Shirdi  Sai Baba  in  Namavalli

S      Samartha Sadguru Sainathaya Namah

H      Hrudaya Grandhi Bhedakaya Namah

I      Iswaraya Namah

R      Riddhi-Siddi Daya Namah

D      Dakshna murthaye Namah

I      Ichchamatra Srushti Kruthe Namah

S      Satya Dharma Parayanaya Namah

A      Anna Vastra Daya Namah

I      Iswarya Pradaya Namah

B      Bhaskara Prabhaya Namah

A      Apad Bandhevaya Namah

B      Bhakta Paradhinaya Namah

A      Antharyamene Namah

SAINATH - DIVINE

(Goddess Saptha Shringi)

A reference to goddess Saptha Shringi is found in Chap.30 of Sri Sai Sat Charitamrutha. Her divine abode is located on a hillock near Vani which is about 167 Km from Shirdi. The author of Sat Charita atressed the importance of this chapter thus. "He who drinks pure nectar will realize Sai's greatness and all pervasiveness." Shri Kakaji Vaidya, the priest of the goddess lost peace of mind on account of worldly problems. He wholeheartedly prayed to his Istha Devatha to shoew him away for getting peace of mind. Having pleased with his service and devotion the goddess appeared in his dream and directed "You go to Baba and then your mind will become calm and composed." As he could not identify "Baba" he thought over and came to the conclusion that baba might be Tryambakeshwar." He went to Trayambak for ten days stay. His ten days puja and stay at Trayambak did not yield the required result. He again prayed to the goddess on his return to Vani. She again appeared in his dream vision and clarified "Why did you go to Trayambakeshwar in vain? I mean by baba - Shri Sai Samarth of Shirdi." The general rule is that there is no difference between a Sant and Anant(God). He who invites anybody for a visit also arranges everything for his reception. Same happened in the case of Kakaji. He was ready to leave from Shirdi but waiting for company. Let us go to Shirdi for a while> Shama an ardent devotee of Sai Baba had to go to Vani and offer a pair of silver breasts to the goddess. One day an astrologer came to Shirdi and gave accurate readings. Shama's brother Bapaji also consulted the astrologer. The unfulfillment of Shama's mother's two vowws came to light after 30 years. Shama's mother took a vow to place him at the feet of the goddess in case he recouped from illhealth. After sometime his mother suffered from ring worms on her breats. At that time she vowed to offer two silver breasts to Her if she got relief. She did get relief from the ailment. When she was on her death bed she called Shama narrated the event. He had totally forgotten. On hearing from his brother's mouth, he ordered and rushed to Sainath with two silver breasts. But Baba Sai wanted him to present to the goddess only. Shama went to Vani and accidentally met Kakaji. After performing the ritesthey came to Shirdi. On arrival Sri Kakaji fell at Baba's feet. His eyes were bedewed with Ananda Bhasphas(tears of joy) and his mind attained calmness. Mere Darshan and Sparsha(touch) of Sai brought peace of mind.

Now beloved guru Bandhus, try to think over the following points - Why goddess Saptha Shringi directed her pujari to Baba? Could she not give peace of mind to her own pujari? Why the trip to Trayambakeswar was useless? What is the significance of samarth? Once Sai in a mood declared He was ganapathi, Mahalakshmi, Siva, rama rtc., Could he not accept silver breasts and redeem Shama from the vows!!! A Saint only can understand another Saint. Goddess knew who Sainath was. Perhaps she wanted the world to know that Sai Samarth was Trayambakeswar in flesh and blood through Her pujari. We know Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was directed by Kali Matha to get Sanyas from Tetapuri. Similarly, Namdev, a Vittal Bhakta was directed to go to Visobha, a realised saint. After the visit Namdev who was limiting Lordpanduranga to a particular form and place could see Him in a dog. Thus Shama who could see goddess Saptha Shringi in sai Baba could not see Sai Baba in Saptha Shringi. Kakaji Vyadya was made to see Trayambakeswar and Saptha Shringi in Sai baba. Let us remember matha Saptha Shringi's words "Sai Samarth" and bow down before Him for giving peace of mind to think of Him always.

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI

SRI SAI BABA - MALARIA FEVER

We learn from chapter 13 of Sri Sai SatCharita that once Bala Ganpat Shimpi suffered from amalignant type of malaria. As his human efforts did not yield the required result, he resorted Sainath's Feet. Our Doctor's Doctor Sainath's prescription was as follows - "Give a black dog some morsels of rice mixed with curds in front of Lakshmi's temple." When he went to mahalakshmi temple with curd rice, he saw a black dog waving its tail. He placed the rice before the dog and it ate. Bala got relief from malaria. H H Sivanesan Swamiji in one of my visits to Shirdi referred to old Sai Leelas(Marathi) and narrated the following incidents from a letter to Kaka Saheb Dikshit.

RAMACHANDRA KESAVA NAYEK'S MALARIA FEVER

Shri Nayek visited Shirdi during Baba's physical presence. Once he suffered from severe malaria fever for 21 days. One evening his son Ganapathi having passed LLB exam garlanded photos of Akkalkot Maharaj Sainath and Manikya Prabhu and offered peda. He was not sure of his father's survival. His bed was below Baba's photo. Suddenly the garland fell in his mouth. The patient started sweating and gained consciousness from 10'O Clock of that night. Then Baba lifted the patient and questioned "When are you coming to Shirdi? I am eagerly looking for you. Come and stay there not for short period but for longer period. Have I not come to you?" After taking Baba's Udi and Peda he slept. Even the doctor wondered for the sudden change. Gradually he recouped his health. Beloved Sai Bandhu - loving call to our Master will do wonders. Let us pray in times of happiness to cure our malady of hatred, jealousy, desire which is more dangerous than malaria!

WHO THE BEGGAR WAS?

One day in the month of August 1995 my friend Sairam Who was actively associated with the firm Akhanda Sainama Sapthaha prepared to be conducted at Sri Sai Mandir, never Maristella college, Vijayawada had this experience narrated below. Some Sai devotees commented adversely on the chief organizers based on false propaganda by vested intrests. Sairam being the main person felt very bad and prayed to Baba "Who is Cheating Whom? What for all this?" He was moving this side and that side in a disturbed condition near Alpha Hotel opposite to Secunderabad Railway Station. Of course, the company bus stops at that stage. Suddenly a Fakir with colour lungi and zoli was coming towards our friend. It was

the habit of Sai Ram to offer alms without being asked by any beggar. As per his usual habit, he took out a four ana coin and gave to the Fakir. Now the real conversation that took place between them is of spiritual significance. The fakir was murmuring that he came from the mandir on foot. Sai Ram felt the fakir was in a drunken condition.

Sai Ram: Where is your mandir?

Fakir: Everywhere!

Sai Ram: Do you know Shirdi? Have you ever been to Shirdi?

Fakir: What is there to go to Shirdi? Take a train from Manmad and go. It is 9 miles from Koppergaon.

Sai Ram: I know all that I have been several times to Shirdi. Please take this ticker(it contains Akhanda Sai Nama Saptha Sapthaha 26-12-1985 to 13-02-1986, Vijayawada).

Fakir: (Even without seeing the sticker)Oh! I don't know telugu(So saying received and kept in zoli).

Sai Ram: A function is being arranged in VIjayawada but some Sai Devotees are critisizing on baseless points and doing 'Gadbad'. Will Baba come to the function?

Fakir: Why not? He will certainly come. No 'Gadbad'

Sai Ram: Will Baba give darshan to me?

Fakir: Yes! Sit at home and thnk of Him. He will come. My time is over. I have to go to the mandir. So saying the fakir left the spot and Sai Ram's bus also arrived.

Sai Ram sitting in the bus, felt it was Sai Baba. He was trying to analyze the points and discussed with one or two close devotees of Baba. "Fakir's words - I have come on foot " indicates he can go anywhere at will. " Mandir is Everywhere" indicates

Omnipresence of the Lord. The two routes to Shirdi, one- Man + Mad - Manmad i.e., kill your mind/ control your mind to go to Shirdi alias place of knowledge - alternative nine miles represent nine types of Bhakti Marga to realize the self.

Further 'Sit at home and think of Him' Home may not mean residence built with cement and mortar - it is heart. If we constantly think of Him, He will reside in our hearts. The above incident is a proof of His assurance that he would be ever active to listen to the prayer of sincere devotees'.

After 3 or 4 days of the incident, Sai Ram went to Shirdi. As it was his habit to go behind H H Sivanesan Swamiji whenever he goes, while they were near Baba's sitting stone suddenly Swamiji remarked "Manmad" means. Then Sai Ram without allowing Swamiji to complete in ecstacy cried "Was it Sai Baba who met at the railway station, Swamiji confirmed and also consoled it would be difficult for great souls also to recognize Baba whenHe appears in flesh and bllod. So dear Sai Brother let Us try to see 'Sai' in all. The we will be happy.

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI

SANCHARA SAINAMA SANKIRTHAN(SHIRDI)

Lord Sainath used to visit Rahata, Rui and Neemgaon villages during His physical presence at Shirdi. A group of devotees planned to visit these villages on foot from Shirdi as a first step for the proposed Mobile Sainama Sankeertan to be introduced throughout the country. We know Sai's Nama, Sai's photo are not different from Sainath. We had taken His name while covering the above places on foot.

It was on 9th March 2000 about sixty devotees gathered at Lendi Baugh of Shirdi after offering prayers to Ganesa and pradakshinas to Lord Dattatreya and Nanda Deep, We left for H H Sivanesan Swamiji's Mahasamadhi. Apart from devotees from various centres, the trees planted and nursed by Sainath and Nanda Deep were eyewitnesses. About four hours, Sai Nama Sankeertan and Sai Bhajan was conducted at the Divine Feet of H H Sivanesan Swamiji who was the moving spirit behind "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" nama prachar work.

Later the group left for Rui village and did Bhajan opposite to Mahadev Mandir of Baba's period. Former chairman of a sugar factory, resident of Rui told as that Sainath spent a day near the hill got dug by Mrs. Ahalya Holkar of Indore. Later we proceeded to Neemgaon.

Nana Saheb Dengle and his brother Baba saheb were ardent devotees of Baba. Nana Saheb presented Sai with a wooden plank for sleeping. We gathered at Khandoba Mandir which was visited by Sai. In memory of His visit, a statue of Baba and sacred padukas were installed in the same corner where Baba used to sit. Adjacent to the mandir an old Chavadi exists in a dilapidated condition(It appears it was built in 1209 AD). We did Bhajan and Nama Sakeertan for 2 hours and left for Shirdi on foot.

On the 10th March again all of us gathered in Lendi Baugh and left for Rahata. When we Rahata our mind automatically goes to Sri Chandrabhanu Seth's house which was frequently visited by Sainath. Baba loved his nephew Kushal Chandji. Grand children of this family lovingly welcomed us. Their hospitality to Sai devotees is memorable. Perhaps they see Sai in everybody who visits their residence in the name of Baba. We did Nama Sankeertan and Bhajan in the Maruthi Mandir visited by Sai Maruthi. After visiting Idga and Veerabhadra Mandir returned to Shirdi and concluded the two day programme.

About fifty five devotees from Sai Datta Venkata Sai seva Samajam(Regd.) Kallur, Adilabad(Dt.), AP participated doing Sai Nama in different styles. It may not be an exxagaration if we say they gave life to the programme They participated in the first "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" Nama Saptaha covering 550 Km on foot conducted at Shirdi during June 1982. Now Baba has again chosen them for the inaugral function of Mobile Sainama Sankeertan at Shirdi. We distributed sweets, biscuits, choclates to devotees on the way including school-going children. A special cart to carry Lord Sainath and H H Sivanesan Swamy was hired for 2 days.

May Shirdinath inspire all Sai Seva Samajams/Mandirs with resources to sponsor Mobile Nama Sankeertan on Holidays so that vast area can be

covered with His blessings.

Jai Bolo Samartha sadguru

Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai

'OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI'

First Mobile Sainama Sankeerthana(SHIRDI).

It is proposed to go on padayatra(on foot) from SHIRDI to Neemgaon,Rui and Rahata villages as Sainath used to visit.We are taking SaiNama instead of SAINATH.

The fourteenth nama in one hundred eight glorious names of Sri Sainath Mahaprabhu is "OM SRI SAI AMARTHYAYA NAMAHA." It means "Pranavaswarupa Oh! Sainath obeisance to you who is immortal.we further adore Him in Ashttotara Satha Namavali 'Kalateetaya namaha Kaalaya namaha, Kaalakaalaya namaha(It means He has transcended the limitations of Time,Himself Time and Lord Of Eternity). When devotees do worship attributing above qualities, there shoud not be any doubt about the continuity of His Existence.Baba declared "I am not the body or the senses I am Sakshi(Witness)." In His words "I am not confined within this body of three and a half cubits height,I am everywhere."Sainath though left His mortal coils on 15th Oct'1918,He continues to remain in His subtle form(Sukshma Sareera) with the option of taking stable or visible form at will ie., Aparantaratma. Baba assured prior to His Mahasamadhi "My bones in My tomb will give you hope and condifence.Not only Myself but My tomb would be speaking,moving and communicating with those who would surrender wholeheartedly to me.You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare." (Satcharita ChapXXV) Let us realise why Sainath Prabhu declared "I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body." Please refer to chapters 43 and 44 in Satcharita and read "Who is this Me?."In His words "Barring your name and form, there exists in you as well as in all beings a sense of Being or consciousness of Existence.That is Myself". In the same chapters Sai is defined "This pure Being, Consciousness or Brahma,the Ruler and Controller of the senses and mind is the thing Sai...He pervades all animate and inanimate things and their Inner controller and Ruler".This shows Sai is immortal,birthless and deathless.

Immediately after giving up His body Baba showed to the world through the following incidents that He is Alive but His body is dead.Baba appeared in the dream of Laxman Mama Joshi on 16-10-1918 and said "Get up soon,Bapusaheb thinks I am dead and so he won't come,you do the worship and the Kakad Arathi."Thus Baba in His own mysterious way got maintained the continuity of daily Pujas and Arathis as usual irrespective of the condition of His body and confusion in the minds of devotees. He appeared in the dream of Dasganu Maharaj on 16-10-1918 at Pandarpur and informed that the masjid collapsed and he should cover his body with ample flowers.Mr & Mrs M.W.Pradhan also had dream visions of Baba after His Mahasamadhi. Let us note the matured and authoritative opinion of H.H.Sivananda Swamiji as seen in His foreword to Life Of Sai Baba by H.H.B.V.N Swamiji "As such,He is in a state of oneness with God and thus,even after casting aside the outer physical form,Sri Sai Baba continues His sublime work of lokahita in an invisible form through His abode ofShirdi." A positive approach to rededicate and reaffirm our unwavering faith in Shirdinath appears to be necessary as devotees are in confusion.May Sainath guide erudite scholars,humble devotees,dedicated pracharaks of Sai philosopy all over the Globe seriously to think and establish "SAI is More Alive now than when He was Living",By propagating Eleven Assurances of Baba in a more prominent way or by

writing experiences of devotees after Baba's Mahasamadhi. In this process let us not criticise others however selfish they may be remembering Baba's words as stated in Chap-45 of Sri Sai Satcharita "There are innumerable saints in this world but'Our father (guru) is the Father ie., (Real Guru).Others might say many good things but we should never forget our Guru's words."

Say 'Victory to thee,Immortal Saint of Shirdi!.'

"Was Baba living because He had the body, and was He dead because he left it. No1 baba is ever alive for He transends both life and death." (SriSaiSatCharitra) There is a village named Ventrapaggada in Krishna Dist of Andhra, India. There lived a pious couple by name Mr NagaBhairava Venkata Ratnam and Mrs.NagaRatnamma. They had no issues. Once she developed skin allergy, which was troubling her. At that time one Mr.PallavajjulaRamrao Headmaster who

returned from Shirdi gave them Udi,Baba's photo and Locket. She applied Udi on her body. To their surprise she got complete relief from the ailemant. Now let us note Baba's words "I give what they want, so that they begin to want what I want to give" After

solving their problems Baba attracted them towords him. All the three viz. Mrs. and Mr. VenkataRatnam and RamaRao gradually developed their place with Sai's blessing as a center of Sai activities. This incident took place in January'1940. i.e. 22 years after baba's

Mahasamadhi. They started doing Sai Bhajans in their house. Huge crouds gathered and participated in Sai workship. Sainath in His mysterious way manifested Himself and blessed the participants. The pious couple wanted to pay a visit to Shirdi and left their village on 26.11.1940. On the way they had to stay a night at Kopparagaon Rly Station. That night Sri Venkata Ratnam garu saw a marble Samadhi in a dream. He was surprised

to see the same Samadhi at Shirdi on the next day. It was a clear indication that Baba was looking after His devotees. Fortunately H.H. BVN wamiji,founder-President of All India Sai Samaj was camping a Shirdi. Swamiji took personal interest showed them Gurustan other places. He took them to UpasiniMaharaj of Sakori, who blessed them. That night he had a dream in which a Brahman was giving a child. That dream came true on 19-09-1941 as a female child was born. They thought of building a mandhir at their village. It was completed and inaguarated by BVN Swamy on 22.01.1942. Sacrad Dhuni also started with fire brought from Shirdi Dwarakamai. On 24.04.1943 it appers that was a first mandhir of Sai the place was considered as second Shirdi. Is it not a confirmation of Baba's assurance "I shall be ever active and vigours even after leaving this earthly body."

He accompanied his friends to H.H.Sivanesan Swamiji’s room behind Dwarakamai. Swamiji conveyed Baba’s instruction to draw his portrait to Jyothi Raja. The artist after preliminary discussion with Samsthan authorities left for Hyderabad to take necessary meterial required for the purpose. He did not demand money for the work as the very offer to draw Dwarkamai potrait itself was invaluable.

His sister Mrs. Laxmi had a retina problem. Experts in Hyderabad felt it could be controlled but not Cured. As the saying goes what can not be cured must be endured. Mrs. Laxmi told Sri Raja to take to the World famous Shankar Netralaya in Madras as per somebody’s suggestion. As for rules a new patient requires prior appointment for consultation. Though well wishers suggested to Sri Raja to seek appointment before taking the patient. But he preferred to take her as that would give psychological satisfaction. They all left for Madras. Sri Raja prayed to Baba sai to give him peace of mind for completing the divine job at Shirdi. No doubt he accepted the job as Sai Seva but Lord Sai Nath who does not allow any one to do free service. In His own words "No body should take the labour of others invain. The worker should be paid his dues promptly and liberally."

They went to out patiant department of Netralaya (Eye hospital) The clerk wanted them to wait for giving date. Raja asked "What do you do in case of emergency ? ". The clerk directed them to counter for emergency cases. After noting the required particulars the patiant was asked to wait outside. Now one Mr. Karpaiah, a ward boy who observed them to the duty doctor. He assisted them to have laboratary test also. He advised them to have their food and assured he would collect the reports. Like this he assisted for three days.

Mrs. Mary Abraham, chief of the hospital examined the patiant and also reports. She prescribed no medicine as there was no disease no doubt she endorsed the opnion of Hyderabad doctors based on the reports.

All investigations carried in Madras also were correct. The doctor further said "As a true christian I believe an unknown devine / supreme power had acted on the patient and cured. What is not possible for a human mind is possible for a divine Hand. "Let us note how Sai Nath granted peace of mind to Sri Raja who refused remuneration. Then they went to the ward boy to express their grattitude but he denied having done any service them. He further said it was not possible for him to do all that as per hospital rules.

Now it is for devout readers to say who the ward boy was. Needless to say He is Sai Nath our beloved Sadguru who in the guise of Karpaiah. Assisted our jyothi Raja. Baba does every thing to a devotee who surrenders his or her ego at His feet. ( Mr. Jythi Rajas Telephone number is : +91-040-3220119)

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI

The Dakshina Bhiksha Samstha was established during the year 1915 to serve the needs of piligrims visiting Shirdi.The samstha published a journal called"SAINATH PRABHU"(vide Sri Sai Satcharita,chap 2 ).The informationfurnished here-under is taken from the journal as every Sai devotee would like to know more about Shirdi alias Sheeladhi alias Saiabad of 1915 and also what Baba spoke\taught to the visiting devotees of yesterday. The then population of Shirdi was 1500 only. They considered Sheeladhi as Mukthi-Kshetra of the Yuga with Shree SaiBaba as Mukthi-Data. Many of His Bhaktas heard Him saying that Shirdi with three other villages had been given to Him by His Malik. Shirdi was His ancestoral place. Baba declared more than once that He had come to stay there permanently after an interval of about two hundred years. Maharaj did not say the name of the original place from where He came. But He often mentioned that, that place was inhabited by typical men well versed in all arts and

professions besides being kind hearted and God-loving. Even Shirdi which was barren and forsaken village during the early period,it was an excellent citadale encircled with pleasant groves of fruit trees. Its Bazars were large enough to have kept His favourite Marwari-vysyas in great affluence. Again with the advent Sainath the spiritual importance had steadily grown. Baba's unique pure and divine love, His simple way, His scanty and ordinary food enhanced observer's regard for Him. Baba saved many sufferers from bodily ailments. Though He did not leave Shirdi, His body was seen in distant lands attending to His beloved Bhaktas. In his own words, "Me kutra, manjar, Dukkar, hovun hi jatha" (I am moving in the form of dog, cat and pig.) The sick and the wounded expect miraculous cure from Amritaic Vibhudhi. Many an atheist had changed and become his sincere bhakta. With the increasing fame of Shri Sainath the importance of Shirdi also had grown and it is reckoned as an important piligrim centre

in the world. T he good and deserving attempted to reach His paramarthic goal under His safe and sure guidance.Sainath Maharaj had practically shown to the world that the platform of Dwarakamai was a sight to see where devotees of all religious faith gather for

common prayer irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, region. Not a single disturbance had ever been witnessed during so many years of such congregated worship,consequent on any religious difference. No doubt Baba Sai Accepted Dakshina or Arpans from visiting Bhaktas . "Jyonchekadoon paise hote tyancha kamala te paise lavathe. Te mala katha karatche" (If I borrow money from somebody I will utilise for his work why I require his money). Ofcourse Baba did not ask Dakshina of every one or did He accept everything offered everybody. He was often heard saying that He had to keep an account for the owner and Government. "Mala he shob te vayla lagto malik ka karitam (sarkara karitam)" Perhaps associations or individuals who revive money should bear in mind that every paisa has to be accounted to the giver as well as to Government as the collection is in his name. Sainath Prabhu used to disburse dakshina amounts among sevakaris bhaktas, gosevis, fakirs, bairagis and children. Seasonal fruits were purchased and distributed. His care for the poor, the needy and crippled worth moulding .Baba used to say , who else would see the poor except myself. He used to impress on the devotees such charities would confer extraordinary benefits on the giver. We may conclude this article with Sadguru Nath`s invaluable assurance. "Pannas hazar aale, aani chappan hazaar gele, tyanchasi aplavala kay karanche! Jyanchi nista ghad aaye ani iman sabath aahe tyamla saath samud myahala kareen! Maza manasana 72 nid yaniryanth meech ambhalathao, Fifty thousand people may come and fifty-Six thousand may go. Why we should bother? A person whose faith is firm and integrity is established he can cross seven seas. I look after my people for 72 generations

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI

Om Shri Sai Sarvahrunnilayayanamaha

The seventh `Nama` in the Sai Ashtottarashathanamavali (108 names) is `Om Shri Sai Sarvahrunnilayayanamaha` which means "salutation to Pranvaswarupa Sai who dwells I the bearts of all creatures". The sixty eighth nama is "Om Shri Sai Sarvahrunnilayayanamaha" which means `salutation to Sai who is all pervasive`. All pervasive Sai only can dwell in the hearts of all creatures. Our Geetha i.e. Shri Sai Satcharita gives a number of incidents to show the above attributes of Sai. Sai Baba Himself declared "Iam the inner ruler of all and I am seated in their hearts. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world is my body or form". (Chap,III). A God incarnate only can declare that He pervades everywhere. Not only He declare so but He also proved it by His actions as discussed below.

One day Baba was sitting as usual in the Dwarakamayi (In the year 1910) . Instead of pushing logs of wood in the ever burning Dhuni He pushed His arm into it, unmindful of burning of His arm to save a black smith`s child, who slipped into the furnace at a far off place. Is it not an indication of His Omni presence and bhaktaseva? Once Mrs. Tarkhad, a close devotee of Baba, gives a piece of bread to a hungry dog before going to Dwarkamayi for the noon arati. Baba was pleased with this act of the lady and said to her, "Mother you have fed me sumptuously upto my throat, my afflicted pranas have been satisfied. First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself. The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave bread is one with me so also other creatures (cats, pigs, flies etc.,) are one with me. I am roaming in their forms. He who sees me in all creatures is my beloved. (Chap IX). On another occasion Baba called Laxmibai Shinde and said "oh! Laxmi I am very hungry" She immediately ran to her house prepared bread and vegetable and brought it to the Masjid . Baba who was very hungry gave it to a dog. When Laxmibai was unhappy to see that Baba did not eat her bread, Sai said to her, "The appeasement of the dog`s hunger is the same as Mine. The dog has got a soul as Mine. The creatures may be different but the hunger of all is the same. He who feeds the hungry, really serves me with food. Regard this as axiomatic truth". How wonderfully Baba has taught us, His children, to see Him in all creatures?

Are we feeding Sai by feeding hungry creatures? If we pose this question to our selves we know how far we are implementing Baba`s advice to Laxmibai Shinde. You all will agree with me that Baba taught this simple but great lesson to all His devotees for all time not to Mrs.Laxmibai alone. If we love all creatures we can have unlimited and unwavering love towards Him. When we love animals are human beings we naturally take pity on the hungry souls and whole-heartedly part with our food to satisfy Sai`s hunger through these hungry souls. In Sahasranama`s (1000 names) and Ashtottarashat namavali (108 names) we describe the attributes of God by whatever name we call Him. Will the repetition of these names without understanding the meaning help us? In chap XV of Sai Satcharita Omnipresent Sai declares "Though I am here bodily still I know what you do beyond the seven seas. Worship Me always who is seated in your heart as well as in the hearts of all beings. Blessed and fortunate indeed is he , who knows Me thus" Baba says that he who knows that He seated in all hearts, is blessed and fortunate one. We may add here one can conquer lust, anger, greed, jealousy, hatred and egoism (six enemies of man). If one thinks that every other man`s heart is Sai`s abode. It is because we cannot hate Sai, we cannot be jealous of Sai so on and so forth. We have to respect and love every creature, who is a Sai Swarupa.

Let us pray to All merciful Sai to give us the eyesight to see Him in all creatures.

SELF AWAKENING INSTITUTION (SAI)

Swami Vivekananda says, "Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal". Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says, "Those who search God outside will never find Him". Sai baba says "You need not go far or any where insearch of Me. Barring your name and form, there exists in you as well as in allbeings a sense of being or consciousness of existence. That is my self. Knowing this you see Me inside yourself as well as in all beings". (chapter XLIV of Sai Satcharita).

Human birth is the best of all the 84-lakh creatures. It is said that Devas also will have to come down attain salvation through Human body. The only difference between a human being and other creatures is that the former is endowed with knowledge, which helps him in discriminating the real and unreal. It is also amply confirmed in all scriptures that Moksha (Liberation) is not to be sought in heaven or on earth. It is synonymous with self -realization . We believe in the existence of God ; but we do not sincerely try to experience Him within us as we are more conscious of the body than self. Every human being is a moving temple of God. Our body is a temple of our `self` . We do not go to a place of worship to see structure or the architectural beauty of the place. We go to worship or to pray the presiding deity of the temple. Similarly we have to give more importance to the self than the body . Sai Baba had advised Sri Vijayanand "Wealth and prosperity are transient and the body subject to decay and death". No doubt the soul is immortal .

The author of Sai Satcharita has rightly put that one must be a saint to understand another saint , He further adds that one can measure the depth of seven seas or enclose the sky with cloth trapping but one cannot understand a saint. Such being the case any attempt to define Sai shows our egoism. Hence we surrender it His feet and venture to share the following views (inspiration of Sai) with devotee - readers.

It is indisputable truth that Sai is not three and a half cubits long but an institution which is invaluable immeasurable immortal and beyond all limitations. Sai brother Krishnakumarji of Hyderabad , views Sai as self Analysis Institution . He conducts weekly satsang for Parayana of Sai Satcharita, Sai Bhajan and Meditation under the auspices of Self-Analysis Instituion. I wish to view Sai as Self-Awakening Institution . The latent powers of the self are awakened in this institution, so that the "Real" can be realized within ourselves. Thus `S` for Self , `A` for Awakening and `I` for Institution .It is learnt from Sai Satcharita , "The body , composed of five elements , is perishable and transcient but the self within is the Absolute Reality , which is immortal and intranscient . This pure being , consciousness are Brahman , the Ruler and controller of the senses and mind is "Sai" .

Now let us analyse what has been taught in this institution and what are the qualifications prescribe for admission into it. First and foremost thing to be done is to erase our "ego" . When once it is annihilated without any trace of it , as assured by Sai, He Himself will enter into us and do every service. We should for get "I" and never take the credit of authorship for anything . We should always remember that the doer is Sai and we are only instruments in His holy hands . We will have to resort to the holy feet of a Realized Soul , who will be acting as a `guide` in our efforts to reach the destination. The perfect guide as stated in Sai Satcharita , takes us safely avoiding wolves , tigers on the way . The possibility of loosing the track in the jungle or falling into ditches can be avoided with the help of a guide.

A Sadguru only can be a perfect guide . He will naturally be well conversant with the route we have to go. He can shower His grace by mere glance or by touch or by thought. He awakens in us "I am He (Brahman)`consciousness ,manifests the joy of Self Realisation" .

For seeing Brahman , we have to surrender at His feet five pranas, five senses , mind , intellect and ego . The author of Sai Satcharita states (Chap. XVI) that Chintamani, Kamadhenu and Kalpataru can only give what we desire; but a Sadguru gives us the most precious thing that is inconceivable and inscrutable (The Reality) .

Certain qualifications or prescribed for admission into the Self-Awakening Institution as detailed in Chapter XVI of Sai Satcharita . They are intense desire to get free from bondage , disgust with worldly objects, Antarmukhata, purging away of Sins, Right conduct, preferring good things to pleasant things, control of mind, purification of the mind, the necessity of a Guru and above all Lord`s grace. We need not be frightened by all the unalloyed love towards Baba. He takes care of the above requirements. We should make Him the sole object of our thoughts and actions.

Let us recapitulate Baba`s nector like words, "Meditate on my formless nature which is knowledge, incarnate consciousness and bliss. If you cannot do this, meditate on my form from top to bottom as you see. If you go on doing this your vrittis (thoughts) will concentrate at one point and the distinction between the Dhyata (meditator), Dhyana (act of meditation) and Dhyeya (thing meditated upon) will be lost and the meditator will be one with the consciouness and be merged in the Brahman"(Chap XVII) we learn from chapter VI of Sai Satcharita, "If any one prostrates before Sai and surrenders heart and soul to Him, then unsolicited all the chief objects of life viz., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are easily attained". Sai further assured "If you spread your palms with devotion before Me I am immediately with you day and night".

We do not know anything, what we know is nothing unless it is implemented and experienced. Reading cannot believe seeing only is believing. Let us dedicate our body and soul to Sai who can awaken our self by His grace. We know that Sai watches all our actions and movements wherever we may be yet we become slaves to the senses and act against the interest of our Self-Realization. Adi Sankara preached that Satsang ultimately leads to Jivan Mukti. It may not be possible for most of us to be in the company of pious souls. Does not matter. We can take our mind to Sai, Shirdi, Samadi Mandir Dwaraka Mayi, Chavadi. We can recollect Sai Leelas or any holy scripture. This act also forms part of Satsang. Devotion means unwavering love towards God, Peerless faith in Sai coupled with utmost patience is sufficient to attain slvation.

Let us all become students of this Institution, learn what is taught through Sai Satcharita and other sacred Sai literature and week His invisible grace to see Him within us. Let us give serious thought to Vivekanda`s words. "If there is a God we must see Him, if there is a soul we must perceive it, otherwise it is better not to believe. It is better to be an our-spoken atheist than a hypocrite". Let us see Sai in us and in every creature and prove to ourselves that we are neitherout-spoken atheists nor hypocrites. This proof is required for our own conscience only not for the ourside world.