When the rich merchant sought Sai Baba for Brahma Jnana (Self realization), Baba made him sit and asked someone else to fetch some money, the money Baba never needed. The merchant sat quite anticipating that he would be rewarded with the ultimate wisdom, the only riches that he has been denied in life. Or so he thought!

After the drama was over, the Merciful One asked the merchant to take out the bundle from his pocket, spelling out exactly the amount to its last rupee! Bewildered and humiliated, the merchant knew exactly what Baba meant to teach him through the drama. How could someone who is not willing to part with the most transient of the possessions gain the experience of more than a lifetime! Missed opportunity!

Sai Satcharithamritha quotes several incidents where Baba read the minds of those who came to him; the pleader from Pandharpur was referred to as someone cunning, and Sapatnekar was made to endure the abuse and the humiliation until his mind was completely transformed and his faith in Baba grew to the unconditional extent.

The realization that Sadguru is Antaryamin, the one that is the most awake and the one that is the most aware is a significant stage in one's spiritual pursuit. He stays in the Conscious observing every thought and every action. Such a realization should naturally lead one to the thoughts and action that are truthful with the acceptance that the self is not the doer. Good or bad, right or wrong, necessary or wasteful, mandatory or optional, any logic and every thought will have His supervision. Whatever such a mind does will always have right consequences. The self charioted by Sadguru does not stop at the transitory bundles, however big that might be!
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Contributed Article: Can one be ever truly happy?

Have you ever wondered whether one can be truly happy? Happiness and sorrow are states of emotion that is experienced by all of us. Both of them are like two sides of a coin. And both of them come in cycles one after the other. We feel excited, estatic, etc. when we are happy and conversely we feel sad, dejected, etc when we feel sorrow. Sorrow hurts more as it negatively plays with our ego, senses and seems to last longer than happiness. Sometimes sorrowful states drives one to such extreme despair that one feels like committing suicide to get out of that pain. It is during hard and sorrowful times that a person's self confidence is at its lowest and one starts to depend on external energies and sources to survive. In all humility one approaches anyone who can help. In such a time, the ever merciful loving and compassionate Sadguru, comes running to the rescue. He takes care of his children and makes them tide over tough times. Then comes the cycle of happiness and joy as one slowly rises and starts taking control of their lives. That little voice sitting inside starts raising its ugly head and one gets into the grip of ego, the other senses and maya that plays all around us. Desire after desire start flowing in as waves in an ocean never ending and ever playing with our minds. Despite having enough for a decent living, one falls again into the trap of sorrowful state.

It is said that we all have to suffer the consequences of our Karma. Karma is mostly misunderstood as a form of physical action only. Karma is not limited to physical action, it is also generated because of our mental actions. In fact every thought that originates in the mind is causing Karma. Be it positive or negative. Surrendering one to the feet of the Sadguru by constantly and consistently keeping Sadguru in our thoughts is the only means of negating Karma. That continuous process leads one to differentiate and through differentiation arises a state of mind that recognizes that happiness and sorrow are caused by inside forces and not from outside influences. Control of the inside forces by complete surrender to the Sadguru is the key to true happiness.
(Contributed by Sai Vichaar Team)
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Experiences of Devotees

Venkat
Dear Sai Devotees, I would like to share my experience with all. Year ago I came to USA, and few months' back I thought of changing my visa status and I applied for F1 status. They sent me acknowledgement saying that I will receive my Papers from 60 to 125 days. After I sent, I did my paraynam saying that I should get F1 papers soon. To my surprise, I got the papers in less than a month. It was really a shock to me and even to the woman in charge of International resource service. This is the email, which she has sent me saying that I got my F1 papers: " Ven, There are definitely miracles in this world and you may have benefited from one! I have your F-1 approval. I am in shock, but now just in case you have any spare time, you can find a job! This is one of the Miracle happened to me recently. OM SAI SHRI SAI JAYA JAYA

Devotee
Om Sairam. One of very good friends was going through many difficulties and I could not do much by advising her and neither could her family. I always carry an old black and white picture of Baba with me. I do not know how I got that picture; it has always been with me. Since I consider this picture as the real presence of Baba, I lent it to my friend and told her to keep it with her and treat the picture with respect (she is not Indian) Within a month, things started to improve and now she is very peaceful and completely out of this pain that none of us expected to happen so soon. After giving that picture to my friend, I really missed it, since I often pray for it but I thought she needed Baba more than me and if I think of Baba in my heart, he will be right next to me. But within a week, I found an EXACTLY same picture in one of my bags that I have not used in a while. And the most surprising thing is, it even has similar marks like the one I have to my friend. And I do not know where that picture came from, because I do not remember buying it at all or getting it from someone.

If I think about so many problems that my friend had and how soon all those problems went away, like a magic, I feel like Baba is watching my every action and I don't need to ask him for anything, he will automatically give me what I need whenever the time is right. He is the all-knowing Sai.

Just wanted to share this with someone who has lost hope or is going through difficulties and pray that they find peace and regain their faith in Baba. Everything will be all right. Jai Sai Ram.

Murthy, Hyderabad, India
Om Sri Sadguru Sai nath Maharaj Ki Jai, I am a consultant working almost 14 hour's a day, traveling to different places in Canada, and Nigeria. I am now 39, and recently I visited Shirdi Sai Baba in India, stayed there for 2 days, and felt very happy in presence of Saibaba. When I come back to Hyderabad, I had a big problem in my chest, immediately i went to Hospital and the Doctor's put me in ICU for 5 days, I was clinically diagnosed for both Acidity and Cardiac problems, At present I am taking rest and next week I have to attend for some more medical tests. Sincerely I pray Saibaba that I should not get any Cardiac problems. I would again go to Baba's darshan, if I would be released from all these problems.
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Devotees say...

D. Sankaraiah, Hyderabad, India
Readers of "Sai Vichaar" may like to know the reason for repeating the word "Shanti" thrice at the end of our prayers. OM - Oh! Parabhramha!!

SHANTI - Protect Us from Bodily sufferings like fever, pains etc., (ADHYATMIKA)
SHANTI - Protect Us from other living beings like wild animals, poisonous snakes, scorpions etc., (ADI BHOUTIKA)
SHANTIHI - Protect Us from Natural calamities like cyclones, floods, earthquakes etc., (ADI DAIVIKA)

Thus while repeating the word we may mentally pray for protection from the above three types of sufferings.

A Sai devotee
Dear Sai bandhus, this site and newsletter have really been a strong rope of attachment for me. From time to time it has inspired me to move ahead in life, to look and understand others problems and gain insight to the teachings of Sai.

A year back, I had posted a Prayer in the newsletter when my family was going through a severe financial crisis (the life savings of my family were duped in a fraud). Though all around, people were saying that it is impossible to get back on our feet, I had firm faith in Baba. I just knew HE would not let us be in this state for long. All I needed was Shradha and Saburi to tide over the time. This was also the time when this site and letter helped me hold on.

As time went ahead and showed, my sibling (who had also lost her life saving) went onto earn exactly the same amount in a flash and much more by Baba's grace. I still remember the time when we were discussing the problem 8 months back and I told her - "Just wait and watch, you are going to get a very good offer in a few days"...and remembered SAI. That time it sounded frivolous to her but just 2 days later she told me there had been a miracle that she was approached for a very well paying project. I felt very happy and just remembered Baba and thanked him. Now there are probabilities of my parents also recovering their losses. I pray it goes well. I KNOW it will. Baba will take care. It is just a matter of time and having faith and patience. Similarly, my life is also very fluid and I am looking at settling down in my job and life. Baba has been helping me throughout in one way or the other. All this time he has made me comfortable.

So, please open your minds, be more receptive to the Universe, and you will see that nothing is a coincidence. Have firm Faith and add patience to this and believe you me.....you will see wonders. HE is there overlooking all the play of the world and in HIS own way will ouch your Life when time comes.

Deepa Sai
Sai Baba, I am sorry for questioning you. You have not accepted my prayer last week; I only want you to grant this last wish of mine. I want to marry the person I love. Please grant this last wish of mine. I am very depressed and sad thinking about my future

Usha Sastry
I am very happy and blessed by Baba. I have been a host family for chitra yathra. I never thought I could bring his photo to my home and pray, because of so many inconveniences. I wanted to keep him for 4 days but he overstayed to my surprise. The anchor family allowed me to keep for extra days. Sairam protect my family and my Sai brothers & sisters.

Rohini Bhise
Baba is with all the devotees . Believe him and pray for all. His Vibhuti and prasad are with his blessings .I hope people peolpe dont just ask baba for job and money. Shanti and world peace. Pray to him with full faith and devotion and see what can happen. Jai Sairam.

Anitha Kandukuri, Australia
I would like to extend my hearty congratulations to Shri Shirdi Sai Kalyanam Trust (Tirupati, India) and Saibaba.org (USA) on the magnificent work in bringing out bilingual website Shirdisaiashirvadam.org. The subtle blend of both Telugu and English literature on BABA and works of Great Sai Devotee Guruji C.B. Satpathyji caters to sai devotee's thirst for Sai philosophy world wide. We often appreciate the web page, its layout and contents whilst forgetting the amount of work, sacrifice, relentless hours of hard work and dedication involved in bringing out such great work. Sai Tatva has spread world wide like wild fire, and in current situations it is internet or web media and people behind such web sites who have fueled the spread of Sai Philosophy in different parts of the world. These invisible people behind the web site can be likened to Das Ganu with his Kirtans and Nanasasheb Chandorker with his talks who originally brought many people in contact with Sai and made him available enrichring lives and instilling importance of Shradha and Saburi which brings us closer to the final destination -the holy feet of Shirdi Sai BABA. Thank you for your efforts, your work is exemplery. Sairam
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Prayer Club

Hycienth Ngwu', Enugu, Nigeria
Sai Ram, My mother has cervix tumor (cancer}. She has been billed for operations on Wednesday,March 20, 2002. Please assist in praying that the operation be successful. May all beings be happy. And may Baba's Will be done. My mother's name is Monica Ngwu. Sai Ram.

Ghanshyam Jani
Pujya Vandaniya. My self Ghanshyam Jani 51 years old. Suffering from diabetis, cardiac vein blocking and hyper tension along with Rs.5laks debts on my account. If Sai Baba will not favor me, I have to vacate my house on 23rd of this month. Please pray on behalf om me to Baba to help me. Other wise I will not be at any side. Thank You. Sai is the only one, no aney duja

Sai Devotee
I dont know know why I did not get the job, I felt that you had heard my prayers and your support was with me on this. Please help me establish a successful career. When after I got the job it was taken away from me. ,I face a lot of humiliation. Please help me handle it gracefully. PLease help me find a good option as well. With your help I know I can.
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Quotation of the Week
Despite the many favors he granted, Sai Baba could be a hard master. There were few who escaped his blows or abuse. And it was not necessary for a selfish thought to crystallize in speech or action for it to be punishes. The thought itself was enough - Arthur Osborne in "The Incredible Sai Baba: The life and miracles of a modern-day saint
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Question of the Week

Q. Is violence justified in any scriptures?
A. by Prasad V. Nimmagadda

The answer to this question is "Yes, indirectly."

The Song of the Lord (Bhagawat Geeta) proclaims "Dharma Samsthaapanaardhaaya Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge." These words from God Himself establish that periodic incarnations (Avatars) occur to punish the wicked and protect the righteous people. This quote then implies that God chooses the appropriate time to get involved in establishing an acceptable level of "dharma".

To me, this suggests that a period shall pass during which the wicked people's activities grow in intensity and cause suffering to the not-so-wicked (or righteous) people. As these acts of "Adharma" grow, a time shall come when the level of "Adharma" becomes unacceptable. Only then does the Lord begin His remedy process. Hindu scriptures (specifically, puraanaas) are full of stories that support this thinking.

The five innate and natural instincts of human behavior (kama, krodha, lobha, mada, and matsarya) are the root causes of human suffering and reason for the cycle of rebirths for the soul. Any spiritual advancement typically begins with an acknowledgement of this concept.

We all can agree that violence is a result of "Krodha" and causes for krodha are too numerous to mention. History is replete with "acts of violence" as human civilization evolved through the ages. Violence can occur in many forms, some structured and some not. A war, for example, is a structured act of violence. Someone or some people physically hurting one or more other people based on greed, lust, fear, or whatever also is violence. Of late, religious and ideological acts of violence are dominating the human society today.

Lord Krishna said to Arjuna "Karmanye Vaadhikaaraste Maa Phaleshu Kadaachana..." which translates to "You only have a right to act but no right on the results of your actions." Danger exists of people misinterpreting this to mean that as long as they act as per their conscience, they have a right to act and usually this action ends up being violence.

In conclusion, no direct justification might appear in scriptures for violence but room exists in the interpretation of scriptures to possibly justify violence.
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Sai Activities

Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra Anchor Home, Lincoln, NE
JAI SAI RAM! By HIS grace I have been an Anchor Home in Lincoln,NE. Ever since Baba arrived at HIS Nebraska home, he has been very busy visiting our neighbor's. When Baba is at home, we feel his presence and we feel as if our house is crowded with lot of people. We are doing Aarathi every Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. If anyone interested to attend may contact me. Also if someone wants to hosts Him may please contact me at s_nedunoori@hotmail.com. Bow to HIS LOTUS FEET!!

Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India
Saidarbar under the guidance of Saibanisa participated in Sai Satsangs, discourses, Pooja and Bhajans by Mr. Phanindra Prasad at various Shirdi Sai Baba temples in Hyderabad during the month of the first two weeks of March.

A Sai devotee
Sairam, We are planning to start Saibaba Bhajans on every Thursday at Longmont, CO. If you are interested, please do send an email to sai_devotee@hotmail.com.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA
"Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra(Pictorial Journey)", started in USA on Jan 01, 2002. With anchor points across USA concurrently participating from day one, this unique event is off to a great start.

The journey which involves the ceremonial travel of Baba in the form of a portrait will stop at all Baba devotees homes who are interested in being a host to his protrait. The Yatra which will run till fall of this year, is open to one and all. There is no fees or charges involved to take part in this event. You may participate either as a host home or serve as an anchor point in your community.

Vist online at yatra page for all the details and to register.

For questions, comments, suggestions or to get details on an Anchor home in your area, send us an email at maildrop@saibaba.org with the subject line of "Shri Sai Chitra Yatra".
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