Pure Bhakti!

Aum Sairam

Pure bhakti generates absolute faith and faith leads to complete surrender. The joy of surrender is unique. It can only be experienced and not talked about. Blessed is the devotee who has acquired it through the grace of Baba. No treasure in the world, not even knowledge, can match it. If one is a bhakta and some unpleasant happening takes place in life which he attributes to Baba saying that while Baba was there, how could such a thing happen to him and consequently gives up his devotion to Baba, take it for certain that this person is not a true bhakta. He was merely bartering his bhakti with Baba's Grace. A true devotee will not, even in his dream, attribute this happening to Baba, what to talk of giving up his faith in Him. He would accept it a result of his 'Prarabdha'.

Experiences show that intellectual endeavors, howsoever potent and mighty they may seem, have not catapulted or thrown or raised any human being to spiritual heights. History shows that the highest spiritual masters are those who were uneducated in formal sense. For example, Ramkrishna Paramhans, Shri Shirdi Sai, Namdev, Tukaram, Paltu Maharaj etc. It obviously means that there is something self limited in the intellectualism in the path of spiritual progress. All that the spiritual masters learnt in their life and spread among others is Bhakti or devotion. Bhakti means love of God. Since God is not sitting in a throne like an individual, therefore, how to love Him. The answer is that God is in everyone and if one has the capacity to love others, he is doing real devotion. Even doing all the worship, yoga, pranayam (breath control) etc., for one's own improvement is not Bhakti. It is one activity for fulfilling spiritual/occult ambition like any other ambition.

People in the path of devotion develop certain qualities that manifest in their daily life activities. They become humble, sacrificing, more universal and sensitive to the pain of others. They love Sri Sai Baba and flow in that stream unknowingly carrying along with them all those come in their contact. They don't try to pray to Sri Sai Baba for the fulfillment of any material requirements. Baba has a role to play to lead them ultimately to the correct path and correct goal. They have nothing to prove and, therefore, do not allow ego to assert itself. This is the correct path towards Sri Sai Baba

Allah Malik

GURU PURNIMA

Aum Sairam

The Full Moon day in the month of Ashad [July-August] is an extremely auspicious and holy day of Guru Purnima. On this day, sacred to the memory of the great sage, Bhagwan Shri Vyasa.

Shri Vyasa has done unforgettable service to humanity for all times by editing the four Vedas, writing the eighteen puranas, the Mahabharata and the Shrimad Bhagavata. We can only repay the deep debt of gratitude we owe him, by constant study of his works and practice of his teachings imparted for the regeneration of humanity.

In honor of this divine personage, all spiritual aspirants and devotees perform Vyasa Puja on this day, and disciples worship their spiritual preceptor.

The Srutis say: "To that high-souled aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose devotion to his Guru is as great as that to the lord, the secrets explained herein become illuminated". Guru is Brahman, the Absolute, or God Himself. He guides and inspires you from the innermost core of your being. He is everywhere. Have a new angle of vision. Behold the entire universe as the form of the Guru. See the guiding hand, the awakening voice, the illuminating touch of the Guru in every object in this creation. The whole world will now stand transformed before your changed vision. The world as Guru will reveal all the precious secrets of life to you, and bestow wisdom upon you. The supreme Guru, as manifested in visible nature, will teach you the most valuable lessons of life.

Become a personification of receptivity. Empty yourself of your petty ego. All the treasures locked up in the bosom of nature will become yours. You will progress and attain perfection in an amazingly short time.

The moon shines by reflecting the dazzling light of the sun. It is the full moon on the Purnima day that reflects in full splendor the glorious light of the sun. It glorifies the sun.

“The Guru's form should be meditated upon; the feet of the Guru should be worshiped; his words are to be treated as a sacred mantra; his Grace ensures final liberation".

Take fresh resolves on this holy day, to tread the spiritual path in accordance with the precepts of your Guru.

At night, assemble again with other devotees, and sing the Names of the Lord and the glories of your Guru.

The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his teachings, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and his message.

Allah Malik

Baba’s Day [Baba's Nectar-like Words]

Aum Sairam

May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Success, Happiness And Joy.

The kind and merciful Sri Sai Baba said many a time the following sweet words in the Masjid: "He who loves Me most always sees Me. The whole world is desolate to him without Me, he who tells no stories but Mine; he ceaselessly meditates upon Me and always chants My name. I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me, and ever remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvation [self-realization]. I am dependent on him, who thinks and hungers after Me and who does not eat anything, without first offering it to Me. He who thus comes to Me, becomes one with Me, just as a river gets to the sea and becomes merged [one] with it. So, leaving out pride and egoism and with no trace of them, you should surrender yourself to Me, Who is seated in your heart."

Who is this ME?

Sri Sai Baba expounded many a time who this ME [or I] is. He said, "You need not go far in search of Me. 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. Knowing this, you see Me inside yourself, as well as in all beings. If you practice this, you will realize all-pervasiveness, and thus attain oneness with Me."

We should love and respect all Gods, Saints and Devotees. Has not Sri Sai Baba often Said, "He, who carps and cavils at others, pierces Me in the heart and injures Me, but he that suffers and endures, pleases Me most." Sri Sai Baba thus pervades all beings and creatures. He likes nothing but love to all beings. Such nectar, pure auspicious ambrosia always flowed from Sri Sai Baba's lips, He, therefore, concludes those who lovingly sing Sri Sai Baba's fame and those who hear the same with devotion, both become one with Sri Sai Baba.

Allah Malik

To Overcome Negative Experiences

Aum Sairam

In his later role as a Sufi Master Sri Sai Baba encouraged his visitors to practice repentance, to turn away from the life they had been living, and to practice devotion to God in whatever form they chose. He admonished his devotees to give up bad habits such as addiction to liquor, and exhorted that negative qualities such as caste rivalry, pride of learning, greed, etc. should not be harbored. In answer to a devotee's question concerning worldly activities, Sri Sai Baba observed

The Shadripus [the six enemies - lust, anger, covetousness, delusion, pride and jealousy] are all delusive. They make the unreal appear as real. If a rich man wears a gold ornament, the poor man gets jealous, and thinks he must have one. This is greed. All are like this. So one must conquer the six enemies. If they are conquered, waves of passion will not arise. Else they will enslave you. If they are subordinated and reason made the commandant, then the delusive pleasures and pains will no longer hold sway over you.

Commenting to Nana Chandorkar, he said that of this jealousy is the easiest to conquer:

Jealousy is the inability to endure another's profit and prosperity. If another gets fortune or power, we cannot put up with it, we scandalize him. When he meets with loss, we rejoice. But is this good? When that man attains prosperity, what loss have we really suffered? But people do not consider this point of view. If he attains good let us rejoice; let us attain or strive to attain equal good. That should be our desire and determination.

One technique, which Sri Sai Baba enjoined for overcoming such negative experiences, was to repeat the name of God. He said: "if others hate us, let us simply take to recitation of the names of God and avoid them."

Allah Malik

The Thread of Life

Aum Sairam

1 - Humankind has not woven the web of life.

2 - We are but one thread with in it.

3 - What ever we do to this web, we do to ourselves

4 - All things are bound together

5 - All things connect

6 - Don't ever stop dreaming your dreams; they're a very essential part of you.

7 - Do whatever you can to make them a reality by the course you take, the plans you make, and all the things you do.

8 - Don't dwell on past mistakes; leave yesterday behind you …. Along with any of its problems, worries, and doubts.

9 - Do realize you can't change the past, but just ahead is the future …. And you can do something about that.

10 - Don't try to accomplish everything at once; life can be difficult enough …. Without adding frustration to the list.

11 - Do travel one step at a time, and reach for one goal at a time.

12 - That's the way to find out what real accomplishment is.

13 - Don't be afraid to do the impossible, even if others don't think you'll succeed.

14 - Do remember that history is filled with incredible accomplishments of those who were foolish enough …. To believe.

15 - Don't forget that there are so many things that are wonderful, rare, and unique about you.

16 - And do remember that if you can search within and find a smile …. That smile will always be a reflection of the way people feel .... About You!!

17 - Go outside tonight

18 - Go look at the stars ….

See how wonderful God's creation is. SO ARE YOU.

Allah Malik

Only a Few Remain

Aum Sairam

Damu Anna had a question in mind. There are so many crowding to Sri Sai Baba. Do they all get benefit from Him? Sri Sai Baba replied lovingly, look at the mango tree in blossom. If all the flowers brought fruit, what a splendid crop it would be. But, do they? Most fall off either as flowers or unripe fruits. Very few remain.

Yes, only a very few remain. It is said that resorting to Guru is a big fortune. Those who are at least to a little extent drawn towards Guru must consider themselves very fortunate. However, spirituality when viewed as a pursuit of intangible rewards renders the material minded to yield to the gravity of the mundane riches. If Sri Sai Baba is seen as only a source that does miracles and will help in crisis, the very foundation of spirituality is rattled. Understanding the karmic cycle and its effects on our lives must be an important aspect of spiritual growth. A true yearning must in fact make one realize that this cycle affects only the physical being and the soul is untouched by karma. Sri Sai Baba said, "The body may disease, but the soul has to be kept clean".

Even for those, who completely realize the above truth, the realization evades in the ups and falls of the real world, a myth. Is spiritual pursuit difficult? Perhaps not, if one realizes the natural tendency of the physical self and its orientation towards the sensual. Sadhana may not be that difficult if we realize what makes the most of the blossom wither away. Sadhana may not be that difficult if the taste of its fruits is felt, even remotely. Sadhana may not be that difficult when the loving Guru takes ten steps towards us, if we take a step towards Him. Our heads may be turned away now, but let our feet lead the way. Let us be the very few that remain.

Allah Malik

Ankor Dham Vishnu Temple, Combodia.

ANKOR DHAM IS THE ANCIENT VISHNU TEMPLE,
LOCATED BESIDE KSHEER SAGAR IN MODERN DAY COMBODIA.

JOY THE ESSENCE OF ALL

Aum Sairam

It is always our tendency to be elated when there is pleasure and dejected when there are calamities. We run to God if we suffer, but when there is pleasure, we are lost in the objects of pleasure, these however who know the sacred art of maintaining their balance in pleasure or pain always remain in that eternal joy. Who is there who has not his share of suffering? How to react to suffering depends on us. Saints, with their equanimity advise us in many ways how our reaction to the outward challenges should be. Humility and Joy always go together. “One who is humble to all, contains the 'Endless' within him “says Saint Tukaram. Really, the essence of bliss lies in humbleness. But we deprive ourselves of this joy when we are impatient, greedy, and proud and puffed up, susceptible to fits of anger, narrow minded and are concerned with the immediate selfish interests. Sri Sai advised all about keeping 'patience'. SABURI the patience is so aptly advised by him. This patience is evident in our daily life if we are having endurance, forbearance, tolerance, forgiveness, inward strength. This patience is the essence of the most important sadhana, i.e. Viveka, or discrimination. Inner strength is a friend not only in difficulty but also in happiness and pleasure. In order to understand the nature and structure of saburi, the patience, we must always remember our eternal nature of joyousness. We lose the sight of this essential joyous nature of our soul and try to find it in ephemeral objects. He, who does not lose sight of this joyousness, is fearless, without which joy has no place in life. Joy is the alpha and omega of all virtues. In our daily life, this joy is evident as contentment. Not to allow this joy to be disturbed is real meditation, the real turning inwards. As God is joy, so we as souls are joy-His eternal indivisible parts. There is joy everywhere. This permeating joy is expressed by saints in their sacred words. It is for us to realize it in ourselves as well as others.

Allah Malik

Knowledge of Detachment

Aum Sairam

It is often understood that viveka or the knowledge is the instrument, which breaks open many doubts in a human. Petals of doubts blossom automatically when the rays of viveka touches these petals. Vairagya is nothing but the detachment comes to a human one who realizes the reality of life. Not all know that there exists an element of viveka in one's self but when surrendered to a Guru, this viveka tries to grow and enables one to understand the existence of some super power that creates, protects and even destroys. Knowledge is not always taught but it is built in every individual

The Lord is a professional chartered accountant who balances the books of account of this world. When there is truth, there should be a false or a lie. When there is a sun, there should be a moon and when there is good, there should be bad. Likewise when there is viveka there should be vairagya because viveka or the knowledge is the engine that is followed by a compartment of detachment. When attached to the viveka, the detachment or the vairagya is understood. We should surrender at the lotus feet of Sri Sai with this viveka so that may He bestow us the vairagya, the detachment from the materialistic world so that we always remember Him and His glories.

Allah Malik

How is Guru Found?

Aum Sairam

God, who is immanent, in His grace takes pity on the loving devotee and manifests Himself according to the devotee's development. The devotee thinks that He is a man and expects a relationship as between two physical bodies. But the Guru, who is God or the self incarnate, works from within, helps the man to see the error of his ways and guides him in the right path until he realizes the self within.

Devotee has only to act up to the words of the master and work within. The Master is both 'within' and 'without', so He creates conditions to drive you inward and at the same time prepares the 'interior' to drag you to the center. Thus He gives a push from 'without' and exerts a pull from 'within', so that you may be fixed at the center. You think that the world can be conquered by your own efforts. When you are frustrated externally and are driven inwards, you feel 'Oh! There is a power higher than man!' The ego is like a very powerful elephant which cannot be brought under control by any less powerful than a lion, which, in this instance, is no other than the Guru, whose very look makes the elephant like ego tremble and die. You will know in due course that your glory lies where you cease to exist. In order to gain that state, you should surrender yourself. Then the Master sees that you are in a fit state to receive guidance, and He guides you.

Allah Malik

Thursday Message - Human Pride vs. Divine Pride

Aum Sairam

May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Success, Happiness And Joy.

Human pride feels that we can do everything. Divine pride, the pride that has surrendered itself to the will of Sri Sai Baba, knows that we can do everything only when we are inspired, guided and helped by Him.

Human pride wants the world to understand us, our love, our help and our sacrifice. Divine pride, which is the feeling of oneness with all in God, does not wish the world to understand our selfless activities. It feels that if Sri Sai Baba understands us and knows our motives, then there can be no greater reward.

Human pride drinks the hot water of life - sufferings, struggles and doubts - without a spoon. The result is that our tongue gets badly burnt. Our divine pride drinks the same hot water, infinitely more in quantity, but it uses a spoon to drink with, so we suffer not. This spoon is the spoon of liberation, freed from the shackles of ignorance.

Human pride is afraid of saying and ashamed of doing many things. Our divine pride is not afraid of saying and not ashamed of doing anything, for it knows that Sri Sai Baba is at once the Doer and the action. Who am I to be afraid of? What am I to be ashamed of?

When we say that Sri Sai Baba is mine and we can use Him at our sweet will, we harbor human pride. But when we say that we are Sri Sai Baba's, and our very existence is at His Behest and at His lotus feet, we cherish divine pride.

Allah Malik

Unseen Miracles

Aum Sairam

Behind every prayer and parayan there lies a desire, the quest for a miracle. Nice are those experiences where the seeker gets what he desires. It is the experiences of several devotees to receive the good news, from seemingly nowhere, beyond the logic, at the end of a sincere prayer. What of those who do not see the light at the end of the tunnel? Did Sri Sai Baba not hear them? Are those prayers not sincere?

A prayer is always sincere. The mere thought of surrendering our ego, even for a moment, at the feet of Sri Sadguru and invoking His grace to the betterment of our existence is a significant step. However, not being able to receive the expected or wanted may not construe as a failure.

It does help one to know why the prayers aren't answered always. Why is that Sri Sai Baba withholds His miracles, seemingly to a few unfortunate ones? A careful analysis may help our little minds to some extent. Next time, if our prayers are unanswered, let us remember those occasions carefully and move on. Let our faith be doubled and let our love to Sri Sainath is unchanged. It will be revealed later, that the prayers that were unanswered were a part of a much bigger plan. It will be known that, what happened is in our best interests. It will also be known that it may not be dealing between Sri Sai Baba and the self, but a part of a grander revelation. Seek my treasure. My coffers are open, said Sri Sai Baba. The best miracles are the ones that are unseen.

Allah Malik

Sai-Our Super hero Aum Sairam

“ We always have a choice so be the best of yourself and always chose the right. Always remember with great powers come great responsibilities”-Spiderman-

I am inspired to write this after watching Spiderman 3. Superheroes fight super villains.

Our Sai Baba has been fighting the devil, who corrupts the human mind, for many years now. And we have been given the superpower of our intellect which if used judiciouslyCan lead us to salvation, with Baba’s blessings.

It was this devil in the form of a serpent that was responsible for the Original Sin and seduced Eve into convincing Adam (The first humans) to taste the Forbidden Fruit in spite of Lord’s order to do otherwise.

And the result of that Sin is in front of our eyes but Sai has decided to take the side of humans and save them.

I bow infinite times at the Lotus Feet of this Infinite power that has been saving us from the results of such sins.

I have made you my friend Sai now please teach me the value of true friendship.

May Truth Prevail.

SRI SAI BABA OF SHIRDI --- The Matchless Saint

Aum Sairam

Sri Sai Baba, one of the foremost saints of modern India, lived in the small village of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra. Due to his presence there even after his Samadhi, today the small village has transformed itself as a great spiritual center to people from all religions.

Sri Sai Baba, in spite of his great spiritual stature, never publicized himself through discoursing, touring and preaching, unlike today’s many so called saints. Rather, he discouraged unnecessary publicity. But still, his spiritual perfection is still drawing innumerable devotees to him from all over the world.

Even after his Samadhi in 1918, Sri Sai Baba still continues to be a dynamic spiritual force which invokes countless devotees for their spiritual and material progress.

Sri Sai Baba did never reveal his original name, time and place of birth, especially his religion and caste, and even the names of his parents. Through this, he has emerged as a solution to all the religious and communal differences that are destroying the world today. He preaches that God is Almighty and he has given all the souls on earth equal opportunity to reach him, whichever is the religion they belong to. ‘Sri Sai Baba’ is the name given to him by his first devotee, Bhagat Mahalsapati – ‘Sai’ means ‘Saint’ and ‘Baba’ means ‘Father’. The name is just an expression of love, reverence and devotion.

Sri Sai Baba never discriminated between the rich and the poor. He was equally indifferent to honor or dishonor shown to him by the people. He used to utter the name of ‘Allah’ frequently.

All religious scriptures spell that any spiritual quest does not fulfill without a proper guide or Sadguru. Sri Sai Baba has led many seekers as a Sadguru towards spiritual progress. These seekers are either drawn to him by himself or by other saints and deities.

All religions preach that God is Almighty and He is omnipresent. The omnipresence of God is clearly manifested in the various experiences that Sri Sai Baba has given to his devotees anywhere, anytime. He once said, “He who thinks that I am only at Shirdi has never known me. I am omnipresent anywhere, everywhere, all the time and in all creation. I am at Shirdi and everywhere. I am formless and everywhere! I am everything and beyond. The entire Universe is in Me. Wherever you see, whatever you see, and I am there.” He not only preached this, but he demonstrated the truth through his deeds (Leela's).

The spiritual perfection of a Sadguru consists in realizing his essential identity with the One Spirit of all Existence [God Almighty]. Sri Sai Baba, the Perfect Master, has demonstrated that he is in all Gods of all religions, the various Gods in Hindu religion, the Allah and the Christ.

The omnipresence of Sri Sai Baba demonstrated that he knows everything that has happened, happening and will happen in the lives of all creatures in the world. In addition to this, he also demonstrated that omnipresence of God is also manifested in the non-living things. This provides an effective check on the evil propensities of devotees. But still, he always said, “I am the slave of God”; “Allah Malik”.

Shri Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi once said that contact with the Sadguru continues even after his physical death. The tomb of Sri Sai Baba [Samadhi] today is speaking to and leading his devotees towards spiritual perfection.

Sri Sai Baba promises that he will lead his devotees both materially and spiritually if they simply remember his omnipresence always in everything they do and in everybody. Study of life histories of Saints - Mainly Life history of Sri Sai Baba; Previous Incarnations of Lord Dattatreya; Life histories of other saints, Prescribed religious and spiritual scriptures, remembering his holy deeds [leela's], coupled with meditation and prayer helps the devotees to do so.

All the mystics of the world and all saints have declared that the immediate presence of a realized sage is one of the most potent forces in the spiritual advancement of Sadhak or the seeker. Contact with them induces in us inner peace and purity, restores our sense of values, wipes out illusory allurements of the senses and turns us towards spirit with renewed vigor. Besides, when approached in a proper manner, they can enable us to realize that all the saints are one in essence.

So let us all follow the great saint of today, the greatest of the great, Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi and make ourselves better and better human beings. Through his guidance, let us all try to make this world a better place to live in for ourselves and fellow human beings by shedding off the ill-lead religious and communal differences. Lets all follow him to shape ourselves as the most lovable children of God.

Allah Malik

Best Qualities of True Disciple

Aum Sairam

A true disciple is one whose mind is always fixed on the feet of the Lord wherever he is placed. A person can never be termed as a devotee if he is wearing a saffron robe or counts beads constantly if his mind is attached to materialistic things. The application of vibhuti on forehead or loud repetition of God's name or keeping this scripture nearly is no sign of a disciple.

When one comes in the refuge of the great Guru of the time, one learns about the ways and means of combating the various obstacles at every step and is thus saved from the onslaught of the mind. The path then becomes very simple and the seeker forges ahead dauntlessly. The Guru then takes his devoted seeker to the journey of the soul after initiating him. Devotee should have some Sentiments within him.

Some of the sentiments or what we can term them as best qualities are

Acceptance – Faith - Complete Surrender - Constant Remembrance - Unbroken Love and Devotion

However, to strengthen these five best qualities or sentiments Gurus out of limitless mercy and grace has prescribed five rules, which are important for every Devotee. Whosoever follows these five principles definitely evokes his grace in abundance.

Five Rules are

Prayers and Worship - Selfless Services - True Association – Meditation - Divine Vision

Only by devotion to guru can the mind be cleaned and purified and made to only by devotion to Guru can the mind be cleaned and purified and made to behold the radiance of the lord, who is perfectly pure and spotless. Blessed is he who finds a perfect spiritual guru and receiving initiation from him, follows his instructions with unquestioning faith. God appears with full radiance in such a devoted soul, and enlightening his entire life and hereby taking devotee to his life's destination salvation.

Allah Malik

Sri Sai Tatva [Philosophy]

Aum Sairam

It is said that life is a journey through the waters, sometimes difficult, sometimes not so difficult. The guidance of the Master is essential for the successful completion of the journey. The sail of Guru’s constant remembrance is very essential for crossing the mundane sea.

When things go astray in the material aspects of our lives, we are reminded of the consequences in several ways. The causes may range from habitual rash judgments to one time ego driven decisions. The results of such actions range from subtle reminders to change our course of actions to a major shake-up forcing the very direction of our lives. A person with a habit injurious to the physical self will wake up to the reality of ill health at a later stage. Craving for riches and attempts to possess them through short cut will be jolted by the ensuing financial calamity. Yet, the power of myth is such, most fall a victim to its peril. One may ask himself an important and curious question. What would be an indication of a spiritually fallen? Are there any signs that would caution a spiritual aspirant of such pathos? Well, it turns out that there may not be any such indication.

Man is spiritual by nature. Firmly believing in this should naturally convince the self to give utmost importance to the means through which such a self is realized. Great souls of our times like Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Shri Ramana Maharshi were fortunate to realize this at the right time and more importantly, pertinent enough to pursue it. As long as one ascribes spiritual pursuit to a separate path parallel to the material life, this can not be achieved. It should be convinced that spiritual self is the ultimate truth that is magnificent and the material, just trivial. Fortunate are those who cling to Sri Sai tatva [philosophy] for this is an easy way, constant and consistent remembrance of Sri Sai, the easiest path.

Allah Malik

Welcome to the Machine

Aum Sairam

That was a song in the Pink Floyd album ‘Wish you were here’ that I have just now understood.(With the help of mechanical beats of Letfield in his album ‘Rhythm and stealth’.)

“Without Sai we are mere machines and with advent of kalyuga we have entered the Machine age.”

With Heart pumping blood and mind focused on earning, mating, food and sleep. The only advantage or rather disadvantage being we are equipped with organs to take care of ourselves.

No Divinity. No Sai.Mere machines.

And the possible future rule of the machines is no figment of imagination. We have already started becoming their slaves. And that’s deserving for nothing happens without reason. If you don’t have time to remember or even say thanks to your Creator Sai, then be like the machines you make. On your own. No Heaven to look up to.

After the four yugas its time for Pralay(Utter and complete destruction initiated by the opening of the Third Eye of Lord Shiva). For there is no hope left after Kalyuga.

But this time it’s different for Sai Baba Has decided to save humanity from the effect of Kali and that’s why He has taken Avtar in Kalyuga. He has not deserted us as his work is still incomplete. This time there will be no Pralay. The Third Eye will open to bless because with the grace of Sai we will enter the Golden Age. There will again be Satyuga and that will be Sai’s ultimate victory and after spreading His message of love He will finally be able to rest his bones. Such is the magnanimity of His Task. I bow Infinite times at the feet of such Sadguru and all His soldiers.

Sabka Malik Ek

There Should Be No Attraction

Aum Sairam

Baba said, "Let all the senses and mind be ever devoted to the worship of the Lord, let there be no attraction for any other thing" in Shri Sai Satcharitra Chapter VI.

Do not pride yourself on your spiritual practices. Devote yourself heart and soul to meditation and repetition of His name as a behest from His sake, but do not allow any sense of your being a spiritual sadhak to enter your mind.

Have firm faith in God. The more you acquire this faith, the nearer you will come to God. Faith in God is the only strength of true devotee. Surrendering themselves completely to God, they spend their life only in His remembrance.

The more your faith grows the more vivid will be your vision of Divine Grace.

Remember; there is no one as benevolent, kind and loving as God and no one can stand comparison with Him in beauty and glory. He is your constant companion. He is always ready with outstretched arms to press you to His bosom.

All that you see in this world belongs to Him; not only that, it is He who has assumed all these form. Whatever is happening before you is nothing but his pastime. He is sporting with Himself.

This mystery will remain a sealed book to you so long as you do not surrender yourself completely to Him. Giving up all pride and self-esteem take shelter under Him, have unshakable faith in His grace and, renouncing all fear and anxiety, offer everything at the altar of His feet.

Keep your mind engaged in His thought. Gladly accept whatever He may be pleased to ordain for you; carry out willingly all His behest and placing your absolute reliance upon Him give up the very tendency to ask for boons and gifts.

To ask from Him is to be a loser. For, our own intellect can never consider our interest as deeply as He, who is our greatest friend and well-wisher.

Allah Malik

Sai The Omnipresent

Aum Sairam

Sai is the hidden power inside every atom
The building block, the power of creation
Present inside everything living or non-living
So powerful yet so loving and forgiving

He is the writer producer director of our lives
We are the puppets and He is the wire-puller
The dawn breaks at His command
And the night falls as His fingers snap

We only breathe as long as He wills
If He so wishes this universe will be still
He is the momentum behind every movement
Present everywhere in between the sky and the pavement

My heart chants Sai Sai Sai in praise
As the mind is amazed
Trying to comprehend
The Invisible The Omnipresent.

Sabka Malik Ek

Myriads of Meanings

Aum Sairam

There are certain Specific sayings in Vedanta teachings. The purpose of them is manifold. One of the purposes is to challenge the logic of the ego. They create good food for thought. In the process of inquiry into these sayings, one comes to know the necessity of the way to reach beyond human intellect.

In Shri Sai Satcharitra, Sri Sai Baba asks us to see Him in every living being one encounters in daily living. Some times, when one meets difficult personalities to get along with, the teaching becomes a challenge to practice at ordinary level. It makes one to question to know the real meaning behind it. It starts to change the perspective of things one looks at. The teaching helps one to see beyond the superficial appearances. They cut down the anger or resentment feelings towards the seemingly difficult person or situation by making one to remember the presence of the beloved Sri Sai Baba in everyone. Every teaching of Sri Sai Baba is impregnated with myriads of meanings. The teachings are for everyone. The teachings are not theoretical or abstract. They are about who we are. They help one to know where one is stuck. They teach us how to relate ourselves to day to day experiences in our life. They promote the insight and bring transformation in us for higher in a subtle and gentle way. When one starts the attempts to practice the teachings, life becomes a path of awakening.


Allah Malik

Why Do We Read Geeta, Even if We Can't Understand a Sanskrit Word?...

Why do we read Geeta, even if we can't understand a Sanskrit word???

This is beautiful story - if inspired pls. forward else keep it can't Say when it might inspire you!

Story:

An old Farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading His Bhagavat Geeta. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to Imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Bhagavat Geeta Just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget As soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bhagavat Geeta do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water.You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show His grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would Leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he Reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bhagavat Geeta. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Krishna in our lives."

"Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

-Sri Ravi Shankar

Life Is Hard

Aum Sairam

Life's hard to live and still people make it harder to live. Just living for right takes so much that I wonder how people have time to do wrong, foolish things, to make life more complicated.

Everyday is a duty, one hundred things to do and think of, you have your family, your friends, your work, your home, your God, all to tend to in twenty four hours. You oversee cooking, cleaning, clothing. You have your daily prayer schedule or temple to go to, you have the needs of father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Children to tend to. No one day is like the other, many of the surprises are unwelcome.

We live each day working hard not knowing what tomorrow will bring. We have a life to live and to live it righteously takes a lot, each day. Morning to night is gone in no time. There is money to manage and just when you have managed to save the rare bit something unexpected comes along and you have to give it away.

You pay for your health, eat right, live right, spend to be healthy and then unexpectedly something small, something stupid comes up and big money goes, your days go. Your whole schedule goes. Life is so unexpected. You just about have time to be with the ones you love and you live in that fragile stage because you never know when the ones you love will go. We are busy living hard lives and we don't have choice but to live it.

And so far I have just dealt with the external requirements our Life demands. There are more important ones - the internal needs. We have so much to deal with everyday. Life by the time you are thirty is packed.

Disappointments, sad memories, regrets, past issues, people who went away, something is always on your mind. Something is always tugging at our heart strings. We have to clear our old deeds of another life-time and we have to make sure we succeed in this because it is the main reason of our lives, we have to undo all the wrong we have done in this lifetime because then we never knew better, we have to come to terms with certain things of our life, let go of other things, we have to make peace with the war, we have to end wars and we have to live with us, the us that no one knows.

Life can be so difficult, it is for almost all. Yet we are blessed to able to go on for without the Blessing of God and His kingdom could we manage any of this? We have no control over our lives yet we live it., we have no weapons against diseases yet we go on not thinking about it, we have the old to take care of, the ill to look after, the additional difficult new twists and turns to manage our daily life. Suddenly there can be a major change, suddenly there can be a major illness, suddenly there can be a death and it has happened to many. But we continue to live on. For, to live on righteously is all we are called to do.

Which is why I wonder how those who are not like us manage to live the reckless and careless lives? yes Life is struggle, hardship, sweat, work, and everything you don't want to hear. This is Life and sooner we accept it, the better.

Life is difficult, our loved ones do fall ill, they will die someday, money is a hassle, everyday living does make demands, anything happens anytime, and we don't know anything. And the unnecessary troubles human add to our journey: deceptions, greed, and backbiting, manipulations, hurt. What can we do??

Nothing, move away from what we can move away from and continue no matter what the distractions and disturbances to live righteously the way we have committed to. It is a tough road but it id our road.

We don't want it easy, we only want goodness, honor, decency, the ability to fulfill our duties, claim our soul's belongings, love who we love, live small, live well, and live honestly. We have many like us on this path, they've made it, we will too. We have a duty towards Life and never mind the millions who make it easy by taking the unrighteous path, we will live here.

In my book of Life, really no matter what the difficulty, there is no other way to live Life than to live it with dignity and duty, because that's what then makes it our Life.

Allah Malik

Sri Sai Baba's Promises You

Aum Sairam

Happy Baba's Day

The precious promises of our great Sri Sai Baba are expressly intended to be taken to Him and exchanged for the blessings which they guarantee. Prayer takes the promise to the Bank of Faith and obtains the golden blessing. Mind how you pray. Make real business of it. Let it never be a dead formality. Ask for what you want, because Sri Sai Baba has promised it. Believe that you have the blessing, and go forth to your work in full assurance of it. Go from your knees singing because the promise is fulfilled. Thus will your prayer be answered? It is not the length of your prayer, but the strength of your prayer which wins with Sri Sai Baba. The strength of prayer lies in your faith in the promise which you have pleaded before Sri Sai Baba.

Allah Malik

Thursday Message - Sainath's Open Mind

Aum Sairam

Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Success, Happiness And Joy.

Today on beautiful Thursday [Baba's Day] let each and every one of us get together as a Sri Sai Family to give Sri Sadguru Sainath's knowledge to all of them who needs it.

Sri Sadguru Sainath looks first at the qualifications of his disciples, and then gives them suitable instructions, without unsettling their minds in the least, and leads them toward the goal of self realization. In this respect, some say that what Sri Sadguru Sainath teaches or instructs, should not be divulged to others.

They think that their instructions become useless, if they are published. This view is not correct. Sri Sadguru Sainath is like a monsoon cloud. He pours down profusely, i.e., scatters widely his nectar like teachings.

We should enjoy and assimilate to our heart's content and then serve others without any reserves.

This rule should apply, not only to what He teaches in our waking state, but to the visions He gives us in our dreams.

Like a loving mother forcing bitter but wholesome medicines down the throats of her children for the sake of their health, Sri Sadguru Sainath imparted spiritual instructions to His devotees. His method was not veiled or secret, but quite open.

Allah Malik

Merge Into Sri Sai

Aum Sairam

To gauge or comprehend Sri Sainath is very difficult and impossible for an average person. Whatever is known about Him is very little and that too mostly of the last eight or ten years of His life and stay in Shirdi. A few rare pictures that are available describe his majestic physical form. But his overall personality has to be understood through perception from the available stories about Him. After reading about Him, it could be said that either God descended in a human body or a man ascended to Godhead. Either way it is clear that the human body does hold the key to understanding the myth or truth about God. The influence of the personality of Sri Sai Baba did not end with his leaving the mortal coil. In fact today Sri Sai Baba has become a phenomenon and a household name in millions of homes across the globe. An entire nation has come in the grip of His aura. Today in India there is not a major city where a temple dedicated to Sri Sai Baba does not exist. If this phenomenon was limited to a particular country, then it could be termed local or cultural, but it is not so. There are groups of self motivated individuals in many countries who in their own ways and means are carrying out organized worship to Sri Sai Baba. Some of these efforts have already culminated into temples outside India and more are on their way.

By providing individualistic service to each of his devotee sometimes at great inconvenience to Himself and by forging a unique relationship with each which is highly emotive in nature, Sri Sai Baba exhibits a very complex personality. Sri Sai Baba tried to break the man made traditions and fanaticism's that existed during his time and brought together the people of differing faiths under one fold. Love and compassion were His main weapons in dealing with all. With fairness to all and ever ready to listen and help, Sri Sai Baba developed individual relationships with those who came to Him.

He nicknamed all his favorite visitors. The personalities of His visitors changed to reflect a shade of His own personality, such is the miracle of Sri Sai Baba. That phenomenon of transforming an individual by constant invisible yet certain companionship continues even today. Beginning to understand Sri Sai Baba is to experience Him in one's daily life and chores. Mere reading will not suffice. Slowly but surely the great master will evolve the soul that comes into contact with Him, cleaning its impurities on the way and drawing it ever so close to Himself that eventually that soul will merge into His own personality.

Allah Malik

True Value.........!!!!

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special - Don't ever forget it!

Sairam.

Sai – The Ego Killer

Aum Sairam

Either me, myself can remain in this body or my Sai. When we sacrifice our “ME” then we find image of our Baba carved within our soul. The goat’s ‘me’ is meant for slaughter.

What’s needed is total and absolute surrender. A complete sacrifice at His Lotus Feet.

For what do we own in this world except the grand illusion of our Selves. Sai has given everything else. Then why this hesitation, why this delay.

Sai is sitting on his throne to give away everything. But who understands the pain of the One who has devoted his life to our welfare and the uplifting of Mankind. How many of us ask for the well-being of the One who has made our sorrows his own.

Accepted that it’s a dog eat dog world today but why make fool of The Maker. It’s his greatness that he accepts willingly and readily our offerings which have been created by Him only.

Even the Vedas have proclaimed: -

“Neti Neti”

No power in this universe is capable of performing rituals that do full justice to The One.
Not even the Vedantas.

Sabka Maalik Ek.

Dear Sai

Your bright eyes are like the radiant sun
That never sets and shines with brilliance
They shower rays of Hope
When humanity, in darkness, gropes
They give out the light of Love
That destroys the hatred within our hearts
Their warm touch soothes the soul
When, like a monster, the cruel world tries to swallow us whole
They have the power to destroy the Ego completely
Replacing it with the sweetness of divinity
They nourish the seeds of True Knowledge
Thus sprouts the wisdom's lush foliage
They are the only source of Salvation
We need only look into them with utmost devotion
For He is ever watchful
And asks for only Faith and Patience.

Sabka Malik EK

De-evolution

They started off in a jungle
Till it became too primitive for them
So they proceeded to a self made jungle
A jungle of concrete
Where unfeeling madness feeds on innocent souls.

Unlike the past
When a predator fed on its victims
To satisfy a need
A need called hunger.

The rules have changed
From
"The survival of the fittest"
To
" The survival of the crooked".

The time is ripe
For another shepherd to be born
To lead the followers into the future
Back to their homeland
Back to the jungle.

Life is beautiful so let us make it meaningful

Aum Sairam

Life is beautiful so let us make it meaningful
It’s a melody so pleasant and soulful
Let’s croon, to our heart’s content, this divine song
All day and all night long.

Life is a gift that’s why it’s lived in the present
So let’s live in the here and now
The only way is up so let’s ascend
With our head bent down in a bow.

Our life is like the Maker’s clay
Let’s shape it with faith and patience
Be polite in whatever we say
Let’s live with determination and perseverance.

Let’s dedicate this life to God
Spend it at the lotus feet of our Lord
Let’s spread it’s fragrance all around the world
For we are born free so let’s fly like a bird.

Sabka Malik Ek

Dilemma of the Human Soul

Aum Sairam

So much wrong done in a single day
For a better future I do pray

Divine victory and Devil’s defeat
May all evil from the Human Soul retreat

Life should be beautiful, as it’s meant to be
The eyes should behold it because they were created to see
God initiated life without a fee
And humans created money yet they have failed to repay

Molded in stone when it should have been clay
Having lost the flexibility, the ability to change
I call this sanity that has gone deranged.

Sabka Malik Ek

Enlightenment - A wish prayer to Sai

Aum Sairam

I don’t want to travel with the speed of light
I just want to hold it for a moment
In my hands
So that the warmth
Melts the icy chill inside my heart
So that the soul glows
With the radiance it feels
And my mind learns
The power of unity and togetherness
From the seven beams
That travel as one
And then one day
Maybe
I will shine like the sun.

Sabka Malik Ek

A Cry of the restless Heart Oh Sri Sai

Aum Sairam

I feel restless, I feel lost, Oh Sri Sai
I look for a sign from you, with no luck, Oh Sri Sai
Could it be that your have forgotten me? Oh Sri Sai
My heart shivers with this thought Oh Sri Sai.

I would rather die than earn your wrath Oh Sri Sai
Then came the thunderous inner voice Oh Sri Sai
How could a father forget his child? Oh Sri Sai
My heart is lightened with this thought Oh Sri Sai.

Yet I am desperate to seek you everywhere Oh Sri Sai
I know you hold me to your bosom, Oh Sri Sai
Yet my mind goes astray with wild thoughts Oh Sri Sai
Could it be that I've displeased you in anyway? Oh Sri Sai.

I pray you forgive my sins, Oh Sri Sai
I pray you give me patience, Oh Sri Sai
So that with every passing minute, Oh Sri Sai
My love for you might triple Oh Sri Sai.

I pray my eyes ever seek you in this world Oh Sri Sai
I know you listen to my every breath, Oh Sri Sai
And the plea in every heart beat Oh Sri Sai
Yet why do I feel restless? Oh Sri Sai.

Is it my ignorance, urging me to seek you always? Oh Sri Sai
Or is it my arrogance wanting to see you run to me at every cry? Oh Sri Sai
What ever be it, a father has no choice Oh Sri Sai
But to run and hold His child to His heart Oh Sri Sai.

I wait for you to fulfill your promise to me Oh Sri Sai
I wait for your presence in the house Oh Sri Sai
I wait for your blessing on the day Oh Sri Sai
I seek your love everywhere Oh Sri Sai.

Please heed to this cry of restless heart Oh Sri Sai
Wanting to see more of you everyday, everywhere Oh Sri Sai
Draw me closer to you with every passing day Oh Sri Sai
Breathing only your name, singing only your fame Oh Sri Sai.

Allah Malik

Discover Sai Before Its Too Late

Aum Sairam

Those who walk in Sai's path, without any aid, to them, I prostrate in reverence.

Those who know Sai's path, but have to be reminded to walk on it, to them I say, with faith persevere knowing that difficult is the path.

Those who have just started on Sai's path, with courage to change their lives, to them, I salute.

Those who do not yet know of Sai's path, they are but folks poor in spirit, content with following the worldly paths, to them I say, discover Sai before its too late.

Allah Malik

For all who find themselves in the cage of unhappiness

Om Sai Ram!

This is for all those people who have trapped themselves in a cage of unhappiness and have found that somehow they have lost the actual person they used to be.. Just because one friend betrayed their trust- they stopped trusting.Just because one past problem thought them to worry -they anticipated that the future is full of problems.Just because they cried once- they forgot how to smile..Just because one lie changed their life forever- they forgot to beleive in all the truths. Begin again!
Life is beautiful and you just have one life to live.What ever happened was past.Past is gone but u still have a life to live.Live it with love, live it with a hope, live it with a dream, & most importantly -- Live it with a smile!!! Ur heart is your Lifepatner and will always be with u no matter what --so listen to your heart. & trust in ur heart once again --Along with some patience ,Have faith in Baba & Begin Again !
Begin to see yourself as you were
When you were the happiest and strongest you've ever been.
Begin to remember what worked for you (and what worked against you),
And try to capture the magic again.
Begin to remember how natural it was when you were a child -
To live a lifetime each day.
Begin to forget the baggage you have carried with you For years:
The problems that don't matter anymore,
The tears that cried themselves away,
And the worries that are going to wash away
On the shore of tomorrow's new beginnings.
Tomorrow tells us it will be here every new day of our lives;
And if we will be wise,
We will turn away from the problems of the past
And give the future - & ourselves - a chance
To become the best of friends.
Sometimes all it takes is a wish in the heart to let yourself . Begin again.

Allah Malik

Look At The Feet Of Sri Sai Baba

Aum Sairam

Give a total look at the lotus feet of Sri Sai, and surrender to the divine will, for through all passing events only His will prevails.

Surrender, fool! Surrender at the lotus feet of Sri Sai, for, they are the perfect abode of peace and bliss.

Life is short! Nay it is but a moment!
Charge that moment with the divine luster by chanting Sai Sai with a gaze at His lotus feet.

Allah Malik

The Easiest Path

Aum Sairam

Though, Sri Sai Baba acted outwardly like an ordinary man, His action showed extraordinary wisdom and skill. Whatever He did, was done for the good of His devotees. He never prescribed any Asan, regulation of breathing or any rites to His Bhaktas, nor did He blow any Mantra into their ears. He told them to leave off all cleverness, and always remember "Sri Sai" "Sri Sai". If you did that, He said, all your shackles would be removed and you would be free. Sitting through five fires, sacrifices, chanting, eight fold Yoga are possible for the Brahmin's only, they are of no use to the other classes. The function of the mind is to think, it cannot remain without thinking for a minute. If you give it a sense-object, it will think about it. If you give it Guru, it will think about Guru.

Hearing the stories of the saints is not so difficult, as the other Sadhanas, mentioned above. The stories remove all fear of this Sansar [worldly existence] and take you on to the spiritual path. So, listen to these stories, meditate on them and assimilate them. You may attend to your worldly duties, but give your mind to Sai and His stories, and then, He is sure to bless you. This is the easiest path, but why do not all take to it? The reason is that without God's grace, we do not get the desire to listen to the stories of saints. With God's grace everything is smooth and easy. Hearing the stories of the saints is, in a way, keeping their company. The importance of the company of the saints is very great. It removes our body consciousness and egoism, destroys completely the chain of our birth and death, cuts asunder all the knots of the mind and takes us to God, Who is pure consciousness. It certainly increases our non-attachment to sense objects and makes us quite indifferent to pleasures and pains, and leads us onward on the spiritual path. If you have no other Sadhana, such as uttering God's name, worship or devotion etc. but if you take refuge in them [saints] whole hearted, they will carry you off safely across he ocean of worldly existence. It is for this reason that the saints manifest themselves in this world. Even sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri etc., which wash away the sins of the world, desire that the saints should come to them, for a bath and purify them. Such is the grandeur of the Saint. It is on account of the store of merit in past births that we have attained the feet of Sri Sai Baba.

Let us meditate on Sri Sai Baba's Form. He, the graceful and handsome Sri Sai Baba, standing on the edge of the Maszid and distributing Udi to each and every Bhakt, with a view to his welfare, He, Who thinks of the world as an illusion and Who is ever engrossed in Supreme Bliss, before Him, we humbly prostrate ourselves.

Allah Malik

Thoughts To Live By

Aum Sairam

You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.
You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.
You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens.
You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.
You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.
You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you.
You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!
You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own.
You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.
You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.

Allah Malik

Om Sai

Aum Sairam

God never promised to make your troubles go away, but He did promise to give you the strength and power to overcome them.

Oh Sai, when I am weak, strengthen me, when I forget, remind me and when the day is done, accept my thanksgiving because without You I am nothing.

Allah Malik

Sai Naam

Aum Sairam

To remember God's name all the time needs lot of sadhana. It is said that repeated thoughts become action, repeated actions form a habit, and repeated habits form a character. Everything starts with the thought. Therefore, it is advisable for us to follow a discipline of praying and chanting God's name on a regular basis in our leisure time. However small it may be, it does not matter. Chanting with sincere heart matters.

In Shri Sai Satcharitra, Shri Hemadpant, tells us that Sri Sai made him to finish the pothi, which he had left unfinished during that day. [ch.18]. This shows the importance of discipline in life. We start ascending upwards with our efforts and it is sure that God's grace descends on us. Sri Sai is such a kind mother and looks after us once we surrender to him. Whether we remember him or not in times of crisis, he is there to help us. But, a smooth running flow of thought, [like chanting and remembering Sri Sai], especially in times of crisis, saves us a lot of wastage of energy from our nervous system (due to unnecessary anxiety) that means more energy and more vitality in times of stress comes to us by remembering Sri Sai's name.

Some times, our brain becomes blank in frightening situations. This should not deter us from our sadhana. The situation resembles a clogged fountain with abundance of water supply. All of us love Sri Sai very much [abundance of water supply], but sometimes, our mind conditioning [clogged fountain] prevents us from chanting and remembering the name of Sri Sai at the exact moment of crisis. The regular practice and prayer enables us to remember Sri Sai all the time. Practice makes man perfect. Let us pray to Sri Sai to grant us the Shraddha and Saburi needed for the practice.

Allah Malik

Spiritual Paradox

Aum Sairam

This is further to my previous posting in response to the featured article "Spiritual Paradox". There is an interesting instance in Shri Sai Satcharitra, which I have been studying for nearly one and half years now.

Somebody brought a plank with an idea of making a cot for Sri Sai Baba. Of course, one narrow plank was not enough for making the cot. But before more planks could be collected, Sri Sai Baba hoisted the plank near to the ceiling and tied it with thin and withered rags.

Question had been asked in my pratham an examination of panchshila to explain Sri Sai Baba's couch on the narrow plank hoisted high with rags.

Another interesting aspect of that couch on the narrow plank hoisted high with rags was that nobody could ever see how he went up the plank and how he came down. Venerable Shri Dhabholkar alias Hemadpant has made a very poetic guess on this, saying, "May not one bestowed with 'Siddhi's become a fly and go up there or come down from there?"It occurred to me when writing my answer that Sri Sai Baba making a couch up there, away from all world was sannyasa [renunciation], going up there as a fly was siddhi attainment and being unconcerned whether the narrow plank was comfortable enough or not was Samadhi equanimity - all the three approaches rolled in one single instance, same as their having been quoted together in the verse 3-6!

In the context of this instance, one can also wonder whether Sri Sai Baba ever slept. Would God ever sleep? In this context it is interesting to relate this question with verse 2-69 in Shree Bhagwad-Gita, "Yaa nishaa sarva-bhootaanaam, tasyaam jagarti sanyamee, yasyaam jaagrati bhootaani saa nishaa pashyato muneyh" When the people retire to sleep, sanyamee, one with unpurturbing mind yet stays alert, [caring for the world?] and when the world is up and kicking, the Muni is oblivious to it all, even when seeing it all. Baba exemplified all this.

People tell that the philosophy of Shri Bhagwad Geeta is not just for reading and understanding but also for imbibing into ones life. But one needs examples to show how this is done. Shri Sai Satcharitra is full of such exemplary directions for one to improve ones life! This then becomes also an answer to the question of the week, "How to read Shri Sai Satcharitra?"

Allah Malik

Thought of the Day!

Aum Sairam

Though faith is an important aspect of our lives, its full meaning and its profound implications are rarely understood and appreciated. Generally people take it to be a negative quality, implying lack of intellectual maturity. "Faith is to believe what you do not see, the reward of which is you see what you believed." Faith brings us closer to the secret which makes the whole world move in a wonderful clockwise precision. Have faith in Faith - for it is the real wealth of man.

Allah Malik

Holding Hands!

Aum Sairam

Sitting on a beach one summer day, watching two children, a boy and a girl, playing in the sand. They were hard at work building an elaborate sandcastle by the water's edge, with gates and towers and moats and internal passages.

Just when they had nearly finished their project, a big wave came along and knocked it down, reducing it to a heap of wet sand. I expected the children to burst into tears, devastated by what had happened to all their hard work. But they surprised me. Instead, they ran up the shore away from the water, laughing and holding hands, and sat down to build another castle. I realized that they had taught me an important lesson.

All the things in our lives, all the complicated structures we spent so much time and energy creating, are built on sand. Only our relationships to other people endure.

Sooner or later, the wave will come along and knock down what we have worked so hard to build up. When that happens, only the person who has somebody's hand to hold will be able to laugh.

Allah Malik

Devotion

Aum Sairam

Devotion means unflinching faith and love in God or Guru. Until, unless the faith is mixed with love, it is difficult to sustain it all the time. Some times, in difficult situations, the faith is put to severe trials. This can be seen in the lives of the great saints and sages. Because of their unshakable love in God, they survived through the trials without losing the balance. The love for Guru can be for the physical form or for the change less essence present behind the physical frame. Sri Sai Baba mentions about both in his teachings. Sri Sai Baba advises his devotees about seeing his form in the living beings [Bhakti], meditating on the essence behind the form [Jnanam]. It is very important to have faith in Guru and his teachings. If some thing goes in a different way, other than expected, it does not deny the Grace of the Guru. Acceptance of results for the actions after doing ones personal best is the basis of faith. For the heart breaking and difficult problems of life, there may not be ready made answers. But, it is vital in those times to hold on to the torch of Faith, other wise there is every chance to fall into the deep abyss of doubting mind. The doubting mind never allows anyone to establish in any thing. A great saint in one of his compositions ironically laments, "What can I do with my tricky mind? If some thing goes rightly, I feel that it is mainly because of my effort and partly because of God's grace; if some thing goes wrong, I feel that mainly it is due to your lack of Grace and partly due to my lack of proper effort. Kindly show Grace on me and make my mind steady on your Lotus feet in both pleasure and pain". Let us pray to Sri Sai Baba to grant us steady faith and love on him.

Allah Malik

Jagad Guru Sri Sai Baba [Baba's Day] Thursday Message

Aum Sairam

May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Success, Happiness And Joy.

God takes birth now and then on our planet Earth in human form. Sambavame Yuge Yuge... Mainly to restore dharma, righteous living by mankind, when there is deviation from the correct path of living. As Sri Sai Baba told, God created this planet by the Five Elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Sky, and these five elements are available for every living being and enough for all we need. We often forget that without air which we breathe, we die in a few minutes. Water and earth which gives us food for our sustenance. Though earth is a small planet in the universe and gets light from sun, which is only one star in millions of such stars among millions of galaxies.

Two third of our earth planet is covered by oceans. There is abundant wealth under sea waters [Diamonds. Minerals, Crude Oil etc.] But even 1/3rd of earthen surface has got abundant resources. We will be awe struck if we really contemplate on sky. Not only what we can see with naked eye, but what we know with our limited knowledge about the universe. Man in his ignorance and greed, exploits nature and wants to grab for him whatever is possible. That, he is doing to his best of capacity in case of earth and its resources. Thank God, he is does NOT have a grip over sky and air.

Jagad Guru Sri Sai Baba has [present sense is used since Sri Sai Baba is eternal] complete knowledge and control on FIVE ELEMENTS. He has perfect mastery over these five elements and their nature and powers. We came to know about 200 years or so back, how to generate electric energy from water. It was there earlier also. Jagad Gurus like Baba, as He himself said are lakhs of years old. They know everything; there is nothing they do not know.

So, with above few things in mind, let us pray on this Thursday Baba's Day to Jagad Guru Sri Sai Baba to give us real knowledge, the absolute truth. Sri Sai Baba is very kind and, He will answer our Prayer

Allah Malik

Ultimate Liberation

Aum Sairam

In the world today, one sees anger, hatred, greed, jealousy, misguided ambition and power seeking. What is the reason for the prevalence of these negative emotions?

It is one thing only: man is lost and is wandering in a jungle where real values have no meaning. Real values can have meaning to man only when he steps on to the spiritual path, a path where negative emotions have no use. The spiritual path is based on the true human values: truth, right conduct, peace, love and non violence. When man plots a course through life based on these values, which provide a solid foundation, then all the negative emotions fall away. Even if he should stumble on the path, he can easily see the reason for the fall and quickly steady himself and continue the spiritual journey.

Man learns through experience, and the spiritual path is full of different kinds of experiences. He will encounter many difficulties and obstacles, and they are the very experiences he needs to encourage and complete the cleansing process. And when the cleansing is finally complete, the evolved soul ceases to react to anything. All emotions are perfectly balanced. He lives in a state of permanent happiness, regardless of prevailing circumstances.

So long as you continue to react to whatever you experience, you must also continue to look at yourself progressively more closely. Only through self examination will you be able to see through the negative emotions. You must see them for what they really are: aspects of the lower self attempting to maintain the grip which it has exerted over you for so long.

As you progress along the spiritual path, you should walk hand in hand with Sri Sai Baba. In whatever form you see Him. Sri Sai Baba the Ultimate is your guide and helper and He will carry you forward on the spiritual path if only you establish real contact with Him. It is like walking along a path with your closest friend. You can walk in complete silence and your friend, too, will remain silent. Or, you can talk to your friend all the time and learn from him as you go along.

Sri Sai Baba is that friend and it is up to you to break the silence and bring Him into your life at every moment of the day. Sri Sai Baba is love, and that is the easiest way to find Him, through love. If you keep your heart open and let love flow, Sri Sai Baba's love will fill you with divine energy and help you along the path, guiding you to overcome all obstacles. It is a long journey, but it becomes shorter and easier once you share it with the Lord. He knows the path, and will guide you all the way to the very end, to ultimate liberation.

Allah Malik

Role of Praise in Spirituality.

Aum Sairam

Often when we do things related to God we feel a sense of self importance. Hold on!! Let us reflect what is our aim in coming close to Sri Sai Baba? Is it to attain name and fame doing Sri Sai Baba's work? Do we follow His teachings or merely use His teachings to glorify us? While doing Sri Sai Baba's work are we conscious of Him or conscious of our contribution to His work? These things I have been thinking and today due to HIS glory I got the answer today and I am sharing it with you as inspired by Him.

Let us first remember that God does not need us to spread His Glory. He is beyond the facts of recognition. He is merely providing us an opportunity to do His work so that we can think of Him constantly work out our sins and reach to His abode. When we write let us always be conscious that it is Him alone who is guiding us always and He gets His work done. If not us, it would be somebody else. It is necessary that we always be humble in our approach. Our work is to sing His glory and learn from Shri Sai Satcharitra.

When we are praised for our work, immediately assign the glory to Sri Sai Baba and emphasize that "He provided way and means and we acted on it". It is true isn't it? Shri Hemadpant wanted to write leela's of Sri Sai Baba and Sri Sai Baba said "you are mere instrument and I shall sing my own glory". So this shows what we are and where our place is. When we acknowledge others with the quality of their work let us be simple, let us not glorify them to the height that we nurture their pride and ego. The flatterer is equally at fault as that of the ego nurturer. It is sinful to give false praises to a person, not only we give them an inflated vision of their ability but we create in them a feeling of self importance, as such they loose sight of God and then end up being "God". When we get into the habit of praising others, and do not for some reason praise them, then they get angry and relationship becomes sour.

It is like Darwin's theory of conditioning where in we wait/expect praises for every word and sentence we put in. When we read Shri Sai Satcharitra we have to follow it with heart, mind and soul only then god helps us. We are all guilty of having fanned ego in each other to some extent, it is time we cleansed ourselves and direct all the glory to HIM who is the actual doer.

Allah Malik