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FEATURE OF THE WEEK: Is there no hope?
Perils of Maya, the myth, are well known, well expounded, yet
least comprehensible for a spiritual seeker. The human nature is such; it
falls to its own trap time and again. Desires multiply even after knowing
how transient the human life is. Desires and more desires, as the mercy of
Sadguru confers the wishes, the desires manifold. Souls trapped at the
crossroads not knowing where to draw the line. Swami Vivekananda, one of the
greatest spiritualists history has seen talks on this subject;
"There was never a mother who did not think her child was a
born genius, the most extra-ordinary child that was ever born; she dotes
upon her child. Her whole soul is in the child. The child grows up, perhaps
becomes a drunkard, a brute, ill-treats the mother, and the more he
ill-treats her, the more her love increases. The world lauds its unselfish
love of the mother, little dreaming that the mother is a born slave, she
cannot help that. She would a thousand times rather throw off the burden,
but she cannot. So she covers herself with a mass of flowers, which she
calls love. And this is Maya.
True it is that we are all slaves of Maya, born in Maya and
live in Maya. Is there no way out, no hope? That we are all miserable, that
this world is really a prison, that even our so-called trailing beauty are
but a prison-houses, have been known for ages upon ages. There has never
been a man; never been a human soul who has not felt this sometime or other,
however he may talk. And the old people feel it most, because in them the
accumulated experience of a whole life, because they cannot be easily
cheated by the lies of the nature. Is there no way out? We find that with
all this, with this terrible fact before us, in the midst of the sorrow and
suffering even in this world where life and death are synonymous, ever here
there is a still small voice ringing through all ages, through every country
and in every heart: "This Maya is divine, made up of qualities, and very
difficult to cross. Yet those that come unto Me, cross the river of life".
This voice comes to men when everything seems to be lost and hope has fled,
when's men's dependence on his own strength crushed down, and everything
seems to melt away between his fingers, and life is a helpless ruin. Then he
hears it. This is called religion".
Religion in this context may well be substituted for the
doctrine of faith, to be taken for all its worth. As the true sons of the
father, let us spend a few moments on contemplating the loving invitation
our father Sai has extended to His religion, the one of faith and patience,
of love and tolerance, of one supreme that is for all. |
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CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: He is the Father, Only eternal!
The relationship between Baba and His devotee is expressed in
several ways. He is the mother, He the father. He is Sadguru and He is God.
He can be anything to anyone, just the way one would like it. However, the
difference is that the relationship is permanent and existed even before it
was known or felt. Baba would often say, I will draw my devotee to me, just
as a bird is drawn with strings attached to its legs. The analogy aptly
refers to the agitated mind of the child that is comforted by the thought of
His safe hands. Let us see the relationship beautifully expressed in the
following phrases:
This relationship between the Supreme Being and the individual soul (human
being) will never be allowed to be snapped. Unlike the steps taken by a
father to groom his son and the latter expressing his gratitude, which acts
are merely temporary, the tie between God and His devotees will be unbroken
forever. The essential requirement of the latter is to shed his ego. Saint
Appar has said even as a snake bites a person, ego stings him resulting in
aberration in his behavior. Secondly, as a servant, he should demonstrate
how he is always dependent on the Almighty. Poet Kamban has pointed out how
Rama (God in the form of human being) followed Sage Viswamitra and how
Lakshmana dutifully attended on Him. ``I serve Him to please Him'' were his
words. Likewise a sincere devotee should declare pleading with God, ``I want
only You and none else and nothing else''.
The term ``devotion'' has been described in holy works from
different angles. The essence of it, in simple manner, will be that it
represents perfection of humility and ardent service to God and His
messengers and also extinction of one's ego and ill-will. It should not be
mistaken with the display of mere emotional rapture. Then, what will be the
definition of a sincere ``devotee''? This too has been stated clearly,
namely that he is one who has clear understanding of his relationship with
the Almighty and that the bond that exists between the two is permanent. He
should hold on to the feet of one God alone without switching his loyalty to
various deities. A devotee will assiduously carry out Divine commands, and
will attend on spiritual guides.
(Contributed by In part reference to the "The Hindu" dated
December 21, 2000) |
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DEVOTEES SAY:
Subrahmanyam
I thank Baba for coming to my rescue to bail me out of a serious problem.
Baba has appeared and advised me to be bold enough to speak truth come what
may. I followed His guidance and I could not believe that the other person
has actually helped me to realize a lesson for my betterment in my job. I am
happy and forever follow His guidance.
Bhavana
Today Baba taught me one thing you are alone and you have to handle all
situations which ever comes in your way, no one is with you, you were born
alone so you have to do your work alone so that you will know everything.
Baba thanks for telling the truth and thanks for removing all my trouble
with your inspiration. I will do as per your advice ohm Sai Ram always is
with me so that I'll face all truth of my life.
Sasi
Thanks to Mr. Ramaa Manohar Prasad Maddipatla for sharing with us Baba's
wonders during India's Independency.
Sai devotee
I have received this message repeatedly that what one endures now in this
life is the result of past actions. And what one needs is faith and Baba's
grace to help us cross this part of our life without major ripples. Baba has
been kind to me so far. I can feel it. Thank you, Baba.
Vamsi
Baba, with Your grace I could get the job, thanks a lot Baba. Now help me do
the job well.
Maitreyi
Baba, today whatever I am, it is only because of You. You have always guided
me. Please help me to settle the things soon. Please be with us always and
take care of us all the time
Lakshmi
We are happier because our home is right across Your temple. Please continue
to shower your blessings as You always do and give us peace, joy and
happiness wherever we are. Please make us feel Your presence at our
housewarming function. Thanks so much for taking care of our family.
Velvili
When doctor told me that I have to go for another surgery for my chron's, I
prayed to Baba about it. Baba took care of it with out Surgery. Last October
we went to Shiridi and had Baba's darshan. Every one in my family was
worried how I will manage in Shirdi with my stomach problem, but I didn't
have any problem during my stay in India. Baba took care of our journey so
well. Baba, I thank you for everything You have done in our life. |
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PRAYER CLUB:
Sekar
Please guide me in the right direction and solve my financial problems.
Please be with me always and make my mind and soul with full devotion and
always surrender to Your Lotus feet.
Preeti
Sai baba, I have been praying to You for long to get my sister married, she
is going to be 30 this year and my mother is constantly worried about her.
Srikala
Dear Baba, we are going through a tough time for the last 3 years. Whatever
mistakes we have done in the past, please forgive and make us to succeed.
Please bless my husband to get a job.
Aradhana
My daughter is not doing well in studies. She is being diagnosed as learning
disabled. She goes through a lot of anxiety and pain when she fails in her
class while doing math and other subjects. She is sinking into depression.
The children of her age tease her because they are way ahead in their
studies. Sai Ram help her to become good in her studies and become
successful in life.
Divya
Please help this cycle of treatment to be successful and please help us
conceive. I don't have any other resort other than your feet Baba. Please
shower Your kind grace and blessings on us and bless us with a healthy
child. Om Sairam.
Meenakshi
Om Sai Ram, Please bless me to complete this new project successfully.
Rohini
Baba, Kindly help me to undergo the laparoscopy safely preferably on
Thursday and bless me that I can conceive soon.
Jairam
Let my sister Rekah see this world with her own eyes. Bless her that she can
walk. You are only hope for her. I request all Sai devotees to pray our Sai
for my sister.
Sai devotee
Sai Ram, please give my husband a job. He is suffering without a job and on
top of that You know how he struggles with his diabetes. Take care of him
and my kids Sai.
Santosh
Baba, thankyou for all the good things You have given us. You know our
problems, please solve them soon and see that we do not face any problems
again. Please fulfill our good wishes, give us peace, happiness and good
thoughts. See that we do only good things in life and see that only good
things happen to us. Please bless me, my family and this universe.
Ravi
I pray You to give me strength, courage, earning capacity, good health, good
memories, good character, no distraction to concentrate on my studies and
also earn good name from my supervisors and all other faculty members. I
also pray for good job prospects for my wife so that she can run her family
here in Singapore to take care of my two daughters. Sayee, You be with them
and bless my daughters with good health, mental strength so that they can
support my wife for all the endevours. |
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EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Aseema
I was studying for Engineering in Pune and in all my semesters I always made
it a point to visit Shirdi to get Baba's blessings before my exams. Once it
so happened that my friend and me were going to Shirdi, but we were halting
at night in her cousin's college, which was in Loni (on the way). By mistake
we had boarded a wrong bus, which was not going through Loni, when we
realized it was too late to change the bus. We continued till we reached one
place where the bus conductor asked us to get down as we could get Loni bus
from there. It was 9 pm and was very dark. We were very frightened, but Baba
was with us. We got Loni bus and it dropped us on Loni highway. From highway
it was 1 to 1.5 kms walk. By that time it was 11 pm. On highway a group of
2-3 people were coming, we asked for directions and they said they are
professors at college and asked us to come with them till girl's hostel.
That day there was no light in campus, my friend and I were so terrified, we
doubted those professors also. But by Baba's grace we reached the hostel
safe and sound and in the morning left for Shirdi and completed our darshan.
Even though we are frightened till core, but we had full faith in Lord Sai
and He saved us from any untoward.
Reeja
I was searching for a job for a long time. But though I got calls from top
IT companies I got rejected in the final round. I was dejected and felt
miserable. I went to some astrologers who suggested me some stones. But then
I started reading Sai Satcaritha. And from the day I started reading things
started to get better. I got a call from the same company where I was
rejected for a different team. I went for the interview and the process of
interviews started again. All the interviews were on a Thursday and I got
the offer on a Thursday and my joining date was also on a Thursday. It Sai
Baba's miracle which helped me get this job.
Nutan
Baba has always been gracious with His blessings to His devotees. In times
of trouble I always look up to Him and He is kind enough to answer my
prayers. From small matters to big ones I don't know how He hears
everything. One such incident was when I had almost missed a flight.
Check-in time was over and I was still in auto where as my other friend had
already reached the airport. There was no way I could reach there on time. I
prayed to Baba. Very surprisingly my friend who had reached the airport had
already called some airline staff and had my check-in done so I checked in
just minutes before the flight took off. By such small incidences He
restores the faith of His devotees in Him. I do act stupid and foolish
sometimes, please forgive me and help me forever. |
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QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
"Shama, you know nothing. I take nothing from anybody. The
Masjidmayi (The presiding Deity of the Masjid) calls for the debt, the
donor pays it and becomes free. Have I any home, property or family to
look after? I require nothing".-Sri Saibaba to Shama
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. What is Baba's role in India's struggle for its
independence?
A. by Nainesh
Jai Sai Ram. Baba taught us not to be violent but love
everyone no matter what religion, caste or even breed. As it goes Gandhi
Bapu followed the same way to fight with love rather then weapons for our
independence. |
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SAI ACTIVITIES:
Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m (Winter hours).
Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 8 a.m. followed by Abhisek. Madhayana
Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m. and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana,
Homams, Sahasranama and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To
request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please call.
Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by
sending us an email or by phone. Temple is located 25 minutes drive west of
Schaumburg on intersection of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL.
For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send email to maildrop@saibaba.org.
Shri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Saibaba activities in Minneapolis were conducted at Shirdi Saibaba Prayer
center since the year 2002. Now, with the grace and blessings of Baba and
the support of devotees, a new Saibaba Mandir has begun to function at 1835
Polk St NE, Minneapolis from July 11th 2006. Please visit www.hamaresai.org
for all details.
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker
(Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities
please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the website
www.shirdisaidallas.org.
Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA
By Baba's grace, Shirdi Sai Parivaar is pleased to announce the grand
opening of Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area. The center is located at 897-B
East Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call
408-564-6704 or 408-705-7904.
Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA
Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in
Los Angeles area. Please visit www.shirdisaila.org for more details.
Inauguration of Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in Montebello,
CA
All devotees along with friends and family are invited to participate in the
inauguration of Shri Shirdi Sai Temple on January 21st, 2007 from 9:35 am.
The Temple is located at 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For
more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938. |
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FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:
Sai Vichaar thanks you for your support for the Question of
the Week feature. This feature is intended to initiate useful discussion on
topics related to Sai philosophy, His message, and Sai devotion. Please send
your suggested topics for the same.
The "Question of the week for this week is,
Q. Saibaba said to Dasganu Maharaj, "Why do you want all this
paraphernalia-coat, uparani and pheta etc, do off all that before Me, why
wear them on the body?" - Comment?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor |
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