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 FROM
SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE
……“The man who has cancer
and knows he will die, is experiencing his body becoming weaker
but does not see how exactly his body is becoming weaker from
inside. In this state he is sure that he will leave the body
one day. Therefore, logically he would be thinking that his
body is not a permanent friend as it would die away with the
change. He will experience that his soul and not the body
is permanent. Thus the soul can experience the laws of motion
as a finer reality.
God is like a pillar and
all human beings are like calves tightly attached with a rope
of destiny and ‘Karma’. But would we consider that pillar
to be the Master then we will consider that the rope is tied
to the Guru and being this tied one is moving around on the
earth. Some times we are pulled near the pillar and some times
we go far away from the pillar as per our “Karma” and as per
the positive/negative actions of last lives. When we are near
to the pillar we are grinded less, when we are far towards
the outer side of the grinding stone we are grinded more -
that means we suffer the worldly miseries more. So far as
we are between the two stones being continuously grinded by
the motions of time, we have a chance to go near the central
pole, but once we go out of the grinding wheel as powder,
we will difficult to return. So let us try to be as close
to the pole as possible under all circumstances. Kabirji depicted
this situation when he wrote:
“Chalti Chakki
Dekh ke Diya Kabira Roye
Do Pattan ke Beech Main Sabut Bacha na Koya”
Once someone asked Kabirji
if nothing is safe between the two ‘Pattans’ that means two
stones, what to do. Kabirji advised that one should be near
the pole or the ‘Khunta’, because near that pole the grains
are least grinded. Our pole, our protection is Shri Sainath.
We should be as close to Him as possible. In every state of
mind and soul while going though the different events of life,
we should always look to Him so that we do not go far away
from Him and we are grinded badly by the illusions of the
world.”…….
FROM
"LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI
……“It is always
good to pray, because it brings one in contact with God. The
prayer, however, that is found most common in society is occasional
prayer for a definite material object, and there it stops.
It is always advisable to avoid the commercial spirit when
dealing with God. We should not bargain with God. Nor should
we say, ‘I will pray to you only for such and such an object
being gained’. The thought of God purifies the soul, and the
purified soul gets power to draw God more and more into it.
The commercialised soul, if too much oppressed with the contemplation
of the worldly benefit is handicapping itself and preventing
its purification, that is, saturation with God idea (purity
means having God-idea and impurity is lack of God or God¬
idea). The very idea of material objects may so obsess a mind
as practically to obliterate the thought of God. God then
becomes only a secondary consideration, a sort of side element,
a weak coloration when the main object before the mind's eye
is worldly gain. Such approaches are deplorable, however attractive
the object to be gained by prayer may be. One ought to have
prayer without concentrating too much on worldly gains. Concentration
on God alone is purity. Purity means power, and when a soul
is thoroughly pure, then the objects entertained in the mind
of the prayerful soul some time previously, that is even before
the prayer began, remain in the subconscious, i.e. at the
back of the praying party's mind and may come to fruition
by the power of the purified and strengthened soul. This is
an incidental benefit which ought not to turn the scales when
one considers how he should pray. Prayer is primarily and
essentially only an affair of the soul with God. All intervention
of outside objects is an interference with the soul’s concentration
on God. Prayer must be purified by very keen practice - i.e.,
it must be shorn of all undesirable gross elements just as
we keep off the floating moss repeatedly when we bathe in
a tank. In cases where however one is in dire extremity and
prayer comes out from him for a much needed object, in spite
of oneself, as was the case with Chandorkar on the Harischandra
hill, then prayer cannot be condemned at all. Prayer is a
natural vent for the heart. We leap out at what we want on
the wings of prayer. It is God Himself that has implanted
this tendency to seek God’s help to attain objects of great
importance to one’s material or spiritual life and each time
we so seek, we should stress in our mind that God is our first
and final object and that other objects form a temporary and
partial diversion or screen.”……
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Relevance of Sai
in Today’s Society
Selfishness, materialism, condition
oriented, fanaticism, racial discrimination, riddled with
terrorism, anarchy, struggle for power, is what rules the
present world. Living amongst such strong negative forces,
man is lost among web of emotions. There is fear, greed, anger
and competition to be successful in such a world. Where would
man go when faced with tyranny? When there is no value for
relationships? When money becomes the main driving force for
establishing any kind of relationships. When there is no respect
for parents, and when parents themselves are driven by selfish
need? When siblings look for a pound of flesh to get better
share in property? Present relationships are based on condition
and mutual benefit. Gone are the days of compassion, empathy,
kindness, and selfless service. A person who is charitable
is looked down upon as being crazy and a misfit in this selfish
society. Where would such man go? The only place such a man
finds respite is at the holy feet of Sadguru and His teachings.
For followers of Baba, if qualities like compassion, empathy
and kindness prevail it is because of His teachings through
Satcharita. Guru’s holy feet are the only place where one
finds hope, love and bliss in spite of being surrounded by
evil forces in society. Love for Guru helps us to tide our
weaknesses and emerge as successful. No doubt we are burdened
by our environment and society but one who has implicit faith
in Guru finds happiness and knows that He is loved unconditionally,
even though man’s devotion is conditional – a man looks towards
Guru to remove his problems and sufferings.
Shirdi Sai Baba’s teachings
of mutual love, respect, tolerance, non discrimination on
the basis of religion, caste and nationality is to be practiced
in present context. Baba always urged people to show kindness,
empathy and love towards fellow humans. Shirdi Sai BABA is
a symbol of unity among religions, their practices and beliefs.
People from all religious backgrounds worship Him even today
based on their practices and beliefs. Poor and rich are treated
alike in His darbar even today. His life the is best example
of simple living and higher thinking. He was charitable, benevolent,
shared sorrows and gave happiness by granting wishes. As followers
of Shirdi Sai one must develop such qualities. One cannot
emulate a Sadguru but one can learn from His life and follow
His teachings to make the world a better place to live now
and for future generations by instilling the right values
and conduct among younger generation. Shri Satpathyji has
emphasized the relevance of Sai in the present world with
the following heart warming lyrics.
Jab dil udhas
ho to
Sai ka naam lena
Jeevan soona lage to
Sai ka naam lena
Jab aafat gehare
tujko
Sab chod de tera saath
Jab kahina mile sahara
Sai ka naam lena
Jeevan ka har
din to
Roshan nahin hota
Jab sham nazar aaye to
Sai ka naam lena
Is ghat ka kya
Bharosa
Ye khabhi bi choot jatha
Jab aakhir saas chale to
Sai ka naam lena.
The above words say it
all. Let us turn towards Sai when we are plagued by uncertainty
and confusion. He will save us.
Anitha Kandukuri,
Australia
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your views on Topic of Discussion- Sai's Message to the
Children
POEM
Blessings
I knelt to pray
when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."
And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.
I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."
But as I prayed, into my ear
there came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?
Gods sweetest blessing always go
by hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
and I will live the way I pray."
Source Unknown
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articles poems etc.
DEVOTEE EXPERIENCE
My husband’s friend is from India and they are Sai devotees,
so from them I managed to get a packet of "udi"
and Baba’s picture. My goods got stolen from my rented apartment,
so I wanted to move out. Finding flats in Suva is quite difficult
and flats are very expensive. My budget was up to $300.00
only so I prayed to Baba, that I need to find a suitable flat
and need to move there by following week Thursday. So after
few hours I found a newspaper and thought of going through
advertisements and I found one flat. But than I thought I
may be late and someone else might have taken away this flat.
Then I called my husband and we went to see the flat. It was
good, all bills included and worth $300.00. On Thursday we
moved into our new house. I thanked Baba.
My second
experience was when I was supposed to send a parcel to my
grandma who stays far away. My husband told me to personally
go and drop the parcel at the courier office. I didn’t know
about that office and was worried. After a few minutes I saw
that courier truck parked outside my shop. I was so happy,
I ran and delivered the parcel and thanked Baba. It was amazing.
Another incident happened
one week ago. I was supposed to sit for an English exam with
my husband. I am not that good at speaking and writing. I
prayed to Baba, to help me in my exam. When the results came,
I scored the same band score as my husband who is far smarter
than me.
All credit goes to Baba,
whose grace is always with us. Whenever we remember him and
need his help he supports us.
JAI SAI NATH!
Priti, Fiji
DEVOTEES' FORUM
About 23 years ago my husband’s friend told us about Sai
Baba. At that time my older son was a 3 month infant. He was
lacking breast milk. We were trying lot of other sources to
feed him. Nothing worked out. He was suffering from diarrhea;
we tried ayurvedic, unani, homeopathy and allopathic medicines
for 6 months. Nothing worked. Finally some of my husband’s
friends advised us to go to Shirdi with the infant. As soon
as we stepped in the temple premises our son started getting
down from the hands of his father and started running around
in the temple. That is the first Miracle in our family. Since
then we experienced innumerable incidents. Everyday we see
his presence in our home.
But the
saddest part is my son is now 23 years old, but he doesn’t
believe in Baba. I pray Baba to forgive him for his ignorance
and make him understand Baba’s greatness before we die. My
husband and I are staunch devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba. We
strongly believe that "He made us notice His existence
through our son", and also he is testing us by the negative
attitude of our son. He studied about all religions through
the internet, including Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas etc. I
don’t know what is written there. He says that God never takes
birth as a human being. That is why he doesn’t believe in
Baba. Whenever I remember these words tears roll down from
my eyes. And my heart sinks. Let Sai Baba Bless him. Other
than this he is very lovable. Dear Sai devotees! Please pray
that our son's attitude changes and make us happy.
Lalitha Katthula,
USA
You can adore God according to
your own fancy and pleasure. He remains unchanged even when
the names and forms by which you adore Him keep changing.
The effectiveness does not lie in which name or form you worship,
but depends on the extent of yearning and depth of feeling
with which you adore Him in your heart. God will assume that
very form which you pray to and fulfill your yearning; that
is the indication of His grace and the boundless love He has
for you.
God's grace is the greatest wealth.
To consider the amassing of money, gold or other material
objects, as the ultimate goal is not right. The goal of life,
instead, should be the acquisition of the divine wealth of
God's grace. Try to win His grace by reforming your habits,
reducing your desires and refining your nature. One step makes
the next one easier; that is the unique quality of the spiritual
path. With each step, your strength and confidence increases
and you feel the Lord's grace all the more.
Arun N Reddy,
London
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your feelings about Shirdi Sai in Devotees’ Forum
READER'S REFLECTION
My heartfelt thanks to you all for starting this magazine
and helping me feel closer to Sai community and thereby Lord
Sai. I know I have miles to go before I can call myself a
true Sai devotee. Your magazine is helping me in this endeavour.
Shilpa
B. Roy, Mumbai
Sai Heritage E-Zine Newletter
received on December 14th had an eye opening message for all
of us. I was in a total awe as it was very clear that Baba
reiterated the message I received from one of the 44-50 Chapters
I finished just few minutes before receiving Satpathyji's
message. With humble Pranaam I say, "Satpathyji, thank
you for being our Guiding Light".
Going through the magazine
'Heritage of Shirdi Sai' and the Heritage of Shirdi Sai magazine
and Newsletter 'Sai Heritage E-Zine', gives the feeling of
taking a small step closer to Sai.
Shammi Chopra,
Toronto, Canada
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Reader's Reflection
NEWS
OF SHIRDI SAI ACTIVITIES
SHIRDI SAI BABA
SANSTHAN, CANADA
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan,
Canada holds Satsang on Thursdays and third Sunday of every
month at Gur Mandir, 207 Queen’s Plate, Toronto (Etobicoke).
For other Details call 416-294-4804 or visit http://www.shirdisainath.org/
THE RESOURCE CENTRE
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan,
Canada is pleased to announce the establishment of it's first
Resource Centre in Woodbridge, Toronto. All visits are by
appointment only. Shri Sai Satcharita is available in all
languages. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday between
10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Location: Maple Crest Private School -
28 Roytech Rd. Woodbridge, On L4L 8E4 Ph: 905 - 652-6666.
For other Details call 416-294-4804 or visit http://www.shirdisainath.org/
SHIRDI SAI MANDIR, TORONTO, CANADA
The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is
open through out the day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays
and in the morning and evenings on all weekdays. Baba's Kakad
Aarti, Abhishek Puja, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti, Satcharita
Reading and Shej Aarti are performed every day. Bhajans and
Sai Naam Sankirtan in the evening on Thursday and Saturday.
For information regarding the daily schedule, temple activities
and events please visit Mandir's website: http://www.theshirdisaimandir.com/
or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.com
or call 647-444-4724.
SHIRDI SAI PARIVAR
VANCOUVER
Shirdi Sai parivar in
Vancouver holds Satsang on Thursday (6.30-7.30pm)and Sai abhishek
and aarti first Sunday of every month at 8571, 118A St, Delta,
V4C 6L2. For further details contact (604) 592 4182 or email,
say.sai.sai@gmail.com.
SHRI SHIRDI SAI
SANSTHAN LOS ANGELES
By the grace of our Shirdi
Sai we are happy to announce the inauguration of Shri Shirdi
Sai Temple in LA region in the city of Montebello. We need
the support of all Sai Devotees. For more information please
email krishna@shirdisaila.org
SHIRDI SAI CENTER,
BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA
Location: 897-B E. Kifer
Rd, Sunnyvale, CA - 94086
Daily timings and activities:
Weekdays:
6:15 am – 7:40 am: Abhishekam and Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am
11.45 am – 12:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi
at 8:30 pm
Weekends:
6:15 am – 7:40 am: Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am
11:00 am – 9:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm, Dhoop Arathi
at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm
Every Thursday:
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Shirdi Sai Bhajans
For more information please
call 408-705-7904 / 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com
or visit our website at http://www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org
SHRI SHIRDI SAI
SAMAJ MALAYSIA
No.744-1, Tingkat 1,
Jln. Sentul Selatan, Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This is a new Shirdi Baba center in malaysia. We conduct weekly
prayers/arathi at the following times:
Friday - 7pm - 10.30pm
Sunday - Noon - 2.30pm
Our official centre website
is http://saisamaj.blogspot.com
For more information, please email hyperkinetix@gmail.com
PERSATUAN SHIRDI SAI BABA SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
This is to inform all of you that we have a Shirdi Sai Baba
Temple in Malaysia. Here we have daily prayers and special
prayers on thursday mornings 9.00am and bhajans and satsang
from 8 pm onwards. Also breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked
by our seva-group is provided to all devotees. other than
that first thursday of the month we have talk on spirituality,
second thursday on health, third thursday satsang on Sai Satcharitra,
fourth thursday talk on general topics, by experts in the
respective fields. Lot of charitable activities are conducted
by our Centre,like sponsoring immediate services to childrens\'
homes, old-folks homes, sick and needy, etc. etc.
If
any devotee, from Malaysia or Singapore likes to join our
Centre, please contact Mr.SP Kannan at Mobile -012-2739486;
usha - 006122392911; Res: 03-33717540. Our Centre address
is : Persatuan Shirdi Sai Baba Selangor, No.2574, Jalan Seruling
59, Taman Klang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Thank you and Sai
Ram.
SHIRDI SAI TEMPLE
SINGAPORE
The dream of having a
full fledged exclusive Shirdi Sai Temple in Singapore, will
soon come true. Thanks to the efforts of a Sai devotee in
making this happen. The Shirdi Sai Baba Centre in Singapore
is now live with the 3rd floor function hall, Sri Vadapathira
Kaliamman temple, being secured and converted to a full fledged
exclusive Shirdi Sai worship centre. The Centre will be devoted
to celebrating the life & teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba
only. For more information visit our website http://www.saisansthan.com
SHIRDI SAI BABA
SANSTHAN, AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND
Bhajans Every Thursday
Venue Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill,
Auckland
7.00 pm - 7.50 pm Sai
Bhajans,
7.50 pm - 8.10 pm Pravachan and Sai Ashtotharam
8.10 pm - 8.30 pm Shej Aarthi
8.30 pm - 9.00 pm Prasad distribution.
For more details Contact us Amar Alluri(President) Mobile:
(+64) 27 230 5360 Email: President@shirdisaibaba.org.nz
or Sai Krishna Tridandapani (Secretary) Mobile: (+64) 21 239
7907 Email: Secretary@shirdisaibaba.org.nz
Address: Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of NZ, P.O. Box: 16142,
Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand. Visit our website www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz
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