undoable? Words of the wise have always insisted that one should show discrimination between what is good and what is bad for us. Discrimination requires knowledge and by insisting on discrimination, a definite even if minor significance is placed on the necessity of knowledge to seek Sadguru. However, surrounded by the tigers and the wolves, is it an easy task? How does one know whether a particular thing is right or wrong? On the other hand, is it possible for anyone to know all the rights from the wrongs? Can anyone assure that knowledge itself can help complete the process of discrimination? The path shown by Sai says that strong faith coupled with devotion is enough to win the grace of Sadguru who guides one not only in the worldly pursuits but also in the spiritual path.

God of the destitute, Saibaba of Shirdi has shown that simple devotion shown to him with pure heart is enough to win his grace. The devotee need not fall into the trap of trying to separate rights from the wrongs for such a pursuit is not possible in one's lifetime. Sant Tukaram Maharaj captures the same thoughts in his Abhang composition in Sainath Maharaj's Shej Aarthi, where he asks the Lord to rescue him from the consequences of actions that are not only good but also bad! This is one sign of complete surrender at the feet of Sadguru with the strongest conviction that whatever is retained is only the good and it is Sadguru who alone is capable of retrieving us!
Back to Menu

Contributed Article: Spiritual Sadhana

A husband and wife lived in a small village. They were earning enough money to have four meals a day. Every day, a beggar used to come to their doorstep for food. The beggar was very stubborn in nature. He would never go away until food was given. The wife and husband felt very uncomfortable about the beggar's stubbornness. Therefore, they devised a plan to send the beggar away. When the beggar came to their doorstep for food, both the wife and husband started fighting with each other. They started shouting loudly on each other. The beggar observed this and went away. Once the beggar was out of sight, both of them congratulated each other for their best show of false pretence. The husband told the wife that, "I shouted at you as if it was real." The wife replied to the husband, "I cried so much as if it was real." The beggar came back and told them, "I had also gone away as if it was real, and now, I am back again."

This story shows the power of Maya in one's life. It can come back at any time like the beggar in the story. In Sai Satcharitha, Sri Sai talks about the power of Maya. (Ch. 13). Sri Sai says, "It is the Adi Maya of Sri Hari who distracted even Brahma and other Gods. Without ceaseless Hari-bhajan, there is no release from this Maya. Follow your goal, consistent with what has gone before, and what is to follow; always act in compliance with what has been ordained. Forever be content and never leave any place because of worry or anxiety." As long as one is living in the world, one should not abandon studying or listening to the Scriptures and contemplating the meanings-Sastra sravana (Sri Sai advised the devotees to read jnaneswari, Gurucharitra), Devotion to the Guru-Guru bhajana (Guru Gholap darshan to Mule ji), and Worship of one's own chosen Deity - Devatarchana (worship of Lord Siva by Megha). At the same time, one should not turn the sadhana into another ego booster. Sincere and Genuine spiritual sadhana makes the person to become humble by showing the vastness and greatness of the infinite. The spiritual practice should be done with a understanding that,"Thy will be done." Shraddha (devotion and faith in Guru and his teachings) and Saburi (forbearance to the different situations in life with a feeling of surrender to the lotus feet of the Guru) are necessary to make the spiritual practice fruitful.

(Contributed by Sai devotee)

Contributed Article: Expression of Love

Love as thought is Truth
Love as action is Right Action
Love as feeling is Peace
Love as understanding is Non Violence

Love cannot be seen or expressed in words, but has to originate from the mind or heart and should be experienced and understood by the action. A mother -child relationship is reflected by her thoughts, actions, feelings and understanding and this unique experience is Love. This devotional affection and bondage is Love. The creator's love to all the creations is the same as the love of the mother and child. Logically the love of the Sadguru to us is similar to that of the mother's. In this sense, the love of the humans to each other should also be the same. In the world, we could proudly say we know of at least one who demonstrated the Truth and that is Mahatma Gandhi. He demonstrated true love by calling 'Ram, Ram, Ram when he was shot at and with the request not harm the one who shot at him showing equal love to all. The motivating energy (jeevatma) in all living beings is a spec of the supreme energy (paramatma). Therefore, all human beings are 'Brothers and Sisters' and when one realises this fact this world is the heaven and the most peaceful place.

(Contributed by Kandappa)
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees:

Madhavi
Baba made my wishes come true several times after that. One of the experiences is - It was Gurupoornima. I wanted to do pooja on that after coming back from work & prayed Baba to make it happen. Once I got to work, I completely forgot about resolve. When I was driving home, I remembered what I wanted to do & was hoping pooja can still take place. I told my husband earlier about this Gurupoornima. He invited two of my neighbors over (two aunties). One of them came from India and used to do Sai Bhajans I guess and was feeling very sorry that she was not able to do the pooja. My mother in law made prasad and kept that ready. When I came home, there were flowers, prasadam and people. I felt overwhelmed with this happening since it was so unbelievable that everyone remembered this day. Finally, we had a long nice pooja, bhajans, Satcharitha reading and invited few more people for dinner. During pooja, I wished the prasadam should be finished before pooja is complete. Guess what, my little daughter came and finished all the prasadam, which she usually does not eat. At the end of everything, I cried since Baba's grace was all around us. Baba, I know we are asking for a world by asking you to be with us. Thank You so much Baba for being with us every second of our life and taking care of us. He is the Only one who can and will take care of you.

Deepa
Recently I had a great experience, which I wish to share with all. I took a night bus from Ajmer (Rajasthan) to Delhi on Jan 25th, my husband told me to get down at Dhaulan Kuan and that he would pick me up from there because if I entered the city I would get stuck due to the Republic Day Parade. I heard somebody in the bus saying that he had to get down at Radisson Hotel so I told over phone my husband that I would meet him at Radisson (near Delhi Airport). Due to construction work of a flyover near the airport, there is a lot of confusion and diversions and I am not too much familiar with the area, the conductor suddenly told me that my stop had come and I got down (in my mind praying to Saibaba to help me reach home safely). To my dismay found that I was all alone standing on a deserted highway at 5:40 am on a cold and dark winter morning; not a soul in sight and no building or Radisson Hotel in sight. I was totally lost and did not know which way to walk, just as I stood thinking and ready to take the wrong way, a cab stopped on the other side and a man got down. Immediately I approached him, told him about my dilemma, and sought guidance from him. He was a worker coming from night duty and his house was nearby, I requested him to walk down with me until Radisson, which he readily did (it was a long walk and I was sweating at the end of it) and I even made him wait until my husband came. We thanked him profusely for his timely help; I was overwhelmed at the greatness of Saibaba; this incident has made my faith stronger in Sai Baba and now I know that I need not have any fear in life, as Baba will be there to guide me! He has proved his existence to me and through me to many more!
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Deepika
Baba my tons of thanks to you for helping me with my first teaching session. With your grace and blessings, I held up well and did all I could.

Gopikrishna
Dear Sanjay, I also stay in Delhi. Of late, I have been closely associated with an NGO, which is doing a great service to the Mentally Challenged or Retarded children and persons, including Autism, cerebral palsy, MR and MD. Though they are not from Delhi proper, they keep visiting Delhi often. They are highly qualified. I can bring them to your residence whenever they visit Delhi next time. Kindly do not hesitate to contact me, should you think that I would be of any service to you. My contact number is 98999 29066.

Siva
These days I have started believing that what ever we do is known to Him. It has been a long time that I am looking for a project in fact very long but I believe that there is a purpose behind. I am hoping to get a project really soon. What Baba did for me last year. So I was looking for projects similarly and situation are getting worse and one day I have promised Baba that I am quitting smoking forever and guess what! in 24 hours I got a project (vendor called that night and interviewed next morning) part of a huge implementation and I did not expect that. Seemed that He was just waiting for me to quit smoking.

Bala
Thanks to Baba for answering our prayers. Our friend is out of ICU and back to normal. Sai devotees, thanks for all your prayers. Right next day after posting my prayer request our friend showed signs of improvement. Thank you Baba.

Richa
Every time I read about Sai devotees experiences and Baba's miracle stories my eyes are filled with tears of love for Baba. I have been going through a hard time in life lately and I get close to giving up sometimes. But reading about stories of Baba and experiences shared by Sai devotees on Sai Vichaar each week fill me with hope and bring me closer to Baba. Thank you Sai Vichaar!
Back to Menu

Prayer Club:

Ashwani
Baba, my mom has just been diagnosed of suspected ovarian cancer - in some of the reports it shows indications of cancer but in some it does not show as a cancer. Due to this non-confirmation, the doctors have not started the treatment yet also - it has been almost a month and we are just running and trying to know about the disease. Baba, please help me in coming out of this situation - so that my mothers treatment can start and she is cured.

Haripriya
My grandpa is very ill and is in ICU! Please be by him and give him the strength to recover. Become his guardian angel and be by his side at all times. I have heard experiences of others whom You have taken out of problems. Today, I stand in front of You and pray for grandpa.

Tanaz
Om Sai, I am jobless since last two years please help me to get a job. I am getting depressed with financial problems. My son is in tenth standard. Please guide him to study well and score good marks. Please Sai, You know everything please help me. You know I lost my job due to somebody else's mistake. Please guide me Baba.

Anitha
I am trying very hard with no results yet oh Sai Ram, please give me strength to stand on my own feet and to help my family.

Rashima
I am divorced and have two children with me who are studying. My alimony payments have stopped and I have never worked in the USA. I cannot pay my rent and think that I would soon be in a homeless shelter. Please Sai Ram, help me get a job so that I can survive with dignity.

Sastry
You know I have risked my career, confident of Your blessings. Please make things to happen fast so that everything can go according to plan.

Srinivas
My family is suffering from some setbacks, please help to get resolve of my family problems.

Bala
Baba please help two members of our community that have been diagnosed with cancer. One of them has young kids also.

JP
Dear Sai, kindly shower Your grace on my son and help him to choose the course he has to take and the school to attend.
Back to Menu

Quotation of the Week:
"If we see all actions as God's doing, we will be unattached and free from karmic bondage".-Sai Baba
Back to Menu

Question of the Week:

Q. How are we to know that we have won Sai's grace?

A. by LV Subbarao

This is a vital question it calls for a study of Sri Sai Satcharitha in a mood of renunciation an refuge in the lotus feet of Shri Shirdi Sai under the guise of unalloyed devotion. Every chapter in Satcharitha depicts the way to seek refuge in the Lord's feet to attain Paramartha - Salvation. Lord Shri Sai Baba categorically emphasized that He is all pervasive and omniscient and hence it infers clearly that to get benefit, it is immaterial whether or not one is in the crowd around Him. It is a known fact, clear from many scriptures besides what is understood from Sai Satcharita itself, that one has to reap what one sows and there is no escape unless one suffers and squares up one's committed debts and dealings, vide, Chpter 47 in Satcharitha, the story of Veerabhadrappa and Chennabasappa which was told by Shri Sai Himself. In fact, the past actions are the basis for the present incidents and in other words, the troubles and happiness we face in the life are our own deeds. Evidently, it is not necessary that all in the crowd be benefited for the reason that they are dragged before Him, which was on account of one's past Karmas to the extent to which their lot was put-in. Further, regarding Shri Sai's grace, the Antaryamin is like ground water, which can be tapped only with some effort where as the image form of God is similar to potable water in a pond, which one can drink to one's content. In Chpter 26 of Satcharitha, the blessed author stated a novel form of worship: 1) Wash Sadguru's feet - in the form of Tears of Joy. 2) Besmear His body - with Sandal paste of Pure Love. 3) Cover His body - with cloth of True Faith. 4) Offer Lotuses - In the form of eight Satwik Emotions 5) Offer fruits - in the form of Concentrated Mind. 6) Decorate Him - in the form of Devotion and tie waistband of Bhakthi. 7) Namaskar Him- Place our Neck (head) at His Toes.

When once His grace spreads on us, we remain in His bliss supreme, whether in waking, dream or sleep state and all happenings in the life tends towards the merger of the same in the absolute form. To cast His Spell and Awoke, the being to the realization of a higher rhythm and a deeper purpose of life lays hidden infinite treasures of Spirit. May His infinite grace shine upon this humble effort to pay homage to his resplondent life and teachings.

Q. How are we to know that we have won Sai's grace?

A. by Manav Sharma

There are two methods of worship. One is traditional method and other one is remembering Baba in every event of the day and offer Him first, whatever we use. The main method in second approach is to completely love Baba and follow his teachings in day-to-day activities. In this way, devotee feels that Baba is with him and Baba is taking care of him always. Devotee feels the contention and peace. At this stage, we can say that a person has won the Baba's grace. If then the devotee has patience, his hopes will be realized and in due course, he will indeed be having feeling of being with Baba.

Q. How are we to know that we have won Sai's grace?

A. by Maddipatla VR Prasad

I have come across persons complaining that Sai Baba was not kind to them, as they were subjected to several insurmountable trials and tribulations in their lives. Does it mean that He is partial in showering His grace on some of us alone? If I face certain difficulties and crises, does it mean that He is not kind to me? No, certainly not. Pandavas including Draupadi have suffered untold difficulties and misery despite the fact that they were dearest to Lord Krishna. Let us not measure His grace in terms of our material prosperity and tranquility. Why can't we consider that He is putting us through a puzzle or a test to sharpen our spirituality and thus take us to newer heights of spiritual growth? Thus, don't we experience His grace? It is worth mentioning the case of Bhaktha Mahalsapathy in this context. He suffered privation and hardship but never wavered in his faith in Sai Baba. He is one of those who 'won' His grace. Great Masters viz., Sai Baba and Narasimha Saraswathi have revealed that Guru "Kripa" or Guru's grace is like life giving rain that is showered impartially on every one. However, the rain that falls on a fertile soil is well conserved and sustains fruitful crop. On the other hand, the rain that falls on a rocky terrain is wasted as run-off. Thus, every one reaps His love and grace depending upon ones own spiritual back ground. In other words, one has to mold oneself in a manner to deserve and conserve His grace. That is to say, that one has to evolve by "saadhana" checking one's "vaasanas" and negative tendencies including the "arishadvargas" to enjoy His grace. Has He not said that His "Khazana" is full and every one can take however much he or she wants? The ego factor being the most responsible for proliferation of the negative tendencies, the same has to be checked to experience His grace.

Baba is always at our beck and call to support and strengthen our efforts in this context. Once the ego is checked we become desireless and thereby we experience His grace. Attaining "manava janma" or to be born as human being is the greatest blessing of God. Our sense of gratitude to Him for granting us "manava janma" makes us experience His grace. The awareness that He is always with us at every step of our journey towards reforming ourselves and becoming helpful to others around us, shows how fortunate we are to enjoy His grace.
Back to Menu

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.

Sai Satsang, 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

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.

Shirdi Sai Mandir, Scarborough, Canada
The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario, 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 is at 7:30 p.m. everyday. Bhajans are 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 Baba Satsang in Auckland, New Zealand
Sai Baba Satsang ( Bhajans, Provochan, Sai Ashotottram and Shej Arathi ) is held every Thursday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at MT Roskill War Memorial Hall, May Road , Mt Roskill, Auckland, NZ. For more detials visit our website http://www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz or mail to info@shirdisaibaba.org.nz.
Back to Menu

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

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