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Sai Vichaar 01.Feature of the Week: It's your divine nature! 02.Contributed Article: Shirdi Sai Utsav 2002 in Africa! 03.Experiences of Devotees 04.Devotees Say 05.Sai Activities 06.Prayer Club 07.Quote of the Week 08.Question of the Week 09.Subscribe to Sai Vichaar 10.Email Newsletter to a friend 11.Submit Articles to Sai Vichaar 12.Un-Subscribe Sai Vichaar 13.From the Editor's Keyboard 14.Disclaimer From the Editor's Keyboard... The recently concluded event "Shirdi Sai Utsav 2002" in Africa reinforces our belief and faith in Sadguru Shri Sainath. The obstacles that got cleared without any effort, the coming of people together forgetting their individual differences to fulfill their roles for the Utsav could only be accomplished by the grace of the Sadguru. Wherever we went, people were so nice and the warmth flowing from them could be felt. Every step reminded us that the Sadguru was watching and protecting us. In a foreign land where there was none at the beginning, the Sadguru created a family at the end of the day! What love and compassion we felt cannot be described in a few words. It would suffice to say that Baba accomplished his task. We are but fortunate and blessed to be part and witness what happened in Africa. A devotee wrote to us the following for the "Question of the week": There seem to be many doubts about being a vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Though Baba hinted that all life was sacred but there was no clear indication in Sai Satcharitha on whether one should be a Vegetarian. Any thoughts on that? (Whether Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi indicated one way or the other?) Humbly Yours, The Editor
Disclaimer Sai Vichaar is devoted to the philosophy and teachings of Shri Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi, and will take every measure to avoid topics or themes contradicting the same. Sai Vichaar team or saibaba.org is not
responsible for the opinions expressed by individual contributors.
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 Feature of the week: It's your divine nature! Remember that as a child of God you are endowed with greater strength than you will ever need to overcome all the trials that god may send you. Often we continue to suffer without making an effort to change, which is why we don't find lasting peace and contentment. If we would persevere, we would certainly be able to conquer all difficulties. We must make the effort that we may go from misery to happiness from despondency to courage. It is necessary first to feel the importance of changing our condition. This attitude stimulates our will to action. Let us resolve that we will always make an effort to improve our Self-knowledge and thus continuously better our existence. India's spiritual scientists explored the kingdom of the soul. They have given to mankind for its benefit certain universal laws of meditation by which real seekers-those who wish to find a good life by changing themselves-may scientifically control their minds and attain Self-realization. When you develop your divine nature you become completely detached about
the body; you no longer feel identified with it. You look after it, as
you would attend to a little child. As you realize your true Self more
and more, by meditation, devotion to the Sad-Guru, "sarvasva
sharanagati"; you become freed from mental and physical pains. You cast
off your lifelong limitations. This is the best way to live out your
days on earth.
Contributed Article: Shirdi Sai Utsav 2002 in Africa!
Saibaba.org, USA along with Sai Devotees of Africa organized "Shirdi Sai
Utsav 2002" in Johannesburg, South Africa during the weekend of April
27th and in Nairobi, Kenya during the weekend of May 4th, 2002. The
whole event that came about in less than four weeks stands testimony to
the fact that when things are driven by the Sadguru; they are destined
to succeed. It is nothing short of a miracle that Africa became the
latest in the series of Sai Utsav's that started in Chicago in November
2000. It has been our good fortune and blessing to attend and be part of
the Shirdi Sai Utsav's in Africa along with Guruji Shri C.B.Satpathyji
and his wife Mrs. Meera Satpathy. In addition Shri Ulhas Waljaonkar,
Chief priest of Shirdi temple, Mr. and Mrs. Jitendra Shelke from
saibaba.org Shirdi, Mr. and Mrs. Shailendra Seth from Shri Sai Seva
Trust, New Delhi and Mr. Manu Bajaj from saibaba.org UK accompanied us.
The response was tremendous as were the people who came forward with
sheer enthusiasm like possessed souls to work for Baba. The reason it is
a miracle is because when the process started five weeks ago, we hardly
knew anyone in Africa. These events reinforce our belief that Baba's
will prevails even in the most adverse situations. Only one has to
firmly attach themselves to Baba's feet and flow with the tide. It was
hearting to note that people from various religions and faiths including
native Africans were drawn into the Utsav.
The event itself was full of color and energy. The traditional prayers,
arathis, kirtans, discourses and video presentations took one mentally
to Shirdi and people could be seen shedding tears and shaking with
Baba's experience when the event was over in both the places. In South
Africa, we were flooded with calls from Durban asking us to bring the
Sai Utsav there. People traveled from neighboring countries like
Botswana. In Kenya, people came from far places like Kisumu, Moombasa,
and Nakuru and wanted that the Utsav be held in their local communities
as well. Both in Johannesburg and in Nairobi, we ran into many devotees
from UK and USA who attended the event. There were some who cried, some
who laughed, some who listened in rapt attention and others who forgot
where they were that day. Some of the sick were healed; some got their
desires fulfilled while some got their questions answered. We continued
to see Baba's miracles all along the trip.
In both the events, Guruji Shri C.B.Satpathyji was spell bounding. His
message was very loud and clear. "Anchor at the feet of the Sadguru in
all situations and at all times. Read Sai Satcharita daily and have the
Sadguru's name on one's mind and heart at all times. Approach Baba with
love, devotion and dedication. Rituals are an external process of
prayers, whereas the love and bhava one possesses from inside matters
the most to Baba. Be assured that Baba is a living soul. As one sows, so
shall one reap."
In Kenya, we were traveling along the beautiful scenic route towards
Nairobi and happened to stop at a place called Narok for lunch break.
One of us was holding a book with Baba's picture in our hands. As we
were about to leave, the African gentleman who was waiting on us came to
our side and asked "Is that picture of your God?" We said "Yes" and
asked him if he would like to have a picture? His radiant smile gave the
reply and we ended up distributing pictures of Baba to the entire staff
and everyone present at the wayside restaurant. Such is the pull of Baba
that he attracts all with no distinction of caste, creed, religion or
color!
In Africa, a seed of Sai Consciousness was sown and the love and
dedication of the local devotees would now nurture the seed to grow into
a forest that will provide shade and shelter to countless souls in the
time to come. We would like to offer our special thanks in Johannesburg
to Mr. and Mrs. Ashok Kapur and family, Mr. Teddy Govindasami and Mrs.
Malathi Singh and family without whose help, this event would not have
been possible. Similarly in Nairobi, we wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Ashok
Dave, Mr. and Mrs. Jitesh Shah, Mr. Jayesh Shah, Mr. and Mrs. Ramesh
Reddy and Mr. and Mrs. Jitu Pandya. There are many more people who have
helped us in these events and we neither wish to forget nor undermine
their contribution. We thank every one who attended, participated and
helped us.
Vadlamani Srilakshmi
Now, this miracle took place. My neighbor's cousin had unexpectedly
called up. He incidentally came from Delhi on and office work and said
he was going back in a couple of days. He came to meet this friend of
mine after several years. She did not know that I was looking for
someone, since we met in the corridor, and were talking, she casually
mentioned that she was busy that day as her cousin was coming over from
Delhi I went and handed the book over to him. Since he is also a Baba
devotee he said he knew the value of the book himself and will in fact
arrange it to be sent over to my brother's place He said most probably
he would be reaching Delhi on Wednesday night so the book will be
delivered on Thursday. This is a real miracle. And I know this is not
just coincidental and is Baba's leela.
Swati Pai
There is a story of a cliffhanger, determined to reach the summit of a high mountain. After years of preparation, he began his adventure. Only he journeyed alone, because he wanted all his glory. He began his ascent, and as daylight faded, he decided to continue climbing. The night fell heavy as he was overcome by total darkness. The moonlight and starlight were hidden within the clouds. There was zero visibility. He was only a few meters away from the summit when he slipped climbing a ridge and fell off, falling at frightening speed. While falling, he could only see shadow like figures in the darkness and felt the tug of gravity pulling him down. In those anguishing moments, he saw his life pass before his eyes. He thought death was near when suddenly he felt the tightening of the rope around his waist that tied him to a nail embedded in the rock wall of the mountain. In desperation, suspended in mid-air he screams--"God, please help me!" Then unexpectedly a deep voice from heaven responds --"What would you have me do?" "Save me" "Do you really think I can save You?" "Of course my Lord!" "Well then, cut the rope" There was a moment of silence, and then the man tightened the rope around his waist. The mountain team tells a story of a man they found frozen to death, his hands wrapped firmly around a rope tied to his waist... HANGING TWO FEET FROM THE GROUND... So, how tight are your ropes. Would you let go? I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, "don't be afraid. I will help you."-Is.41: 13- Baba's assurance to all his devotees is to have firm faith in Him and leave all cares to Him. He is there to protect all those who have been given to Him by God. Why Fear when He is here! Manav Sharma
Bindu
N. Sivanandam, India
Being an ordinary person, I was looking some extra affairs with someone other than my wife. Such situations materialized, but He prevented to go ahead and helped me to save my soul. If I collect all such events in the past, I am totally ugly and awkward mass, yet there is a tiny golden place, where Sai continue to live. I knew I did harm to Sai who is living within me, but maya's power on me was greater, I was unable to control my emotions, committed sins. But I got punishments from Baba according to my acts; I wish to say those punishments were heavy financial losses in each occasion. For the past few days, I determined to lead a pure life and steadfast desire to please Sai with my new behavior and I realize Baba is helping me. Yet, there are still some minor slips in my way. Dear Sai brothers and sisters, please pray for me and help me to lead a normal life, which should be helpful to the society and the whole humanity. I want Sai's association in my life, I want to make Sai as only guide in my way of life. My dear Divine Father Baba, please forgive me and help your son to serve
for You, it is Your duty to make Your son to be responsible and
respectable to the society. Baba I surrender my mind, body and soul to
your lotus feet, please show me your direction right from this second
until the end of my life. All Sai brothers and sisters, please pray for
me and request our Lord Sai for a new life in this New Year onwards.
Madhuri Cherukupalli
LNS, A Sai Devotee
Ritu Raju
A Sai devotee
Sonia Nagpal
Vijay Menon
Ravin, Minnesota
Quotation of the Week
Q.On being a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, has Sadguru Sai Baba of
Shirdi indicated one way or other?
I would like to tell that there is answer to the question in Sai Satcharitha in 38th adhyayan. There are no clear words that one should be a vegetarian but if we can understand the adhyayan, it says that who are non-vegetarians Baba never asked them to change to Vegetarians. The adhyayan also says that those who are vegetarians he never even allowed them to touch the utensil containing non-vegetarian item. If he asked the non-vegetarian people to change to vegetarians, he would have never cooked non-vegetarian items with his own hand. That clearly indicates that he never forced anyone to do things which they are doing it right from their births but someone by his own will want to change to a vegetarian I think that is not bad, and those who are by birth vegetarians they should never change and start eating non-vegetarian, the adhyayan clearly says that Baba never allowed people to eat things which are prohibited for them. From his valuable teachings, we can understand that one should never change from what he is, if he is changing for the good that is fine but never bend your head to bad things. A. by BL Venkatesh Murthy Though Sri Sai Baba does not give any clear advice as regards whether one must take vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, one incident in Sri Sai Satcharitha talks of how Sri Baba used to himself bring all the materials for cooking and do the entire cooking himself. It is said that sometimes he cooked flour in water, and sometimes meat pulao. But to the question as to how He distributed the food so cooked, it is clearly mentioned by Sri Hemadpant that Baba NEVER ALLOWED A VEGETARIAN TO EVEN LONG for non-vegetarian food, let alone His Prasad. He further says, "Can a Sadguru like Sri Sainath ever allow, let alone force his devotees to eat what is forbidden for them?" This leads me to conclude that Baba always stressed on the right kind of food - he never advocated fasting, but instead advised moderation in eating - neither eat nothing nor eat too much. A. by Havovi Medora, New Jersey In answer to whether Sai Baba was a vegetairan or his thoughts on the
subject, I personally feel that Sai Baba allowed his devotees to do what
was most comfortable to them. Sai always said my devotees have to
worship me as they see fit. We have read of how he made meat with rice
and without and those who were vegetarians were not allowed to partake
of the rice with meat. Baba was always aware of everyones feelings and
only did what made them comfortable. He was very aware of his devotees
needs, wants and desires and we can learn from that as man today is
rather selfish and does not stop to think of persons around him. Whether
you are vegetarian or not is an individual thing Sai Baba enjoyed
everything that was put before him.
Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in UK Weekly Sai Bhajans and Satsang at Kendall Park, NJ Saidarbar, Hyderabad, India Sai Time Machine by Saidarbar Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra, Toronto, Canada Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra and Sai Satsang, Twin Cities, MN Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA 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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