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FEATURE OF THE WEEK: Compassionate Incarnate
God, the manifestation of the Supreme is seen as the savior
from sin and the way to the eternal life. The core of the message delivered
by different messengers is the same. As if confirming to an unseen doctrine,
each of the messenger appeared to have spoken to those under different
conditions of life, over the time. Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom of
God. But unlike John the Baptist, or the Essenes, or many others of his day,
he did not envision the Kingdom of God descending miraculously from Heaven.
The arrival of the Kingdom would not mean the end of the world or the
destruction of Israel's enemies. Instead, he said, "The Kingdom of God is
not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, 'Lo, here it is!'
or 'There!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you." (Luke
17:20, 21) The Kingdom had already arrived, and it was a spiritual community
consisting of Jesus and all those who centered themselves in God. The
Kingdom of God was always meant to be a this-worldly movement which would
bring a measure of Heaven to earth through the lives and actions of those
who lived in God.
Just like Sainath had said "poverty is Kingship", Jesus said,
"Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you that
hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you that weep now, for
you shall laugh. But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your
consolation. Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. Woe to you
that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep." (Luke 6:20, 21, 24-26). Baba
asked His followers to cast their burden for Him to carry. Similarly, Jesus
said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Baba, like Jesus, said that God is great and kind and taught
us to be likewise. "God is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be
compassionate, even as your Father is compassionate." (Luke 6:35b, 36) The
word translated "compassionate" is derived from a word which means "wombish."
God's compassion is nourishing and life giving like the womb to an unborn
child. Jesus taught His followers to abandon the broad way of organized
religion, which tells us to believe such and such and do such and such to
win the favor of God.. Jesus said to abandon the way of anxiety, for we
already have the favor of God. Baba's advice to the fasting lady is a
perfect example of this similarity between Jesus and Baba. But knowing that
God already loves us, what are we to do to live good lives? And how do we
participate in the Kingdom of God in the here and now? First of all, Jesus
said to love. "... you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength."
(Mark 12:30) And he also said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31) Secondly, he
said to have a clean heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall
see God." (Matthew 5:8) [By seeing God, he means primarily the experience of
God's presence in this life.]
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: continued......
The Mango Miracle in Shri Sai Satcharitha is an interesting
one. Baba said to Damu Anna that those who would eat the mangos would die!
The way of death is a metaphor for a transformation deep inside, in which we
turn away from that which separates us from God. Jesus spoke of both the
self and the world as the two great spiritual obstacles. He said to "deny
self." And he told us that it profits us nothing to gain the whole world,
and lose our way spiritually. (Luke 9:25) Therefore, to the self and the
world, we must die. For the self-absorbed self is filled with narcissism,
and greed and fear, jealousy and cruelty. But the self which is centered in
God, loves others as much as it loves its own self. It is kind and
compassionate and does not think itself better than any other. On this Holy
Week of Christmas and as we welcome the New Year, let us contemplate on the
universal nature of Baba's message that permeates beyond the divisions of
religions and fundamental
(Inspired by and partly in reference to Robert Jenkins from
"Observations on God, Life and the Human Journey") |
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CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: All or None?
The uniqueness of Baba's message of God-realization outside
the realm of religion is by no means considered as a discounting attitude to
any given set of practices. On the other hand, this may be an all-inclusive
approach that regards and respects everything under the sun with the
disposition that God is all-the dispenser and it is not for us to judge. A
few practices under the name of religion cannot make the whole religion as
superstitious. Divisive attitude in the name of discrimination has its
limitations. On the other hand, the attitude that "everything is Sai"
prepares a seeker to receive the more important realization of the self - a
natural process that constant contemplation on Sadguru would lead one to. As
mentioned in several earlier occasions, all or none is not an approach to
Sai devotion but everything and anything with the faith that unless Baba
wills nothing comes to us - including the opportunities to serve and seek
him. As devotee Kamala Pallesenna wrote last week, in spirituality one size
does not fit all and not everything that Sai gives us appear sweet. The best
recourse is to pass the burden on to Sai and learn to wait.
It is easy to give in to the tricks of discrimination and
lose the basic tenets of Sai devotion - humility and compassion to
fellowmen. It is a fortune to have the blessings and taste the grace of Baba
and a challenge yet to remain meek and humble just the way our Lord showed
us. The attitude that "I am holier than you" is not a sign of humility. At
the same time, one's enthusiasm in sharing the love and devotion to Sainath
of Shirdi and willingness to help the needy should not be judged as
showmanship but be seen in the best of lights, as a noble intention at the
feet of Lord Sai. Hemadpanth's reference to subtle ego is probably a daily
reminder to Sai devotees. All Sai bandhus all over the world who rely on Sai
Vichaar for Baba's love and compassion can benefit from the understanding
that Sai Vichaar is done by a group of volunteers with diligence, love and
devotion to Sadguru Sainath, and with the only intention of sharing His love
and message. Happy New Year to all. Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all.
(Contributed by Ravin, Minnesota, USA) |
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DEVOTEES SAY:
Mamtha
Sai, thanks for showering your gracious blessings on us and taking care of
us each and every second. My mother-in-law's visa to the US got rejected 3
times. Dejected with this we were going to move back to India in a year so
she can stay with us due to her old age. We finally gave it a last try for
the 4th time and with Baba's blessings she got a 10 year multiple entry visa
two weeks ago and arrived in the US last week. Now, we are one happy family
with your blessings. Baba we bow to you with all humbleness. Please lead us
the right way and help us be close to you all the time.
Subramanyam
I would like to share my experience. A week back we had gone to my cousin's
wedding to my native place. We had taken two bags with us. First day of the
wedding went on well. The next day was the muhurtham day and to our shock we
couldn't find one of the bags in which my mother's costly sarees were kept
which she had to wear on the wedding day. We searched everywhere but were in
vain. Then everyone started getting tensed. The following day was Thursday
and me, in my mind, prayed to Baba that if I get the bag I would offer a
garland to Baba and just after that I called my mother who was in my
cousin's house and she told me she had got the bag. We are very thankful to
Baba.
Rajesh
I thank Baba to make my life very beautiful. A year back, I was unmarried
and I had some problems related to my job. I was worried about my future.
The problem was that whenever I joined any job I was not able to stay more
than 1 to 3 months. Because of my instability of my job many of my marriage
proposals were rejected. At that time I went to Shirdi and after Saibaba's
darshan all problems resolved with Saibaba's blessing. Now I am married and
working with banking sector. Many thanks to my Baba.
Malini
Due to sadgurus grace our long pending property was sold which gave us
relief from sleepless nights. Thank you Saibaba. If I have done anything
wrong please forgive me.
Prashaanthi
Baba, thankyou for forgiving me and blessing me with a baby. Please always
be with me and my family.
Beenu
Baba, I am very scared because I saw You in my dream two days back and what
I saw was not good. You were angry with us and whatever we were doing was
going wrong because You were not happy with us. Baba please forgive us in
case we have done something wrong unintentionally. We are coming to Shirdi
next week for Your darshan. Sai please shower Your love and kindness on us.
Sheila
Thank you very much Baba for giving my son a wonderful job in a very big
company. Better than what I have been praying for and something I would have
never even imagined. You have proved once again that "Saburi" brings best
results.
Sai devotee
Baba, the all pervading, omniscient God always listens to our prayers.
Whatever is required on our part is firm faith and patience. I have been
through very turbulent times recently and our Deva, Baba has helped me come
out of it with grace and maturity. There was a time when I felt that the
going is getting very tough and there seemed to be no hope and no end to my
worries, but Baba ensured that I got through it and came out as a more
mature individual. I have been reading Sai Satcharitra regularly and have
always found encouragement and inspiration and answers to any queries
arising in my mind. My humble request to all Sai devotees is to have firm
faith and conviction in Baba, pray to Him daily, have patience and He will
take care of the rest. As said in the Sai Satcharitra, we do not need to do
any yogasana or practise any type of hard penance, but the simple utterance
of His name Sai will destroy our ignorance and is enough to take us across
this ocean of worldy existence. Baba has been there everytime when I have
called Him and stood by His promises. So all Sai devotees, please have firm
faith in Baba, utter his name Sai Sai, be humble, try to help the poor and
the needy, give food to the hungry and Sai will take care of the rest.
Devika
Thank you Sai, for the most wonderful gift of a daughter. We can't thank You
enough. Please give her Your blessings and guide us to be good parents to
her. |
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PRAYER CLUB:
Chandan
Thank you so much Sai, I have heard from many that You help so many to
reduce their pains, but I was in such a mental trauma since day before
yesterday but after writing my problem on Prayer Club, I immediately felt
less stressed out and by the end of evening I saw a great change in the
thought process of my husband which I did not expect at all. I am confident
it is Sai's grace.
Sridevi
Oh Sainatha, please shower Your blessings on us. We lost our younger sister
six months back and this has put the entire family in depression. I have
recovered from depression by Your blessings and request You to bless my
elder sister as well to come out of the depression. She is not keeping best
of her health these days due to depression. Baba, please shower Your
blessings, so that she can be normal and healthy.
Yogeeswari
My humble prayer to You Baba to help me to have a smooth delivery and give
me a healthy baby. Please bless us all.
Rashmi
Please give the strength to bear the pressure of my board exam and please
help me in securing a good rank in my board exam.
Kanchana
My mind is very confused as to whether I should re-locate abroad, where my
husband has taken up an assignment or continue living here as my son is in
college but lives in the hostel. Please Sai I pray for Your guidance and
strength, as it is a difficult decision for me personally.
Bhawana
Saibaba help me to get through this exam with excellent marks. Please all
Sai devotees please pray for me.
Sai devotee
Oh Lord please make it possible for us to visit India in Janurary. I would
very much like to see my new born nephew who was born with Your blessings
and also come to Shirdi to fulfill my wows. Oh good Lord please shower Your
blessings on all of Your devotees.
Ananthashayanam
Baba, my elder sister who is suffering from stroke for the last seven years
is not able to walk properly. Baba, please give her strength to walk and do
her duties. Baba, You are my guide and Guru and solve my financial problems.
Baba, please solve the problem I am facing in the office. Baba, give good
health, good education and good nature to my son. Baba, please give good
health to my wife and me and also to my elder sisters.
Sethumadhavan
Baba, presently we are going through a tough time. Whatever mistakes we have
done in the past, please forgive and make us to succeed. Please be with both
our children and help them to lead a good life.
Priya
With all Your blessings and grace only I am now pregnant with twins, after
so much struggle and pain in the past four years. I am into the 7th month
now with Baba's grace. I have been having imflammation in my left eye for
the last two months and I have been using eye drops. Please bless me that my
inflammation should go away soon.The babies are your blessings and please
protect them and help me deliver healthy babies in an easy way. Without You
nothing is possible in this world. Please help me and protect your children
in my womb. All Sai devotees please pray for me.
Sudevi
Baba, please bless us to overcome all these miseries and pains we are going
through. Help us Deva. Please show her the right path and a better way to
come out safe. Please do the process soon and wash her sins at Your feet.
Please Baba shower Your blessings to us. Deva please forgive us.
Vijay
I prostrate at The Divine Lotus Feet of my Dearest Sainath who has rescued
me and my family in difficult circumstances many, many a times. I am now
awaiting for a important sanction of loan for my company for a long time.
Somehow the bank is not giving a favorable answer. I pray at the Feet of
Sainath to help us get this loan approved. I am confident this will happen,
with my Sainath with me always. |
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EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Todd
I rarely call upon Baba for help, but last week my beloved cat of 7 years
got locked outside and was missing for 36 hours. I kept an all night vigil
for him and around 4:30 am I thought I heard him cry out, but could not find
him. I searched all day, and then by the next evening I started to pray to
Sai Baba for his safe return. There are wild coyotes out there so it is
quite dangerous for a cat, especially an indoor cat who has never been
outside before and is shy by nature. I told Baba that I would stay up until
4:30 am again, and if He could please bring my cat home at that time. As the
hour approached I became excited because I could feel that Baba was at work
helping me. At exactly 4:30 am the cat walked up to my front door and we
were reunited! This is the true grace of Baba and I feel so blessed to have
received it.
Kala
I wanted to share my recent two experiences. I graduated with a slightly
different major than I wanted to have my career in. My husband has a very
steady job in a small town and I was looking at only 4 positions like mine
with at least 5 or more years experience with in 60 mile distance. So I had
a very difficult time in getting a job with no experience and slightly
different major. I called all the potential employers and told them I am
willing to volunteer for a year so that I could get some experience. Even
for free nobody was willing to take me. At first it was okay, as I had just
graduated. After 3-4 months I was getting depressed and frustrated about
being at home. I took a vow to finish Satcharita in 1999 and never did it.
So on one Thursday I just sat before baba praying and crying and read the
whole book. I decided to call everybody in our state. On that immediate
Monday I called a guy around 11.00 am and asked him if I could come and work
with him three days a week for free. I didn't know that he was the Vice
President of a chain of offices. He said he would give me a call in a day or
two. Just 30 minutes after I called him, one of the physicist in another
center said he was quitting. The Vice President called me around 1.30 pm on
the same day and asked if I could attend the interview the next day. I was
shocked and attended the interview the next day and was offered the job with
3 months probation. That was a miracle I was praying for. But that job
needed somebody with experience. So I had to work everyday from 4.30 am to
7-8 pm. I was totally deprived of sleep.
continued.....
One day on my way to work I fell asleep driving, went off the country road
with 5 feet ditches on either side. I was cruising at 75 miles and without
hitting the breaks I tried to jerk it back at the same speed and lost
control, and the vehicle jumped into the median and went to the opposite
side of the ditch. Just before the airbags were deployed I saw an
electricity pole. I thought to myself that's it. But my engine died just one
feet before the pole and I walked out of the vehicle totally unhurt. It was
a very major accident and my SUV was totaled. I feel Baba was the who saved
me and guided me in the difficult times of my job. Now I successfully
finished my probation. Thank you Baba for everything. |
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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 grand
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.
Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA
Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in
Los Angeles area. Please visit www.shirdisaila.org for more details. |
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FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:
Sai Vichaar wishes readers a Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful
2007. 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 participate
by sending your contributions as well as suggested topics for the same.
Sai devotee Sasi wrote, "I would like to know any information
during India's Independency and Baba's life. I know Baba has left us on
October 15th 1918". The "Question of the week for this week is,
Q. What is Baba's role in India's struggle for its
independence?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor |
