Sai Vichaar for Thursday , February 28, 2008

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Sai Vichaar

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Thursday , February 28, 2008 :: Volume 10, Issue 42

(In its tenth year of publication.)

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.

 

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

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD

 

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: How Baba does it?

Faith in Saibaba slowly leads one to believe that Baba is behind the things

done or undone. This realization works easy when the things happen to one's

satisfaction while it falters if things are not pleasing. The path to the

complete surrender at Sadguru's lotus feet chops away the difference between the

pleasant and unpleasant. If one completely understands how Baba's intent or

sankalpa translates to tangible actions to its minutest details, contentment

naturally fills in the heart and as the consequence equanimity. Rare and great

are such souls. Or, if one would say that somehow Baba will do it, is indicative

of a blind faith in Sadguru's disposition. This is a feeling that rain or shine,

it is Baba! Any trace of ignorance in this regard will be washed away in the

constant company of the Sadguru. But judgments of others actions such as " what

does he or she think he or she is doing? Its all Baba's doing " , is blatant

arrogance. One can easily understand this feeling

with a little bit of contemplation. These thoughts should be nipped in the bud,

as they are signs of spiritual falling. Baba didn't materialize anything out of

thin air. Baba's " miracles " happen through people and situations in our

surroundings in the most inconspicuous ways. This truth is articulated in the

most eloquent way by Sri Sarathbabuji as follows: " Miracles of Sai do not take

place as something falling from the sky. We experience it through mercy,

compassion, and protection from those around us in a natural way. We pray to

Baba, " Baba! I need money " . I am in difficulties " . We offer naivedya to Baba and

go to bed, but we do not see Baba keeping a lakh rupees under the pillow!

Someone will come to us and suggest a solution to our problem. Baba Himself

said, " Not a single leaf moves without my order " . When the wind blows, the

leaves on the tree move. When even the movement of a leaf from an inanimate tree

requires Baba's order, His intent and grace, how can we

think that everything is in our hands? When this awareness crops in us, the ego

that makes us think, " We are doing something, we have to do it, we have to

accomplish and we have accomplished because we have done something " , will

vanish. The realization that " He does everything. And we are not capable of

doing anything " is called as " Complete Surrender " . However, this should not

become the dry and wry philosophy of uttering around, " Its all Baba's sankalpa,

what do I have to do? He has done it " . The cognizance of " complete surrender "

should remain as just an inspiration, a background to the pursuit of our

desires, ideals, and trials. Unless we get to completely experience the intent

of Saibaba in every action, we should not use the term " complete surrender " for

our convenience " .

 

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Story of Ganapati Sastri

Ganapati Sastri was an outstanding devotee of Bhagavan Ramana. Erudite and

scholarly, he was a man of towering abilities. By the age of ten, he had written

verses in Sanskrit, prepared an astrological almanac besides mastering several

Sanskrit Kavyas. Like Sri Bhagavan, he had a phenomenal memory and the ability

to do ashtavadhana, that is of giving his attention to a number of different

things at the same time. I his youth, he attended many spiritual and scholarly

retreats and worked as a schoolteacher in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Not satisfied

with the schoolteacher job, he felt that he had come to a dead end, not

attaining any success either wit pursuit of God or the world. Ganapati Sastri

approached The Swami in Tiruvannamalai and pleaded, " All that has to be read I

have read, even Vedanta Sastra I fully understood, I have performed japa

(invocation) to my heart's content, yet I have not up to this time understood

what tapa is. Therefore, I sought your refuge at your

feet. Pray enlighten me as to the nature of tapas. " The Swami turned his silent

gaze upon him for some fifteen minutes and then replied: " If one watches whence

the notion " I " arises, the mind is absorbed into That, that is tapas. When a

mantra is repeated, if one watches the source from which the mantra sound is

produced the mind id absorbed in That, that is Tapas. " Ganapati Sastri was

jubilated at the sight of Swami, composed verses on him. He declared that the

Swami by name Venkataramana Iyer must be known as Bhagavan Sri Ramana and as the

Maharshi. He also liked to refer Sri Bhagavan as a manifestation of Lord

Subrahmanya. However, the devotees refused to follow this feeling that to regard

Sri Bhagavan as a manifestation of ay one divine aspect was to attempt to limit

the illimitable. Once a devotee asked Ganapati Sastri, " If Bhagavan is an

avatar of Subrahmanya, why does he not tell us openly? " Sastri replied, " What is

an avatar? An avatar is only a manifestation of

one aspect of God, whereas a jnani is God Himself " . Although he was blessed

with several graceful experiences by Bhagavan, Sastri in a way failed to get

past beyond his spiritual aims, ideals and ambitions, perhaps conditioned by his

intellect. He asked once, " Is seeking the source of the I-thought sufficient for

the attainment of all my aims or is mantra dhyana needed? " . Sri Bhagavan curtly

replied, " The former will suffice " . When Sastri continued about his aims and

ideals, Bhagavan added, " It will be better if you throw your entire burden on

the Lord. He will carry all the burdens and you will be free from them. He will

do his part " . During later stages of his life, Ganapati Sastri settled down in

a village near Kharagpur with a group of followers and until his death devoted

himself wholly to tapas (asceticism). Sri Bhagavan was once asked whether

Ganapati Sastri could have attained Realization during this life, he replied,

" How could he? His sankalpa (inherent

tendencies) were too strong. (Contributed by Condensed from " Ramana Maharshi

and Path of Self-Knowledge " by Arthur Osborne) CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: The Meaning

of Faith

Faith has been interpreted by so many. " Faith that moves mountains " faith of

the heart, faith in oneself. My love and faith in our beloved Sai Baba goes back

many years and over time trials, tribulations faith, trust, and love for Him has

grown stronger. Recently I had an episode whereby a friend of mine was in urgent

need of a favor. She is also like me a strong devotee of our Incredible Saibaba

and she was really stressed out about the same. I prayed with her and we both

asked Sai to grant this wish, as it was a question of her child's future. Both

of us with fervent faith called upon Sai for help. Days, hours minutes passed

and there seem to be not a murmur. Still I clung on to His holy feet without

doubt or question. Days, hours, minutes kept passing and with every sunset, my

friend seemed to wilt like a flower losing hope of her wish ever becoming a

reality. I also stepped up my prayers praying night and day for Sai to help her

in her hour of need and as the days

passed she started to feel helpless and hopeless she thought Sai had forsaken

her, left her, was not heeding her, she became despondent but I kept reminding

her of her faith and love for Him and she thanked me for doing so but I could

feel her helplessness. I called out to Him for we are His children and He could

not do this to a true Saibaba devotee and just as I felt all was lost lo and

behold from nowhere came that call the one we awaited the one she so longed for

and her wish became a reality. I sobbed uncontrollably and so did she and we

clung to each other knowing our Baba had come through. Yes it took time,

patience, sadness, helplessness, hopelessness but I am proud to say that I held

on refusing to let go, refusing to accept anything other than His love. True

faith, I have been tested time and time again and I have to admit I do get upset

and feel lost but He is there, He is there and as He says " One Step taken

towards Me I will take Ten towards you " . I am glad I

held on. I am happy that Baba came through for us. Remember all you Sai Baba

devotees, we are truly blessed and lucky, keep your faith and it will surely

make you move that mountain. (Contributed by Havovi Medora)

 

DEVOTEES SAY:

Rao

I am very happy that Lord Sai showered His blessings on me. I was very scared

about my results in the previous two semesters. But with the blessings of Sai

Baba I got distinction in both the semesters. This is more than a miracle for me

because I know the way I had answered the papers in the exam. Deva, help me

achieve my goals and bless me with good education and health. Jai Sairam.

Satya

My mother is suffering from lower back pain from January 2008. I prayed Baba

that I want my mother to be healthy and happy. My mother has gone trough some

blood tests. I prayed Baba that reports should come perfect. As a miracle,

doctor told that the reports are perfect and my mother need to take tablets and

take some rest so that everything will be fine. Thanks a lot Baba.

Sai devotee

Last week I had prayed Sai baba for my younger sister, who was going to have a

thyroid test as she gaining weight day by day and Sai baba has heard my prayers.

All her test reports are ok. Baba, please accept my koti koti pranam and Sai

baba please protect and bless us always.

Archana

I would also like to thank Baba for helping my husband get a good job offer.

Though it took some time and months of frustration, finally my prayers were

answered. I pray to Baba to bless all his devotees world over and help us in

having unconditional faith in Him and His ways.

Kamakshi

Dear Baba, I would like thank you and all the other Sai devotee, who have prayed

for me. Actually, I had submitted one article for my friend's father who was

very critical, so I posted my prayers in the Sai Vichaar and prayed Baba to

recover him. And today I got the message that her father is fine and need not

undergo any operation. My friend immediately called up and informed us and I had

promised to post the same in Sai Vichaar, which I have done through this message

so thank you Baba. Always be with us.

Sai

I am conveying my heartfelt thanks deva. You are definitely here for all of us.

Baba I have passed the GD test by Your grace at 15 weeks and they would check

again at 28 weeks or so. Please Baba, be with me and keep me away from GD. I

want to be healthy deva, only You can do this.

Harshana

I am a great devotee of Baba since childhood and am also known to be good

natured. I had never cursed or spoken ill about anybody in my whole life. But my

nature changed. I got married, got a very loving husband and a very loving

family. But a girl came in my brother-in-law's life. I did not like her because

of various reasons and I cursed her and started abusing her, which I should not

have done as a Sai devotee. We had big quarrels at my house regarding this and I

got very upset and I started blaming her for everything. I prayed to Baba to get

me peace of mind and the very same day I recieved Sai Vichaar and the topic was

" key to happiness " and " speech " . I got all my answers. I apologize to Baba for

speaking bad against anyone. I will try my best not to speak ill against anyone,

however the person is and I will also tolerate everything. Thankyou Baba for

guiding me at the right time.

 

PRAYER CLUB:

Sasi

Baba, with Your blessings I got a full time job. I am very much happy Baba.

Please help me to save this job. After so much struggles I got this job. Please

guide me Baba. Please shower Your blessings on us.

Sai devotee

It is Sai Baba's grace that I am expecting again, please Sai Baba shower Your

blessings so that this period goes smoothly and I have a healthy baby.

Praveena

Dear Sai Baba, I have faced a lot of hurdles right from childhood to till now.

Baba, you are quiet aware of it. At all times when ever I am in trouble You

protected me. Now also I am passing through a critical phase which is known to

You. Please help to undergo laproscopy safely and every thing goes with me well.

Make me get pregnant and deliver a happy and healthy child and me too healthy.

Sai baba, please shower Your blessings on me. Please change my husband's mind so

that he will also become your devotee and look after me with love and affection.

Saibaba, please help me to cross the river of family problems safely. Please

bless me, in all circumstances of my life.

Sai devotee

Baba, you have been there with me always. I thank you most humbly and request

you to keep showering your blessings on me and my parents and my family. Baba,

you know my mom has sufferred a lot and she is still suffering physical pain and

mental pain. Baba I pray to you that kindly treat her pains (physical and

mental). She takes your udi regularly. She does believe in You, but at times she

feels that You are not listening to her prayers. Baba kindly show her the

miracle. You know Baba, she can't walk properly, please make her alright and

improve the relation between my parents. Kindly show the right path to my

husband who is undergoing lot of turmoil regarding his course and change of job.

You know what is good for him. Baba please take care of my these problems. Koti

koti pranaam.

Sandhya

Baba, I have been suffering a lot out of financial crisis. Kindly request all

devotees to offer prayer to Sri Sai Baba. He is always there for me whenever I

call Him. He is visible for me. Don't know why He is not helping me to come out

of this promblem. Baba, sorry if I have done anything wrong, please bless me.

Karthi

Please Baba, bless my brother, who has had an accident and is in intensive care

now. Please grace him to have a complete and full recovery soon. Jai Sai Ram

A Devotee

Dearest Shree Sai Baba, Om Sai Ram, Sai as you are aware I have resigned from my

present company. Please help me to have smooth and hassle free change of job.

Baba fulfill our wishes and shower Your blessings on us.

 

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

Anu

We wish to thank Baba whole-heartedly for the blessings he showered on us. We

wanted to have kids and have been trying for long. We were so desperate that we

almost lost hope. Finally, on 1st January 2007 we visited Shirdi and remembered,

" Dwarakamayi is like a mother and gives whatever we ask for " (as told by Baba in

Sai Satcharita). Whole heartedly we begged at the feet of Baba to bless us with

a kid and wonder happened. By this January, we have a beautiful child in our

arms. Now every moment in our life we thank Baba for the wonderful happiness He

showered in our life. We have no words to express our gratefulness to Baba and

we wish anyone whose desire needs to be fulfilled do visit Shirdi and fall at

the feet of Sadguru. Your problems will be resolved.

Amit

I was feeling unwell so I left from the office in the afternoon and by the time

I was near to my home I received a call from my sister that my father has

suffered a massive heart attack and is being taken to Lucknow for treatment. I

took the first bus along with my wife and reached Lucknow. My father was in ICU

and his condition was critical. Doctor told that the patient needs to be kept in

ICU for at least 7 days. I fervently prayed to Sai Maharaj. Later my father was

shifted to a private ward on the 4th day itself, and on the 7th day, he was

discharged from hospital. All this happened due to grace of Sai Maharaj. It is

by Sai's grace that I left the office earlier and was able to take a bus for

Lucknow comfortably. So hail Sai.

Suchita

I would like to say something about me how Baba helped me in Canada. When I came

here, I was upset and wanted to go back to India. Then, Baba showed me light and

made me to do lab assistant program. I used to be very much afraid of going to

college and have Canadian friends. So I prayed Baba to provide me good friends.

I was surprised to see that all my friends here were really good and helpful.

Then I prayed Baba that I want to get honors in my course and by Baba's grace, I

worked hard and finally was second in class with honors. I know that whatever I

studied was only because Baba gave me strength. I always do Naam jaap, 108 times

saying Om Sainathaya namah. And Baba always takes good care of me. Now I am

desperately looking for job and I know that in one month's time Baba will put me

in this new position. I just had my results two days ago and going to start my

placement in lab in three weeks. Thank you Baba for everything. I love you very

much.

 

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

" Saibaba had all great powers (Maha Siddhis) at His command. They came

naturally to him due to His spiritual perfection. " -Sai Satcharitha

 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. Question of the week is given below...... A. by Kavthankar Q. In Sai

Satcharita, Sri Saibaba says to a devotee that their relationship was for the

past 72 births. Is there any significance to 72 births? A. I do not think

there is any significance to the number 72 per se. I believe in this case, Baba

was just pointing out to Shri Madhavrao Deshpande alias Shama that they are

acquainted for a very long time. Similarly, in Chapter 51 of the Satcharita,

Baba points out to the Dhurandhar brothers that they have been acquainted for 60

births. So I think Baba said so just to point out the incredible length of their

divine association.

 

SAI ACTIVITIES:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Winter hours). Daily

program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m. followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at

12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m. and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana, Homams,

Sahasranama and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To request a

pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please call. Devotees can request

water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by

phone. Temple is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection of

IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL. For more information please call

847-931-4058 or send email to maildrop.

Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN

Sri Saibaba Mandir is located in Minneapolis, MN at 1835 Polk St NE,

Minneapolis, MN 55418. The mandir is open 7 days a week in the evenings from

6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and during morning hours from 9 am to 12:30 pm, except

Mondays. Satsangs are conducted every Sunday mornings, 9 am to 12:30 pm. Please

visit the mandir website www.hamaresai.org or call 612-789-7729 for more

information on mandir activities, events and other information.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker

(Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities

please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the website

www.shirdisaidallas.org.

Shirdi Sai 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 every Thursday from

7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Saturday's from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. For temple hours and

activities please visit the website www.nessp.org or send mail to

maildrop.

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 or send email to

saibandhu. You can also visit our website is

www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org.

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 7674 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016. Please attend daily Aaratis and

Thursday bhajans. For more information please call Panditjee at 614-799-8411 or

visit www.saibaba.cc.

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 or

visit www.shirdisaila.org.

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.

 

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:

Several Sai devotees have written to Sai Vichaar thanking for the beautiful

wall calendar of Sri Saibaba. This is a humble attempt of service by this

website to Sai devotees all over. Everyone's continued support is sincerely

appreciated. Sai devotees posting prayer request are requested to state their

needs briefly and be specific about their prayer needs. This will help with good

use of space and allows more requests to be posted every week. A Sai devotee

suggested the " Question of the week " for this week as follows: Q. In Sai

Satcharita Sri Saibaba says to a devotee that their relationship was for the

past 72 births. Is there any significance to 72 births?

Humbly Yours,

The Editor

 

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