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Sai Sandesh Volume
6, Issue 1; Jan 2009 |
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Click here to download this issue
in PDF format |
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Inside |
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Devotees are requested to e-mail suggestions, articles,
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Message from the
President Sai Wisdom
Everything
Happens for a Reason, for your own Good
A Poem --By
Rima Naik
Swami's Leelas
Sai is Always
There with Us
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Mahashivaratri
Celebrations |
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Om Sai Mandir will be celebrating
Mahashivaratri from Wed., Feb 23, 6.00 PM to Thurs., Feb 24, 6.00 AM.
Throughout the night we will be performing Abhishekam, singing bhajans,
and observing an all-night vigil. |
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Message from the President |
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2008 was another eventful year at Om Sai
Mandir. It was indeed a year where devotees experienced numerous mind
boggling miracles and benevolent acts of Divine grace. Numerologically,
2009 adds up to 11 (2+9) which coincides with Shri Sathya Sai Baba's
83rd year (again, 8+3 -- the digits add up to 11). As such, we are very
hopeful that the upcoming year will bring blessings and prosperity to
one and all.
Babas' statues have completed one year!
November 23, 2008, in addition to being Baba's 83rd birthday, marked the
first year anniversary of the installation of life-sized, most beautiful
color statues of both Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba. To the best
of my knowledge, this is the first time in the world where both Babas
are being worshipped together. We celebrated this historic,
doubly-blessed event with all due rituals, festivities, and an intense
spiritual fervor.
Rudra Abhishekam continues
Devotees may recall that for the benefit of humanity, we had started
Rudra Abhishekam and abhishekam of Baba, Ganesh, and sarva devata (all
deities) eleven times daily. We embarked on this auspicious undertaking
on June 11, 2007 and on December 11, 2008, we completed eighteen months
of constant chanting of Sri Rudram and other vedic prayers.
The prayers were initially scheduled for 121 days, but after
experiencing intense energy, divine vibrations, miracles, and devotees'
enthusiasm and participation, we have decided to continue performing the
abhishekam indefinitely. It is being performed from 8.30 AM to 11.30 AM
every single day. All are welcome to participate.
Divine visits
His Holiness, Sri, Sri Viswayogi Viswamji Maharaj, who is considered to
be the ninth incarnation of Lord Dattatreya visited the temple. During
his visit, he delivered an inspiring discourse and blessed the gathering
with one-on-one interviews and divine prasadam.
This year, we were very fortunate to be graced by two visits from Swami
Bhagavati Siddhar. This great saint not only blessed us with his divine
presence but also materialized various pendants, rudrakshas, and vibhuti
to bless devotees present during his visit.
Our volunteers
Sai's blessings find ample expression through the tireless service of
our dedicated team of young volunteers, a taskforce that has grown
remarkably well during 2008 as well. We are thankful to them.
The future
It has been over five years since the inception of the temple and
despite all the progress, we are anxiously looking forward to many Sai
activities during the upcoming year. We desire to intensify all the
prayers that are being performed and are hoping to add many activities
and prayers to our already growing list. As such, I would like to
request the continued participation, support, and blessings of devotees.
For regular updates, be sure to check the temple's website (omsaimandir.org)
regularly.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Happy New
Year. May Sai's blessings fill your lives, and the lives of your loved
ones, with everlasting bliss. Samastha loka sukhino bhavantu. Jai
Sai Ram.
-- Gangadhar Rao Chalasani, M.D.
President |
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Divine Wisdom |
In the pursuit of the good and godly life,
one may encounter many difficulties and disturbances. Many doubts and
questions crop up. It is only when these difficulties are faced squarely
and the troubles are borne with patience and fortitude that we can
understand the true nature of Reality. You should not allow yourselves
to be overwhelmed in any way by difficulties and sorrows, doubts and
disappointments. You must have faith. Have confidence in yourself and
strive to understand well the nature of God's love. To secure that love
is the sacred goal of human life. The transforming power of Love is
boundless -- Baba
Thought for the Day:
December 28, 2008, Prashanti Nilayam |
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Everything Happens for our
Own Reason, for our Own Good |
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By The Sai Sandesh Team |
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In an ancient land, there lived a
king who was fortunate to have a very wise minister as his
advisor. This minister had a unique habit, though. Whenever
something would happen, he would always say: "Everything happens
for a reason, for our own good." The king and his cabinet had a
tendency to take these words lightly and would often ridicule
the unusual philosophy.
Once, the king accidentally cut his finger. As was always his
habit, the minister's reaction was the same: "Everything happens
for a reason, for our own good." The king was infuriated at this
comment and immediately ordered the minister's arrest. Much to
everyone's surprise, however, the minister again uttered the
same words.
It was soon hunting day in the king's calendar and he, along
with his retinue, visited a dense forest in search of adventure.
Unfortunately, the king lost his way and found himself
surrounded by an armed tribe. These individuals were performing
a human sacrifice and were very pleased to find such a healthy
and royal sacrificial animal. They immediately overpowered the
king and took him to the presence of their chief priest. The
sacrificial rites were being prepared and the king was wondering
if this was his last day on earth. To his good fortune, things
took a strange turn.
On making a closer examination, the priest realized that the
king had just lost his finger and a subject who had such an
injury would be inappropriate for the rite. Almost immediately,
the tribal chief ordered the release of the king and asked his
deputies to make a better search this time. On release, the king
realized the wisdom of his loyal minister. Had he not lost the
finger, he would have surely lost his life.
The monarch rushed to his kingdom and immediately ordered the
release of his dear minister. The king congratulated him on his
wisdom and asked him as to why he felt his own imprisonment was
also for a good reason. The minister explained that had he not
been arrested that day, he being the king's constant companion
would have surely been sacrificed in place of the king. All
rejoiced.
So many such experiences occur in our daily life as well. While
we always tend to express disappointment at their occurrence, we
rarely think back and trust God's wisdom. After all, God does
know how to run the show of the universe and every action of His
must have a deeply mysterious and beneficial reason.
Once, a family visited Shirdi Baba. They wanted Baba to cure a
relative who was suffering from an incurable lung ailment. Baba,
knowing what is best for the individual, did not offer
blessings. After some time, the patient passed away and the
family became dejected. They lost faith in Baba and decided that
they would never visit Shirdi again. Children may forget the
mother, but the compassionate Sai Maa would never ever forget
Her children. Baba gave a vision to one of the family members
and held out two decomposed lungs. He said, "My dear child, you
blame me for the death of your loved one, but see what I saved
him from. He was suffering immensely." It was then that everyone
realized that Baba had indeed benefited them even though they
had distrusted Him. Their faith in Baba was re-affirmed and they
became staunch devotees of Baba.
God's ways are always inscrutable and it is very difficult to
under-stand what he does, but it is very easy to stand-under
(surrender to) Him. The story of a widowed mother clarifies
this.
There was a young lady who had lost her husband at a very young
age. She spared no effort in raising her children and her son
soon grew up to be a fine young man. He joined his departed
father's position in the military and thus managed to secure his
future. The mother was overjoyed and asked him to visit their
family deity to offer gratitude for God's benevolence.
While at that holy land, his foot
accidentally slipped and he fell into a deep water tank.
Witnesses could not save the lad despite their best efforts. The
widowed mother was devastated to have lost her only son and lost
all hopes for living. Our compassionate Swami never leaves the
suffering alone. He is indeed the friend of the friend-less, the
support of the support-less, and the savior of those could not
be saved otherwise.
Someone urged this lady to visit Shri Sathya Sai Baba. It was
indeed Swami calling her through one of His mysterious
instruments. Swami granted this lady an interview and what
happened at the interview clarified the mystery for this
grief-stricken mother. Without her asking, Swami told her
everything that had happened in her life, including her recent
loss. He then said, "Do you want to see your son during his last
moments?" He then held out His divine hand. She saw a clear
vision within the hand, almost like a motion picture. She saw
how the lad was walking near the water tank and how he slipped
and fell into the deep water. As soon as he fell, however, a
bright lotus-shaped light emanated from his head and crossed all
the people that were standing there. The light went through the
temple gates and crossed all the areas of the shrine to finally
reach the innermost area adorned by the deity.
As soon as the light reached the deity, the deity transformed
into an image of Sathya Sai Baba and the light merged into Him
just the way a drop merges into the ocean. Swami then explained
to the mother that her son was not an ordinary person. In his
previous life, he was a great saint who had performed severe
penance at the very place he passed away in this life. When he
was dying in that life, he had but one last unfulfilled wish: to
take jal samadhi (some great yogis give up their life in a state
of samadhi under water). It was as a result of this unfulfilled
wish that the yogi was reborn as the woman's son. As his
devotion was so intense, providence had arranged for a trip to
the holy shrine in order to fulfill his one sincere wish.
The lady then realized the greatness of her son and felt great
pride that she had indeed borne a mahatma (great soul). She was
also at peace to learn that what happened was nothing but the
fulfillment of her son's own wish. She then regained peace and
realized that there is always a mystery behind a mystery and
that all does happen for a good reason, even though one may not
immediately comprehend or decipher that reason. She then
dedicated the rest of her life in service to Swami, who not only
offered her protection but also provided for her daily living
and shelter. |
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Sai Baba ... A Poem |
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By Rima Naik |
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Upon this earth when you
descended,
Problems of people suddenly ended,
With your merciful hands vanished people's sorrows, Your love
and support sent their pains to the gallows.
God, magician or a saint… Who were you?
"Saibaba" they lovingly named you.
King of kings, you lived in Dwarkamai..
No money or wealth could interest you Sai..
Devotee's faith is all that you craved,
Which to you they lovingly gave,
Lucky are those who lived with you,
Fortunate enough to have served you…
My be or not I was one of them then…
Not sure when I will get the chance again…
Dear Baba, I pray to you this day…
Please give me a chance to serve you someway.
Keep you loving hands upon my head,
Forgive my sins and anything wrong I said,
Be by my side in times good and bad,
Make me smile when I am sad.
Oh my humble father, you are in air, land and water, Accept the
prayers and love of "Rima"-your loving daughter |
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Swami's Leelas |
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Once, Swami was traveling with a
group of devotees. Their car was on a very narrow road when
devotees noticed a huge truck heading their way. The truck was
approaching at such a rapid speed that all thought it would be
impossible to prevent a collision.
Even in that tense situation, Baba acted as if He were
blissfully unaware of what was happening around Him. The
devotees' hearts were pounding rapidly, however. They did not
anticipate surviving the crash, but a miracle happened at the
last moment, much to the surprise of everyone.
Within a second they saw behind them the very truck that was
heading toward them. It was as if the car had passed through the
truck. None could explain what had happened, but Swami's naughty
smile appeared to say it all. What a wonderful play by the
Divine.
Ordering a storm to stop
There was a huge storm in Shirdi at one time. As the situation
became dangerous, all human beings and animals living in Shirdi
rushed to Baba. The merciful Swami roared at the clouds, saying,
"Stop! Calm your fury!" Lo, within a few moments the clouds
passed away and things returned to normal.
Taming fire
On another occasion a fire was erupting at Baba's residence.
Despite knowing this, Baba was calm and did not bother much
about it, but the devotees who were witnessing this were alarmed
and requested Baba to intervene. At this, Baba took his stick
and started beating it on the ground. With every blow, the
flames were coming down and within a few minutes things became
normal.
Suspending the ceiling mid-way
Baba demonstrated His power whenever it was necessary. It was a
custom in Shirdi that some devotees would sit with Baba during
meals. On one such occasion, Baba suddenly looked at the ceiling
of the building and said, "Wait!" The astonished devotees
noticed the ceiling was collapsing but the moment Sai ordered it
to wait, the fall was arrested mid-air.
Many devotees were afraid to continue eating but Baba asked them
to finish their meals fearlessly. When everyone was done, Baba
asked the followers to step out. He then ordered the ceiling to
continue its unfinished work. Within seconds the suspended
ceiling disintegrated and fell on the floor with a huge impact. |
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Sai is Always There
With Us |
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By The Sai Sandesh Team |
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A retired elderly couple was
living in New York City -- both, very devoted to Swami and His
teachings. Once, when the husband wasn't at home, the wife made
a cup of tea for herself. As she was about to sip the freshly
brewed tea, she heard a very sweet voice: "Where is My tea?" As
she was alone in the house, she wondered where the voice came
from and thinking it to be her own imagination, continued
sipping her tea. The same voice asked her again, "Where is My
tea?" She then followed the direction of the voice and found
that it was coming from their prayer room -- from Swami's
picture. She immediately realized that she was never alone and
that Swami was with her all along and so immediately made
another cup of tea for her beloved lord.
In the Satcharita, Baba has emphatically told Hemadpant, "Am I
not always with you? Do you offer food to Me before you eat or
drink?"
An old knee injury had resulted in a serious tear of the
author's left knee's Meniscal cartilage. A surgery was
recommended but due to some reasons, he had not undergone the
treatment. The excruciating pain from the injury relapsed after
a period of ten years and he unable to stand or move. It was
almost as if he had lost one leg.
As the author helplessly looked at Sai's picture, God
mysteriously diverted the writer's eyes to a car sticker that
had the picture of Shirdi Sai Baba with abhaya hasta mudra (the
blessing hand gesture granting freedom from fear). He could
distinctly read what was written under the picture. The words
were: "Why fear when I am here."
As soon as he saw the sticker a miracle happened and as he tried
to stand back on his feet he did not experience the slightest
pain or discomfort. He has been pain free ever since.
Swami reveals His presence in various ways depending on the
devotee's need and the intensity of the call. A student was
planning to come to the United States for his higher education.
He was much intimidated by the immigration and visa consular
process but was very determined that he would not lie to any
question, no matter what the consequences would be. He was
fervently praying to Swami to be with him during the process,
especially because he wanted to practice Baba's holy teachings
of being truthful at all times. As his name was called out for
the interview, he requested Sai to be with him. Much to his
surprise, a miracle happened. As soon as the officer would pose
a question, he himself would complete the answer even before the
student would finish his version. This happened repeatedly and
the interview was over within a few minutes. It was Sai who had
been with the student during the entire process.
The truth is that Sai Baba is always present and constantly
communicating with us even though we may not realize it. He is
like the radio waves, always transmitting His love and energy to
everyone. All that is needed on our part is concentration,
faith, and the right means of tuning in to His constant
communication. Sai IS always there with us. |
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Copyright
(c) 2009, Om Sai Mandir. All Rights Reserved. |
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OM SAI MANDIR
45 11 Smart Street
Flushing, NY 11355
Tel:
1.718.461.0454
www.omsaimandir.org
info@omsaimandir.org
Click here for directions |
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ACTIVITIES
Daily Aratis:
8 AM, 12
PM, 6 PM, 8 PM
Bhajans:
Every
Thursday 7 PM to 8.30 PM
Every Sunday 2 PM to 3 PM
Prayers, stotras, and annadan:
Daily
Rudra Abhishek: 8.30 AM Daily |
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
Jan 01: New Year
Jan 13: Lodhi/Lohri
Jan 14: Makara Sankranti/Pongal
Jan 26:
India's Republic Day |
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LIFE SIZE
STATUES HAVE ARRIVED!
Life size
statues have arrived in New York. They are currently undergoing customs
clearance and will be installed at the temple shortly. |
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