Sai Vichaar for Thursday , January 29, 2009

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Sai Vichaar

 

www.saibaba.org

 

 

Thursday , January 29, 2009 :: Volume 11, Issue 38

 

 

 

(In its eleventh 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: Man, His Own Masterpiece The descent of God as Avatar and the ascent of man to Divine Perfection are two axioms of faith. Is the ascent of the man an outward phenomenon, an extraneous pursuit? To a question from a devotee about where one can find God, Sainath of Shirdi said, "Awaken your inner self. You will find God". It is probably worth contemplating on this comment by the Saint God. Mind, which is at times a perpetrator of myth, is also the means through which one can practice discrimination. The discrimination between myth that is transient and the truth that is eternal. This discrimination is accomplished not by any intellectual means, but by sheer insistence and honest yearning for the self-transformation. Such attributes will eventually lead one to the right master and the master will lead the seeker to his own self. Smt. Mani Sahukar writes in "Saibaba, the Saint of Shirdi", the integral and harmonious realization where the seeker rises to higher and higher

level of consciousness is the ultimate goal of the Vedic and the Upanishadic teachings. This fact can well be summed up by quoting the beautiful words of Dr. Radhakrishnan, one of India's most enlightened philosophers- "Liberation is not the isolation of the immortal spirit from the mortal human life, but transfiguration of the whole man. It is attained not by destroying but by transforming the tensions of human life; man's life, mind and body are not dissolved but are rendered pure and man becomes his own masterpiece."

 

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Faith in your Guru Faith is the state of mind towards the all supreme. It is a devotional surrender for the protection and grace of the lord. Sri Sai Baba preferred the sadhanas involving faith and bhakti. He advocated worship of several things -images, coins, pictures, padukas etc. He has no mean place for the guru, the giver of Ghana and the solidifier of faith. The path to the goal is rugged, and Sri Sai Baba warns us that it is infested with hungry wolves and tigers and with yawning pits to negotiate and stresses the need for a guide or guru. In brief, the attainment of gnana is largely upon our Guru. Trust in the guru fully and wholeheartedly. Leave off all doubts that is the only sadhana. Guru is God. Guru is everything. He is brother, father, well-wisher, relative and true friend. Seeing all as Guru is the highest state and he who feels him in every creature verily becomes Myself. To aspirants for gnana, the mere acquisition of a Guru alone can never

suffice. Lucky indeed must be he that finds the proper guru at whose feet he is privileged to sit and learn. Hindus, before they start on any of their prayers, first invoke their Gurus to lead them aright and to be acceptable to their Gods. A subjugation of the mind and will and absolute faith in the guru are the essentials of a true Bhakta. Sri Sai Baba Says: "Stick to your own Guru with unabated faith whatever the merits of the other gurus. We must not give up our attachment to our own Guru but even more firmly rest in Him and Him alone." You may have an idea of what constitutes Bhakti and how every one of us old and young, men and women, rich and poor strong and disabled, cultured and uncultured- can follow the path of devotion to attain salvation. To be deeply devoted to God, we should have an idea in the first place. God is everywhere. There is no place where He is not. Everything rests in Him; He resides in the heart of every being. He is in the king, in the beggar, in the animal, in the minutest worm, in plants and also in inanimate objects. That is why in the Gita the Lord said, "He who sees me everywhere and seeth everything in me, of him I will never lose hold and he shall never lose hold of me." Holiness Guru Swami Kesavaiahji chosen apostle of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba deprecated the practice of being lured by those who exhibit occult powers, but He always insisted in his articles that infinite faith in the Guru would ultimately give satisfaction and bliss to those who

respect tradition and religion. Swamiji stresses on saying all saints, Guru's are one. Service to suffering humanity is Baba's Dharma. He taught catholicity of religion. Everyone should serve and help others to his capacity. It is only the good we do, that accompanies our souls. Hatred and jealousy should be forbidden. Honesty and truthfulness are necessary. God recedes from those who are dishonest and untruthful. Character and truth are essential. Truth and righteousness alone save us. The ignorant youth is running away from religious and moral discipline because he gets no religious education either at home or at school to mould his character. Now-a-days science and politics are considered the 'Be all and end all' of man's life. The responsibility to teach their children, the devotion to God reverence to one's Guru, obedience to their elders, and to make them speak truth always is on the mothers.' May Sri Sai Baba guide us all in the path of devotion

and bless us! (Contributed by Arun R Nukala)

 

 

 

 

DEVOTEES SAY: BhanuFirst of all I would like to Bow down and offer my pranams to you. You are the almighty and know everything that is happening around us I would like you to bless me always and be with me always. Baba I have always taken your help while taking major decisions keep blessing me in this way always. Baba currently I am going through some tensions regarding my job and career I would like you to help me out from this there is another wish which I would like to seek your blessing please help all those people who are working at Satyam as they are heavily dependent on that company please give them strength and way to come out of this crisis. I really feel bad and pained when I see this. Please Baba help everyone of us and give your shelter to us. Sai DevoteeJai Sai Ram. Thank you so much for making us go to India and spend quality time with our family. Thank you very much for allowing us to have your darshan in Shirdi and for always being with us for all our various trips and making each and everything a big success. Thank you for giving my son and family good health throughout our trip. Please always give good health to my parents, son and my family members. Please shower your blessings on us as always. LaxmiThanks a lot for sending regularly Sai Vichaar. Thank you very much, I am praying to my shirdi baba to save the all people by his grace. HansrajI would like to thank you for the wonderful insight that you give us every week with this mail. Its a real blessing for us to have the teachings of our beloved Baba and experiences of our devotees every week.

 

 

 

 

PRAYER CLUB: Sai DevoteeBaba everyday I am just thinking of you and getting surprised that how and when you are going to solve my problem. You know I am fully confident that it is going to be solved in very new future but how could I manage to do the things but again I am relaxed that I have nothing to worry it is YOU who will show me the way and my work will be done without any problem . I know BABA you have given me your blessings and an unfailing belief which is my strength and any difficulties is not going to touch me because you are always with me and when ever there is a low spirit of mine you simply took me in your shelter and again I am fulfilled . I feel like I am with my father my gurujan and your hand of assurance always brings me out from a low or pensive mood. Baba I surrender before you please do what is good for me, please solve the problem of my daughter's marriage please give me a match for her a suitable groom and

family Baba please show me the way. MeenaPlease help my daughter to study well and make her to get more marks in the public examination. My son is going to write science talent examination, make him to write well and he should pass in the exam. Baba, give me peace of mind and courage to face every thing. I have only you to surrender and tell everything. Bless our family. Sai DevoteeSai natha, I am surrendering at your lotus feet. Please solve the problems with the time sheets. Deva, give my son good college admission. I will come to your lotus feet to pray. Please forgive my mistakes. SomopinkOh the mighty ! I hope I have already completed the one third of sorrow . How long will I go thru ? Sai DeovteePlease save us. As you know ABHI is creating a Big Tsunami in the Family. Kindly protect us and let our family be united and clear these Clouds immediately. Baba! Please forgive us all the past misdeeds and save our family. Kindly put him in right track and please see that he obeys us for the sake of our dynasty.

 

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES: RajaIt happened last year Nov 12th. Me and family visited Shirdi. We had good darshan of Shirdi Sai. At that time my two year old daughter slept she could not see Sai Baba .We came out from temple and we had breakfast in hotel and I asked my wife to draw money from ATM. Me and my daughter were waiting at hotel suddenly one beggar came asking dakshina. I did not see her but my daughter saw her. Suddenly my daughter pointing her hand started telling Baba, Baba, Baba. At about the same time my wife returned and given dakshina. My daughter was so lucky She had darshan of Sai bBba. Thanks a million times Baba for helping me and my family. Every time I have asked your help you have been here for me. DevoteeThank you Baba for helping me process my passport re issue as I was twice objected but by your grace I again went back the same day and was able to finish the paper work before the office closed. Thanks for giving me darshan on way and fulfilling my long desired wish of touching the feet of yours. Thank you for showing me that how you carry me in your arms during tough times so smoothly. I am sorry I was so impatient. Baba, please explain last nights dream Baba please.

 

 

 

 

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

"Somebody may raise a doubt here and ask - "Did Baba distribute vegetable and animal food as prasad alike to all His devotees?" The answer is plain and simple. Those who were accustomed to (take) animal food were given food from the Handi as prasad and those who were not so accustomed, were not allowed to touch it. He never created in them any wish or desire to indulge in this food."-Sri Sai Satcharitha

 

 

 

 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Q. What is the attitude of Sai devotees towards raising their children?

 

 

 

 

SAI ACTIVITIES: Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USAShirdi 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, MNSri 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, everyday. 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, TexasSri 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 AreaSri 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, CAShirdi 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. Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CADevotees 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. Saibaba Temple, Columbus, OhioDevotees 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 Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, FloridaDevotees 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, TXSri 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. For more information, please visit www.saiaustin.org. Shirdi Sai Mandir, Dulles, VAShirdi 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 visit the mandir website www.shirdisaimandir.org or call (703) 661-4724 for more information on activities, events and other information. Shirdi Sai Mandir, TorontoThe 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 visit www.theshirdisaimandir.ca or call 647-444-4724.

 

 

 

 

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD: 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. The "Question of the week" for this week is, What is the attitude of Sai devotees towards raising their children? Humbly Yours,The Editor

 

 

 

 

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From and Editor:

Shirdi Sai Baba Web Site

 

 

Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha

 

 

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12N950 State Route 47

 

 

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