The Glory of Shirdi Sai Ninth Year of Publication - Published as Bi-Weekly www.saidarbarusa.org ~ an affiliate of www.saidarbar.org
Y E A R
श्रद्धा
2 0 1 1 — I S S U E
1 0 - F E B R U A R Y - 2 0 1 1
0 3
गुरुब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु: गुरुर्दे वो महे श्वर: |
गुरु: शाऺात परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः:||
सबुरी
CONTENT Satsangs of SaiBaNisaji
FROM THE SATSANGS OF SAIBANISA JI
Time Machine
Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle.
Shirdi Dairy Shri Sainath Stavan Manjari The Dreams Train Devotees Corner Children Section Spiritual Gems From Sai Satcharita Quintessence JAI SAI RAM
Tolerance is a great lesson which Shri Sai teaches His devotees. Tolerance is one of the essence of life which can lead us to Him. Baba always assured His devotees "Believe Me, though I pass away, My bones in My tomb will give you HOPE and CONFIDENCE. Not only Myself but My tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who would surrender themselves whole-heartedly to Me. Do not be anxious that I would be absent from you. You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare. But remember Me always, believe in Me heart and soul and then you will be most benefited". We have to be tolerant and believe in Him and He will lead our way of existence. Tolerance is a trait that comes with great hard work and mental exercises. We have to take our time to figure out the different ways by which we can attain this trait. But once we possess this trait, life is going to be a pleasure with less worries and more happiness. We will quit worrying about what we don’t have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things He has already given us. To worry is just a waste of time because our faith in Him will ensure that everything will be just fine. Anger, lust and ego are all enemies of tolerance. So purify the heart with the help of Shri Sai and be sincere in all your thoughts and deeds. Follow Shri Sai as a friend, philosopher and guide. Use the guidelines outlined in Satcharita to lead our path towards Him. And always remember that everything in the Universe belongs to Shir Sai…. Be Tolerant!
PAGE
2
SAI’S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE One of the devotees of Baba lived in Shirdi and his wife used to do Naam-Jap regularly. Once when she was sitting near Shri Sai in Shirdi, He said, "My mother you grind a lot of grains, but the outcome is useless." Sai was referring to the chanting or remembrance of God's name in a mechanical way. When the name is chanted, sung or remembered, it should have the feeling of love, bhava, with it. So the name of God, chanted or remembered, without any love or feeling is useless. When we chant His name let it be a call for His divine love, Let us call Him from the very depth of our heart seeking His presence. The yearning for Him, should be there.
Unless Greed or Avarice is overcome, SelfRealisation cannot be attained. How can a Mind immersed in Wealth, Progeny or Prosperity expect to know SELF without shedding such attachments ? A person devoid of desire can alone cross this whirlpool.
SHIRDI DAIRY (by Shri G. S. Khaparde)
I am the slave of my devotee. ~ Baba
THE
1910 December 4 Sunday Bombay. In the morning, by the time I finished my prayer, Waman Rao Joshi came but went away soon to see Mr Khopkar. Rambhau showed me his papers and I sat reading them. His case appears good but would require work in England & I told him accordingly. After the midday meal I lay down for sometime &then sat reading Morpant ’s life by Pangarkar. Waman Rao Joshi, Anuva Anand whose present real name is Himmatlal Dirvidi also came. Padhya High Court Vakerl came with Purandare & sat talking. He has a Privy Council case to give. After they went, Purandare came again with Pathare. The latter wishes to give his daughter in marriage to Bodhankar’s nephew. We sat talking for a long time. I intend going away today or rather tonight. Baba went out in the afternoon & came in the evening. Dhaujisha, Waman Rao Joshi, his brother Baba Purandare, Pathare & others are present. We shall leave by 10.15 P.M. train.
GLORY
OF
SHIRDI
SAI
YEAR
2011—ISSUE
03
PAGE
SHRI SAI NATH STAVAN MANJARI (A Humble Tribute of praise by Dasganu Maharaj)
(Translated from the marathi by Smt.Zarine Taraporevala and edited by Dr. Smt.Indira Kher, Ex.Executive Editor, Shri Sai Leela Magazine)
A HUMBLE TRIBUTE OF PRAISE TO SHRI SAINATH Having observed SHREE KRUSHNA, Different people called him by various names. Some call him 'YADU BUSHAN' Some call him a cowherd.
….64
YASHODA23called him a darling KANSA 24 called him the great evil. UDDHAV25 called him beloved, ARJUN called him Omniscient.
….65
Thus oh GURUVARA ,To you According to each person's conclusion Based on his mental attitude, Names are give ,by them.
….66
The masjid being your dewelling, And your ears not being pierced. Nothing your offering the 'FATEHA' To call you a Muslim is logical.26
….67
Similarly , considering the worship of fire, As done by you, Lord of mercy, My own conclusion is That you are a Hindu !
….68
But these superficial differences Would interest only pedagogues; But for those devotees desirous of knowledge They are of no consequence.
….69
You are BRAHMA Itself ! Caste and greed have no relevance to you ; You are the Guru Supreme ! You are the creator of this world !
....70
23. 24. 25. 26.
Shrikrishna's foster mother. Krishna's uncle. krishna's devotee. The above concusion of Das Ganu is not based on facts. In the thirteenth verse of seventh Canto of Shri Sai - Charitra, Hemadpant says:- "His ears were piecred, so how can be called a Yavana? Cirumcision he approved, so how can he be called a Hindu? "He is neither Hindu nor Muslim, Sai is the holy incarnation." The late Swami SaiSharn - Anand has rendered this work of Das Ganu into Gujarati. In the foonote to his translation of the sixty - seveth verse thereof , he observes, "Das Ganu does not appear to have observed Baba's ears carefully. As per the translator's own knowledge and observations.
Will be continued......
3
PAGE
4
THE DREAMS TRAIN (Dreams Of Saibanisa after Undergoing Bypass Surgery on 17-5-1996) Compiled by Saibandhu Raghu Raman Satulury
24-01-1997: Sai appeared as an unknown person and said:
Stay by me and keep quiet. I will
1. Rich and poor are both able to earn their livelihood. Money is not the only requirement for living. Determination to lead a happy life within the means is more important. 2. It will be foolish to tag a value to the house you live in. It would be wiser to live happily in the same house. 3. Friends and relatives can deprive you of happiness, but certainly not the God’s grace. Therefore strive to earn God’s grace. Will power and god’s grace can help in surmounting any obstacle.
do the rest.
~Baba
DEVOTEES CORNER DEVOTEES EXPERIENCE Sai Ram
Please tune in and listen to non-stop bhajans at: www.saibhaktiradio.com
Now you can view this eNewsLetter from iPhone at http://worldofsai.com.
THE
Needless to say, my family and me are existing in this world because of Shiridi Sai's blessings all the time. Normally, I used to visit Shiridi once atleast in 3 months while I stayed in Mumbai but latter my visits to HIM reduced to once a year as I moved to Kolkata. On Sep12th this year evening I landed in Mumbai to takeup early MNG transport to Shirdi with one of my close friend. I got up at 4 am and got ready to move from the hotel room in Thane around 5 AM. It was slightly drizzling. While, I was going down from 5th floor, I was watching outside through the Capsul lift worrying if rain does not create any spoilsport in our proposed journey by road to Shiridi to have HIS darshan. All of a sudden , I saw a tall person in Sainath's robes with action shoes on on a walk alone crossing with a longer steps in line with Sainath's walking attire.. For a moment I thought why this person is taking a walk on such drizzling morning. When I came out and tried to spot him in about less than 2 moniutes, I could not trace him and road was total empty. For a minute when I was rewinding the whole episode, suddenly it struck to me that Baba has appeared in that attire for a flashy moment. And have us through the journey from Thane to Shirdi and back safely despite rain, and at some places water was flowing on the low level road culvert hampering traffic. I was so happy that at last Baba came up in front of my eyes for a flash of second where as I had never the chance to get Him even in my dreams de-
GLORY
OF
SHIRDI
SAI
YEAR
2011—ISSUE
03
PAGE
spite my remembering in every moment of life. I shared the same with my friend who travelled with me and my family members and could not control my emotion and happiness. -MM Prasad
I am a Sai devotee last five years. I have one daughter who recently born. Her name is Sai Nirmala. In my family we are giving respect to Baba as our boss. When my child was five months old she suffered some pain in her throat we went to the child specialist. He checked her throat (inside) and showed it to me that there was a little (pepper size) white color infection there. So doctor gave some medicines and asked to come after one week. We have given the medicines as per his advice and after one week we went again, still the infection was there. Then he advised us to go to ENT specialist and asked to stop the medicine which was prescribed by him. We prayed Baba. In my family we felt very sad for her. I have got "dhuni vibhuti" thru my friend who is also a Sai devotee. I mixed the vibhuti with the milk and given immediately. We did not meet any ENT specialist. After one week we went to the same doctor who is child specialist for vaccination. Before giving the vaccination he checked her throat but to our great surprise there is no sign of infection or white color was seen there. We did not given any medicine for the infection. Really baba is a great "hakkim"(doctor). Till now whenever she was suffering Baba is saving her. Jai Sai Ram ! Jai Sai Ram,!!! - A Devotee
सानू इक वारी - सानू इक वारी र्दशि दर्दखा
Contributed by: Mrs Ravinder Goel(ravindergoel@ymail.com)
वे साईं मेहरबानी होवेगी
होर ककते जाना नहीॊ
खैर कर्दों पावोगे
आस ऱैके आये हाॉ
चरणाॊ र्वच बैठे हाॉ
साडी खाऱी झोऱी -२
आस साडी तोड़ी ना
सानू तू भऱ ु ा नहीॊ
आ के भर जा
(जय साईं माॉ -जय साईं माॉ ) प्यार असी मॊगर्दे खाऱी सानू मोड़ी ना
साडे उते कर मेहर वाऱी छाॊ वे साईं मेहरबानी होवेगी र्दशिना र्दे प्यासे हाॉ
वे साईं मेहरबानी होवेगी जे तू ना आया साईं र्दास मर जावेगा
सानू सीने नाऱ आके तू ऱगा
र्दसो कार्दो आवोगे
अपणा बनाया नहीॊ
वे साईं मेहरबानी होवेगी
(जय साईं माॉ )
ऱोकाॊ नू कह जावेगा
छड के साईं र्दा र्दर
असी ते भभखारी हाॉ
एनु प्यार वाऱी र्दे जा तू र्दवा वे साईं मेहरबानी होवेगी
5
PAGE
6
ARTICLES FROM DEVOTEES (A RECORD OF THRILLING EXPERIENCES OF (LATE) DR.P.S.RAMASWAMI AN ARDENT DEVOTEE OF SHRI SHIRDI SAI BABA)
AN APOSTLE OF SHRI SAI BABA Among the less known a postles of Baba but by no means the least important was Shri R. Narayana Swamy Konar of Shri Sai Baba Darbar, Wright Town, Jabalpur. He had been a devotee of Baba for pretty long. However, the manner in which he came to be known to the general public as a blessed devotee of Baba is itself a leela through which as a first step Baba's divinity came to be realised in these parts of the country.
My eye is ever on those who love me. ~ Baba
THE
Shri Konar was employed as Train Examiner in the S.E.Rly. at Howbagh, Jabalpur. One of the conditions of his service was a compulsory medical examination every year to determine physical fitness, especially the eye-sight. In the winter of 1954, he appeared as usual before the medical board. When his papers reached the office, it was found that he had failed in the eye-test. He came to know of it through friends. It so happened that the date coincided with the scheduled date for his annual pilgrimage to Shirdi. He had concluded that in any case, his services would be terminated on medical grounds and he would be pensioned off. So, without waiting for official intimation and obtaining leave either, he went away to Shirdi. When Shri Konar was away, there was a flutter in the office. In the first place, his boss was annoyed at the casual fanner of his taking law into his own hands and absenting himself as well as leaving the station on his own. This was strange in the case of a man known for his meticulous adherence to rules. Now this breach would mean a break in the service and would adversely affect his pension and other benefits later on when he would be retiring in due course. Such were the officer's remarks. Then some one close to him observed that the question did not arise, that for all practical purposes, Shri Konar could be considered to have retired from the date of the medical examination which had gone against him and his present breach was purely technical not worth taking not of "What the hell are you talking about?" flared up the officer. "Whoever told you that the medical examination had gone against him? I have before me his category 'A' report and as far as I know Konar is good enough to go on at least for a year more; find out if he has returned and send for him." The clerck concerned and the few officials in the know of things were mystified and could not believe there eyes. The most surprised was Shri Konar himself on being told that he was placed in category 'A' by the Medical board.
GLORY
OF
SHIRDI
SAI
YEAR
2011—ISSUE
03
PAGE
Now, it dawned upon his mind that it was a clear case of Baba's Leela and that He had fulfilled Himself according to the sloka. (He makes the blind see and fools wise) The officer was kind enough to Shri Konar and asked him to put up his application for leave for ex-post facto sanction, and put an end to the whole affair. This was a turning point in Shri Konar's life. From then onwards, he not only became a magnet of Baba for attracting an ever-increasing number of devotees of all ages and religions but also His instrument for achieving many miraculous results in the lives of those who sought his help-It was for getting cured of bodily and mental ills, for success in examination and interviews, for promotions, for redress from evil spirits, for children for success in matrimonial affairs, etc. Here, one remarkable thing sould be noted. Guruji, as Shri Konar came to be known.to one and all (some even called him Narayana Baba) continued to possess the clarity Of vision of category 'A till the last and never used glasses. He only put a few drops of the 'abhisheka theertham' in his eyes daily. It acted as a panacea for all eye-troubles of others too. As long as he was in service, the enclosed front verandah of the Railway Quarters served the purpose of a Mandir for Baba's worship. A band of devotees, mostly young, helped and took part in the daily 'aarthi'. Thursdays were of course special days. Guruji had always a saffron cloth tied over his head during the 'aarthi' or when giving Udhi to devotees. He had become a disciple of Abdulla Baba at Shirdi. There is a Photo of his in Abdulla Baba's cottage at Shirdi and imbibed from him some incantations which he used along with Udhi to cure ills and for exercising evil spirits. He was simple and unassuming with a child-like nature which put others at ease. Till his retirement in 1958 he celebrated Rama Navami and Mahasamadhi Day festivals on a modest scale for the former, Baba's idol was taken in procession around the mohalla. It was during this period one night after 'aarthi' (it was a Thursday) when Guruji was chatting with one Sadhu, he saw a fakir who had all along been sitting some distance away, entering the enclosure. As Guruji was welcoming him, the latter turned to the Sadhu and blessed him saying that in due course he would become known to the public and his true merit would be recognised by them. Presently, the latter took leave and went away. Guruji then offered to massage the legs and thighs of the guest to which the latter did not agree at first, threatening to go away. However, Guruji's importunity softened him and he allowed it. Just then, Guruji's elder sister who was keeping house for him came side. Seeing him with a fakir at such late hour, she asked to tell the fakir to go away. The latter told her that it was who would be going away. As Guruji did not- seem to heed her, she locked up all the doors, lest these self-invited guest should disappear with some articles, and went to bed The fakir then asked Guriji to make some tea and partook it Before retiring, he asked for a lota of water to be kept beside him for the night. Will be continued.. Glory be to Shri Shirdi Sai - Grace be to all
7
t i on c e S n e r d Chil
Learn and Participate
Story for this Week: “ Do it Today” In the hills of Northern India, there once lived a Mahatma, Sadananda by name. Word of his powers and miracles had spread far and wide. Many people would come from far-off places to visit him. Among them was a devotee, Sri Tamasapriya, who became extremely attached to the service of the Master. He would run errands, cook the meals, clean the room and look after all the physical needs of the Mahatma. After many months of such dedicated service the Mahatma called him one day and said, “My son, I am going away from this place. Here is a magic stone. Any iron object you touch with it will immediately turn to gold. I am giving this to you as a reward for all your service to me. But I will come back after two days and take back the stone. So you have two days to make yourself rich for the rest of your life.” Tamasapriya bowed his head in gratitude and the Mahatma left. When the Mahatma had gone, Tamasapriya thought to himself: “I have got two days to make all the gold I want. Today I will rest after all the hard work I have done. Tomorrow morning, I will go and get a mound of iron and convert it to gold.” So saying he went to sleep and got up towards noon the next day. Immediately he went to the market-place. The iron-monger’s shop had closed for the afternoon, so he decided to have a good meal at a cheap hotel. After the meal, he felt drowsy and laid down his head under a shady banyan tree. By THE
GLORY
OF
SHIRDI
SAI
the time he woke up, the sun had set, the shops had closed, and the people were heading home. So he too started winding his path home, consoling himself that he still had a day at his disposal. Next morning he got up early and went to the iron-monger’s shop. The iron-monger weighed him a mound of iron, but the problem was how to get it home. He sought the help of some people, but they all had their own work to do, it being a busy market-day. So he decided to go home and get his brothers to help him with the load. Now, the market place was quite some distance from his house. The afternoon sun shone fiercely overhead, so Tamasapriya rested for sometime under the banyan tree. Refreshed after his rest, he continued on his journey home and reached at sun-down. Imagine his dismay when he saw, the quiet figure of the Mahatma on his doorstep! The man fell at his feet and begged the stone for another day. The Mahatma smiled and said, “O fool, why did you go so far to get iron? Why did you not convert the iron objects in your home to gold? What, not even the latch on the door have you touched!� Opportunities not availed are indeed, opportunities lost! Never be a Tamasapriya, a lover of indolence. Source: Tell Me A Story, Chinmaya Mission Publications
******
PAGE
10
SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SATCHARITA ~ CHAPTER 42 Contributed by: swamy@saimail.com
Baba's Passing Away Previous Indication: Averting Death of Ramachandra Dada Patil and Tatya Kote Patil, Charity to Laxmibai Shinde: Last Moment. This chapter describes the Passing away of Baba. Sai Ram.
I will not Baba did not pass away any where but left His physical body. His presence is felt more than before. allow my Sai Ram.
devotees to
Preliminary The stories given in the previous chapter have shown that the light of Guru's grace
come to removes out fear of the mundane existence, opens the path of salvation and turns our misery into happiness. If we always remember the feet of the Sad-guru, our troubles harm. come to an end, death loses its sting and the misery of this mundane existence is obliterated. Therefore those who care for their welfare should carefully listen to these stories of Sai Samarth, which will purify their minds. In the beginning, Hemadpant dwells on Dr.Pandit's worship and his marking Baba's
~ Baba forehead with Tripundra, i.e., three horizontal lines; but as this has been already described in chapter XI, this has been omitted here. Sai Ram.
The English edition by Sri Gunaji is compact and concise. The original Marathi edition may be more poetic but since I (and many other Sai devotees) can't understand that language, we can continue to use Sri Gunaji's English translation. It has been my experience that this English translation is quite powerful and is infused with the grace of Sri Sai Baba. Sai Ram. Will be continued‌. Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
THE
GLORY
OF
SHIRDI
SAI
PAGE
11
Quintessence from Shri Sai Baba’s Philosophy (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao) ~ Contribution by "Shashank"crazydiode@gmail.com, Mrs and Mr Anand
Chapter 35: The Wheel of Time and the Pangs of sorrow and Death 13. Death means that Jiva leaves the gross body and with subtle body goes to other worlds. Jiva when he is egoless, becomes a witness to pleasures and pains of the body and contemplates always that he is Parabrahma. Then the results of all actions drop off and he becomes Paramatma. That is the Supreme Goal and so all of you, do meditate on Atma always. 14. Actions done with body consciousness leads to rebirth and bondage. Actions done with divine consciousness will free you from bondage. Doing penance for individual gain is selfishness. 15. Know Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya. Every being that is born is bound to die. However beautiful and energetic one may be, he is bound to die at one moment or the other. So why do you grieve for transient things? As long as you are immersed in ignorance, you will not have peace of mind. 16. Do not disturb yourself by the happiness and sorrow by birth and death and do not entertain any of these thoughts. Be steady in thought without any fear. Birth and death are only to the body and not to you. You are not the body. Death is common and natural for everything that is born. The thought which prevails at the time will prevail in the next birth also. It is not good for you to weep for happiness and sorrow as well as for birth and death. Develop equality for both. 17. When you make your birth useful by your Karma, you will not have fear of death. Sun and moon will also fade away. What are you before them? Discharge your worldly duties here but keep your goal in your Atman. Will be continued... सत्सङ्गत्वे ननस्स्ङ्गत्वॊ ननस्सङ्गत्वे ननमोहत्वम ् | ननमोहत्वे ननश्चऱतत्त्वॊ ननश्चऱतत्त्वे जीवन्मक्ु तः ||
For all SaiDarbarUSA activities in Greater Philadelphia, please visit www.saidarbarusa.org. Sai Temple, Downingtown, PA. (http://www.saitemplepa.com/.) Temple is open on Thursdays and Sundays after 2:00 pm. Please contact Mr. Raj Singh at 610-656-1396 or Sai Temple at 610-269-1112 for more details about the temple activities. For more event info please visit http://www.saitemplepa.com/. UDI Prasaad From Shirdi Now Available in Canada for Distribution : Devotees of Greater Toronto Area can visit Sai Darbar and receive UDI from Baba with His Blessings - Darbar is open for DARSHANbetween 10:30am to 4pm every Thursday. (visits after 4pm pls call to confirm). Devotees in the OTHER PARTS OF CANADA can receive UDI PRASAAD by submitting their request by email at saileela99@gmail.com orSubmit your willingness by visiting www.shirdisainath.org giving your full family name - Phone number postal and email address.
THE
GLORY
OF
SHIRDI
SAI
Disclaimer: The editor does not accept any responsibility for the views expressed in the articles published. This e-magazine is intended for private circulation only. Information contained in this email is about Sri Shirdi Sai Literature and Sanatana Dharma. You have received this magazine because you are either subscribed to this directly or through one of the email groups receiving "The Glory of Shirdi Sai". To Subscribe: You or your interested friends and family members can subscribe for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI by sending an email with the subject line ‘Subscribe’ to members@saidarbarusa.org. To Un-subscribe: If you are a direct member and do not wish to receive this e-magazine in future, please email to members@saidarbarusa.org with the subject line ‘Unsubscribe’. Please send your feedback to feedback@saidarbarusa.org From the Editor’s Desk This atman is not attained by instruction or by intelligence or by learning. By him whom he chooses is the atman attained. To him the atman reveals his own being. The one who has not turned away from wickedness, who has no peace, who is not concentrated, whose mind is restless-he cannot realize the atman, who is known by wisdom. ~Krishna Yajur Veda, Katha Upanishad 1.2.24-25. ve, p. 710
Sai devotees may continue to write about their Sai-related activities, essays, articles or poetry and send to the email id editor@saidarbarusa.org. We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the upcoming newsletter. Unless the author of the articles explicitly instructs not to publish his/her email id, we will publish them as a matter of routine practice. JAI SAI RAM
Publisher and Editor: Badri Narasimhan Editorial Team: Radhika Nistala, Kanchana Kumar, Sumathi VijayBhaskaran, Sneha Narasimhan Email: editor@saidarbarusa.org
BOW TO SHRI SAI ~ PEACE BE TO ALL