THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI
Third Year of Publication
Published as Bi-Weekly
Issue 26 / 2005
22-12-2005
Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org
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GURUR-BRAHMA, GURUR-VISHNUH; GURU-DEVO MAHESWARAHA;
GURUR-SAKSHATH PARAM BRAHMA; THASMAI SREE GURAVE NAMAHA:
http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm
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GENISIS OF SAIDARBAR:
Pranams to Saibandhus from Sai
Sevak SrinivasaRao Kasturi. Saidarbar completes Seven years and enters the
Eighth year. We sincerely believe that this milestone is achieved firstly due
to the Grace of our beloved Guru Sri Shirdi Sainath and secondly due to the
excellent cooperation and support rendered by our Sai brethren.
Infact Saidarbar is dream
project of GopalaRao Ravada who has dedicated his total available time and
untiring efforts for this cause, by putting his mind and soul into it. He is
affectionately addressed as SAIBANISA. Lord Sainath appeared in the dream of
Saibanisa on 24-12-1998 and instructed him to distribute the SPIRITUAL CAKE TO
THE WORLD. Saibanisa was perplexed with the guideline and was not able to
conclude anything from the message. A close associate Sri.Srinivas Katta then
gave out his opinion that, perhaps Baba wanted him to spread SAI PHILOSOPHY
across the world through the media of INTERNET.
Thus Saidarbar was born on 25-12-1998
and has grown to the present position where it is acclaimed as AT HOME by many
of its cross section of viewers. Internet was just making its entry in Andhra
Pradesh. Saibanisa at that time neither knew typing nor has computer knowledge.
He put his entire weight on Baba and started with a web site and brought it
today’s position. Every one working for Saidarbar is very much aware that all
this not possible without blessings and Grace of Baba. There are many obstacles
and tough times faced by us and I am grateful to Saibanisa for the full backing
and unstinted support provided in my day-to-day work. His directions are very
valuable and made work pleasurable by his wit and humor. I take this as an
opportune time to rededicate my services to the Lotus feet of Lord Sainath.
Lastly I pray to Baba to shower
HIS blessings on all HIS devotees and look forward for Saidarbar to celebrate
many more anniversaries in the future to come under the able guidance of
SAIBANISA.
I hereby acknowledge gratefully
all those responsible for the success story of Saidarbar.
SaiRam.
SaiSevak SrinivasaRao Kasturi
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THIS ISSUE CONTAINS
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE
3. FOOT STEPS OF HOLY FEET
4. SAI IN DREAMS
5. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY
6. SANATANA DHARMA& SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
7. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO …..
8. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES
9. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
10. SAI WITH CHILDREN
11. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES
12. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES
13. TELUGU SECTION
14. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS
15. SAI'S BOOK WORLD
16. EDITORIAL.
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1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL
LIFE:
From the Satsanghs of Saibanisaji
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm
SaiSevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad
140. Adding oil to flames will aggravate the fire; similarly without
contentment enjoying the desires will ruin the life.
141. For a happy atmosphere in the house, the
understanding between the wife and husband is a must.
142. After marriage, ladies should lead a new and a happy
life with in-laws. At the same time, they should not forget the past life and
give the due respect to their parents.
143. Ladies are soft by nature. It does not mean they
should be timid in self protection and protecting their family.
144. To maintain happiness in the family, house wife
should behave at appropriate times like a Mother, Servant and Minister.
145. A husband will get real happiness in the family only
when he has a faithful wife, good children and proper returns for the hard
work.
146. Accepting
or giving the dowry in the marriage is nothing but trading the children.
147. Maintaining
the illegal contacts between men and women is nothing but destroying the
society with diseases.
148. You
should treat your wife’s mother, brother’s wife and your teacher’s wife on par
with your own mother.
149.
For a better married life of your children, before marriage check their education,
health, age, character, wealth and family traditions.
To be Continued…
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2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
25th
December, 1910: Lala Lakshmichand of Santacruz came to Shirdi.
December,
1911: Kashinath Upasani composed the famous "Shri Sainath Mahima
Sthostra" in Sanskrit.
December,
1911: Bubonic plague raged in Shirdi. (Lasted up to March 15 next year).
5th
December, 1911: Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti arrived at Shirdi again with
family and stayed there for three months in Shirdi.
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3. FOOT STEPS
OF THE HOLY FEET –19
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/other_books.htm
EXPERIENCES OF SAI.BA.NI.SA WITH SHIRDI SAI
I am sure that all Sai devotees can recall how Bhimaji
Patil got cured of his ailment (Tuberculosis) and escaped from the clutches of
death due to the divine grace of SAI. It is well depicted in the 13th chapter
of Sai Satcharitra. I would like to narrate how Sai saved me from a most feared
disease.
It was on 20th April 1996, the Sunday morning hours while
engaged in watering of plants in our Kitchen garden, and I felt terrible pain
in my chest with lot of perspiration. I approached our family Doctor Dr.R.A.Rao
who immediately diagnosed it as Heart attack, administered sorbitral to be kept
under my tongue and advised me to be immediately moved to CDR Hospitals for
specialized care. As arrangements wore being made to shift me to the Hospital,
I prayed and opened up a page in Sai Satcharitra. The message given was from
the 15th chapter and read as follows: “He who respectfully reads this chapter
or studies it daily will get all his miseries removed by the grace of Sadhguru
Sai Baba". I gathered courage that Lord Sainath will definitely save me
and vowed to continue parayan of 15th chapter regularly on my returning home
after full recovery. I was moved to Hospital with the help of my friends in an
Auto and I was feeling discomfort in breathing as I was being shifted on to a
stretcher.
Even in that stage my attention was drawn to the Medical
hall opposite to the main entrance - "SAI SHAKTI MEDICAL HALL" with
photograph of Sai in blessing. My faith and confidence level in positive
recovery increased. A costly injection was given to me after I was made to rest
in ICCU. On 28-04-1996 I was taken for ANJIO GRAM TEST and the test confirmed
that three of my Arteries were blocked to 90% and two more Arteries to the
extent of 30%. Decision to perform bypass surgery was taken by a team of
attending experts. As usual I prayed upon Sai on the night of 01-05-1996 and
sought his advice as it involves a considerable expenditure, time taking and
with success not 100% guaranteed. Sai appeared to me in my dream and uttered
-" thieves have joined in your street; you better call the Police in day
time and get them driven out ". This type of message may appear strange to
the readers but I could decode correctly as it meant to me, that three of my
Arteries are, blocked and I must undergo Surgery only during day time and
overcome the present crisis. 1 have talked to the team of Specialists and I was
posted to get operated on 16-05-1996 (Thursday) at 14:00 hrs.
However on 16 May 1996, till 17:00hrs the team of Doctors
has not turned up. At 18:00hrs a group of Assistants started making preparations
for the Surgery anticipating taking place. The inner thinking process of mine
was cautioning me that surgery performed in the night Hours may not be 100 %
successful. I requested Sai to save from the present predicament. Before
entering the Operation Theatre I wrote the following words. "I am going to
fight with death and if I return alive the success goes to Sai. I was being
readied for the, surgery with all the gadgets and equipment attached properly
as per their procedure. In the heart of hearts I was praying that this night's
surgery should not take place and was resting helplessly lying on the operation
table. Mean while the Telephone in the Operation Theatre gave a ring. One of
the assisting Doctors attended the call and Theatre Nurse announced the
information that chief Surgeon Dr.Prasada Rao will not be available this
evening due to unforeseen circumstances. Accordingly the Surgery stands
cancelled and patient is posted to be operated the next day morning i.e.
17-05-1996. My joy knew no bounds and was sure that Sai alone has performed
this miraculous act of organizing the postponement. Operation commenced at
09:00 AM on the next day and completed by 16:00hrs in the evening.
I was shifted to the, critical postoperative care unit
for observation and none was allowed to see me. Later I understood that my
wife, children and well-wishers were eagerly waiting to see me. I regained
consciousness the next day morning by 08:00 AM and the first person I saw was
DR.BRAHMAIAH, the Anesthetist. I could see SAI in him and greeted him
traditionally with folded hands. He bent over me while asking me as to whom I
would like to see first. I expressed that 1 wanted to see SAI first and a
little later I saw my wife showing me a photograph of Sai in gentle smile, with
tearful eyes. The typical gentle smile of Sai alone has given me the strength
and courage, to be in front of you and granted me an opportunity to serve you
all and read the 15 th chapter regularly.
BOW TO SAI - PEACE TO ALL.
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4. SAI IN DREAMS:
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/
These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SAIBANISA From our
beloved GURU LORD SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that this feature will
help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled from his personal Diary and presented to
SAIBANDHUS.
Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.
25-02-1994
Today I completed Translation of “The Incredible Sai”
authored by Arthur Osborne from English in to Telugu language and submitted to
the Lotus feet of Sainath to seek HIS blessings.
Sai appeared in the form of an unknown person and gave me
a glass full of sweet buttermilk. I happily consumed it.
He said “No need to go to Pandarpur, install the Lord in
your heart and worship from here itself”.
God is universal and omni present.
26-02-1994
I prayed Lord Sainath to grant permission to write new
articles on SAI.
HE advised me to concentrate and solve the problems being
faced in the Tube manufacturing process before venturing to write books.
Indirectly HE forewarned me about the future -heart problems. Subsequently I
had to undergo Bypass surgery during the year 1996.
The master knows what is best for HIS devotee.
28-02-1994
I prayed Lord Sainath to talk to me on some good things.
Sai appeared in the form of cine actor Kanta Rao of
yester years and said-
I entered the
cine field faced difficult times and earned well, but lost all the money due to
carelessness and negligence. Today I am rendered immobile and some one’s help
is needed even to go out. Life as it appeared to me is incomplete with out
facing ups and downs”.
Discipline and character building are essentially
required besides maintaining mental balance under all odds.
Ups
and downs are the ways of life. Learn to stay balanced
To be continued…..
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5. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S
PHILOSOPHY:
(By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)
"Shashi": shashi_31@yahoo.com
20. On Humanity
We entertain all sorts of egoistic and illusory
differences in our day to day life. To overcome this Maya is to be destroyed.
Our mental barriers make us to identify ourselves with our body. There are no
differences from one human to another once we realize that we are Chaitanya and
not the body itself as these distinctions pertain to the body only. We should
never discriminate based on the origin. The differences are illusory and just
like a mirage. Try to habituate to live without such feelings. It is wrong to
feel proud that we belong to a particular class. According to customary
practice (Sanatana Dharma). We should not engage in spiritual practices for
pomp and show. Even if our mind is involved in the worldly affairs, we should
not keep them in our mind for ever. Serve God and get rid of passion for the
body. A man whose heart is full of Universal love with tender care of a mother,
such a man will not feel the difference. We are all God’s kith and kin and we all
are entitled to share God’s love. The entire humanity appears to God as His
children. His love extends to all. By love, earth will be transformed into
heaven of blissful peace. Leave of the vindicative attitude to others. Then we
are sure to win all by friendly attitude. Don’t hate anybody because he belongs
to another class, but give him due respectful position.
Sri Sai Baba always used to condemn such differences
being observed based on one’s origin. Once A mamalatdar along with a doctor
from South Africa came to see Sri Sai Baba. The doctor told the Mamlatdar ‘I am
a Sri Rama upasaka and I will not bow to any others’.
The Mamalatdar told him –‘Never mind. You need not bow to
any others’.
When they came near to Sri Sai Baba, the Doctor while
standing at a distance from the Aarati proceedings, suddenly fell at Baba’s
feet. Mamalatdar asked him – ‘Why did you change your mind and bow?’ Doctor
said –‘Sri Sai Baba showed Himself to me as the beautiful Sri Rama so I bowed.’
When Moolay Sastry of Nasik came to Shirdi, Baba asked
one of His devotees to get some Ochre color cloth. Later Baba asked Booty to go
and get some Dakshina from Moolay Sastry. Moolay Sastry came to Baba and stood
at a distance before HIM. Sastry suddenly saw his Guru Sri Jay Gholap Maharaja
in place of Baba and he fell at Baba’s feet. Moolay Sastry found that the ochre
cloth robed Brahmin Guru was Sri Sai Baba.
To be continued…..
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6. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI
SHIRDI SAIBABA
AKHILANDAKOTI ,
BRAHMANDA NAAYAKA, RAAJAADHI RAAJA, YOGIRAJA, PARABRAHMA SREE SATCHITANANDA
,SAMARDHASADGURU, SAINATH MAHARAAJ KI JAI”
Sai In Ramayan:
By Sri SAIBANISA Gopal Rao Ravada
Guru Vakya Paripalana - Ordeal of Guru Bhakti
In Ramayan in the Balakand, Viswamitra takes Ram and
Lakshman to the forest to defeat and kill the raakshasas who were obstructing
his yaaga. When Thaataka approached fiercely to kill Ram and Lakshman and to
destroy the yaaga, Viswamitra asked Rama to kill Thaataki immediately. Though
it was against Kshatriya Dharma to kill a woman, Ram did not hesitate a minute.
He said, “it is my duty to obey my Guru without asking any question,” and so
saying He strung His bow and the arrow pierced her chest and Thaataki fell down
lifeless. Ram proved here that “guru Vakya” i.e. order of the guru is very
important.
Similarly in chapter XXIII of Sai Sat Charita, Sai tested
his disciples. While the cholera ordinance was in force, someone brought a goat
to the Dwarakamai to be killed. Sai put some of his closest devotees to test.
He first asked Bade Baba to behead it, who flatly refused. Then Baba asked
Shama to kill the goat and he also went to fetch a knife but did not return. Baba
finally asked Kakasaheb Dixit, a man of strong principles, who never in his
life knew killing, to behead the goat. Though quite averse to do any act of
violence, Kakasahib Dixit tightened his dhotar and raising the knife waited for
Baba’s permission. When Baba said “strike”, the knife was about to come down on
the goat. But Baba said, “Stop. How cruel you are. Being a Brahmin you are
killing a goat”. Kakasahib Dixit said, “Baba, Your nectar like word is law to
me. I do not know whether it is right or wrong to kill, but I know implicit and
prompt compliance with Guru’s orders is my duty and Dharma”. Here Kakasaheb Dixit
has taken the words of Baba as law.
Parasthri Vyamoham:
In Ramayan, Ahalya, the wife of Gautama Muni was turned
to a stone by her husband when she yielded to the unholy desire of Indra.
Ramayan teaches a lesson that Parasthri Vyamoham i.e. yearning for another
man’s woman is very bad offence.
In Sai Sat Charitam XLIX chapter, Sai also preaches that
Parasthri Vyamoham is bad. Once when Nanasaheb Chandorkar was sitting in the
Dwarakamai with Baba, a gentleman came with his family. When the lady removed her
veil to salute Baba, Nana was smitten by her beauty and was tempted to see her
face once again. Baba knowing Nana’s restlessness said to Nana, “Our mind is
fickle by nature; it should not be allowed to get wild. You can enjoy beauty,
but you should not aspire for it. Beauty is the object of sight, but we should
never entertain evil thoughts in our mind.”
Kamadhenu
Viswamitra comes to the ashram of Vasista with his
followers and, he sees Kamadhenu the divine cow of Heaven, which grants all the
wishes and desires of Vasista. When Viswamitra asked Vasista about the
importance of Kamadhenu, Vasista praises the Holy cow and says that she emerged
from the ocean and was created by Brahma to serve mankind.
Sai speaks about Kamadhenu in Chapter XXVII in Sai Sat
Charita. Smt Lakshmi Bai Khaparde was the wife of a very rich and famous
advocate but she was very humble like her husband. Both the Khapardes were
faithful devotees of Sai. While she stayed at Shirdi, every noon she brought
naivedya for Sai, One day when she brought the Naivedya, Baba ran to her and
snatching the plate began to partake the dish zealously. Shama asked Baba, “Why
this partiality? You throw away dishes of others, but you are eating this
lady’s food. Why is the dish of this woman so sweet?” Baba then explained, “this
food is really extraordinary. In her former birth (five janma’s back) she was a
cow yielding much milk. I have tasted that milk. She has come back to me after
her five janmas. I saw her after a very long time. Let me take some sweet
morsels of food from her dish.” Baba as Ram would have tasted the milk of
Kamadhenu. As Baba has said, “I will follow my baktha birth after birth”, He
still remembers her. If an animal or creature does something good to the
society, they will be born as a human being in the next birth. This is the moral,
which Sai indicates to us.
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SANATANA DHARMA
FIVE MAJOR DOCTRINES
Truth is one,
Sages call it by different names* Rig Veda, 1.164.46
All Mankind is
One Family* Hitopadesha, Subhashita Ratna Bhandagare
Law of Karma -
As you sow, so shall you reap* Mahabharata, Shantiparva 299.42; BG 18.60
That mode of
living which is founded upon total harmlessness towards all creatures or [in case
of genuine necessity] upon a minimum of such harm, is the highest morality*
Mahabharata, Shantiparva 262.5-6
Whenever there
is a decline of virtue, God incarnates Himself on earth to uphold righteousnes*
BG 4.7, 4.8
CONCEPT OF GOD
The truth
(Ultimate Reality) is one, Sages call it by different names - there is one God,
(Supreme Reality) perceived differently.
Supreme
Reality - Brahman has two aspects, transcendent (impersonal) and immanent
(personal).
In the
impersonal aspect Brahman is without attributes (nirguna Brahman).
In personal
aspect (saguna Brahman) the God is creator, preserver and controller of the
universe.
Saguna Brahman
is worshipped in male and female form.
Hindu Deities
represent various perceptions of a one God.
Hindus believe
in monotheistic polytheism, rather than polytheism.
HINDU TRINITY
Represents three manifestations of the Supreme Reality.
These are: Brahma: Creation Vishnu: Preservation
Shiva: Destruction
Hindu Trinity
(Trimurti)* Three Faces of Divin* Three Cosmic Functions of the Supreme Lord
* Creation
+ Preservation+ Dissolution* Generator + Operator + Destroyer = GOD
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SANATANA DHARMA
–NEWS FROM ABROAD:
Malaysia Temple
Reconsecrated
MALACCA, MALAYSIA, December 12, 2005: Magical. This aptly
describes the two-century-old Sri Subramanian Thuropathai Amman temple in Gajah
Berang, Malacca. Rebuilt recently, the consecration ceremony was held before
dawn yesterday, accompanied by a fireworks display. More than 10,000 devotees
gathered for the 6.45am ceremony which saw priests conducting prayers on the
gopuram (the tower over the entrance to the temple) which is adorned with more
than 1,500 stone sculptures. “The temple, which was built in the 17th century,
is believed to be the largest Hindu temple in Malaysia and has been rebuilt in
the likeness of the Madurai Meenachi Amman temple in Tamil Nadu, India.
http://www.indo.com/indonesia/news86.html
Indonesia--Besakih Temple to be included
into World Cultural Heritage List
DENPASAR (indo.com): Besakih Temple in Karang Asem
regency, Bali, has been proposed as a member of the World Cultural Heritage
List. The temple constitutes a powerful religious icon that unifies thousands
of Hindu followers from different castes throughout Bali and beyond.
Sutaba, a representative of the Bali Archeology Board,
explained to indo.com recently that Besakih Temple is part of the island's
ancient Hindu heritage, with a long history. This includes evidence of
pre-Hindu belief systems found in the large ancient stones from the megalithic
era. Also present is evidence of the worship of deities, such as those who are
believed to reside on Mount Agung, the holy dragon known as Basuki, and also
ancestor worship.
Besakih, often referred to as the "mother
temple", consists of five temple compounds around the main temple. These
represent the five holy directions, and there are also tens clan temples which
are used for ancestor worship on different days. Other compounds honor the
founding father of Besakih temple, Rsi Markandya, and Basuki - the holy
guardian dragon believed to dwell in a cave on Mount Agung. As the mother
temple, Bekasi is the site of Bali's largest and most elaborate purification
ritual - Eka Dasa Rudra - held once a century.
To date, Indonesia has three national cultural
conservation structures that have been included on the "World heritage
List", namely Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple and Sangiran
Archaeological Site. Besakih Temple will be the fourth.
Compiled
by SaiSevak SrinivasaRao Kasturi
Saidarbar – Hyderabad.
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7. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO “BRAHMARISHI
VASHISHTA”
Brahmarishi
Vashishta was the manasputra of Lord Brahma of the first Yuga of the creation.
His wife was Arundhati. When Lord Brahma asked him to become the priest of the
'Surya-Vansha' (descendants of the Sun god), Vashishta declined. Since, he was
free from greed for wealth; hence he disliked the idea of doing a mean job like
that of a priest. But when Lord Brahma said that Lord Vishnu would take an
incarnation in this very 'Surya-Vansha', Vashishta agreed to accept this
designation.
Initially, Vashishta acted as the priest for whole of the
Suryavansha, but often he had altercation with 'Nimi', he quit all the other
branches of the Suryavansha and he made his hermitage near Ayodhya and acted as
a priest only for 'Raghuvansha' (descendant of Raghu). Whenever a famine
occurred or there was no rainfall in Ayodhya, he came to the rescue of the
subjects by the powers achieved from penance. He also saved the people of
Ayodhya from any danger.
When sage Bhagiratha was unsuccessful in his attempts to
bring the Ganges from heaven to earth, Sage Vashishta was the one who gave him
a mantra with which he succeeded. When king Dileep wanted a son for a long
time, Vashishta asked him to serve the 'Nandini' cow as a result of which he
became a father.
Vashishta considered him self the most fortunate after
having Lord Rama as his disciple. He gave discourses on the 'Yogavashishtha'
which he had written. The importance of Karma (action) and right conduct had
been described in detail in 'Yogavashishtha'. Maharshi Vashishta was
omniscient. If he wanted he could have stopped Shri Rama from going into exile.
But he knew very well that Rama's going into exile would be fruitful to
mankind. Maharshi Vashishta with his wife Arundhati are also known as
'Saptarishis' even today.
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8. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
From the files
of Saidarbar:
Prem Desai, Surat, India
I would like to inform you about how my wife SANNIDHI
saved from critical delivery. As we are working couple & devotee of Shree
SAIBABA & with his blessing we had a baby boy born on 11/11/96 named RISHI.
When she was pregnant, jaundice was detected on 7/11/96 & on the same day,
I took her to Valsad, about 85 Kms. towards south, her hometown as she can be
treated well. As it was peak Dipavali time, there were very few Doctors present
in town & others were on holiday. However we took her to a maternity home where
her name was registered for delivery & we came to know that the lady doctor
was also on holiday. However she had made alternate arrangement then she was
taken to one doctor & he started treatments.
I would like to inform you that probability of delivery
was in mid of December. On 10/11/96 she had a little pain at midnight. Next day
morning I drove to Surat for some work, moment I reached to my house at Surat I
got a telephone from Valsad saying that Sannidhi is admitted. Moment I reached
to Valsad hospital, present doctors had warned me about critical situation
& also told me that if baby comes in normal delivery then O.K. but if we
have to operate her then we don't give any guarantee about mother or child. I
always read one ADHYAY (part) of Shree Sai Satcharitra, I started reading book
& told my mother & mother in law to put some UDI (bhasma) in her mouth
& apply some on her stomach. At about 4.55 baby boy was born & best
part was it was a normal delivery and only nurse was present. Moment she gave
this news, I rushed to the nearest temple of SAI BABA at Tithal (Tithal is a beach
about 3-4 Kms. from Valsad Town & this temple is right on beach, beautiful
place to visit). After visiting temple, I saw my wife & baby boy. This was
the real CHAMTKAR of SHREE BABA. Now my son, he is about two years, he is very
healthy.
For Other Devotees Information, Valsad is about 200 kms.
from Mumbai (Bombay) towards north, well connected by Train on Western Railway.
Valsad is a Dist. Head Quarter. From Valsad transport is available to TITHAL,
SAI BABA TAMPLE, There is a good guest house near to temple, managed by Sai
BaBa Temple Organization.
(This experience was received by Saidarbar during the
year 1998)-Editor.
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9. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
swamymain@yahoo.com
Fri, 16 Dec 2005
21:00:18 IST
Sai Ram. Let us continue with
the spiritual gems from Chapters 18 and 19 of Sai Satcharita. Before proceeding
further, I want to share with the readers an incident which shows that Sadguru
Sai is with us all the time, if only we care to remember Him.
In the previous issue of Glory
of Shirdi Sai dated 8/12/2005, a recommendation was given to all Sai devotees
to do a parayana of Sri Guru Charitra before Datta Jayanti. This recommendation
was not seen by me when I got the e-magazine in the mail, but nevertheless Sai inspired
me to do a saptah of Sri Guru Charitra from 8/12/2005 Thursday to 14/12/2005
(Wednesday) leading up to Sri Datta Jayanti which coincided with Thursday, this
time, making it doubly auspicious. I was really happy when I saw that I
followed Sai's recommendation. I keep getting such Anubhutis regularly, thus
keeping my Sraddha and Saburi going strong. Sai Ram. Let us now proceed with
the Spiritual Gems.
"Like a loving mother
forcing bitter but wholesome medicines down the throats of her children for the
sake of their health, Sai Baba imparted spiritual instructions to His
devotees." Sai Ram. Baba taught through words and actions, some of which
were not to the liking of the egoistic part of the devotee's mind. He knew the
right medicine for our disease of materialism and attachment to the senses. As
we develop
faith in Sadguru Sai, we realize
that Baba always gives us exactly what we need, not necessarily what we want.
Sai Ram.
"His method was not veiled
or secret, but quite open. The devotees who followed His instructions got their
object. Sad-gurus like Sai Baba open our (eyes of the) intellect and show us
the divine beauties of the Self, and fulfill our tender longings of devotion.
When this is done, our desire for sense-objects vanishes, twin fruits of Viveka
(discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion or non-attachment) come to our hands;
and knowledge sprouts up even in the sleep. All this we get, when we come in
contact with Saints (Sad-guru), serve them and secure their love. The Lord, who
fulfills the desires of His devotees, comes to our aid, removes our troubles
and sufferings, and makes us happy. This progress or development is entirely
due to
the help of the Sadguru, who is
regarded as the Lord Himself. Therefore, we should always be after the Sad-guru,
hear His stories, fall at His Feet and serve Him. Now we come to our main
story." Sai Ram. Listening to stories of saints is one form of satsang. Falling
at His feet is vandanam. Serving Him is paadasevanam and daasyam. Thus we get
the benefit of the bhakti in various forms. God's grace is due to our poorva
janma punya and that in turn brings us into contact with Sadguru (it is not necessary
that the Sadguru should be in a physical form, Sai repeatedly made it clear
that He was not to be confused with His physical form, though seeing Him,
listening to Him and touching Him was certainly helpful in the early stages of
devotion), which in turn brings us close to our own divine nature by removing
the many layers of ignorance. Sai Ram.
"There was a gentleman
named Mr. Sathe, who had attained some publicity many years ago during Crowford
Regime, which was put down by Lord Reay, the then
Governor of Bombay. He suffered
severe losses in trade. Other adverse circumstances gave him much trouble, and
made him sad and dejected. Being restless, he thought of leaving home; and
going out to a distant place. Man does not generally think of God, but when
difficulties and calamities overtake him, he turns to Him and prays for
relief." Sai Ram. Thus it is seen many a time that troubles are actually
our friends in disguise. So, when troubles come, instead of cursing our fate
and blaming God for our troubles, we should indeed be grateful that an opportunity
for further spiritual progress has come our way! Sai Ram.
However, this happens only if,
"If his evil actions have
come to an end, God arranges his meeting with a Saint, who gives him proper directions
regarding his welfare. Mr. Sathe had similar experience. His friends advised
him to go to Shirdi, where so many people were flocking to get Sai Baba's
darshan, for getting peace of mind and the satisfaction of their wants."
On the other hand, if the person is paying for his past actions and is not yet
ready for further progress, he doesn't get such a good opportunity. It may take
days, weeks, months or years to finish off that karmic debt, before God/Guru comes
to help him. The story of Sri Gopal Ambadekar is an example (See Chapter 26).
"He liked the idea, and at
once came to Shirdi in 1917. Seeing Baba's Form, which was like Eternal Brahma,
Self-luminous, Spotless and Pure, his mind lost its restlessness and became
calm and composed." Sai Ram. Indeed this is a good sign. Where the mind loses
its restlessness, there is the Guru Sthan! So, indeed Mr.Sathe has come to his
Guru! Or rather, the Guru called him to His feet through this leela! The stories
of Kakaji Vaidya, the priest of Goddess Saptasrungi and Sri Somadeva Swamy also
testify to the fact that when one meets one's Guru, all vrittis get subsided
and a great calm and peace settles on the mind. The jeevatma, the individual
soul realises that it has reached its true home. The restlessness, the anguish,
the sense of loneliness and fears (typical of a lost child) disappear. Sai Ram.
"He thought that it was
the accumulation of merits in his former births that brought him to the Holy
Feet of Baba. He was a man of strong will. He at once started to make a parayana
(study) of Guru-charitra. When the reading was finished in the saptaha (seven days),
Baba gave him a vision that night. It was to this effect: Baba with
Guru-charitra in His hand was explaining its contents to Mr. Sathe, who was
sitting in front and listening carefully. When he woke up, he remembered the
dream and felt very happy." Sai Ram. Seeing Guru in dream is another
auspicious sign of
Guru's grace! Thus indeed Sathe
was blessed by Sri Sai. Sai Ram.
“He thought that it was
extremely kind of Baba. Who awakens souls like his that are snoring in
ignorance, and makes them taste the nectar of Guru-charitra. Next day, he
informed Kakasaheb Dixit of this vision, and requested him to consult Sai Baba
regarding its meaning or significance -- whether one saptah (week's) reading
was sufficient or whether he should begin again. Kakasaheb Dixit, when got a
suitable
Opportunity, asked Baba -
"Deva (Oh God), what did you suggest to Mr. Sathe by this vision? Whether
he should stop or continue the saptaha? He is a simple devotee,
his desire should be fulfilled
and the vision explained to him, and he should be blessed." Then Baba replied
- "He should make one more saptah of the book; if the work be studied
carefully, the devotee will become pure and will be benefited, the Lord will be
pleased and will rescue him from the bondage of the mundane existence."
Sai Ram. Two readings and he will be freed from the bondage of mundane
existence! What great punya has Sri Sathe accumulated in his previous
births! We should indeed bow to
Sri Sathe. A good disciple is indeed worthy of respect and the Guru too will be
pleased, just as God will be pleased by our
service to His devotees! Sai
Ram.
We will continue with this
great chapter in the coming issues. Sai Ram.
S.V.Swamy
Author, Editor, Proof-Reader and Book Reviewer
www.freewebs.com/swamyreviews
To be
continued…..
-------------------------------
10. SAI WITH CHILDREN:
http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg
Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad.
Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with children
and used to tell stories to them? I felt children visiting Saidarbar should be
entertained with good stories. For the last 2 years I have told you about Lord
Krishna's Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I want to tell the stories what heard
in my child hood.
THE TIGER AND THE
GOLD BANGLE:
One day a rich merchant was passing through a dense
forest. As he walked down the path his solid gold bangle shone on his wrist. A
tiger was hiding in the tall grass by the path. As the merchant came near
enough, the tiger pounced and killed him. After feasting on the merchant’s flesh,
the tiger did not know what to do with the gold bangle. He kept it with himself
any way. After few years, the tiger grew old and weak. He could no longer chase
a prey. He started thinking of some way to get his food. He remembered the gold
bangle he had. He thought, “I have
heard that human beings are very fond of gold. I must test and confirm this.
May be I can lure some passers – by with this gold bangle and then kill them.
This way, I will have enough to eat to survive the rest of the days of my life.”
So the tiger took the gold bangle and sat by the path
that ran across the forest. As he had thought, he lured many people with the
gold bangle and ate them up. Now he had found a good idea to eat the tasty
flesh of human beings. He made it a routine. In this way, he began to live a
happy life. One day a clever but poor man named Krishna was walking down the
forest path. As he walked on, he heard a voice from the tall grass by the path,
“My Dear man, will you stop for a while and hear me out?” Krishna looked
around, but could see no one near the trees or bushes. Then his eyes were
blinded by a flash in the grass. He stealthily walked a step nearer. To his
surprise, he saw a tiger in the tall grass. He held a gold bangle in his paw.
Then fear gripped Krishna’s heart and he stepped back. The tiger said, “Don’t
fear my friend. Come here and take this gold bangle.” Krishna said, “Do you
take me for a fool? You are a well known ferocious animal. I can not come near
you to lose my life.”
But the tiger insisted, “Your thoughts are true because
every one knows that tigers are violent animals. But look at me now. I am not
strong any more and my paws have lost the sharp nails too. I have killed many
people and animals in my life. Now I am old, I want to die without any burden
of sin. I gave up my violent nature. As repentance I want to give this gold
bangle to any man. You are lucky to have come down this forest path today.” At
the tiger’s honest sounding lecture, Krishna grew thoughtful. He thought, “If
this tiger has given up his violent nature then there seems to be no danger in
approaching him. Further more, I am a poor man. The gold bangle which the tiger
is offering can help me a lot.” So overcome by greed and losing his ability
to think, Krishna went to the tiger. The wicked tiger waited till Krishna came
near and then pounced on him. Krishna died instantly and once again the tiger
was able to fool a man due to his greed for gold.
-----------------------------------------------
11. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
"Sankaraiah Dubagunta" sainama@yahoo.com
NAASTHIKA NAHI TU LAVISHI NIJABHAJANI
Sri K J Bhisma in the noon Aarathi prays to Baba
"You attract even atheists
and transform them into theists.."(Naasthika nahi
.....nijabhajani).We can understand from the following narration that his
statement is cent percent correct. We know that Keshav Rao Pradhan of Bhivapuri
(near Mumbai) a declared atheist was made to build Sai Mandir in the year 1916
itself i.e., during Baba's presence. In fact Baba did not allow Pradhan to
visit Shirdi after 1916 as He was always present at Bhivapuri Sai Mandir.
We have read in Chap 9 of Sri Sai Satcharitra that Rama
Chandra Atmaram Tarkhad alias Baba Saheb Tarkhad was a prardhana samajist. Let
us see how Baba pulled him towards Him. The miraculous cure of Mrs Tarkhad's
chronic headache by mere touch of Healing Hand of Sainath was the main reason
for remarkable change in the hearts of Tarkhad family and also in their firm
faith in Baba's spiritual powers. Baba Saheb consulted his close friends Kaka
Mahajani, Jaykar and Purandhare who were Sai devotees before giving consent to
his wife who insisted on his visit to Shirdi with them. Atlast father, mother
and son travelled to Shirdi by train. On the way gents were playing cards to
kill the time. A fakir approached Baba Saheb for alms; he gave him a silver
coin with the stamp of George V embossed on it. After they reached Shirdi Baba
asked Mr Tarkhad whether he could recognize Him. He showed the same silver coin
given last night and asked "Do you atleast recognize this which you had
given me last night?” Tarkhad was trying to recollect but Baba told him"
Hay, That fakir and myself were the same ".Then he bowed to Baba as this
incident transformed him to a good devotee. He visited Shirdi several times and
supplied petromax lights to Dwarakamai and rolls of cloth for Baba's kufni. He
had lot of experiences and was the first treasurer of Sai Samsthan.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
D.Sankaraiah.
--------------------------------
12. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES:
Thu, 8 Dec 2005 11:13:11 +0530
Sairam,
This time article “FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE”
was very interesting and also the quotes impressed me which I have
forwarded to some of my collegues.
I feel people should put into
practice and ensure that they feed the poor people atleast on every saturday.
Sairam
Venkateswaran N.R.
-------------------------------
9 Dec 2005 12:34:02 +0000 (GMT)
Sri Satchidananda Sainatha
Maharaj Ki Jai!
Thank you so much for this most
valuable info and articles in “The Glory of Shirdi Sai”.
Asha kumar.
---------------------
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 08:36:23 -0500
Thank you for this wonderful
share. I really enjoyed reading “The Glory of Shirdi Sai”.
Naomi
-------------------------------------------
13. TELUGU
SECTION:
Please visit:
http://68.88.118.16/telugupages/Misc/ShiridiSai/shirdisai.htm
Please visit for Sai Aartis in Telugu:
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/PDFS/pdfs.htm
Please visit for Sai Aaratis Audio:
http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org/main_English/saibaba/saibaba_aarti.asp
-------------------------------
FOR STARTING A SAIDARBAR CHAPTER OUT
SIDE INDIA:
Please contact: saidarbar@saidarbar.org
& saidarbar@gmail.com
SAIDARBAR - SATSANGHS
The word ‘Satsanga’ is the combination of the two words
‘Sat’ and ‘Sangh.’ ‘Sat’ means existence absolute, which is Brahman. ‘Sangh’
literally means company or union. To be always in the company of the Lord, or
to be established in Brahman, is the literal meaning of the word ‘Satsangh.’
Satsangh is association with the wise. Live in the
company of sages, saints, Sadhus, Yogis and Sannyasins; hear their valuable
Upadesa or instructions and follow them implicitly. This is Satsanga.
God and Saint Sainath:
* God is the
great purifier. A saint SAI also is a great purifier.
* God
incarnates as saints and sages when their need is felt most.
* God works
through sages and saints.
* God reveals
Himself in a saint in His full glory, infinite power, wisdom and bliss.
* The saints
are the heart of the Lord and the Lord is the heart of the saint.
* It is
extremely difficult to come in contact with a saint and to be benefited by his
company. It is through divine grace only one will get his Darshan and Satsangah
* Divine grace
works through saints.
* Saints are
the living symbols of religion and are the true benefactors of humanity.
* The sage or
saint or Yogi is a magnet. He is a centre of power and wisdom.
* A sage is a
sustainer of the world. He is a source of perpetual inspiration. He is an
instrument through which divine grace is transmitted to the un- regenerated
men.
* A sage is
the salt which preserves the society from decay and degeneration.
* A saint is a
beacon-light in the stormy sea of this Samsara. He prevents many ship-wrecks in
the lives of many human beings.
* A realized
sage or saint is a fountain of delight, joy and illumination. Seek his company
and evolve. Serve him with faith and devotion.
* A sage is a
fountain of spiritual wisdom. Approach him with all humility and reverence. He
will impart to you divine wisdom.
* Learn wisdom
from saints. They are your saviors. Know them to be saints who possess godly
qualities.
The Benefits of Satsangh:
* Satsangh
with Mahatmas, Sadhus and the Guru plays a tremendous part in the attainment of
quick spiritual progress.
* Satsanga is
the easiest and quickest means to change the minds of worldly persons towards
the spiritual path and to thoroughly overhaul the vicious, wrong Samskaras.
* Satsangh
elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or purity. It eradicates the vicious
thoughts in the mind and leads to the attainment of wisdom or Brahma-jnana.
* Without
Satsanga, this mind which is filled with worldly impurities cannot be turned
towards God.
* Satsanga
with sages is the surest Viveka-inspiring agent. Vairagya or dispassion cannot
be attained without Satsangh.
* Satsangh
removes the darkness of ignorance and fills your mind with Vairagya or
non-attachment or dispassion for worldly enjoyments. Satsanga is the sun that
dispels the cloud of ignorance. It forces you to lead the life divine and have
strong conviction in the existence of God.
* The company of a saint remarkably hastens
the growth of Sattvic virtues in the aspirant, and gives him strength to awaken
the dormant powers, and to eradicate undesirable negative qualities and various
defects.
* Satsanga
helps a great deal in the attainment of Moksha. There is no other way. It
removes and destroys the threefold afflictions. It is an unfailing means to
conquer Maya and this dire mind.
* Satsanga is
a formidable and impregnable fortress to protect the young aspirants from the
temptations and the attacks of Maya.
* Just as a
boat is the greatest shelter to a drowning man, so also, a saint or a sage is
the only shelter to the persons who are being drowned in the ocean of
worldliness.
* Satsangh is
a sentinel at the door of Moksha. If you make friendship with him, he will
introduce you to his other friends, viz., Vichara (enquiry), Santi (peace) and
Santosha (contentment) and you will attain Self-realisation quickly and easily.
* Satsangh is
unfailing in its results.
* Satsangh or
association with the wise is the one panacea for all the ills of life.
* There is
nothing so inspiring, elevating, solacing and delightful as Satsanga.
* Satsangh is
the greatest of all purifiers and illuminators of man.
* Satsangh with
a sage even for a minute is much better than rulership of a kingdom.
* Have the
company of saints who will heal your sores, infuse new life into you,
rejuvenate you, and show you the way to peace and happiness.
* Follow the
teachings of saints and sages, the perfected beings, the seers of Truth. Attune
yourself with their Spirit.
* Life, fame,
happiness, power and knowledge will increase in that man who respects elders
and saints, and with faith and devotion prostrates before them.
------------------------------------------------
14. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS:
For Activities of Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA: Contact murali_krishnamurthy2003@yahoo.com
Report:
Dec 16, 2005 Satsangh Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA Inbox
Jai
Sai Ram.
December 16th, 2005 Shirdi Sai Satsangh for Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA was conducted
little differently to bring children into the concept of bhakthi and
discipline.Some of the kids are extremely talented. After Ganesha pooja, we
read Sai Satcharithra Chapter 3 and it was time for the kids to participate.
Sai
Nama Japa ( Om sai sri sai jai jai sai) was started by 4 year old Vishnu ( son
of Shri Murali and Sharmila Krishnamurthy) which went on for 10 minutes. Then
Adyut (Son of Shri Kamal and Paroo Chauhan) recited the holy Hanuman Chalisa.
It was bliss all the time.
We
encouraged the kids to prepare for the next satsangh to present something
spiritual/devotional.
Arathi
was performed and Shirdi Sai was all in his glory. The arathi proceeds will be
donated to an orphanage in Chennai.
More
devotees are joining also.
Murali
Krishnamurthy, Laurel, MD USA
-------------------------------------
Saidarbar Chennai: saidarbarchennai@yahoo.co.in
For Activities of Saidarbar Chennai
Contact saidarbarchennai@yahoo.co.in
Chennai Saidarbar Team.
---------------------------------
"Ramesh and Anitha" kandra@iprimus.com.au
Sat, 3 Dec 2005 21:28:35 +1100
Saidarbar-Canberra
For Further details visit:
http://angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra
------------------------------------
Shirdi Sai Baba" technical@saidarbarusa.org
Saidarbar Wallingford-PA- USA:
For
further details please visit
www.saidarbarusa.org
----------------------------------------------------
"Shanthi Ramakrishnan”: shanthi@sigmacgi.com
Sai
Darbar Portland OR USA
please
contact shanthi@sigmacgi.com
Shanthi
------------
A.S.Rao, - raoas@zamnet.zm
For Activities of Sai Darbar Kitwe, Zambia
Please contact: raoas@zamnet.zm
--------------------
Anil Zutshi: zutshi_anil_k@sbcglobal.net
For activities of Saidarbar Danbaru-Canitcut-USA
Please contact: zutshi@msn.com,zutshi@magnai.com
-------------------
Satish Achanta: vskachanta@hotmail.com
For activities of Saidarbar Woodland Hills-CA-USA-
Please contact: vskachanta@hotmail.com
-----------------
Ravi Subramanyam: sai_ravi@hotmail.com
For activities of Saidarbar Livermore-CA-USA
Please contact: sai_ravi@hotmail.com
-------------------------------------------
Suresh Vaghela: suresh@vaghela.net,suresh@somtek.com
For activities of Saidarbar-London
Please contact: suresh@vaghela.net,suresh@somtek.com
-----------------------------------------------------
"Raja" rajamm@starhub.net.sg
12/1/2005
12:35:25 +0800
Sai
Sansthan, Singapore
Weekly
Satsanghs on all Saturdays
Venue:
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple, 555 Serangoon Road
Singapore 218174
Time
Program
6.30
pm Start of the Bhajan Session. Playing of Sai Baba's
mantra CD
7.00
pm Reading of Sai Satcharitra
7.30
pm Sai Baba Bhajan - Singing / CD
8.00
pm Sai Baba's Aarti
8.15
pm Distribution of prasadam
More
details on www.saisansthana.com
-------------------------------------------------
"The
Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto": events@theshirdisaimandir.com
11/24/2005
08:40:27 -0500
The
Shirdi SAI Mandir, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
The
Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON 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 -
7.30 p.m everyday. Bhajans - Saturday, from 5.00 p.m onwards.
For
other temple activities and information please visit www.theshirdisaimandir.com
or
send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.com
Sincerely,
Suhas
Godkhindi
-------------------------
"Atlanta
Sai Temple News": webmaster@templeofpeace.org
Mon, 5
Dec 2005 17:26:45 -0800
Dear
Devotees,
Continuing
our tradition of celebrating Sai Vrath on every second Saturday. Pooja will be
performed from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Please bring your friends and family to
witness this pooja and receive Baba's blessings!
North America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta
invites everyone to come and celebrate the New Years Day celebration with
family and friends on Sunday January 1, 2006; from 12 noon to 9 pm. Archanas
will be done throughout the day.
Atlanta
Sai Temple
700
James Burgess Road, Suwanee, GA 30024
---------------------------------------
"Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center": sai@hamaresai.org
For Further details Visit: Web Page:
http://www.hamaresai.org/
Email: hamaresai@yahoo.com
--------------------------------
"Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW" USA:
shirdisaidallas@yahoo.com
Baba Pada Puja & Abhishekam
This event repeats on the first Saturday of every
month.
Event Location: 2109 W. Parker Road, Plano, Texas
It will be followed by Vishnu Sahasranamam at 11:00am.
Please email your questions, comments or suggestions
about the web site
to: admin@shirdisaidallas.org
http://www.shirdisaidallas.org
-------------------------------------
"Om Sai Mandir" saisandesh@omsaimandir.org
Sai Sandesh's present iss