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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
MESSAGE OF THE LORD
REMOVE EGOISM - Page 2
CHINNA KATHA
THE MARK OF A TRUE DEVOTEE - Page 3
SPIRITUAL GAME
EASTER ANAGRAM - Page 4
PAST EVENTS - Page 5 - 7
DEVOTEE’S CORNER (PART I)
INTERVIEW WITH UNCLE RAM MULLIAH - Page 8 - 9
DID YOU KNOW - Page 9
REGIONAL OPERATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
WOMAN – THE PILLAR OF A VALUE BASED SOCIETY - Page 10 - 12
DEVOTEE’S CORNER (PART II)
OBITUARY & CONGRATULATIONS - Page 12 - 13
BHAJAN & STOTRA - Page 13
Region 1 Savanne - Mauritius Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
OUR VISION
To drive Devotees
to live according to the teachings of BHAGAWAN SRI
SATHYA SAI
BABA
OUR MISSION
To assist and
support devotees for their
SPIRITUAL
UPLIFTMENT
OUR GOAL
To render SELFLESS
SERVICE to the SOCIETY
OUR OBJECTIVE
To spread the teachings of
BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI
BABA in the
society through Public Outreach
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
T he fruits of the tree of human life are sweet,
but they are encased in the bitter skin of egoism
and ignorance and have hard inedible seeds of
desire, anger, pride, etc. One has to exercise one's
intelligence to peel off the outer skin of ignorance,
throw off the seeds of vice and wickedness and
partake of the sweet kernel of life.
To remove the evil of egoism, service is the most
efficient instrument. Service will also impress on
the person doing service, the unity of all mankind.
He who dedicates his time, skill, and strength to
service can never meet defeat, distress, or
disappointment, for
service is its own
reward. His word will
be ever sweet and
soft, his gestures ever
revered and humble.
He will have no foe,
no fatigue, and no
fear.
Man must get rid of
the feeling that he is the doer. As long as the ego is
dominating, the
Atma, or God
consciousness will
not be realized. The
egoist cannot
recognise the Atma.
Therefore, first
crush your ego. It is
egoism that is the
root cause of all
man's troubles. The
main criterion for
service is sacrifice.
Egoism should be
the first quality to
be offered for
sacrifice. Giving up
bad feelings is, in itself, sacrifice and that sacrifice
becomes a man's fortune. Sacrifice does not mean
that one should renounce possessions and family
and leave the comforts of home to lead an ascetic
life in the forest.
Little acts of service can confer on you great
spiritual benefit. Firstly, it will destroy your
egoism. Pride will transform friends into enemies;
it will keep even kinsmen afar; it will defeat all
good schemes. Service will develop in you the
quality of humility. Humility will enable you to
work in happy unison with others.
Service is worship;
each act of service is a
flower placed at the
Feet of the Lord, and if
the act is tainted with
ego, it is as if the
flower is infested with
slimy insect pests!
Who will contaminate
the Feet with such foul
offering? Have no
egotism while you serve the people.
Dreams are the
reflection, reaction
and resound
(resonance) of that
which is within you.
The same does not
apply to the dreams
in which Swami
appears. Swami
appears in dreams
only when He wills
it and not when you
want.
Help Ever Hurt Never
God is the Sun and when His rays fall upon your heart, not
impeded by the clouds of egoism, the lotus blooms and the petals
unfold.
Sathya Sai Baba
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Service to Man is Service to GOD
There will always be worry and grief of some type or the other. There is no escaping it, be it in the past or
future; while walking, dreaming or even while sleeping. But by placing faith in the Lord and dedicating
everyday chores and tasks to Him, the effect of these constant worries can fizzle out completely. Here’s how.
One day Narada boasted before Lord Vishnu about how there wasn’t any devotee better than him. But in doing
so he went against the very first qualification of a devotee - freedom from egoism.
So, in order to teach Narada a lesson or two in devotion, Vishnu spoke of a farmer, who was tilling his little
plot of land, as a greater devotee. He even recommended that Narada should visit and learn the art of devotion
from him.
A little humiliated but at the same time curious, Narada proceeded to the farmer’s village. But what he saw
amazed him. The farmer was all the time engrossed in either doing his work on the field, in the cattle shed or
was busy at home.
And in spite of the most vigilant watch, Narada did not hear him utter
the Lord’s name more than thrice a day; once when he woke up from
bed, another time when he took his midday meal and the last when he
retired for the night.
Narada was naturally incensed that he was deemed inferior to this very
poor specimen of a devotee.
While Narada was always singing melodiously the divine stories of the
Lord and spreading everywhere the message of chanting the name of the
Lord, here was a horny-handed son of the soil who remembered the
Lord just three times a day, whom Lord Vishnu judged as being superior to him!
He hurried to heaven, his face flushed with anger and ignominy, but Vishnu only laughed at his plight. In
answer to his anxiety, the Lord gave him a pot full to the brim with water and asked him to carry it on his head
and go round a certain course without spilling even a drop.
Narada did so, but when asked how often he had remembered the Name of the Lord while doing so, he
admitted that in his anxiety to walk without spilling the water, he had forgotten the Name completely.
Vishnu then explained to him that the farmer, who was carrying on his head more precious and more spoilable
burdens than a pot of water and who had to be careful not bring harm to
any of them, must therefore be more admired for remembering the Lord
at least three times a day!
So, even if you remember the Lord with thankfulness at least thrice or
even just twice a day, it is rewarding enough and confers with you with
great peace.
Do not give up your worldly duties, but do them with the Name of God
on your lips, thus inviting the Grace of God upon you.
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Unscramble the letters to find the words in our Easter Anagram.
Life is a game - Play it
Word’s first letter
A-D-E-I-L-N N
A-E-L-O-P-S-S-T A
A-I-O-R-S-V-U S
A-M-N-O-R-S R
C-C-F-I-I-I-N-O-R-U-X C
C-E-E-I-N-O-R-R-R-S-T U R
E-J-S-S-U J
H-N-O-R-S-T T
I-C-H-T-S-R C
S-C-O-R-S C
Answers: Nailed - Apostles - Saviour - Romans - Crucifixion - Resurrection - Jesus - Thorns - Christ - Cross
Good Luck
Prema Swarupulara
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Food is God; Do Not Waste
Continued on Page 6
BLOOD DONATIONS
Blood Donation, one of the major service based activities of the Organisation, was held during the months
of February and March by the Sathya Sai Centres of Surinam (29 January), Tyack (19 March) and Chemin
Grenier (26 March) respectively. 111 pints were collected in Surinam, 111 pints in Tyack, and 195 pints in
Chemin Grenier. Mega Blood donation was held at Ganga Talao by the Organisation on the 01st of January
2017, where over 500 pints were collected.
NARAYANA SEVA - SATHYA SAI
CENTRE OF CHEMIN GRENIER
Narayana Seva was held to the
Barbe Family on 11 March 2017.
The family lives in a precarious
condition. The children go to
school without any food. The
team helped the family with
some basic commodities.
LADIES DAY - SATHYA SAI CENTRE OF CHEMIN GRENIER
On the occasion of Ladies day (19th of every month), the Ladies wing of the Sathya Sai Centre of Chemin
Grenier, pay visit to the residents of the Smt. Foolbasseea Babooram Ashram of Chemin Grenier. A
bhajan session, adored by the residents, is performed, followed by tea and cakes.
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Continued from Page 5
Discipline is the Mark of Intelligent Living
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
The 49th anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius and the 25th year of the Republic of Mauritius were
celebrated on 12 March 2017 at the Smt. Foolbasseea Babooram Ashram, Chemin Grenier. The
programme started with a Human Values walk from La Croisee to the Ashram, followed by the flag
raising ceremony. The programme ended with a cultural show,
comprising of patriotic songs, poems, drama and dances by SSE
students. The ceremony and the mesmerising performance of the
children were heartily appreciated by the residents.
MAHA SHIVARATRI CELEBRATIONS
Maha Shivaratri was celebrated by all Sathya Sai Centres and Groups of the region. Abhishekam (Aka
Chaar Peher Pooja) of the Shiva Lingam were performed at 4 intervals during the night of Shiva, with
prayers starting at 18:00hrs and ending in the early hours of the following day. Special Bhajans and stotras
were chanted to the Lord of destruction.
Continued on Page 7
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
God is All Names & All Forms
UGAADI CELEBRATIONS
Ugaadi was celebrated by all Sathya Sai Centres and Groups of the Region on 29 March 2017. The
celebration included Suprabhaatam, special bhajan and talks on the significance of the festival. On the
day, it is customary to partake “Ugaadi Pacchadi”, which is a mixture of 6 different tastes, namely, sweet,
sour, salt, pungent, spice and bitter. The tastes signify that life is a mixture of happiness, sadness, anger,
disgust, fear and surprise.
SPECIAL TALK BY PROF. ANIL KUMAR KUMARAJU
Prof. Anil Kumar Kumaraju, the famous inspirational speaker, the chosen translator and ardent devotee of
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave a special talk to the devotees of Region 1 and 2 on 22 April 2017 at
the Ramayana Centre, Rose-Belle. He shared his experience of Swami with all.
SAI SYMPHONY BY MUTHU KUMAR
A Sai Symphony was performed by Brother Muthu Kumar at the Ramayan Centre of Rose-Belle on 20
April 2017. The event was very blissful.
Continued from Page 6
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Discipline is the Mark of Intelligent Living
Sai Ram Uncle - First of all, thank you for
accepting to give us an interview for the Sai
Newsletter.
How did you get to know Swami and how did His
teachings help you in your life?
I have known Swami from a book called “Man of
Miracles”, gifted to me by a friend. Then onwards,
I had discovered a whole new dimension that gave
birth to a curiosity in me - the curiosity to learn
what truth was residing in India. His teachings
have helped me throughout my life, in everything I
do. Swami is always who I turn to everytime. He is
always there. His teachings have allowed me to
have a good disciplined way of living.
Can you please share with us the history of the
Sathya Sai Centre of Tyack?
When taking knowledge of who Bhagawan
actually was, we had started performing bhajans
regularly, along with Late Brother Ramdoo. We
first started with a handful number of people
having Satsang in the homes of the different
“members” that we were. With time, as the number
of people increased, we had to shift to a bigger
place in order to accommodate everyone having
the growing interest to know about Bhagawan. We
then moved to the locality's Hindu temple but after
some time, we were told away due to the fact that
some of our devotional songs included lyrics in
praise of Allah, Jesus, Buddha, just to name a few.
As the rivers of time flowed, we were given the
land where the Sathya Sai Centre of Tyack
presently stands today and the rest is history.
How do you find the progress that we have made
down the ages, backed by the advent of Swami’s
era in Mauritius?
Progress was slow, to be honest but it was
constant. Upon the realisation that Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai is, Himself the Avatar of God, different
groups were created and Sathya Sai Centres built
across the country. There were already some
groups in Curepipe and Goodlands but in the
south, Swami Blessed us only later, with groups
settling in Tyack, Surinam, amongst others.
Between the year 1990 to 1995, we were merely
around twenty Sathya Sai Centres but now, we
have so many across the country.
Bearing in mind that the organisation is based on
service activities, although we are working in that
optic, according to you, what more can the
organisation do?
This is very simple - we need to be able to show
our interest for the progress of our Organisation.
We need to be more caring and devoted towards
our own duties. Many people use big words to
impress others but are not able to do anything. We
need people who are responsible and who live up
to their own words. Seva is an important aspect of
our Organisation and needs to be done regularly
and it is in fact a prayer that we do without uttering
God’s name.
Continued on Page 9
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Did you know that the Sathya Sai International
Organisation has a new logo since February 2017?
Did you know that the Sathya Sai International
Organisation has declared the 24th April, the day
Swami left His physical coil, as Human Values Day?
Did you know that the Chairman of the Prasanthi
Council, Sathya Sai International Organisation is Dr.
Narendranath Reddy?
Did you know that the nine-point code of conduct
was not given by Swami? It was thought by one of
His students in a presentation. Swami has given the
ten-fold path to Divinity.
Love All - Serve All
The youth in Mauritius are less and less attracted
to spirituality. Why do you think so and what can
be done to solve it?
We need to meet and talk to people, especially the
youth. Luring them into the organisation in order
to help them through life. Youngsters are tending
to go astray and with the undaunted minds of
theirs, it is easy for so to happen. Bringing them
into the Organisation will be slow yet we should
not lose hope. We are entrusting the future of the
world to them so we need to trust them to become
part of the Organisation. In fact, it seems like there
is no one who has taken a step towards the
youngsters going astray. As a matter of fact, this is
what they want: support from someone who trusts
them. Then, they will feel a sense of belonging and
will be more attracted to spirituality and will want
to join in on their own. Approaching them,
meeting them, talking and telling them about what
truth our Organisation is all about and also about
Human Values are the ways how we will be able to
convince youngsters and the population.
Getting youngsters together - talking to them,
making them have faith using simple methods like
Naamasmaranam, singing of His glory and doing
Seva. One has no need to detach himself from the
mundane and retreating to the forest.
As one treads on the path of spirituality, no one
and nothing will be able to lure one out of
spirituality. Like the magnet that attracts metals,
one must become the gold that cannot be attracted
by magnets.
Interview Conducted by Brother Milan Sydamah
Continued from Page 8
"Serve The Planet" (STP) is a young adults led initiative that was launched in
October 2013, as a global public outreach service project of the Sathya Sai
International Organisation (SSIO). Since then, it has evolved and now seeks to
engage members of the organisation and the community in practising Sathya Sai
Baba’s message on Ceiling on Desires and caring for our environment.
The theme for STP for 2017 is ‘Protect the Planet’.
More information available on https://www.sathyasai.org/ya/serve-the-planet-2017
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
A s a precursor to the celebration of the Sacred
Day of Advent, in honour of and to recognise the
contribution of women, Beloved Mother Sai
declared 19th November to be respectfully and
joyfully observed as Ladies Day. This is a tribute to
all feminine beings in creation, winged, finned,
four and two legged. May they know in some
unique way that their presence and essence is being
appreciated and applauded.
Women are the makers of the home, the nation and
the world – Baba
Creation and Creativity - Man and Woman are so
created to complement
each other. In
alignment, each has
their function to
perform and while
doing so rhythmically,
in resonance with the
Divine Plan, together
they form a whole. To
build something one
needs a sturdy foundation. Then on, to support any
structure one requires powerful pillars. That
foundation that support that power of creation and
creativity has been bestowed upon every
woman. She embodies infinity, she characterises
eternal qualities and exuding all this positively, she
quite compellingly impacts eternity.
There is nothing in this world that women cannot
achieve – Baba
A society is made up of innumerable individuals,
families, people from different walks of life - an
intermingling of colours and flavours, strata and
status, faiths, views, beliefs, cultures and
economics ever so diverse. Doesn’t it all need a
binding thread? And much more significantly,
don’t these individuals have their origin in the
womb of a woman? Ethics is what makes a society
thrive and a woman of quality who believes in
equality has it in her to uphold and make these
ethics come alive.
Only if the women come up in society, the whole
world will turn sacred – Baba
A woman is born to play myriad roles: a daughter, a
sister, a friend, a wife - integrating acts which
continue on even after marriage while cementing
new associations, and even as she plays out these
roles she constantly exudes the highest undertaking
– that of a Mother. Whether she goes on to have a
child or not, every woman is a born mother, her
mission intrinsically is that of a mother, a tender
caregiver. She is blessed with many hidden facets
along with a natural
flair for compassion,
care, concern, nursing,
making amends, giving,
forgiving, bringing
together, blending, and
harmonizing. She
simply needs to be
mindful, centred and
receptive and tune in as
she experiences this adventurous expedition called
LIFE.
As a daughter she puts her parents on a pedestal,
reveres them, yet, gives gentle guidance whenever
necessary. As a sister, friend, colleague, teacher she
will not hesitate to step in, once again channelizing
righteousness.
However, what about her role as a Mother? Upon
the female of any species, whether amongst the
animal, winged and aquatic or humankind, lies the
singular onus of rearing the newly born. Most often,
especially in all other species, she patiently rears
the young ones all on her own – protecting,
nourishing, nurturing, freeing. Freeing subtly,
gently, firmly refers to demonstrating, drilling,
inculcating ‘Life Skills’.
Truth is God, Speak The Truth
Continued on Page 11
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
In the animal kingdom, in their natural wild habitat, these skills
take on a different meaning altogether from what it denotes in the
more complex kingdom of man. Deep is the innate responsibility
of the woman, of the human mother, to inculcate moral codes,
basic principles and behavioural conducts. Children are not only
the future citizens of the globe, but they are the inheritors of all
the natural resources, the vast mineral wealth, the magnificent
hills and lush plains, the grand glaciers, refreshing rivers and
gushing streams, the surging seas and mysterious oceans, the
dense forests, the exotic flora and wondrous fauna, and as such
they grow up to become the custodians of all the abundance, the
keepers of Mother Earth.
Intuitively keeping in focus this salient truth, women as mothers,
aunts, grandmothers not only do all they can to promote the
physical wellbeing of their children but they foster the mental,
emotional, psychological and spiritual progress too, equipping
them with ethics that will regulate the flow of their conscience,
consciousness and overall growth.
Women embody the aspect of Mother Nature and the ancient sages found solutions to problems in life by
recognising this truth – Baba
Woman and Poise - When there is accord between the heart and the mind there is an inner harmony. The world is
raging with unrest for the poise within is lost. Desires and greed are drawing, dragging, and clasping humans and
humanity into the dark fathomless maelstrom of no return. It is imperative that a balance be restored and a vital
equilibrium maintained. The world needs beautiful minds. The inherent feminine qualities need to come to the
rescue. Outer beauty is of no worth if not accompanied by a beautiful mind ensuring not only positive thoughts,
words and deeds but a synchronicity between them.
Women are the heirs of our ancient culture. Culture means refinement.
Women are the torch-bearers of refinement and they are toiling for the emancipation of the nation – Baba
Woman and Love - Temperatures are soaring, rivers are going dry leaving the soil ever so arid, for there is no love
left in the human heart. Women are naturally conditioned to love unconditionally for that is their inborn motherly
instinct. They excel at it. As mothers, they are the first guru, guide and teacher of their children assisting them to
consciously be aware, beware of unfavourable influences, trust the inner voice and evolve. This process of learning
all things wise and wonderful, of loving and being exposed to the human values of Sathya, Dharma, Prema, Shanti,
Ahimsa…of loving selflessly begins in the womb itself.
Women have satvaguna in ample measure. They are by nature helpful, tender, compassionate, humble and trustful –
Baba
Woman and Values - Essentially a woman is a reservoir of goodness. She is the backbone of her family and she
quite logically extends this ‘family’ kindred sentiment to not only include in a micro way the society she lives in, but
goes on to, in a macro way, extend her ‘TLC’, her know and knowledge, her tending abilities to envelope the vaster
global civilization in a true spirit of oneness. In her was placed the womb, a foundation for the human race, in
likeness to the Cosmic Womb – the genesis of creation.
God First; The World Next; Myself Last
Continued from Page 10
Continued on Page 12
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
Be Good - Do Good - See Good
The womb of mother symbolizes mother earth – Baba
The Feminine Soul is eternally grateful for having being chosen for this role of bringing forth individuals of
steadfast substance exuding the essential essence of ethics that forms the basis for a principled progress as well as a
peaceful coexistence. A woman who understands the depth of this privilege puts her heart to her task sincerely,
while passionately wooing the values and safeguarding a lifelong alliance with them. Per se, reverentially, she
knows herself to be profoundly linked to all in the feminine sphere, the echelons in the ‘Motherly Hierarchy’…
Divine Mother of the Universe, Mother Nature, Mother Earth, Mothers of varied species, wherein the focal point,
the spotlight is always away from the self and focussed towards the cultivation of selfless attributes, enhancing
patience, tolerance, forgiveness and unconditional giving - sustaining it all and wholesomely surviving.
In the human species this feminine aspect is called – Woman. And, in her has been placed the courage, capacity,
capability and competence to value all life, to value living, to value values, to value ethical progress ultimately
advancing towards a higher way of thinking, existing and being.
Primarily, pre-eminently, quite vitally a woman values being a woman! Thus, a woman having found her own place
of value under the Sun is untiringly committed to relentlessly be the pillar of a value based society.
That is how the Universe blessed her to be.
Dharma can be made to occupy its position in society and restored to its pristine glory only by women – Baba
Continued from Page 11
T he Sai family is very grieved by the loss of late brother Ashik Choolun, husband
of Sister Ekta, Bhajan Coordinator, and father of Sister Shiksha, Youth Coordinator,
both of Sathya Sai Centre of Chemin Grenier, who passed away on 22 March 2017.
The Sathya Sai Centre of Chemin Grenier is very grateful to him for all his esteemed
contribution, without forgetting his valuable assistance and help for the recent human
values walk and blood donation. Wherever he is, with the grace of our Beloved
Swami, may his soul rests in peace.
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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017
REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF SAVANNE (Region 1)
Phone: +230 5 771 2875
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.saibabamauritius.org/region/savanne
Facebook: Region 1 Savanne - Sathya Sai International Organisation
Mauritius
God is Love, Peace & Strength
T he Regional Committee
of Savanne thanks all
devotees for their help and
support. Should you have any
queries, please do not hesitate
to contact the team. You can
also send your articles to the
Newsletter team on the e-mail
address provided.
CONGRATULATIONS
On 12 February 2017, Brother Ashwin Lochun, the Savanne Regional Devotion
Coordinator and President of the Sathya Sai Group of Bois Cheri, and Sister Neelam
Raginee Seewoochursing, from d’Epinay, got engaged. The Regional Committee of
Savanne wishes both Sai devotees good luck for their future endeavour.
BHAJAN
Manasa Bhaja Rey Guru Charanam
Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam
Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai
Sai Natha Sad Guru Jai Jai
Om Namah Shivaya Om Nama Shivaya
Om Namah Shivaya Shivaya Namah Om
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva
Arunachala Shiva Aruna Shiva Om
Omkaram Bhava Omkaram Bhava
Omkaram Bhava Om Namo Baba
O Mind, without worshiping the Lotus Feet of Guru
Sai Natha, it is not possible to cross the ocean of
life and death. Victory to the Noble Teacher, Lord
Sai Natha. Chant "Om Namah Shivaya". Chant the
name of Lord Shiva, Who resides in Arunachala (a
sacred mountain in Southern India associated with
Lord Shiva). Chant the name of Lord Baba, Whose
form is Om.
STOTRA
OM SAAYEESHVARAAYA VIDHMAHE
SATHYA DHEVAAYA DHEEMAHI
THANNASSARVAH PRACHODAYAATH
“I know through Gurus and Shastras (and by direct
experience) that Sai is God Himself: He is
Bhagavan and Iswara. I meditate on this form in my
heart with all my mental faculties. He is the
embodiment of truth, divinity, universal
consciousness and one who pervades all the worlds.
I pray to such a Sai Parameswar to direct our
intellects to engage in auspicious and righteous
activities. I meditate on this great form”.
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