Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI Third Year of Publication Published as Bi-Weekly Issue 25 / 2005 08-12-2005 SAI DATTATREYA JAYANTHI SPECIAL ISSUE http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm We recommend the devotees to do The Gurucharitra Parayana >From 09-12-2005 to 15-12-2005 ------------ Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org GURUR-BRAHMA, GURUR-VISHNUH; GURU-DEVO MAHESWARAHA; GURUR-SAKSHATH PARAM BRAHMA; THASMAI SREE GURAVE NAMAHA: SAI - SAMPOORNA DATTAVATAR Saibanisa GopalaRao Ravada- Saidarbar – Hyderabad. SAI DATTATREYA JAYANTHI IS ON 15-12-2005 Most of you must be aware that the origin of Guruparmapara traces back to Lord Dattatreya. Firstly, let me offer salutations to Lord Dattatreya before proceeding further. After Lord Dattatreya, the tradition of Guru parampara continued with Sri Sripada Srivallabha, Sri Narasimha Saraswathi, Sri ManikPrabhu, Sri Akkalakota Maharaj and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. The last three incarnations have taken place during the Nineteenth century. Lord Dattatreya has taken incarnations in various personalities but the main aim and objective remained centered around to offer protection to HIS devotees and rid them from miseries and drive towards Spiritualism. Please refer Sai Satcharitra – Baba has indicated indirectly that He is the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in various chapters. In the story of Goa Gentleman, He has taken Rs.15/- from a Datta Devotee, which he owed to Lord Dattatreya. When Nanasaheb chandorkar, a Datta devotee arrived at Shiridi along with his co- son in law, Shirdi bypassing his normal visit to the Datta Mandir at Kopargaon, Baba told him not to repeat such things in future. On a Guru Poornima day, Baba advised Dhadha Kelkar to worship the `Pillar' at Dwarakamai, indicative of telling to worship Lord Dattatreya – considered as the pillar of Datta Parampara. At the request of all the devotees, Baba finally allowed His devotees to worship Him. With this, Baba confirmed that He is incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Baba instructed Hari Vinayak Sathe to read Guru Charitra twice and Kushabhavu 108 times. With this Baba has indirectly told His devotees, His origin and the connectivity with Sri Dattatreya. We should make a note that Baba never told that He is God. He always used to say that He is the servant of the God. Precisely I feel that must be the reason why HE never expressed directly that He is the incarnation of Lord Dattatreaya. SriDattatreya is an incarnation of the Divine Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The word Datta means "Given", Datta is called so because the divine trinity have "given" themselves in the form of a son to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya. He is the son of Atri, hence the name "Atreya". SriDattatreya is usually depicted with three heads, symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara; past, present, and future; and the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and dreamless sleep. He is portrayed sitting in meditation with his shakti beneath the audumbara (wish-fulfilling) tree. In front of him is a fire pit, and around him are four dogs. These are sometimes said to symbolize the four Vedas. --------- THIS ISSUE CONTAINS 1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE 3. FOOT STEPS OF HOLY FEET 4. SAI IN DREAMS 5. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY 6. SANATANA DHARMA& SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA 7. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO ….. 8. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES 9. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA 10. SAI WITH CHILDREN 11. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES 12. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES 13. TELUGU SECTION 14. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS 15. SAI'S BOOK WORLD 16. EDITORIAL. ------------------------------- 1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE: >From the Satsanghs of Saibanisaji http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm SaiSevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad 130. To protect the banks of a fully filled tank, you have to release the excess water for cultivation of paddy fields etc., in a similar way, surplus money should be utilized for charities. 131. Keeping all the mighty forces with you and not protecting the weak, keeping the excess money with you and not helping the poor are one and the same. 132. The way the water gets accumulated in a coconut, the money accumulates in life. If you do not drink the coconut water, it will evaporate in the coconut it self. In the same way, if you are not utilizing the money what you have earned, it is lost. 133. You should not be lazy in earning money. Once you have earned the money, you should not be a spendthrift in spending. You should maintain a balance between earning and spending. 134. You have to save the money to such extent which will be useful to your wife and children for meeting the minimum needs. 135. The rivers will not drink its own water; the trees will not eat its own fruits. In the similar way, a noble person will not spend all the money he earned for himself; he will definitely spend towards charities. 136. The rich person is not recognized by his bank balance. He will be recognized only by the way he spends the money for GOOD or BAD. 137. The person who earns money by way of hard work is the best. The person who survives with his parental money is better. The person who lives on others money is the worst. 138. You should be careful with a person who steals your money in the small amounts daily without your knowledge than a person who steals the money at a time. 139. The money you spent for self, your family member's survival and charities is only your money. The rest what you got is not yours. You are like a custodian for it which is in no way useful to you. To be Continued… ----- 2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE: 10th December, 1909: Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavidi, where Baba slept on alternate days. 25th December, 1909: Baba gave darshan in the form of SriRama to a doctor who was an ardent devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar to Shiridi. 10th December, 1910: Hon'ble Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti first visited Shirdi. 10th December, 1910: Foundation stone of Dixit Wada was laid with Baba's permission. ------ 3. FOOT STEPS OF THE HOLY FEET –18 http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/other_books.htm EXPERIENCES OF SAI.BA.NI.SA WITH SHIRDI SAI In the initial days Sai was giving medical aid to people suffering from diseases and earned a good name as a doctor in Shirdi. Sai in my case was gracious enough to forecast 5 years in advance the disease and also presented me a suitable medicine to be used at a later date and thus saved me from which otherwise could have been a traumatic experience of life time. It was during the month of December 1991 I went to Ajmer on receipt of a telegram that my friend's mother passed away. The normal religious rituals were performed. On the next day's morning I set out to visit a very poplar local shrine "The famous Darga" in an auto. This place is visited by people drawn from all the faiths. While traveling in the auto I prayed to Sai to see that my visit to the Darga is fruitful. I was forced to become alert and noticed an old man from a business community stopping the vehicle and asking the driver to take him also to Darga. Auto driver demanded Rs 4/- as fare for transportation. I was struck when the old man said that he does not offer any body more than Rs 2/-. Momentarily a through ran through my mind that Sai himself in the from of this old man is traversing with me. I requested the driver to accommodate the old man and offered to bear the total fare myself. The old man look to me and said "You appear to me to be a chaste Hindu Brahmin, Does your consciousness permit you to bow down and offer salutations in a Darga. I replied that I am a devotee of Shirdi Sai and I salute the great people from all faiths and walks of life. The journey continued. At a nearby lane to Darga the old man requested the vehicle be stopped and advised the driver to carefully take me over there to Darga and got down with the parting words "You offered me Rs 4/- for the fair and made me indebted to you." I do not keep any body's debt on me.You accept this medicine and preserve it". "In future to come you will suffer from severe pain and will be bedridden.Apply locally this medicine and massage - you will be cured." I completed my prayer at the Darga and came back to Hyderabad. Time waits for none and days were passing on. It was during the year 1995 I was totally confined to bed due to Sciatica. The pain was unbearable and I couldn't move my leg. It got combined with back pain also. As usual I took to refuge in Sai. The thought then struck to me and I ordered my wife to look for and get me the medicine I got from the old man when I had been to Ajmer. I fully followed the instructions of the old man and I was greatly relieved from the pain and could start walking in a matter of two days. This was made possible only due to Sai Krupa (divine gestures). BOW TO SAI - PEACE TO ALL. --------- 4. SAI IN DREAMS: http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/ These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SAIBANISA From our beloved GURU LORD SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that this feature will help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled from his personal Diary and presented to SAIBANDHUS. Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY. 10-02-1994 Yesterday's visuals have given me immense satisfaction. I was piloting a Railway engine all alone. Towards the end of the line, there was a wall across. I reduced the speed as I was nearing the wall. I heard someone telling me to stop the engine, as that was the end of the track. Also there was no other option available except to retrace the path. I felt Sai was hinting at me that, soon I shall be nearing a stage when I have to travel all alone by foot on the spiritual path as the wall was indicative of the end of all the materialistic obstacles in the world". Spiritual journey begins when the worldly affairs take the backseat. 15-02-1994 I spent the whole day in Sai smaran (chanting HIS name). An unknown person says- Sai's power can turn even an enemy into a friend. Sai shoulders responsibility for the well being of HIS devotees. The life content is same in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Who takes what is a matter of choice and question of availabilities. The first step on the spiritual path enthuses an individual to renounce the World, but that should not lead to stand in front of his house with a begging bowl. It would be better to traverse the spiritual path while fulfilling the Gruhasthasrama dharma". Renunciation is not a pre-requisite for spiritual progress. 20-02-1994 Sai spoke- "Why are you running after to punish the children plucking the guava fruit from the tree when you, cannot practice truthfulness in maintaining your own accounts". Ideals are to be practiced before preaching others. 24-02-1994 An unknown person spoke- "What to say when a couple opts for divorce after twenty five years of married life over an argument and a newly married couple opting for separation in the prime of their wedded life. Remember such things happen only due to the lack of the divine grace and not because of mismatch in the Horoscopes". Ultimately it is the God's wish that prevails. To be continued….. ---- 5. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY: (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao) "Shashi": shashi_31 20. On Humanity In a life that blossoms forth from the inner light; there is no discrimination. Sri Sai Baba say's: `The humanity is like a garland of varied blossoms strung in a single thread of luminous self-consciousness. If the collective life of humanity sprouts out, from the seed of inner harmony, then there shall be no room for egoism born out of ignorance. If your mind is limited, so shall be your life. Hence you are unable to overcome the narrow mindedness. Baba said: Flaws of difference cease to exist once this ghost created by MAYA is put to an end. The root cause. is mistaking the Anatma for Atma. Elevate yourself and see all as ATMAN. Otherwise you will fall. Baba further said: all man made creations are are mirages. However hard your sadhana is, it will not yield results, as long as you entertain such passion. If you do Soul-searching thoroughly and remove the curtain of illusion i.e. Maya, you can visualize Me. Then this malady will be gone an ignorance will be rooted out. Don't have discrimination in human beings. Your thinking only makes all the difference. If you shed Name and Form all that is left in everyone, is sentience (Chaitanya) only. That is the only Truth. `KNOW THYSELF' - Until you know yourself, you cannot know who you are. True form of Atman is no where else but within you. Truth is that, which in the past, present and future is devoid of all differences. The one that is eternal is BRAHMAN. The one that is transitory is the Universe. To be continued….. -------------- 6. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA AKHILANDAKOTI , BRAHMANDA NAAYAKA, RAAJAADHI RAAJA, YOGIRAJA, PARABRAHMA SREE SATCHITANANDA ,SAMARDHASADGURU, SAINATH MAHARAAJ KI JAI" Sai In Ramayan: By Sri SAIBANISA Gopal Rao Ravada Importance of Namasmarana: Lord Shiva is also called as Garlakanta or Neelakanta. He is called so because; he consumed the deadly poison and kept it in his throat without swallowing. If he spit it out the entire universe would be in flames. It is a very difficult task but Lord Shiva could manage this because every moment He used to utter the taraka mantra "Ram, Ram", and He could bear the pain and the ill-effect of poison by uttering Rama nama. In Chapter X of Sai Sat Charita, Hemadpant says that Baba never prescribed any asanas, sitting between the fires, sacrifices or eight fold yoga to his sishyas. He told them to leave all cleverness and always utter "Sai, Sai" and by uttering the name of Sai all our shackles will be removed and we will be free. Sai Ram is the taraka mantra and in this Kaliyug, in which Baba lived, only namasmarana can remove our fear and carry us safely across the ocean of worldly existence. Godliness not realized In the Tretya Yuga, Ram is portrayed in the beginning only as a human being and not as an incarnation of God. But the divine qualities that Ram possessed made people conclude that Ram was an avatar Purusha - the incarnation of Lord Srihari. This happened only towards the end of Ramayana. Similarly, when we begin to read Sai Sat Charitra, we think of Sairam only as a human being. Only after reading all the fifty-one chapters, we come to realize that Sai is God. Even though Mahalsapati invited Sai, he did not allow Him to stay in the Kandoba temple but asked Him to stay in the Dwarakamai because Sainath looked like a fakir. Sairam took His Mahasamadhi in the year 1918, and even till 1918 many people did not realize that He was an avatar Purusha. Blessings for a male child In Ramanyan, King Dasaratha had all the prosperity but he was gloomy and sad because he had no son. He got sage Rishyasringa to perform Putrakameshti Yaaga (a yaaga for childbirth) and was blessed with 4 sons Ram, Lakshman, Bharatha and Satrugan In Sai Sat Charita there is a similar incident. Ratanji Shapurji Wadia was a multi millionaire. But with all this wealth, he was totally unhappy because he did not have a son. When he approached Baba and gave Rs 5/ as dakshina, Baba told him that he had already given Him Rs 3 and 14 annas and took only the balance. But at the end Baba blessed him saying, "God will satisfy your heart's desire". Baba's words were true and Ratanji was blessed with a son. ------------- SANATANA DHARMA –NEWS FROM ABROAD: Hindu Festival Celebrated in Kathmandu www.peacejournalism.com KATHMANDU, NEPAL, November 30, 2005: A large crowd of devotees gathered Wednesday at Pasupatinath temple, one of the most important Hindu temples of Nepal, on the occasion of local Balachaturdasi festival, Radio Nepal reported. "The devotees came from across the country and gathered since early morning to mark the festival," the radio said. Seeds of various grains are sown at 108 Shiva lingams and temples praying for peace to the departed souls of one's family members. Devotees sow seven types of seeds including paddy, barley, sesame, wheat, gram, maize and kaguno at the temple area, the radio noted, adding, "Seeds are sown with the belief that each grain sown amounts to a grain of gold given as alms from which the departed soul receives salvation." Thousands of devotee's lit oil fed lamps whole Tuesday night and chanted devotional hymns around the temple, which is one of the world's heritage sites of Nepal, the radio noted. Website Posts Ganga Worship Video www.atmajyoti.org CALIFORNIA, USA, November 27, 2005: The Atma Jyoti Ashram in California sends the following press release: The most sacred river of India is the Ganga, which Hindus literally believe flows from heaven to earth for the purification of all whom its waters touch. To a Hindu the Ganga is divinity in the form of a river. Originating high in the Himalayan mountains range, the Ganga emerges on the Indian plains at the holy city of Hardwar (also called Gangadwar-the Gateway of the Ganga). The Kumbha-mela is held here every twelve years. Any bathing in the Ganga is considered supremely purifying and meritorious, but the most auspicious place in Hardwar for the sacred bath is known as the Brahma Kund (also known as Hari-ki-Pairi). Every night at about 6:00 p.m. there is worship (arati) of the Ganga at the Brahma Kund. The arati-worship consists of an elaborate ritual of offering large lamps to the Ganga accompanied by the loud banging of ceremonial songs, the playing of musical instruments and the singing of hymns in praise of the Ganga. In February of 2003, pilgrim-monks from the Atma Jyoti Ashram in California participated in the Ganga worship, which they also videotaped, as well as the shrines and religious goods shops located around the Brahma Kund. Thanks to improving video web technology, the monks have been able to edit a fifteen minute version of this footage in QuickTime streaming video format which can be seen free on their website at "source" above. Lovers of India will enjoy this slice of the daily life of Hardwar Sivan Tirukkovil- Colombo--Sri Lanka According to Puranas, this grand shrine was very popular and extremely holy as many Sivalilas were demonstrated in the dim past. It is deemed to be one of the three peaks of Kailas and considered as the Dhakshina Kailas. Among the Navalars, Sambandar paid rich tributes to the presiding deity and described its superb location and its glory elaborately. The whole region was redolent of Saivism and Tamil culture. It still retains its former glory, as regular worship according to Agamas is performed and periodical festivals and celebrated with great religious fervor. This shrine houses all the important icons, like Mother Parvathi, Ganesh, Murugan, Nandi, Dhakshinamurti in grand and befitting niches. For Ceylonese Tamils it is the Eh Dorado of Saivism and they visit more often than not, whenever any auspicious occasion takes place in their houses. It is more or less a centre of pilgrimage to them. Compiled by SaiSevak SrinivasaRao Kasturi Saidarbar – Hyderabad. ------------------ 7. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO "LORD DATTATREYA" http://www.sreedattavibhavam.org/dattatatwa.htm The Glory of Dattatreya: -Lord Dattatreya is Jagatguru, Guru of all gururs and present even now and he will come at all times. Lord Dattatreya is not an incarnation like Bhagavan Sreekrishna or SreeRama. He is a visible personality, physically available for darshan to us, if we would have the faith and devotion at his sacred feet. It is believed by the followers of Datta -sampradaya that Datta is in flesh and blood of devotees. He is an Avadhootha. He is Yogiraja ..He is Gnaana pradaatha. Lord Dattatreya had been a guru to Brahma, Parashurama, prahlada, patanjali, lord Subramanya, Kings yedu, alarka, KartaveeryaArjuna. Datta is a kaarana yogi, Kaarana purusha, a kaarana Avatara to give the message of guru sampradaya and guru bhakthi. Lord Dattatreya is an avathara of trimoorthis Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Lord Dattatreya is an Ocean of knowledge and advance spirituality .Every person who is interested in spiritual advancement is welcome as a follower of Datta tradition. Every person who is having faith, Dedication and surrendering at the sacred feet of lord Dattatreya is a must to worship Datta. Individual results may vary in spiritual advancement but it will be assured. No one is barred and there are no limitations for datta .As an incarnation of lord, Datta Came down to spread the universality of true religion. Any one can be his follower regardless of his background and for house-holders no limitations are prescribed. No matter what sect or religion the true seeker follows eventually he comes under the guidance of lord dattatreya. Datta's Presence is not limited to any one country or sphere. He is the guru of all gurus, the all-being all powerful, ever-present link between god and Man. The lord datta is endowed with all wealth. He is all pervading and resides in the heart of all beings. He is the great maayavi, sporting with his own maaya. He is Brahma, he is Vishnu and he is Rudra. He is Indra and he is also the gods of heaven and all other beings. He is East, he is West, he is North, he is South, he is below and he is above. He is everything. This is the glory form of lord Dattatreya. ----------------- 8. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES: a_kandukuri Sat, 03 Dec 2005 23:36:19 +0000 Sairam! I am thrilled to get back to you with the events of the pratishtapana Divas held in Canberra. Firstly I like to apologise for lack of contribution and also inconsistency in messages to you. I seek your forgiveness. We had havan on the day of the anniversary followed by bhajans by a group. Canberra being a nation's capital, with less Indian population and more over most of the people not into the religious activities we did not expect more than 100 people. We were overwhelmed by the response though there were around 200 people. The food was surplus. At the start of the pooja during Kakad AArthi the list of prayers were kept at BABA's feet and I sought His grace on all those asking for fulfillment of their wishes and most for the suffering, sick and needy. The whole program went on well. As my usual practice I requested BABA's presence on this day, to come and bless us. I thought, if BABA accepts our prayers and if He listens to all the prayers then I sought to see His photograph somehow or the other. THe whole program went off and we cleaned the temple and returned home at 5:30 exhausted, but happy. One of our interstate guests staying in our house came to me just before leaving with a packet in her hand. She had visited Shirdi in August but did not get the prasad. I believe she put in the sea mail. She came to me and said she received her sea mail last week and the prasad was in it. So she got me a photograph of BABA with Udhi from Shirdi. What a marvelous coincidence!! Perhaps this is my over reaction but doesn't BABA always work in this manner. Making events fall into place so as to experience HIS presence and wish? The mail could have arrived anytime but why only last week. The lady could have forgotten to get the prasad but she remembered it. Being hectic day she could have gone off to her home without giving the prasad but BABA made sure she remembered it. I was thrilled, amazed and felt blessed. 'THINK OF HIM AND HE IS ALWAYS THERE IN FRONT OF US'. I offer congratulations to you all the members of Sai Family, for it is the faith and intensity of our devotion that has been accepted by BABA and HE demonstrates HIS presence to us through some means or the others. I pray all the wishes be fulfilled. Thanks for being there always for me. Humble Pranams Anitha Kandukuri http://www.angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra - lvs_satya Thu, 1 Dec 2005 21:24:04 +0300 Sairam, With the blessings of Baba and with His permission, I am forwarding herewith the experience of my friend MR Srinivasarao (chitturi1 ) which he had in Shirdi, for the Magazine, The Glory of Shirdi Sai. Jaigurudatta LVS Satyanarayana Sai ram, 1) When I visited shirdi in May'05, I gave some good amount to Baba as dakshin Since it was a big amount I gave it in donation office in installments on the same day in different offices & at different times to get more udi packets (when ever we give some donation in donation office they give Udi packets). My intention behind it was to get more udi packets, so that I can distribute to those who need it. When I visited last time (in October `05) I decided to give the same donation Amount which I gave it in May'2005.I thought that if I give that money in installmetslike before I can get more udi packets, but at the same time I had a feeling thatI may be doing business with the money which I am going to give to Baba So I decided to stop that business & gave the entire amount at a time in the donation office, I didn't ask anything to Baba. You can't believe it that donation office after taking my money he poured a big heap of udi packets in front of me (total 25 packets, at a time) 2) Since my mother was unable to stand for a long time in queue, I decided to go for darshantwo times only. when we were in the queue for second darshan on one day before vijayadasami(imagine the rush) all of a sudden queue movement was stopped for 10minutes, due to a VIP (Maharastra minister) visit, he offered some pooja, that time we all of us are at the piller close to Baba Samadhi. Ome Sai Namonamaha, Sri Sai Namonamaha, Jai Jai Sai Namonamha, Sadgurusai Namo Namaha. --------------------- 9. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA swamymain Sat, 3 Dec 2005 07:15:23 -0800 (PST) Sai Ram. We had a really rich feast of spiritual gems from the previous two chapters dealing with quick Brahma Jnan. Actually, the same topic is continued here, though it is not explicitly mentioned in the book. "In the last two Chapters, Hemadpant described, how a rich gentleman, aspiring for quick Brahma-Jnana, was treated by Baba, and now in these two Chapters, he describes how Hemadpant, himself, was accepted and blessed by Baba, how Baba encouraged good thoughts and fructified them; and gives His teachings regarding Self-improvement, slander and remuneration for labour." Sai Ram. Sai, the sadguru knows what is going on in our minds and gives us the right upadesh at the right time. Like impatient children, we ask for many things for which we are not yet ready, like that gentleman and like Shri. Hemadpant himself. Like the loving mother, Sai gives us what we need and gradually guides us and walks with us on the path of spiritual progress. SaiRam. "It is a well-known fact, that the Sadguru looks first to the qualifications of his disciples; and then gives them suitable instructions, without unsettling their minds in the least, and leads them on towards the goal of self-realization." Sai Ram. Some sadhakas tried to progress too fast and got mentally and/or physically affected. Some of them came to Sai and got benefited. As already mentioned, Sai knows whether we are ripe enough better than ourselves. Sai told one of His devotees in another chapter as follows: "Oh, why do you prostrate yourself now and then? One Namaskar offered with love and humility is enough." Similarly one parayana of Sri Guru Charitra by Sri Sathe (as told below) was enough to get him Baba's vision in dream since it was done with sincerity and sraddha. In this connection by Sai's grace, a story comes to mind and will not be out of place. A man wanted to dig a well for getting water which will help him with irrigation and for day-to-day use. He asked the advice of a learned man who pointed a spot in a corner of the land and advised him to dig up to a depth of 60 feet and assured him that he will get a good and abundant supply of sweet water from that well. The man was very happy and started digging. At the end of the day, he finished digging to a depth of 15 feet and stopped the work for that day. The next morning, another expert saw what this man was doing and told him that he was digging at a wrong place and showed him another spot in another corner of that land and again advised and assured him that if he digs upto 60 feet depth, he will get a good, clean, abundant and sweet source of water. The man, lacking sraddha in his mind, accepted the second expert's advice and started digging in the new spot. Again he could dig up to a depth of 15 feet by the end of that day and stopped the work. The story repeated itself the next day morning. Another expert showed the man a third spot and needless to say, the man stopped the work on the second spot and started work on the third spot. Again the digging went up to 15 feet and was stopped for the night. The story repeated on the fourth day and the hapless man started digging at a fresh, fourth spot. You can imagine what happened. The fourth spot too went up to 15 feet. On the fifth day, a kind person took pity on this man and advised him as follows: "Oh, poor man, water is there everywhere in your land and you would have got a good yield if only you had continued digging at one spot. Now, stop this madness and stick to one advice. Dig at the first spot and you will get water." As predicted, the well gave a very good yield. Sai Ram. Sadhana done with intensity will give good results. Sraddha and Saburi are the two legs for a sadhaka to move ahead spiritually. Sri Hemadpant had just a twinge of jealousy at the good fortune of Sri Sathe and Sai immediately corrected him and advised him further and put him on the right path. "In this respect, some say that what the Sadguru teaches or instructs, should not be divulged to others. They think that their instructions become useless, if they are published. This view is not correct. The Sadguru is like a monsoon cloud. He pours down profusely, i.e., scatters widely his nectar-like teachings. These, we should enjoy and assimilate to our heart's content; and then serve others with them, without any reserve. This rule should apply, not only to what he teaches in our waking state, but to the visions he gives us in our dreams. To quote an instance: Budhakowshik Rishi composed his celebrated Ram-raksha stotra, which he had seen in his dream." Sai Ram. If the upadesh of the Guru is indeed secret, the Guru Himself gives suitable instructions that the same should not be divulged. Like Sri Siva tells Sri Parvati or Sri Krishna tells Sri Arjuna not to reveal what is told to persons not found fit. Of course, even that may be a test. There is a beautiful story of Sri Ramanuja, the great Saint of 11th century who was tested thus by His guru. Sri Ramanuja was given the Astakshari Mantra by His Guru and was assured that this Mantra will give Moksha to whoever listens or chants it. So, Sri Ramanuja forthwith goes to the top of the Temple Spire (Gopuram) at Srirangam and calls everyone and tells them the Mantra. The other disciples of the Guru complain to him about Sri Ramanuja and he is called and admonished by the Guru. Sri Ramanuja confesses his crime and tells the Guru that he is ready to go to hell for violating the Guru's instructions when so many thousands and lakhs of people are benefited by listening and repeating the mantra. The Guru is quite pleased by Sri Ramanuja's compassion for fellow human beings and gives him his blessings. Sai Ram. S.V.Swamy Author, Editor, Proof-Reader and Book Reviewer www.freewebs.com/swamyreviews To be continued….. ------------------------------- 10. SAI WITH CHILDREN: http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad. Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with children and used to tell stories to them? I felt children visiting Saidarbar should be entertained with good stories. For the last 2 years I have told you about Lord Krishna's Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I want to tell the stories what heard in my child hood. THE GOLDEN BIRD: Long long ago there was a great king. He had a large beautiful pond in his palace. There, many beautiful golden colored swans had made their home. Once in a month, these swans used a drop of golden feather for the king to keep. In return, the king let them stay in the pond and some servants used to feed the swans every day. One day a golden water – bird flew to the pond. He made the pond his home. He had feathers of pure gold all over his body. When other swans saw this, they felt very jealousy. They felt threatened by the arrival of new, uninvited guest to the pond. They called a meeting. When the discussion began one of the swans said, "Friends we give only one gold feather to the king once a month. But this golden bird has so many that surely the King will start preferring him to us. We will be no longer important or valuable for the king. If we want to keep our importance and value as usual, we must chase this bird away." The other swans agreed to him in unison. So one of them went to the golden bird and said, "Please will you go and make your home in a some other pond? We are afraid that your presence will lessen our value in the eyes of the king. He will care only for you and we will be left unattended." But the golden bird was a stubborn one. He insisted on staying in that pond only. Soon an argument began which soon changed into a major fight. When the servants saw the swans fighting with the golden bird, they went and told the king. The king ordered "Go and cage the swans. They are being foolish to fight with a guest like this. They must be taught a lesson." When the servants approached the pond with cages, an old swan saw them. He warned the others, "Quick, get ready to fly off. The king's men are here to catch us. He must have heard of our fights." So all the swans took flight and flew away from the pond. So by not accepting a guest they had lost their home and comforts provided in the palace pond. -------------- 11. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES: "Sankaraiah Dubagunta" sainama Origin of Rama Mantra OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM Samarth Ramdas of Sajjanghad had propagated the above Nama for Rama Sakshatkar. He did 13 crore times and had Rama Darshan.Sri RamDas who is dearly called 'Beloved Papa' of Khananghad, Anandashram by prefixing "OM" assured that one would have Rama Darshan if he repeats 9 crores of times. This Ashram has a target of 15,500 crores for world Peace and Prosperity. They have been doing for over seven decades. The Shirdi Sai Sharan group of Florida, US has fixed a target of 100 crore of "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" Nama japa for World Peace and Prosperity. Some of you may like to know how the 'Rama Mantra' was originated. Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj narrated in 1944 October issue of Sai Sudha as follows: Once upon a time, Sri Rama after His return from Lanka was sitting in His Darbar with Sage Narada, Viswamitra, Vasishta and host of other people. Suddenly Sage Narada posed a question "Whether Naam (LOrd's name) or Nami (Lord HImself) is superior?" As they could not arrive at a conclusion, Sage Narada Himself gave the verdict "Certainly Naam is superior to Nami." He wanted to prove his verdict and played a small drama. He told Hanumanji not to salute Viswamitra, a Rajarshi. Sri Hanuman obeyed this and incurred Viswamitraa's displeasure. Narada approached Viswamitraa " O Great Rishi!!! Hanuman didnot respect you. Please punish him." Enraged Viswaamitra went to Rama and explained how he was insulted by Hanuman and also suggested to award death sentence. Hanuman was very much agitated and told Narada he did as per the latter's suggestion only. Sage Narada assured nothing would happen "Repeat Maha Mantra 'SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM', it would protect you." Next day Hanumanji had a bath in Sarayu river, with folded hands repeated the Mantra. Though Lord Rama rained the arrows on Hanuman, even Brahmastra would not touch Hanuman. On seeing Rama's helpless condition Narada approached Viswamitra and told Rama should be given rest as He was tired. He further added "You have understood the Glory of Sri Rama's Name." Then Hanumanji prostrated to Rama and also Viswamitra. Sri Ram ----- 'Sambhodhana' or the locative addressing Rama Jay Ram ----- Is His praise Jay Jay Ram ---- Total Surrender to Him While repeating this Mantra, have this in mind "O Rama!! I Salute Thee, I Surrender to Thee" OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI D.Sankaraiah. -------------------------------- 12. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES: skachanta Sun, 4 Dec 2005 07:18:29 -0800 Dear Sai Devotees: Sai devotees in Nandiwada has started building a temple for "Shri Shirdi Sai Baba". Nandiwada is near Gudivada, Krishna dist. Andhra Pradesh.-India We request you earnestly to provide funds or services for completing the Sai Temple Project. No matter how small the amount you wish to contribute, Sai devotees will be thankful to you for helping them to complete the temple construction. BABA in his preaching taught us "If you are in a position to help someone do it and I will speak to your needs". If you have any questions and need more info regarding this mission you can contact our USA coordinator on E-mail: skachanta Jai SaiRam Satish Kumar Achanta-USA ---------- 13. TELUGU SECTION: Please visit: http://68.88.118.16/telugupages/Misc/ShiridiSai/shirdisai.htm Please visit for Sai Aartis in Telugu: http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/PDFS/pdfs.htm Please visit for Sai Aaratis Audio: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org/main_English/saibaba/saibaba_aarti.asp ------------------------------- FOR STARTING A SAIDARBAR CHAPTER OUT SIDE INDIA: Please contact: saidarbar & saidarbar --------------- 14. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS: Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA: murali_krishnamurthy2003 11/22/2005 07:04:06 -0800 Report: Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA November 2005 Jai Sai Ram. Saidarbar Laurel MD USA November 2005 satsangh was held on Nov 18th, 2005 with the blessings of Shirdi Sai. Sizable devotees attended and hope it will grow more. We read saisatcharithra chapter - 2 , Did Nam Japa and Arathi. Jai Sai Ram Murali Krishnamurthy ---- Saidarbar Chennai: saidarbarchennai For Activities of Saidarbar Chennai Contact saidarbarchennai Chennai Saidarbar Team. "Ramesh and Anitha" kandra Sat, 3 Dec 2005 21:28:35 +1100 Saidarbar-Canberra For Further details visit: http://angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra --- Shirdi Sai Baba" technical Saidarbar Wallingford-PA- USA: For further details please visit www.saidarbarusa.org ------------------- "Shanthi Ramakrishnan": shanthi 11/22/2005 21:20:12 -0800 Sai Darbar Portland OR USA for the month of October 2005 Sai Ram ! We had a wonderful session of our monthly Sai Darbar on October 29th Saturday. We started the session with OM, Gayatri and Sai Gayatri followed by Sai Ashtothram and sang a Ganesh Bhajan. Then we read 1st & 2nd chapters in Sai SatCharitra. Sai Darbar was concluded with Aarti & prasad. We completed one round of our reading last month. We started from 1st chapter from October 05 onwards. please contact shanthi Shanthi ------------ A.S.Rao, - raoas For Activities of Sai Darbar Kitwe, Zambia Please contact: raoas -------------------- Anil Zutshi: zutshi_anil_k For activities of Saidarbar Danbaru-Canitcut-USA Please contact: zutshi,zutshi ------------------- Satish Achanta: vskachanta For activities of Saidarbar Woodland Hills-CA-USA- Please contact: vskachanta ----------------- Ravi Subramanyam: sai_ravi For activities of Saidarbar Livermore-CA-USA Please contact: sai_ravi ---------- Suresh Vaghela: suresh,suresh For activities of Saidarbar-London Please contact: suresh,suresh -------------------- "Raja" rajamm 12/1/2005 12:35:25 +0800 Sai Sansthan, Singapore Weekly Satsanghs on all Saturdays Venue: Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple, 555 Serangoon Road Singapore 218174 Time Program 6.30 pm Start of the Bhajan Session. Playing of Sai Baba's mantra CD 7.00 pm Reading of Sai Satcharitra 7.30 pm Sai Baba Bhajan - Singing / CD 8.00 pm Sai Baba's Aarti 8.15 pm Distribution of prasadam More details on www.saisansthana.com ---------------- "The Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto": events 11/24/2005 08:40:27 -0500 The Shirdi SAI Mandir, Scarborough, Toronto, 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 - 7.30 p.m everyday. Bhajans - Saturday, from 5.00 p.m onwards. For other temple activities and information please visit www.theshirdisaimandir.com or send an email to info Sincerely, Suhas Godkhindi ------------------------- "Atlanta Sai Temple News": webmaster Mon, 5 Dec 2005 17:26:45 -0800 Dear Devotees, Please take a note of the following upcoming events and announcements: Sai Vrath - Saturday, December 10th Continuing our tradition of celebrating Sai Vrath on every second Saturday. Pooja will be performed from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Please bring your friends and family to witness this pooja and receive Baba's blessings! Datta Jayanti - Thursday, December 15th Datta Jayanti will be celebrated on 15th of this month. . North America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta invites everyone to come and celebrate the New Years Day celebration with family and friends on Sunday January 1, 2006, from 12 noon to 9 pm. Archanas will be done throughout the day. Atlanta Sai Temple 700 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 ------ "Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center": sai For Further details Visit: Web Page: http://www.hamaresai.org/ Email: hamaresai -------------------------------- "Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW" USA: shirdisaidallas Baba Pada Puja & Abhishekam This event repeats on the first Saturday of every month. Event Location: 2109 W. Parker Road, Plano, Texas It will be followed by Vishnu Sahasranamam at 11:00am. Please email your questions, comments or suggestions about the web site to: admin http://www.shirdisaidallas.org ---- "Om Sai Mandir" saisandesh Sai Sandesh's present issue and archives can be read at: http://www.omsaimandir.org/newsletter1.cfm ------------------- "S Chopra" saileela99 SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA invites all to join every Thursday for Satsang at 6:30PM - Sai Dwarkamai, 147 Winston Castle Dr. Markham ON L6C 2N4 Ph: 905-887-1752 or email: saileela99 Shammi Chopra ------------- babamandir Om Sairam! Mandir Pathrika is now in its third Year of publication. We request all devotees to contribute articles to Mandir Pathrika. Articles can be any information on Saibaba, Jalaram bapa or devotee Experiences, suggestions etc. Please email your articles to babamandir You can view all previous issues by opening the following link. http://www.babamandir.org/mandir/OnlineResources.html Vijay ------ info 30 Nov 2005 16:42:46 -0000 SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA TEMPLE, 46-16 ROBINSON ST, FLUSHING, NY SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 2005 The following is the schedule for December 2005 12/10/2205 Saturday Sai Satya Vritha Katha 12/13/2005 Tuesday Pradosham (Shiva Abhishek) 12/15/2005 Thursday Satyanarayana Vritha Katha 12/25/2005 Sunday Sai Satya Vritha Katha 12/28/2005 Wednesday Pradosham (Shiva Abhishek) Temple Management ---------------- voora srinivas : voora Mon, 05 Dec 2005 15:18:24 -0000 Sri Shirdi Sai Florida Center 4707 S. Pleasant Grove Road Inverness, FL 34452 December 17, 2005 Datta Jayanti Celebrations 8:30 AM Kakada Arathi 9:30 AM Ganapathi Pooja 9:45 AM Maha Sankalpa 10:00 AM Kalasa Sthapana (Dattatreya Aavahana) 10:15 AM Dutta Havana Praramb (Dattatreya Mulamantra) 11:00 AM Purnahuthi 11:30 AM Baba Abhisheka 12:30 PM Baba Arathi 1:00 PM Prasadam ------------------ 15. SAI'S BOOK WORLD: Books in English: 1. OUR GURU – GOD SHIRDI SAIBABA Author: SAI ANANDA Published by: SHIRDI SAI BABA SATSANG KBRS BUILDING, KAMARAJ ROAD, BANGALORE – 560 042. Price : Rs. 50/- 2. THE ETERNAL SAI Author: S. MANEEY Published by : SRI SAI SPIRITUAL CENTRE SAIBABA MANDIR ROAD, I BLOCK, THYGARAJA NAGAR, BANGALORE – 560 028 Price: Rs. 25/- Books in Telugu: 1. SRI SAI STUTI MALA Author: KANAPARTI RAMAMOHAN RAO Published by : SRI SAI FOUNDATION POST : PEKERU VIA: DANGERU MANDAL: K. GANGARAM DIST : EAST GODAVARI A.P. INDIA – 533 263. Price : Free 2. SAMPOORNA SRI GURU CHARITRA (Daily parayana grandham) Author: Sri. ALURU GOPALA RAO Published by : Mohan publications Kota Gummam, opposite Ajanta Hotel, Rajahmundry - A.P. India. Pin: 533 101 Price: Rs. 63/- -------------------------------- Please Note: Those desirous of using this facility (Sai's Book World) to spread the word about their books may send ONE new copy of the book to Saidarbar, for details contact: webmaster , saidarbar & saidarbar Acknowledgement of receipt of books will be done by E-mail only. Book(s) sent to Saidarbar will be retained by Saidarbar and cannot be returned. -------- E- Books from Saidarbar: 1. SAI A BEACON FOR HUMANITY: You can obtain your copy at http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/other_books.htm 2. SAI IN DREAMS You can obtain your copy at http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/ Contact for further details: Sai Sevak-Vijay Agarwal: vijishvanya - SAIDARBAR – HYDERABAD: http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500041.htm We will be happy to conduct Tele-Satsanghs to cities out side Hyderabad, India on prior intimation. For further details please contact saidarbar --------- 16. EDITORIAL. Things impressed me from this Magazine: The rivers will not drink its own water; the trees will not eat its own fruits. In the similar way, a noble person will not spend all the money he earned for himself, he will definitely spend towards charities. The person who earns money by way of hard work is the best. The person who survives with his parental money is better. The person who lives on others money is the worst. Sai devotees may write about their Sai activities in their place, essays, articles and poetry on Sai to "The Glory of Shirdi Sai" – they may be address their contributions to E-mail id: saidarbar with a copy marked to webmaster We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the Glory of Shiridi Sai- the bi-weekly E -Magazine. Unless the author of the articles instructs, not to publish his/her E-mail id, we will publish them as a matter of routine practice. You can for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI for a friend /relative by submitting e-mail ID in the main page of http://www.saidarbar.org Also read the old issues from: http://www.saidarbar.org/glory.htm If you are subscribing this E-magazine for your friend or a relative, we request that the person concerned may be notified about receiving the same. Editor does not accept responsibility for the views expressed in the articles published. This e-magazine is intended for Private circulation only. Submitted by Sai Sevak: Srinivasa Rao Kasturi P.S. In case you do not like to receive "The Glory of Shirdi Sai ", Kindly reply UNSUBSCRIBE for our necessary action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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