FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE  FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI DEVOTEE'S EXPERIENCE POEM: OFFERING TO GOD TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: DAKSHINA AND SAI DEVOTEES' FORUM READER'S REFLECTION NEWS OF SHIRDI SAI ACTIVITIES

FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE

……“An in-depth analysis of the Path shown by Baba leads to certain obvious pointers essentially required for spiritual evolution of human beings. Baba, during His interaction with a very large number of devotees of different religions and paths had repeatedly brought out certain common emotional, psychological and physical parameters to be followed by the devotees. Although specific instructions were given directly or indirectly to most of the devotees to solve their immediate or mundane problems, yet the general parameters for ethical living and spiritual evolution were more profound and long term. After Baba left His human form, those who followed the parameters and advice for the rest of their lives benefited immensely. Others, who deviated, in the absence of interaction with a Sadguru with a human body, did not evolve much. This is the conclusion one is bound to draw when lives of the prominent devotees of Baba are examined as a whole.

These general parameters for a contented and evolved life have been brought to the fore extensively in Shri Sai Satcharitra when it narrates real-life happenings at Shirdi, anecdotes and interpretations. Most of the other books written on Baba have also tried to bring out these parameters in different ways. Thus for a good disciple the examples from the life of Baba and his percepts, as codified in Shri Sai Satcharitra and other published materials should work as the best reference points of guidance for their ethical conduct and spiritual progress. This is why I always prescribe reading of Shri Sai Satcharitra in particular and other related materials to the devotees and others following any path or religion. Whenever in doubt about his thoughts and actions a devotee should try to relate with the information on similar situations provided in Shri Sai Satcharitra. He should always judge to find out as to how far he is able to progress with reference to these parameters as the permanent principles of an ethical existence.

Baba has spoken about these greatest principles in the simplest way, when exemplifying these principles through his own conduct as well. For example let us take the case of a man who spoke ill of another devotee to Baba. Baba told him that pigs will only eat dirt even when given the best of food. The meaning of this sentence is too obvious to be explained. Or when, while giving two rupees to a person who had helped Baba with a step ladder in going up and coming down the home of Radhakrishnamayi, announced that one must pay for the labour of another. In fact the entire gamut of all his advice reiterates the principles of ethical conduct reflected in Shrimad Bhagavata Gita.

The problem with some of the devotees is that they read Shri Sai Satcharitra more intensely for its miracle stories rather than for understanding the applied principles of an ethical living. Further while carrying on their mundane deeds or misdeeds they often forget Baba’s advice at that moment. Therefore, they are prone to ask the same questions on various issues again and again over the years when ever in trouble. What Baba wanted the followers to do is more to practice these principles than to read. As Baba’s intentions reveal, the question is not as to how many times one has failed while trying but as to whether he is determined and remembers these principles while doing any act, good or bad. Each devotee needs to ask this question to himself and find the answer. Shri Sai Satcharitra can only guide them.”…….

FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

……“Dixit’s vairagya developed steadily along with his love of the Guru. His Guru both by example and precept showed him the absurdity of the worldly man’s desire for much wealth and how little was necessary even to an ordinary sadhaka. Especially after Baba had assumed all his responsibilities, he noted how needless it was for him to spend attention and time or energy as before to acquire or preserve wealth.

Two instances may be cited as typical of this teaching of Baba. In the early years of Kaka Saheb’s contact with Baba, he earned large fees. On one occasion when he came to Shirdi, he came along with a trunkfuI of rupees (may be Rs. 1000), which he earned in a Native State. He came to Baba, placed the trunk before him, showed him the rupees, and said, ‘Baba, all this is yours’. Baba at once said, ‘Is that so?’ and plunged both his hands in the box full of rupees and gave away heaps of rupees to the people that crowded round him like bees for honey.

In a few moments, the trunk became empty. This incident is narrated by Garde, a Sub Judge friend of H. S. Dixit, who was watching all the time the face of Dixit to study the reaction on his face to the rapid scattering of his hard earned money by Baba. Though any other person in his position would have felt the loss of money very bitter, Kaka Saheb was unmoved. That showed how he had hardened in his vairagya at the feet of Baba. He learnt again that the silver so highly valued by the world was but mud to the Sadguru, who was a “Sama loshta asma Kaanchanah” i.e. one to whom a clod, a stone and gold were equally indifferent. B.G. (6) 8, (14) 24

On another occasion, when Dixit got a cow, Baba said, ‘this cow was formerly a Jalna man’s, before that an Aurangabad man’s, before that, Mahlsapathy’s; God knows whose property it is’. Baba’s statement was an exposition of the Isavasya Upanishad, which says,

Isavasyam Ida(g)m sarvam Yatkincha Jagatyaam jagat
Tena tyaktena bhunjithah MaGridah, Kasya Svid dhanam,

which means, ‘Whatever thing is in the world is covered by God. Renounce that and be happy, covet not. Whose is property? Or covet not anyone's wealth, yours or others property is always changing hands and changing shapes. It is not perpetual. So it must be kept away (from the soul) to attain happiness.’ Thus we have to regard all property as coming and going “Agamaapayinah” B G(2) 14 and should avoid getting attached to it. Baba’s undertaking responsibilities for Dixit and family was so wide that Dixit felt himself always under Baba’s care and had no need to fear. Baba’s words to Khaparde, Dixit, and others were, ‘Why fear when I am here?’ Baba gave ample proof to Dixit of his thorough knowledge of all events, past, present and future, taking place here, there, and everywhere, and his power to see to the exact fulfillment of his promise or prediction.

By constantly staying with Baba, Dixit noticed that Baba had this “Antarjnan” or Chittasamvit or Ritambhara Prajna, and that he had also vast control over men, creatures, and inanimate things of nature. For instance in 1917, Kaka Mahajani, who was at Bombay, was requested by the son of his master Thakersey Sait to go to Shirdi and take Baba’s advice as to what would be the best course for his master’s health. Mahajani said that as Dixit was at Shirdi, it would be sufficient to write to him. But the master’s son said that Mahajani should actually go to Shirdi as nothing else would satisfy his father.

When this conversation was going on at Bombay, Baba told Dixit at Shirdi, “What deliberations and consultations are going on there!” The next day when Mahajani turned up at Shirdi and mentioned about his master’s health, Baba told Dixit. ‘This is the matter we were talking about yesterday. Is it not?’ Dixit compared notes with Mahajani and found that while Mahajani and his master’s son were talking at Bombay, Sai at Shirdi was fully aware of that fact.

On one occasion, immediately after Arati, Sai Baba told his devotees, (B.C.S. 406,) ‘Be wherever you may, say whatever you may, and do whatever you may, be sure, I am aware of what you say or do’. This is Ritambharaprajna, which only perfectly realised souls like Sai have. Some others may through yogic practices, mantras, or by the use of spirits, acquire mind-reading, clairvoyance, and, within limits, may even be able to say what some persons at some places do or say. But ordinarily such yogis cannot always and without effort, be all-knowing at all places like Baba. Thus Dixit was convinced that Baba had these divine qualities (far superior to magical feats) and also the divine power to know or control the future and protect him.”……

DEVOTEE'S EXPERIENCE

I would like to share a very recent incident in my life with all the Baba devotees.

I was well placed and working with a leading MNC in a senior position in Gurgaon and was looking for a change in job for better prospects. In the month of June I gave three interviews and with Baba's grace I got an offer letter from two companies. I did not go for the final interview in the third company thinking it was very small. I chose the biggest brand and company out of the two and planned to join in the mid of July, 2007.

The company is a super brand in India and things started out fine. My boss was an expatriate lady. She liked my work very much. I had to attend one conference in Mumbai with her and next day was my birthday followed by the weekend. For long I had this urge to celebrate my birthday with Baba in Shirdi. So I asked my boss if I could take leave for one day and celebrate my birthday in Mumbai. I did not tell her that I planned to go to Shirdi because I thought she would not understand. Grudgingly, she obliged.

But a problem arose. My boss had to make a presentation on Monday afternoon, and I had to prepare that for her. So she asked me if I would be able to deliver and whether I needed to cancel my plan to extend my stay in Mumbai. I told her I will do it over the weekend and send it to her on Sunday.

So I took a night bus from Mumbai and went to Shirdi. When I reached Shirdi I had great difficulty in getting a hotel because they do not give a room to single people. I failed to understand why. Finally when I prayed to Baba, literally in tears, one hotel gave me a room.

After my bath I went for Baba’s darshan and it was the most beautiful experience for me. Now I plan to celebrate all my birthdays in Shirdi if Baba permits.

I took the night bus back to Mumbai and reached in time for flight to Delhi in the morning. I reached Delhi safely and made the presentation for my boss over the weekend. The only problem was that I finished it late Sunday night and even though I tried very hard, I could not send it to her due to a bad internet connection.

On Monday morning my boss was very nasty with me due to the delay from my side, for which I genuinely apologized to her many times. She made the presentation and it was appreciated. But in the evening she called me and told me that she does not trust me as I had delayed giving her the presentation and chose to take a day off and celebrate my birthday instead of working on the presentation.

Well next day I was called her office along with the HR person and was told that she does not want me to work in her team and so I should resign or else the company would terminate my position.

It was the worst moment in my life. I did not know what to say or do because inspite of my apology she was adamant. My only strength was my belief that nothing wrong can happen to me just because I had spent my birthday with Baba at Shirdi.

Since I did not have any choice I called the other two companies that were much smaller in brand and size to check if they had hired anyone. The bigger brand out of the two companies had already hired somebody for my position and when I called the smallest company out of the three, I was told that I can come for the final interview with the MD in three days time since he was out of town.

So I asked the HR person to give me three days before I resigned, and treat them as leave, so that at least I could say that I was still working. Those three days were the longest in my life. I did not tell my parents because I did not want to give them any stress. Somehow, I had the very strong belief that Baba will take care of me and do the best for me. This kept me going for those three days.

Finally I went for the interview. The MD met me as if he had already made up his mind to hire me. He just told me what objectives I have to meet. I got a better designation and salary package then earlier.

With Baba's grace I joined this company, which is located at a distance of 10 minutes from my home. Earlier I used to travel to Gurgaon from Delhi and I used to drive for two hours in the morning to reach office.

With Baba's grace I was not out of job for even a single day. I got a better designation and package and additionally my office is so near to my home. I don’t have to drive for four hours each day from Delhi to Gurgaon and back.

Moral of the story is don’t shake your faith and belief in Baba when you face any adversity. We are his children. He will take care of us. He has no option but to come and wipe our tears when we cry.

Om Sai Ram

Ritu Jain, Delhi

Share your experience, articles poems etc.

I ask you Oh God !
What can I offer You?

Whatever I possess
all belongs to You.
How can I offer You
what is already Yours?

I offer You water
representing my tears,
shed in longing
and desire of Yours.

I tender these flowers
as my pure heart,
devoid of anger,
lust and pride.

I present these fruits
as my mind,
full of love
and free from thoughts.

I offer You
five kinds of sweets,
as five elements
which constitute me.

Accept these offerings
Oh God !
As my love, worship and devotion.

S. Modi, Delhi

Share your experience, articles poems etc.

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

DAKSHINA AND SAI

In Sai Satcharitra, we come across many instances when Baba insisted that a devotee pay Dakshina that he had either committed in their mind or as desired by Him. He never took a morsel less or more from them. He did not save any of this for His own personal use; it was immediately distributed.

Now, we do the same thing through Sansthan – the times have changed and the value of money has changed relative to what it was in Baba’s times. Affordability is a question of individual capacity. Baba will still get His Dakshina, come what may.

Some may say that we should not bargain with God; He knows what is good for us and what is not; then why should anyone pray that he would pay this much if something good, as desired, befalls him?

Here comes the equation between a Living God, like our Baba and us. Whom shall we approach if we need help? Someone in whom we have faith and confidence who will never send us back empty handed. He is our Baba. If that be so, are not we bound to repay something as “thanksgiving” to a close friend of ours. That Thanks Giving is our Dakshina. What is He going to do with this? He is going to distribute it to the needy, now through the sansthan, and thus help others from the Dakshina He got from us.

This is not a business deal with our Baba. No one can do business with Him. It is our gratitude and our innermost desire to alleviate the suffering of the have-nots. We do it through Dakshina. We not only get what we want in this process but also abundant love and blessings from our Lord Sai from His Immortal State.

At lord's feet

Lt Col (Retd) RVS Mani, Muscat

Share your views on Topic of Discussion- DAKSHINA AND SAI

A disciple and his teacher were walking through the forest. The disciple was disturbed by the fact that his mind was in constant unrest. He asked his teacher: "Why most people's minds are restless, and only a few possess a calm mind? What can one do to still the mind?"

The teacher looked at the disciple, smiled and said: "I will tell you a story. An elephant was standing and picking leaves from a tree. A small fly came, flying and buzzing near his ear. The elephant waved it away with his long ears. Then the fly came again, and the elephant waved it away once more". This was repeated several times. Then the elephant asked the fly: "Why are you so restless and noisy? Why can't you stay for a while in one place?" The fly answered: "I am attracted to whatever I see, hear or smell. My five senses pull me constantly in all directions and I cannot resist them. What is your secret? How can you stay so calm and still?"

The elephant stopped eating and said: "My five senses do not rule my attention. Whatever I do, I get immersed in it. Now that I am eating, I am completely immersed in eating. In this way I can enjoy my food and chew it better. I rule and control my attention, and not the other way around."

Upon hearing these words, the disciple's eyes opened wide and a smile appeared on his face. He looked at his teacher and said: "I understand! If my five senses are in control of my mind and attention, then my mind is in constant unrest. If I am in charge of my five senses and attention, then my mind becomes calm". "Yes, that's right", answered the teacher, " The mind is restless and goes wherever the attention is. Control your attention, and you control your mind".

Deepa H, Seattle USA

Jai Sai Ram! I am just so so shocked after reading a devotee's experience in your Magazine. That devotee's name is "Vandana Ritik" from New Delhi. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experience with us. I am still so so moved.

I would like to tell you one thing mother. I am a devotee of Baba since 4 years now and he has become the center of my life. I am just 23 and left most of my bad habits because he is strict. When I started to read spiritual books, Paramahansa Yoganandaji's books came into my life at pretty much the same time as Shri Sai Satcharita. Although I have this strange strong attachment towards Baba the most, I feel some link with Yoganandaji as well. I took permission of Baba through chits and got his hints in various forms to join Yoganandaji's organization named "Self-Realisation Fellowship" recently.

I have also started reading his translated "Bhagavad Gita" and I have received the 3rd lesson after signing up for it. I had just finished reading that lesson. After reading in your experience that a lady who didn't know you but wanted to tell you something about your son came to you and explained how your son was doing fine with Baba and how she quoted Lord Krishna words from Yogananda's "Bhagavad Gita" I was really shocked and inspired.

I have recently come across several Yoganandaji's devotees who told me that a devotee of Shri Lahiri Mahasaya who is Paramahansa Yoganandaji's Guru's Guru (i.e. Parama Guru) has written a book in which he had clearly mentioned that Sai Baba of Shirdi was also initiated into Kriya Yoga by Shri Lahiri Mahasaya. After that I myself experienced their unity in more than one incident and then I was convinced that they definitely are working in unison with my Baba.....It seems like they are all working on the background, together, for our welfare...

Your son, yourself, your whole family and we all are so so blessed and lucky to have Sai Baba as our Gurudeva, our God.

Saurabh Patel, Sydney

Share your feelings about Shirdi Sai in Devotees’ Forum

I was deeply touched by Vandana Ritik's, "How Shirdi Saibaba Helped in the Smooth Passing Over of My Dear Son" devotee experience. Not only did her words reverberate in my heart, but her courage, her immense faith, strengthened my faith. Its 11 pm here in US and for the first time my kids are not with me for the night. Just the fact that I read her article today is a miracle itself. How one article, thousands of miles away, can provide strength and comfort to a complete stranger. Not only did Baba let me know that I am not alone, but also that he is with my kiddos. Thank you to a very brave Mom for sharing her heart-wrenching story. May Baba shower her with abundant blessings.

Bindiya, California, USA

Share Reader's Reflection

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 MANDIR, TORONTO, CANADA

The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Unit# 8, 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.ca or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.ca 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

SRI SAI BABA MANDIR OHIO USA

Location:7674 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH-43016

Daily timings and activities:

Weekdays:
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM 9:00 AM Kakad Arati, 12:00 Noon: Madhyan Arati 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: 6:00 PM: Dhoop Arathi, 8:30 PM: Shej Arathi

Weekends:

Temple is open from
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Every Thursday:
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Sai Bhajans followed by Mangal Arati and Shej Arati at 9:30 PM.

For more information please call at 614-799-8411 or visit www.templeofpeace.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/

NORTH AMERICA SHIRDI SAI TEMPLE OF ATLANTA

Location: 700 James Burgess Road,Suwanee GA 30024, USA

The North America Shirdi Sai Temple is located at 700 James Burgess Road,Suwanee GA 30024.Temple is open all seven days of the week. Baba's Kakad Aarti, Abhishek Puja, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti and Shej Aarti are performed every day. Bhajans are sung on all thursday and sunday evenings. For information regarding the daily schedule, temple activities and events please visit Mandir's website: www.templeofpeace.org or call 678-455-7200

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 mailto:hyperkinetix@gmail.com

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

Share News from your part of the world