Universal PrayerMay the wicked turn good;

May the good attain peace;

May the peaceful be freed from all bondage and

May the liberated redeem others.

May everybody be happy;

May everybody be free from disease;

May everybody have good luck;

May none fall on evil days.

May everybody surmount difficulties;

May everybody have good fortune;

May everybody realise his ambitions;

May everybody rejoice everywhere.

- Sri Saipadananda Radhakrishna Swamiji

ContentsKeeping the Right PerspectiveHappy New Year to You What Sai Baba Teaches Us?Impact of Great WorksPower of GuruA dip in SahasranamaGospel of Sri Radhakrishna SwamijiSwamiji was in communion with Lord VenkateswaraSai PhilosophyEfficacy of Sainama Japa YagnasBaba Visits Nursing Home to Cure PatientMissing Bag RestoredDas Ganu's Prayer to Sai BabaBaba as GuruTributes to Sri Radhakrishna SwamijiSai Baba's Mahasamadhi CelebrationsAmbrosia in ShirdiShirdi Sai Baba comes to TiruvannamalaiTo the Other Shore

EditorialKeeping the Right Perspective

Where do you stand in life? Where are you now, in terms of achieving the purpose and goal of

life? Only Lord Sainath and our Guru, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji know exactly where each of us is

in our progress back to God. However, each time we start a new birth, we bring with us from

previous life times certain Karmic tendencies - old desires and habits; these determine to a great

extent the opportunities we will have and the lessons we need to learn. Obviously all Sai

devotees certainly have good past tendencies. You may not think so, but that is the truth. Listen

to what Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji tells us in a 'Gita Jayanthi' message: "Stored up good desires

and experiences tending toward Liberation are the great forces that impel a yogi to make

supreme efforts to reach his Final God.” The mere fact that you were drawn to Swamiji and Sai-

marg is evidence that you have been on your spiritual journey for more than just this one life time.

Swamiji said, "You do not begin your search for God with Vishnu Sahasranama; you end with

Vishnu Sahasranama."

It is January, 2001. So now is the time to concentrate on the last stretch of the divine journey. For

that, we use the 'air plane that Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji gave us: Vishnu Sahasranama -lifting

the consciousness from body identification to soul consciousness. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama at

least once a day. Be patient. It takes time - I speak from experience - to feel the deeper effects of

Sahasranama recitation. There is karma being burned up; there is spiritualization of the vibratory

essence of the body, nervous system, and brain. It is a subtle process, but very, very effective.

You cannot fully appreciate that until finally - and it can happen almost suddenly - you feel the

tangible results. You feel the presence of God. It is more satisfying than anything the world can

offer. It is real. Be patient and practice; it is worth it.

Sri Narasimha Swamiji has told us: "We don't have to be perfect before Sainath will love us. He

loves us now in spite of all our faults and weaknesses". Never forget God's love is unconditional;

Guru's love is unconditional.

Happy New Year to You(Sri Saipadananda's Maxims)

He, who lives in 'Satsangh' or constantly associates with it, attains purity of mind and happiness

very quickly.

Above all, acquire eager thirst for righteousness, truth and freedom.

Priceless are the words of wisdom that arise from the tongues of saints.

Practice Dharma and Truth as essential objects of life.

Your duty is perpetually to concentrate on your Guru at all times, with your mind and soul.

Never hurt anybody, control anger by love, 'Kshama' and 'Daya’.

Eternal bliss is the birthright of every one of us and we can attain it only by adhering to the path of

Dharma.

Where there is truth, virtue, justice and wisdom, there God is directly present.

Your kindness shines through your selfless feelings.

Eternal happiness, infinite knowledge, immortality, freedom and independence can be attained by

God-realisation above.

Avoid unnecessary worry; simple living and high thinking must be your aim.

Recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama has a great spiritual value.

The greatest remedy for all the ills of life, physical and mental, is to surrender the fruits of all our

'Karmas' unto God.

One who rests at peace with himself will not be greatly perturbed by vicissitudes of fortune.

Your polestar is your Guru who guides you through his precepts and teachings according to

environment and circumstances.

One must transcend the individual consciousness and love all in the knowledge that every living

being is a moving temple of God.

Universal love means that you should feel an affinity to everything in creation.

"May Shirdi Sai Baba bless everybody and guide his destiny………….."

What Sai Baba Teaches Us?By Sri Narasimha Swamiji

Grow in NobilityTo defend the weak, to guard those that are below us in the scale of evolution, is to grow in the

nobility and strength of life.

Goal of Life and of Knowledge is one of the problems discussed by intellectual workers on purely

rationalistic lines. Thirukkural says that 'it is only true knowledge, which enables you to see the

reality behind the final outward forms of things, which means the truth, which remains after the

analysis of the entire Triad, namely, Self, World and God; that is Brahman.' We need not enter

into questions of Dvaita or Advaita, though there are people who say that to deny the separate

existence of a human soul is to commit suicide, that on ultimate analysis two things remain,

namely, the self undestroyed and the God, whom the self reaches.

There are also many other divergent views. The ultimate truth is complex and not capable of a

simple statement, and thus the intellect also goes on contradicting and fighting. How does Baba

deal with devotees, when they are faced with this problem? Chandorkar and other graduates,

who had studied philosophy, Sankara's commentary on the Gita, and other works, were

confronted with these problems, and sometimes they discussed these at the Wada at Shirdi.

Baba did not profess to be a University professor offering solutions for problems, but dealt with

each man individually as he approached Him as Guru. Baba's solution was always on the lines of

getting over theoretical difficulties by adherence to practical methods. By sticking to Baba with full

faith, these problems could be solved. Unless there is a proper approach, there is no solution.

Baba indicated this view in the way in which He dealt with a skeptic like the Station Master of the

Valambi railway station. That man had no belief in Baba, but having been persuaded by Das

Ganu that Baba was a great soul with wonderful powers, he just prepared to accept Das Ganu's

invitation so that he might go and see Baba for himself before he judged Him. When the Valambi

Station Master and Das Ganu came to Shirdi, the all-knowing Baba was behaving peculiarly. He

took up a number of pots, washed them one after another, and placed them mouth downwards,

which seemed to be quite the reverse of what one should do, and what one does usually.

The Valambi Station Master was impatient and asked Das Ganu, "What is the meaning of all this

procedure of Baba?" In turn Das Ganu asked Baba and Baba's reply was, 'This is the way in

which people approach Me. Only when the vessel is placed with mouth upwards, it can receive

anything; but people approach Me, with mouth downwards." The hit was not quite intelligible to

the Valambi Station Master. Receptivity meant some degree of faith and respect for the person

approached, so that the person approached could pour into the approaching person some seeds

of instruction, edification or other useful teaching. However the Valambi Station Master was quite

innocent of any faith or regard for Baba, and could not derive any benefit from Baba. However

Baba's point was quite clear: to solve any problem, connected with one's spiritual progress, one

must be in dead earnest and approach some person whom he has got the regard for, or faith in,

and then patiently wait for the solution of his intellectual or other problems.

Baba occasionally used even accidental chances to furnish further illumination on this matter.

After 1910, H.S. Dixit and some other friends wanted to leave Shirdi, and asked permission of

Baba to go. Baba said, "You may go." Then a devotee asked, "Baba, where is one to go?" Baba's

answer was, 'Up', that is 'Above this’, which obviously meant, 'Above the present worldly level, in

which one is groveling with so many attachments and repulsions, sorrows and joys, and so much

of confusion, without any calm perception of the underlying reality.' Then the question was asked,

"What is the way to go up)?" Baba's answer was," There are plenty of ways proceeding from

each place. For you here, there is a way leading from here. But the way is rugged. There are

tigers and bears on the route." Baba was talking in symbolic language. There were no bears at

Shirdi or tigers.

But, what he meant was: There were obstructions on the way to one's spiritual progress, which

are as fierce and terrible as tigers and bears! ‘It was just then that Dixit intervened and said, "But

Baba, if one has a guide with him?" Baba answered, "If one has a guide with him, then there is no

difficulty. Then, the tigers and bears move aside. If there is no guide, there is also a deep

yawning pit on the way, and there is the danger of falling into it." During the discourse,

Annasaheb Dabholkar was present, and he had been debating once as to whether a Guru was

necessary at all for one's spiritual progress. Dabholkar felt that the instruction given to him was

that a 'Guru was essential and useful to overcome obstacles, that would otherwise hamper one's

spiritual progress'.

The word 'Guide' here meant Guru. Baba's reference to the deep yawning pit meant 'hell’. So,

Baba drove once again the much needed lesson, that unless one got a Guru, one would make no

progress at all, or in the language of Kabir: Guru Vin Kone Bhavave Vat' that is,' Unless there is a

Guru, who is to show the way? Baba again and again pointed out that the solution to one's

intellectual riddles, conundrums and mazes lies in the practical step of summoning up faith,

reverence and love to a Guru, who will himself thereafter solve all problems: remove all

difficulties, and drive off all tigers and bears from the route, and save one from falling into the

yawning pit. Baba's metaphors must have been reported or in any case had far reaching results.

Impact of Great WorksBy Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

The SecretBoth rain and sunshine are needed to make a rainbow. Both joy and sorrow are needed to make

life truly beautiful and colorful.

(Eknath Maharaj, it is said, had a neighbor, who though born a Brahmin, led an irreligious and in

disciplined life. Full of compassion for him, Eknath Maharaj taught him to read Sri Vishnu

Sahasranama, verse by verse, which helped the man in self-purification and ultimately in getting

redemption. It was the same book, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama that Baba gave to Shama, despite

his protests and much to the annoyance of the Ramadasi bua to whom it belonged. Shama was

asked to read it slowly, carefully and with understanding so that it may pave the way for self-

purification.

With the same purpose Shri Dixit and Shri Jog were asked to read aloud and with exposition,

books like the Nath Bhagvat, Bhavarth Ramayan, Dnyaneshwari, to the audience who was

specially sent by Baba to listen to them. Shri Dev, Shri Dabholkar and other devotees were

encouraged to read such books too. These books are beacon lights that remove doubts and

guide us along the right path. It is in this sense that they help in self-purification.

As with these books, so with Shri Sai Satcharitra, which unfolds a way of life for the pious and the

faithful? Its verses are full of anecdotes, experiences of people and philosophical expositions. But

these are as a foil to a gem; for it is Baba's personality, His powerful presence and His invaluable

words which lend significance to the stories, experiences and philosophical expositions. It is most

interesting to observe as to what valuable advice, simple practical guidance and principles of a

good life are scattered through the pages of this volume.

That one should respect all God's creatures; that one should realize that even the poor, the meek,

the dumb suffer the same pangs of hunger as we do; that we should never take labor from

anyone without paying for it well and adequately; that it is uncharitable to talk ill of

another;....these principles and a thousand others like these, are woven in and through interesting

stories and anecdotes. There is nothing new or unusual about most of these words of simple

wisdom, but it is only after reading and rereading Shri Sai Satcharitra that we begin to take note

of these, to ponder over them, and they begin to act as a check over all our daily actions. We

reproach ourselves when we fail to follow them in practice. Self-purification has already begun

imperceptibly, gradually.

It is also interesting to note as to how many devotees have discovered that when their minds are

troubled and they are faced with problems, the moment they open Shri Sai Satcharitra, at

whatever page and at whatever chapter, their problem is answered instantly and satisfactorily.

But there is a way, even of reading these books- be it Shri Sai Satcharitra or any other. One may

read it in seven days or three days or even in one day, - it is not the number of days and readings

that matter, but the manner of the readings. If the reading is cursory, or casual or even

mechanical and ritualistic, much of its value is diminished. How then one should read these books

so as to get profit from them. Baba has Himself given the answer -once again through His words

addressed to the devotees on different occasions. We read, for instance, that Baba appeared in a

dream to Shri Dev and told him that Dnyaneshwari must be read slowly, carefully and

thoughtfully, so as to be able to understand it properly. We also read about Baba's comment on

Shri Chandorkar's exposition of the 33rd verse in the fourth chapter of Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta,

where, by suggesting a slightly different and a more appropriate exposition of the same verse,

Baba surely brought out the importance of a critical and more analytical approach to the reading

of such books.

Again, Shri Dabholkar felt that in the repeated readings of Guru-Charitra, Shri Sathe was more

favored while he himself fell short of Baba's grace. Baba immediately but indirectly, brought home

to him the fact that one should not compare oneself with others in such matters and that it is

patience and faith that is important. Incidentally, He also brought to Dabholkar's notice, the

undesirability of leaving the daily reading of these books incomplete. What one needs is a

discipline of the mind.

To be able to concentrate fully while reading is also a sign of a disciplined mind. Such reading

impresses the essence of the book on one's mind. Whatever is read must be meditated upon,

turned over and over in the mind; it should be then strengthened further by repeated readings and

contemplation. So much so, that the real significance of the book emerges and is absorbed into

one's line of thought, becomes a part of one's being. It is then that it is naturally, spontaneously

translated into one's actions. One may not even be conscious of it. This is what Baba told the

Assistant Collector who was given Vicharsagar by a saint at Vadgaon and asked to visit Baba at

Shirdi. Baba told him that 'now that you have read this book carefully, its wisdom must be

practiced in day-to-day life, otherwise it has no meaning.'

Above all, when we read books like Shri Sai Sat-Charita, we must approach them with faith and

reverence. In a sense all great books are like polished crystal; whatever object is placed before it,

it reflects it faithfully. From these books too, you get back exactly in proportion to what you bring

to it. If you bring faith to it, it will confirm you in it; if you seek wise counsel from it, it will lay open

its rich store of wisdom for you. Ultimately one must know what to seek and it will surely be found.

Permanent featurePower of Guru

(From the glorious life of Bhadrachala Ramadas Swamiji)

By Dr. G.R. VijayakumarDEVOTIONThe day I touched Your holy feet seeking shelter,

Your compassionate looks, Your over poured love and grace

Have turned a new leaf in my life,

All the past has been forgotten like

Wild fire and my past pleasures and pains have disappeared.

I remain in your divine environment and leave everything to You!

My new life is a rebirth for me and I am still an infant.

It is in Your complete faith I totally surrender to you....

So, I am at peace.

And always serve You in total devotion and engrossed in the Totality Eternity alike, In Your Divine form

- Smt. T.S. Lakshmi Mohan

Naamame Jeevaname Anyamemira Kripaavanam, Rama Naama Sudha Madhuramu Adi

Emaraka Bhajiyinchu Maamika. Opening lines from a kirtana by Bhakta Ramadas of

Bhadrachalam on his 'Ishta devata', Sri Rama.

The meaning is "Our life achieves meaning and purpose only in chanting the name of Sri Rama.

He is the ocean of mercy. His name Rama is most sweet. Please, please serve the Lord through

this ceaseless chant of Rama..." (Free translation).

Sri Kancheria, Gopanna, later hailed as Bhadrachala Ramadas, merits a unique place amongst

the musical greats of the Telugu Desam (Andhra Pradesh). He has immortalized himself by

building the spectacular Ramaalayam in Bhadrachalam, on the banks of the holy Godavari, which

is hailed as Kaliyuga Vaikuntam.

Born in 1620 AD (consensus year of birth), nearly 400 years ago, this supreme Rama bhakta

existed only to experience and propagate Rama Bhakti through his great compositions. His book

Dasarathi Satakam (the one hundred on the son of Dasaratha -Rama) explains that Bhadrachala

Ramadas was the son of Linganna Mantri, belonged to Adi Sakha, Adrija Gotra, and had his

lineage in the Kancheria family. His mother was Kaamamba and he was born in Nelakondapalli,

about 15 Kms from Khammamet, where, even today, a small memorial for him still exists. This

Rama Bhakta, in his early years, was known as Gopala Rayadu. He was affectionately called

'Gopanna' by all.

Even from his boyhood, Gopanna acquired commendable proficiency in three languages -

Telugu, Sanskrit and Urdu (the region was then under Muslim control). His Guru was Raghunatha

Bhattaraacharyalu. He married Kamalamma, and for a few years, led an uneventful life as a

householder, until he had occasion to meet Saint Kabir Das (a Muslim by birth, but a great

devotee of Rama). It was Kabir Das who enlightened him about his special role, ordained by

divine sanction, as the chosen devotee of Sri Rama.

"Truly blessed am I now, for I have found the hymn I sought, that hymn which transports me

across the ocean of samsara (transmigrate existence - the miserable chain of births and

deaths) .....Ramadas has found the sacred secret that this mantra in the temple of his heart

(Rama Nama - Taraka mantra), the chant of the temple of Bhadradri in the prescribed way is the

only way to liberation." - Taraka Mantramu Korina...Ramadasu Hrinmandiramu Ne Yunna - lines

from one of the most important keerthanas of Ramadas.

Historically speaking, Saint Kabir and Ramadas belonged to different periods, the former's advent

was between 1398 and 1495 about two centuries earlier to that of Bhadrachala Ramadas (early

17th century : 1620 AD). It is therefore pointed out by analytical chroniclers that Ramadas could

not have been initiated into the Taraka mantra by Saint Kabir himself. It hardly matters. Saint

Kabir could have easily appeared in a vision to the devotee of Sri Rama. Sri Hanuman is believed

to have appeared before Saint Tulasi Das. Sage Narada is said to have inspired Saint

Thyagaraja. The point is Gopanna was divinely inspired, that is all.

From the moment of this inspiration Gopanna was a totally changed person. All his available time

was consumed by thoughts of Sri Rama alone. All the same, he had to seek mundane

employment as well. His brothers-in-law, Akkanna and Madanna, who were occupying important

positions in the Sultan's court at Golconda (both of them were important Ministers), helped

Gopanna to get appointed to the prestigious position of Peshkar and, later, as Revenue Officer of

Hasanabad Tahsil (even today the RDO's post is a coveted assignment).Tahsildar Gopanna was

most happy to find Bhadrachalam as part of his revenue territory. One must point out here that

Tahsildar Gopanna discharged his duties most dedicatedly until he decided to build a temple for

Lord Sri Rama at Bhadrachalam and organize therein daily worship for Sita-Lakshmana-

Hanumanth Samedha Rama idol found under a palm tree in that area.

After passing through the evolutionary stages of various animals, man has ultimately got the

human form. It is because of this that traces of animal passion are still found in him. If at that

stage, he does not make full use of the human intellect to discriminate between virtues and vice,

he is inert, according to the Law of Inertia, for he refuses to change himself for his betterment. He

does not want to move forward, and make use of his human intelligence. He allows the traces of

animal passion in him to guide his actions.

Hence, one, who is not prepared to make progress or better his condition, is committing a sin.

This is the root cause of the sin. This is how a man imbibes sin.

- Swami Rama Tirtha.

RecognitionIt was January 1980. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was waiting for 'Uttarayan' to set in to merge in

Lord Sainath. His devotees were all anxious about his physical health.

Swamiji said: "If I did not go how you would ever see?" "What is it we fail to see when you are

with us?" they asked.

But Swamiji did not reply. When the moment of his impending 'Samadhi' was near, they said:

"What is it we will see when you are gone?"

With a twinkle in his eye, Swamiji said: "All I did was sit on the river bank handing out river water.

After I am gone, I trust you will notice the river."

InsightDevotees of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji were involved in a heated discussion on the cause of

human suffering. Some said it came from selfishness, others, from delusion. Yet others, from the

inability to distinguish the real from the unreal. When Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was consulted he

said: "All suffering comes from a person's inability to sit still and be alone."

A dip in SahasranamaSwamiji and Sahasranama

By Dr. H. Janardhana AcharyaThe human body is like a boat, the first and foremost use of which is to carry us across the ocean

of life and death to the shore of immortality.

- Divine Rays

Sai Baba had great love for 'Vishnu Sahasranama. We all know as to how He made Shama to

understand this great text (Sai Satcharitra Chapter 27). Sadguru Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji had a

great mission in life, that of propagating the greatness of Vishnu Sahasranama.

I asked Swamiji, "why should we recite Vishnu Sahasranama?' What are the benefits that we get

by reciting this Vishnu Sahasranama, even without knowing the meaning of each of these 1000

names?" Swamiji smiled at my ignorance and cleared my doubts in his own inimitable manner.

Repetition of God's names are immensely helpful for they give purity and concentration of mind

necessary for the life of uniform meditation. Only through divine grace, a person comes to feel

attraction towards God and the obstacles in his path to God are removed. Swamiji prescribed that

persons, who desire to cultivate love of God, should continuously resort to Vishnu Sahasranama,

which would bring out purity of mind, depth in contemplation, removal of obstacles, and fitness for

receiving divine grace.

Even for a beginner, it helps to contain mind in a spiritual horizon and save the trouble of hunting

for external ingredients of worship, which are often secured by causing hurt to others. By chanting

aloud the names of God, a distracted mind will have greater concentration and peace, as the

words uttered by mouth are listened by the ears. When we see a band of Sai-devotees

assembled at the Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore chant Vishnu Sahasranama loudly, we have

experienced that devotional feelings are aroused in them spontaneously and continuously.

Vishnu (means 'Omnipresent') is the Lord of the Universe. He is the one object of worship. He

has no beginning or end and He is the unchanging father and mother of all. At the beginning of

creation, the universe stemmed out of Him and at the end it will return to Him. By chanting His

praise daily, by worshipping Him, by meditating upon Him, by serving Him, by uttering His names

and by bowing down before Him with great reverence, man will go beyond all sorrows. Vishnu is

the goal of all and His 1000 names ward off all sin and sorrow.

Radhakrishna Swamiji laid down the manner, in which this recitation should be done. We should

be pure in body and mind before we take to it. We should be full of loving remembrance of God

and our mind should be centered in the divine names with continuous alertness.

I queried Swamiji, "What about those, who do not know Sanskrit and would repeat these names

rather mechanically?" Swamiji was emphatic on this aspect: "Feeling is more important than

reasoning in the process of chanting Vishnu Sahasranama. Usually therefore, an investigation

into the meaning need not be undertaken. Vishnu Sahasranama is a Holy text used as a symbol

to invoke and so, the general purport is more important than the grammatical and analytical

meaning. For a devotee, it is enough to feel, that the reference of every word is God, and if by the

mere remembrance of the word, his mind melts into a flow of divine thoughts, the purpose of

repetition will be served.'

Swamiji drew my attention to Shankaracharya's commentary on Gita (2:24): "One cannot charge

these verses with the defect of idle repetition. Whatever has to be said about Atman can be

compressed in a verse. All the rest may be tautological in word or sense. But since the reality of

Self is very hard to understand, the same thing is repeated under some pretext or other, so that it

is somehow made comprehensible to man, so that he may find liberation from the round of

existence. It is only those, who can not love a thing that quarrel with the repetition of that thing."

To a devotee of God, His glories sung in diverse ways in endless repetitions give only unbroken

joy. The Vishnu Sahasranama teaches the human goal and the way to highest human destiny,

which may be summed up thus:

Let us not test this mantra by any touchstone other than our spiritual experience; for, as a great

mantra, it is an auditory representation of the Deity.

The doctrine of self surrender is regarded by saints as one of the highest significance to the

ultimate good of life. A time comes in man's life when he becomes tired of the painful experiences

resulting from sins. He desires peace. He learns that real joy can be had only in the kingdom of

God. He realizes he had gone astray till then and hastens to take the path which can lead him to

his savior and hence seeks protection from God demonstrating just once his complete resignation

to His will. The penitent then wins God's compassion.

The person who thus desires to reach His abode should seek protection only from the Supreme

who alone can grant salvation and who is equally keen to extend it by using His powers. This

process of seeking asylum under divine umbrage has to be routed through spiritual guide. There

should be a firm determination to live in conformity with God's commands, attuned to His will. We

should never violate or resent the divine decrees. Next is our total belief that God alone is the

savior at all times.

AuthenticitySri Radhakrishna Swamiji was never impressed by diplomas or degrees. He scrutinized the

person, not the certificate. Swamiji was once heard to say, "When you have ears to hear a bird in

song you don't need to look at its credentials."

PrejudiceSri Radhakrishna Swamiji once said: "nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.'

When asked to explain he said: "A man cheerfully observed a religious fast seven days a week.

His neighbor starved to death on the same day.”

Gospel of Sri Radhakrishna SwamijiBy Prof. R. Narayana Iyengar

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji is further explaining his statement: "Once I was conversing with Sri

Seshadri Swamigai. We were sitting by the roadside and talking. We discussed for quite some

time. Then suddenly he got up, picked three stones from the roadside, gave them to me with the

advice' you cook these and eat them' and went away! For a second I thought 'this person is a

great sage, but then why did he do like this'..... The meaning flashed to me... the three pebbles

symbolize the three Gunas, he was asking me to go beyond the Three!"

Swamiji is sitting calmly without any kind of perturbation. Within a short while Bhaskara Rao and

Puttanna are discussing with Swamiji about the daily Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana. The

current daily average is about 50-60 repetitions. The discussion is about how to increase this to at

least 150 per day. Now it is around 10 p.m. Swamiji is very affectionately asking, "Do you like to

eat something. There is no one at home for you any way, why don't you eat here itself?' Brushing

aside my hesitation, he is telling 'does not matter, come and have a little curd rice.'

Sitting in his small but holy room our conversation has continued. Swamiji is advising, "If one

desires peace and joy, then the feeling of mine-ness (this- belongs- to- me feeling) has to be

sacrificed. Possessions have to be lessened. Of course, even with all our sacrifices a few things

continue to stick to us. We can't do anything with them. We should take this as God's will and

proceed without desiring more. You see, I left Madras and came here, but here this (meaning

Mandir etc) is sticking to me! Earlier I was in N.R. Colony in a small cubicle. Everything was going

on there as usual. But here this has become a big organization. Well, I don't know. He is running

this".

"Swamiji, the mind does not come under control, however much I try, what shall I do?" "Hmm, it

will come slowly, whenever the mind goes astray, do you know what should be done, ponder

about who is this 'I' "

Acchedyoyam Adahyoyam Akledyo Ashoshya eva cha Nityah Sarvagatha Sthanuh Achaloyam

Sanatanaha

"If one meditates on this sloka things will slowly get all right. Once the feeling 'I am not this body'

arises, the mind has to become calm. But one thing, all this has to be achieved by self effort only.

In the preliminary stages, up to a level others can guide, that too the guide is only an indicator. Do

you know the Tamil proverb, 'however painful it may be, the pregnant woman only can deliver?'

The doctor can give some palliatives, that’s all. Even on the spiritual path it is like this only, one

has to persevere and increase the will power. This demands immense enthusiasm, and effort."

20-10-1974 (Sunday)

Since today is Sunday, Vishnu Sahasranama repetition has started in the morning itself. Two

rounds might have taken place, Swamiji is instructing 'you’ keep on reciting V.S. I will make a visit

nearby and return soon.' Krishna Murthi, Seshadri and his young son are accompanying Swamiji.

The inmates of Sharada Balika Mandali have organized a cultural program today, for which

Swamiji is the chief guest. It appears the girls are inviting Swamiji from a long time. The function

which should have taken place on Krishna Jayanthi day has been postponed till today, the

Saraswathi Pooja day, to suit Swamiji's convenience. After some forty-five minutes,

Krishnamurthy has returned and is announcing "Swamiji is calling all of you there!"

Sharada Balika Mandali is a part of the Sharada Sevika Mandali located on Ranga Rao Road.

The institution, even though not a subsidiary of the Ramakrishna Ashram, is still inspired by the

monks of the Ashram. The assembly is in the prayer hall. The place is very clean and spacious. A

big size framed photograph of Sri Sharada Devi has been prominently displayed at the center. A

little above, the pictures of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda are hung on the

wall. It appears from the proceedings that today's function is still the unfinished Krishna Jayanthi

only. A girl is speaking in Kannada about Krishna. There is a chair for Swamiji. All others are

sitting on the carpet divided into groups of little girls and elderly ladies. Apart from the entourage

of Swamiji all the audiences are women only. The program numbers have been compared very

efficiently. The ambience is calm, pleasant and joyful. After the speech in Kannada, a talk in

English has been presented. This is being followed with a song on Krishna by little children.

Swamiji is listening to every word carefully with interest. Now a young girl has started a Harikatha

on Krishna, interspersed with songs in the traditional style. This has made Swamiji close his eyes

in meditation. Swamiji is much impressed with the discipline and orderliness of the girls in

conducting the program so artistically.

The children are now requesting Swamiji to speak. Swamiji is choked with emotion and is

speaking with some difficulty. "Oh! What can I speak? You girls have arranged the function so

wonderfully. I felt as though Krishna was in front of me. My heart is so full; it is better I do not

speak." With great effort he is controlling his tears to speak, "you are inviting me for your function

since a long time. Due to one reason or other I could not come to your place. Last week, due to

my indifferent health, I could not make it. You have patiently waited for me. Instead of coming on

the Krishna Jayanthi day, I have come today, on the Moola Nakshatra (Star of Saraswati) day.

This is also good.

'Today is the day for Saraswati. You are all forms of that Shakthi only. It is commendable that you

have such devotion to the Krishna at a young age. Please cultivate your Bhakthi further. For

those desirous of going on the spiritual path devotion, faith, guidance and belief in the Guru are

essential. I find that you have both interest and faith in the spiritual path. Added to this you have

the help of the Tapas (penance) of Sharada Devi. There can be no doubt about this, and you will

continue with the good work you are doing. She (Sharada Devi) is none other than the Avathara

(decent) of Adi Parashakthi Herself. You are keeping Ramakrishna as your Guru. He is in fact

that Parama Hamsa personified. What more is there for me to say? I am supremely pleased to

have been here. May God bless you all." After the function, Swamiji visited the exhibition of

handicrafts arranged by the members of the Balika Mandali, and returned to the Mandir.

7-12-1974

Swamiji is sitting in his chair, peace personified. Laxminarayan, Chengiah, Raghu and a few

others are sitting around here and there. All through the Bhajans, Swamiji was seen to be in deep

meditation. Even now he appears to be only half awake to this world. The devotees around are

expecting Swamiji to say a few words. As soon as Swamiji started to say something, all have

assembled near him. Swamiji is questioning: "who is truly a rich person, what is real wealth?"

Swamiji is again and again putting the question to each and every one around. Chengiah is

politely answering "he is rich, who is satisfied."

Swamiji is responding: "You are partially right; but not fully. Many people remain satisfied in

gambling and drinking. Can this be the quality of real riches?" All are eagerly awaiting Swamiji to

continue. "Every one is in need of some money, because without money, you don't get food to eat

and without eating, none can get satisfaction in this world. I am not referring to Jnanis; the case of

one without body consciousness is different. For such a person food or no food matters little. But

for others money and food are certainly needed. But what are real possessions (aasthi). My

definition is that by which we get happiness and also that happiness and joy increases day by day

without fail, is real wealth. Every one is searching for happiness only, but only a few searches for

it in the right place. Limitless and undiminishing joy can be obtained only in God's name. So that

is the real wealth...What…..? Do you follow what I am telling? Once a person gets to taste the

Name of God, he realizes that that is the most attractive wealth in this world. But where is this

substance located? - in Satsangh - in the company of Saints." Swamiji is gesticulating with his

hand as he is very emotionally talking.

"This is all what is needed...company of saints and remembrance of the Name! I am not decrying

the path of knowledge (Jnana Marga), but definitely there is more happiness in the path of

Bhakthi. Even though at the end both the paths lead to the same goal, the path of Bhakthi is

easier. Once you get good company also, time gets spent in great bliss, talking and discussing

about God. In addition you have any way music (bhajans). What else is needed?

(To be continued.....)

Dakshina

An important innovation in Baba's habits began in 1908, coinciding with the inauguration of

congregational worship: his use of requesting for dakshina.

Baba's requests for dakshina were motivated by various reasons. The main ones can be

identified from an examination of the sources:

1. Request for dakshina as Allah's will.

2. Request for dakshina to convey a spiritual teaching by utilizing the symbolism of the number

of rupees asked for.

3. Request for dakshina as a pledge, that is, as prophecy of a corresponding future gain, which

would compensate the donor.

4. Request for dakshina leading to a condition of indigence of the donor.

5. Request for dakshina to acknowledge a mental desire of a devotee.

Baba almost always promised a higher reward to those who offered dakshina.

-The Life and Teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, by AntonioRigopoulos, p 144-145.

At the feet of the GuruSwamiji was in communion with Lord Venkateswara

By R. Seshadri"Under the sway of strong impulse, the man who is devoid of self-control willfully commits deeds

that he knows to be fraught with future misery. But the man of discrimination, even though moved

by desires, at once becomes conscious of the evil that is in them, and does not yield to their

influence, but remains unattached."

- Srimad BhagavathamI had the good fortune to be sitting at the holy feet of Sadguru Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji one

evening when he was all alone. A few minutes after my offering pranams to him, Swamiji said:

"Venkateshwara says he is going to America." I could not understand it, but was afraid of asking

what he meant, as he appeared to be in a serene mood.

Fifteen minutes later, the Revered Sri Sampathkumara Bhattacharya, popular priest in some

temples like Sri Tulasiram Mutt and the Devagiri Srinivasa Temple, well versed in Agama Sasthra

and noted for his pravachana of Ramayana and Andal's Thiruppavai, dropped in for Swamiji's

darshan. Doing Sashtanga namaskara to Swamiji, he prayed: "Swamiji, they have invited me to

visit America, to officiate in the 'Pratishtapana' (installation) of the idol of Lord Srinivasa at the

Pittsburg Temple. I request you to bless me for a successful visit and completion of the sacred

assignment. Expressing his happiness, Swamiji blessed him. As for me, the riddle was resolved.

Sri Bhattacharya's sons have been serving the Pittsburg Temple as Priests along with others.

Swamiji's family deity is Srinivasa at Gunaseelam, near Srirangam (Tamil Nadu). He had granted

many thrilling experiences to his chosen devotee. A couple of years back he had instructed me to

perform 'archana' to this deity. As I could not visit the place then, I happened to mention this to Sri

N. Parthasarathi, (Chief Engineer in Karnataka Government) casually. He visited the temple soon

after and carried out Swamiji's instruction.

It may be recalled that Swamiji performed the 'Bhoomi Pooja' for the Devagiri Srinivasa Temple (a

colour photograph of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji may be seen at the rear prahara of the temple).

Along with a few other fellow-devotees, I could be present at this and other subsequent holy

events along with Sri Vijayam Krishnamoorthi. This is one of the very well-managed temples,

drawing a large number of devotees now at Bangalore. A portrait and 'panchaloha' idols of

Srinivasa and Padmavathi are at Swamiji's kuteer.

Sai PhilosophyUniversity of Shirdi Sai is vast and complex. The status in life is achievable only, when Sai offers

His degree to us.

It is difficult to have admission in His University. The fundamental qualification needed is

Shraddha and Saburi. Baba is the Supreme Chancellor in this University.

The preliminary teachings by Him are as follows:

(1) To be meek and humble, and not to use harsh words;

(2) Not to covet others' property;

(3) Not to carp and cavil at others;

(4) Not to be jealous of others;

(5) To be righteous to oneself;

(6) To meditate and meditate calmly.

If we observe His golden words, the value of life will be magnified several folds. He frequently

utters, "If you look to me, I will look at you." This is the easiest Sadhana that one can practice with

Sai Nama Saptha which purifies our mind and soul.

- S. Shyamala

AutonomySri Radhakrishna Swamiji seemed quite impervious to what people thought of him. When his

devotees asked how he had attained this stage of inner freedom, he laughed aloud and said: 'Till

I was twenty. I did not care what people thought of me. After twenty I worried endlessly about

what my neighbors thought. Then one day after fifty I suddenly saw that they hardly ever thought

of me at all."

ImmunizationTo everyone's surprise Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji seemed unenthusiastic about religious

education for the young.

When asked why, he said, "Inoculate them when they are young and you prevent them from

catching the real thing when they grow up."

Efficacy of Sainama Japa YagnasBaba's Presence

By R. Radhakrishnan (Sai Jeevi - Hubli)Whenever and wherever Sainama Sapthahas, Sainama Japas Yagnas are conducted, Sai Baba

invariably manifests Himself in some form or the other, and blesses the devotees participating in

it.

A Saptha Sapthaha (non-stop chanting of Baba's Tharaka mantra, 'Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai'

for 49 days (from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26, 2000) was conducted at the newly built Sai Baba and Datta

Mandir, Metupalya village, Thavarekere, Bangalore South Taluk. (It was extended by three more

days at the direction of Sai Baba. The Sapthaha commenced at 3 p.m. on September 7, after

preliminaries like Ganapathy Homa, Abhisheka to both the Baba and Dattatreya idols, Archana

Pooja, Bhajans etc. with Kakad Arathi at 5.15 a.m., concluding at 3 p.m. after release of the

"Shathashrunga” - Sai International Magazine" by Sri R. Seshadri, Sai Spiritual Centre,

Bangalore, and the Sai Bhajan cassette by Sri H. M. Revanna, M.L.A., Magadi.

As mentioned at the beginning , Sri Sai Baba, as an ordinary ascetic (zoli on his shoulder just like

Baba going for Bhiksha at Shirdi, appeared at the Sai Baba Mandir, directly approached me, and

said: "Don't you recognize me? I am from Shirdi." Then we both went outside the temple and sat

near the Datta Mandir. I immediately recollected from memory that I had met him at Shirdi on May

8. He was at that time wearing 'kapni1 and head - dress like Sai Baba, when I inquisitively asked

him: "How is it that Baba you have come here (to the Metupalya Sai Mandir), he said: "My sister

is living near Mysore Road. I have come to see her after a long time and came here to see you."

By hearing these affectionate words, tears gushed out of my eyes and I was overwhelmed with

Sai joy and Sai Bliss. I cannot express the blissful state of mind in a few words. One has to

experience such Sai Leelas individually.

Then I took him to the Sai Annapoorna Dining Hall situated in the Mandir Complex (Aged Home)

and requested him to have prasad to which he agreed. He only asked for pickles. The cooks told

him that pickles were not available and 'chutney' was there. The visitor asserted: "Uppinakai

(pickles) is available here, go and find out and serve me". A Sai devotee by name Manjula, who

used to prepare separate food for me and my wife daily, at once took the lemon pickles from the

bottle and served Baba. He was satisfied, blessed us and quickly walked away from the dining

hall. Before we could follow him, he was outside the compound and disappeared. We searched

all over the place and could not find him. What a wonderful Sai Leela!

It proves beyond doubt that Baba is Sarvantaryami (All-pervading). Otherwise, how did he know

that my wife was having lemon pickles for our personal use? Our Baba is Omnipotent,

Omnipresent and Omniscient. Let us always remember Him, meditate on Him, and chant His

Tharaka Mantra, "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI' constantly to cross over the sea of mundane

existence (Samsara) easily and finally merge in the Eternity of Baba.

God is in everything, where else shall we go to find Him? He is already in every work, in every

thought, in every feeling. Thus knowing, we must work; this is the only way, there is no other.

Thus the effects of work will not bind us.

- Swami Vivekananda

Baba Visits Nursing Home to Cure PatientBy Ananth

I am a regular reader of the well got-up SAIPADANANDA magazine, published from Bangalore. I

have an incident etched in my memory, to show that Sri Sai Baba is still with us to alleviate the

sufferings of His devotees and cure them of their illness. This Baba miracle relates to my father,

Sri Kasai Sreenivasa Setty and how Sai Baba personally visited the nursing home and cured him

of his illness.

In 1958, when my father was in Bangalore, he started vomiting blood one evening. My brother-in-

law, Sri L. Surya Prasad, Registrar of Bangalore University, admitted him in the nursing home,

run by Dr. Narayan at High Ground. The doctor diagnosed the ailment as lever hemmorage and

that the patient should be operated upon the next day.

According to my father, when he was on the cot with his eyes open, Sai Baba appeared in the

room in blood and bone and asked him, where he was having pain. On my father pointing out the

spot on his stomach, Baba sat on the cot, touching the patient's stomach, said: "Allah Accha

Karega," and vanished. When Dr. Narayan came on his night round to my father's ward, the

happy patient narrated the Divine visit. After examining him, the doctor said there was no need for

the emergency operation, as there was no problem. We are grateful to Sainath to have saved the

life of my father without surgery. My father was a Sai devotee from 1945.

SurrenderA devotee asks Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji: "If lust is conquered, anger will remain unconquered.

What should we do?"

Swamiji: "These are all evils which are to be completely removed. Lust or desire is like the tiger

which has the nature of attacking every animal that it comes across. Like this, any desire is

harmful. Desires never end. Then greed is compared to the bear which always collects fruits and

honey and stores them in its cave. Our greed to store and accumulate wealth and property is

exactly like this. But why should we worry about these evils? The best way is to surrender

ourselves to the Lord and say 'Oh, Lord! You take care of me; That is enough."

Missing Bag RestoredBy Geetha Rajan

Since my childhood I used to go to Sri Sai Spiritual Centre often with my parents and participate

in the Bhajans, recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam and other poojas when Sir Radhakrishna

Swamiji was alive and continued even after his leaving the body. I was married in 1985 and to my

good fortune my husband also became a devotee of our Swamiji and Sai Baba. By their grace we

have two daughters and are happy. We had an opportunity to visit Shirdi in 1993 with a party of

devotees mostly from our Mandir led by Sri B.S. Gopinath and Sri Sanjeevi. We stayed for two

nights at Shirdi and were delighted to participate in the various Mangalarathis and bhajans, a

wonderful experience.

During our stay we collected vibuthi and other prasadams besides Baba's photos and other

valuable mementos. We left Shirdi with the party on the third day evening and boarded the train

at Kopergaon. After a few hours of journey, I was looking for my bag containing all our

belongings. The bag was missing! All of us made a thorough search in our coach and concluded

it had been lost even though we were sure we boarded the train with the bag. We prayed silently

remembering our Swamiji and Sai Baba. The co-devotees consoled us and promised to share

their prasadams/mementos soon after reaching Bangalore. The whole night we rather had a

disturbed time. Next day when the train reached Cantonment Station, Sri Gopinath and Sri

Sanjeevi took a stroll inside the train. As they passed through several coaches beyond the

canteen coach they saw an abandoned bag in one corner. They rushed back to my husband and

took him and showed him the bag to identify. Lo! He cried with joy since it was our bag. I was

thrilled and my joy knew no bounds and thanked profusely for the grace and help of Swamiji and

Sai Baba showered on us.

Das Ganu's Prayer to Sai BabaBy S. Mani

Religion always takes three steps. The first is dualism. Then man gets to a higher state, partial

non-dualism. And at last he finds he is one with the universe. Therefore the three do not

contradict, but fulfill.

- Swami Vivekananda

Of King of Sadgurus, Your prowess and Leelas are inscrutable. You are the mercy boat by which

the Jada Jeevas would cross the ocean of samsara.

(1) You became for me Lord Krishna and took me to Prayag to bathe me in the Ganga-Jamuna

waters dripping from Your two toes.

(2) You yourself have become Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and stride the wide earth.

(3) Your lips utter deep wisdom like Brahman personified and at times ascending Tamo Guna,

You assume the fierce aspect of Rudra.

(4) Sometimes you play childish pranks like Shri Krishna and converting the devotees' minds into

pools of water, sport in them like the swan.

(5) If one were to take you to be a Yavana (i.e., non-Hindu), you delight in sandal-paste; if one

were to regard you to be a Hindu, You always reside in a Masjid.

(6) If one were to take you to be a wealthy person, You beg Your livelihood. If You were to be

taken as a mere Fakir, You shame Kubera (Croesus) by Your liberal gifts.

(7) If Your abode is taken for a Masjid, a Fire burns there perpetually in a Dhuni from which You

give Udi (holy ash) to all and sundry.

(8) From early morning Your humble devotees worship You and at mid-day they perform Your

Aarati.

(9) On all Your sides, Your devotees gather like multitudes of insentient things and wave the

chowries and chamaras to keep You cool and comforted.

(10) There is then a din of sounds of horns, sahnais and other musical instruments and the gong

sounds the loudest, and orderlies pace to and for yelling out to keep order.

(11) When the Aarti is being performed, You look like Vishnu sitting on His shining throne. In the

evening, sitting near the Dhuni, You burn Your worldly likes and desires.

(12) Such Leelas of the three Gods, You show everyday and thus project to us the image of Baba

Sai.

(13) Though a witness to such Leelas, my mind restlessly wanders all around. Now, I pray, You

please still and steady it.

(14) I am the meanest of the mean sinners and prostrate at Your feet. Now, Guru Raj, relieve

Ganu Das of the triad of afflictions, adhyatmic, adhi-daivic and adhi-bhautic to which he is heir".

Shirdi Sai Baba - Our Guru - GodH. H. Narasimha Swamiji has said "It is necessary for us to diffuse as much knowledge about

Baba as possible. Facts must be marshaled and pressed home time and again. Everyone has a

duty to propagate and publish all useful and inspiring facts about Baba. Everyone must feel it a

service of the right type to speak about the worthy facts of divine acts of Baba and put them in

print." The Swamiji wanted that Sai must permeate the country from one end to the other.

Following the release of the book, Shubhra Marga Shirdi Sai Baba, in November 99, Shirdi Sai

Baba Satsang, adhering to the sermon of Sri Narasimha Swamiji, will soon be releasing a new

book, portraying Shirdi Sai as our Guru-God.

Baba as GuruBy Chakor Ajgaonkar

Sai Baba's role as Atmic Guru emerged from the year 1909, when He was in the ripe years of His

life. This episode from Shri Chakor Ajgaonkar's famous book Tales from Sai Baba's Life

(Diamond Books) presents Baba's teachings in correct perspective for ardent devotees.

I Am Moksha PersonifiedYear: 1912 Place: Dwarakamai: Baba with His devout Guru Bhaktas

Baba; Bapusaheb, what was being received in post-bag today?

Jog: Baba, it is Lokmanya Tilak's commentary on Gita. I shall keep this copy on Your sacred feet,

{places on Baba's feet and bows).

Baba: (Taking in hand) keep two rupees on it! (Jog keeps them. Baba touches). Bapu, you read

this book with faith and patience! God will bless you!

Shyama: Baba, You have asked me to read Vishnu Sahasranama. You have asked Sathe,

Kushabhau and Bhishma to recite Guru Charitra. To Dixit You have ordained to read Nath

Bhagwat, a pothi with 32 chapters, which You call a Vrindavanachi Pothi.

Anna: Baba, You have asked Ganu to do samkeertan bhakti and comment on Ishavasya

Upanishad. You asked for five laddus from Bhishma and got 'Sai Sagunopasana' prepared for

general public. You also got this book of aartis and padas printed by Dixit.

Ganu: Baba, You have told Tatya's parents Ganpat Rao and Baijabai to be satisfied with your

satsang only. You made Mhalsapati to be engrossed in archan bhakti of Lord Khandoba.

You instilled Megha in Shiva's worship. To Upasani, You have prescribed Dhyana dharana in

solitude in Khandoba temple. You have taught Gita to Nana and Quran to Shariflo Abdulla.

Shyama: Baba, You are a puppet player, pulling strings and making the puppets to dance at Your

will. You have given a separate role to everyone. Nobody knows Your mind. You are Nata-

Nataki, a multifaced actor-director.

Baba: Shyama, this is not a drama. I have to direct people to different Sadhanas after studying

their past, preparation made during this birth, their dispositions and their destiny. Everyone

cannot be prescribed the same formula. Bhau and Mami were My relatives of past births. I

developed them through the easier method of satsanga association. Megha was My loyal,

steadfast and innocent bhakta. I had to lead him by hand to the abode of Shiva. I was so much

attached to him and won by his devotion, that I wept bitterly and shed tears on his demise. There

is none equal to such a benign, simple and steadfast devotee. I taught Karma yoga of Gita to

Nana, whereas I have given a vivid cosmic vision of Lord Vishnu to Dengle. I have emphasized

on the singing of glory of Lord (Sankirtan), as the proper sadhana. To you Shyama and to

Abdulla, I would teach sakhya and Seva bhakthi as you are My comrades and intimate sevakas.

All of you will have to be detached in life performing your rightful duties. Let your life be full of

Shraddha, Sadur and egoless state.

Anna: Baba, on the last occasion, You had promised us to show the Guru's way. You are our

Supreme Guru. There is no Mukti without Guru. That day, You called me "Hemadpant! because I

was squabbling and fighting over indispensability of Guru. Where we wrong? What is the position

of Guru in spiritual life?

Ganu: Baba, we want a Guru mantra from You today. We want to know the secret of sadhana.

"One, who knows the pristine feet of Baba, will have no wants in samsara. The three worlds will

feel elated to sing His virtues. Even though this life is full of worries, drab and barren; it will be

lively, pulsating and energetic, when love for Guru will light up its corners! One who would sing

the glory of Guru, his existence will be full of ecstatic joy." The whole life of a devout Guru-bhakta

turns into moksha.

Baba: My dear children, what Guru-mantra can I give to you? My Guru himself never introduced

Me to yoga, Dhyana, mantra or any such sadhana. He gave Me the direct experience of reality

through meditation on Guru's own form. I earned the grace of My Guru, through dedication,

surrender, Shraddha and Saburi. I do not, therefore, preach orthodox sadhanas.

Anna: Baba, are You referring to sadhana, which is parallel to what is contained in Guru Gita.

Guru Gita says that one should meditate on the form or image of Guru (Dhyanmulam guru murti).

The meditation or concentration or Dhyana of Guru, transforms the disciple into Guru himself.

Baba, do you deprecate jap, tap, recitation of nama, yadnya or yaga!

Baba: O Ganu, what you are seeing Me before your naked eyes is itself a sakshatkar. The very

Rama, Krishna or Datta is before you in human form. Bhagawan has said in Gita: Avajananti

mam mudhaha manushim tanumashritam. One who knows My divine birth and action is liberated.

Nana: Baba, no doubt You are an incarnation, an ambassador of God, but is it not necessary for

Your devotee to take recourse to jap, tap, nama, yoga, which are normal means?

Kushabhau: Baba, the service to Your Guru's feet alone should be considered as adequate to

God realisation.

Baba: Nana, Anna, Kushabhau! Remember, that no sadhana, bhakti, Dhyana or yoga will give

you to naishkarmya. Bhakti will raise you up to casual (karana) body. But you cannot reach turiya

or unmani state without the intervention of My grace. You come up to the boundary of jiva state

through self-made efforts. But further progress cannot be made without the automatic gears of My

uplifting kripa. So, I advise you to hold My hand of grace. It will be too late if you become aware of

it at a later stage.

Tatya, Shyama, Abdulla: This shows that the concentration on Guru form is superior to jap, tap,

nama and other sadhanas.

Baba: Certainly! My Guru heritage was unique. It is a blend of Natha, Kabir and Sufi styles. My

Guru asked for dakshina from Me of two coins, one was Shraddha (faith) and the other Saburi

(perseverance), which was tantamount to love and forbearance or loyalty and patience. My Guru

raised the curtain of My ego to show Me My inner hidden reality. I had in My previous Kabir birth,

said in one song, that "O dear one, you will meet your beloved; only raise the curtain away from

her face."

The ignorance is wiped off by Guru's grace to exhibit the truth. The disciple meditates on the face

of Guru as a moth does to the bee. Guru protects his disciple as a female tortoise nurtures her

young ones by her mere gaze. The Guru enters in the being of the disciple and obverts his mind,

makes his ego void and immerses him in Sat-Chit-Anand (existence-energy-bliss). The disciple

attains the state of simple union or sahaja Samadhi.

"O pious ones! A simple union is the best state. Since I am enjoined to this state through Guru's

grace, the state of ecstasy is enveloping me more and more everyday. The mind has been

sublimated in supreme bliss and has been following the path of light. I have realised in perfect

union. The bee of prana is humming round all the six chakras of the body. This kind of samadhi

does not end even for a while, even if all existence is at stake or is on the point of extinction."

- Sai Geetayan(Tales from Baba's Life")

TotalitarianismTo the devotees' embarrassment Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji once told a Catholic priest that

religious people have a natural bent for cruelty.

"Why?" the devotees demanded after the priest had gone.

"Because they all too easily sacrifice persons for the advancement of a purpose," said Swamiji.

SelflessnessA wandering monk came to Sai Spiritual Centre and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was impressed by

his spiritual sadhana. The other devotees, who were onlookers, asked the monk about his

sadhana.

The monk replied: 'Nothing.'

One devotee remarked scornfully: "Isn't that laziness?"

Swamiji intervened: "Heavens, no. Laziness is mostly the vice of very active people."

Later Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji said to his devotees: "Do nothing and all things will be done

through you. Doing nothing really takes a lot of doing - try it."

Tributes to Sri Radhakrishna SwamijiSix-day program of celebrations of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba's 82nd Mahasamadhi celebrations

concluded with a public meeting, organized under the auspices of Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood

on 13th October, 2000. After invocation by Smt. Vandana and Kum. Hema, Sri D.L. Radhakrishna

rendered a song on Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, specially composed by him for the occasion. Air

Commodore T.M.M. Raghavan, Convener of SSB, in his welcome speech, mentioned certain

events in Swamiji's life and explained how Swamiji, by His concern for His devotees' welfare, was

truly an "Apostle of Love". Another unique feature of Swamiji was that He was totally devoid of

any ego and always ascribed to Baba the beneficial results of the prayers of the devotees.

He further explained that membership of the Brotherhood was open to all who believed in the

values of truth, universal love, compassion, etc. taught by Swamiji.

Prof. R. Narayana lyengar, Professor of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, and former

Director of Central Building Research Institute, Roorkey, a long-time devotee of Swamiji, was the

main speaker of the day. He narrated how he had the great privilege of living in the Centre

premises along with Swamiji for three years and the many extraordinary events connected with

Swamiji witnessed by him during those years and also in his later association with Swamiji. He

stated that on many occasions he was wondering at the Godlike qualities displayed by Swamiji.

Sri K. Jairaj, IAS, Commissioner, BMP, who was the Chief Guest, paid glowing tributes to the

memory of Swamiji and the good work being done by the Centre. He suggested that the Centre

should further extend its services to the community by adopting a neighboring school or hospital

and render possible help to the institution. He also appealed to the gathering to play an active

role in the great task of making Bangalore a beautiful city.

Sri Sathyanarayana, Cooperator, BMP, for Thyagarajanagar, outlined the plans that are in hand

for improving the facilities and amenities in the area and requested everyone to cooperate in this

task.

Sri R. Seshadri, President of SSSC, and Patron of the Brotherhood, recalled his own experiences

of Swamiji and emphasized that Swamiji had all the 'Siddhis,' but His grace operated in a subtle

way. He never encouraged the 'miracle' seekers. Sri Seshadri also paid tributes to the dynamic

outlook of Sri Jayaraj and wished him good luck and the blessings of Baba to overcome the

obstacles in achieving the goals which he has set for himself while taking over his present

assignment. He also assured Sri Jayaraj that these suggestions would be considered by the

Managing Committee,

Sri R. Seshadri, President of SSC, honoring the Chief Guest, Sri K. Jayaraj, I.A.S., Corporation

Commissioner then, and Prof. R. Narayana lyengar, of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

who gave a talk on Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji at the public meeting held under the auspices of Sri

Saipadananda Brotherhood.

The Chief Guest honored Prof. Narayana lyengar with a shawl and flowers. The following persons

were also honored on the occasion for dedicated service rendered to the Centre in various ways.

- Obstetrician & Gynecologist

- Pediatrician

- Medical Officer

- Chairman

Sri Rama Mandiram Trust N. R. Colony

Sri Lakshminarasimhaiah - Chief Executive, M/s. Design Group

Ms. Fathima - Architect, M/s. Design Group

Sri Ftemesh - Architect & Engineer

Sri Jayaraj was honored by the President, Sri R. Seshadri with shawl and flowers. The meeting

concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri S. Syama Rao, Secretary of SSSC.

Audio Cassette: 'Hey Sai Baba' ReleasedAn audio cassettes 'Hey Sai Baba', containing devotional songs on Sai Baba, by Sri Masti Ajay

Kumar was released at our Centre on 17th September. Sri C. N. Seetharam, I.A.S. Commissioner

for Religious and Charitable Endowments, Govt. of Karnataka, who was the Chief Guest on the

occasion, released the cassette. He honored the Music Director, Sri Ajay Kumar and other

singers Sri Sashidhar Kote, Sri V. Manohar and Sri K. S. Suresh. Excerpts of the speech of Sri C.

N. Seetharam, appears elsewhere in this issue.

Right ActionsHe who walks faster reaches his destination early and takes more rest. Similarly, performance of

one's duties becomes the cause of eventual freedom from action.

Like those who take medicines at the appropriate time get freed from their ailments before long,

actions performed in time and according to the scriptural injunctions destroy the Rajas and

Tamas qualities. Just as an alloy of gold, when treated with acid, gets purified and pure gold is

then obtained, actions performed with faith and dedication cleanses the Rajas and Tamas

qualities and brings into view the temple of purity of Satva quality. Those who desire purification

of their mind do righteous acts. It is tantamount to taking bath in the holy water. It purifies them

both internally and externally.

Really it is the righteous acts that are to be called 'holy waters.' They are the springs of nectar

that one gets in a desert. It is as if a river were to rescue a drowning man about to go under, or

the God of death prolonging the death of a dying man. In this way, good actions themselves

liberate a man from the bondage of actions. Just as the science of alchemy can convert poison

into a life-saving drug, if one skillfully performs actions, those actions, instead of leading him to

bondage, will enable him to be freed from the very bondage of actions.

- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi Celebrations82nd Mahasamadhi celebrations of Shirdi Sainath Maharaj were inaugurated by Sri R. Seshadri,

President, Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, on 4th October, 2000, by lighting the traditional lamp, followed

by chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama by the devotees.

Thereafter Kalaimamani Vidwan Sri Kadri Gopalnath gave an excellent Saxophone recital,

accompanied by Kalaimamani Vidushi Kanya Kumari on the Violin, Vidwan Denkanikota Mani on

the Thavil and Vidwan Sri Rajasekhar on the Morsing.

The next day (5th of October) the devotees, led by Sri D. L Chandrasekhar, chanted Sai Rama

Nama Tharaka Mantra "Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai" for about 90 minutes, followed by a

devotional music program by Vidwan Gopalakrishna and party.

The women devotees performed Lalitha Sahasranama and Vishnu Sahasranama Archana in the

morning. There was a grand devotional music recital by the popular music director and singer Sri

Puttur Narasimha Nayak, which was highly appreciated by the audience. Some of the songs on

Baba were his own compositions.

On October 7, there was Samoohika Abhisheka to Baba. Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri

Radhakrishna Swamiji, soon after Kakad Arathi, and Mahanyasa Poorvaka Shatha

Rudrabhisheka in the morning. After Shatha Rudrabhisheka and Samoohika Abhisheka, a large

number of devotees participated in the Sai Sahasranama Bhasmarchana. Vidwan Sri Sashidhar

Kote, the popular light and devotional music singer, and TV. Music Director thrilled the audience

with his popular songs on Baba.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi Day/Vijaya Dashami was observed on 8th October, starting

with Samoohika Abhisheka to Sri Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

after Kakad Arathi. About one thousand devotees participated in the Abhisheka. Vishnu

Sahasranama Homa was performed as Part of the celebrations. After Poornahuthi and Archana

prasad was served to more than 2500 devotees.

A grand procession of the portraits of Baba and Swamijis in a specially decorated chariot with

colorful flowers and lights, marked the conclusion of the celebrations.

Procession of the portraits of Baba and Swamijis in a specially decorated chariotSri Narasimha Swamiji's AradhanaH. H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji's Aradhana was observed on 13th October 2000. A good number of

devotees participated in the Samoohika Abhisheka to the Trinity. The portraits of Baba, Sri

Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamijis were decorated with colourful flowers for the

occasion. Sri D. L. Radhakrishna rendered some soul-stirring Bhajans on Baba, Sri Narasimha

Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji. After Arathi special prasad was distributed to all the

devotees.

- S. Syama Rao

Ambrosia in Shirdi: Book ReleasedAmbrosia in Shirdi

"A good picture is worth more than a thousand words," is a well-known saying. Even a mere

glance at this beautiful pictorial book on Shirdi Sai Baba would amply prove it. Blessed in her

teens by H. H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji and commanded by Sri Sivanesan Swamiji, Dr. Vinny

Chitluri, an ardent Sai devotee, has rewritten the original book by Sri Ramalinga Swamy along

with numerous rare photographs, mostly in colour and some black and white, for the benefit of

Sai devotees.

Baba's long (60 years) earthly stay in Shirdi, His daily routine, the temples and sacred spots in

Shirdi, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarakamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi, Lendi Bagh are only a few depicted

and portrayed through fine eye-catching photographs, with brief and apt captions. The reading

matter provides a lot of insight into the life in Shirdi during Baba's physical presence and after.

Visitors would find very useful information about accommodation, bathing and toilet, boarding and

medical facilities, daily pujas and travel arrangements in the book.

Sri Saipadananda Graphics, Bangalore, has done a commendable job in Designing and Printing

this useful book in art paper, priced reasonably at Rs. 70/- only. A book that merits being in the

hands of every Sai devotee.

- APR YESS

Shirdi Sai Baba comes to TiruvannamalaiBy R. Seshadri

Sri Sai Baba has come to the sacred Agni Kshetra, Tiruvannamatai. Giri Pradhakshana of the

Arunachala is being undertaken by devotees from time immemorial, as a spiritual sadhana with

highly beneficent results. The town is noted for the Samadhis of numerous saints and sages.

Who has not heard of Sri Ramana Maharshi or Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal among them?

The great apostle of Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamiji, stayed in a cave at the Ramanashram for

three years and he is the first biographer of Sri Ramana Bhagawan. His chief disciple, Sri

Radhakrishna Swamiji, Founder - Patron of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, Bangalore, had been blessed

in his teens by these two great saints.

No wonder, Sai Baba has chosen to come here as a marble idol now. The 'Murthi' was brought by

a group of Sai devotees, led by Sri D. Shankaraiah of Hyderabad, and installed at Sri Seshadri

Swamigal's Ashram on September 24, and taken round the Hills in a procession, chanting "OM

SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" the next day.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji before writing the biography of Sri Narasimha Swamiji visited the

Ramanashram and Mahan Seshadri Swamigal's Ashram early in the Seventies. Four of us had

the good fortune to accompany our Guru. The car was driven by Group-Captain Gopala Rao.

After getting some information and taking some snaps with the help of the then President of

Ramanashram, Sri T.N. Venkataraman, who is a resident sanyasi there now, Swamiji took us to

the adjoining, compound about 5OO yards away, on Chengam Road. There was an old mantapa

with a portrait of Mahan Seshadri Swamigal. Our Guru explained to us how He was blessed by

this great Mahan, when he approached him as a boy. The saint picked up three stones and asked

the young visitor to cook, eat and digest them. The bewildered youngster brought them to Sri

Ramana Bhagawan. Even before Radhakrishnan could open his palm, the Maharshi asked him:

"What did it (Seshadri Swamigal) say?" When he was shown the stones, he explained that

Radhakrishnan had been blessed by the Mahan, and that he would become a "Gunatheetha."

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji told us than that a building would come up and many devotees would

also be visiting Sri Seshadri Swamigal's Ashram in due course. As a regular visitor to both the

sacred Ashrams, I find it quite so. Numerous devotees are visiting them every day.

Sri R. Muthukumara Swamy, Secretary of the Ashram, has been making dedicated, concerted

and sincere efforts, under the guidance of Brahmanisri Umadevi Ammayar, his wife and Medium

for the Swamigal. Now it is a big complex affording all facilities to the increasing number of

devotees. I have had the luck to meet both of them seven years back and also received some

spiritual instructions.

The following is a brief summary of Sri Seshadri Swamigal's Divine message through Mother

Uma Devi, given on Sept. 24, 2000.

'During the current Kali Yuga, it is better to worship God through Bhajans and Namasankeerthan.

The lives of great Sages, including Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, are service-oriented. Saints and Sages

are born to redeem the ills of the world. Tiruvannamalai is sacred because many sages attained

"Siddhi" here. Besides meditation and pilgrimages, acts of charities and performance of poojas

nullify the effects of sins and help us for the next birth.'

Sai Baba, in a message through Mother Uma Devi, said: 'When I lived as Sai Baba, I could not

visit this place. But I visited it in 'Sukshma'. We can change our Karma by our service. All of you

present here must purify yourselves. It is a rare opportunity. Sri Annamalaiar and Sri Rama, bless

you. When you return home, whatever you do will be successful. If you are pious and if your

thoughts, words and deeds are clean, you will be hale and hearty and avoid hardships. Our

blessings to all of you.'

In the course of an appeal, Sri Muthukumaraswamy, says: "This is the first time that an idol of Sri

Shirdi Sai Baba has been installed at Tiruvannamalai. It is proposed to have silver 'Vimanam' for

the idol. Devotees are requested to contribute morally and get the blessings of the Sage.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji with a resident-Sanyasi and devotees from Bangalore at the Ashram of

Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal, early in the Seventies.

Book ReviewBaba's words of WisdomThe Divine Treasury of Shri Sai Baba: Compiled and edited by Prof. B. M. Patel, Mahendra Patel,

Krishna B. Patel and Geeta B, Patel. Publisher: Prof. B. M. Patel, ‘Sai Shraddha’, 11, Chunilal

Colony, Kankaria, Near Old Pilot Dairy, Ahmadabad - 380 022. Ph.: 5327142.

This nice booklet carries the Utterances, Assertions, and Declarations of Shirdi Sainath Maharaj.

The pithy 'Vachanamruthas' cover not only all aspects of daily life, Do's and Don't, Devotion and

Surrender to the Lord, Spiritual Life and the Shubramarga. There is an earnest appeal to the

sadhaka, caution to the erring individuals, and solace to the distressed, to reach the Ultimate.

These pearls of Wisdom emanate not from just a mortal or God man, but from the Parabrahman,

who incarnated as a human to elevate humanity.

"If one meditates on Me, repeats My name, My deeds, and is thus transformed in Me, One's

Karma is destroyed. I stay by his side always." Does not Sai Baba through the Assurance

reiterate Lord Krishna's clarion call to the world at large?

This well-got up useful booklet is worthy of daily parayana.

- ArrYcss.

Self - RighteousnessA young man boasted that he will never marry and on the other hand, join the Ramakrishna

Mission as a 'Sannyasi.'

A little later he changed his mind and got married. When Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji heard this, he

remarked to a lady devotee: "Be sure you don't marry a saint."

She asked him: "Why ever not?"

"Because it is the surest way to make you a martyr" was Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji1 s merry reply.

EnthusiasmTo a woman devotee who complained that riches had not made her happy, Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji said: "You speak as if luxury and comfort were ingredients of happiness; whereas all you

need to be really happy, my dear, is something to be enthusiastic about."

Book on Sai Baba Released'Ambrosia in Shirdi' by Dr. Vinny Chitluri was released by Sri Srichand Rajpal, Chairman, Sri Sai

Spiritual Centre Trust, at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, on December 3, 2000.

Sri Srichand Rajpal wishing the venture all success explained how fortunate he was in getting Sri

Radhakrishna Swamiji's blessings. The Guru had been fulfilling all his wishes all the while, he

added.

Presiding over the informal function, Sri R. Seshadri, President, S.S.S.C., after paying homage to

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, commended the beautiful pictorial book to all Sai devotees.

Earlier, Sri D. L. Radhakrishna rendered the invocation and Sri S. Syama Rao, Secretary,

proposed a vote of thanks.

The same book was released earlier on November 14, at Shirdi and on Nov. 30th, at All India Sai

Samaj, Chennai.

'Sai Darshan', an exhibition of rare photographs of Shirdi Sai Baba, was held at S.S.S.C. from the

morning till evening of December 3, by Dr. Vinny Chitluri and Sri B. H. Chamaraj, President,

Shirdi Sai Baba Satsangh. Hundreds of devotees visited the exhibition.

These books are available at:

Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang KBRS Building, Kamaraj Road Bangalore - 560 042 Ph.: 5300225 (pp)

and other Sai Mandirs of Bangalore

To the Other ShoreSri D. C. Anantha RamaiahWith deep regret, we record the demise of a senior devotee

of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji and Baba, Sri D. C. Anantha

Ramaiah, aged 89, on December 20, 2000.

Sri Anantha Ramaiah was a senior member of Sri Sai

Spiritual Centre. He was actively associated with the N.R.

Colony Rama Mandir association. He was President of the

Association and also a Trustee for some time. He was also

the President of the Ramayana Prakashana Samithi, which

has published several volumes of Ramayana. He was instrumental in and totally involved in these

publications. In his death Sri Sai Spiritual Centre has lost a great Sai devotee. He leaves behind

him a son and six daughters and a number of grand children and a host of friends.

We pray to Baba and Swamijis to grant him Sadgathi, and to give sufficient courage and strength

to the members of his family.

Smt. Seetha Lakshmi AmmalWe record with deep regret the passing away of Smt. Seetha Lakshmi Ammal, wife of the late Sri

V. S. Rajagopala lyer, elder brother of H. H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji. She was 98 years old and

has left behind three daughters.

It was the Revered Sri Rajagopala lyer, who installed the marble Murthi of Sri Radhakrishna

Swamiji at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre. Swamiji was brought up by him and his wife. They bestowed

much love and affection on young Radhakrishnan. Sri lyer was his preceptor. Swamiji stayed in

their palatial house on Fern Hills, Ooty, for nearly twenty years. The venerable old lady used to

recall with pleasure how she could attend to the needs of Radhakrishnan during his younger

days.

Though she desired to visit Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, her wish could not be fulfilled because of her

advanced age. May Sai Baba and Swamiji grant her Sadgati.