Sai Vichaar For 8th October 2009

Sai Vichaar Thursday, Oct 08, 2009 :: Volume 12, Issue 22 (In its twelfth year of publication.)

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Sai Vichaar is a Weekly newsletter distributed every Thursday and is devoted to the life, philosophy and teachings of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Feel free to forward this newsletter to your interested associates in its original form. Please do not reply to this email. All replies will be ignored. To contact us please see information at the bottom of this newsletter.

IN THIS ISSUE: •

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

•

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

•

DEVOTEES SAY

•

PRAYER CLUB

•

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES

•

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

•

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

•

SAI ACTIVITIES

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FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: When the Star was born! Sai bhar de jholi hamaree...Sai bhar de jholi hamaree... Tum hain daatha...sab ke maalik...Main hoon ek bikaari... Mysteries may remain, but the message is clear. It is about hundred years ago that Baba's fame stared spreading. From the hamlet of Shirdi, the glory of the saint God began to spread covering the central plains of Maharashtra, later to the Deccan and the rest of Bharath. Blessed are those servants that carry His message across the seas of space and time. Baba did not care much to announce who He was or where He had come from. Several people felt several ways. Some felt He was a Sufi saint, some the Lord of Pandharpur. The Europeans of those days felt His power and the magnificence. Some close to Baba, thanks to Sainath's anecdotes, were able to locate Baba's birthplace. Published accounts indicate that some saw Baba inquire about acquaintances in Pathri. Baba, during His second visit to Shirdi when He was welcomed by Mahalsapathy was described as a youthful fakir. He stayed in Shirdi for over next sixty years.

How important is to know about the Baba's birth? As much as the origin of a river or the beginnings of a Saint. Birth and death are the markers of time and none more. Universal spirit cannot be confined; eternity cannot be judged by physical measures, whether time or space. As the Fall sets in yet another year, let us rejoice yet another reason for glorifying the Lord. Let us bask in the good times that Sai has lead us to. Let us remind ourselves once again of the abundant fortunes of the mysterious Saint and His clear message. CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Baba's Mission The term "Mission" is derived from the Latin "Mitto" meaning "to send". So, a missionary is the one who is sent with a message or direction. As used in the Christian literature, a mission was the most valuable characteristic of the lives of such great Prophets as Moses, Jesus, and others. Jesus' mission was by His own death to absolve mankind from hereditary or original sin, that is, the sin derived by being the descendents of the first sinners, Adam and Eve. His death was considered as a sacrifice on behalf of entire humanity. Others' mission, for example, Moses' was to lead the Jews from captivity in Egypt on towards the Promised Land. The idea of a missionary is practically that of an agent. In the case of Sai Baba, he declared, "God has agents everywhere, they have great powers". Baba added, "I also have great powers", implying thereby that he was also an agent of God. He also expressly told D.S. Rasane, "I can do nothing except when God orders". He did not give a kupni to G.G. Narke saying, "The Fakir (God) has not permitted me to give you a kupni", i.e., the rope of a sanyasi or begging fakir, as G.G. Narke was to be a family man, an earning Grihastha, according to God's plan and not a beggar. As an agent, he said that he had vast powers. The powers and the mission have a close relation. The mission has to be worked through the powers given and the powers are given only for carrying out the mission. Baba had by concentration on God practically every siddhi (Great Power) that one can think of. Srimad Bhagavadgeetha says, "What power is there that can not be got by concentration on God with conquest or control of mind and senses and breath?" Baba's vast powers were always utilized for the benefit of mankind, promoting individual benefits that were obvious, seen, and well understood, and general benefits which were not so equally obvious or well seen and understood. We have to consider the mission of Baba based on the possession of His powers and notice what general benefits were conferred on the country or mankind, though these are not yet obvious to most people. (Source:"Baba's Mission" by Pujya B.V.Narasimha Swami ji as appeared in "Sai Prabha" dated October 1987)

DEVOTEES SAY: Rajnish Baba Thank you very much to listen all of my prayer. With your blessings my wife visa got approved in less then 48 hours and my personal experience is that you always listen to all your devotees and solved their problems. Please shower your blessings on all of us. Sumathi

Thank you so much for helping me to pass the citizenship interview. Please keep my family, my parents, and me in good health, wealth and prosperity Ritu Couple of years back my brother had gone through a brain surgery for tumor and with Baba's grace everything went well. But couple of months back again he got a tumor and gone through another surgery. At that time we all were scared that what would happen now, he has little kids too. After surgery doctor's told us that it could affect to any part of his body, either speech or movement of legs. All night I did not sleep and cried in front of Baba. I prayed him to help him recover and nothing wrong would happen to him. I am miles away from him and my parents were so nervous at that crucial movement. Everyone was worried and continuously praying. I also requested Baba all night and miracles of miracle he listened to everyone prayers and my brother is all right. PRAYER CLUB: Venkat Baba, you know my current situation and I can't travel to India if anything happens to my father who is in ICU because of an accident. Please help him recover soon and give him enough strength to go back to his normal life. Nitin Please help my son recover from his health problems and also help my father overcome turmoil in his life. Please bless us with peace of mind and happiness Padmaja Baba! Please help me and my husband to get full salary regularly to honor our commitments and come out of challenges. Help my son to get interest in studies and score good marks. Help us to lead health, pleasant life with our son. Devotee Baba, I ask your mercy and help with all my problems that you know of. Thanks Baba for every help that you have done for me. Devotee BABA, please give good health and long life, please help me for my stable job always in the same company, please give me some more increments. Please give me always good projects and help me to execute smoothly always. You are only one hope in my life. Please help Bobby for her job and good health, please help my daughter for her good health always. Please help us for your Darshan to Shirdi and help us to come back here smoothly. Devotee Sai Baba, I don't know what is happening? I am loosing interest and confidence on things happening around me. I don't want any further loss either from my selfish colleagues or from my partners. I don't want any surprises or testing's (positive surprises are exception for this). Baba you are the only one helping me and continue to helping me in crisis. Protect me; save me let me be feeling secure. Last but not least help me in achieving the desired result, expected by Dinesh. Give me concentration, strength, freedom and ideas to achieve Kamadhenu project. Make me more creative

duty minded and result oriented. Sathya Baba! My heartful thanks for bringing my wife to Germany after so many hurdles.Without you it was not possible and we feel your presence at every stage through out this process. Please bless us with a good married life. Sorry for posting this late baba. Please bless me again to receive this saivichaar as I am not getting this post since few months. Please forgive me for my mistakes and bless me baba. Be with me always. EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES: Shambhavi Baba has blessed me with loving family, excellent friends and a wonderful life. But the time to realize the real support of Baba in my life began in 2006.I used to score good marks in my exams and was very active in all extra curricular activities at my school. But after school, in the mid of 2006, I started facing problems with my academics. I started becoming the least scorer of the class. I could not make out the reason for this change. One reason may also be that I had neglected my studies. But there was no answer as to why I began neglecting the studies. Day by day I became disinterested in things. I started becoming short tempered and depressed. My parents and family members were extremely worried about me.2 years passed in this way.2007 was a crucial period, as my performance here determined my career. I cried before Baba and our family deity everyday to prevent myself from spoiling my life and make me work hard. I sang sej arti everyday even when the exams neared. After the exams, Baba appeared in my dream and assured me that he would bless me with a seat in my dream profession, which would otherwise be impossible with my low performance. And as expected, the MIRACLE did happen. I got a very good rank. This is purely by His miracle and by the grace of our family god. Then he got me into my dream college. He also made me work hard and I began performing well. He had constantly been with me. But due to my bad luck, I could not perform very well in my examination this year. I prayed for him to pass me in the exam. He worked yet another miracle and I passed with a good percentage. All I have to say is, with firm faith in him and patience, our journey in this world is made easy. Jai Sai ram. Naveena Not one to say. Two years back I had a miscarriage. We were so depressed. Did everything we could. My parents and In-laws were also worried. I prayed Baba that if I conceive again I will express my experience in the newsletter. I was thinking what did I do. Every month is a big hurdle to pass. Used to come back from work to home in the afternoon could not concentrate on anything. Life was empty..felt like there is no reason that I should be alive. My husband was so supportive he always comforted me and consoled me and said good things so that I can come out of that depression and used to say positive things, which used to help me a lot. So at one point I thought I should not think about that and we decided to visit India. This is in last October 2008. Before me going to India we took a doc appt here in US. When I mentioned my background info and all. The doctor took few tests and said that looks like my hormone level is low and I may have to take few more tests and asked me to comeback after the visit in India. Soon after we landed in India I went to Ob/Gyn. She did some more

diagnostic tests and said that I might have to take medicines and if that doesn't workout. I might have to go for minor surgery. Prayed Baba and all gods whom all I believe in. I went to the doctor on the said date to get the medicines. But doc asked me wait for few days and comeback she said I am still not ready to take the medicines. Waited for few days and went to see the doc as we had to return US. Then doc said she would give some medicines but before that she want to do pregnancy test just to be safe side. Magic happened unbelievable. My pregnancy test was positive. My goodness. I still can't believe it.... we had to extend our trip. We returned back. Every time we used to visit for doctor checkups I used to pray baba. He was with us all the time. Even through my labor. My little angel my darling has finally came and filled our life. Even though I stayed in India for like 3 1/2 mons..My contract was renewed. once I came back..Just before my due date I was told I might not be extended (due to the budget issues). Again felt very disappointed. As the present market is very bad. Somewhere I was thinking everything happens for our good only...prayed Baba read the Sai satcharitra audio...but I left the job with good terms and they left the doors opened. Two three days back. He fulfilled my wishes...I am so happy..Even though I was not on my word..You did everything Baba..you are my father..mother ..guru,......everything for me QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: "He (Sai Baba) swerved not an inch from Samadhi. The name of Allah was always on His lips. While the world awoke, He slept; and while the world slept, He was vigilant. His inside was as calm as the deep sea. Though he sat in one place, He knew all the transactions of the world. Though a Siddha, He acted like Saadhaka - Shri Sai Satcharitha" QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Q: How does a Sai devotee deal with deceitful relationships and situations where there is abuse of trust? A: By Kiranmai Knowing the fact that each one of us has social responsibility, humane thing to do is ask and talk. "Shreyaan swadharmo vigunah paradharmaat swanushthitaat; Swadharme nidhanam shreyah paradharmo bhayaavahah." Better is one's own duty, though devoid of merit, than the duty of another well discharged. Better is death in one's own duty; the duty of another is fraught with fear. So with good faith it is always in best interests of both parties to try to talk and if arrogance comes into picture, then it is good to back away and surrender that there is invisible power and follow Baba's words, " what is theirs will stay with them, what is ours will stay with us" and not get pulled into ego-struggle. But ignoring and judging another blindly is not the solution for these situations. God doesn't create problems. Reflect little on Mahabharat and Abhimanyu, the warrior. He was enticed into a fair play of war and was murdered. What happened in Mahabharat? Generations got eradicated for their short-term ego-glory. We are all in a

play of time, which shall pass. Q: How does a Sai devotee stay grounded amidst the swell of spiritual ego? A. Your answer can goe here. SAI ACTIVITIES: Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA Sri Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Summer hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 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 [email protected]. Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN invites all to participate in the celebrations commemorating the second anniversary of Sri Saibaba's Vigraha Pratishtapana at Sri Saibaba Mandir, 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis MN 55418, celebrated on August 22 to 23, 2009. The program includes Traditional Sai Aratis, Maha Abhishek, Sri Sai Sahasranama Homa, Sri Ganesh Homa, Sri Dattatreya Homa, Parayana, and Sai naama jap. The program also includes a Nritya Arati, a special rendition of Shirdi Sai Aratis in dance form, on Saturday, August 22nd from 4.30 Pm to 7 PM at Jefferson High School, Bloomington, MN. The dance program is presented by Sri Siva Chandra, renowned classical dancer from India along with Sai devotees of Twin Cities. Please visit www.hamaresai.org for more details. 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. Shirdi Sai Temple of New England, Boston Area Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of New England is now operational. It is located at 1827 Bridge St # 8, Dracut, MA 01824. The temple is open four days from Thursday to Sunday. For temple hours and activities please visit their website. Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA Shirdi Sai Center is located 897-B East Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-705-7904 or 408-564-6704. Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Los Angeles area. The temple is located at - 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938. Saibaba Temple, Columbus, Ohio

Devotees in Columbus and surrounding Ohio locations area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Metro Columbus area. The temple is located in a leasing space at 6599 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call 614-799-8411. Shirdi Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, Florida Devotees are invited to participate in Sai study and bhajans on Thursdays between 7-8 pm at Meditation Gallery, 219 E Horatio Ave, Maitland, FL 32715. For more details please contact Bonnie at 407-830-1276. Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, TX Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, Texas opened at 601 E Whitestone Blvd (RM 1431), Cedar Park, TX. Daily 4 aarthis are performed to Sai Baba. As part of service to needy, a weekly sandwich seva is also conducted. Shirdi Sai Mandir, Dulles, VA Shirdi Sai Mandir is located at 43671 Trade Center Place #166 Dulles, VA 20166. The mandir is open through the week in the evenings from 6pm to 9 pm. Sri Satyanarayan pooja will be conducted every full moon day. Please call (703) 661-4724 for more information on activities, events and other information. Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto The Mandir is located at Unit 7 & 8 2721 Markham Road Toronto ON M1X 1L5 Canada. Daily services offered to Baba include abhishek and all aartis. For Mandir hours and activities, please call 647-444-4724. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada -Toronto Devotees in Toronto, are invited to join in Sai Namavali, Satcharita reading, Bhajans, Aarti and Prasad every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. at GUR MANDIR 207 Queen's Plate Dr. Etobicoke - Hwy27 South of Finch for more info call (416) 294 4804 Sai Mandir, Baldwin New York Devotees in New York and surrounding locations are informed about Sri Sai Mandir in Baldwin NY. The temple is located at 1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday Panchamruta Abhishekam and bhajans. For more information please call at 516-867-8008. Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Iselin/Edison New Jersey Devotees in New Jersey and surrounding locations are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Iselin NJ. The temple is located at 465 Lincoln Highway (Route 27) Iselin, NJ 08830. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday Panchamruta Abhishekam and bhajans. For more information please call at 732-283-1800. Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Flushing New York This temple is located near the famous Ganesh Temple, Flushing, New york. All the day-to-day rituals at the temple are being conducted in a manner similar to that in Shirdi. The temple is located at 46-16 Robinson Street Flushing,NY,USA 11355. For more information please call 718-321-9243. Sri Sai Amruta Narayana Sarveswaraalaym, Richmond, VA The temple is open from 5.15 am to 9.00 pm, everyday (no lunch break etc). We have all 4 aarthis every day and Baba's paalki seva on every Thursday after Dhoop Aarthi. Further information can be obtained by calling the temple at 804-708-0867.

Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Houston TX This temple was inaugurated on August 28th 2009 with idols of both the saints Shri Sant Jalaram and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba. The temple is open for darshan and arathis all day. It is located in Sugarland and more information can be obtained by calling 281433-4706. FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD: Please visit the Sai activities section for details of upcoming events. To post an event in your temple, please send details by email. We regret the inconvenience caused due to disruption of distribution of Sai Vichaar to some users. We are continually striving to overcome the technical challenges being faced and hope to resolve them in the next week or so. We thank you for your patience and support. Please check your email folders before deleting to make sure Sai Vichaar is not delivered into Spam mail. It will also help greatly if you send us email to update any changes in your email accounts as that will prevent us from sending Sai Vichaar to closed or discontinued email accounts. In the true spirit of Sai devotion, contributors are requested to remember to suit the content, language, style, and presentation, appropriate to a worldwide readership. It should also be noted that when a section from any material other than their own is quoted or referred to, it is the authors' responsibility to acknowledge the source appropriately. "Question of the week" for this week is Q. How does a Sai devotee stay grounded amidst the swell of spiritual ego? Humbly Yours, The Editor ABOUT THIS EMAIL: This newsletter is not sent unsolicited. This newsletter is e-mailed to you because of at least one of the following reasons: 1. You have subscribed through our on-line subscribe page, 2. You have visited our web site and shown interest in the Sai topics and asked for information, or 3. You have been gifted a subscription by a friend or a relative. To Subscribe Sai Vichaar for receipt by Email please visit the URL http://www.saibaba.org/newsletter.html and select the subscribe option from the menu. If you are subscribing the newsletter for your friend or a relative, we request that the person concerned may be notified about receiving the newsletter and the willingness to receive the newsletter be confirmed. To Un-Subscribe receipt of Sai Vichaar, please visit the URL http://www.saibaba.org/newsletter.html and select the unsubscribe option from the menu. If you have problems accessing the web page due to network problems, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the words "Unsubscribe Sai Vichaar" in the subject line. To make a contribution to any of the sections of Sai Vichaar, please visit the URL

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From and Editor: Mail: Email Phone Fax

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha (A non-profit organization) 12N950 State Route 47 Hampshire, IL 60140, USA [email protected] 847-931-4058 847-464-1567

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