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: Is there a substitute to Guru?

The concept of Guru is unique. With careful observation, one might appreciate the existence of the concept of Guru in every way of life, in one form or the other. This includes all civilizations and cultures mankind has seen thus far. Could there be a substitute to Guru? If we can say that books can substitute teacher, we could probably say that one needs no Guru. Could exercises such as meditation or just performing rituals compensate the benefits of having a Guru? Experiences can be felt or realized through several sources. However, pursuit of such an experience without the right objective does not constitute a spiritual experience. On the other hand, it may just be a temporary state of well being, without any permanent gains. Exercises such as meditation have been scientifically proven to exert a positive influence on the human mind and body. Several great men have practiced and preached different ways of such activities. However, temporary spurts of feeling good do not lead to any permanent transformations. This is evident from the rate with which such phenomenon have arrived and vanished. One reason for the failure to accomplish any thing major through these exercises may be the fact that enough importance is not placed on the importance of completely understanding the concept of Guru and the true purpose of Guru.
Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji during a discourse challenged, "Is it possible to meditate upon something unseen or unheard?" How many of us can truthfully do this? If this could be possible, then where is the necessity for Guru, for the objective of a meditation is the merger of meditator and the object meditated upon. Human intellect responds to attributes that it can easily relate to. Such an object makes the pursuit of the unknown easier. In fact, it becomes absolutely necessary for some, given the frivolous nature of the mind. Reference to Satan in some religions and Maya in some others probably indicate the same predicament.

The necessity for a Guru is well explained in scriptures. Guru's manifold functions, and the fact that Guru is the closest to God one can experience is also well illustrated. Realization that Guru is none other than God and He is nothing but the all pervading conscious is truly a blissful experience. We find several examples for this phenomenon in Sri Sai Satcharitha including the episode of Madrasi Bhajani Mela and Dr. Pandit. Who might say that there is no need for Guru? The Guru Himself? How could a soul that personifies humility and modesty say such a thing? Baba said always, "Allah Malik, God is great!" and yes, He Himself has referred to His Guru many a times!

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Ek Shyam Shri Sai Ke Naam - In Memphis, Tennesse!

August 4th 2006, 6:30 pm, the Multipurpose Pavilion at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple (ICCT) in Memphis was filled to capacity. The aura was calm, serene and peaceful and the air was filled with anticipation. After all, this was the time set aside to get inspired, encouraged, and moved by the devotional singing of Shri Sai Baba bhajans. To make it even more stimulating, the singer was none other than Pandit Ajitkumar Kadkade, a renowned classical and devotional singer with an outstanding voice. Yes, this was "Ek Shaam Shri Sai Ke Naam" (an evening with Shirdi Sai Baba), a program coordinated by Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha in Chicago.
As is usually the case with his performances, Pandit Ajit Kumar held the audience spellbound with his renditions of classical, folk, and bhakthi geets. The tabla and the harmonium that accompanied his singing were flawless as well. The program ended with the singing of Aarti. This was followed by distribution of prasad. It was an evening to enjoy and cherish, an evening to store the experience only to recall for repeated pleasure. The most exciting part was to see the joy and pleasure in the eyes of the performers as well as the audience. It was as if both sides were grateful to the other for an opportunity to share an evening in devotion of Sai Baba.

(Contributed by Neeraj Gupta)

DEVOTEES SAY:

Mari-Elise
Sai Ram, as I am living in the Netherlands and not being raised in a Hindi family I did not believe in Sai Baba for a long time. My husband had a picture of Sai Baba on his desk. As we were visiting India last year, I got the longing to visit Shirdi. We didn't go that time. This year we were again visiting India for our summer vacation. And yes I got my way (or I should say, Baba got his way) and we were able to visit Shirdi. Sai Baba arranged a taxi from Mumbai to Shirdi for an affordable price, while the busses were out of business. We were getting a bit worried if we could go to Shirdi. But then we saw a Riksha with the picture of Sai Baba on it. We took that as a sign that everything would be allright. And yes the same evening we saw the meditation tree and the temple. The love is emating from this tree. It's hardly to believe, but it is. The next morning we went for a visit to the rest of the complex. The stone Sai Baba was sitting on, was also very livid with the Energy of Sai Baba. So was his grave. During the festives lot's of pictures were carried by devotees. Even these pictures were vibrating with energy when you put your hand on them with reverence. All the places in Shirdi were Baba has lived were very special. On special moments we were given prasad. The Udi was very cleaning on the emotional level. Our visit was filled with wonders, while we were wondering at the love of Sai Baba, still being in Shirdi and still there for all his devotees. Sai Baba was there and he was very close at heart. I would recommend every one to go to Shirdi when possible. If was so wonderful, fullfilling and rewarding to be there.

Bhima Rao
It is because of your kind blessings my two daughters got married with two noble gentlemen and are happy. They are also blessed with sons. I have visited Shirdi three times and I am very much thankful to You for having fulfilled my humble prayers.

Sarita
Pranam Sai Baba. Shat Shat Pranam. Sai Baba I found my ICICI card. Thank you very much for finding it. Please bless me always. Pranam.

Sai devotee
I was pregnant with my second kid and during the routine ultrasound, the doctor said that the baby had some fluid in the brain so he asked me to go for an another ultrasound with more sophisticated machines. I was so worried that I prayed Baba if everything comes out normal in the second check up, I will write my experience in this site. To my astonishment, after the second ultrasound, the doctor couldn't find any fluid and every thing was normal. Now I have a very healthy baby. Thanks Baba, You are always with me and I promise I will remember You in my entire life. I am sure You are going to be with me all the time. Take care of my family and give good health to all of us. Thank you Baba.

Anantha
Baba has once again proved that wonders can happen in our life, if we keep full confidence in Him. I had some issue to be resolved in my favour, which was proving beyond my capacity. I prayed Baba through this email to resolve the issue. At some time, though the issue was resolved to some extent, I still kept confidence in Him and unbelieablly He has resolved the issue to my entire satisfaction and to my boss satisfaction. My confidence in Baba has grown much stronger now and I pray Baba to bless me for the belief to grow even stronger. Thank you Baba once again.

PRAYER CLUB:

Geetha
I really don't know what misdeed I did in my past life. Baba has created me as a mother in heart, but as a woman I am impotent. For the past 9 years I am leading a miserable life, please dear brother and sisters pray for me. I am sure that Baba will answer our prayer and bless with a child as His Prasad.

Haritha
Saibaba we are trying to buy a house near to my daughter school where we shall live with you. It can happen with your grace and nothing else. Please help us.

Subodh
I am really worried about my brother-in-law who drinks heavily everyday due to which there is no peace at home. Please relieve him from this bad vice and bring happiness and peace in my sister's family. You have always heard my prayers and I know You will hear them this time too.

Bhatia
On Varalaxmi vratam day, I did not know how to perform it so I pray to Sai to accept my prayers to Him as He is my Varalaxmi to come to my house and bless us with prosperity, good health and wisdom. I myself cannot perform this pooja. Sai please this is my earnest request to bless us always. Love You a lot.

Mamatha
Dear Saibaba, me and my husband are having a lot of marital problems, please help us to be together by Your blessings. I do not know what to do, please bless us.

Manish
Pranam Baba, you know each and everything please help me this time to clear my C.A. exam

Sai Devotee
Baba! as You know my younger daughter is suffering from undiagnosed ill health for the past one moth. Her suffering is beyond the cure of human doctors. Please cure her with Your divine grace. Please relieve her from suffering!

Sai devotee
Baba, I have faith and trust in You and would like to state that few days back I had a quarrel with my neighbours with whom I have had extremely good relations and understanding. I have had exchange of words at different occasions but had never ever reached a state wherein we have completely stopped talking to one another. As a devotee of Yours what I lacked at that moment was patience. I ask for forgiveness for this kind of behaviour and also forgive my neighbours and pray for them too. Please help us restore the relationship and kindness amongst ourselves.

Sai Devotee
Please Sai let my sister have an uncomplicated pregnancy. Let her and the baby be alright. She should have a safe delivery with a healthy baby. You know Oh Sai the trauma she has undergone, please kind Sai I beg of You do not put her through a difficult ordeal again. Please make it possible for my parents to be with her as soon as possible. Kindly bless all of us Oh Sai Deva and please be with her throughout.

Sana
Baba my dear father, I surrender myself and my beloved ones at Your feet. Please take care of all. Have mercy upon us. Keep us all (the whole universe) in Thy loving care. Beloved Baba, You know what am I going through now. Problems and unhappiness within and around me. Our financial crisis is so severe. I need the help of my Allmighty Father, my beloved Baba’s help now. Please give me some financial assistance now; today itself. You know what my needs are. Also please help me to write that book which I have committed on fashion. Grant me divine wisdom and knowledge. Please provide all materials. Please help me to complete it on time. Please bless all, I surrender completely to my Baba. I surrender all my fears and cares. Please help me Baba. Please be with me and my loved ones always. Thank You.

Shiban
Saibaba, please bless my daughter with a child. My daughter is under severe stresss and I am afraid she may go into depression. You are the only hope that we have and her husband is also not feeling well. Saibaba help him at this crucial time. We have complete faith in You and You have given everything for what we have desired. Sai due to your blessings my son got a good job and today he is joining the new assignment at ahmeadbad which is far from his native place, but he has to obey Your orders and has join the assignment. Please be with him always. He is very obedient and Your bhakht, we again request You to please help and to overcome above difficulities. Jai Sai.

EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:

Manju
I would like to share a recent experience in which Baba has cured my daughter very fast. Presently we live in USA. We (me, my husband and our two daughters, elder one 2 years and younger one 8 months old) went to India to attend my brother's wedding. As soon as we landed in India the same month my elder daughter was suffering from fever, vomiting and loose motions. The problem was not subsiding even though we were using the medicines prescribed by docter. Docter told us it is Gastroenteritis and it will be better to admit her in hospital. She was in the hospital for 24 hours. Then the younger one had the same problem loose motions, vomitings she was dehydrated. She was only 8 months old. They put her on I.V. We were so scared, she was in hospital for 2 days and it was scary and stressful experience. By the grace of Baba everything was normal. Then after 3 months again my elder one all of a sudden was suffering from vomiting and loose motions. I tried to give her medicine to stop the vomiting but it didn't worked. I was so scared I prayed to Baba to cure my daughter, and I gave her Udi mixed with water. I told Baba if my daughter is OK by morning I will post my experience in this sight. By the grace of Baba she was alright by morning, vomiting had completely stopped. Doctor prescribed some medicine over the phone. I didn't even have to go to hospital. We should learn to put our faith in Baba and He will do the rest.

Remya
I had heard of Saint Baba but never knew anything more till my brother who was working in Mumbai gifted me a rare photograph of Baba. I had placed the same in our pooja room. From then I had the urge to visit Shirdi but somehow couldn't make it. It was only 6 months before when I joined my new job I met my colleague who was an ardent devotee of Baba. I visited Shirdi along with her and also could buy a copy of Satcharitha. Things started changing drastically in my life after that. I am more confident and I am able to take my work pressure much better because for every obstacle that comes my way Baba gives clear hints as to how to solve it. Recently I had severe viral fever and doctor diagnosed it as chikun guniya. I had temp of 104 and all my joints were swollen. He told me that it will take a long time to recover. I knew many who were not recovered completely even after 3-4 months and I was really disappointed. I went home to take rest and there I consulted a physician who asked to go for a thorough check up. By Baba's grace I was told that the earlier doctor has diagnosed wrongly as chikun guniya and it was just an acute viral fever which will subside if I take rest for a week or so. By Baba's grace I was complexly cured and now I am back to work.

Anjali
I went to India for one month and was not able to go to Shirdi for first 3 weeks. I was really praying to Baba to please let me come to Shirdi. Just 6 days before coming back from India, my husband got up in the morning and said lets go to Shirdi. I was in double mind whether to go or not, as I had lot of packing and last minute jobs to do. My husband is facing lot of problems in his career, so he doesn't believe in God, but still he forced me to come. We drove for 12 hours and reached Shirdi and by Baba's grace our stay was very comfortable. We reached Shirdi in evening and had to wait in big hall for half hour before darshan as evening arati was going on. Then next morning I wanted to be in the main Samadhi mandhir for morning arati. So I got up early and went to the temple. I reached a bit late and waiting hall was full of people, I was in 8th row. I felt so bad, scolded myself for being late and prayed to Saibaba to please somehow let me come in main hall for arati. I was crying while the darshan line was moving forward with my heart beat going faster. As I reached second queue the security guard came and shut the gates saying no more people can go in. I desperately prayed Baba, and then suddenly, another security guard came and opened the gate only for my row to go in as there were few old women behind me. I ran so fast past those old women (I am sorry deva for running past those old women-I know I should have waited behind those women but I had only one thing in mind-to be in Samadhi temple for arati, those old women also got in) so by Sadguru Sainath's grace and blessings, I was in the temple for morning arati.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

"It is love that gives you the "Trust" with which you can entrust your whole life into the loving hands of the Sadguru".-Sri Sarathbabuji

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Q. What does a devotee learn from Mr R B Purandhare's devotion and service to Baba?

A. by SL Abhyankar

I have been tracking whether there will be some posting in reply to the question of the week. It is two weeks already and there is no reply. The reason could be that mention of Purandare comes in Shri Sai Satcharita only once in Chapter 9. This reference also mentions Mrs. Purandare and not Mr. Purandare. Mrs. Tarkhad had sent some brinjals with her, requesting her to make some Bharit and Kaacharyaa and offer these to Shri Sai. Mrs. Purandare makes Bharit first and sends it over. Baba unwittingly asks for Kaacharyaa also. Everybody attending on Him is perplexed, because it was not the season for Brinjals to be available in the market. They had to first trace who had sent Bharit. They were able to trace it to Mrs. Purandare and were able to get her to make Kacharyaas also from some Brinjals which she had left out to make them later.
Since there has been no posting over two weeks in response to the question, the person(s) who composed the question should first clarify whether this was the instance in their mind, when the question was composed.
One lesson to be learnt is that like Mrs. Purandare was the messenger of Mrs. Tarkhad, we are all messengers, in one sense or the other. The messenger has no right to partition a message and deliver it in pieces, by his or her own choice. Imagine if postmen were to do that with the mails!!
When it comes to carrying a message, there is the instance again of Govind Mankar forgetting to carry the bitten Pedha, which same Mrs. Tarkhad had sent with him, even when he was to be observing "Sutak" due to the blessed passing away of his father Balaram Mankar, which death is mentioned in detail in chapter 31.
About carrying a message, there is also the incident in chapter 51, wherein Swami Tembe sends with Mr. Pundalikrao a coconut for his "brother" Sai Baba. Not only that the coconut was not delivered, it was devoured!!

Q. What does a devotee learn from Mr R B Purandhare's devotion and service to Baba?

A. by Ravin, Minnesota

It was surprising that there were not many responses for the question on Sri Purandare. This is perhaps because that Sri Purandare's experiences are not mentioned in Sri Sai Satcharitha. However, Sri BV Narasimhaswami ji, the great apostle of Saibaba has written about Sri Purandare after interviewing him, in his books Devotees Experiences of Saibaba and Life of Saibaba. While Sri Satcharitha is a sacred text on Saibaba, unfortunately it doesn't include details about many great souls that experienced Baba's love, guidance and protection during Baba's physical presence in Shirdi. One such great soul is Sri Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare. A simple, straight forward and guileless Sri Purandare was very much loved by Baba. Reading his experiences one would easily comprehend the uncompromising faith he had on Baba's words and also his own unflinching commitment to completing a task that he undertook amidst many challenges. Although of a mediocre employment and financial position Sri Purandare had the privilege of visiting Baba and spending time at His blissful presence several times and Baba had a peculiar love for Sri Purandare who he forced to build a house although Sri Purandare was not in a position to do it with his meager employment at the Railways? Sri Purandare also had the privilege of working for the sansthan along with the likes of great devotee Sri Kaka Dikshit. Writing by Col Nimbalkar, Sri Sai Sharananand, Sri BVN Swamiji, Sri Sainathuni Sarathbabuji are good references to know more details about Sri RN Purandare, a loving devotee of Sri Sainath Maharaj.

SAI ACTIVITIES:

Shirdi Sai Temple Chicago Anniversary celebrations Aug 19th 2006
Shirdi Sai Temple Chicago is celebrating its second anniversary celebrations with live renditions of Sai Bhajans by Pandit Ajitkumar Kadkade on Saturday August 19th 2006 at the temple from 6 p.m. onwards. Please join with family and friends for this free admission event. Mahaprasad will be served. For volunteer opportunities, directions and other questions please call the temple at 847-931-4058 or email at maildrop@saibaba.org

Live Sai bhajans by Pandit Ajitkumar Kadkade in North America
Pandit Ajitkumar Kadkade will be performing live Sai bhajans in North America in "Ek Sham Shri Sai Ke Naam", organized by Saibaba.org. To learn more about program venues, dates and Ajitkumar Kadkade, log on to www.saibaba.org and follow link to Ajitkumar Kadkade page or call at 847-931-4058.

Shri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Saibaba activities in Minneapolis were conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer center since the year 2002. Now, with the grace and blessings of Baba and the support of devotees, a new Saibaba Mandir has begun to function at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis from July 11th 2006. Please visit www.hamaresai.org for all details.

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 Satsang, Bay Area, California
Shirdi Sai Parivaar invites all to join us for Satsang every Thursday 7:30 pm at Odd Fellows Temple, 20589 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 95014. For details please call 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com or visit www.ShradhaSaburi.org.

Sai Satsang, New Jersey, USA
Shirdi Sai Dham, Inc regularly conducts Sai bhajans followed by Aarti and Prasad on every 1st Saturday of each month at Durga Mandir, Kendall Park, New Jersey. All are requested to kindly come and receive Baba's blessings. For more information, please call us at 609-275-1334 or visit www.shirdisaidham.org or email us at shirdisaidham@hotmail.com.

Summer Sai activities for Children, Toronto, Canada
Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada cordially introduces "Character and Moral Values"- a unique 4 Week Summer Program for Children of all ages. The Guiding Principal of the program is "Shraddha" "Saburi" with its curriculum based on the Teachings of our Sadguru Shri Shirdi Sai Nath. For details to enroll or volunteer visit www.shirdisainath.org or send email saileela99@yahoo.com or call 416-402-8089 or 416-895-7905.

Shirdi Sai Mandir, Scarborough, Canada
The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario, 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 is at 7:30 p.m. everyday. Bhajans are on Saturday from 6:00 p.m. onwards. For other temple activities and information please call 647-444-4724 or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.com.

Shirdi Sai parivar, Vancouver, Canada
Shirdi Sai parivar in Vancouver invites you all for Sai satsang on Thursday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and first Sunday of every month from 11:30 am to 1 pm, at 8571, 118A St, Delta, V4C 6L2. For further details contact (604)592 4182 or email at sai_ish@hotmail.com.

Sai Satsangs in Singapore
Dear Sai devotees in Singapore, Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan (Singapore) conducts regular Sai bhajans every Saturday from 6:30 p.m. at Shri Vadapathira Kalliamman Temple, Serangoon Road, Little India, Singapore. Please visit the web site http://www.saisansthan.com for more details.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Dattatreya Mandir Seventh Anniversary celebrations
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Dattatreya Mandir invites you to the Seventh Anniversary celebrations Akhanda Sai Nama Sapthaha and daily Anna Prasada from September 3rd to 10th, 2006 at Sai Snehadhama Vrudhasrhama premises, Metipalya Village, Tavarekere, Sondekoppa Road, Bangalore South Taluk. Please call 080 57744468 in Bangalore, India for more details.

FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:

Sai Vichaar thanks you for your support for the Question of the Week feature. This feature is intended to initiate useful discussion on topics related to Sai philosophy, His message, and Sai devotion. Please send your suggested topics for the same.

The "Question of the week" for this week is,

Q. What does a Sai devotee learn from Shri R B Purandhare's devotion and service to Saibaba?

Humbly Yours,
The Editor