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FEATURE OF THE WEEK: Gurupoornima Message
Ever since the phenomenon of Shri Shirdi Sai extensively
caught public attention in India and outside, there has been a relentless
stream of speculation as well as concerted effort on the question of His
parentage i.e. whether he was born a Hindu or a Muslim. The net result of
such research by different researchers has turned out to be either
speculative or controversial since it is based more on circumstantial
evidence as opposed to primary data. However, my efforts are channelised
into finding out who and what Baba is rather than what was His parentage or
where he was born.
There can be no denial in any quarter that Shri Shirdi Sai
Baba is a divine personality of the highest order who demonstrated
magnificent qualities of selfless service to all, who came in contact with
Him, without least consideration of His self. He was not constrained by the
limitations of any organized religion or path as is amply evidenced by His
acceptance of disciples from all religions, cultures, castes and paths etc.
There was no question of economic and social differentiation in His scheme
of things. Besides non-possession and non-attachment, he was divinely
magnanimous and empathetic towards the poorest of the poor among His
devotees, as well as animals and birds. He also possessed wonderful powers
of miracles, which he often used to help His disciples in distress even at
distant places.
Given this universal theme of His approach, one can safely
conclude that Shri Sai demonstrated the highest qualities of Hinduism,
notwithstanding whether He was born of Hindu or Muslim parentage.
When one speaks of Hinduism at first one has to understand as
to what Hinduism stands for in its essence. Some of historians comment that
the word ‘Hindu’ was originally ‘Indu’ coming out of ‘Indus’ valley
civilization but some foreigners called it Hindu like ‘Hindukush’ mountain.
Hinduism in its quintessence is more a way of life than merely being a Hindu
path of worship of deities. It prescribes numerous paths to its people and
leaves them free to choose any one. It prescribes a number of divine forms (Devatas
or Devis) to be worshipped and also the worship of the formless (Brahman –
the ultimate God). Hinduism does not insist on the conversion of others to
its fold and failing which their extinction. It has never believed in
religious expansionism with the help of sword. This highest level of
tolerance has led to the absorption of many conquering or colonizing races
following different paths into its all embracing fold. Sufism, which truly
believes in the unity of souls and tolerance among people following
different paths, therefore, found a strong base in India – the soil of
Hindus.
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: continued....
Basically what Shri Shirdi Sai Baba practiced and taught is
spiritualism and humanism as against bigotry, obscurantism and intolerance.
To that extent He was a genuine Hindu and genuine Sufi amalgamated together.
He often used to say ‘Allah Malik hai’ or ‘Ishwar Achha karega’ or ‘Sabka
Malik ek hai’ i.e., the one and ultimate God called Ishwar or Allah is the
sovereign power who controls every one and every thing. This is the monistic
"Advaitya" philosophy of the Hindus. On the other hand, He never deterred
His Hindu devotees from going temples to worship any deity of their faith or
stopped the Muslims from taking out the Tazia procession or doing anything
prescribed by their religion etc. Indeed He encouraged both and ensured that
at Shirdi, tolerance towards the religious sentiments of devotees practicing
various faiths, through mutual participation in each others festivals. Not
only for the residents of Shirdi but also for the outsiders who used to
visit Him in great numbers, He was not only a Guru but a part of their
entire existence. Shri Sai had permeated into all aspects of their lives –
religion, family, festivals, way of earning and spending, social conduct,
moral conduct, cultural activities, births and deaths, diseases and cures
and even regarding the rearing of their children and pets. Baba’s influence
has been so strong and wide that even two to three generations of a family
would come together to seek His blessings and advice on varied matters at
Shirdi. Every one looked up to Him as a God in human form and also as the
head of the family and surrendered to Him. The way of life not only for the
natives of Shirdi but those visiting Him, metamorphosized to a new way of
looking at life which Baba taught them through His conduct and precepts.
Thus, like Hinduism, the path shown by Shri Sai has become a way of life for
His devotees rather than a religious and ritualistic path alone. Even today
the same Sai spirit pervades the lives of millions.
This is what explains the unimaginable expansion of the Sai
path not only in India, but in other countries. Shri Sai remains, as
promised by Him, a living Master, with His all-pervasive spirit that
controls the entire life of His devotees. Such a magnificent, universal and
time-less divine personality is termed as “Vasudeva” in Hinduism. And the
spirit of Shri Vasudeva is eternal.
A message from Shri C.B. Satpathy ji. |
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CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: Bhakthi Maala
On this GuruPoornima day, humbly we offer our obeisance at
thy Lotus Feet. Bless us with the choicest gifts from Your Treasure Box. Sri
Hemadpant came to Shirdi on account of the stored merit of his Punyakarmas.
You were standing in the corner of Sathe's wada. He ran, prostrated before
you. Joy knew no bounds. He found more than what he had heard from Nana
Chandorkar. All his senses were pacified and he forgot thirst and hunger. As
he touched Your sacred feet, he began a new lease on life. You held his hand
and never let go. Gaulibuva came for your Divya Darshan every year and
testified with great faith that you are Pandharinath Vithal incarnate, the
merciful Lord of the poor and the helpless. Sri Dasganu had a desire to
visit holy Prayag You showed with mercy, Ganga and Yamuna flowing from Your
Toes. Such is the significance of Your holy feet. That is where live all the
Thirthas of your Bhaktas. You came to Shirdi as a young lad. Just like
Krishna, children looked at You with awe and old ladies' hearts swelled up
with motherly affection. At Your very first Darshan, Mahalspati heart cried
out, YA SAI and You became our Sai. Bless us with the same wealth that You
blessed your Mahalsapati with.
Saint Gangagir came to Shirdi and seeing you carrying
pitchers of water in both hands for watering the garden was amazed at Your
Darshan and said, "Blessed is Shirdi that it got this precious Jewel; but He
is not an ordinary fellow. As the land was lucky and meritorious, it secured
this Jewell". Saint of Anandmath was lucky to find pure diamond like you.
Such was the efficacy of Your Darshan that it quieted our Samsar. Mr.
Cholkar's desires were fulfilled just by Your Darshan. Mr. Sathe resorted to
Your feet and seeing Your form, which was like eternal Brahma, luminous,
spotless and pure, his mind became calm and composed.
Such was the efficacy of Your Darshan that Bhakta Pant saw
his guru in You and was blessed with fearlessness. Ramdas Bhakta devotee saw
her beloved Deity Rama in You. Lala Lakshmichand was so happy to have Your
Darshan that he was enrapt with Your Lotus Feet as a bee with a sweet
smelling Rose. Kakaji Vaidya found that there was no benediction, no words;
just Your Divya Darshan filled his whole being with peace. Darveshis came
with their sick Tiger at Your door for You to cure him. Tiger's head hung
down on account of luster on Your face. Such fortune to have death at Your
Lotus Feet. Baba, On this GuruPoornima day, bless us with the Vision like
you blessed Anandrao Pakhade. Let us decorate our Hridya simhasan with gold
and diamonds of all Satwick vrittis. Reside our Deva, take Your Feet out of
Your Kafni and let us change the directions of our lives towards the
SatyaPath. Let us direct all our senses towards our eyes wherein live You my
Sai., We have placed Your Padukas in our heart. Murmur with Your sweet
voice, Your eternal message that "These are the feet of the Lord".
Baba, instill Your Shashwat Sandesh in our ears, "Oh! What is
there in Akkalkot, and what is there in Prayag"? The Ranchod of Dwarka is in
Shirdi. Come to our house for Bhiksha and let us serve You with our sweet
devotion. Be pleased with it and placing Your VardaHasta on our heads,
comfort us by saying, "These feet are old and holy, you are carefree now.
Place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object."
(Contributed by Sathyabhama Sharma) |
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DEVOTEES SAY:
Anjali
Deva, I want to thank you so much for making me pass my exam. I have failed
this exam 4 times previously and this time by your grace I was able to clear
it.
A Sai devotee
Thank you so much for showering your forgiving and merciful eye on me. I
love you Sai baba and the only prayer I have for you is be with Babu and me
always. Please never leave us and go. If we do anything wrong, you teach us
the right way but please never get angry with us. Let us be in your feet
always with your hands on our heads.
Jyothi
I want to share my latest experience with all of you. I got a job by Baba's
grace in other town. I prayed to Baba please give a job to my husband where
I am working. He listened my prayers and he gave a job to my husband also
where I am working. Baba I am so thankful to you what you gave to me. Please
bless us with good thoughts and bless my children.
Minati
I had a major surgery a couple of months back. Soon after the surgery I got
the infection and the doctor was unable to figure out the cause of the
infection after series of tests. Finally the doctor asked me to go for the
CT scan, which made me very nervous. At that juncture, I sincerely prayed to
Lord Sai, if my CT scan report will come out negative then I would post this
message in Sai Vichaar. Thanks for your blessings Sai, my CT scan report has
come out as negative. Please be with us always Sai.
Kalpanadevi
Thank you very much for everything from my sister arriving, finding gold to
my husband job, his alcohol problem to my brother's visa. After so many
years we have started receiving your blessings. Please don't stop here you
are over father, mother and God.
Sandeep
I want to thank you for curing my wife and helping us get out of the tough
time. Please continue to shower your blessings on us. We know that our lives
are incomplete without your blessings. Bow to Sai and peace to all.
Abhi
It happened about five years back. I got admission in hotel management in
Nagpur. I was not used to stay away from my parents and the people I was
staying with were not right. So I was feeling so lonely and helpless and I
missed my parents so much. I tried hard to get my fees returned, and I could
not leave the course. So Sadguru Saibaba came who's temple is just next to
my house there. I started praying to Sainath and crying a lot in front of
Him. Saibaba could not see my pain and gave me the strength to pull out and
I returned to my home. I was so inexperienced and emotionally undeveloped I
forgot Saibaba after this incident. I was so lucky that I got a chance to
see Shirdi again but there also I was not able to recall all the blessings
of Saibaba. I kept all my attention somewhere else and didn't show right
dedication. And after two years from that incident, now I am again in a
worst situation. My wife is suffering from life threatening disease, I admit
I cannot live a single second without her so lives of me and my wife are in
the hands of Deenbandhu Saibaba. I cannot forget his shower of true love
upon me all the time I remember him and I know he will come again to take
all my pains and tears. Saibaba will forgive all my faults, As I surrendered
everything body soul and mind to him, I will write again in Sai vichar as my
life will get ok. Daya kar Sainath. |
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EXPERIENCE OF DEVOTEES:
Radhakrishna
I like to share a wonderful and fascinating experience of mine, which took
place about two weeks back. On a Saturday morning, I was a bit uneasy, as I
thinking about my son, and his career, how to settle him and so on. All of a
sudden, my house doorbell rang and I saw a Sadhu standing. As you know,
Sadhus are quite common in India and I thought he was like anyone, and
handed over a five rupee coin. But he refused to accept, and instead told me
that my bad period has ended, and all that you are wishing will come true.
Then, spontaneously, my mind changed and went inside to get more money
Rupees 101. He accepted, but pretty much questioning whether, I was true to
my heart, to give the alms, and he went on saying that this money, you have
given to Baba, and Baba will give this to poor. As you know, I still was in
doubt, because my mind was not pure. He went away. I closed the door, but
just realized in mind, "Was it Baba", the Sadhu disappeared, not to be seen
anywhere. This is my most memorable experience. Please Baba, help my family
to come out of this anxious moments.
Sankari
Baba, we are posting this as per our vow. We had prayed to You to get a
suitable match for my brother as we have been looking for the past two years
without any success. A couple of months back, one proposal was finalized and
was nearing engagement. My aunt performed Archana pooja for Goddess
Meenakshi at Madurai in my brother's and the girl's name as soon as it was
finalized. Just weeks before the engagement, the bride's side opted out
sighting horoscope mismatch. We were all quite heart-broken and we prayed to
You earnestly. Now, You have blessed him with another bride within just a
month or so. The miracle is that You saw to that this girl has the very same
name as the previous proposal (even her father has the same name as that of
the previous proposal). We are moved by this wonderful Leela of yours and we
are very confident that You will see to that the marriage also goes on fine.
Now, please bless me this time by seeing to that my experience gets posted
in Sai Vichar and shared by all. Unless and until You will, it will not
appear. Please Baba, please bless this ignorant soul by seeing to that this
gets posted. Guide us and show the right path forever. |
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q. Question of the week given below....
A. by SL Abhyankar
Q. Though Baba had all eight powers, "Ashta Siddhis" at His
command then why did he lose to Tamboli in a wrestling bout?
A. Baba was a great dramatist! His losing the wrestling bout
was nothing but a drama, an excuse to change his attire. Soon after the bout
he changed his attire to wear the kafni, which became his trademark attire
ever since that. He must have got it ready, even before the bout.
In the movie "Gandhi", the event of Bapuji changing his
attire to dhoti is well depicted by Sir Attenborough. There could be many
people thinking of wearing simple attire. But it takes courage of conviction
to really act upon a thought or upon an idea. That is the stuff, what great
souls are made of - courage of conviction.
Q. Question of the week given below....
A. by Sadashiv Kavthankar
Q. Though Baba had all eight powers, "Ashta Siddhis" at His
command then why did he lose to Tamboli in a wrestling bout?
A. The Result of the wrestling bout with Mohdin Tamboli had
little significance as compared to the change that took place in the life of
Shri Sai Baba. Aftermath of the wrestling incidence. In this case Shri Sai
Baba showed by actual conduct how one should get rid of egoism. After the
fight, Thenceforth Shri Sai Baba changed his dress and mode of living. He
donned Kafni, wore a langot (Waist band) and covered his head with a piece
of white cloth, which was twisted like a matted hair. He took a piece of
sackcloth for his bed and was content. A satka (short stick), which he
always kept with him.
Shri Sai Baba though a Siddha, but He acted like a Sadhaka.
He was meek, humble and ego less and Pleased all. |
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SAI ACTIVITIES:
Gurupoornima at Shirdi Sai Temple, Chicago and Suburbs,
Illinois, USA
Gurupoornima celebrations will be held in Shirdi Sai Temple, Chicago from
Tuesday, July 11th through Thursday, July 13th 2006. Program highlights:
Maha Abhishek, Aarthis, Satcharita parayan, Sri Sai Satyanarayan Vratha, Sri
Datta Moola Mantra Homam, Palaki procession and more. For program details
please visit the temple website www.saibaba.us or contact the Temple office
at 847-931-4058.
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 will begin to function at 1835
Polk St NE, Minneapolis from July 11th, 2006, Gurupoornima day. The day
program will include Sai satcharitha parayan, Sai aarathis, bhajans and Sai
Naama jap. 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
Gurupoornima event please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit
the website www.shirdisaidallas.org.
Guru Poornima celebrations, Bay Area, California
Dear Shirdi Sai devotees, we welcome all of you with family to join us for
Shirdi Sai Gurupoornima celebrations on July 15th (Saturday) in Sunnyvale
between 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sanatan Dharma Kendra, 897 E Kifer Rd,
Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (located in Reliance Technical Service complex). For
details please call 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com or
visit www.ShradhaSaburi.org.
Sai Satsang, New Jersey, USA
Shirdi Sai Dham, Inc regularly conducts Sai bhajans followed by Aarti and
Prasad on every 1st Saturday of each month at Durga Mandir, Kendall Park,
New Jersey. All are requested to kindly come and receive Baba's blessings.
For more information, please call us at 609-275-1334 or visit
www.shirdisaidham.org or email us at shirdisaidham@hotmail.com.
Gurupoornima in Toronto, Canada
Gurupoornima celebrations will be held in Toronto on Sunday, July 16th 2006
from 7:00 a.m. with Bhupali and Kakad Aarti to 8:00 p.m. Shej Aarti at Gur
Mandir, 207 Queen's Plate Dr., Toronto. Program highlights: Maha Abhishek,
Satcharita parayan, Sri Sai Satyavratha Puja, Sri Sai Palaki procession,
Bhajan Sandhaya, Mahaprasaad and more. To participate in Annadaan
(Charitable Food Drive), details to volunteer, for program information
please visit events at www.shirdisainath.org or contact at 416-402-8089 or
416-895-7905.
Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto, Canada
The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario,
M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is open Monday to Friday from
6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m.
Dhoop Aarti is at 7:30 p.m. everyday. Bhajans are on Saturday from 6:00 p.m.
onwards. For other temple activities and information please call
647-444-4724 or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.com.
Gurupoornima Celebrations in Sydney, Australia
Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney invites you to with family and friends to
join and celebrate Guru Poornima on 9th and 11th July 2006 at 420 Liverpool
Road, Strathfield South, NSW 2136, Australia. For more details contact
contact Sansthan's Info-Line 0500 524 724 or email: events@shirdibaba.org.au
Guru Poornima celebrations in Auckland , New Zealand
Guru Poornina is celebrated on 15th July (Saturday ) at Mahatma Ghandhi
Center, New North Road, Auckland. Program includes Sri Sai Baba Arathis(all
four) from 6:30 am followed by Sai Abhishek, Guru Pooja, Sai Bhajans, a
short play on Sai Baba Leelas, Maha Prasad and more. All are welcome. For
details contact Sam at 625 2930 or visiit www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz.
Sai Satsang in Westborough, MA
Dear Sai devotees in Westborough and near by cities in MA, every Thursday
from 7:30 pm to 9 pm we do Shirdi Sai Bhajans in Westborough, MA. Please
email me at shiridisaisatsang@yahoo.com for more information.
Sai Satsangs in Singapore
Dear Sai devotees in Singapore, Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan (Singapore)
conducts regular Sai bhajans every Saturday from 6:30 p.m. at Shri
Vadapathira Kalliamman Temple, Serangoon Road, Little India, Singapore.
Please visit the web site http://www.saisansthan.com for more details. |
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