A Sai Devotee

[Dipika]

A Sai Devotee


Dear Readers,

Believe it or not the Great Miracles of SAIBABA

It was on Thursday Sept.03 1998, I happened to go for the Vehicle Driving Test without schedule with my Driving School Instructor who had called up to me and try for the standby. I was given the date for the exam in the last week of October. To my surprise, without taking the driving course for the exam I went along with him to the Driving Test office and inquired if I stood any chance for appearing the test to-day. The lady on the desk immediately responded to my request and asked me to pay the necessary charges for the driving test and be on the standby for that day.

It was unbelievable for me that I would be given a chance on that day as there is always a waiting list for months in advance. However, I paid the amount and another surprise is that the lady who had filled the driving test form wrote that I would be given G2 test at once which I had not gone through it prior to giving the road test. My driving instructor wished me good luck and said that I will have a tough test because there are two instructors sitting in my car instead of normally one. I did Pray to my Lord SAIBABA earnestly this time that if I fail then I could not afford to give the test once again as He knows that I am already passing through the great stress and hardship.

I am always in the habit of carrying the Lord Saibaba's locket in my wallet. I took out the Lord SAIBABA locket and put it in my shirt pocket. The driving inspectors asked me if I am ready for the test. I said once again to myself and Prayed to the Lord before starting the engine. "O Lord Please Help me to pass this exam". I started the car and inspectors gave me the instructions while driving. At one instance I made a mistake, I thought to myself that I have failed once again. Finally the driving test is completed and the inspectors are holding the discussions among themselves of my result.

To my shock and surprise, the driving inspectors said although I made a mistake 'You have passed the exam'. My happiness knew no bounds . The Lord truly heard my prayers. Thanks to Lord SAIBABA for the first stepping stone of success.

Ravinder Thota Canada

I would like to share with you an incidence that happened to our Group this day. I belong to Southern Highlands Sai Group. We all went to a Sai Devotees place at Canyonleigh. There wasn't much of the Sacred Ash. when the time came for everyone to dip into the Ash it was full (not the grey Ash that originally was in the container) but this time it was white. It was great for me, as the others are all followers of Sai Baba. I go because I like their company and I have an open mind, as he was in a Dream I had.

Dorothy Wells

NOVEMBER 05, 1998
I would like to narrate to you the experience when I was first blessed with the love of Sai Baba. After a lot of struggle, I got a job in Shaw Wallace and Company. It was a fantastic job with lots of perks and other benefits. I was thrilled as this was my first job and that too in such a big company. But when I received my appointment letter, to my utter dismay I found that I was posted to Guwahati. Being a resident of Calcutta, I could not move out at that time as my father was suffering from cancer and being the only child I had to stay by his side. We had a Mandir of Baba in our locality. In the evening that day out of sheer depression, I went to the Mandir and told Baba about my unpleasant situation. The next day I went to the company to tell that I was not ready for the job but I was astonished to find a revised appointment letter posting me back to Calcutta. I could not believe this, but this was a reality. Later I heard that the General Manager was so impressed with my interview that he wanted me to work with him in Calcutta, otherwise he threatened to resign. This was the first incidence I had with Baba and I continued to receive His blessings till now.

Kaushik Roy Chowdhury,


Embassy of India,Stockholm.

NOVEMBER 12th, 1998

Nila Vaishnav

Marquette, Michigan

I have had several miraculous experiences in my life and I attribute them to SAIBABA. I would like to share one of my recent experiences. Four months ago, I decided to take part in a race per one of my friend’s suggestion. She has had several years of experience in doing this race while this was my first. She was very much willing to help me with the training and she did. We had a great training schedule and it all went well until the last three weeks before the race. I started having problems that I did not know the cause of. I just did not feel even close to how I was feeling prior to this. In fact, it kept getting worst. I was really worried since my family and I had invested so much in me succeeding this challenge. Moreover my friends and colleagues were quite aware of me doing this and it was a question of embarrassment should I have to drop out. I did not know what I was going to do. All along, my friend and I were making plans to finish the race together. This seemed impossible since I could not even do 1/4th of the race without having problems while my friend was getting stronger every day. At this point, I talked to Baba, told him how important this is for me, and asked if he could help me. As always, like Baba says, "If you look to me I look to you", he immediately heard my prayer and I started feeling better. In fact, in the last issue of Sai Vichaar, I had read about how we don't need to take any medicine if we have faith in Baba- Vibhuti (udi). I stopped taking any pain-related medicine and until now, I have still not taken one, even after my race. We started our race and half way into the race, my pain started again. I told Baba to please continue to help me. Like a miracle, my pain disappeared. I had a desire to finish the race with my friend and she was quite a bit ahead of me so I had no hope that I would be able to. As I got close to the finish, all of a sudden I saw my friend next to me. I could not believe my eyes since she was so much ahead of me all along. We both finished together in the time we had desired. It was a pure example of another one of Baba's miracle. I can not thank Him enough for helping me and my family every every step of the way. I can go on and on describing how in the day-to-day life Baba comes to my rescue like he is always there, you just have to call upon him.

Pranam and Thank you Baba

NOVEMBER 19th, 1998
Rebecca, USA (originally posted on November 16, 1998)

I came to know Sai Baba while I was living in India, about ten years ago. I made two trips to Shirdi at that time. I particularly like the quotation where Baba says, " I will draw my devotee to me as though he was a bird with a string attached to its leg." Now, I live in the States and with my husband started a business. Last year we expanded and went far into debt and everything that could go wrong did. The terrible stress and financial difficulties caused me to go into such a bad depressions that I had to take medication. Things are getting better now but still very difficult. Recently, I started praying to Baba, again. I tried to be very specific and asked for a good delivery driver who would care about our business and do a good job. Good drivers are hard to get and I had to do all this work myself, usually, plus all the bookkeeping, sales, not to mention taking care of a household. In fact, about a month later, my daughter moved back home with her best friend who needed a job and is about the best driver we have ever had. I said to myself, this is probably just a coincidence. the way one does say such things to oneself the beginning of this month I was terribly short of cash and I prayed to just make it through the week. The money came through just when I needed it and I was very grateful. But later, I was so badly in the hole, I knew that the money from the receivables would not come in fast enough and I was going to be in real trouble. I felt so anxious, I did not want to get up in the morning. I felt like crying all the time. I go to a little Protestant church in our village here in the northern US. There are very few paritioners, sometimes only five or six on a Sunday. I like to attend because generations of my family have done so in the same church and I love to sing the old Christian hymns. After church I was sitting with some of my friends and telling them about my worries. This morning, one of them, an eighty-year-old lady, came to my house and presented me with a check for ten thousand dollars. This was totally unexpected, totally out of the blue, and was just about the exact amount I needed. I started to cry when I got it and I have started to cry thinking about it now. She said it was a gift and gave me a hug and said, "I love you, Rebecca." After this, I have a hard time thinking that all these answers to my prayers were just coincidence. I have to say, thank you Baba, thank you for helping me. I have felt, with all the suffering and injustice in the world, why should I succeed with my dumb little business. I should have more faith. When I do succeed, I dearly hope to be able to help other people in turn.

NOVEMBER 26th, 1998
NAVITHA
(Originally posted on Tuesday, Nov 24, 1998)

SAIRAM
Today I would like to share on of my experience with SHIRDI SAI with you. It happened in 1991, it was time when I just started believing in SAIBABA. I was doing my post graduation and I used to be in hostel. I went to a nearby place to a function and had to come back to college within four days. Unfortunately, in the function I contracted conjunctivitis, a contagious infection also called as 'madras eye'. I had to come back to the hostel since I was in the middle of completing my course work. The second morning I noticed that my best friend who is my roommate also got it. My roommate was so skinny, weak, and sensitive. I like her very much and I always used to take care of her like a baby. I felt very guilty that she got that only because of me. Conjunctivitis stays for atleast four days no matter whatever medicine you use. In addition, my friend is so weak I felt she could not bear the pain. As we were about to leave to the college at 10.00 AM, she complained that she is feeling pain and itching in her eyes. I felt very sad and guilty then I just turned to my BABA prayed to him, put udhi on her forehead, and told her just to sleep. Then, when I came back for lunch at 1200 noon I was very surprised to see her eyes were so clear and you know what happened, my friend does not have any belief on SAIBABA but that day in her sleep she saw Baba came to her and just put his hand on her forehead and left. From that day, she also started believing in Baba. I felt very happy because he did this only for me as I was feeling very upset and guilty and in the class, I was just praying Baba. In this way my Baba is always with me and where ever I go I always am noticed as Sai devote which make me feel very happy. I LOVE YOU BABA AND I KNOW VERY WELL THAT YOU LOVE ME.

SAIDEVA, BE WITH ME IN EVERY MOMENT OF MY LIFE AND GUIDE ME

DECEMBER 03, 1998

K. P. Rao, Nauru

My wife is an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba and I am her supporter. Due to my job in this small pacific island nation of Nauru, my wife and daughter have been staying away in India for the past one year.

When I got the Internet connection in this August, I somehow visited your site and subscribed to the newsletter. As I receive them, I read and send them to my wife whose joy finds no bounds, not just because she receives the newsletters but I have started reading them too. Recently, on my job front, a terrible setback was averted and my wife believes that it is due to my reading the newsletters.

I give a copy of each letter to a good friend of mine here who enjoys reading them. If I delay giving them by a day, he would remind me. Thus, the two persons to whom I circulate are very happy with your newsletters.

When my wife first put a sticker of Baba in my car back in 1992, I met with a minor accident on the very same day. When I visited Shirdi last year, as part of my pilgrimage, my daughter suffered from hepatitis. But, I do not think that Baba did not help us. I believe that he helps those who deserve help. One simply can not demand help from him. We deserve his grace by good thoughts and good deeds. Next year when I visit India, we plan to visit Shirdi again. Thank you for keeping us in touch with Baba

DECEMBER 10, 1998

Latha Ramesh

(Originally posted on Thursday, Dec 3, 1998)

This is my personal experience I am sharing with you all. Beginning of this year i.e., Jan 98, my mother had fever. Even after five days, fever did not subside. She was on antibiotics but they did not help her much. On the seventh day, I felt she was getting weaker and I took her to the hospital, thinking that she could be given some glucose/drips. They told me to admit her. She was weak but could walk. Before admission, she had all the routine tests, like blood, urine, etc and the chest X-rays etc. There was no evidence of any infection. It was diagnosed to be viral fever. But the next day, when I went to visit her in the hospital, the Doctor told me that she had acute renal failure, lung failure, a multi organ failure the words he used "Only her brain seems to work". I am not one of the ardent devotees of Baba like the ones I see on this site. But I prayed hard to BABA. I cried to Him begging Him to save my mother. The next day was a New Moon Day, and most of friends told me that the situation normally deteriorates on this day, so told me to accept whatever came. I prayed very hard. It may sound silly. However, I poured my heart to BABA in paper and placed it in front of him in our Puja room. At that time one of Baba devotees called me and told me that Baba would definitely help and he would show some sign. I was hopeful but at the same time feeling very depressed, took my car out. Hardly I drove about 100 yards from my house when I saw a long Black Cobra. My heart was beating so fast in disbelief, but what I saw was true. Baba told me that He has taken over my problems. My mother did improve though slowly. Anyone who saw her in the Emergency would not believe that she came out. Till date, I feel it is only BABA who saved her. It is really true that He hears you when you call.

DECEMBER 17, 1998

Havovi Medora, Bombay, India

Last weekend I had the good fortune to visit Shirdi. I went in a car with three other devotees and received the most wonderful darshan. There Baba sat - like a King, while millions thronged and craned their necks to get a glimpse of their beloved Sai. Yes, it was my destiny to go in comfort and get a VIP pass to stand right at Sai's feet, but the feeling of all those who had walked miles, clutching a few dried up flowers, children and babes-in-arm, oh what an overwhelming sight!

Tears streamed ceaselessly down my cheeks as I witnessed their devotion. I have been to so many places of worship but I have never seen devotion like this. What is it about this simple humble soul who came to this little village? What every devotee had in common was the unconditional love for this unique being who chose to go around begging for his food.

At this point, I wish to tell a story from the Sat Charita about a devotee, Kaka Saheb Dixit. He suffered from total restlessness of the mind. No matter what he did, no matter how much he prayed, his mind knew no peace. One night he had a dream in which a Hindu goddess appeared and told him to go to Sai Baba. Unfortunately, he awoke before confirming where he had to go. So he went to a few holy places, prayed and did the usual rites, but still he remained restless and knew no peace of mind. In a subsequent dream, he learned that he should go to Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. He made all arrangements to undertake the journey. As soon as Kaka Saheb saw Baba his mind lost its restlessness. He felt calm and at peace - what wonder! Baba said nothing, did nothing; just his glance was enough. Yes, my dear fellow devotees, just to look upon him one feels that sense of calm. Mental worries seem to disappear and we are left there standing steadfast with a power and strength to take on what this world has to offer.

It was a beautiful weekend in Shirdi. In the early hours of the morning, as Baba sat there patiently allowing his pujaris to bathe him with milk and rose water, it was truly a sight for the gods. We were all there - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis - poor, rich, black and white. But we all had one purpose. We all wanted the same thing. Our Sai Baba. He has touched people from all over the world. The Incredible Sai Baba.

DECEMBER 24, 1998

Ravin Gnanasambandam, Arkansas, USA

It happened sometime ago. I was travelling with my wife and my two little children on a major city highway. It was busy hour traffic in the junction of three major highways with most traffic leading out into the suburbs. Since the exit I was supposed to take came on the left, I was travelling on the extreme left lane watching out for my speed and the exit. All of a sudden, I saw another lane on my left that lead to the exit I am supposed to take and I immediately swirled leftwards into the exit in order not to miss the exit. During the sudden rush of events, I failed to notice a fast travelling vehicle that was travelling on the left lane, which was a just few feet behind mine. Since it happened too fast for the driver behind to react, he hit my car on the rear bumper and fortunately for both of us, the driver was able to control the car and negotiate a turn we were approaching. I began to increase my speed in order to maintain the traffic flow and I realized that my car was making a huge noise at the rear, probably due to the broken bumper. It went on for a few minutes and by then; I was totally shook up and did not know what to do. I took the next exit and pulled into the first gas station I saw. We got out of the car and to our utter disbelief we saw the whole bumper hanging on the ground and was dragging all along! The agony got manifold because the new car we were driving did not belong to us!

I did not find any other damage to the vehicle, and we were physically safe. The vehicle following us went on, probably not wanting to involve in the mess. I am sure every car driving behind us saw the broken bumper and heard the noise! The incident happened on a bridge and I was travelling a couple of feet away from the concrete parapet wall. Praying to Sainath, as we always do at times of distress, slowly I drove around in search of someone who could help me fix the bumper and the rear indicator lights without which I cannot drive. I found an auto body shop that was right in the next street. The shop was open although it was late in the evening. After about 45 minutes, the damage was fixed and it was minimum. The bumper did not break into two although it was dragged on the high way for some time and the small scratch it had was almost invisible. It was as if nothing had happened to the car! While so many things could have gone wrong that day, we believe that it was Sainath who saved us from breaking into the wall and plunging down, or from the driver behind who could have been hurt in the process, and the car sustaining from major damage. My five-year-old son, who was amused at all these events, exclaimed in the end, "Baba fixed the car!"

Incidentally, we were going to the Hindu temple and we wanted to reach before the closing hours of the temple. We could not make it to the temple that day. The next day, a Thursday was a blessing and we had a blissful visit to the temple. Lessons were learnt and Sainath showered His grace, once more.

Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all

 

DECEMBER 31, 1998


Anitha Ramesh Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia

On December 21st evening after returning from work, kids were playing in the living room while I was cooking. I heard a news headline by accident since the cartoon cassette that my five-year-old son was watching had finished. It was on National news and the Head lines said "255 women at maternity ward in THE CANBERRA HOSPITAL at risk of contracting Hepatitis B and HIV A, after undergoing surgical procedure's by a health care worker". I did not give it a thought but somehow they kept repeating it again and again. When I thought I would just listen, I heard them say that women who have undergone some procedures in the Hospital between since January 1998 and December 11, 1998 were at risk. It was further said that 255 women on whom this particular health care worker has done procedures in the maternity ward were short listed.

I dismissed this news thinking this was not relevant to me. Somehow it kept flashing back in my mind and I realized soon that I was in the ward during that period and Shamukh Sai, my second son was delivered there. Just as a routine measure and to be on the safe side, I thought I would ring the hospital Hotline for and find out if it had anything to do with me. The hotline, which was set up only for this particular catastrophe, was busy and I could not get to talk to them. Some how my anxiety was increasing and I was feeling distressed. I prayed to BABA and I have this old habit of asking BABA for guidance through Saicharitra. I asked him if this would affect me anyway, praying to Lord Sai I opened the book and there was this sentence "No, have no fear and anxiety, Shyama and myself will be there before you". This is in relation to Shyama's trip to Bhuvaneshwar in Hemandpant's Saicharita. I called my General Practitioner at home (which I do only in emergency) at night 7.30, apologized for the inconvenience, and told them about what I heard on the TV and my anxiety. GP said that I did not have to worry as I had not been contacted by the hospital. However, to rest my mind she said she would write a prescription for blood test and leave it at the reception so I could collect it and get the tests done.

Later that night when Ramesh, my husband, came home at 9.00 PM after a busy day, I told him what I heard on TV and what the General Practitioner had said about it. He was anxious to know more details and tried to call the hospital. On third attempt Ramesh was able to get through to the hospital hotline for this matter and I spoke to the lady identifying myself and saying I have had a baby on 21st January and is there anything that I had to worry about regarding this issue. The counselor on the other end said she will get back to me immediately and hung off. This further increased our anxiety levels. I got a call again after 10 minutes and the same lady asked me my date of birth, other medical details related to delivery. Finally she said,"I have to confirm all the details before I give the information to you, and drop the bombshell, yes you are on our short listed names of people who has had a procedure and delivery done by the health care worker who is infected. I am sorry to do this to you before the Christmas and Newyear. How do you feel about it". My world came to an end I couldn't breathe. I thought I am not only infected but I have also passed it on to my children and husband. I asked her why was I not contacted earlier. I was given the reason that someone did try to contact me but could not and the lady went on counseling. I broke down, I cried my heart out for my kids and my husband. She spoke to my husband too, who could hardly speak. She made and appointment for next day 8.00 AM at the hospital pathology for me to have the test first, and if it was positive then for the whole family.

It was the worst night in my whole life. We couldn't sleep. Next day I went for the test, got it done and had to wait until 3.30 in the afternoon for the results. It was the worst fifteen hours in my life. I did not go to work, I was afraid to feed my kids and sent them off to baby sitter. I asked the nurse why they thought I was at risk and what were the criteria for classifying me under high risk. She explained that it was because I had a surgical procedure done on me after the delivery by the health care worker who tested positive for those infections. At last, at 3.30 when I went for the results they told me "good news, negative for both tests so no infections, have a Merry Christmas". My husband and I cried in relief and thanked BABA for his mercy.

This experience has deepened my faith in Him and showed me that He listens to us in need and never leaves His children. May BABA give you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all

JANUARY 07, 1999

Anonymous Devotee

My husband and I own our own business and since we expanded it, we took on a lot of debt and have had all kinds of financial trouble. The worry has been terrific, as every material thing we own, our house, etc. is on the line. I pray to Baba allot, for help and just for relief from the depression and worry I feel from time to time. I am often overdrawn at the bank and have go to the post office at 9:30 AM to pick up any checks that have come in and deposit them before 11:00 to cover the overdraft. This is stressful, as you can imagine, because I never know what I will get or whether it will be enough. I am scared to bounce my employee's checks, for instance, because they depend on us. This Friday, I called up the bank to find out if I was overdrawn. I was $943.60. I prayed, "please help me on this one, Baba." The checks I got at the P.O. and a check I had forgotten in my briefcase came to $943.50. I went to the bank with that and a dime. I am a Christian by birth and my husband is a Muslim. "God is Great!" I said to him, and he agreed, though he is not at all religious. I have a little altar to Baba with a candle on my glass porch where all the plants overwinter. The average person around here has certainly not heard of Sai Baba. "Who is that?" they ask with curiosity. My husband tells them it is his grandfather!

Naba Mishra, Braintree, MA, USA

Following is my life’s experience on Sai Baba’s blessings on me and my family, which I want to share with others. Being fed up with the existing work environment, I tried a totally new career option. All through the transition period of my career development, I was getting the mental courage and guidance from Him. I still wonder, how I could have achieved this without His blessings. I had to change my visa sponsor once and after landing here in the USA got the job very fast. Also He saved me from two about to be serious car accidents. On one occasion, I was going to the temple on New Years’ day (1999) with my family. We all escaped unhurt from an almost certain car accident. Praise and glory to Him. Bow to Him.

Anonymous devotee


The first leela I will write about was one that actually happened a long time before I was born. It involves my father's father- i.e. my grandfather. He once was very sick and bed-ridden. He was half-asleep sitting alone in a room in their house when someone he did not know came in. He walked around the bed on the floor and said "do not worry sir, you will be all right soon." then he walked out. There were many other people in the house but no one went into his room at that time. Everyone was at a loss as to who came in and how he got in without anyone noticing. It was dismissed as a hallucination. Soon after the mystery man came in my grandfather's fever abated and he got well. One day, soon after he recovered, he saw in a shop a picture of the man who came in his room. He was much surprised and inquired the name of the person in the picture. He was told that it was a great saint who lived in Shirdi. He became a devotee from then on.

The second leela involves my mother. My mother was a staunch devotee of Swami Samartha Maharaj. Upon coming to America and seeing that pooja of Sai was being performed, she was unconvinced. She then, after some persuasion, she read Sai's Pothi. The first story she read was a story regarding that Sai was the same as her Akkalkot Maharaj. We have been worshipping Sai and Akkalkot Swami's pictures together ever since. Once, after I got the Pothi, I attended a dog show because our close friend's dog graduated from obedience school. ;-) There were "contests" which the newly trained dogs found challenging. Prizes were given out to the dogs that did the best. My friend's dog, god bless her! ;-), did absolutely horrible! She was, in the general opinion of the spectators, the worst dog there. I though that there was no way she will win any prize. I had to leave halfway through the contest. Suddenly remembering Sai, I decided to test him because I still was not convinced about his greatness. I made a mental bow to Sai and said that I would read three chapters of the Satcharita if the dog wins a prize. When I got home, I received a telephone call from my friend that her dog one third place out of 300+ dogs in spite of the fact that she failed half of the contests! I was astounded! I read the three chapters and was convinced of Sai's greatness.

JANUARY 21, 1999

Laxman Kacheswar jakadi alias Nanumama or nanu Bhatt Poojari

December, 9, 1936, Shirdi

I have been doing Baba’s pooja and arathi of Sai baba all these years. I began it even in Baba's life time as assistant to Bapu Saheb Jog. It was in 1914 I came here. My sister’s husband Bapaji was here. I had occasionally visited him first. One night while I was at Sangamner, Sai Baba appeared to me in my dream and said, "Boy, are you sleeping? Do not stop here. Come to Shirdi. There is plenty of fun at Shirdi". In the morning, Bapaji’s father had come to our village and he invited me to go over to Shirdi to assist him. I went over to Shirdi and for a short time, stayed with him. I worked for my bread by touring into villages round about Shirdi with my Bikshuki service, and helping Bapuji in Sai Baba’s worship at the Mandir. After some years (say 1 or 2) of free voluntary pooja of Baba I was appointed by the committee as the permanent poojari (at the Sai Sansthan).

Jayanti, USA

I would like to add this experience of mine in your newsletter. I came to US in July 1997. I developed a corn in my right foot in December '97 which was treated by US doctors for about six-months. This did not yield any relief. Later, I decided to apply Udi to it and did it for about fifteen days, I found that corn disappeared within no time. Sai... you are Great, I shall always abide by your teachings. "Om Sai Sri Sai Jai Jai Sai".

JANUARY 28, 1999


Thakore, Canada

My most recent experience was on Wednesday, January 20, 1999 in Canada. I am a financial planner. On August 5, 1998 at 8.30 PM I was returning home with my colleague. As we came out of the parking lot there was Four-way stop sign. My friend who was driving the car was followed by the cops, issued a traffic violation, and got the ticket. This was not appropriate since he did stop at the sign. We both had decided to plead not guilty. We took the court date and later we had to change the date as my friend was not in a position to attend. So I went to the court for change of date and to my amazement, the officer did not turn up. I was not aware that I could have proceeded with the case without my friend; however, I got the date postponed to January 20, 1999. On that day (January 20, 1999) when we entered, we saw the officer standing in the corner. I walked up to him, greeted him, and had some discussion with and came. Then, officer came up to us and said that he could reduce our charges to 65 dollars from 105 dollars, and that would reduce the points from 3 to 2. However, my friend declined his offer and said we would go ahead with the case. After a wait for 45 minutes, our case was called. In the mean time, I was praying to Sai Baba and said that He should only help us. We were really down. The officer was very stubborn, accusing, and we thought the case is out of our hands but continued to pray. I was called as witness and I told what I thought was right, still keeping my finger crossed. My friend was also cross-examined. My friend of late, started to utter Jai Sai Nath, especially with family members, as a way to wish for good luck. At the end of the proceedings, to the utter disbelief of everybody, the judge with long closing statements concluded the case as not guilty. The officer was surprised and was upset with decision. But I say it was Sai Baba who did it! Jai Sai Nath!!

BOW TO SHRI SAI, PEACE TO BE ALL. AMEN.

FEBRUARY 04, 1999

B. Laghate, Ex-Sub Judge, Shaniwarpeth, Poona, wrote on 20 July 1936, as follows:

"I went to Sai Baba about 1913 or 1914. I was in trouble and I went to get his ashirwad (i.e.) blessings to get rid of the trouble. When I approached him, he asked for dakshina and I gave it. He said to me of his own accord ‘sow margosa and afterwards cut off that tree'.* I could not make head or tail of this utterance. It was evidently not the ashirvad I went to him for. I was disappointed and I never went to him again, though at about that time, I lived with Mr. H.S. Dixit (who was a staunch devotee of Sai Baba) for three years."

*There was a bribery case in the Criminal Court against him for having taken bribes and he was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment with a heavy fine. This was confirmed on appeal. It was, pending the appeal, that he (B. Laghate) went to Baba to get his blessings for success. Margosa sowing and margosa reaping was Baba’s parable about the law of Karma. If you sow the bitter seed the result must be bitter and of the same sort. Therefore, it is better for man fully to pay the price or penalty of one’s folly, wash off one’s karmic debt and profit in the future from the lesson of the past.

(From Devotees’ Experiences of Sri Sai Baba by His Holiness Narasimhaswami ji)

FEBRUARY 11, 1999

A Sai devotee

I am a Sai devotee from Hyderabad, India. I just read the last two issues of Sai Vichaar today as I was out of station. I wish to reply to a disturbed devotee regarding her not conceiving and her doubts about Astrologers (Sai Vichaar dt.28.01.99). .My sister has already written about it in the Sai Vichaar DT 3.02.99 but I wanted to write about my experience so that the disturbed devotee may get confidence.

My ordeal started four years after marriage when I realized that I was not conceiving. Until then, I thought "I" could have children whenever "I" want. I waited eagerly for it but felt awfully depressed every month. I was so depressed and vulnerable that I started consulting astrologers. Each had his own predictions to such an extent that one even told my mother that the marriage itself was not rightly performed as the horoscopes did not match. This was very shocking to my parents who have done everything to everyone’s satisfaction. Then started my trauma with doctors, appointments, tests, endless hours of waiting, and the insensitive people around. It was then that my sister from Australia had told me about Baba for the first time. I started reading Satcharita - at first, I read it as a storybook. I went to Shirdi too with the hope of a miracle. Every time I read the book, I thought it will do some "magic". Then as I kept reading I realized that the book could not change anything but, I have to change myself , my way of thinking.

This was when I told Baba " You are my mother, you know what is best for me, if you think that me, your child, should have no child , then its okay with me. But Baba, please let me also feel the joy of having a child". I cried to Baba every night but slowly I even stopped that and left it to Him. Then it happened when I least expected it to. Chanting His name, I went to the Doctor and my pregnancy was confirmed. I was blessed with a healthy baby boy whom I have named Sai Sanket, which means a sign or a communication from SAI. Today when I see any childless couple, I tell Baba "if you have plans of giving me another child, then give it to those childless couples so that they too can have the joy of a child in their homes". Going to astrologers is not wrong, we are all humans but one must have faith in Baba and most of all have patience. Let us all want only what OUR MOTHER wants us to have, as MOTHER knows the best. OM SAI RAM.

B.L A Sai Devotee

In your section "Experience of Devotees'", I would like to narrate a significant miracle, not that miracles are small or big, a miracle is a miracle. Baba's grace is magnanimous and we have to acknowledge that. Yes, there are some Bhakts' who are disillusioned at the moment but Baba knows what is going on in our lives and by surrendering to Him, we can get rid of our problems. However, when we lose patience and faith, we lose the vital link, and this is unfortunate for any devotee. My daily prayer to Baba comprises prayers' for all Sai Bhakts' that, may our faith and patience in you grow magnificently. Well, let me not digress from my experience, which I would like to share with everyone. My niece, Anuradha was afflicted with leucoderma, a disease that leaves white patches all over the body, and disfigures the face. She developed it suddenly, sometime in 1995. What started as a tiny patch grew insidiously and in no time, she had full-blown leucoderma. At nineteen years of age, her dreams of getting married or socializing with people were completely shattered. However, I went to visit her in Chandigarh, India and gave her some UDHI, which I always carry with me. That was in December 1995, I am mentioning the time so that people in a similar dilemma can hope for something similar to happen to them and can appreciate the time lapse, and the patience. My niece started going to a local Sai temple every Thursday. She would sit there, attend Arti, sing Bhajans', and she was positive from day One that her cure was imminent. Well, a homeopathic doctor gave her some medicines, which she would apply on her face, but she feels that Doctor was Baba in disguise, because he gave her the medicines and was not contractible after that which remains a mystery. Now, Anu is cured and the patches are not visible anymore. I firmly believe that when He cures, He cures from the root. Sai Ram to all.

FEBRUARY 18, 1999

K. Navin Chander, India

(Originally posted in the magazine "Sai Padananda" issued Oct. 1998, published by Sri R. Seshadri for Sri Sai Spiritual Center, Bangalore, India 560 028)

It was on 3rd February 1998. I was about to complete an article on Sai Baba. I heard a sharp rap at the gate of my house. I shouted; who is there?" Promptly the reply came: "Khaana Lav" (give me food). From where I sat, I could not see him. Nevertheless, I called my wife to serve food to him. She bought rice and dhal but oddly, he did not have anything on him to receive it. My wife did not feel like serving in the plate she brought. So she came back to the house, took a small cardboard and served the fare on it outside the gate. He sat on his haunches preparatory to eating.

Meanwhile, my wife came inside to fetch water for him. It did not take a couple of minutes for her to do so. But the stranger was not to be seen anywhere. There were telltale marks of his having taken the food. He did not even wash his hands. It was impossible to eat the food, that too without water, and walk away out of sight in less than a couple of minutes.

It was then the truth hit me like a whiplash. I should have known much better when he said, "Khaana laav". It was truly a command. Even during his begging rounds sometimes, Sai Baba never begged. He simply commanded, "Lassie, roti laav". I asked my wife as to how he looked like. She said, "He was lean aged and looked like a village Muslim of the old order, with a sharp beard. He was wearing a faded green lungi with brownish checks on it and a soiled white long-sleeved kurtha with a black vest on it. His head was turbaned leaving the top crown open". Though the description did not actually tally with that of Sai Baba, I was by then more than convinced who He was. I cursed myself because the food that was served was overnight food and served on cardboard outside the gate.

Later when I slowly composed myself, I went into the pooja room and begged His pardon for my lapse. At that stage my own conscience began to reply, "Your repentance is enough for me. Keep on feeding the hungry, who come to your doorstep, as best as you can. Believe me, charity especially that of food, is indeed a great spiritual virtue".

FEBRUARY 25, 1999


(from Devotees’ Experiences of Sai Baba by H.H. Narasimhaswamiji)
Bhaskar Sadasiv Satam, Sub-Inspector of Police, Lamington Road, Bombay, India

I joined the force (Police force) as an ordinary constable in 1911 and rose to the position of Sub-Inspector in 1930 AD. I met Nagesh Atmaram Samant, who spoke to me about Sai Baba. I told him I would go to Shirdi, but for years I did not. In 1940, both of us were at Nargam Training School. I had then some misfortunes resulting in the loss of my job. I was suspended (from service) on 16-2-1940. I prayed to Baba while under suspension. Udhi and Prasad from Shirdi were wanted and sent to me. Prasad was received but not Udhi - though Sagun Meru Naik sent both. It is after that I received the dismissal order on 28-2-1940. Samant wanted me to go to Shirdi unconditionally. I and my son came to on last Ramanavami here (Shirdi) and prayed to Baba. We spent only two days here. On my return, at Dadar, I met a constable and he said that I was reinstated and posted to Lamington Road. But no such order could have been passed then. On 28-4-49, I appealed. On 14-5-1940 the order was passed and I was "Reinstated and posted to Lamington Road". Baba's decision had come from the constable's mouth two months earlier. I had debts to clear. I prayed to Baba and he sent me some money. I am now free from debt and I am well-provided. I prayed to Baba only for this state of happy freedom.

MARCH 4, 1999

C. Satyanarayana Murthy, Hyderabad, India


(Originally posted on the Shirdi Sai Baba web site on Thu, Feb 25, 1999)

Prior to 1988, I was not a devotee of Baba. I have even refused to visit Baba temple at my native place Guntur but reluctantly visited at my wife’s request. I am an engineer working in a private company in Hyderabad for six years, living peacefully. I have resigned my job to start an industry along with some friends. But, it has not taken off. I went to my father to join his business. But, his business was also in problems during that period and he advised me to go back to Hyderabad and lookout for a job. For five months I had struggled to find a suitable job, got rejected in several private industries. All my savings were exhausted. During this period, my wife advised me to believe in Baba and asked me to do Satcharitra parayan. I have done for one week I have applied for a job in a Public sector company based on advertisement for which my experience does not match at all. But on the very next day of completion of parayan, I received an interview call and got selected for a higher position than advertised. Throughout the reading of the parayan I have always got a feeling that Baba is with me providing me the confidence. My life style has changed since then. All my family members have experienced several miracles of Baba. Baba guides us in every walk of our life. There is no problem that Baba has not solved for us. We owe our life to Baba for all the peace that he gave us.

Natarajan Krishnan


Good Morning

I am N.Krishnan working as Secretary in Dubai since one-and-a-half years. I want to share with you all, one my experiences.

In every walk of life and in every aspect of our day-to-day activities, My Lord Sai has been helping me. Believe me, even in the case of minimal things. To cite a one of them, I give below my experience.

My General Manager (GM) is proceeding to Bahrain on a Business Visit. In Bahrain he wanted to meet all of the prospective companies for business purpose. He had never visited Bahrain in the last two-and-a-half years.

My GM wanted to pull all such papers that we had received since two-and-a-half years and wanted to meet them. I could pull out all the papers pertaining to the period of one-and-a-half year after my joining. Inspite of all this exercise, my GM was insisting about a particular and a specific fax, which he had received some two-and-a-half years back (prior to my joining this organization). GM is very guy of mixed mentality arrogant sometimes and nice sometimes and further he has the best memory of even the smallest thing, which I have never come across with any of my employers till today. When he insists he remains adamant because he is correct. I searched all the available files on 1st of March 99 and I could not succeed in tracing the papers. I had very limited time to make the paper available. I did not know what to do.

During that instant, I had no other option rather than praying My Lord Shirdi Sai to make that paper come in front of me. Believe me on 1st March 99 when I was sleeping in my room after my dinner (actually I was half sleeping and half awaken), I got a vision or a dream or an intuition, giving a picture of a specific paper filed in a specific file.

The next day, i.e., 2nd March 1999, immediately upon stepping into my cabin, I pulled out that particular file, which I got as a dream or vision or intuition. Believe me, on going through that file, I got the papers that I had prayed for. Here my respected devotees please note that this file is an abandoned one and has been closed two years back and that too this file was operational prior to my joining.

This is not a new case with me. This is a common phenomenon. In every aspect and in every difficulty (minimal of insignificant type or maximal of utmost importance), I pray and beg to my Lord Sai to come to my rescue and believe immediately, Insha Allah, I get the answer in one or the other way.

I would like to emphasize to one and all, believe in our Lord Shirdi Sai. When you trust HIM completely, totally believe HIM and you are true in your prayers to HIM, HE is always with us all and in our heart.

I thank you all for spending your valuable time in going through my experience.

LORD SHIRDI SAI bless us all.

MARCH 11, 1999

Prabodh Telang Chicago IL USA


HARI OM TATSAT, SHREE SAINATH MAHARAJ KI JAI....

I am a SAI-BHAKTA right from my child hood (with the blessings of my parents and my Satguru Param pujya Shree Bhaktaraj Maharaj from Indore MP India). Just like me now my son Jay (3.5 Yr.) is also proceeding on the same steps. He too loves Sai-Baba and worships him every day. As far as my experiences are concerned, I have countless experiences related to BABA and many of them have been just out of the world kind. I would be glad to share them with any body.

Anyway, this particular experience is one of the simplest kinds. It was very recent when we had a bad snowstorm in Chicago (Jan 99). It was a worst of its kind as we had over 18 inches of snow in just one day. Due to some unavoidable reasons I had to go out in my car and my son was also with me. While our return, my car got stuck in the heavily accumulated snow just close to my residence. I tried by all means to pull my car out, but without a success. Just after that my son who was quietly sitting in his car seat, told me that " Hey Dad, BABA just now talked to me and told me not to worry, he said I'll come to help you". He was pointing to Sai-Baba’s photo on my car's dashboard. After that I carried my son home, leaving my car in the same condition. When I returned, I was very much surprised to see an American gentleman parking his huge 4x4 truck, just at the back of my car. Without saying a word he took out a rope to tie my car to his truck (this is very unusual in the US, some body carrying a rope and then doing this without being asked). Within few minuets he pulled my car out. I duly thanked him and in return he just said, "I enjoyed it!" He was gone within no time. I was left thinking, how could he come from just no where. That too in the middle of such a bad storm??? But then I realized, what BABA had told Jay. BABA actually came to help us in this form. SAI YOU ARE GREAT. YOU ARE OMNI PRESENT...

 

Pankaj
(Originally posted on March 7, 1999)

Only recently, due to certain circumstances I turned to Saibaba, I promised him by saying that show me your strength for those who turn to you and I will do all I can to learn more about you. By the grace of Saibaba events turned out well for me and I embarked upon a journey to fulfil my promise. I was reading a book on Shirdi Saibaba and a particular chapter in the book stated that those who read this book with heartfelt devotion will receive 'Sai-darshan' in 'some' form. That night when I got home from work a friend had sent me a Sai calendar for 1999 through another party. I had not asked for this calendar, my friend did not know I was reading this book, moreover, the person who brought the calendar to me did not know I was reading the book. I believe this to be the 'Sai-darshan' the book mentioned. I would also say to all 'new' Sai devotees that have faith and you will be welcomed and blessed as I have been. Sai-Ram to all.

MARCH 18, 1999

Shamrao Raoji Shrotrie, Record Keeper, District Court, Thana, Maharashtra. 12th September 1936

I visited Sai Baba at Shirdi only once. That was about 1909. When I went and bowed to Sai Baba, I sat in His presence and then a particular question cropped up in my mind. Baba told me to go to a Bai, saying that she was in the temple reading Puran. I went up and found an elderly Brahmin lady of about 50 years reading Puran. I sat and listened. Therein what she read to me was the answer to what cropped up in my mind when I was in Baba’s presence. This was Baba’s way of giving me a solution.

(from Devotees’ Experience of Sai Baba by H.H. Narasimhaswamiji)

MARCH 25, 1999

Prasuna, Virginia, USA

Om Sai Ram.

I have been reading the Sai Vichaar for quite some time now and I have been noticing how many people have been losing faith in the Lord. I hope this message particularly help those who think their prayers are being un-answered. I feel, Baba is like a mother and we are like infants. A mother always knows what her infant child needs. She feeds him, washes him, guides him and when the child makes a mistake, spanks him. Our Baba has the love or thousand mothers. Imagine how much love he has for us? He knows what we need. We don't even have to ask him to give us things. And I know everyone of you will agree most of the time we don't even realize what we need!

Let me give an example. Every one living in Washington DC area will remember the unexpected snowstorm we had a couple of weeks ago. I was at my work early that morning and did not know about the snowstorm. My husband called me and said may be I should head for home at my earliest convenience as its risky to drive when the traffic gets bad and the roads are mushy. I started for home immediately. While I was driving on 66, I felt a strong intuition that I should not take 495 south exit and take the next exit even though I would have to drive an extra 2 miles to get home. I did not pay attention to this. I was on the ramp when suddenly my car skid and went into the snow piled up on the side of the ramp. I tried getting out by putting my car in the reverse gear but it only skid closer and was just hair width away from the ramp!

I got out of my car. I did not know what to do since I did not have a cell telephone. Even if I called for any assistance, It would take at least a couple of hours for them to arrive because of the road conditions. I thought I would be stuck here in the cold without even a proper jacket for a long time. Then, a man driving on the same ramp stopped his car and offered me his cell phone to make a call. He called for roadside assistance. He even offered me to give a ride home. But I did not want to leave my car there. So, I thanked him for his help. He was very kind in offering me various options. Meanwhile, another car pulled over and two guys got out of the car. They were very skinny. They offered help and suggested that I should get in my car and doing a reverse again. I was skeptical because there was less than once inch space between the front of my car and the railing. They insisted. I got in my car and did as they suggested. They pushed my car from the front and in a split second; my car was back on the road!

I did not get a proper chance to get out of my car and thank them as I was blocking the ramp and more than 15 cars had already queued up. To this day, I am wondering how two skinny people could push a car out of the snow. When the whole mess was cleared, I began driving home and thanked Baba for helping me out of this mess. Immediately I felt a strange feeling as if someone was saying, "I told you not to take this exit".

My point is, I did not even know I would be needing help until I actually landed in the mess. And all along, I was never left alone or deserted! I believe that Baba came to me in the form of three people to get me out of trouble. He knew I would go through this and hence was always there with me in the form of three gentlemen.

So, dear devotees, Please don't loose hope and faith. He is our mother and he knows what is best for us. When a child gets attracted to fire, a mother always pulls the child away. The child may cry for a little While. However, when he grows up, he will realize his mother was right. Never loose faith. The lord is watching and taking care of us in many ways we don't even know. Do your duty and leave the results to him. Sai Ram.

APRIL 01, 1999

Rashmi Rao, New Delhi, India

(Originally posted on 3/19/1999)

Dear Sai devotees,

Jai Sai Ram. I am also a Sai devotee and visit the Chhattarpur temple at Delhi whenever Baba wishes so. I am doing my Masters in Applied Psychology. I have been blessed by Baba all through and can feel him to be a part of me. The experience at Shirdi in January was beautiful. We were a group of 100+ people. We were accompanied by our Gururji Shri Satpathy ji who is Sairoop for his devotees. Very fortunate are the ones who have been a 'kripapatra of his drishti'. I pray for his blessings on me and everyone else who so desires and deserves. Jai Sai Ram. Bow to Shri Sai. Peace be to all.

Mukesh
Jai Sai Ram

I am truly sorry for the late announcement but I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating our Sister Indrani who has given birth to a Baby Daughter. Both are well.

May Sainath grant them Love and happiness for the Baby was born Ram Navmi or just after.

I thank all who prayed for her.

APRIL 08, 1999

Badari Vadlamani, USA

DEAR SAI BHAKTA

SAIRAM SaiRam SaiRam..........

I reached USA on Feb 11th to get job with SAIMAATA BLESSINGS. I am going to narrate how SAIMAATA had pulled me towards him like a sparrow. After coming to USA , I got very strong feeling to visit SAI temple. In that context I happened to see an address of a SAI CENTER located in NEWJERSEY from SAIVICHAAR. Its address is as below. SHIRIDI SAI CENTER,818 COLUMBIA AVENUE,NORTH BERGEN NJ-0747-1636, PH: 201-601-1287. As per SAIMAATA blessing I planned to visit my employer on Ugadi Thursday 18th. I prayed SAIMAATA to give me darshan at North Bergen NJ. This was my first priority. I wanted to go to North Bergen after I completed the work with my employer. According to the information I had, it is far off and I could not get proper information to reach there. Hence, I proceeded to my cousin's place at Edison NJ. I started back to Newyork City the next day. I bought the ticket upto New York Penn station. I was thinking about how to reach North Bergen. I decided to enquire after I reach Newyork Penn station. Train driver gave announcement about each station's arrival. Suddenly I listened announcement about the arrival of Penn station. Then immediately I got down from the train. To my surprise it is NEWARK PENN STATION located in NEW JERSEY state. I enquired at the information counter for New York City train. They told me that I will have to catch a train in Track 'A' which will cost me $2.5. When reached the track A people are boarding a train by paying $1 at the vending machine. Without thinking I paid the money and entered the train. I asked the co passenger whether train goes to New York City. Initially he told me it would go. Then he told me to get down at 33rd street stop and catch another train. To my surprise it is a local train in NJ state.

Then I started thinking about complete episode and realized that Baba wanted me to come to North Bergen. I asked the same gentleman about how to reach North Bergen. He asked me "where you want to go? you want get down at New York or North Bergen?" I told him first I want to go to SAI temple at North Bergen then from there I want to go to New York city. Then he told me to get down at Jersey City stop along with him and catch bus no 84 to North Bergen. I got down at Jersey City station, enquired some of the people how to reach Columbia Ave, North Bergen. Someone suggested me to board 83 bus. When I approached the bus, the driver he told me that Columbia avenue was not in his route. I called up SAI center and talked to Mr. Jagat Patel and in turn he told me to get down at 10th street of 83 bus route. I boarded the 83 bus and requested the bus driver to inform me about the 10th street stop. After travelling some distance, Mr. Jagat Patel chased our bus and requested me come along with him to SAI center. I FELT SO HAPPY WHEN I TOUCHED THE LOTUS FEET OF SAI MAATA .THE FEEELINGS I EXPERIENCED CAN NOT BE EXPLAINED IN WORDS. SAI center is maintained presently in the house of Mr. Jagat Patel. SAI temple is to be constructed in near future. The main active Sai devotee in construction of temple is from Hyderabad. I am giving his details for reference. Dr Achurao Das, Shirdi Saibaba Samsthan, Ramnath Pur, Hyderanad-500 013, India.
Mr. Jagat Patel requested me to do the prayer to Saimaatha for speedy construction of temple. I request one and all to pray for the early construction of the temple. I am giving his e-mail id for your information. hpatel2@hotmail.com jagatkumar@hotmail.com The complete episode increased my faith towards SAIMAATA.

APRIL 14, 1999


Shri C.B. Satpathy ji is well known devotee of Sadguru Sainath. Revered as Guru ji by his followers, Satpathy ji is instrumental in establishing several Sai Centers and construction of Sai temples India. This week, Sai Vichaar would like to feature Shri Satpathy ji’s message given to his followers earlier this year:

The easiest way to spiritual evolution is to:


1.Believe that the Sadguru is the Divine incarnation to lead people towards temporal and spiritual development.

2.To follow the path laid down by Him as reflected in His earthly conduct and preaching.

3.To understand that no man how much ever he strives, can evolve in the spiritual field beyond a certain limit without the help and kindness of a Sadguru. Even incarnations like Shri Krishna and Shri Rama, in the process of experiencing the God state in Them, had to be helped by Sandeepani and Vasishta, the Sadgurus of the time.


4.To focus the entire spiritual consciousness on the Sadgurus, both in Sakara (formed) or Nirakar (formless) and worship them.


5.To believe that the Guru is the repositor of all Divine powers -and therefore, He alone should be made the mainstay of one's life. All needs, worries and questions should be projected to him

Experience has shown that people devoted to Sadgurus, evolve faster in the spiritual field than those following other methods because such devotees believe in surrender to divinity which is the ultimate requirement for spiritual evolution. Every devotee of Shirdi Sai, therefore, on this New Year, should decide whether he wants to hold Baba as his 'Ishta' - the only one to be prayed, worshipped and called in time of need. Personally, for me Shri Sai is the only and ultimate. I don't seek anything from elsewhere.

Who would like to join me?

C.B. Satpathy

APRIL 22, 1999

Prasad Tipirneni, Cooma, NSW, Australia

I came here as permanent resident and got job in Westpac bank with the blessing of Sai . My wife Sahithi joined with me and she also got job in her field of study in Cooma with the grace of god . Our only child Yashwant immigration date expired on 22/6/98, Australian High commission authorities, New Delhi refused to extend the date for the child rather they suggested to apply separate sponsor application for the child . As god sent message through one of devotee Prasad Ithiraj suggested me to approach Immigration Minister office in Canberra. I had approached Phillip Ruddock Ministry office with due representation and sought his help for the immigration extension of my child . With the grace of Sai I got new job in Cooma, joined with wife and immigration extended to my son by conducting medical test . My son joined with us on 14th Apr 99 with the help of Sai through all the sweet heart people. I used to visit Shirdi Sai temple in Liverpool road , South Strathfield during my stay in Sydney. I thank Sai devotees Vijaya Kumar, Brinda Kumar , Hemachandra Rao , Rohini Sandilya, Mani Sandilya, Capt. Rana uncle for their service to the society of Sydney to reach the grace of Sai.

 

APRIL 29, 1999

Hari Kiran, Hyderabad, India

Om Sai Ram! I am a Sai devote from Hyderabad, India. I would like to narrate a recent experience of mine- actually my husband's. I normally get up earlier than my husband. It was one morning that he was up before me and was talking on the phone. From his conversation I gathered that he was talking to his broker friend about investing in a particular scrip. He sounded very excited. Later he told me that he was expecting a sharp rise in that scrip and that he was going to invest, and that we would get huge profits in a short time. My husband believes Baba as any other God. Of late he has started reading the Satcharita too. He reads it regularly after his bath, but randomly- any page that opens up. On that particular day, he sat down after his bath and surprisingly of all the chapters ch.25 opened up- Damu Anna's speculation where Damu Anna wants to speculate in cotton and asks for Baba's advice and Baba says "Tell that shet to be content with what he has, nothing is wanting in his house. Let him not bother about lakhs." My husband read that that chapter and took it as Baba's advice. He wanted to invest some very huge amounts that day and after getting this warning from Baba he decided not to do so. His broker friend was shocked. He persuaded him and convinced him to put in some money at least, which he did. In the next couple of days we realized that the value of that scrip fell and people registered losses. Had we invested the originally planned amount of money we would have been in deep troubles by now, we would have had losses that we could never pay. Thanks to Baba's timely advice in warding off that calamity. Despite the warning my husband took the risk of investing some amount which ended in a loss. He took Baba's advice but not in full. The story about the man falling off the mountain was an eye opener. What is wanted is COMPLETE faith. Om Sri Samartha Sadguru Sri Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

May 06, 1999

Kau
(Originally posted on May 4, 1999))

SHIRDI TRIP Part 1

Two months ago when I had been wanting to give up my life, the sai family here gave me moral support and courage to go on with life. I had been trying to go to Shirdi for the past two years but somehow, it never