THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI

Third Year of Publication

Published as Bi-Weekly

Issue 5/2005

03-03-2005

Wish you all an eventful, spiritual & divine Maha Sivarathri

Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org

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THIS ISSUE CONTAINS:

1.  MAHA SHIVARATHRI

2   SAI - SAMPOORNA DATTAVATAR

3.  SAI’S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE

4.  SAI PHILOSOPHY

5.  SAI IN DREAMS

6.  SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA

7.  QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY

8.   DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES

9.   SAI WITH CHILDREN

10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES

11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES

12. TELUGU SECTION

13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS

14.  EDITOR'S DESK

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1. Maha Shivarathri day-8th March: 2005:

Shivarathri is a very auspicious day for all. It is the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight when the moon is waning and the sun is in the sign of Aquarius. The festival is, however, related to the moon rather than the sun. That is the reason why it is called Shivarathri, the night of Shiva. Unlike other nights, this particular night is the night of consecration, of dedication, and of illumination.

On this night there is just a minute part more to be conquered and that can be done by keeping vigil and dwelling on the glory of God. The vigil that is prescribed is symbolic of the eternal vigil one has to observe, while the rite of fasting is symbolic of divesting the senses of the pleasures for which they crave. The nightlong devotional singing is significant of the life-long consciousness of the Divine Presence that every one should cultivate.

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2. SAI - SAMPOORNA DATTAVATAR

Saibanisa GopalaRao Ravada- Saidarbar – Hyderabad.

Part –1

Most of you must be aware that the origin of Guruparmapara traces back to Lord Dattatreya. Firstly, let me offer salutations to Lord Dattatreya before proceeding further. After Lord Dattatreya, the tradition of Guru parampara continued with Sri Sripada Srivallabha, Sri Narasimha Saraswathi, Sri ManikPrabhu, Sri Akkalakota Maharaj and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. The last three incarnations have taken place during the Nineteenth century. Lord Dattatreya has taken incarnations in various personalities but the main aim and objective remained centered around to offer protection to HIS devotees and rid them from miseries and drive towards Spiritualism. I would like to confine to the Gurus – ‘Sri Sripada Srivalabha, Sri Narasima Saraswathy and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba’.

 

To dwell on the subject, I would draw my references from Guru Charitra written by Sri Gangadhara Saraswathy compiled in the 6540 Slokas and Sri Sai Satcharitra written by Sri Annasaheb Dhabolkar in 9000 Ovies. I would like comparing the similarities between Sri Sripada Srivallabha Sri Narasimha Saraswathy and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba from The Guru charitra and Sai Satcharitra. At the end, if I am able to convince that all the incarnations of Lord Dattatreya have taken place on this planet earth with the same mission, then I shall feel that I am blessed by the Lord.

 

Please refer Sai Satcharitra – Baba has indicated indirectly that He is the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in various chapters. In the story of Goa Gentleman, He has taken Rs.15/- from a Datta Devotee, which he owed to Lord Dattatreya. When Nanasaheb chandorkar, a Datta devotee arrived at Shiridi along with his co- son in law, Shirdi bypassing his normal visit to the Datta Mandir at Kopargaon, Baba warned him not to repeat such things in future.  On a Guru Poornima day, Baba advised Dhadha Kelkar to worship the ‘Pillar’ at Dwarakamai, indicative of telling to worship Lord Dattatreya – considered as the pillar of Datta Parampara. At the request of all the devotees, Baba finally allowed His devotees to worship Him. With this, Baba confirmed that He is incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Baba instructed Hari Vinayak Sathe to read Guru Charitra twice and Kushabhavu 108 times. With this Baba has indirectly told His devotees, His origin and the connectivity with Sri Sripada Srivallabha and Narasimha Saraswathy. We should make a note that Baba never told that He is God. He always used to say that He is the servant of the God. Precisely I feel that must be the reason why HE never expressed directly that He is the incarnation of Lord Dattatreaya.

 

Now let us compare the incidents from Guru Charitra and Sri Sai Satcharitra:

In 5th Chapter of Guru charitra -Sripada Srivallabha has given vision and ability to walk to his two brothers born physically handicapped. We all know that in Sai Satcharitra, Baba has given vision to blind persons and walking power to crippled persons.

In 8th chapter Guru Charitra, due to poverty, a Brahmin lady along with her son tried to commit suicide by jumping in to the river Krishna. Sri Narasimha Saraswathi not only stopped them from that act of committing sin but also   blessed them with wealth.

In the similar way, in 26th chapter of Sai Satcharitra, Baba averted the suicide attempt of Gopal Narayan Ambedekar and blessed him with wealth.

To be continued…

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3. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:

March 1911- Tatyasaheb Noolkar, a staunch devotee of Baba, Sub-Judge of Phandarpur breathes his last at Shiridi at the age of 48.

March 1912- Dadasaheb Khaparde returned to Amroati. Mrs.Laxmibai Khaparde stayed behind in Shiridi.

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4. SAI PHILOSOPHY:

SAI PHILOSOPHY FROM THE DIARY OF SAI.BA.NI.SA.

 

These messages are the outcome and essence of the dream sequences of Saibanisa as given by Lord Sainath, which reflect the Sai Philosophy and his high thinking. They carry a sense of deep meaning and are generally thought provoking, enough to set one’s thinking process.

Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.

 

192) 11th October, 1997: When women are not respected, the society does not prosper. Goddess "GAYATRI" has incarnated (as Shakthi Swaroopini) to rectify the malady. Chant regularly her mantra to ward of evils and seek her blessings.

 

193) 5th November 1997: Children getting hurt during play continue to play next day also. Be mentally prepared to push through life in spite of hurdles.

 

193) 7th NOV 1997: All those who talk sweetly cannot be friends. Friendship cannot be a result of a day or two. Friendship like companionship is a lifetime experience.

 

194) 7th NOV 1997: As a youth man’s mind is always preoccupied with the thoughts of earning money and experiencing worldly pleasures. Whereas, old age is spent in sustaining life providing for children and lack of zeal. Decide the appropriate time to start thinking of "GOD".

 

195) 11th NOV 1997: I am the recipient of all the abuses and punishments given to a person defaming you.  Similarly when your opponent does the same, I am still at the receiving end. Is it justified?

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5. SAI IN DREAMS:

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.

Dated: 07-10-1992

I was not well for the past two days and unable to sing the Kakad aarathi for Baba. Sai appeared as an elderly woman with a big Bindi on her forehead adorned in a silk saree. Many followers surrounded her. I could push myself in to her close proximity. She addressed the crowd and passed comments about me that I was running after offering poojas to all deities and observing fasts and in return spoiling my health. He is not only harming himself but also his kith and kin. I then missed my sleep and memory was drawn to Baba’s advice to Mrs.Ghokle in 32nd chapter where in he advocates not to observe fasting.

When stomach is empty, mind and body cannot synchronize and concentrate.

 

Dated: 08-10-1992.

My childhood friends and myself were watching a movie in an old theatre. During intermission, we came out to have drinks in a nearby bar. I came out with the intention to continue to watch the second half of the movie. On the way I crossed the Railway line. I eased myself and happily got into a train that happened to stop there. After some time I realized that I came half way through watching the movie. I walked through the interiors of the coaches and approached the Engine Driver and requested him to stop the train. He was clad in a white headgear similar to the one Baba wears. He looked to me compassionately and said ”You got in to this train because of the good deeds committed in your past life. Do not alight from this until you reach the destiny, lest you ruin your life. Listen to my words and I shall tell you where to get down”. I got up and analyzed the content of the dream. Life is like a cinema. Watch the first half and friends symbolized the ‘Arishadvargas’. Easing indicated their rejection .The train journey is an indication for the new path chosen and the role of the driver is that of Sai stressing not to look back or re enter in the old thrash and advising to prepare myself for the next life to come.

All worldly attachments are passing transients.

 

Dated: 21-11-1992.

In contrast to the normal habit of having a note- book by my pillow side, I thought the other way to remember the message contents and to pen them down after I wake up from my bed in the early morning. So thinking I retired to bed. I have gone through a series of video clippings and I could not remember even a single one. I was disappointed very much and cursed myself for the negligent behavior. I took recourse to Sai Satcharitra. It was the forth chapter and my attention w