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Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA

Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN

Om Shri Sainathaya Namaha!

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Inc aka Sri Saibaba Mandir is a non-profit organization established as a center for prayers, worship and celebrating and sharing Sadguru's message and invoking His blessings for the betterment of human lives, materially and spiritually.

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota is Free and open to anyone that is interested in sharing and learning about Sai philosophy with an intent to further Sai message.

Sri SaiBaba of Shirdi

Sai Baba of Shirdi is the most revered Saint who lived a century ago in a small village called Shirdi in the west central Indian province of the Indian Sub-continent, presently known as the state of Maharashtra, India. The land that gave many seers and seekers, India has produced the unique Saint whose message is unanimously accepted as Universal both in the East and in the West. Sai Baba of Shirdi's message of Universal brotherhood, Religious tolerance, Love and compassion to the fellowmen embodies the eternal truth in simple terms.

Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan, the official organization of Shirdi remains the largest body that oversees the activities on Saibaba of Shirdi. Based in Shirdi, India, the organization is involved with spreading Sai message through their activities including maintenance of the temple of Shirdi Sai, local charitable organizations including schools and hospitals, various publications on Saibaba in different languages.

It is remarkable to note that Baba has not traveled anywhere outside the vicinity of Shirdi during his sixty years’ of stay there. It is said that during earlier days, he used to go to Rahata and Neemgoan two hamlets on opposite sides of Shirdi to meet a few friends. Baba also did not write anything, He did not have any signatures, and He did not even have a name!

Baba’s death came in the year 1918. He breathed his last on October 15, 1918, on an auspicious day in Hindu calendar. It was also celebrated as the birthday of Buddha, another great soul born in India. More than thirty years before his passing away, a remarkable incident took place. One day, Baba told Mahalsapathy that he was going into Samadhi, a state of trance, and asked him to protect his body. Baba asked Mahalsapthy to bury his body in case he would not return to senses in three days. Baba’s breathing had stopped and his pulse was not felt. Baba laid there listless for whole three days on Mahalsapthy’s lap. Everyone who witnessed this decided that Baba had indeed died and that his body should be buried. Mhalsapthy waited patiently and Baba returned to his body as promised. It is said that Baba did that to relieve himself from asthma he was suffering from. It is known that Saints who practice meditation and other techniques are capable of experiencing transcendental states such as the one Baba demonstrated. However, three full days of lifelessness is not an ordinary feat. Such was Baba’s control over the elements. As per Baba’s wish, his body was taken to the new building Booti was building for Lord Krishna. After initial arguments, it was decided to enshrine Baba’s body in the temple building meant for Lord Krishna. The present day temple called as “Samadhi Mandir” has the mortal remains of Saibaba entombed and an exquisite looking marble statue of Saibaba that attracts millions every year.

Baba spent his final days hearing to God’s stories. It is customary in Hindu faith to read out God’s stories and scriptures to those on the deathbed. The news of Baba’s illness spread fast among his followers and a state of gloom descended on Shirdi. Around the same time, Tatya Patil also fell sick and some felt that he was too ill to survive. However, as Baba’s final hours arrived, Tatya began to recover and became normal mysteriously. Baba passed away. As mentioned earlier, it is said that Baba gave his life to Tatya to keep up his word to Bayajabai, Tatya’s mother that he would protect her son.

The final moments of Baba’s life is remembered for his gesture to Laxmibhai. Baba gave her nine coins that were in his possession. The number nine has spiritual significance for it denotes nine forms of devotion. Baba stressed the importance of devotion in the realization of God. Devotion as a path leading to the realization of God is an important aspect of “advaita” or the concept of non-dual nature of God. The path of devotion is said to be the principle component of Sufism, an esoteric form of Islam. It should be noted that Christian faith is also based principally on devotion to Jesus Christ.

Soon after his Mahasamadhi, Baba came into the dream of Laxman Mama Joshi, the village astrologer and a staunch believer of Baba. Baba asked Joshi not to think himself to be dead and perform the ritual worship of Baba as usual. The ritual worship of Baba known as “Arathi” began in 1909 where devotees sang praises of Baba composed by various people including Dasganu. Before the days of Arathi, it was Dasganu who was instrumental in spreading Baba’s name outside of Shirdi. Dasganu used to compose short verses on Baba. performed concerts and gave commentaries dispersed with wit and humor. More people began to know about Baba and the crowd visiting Shirdi increased. It should be said that Dasganu was the first apostle that spread the message of Baba.

Several incidents are reported in which Baba was seen in flesh and blood at distant places away from Shirdi after his passing away. In some cases, Baba appeared in people’s dreams and later in real life. This resulted in increased faith in Baba and knowledge about existence of Baba spread slowly. The re-appearance of Baba is similar to the resurrection of Jesus Christ believed by his worshippers.

In Shirdi, group of devotees continued the congregational worship of Sai Baba at Baba’s tomb in Booti’s building, known as Booti Wada. The confidence of those who believed in Baba rose as they began to feel his presence even after his demise. Baba told his followers that his bones would speak from the tomb meaning that he would always be available for those who seek him. The word about Baba and his healing powers spread slowly within the regions of western India. One has to remember that information traveled slow in those days. Das Ganu, Hari Sitaram Dixit, Nana Saheb Chandorkar, Mahalsapathy, Radhakrishna Mai, and other followers of Baba were instrumental in spreading the word about Baba and the prominence of Shirdi. For a few decades after Sai Baba’s demise, the spread of news about the unique saint of Shirdi at the best said to be slow. During that period, India saw the greatest of its political turmoils. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, India defied the British rule mostly by non-violent means and became an independent nation in 1947. The turmoil included a great divide between people of Hindu faith and Islam that ended with the formation of Pakistan as a Muslim state. Ironically, the message of Baba on the Oneness of God, and religious tolerance was deeply ignored during that time. The incident noteworthy during that phase was the completion of the first account of Sai Baba in the form of a book in Marathi language by Govindrao Dabholkar. Titled “Shri Sai Satcharithra”, the book is revered as the most authentic account of the life and times of Sai Baba of Shirdi.

News and Upcoming Events

• Food Drive - May 16th to May 29th 2013 - details at the bottom of this page
• This Week's Events and Upcoming Events

Date: 05-16-2013 Thursday
6:30 PM - Dhoop Aarthi 7:15 PM - Sri Sai Paduka Pooja 7:45 PM - Sri Saibaba's Padukas ceremonial procession to Chavadi 8:30 PM - Shej Aarthi

Date: 05-18-2013 Saturday:Mandir open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

9:00 AM - Kakad Aarthi 10:00 AM - Sri Saibaba Mangalsnan and Alankarana 11:45 AM - Sri Saibaba Bhajan/Naama Smaran with devotees participation 12:00 PM - Madhyana Aarthi 12:30 PM -  Mahaprasad Lunch 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Satsang begins with prayer to Sri Saibaba, Reading literature related to Sri Saibaba and sharing devotee experiences, Audio/Video presentation on Sri Saibaba, Naam Jap and concludes with Arati to Sri Saibaba. 6:30 PM - Dhoop Aarthi 8:30 PM - Shej Aarthi

Date: 05-19-2013 Sunday
9:15 AM – Kakad Aarthi 9:45 AM – Sri Saibaba Mangalsnan and Alankarana 10:45 AM - Chavadi-Baba Abhishek with devotees participation 11:00 AM - Sri Saibaba Namasmarana/Satcharita Parayana 12:00 PM - Madhyana Aarthi 12:30 PM - Mahaprasad Lunch  6:30 PM - Dhoop Aarthi 8:30 PM - Shej Aarthi

SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND FOOD DRIVE – May 16th thru May 29th , 2013

Of all the charities, giving food is the best one. We are much perturbed when we get no food at noon. Other beings feel similarly under similar circumstances. Knowing this, he who gives food to the poor and hungry, is the best donor or charitable person. The Taittiriya Upanishad says that "Food is Brahma; from food all the creatures are born and having been born, by food they live, and having departed, into food again they enter." – Sri Sai Satcharitra Chapter 38 Sri Saibaba Mandir is working with Second Harvest Heartland in conducting food drives between May 16th and May 29th , 2013. Hunger in Second Harvest Heartland’s service area has doubled over the past five years. Today, one in ten Minnesotans are at risk for missing meals and twice as many people access their member food shelves. Sai devotees are requested to participate in the food drive and help reach out to our community. For more information about Second Harvest Heartland, please visit, http://www.2harvest.org Sri Saibaba Mandir is donating additional $1000 dollars on behalf of Sai devotees to Second Harvest Heartland for each food drive this year For each $5 donated, Second Harvest Heartland can provide 18 meals to hungry families, children and seniors in our community. We encourage devotees to contribute monetarily. If you wish to donate in kind, please write to Sai@hamaresai.org Give help? ·         Write a check payable to, SRI SAIBABA MANDIR with memo ”Food Drive” and drop off the checks in Mandir or mail to PO Box 18067 Minneapolis MN 55418. ·         Donate online through Network For Good by visiting www.Hamaresai.org, please mention FOOD DRIVE when donating online.

Monthly Feature: Sri Rama Navami 2013 Message

Chanting of ‘mantras’, recital of ‘shlokas’ and individual or group singing of devotional songs (Aarti) is considered to be an important component of worship, not only pertaining to the Deities, but also the ‘Gurus’  in Hinduism. As has been found, devotees find it to be an easier task to sing devotional songs like ‘Aartis’ and ‘Bhajans’ in comparison with the chanting of ‘Mantras’ and ‘Shlokas’. This is so because the ‘Bhajans’ and ‘Aartis’ are written in Hindi or other regional Indian languages and on the other hand, the ‘Mantras’ and ‘Shlokas’ are mostly in the Vedic style of Sanskrit, written thousands of years ago. Some of them were created even before the formulation of the Sanskrit language. The 'Puranas' were written in a later period, somewhere between the 6th Century AD and 14th Century AD.

Generally this part of the puja activity, i.e., recital of ‘mantras’ and Sanskrit ‘shlokas’, in temples and even homes is delegated to the ‘Punditji’ and ‘Pujari’. Many such ‘Pandits’ and ‘Pujaris’ are found to be ignorant about the real purport or the complete meaning of the ‘Mantras’ and ‘Shlokas’. Some of them just go on reciting these as a matter of professional habit. At times the pronunciation of Sanskrit is highly defective and conveys different and awkward meanings. If the original authors of the ‘Mantras’ could listen to the present day archaic style of presentation, they would perhaps turn in their graves. Further, there are ‘Mantras’ for every occasion, be it a deity’s birthday or death anniversary of some one’s father. However, one comes across erudite ‘Pundits’ in some temples, but they are rarely to be found.

Thus the ignorant but gullible devotee is waylaid in the devotional path by some of these so called ‘Punditji’s at huge cost of their time, money and energy. The unfortunate devotee has no choice but to agree to whatever the ‘Punditji’ says, does or prescribes to be done, with the fear of losing God’s blessings or incurring a divine curse or losing the good will of the ‘Punditji’ who often usurps the role of an intermediary between God and his devotees!

What the simple devotee does not understand is that the entire system of worship of God or ‘Guru’ is meant to establish and sustain an emotional rapport between the God or ‘Guru’ and the devotees. That is possible only when the devotee is truthful in his emotional beseechment or prayers. This part can’t be delegated to the ‘Punditji’ to be manipulated through the process of uttering of a few Sanskrit words (Mantras), the meaning of which, he may not be aware of.

That is why the enlightened souls like Shri Nanakji (‘Guru Vani’ written in Gurumukhi), Shri Tulsi Das (‘Shri Rama Charita Manas’ written in Hindi), Shri Sharala Das (Mahabharata written in Odia) and many others had tried to make it easy for the devotee to develop a direct emotional bond with God (or the Deity) by giving vent to his feelings through the medium of regional,local and understandable language. In Maharashtra, saint Tukaram wrote ‘abhangs’ in Marathi language and in Bengal, Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to deliver his discourses in simple Bengali language and style. Such changes brought about by these enlightened souls were fully accepted by the common man of the society and were highly beneficial in their spiritual progress. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba also prescribed His devotees to appeal to God in a faithful and truthful spirit in whatever language the devotee found it to be easy to do so. Therefore, the devotees, who recite mantras, should try to understand the meaning of the ‘Mantras’ and ‘Shlokas’ and then recite them during worship and prayer, rather than doing it mechanically. Worship (Puja) without Bhava (devotional emotion) is an exercise in futility. Bhava is the pulsation of heart uniting the human soul with God and there is no role of an intermediary character.

Shirdi Sai used to tell his devotees just to recite His name Sai-Sai lovingly. History has shown that numerous simple, uneducated (in the formal sense of the term) but faithful souls realised God in this manner.

(Shri C. B. Satpathy, New Delhi)

Article: Ananya Chintha

Ananya-s-chintayanto Maam Yae Janaah Pary-upaasatae

Taesham Nithya-abhi-yuktaanaam Yoga-kshemam Vahami-aham

“Those people who take refuge in me think of none but me and are always united in me

To them, I take the responsibility Of Granting everything needed and Preserving everything granted”

The hallmark of a true devotee is to always remember his lord and no one else. If someone calls himself or herself as a devotee of a particular deity, god, or a disciple of particular guru, it is a transgression to even think of anybody other than their object of devotion. Thus, for a Sai devotee, Saibaba is the only god, deity, guru or the object of reverence and no one else. The above epithet in praise of Hindu god Vishnu captures the essence of “Ananya” bhakthi meaning, the devotion to the chosen one “without the other”.

There is a tendency to go with the common parlance that all gods are but one. Before we say that all gods are one, shouldn’t we start with finding out and understanding at least one god? Shouldn’t a Sai devotee first find out and experience who Saibaba is before saying that all gods are one and Saibaba can be seen in other deities? Although it might sound like a narrow-minded vision, there is certain integrity to this question. Sri Sai’s role in our lives cannot be completely understood without approaching these questions with a sense of enquiry, and honesty.

Now, there is a huge windfall to one, if they would approach this question and finds out for themselves what it means. The Vishnusahasranaama says, “Those who take refuge in me and think of none but me, I take the responsibility of granting what is needed and preserving what is granted! Sri Saibaba unequivocally said, “it is my duty to care for you and take you until the end”. He said, “Look at me and I am looking at you”. Unless one looks at Baba and no one else, the reality that Baba has always been looking at them cannot be experienced. If the looking is at all directions, then it will not be easy to realize that one is under Sri Sai’s gaze, and he is the one granting us what is needed, and also preserving what has been granted! Baba said, “Sitting in this dwarakamayi, I will never speak untruth”!

How can life be a burden if one understands the true benefits of “ananya chintha”!

Quote of the month:

“If you can do something, do some good unto others” – Sri Saibaba

Sai Sandesh March 2013 ..... Volume 11 Issue 3

Monthly Feature: Why is it difficult to keep the trust in one place?

When prayers to Sri SaiBaba are answered, one gets overwhelmed with emotion, singing praises of gratitude to Baba. However, if the prayers are unanswered, the trust in Baba is watered down and there goes the roller coaster of living between fleeting happiness and a doubtful despair. Why does not one rest easy, assured that Baba will provide what is necessary and guide throughout life?

The first question to contemplate on is, whether one’s trust is really in Baba and Baba alone? More often people do several other things and practices in addition to praying to Baba and when the prayers are answered they are not quite sure if the source of solace is Saibaba or something else. They settle for an easy explanation that “all is well that ends well”. Baba said emphatically and unequivocally that God has entrusted him with a few lives and his job is to take care of their welfare. He also said that unless he wills nobody can go to him. Hence, first of all, one should be hundred percent convinced about the fact that he or she is attracted to Baba because it is Baba’s calling, and it is his business to take care of them, one’s object of reverence is Saibaba and Saibaba alone.

Secondly, during distress, after praying to Baba for relief, one should pay attention to the response received. Whether the prayers are answered or not, one needs to carefully observe its impact in the bigger context of one’s life, not just short-term gains or losses. This is when Baba’s meticulous way of planning our lives will reveal itself. One begins to ease, and rest happily and begin to lead life with the conviction that Baba is providing everything and he is taking care of us every step of the way. The question whether the prayers are answered or not answered takes a backseat and one begins to joyously wonder about the peace that Baba is capable of brining into one’s life.

Thirdly and most importantly, one should work on keeping the chattering of the mind at bay. Mind can be man’s biggest enemy in the matters of trust. It is good at distorting one’s experiences with its narrow judgment. It is very easy to give in to mind’s vagaries when things go wrong and the logic based on limited knowledge points towards illusory conclusions as a result of negative thinking and doubting nature. When a prayer is not answered, one devoted to Sai should remember that he or she belongs to Baba and it is his business to care for the welfare, and recollect the previous instances of Baba’s guidance and guardianship, and the rich experiences that Baba had provided. Constant remembrance of Baba and involving in activities related to Baba is one easy way of keeping mind somewhat under control.

If one would reflect on the above, it can be understood that trust is not a remote feeling of “blind chance” that things will “somehow” work out. On the other hand, trust is a concrete experience of Baba’s role in our lives that can be intellectually grasped and relished to one’s complete conviction!

Article: Key to a Happy and Meaningful Life!

Human beings carry within their selves the two opposing aspects of nature: good and bad. Usually, that which gives pleasure is considered good and which gives pain is considered bad. In this context, pleasure includes both pleasure of body and mind. Our bodies and minds need satisfaction at every moment from the smallest things say such as, adding a little sugar to our morning cup of tea to setting up a Sugar factory. At the mental level, a person may be inspired by the photograph of a film hero in a magazine or the wish to become a hero. All the time human beings are seeking instant gratification of the multi-dimensional aspects of their lives at the desired level and in the desired style. If we make a daily assessment of the number of physical and mental activities that gives us pleasure, then we may find that at least some of these desires never got fulfilled. That area of dissatisfaction becomes something like an area of deficit, sort of an emotional hole.

At the end of the day, some people often forget these fulfillments and remember the areas of deficit only. Let us, for instance, place all the activities of life under twelve categories, namely parents, brothers, sister, wife, children, health, job, money, property, fame, religion, God etc. With certain rare exceptions, most people want the greatest possible satisfaction in all such desires that they nurture simultaneously.

Satisfaction of the temporal status of human beings is not material in this situation because all the aforementioned aspects are human aspects and are common to all human beings all over the world. History tells us that no person on this earth, howsoever powerful or great had ever been fully satisfied in all aspects of his life. For the sake of argument, however, let us assume that someone got complete satisfaction in ten or eleven aspects of life and incomplete satisfaction in one or two aspects. Even in such a scenario, we find that this person will spend more time and energy in brooding over only these two aspects of life, which he lacked. At times such deficits or unfulfilled aspects are taken too seriously.

Sometimes, the waste of time and energy on the smaller areas of life are able to cripple or even destroy the other happier and vital aspects of life. Let us take the example of a person who has everything else but has a crippled body due to an accident. History is studded with examples of such people who achieved many things despite their physical disabilities. However, some of these people due to their pessimistic outlook have a propensity not only to disturb their own lives and also that of everyone around. Because of their peculiar mental state (sometimes magnified due to their imagination or selfishness) they become a liability for others. Such a state of mind often creates complex psychological condition or even adverse health condition. Many of these people even become self-destructive leading to suicide such as in cases of failure in love and exams etc. Some people consider such extreme reactions in them with a sense of idealism and believe that to remain dissatisfied is a great virtue. They are often shocked to find some other people happy even despite great adversities in their lives. Sometimes they look at such balanced people as insensitive beings or as persons who are escapists or careless.

Thus in the ultimate analysis it will be seen that the enjoyment of life depends on the level of one's satisfaction. Life gives certain things and denies certain things to all living beings. Therefore one should not be over happy when life offers certain desired pleasures and should not break down when certain things are denied by life or go wrong in life. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba often used to tell his devotees to be happy and satisfied with whatever God has given them and to patiently watch the changing patterns of life dispassionately. This, then, is the key to a happy and meaningful life.

(Source: A Message from Guruji Shri C.B. Satpathy ji)

 

Quote of the month:

“Read Pothi everyday and while reading it, understand it with love and devotion” – Sri Saibaba

Sai Sandesh February 2013 ..... Volume 11 Issue 2

Monthly Feature: Baba’s knowledge of Sanskrit?

Once it so happened that Nana Chandorkar was reading Bhagavad Geeta. He was particularly reading a stanza from Bhagavad Geeta Section 4 – 34. This episode is well described in Sai literature, including Sai leela magazine, Devotees Experiences by BV Narasaimha Swami, and Sri Sai Satcharita. This episode is varyingly cited to illustrate that Baba knew the language of Sanskrit, and that Nana Chandorakr’s pride of learning was humbled by Baba’s knowledge of Sanskrit, almost eclipsing the crux of the message, which is about the conduct of a disciple.

If one would carefully observe the episode, it is evident that Baba didn’t give a discourse on the subject nor did he himself give the direct meanings to the words in Sanskrit. On the contrary, Baba made Nana Chandorakr himself state the meaning and context of the stanza in his own words. By doing so, Baba exposed the true purport of the stanza for Nana to understand, thereby giving us a glimpse of his insight on disciple, guru, and “seva” or service.

Nobody really knew if Saibaba had undergone any formal educative process before his advent in Shirdi, and he didn’t specifically mention about his training or tutelage under a particular guru. Baba didn’t give lengthy discourses on any topic. He used to exert his influence by short stories, parables, and anecdotes. Often these were told in “first person”, as if he was present during those occasions at distant places as a witness. There are no documented evidences to say that Baba had ever given long discourses on anything, whether spiritual, metaphysical, or on moral conduct. His way of life was his example and those who trusted his words reaped rich benefits.

In the present context, if one would attribute the episode of Bhagavad Geetha to simply an illustration of Baba’s knowledge of a language or that Nana Chandorkar’s scholarship was humbled, it would be a blunder, a misapprehension. This amounts to the very idle curiosity that needs to be shunned. Baba didn’t have to be a scholar in a particular language; he is in fact the origin of all languages that there are! Nor, humiliating Nana Chandorkar would ever be in Baba’s agenda.

The real, and profound revelation from the episode is that, if one calls himself a disciple, he needs to understand that mere prostrating in front of a guru is not enough, one should make the guru his only objective with the thinking that the body exists only to serve the guru and nothing else; mere questioning the guru out of idle interests is not enough, true enquiry needs to be made with the intention of deriving the maximum benefit from the guru; and however great and accomplished one might be, a guru is necessary if one has to understand with conviction the true purpose of life and living.

Article: Impurities Of The Mind Will Vanish With Grace of Guru

A devotee asked me, “Anger and resentment may not be visible outside but may be latent. Is there any harm in it?” I then remembered an incident that happened in Bhagavan’s presence in 1944-45.

A lady devotee from Andhra Pradesh came to the Ashram and stayed for some time. Her devotion was of a peculiar nature. Her conception of Bhagavan was that he was Lord Sri Krishna and she was a Gopika (shepherdess).The devotees here however felt that such a concept had no place here, as Bhagavan was a brahmachari from birth and a Jivanmukta. But then she would not keep her view to herself but publicized it and even wrote to Bhagavan accordingly.

Bhagavan was as usual indifferent to such writings. He however gave me those papers to read. He remained untouched by all such trivialities but I could not keep quiet after seeing such atrocious writings. So I quietly rebuked the lady. She flared up and began writing all sorts of nasty things about me. On seeing them Bhagavan said laughingly, “Here are the papers from her. All about you only,” and handed over the papers to me. I was completely upset, but what to do? At last one day with tears in my eyes I told Bhagavan, “I cannot read such letters any longer and keep quiet. Let her damn herself. Please do not give me her letters any more.” “All right. I won’t given them,” said Bhagavan and stopped giving me her letters.

Some days later, that lady began tearing her clothes and started running about in the streets shouting, perhaps because of mental imbalance or deliberately. When Bhagavan came to know of it he remarked, “Somebody must take pity on her and do something, otherwise how can she get on?” Taking it as an order, I spoke to a few of the well-to-do Andhra devotees and with their help sent a telegram to her husband and also arranged a person to look after her until the arrival of her husband. In a few days her husband came and took her away.

Sometime later she sent registered notices to four or five of us saying we had out of envy at her attaining siddhi (deliverance) dubbed her as a mad person and that she would file a suit against us for defamation. She followed it up with a visit to the Ashram with her lawyer.

When Bhagavan explained to him all that had happened, the lawyer spoke apologetically to us all and scolded her saying, “What nonsense! Enough. Enough of it,” and left. Realizing she could not bluff any more, she also left for her native place in Andhra Pradesh.

Subsequently, sometime in November 1949, I received a letter from her enquiring about Bhagavan’s health, as she had received alarming reports about his health. She wrote,” I have heard that Bhagavan’s health is not satisfactory. Please let me know how he is now. I had earlier written to you abusive letters. I am sorry for what I had done. You are really Bhagavan’s child. Please excuse me and favor me with an immediate reply. I have given below my address.” I informed Bhagavan about the letter. He simply said, “Is it so?” and kept quiet for about three days. During those days the usual graciousness in his look was absent whenever I prostrated before him; instead he used to turn his face away from me.

It then occurred to me that the cause of his displeasure was perhaps because of the internal impurity of my mind in still harboring ill will towards that lady and not replying to her.

I therefore bought a postcard immediately and wrote to her. “There is nothing particular now to worry about Bhagavan’s health. I will write again in case there is any cause for anxiety.” I posted the card and came to Bhagavan. When I got up after prostrating before him, he looked at me graciously. I told him that I had just posted a reply to that Andhra lady.

In a pleasant tone, he remarked, “Yes, yes,” and calling Rangaswamy, Satyanandam and other attendants that were there said, “Look. She has written a letter to that Telugu lady. It seems that the lady had stated in her letter to Nagamma, I had abused you some time back but now I have realized my mistake. Please excuse me and let me know about Bhagavan’s health.’ Nagamma has just sent her a reply. So that lady has now expressed her regret.” He thereafter turned towards me with a benign and benevolent look.

I was extremely happy and pleased. So this is the result of living at the feet of the Guru — all the impurities of the mind get washed away thus.

Narrating this incident I told that lady devotee from Andhra Pradesh that renunciation can never be real if anger and resentment remain in the mind. That lady wondered if such impure thoughts occur even in the presence of Bhagavan and if he would treat such people with sympathy and tolerance.The saying that Mahatmas are Patitapavanas (saviors of fallen people) has been illustrated in Bhagavan’s presence.

Though the lady had behaved senselessly, Bhagavan always had compassion for her, and he made me understand in his inimitable way that I should not harbor any ill will towards her; he kept up a cool attitude towards me until my anger and resentment towards that lady were given up.

(Source: Letters from Sri Ramanasramam VOLUMES I, II & Letters from and Recollections of Sri Ramanasramam By SURI NAGAMMA Translated by D. S. SASTRI)

Quote of the Month 

“Now, keep your faith on any one place you like. Why roam like this? Stick quietly to one place” – Sri Saibaba referring to Thakkar Dharamsey Jethabhai, Sri Kaka Mahajani's employer.

‘

Don’t you forget in this illusory world

That you are mere a temporary visitor

Know that you just need to do one thing

that is to say the name of Sai…Sai….

The world witnessed a bizarre event in Connecticut a few days ago. The tragic event of a score innocent lives lost in a second would make one wonder what is this all about. What is real and what is not? The suffering of affection and the sorrow of heartbreak make one unbearable or probably numb. How does one make sense of it? Perhaps only by taking comfort that the young ones do not grow up to see the sufferings of the world, and their lives have been full and complete with love and love alone and no chance for any grief!

Reflecting on the sense of impermanence of lives, eminent Sai devotee Sadguru Sainathuni Sarath Babuji said, as follows: “How transient, how temporary, and how short our life is! Everybody knows that but nobody realizes it, they do everything as if it’s going to be permanent. Is there any truth to this sense of permanence? If anyone realizes this, the attitude towards our whole life changes. But we do things as if we are going to be permanent. We think we have a hundred more years to live, and in what ay these things (we do) are going to stay and contribute to our happiness or unhappiness, the things over which we fret and fume? The world was rules by so many kings who ruled big empires. Where are they all now? Did they take the whole empire with them when they went away? History shows the impermanence and the transient nature of history. In this short span of time, we create so many problems, in relationships, with people, fight with one another and amass wealth and properties, looking at them as if they were our creations and becoming attached to them. Is this wise? The awareness of this bare truth (of impermanence) is enough. If you see this, see how your attitude towards things of the world changes”.

We ask our Lord Sai to take into his fold all those little lives lost at the carnage, as we reflect on the fleeting nature of life and remind ourselves about the true purpose of life, if any. And that is to have on our lips the divine name of Sai always as we experience pleasures or pricks of life.

Article: Disappearance of Moreshwar's Asthma

Moreshwar Pradhan was a close devotee of Sai Baba. He was a judge in Bombay High court. He was suffering from acute Asthma. He used to be a partner of my grandfather whenever they used to play the Bridge (a game of cards). For the cure of his Asthma my grandfather advised him to visit Shirdi and he obliged. On his very first visit to Shirdi when he met Sai Baba he was offered to inhale the 'Chilim' (a clay pipe which Baba used to smoke), which Baba gave him personally. Moreshwar was rather worried but he inhaled the 'Chilim' and it was a miracle. From that moment onwards he never got any attack of Asthma. What a strange way of curing a person of his ailment. Moreshwar thanked my grandfather and from then on became an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba. It was a Vijayadashmi day of the year 1918, and late afternoon suddenly Moreshwar got an attack of Asthma. The attack was severe and he had sent his servant to Bandra and requested my grandfather to come to Santa Cruz to his residence. Moreshwar's servant told my grandfather that his master has suddenly taken ill and requested him to rush for his help. Then my grandfather along with my father left their house. Of course, they carried along with them the 'Udi', which Baba had given personally to them on their last visit to Shirdi. They saw Moreshwar in utter distress. My grandfather consoled him. He put Baba's 'Udi' in a glass of water and requested Moreshwar to drink the same. Moreshwar obeyed my grandfather as he was reckoning him to be his very close friend. No sooner

had he drank the water than the intensity of the attack went on reducing and in a short while he was feeling relieved. Moreshwar asked my grandfather stating that Baba had said that his Asthma has gone for ever in which case how come the revival of the attack? My grandfather advised him not to worry and in the event it happens again he should consume Baba's Udi as medicine. However Moreshwar was not required to do so any more. The consumption of Udi had certainly reduced the Asthma attack but there was an altogether different kind of message behind this incident, which they all realized later on. On that very day at about 2 p.m. Sai Baba had taken Samadhi in Shirdi.

(Source: “LIVE EXPRIENCES OF THE TARKHAD FAMILY WITH SHRI SAI BABA OF SHIRDI” By Virendra Jyotindra Tarkhad)

Quote of the month

“ Worship of the Guru is equivalent to worshipping all the deities, for in the Guru, all the deities dwell” – Sri Saibaba

Offerings and Guidelines

Clothes: Sri SaiBaba's clothes are changed daily after the holy Mangalsnan Outerwear: 110 inches X 44 inches - Silk/Satin/Cotton Innerwear: 110 inches X 44 inches – White wrinkle free cotton Shawl/Uparani: 70 inches X 40 inches – non-woolen, matching/contrasting with outerwear Make sure edges are seamed. Devotees can also donate $51 towards Sri Saibaba's clothes

Abhishek Devotees can offer Milk and Rose Water or donate $21 instead towards Abhishek/Pooja

Flowers/Garland Devotees can offer flowers or donate $91 towards flowers and garland for Baba

Pooja Items Devotees can offer Camphor, Incense sticks/Agarbathis, Sandal wood/powder, cotton wicks, Ghee and Sesame Oil or donate $21 towards Pooja items

Fruits Devotees may offer fresh fruits, almonds and raisins

Financial Contributions and Donations Sri Saibaba Mandir is a not for profit organization maintained by Sri Saibaba’s grace and blessings in the form of support of Sri Saibaba devotees and visitors. Financial contributions are sincerely appreciated. Please make contributions by writing a check or dropping in the hundi or safely online by visiting www.hamaresai.org. All monetary contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Philanthropy and Community Services

Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center with the help of volunteers and support of the devotees participates in the following philanthropic events

Adopt A Family

Meals on Wheels

Coats for Kids

Adopt A Family

With the grace and blessings of Saibaba, the Prayer Center volunteers have been participating, since 2002, in Adopt-A-Family program with the generous contributions and help from Sai devotees. This year also, Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center requests your participation in "Adopt a Family" program designed to help those in need during this holiday season. In this program, the Prayer Center is working with local Church "Kinship of Greater Minneapolis" to help a few needy children by fulfilling the family wish list consisting of items such as clothes, toys, small appliances and other gift items befitting the Holidays.

Sunday Lunch (Prasadam) Sponsors

1. You can sponsor Sunday Prasadam Lunch at the Mandir for approximately 100 devotees. Friends and families can get together to prepare the food.
2. The Sponsor signup sheet is at the entrance of the Main Hall in the Mandir. This Sponsorship sheet is updated weekly on the web site.
3. If you have signed up, please bring the Prasadam/Food to the Mandir before 11:00 AM to offer it to Sri SaiBaba. If, for some reason, you are not able to bring it, please call up and inform the Mandir ahead of time.
4. Food sponsors should clean up the kitchen counter tops, tables and vessels used after lunch, and put back chairs and tables
5. We humbly request devotees offering Naivedya/Food to Baba to take extra care:

The food must be Vegetarian, clean, hygienic and must be prepared the same day

Please do not bring food prepared the previous day or any stale food

During preparation, avoid touching/mixing food by hand

While serving food at the Mandir, please avoid touching food by hand

Sri Saibaba Mandir
1835 Polk St NE
Minneapolis MN 55418 
Mail:  PO BOX 18067, Minneapolis MN 55418
Phone: 612-789-PRAY 
Sai@hamaresai.org Sai@hamaresai.org

Temple Hours

Mornings
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Sundays till 1:00 PM 
Evenings
6:30 PM to 9:00 PM 
Saturdays 9:00AM to 9:00PM 
Darshan closes at 8:20 PM. 
Shej Arthi at 8:30 PM

Daily Schedule

9:00 AM Temple opens

9:15 AM Kakad Arthi

10:00 AM Mangalsnan/Abhishek

11:30 AM Shodosopachara Pooja

12:00 Noon Madhyana Arthi

12:30 PM Temple closes and reopens at 6:25 PM (except Sat)

3:00 PM (Saturday only) Sri Saibaba Satsang

6:25 PM Temple opens

6:30 PM Dhoop Arthi

8:30 PM Shej Arthi, Darshan closes at 8:20 PM

Every Thursday Evening

7:15 PM Sri Sai Paduka Pooja

7:45 PM Ceremonial procession of Sri Saibaba's padukas to Chavadi

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )