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FEATURE OF THE WEEK: Why do we need a Guru?
The knowledge of the self is so subtle and mystic that no one
could by his own individual effort ever hope to attain it. So the help of
another person Teacher who himself got Self - realization is absolutely
necessary. What others cannot give with great labor and pains, can be easily
gained with the help of such a Teacher; for he has walked on the path
himself and can easily take the disciple, step by step on the ladder of
spiritual progress.
Innumerable discoveries and inventions have taken place in
the history of mankind. With each step towards perfection, man realizes more
distinctly the greater scope for unfolding the mysteries of nature and life.
Under these circumstances of materialistic advancements in life, man is
getting perplexed because the gains of scientific and technological progress
are making his life more and more complicated.
Extrovert attitude of a man has created the above conditions.
Seldom he adopts an introvert attitude to gain the knowledge of the self.
Recklessly man continues his efforts and there is neither the true knowledge
nor the tranquility of mind.
It is the quality of the heart that counts in getting a real
Guru. Teacher and the taught are the two positions in the field of general
education. Highly educated students after completions of their studies do
not get suitable opening for their career. Under-employment and
un-employment are frustrating experiences. The above situation has developed
due to the fact that the quest for knowledge of the self is missing.
We who believe in universal brother hood of mankind-who do
not believe in caste, creed, high, low, etc get a Guru like Sainath
Maharaj.'Gurudev Santasi Sada Namave'- Always bow to Gurudev and saints.
Therefore whenever we come across other saints, we respectfully bow to them.
However our fulcrum point of concentration is our Sadguru. We learn to see
him in all objects around ourselves. He is witnessing all our activities
round the clock. We do feel that he is steering all our affairs.
Our thoughts, words and actions are gradually purified to the
extent that our entity is totally submerged in the personality of our
Sadguru. This is the holy and spiritual blending of self with the Master.
The whole process is that of purification, of removal of dirt, of
identifying the glories of the self through introversion. Let the lining of
purity be permanent. Thereafter an amount of dirt around us will not block
our vision. It is our privilege to belong to this glorious fraternity of
Sadguru Sainath Maharaj. Sadguru is taking millions of us simultaneously
step by step on the ladder of spiritual progress and we can make the task
easier for ourselves only through our unstinted devotion to our merciful
Lord.
(Source: Shri Sai Leela Vol. 69, No. 4, July 1990) |
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CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Thanksgiving!
What is the method of teaching that Baba followed? Did He
install any institution or a particular way of thought for His followers to
propagate? For that matter, has there been any record of Sadguru Sainath
appointing anyone to continue His mission?
Inscrutable are His ways! This is the well-known phrase from
Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji's English version of Shri Sai Satcharitha. It turns
out to be true. During His lifetime and after, Baba showed a peculiar way of
teaching and guiding His followers. He had asked some to be more
disciplined, perform rituals, and undertake reading of sacred texts, while
some were asked to keep quiet or just wait. Some were commended for their
piety while some denounced for their orthodoxy!
Baba seemed to have answers to the innermost of the questions
His followers had. He seemed to have a certain way of giving "individualized
instruction" depending on one's earnestness. However, He seems to be very
particular in emphasizing certain virtues in His followers. The two pice
(two cents) He demanded were faith and patience. Invaluable! By calling
Himself as a servant, Baba has stressed the importance of humility, because
humility is a virtue that reaps rich harvest in one's pursuits. By insisting
on the surrender of the self and accepting the will of the supreme over the
individual, Baba stressed the existence of a unifying higher order. His
views on the purpose of religions were simple, "There is only one God and
the purpose of every religion is the same". In a unique way, Sai Baba of
Shirdi also had asked His followers to investigate the "self". He also
expounded on the obstacles for such a pursuit, native as well as acquired.
Is it possible to categorize this unique way of spiritual leadership?
For some, Baba's life and teachings might look like a
paradox, but in reality, His ways are as simple and natural as it could be!
He did not give any set of rules to follow for His disciples. On the other
hand, He was present in the minds of earnest devotees who sought His
guidance on matters, big and small. For such people, in His words, He
guarded them from front, back, and sides. To those who would differ with His
advice, Baba said simply, "God will do good". Neither was there an
insistence on a rigorous stewardship. Faith and patience are two traits
common to everyone regardless of their religious, social, and financial or
other status. By invoking the traits common to every human being, Sai Baba
of Shirdi has indeed simplified the pursuit and the purpose life may have,
which could otherwise be quite complicated given the nature of the modern
day mosaic mankind has found itself in. How shall one thank Sainath of
Shirdi for this? On this Thanksgiving Day, let us be happy for being so
fortunate and reflect on these thoughts.
(Contributed by Sai Vichaar team) |
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DEVOTEES SAY:
Vaishali
Baba has done lots of miracle in our life. I would like to share recent
miracle of baba. Our 10 months old daughter had high fever and doctor found
that she had urine infection. Doctor had given prescription for further
test, which are really painful for my little one. Her urine was give to the
lab for further testing and I prayed to baba and promised if I hear from
doctor in 2 days that her report is normal and she does not need any further
test then I would share my experience on Sai vichaar. Baba answered my
prayer and everything is fine. Her fever is gone and no further test
required. Baba, I thank you very much for being with us all the time.
Zeenat
I like to thank my Saibaba for giving me the kind of job I wanted. I was
very depressed about not getting a job for nearly a year and about three
weeks back I was reading Sai Vichaar devotees experiences and while I was
reading them I prayed to Baba, please give me a job that enables me to use
my talent which I have specialized in to help people. I couldn't believe it
within five minutes after my prayer I received an email that I got the job
with a charity within the field I specialize in, also the fact that I
received the email late in the evening which is unlikely to happen because
in England office hours are usually till 6 p.m. but I received this email
about nearly 8 p.m. It's true that Baba does everything when the right time
comes. Thank you Om Sai Ram.
Padma
Thank you Sai, for solving my mortgage approval problem with your blessings.
As you know we are very anxious regarding this matter without sleep for
nights. But I have faith on your words" Why fear when I am here". Please
shower Your blessing on us, be with us for further money arrangement issue
of my house. Sai take care of my husband and children; bless my children to
become Your devotees.
Rajeswari
When I entered into a job as a fresher in Chennai, I was not in a good team.
I was really sad because of that and was always thinking about future. My
husband is in marketing field so he always used to say if it is in Hyderabad
then for him it is good (because of language problem in Chennai, Tamil). But
because of Sai's grace on me I got the job in Hyderabad. Now my husband also
shifted to Hyderabad and we are very happy. Thank you Sai Baba. Always keep
this grace on us.
Sasi
Thank you very much for getting back my husband's PDA. Everything is
possible only because of you. |
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PRAYER CLUB:
Anasuya
Baba please save me. Please be with me throughout my lapro. Operation should
make me to conceive a child normally. You understand, see me every second.
Please forgive me for my previous mistakes.
Vishwanath
Baba, one of my sister's son is giving MCAT exams this week. Please be with
him when he takes the exams and guide him. Please help him get good marks.
And also help him succeed in life. My other sister's son is sick, it started
out as fever, now he has blisters around his mouth and boils in his tongue.
He is a picky eater, which does not help him heal easily. Please cure him
and make him a good eater.
Ajay
Baba I have borrowed lot of money. My wife's wages and mine are not enough,
so that after paying home loan we don't have enough to make our ends meet.
Please bless both of us to fulfill our financial responsibilities and please
do something so that our financial situation improves and we can pay off our
loan faster and meet our commitment.
Hema
Please be with us always and guide us the right way. Please keep me at your
feet. Please cure my daughter's allergies and asthma. Please take care of
her.
Deepa
Please help my husband Baba to get a good job. He has been applying for jobs
for the past few months. Please help us Baba to settle in life.
Jayaprada
Padmini, a social worker, a good human is in critical stage. She is in I.C.U.
It all started with a small problem. Now she is in Critical stage. Kindly
save ner Baba.
Mamata
Please bless my husband, you know how much tough times he has been with, he
has never been really happy, please have mercy on him, please Baba.
Anurag
Please bless us Baba and give us courage to go through this tough time.
Please help us my sister is getting married soon before anything else. We
are hoping for Your blessings Baba, please bless us.
Meenakshi
Baba I am taking TOEFL exams on 1st December, Sai please help me get a good
score. Help me not to stammer in the speaking section.
Vikram
Baba I really care for this girl from my heart. I request you to please
grant me this wish of mine that both she and myself become very close
friends.
Sai devotee
Please pray for my son Krishna and me. Our family is going through a lot of
hardship and only Baba has been our savior. I had the blessing of visiting
Shirdi twice during my trip to India this summer, the first time I was
seated at the very end and prayed hard to Baba to give me a closer darshan.
My next visit I had the privilage of entering via the Guru Sthal entrance
and saw Baba from really close. Baba please save my son and protect him.
Simran
Sri Sai Babaji, I have beeen married since five years but have very
restrained relations with my husband. Please Baba bless us with happy
married life and also I want my son to get admitted to a very good school.
Sudevi
Baba, how long we need to suffer this. Please get us out of this problem
safe. Baba we beg you for our peace and happiness. Please Deva, forgive us
and look upon us.
Sridhar
Baba, You know the problems which me and my family and Reddy and his family
goin through. Baba please solve the problem and give us one more chance to
redeem ourself. Baba I am totally disappointed and depressed with my life,
Baba please approve our change of status petition. |
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EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Pran Razdan
Last week I went to the top of my block to check the water pressure in my
overhead tank. The tanks for each flat in our society in Gurgaon are mounted
on the rooftop of the building on parapets about two feet high from the roof
floor. I went on the parapet and opened the lid of the water tank, a solid
RCC circular block of two feet diameter. The moment I lifted the lid, a
lizard jumped towards me. Too nervous to control, I dropped the lid from my
hand in a flash and started falling backwards. I was certain to fall on the
back of my head on the parapet wall but lo and behold I almost sat on a
chair with not even a scratch even. The incident did not end here. Over came
the lid I had left, rolling down and fell straight on my right kneecap since
I was by now sitting almost in a chair. Though I pushed the lid towards my
right but was sure that my kneecap was broken under the heavy weight of the
lid. But again, just a minor scratch and nothing else. I had enough swelling
which came down next day and the leg was uncomfortable for a day or two. By
the third day everything was back to normal. Do we need any more evidence of
Sai's everlasting company?
Mahi
This happened last week. I moved to a new apartment recently. In my old
apartment I used to keep all my certificates including my MS certificate in
an envelope and place it on the top shelf of a cupboard. While moving since
I couldn't see it I missed it totally and left it there. One Friday I
suddenly realized that I didn't have all those certificates with me. Sai
Baba has given me so much confidence in my life that I can say for the first
time ever in my life I never panicked about losing my certificates. I had
total confidence in Sai Baba and felt that He would take care of it. Being
disturbed I went to sleep with a great difficulty, thinking that I will go
and search for it in my old apartment and asked Baba to please take care of
it. Next day I first went to check in my office as to whether I left it
there because I have taken it to my office once. Not finding it there I was
okay with the situation thinking He is there to take care of all that. Then
when I went back to my old apartment I found it over there. It was indeed a
miracle because of the tensions in my life right now I didn't even remember
many things. But Sai helps me always. I feel He takes care of everyone and
everything. It was indeed a miracle that trusting Him so much I did not feel
tensed even though this would mean I would be unable to attend a visa
interview till I get those certificates. Thanks to all the Sai bandhus for
sharing their wonderful experiences always which gives me a lot of courage.
At last I pray to Baba again to forgive me for all my misdeeds and give me
patience and faith to carry on with my life from this situation. Please help
me Baba I need your help. Please give me peace of mind. It is a humble
request to You that though I want something so dearly and not sure of
whether I will get that or not please help me see through things clearly and
help me not get any rude shocks, Please help me.
Shruti
After my Masters I was desperately looking for a job in my field. I was
totally frustrated and prayed to Baba to help me. My parents and sisters
firmly believed that Baba would listen to our prayers. After many obstacles
at every step I finally got a job in a well-reputed company, which I can say
is my dream come true! My family and I very strongly believe that this is
Baba's miracle. With this experience I learnt not to lose hope and have
patience as Baba always listens to his devotees prayers. God bless.
Chandana
I prayed to Shri Saibaba for a job in this country. He guided me through
everything, even when I was going for this interview I felt Baba's presence
in the room and I had a strong gut feeling that I did well in the interview
and I am going to get the job. He tested me so much but ultimately gave me
whole lot of happiness by giving me this job. I thank You abundantly for all
Your blessings. I promised Baba that I would definitely put this miracle in
Sai Vichaar. I got a call in the afternoon that I have been offered the job
and they are also going to train me for the job.
Narasimhan
I am a devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba since the age of 16. I have always felt
His presence in every activity of mine. I felt He gave me solutions during
the toughest moments in my life. He has always forced me to traverse the
path of honesty and truth and has punished me if acted otherwise. I never
would like to regret on the decisions that I have taken in my life as He has
always blessed the decisions. I thank a million times for helping me meet my
life partner who is caring, loving and understanding and most importantly,
an ardent devotee of Shirdi Baba. He has seen me solve the problems at the
professional front and Sai Baba will be the first person that I will thank
when I have my doctoral degree next year. I must thank Him for giving me a
coveted job in a very reputed Automobile company in Germany at a very apt
time. Recently I saw Him solve many of the bureaucratic hassles. I am going
to marry my dream partner the next month in the company of all our relatives
and dear Shirdi Sai. I want His ceaseless love on us always and all the
time. |
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QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
"Wealth and prosperity are transient. Knowing this, do your
duty, leaving all attachment to the things of this world and the
next".-Shri Sai Baba
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. Baba said, "What is our duty? To behave properly. That's
enough!" Comment? |
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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@saibaba.org.
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 Center in Bay Area, CA
By Baba's grace, Shirdi Sai Parivaar is pleased to announce the opening of
Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area. The center is located at 897-B East Kifer
Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-564-6704 or
408-705-7904. |
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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.
Sai Vichaar wishes readers and devotees in USA a Happy
Thanksgiving. The "Question of the week" for this week is,
Q. Baba said, "What is our duty? To behave properly. That's
enough!" Comment?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor |
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