Sai Ram,

One day I was in deep trouble, I really do not know how to deal with the situation and how to tackle it. I had only one and only Guruji it is my SAI. I say Sai is my friend and direction. He wakes me up so manytimes whenever I sleep. He is my dear guru. I am lucky to become close to my Sai. I read a book on Sai, on some pages it suggests me that offer some sugar to sai for 40 days and give it to a sadhu. I was successfully offered sugar and able to complete 40 days. I was in a question that how to give it to a sadhu. There is no sadhu in my area. I took it to my home. I arrived with that whatever I was offering to Sai, in a pack on a morning. The same day I saw a person who looked like a pakir wearing a turban and a stick in his hand shouting at the door "SAI BABA". I was so surprised. I just took that pack of sugar and offered to him. After three days, I was thinking how I was able to make it to reach the offerings. Its amazing Sai came on his own to collect my offerings. That is Sai. I love you Sai. Hey friends .. You see Sai. He is in your hearts. You call Him; He will come anywhere you want. This is one small experience in my life. Sai has done many many miracles in my life. He is Great Sadguru.
OmSaiSriSaiJayaJayaSai

OmSaiSriSaiJayaJayaSai

OmSaiSriSaiJayaJayaSai

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 were 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.

Hello friends/Sri Shirdi Sai's web site viewers, the following is very interesting and it really happened to me this day the 12th Aug 1998.

I am working as a software consultant here in Australia since April this year. My wife joined from India. An interesting incident took place during her travel. She was travelling along with our son and met one girl also travelling in the same flight. They booked one bag each from Singapore to Sydney and on arriving here we enquired for the bag and the airport authorities told it will take a day to get them and asked for the address to deliver the bags. Unfortunately, my wife's and the other girl's baggage receipts were mixed up and no one could identify which was whose. The other girl told that she got very important and everyday used items and given her address to deliver the baggage as my wife and I were agreed for that. She told she would be calling us when she receives the bags. Unfortunately, we do not have a clue to contact her but she got our address and telephone number. Until yesterday, we did not hear anything from her and thought she might lost our details. We tried through many different ways to contact her and failed to do so. Yesterday night my wife told me that she was supposed to perform 101Pradakshinams in Saibaba temple in India and failed to do so before she came here and may be thats why all this happened. Immediately we prayed Lord Saibaba to show a way to get the bag for which we both together perform 101 pradakshinams after we are back to India. That bag has some valuable things and my wife was worried a lot for almost loosing it. I told if it were ours, we would get it. Very very surprisingly she heard from that girl's husband today (the very nextday) morning that they have the bag and asked her to come and collect. Its a real wonder and I really admired to be a real spectator of his Leelas. We both are devotees of Lord Sri Shirdi Saibaba, we believe in him very strongly, and our belief doubled with this incident. We are going to Shirdi when we go back to India and perform 101Pradakshinams in our local Sai temple. He is the real KALIYUGA PARAMATMA saint came from heaven to look after all his devotees. We are proud to tell that we are DEVOTEES of Lord Sri Shirdi Saibaba.

I thank Sri Shirdi Sai website organizers to let me share this with you all and look forward to see more later on the same wonderful Sai's site.

Thank you very much

I would like to share this experience with all Sai Devotees. I am a devotee of Sai Baba since birth. I often conduct prayer meetings at my home. One of the attendees, a Roman Catholic woman asked me who is that Baba with a crown. I have Sai's picture with the saffron cloth, tied to his head so I could not understand at that time that she was talking about.

After 2 weeks, I received a picture of Baba with a crown(from Shridi). I left it on my altar. That same woman came visiting me again, saw the picture of Baba and said "This is the same crown I saw in my vision" I knew for a fact that Baba had visited her, here in Kuwait.

Amazing isn't it.

I came to know BABA in 1994, and since then, I have felt that he listens to his followers and helps them in whatever way. I have personally felt his blessings hundreds of times. I remember one more miracle, which happened in 1995 to me when I came to New York for a new job. The day I landed in New York, I fell seriously ill and became very weak in just 2-3 days. At that time of distress, I prayed to SAI BABA and asked for his help. I also asked my BABA to take me back to Delhi to my family, although it was next to impossible because my employer had paid for my air tickets and was not ready to send me back to India. I prayed my BABA to take me back in next 24 hours, and said that I will go to Shirdi to thank him. And, then this miracle came from nowhere. Suddenly, overnight everything was changed. My employer decided to send me back that too on his expense, and within 24 hours I was flying back to India. This was probably the first miracle of my BABA that I felt. And, when I went to Shirdi to say thanks to BABA, that place looked so familiar to me as if I have some kind of relation with it. And, I know there is a relation. BABA ne bhi kabhi kaha tha - jo mujhe jis bhav se pukarega main usi bhav se sununga. JAI SAI BABA.

Gadi Hari BapiRaju, Virginia, USA, wrote to us of his experiences:

I want to share my experience. But for Saibaba, I would not have been able to pursue my education in united states. When I was studying my undergraduate in India, there was a Sai temple near my room (I used to stay alone in a rented room). So I occasionally used to visit the temple, whenever I used to feel lonely or depressed. I used to get peace of mind and motivation. With Baba's grace, I secured first rank in my undergraduate. In this way, I became a follower of Sairam.

My ambition was to do a Master's, degree, but financially we could not afford that. So we had to take a loan from bank. I did not try for a loan until I got Visa(Even though I was sure of getting visa since I visited Shirdi before I went to the embassy). Once I got visa I had only fifteen days to try for a loan. I did not know what to do, I just used to pray to Sainath. I needed to take Life insurance policy and get all the documents ready. The insurance company was on a strike at that time, so there was no way I could get that. I just approached the bank manager and told my problems. With divine grace, the bank manager was also a ardent follower of Sainath, took my signatures on the forms, so that my father can apply for the insurance at a later late.

Also I was supposed to submit some security to the bank. We were supposed to take signatures of the local government officials. This proved to be a difficult task due to the corrupt nature of the one of the officers. However, the bank officer approved the loan although the documents were not completely satisfactory as required by the loan issuing authority. I was able to accomplish all the necessary tasks in two weeks’ time only due to the grace of Sai Baba. Now I am doing my masters in Virginia and will be finishing by Fall 1998.

I had a wonderful experience yesterday of how Baba draws people to Himself. I had offered a friend of mine to take her and her mother to the Sai worship on Sunday (yesterday). On the previous day, I informed her about it. However, later my daughter became sick and her fever began to rise. I thought at night I would cancel the program the following day and thought of ringing my friend the next morning to tell her about the same. But in my heart I was not decided because my friend has polio and she could not drive to the Mandir and in 5 days she was leaving for a holiday in India. I wanted to wish her well before she left and I felt seeing Baba in the Mandir would do her good.

The next morning, my daughter's fever subsided fully and she was running around ! So I decided to go. I picked them up and went. In the worship, the last segment is the reading of one experience of any devotees. Yesterday the story was about how a lady gave her friend who had polio, a locket of Baba to wear and how the former lady miraculously had got her leg cured, could jump and run, and had got married !! It was so apt. It was like Baba saying that to my friend. My friend and her mother were stunned. Later in the car, I felt the whole story fitted exactly except the locket given to that lady. So I immediately took the Baba's locket that my daughter wears and gave it to my friend wishing her well in her trip. They were so pleased.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1998
Sai Sampathnath, Pamidighantam

Columbus, Ohio, USA

It is since long that I want to write about my experiences and encounters with Baba. It started with miracles, but now I am no longer interested in them but for the feeling of His presence.

I was a non-believer of God, frustrated to the core because of failures in my life one by one. Though termed as intelligent guy and Engineering degree with good ranking, personal failures, job in Public sector and lost opportunities for higher education made me a nervous wreck. I get respite only when I am with a couple of friends or mother.

During this time after four and half years I got a break to work on the field I am interested in - LAN administration, reporting to Executive Director of the company and then to Chairman. I have learnt a lot during this period, were engaged to a girl on one fine Thursday. I got married to Subhadra on Thursday, 8 Jun 1995. I have passed all my CNE papers, final paper on another Thursday in Jan 1995. I was not sure of God at that time.

It all started during 1996 January. Mother and father were staying with me in Bangalore. Subhadra was 5 months pregnant. Immediately after Sankranti, after my brother’s family left back to Hyderabad, mother and Subhadra observed some strange marks in a small Saibaba’s photograph which my earlier roommate had left in our house. They are oily, and Subhadra thought they might have fallen while mother was doing prayers. Our neighbors next day reported to mother that they saw few drops of honey flowing from Shirdi Sai Baba’s photo in their house. Mother was skeptical that such incidents were not heard about Shirdi Baba. To our utter surprise the next day, we have observed that the marks on our Saibaba’s photo actually tasted like honey. I started checking all the photographs at home. I found the same on the other SAIBABA photograph that was bigger in size. The flow of honey started at the same spot in each of those photos - from the center of His raised hand, mouth and from turban. My inquisitiveness and the scientific mind made me to experiment. I kept my photograph next to Baba’s, and cleaned both of them. Both of them had a similar smooth surface, so any deposits on them should be same in nature. The result concluded that I am not God.

The honey flow started to increase day by day. Now it started from other Gods’ pictures, photos, and sculpture of any material, and inside the books. It appeared in 5 min to 2 hours on any material having impression of any God even those brought by any outsiders into our house. Sweet smells and scents of incense started, in both office and house. I was horrified. Mother, one day narrated that she heard knock on door, but when she went there, no body was there. However, when he came to other corner of the house two persons, wearing flowing Kashaya robes were moving out from the compound. One of them was very tall, turned back and waved towards her.

Now, it is known to us that Baba is behind us, showing his presence, may be wants to get something done from us. But from whom? Why he chosen us? In fact who among us: Me, Subhadra, Mother, Father or little Pranav who is still in his mother’s womb.

It is not Subhadra. She left to our in-laws house in Hyderabad for delivery. Baba’s sweet presence is still felt through honey everyday. On Mahasivaratri day mother went to Mysore to have darshan of Sri Ganapati Sachchidanda Swami. She left early in the morning, the whole day there was no honey flow. She came back around 11:30, brought a small Dattatreya idol and kept it on TV. As she was tired, had little buttermilk and went to Bed. I deciding to stay awake on Sivaratri day, was watching TV. Suddenly I observed that the honey is flowing from Dattatreya idol spoiling the cloth on the TV, placed it in a small plate and it filled the plate in no time. Now we are having another problem. People started coming to our house anytime they like to see this miracles. Mother’s concentration is disturbing. Even our Director finance, GMs started coming to our house. One way it was entertaining, but I started fearing for consequences. Even at this point I do not know much about Baba, his preaching and ways to pray. I used to simply sit before Him, stare at Him, and ask Him to give strength to help others as much as I can. Mother is growing spiritually, telling different experiences and miracles each day. Now I know it is mother, whose heart is filled with His name, singing and writing poems and songs, who can enlighten all of us in family. I have decided to give full support to her, giving anything she wants, providing right atmosphere to her. Her only fear now is that Baba may leave her after Ramanavami day (I do not know why!)

Ayush Mehra, Chicago, USA

Jay Sai Ram

I want to share my experience of Baba's Grace with all the Sai Devotees. I came to the US in August last year. In Dec'97 I had a severe surgery, which due to Baba's Grace been averted or else, it would have resulted in greatest disaster of my life. I had some brain surgery and today I am very fine and doing my well-provided job here. I went into severe depression at one stage and got worried about my finances about the surgery(about 38,000 US dollars).But I was blessed enough to handle this by his Faith and support. I was having sleeplessness and after reading Shri Sai Satcharita I was relieved from my tensions and started getting good sleep. Just after completing my Parayan saptah, I found changes. Now before sleeping I always remember the shaved procession of Shri Baba Maharaj. I have started believing that Baba pulls his devotees from far away under many pretexts. I bow to Shri Baba Maharaj for his bountifulness that he has showered by saving my life and giving me new birth. I could not understand Baba initially and thought bad about him, but later I really realized the greatness of His Baba's Wisdom that how intelligently He brought me to US for my Surgery and in this wake I came to Know of Baba's love for his devotees. It is true that we really lack faith and patience to see him. However, one who has both will definitely experience in daily lives.

I prostate before Shri Sai Ram and asks the other disciples to believe that whatever he does is only for Our benefit and Baba's love is much more grater than we can ever think of. I continue to pray Baba to increase my devotion and reverence and tread me on a moral path with strength and courage. JAY Sai Ram.

Nalini Mosali, South Carolina, USA

OM SHRI SHIRDI SAI NADHA SARANAM

I would like to share the experience of my Brother's fiancé (Ms.Uma Keerthivasan) being an Ardent Lord Sai devotee.

Three years ago when we were in Godavarikhani and when I was in my Graduation, My younger sister Bharathi was a great Devotee of Sai and she painted a SAI Image and kept it in POOJA room.

My sister believed on SAI very much and used to pray Sai daily and she got a seat in MCA She asked me too to follow SAI and asked me to do "Sai's one week PARAYANAM" and Said that I would M.B.A seat. I was very lazy and I said that I can't do fasting and also I don't believe in this.

My mother forced me and started that "Sai's one week PARAYANAM" That book contains all the stories of SAIBABA and how he helped POOR, DISABLED. Hope you must have read that book.

"Sai's one week PARAYANAM" should start on Thursday and should end on next Thursday, In this entire week we have eat only once and Sleep on the floor and on the final day of this POOJA we have remain in fasting and have the food after offering the food to most wanted Beggar or poor person or a Person who cannot afford to have Food.

It is written in the book if we give food to a person Suffering from Leprosy or a Handicapped or a very hungry beggar, BABA will be very happy and he will come to our house in the some or the other form.

So on the final Thursday I was fasting and was waiting for a Beggar so that I can give food, But in that place Sighting a beggar was very rare and nobody came that day. I was waiting near the gate till 3 PM. then my mother told me to give the food or Servant as She was also poor, But I didn't agree I said she was poor but she can afford to buy vegetables and prepare lunch and have it.

I wanted a Handicapped person I was very determined and made up my mind that I was end this fasting till I find a suitable person. Mummy was forcing since my elder brother who was very close to me was waiting was my lunch at last mother told to keep some food aside for a poor beggar and have my lunch.

I told that I will a last glance and went to the gate and found a Very old lady was passing by and she was handicapped and she was the right person. I called her and said that today I did Sai Baba's Pooja and asked her to have the Lunch in our house. She was very happy and she said that she did not have food from past few days my sons are very bad and they don't take care of me & they have sent me out. and she was moving her handicapped hand so that I can notice. Mummy asked from which place she is coming and belong to and she told that our native place is GodavariKhani which is also our Native place. We felt so pity on her and my second brother asked her to come daily to our house and have the lunch here itself.

We gave her prasadam, rice, poori and everything we prepared. She ate only prasadam and said that I will take the rest in the evening, I told her I will give you food for evening also, and have the food here itself. She said NO NO I ATE PRASADAM AND STOMACH IS FULL. She thanked us so much for giving food and she went off. First we came inside and my brother said we will find Address So that we can send food, we came outside only in the matter 15 to 20 seconds gap, but we could not see her. From our gate we can see people coming and going for almost Half Kilometer.

she was very weak and it has taken her almost 1 Min to come from previous house to our house but we could not trace her we tried a lot even by coming outside.

Then we thought it was SAIBABA who came to our house in the form of a OLD LADY and I was very happy. From that time I started worshipping Sai Baba and I got a M.B.A seat.

Now that this kind-hearted girl is having a problem which had moved my heart and I was on tears and my brother is even more very much worried and scared about their future and their life. Since that day I am constantly praying and pleading our Lord Shirdi Sai for her. I pray Lord Shirdi Sai and I promise in the name of MY LORD SHIRDI SAI that she should alright from this 'VIJAYADASHAMI' day.

I request you all to pray for our Lord Sri Shirdi Sai for her safety and long life. And further I thank you very much for the time spent by you in sharing my experience.

N.Krishnan

OM SHRI SHIRDI SAI NADHA SARANAM

OCTOBER 15th, 1998
Devotees
Om Sai Ram, Hello my name Rohit Ummat from Saint John, NB Canada. I like to tell how Swami saved my life last Thursday October 8, 1998. I was coming home from work after 5:00 pm. The weather was very bad the rain was coming down very heavily. I was driving my car and going home. I just passed a car and the next thing I remember, the ambulance staff were helping me out of car. I had a very major car accident. The front of my car was all pushed inside. The windshield was shattered, The driver's door was all pushed inside. There was a lady who helped me to stop my bleeding. To me I think Baba came down and help her to save my life. The police told me, I do not know how I lived after this terrible accident. The whole car was destroyed. All I can say I want thank Baba for helping for saving my life.

I did not end up with any serious injuries, just cuts in my forehead. Baba was there, who saved my life. It all happened on Baba's day (Thursday). Om SAI RAM!!! Rohit

Hello to all,

My name is Mrs. Rekha Ramanand and I have lived in the U.S. from 1974-1983. My immigration lapsed when I came to India and now finally after 14 years it has been restored. I am a Shirdi Baba devotee and along with my guru we have had many wonderful experiences with Sai. However my problem now is that I have to report to the U.S. by January so that my visa does not lapse. Financially I do not have much but have tremendous faith in Sai that something will work out. I am accompanied by my son, who is a juvenile diabetic (17 years old) and requires my constant attention. While in the U.S. I did diet Indian cooking and helped the handicapped league at Maryland. I also taught at John Hopkins University over there. Now I have turned my interest towards Sai and my entire life revolves around him. I request you to forward this to all Sai devotees in the U.S. so that I may be able to share my experiences with them and maybe find some means of employment to sustain my son and myself. Thanking you for your time

SAI RAM

I have read the Sai Satcharita several times, and not once has Shirdi Sai Baba fulfilled any of my wishes. None of my wishes are material & yet I am amazed that he fulfilled my friends wishes, yet I am the one who passed the Sai Satcharita to them. They have reached & obtained their goals & I am where I am At present I am beginning to believe that there is no God or that Shirdi Sai Baba must truly hate me, yet I go to satsang reguraly. Please advice.

Once again I am contemplating on reading the Sai Satcharita again today, I am not one to give up easily. I have faith one day I will reach my goal.

Jai SaiRam

Bill Colorado

Believe it or not the Great Miracles of SAIBABA

It was on Thursday Sept.03 1998, I happened to go for the Vehicle Driving Test without schedule with my Driving School Instructor who had called up to me and try for the standby. I was given the date for the exam in the last week of October. To my surprise, without taking the driving course for the exam I went along with him to the Driving Test office and inquired if I stood any chance for appearing the test to-day. The lady on the desk immediately responded to my request and asked me to pay the necessary charges for the driving test and be on the standby for that day.

It was unbelievable for me that I would be given a chance on that day as there is always a waiting list for months in advance. However, I paid the amount and another surprise is that the lady who had filled the driving test form wrote that I would be given G2 test at once which I had not gone through it prior to giving the road test. My driving instructor wished me good luck and said that I will have a tough test because there are two instructors sitting in my car instead of normally one. I did Pray to my Lord SAIBABA earnestly this time that if I fail then I could not afford to give the test once again as He knows that I am already passing through the great stress and hardship.

I am always in the habit of carrying the Lord Saibaba's locket in my wallet. I took out the Lord SAIBABA locket and put it in my shirt pocket. The driving inspectors asked me if I am ready for the test. I said once again to myself and Prayed to the Lord before starting the engine. "O Lord Please Help me to pass this exam". I started the car and inspectors gave me the instructions while driving. At one instance I made a mistake, I thought to myself that I have failed once again. Finally the driving test is completed and the inspectors are holding the discussions among themselves of my result.

To my shock and surprise, the driving inspectors said although I made a mistake 'You have passed the exam'. My happiness knew no bounds . The Lord truly heard my prayers. Thanks to Lord SAIBABA for the first stepping stone of success.

I would like to share with you an incidence that happened to our Group this day. I belong to Southern Highlands Sai Group. We all went to a Sai Devotees place at Canyonleigh. There wasn't much of the Sacred Ash. when the time came for everyone to dip into the Ash it was full (not the grey Ash that originally was in the container) but this time it was white. It was great for me, as the others are all followers of Sai Baba. I go because I like their company and I have an open mind, as he was in a Dream I had.

NOVEMBER 05, 1998
I would like to narrate to you the experience when I was first blessed with the love of Sai Baba. After a lot of struggle, I got a job in Shaw Wallace and Company. It was a fantastic job with lots of perks and other benefits. I was thrilled as this was my first job and that too in such a big company. But when I received my appointment letter, to my utter dismay I found that I was posted to Guwahati. Being a resident of Calcutta, I could not move out at that time as my father was suffering from cancer and being the only child I had to stay by his side. We had a Mandir of Baba in our locality. In the evening that day out of sheer depression, I went to the Mandir and told Baba about my unpleasant situation. The next day I went to the company to tell that I was not ready for the job but I was astonished to find a revised appointment letter posting me back to Calcutta. I could not believe this, but this was a reality. Later I heard that the General Manager was so impressed with my interview that he wanted me to work with him in Calcutta, otherwise he threatened to resign. This was the first incidence I had with Baba and I continued to receive His blessings till now.

Kaushik Roy Chowdhury,

Marquette, Michigan

I have had several miraculous experiences in my life and I attribute them to SAIBABA. I would like to share one of my recent experiences. Four months ago, I decided to take part in a race per one of my friend’s suggestion. She has had several years of experience in doing this race while this was my first. She was very much willing to help me with the training and she did. We had a great training schedule and it all went well until the last three weeks before the race. I started having problems that I did not know the cause of. I just did not feel even close to how I was feeling prior to this. In fact, it kept getting worst. I was really worried since my family and I had invested so much in me succeeding this challenge. Moreover my friends and colleagues were quite aware of me doing this and it was a question of embarrassment should I have to drop out. I did not know what I was going to do. All along, my friend and I were making plans to finish the race together. This seemed impossible since I could not even do 1/4th of the race without having problems while my friend was getting stronger every day. At this point, I talked to Baba, told him how important this is for me, and asked if he could help me. As always, like Baba says, "If you look to me I look to you", he immediately heard my prayer and I started feeling better. In fact, in the last issue of Sai Vichaar, I had read about how we don't need to take any medicine if we have faith in Baba- Vibhuti (udi). I stopped taking any pain-related medicine and until now, I have still not taken one, even after my race. We started our race and half way into the race, my pain started again. I told Baba to please continue to help me. Like a miracle, my pain disappeared. I had a desire to finish the race with my friend and she was quite a bit ahead of me so I had no hope that I would be able to. As I got close to the finish, all of a sudden I saw my friend next to me. I could not believe my eyes since she was so much ahead of me all along. We both finished together in the time we had desired. It was a pure example of another one of Baba's miracle. I can not thank Him enough for helping me and my family every every step of the way. I can go on and on describing how in the day-to-day life Baba comes to my rescue like he is always there, you just have to call upon him.

Pranam and Thank you Baba

I came to know Sai Baba while I was living in India, about ten years ago. I made two trips to Shirdi at that time. I particularly like the quotation where Baba says, " I will draw my devotee to me as though he was a bird with a string attached to its leg." Now, I live in the States and with my husband started a business. Last year we expanded and went far into debt and everything that could go wrong did. The terrible stress and financial difficulties caused me to go into such a bad depressions that I had to take medication. Things are getting better now but still very difficult. Recently, I started praying to Baba, again. I tried to be very specific and asked for a good delivery driver who would care about our business and do a good job. Good drivers are hard to get and I had to do all this work myself, usually, plus all the bookkeeping, sales, not to mention taking care of a household. In fact, about a month later, my daughter moved back home with her best friend who needed a job and is about the best driver we have ever had. I said to myself, this is probably just a coincidence. the way one does say such things to oneself the beginning of this month I was terribly short of cash and I prayed to just make it through the week. The money came through just when I needed it and I was very grateful. But later, I was so badly in the hole, I knew that the money from the receivables would not come in fast enough and I was going to be in real trouble. I felt so anxious, I did not want to get up in the morning. I felt like crying all the time. I go to a little Protestant church in our village here in the northern US. There are very few paritioners, sometimes only five or six on a Sunday. I like to attend because generations of my family have done so in the same church and I love to sing the old Christian hymns. After church I was sitting with some of my friends and telling them about my worries. This morning, one of them, an eighty-year-old lady, came to my house and presented me with a check for ten thousand dollars. This was totally unexpected, totally out of the blue, and was just about the exact amount I needed. I started to cry when I got it and I have started to cry thinking about it now. She said it was a gift and gave me a hug and said, "I love you, Rebecca." After this, I have a hard time thinking that all these answers to my prayers were just coincidence. I have to say, thank you Baba, thank you for helping me. I have felt, with all the suffering and injustice in the world, why should I succeed with my dumb little business. I should have more faith. When I do succeed, I dearly hope to be able to help other people in turn.

SAIRAM
Today I would like to share on of my experience with SHIRDI SAI with you. It happened in 1991, it was time when I just started believing in SAIBABA. I was doing my post graduation and I used to be in hostel. I went to a nearby place to a function and had to come back to college within four days. Unfortunately, in the function I contracted conjunctivitis, a contagious infection also called as 'madras eye'. I had to come back to the hostel since I was in the middle of completing my course work. The second morning I noticed that my best friend who is my roommate also got it. My roommate was so skinny, weak, and sensitive. I like her very much and I always used to take care of her like a baby. I felt very guilty that she got that only because of me. Conjunctivitis stays for atleast four days no matter whatever medicine you use. In addition, my friend is so weak I felt she could not bear the pain. As we were about to leave to the college at 10.00 AM, she complained that she is feeling pain and itching in her eyes. I felt very sad and guilty then I just turned to my BABA prayed to him, put udhi on her forehead, and told her just to sleep. Then, when I came back for lunch at 1200 noon I was very surprised to see her eyes were so clear and you know what happened, my friend does not have any belief on SAIBABA but that day in her sleep she saw Baba came to her and just put his hand on her forehead and left. From that day, she also started believing in Baba. I felt very happy because he did this only for me as I was feeling very upset and guilty and in the class, I was just praying Baba. In this way my Baba is always with me and where ever I go I always am noticed as Sai devote which make me feel very happy. I LOVE YOU BABA AND I KNOW VERY WELL THAT YOU LOVE ME.

SAIDEVA, BE WITH ME IN EVERY MOMENT OF MY LIFE AND GUIDE ME

K. P. Rao, Nauru

My wife is an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba and I am her supporter. Due to my job in this small pacific island nation of Nauru, my wife and daughter have been staying away in India for the past one year.

When I got the Internet connection in this August, I somehow visited your site and subscribed to the newsletter. As I receive them, I read and send them to my wife whose joy finds no bounds, not just because she receives the newsletters but I have started reading them too. Recently, on my job front, a terrible setback was averted and my wife believes that it is due to my reading the newsletters.

I give a copy of each letter to a good friend of mine here who enjoys reading them. If I delay giving them by a day, he would remind me. Thus, the two persons to whom I circulate are very happy with your newsletters.

When my wife first put a sticker of Baba in my car back in 1992, I met with a minor accident on the very same day. When I visited Shirdi last year, as part of my pilgrimage, my daughter suffered from hepatitis. But, I do not think that Baba did not help us. I believe that he helps those who deserve help. One simply can not demand help from him. We deserve his grace by good thoughts and good deeds. Next year when I visit India, we plan to visit Shirdi again. Thank you for keeping us in touch with Baba

Latha Ramesh

(Originally posted on Thursday, Dec 3, 1998)

This is my personal experience I am sharing with you all. Beginning of this year i.e., Jan 98, my mother had fever. Even after five days, fever did not subside. She was on antibiotics but they did not help her much. On the seventh day, I felt she was getting weaker and I took her to the hospital, thinking that she could be given some glucose/drips. They told me to admit her. She was weak but could walk. Before admission, she had all the routine tests, like blood, urine, etc and the chest X-rays etc. There was no evidence of any infection. It was diagnosed to be viral fever. But the next day, when I went to visit her in the hospital, the Doctor told me that she had acute renal failure, lung failure, a multi organ failure the words he used "Only her brain seems to work". I am not one of the ardent devotees of Baba like the ones I see on this site. But I prayed hard to BABA. I cried to Him begging Him to save my mother. The next day was a New Moon Day, and most of friends told me that the situation normally deteriorates on this day, so told me to accept whatever came. I prayed very hard. It may sound silly. However, I poured my heart to BABA in paper and placed it in front of him in our Puja room. At that time one of Baba devotees called me and told me that Baba would definitely help and he would show some sign. I was hopeful but at the same time feeling very depressed, took my car out. Hardly I drove about 100 yards from my house when I saw a long Black Cobra. My heart was beating so fast in disbelief, but what I saw was true. Baba told me that He has taken over my problems. My mother did improve though slowly. Anyone who saw her in the Emergency would not believe that she came out. Till date, I feel it is only BABA who saved her. It is really true that He hears you when you call.

Havovi Medora, Bombay, India

Last weekend I had the good fortune to visit Shirdi. I went in a car with three other devotees and received the most wonderful darshan. There Baba sat - like a King, while millions thronged and craned their necks to get a glimpse of their beloved Sai. Yes, it was my destiny to go in comfort and get a VIP pass to stand right at Sai's feet, but the feeling of all those who had walked miles, clutching a few dried up flowers, children and babes-in-arm, oh what an overwhelming sight!

Tears streamed ceaselessly down my cheeks as I witnessed their devotion. I have been to so many places of worship but I have never seen devotion like this. What is it about this simple humble soul who came to this little village? What every devotee had in common was the unconditional love for this unique being who chose to go around begging for his food.

At this point, I wish to tell a story from the Sat Charita about a devotee, Kaka Saheb Dixit. He suffered from total restlessness of the mind. No matter what he did, no matter how much he prayed, his mind knew no peace. One night he had a dream in which a Hindu goddess appeared and told him to go to Sai Baba. Unfortunately, he awoke before confirming where he had to go. So he went to a few holy places, prayed and did the usual rites, but still he remained restless and knew no peace of mind. In a subsequent dream, he learned that he should go to Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. He made all arrangements to undertake the journey. As soon as Kaka Saheb saw Baba his mind lost its restlessness. He felt calm and at peace - what wonder! Baba said nothing, did nothing; just his glance was enough. Yes, my dear fellow devotees, just to look upon him one feels that sense of calm. Mental worries seem to disappear and we are left there standing steadfast with a power and strength to take on what this world has to offer.

It was a beautiful weekend in Shirdi. In the early hours of the morning, as Baba sat there patiently allowing his pujaris to bathe him with milk and rose water, it was truly a sight for the gods. We were all there - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis - poor, rich, black and white. But we all had one purpose. We all wanted the same thing. Our Sai Baba. He has touched people from all over the world. The Incredible Sai Baba.

Anitha Ramesh Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia

On December 21st evening after returning from work, kids were playing in the living room while I was cooking. I heard a news headline by accident since the cartoon cassette that my five-year-old son was watching had finished. It was on National news and the Head lines said "255 women at maternity ward in THE CANBERRA HOSPITAL at risk of contracting Hepatitis B and HIV A, after undergoing surgical procedure's by a health care worker". I did not give it a thought but somehow they kept repeating it again and again. When I thought I would just listen, I heard them say that women who have undergone some procedures in the Hospital between since January 1998 and December 11, 1998 were at risk. It was further said that 255 women on whom this particular health care worker has done procedures in the maternity ward were short listed.

I dismissed this news thinking this was not relevant to me. Somehow it kept flashing back in my mind and I realized soon that I was in the ward during that period and Shamukh Sai, my second son was delivered there. Just as a routine measure and to be on the safe side, I thought I would ring the hospital Hotline for and find out if it had anything to do with me. The hotline, which was set up only for this particular catastrophe, was busy and I could not get to talk to them. Some how my anxiety was increasing and I was feeling distressed. I prayed to BABA and I have this old habit of asking BABA for guidance through Saicharitra. I asked him if this would affect me anyway, praying to Lord Sai I opened the book and there was this sentence "No, have no fear and anxiety, Shyama and myself will be there before you". This is in relation to Shyama's trip to Bhuvaneshwar in Hemandpant's Saicharita. I called my General Practitioner at home (which I do only in emergency) at night 7.30, apologized for the inconvenience, and told them about what I heard on the TV and my anxiety. GP said that I did not have to worry as I had not been contacted by the hospital. However, to rest my mind she said she would write a prescription for blood test and leave it at the reception so I could collect it and get the tests done.

Later that night when Ramesh, my husband, came home at 9.00 PM after a busy day, I told him what I heard on TV and what the General Practitioner had said about it. He was anxious to know more details and tried to call the hospital. On third attempt Ramesh was able to get through to the hospital hotline for this matter and I spoke to the lady identifying myself and saying I have had a baby on 21st January and is there anything that I had to worry about regarding this issue. The counselor on the other end said she will get back to me immediately and hung off. This further increased our anxiety levels. I got a call again after 10 minutes and the same lady asked me my date of birth, other medical details related to delivery. Finally she said,"I have to confirm all the details before I give the information to you, and drop the bombshell, yes you are on our short listed names of people who has had a procedure and delivery done by the health care worker who is infected. I am sorry to do this to you before the Christmas and Newyear. How do you feel about it". My world came to an end I couldn't breathe. I thought I am not only infected but I have also passed it on to my children and husband. I asked her why was I not contacted earlier. I was given the reason that someone did try to contact me but could not and the lady went on counseling. I broke down, I cried my heart out for my kids and my husband. She spoke to my husband too, who could hardly speak. She made and appointment for next day 8.00 AM at the hospital pathology for me to have the test first, and if it was positive then for the whole family.

It was the worst night in my whole life. We couldn't sleep. Next day I went for the test, got it done and had to wait until 3.30 in the afternoon for the results. It was the worst fifteen hours in my life. I did not go to work, I was afraid to feed my kids and sent them off to baby sitter. I asked the nurse why they thought I was at risk and what were the criteria for classifying me under high risk. She explained that it was because I had a surgical procedure done on me after the delivery by the health care worker who tested positive for those infections. At last, at 3.30 when I went for the results they told me "good news, negative for both tests so no infections, have a Merry Christmas". My husband and I cried in relief and thanked BABA for his mercy.

This experience has deepened my faith in Him and showed me that He listens to us in need and never leaves His children. May BABA give you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all

Anonymous Devotee

My husband and I own our own business and since we expanded it, we took on a lot of debt and have had all kinds of financial trouble. The worry has been terrific, as every material thing we own, our house, etc. is on the line. I pray to Baba allot, for help and just for relief from the depression and worry I feel from time to time. I am often overdrawn at the bank and have go to the post office at 9:30 AM to pick up any checks that have come in and deposit them before 11:00 to cover the overdraft. This is stressful, as you can imagine, because I never know what I will get or whether it will be enough. I am scared to bounce my employee's checks, for instance, because they depend on us. This Friday, I called up the bank to find out if I was overdrawn. I was $943.60. I prayed, "please help me on this one, Baba." The checks I got at the P.O. and a check I had forgotten in my briefcase came to $943.50. I went to the bank with that and a dime. I am a Christian by birth and my husband is a Muslim. "God is Great!" I said to him, and he agreed, though he is not at all religious. I have a little altar to Baba with a candle on my glass porch where all the plants overwinter. The average person around here has certainly not heard of Sai Baba. "Who is that?" they ask with curiosity. My husband tells them it is his grandfather!

Following is my life’s experience on Sai Baba’s blessings on me and my family, which I want to share with others. Being fed up with the existing work environment, I tried a totally new career option. All through the transition period of my career development, I was getting the mental courage and guidance from Him. I still wonder, how I could have achieved this without His blessings. I had to change my visa sponsor once and after landing here in the USA got the job very fast. Also He saved me from two about to be serious car accidents. On one occasion, I was going to the temple on New Years’ day (1999) with my family. We all escaped unhurt from an almost certain car accident. Praise and glory to Him. Bow to Him.

The first leela I will write about was one that actually happened a long time before I was born. It involves my father's father- i.e. my grandfather. He once was very sick and bed-ridden. He was half-asleep sitting alone in a room in their house when someone he did not know came in. He walked around the bed on the floor and said "do not worry sir, you will be all right soon." then he walked out. There were many other people in the house but no one went into his room at that time. Everyone was at a loss as to who came in and how he got in without anyone noticing. It was dismissed as a hallucination. Soon after the mystery man came in my grandfather's fever abated and he got well. One day, soon after he recovered, he saw in a shop a picture of the man who came in his room. He was much surprised and inquired the name of the person in the picture. He was told that it was a great saint who lived in Shirdi. He became a devotee from then on.

The second leela involves my mother. My mother was a staunch devotee of Swami Samartha Maharaj. Upon coming to America and seeing that pooja of Sai was being performed, she was unconvinced. She then, after some persuasion, she read Sai's Pothi. The first story she read was a story regarding that Sai was the same as her Akkalkot Maharaj. We have been worshipping Sai and Akkalkot Swami's pictures together ever since. Once, after I got the Pothi, I attended a dog show because our close friend's dog graduated from obedience school. ;-) There were "contests" which the newly trained dogs found challenging. Prizes were given out to the dogs that did the best. My friend's dog, god bless her! ;-), did absolutely horrible! She was, in the general opinion of the spectators, the worst dog there. I though that there was no way she will win any prize. I had to leave halfway through the contest. Suddenly remembering Sai, I decided to test him because I still was not convinced about his greatness. I made a mental bow to Sai and said that I would read three chapters of the Satcharita if the dog wins a prize. When I got home, I received a telephone call from my friend that her dog one third place out of 300+ dogs in spite of the fact that she failed half of the contests! I was astounded! I read the three chapters and was convinced of Sai's greatness.

Laxman Kacheswar jakadi alias Nanumama or nanu Bhatt Poojari

December, 9, 1936, Shirdi

I have been doing Baba’s pooja and arathi of Sai baba all these years. I began it even in Baba's life time as assistant to Bapu Saheb Jog. It was in 1914 I came here. My sister’s husband Bapaji was here. I had occasionally visited him first. One night while I was at Sangamner, Sai Baba appeared to me in my dream and said, "Boy, are you sleeping? Do not stop here. Come to Shirdi. There is plenty of fun at Shirdi". In the morning, Bapaji’s father had come to our village and he invited me to go over to Shirdi to assist him. I went over to Shirdi and for a short time, stayed with him. I worked for my bread by touring into villages round about Shirdi with my Bikshuki service, and helping Bapuji in Sai Baba’s worship at the Mandir. After some years (say 1 or 2) of free voluntary pooja of Baba I was appointed by the committee as the permanent poojari (at the Sai Sansthan).

I would like to add this experience of mine in your newsletter. I came to US in July 1997. I developed a corn in my right foot in December '97 which was treated by US doctors for about six-months. This did not yield any relief. Later, I decided to apply Udi to it and did it for about fifteen days, I found that corn disappeared within no time. Sai... you are Great, I shall always abide by your teachings. "Om Sai Sri Sai Jai Jai Sai".

BOW TO SHRI SAI, PEACE TO BE ALL. AMEN.

B. Laghate, Ex-Sub Judge, Shaniwarpeth, Poona, wrote on 20 July 1936, as follows:

"I went to Sai Baba about 1913 or 1914. I was in trouble and I went to get his ashirwad (i.e.) blessings to get rid of the trouble. When I approached him, he asked for dakshina and I gave it. He said to me of his own accord ‘sow margosa and afterwards cut off that tree'.* I could not make head or tail of this utterance. It was evidently not the ashirvad I went to him for. I was disappointed and I never went to him again, though at about that time, I lived with Mr. H.S. Dixit (who was a staunch devotee of Sai Baba) for three years."

*There was a bribery case in the Criminal Court against him for having taken bribes and he was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment with a heavy fine. This was confirmed on appeal. It was, pending the appeal, that he (B. Laghate) went to Baba to get his blessings for success. Margosa sowing and margosa reaping was Baba’s parable about the law of Karma. If you sow the bitter seed the result must be bitter and of the same sort. Therefore, it is better for man fully to pay the price or penalty of one’s folly, wash off one’s karmic debt and profit in the future from the lesson of the past.

(From Devotees’ Experiences of Sri Sai Baba by His Holiness Narasimhaswami ji)

A Sai devotee

I am a Sai devotee from Hyderabad, India. I just read the last two issues of Sai Vichaar today as I was out of station. I wish to reply to a disturbed devotee regarding her not conceiving and her doubts about Astrologers (Sai Vichaar dt.28.01.99). .My sister has already written about it in the Sai Vichaar DT 3.02.99 but I wanted to write about my experience so that the disturbed devotee may get confidence.

My ordeal started four years after marriage when I realized that I was not conceiving. Until then, I thought "I" could have children whenever "I" want. I waited eagerly for it but felt awfully depressed every month. I was so depressed and vulnerable that I started consulting astrologers. Each had his own predictions to such an extent that one even told my mother that the marriage itself was not rightly performed as the horoscopes did not match. This was very shocking to my parents who have done everything to everyone’s satisfaction. Then started my trauma with doctors, appointments, tests, endless hours of waiting, and the insensitive people around. It was then that my sister from Australia had told me about Baba for the first time. I started reading Satcharita - at first, I read it as a storybook. I went to Shirdi too with the hope of a miracle. Every time I read the book, I thought it will do some "magic". Then as I kept reading I realized that the book could not change anything but, I have to change myself , my way of thinking.

This was when I told Baba " You are my mother, you know what is best for me, if you think that me, your child, should have no child , then its okay with me. But Baba, please let me also feel the joy of having a child". I cried to Baba every night but slowly I even stopped that and left it to Him. Then it happened when I least expected it to. Chanting His name, I went to the Doctor and my pregnancy was confirmed. I was blessed with a healthy baby boy whom I have named Sai Sanket, which means a sign or a communication from SAI. Today when I see any childless couple, I tell Baba "if you have plans of giving me another child, then give it to those childless couples so that they too can have the joy of a child in their homes". Going to astrologers is not wrong, we are all humans but one must have faith in Baba and most of all have patience. Let us all want only what OUR MOTHER wants us to have, as MOTHER knows the best. OM SAI RAM.

B.L A Sai Devotee

In your section "Experience of Devotees'", I would like to narrate a significant miracle, not that miracles are small or big, a miracle is a miracle. Baba's grace is magnanimous and we have to acknowledge that. Yes, there are some Bhakts' who are disillusioned at the moment but Baba knows what is going on in our lives and by surrendering to Him, we can get rid of our problems. However, when we lose patience and faith, we lose the vital link, and this is unfortunate for any devotee. My daily prayer to Baba comprises prayers' for all Sai Bhakts' that, may our faith and patience in you grow magnificently. Well, let me not digress from my experience, which I would like to share with everyone. My niece, Anuradha was afflicted with leucoderma, a disease that leaves white patches all over the body, and disfigures the face. She developed it suddenly, sometime in 1995. What started as a tiny patch grew insidiously and in no time, she had full-blown leucoderma. At nineteen years of age, her dreams of getting married or socializing with people were completely shattered. However, I went to visit her in Chandigarh, India and gave her some UDHI, which I always carry with me. That was in December 1995, I am mentioning the time so that people in a similar dilemma can hope for something similar to happen to them and can appreciate the time lapse, and the patience. My niece started going to a local Sai temple every Thursday. She would sit there, attend Arti, sing Bhajans', and she was positive from day One that her cure was imminent. Well, a homeopathic doctor gave her some medicines, which she would apply on her face, but she feels that Doctor was Baba in disguise, because he gave her the medicines and was not contractible after that which remains a mystery. Now, Anu is cured and the patches are not visible anymore. I firmly believe that when He cures, He cures from the root. Sai Ram to all.

K. Navin Chander, India

(Originally posted in the magazine "Sai Padananda" issued Oct. 1998, published by Sri R. Seshadri for Sri Sai Spiritual Center, Bangalore, India 560 028)

It was on 3rd February 1998. I was about to complete an article on Sai Baba. I heard a sharp rap at the gate of my house. I shouted; who is there?" Promptly the reply came: "Khaana Lav" (give me food). From where I sat, I could not see him. Nevertheless, I called my wife to serve food to him. She bought rice and dhal but oddly, he did not have anything on him to receive it. My wife did not feel like serving in the plate she brought. So she came back to the house, took a small cardboard and served the fare on it outside the gate. He sat on his haunches preparatory to eating.

Meanwhile, my wife came inside to fetch water for him. It did not take a couple of minutes for her to do so. But the stranger was not to be seen anywhere. There were telltale marks of his having taken the food. He did not even wash his hands. It was impossible to eat the food, that too without water, and walk away out of sight in less than a couple of minutes.

It was then the truth hit me like a whiplash. I should have known much better when he said, "Khaana laav". It was truly a command. Even during his begging rounds sometimes, Sai Baba never begged. He simply commanded, "Lassie, roti laav". I asked my wife as to how he looked like. She said, "He was lean aged and looked like a village Muslim of the old order, with a sharp beard. He was wearing a faded green lungi with brownish checks on it and a soiled white long-sleeved kurtha with a black vest on it. His head was turbaned leaving the top crown open". Though the description did not actually tally with that of Sai Baba, I was by then more than convinced who He was. I cursed myself because the food that was served was overnight food and served on cardboard outside the gate.

Later when I slowly composed myself, I went into the pooja room and begged His pardon for my lapse. At that stage my own conscience began to reply, "Your repentance is enough for me. Keep on feeding the hungry, who come to your doorstep, as best as you can. Believe me, charity especially that of food, is indeed a great spiritual virtue".

(from Devotees’ Experiences of Sai Baba by H.H. Narasimhaswamiji)
Bhaskar Sadasiv Satam, Sub-Inspector of Police, Lamington Road, Bombay, India

I joined the force (Police force) as an ordinary constable in 1911 and rose to the position of Sub-Inspector in 1930 AD. I met Nagesh Atmaram Samant, who spoke to me about Sai Baba. I told him I would go to Shirdi, but for years I did not. In 1940, both of us were at Nargam Training School. I had then some misfortunes resulting in the loss of my job. I was suspended (from service) on 16-2-1940. I prayed to Baba while under suspension. Udhi and Prasad from Shirdi were wanted and sent to me. Prasad was received but not Udhi - though Sagun Meru Naik sent both. It is after that I received the dismissal order on 28-2-1940. Samant wanted me to go to Shirdi unconditionally. I and my son came to on last Ramanavami here (Shirdi) and prayed to Baba. We spent only two days here. On my return, at Dadar, I met a constable and he said that I was reinstated and posted to Lamington Road. But no such order could have been passed then. On 28-4-49, I appealed. On 14-5-1940 the order was passed and I was "Reinstated and posted to Lamington Road". Baba's decision had come from the constable's mouth two months earlier. I had debts to clear. I prayed to Baba and he sent me some money. I am now free from debt and I am well-provided. I prayed to Baba only for this state of happy freedom.

C. Satyanarayana Murthy, Hyderabad, India

(Originally posted on the Shirdi Sai Baba web site on Thu, Feb 25, 1999)

Prior to 1988, I was not a devotee of Baba. I have even refused to visit Baba temple at my native place Guntur but reluctantly visited at my wife’s request. I am an engineer working in a private company in Hyderabad for six years, living peacefully. I have resigned my job to start an industry along with some friends. But, it has not taken off. I went to my father to join his business. But, his business was also in problems during that period and he advised me to go back to Hyderabad and lookout for a job. For five months I had struggled to find a suitable job, got rejected in several private industries. All my savings were exhausted. During this period, my wife advised me to believe in Baba and asked me to do Satcharitra parayan. I have done for one week I have applied for a job in a Public sector company based on advertisement for which my experience does not match at all. But on the very next day of completion of parayan, I received an interview call and got selected for a higher position than advertised. Throughout the reading of the parayan I have always got a feeling that Baba is with me providing me the confidence. My life style has changed since then. All my family members have experienced several miracles of Baba. Baba guides us in every walk of our life. There is no problem that Baba has not solved for us. We owe our life to Baba for all the peace that he gave us.

Good Morning

I am N.Krishnan working as Secretary in Dubai since one-and-a-half years. I want to share with you all, one my experiences.

In every walk of life and in every aspect of our day-to-day activities, My Lord Sai has been helping me. Believe me, even in the case of minimal things. To cite a one of them, I give below my experience.

My General Manager (GM) is proceeding to Bahrain on a Business Visit. In Bahrain he wanted to meet all of the prospective companies for business purpose. He had never visited Bahrain in the last two-and-a-half years.

My GM wanted to pull all such papers that we had received since two-and-a-half years and wanted to meet them. I could pull out all the papers pertaining to the period of one-and-a-half year after my joining. Inspite of all this exercise, my GM was insisting about a particular and a specific fax, which he had received some two-and-a-half years back (prior to my joining this organization). GM is very guy of mixed mentality arrogant sometimes and nice sometimes and further he has the best memory of even the smallest thing, which I have never come across with any of my employers till today. When he insists he remains adamant because he is correct. I searched all the available files on 1st of March 99 and I could not succeed in tracing the papers. I had very limited time to make the paper available. I did not know what to do.

During that instant, I had no other option rather than praying My Lord Shirdi Sai to make that paper come in front of me. Believe me on 1st March 99 when I was sleeping in my room after my dinner (actually I was half sleeping and half awaken), I got a vision or a dream or an intuition, giving a picture of a specific paper filed in a specific file.

The next day, i.e., 2nd March 1999, immediately upon stepping into my cabin, I pulled out that particular file, which I got as a dream or vision or intuition. Believe me, on going through that file, I got the papers that I had prayed for. Here my respected devotees please note that this file is an abandoned one and has been closed two years back and that too this file was operational prior to my joining.

This is not a new case with me. This is a common phenomenon. In every aspect and in every difficulty (minimal of insignificant type or maximal of utmost importance), I pray and beg to my Lord Sai to come to my rescue and believe immediately, Insha Allah, I get the answer in one or the other way.

I would like to emphasize to one and all, believe in our Lord Shirdi Sai. When you trust HIM completely, totally believe HIM and you are true in your prayers to HIM, HE is always with us all and in our heart.

I thank you all for spending your valuable time in going through my experience.

LORD SHIRDI SAI bless us all.

Prabodh Telang Chicago IL USA

HARI OM TATSAT, SHREE SAINATH MAHARAJ KI JAI....

I am a SAI-BHAKTA right from my child hood (with the blessings of my parents and my Satguru Param pujya Shree Bhaktaraj Maharaj from Indore MP India). Just like me now my son Jay (3.5 Yr.) is also proceeding on the same steps. He too loves Sai-Baba and worships him every day. As far as my experiences are concerned, I have countless experiences related to BABA and many of them have been just out of the world kind. I would be glad to share them with any body.

Anyway, this particular experience is one of the simplest kinds. It was very recent when we had a bad snowstorm in Chicago (Jan 99). It was a worst of its kind as we had over 18 inches of snow in just one day. Due to some unavoidable reasons I had to go out in my car and my son was also with me. While our return, my car got stuck in the heavily accumulated snow just close to my residence. I tried by all means to pull my car out, but without a success. Just after that my son who was quietly sitting in his car seat, told me that " Hey Dad, BABA just now talked to me and told me not to worry, he said I'll come to help you". He was pointing to Sai-Baba’s photo on my car's dashboard. After that I carried my son home, leaving my car in the same condition. When I returned, I was very much surprised to see an American gentleman parking his huge 4x4 truck, just at the back of my car. Without saying a word he took out a rope to tie my car to his truck (this is very unusual in the US, some body carrying a rope and then doing this without being asked). Within few minuets he pulled my car out. I duly thanked him and in return he just said, "I enjoyed it!" He was gone within no time. I was left thinking, how could he come from just no where. That too in the middle of such a bad storm??? But then I realized, what BABA had told Jay. BABA actually came to help us in this form. SAI YOU ARE GREAT. YOU ARE OMNI PRESENT...

Only recently, due to certain circumstances I turned to Saibaba, I promised him by saying that show me your strength for those who turn to you and I will do all I can to learn more about you. By the grace of Saibaba events turned out well for me and I embarked upon a journey to fulfil my promise. I was reading a book on Shirdi Saibaba and a particular chapter in the book stated that those who read this book with heartfelt devotion will receive 'Sai-darshan' in 'some' form. That night when I got home from work a friend had sent me a Sai calendar for 1999 through another party. I had not asked for this calendar, my friend did not know I was reading this book, moreover, the person who brought the calendar to me did not know I was reading the book. I believe this to be the 'Sai-darshan' the book mentioned. I would also say to all 'new' Sai devotees that have faith and you will be welcomed and blessed as I have been. Sai-Ram to all.

Shamrao Raoji Shrotrie, Record Keeper, District Court, Thana, Maharashtra. 12th September 1936

I visited Sai Baba at Shirdi only once. That was about 1909. When I went and bowed to Sai Baba, I sat in His presence and then a particular question cropped up in my mind. Baba told me to go to a Bai, saying that she was in the temple reading Puran. I went up and found an elderly Brahmin lady of about 50 years reading Puran. I sat and listened. Therein what she read to me was the answer to what cropped up in my mind when I was in Baba’s presence. This was Baba’s way of giving me a solution.

(from Devotees’ Experience of Sai Baba by H.H. Narasimhaswamiji)

Prasuna, Virginia, USA

Om Sai Ram.

I have been reading the Sai Vichaar for quite some time now and I have been noticing how many people have been losing faith in the Lord. I hope this message particularly help those who think their prayers are being un-answered. I feel, Baba is like a mother and we are like infants. A mother always knows what her infant child needs. She feeds him, washes him, guides him and when the child makes a mistake, spanks him. Our Baba has the love or thousand mothers. Imagine how much love he has for us? He knows what we need. We don't even have to ask him to give us things. And I know everyone of you will agree most of the time we don't even realize what we need!

Let me give an example. Every one living in Washington DC area will remember the unexpected snowstorm we had a couple of weeks ago. I was at my work early that morning and did not know about the snowstorm. My husband called me and said may be I should head for home at my earliest convenience as its risky to drive when the traffic gets bad and the roads are mushy. I started for home immediately. While I was driving on 66, I felt a strong intuition that I should not take 495 south exit and take the next exit even though I would have to drive an extra 2 miles to get home. I did not pay attention to this. I was on the ramp when suddenly my car skid and went into the snow piled up on the side of the ramp. I tried getting out by putting my car in the reverse gear but it only skid closer and was just hair width away from the ramp!

I got out of my car. I did not know what to do since I did not have a cell telephone. Even if I called for any assistance, It would take at least a couple of hours for them to arrive because of the road conditions. I thought I would be stuck here in the cold without even a proper jacket for a long time. Then, a man driving on the same ramp stopped his car and offered me his cell phone to make a call. He called for roadside assistance. He even offered me to give a ride home. But I did not want to leave my car there. So, I thanked him for his help. He was very kind in offering me various options. Meanwhile, another car pulled over and two guys got out of the car. They were very skinny. They offered help and suggested that I should get in my car and doing a reverse again. I was skeptical because there was less than once inch space between the front of my car and the railing. They insisted. I got in my car and did as they suggested. They pushed my car from the front and in a split second; my car was back on the road!

I did not get a proper chance to get out of my car and thank them as I was blocking the ramp and more than 15 cars had already queued up. To this day, I am wondering how two skinny people could push a car out of the snow. When the whole mess was cleared, I began driving home and thanked Baba for helping me out of this mess. Immediately I felt a strange feeling as if someone was saying, "I told you not to take this exit".

My point is, I did not even know I would be needing help until I actually landed in the mess. And all along, I was never left alone or deserted! I believe that Baba came to me in the form of three people to get me out of trouble. He knew I would go through this and hence was always there with me in the form of three gentlemen.

So, dear devotees, Please don't loose hope and faith. He is our mother and he knows what is best for us. When a child gets attracted to fire, a mother always pulls the child away. The child may cry for a little While. However, when he grows up, he will realize his mother was right. Never loose faith. The lord is watching and taking care of us in many ways we don't even know. Do your duty and leave the results to him. Sai Ram.

Rashmi Rao, New Delhi, India

(Originally posted on 3/19/1999)

Dear Sai devotees,

Jai Sai Ram. I am also a Sai devotee and visit the Chhattarpur temple at Delhi whenever Baba wishes so. I am doing my Masters in Applied Psychology. I have been blessed by Baba all through and can feel him to be a part of me. The experience at Shirdi in January was beautiful. We were a group of 100+ people. We were accompanied by our Gururji Shri Satpathy ji who is Sairoop for his devotees. Very fortunate are the ones who have been a 'kripapatra of his drishti'. I pray for his blessings on me and everyone else who so desires and deserves. Jai Sai Ram. Bow to Shri Sai. Peace be to all.

Mukesh
Jai Sai Ram

I am truly sorry for the late announcement but I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating our Sister Indrani who has given birth to a Baby Daughter. Both are well.

May Sainath grant them Love and happiness for the Baby was born Ram Navmi or just after.

I thank all who prayed for her.

Badari Vadlamani, USA

DEAR SAI BHAKTA

SAIRAM SaiRam SaiRam..........

I reached USA on Feb 11th to get job with SAIMAATA BLESSINGS. I am going to narrate how SAIMAATA had pulled me towards him like a sparrow. After coming to USA , I got very strong feeling to visit SAI temple. In that context I happened to see an address of a SAI CENTER located in NEWJERSEY from SAIVICHAAR. Its address is as below. SHIRIDI SAI CENTER,818 COLUMBIA AVENUE,NORTH BERGEN NJ-0747-1636, PH: 201-601-1287. As per SAIMAATA blessing I planned to visit my employer on Ugadi Thursday 18th. I prayed SAIMAATA to give me darshan at North Bergen NJ. This was my first priority. I wanted to go to North Bergen after I completed the work with my employer. According to the information I had, it is far off and I could not get proper information to reach there. Hence, I proceeded to my cousin's place at Edison NJ. I started back to Newyork City the next day. I bought the ticket upto New York Penn station. I was thinking about how to reach North Bergen. I decided to enquire after I reach Newyork Penn station. Train driver gave announcement about each station's arrival. Suddenly I listened announcement about the arrival of Penn station. Then immediately I got down from the train. To my surprise it is NEWARK PENN STATION located in NEW JERSEY state. I enquired at the information counter for New York City train. They told me that I will have to catch a train in Track 'A' which will cost me $2.5. When reached the track A people are boarding a train by paying $1 at the vending machine. Without thinking I paid the money and entered the train. I asked the co passenger whether train goes to New York City. Initially he told me it would go. Then he told me to get down at 33rd street stop and catch another train. To my surprise it is a local train in NJ state.

Then I started thinking about complete episode and realized that Baba wanted me to come to North Bergen. I asked the same gentleman about how to reach North Bergen. He asked me "where you want to go? you want get down at New York or North Bergen?" I told him first I want to go to SAI temple at North Bergen then from there I want to go to New York city. Then he told me to get down at Jersey City stop along with him and catch bus no 84 to North Bergen. I got down at Jersey City station, enquired some of the people how to reach Columbia Ave, North Bergen. Someone suggested me to board 83 bus. When I approached the bus, the driver he told me that Columbia avenue was not in his route. I called up SAI center and talked to Mr. Jagat Patel and in turn he told me to get down at 10th street of 83 bus route. I boarded the 83 bus and requested the bus driver to inform me about the 10th street stop. After travelling some distance, Mr. Jagat Patel chased our bus and requested me come along with him to SAI center. I FELT SO HAPPY WHEN I TOUCHED THE LOTUS FEET OF SAI MAATA .THE FEEELINGS I EXPERIENCED CAN NOT BE EXPLAINED IN WORDS. SAI center is maintained presently in the house of Mr. Jagat Patel. SAI temple is to be constructed in near future. The main active Sai devotee in construction of temple is from Hyderabad. I am giving his details for reference. Dr Achurao Das, Shirdi Saibaba Samsthan, Ramnath Pur, Hyderanad-500 013, India.
Mr. Jagat Patel requested me to do the prayer to Saimaatha for speedy construction of temple. I request one and all to pray for the early construction of the temple. I am giving his e-mail id for your information. hpatel2@hotmail.com jagatkumar@hotmail.com The complete episode increased my faith towards SAIMAATA.

The easiest way to spiritual evolution is to:

1.Believe that the Sadguru is the Divine incarnation to lead people towards temporal and spiritual development.

2.To follow the path laid down by Him as reflected in His earthly conduct and preaching.

3.To understand that no man how much ever he strives, can evolve in the spiritual field beyond a certain limit without the help and kindness of a Sadguru. Even incarnations like Shri Krishna and Shri Rama, in the process of experiencing the God state in Them, had to be helped by Sandeepani and Vasishta, the Sadgurus of the time.

4.To focus the entire spiritual consciousness on the Sadgurus, both in Sakara (formed) or Nirakar (formless) and worship them.

5.To believe that the Guru is the repositor of all Divine powers -and therefore, He alone should be made the mainstay of one's life. All needs, worries and questions should be projected to him

Experience has shown that people devoted to Sadgurus, evolve faster in the spiritual field than those following other methods because such devotees believe in surrender to divinity which is the ultimate requirement for spiritual evolution. Every devotee of Shirdi Sai, therefore, on this New Year, should decide whether he wants to hold Baba as his 'Ishta' - the only one to be prayed, worshipped and called in time of need. Personally, for me Shri Sai is the only and ultimate. I don't seek anything from elsewhere.

Who would like to join me?

C.B. Satpathy

Prasad Tipirneni, Cooma, NSW, Australia

I came here as permanent resident and got job in Westpac bank with the blessing of Sai . My wife Sahithi joined with me and she also got job in her field of study in Cooma with the grace of god . Our only child Yashwant immigration date expired on 22/6/98, Australian High commission authorities, New Delhi refused to extend the date for the child rather they suggested to apply separate sponsor application for the child . As god sent message through one of devotee Prasad Ithiraj suggested me to approach Immigration Minister office in Canberra. I had approached Phillip Ruddock Ministry office with due representation and sought his help for the immigration extension of my child . With the grace of Sai I got new job in Cooma, joined with wife and immigration extended to my son by conducting medical test . My son joined with us on 14th Apr 99 with the help of Sai through all the sweet heart people. I used to visit Shirdi Sai temple in Liverpool road , South Strathfield during my stay in Sydney. I thank Sai devotees Vijaya Kumar, Brinda Kumar , Hemachandra Rao , Rohini Sandilya, Mani Sandilya, Capt. Rana uncle for their service to the society of Sydney to reach the grace of Sai.

Hari Kiran, Hyderabad, India

Om Sai Ram! I am a Sai devote from Hyderabad, India. I would like to narrate a recent experience of mine- actually my husband's. I normally get up earlier than my husband. It was one morning that he was up before me and was talking on the phone. From his conversation I gathered that he was talking to his broker friend about investing in a particular scrip. He sounded very excited. Later he told me that he was expecting a sharp rise in that scrip and that he was going to invest, and that we would get huge profits in a short time. My husband believes Baba as any other God. Of late he has started reading the Satcharita too. He reads it regularly after his bath, but randomly- any page that opens up. On that particular day, he sat down after his bath and surprisingly of all the chapters ch.25 opened up- Damu Anna's speculation where Damu Anna wants to speculate in cotton and asks for Baba's advice and Baba says "Tell that shet to be content with what he has, nothing is wanting in his house. Let him not bother about lakhs." My husband read that that chapter and took it as Baba's advice. He wanted to invest some very huge amounts that day and after getting this warning from Baba he decided not to do so. His broker friend was shocked. He persuaded him and convinced him to put in some money at least, which he did. In the next couple of days we realized that the value of that scrip fell and people registered losses. Had we invested the originally planned amount of money we would have been in deep troubles by now, we would have had losses that we could never pay. Thanks to Baba's timely advice in warding off that calamity. Despite the warning my husband took the risk of investing some amount which ended in a loss. He took Baba's advice but not in full. The story about the man falling off the mountain was an eye opener. What is wanted is COMPLETE faith. Om Sri Samartha Sadguru Sri Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Kau
(Originally posted on May 4, 1999))

SHIRDI TRIP Part 1

Two months ago when I had been wanting to give up my life, the sai family here gave me moral support and courage to go on with life. I had been trying to go to Shirdi for the past two years but somehow, it never materialised. When my sufferring were at their peak around two months back, I prayed again that I be called to Shirdi. And everone else here in the Saifamily prayed for me. As a result of those prayers, Baba showered His blessings on me. I was going to India for a month. I wrote to a friend of mine to find out if anyone was going to Shirdi in April but received no reply from him. Another friend with whom I could have gone was in another country. I had met a girl here in US who was also a Sai devotee and had been to Shirdi many times. She was looking for a job here and she said that if she did not get one she would go back to India for a few months and she promised that we would go to Shirdi together. I wanted her to get a job here and did not want to be selfish and wish her to be back in India so I put the thought out of my mind. I did not know how I would be able to go to Shirdi. Anyway, with all these doubts in mind, I reached India. I prayed to Baba to arrange for everything and left all matters in His hands.

A few days after I reached India , my US friend's sister called me and said that my friend was returning to India on 8th and that our train tickets to Bombay had been booked. She later called to say that my friend had postponed her return to India and would now be returning on 14th. I was doubtful as to whether she would come back. I had not even been able to find anyone else bound for Shirdi and I was in despair but again asked Baba to arrange for everything.

My friend did reach India on 14th and she called me to confirm that we would leave for Bombay on 19th. Now the next problem was to convince my father. He does not like that I travel alone in India. And since I belong to a different faith, it was going to be all the more difficult to convince him to let me go. I prayed to Baba and asked Him to convince my dad. Wonder of wonders, when I told my father about going to Bombay and Shirdi he did not stop me and instead asked me if I needed money for the trip. And he gladly gave me the amount I asked for. I was surprised and thaked Baba.

When the train was nearing Bombay station, I happened to look out of the window and saw a huge painting of Baba covering the wall of a building. Baba seemed to be saying , come on child, I am waiting for you.

After reaching Bombay, a car had been booked for us by my friend's brother's friend to take us to Shirdi on 21st. Everything seemed to have been arranged on its own. Early morning on 21st we started for Shirdi. There had been an accident on the highway and it took us quite a while to get there. As we were nearing Shirdi, I was filled with such happiness and in my heart I cried out Baba I am here. And as I opened my eyes I saw an old man who looked so much like Baba standing by the side of the road. I felt it was Baba welcoming me.

We reached Shirdi by half past two. My friend had a letter of introduction from someone and we went to meet the PRO there. He was very nice to us and helped us get a room in the dharamshala there. We freshened up a bit and went to get prasaad and take Baba's darshan. I hurriedly put some rupee notes in my wallet. When we went to buy prashad, I wanted to buy a chola meaning clothes for Baba but I did not like the colors or the prints the person at the shop was showing me. While I was in Delhi I had once gone to a shop and had selected a cloth that I thought I would take with me to Shirdi but due to hurried arrangements and other engagements I had been unable to buy that before I left for Bombay. I was feeling bad about that since I had sepcifically chosen that print. The shopkeeper's agent took us to another shop that sold cholas. And displayed on the counter, I found the same print that I had chosen in Delhi. I eagerly pounced on that. But to my disappointment, there was only one piece. Whereas for Baba three pieces are required. One for chola, one for headcloth and one for Samadhi. However, the problem was solved when the shopkeeper found me two other pieces for chola and headgear of a different print but to my taste. He asked me for rupees 700 for the three clothes. And when I looked in my wallet I found exactly 700 rupees. I felt so glad that Baba had been indulgent so as to to let me find the same print that I had wanted Him to wear while in Delhi.

We finally got everything together and went to the Samadhi mandir for Baba's darshan. I was filled with an indescribable bliss as soon as I had the darshan. I felt HIS presence there. I saw Him welcoming me with a smile on His face. I felt transported into another world. The pujariji there offered the cholas and prasad to Baba and very kindly allowed me to take a picture of Baba with those clothes. I felt such happiness. I had read about people undergoing sattwik emotions on getting Baba's darshan in Satcharita. But I experienced it first hand then. I felt as if Baba is asking me, "Is the heart's desire now satisfied? Has your mind attained calmness".

Kau
(Originally posted on May 4, 1999))

SHIRDI TRIP Part 2

Continued from part 1..

Dear Baba, How loving are your ways. Dear Satyabhama didi's experience is so much similar to mine. But we will come to that later. Continuing with where I left off yesterday. Baba please write your leelas. I know not what to put down here. After taking Baba's darshan, we took Baba's Udi and then went to Gurusthan. I gathered a few leaves from the Neem Tree and ate them as Baba's sweet prasad. We roamed around in the streets, but something kept calling me from the Samadhi Mandir. It was a magnetic force that kept pulling me towards it. In the evening, we went again to the Samadhi Mandir. Baba was wearing a silver dress, which was shimmering. HE looked very beautiful, I could not resist taking another picture. The more I looked the happier I felt. Dear sister Bindiya had given me a list of prayers to do and I wanted to sit in the hall close to the samadhi and pray for our Sai family here in dwarkamayi, but the attendants there pushed me away and some of them were rude. I went to the back of the hall and started praying. I had tears in my eyes and I prayed to Baba that I cannot even see you from so far. Why did you call me from across seven seas if you are not going to satiate my thirst for your darshan. My friend consoled me by saying that the PRO had given us tickets for the Kakad Aarti next morning and I would be able to get closer darshan then. We went to Dwarakamayi from there. It felt so good to be there. As I bowed before Baba's picture besides the stone where He used to sit, I felt as if He is still sitting there. It has always been my favorite photograph and I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to Baba at actually being able to touch that stone. I sensed that Baba realized that that stone had special significance for me. We went to visit Chavadi next. And then we went to the Puja room where Baba used to cure people of their ailments. We sat and prayed there for a while.

Next day was a Thursday. Early next morning, carrying some rose flowers in hand for Baba's snan meaning bath, we went to the Samadhi Mandir again. This time I got a chance to sit close to the front. I felt that Baba was asking me if I was happy now that I had managed to get closer darshan. I replied in the affirmative.
The Kakad Aarti commenced. Although I did not understand the Marathi language, I was moved by the devotion in those words. I had tears in my eyes through out the Aarti and I kept staring at Baba. I felt that Baba too was looking at me and me only and I am sure that every person present there was transported into a private world of their own with just Baba besides them. It was an overwhelming experience.

After the Aarti Baba's snan commenced with rose water and milk. The pujaris bathed Baba and the Samadhi with such expertise yet with so much devotion. I just kept looking at Baba totally oblivious of the crowd of devotees who too had thronged for Baba's darshan. As Baba changed clothes, the thought came to my mind that if Baba accepts my devotion, He should wear the clothes I had offered the day before. I spoke the thought aloud and my friend laughed at me by saying that Baba had so many clothes, why should He wear that particular dress. But I was not satisfied. Baba changed into a saffron dress.

We spent the afternoon visiting another temple a few miles from Shirdi. We went back to the Samdhi Mandir in the afternoon to say goodbye. Baba had changed into another dress of golden color. As I saw that, I mentally told Baba that I know that you have so many rich devotees who offer you such grand clothes, why should you wear something so inexpensive that I had offered. As I bowed my head before Baba's Samadhi, I mentally said goodbye, but I kept getting the feeling that Baba is saying its not bye right now. When we went to bid adieu to the PRO, he gave us a coconut and udi packet for prasad and asked us if we were leaving right away. We said we would be staying to watch the Palki procession at night and leave early next morning. He graciously offered us front tickets for the evening Aarti. I could not hold back my joy. To see Baba again from so much close up front... We gratefully accepted the tickets.

I got a chance to sit right in front row for the evening dhoop Aarti. And guess what. Baba was so graciously wearing the same dress that had been offered by me the previous day. I was so incredulously surprised. I looked at Baba in awe and saw a twinkle in HIS eye. As if He was gently chiding me for thinking that He would be more acceptant of rich offerings and would neglect my humble request. I have no words to describe what I felt then. I did not know whether to laugh or cry. I was in this state of bliss that I had never ever experienced in my life before and that I miss so much now with every breath that I take. My friend tried to pull me back to earth by saying that someone else may have offered the same dress too and Baba was wearing that. But I told her it didn't matter to me. And HE at least did choose the same color and print to wear. The Aarti that commenced after that was a similar experience to the morning Aarti. My heart was choking at every word I sang. I did not deserve such love that HE had showered on me. I am such a sinful soul and yet HE loves me.

I had mentally decided to offer a coconut at His Samadhi. For those of you who have not been to Shirdi, I must explain that the coconut offered is not accepted at the Samadhi but is taken out and broken there with a machine and the broken pieces are given back to the devotee. When I got back in line to enter the Samadhi Mandir with the coconut in hand, I thought I wanted Baba to touch the Coconut and not have it broken outside the machine. I did not want the coconut to be broken but wanted Baba to just accept it. I had some vague thoughts as to whether I wanted Baba to keep the coconut. As I went in, I thought of a photograph that I wanted Baba to consecrate. I handed the photo and the coconut to the pujariji and asked him to get it consecrated at Baba's feet. He touched the coconut and photo to the Samadhi and then gave the photo to the other pujariji for consecration at Baba's feet. And then he returned only the photo to me and forgot the coconut. I felt that Baba wanted to keep the coconut intact. I turned to the door I had been directed to but could not get out that way as that door had been closed. A person there asked me to get back in line again and go out the other way after passing Baba's Samadhi. I felt that Baba had this way given me another chance to bow at His Samadhi. As I reached the Samadhi I saw the coconut had been put on top of the Samadhi by the pujariji. I felt that Baba had accepted the coconut just as I had wanted Him to. And that was the time I felt content. As I bowed at His Samadhi, I told him that my thirst had been quenched and I felt contentment. I felt that He was saying goodbye then.

We saw the Palki procession after that. For a moment I felt that Baba was standing in the Chavadi waving to his devotees just as it has been so beautifully described in Satcharita. We sat in Dwarkamayi for a long time after that. I kept looking at Baba's photograph with tears in my eyes and felt a similar experience as what Satyabhama didi has so wonderfully described earlier today. I prayed to Him to call me back soon. And to accompany me at all times wherever I am in the world. We left Shirdi early morning next day.

Baba, thanks for writing your leelas. Please bless all your devotees with indefatigable bhakti and shower your innumerous blessings and immeasurable love on all that come to you.

Sai Ram to all!

I am a devotee of Sai Baba. I just would like to relate my experience to you all. I believed Babaji when I saw Manoj Kumar's 'Shirdhi ke Sai Baba'. I kept many fasts as well and to tell you that I had a very nice husband who cares for me. My recent experience is that my husband lost his job and someone asked him to fast on Thursdays, though I had already started fasting without him knowing as he believes that you can't pray to God with an empty stomach. Well, anyhow, he started to fast and I mentioned to him that I was fasting for Sai Baba. As I work for BA, there was a promotion that I could go to India taking my mother along with me. I was excited and asked my hubby to make a move but he was reluctant, as we didn't have the money to pay for everyone's tickets (that three adults and four girls). We left the decision entirely with Babaji by writing small chits of 'YES' and 'NO'. In the morning after his prayers, he checked the chits and the first one was 'YES'. We were all delighted that we would visit 'Puttaparthi and Shirdhi' The visit to Puttaparthi was fine but the volunteers are a bit too harsh on small kids. Our visit to Shirdhi was fine too and I saw a very tall man dressed in orange. My little one had runs and we saw that a lady approached this man and said she had terrible back pain. He just hit her on the back and she started walking straight, so I immediately got caught of his pocket as he was very tall and he looked at us all and gave us vibhuti. I guess he must be Sai. Within no seconds, he disappeared. My prayers were answered, my husband found a new job and I was blessed with a baby son, who is now 3 years old. While expecting, I had a craving of eating vibhuti and when he was delivered, the first thing that went in his mouth was vibhuti and amrit. Now I ask all the devotees to pray for us as my husband has a 'by-pass' operation. He is fine and looking for a job. Please pray for us that he finds employment. Love to you all. SAI RAM.

Sai Baba is guiding me in my life when I was and am facing numerous problems in life including spinal fracture. I want to share an experience that I had when I went to shirdi in 1995 before undergoing a major surgery. Near chavadi, one person came with crutches. He did not talk with my husband or son but when I passed him, he said, "Has Baba not asked you to give money?" So I gave him Rs 2.Then he said he wanted Rs 5 more for eating. I told him angrily that Baba has said whatever is given has to be taken. Then I gave Rs 5. He then asked me "Why are you angry?" I told him to leave at that. I felt that the person must be noble. While I was leaving, I saw him standing near chavadi hitting his head. Within a second, he was gone. I could not find him. Who could that person be other than Baba? I lost my chance due to my anger. Let Baba take me with my defects. I would like to share this experience of mine with all.

Srinivasa Rao Katta, USA

Dear Sai devotees, my name is Srinivasa Rao. I am in the US. I had my road test on 28th apr'99. Same day morning I have to attend a crucial meeting.on 27th all through night I was preparing important points. I went to bed around 3am and again I woke up around 5am. at around 1pm my driving instructor came to give me final lesson before the test. I was not able to concentrate and I did lot of mistakes. He advised me to take test on some other day, as I seem to be very tired. I told him that I would give the test today only for which he replied it is up to me. Before I started driving, I prayed Saimaata and I have successfully given the road test and passed. srkatta@yahoo.com

JAI SAI RAM: We are devotees of Baba from past 10 years. We have lot of experiences with Baba. But this is really a wonder of Baba. On September.30 1996, our family and our uncle's family went to Shirdi to pray to Baba. We were travelling in our Maruthi van and my brother was the only driver at that time. In Shirdi, we attended three arathis. From there, we visited Shani Shinganapur. On Oct.3, we were returning Hyderabad. We were planning to stop for lunch. We were looking for good dhaba for taking lunch. Then suddenly what happened we don't know may be my brother felt sleepy because he is the one driving for the whole trip? He dashed the van into a milestone then the van jumped off the road and it rolled three times. After that, it came to the original position. While rolling, my mother was screaming Baba...Baba... That was really a big Accident. In that accident my uncle's leg fractured. And every one got some scratches. Near by. two villagers watched our accident they helped us a lot. They were telling us later, we saw this type of accident in movies only, not in real life. They were thinking that no one would survive in that accident. But Baba blessings are with us. After that, the two men took us to local hospital for first aid. Then they took us to Sholapur there my uncle got some temporary treatment to his fractured leg in a hospital and at the same night, they dropped us in our home at Hyderabad. All these transportation was in their own vehicle. My uncle got operation for his broken leg. My family members were worried about me because my wedding was 45 days from that day. After that I got married and I came to USA.

In SAI BABA SATHCHARITHRA Shyama use to ask Baba every time, "Why giving obstacles to your devotees and again why do you go to save them ?". We also asked Baba the same thing, "Why Baba? Why? You did to us that big accident and you came as the villagers to help us". This is a given life from Baba for both of our families. After that we all visited Shirdi. OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI.

This is my experience with Sai Bhajan. My first project was over on Jan 7 with IBM. I was in between the assignments, the so-called bench. My self and my wife were in tense always as the situation was not good. Meanwhile one of my friends invited us for Sai Bhajan in his house during the first week of Feb 99. Before that, I completed the one-week parayanam and some how I was not very much happy with the way I did the puja. During next week on Wednesday morning during early hours in my dream, I am standing opposite to a Sai Photo and I heard a voice asking me to read Guru charitra. Luckily the book was available with one of my friends and I completed the Guru Charitra. During the bhajan in my friend's house, I thought of continuing the Bhajan for the next three weeks in my house. By Feb last week we completed the three bhajans in my house and on that Thursday I got offer from two companies and got a project which started on Mar 01. We continued the Bhajans in different houses. Mean while some more Friends of mine were out of projects and when they attended the Bhajan all of them got projects within two weeks. By Sai Ram’s grace, we are continuing the bhajan. I have asked another friend of mine to attend the Bhajan who is out who is out of project for the past 8 months to get Sai Baba’s blessings. Have faith in him and he will take care of everything.

Aruna Kuruganti

Dear Friends, I would like to share my recent experience, which I strongly believe was due to the timely guidance of Sai Baba. After my graduation last July, I was in a state of confusion about my future job prospects. Due to the tight job market in my area of specialization and my visa status, I found it difficult to get a job. I was keen on taking a risk of activating my temporary work permit even without a job on hand.

At this point, I somehow feel I was forced to take the decision of joining a program in a more lucrative area in a local school. Six months from then, I ended up getting several offers. The final decision of joining the company was also made on a Thursday, a day so dear to Sai Baba. I strongly feel that at a point when I was vulnerable to taking a decision I strongly feel that at a point when I was vulnerable to taking a decision which could have been a potential risk, Sai Baba made a decision for me and all I had to do was surrender and follow the path he chalked out for me. Om Sai Ram.

I will take your time of my experience. My father was classmate of Sri B.NARASIMHA SWAMY and he used to visit us to spread Shirdi Sai's I later I visited Bombay on official work and was staying with my brother. That night I got a dream at 3 A.M.BABA appeared and said why are you wasting time, come to Shirdi. Next morning I asked my brother and he said there is no bus but asked me to ask a neighbor who was Sathya Sai Baba 's devotee. I went and he told me that the service was started just the previous week and I will not get seats as it is the first bus and tickets must have been exhausted. However I went. One person cancelled. From then on, devotees looked after my stay visit to temple, and return by evening to Bombay.

T.R.Padmanabhan, Hyderabad, India

My name is T.R. Padmanabhan, from Hyderabad, India. I am a Shri Shirdi Sai devotee since 4 years and I am involved in the Chemical Import/Export business. I had just completed yesterday one week Parayan of "Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba" - by Shri Ammula Sambasiva Rao- English version by Shri Thota Bhaskara Rao. The whole period was so nice and that I had a perfect piece of mind. During this time things that were pending for couple of years, started being solved in my professional side. From my health side, was suffering a severe low back pain and now it is almost cured. Shri Sai Devotees can again be reassured that Shri Shirdi Sai Baba can solve our problems to the best of the circumstances, if approached in complete faith. My humble request for those suffering on any account please take up "Parayan" for one week, and you are sure to meet with Success. May Shri Shirdi Sai Baba bestow his blessings to all Sai Devotees all over the world.

Sai Ram. I would like to share my experience that how Sai Ram helped me instantly. I am working for a German Company as a Secretary. I was expecting six visitors from Germany f