Sai Sandesh March 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3

LIFE SIZE STATUES OF SAI BABA

Two life size, marble statues of Sai Baba will soon beadorning the temple’s altar. Devotees interested in con-tributing toward this cause may contact the temple’smanagement at 1.718.461.0454.

Checks could be made in the name of Om Sai Mandirand mailed to 45-11 Smart Street, Flushing, NY 11355.

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Sai Sandesh March 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3

ife has its ups and downs. Events in life occur in analmost circular fashion, periodically alternating between painand pleasure and joy and sorrow -- mimicking a merry-go-round as if. Despite their unpopularity, unhappy momentsof our lives play an important role in furthering -- shaping -- the spiritual growth of the jivätmä (individual soul).

The darkest phase of night occurs just before sunrise, wel-coming the light that is to shatter the reign of darkness.Painful moments in our lives, too, serve as precursors totheir happier counterparts, and the peak of their intensity isa sure indication that the light of God is going to fill ourlives with unending happiness and bliss.

When Swami, as a lad, made the divine declaration proclaim-ing His divinity, many disbelieved Him and even went to theextent of tormenting His physical form. They subjected Hisbody to untold, unbearable suffering that cannot bedescribed in words.

Through the entire ordeal, Swami smiled to prove to theworld -- and to set an example -- that He is beyond pain andpleasure. Through this suffering, however, Swami's divinityshone like a million suns and He is now worshipped in everycorner of the world.

The Guru Charitra narrates the wonderful account of adevotee whom the Lord Dattatreya visited in His physicalform. The Lord appeared at the doorstep of the devotee inthe form of a monk begging for food. The devotee was notat home and his wife attended to the needs of the Guru. OnHis way out, the Lord uprooted a vegetable plant that wasthe only source of meals for the family. When the wife dis-covered this, she was petrified and wailed inconsolably.

The devotee returned to find his wife bemoaning the loss.He was a true devotee, however, and explained to her theimportance of equanimity in the wake of pain and pleasure,both products of our own actions. After the explanation, hetried to replant the tree and in the process discovered a potof gold that was buried there. Had the Lord not inflicted themomentary pain, could the family have discovered theburied treasure?

Lord Krishna gave a unique demonstration about this truthas well. A brahmin devotee once came to seek His blessings.

On securing Krishna's blessings, the brahmin's cow (his onlysource of sustenance) died immediately. Arjuna was byKrishna's side when this happened and he did not lose theopportunity to question the strange occurrence.

The Divine One immediately explained that He wanted tograce the brahmin with divine blessings, a pre-requisite forwhich would be unconditional reliance on God. Reliance onone's own possessions would only hinder the divine bless-ings that were to fill the brahmin's life. In the worldly sensethis event would be considered a tragedy, but in reality itserved as blessing in disguise, for the brahmin's responsibil-ity was being borne by the merciful Lord Himself.

In all the above stories, pain was the seed that planted thetree of happiness. In addition to serving as a fertile soil forlong-term happiness, suffering has another benefit.

Ancient wisdom and seers often liken suffering to a furnacethat molds gold. In order to mold raw gold into fine jewel-ry, it is subjected through the intense heat of a furnace. Theintensity of the heat plays a critical role in softening andshaping the pure metal.

Once it softens, it becomes very easy to mold it into finejewelry. Swami often calls His devotees "bangaru". In Hiseyes we are pure gold and in order to soften us and carve usinto beautiful jewels that can be adorned by Divinity, we areoften challenged by the fire of worldly trials and tribulations.

As painful as these challenges appear, however, they play abeneficial role in carving us into wonderful instruments ofGod. One need not go far to look for proof of this.Reviewing our own lives, we will find that the best of ourqualities express themselves after the worst of circum-stances.

Night and day, summer and winter, joy and sorrow, pain andpleasure, suffering and happiness -- all of these representopposites that constitute the dual nature of this universe.

One follows the other unfailingly, repeatedly reminding usabout the fleeting nature of things and carefully reiteratingthe importance of equanimity (undisturbed state of mind injoy and sorrow) in our lives.

FROM PAIN COMES PLEASUREBY THE SAI SANDESH TEAM

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Sai Sandesh March 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3

MIND BOGGLING MIRACLES OF SAI BABA:TIME IS HIS SLAVE

ADAPTED FROM TAPOVANAM BY JANDHYALA VENKATESWARA SASTRY

In the physical world, we are all bound by the laws of timeand space. An avatar is not subject to such restrictions, forHe not only transcends time, He actually rules over it.

A young Christian boy from Colombo, Sri Lanka, traveled toIndia for higher education. He enrolled himself in theMadras Christian College. During his stay in Madras, he hap-pened to visit Sri Ramakrishna Mission and was instantlyattracted to the image of Mother Kali.

After giving up all his possessions and severing ties with hisfamily members, he set out on a divine quest. He literallyadopted sanyäsä (renunciation) and dedicated his entire lifeto his favorite deity.

Genuine sädhakäs (spiritual aspirants) always succeed insecuring God’s grace, and this sädhakä was no exception tothis rule. Within a few years, he visited Puttaparthi. Swamiimmediately called the boy to His interview room. Whilethey were in the room, devotees assembled outside heard adistinct cry: "Mother!"

Apparently, as soon as the lad had entered the interviewroom, Swami materialized a forest within the interviewroom and ordered him to walk in it. The young man startedwalking through it and continued to do so for decadestogether. After he had traversed a significant distance,Swami ordered him to stop. When he turned around, he sawthe vision of his favorite deity: Mother Kali.

He could not hold his excitement any longer and cried inecstasy. It was his long cherished desire to retire to theforests and undertake severe penance. Swami not only ful-filled this desire, he also helped him secure the vision of hisfavorite deity.

Swami, the master of time, had packed the time span ofdecades within an hour. Yes, the young boy had actuallywalked for decades, but Swami controls time and he con-densed all these years into just one hour. After the vision,Swami spoke the following words: "My dear man, there is noneed for intense penance in the Kali Yuga (The Age ofDarkness). It is enough if you remember your favoritedeity's name and incessantly intone it mentally. Onlythrough nama smaran will you attain fulfillment." Afterdeclaring this truth, Swami materialized a lot of vibhuti,poured it over the young boy, and blessed him.

DEVOTEES’ EXPERIENCES: OM SAI MANDIR

OBTAINS NON PROFIT (TAX EXEMPT) STATUS

Swami has His way of favoring devotees. Om Sai Mandirhas witnessed and experienced numerous acts of grace sinceits inception, and sincere desires of devotees have been ful-filled in myriad ways.

On May 06, 2006, the mandir witnessed another act of gracethat will be cherished (with gratitude) in our hearts for yearsto come.

It was Easwaramma Day and the morning had started withabhishekam (ritual bathing of deities), Kakad Arati, (morn-ing arati) and Rudram. This was followed by the chanting ofSai Sahasränämavali (1008 names of Sai Baba). As soon aswe finished chanting the 1008 names, the mailman arrivedwith a letter from the Internal Revenue Service.

We had received official recognition from the IRS as a nonprofit organization. The mandir was filled with excitement.The cause of all the excitement was not so much the taxexempt status, but rather the timing of the letter. Not onlydid the letter arrive on Easwaramma Day, it came at the pre-cise moment we finished chanting Sai Sahasränämavali.

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SAI WISDOM

The happiness that man can derive out of worldlycomforts is limited. It is utter foolishness to thinkthat wealth and property, comforts and conven-iences can bestow unlimited joy on you. None ofthese can give true happiness. Then how can it beattained? It cannot be attained from outside. Itoriginates from the heart. The heart is the dwellingplace of God. To experience true happiness, manshould develop firm faith in God. Where there isfaith, there is love. Only when man has love in himcan he practise righteousness. Righteousness leadsto truth which in turn leads to God.

Source: Thought for the day, Prashanti Nilayam,February 19, 2007

CHINNA KATHA (SHORT STORY)

Swami exhorts His devotees to follow two wonderful teach-ings: Love all, serve all and help ever, hurt never. These sim-ple teachings summarize the essence of all religious preceptsin the most practical and easy-to-practice manner.

A student of Swami had deeply imbibed these lessons andsoon got the opportunity to practice them. It was the day ofan important exam and the young student was on his way tothe exam hall. On the way, he found a helpless patient.

The condition of this person was grave, and he was inimmediate need of medical attention.

For the student, this test was bigger than the one he was onhis way to, for he would have to make a choice between hisfuture and the life of a stranger. The smart lad chose the lat-ter and rushed the patient to the hospital.

After ensuring the safety of the stranger, he nervously hur-ried to the exam hall. He was very late for the test, but withfaith in Swami, he tried to complete the exam to the best ofhis abilities. When he went for darshan, Swami immediatelycongratulated him on his choice and assured him of successon the exam.

The results were declared shortly thereafter and the younglad, true to Swami's words, had passed with flying colors.

This was an excellent lesson to demonstrate the truth thatGod always helps those who follow the right path. What awonderful way to drive this truth.

E-mail feedback, suggestions,articles, and experiences to

saisandesh@omsaimandir.org

LIFE SIZE STATUES OF SAI BABA

Two life size, marble statues of Sai Baba willsoon be adorning the temple’s altar.Devotees interested in contributing towardthis cause may contact the temple’s manage-ment at 1.718.461.0454.

Om Sai Mandir is a Non ProfitOrganization.

Sai Sandesh March 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3

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OM SAI MANDIR’S ACTIVITIES

DAILY ARATISKakad Arati: 8.00 A.M.Madhyana Arati: 12.00 P.M.Dhoop Arati: 6.00 P.M.Sheja Arati: 8.00 P.M.

SPECIAL BHAJANSEvery Thursday: 7.00 P.M.-8.30 P.M.Every Sunday: 2.00 P.M.-3.00 P.M.SAHASRANAM, BABA'S 108 NAMES, ETC.: DailyANNADAN (FOOD SERVICE): Daily at the MandirANNADAN (FOOD SERVICE) FOR HOMELESSBROTHERS AND SISTERS: Every Saturday at 1 P.M. Call718-461-0454

PUJA SPONSORSHIPArchana: $11Abishekam: $51Satyanarayana Vrata: $81Vahana Puja: $15Annadan: $251To sponsor pujas, call (718) 461-0454.

UPCOMING EVENTSMarch 2007 Sat., March 03: Holika/Holi Poornima Sun., March 04: Holika Poornima/HoliTue., March 20: Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand (Telugu,Kannada, Marathi, Konkani, Kashmiri, and Sindhi New Year)Tue., March 27: Sri Ram Navami (Sita Ram Kalyan)April 2007Mon., April 02: Hanuman JayantiSat., April 14: BaisakhiSat., April 14: Tamil New Year, Vishu (Malayali New Year)Sun., April 15: Bengali New Year/Bohag Bihu

Since ancient times, the holy land of India has been sancti-fied by the presence of spiritual powerhouses. Since early1800s, a galaxy of spiritual luminaries has been manifestingon earth, preparing us as if for the advent of the Divine inhuman form -- Lord Sainath.

Shining in this constellation of spiritual lights was SriGajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. The account of GajananMaharaj's birth is as mysterious as the many miraculous actsof the saint. While different theories have been postulatedto explain the origins of Sri Maharaj, records indicate that hefirst appeared in Shegaon as a young lad on February 23,1878.

[It is noteworthy to mention that Gajanan Maharaj was acontemporary of over fifteen powerful saints, and there isn'tmuch information available about the origin of all of thesesaints. Some well-known divinities of the time include ShirdiSai Baba, Narsing Maharaj, Tajjuddin Baba, MadhavnathMaharaj, Anant Maharaj, Tembe Swami, etc.]

In stark resemblance to the life of Shirdi Sai Baba, GajananMaharaj, too, was discovered by a blessed devotee. A mon-eylender by the name of Bankatlal Agarwal discoveredMaharaj while the saint was finding food from a heap ofleftover paträvalis (leaf plates used in olden days). The saint'sact was a practical lesson to illustrate the importance ofrespecting food.

Believers claim that Gajanan Maharaj was at the ashram ofAkkalkot Swami Samartha (incarnation of Dattatreya) forsome time. It is said that when the young lad was still on hisway to Akkalkot, the incumbent Maharaj said, "Ganapatiaala re aala" (Ganapati has come). After the initial meeting,Gajanan Maharaj was asked to seek training from YashwantDeo Mamlatdar in Nasik. In Nasik, Gajanan Maharaj camein contact with the brightest of saints and spiritual scholars.He also came in contact with Narsing Baba of Akot.

While the Maharaj was performing sädhanä (spiritual auster-ities), Balshastri Gadge of Laad was impressed by the youngboy and waited to invite him to Lad Karanjya in Vidhabha,a prayer that the young saint gracefully acceded to.

Gajanan Maharaj then spent a few years with Narsing Baba,a saint that fearlessly wandered in forests that were inhabit-ed by wild animals. It is said that even the wildest of animalswould become meek and loving in the presence of NarsingBaba. In his company, the Maharaj's yogic powers were fullyawakened and he could perform many divine feats. Once,the Maharaj used his yogic powers to raise the water level ofa well. Gajanan Maharaj soon moved to Shegaon.

Once, Bankatlal invited the Maharaj to his farm to eat cornstalk. Many devotees had assembled there to bask in divinecompany. A fire was soon lit to roast the corn. In the merri-ment that ensued, none (except Gajanan Maharaj) noticedthat the fumes were reaching a bee hive on the tree.Disturbed by the heat, hundreds of bees started swarming

Sai Sandesh March 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3

SRI GAJANAN MAHARAJ OF SHEGAONBY THE SAI SANDESH TEAM

Image Credit: http://www.gajanan-shegaon.com/

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Sai Sandesh March 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3

out. The devotees were panic-struck and ran for safety. Sri,however, was unruffled and did not move from his seat. Thebees soon settled on his body and stung him in hundreds ofplaces. This disturbed the devotees who were observingtheir beloved deity sitting undisturbed even in pain. AsBankatlal rushed to aid his lord, Maharaj ordered the bees asfollows: "You go back to your own place. My dear devoteeBankatlal should suffer no pain." The bees obeyed.

All the devotees returned to their seat but were terrified atthe sight of the Maharaj's body, for millions of stings hadcovered the saint's beautiful form. In consideration for theirdevotion, Gajanan Maharaj took a deep breath and wonderof wonders, all the stings fell out of his body.

Once, a group of [false] sages, in the pretense of earningmoney, were discoursing on the Bhagavad Gita. The groupleader started his discourse by explaining that neitherweapons could destroy the soul, nor could fire burn it. It wasthe [futile] intention of the band to divert the devotees ofGajanan Maharaj. While the lecture was in progress, astrange miracle happened. The Maharaj's bed suddenlyerupted into flames. As the flames were rising, devoteesstarted making rescue arrangements. Gajanan Maharaj dis-suaded these attempts, however, and sat unruffled in themidst of the flames. Addressing the group leader who wasapparently enjoying the sight, the Maharaj said, "Since youhave been telling people for the last one hour that neitherweapon can destroy nor fire can burn the soul, please comeand prove it by sitting on fire." The leader ignored this order,so Maharaj asked some of his disciples to bring him byforce. By now, the fake sädhu's ego was completely shatteredand he sincerely repented for his behavior. Maharaj not onlyforgave him, but also gave him spiritual instructions. Thefire extinguished as mysteriously as it appeared.

Sri Gajanan Maharaj shed his mortal coil in 1910. Two yearsbefore this, he had warned his devotees of the samädhi.Before giving up the physical form, however, he consoledthe grieving devotees with the following words: "Don'tthink I am gone. I will always be there whenever you thinkof me. I will rest here." These were not hollow words. Eventoday, many devotees experience the continued presenceand protection of the Maharaj.

[It is worth mentioning here that Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi always heldGajanan Maharaj in high esteem. When the Maharaj took samädhi,Baba told his followers "Aaj mazaa Gaja gela" (my Gaja left today).There were incidences where Baba and Gajanan Maharaj fondlyaddressed each other as spiritual brothers. In reality, they were thesame divinity functioning in two different forms. A leelä only theywould understand.]

MAHASHIVARATRI: FEBRUARY 16, 2007

OM SAI MANDIRA NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Om Sai Mandir is organized exclusively for charitable, religious purposes and is a non profit organization,exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contributions made to Om Sai Mandir are tax deductible and can be mailed to:

Om Sai Mandir45-11 Smart StreetFlushing, NY 11355

or online: www.omsaimandir.org

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Om Sai Mandir45-11 Smart StreetFlushing, NY 11355Tel: (718) 461-0454Email: info@omsaimandir.orgWebsite: www.omsaimandir.org