Sai Vichaar is a Weekly newsletter distributed every Thursday and is devoted to the life, philosophy and teachings of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Feel free to forward this newsletter to your interested associates in its original form. Please do not reply to this email. All replies will be ignored. To contact us please see information at the bottom of this newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE:
FEATURE OF THE WEEK
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
DEVOTEES SAY
PRAYER CLUB
EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
SAI ACTIVITIES
FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: The Epitome of Service and Devotion
Bayajabai had extreme love and devotion towards Baba and she used to prepare food and take it to Baba. Baijabai, wife of Appa Kote Patil and mother of Tatya Kote Patil used to refer to Shri Sainath as her brother. Along with Mahalsapathi and Shama, Baijabai was one of the earliest people in Shirdi who recognized the divine personality of Shri Sainath. Baijabai and her son Tatya Patil remained very attached to Baba. Tatya used to call Baba, Mama or maternal uncle.
During initial days, Baba used to sit under neem tree or used to wander around in the woods. Baijabai, not minding the elements, used to take the food and walk in search of Baba in the jungles and feed Him. Baijabai used to walk long distances in search of Baba and used to feed Him lovingly. She did this diligent service to Shri Sainath for a long time until later days when Baba began to stay in the Masjid. After this, Baijabai's physical strain of walking around in search of Baba ended. She remained a strong devotee of Baba until her death.
Service or Seva is as important as Bhakthi or devotion. Baijabai, the simple-minded devotee of Sainath stands out as an example to everyone in this aspect. Her diligent service to Baba should be a reminder to everyone that treads Baba's path that service offered at the feet of Sadguru, in any form befitting Sadguru's virtues is as important as Bhakthi. Baijabai's episode stands testimony to the virtue of Seva or Service. As Baba Himself assured, Baijabai's service was amply repaid as Baba took care of her son Tatya Patil. However, that was not in the mind of Baijabai as she was humbly serving the Lord! The virtue of service should be done with humility and not with any expectation. Seva in the spirit of humility and surrender is the Seva that Baijabai personified.
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Have you seen God?
This is a question that has been asked to a lot of persons who have faith in their god. I read an article long time back of which I do not have the source, but in that article this same very question was asked to a Sadhu by a person who had came to visit him, sadhu confidently said "Yes, I have seen him and I can also show him to you if you wish". That person getting excited in disbelief said, "Ok then, show me this god". Sadhu asked that person to sit in front of him and then started waving his hand in front of his eyes, time passed by but still that person didn't show or felt any presence of god, so getting impatient he shouted back at the sadhu and asked "You have been doing this for past ten minutes now, but still I can't feel or see him, when will I see this god of yours?". To this the sadhu humbly replied, "From the past ten minutes I've been showing you the god and all you could see was my hand".
There is a very strong point in this story, initially till sometime back I was too in that group of people who used to ask others this same very question, then I had my day of realization, I was coming back from office, walking towards my home from the bus stop, I don't know how but before this question could appear in my mind an image appeared, where a person is helping an old lady to cross the street, this flash of thought made me feel that god is not what I had been thinking till today, god is not someone that could be found only in some avataars or in any materialistic way but that he is also the ACT, the act that was helping an old lady to cross the road through that gentleman, it also made me to think on the words "To see god in everything and everyone" now I fully realized those words, actually you don't even have to try or practice to see god in everyday life he himself shows his glory all the time, we just don't realize that. This incident has really broadened my definition of god, which like him is boundless.
(Contributed by Ramesh Chandra)
DEVOTEES SAY:
Anirud
Jai Sairam. Couple of months back We had read from some devotee's experience in SV List that before he drives his car he used to utter "SAI Sharanam BABA Sharanam" and how BABA helped him in a freeway when his car broke.
We too started the same practice. Couple of weeks back my wife started taking our baby for a playgroup and that was her first day for that group. The area was bit new and roads were little confusing. On the way back she entered wrongly into an One-way traffic lane, for a moment we just panicked, luckily by BABA's grace there was no on-going traffic at that second, and immediately we got an opening to another street which had Two-way traffic lanes. Never have we ever seen such an immediate opening to other street. It was all by BABA's grace we could come out of the critical mistake without any ticket / accident. Sharanam BABA Sharanam!!!
PRAYER CLUB:
Devyani
You know the suffering that I'm going through. Please help me Baba. I want to come to Shirdi this summer and take your darshan. Please make this happen, Baba. Only you can make my life better, Baba.
A Sai devotee
Om Sai Ram. Baba please cure my eye problem. I am unable to tolerate this pain. I cannot survive with this pain any longer. I am continuously praying
Rama
Om Sai Ram, you know all. Even though I have everything in my life just by your blessings, but you are aware of my inner fear, worry and anxiety. Please Sai, please help me now.
A devotee
Baba as you know the problems, which we are facing right now. Please help us to solve the problems and come out of this situation.
Sai devotee
We have applied for US Citizenship. Please help us to pass the fingerprints, interview test
EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Sai Kumar V
This happened in January 2008, when I was on a visit to Pune. I landed in Pune airport around 12 noon. As I had the official work only the next day, I wanted to make a trip to Shirdi and be back in Pune. I realized that I forgot to carry my Debit Card and all I had was about Rs.500 and a credit card. I had a nice darshan of BABA at Shirdi and returned to Pune around midnight. I was searching for a decent hotel to stay for the night. All I had was Rs.200 in cash and credit card and my return flight ticket to Chennai. I was desperately searching for a budget hotel where credit card is accepted. Suddenly an autowallah approached me and said he can accommodate me in a decent hotel with credit card acceptance. He took me to the hotel about 20 minutes drive from the bus station. I checked into the hotel using the credit card. I never use credit card to withdraw cash from the ATM. So withdrawing cash from ATM was ruled out. The next morning I got ready to go the place of work, about one hour from the place where I was staying. All I had was Rs.100/- with me. I went down and checked with the hotel guy about the auto fare to that place. I was told that autowallahs charge Rs.200/- to reach the place. I came back to my room and prayed to BABA to help. I took out the SAI SATCHARITA from my bag and I opened randomly by closing my eyes. Lo! To my surprise, I found Rs.100/- in that page. My joy knew no bounds and reached the place after paying Rs.200/-. I returned to the airport in a cab arranged by the staff of the company. This miracle is an ample example, that once again BABA protects his devotees at all times.
A Sai devotee
It was 24^th April 2009 I came to know that my love Sandeep was suffering from TB but he was unaware of this because he did not go for the x-rays. He used to get little cough, he used to get up in the morning. He was losing weight; He used to get sharp pains in his back at night. He went to his family doctor & the Dr gave him some antibiotic each time & told him to go for the x-rays. Eventually, he left out breath & dizzy. A few days off work he was feeling sick & weak. He went to the Hospital as advised by his Dr. the Dr took x-rays which showed that he was suffering from TB. Then he took the same x-rays to his family Dr to confirm that whether it was true or not. He also said the same thing & found his left lung full of fluid. His Dr suggested him to go & get admitted in the Hospital for 2 days for lung tap. But Sandeep was getting scared & little upset & did not wanted to stay in the Hospital. When I came to know this I was very much tensed & tears was not stopping & I was not getting patience for a minute, but I knew my father my Shree Sai will make everything alright as Baba said have shraddha & saburi. My friend Sheryl also supported me a lot Baba keep her & her family at your lotus feet. I cried a lot in front of Shree Sai Baba & prayed to keep Sandeep healthy like before.
Then I gave my Sai's udhi & one orange thread, which I received from Shirdi & tied on his right hand. And the miracle took place I gave him udhi in water & at the same spot he started feeling better then the next day i.e. 27^th April he went to the Hospital the doctor did the check up & told him that there is no need to stay in the Hospital as it will take just half an hour for lung tap & at the same time Sandeep messaged me & I became very excited & I thank Baba the same time the Dr started removing the fluid with an injection. Immediately Sandeep started feeling relaxed & without any pain the fluid has been removed & I am sure the doctor who was removing the fluid was surely my Sai Natha this all happened by my Sai's grace. Now he is diagnosed with TB & had put on a course of drugs for nine months. I am sure these 9 months will also pass soon by my Baba's grace. Sandeep is now tensed of his job please Baba bless him with nice job with suitable timings as u know his first job KFC where he was working was not suitable for him & some or the other way his first job was also responsible for his bad health coz of taking no rest, drinking Pepsi instead of water, coming late from KFC. & having one time meal.
I am thankful to Baba for all the miracles I have experienced in my life. I know that is all because of my Shree Sai.
Baba create an urge in me to visit Shirdi & get your Blessings always be with my family & with Sandeep's family & bless him with a nice job & keep us all at your lotus feet.
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
"If you want to see My Light, be egoless and humble, and meditate on Me" - Sri Saibaba
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. Can intellect be an obstacle to devotion?
A. Your answer can go here.
SAI ACTIVITIES:
Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Sri Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Summer hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 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.
Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN
Sri Saibaba Mandir is located in Minneapolis, MN at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. The mandir is open 7 days a week in the evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and during morning hours from 9 am to 12:30 pm, everyday. Satsangs are conducted every Sunday mornings, 9 am to 12:30 pm. Please call 612-789-7729 for more information on mandir activities, events and other information.
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.
Shirdi Sai Temple of New England, Boston Area
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of New England is now operational. It is located at 1827 Bridge St # 8, Dracut, MA 01824. The temple is open four days from Thursday to Sunday. For temple hours and activities please visit their website.
Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA
Shirdi Sai Center is located 897-B East Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-705-7904 or 408-564-6704.
Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA
Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Los Angeles area. The temple is located at - 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938.
Saibaba Temple, Columbus, Ohio
Devotees in Columbus and surrounding Ohio locations area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Metro Columbus area. The temple is located in a leasing space at 6599 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call 614-799-8411.
Shirdi Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, Florida
Devotees are invited to participate in Sai study and bhajans on Thursdays between 7-8 pm at Meditation Gallery, 219 E Horatio Ave, Maitland, FL 32715. For more details please contact Bonnie at 407-830-1276.
Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, TX
Sri Shirdi Sai Temple of Austin, Texas opened at 601 E Whitestone Blvd (RM 1431), Cedar Park, TX. Daily 4 aarthis are performed to Sai Baba. As part of service to needy, a weekly sandwich seva is also conducted.
Shirdi Sai Mandir, Dulles, VA
Shirdi Sai Mandir is located at 43671 Trade Center Place #166 Dulles, VA 20166. The mandir is open through the week in the evenings from 6pm to 9 pm. Sri Satyanarayan pooja will be conducted every full moon day. Please call (703) 661-4724 for more information on activities, events and other information.
Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto
The Mandir is located at Unit 7 & 8 2721 Markham Road Toronto ON M1X 1L5 Canada. Daily services offered to Baba include abhishek and all aartis. For Mandir hours and activities, please call 647-444-4724.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada -Toronto
Devotees in Toronto, are invited to join in Sai Namavali, Satcharita reading, Bhajans, Aarti and Prasad every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. at GUR MANDIR 207 Queen's Plate Dr. Etobicoke - Hwy27 South of Finch for more info call (416) 294 4804
Sai Mandir, Baldwin New York
Devotees in New York and surrounding locations are informed about Sri Sai Mandir in Baldwin NY. The temple is located at 1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday Panchamruta Abhishekam and bhajans. For more information please call at 516-867-8008.
Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Iselin/Edison New Jersey
Devotees in New Jersey and surrounding locations are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Iselin NJ. The temple is located at 465 Lincoln Highway (Route 27) Iselin, NJ 08830. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday Panchamruta Abhishekam and bhajans. For more information please call at 732-283-1800.
Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Flushing New York
This temple is located near the famous Ganesh Temple, Flushing, New york. All the day-to-day rituals at the temple are being conducted in a manner similar to that in Shirdi. The temple is located at 46-16 Robinson Street Flushing,NY,USA 11355. For more information please call 718-321-9243.
FROM THE EDITORS KEYBOARD:
Sai Vichaar has learnt that several have received their weekly email into their unwanted email folder due to the email filter function of the respective email providers. Please check your email folders before deleting to make sure Sai Vichaar is not delivered into Spam mail. In the true spirit of Sai devotion, contributors are requested to remember to suit the content, language, style, and presentation, appropriate to a worldwide readership. It should also be noted that when a section from any material other than their own is quoted or referred to, it is the authors' responsibility to acknowledge the source appropriately.
Sai Vichaar requests the devotees to continue to submit to Sai Vichaar using the pages intended for various sections of Sai Vichaar. Sai Vichaar gratefully appreciates the patience of its readers during the past few weeks of revamping of our database. The "Question of the week" for this week is,
Q. Can intellect be an obstacle to devotion?
Humbly Yours,
The Editor
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