Frequently
Asked Questions
What
does this word 'Sai' mean?
In
various Indian languages it means a Protector, a Husband ,a Religious Teacher
and a Father. Pray to Him Like a Father.His Love will manifest in many
ways.
Who
is Shirdi Sai Baba?Is He Sadguru Or An Avatar?Please Explain.
Before
one could ask whether Shri Sai Baba is an Avatar or a Sadguru one must
know the difference between the two .A Sadguru is one who dispels darkness
called ignorance and lights the lamp of wisdom in us.A Sadguru is one who
guides us and shows the direction to God. An Avatar is the one (none else
but God Himself ) who descends to uplift mankind.He can come as a full
Avataar that is with all 16 aspects shodas kalas or as a partial Avataar
with a few kalas out of this 16.I firmly believe that Shri Shirdi Sai Baba
is an Avataar of God.Lord Shiva has descended in order to uplift mankind
and re-establish dharma.He always use to act as if He was just a fakir
and servant of God but quite a few times in front of devotees who were
really eligible to receive His grace He declared that He was Lord Himself.The
qualities required to call Him an Avataar are 1)Omnipotence ; 2) Omnipresence
; 3)Omniscience. He had full control over all the five elements. We all
know that He controlled the fire and rain as narrated in " Shri Sai Satcharitra",
the life story of Shri Sainath.
What
is the relevance of Sai's teachings in today's world?
The
most important things that Sai Baba of Shirdi taught are:-
I)Love
towards all animals,birds and insects: Baba used to feed dogs even before
He partook food.He extended his love to even a useless rock used for washing
clothes by sitting on it .Today that rock is seen in Dwarkamai and is worshipped
by devotees who come there.People today should learn this and follow His
Teachings.To a great extent devotees are following this.People are seen
distributing clothes ,food,etc to the poor Narayana Seva is going on all
over the world in various Sai centers.
II)Religious
tolerance: Shirdi Sai Baba looked after the Hindus and Muslims equally.We
can find people of all religions coming to Him even now.He always preached
that all are one and be alike to everyone.In today's world there is a lot
of tolerance among people of various religions.People must believe that
all are Humans.Faith may be different but the goal is one.Shri Sai devotees
are found very tolerant in this aspect .We find Muslims,Hindus,Sikhs,Christians
,etc sharing their views and talking with each other like real brothers
in Shirdi and also at various Sai centers all over the world.They firmly
believe that flowers may be many but worship is one.Stars may be many but
light is one.Similarly paths may be different but goal is one.
III)Caste
Harmony: Shridi Sai never allowed people to have ill feelings towards the
so called untouchables.He made Brahmins eat from leper's plate or untouchable's
plates.When they felt loathsome to do the same He castigated them and preached
them everything is Atma.If they hated them they are infact hating Him who
is residing in them.People who believe in Baba should follow the same thing.Treat
all mankind as brothers and live happily.Believe in brotherhood of man
and fatherhood of God. I am a Sai devotee of Shri Sai Baba.The reason of
my approach to Sai faith is to fill my emptiness .May be too many expectations
have not been met and I have lost interest in many things including personal
and buisness.
I
have been trying to pick up through the spiritual way for a while but I
donot have much confidence in putting my life back to right perspective
.I have been melancholic for long time without any reason.Please help me
to pray to Baba because I love Him immensely and feel a void without Him.
Your question is not unusual.Certain experiences ,which we call negetive,
can lead us towards the Master or God.Read Shri Sai Satcharitra and you
will not only get the answer, but your mind will also be peaceful.
Think
about Baba ,read about Him,gradually you will be out of your depression
I lost my husband to cancer two years back.Since then I have become very
insecure , mainly about my children. I pray to Shri Sai everyday but I
cannot get rid of the fear for my children. Worship Shri Shirdi Sai Baba.Be
sure Baba is protecting your children.Hold Him close to your heart always.Baba
said "Why fear when I am there".Everyone has to leave in a predetermined
time.King,beggar,saint,sinner alike.Baba will take care of your children,pray.
I am
a devotee of Shri Sai Baba and know that He is always with me still I do
many wrong things in my life.This makes me feel guilty but I donot improve
as I have a weak will power.How to overcome this?
The
fact that doing wrong things make you feel guilty means you love purity.Baba
is purity personified and can control your mind in case you have full faith
in Him.Continue to pray Baba.Gradually ,you will get over your weakness.Read
life and teachings of Baba "Shri Sai Satcharitra". As and when I am about
to
commit any wrong deed why from within my heart Baba shouldnot stop me from
doing so? Your conscience is Baba.You certainly hear the inner voice.Always
focus your thoughts on Him and on your own conscience whenever you have
any wrong thought.
Why
do we want to test every experience on the basis of physical evidences?
ur
intellect tells us to understand everything through the cognitive faculties
.Yet our faculties are highly limited. The form of God is all pervasive.For
direct experience human has to cross over the known and unknown boundaries.Ordinary
limited human beings can only see and experience the physical form. The
Yogis experience the subtler vehicles.One who will experience the Jivanmukta,Parammukta
or Paramukta states of Baba,he will never wish to assume a human body again.
Anger.
I tend
to loose my temper very fast,how do I improve?
Whenever
you get angry pray to Shri Sai Baba,and read His life history "Sai Satcharitra".Slowly
anger will get controlled.Whenever you are angry with anyone,it is better
to leave the place rather than quarelling.Baba said that he loves those
people who are tolerant than those who fight. Astrology
In
this mundane world full of complexities of life does a Sai devotee need
to take support of astrology?
Astrologer
can at best predict future in a limited way.Baba helps actively and actually.Once
you have surrendered to Him He takes care ,reduces pain and increases happiness
and evolves the souls.Keep His teachings and life history in mind.See Him
in happiness and unhappiness both.See Him in mundane and spiritual both.Allow
Him to work on you by keeping Him always in your heart. Charity
In
this illusionary world it is difficult to identify a genuinely needy person
whom one would like to help.We see beggars in and around the temple or
on streets ,and we daily read that there are many of them who are self
sufficient and resort to begging only out of lack of interest in working.How
should one go about helping a needy? Please advice on this and guide us
what should one do.At times I wish to help someone but a thought always
crosses my mind,"Is he actually needy.?
"
Everyone is needy .Everyone ,a king or a poor man is a beggar before God.Everyone
prays to God for something or other.Baba said, anyone approaching you for
anything is due to links of our past lives.By using your power of discrimination
if you are convinced that a man is really needy then help him.In case of
doubt,route it through Baba.If you wish to give Ten rupees to a needy person
but are in doubt then,put that in Baba's Donation Box.Let Baba decide this,in
case you are not convinced at all then just refuse politely.While doing
so never abuse,threaten or misbehave with the beggar.Don't develop negetive
thougths about anyone more so beggars whom destiny has punished enough.
Many
children are seen begging outside the temples.Should we not stop them from
doing so?
These
children do not beg out of greed .It is generally a compulsion of life.They
only wish that they should be get some sweet,piece of coconut or some money.They
have such innocent look on their faces .In spite of such poverty there
is such happiness reflecting on their faces.Those are greedy who are praying
/begging for much more after making lakhs and crores in the most sinful
manner.For this they do all kind of crooked deeds.It is important that
such people should change their mentalities.If we have the capacity to
educate and look after these children we should do so.Without help they
cann't be stopped except by law.
What
does Sai say about compassion?
Sai
is the embodiment of compassion.He practiced and preached to love everyone
including sinner,diseased,birds and beasts.He saw God in everyone and loved
them.Read Sai Satcharitra for the answers .He always encouraged and blessed
acts of kindness.
If
you cann't love you must not hate either.If one does not have the quality
of compassion in Himself,how can one receibve the compassion of Sadguru?
What type of human beings Baba really loves?
Baba
is in the God State.He sees himself in every one and hence loves everyone.Only
if the quality of love is universally expanded in us we experience Him.Ultimately
,we will experience that Baba ,God and our self is one and the same thing
Devotion.
We
want to give pure love to Baba but,we are not familiar with its ways ,please
help us in this regard.When and how a human being can become a good devotee?
Love
cannot be organized the way most of the people think.It is a spontaneous
feeling and process of heart where there is no ego.
Will
Sai Baba ever give his darshan to me?
Physical
darshan of a Sadguru is when he is in physical body.Later , through deep
meditation one can have his darshan internally.Pray to Shri Sai always
to bless you with His swaroop darshan.
How
do I get close to Baba?How do I feel His presence and get assured that
He is with me and will always be with me?
You
have to love Him.Keep Him as an image in your heart.Serve human beings
and other living species as part of Him.The process is gradual but continue
to try. You have to see His presence in all.He is all the time with you
but you don't know.When you will understand this totally you will surely
feel His presence.
I am
a new devotee of Shri Sai Baba.Please tell me how do I approach Him?
Pray
to Him in any form suited to your emotions,a master,a father,a mother,a
friend,etc.Loving God is the best prayer of God.Prayers at best generate
love and if love is there ,formal prayers are not necessary .Read Shri
Sai Satcharitra,the life history of Baba for further directions.
Some
times I get tears when I think of Baba.I don't know the reason for that.
Baba
sends love waves to His children all the time.This happens with thousands
of people.These are tears of strength not weakness.Keep loving Baba.He
will grow in you.
I am
very much drawn to Sai Baba,and I consider myself His devotee , but I have
trouble keeping Him in mind throughout the day.I would like Him to be constantly
present in my mind and heart.Does this come by His Grace only?
Your
thought process is noble and correct. Don't worry at all if you cann't
keep Him in mind constantly because you have to do other things also because
you have to do other things also where mind has to be applied.Baba is aware
of your problem. Do as much as you can. Gradually things will improve.
Many
devotees give lot of importance to the miracles exhibited by saints.What
is your opinion regarding this?
What
do the devotees have to do with miracles?If merely the mention of that
word creates confusion, then one can guess the results it can create in
society if the mental equanimity is not there.Some devotees have certainly
made progress on the path of devotion by being influenced by such miracles.
What
is the way of offering our true service to Baba in return of so much He
gives to us?
The
true service is to improve our qualities and be of some use for His cause,
i.e to serve humanity around you.Baba did reveal to some people that His
conciousness covered even dogs,horses , etc.
When
and how can we control "I"?
One
who can take complete control over "I" I.e ego,will not be born again as
he would be merged with the Oversoul.By the effort of many births,good
deeds and grace of the Sadguru only,one can get control over "I". One must
understand this and pray to Guru to release from this. By making the life
simple and surrendering to Guru, "I" diminishes slowly but surely.There
are many aspects of ego like lust,hunger,anger,body,mind,they get controlled
slowly. Baba's message s always tell us that there should be no ego.Ego
is a destroyer and kills the spiritual progress of a person. This is fully
understandable.But,there are so many instances in day to day working in
the commercial life where one has to use his ego to establish his style
of working or to create a positive result-oriented fear. Ego can be both
be creative and destructive.By ego the biggest things are created on earth
and also destroyed.To become egoless is the highest state.Baba has spoken
the ultimate word that He Himself is.We ,at a much lower level of evolution
can only try by taking His name.While doing a job where ego is necessary
one should,still be careful not to have egoand then using it in the positive
direction will not make a person slave of his own ego. One thing is certain
that truth is only in what Baba says but I am not able to relate this to
the above.
While
doing the work of Baba many obstacles come, is this to kill ego and also
to instill patience and faith?
I
entirely aggree .The more work you do for Baba ,the more work will come
to you, both quantitative and qualitative . At times big obstacles present
themselves but they donot remain for long.It not only kills ego but builds
those qualities that are essentially required to do bigger jobs for Baba.
It
is said that Baba replies to any question that arises in our mind .I have
experienced that .I get replies through the books on Him.Is there any other
way He answers our questions ?
You
are on the correct path .After reading books/printed materials on Him go
on thinking and discussing with other devotees .He answers questions to
us through our inner thoughts and many inscrutable ways at times.Only the
onewho experiences knows.
All
my life I have tried to make everyone happy and all I have got in return
is sorrow.Why does it happen like this?
By
doing good to others you are destroying your own "paap" and getting closer
to Baba.Don't expect returns from human beings as you will get hurt.Expect
it from Baba because in the right moment His blessings will descend.Pray
to Baba always to keep you on right path and to make you more patient.Please
be true to your nature. I lost my husband to Leukemia about an year ago.My
daughter and I prayed day and night to Sai to heal him and give Him some
more time.My husband was a good human being ,a devoted father and husband,
and a very religious man.He even endured,first heart disease and then leukemia
with great patience and courage.Why was he made to suffer?Why are prayers
were not answered?How can we replace emptiness created by his death with
peace. Before Baba left His body ,devotees were requesting Him to continue.Baba
told the truth that even He will have to leave the body one day.Anyone
born with a body will go one day.The method of departure is preordained
because of past lives' actions called "prarabdha".The ultimate answer can
only be given By God.'karma prarabdha'what scriptures say,is the reason
for all sufferings.Further ,a certain quantum of duty is given to a person
within a certain period of time on this earth.Once that is over he has
to go.When the body becomes useless,by whatsoever manner to do any job
for the soul,the soul departs and enters another body fit to do such work.This
law of nature works on good ,the bad ,the religious,the nonbeleiver and
everyone. I know the loss cannot be mitigated.But continue to pray to Baba
to give peace to the soul.
Is
Sai Baba of Puttaparti,reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi?
That
makes me confused, In the history of mankind there never has been incarnation
of an incarnation.Read books on spiritual science.You will get the answer
yourself.
My
faith in God increases when I am in trouble.Is it selfish behaviour or
is it normal?
Human
Beings will always have problems in one aspect of life or the other,whether
they are big or small,whether they are evil or pure.All such sufferings
are correlated to earlier life's. It is better to remember God more in
happier times than in sorrow,as Saint Kabir said.
Our
faith gets shaken up with the blow of wind how do we stop this and do not
let it happen to us?
For
those who want to come closer to Baba the only way is, to keep unshakeable
faith in Him under all circumstances. But ,some people come to Sadguru
with a desire of worldly gains or exhibit their devotion with such expectations
in their heart.Sometimes,when their desires are not fulfilled or when they
have to suffer consequences of their own past actions they tend to loose
their faith.In the time of any Avatar or Sadguru every wish of everyman
was never fulfilled.Sadguru never fulfills those desires,which would become
barrier in bringing them closer to God.There is His hand behind unfulfillment
of such desires.Therefore,one who can see Baba both in pleasure and pain
,is the true devotee.The pleasure seekers are bound to deviate from the
path.
I have
been going through a very trying time.Many times I feel that my faith is
being tested ,as Baba doesn't answer my prayers.I have prayed for help
and guidance ,but I feel that Baba doesn't even hear me!I know that I am
supposed to learn something from all this,but it is very slow and painful
lesson .How come I get no help from Baba?
All
actions played by Baba behind the scene for his devotee may not be known
to the person at that time.Knowing behind the scene for his devotees may
not be known to the person at that time.Knowing the past karma of the devotee
,the Sadguru quietly works on him on him .One has to have faith and patience
to reap the benefits of His blessings in the due course,and also at the
time ordained by Him.That is why Baba qualified the word "Shraddha" (faith)
with "Saburi" (patience).One without the other cannot stand.If you read
"Shri Sai Satcharitra" you will get your answers as Baba did answer these
queries of devotees in His own way.
I have
faith in Baba ,but why isn't my child improving?
Law
of nature is the creation of God,It will control anyone,your child or anybody's
child for that matter.Past lives actions effect the conditions of this
life.This is the "Law of Justice" of God.But on the other hand "Law of
Mercy" of God works through the Sadguru ,that is Shri Sai .Continue to
pray.Help children of other people who are in distress.Baba will surely
help you.
The
faith in Baba should never diminish.Will I be successful in achieving the
same?
Read
,think,speak,hear,write,meditate on Him.Put up your entire faculties on
Him.Try and Try.
I have
been beleiving in Shri Sai Baba for a long time and pray to Him everyday.I
have his picture and idol in the temple,in my house.Recently ,an intruder
(a thief) came to my house and stole some money and things.My faith was
a bit shaken because rightly or wrongly I thought Baba will protect my
house from such untoward events.Should I dismiss such events like this
as Baba's wish?
Please
read Shri Sai Satcharitra.It will give you answers.If one loses faith by
entry of intruder in his house,then one should lose faith in himself when
bad thoughts enter his mind leading to bad activities.Bad thoughts are
like a thief who steals away our good quality and virtues.The true devotee
will see the Sadguru in both good and bad.Please try strengthening your
faith and have patience if you want to progress.
I would
like to ask why Baba did not believe in fasting or starving oneself without
food?
No
mother would like her child to fast for her.So it was Baba ,who took care
of His children without giving them the trouble of rigrous religious practices.Fasting
of the body is of no use if the mind is not fasting.What if mind is thinking
about worldly or negetive thoughts while undergoing fast?It has no meaning.On
the other hand,if fasting of body alone could give spiritual or religious
benefit,then
so many people dying out of hunger in continents like Africa and Asia,would
have realized God.The concept of fasting in Hinduism is to prepare the
body in the first stage to be disciplined and tough,and then gradually
to go to subtler levels.In case of Bhakti Marg,only self surrender to the
Guru is necessary,He takes care of everything else.
Who
is God?
This
is a question the entire humanity on this earth has beeb trying to understand
since the time immemorial.Yet nobody can exactly say who is God.Even the
greatest spiritual leaders in world,the Vedas and the other riligious scriptures
have admitted their limitation.Seers try to understand God from his manifested
aspects - both living(Sakara) and non living (Nirakara).After realising
the manifested aspects like stars,planets,living,non living beings get
into the non manifested (Nirakara) aspects of God to certain extent .It
is said that God has manifested only one-fourth of His energy and the three
-fourth of God's energy is not manifested.How then to understand the three-fourth
non manifested God is the question when the entire humanity has not been
able to understand even the one-fourth manifestation ?
How
to understand God?
Every
soul in the process of evolution ,life after life , tries to understand
God slowly.Infact ,this understanding of God ,more and more, is the real
purposeof evolution of souls.If man is better equipped with the cerebral
capacity than a monkey,it is for understanding God at the first stage and
then realizing God at the ultimate stage that has been given the capacity
or nature has given these capacities to Him.Man is a superior animal only
because it has a better physical and mental machinery but because he has
the capacity to imagine ,accept seek and realise God.All relegions ,scriptures
have prescribed the methods on how one should try to understand God.These
are called different paths.All the realized souls and saints have also
spoken same .Baba used to tell His devotees at Shirdi that there are many
paths to reach God .One of the path goes through Shirdi ,meaning thereby
to follow Him.Any devotee following the path shown by Shri Sai Nath Maharaj
will certainly understand and realize God.
Why
do we attribute the human form to God?
Because
it is impossible to comprehend the form of God,only through concepts and
imagination.Therefore,through symbolic and manifested form we can have
the personal experience of His form.God has been incarnating in human form
to make His identity easier to us.
How
does one take out time for the "Guru Path" under the constraint of time
in ordinary life?
Living
an ordinary life has been difficult in every age,not in the present time
only.Leading an ordinary life means going along the social and family life.It
is easy for those who have left home and taken to ascetic way of life,but
it is a greater problem to follow this path while living in physical world
looking after the family and social commitments.We are searching for 'Guru
Path' to find solution to this problem only.This becomes easy and there
is not much difficulty in it. Only will power and divine inspiration is
required.In the first stage nobody can take 'Guru Path' completely.It requires
a reading of books on this subject ,reading the life stories of Gurus,keeping
purity in one's conduct etc., gradually the thoughts of Sadguru will grow
in his inner self.Under this condiion he will find a Guru somewhere .More
correctly he will draw the attention of the Guru who has the divine capacity
to see through merits and demerits of everyone and the thought process
of all his devotees.It is said that the disciple cannot find a Guru ,but
the Perfect Master finds out his disciple certainly.As Baba said ,"I draw
my devotees from thousand of miles".In life full of difficulties it is
a true endeavor to develop the qualities of compassion,forgiveness and
service.Selfless service is the goal of Guru.It may be concluded that initially
one should begin with obeying the Guru for smaller duties given to Him,and
gradually one should move ahead for bigger jobs.While undergoing life's
struggle whatever qualities one develops those remain permanently with
Him and become a part of His soul.These qualities are carried to the next
life.In the next life also he will be getting the help of Guru to evolve
further.
What qualities
a man should develop to evolve as a disciple and how?
The
quality of being a Guru as well as being a disciple is inherent in every
individual.In childhood parents should give the child the elementry education
of conduct,behaviour and culture.As he grows up he goes to the school and
college and learns from the teacher.In the normal course of life also one
learns a lot from somebody or else.As far as it relates to be disciple
of a spiritual or religious Guru,it has its own tradition.The first necessity
to be a disciple is to have complete faith in Guru that whatever the guru
is doing that is in his(the disciple's) own interest.Guru should also be
the one who thinks of the welfare of the disciple only.The second thing
is that as far as possible one should follow the words said by the Guru
and the instructions given by Him.If the Guru says "be kind and feed the
poor ",then one should do it as much as his capacity permits.If there are
problems in the path told by the Guru then they should be conveyed to Him.The
true Guru will tell the solution of those problems under the prevailing
circumstances.No Guru should like that one should abandon everything else
to become his disciple.Guru will indicate such a course that is suitabke
in the complex world.
In
today's age there are so many gurus around.How does one know if one has
come across the true Guru?
Everybody
is in search of a Guru,somewhere or other - and so should it be.It is said
in "Guru Gita" that the way a bee goes from flower to flower in search
of honey,the aspirant should also go from one Guru to another.However,once
he finds his Sadguru,then he should follow Him with single mindedness .But
all Gurus are not necessarily 'Sadgurus'.Sadgurus are those who are able
to join 'Atma' to 'Parmatma' and who has the capability to protect the
devotee under all circumstances.There are very few Sadgurus on the earth.Once
the Sadguru is met there remains no need to search for a Guru.One who aspires
for a Sadguru must strive hard.Someday he will be able to draw the attention
of the Sadguru towards Himself.Thereafter ,through some medium he will
reach him or draw the disciple by his own inscrutable ways.
While
treading the Guru Path we are bound to commit mistakes,how and when should
we convey them to the Guru?
Human
Being is bound to commit mistakes.The Sadguru knows that his disciple will
make a mistake in the game of 'maya'.Sadguru remains alert to stop them
from doing so.Because of his own mistake if the disciple falls into the
danger then 'Sadguru' directly or indirectly helps him out.Baba used to
say. "Know it that wherever you are and whatever you do I am fully awre
of that ".Sai Baba's life history shows that he was omniscient.Guru knows
how to take His disciple ahead or stop him from committing mistakes.We
certainly get protection of the Guru for the mistakes unknowingly done
by us,but we should try that the mistakes knowingly committed should not
be repeated.Sometimes we are not able to follow the Guru Path.Guru doesnot
feel bad about it.He is beyound the gunas of anger and hatred.He only has
compassion in Him.He watches the true intention of the disciple to move
ahead on the Guru Path.
What
should one do to become a perfect disciple?
If
the will power is strong and there is complete surrender for the Guru then
He keeps the disciple with Him despite His mistakes. To become a perfect
disciple one has to take in the complete power of the guru and be a guru
himself.But this is the highest achievement any disciple can think of in
his spiritual evolution.Sadgurus do not make disciple rather they attempt
to produce Sadguru only.They evolve the soul of the disciple to their own
level.This state is very high,and man himself becomes a perfect disciple
when he receives the capacity of a Guru.But,before this without loosing
our patience ,without setting the time-limit ourselves,without carving
out a path for ourselves,as it normally happens in the world ,we should
be completely surrendered to the Guru.First of all,we should be within
His aura,then come near Him,have close bonds with Him,and gradually should
do all duties given by Him.With a bond of pure love withSadguru one will
evolve spiritually.
Heaven
lies at the feet of Guru.When and How one can experience this?
In
the lifetime of the Guru,worshipping and serving His feet is said to be
one out of nine methods of devotion.After the Guru takes 'Samadhi' I.e
leaves His physical body,one should meditate on his feet.Not only feet
but one should meditate ,according to Baba, from feet to headand from head
to feet.To keep the feet of Guru in one's heart relates to the attitude
of serving Him.Here we donot bear the attitude of companionship rather
the attitude of being at His service .The worship of His feet means following
the words of the Guru and obeying His every command without questioning.
I have
been told that it is essential to have a living master to evolve spiritually.How
true is it?
To
have a living master is good.My personal experience is,if one prays to
baba even without a physical Master ,one can evolve.I donot have any physical
Master nor did I ever try.Baba is the Param Sadguru.
How
should a householder involve himself in the activities related to Baba
while discharging hos professional anf family duties?
A
householder has to take out time for Baba's work while discharging all
the duties with perfection towards his family.He should make his family
life simple.The lifestyle should be kept simple so that it can be handled
easily.By organizing the daily routine properly try to minimize the time
spent on it,so that more and more time can be gained for Baba's work.The
work related to the profession and duties should be organized in such a
manner
that while doing every work the mind is completely free of the burden of
other things.This is possible only when one is properly organized.Whatever
work you do concentrate on it completely and finish it sincerely and properly.One
should use time for every smallest as well as biggest work with equal sincerity.Work
should be attempted with a holistic view because God is Whole.If each and
every work in life is done with faith,perfection and completeness then
one experiences the closeness with God.Make Him your companion every moment
while doing any work mundane or spiritual.
How
do I progress spiritually side - by-side my household duties?
Spiritualism
and materialism always go side by side particularly for a worldly man.One
cannot be put aside for the other because both are created by God.See Baba's
play in both these aspects.Both aspects have to be taken care of by following
the path shown by Baba.You have to make it useful by doing the smallest
acts and the biggest acts.Pray to Shirdi Sai.He will surely bless you.Materialism
limits the thinking and actions of a man.On the other hand Spiritualism
leads to viewing the whole universe as a family - a single house.We learn
the traits of love and co-operation from our own house and society,keeping
faith in Baba and patience as well.Performances of your households duties
are necessary at this stage for the growth of your conciousness for your
future evolution.
I want
to know how to manage time and space shared with other family members while
remaining faithful to my spiritual duties?
If
one is not getting solitude,that means nature or God or Sadguru wants him/her
to experience living with others and adjusting with circumstances.We can
always find solitude in our hearts ,while traveling before sleeping and
immediately after waking up.Think of Baba at all these moments and any
free moment you get whereever you are.
Is
there a past life?Did Baba believe in it?
Yes.If
you read Shri SaiSatcharitra,you will find Baba speaking about the past
lives of many people.He not only spoke about the past births of human beings
but even of other species like frog,lizard etc.It is because of incomplete
relationships of the past life that people come in contact with each other
in the later lives.The payment made by human beings to settle Karmik debts
of past lives creates happiness or unhappiness .Baba had even referred
to a lady as his sister in one of His earlier lives.Unless we are prepared
to believe that all our actions origin and end in one life and that there
is nothing after death ,and also there was no future life then one question
remains unanswered-why did the most impartial ,all merciful God gave birth
to people in different conditions and with different capacities as a result
of which some enjoyed more and some suffered more.If there is no other
logic of such differentiation between human beings and other animals,then
God cannot be seen as an impartial and all merciful entity.
Could
you please tell us where our soul goes after death?
Soul
is a subtle energy form.It remains in that form after death in the sphere
of sbtle energy.It evolves slowly after experiencing the subtle world till
one is reborn.
Is
it true that every soul has a mission in life?
Yes.Nature
has already prepared a blue print of our lives just as we ,within our limited
intelligence ,prepare blue prints before constructing a house etc.Every
man has a mission to fulfil and each life on earth exists as long as the
mission continues.
What
is the actual aim of life?
What
are we doing on earth? The actual aim of life is to realize one's own soul
or Atma which is divine.Once one realizes this then he will not be born
again.We are all experiencing worldly life,necessary to evolve us.
Is
being rich and having comforts of life,so called materialistic possessions,
a wrong goal to attain?Does it take us away from God?
Can
we be closer to God even while concentrating in our materialistic progress?
God reflects both in material and spiritual ventures.Without a material
body how can one become spiritual?Being rich is not a sin unless richness
is derived through sinful means and money is being spent in a sinful manner.Rise
materialistically but use material earnings for the cause of others to
the extent possible by you.
I would
like to clear the doubt in my mind as to whether Baba believed in the philosophy
of staying vegetarian?And if not,what logic was behind adopting non-vegetarianism?
There
is no evidence in the available sources on Baba that He Believed in staying
vegetarian,rather there is a mention in Shri Sai Satcharitra that Baba
cooked non- vegetarian food for some of His devotees. In the ultimate anaysis
human beings have no right to kill any species for enjoyment,particularly
when they have been given the intelligence to know that God exists in every
one. Animals don’t have this intelligence .This is Baba's basic preaching
,but since all devotees cannot change overnight,therefore,they are to be
handled accordingly.Simply being vegearian or non-vegetarian doesnot necessarily
make a man spiritual or otherwise . In the world more than 3/4 population
is non-vegetarian.Did these countries not produce spiritual leaders including
Jesus & Prophet.We should strive to be a vegetarian not only to avoid
eating of flesh (even living vegetables have life), but because one should
not be party to killing of other species.As per Hindu theory this Karma
will effect him adversely.Besides ,vegetarian food is easier to digest.
Is
taking non-vegetarian food wrong or sinful?
No,because
"jeevah jeevah khadati" - one creature feeds on another creature.But there
are certain foods ,which are natural ,like the child who is nourished by
his mother on her breast-feed.Human being eats vegetables and after his
death his disintegrated body returns to the soil and becomes a part of
the whole vegetable world.But killing an animal means we have finished
the conciousness which had reached a higher level,and eating the flesh
of a human means finishing the conciousness which had reached yet higher
level than animals.Saints who have reached a highly evolved state of conciousness
,do not eat anything.Upasani Maharaj did not eat anything for one year.Some
saints bring about such changes in their organic system that they can nourish
themselves on the direct energy from sun.
If
God is one,why should there be different paths?
God
manifests Himself in different forms.Even as a human form he manifests
Himself at different places,at different times with different levels of
conciousness.Groups of souls having different levels of conciousness are
born in different places and times.These groups of souls are so born because
they are required to experience certain common religious ,social,geographic
etc situations necessary for their evolution.For example ,a group of souls
may be born from parents belonging to one religion or in a certain country.In
the next life ,to have different experiene ,some of these souls may be
born of parents having a different country or nationality.Many Hindus became
Buddhists when Lord Buddha came and many Hindus came and many Hindus came
back to the folds of Hinduism later at the time of Shankaracharya.Therefore
,there are different ways of evolution of the souls .Ultimately, all these
paths converge at one point I.e God realization or in God from where they
all emanated.
While
treading the path towards Baba if man feels surrounded by despair ,what
should he do about it?
I
have said in one of my poems -"Jab Dil Udaas ho to Sai ka naam lena" I.e
"When one feels depressed at times ,while facing the pain and miseries
of life.But ,if such feeling of pain and misery is true ,so is the feeling
of pain and misery is true , so is the feel;ing of joy and bliss too.One
should see Sai in both the situation.In happiness without wasting too much
time rejoicing ifwe help others in getting the same happiness in Baba's
name or work for the cause of Baba then the happiness that we derive will
be more lasting .Physical happiness is momentory and once it is gone it
brings sorrow as mind has a tendency to ask for the same or more happiness
always which is not possible in human life.Whenever you are in sorrowful
situation remember Baba's words."See what comes next".Keeping in touch
with Baba internally and thinking of Him reduce orrow.By reading Sai Satcharitra
,by singing Baba's bhajan s the sorrow gets certainly lessened.In bad times
one must read about Baba as much as one can,meditate on Him,chant His name
,sing His devotional songs and help other people who are undergoing pain
and misery.
We
the dwellers of darkness when see the first ray of light get so perturbed
that we want to go backto darkness.What do we do at such times?
Sadguru
cannot leave His devotees under any condition the devotee realizes it or
not.That is why Baba used to say that one should pray to Him with Shraddha
and Saburi.Whenever the grace of Sai descends upon anybody usually it is
seen that this negetive qualities reduce and good qualities grow.From those
initial experiences only,they think that they have reached somewhere or
they have achieved spiritual knowledge.Takin this initial state as the
final state such people start behaving like a Guru themselves.Many people
cannot progress because of this and try to live the life in a dramatic
manner.After sometime if the devotees face any adverse situation,such Gurus
turn the other way.In such situations various reactions are seen of some
people.The water stored in an unbaked pitcher breaks down,similarly their
faith also gets easily broken down Those who conduct themselves in a normal
way after receiving Baba's grace at the first instance and never exhibit
their devotion, they gradually achieve closeness with Baba.Nourishing spiritual
and religious ambition is a limitation in the path of spiritual evolution.
How
do I get courage to walk on the right path and how do I know what is the
right way?
Read
Sai Satcharitra carefully and regularly.You will get all the answers.All
spiritual books and biographies of Masters basically deal with such answers.
What
do I do to become a better human being?
Examine
your conduct daily and try to improve upon your qualities .Read Shri Sai
Satcharitra and learn from examples and Baba's advices.
What
are the traits of a perfect man and how to achieve this?
He
who is completely liberated from all earthly entangements is a perfect
man.He is not limited by any place ,group ,system ,laws of nature and has
got full control on all base elements in mind,such as desires,lust,anger
,etc.He is dispassionate under all circumstances and his vanity of being
a man has also deserted him completely.Many sages who wereproud of being
a man could evolve spiritually only when their ego was anihilated completely.There
is the example of Vishwamitra and others. Please guide me as to how to
stop worrying allthe time and be at peace with myself? When you are worried
think of Baba and remember His saying- "I take care of my children ,no
matter how far they may be".Pray Him always.
Does
Baba think it is right to silently bear the injustice and let the people
do what they want to do to you or does He think it is right to leave such
a situation and look for peace,so one can think about Him and become what
he wants you to be?
Baba
always said people who tolerate ,I am with them.But avoid the negetive
situations as far as you can.Pray to Him and internally He will lead you
in the right path.Save your valuable time out of useless arguments and
fights in order to serve Him.
What
is our role in helping to spread peace globally ?How can a normal office-goer
like me contribute to this cause?
To
be global spiritual worker at first one has to develop the qualities of
tolerance,love to fellow beings and greed-lessness.Generate peace in oneself
first,then only you can spread peace to others.This peaceful attitude and
tolerance need to be practiced in the materialistic and the official world
as well.All of us can certainly play our roles when we are ready.
In
what state are the Sadgurus?
Sadgurus
are human beings who are in pure divine state ,because they posses all
the attributes of God in themselves.Vasudev Krishna was God incarnate who
had assumed a human body.What is Sai Baba in reality ?So far I am unable
to say this with certainity.Without the direct experience of Baba I donot
want to infer anything imaginatively and emotionally.When I will have a
direct experience of the true form of Baba I will certainly tell.But this
is for sure that Baba was in a paramukta state and was beyond life and
death nd had devine powers to control elementsof nature and lives of millions
of people at His will.
What
is the role of Sadguru in our life?
Sadguru
gives the ability of God realization.His first function is to give the
experience of attaining the state of "Pramhans" to human being.Without
the grace of Sadguru it is impossible to achieve such state.One in billions
can go beyond this state .'Paramukti' and 'turiyavastha' can be attained
with great difficulty.Sadguru removes all the impediments in the path of
spiritual evolution of the human being.Sadguru breaks all the concepts
caused by sheer intellect.All concepts are symbol of ignorance.When ignorance
is dispelled his inner knowledge gets illuminated itself.The true knowledge
is vielded by all the concepts.Therefore ,it is necessary to shed them.One
who thinks that he is the most intelligent person,Sadguru will wipe out
his ego of intellect till he admits that his intellect is full of follies.Sadguru
always works upon the devotees so that human being should transcend over
all his limitations and attain a limitless state.
Is
there any difference between an Avataar and Sadguru?If yes,then what is
the difference between their divine play?
They
both have the same purpose and same methods.Only level of functioning and
human groups on whom they work may differ.Both give a mighty thrust to
the growth of human civilization.Only this can be told in short.
Is
it true that Sadguru takes the sufferins of every creature?
The
Sadgurus are without any past Karma bindings.The seeds of all past Karma
are burnt.They are in a state of Karmik vaccum.Therefore ,the effects of
Karma of anyone coming into their contact enter into that vaccum.This is
true whether one know it or not.This work is carried out for Sadgurus,for
all souls coming into their contact. in any manner.Whether human being
wants it or not,is also not material because the law of compassion of nature
working through the Sadguru works spontaneously.When a horse was beaten
up,Baba's back turned black and blue with beatings ,this is only a small
instance.Whenever Baba's devotee is in pain , a thought or bhava in heart
or we utter a word from our mouth, a vibrationor ray instantly reaches
the Sadguru.As Baba used to say "Be wherever you are and do whatever you
like,I will know it even if I am thousands of miles away from you".
Those
who become the constant cause of our suffering and misery,is it not proper
to want the penalty for such people for their wrong doings? Who are we
to award the consequence to anybody for his doings?
This
work lies with God only.Everybody will bear the consequence of his actions.Many
a times a human being misconceives himself as the cosmic law giver .Justice
is delivered by God only.Because of our limited intellect we think that
we are being subjected to injustice.We tend to forget that we had also
committed injustice towards somebody.Many times we become proud of our
strength and the capability and try to turn the situations in our favour.If
one weilds power then that should be used to conquer one self.If one wants
to emerge victorious then one should conquer those causes due to which
enemity and aggression rise in heart. No matter how many hardships come
in life ,one should bear the burnt of the circumstances with much forbearance.It
needs great amount of inner strength to be generous towards those who consider
our enemy.Today,if we save ourselves from some of the causes of aggression
,tomorrow there will be a new set of causes to generate aggression.Thus
,we will be left entangled in the cycles of causes and their effects. Sadguru
wants to liberate us.He wants to lead us to a place where after reaching
all the problems come to an end and a fountain of bliss begins to flow.But
we are stuck up in the little thorny bushes of this path and get trobled
by their pricks .We are not prepared to bear little pain a little more.We
want that Sadguru should remove those thorns ,which causes us little pain.One
should not waste one's own and Sadguru's time.Why not hold on to the theme
of devotion and forbearance in our heart and meditate at the feet of Sadguru
then he is not to be told of our miseries.He knows all about his devotees.He
is ever ready to bear the burden of his devotees.
When
Baba resides within us then why don't we reach Him?
God,Guru,Atma
are the same eternal conciousness in the ultimate reality.Baba is within
us in subtle form in our soul-known as 'Antarsakshi' -one who knows everything
about us.He is within us in the form of self illumination.He is in our
mind greates noble thoughts.We do not have that power or inner sight which
can see Him in the light form .Yogis after effort of many lives get that
inner sight by which they can see Baba's swaroop in the form of light within
them.Sometimes we do experience Baba in our Atma out of feeling of devotion
and love but,mostly we imagine Baba in mental form.We keep thinking of
Baba's photo ,words,His works.Moving ahead step by step we can reach His
true form,when we will be egoless,have no more desires,become totally detatched
,take control over lust,anger,hatred etc.When our heart will be blemishless
and mind will be calm ,then only Baba's actual form can be experienced.As
the sky doesnot reflect water when it is disturbed by waves similarly ,until
, mind will be calm,then only Baba's actual form will be experienced.As
the sky doesn’t reflect on water when it is disturbed by waves,similarly,wntil
,mind is completely stilled and get absorbed in Atma,it is not possible
to see Baba's form in it. One has to strive for this.Only Sadguru can instruct
about that path.Therefore ,one should continuously pray Him and follow
the commands given by Him.
Knowingly
or unknowingly ,with the body or mind we commit many sins,can we control
this?
Committing
a sinful act knowingly or unknowingly are two different things.If any sin
is committed knowingly it is certainly much more serious because we are
aware that it is not right but still do it.If we are walking on the road
and an insect gets crushed under our feet or if we accidently hit someone
while driving on road,they are not so sinful acts as as the ones done knowingly
and conciously. The latter type of sins also fall into two categories -
physically,by direct acts involving body and mentally ,by thinking sinful
acts like lust,anger,violence etc.Very few people can actually understand
what the final consequences of any of their actions will be because what
is considered to be good today may turn out to be bad tomorrow. We must
pray to Baba that He should give us the capacity to discriminate the good
from bad.He should give us the wisdom.We must pray to Him to take us from
darkness towards light so that we are able to take just and right steps.We
should read the life history of Saints to understand how they conducted
themselves on this path in human form and how some ordinary human beings
realized God by their faith ,patience and self exertion
God
internally knowing it very well that we are committing wrong deeds ,why
can't we stop ourselves from bad action?
Despite
all our efforts if we are not able to control it then it could be the effect
of causes carried out from previous births. What happens spontaneosly is
predestined.We don't wish accidents to take place even then accidents happen
at times without our mistake.The laws of nature are inevitable.Our sanskars
or impressions come from many births and they can only be removed slowly.The
Sadguru says-'I have no objection even if you commit mistakes thousand
times.Because I know that you will commit a mistake.Such are your impressions
through thousands of births.But I expect only sincere efforts to evolve
in the direction of inner transformation through a process of self analysis
and honest actions. Through this process you will evolve ".Sadguru knows
this that human beings are bound to commit mistakes.Sadgurus are the mountain
of forgiveness and peace.Therefore their grace is necessary for evolving
out of such a situation.With Gurukripa inner strength of mind will evolve
to stop us from committing sinful acts.
Why
do calamities happen in some of the places and not in others,what is the
logic? When it is said that God is One and sustains everyone then why does
He not prevent hunger?
A
simplistic approach to the problem which can be answered but cann't be
explained within a small space and time.God is so expanded,multiplied in
different forms that it is not possible to understand without exerting
oneself. Some people tried to get an answer the whole life or for few lives.The
Prarabdha Karma makes all the difference. The same man who asks why there
is problem to human beings when God is there ,can also ask as to why the
human beings should kill animals,birds and use them as their labourers.
My
question is that why do I find all devotees in pain.I see that each one
of them suffering from some or other kind of problem.Why are they suffering
being so close to Baba?
All
devotees are certainly not in pain.A real devotee will surely not consider
the worldly pain as pain. He will consider his seperation from Sadguru
as a pain and will always try to be close to Him at the cost of the whole
world.He is always in a state of ecstasy.Usually people with pain come
to Baba.There is a small number who come when they have no problems.Human
beings have always treated God in this manner.But Baba takes care of them.
They are not suffering because they come to Baba.Had they not come they
would have suffered the more.The support of a Sadguru is never known so
easily.
There
are many noble people in this world who always help others in their lifetime
but still have to suffer a lot.Why does it happen while so many sinners
live happily?Kindly answer.
Sinners
don't necessarily live happily and good ones do not necessarily suffer.Past
life actions at times create adverse results in this life for good people.
Similarly for sinners of this life,at times good actions of the earlier
life act positively.We should continue to be good with faith in Baba.
Religions
are different but is there anything common in them ,I mean are there any
common parameters?
"Dharma"
is from a Sanskrit root (Dhaa) which means to hold and alsoto think.Religions
therefore try to hold together not only different human beings but also
the other aspects of nature like plants ,animals,birds and all living aspects.As
ordained by nature they live together and are inter-dependent ,therefore
these must be held in a fine balance.The principles for holding them for
the greatest good of them for the longest period of time is known as Dharma.The
concepts of Hindu universalism, the Muslim brotherhood,the Christian service,the
Buddhist tolerance are nothing but attempts to bring out and establish
the common denominators of togetherness. Human beings are aware of these
but lose their path from time to time when these Incarnations again come
and re-establish I have been facing a lot of problems in my life ,lately
I am finding it difficult even to concentrate on prayers .I used to keep
Baba's photo in my hand and keep talking to Him.I feel He is the only near
and dear I have. Always keep talking to Baba mentally even if you are not
able to worship formally or praying to Him with concentration.These difficulties
are but a test of your faith and mental capacity. I do the "Naam Jaap '
of Sai's name daily.My problem is that I cannot meditate.Please give me
a method or instruction whereby I You need not meditate.Do the "Naam Jaap"
alwaysas much as possible. can meditate on Him.
I want
to do one week paraayana of Shri Satcharitra .Kindly tell me how to go
about it?
Begin
on a Thursday after worship of Baba.Finish on the seventh day.Feed some
needy or poor people after it is completed.During paraayan be calm and
concentrate on Baba.
How
do I focus on the physical form of Baba when I know that He is not living
in His physical body now?
Focus
on the photograph of Shri Shirdi Sai.Initially on His physical form as
you see in photo.gradually you will be able to perceive Him in subtle form.Meditate
on Him consistently,then He may reveal His real self to you. The method
of meditation is given in Shri Sai Satcharitra, I feel an awakening within,there
is a lessening of desire and a joyful contentment in all that arises.I
feel truly blessed.I have prayed for two years nothin more.
Pray
to Shirdi Sai,the Master.You are on the right path.Divine help is received
at times through prayers. it a wishful thinking or is any prayer of mine
really coming true?
Honest
prayers give joy,hopefulness and purity.Please continue.
Sai
yantra is available commonlyis it advisable to do siddhi with it?
Please
do not go after Siddhi.Go after Bhakti and love for Baba.Shri Sai never
prescribed for use of Sai yantra.
I am
a medico preparing for my post graduate exam.I would like to know how to
meditate on Sai daily and regularly?
You
can pray for His blessings .He is the giver of even themundane things like
the result of an exam. Meditate on His sitting figure from feet to head
and then from head to feet.After some time you will be able to concentrate
on His full figure and internalize His form.
When
and How and where should one practice "Gayatri Mantra"?
Gayatri
Mantra is the main mantra that should be remembered by every Hindu for
that matter every human being. This mantra is for meditating upon God and
also for welfare of the Universe.This is a mantra and a prayer too. Therefore,it
can be practiced with much ease and spontaneity.One should chant or meditate
on this while facing towards Sun. In the morning facing towards east,in
noon facing towards west,one should sit in the corner of a room or at One
should repeat a certain number of mantras daily and gradually increase
this number.During jaap one can either externally or internally concentrate
on the statue of Gayatri or on sun or Gurudev.Gayatri is Parashakti from
whom the universes evolve.
By
what method Baba's worship should be done at home?
There
is a basic difference between the worship of Baba done at home or in the
temple.The 'Praan Pratistha' is not usually done of the idol at home ,usually
His photograph is worshipped.Therefore any suitable method can be adopted
to worship Baba. It is necessary to simplify the method of worship.Most
of the external rites and rituals are artificial if they do not evoke inner
Bhakti Offering a single flower with Bhava and with unshakable faith in
Sadguru is sufficient.If we are away from home for some reason ,we can
still do Baba's worship the same way as we do at home mentally,sitting
in a place.At home this work can be assigned to anybody ,Baba is beyond
any discrimination of religion ,caste or creed , small or big ,rich or
poor. It is said in the Vedas that all the deities are inherent in the
Sadguru.So there is nothing wrong if Sadguru is worshipped in the form
and manner of diety . Sikh devotees sacrificed their lives happily for
their Gurus because it was there belief that Guru is eternal and will always
be with them. It is absolutely necessary to have immense faith towards
the Sadguru.
In
which direction Baba's idol or image should be installed?
Baba
can be worshipped or installed in any direction.In Shirdi the direction
of Dwarkamai is southward,which os known as the direction of Yama-the Lord
of death.However,East or North or North East direction are the best.
Is
it necessary to prepare something different to offer to Baba?Is there any
particular food item required for offering to Baba?
Whatever
is cooked in the house for ourselves the same should be offered to Baba
and distribute among others.Whatever is offered to Him with pure 'BHAVA'
will be acceptable to Him.In certain forms of worship offering non-vegetarian
food to the diety is prescribed.It is only our mental yearning or "bhava"
behind such offering which is accepted by the Sadguru.
The
devotees desire to be with you always.When they are away from from you
they feel deprived.What is your reaction to this?
One
who has taken Baba in his heart will never feel deprived or depressed .It
is not necessary that a devotee should always remain near His Guru in gross
terms.The devotees who are physically very close to Guru may be very far
from Him and those who are physically distant may be very close to the
Guru.The important thing is that what is the mental state of a devotee
towards His Spiritual Master?In my thoughts there is no one else but Baba
.Those who are close to Baba ,I am close to them.I go along the Bhava or
mental attitude of people.
What
is
one's external appearance is meaningless for me.The only important thing
is that how single pointedly the devotee is devoted towards Baba ,and what
is his level of thought and feeling?
Besides
this nothing else holds any importance.This is what Baba has said number
of times.
Many
people come to you for a solution to their problems.Knowing the fact that
their problems are outcome of their own 'karmas',you pray to God for helping
them.What is your reaction to this?
I
can only pray to Baba to solve the problems of His devotees .My only appeal
to Sadguru is that if He bestows His Grace upon the distressed devotees
then their sufferings would go away.Rest is on Sadguru or God.He will do
as He may like to do.When anybody remembers God with a pure heart ,in that
state of 'Bhava ' he gets away from the shadows of bad effects.My effort
is that the devotee should be inspired towards the right path and surrender
to the Master.
ARE
YOU IN THE CORRECT PATH
Why
do you come to the temple of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba ?
a)
Is it because you love Baba so much that at least without His symbolic
presence ,life seems meaningless to you ?
b)
Is it because you take some time out of your busy schedule and come to
Baba's temple for generating a nobler state of mind by praying,singing
aarti and doing pooja etc ?
c)
Is it because you have too many problems around you in the practical world
surrounding you and cannot fight and therefore run to the temple for getting
blessings of Baba ?
d)
Is it because you have problems and want to solve it through Baba's grace
within the desired period in the desired method ?
Do
you remember Baba having said that all seeds planted need not necessarily
become trees.Are you prepared to believe that you may not get as much results
as you wish by coming to the temple?
Whatever
you offer to Baba ,are they out of your honest income?
Do
you think it is proper to make presents to Baba out of your dishonest income?
Don’t
you remember that Baba had refused to take gold and silver presents from
a Queen who had come in a palanquin but,had accepted a single chapaati
with an onion from an old lady offered out of love?
Are
you coming to temple to satisfy your sentimental requirements at the cost
of your family members and other dependents? Don't you remember Baba had
forced Mahalsapati to go and stay with family because he was coming and
staying at Dwarkamai .Are you doing your family duties perfectly?
Do
you come to temple to socialize because you have known people there and
to gossip about things.Don't you think it is a useless wastage of time
to talk,discuss topics pertaining to issues other than that of Baba ,religion
and spiritualism.
Don't
you think that it is better to spend your time in meditating on Baba ,praying
,participating in aarti or by reading books like Sai Satcharitra etc.
Since
no one is perfect ,don't you think it is improper to think of the imperfections
of others or gossip bout them In the temple?Don't you remember that Baba
had told one person that talking ill of other person is like a pig eating
dirty food,just as some find fault in others.
Do
you think that your devotional level is higher than that of others and
therefore criticize about others way of worshipping. Don't you think that
it is highly negetive approach.
Don't
you agree with Sri Sai saying that we meet people and face problems because
of Rinanubandha I.e debt of the past life.If we believe in this saying
of Baba then isn't it required of us to accept our own problems and not
always cry and fret about them . Do you think that anyone is so specially
chosen by God that He will have no pain and problem but only happiness?
Do
you have the amount of patience (Saburi) and faith (Shraddha) needed to
come closer to Baba.Do you think that your Shraddha is constant or it changes
with problems and situations? Do you change your mentors frquently?
Baba
always advised people to develop qualities of kindness,impartiality ,sympathy
, tolerance and sacrifice to others.How much sacrifice do you do for others
at your cost?Do you think that whatever little sacrifice you think you
do is enough?
Do
you remember Baba having said that when two persons are fighting ,the the
person that doesn't hurt the others or tolerates the negetives is dearer
to me .Do you do so?
Do
you think that unbridled sentimentality,which includes crying and wailing
etc are required in spiritual path?Don't you know by such sentiments ,you,
at times ,cause harm to others and contaminate good atmosphere.Is it not
better to contain your emotionality within yourself,and not make a public
display of it to establish your devotional fervour?
You
want yourself to be sympathetically dealt by others and also to be understood.Don't
you think that others ,also would be expecting the same from you.Do you
do so?
Do
you think that by being jealous about others improvements even in the devotional
field,you gain anything?
Whatever
work you do for Baba , are you doing it honestly and with intensity I.e
purity of thought,or do you do it in a casual manner?
We
want Sri Sai to take care of all your problem but do we equally try to
even do a fraction of His work perfectly for His cause?
Do
you think the blessings of God will come to you when you don't qualify
for it,breaking the law of Karma I.e action and reaction syndrome?
Don't
you think it is proper that you first work for His cause which qualifies
for His blessings. Good resultd do follow ultimately in accordance with
the 'Law of Karma'. If you really want to have the blessings of Baba and
live peacefully along with your fellowmen,first improve your own qualities
on the lines indicated in the preceding paragraphs.
THINK
,THINK AND THINK
Everything
happening in this universe is mystically systematical.Every action /word
has a meaning ans a purpose behind it.Is it true?
Law
of Nature is highly precise and scientific.Nothing is meaningless and unsystematic
in nature no matter how so ever small. Just remember that 'Man is God fooling
himself'.Those human beings who strived and knew the laws of nature, to
them there are no mysteries .They are saints,ypgis and Perfect Masters.
If
there is one God,then why are there so many religions on this earth?
It
is only God ,the Almighty or the Divine force that is responsible to create
the human beings,sustain them and also to bring about their physical end
which we term as death.All this is true for the living and non-living.All
these beings carrying human souls are scattered all over this earth.They
are born in different social,cultural and geographic situations.Each one
has certain level of conciosness,and a series of experience. The experiences
and levels of conciouisness may be similar but cannot be the same.God creates
different religions for the evolution of different group of souls who are
required to follow the path which one religion prescribes. In fact ,religions
have been created differently through different Incarnations to evolve
different groups of souls.Any person who is born in one religion should,therefore,stick
to it because without experience of the path prescribed by that religion
,he cannot further evolve.So Geeta clearly tells us 'Swadharme nidhana
shreyah,Parodharma Vayavaha' which means it is better to die for one's
own religion ,than accept any other religion.
If
all religions have came out of God,then why do people fight on religion?
If
human beings were that perfect,there was no need for God to incarnate and
establish so many religions.Only because human beings naturally have tendency
to differ and antagonise each other,therefore,religions try to show them
different ways to get out of their self created problems and limitations.The
main problem is that after the departure of the Incarnations, interpretation
of His sayings or commands rae doneby some religious leaders,who are imperfect.
Some of them ,even if possessing some spiritual power interpret the original
sayings of thof the Incarnationin a limited way.History shows that at times
,such interpretations are totally contradictory to what the founder of
any religion had said.Common people ,not knowing the difference between
the real incarnations and these leaders,follow them blindly.This lead to
fanaticism,rivalry and even wars.Whenever situation becomes bad and people
suffer due to wrong interpretation of religion,God again incarnates and
re-stabalizes Dharma,the rules of nature. This has been going on since
long and will also continue in future.
Religions
are different but is there anything common in them,I mean are there any
common parameters?
'Dharma
' is from a Sanskrit root (Dhaa) which means to hold and also to think.Religions
therefore try to hold together not only different human beings or group
of people but also the other aspects of nature like plants ,animals,birds
and all living aspects .As ordained by nature they live together and are
interdependent,therefore these must be held in a fine balance.The principles
for holding them for the greatest goodof them for the longest period of
time is known as Dharma.The concepts of Hindu universalism ,the Muslim
brotherhood,the Christian service,the Buddhist tolerance are nothing but
attempts to bring out and establish the common denominators of togetherness.Human
beings are aware of these but lose their path from time to timewhen these
Incarnations again come and reestablish these concepts of love, tolerance
,sacrifice,unity and simplicity. I would like to know whether Sai Baba
is coming as Maitreya Buddha in future.If so ,how can I make sure He and
coming Buddha .
All
incarnations are the human forms of God ,playing different roles at different
places and a different points of time.They do not are same?
I
love Sai Baba a lot and have a great faith in Him. ever reappear in the
same body.Only highly evolved souls can know about an incarnation.Unless
He reveals it Himself others cannot know. Believe that Baba is same as
Buddha.Your thinking ,even if you do not know the inner truths of nature,is
correct.
I just
learned about Sai Baba today.Is He the reincarnation of Jesus on earth?
Shri
Shirdi Sai is an incarnation .His role on earth has been like that of Jesus,-kindness
personified,the most merciful man to redeem humanity of its misery.
I would
like to know what is the relationship between Baba and Jesus?And if I believe
in Jesus,can All incarnations are manifestation of God.The Almighty works
differently at different times and in different societies as per the prevailing
conditions. I believe in Baba too?
There
is a lot common between Baba and Christ I.e love,self -sacrifice,living
like ordinary people among their disciples etc Go Step by Step.Always pray
to Him to give you the direction. Even I believe in Jesus as the kindest
redeemer of millions of human beings.
I want
to start a "Sai movement" in a foreign land but have no idea or contacts
to do that.How should I go about it?
First
action to start a Sai movement is to make oneself mentally ,morally and
financially strong.The immediate steps you can take at this stage are:-
a)
Get His Photograph,pictures for free distribution.
b)
Get books on Him and magazines for circulation.
c)
Call the devotees on a Sunday and do prayers .
I am
in search of my spiritual destiny at the moment .I would like to preach
for Sai Baba but I have no resources for that.Please advice?
To
have a desire to work for Shri Sai is a noble idea .But, first one must
create a ground by his own hard work and patience.Such work can be done
if one has pue emotions supported by intelligence,knowledge and material
support.One has to create these assets for himself/herself before taking
a plunge.The growth will be slow and one has to face this reality with
forbearance.There is no shortcut to spiritualism.Pray to Baba to build
you up for His cause.
What
should be the role of patrons of Sai Temples towards the people who come
to temples?
The
patrons should let the people come forward ,to see and worship Baba..They
had special blessings of Baba when they got an opportunity for construction
of a temple .Now it is important for them that they should not pose a hindrance
to the devotees.They have already been blessed by Baba's grace now they
should let others also benefit by His grace.Temple belongs to all.They
should work with utmost humility with a service - oriented mind.
Please
tell me one mantra to pray to Shri Sai Baba?
Sai
Mantra for you is "Aum Shri SaiNathay Namah".Be steadfast in your devotion
to Baba.
How
to win Sai's love?
Though
I do everyday pooja ,Sai Sacharitra parayana and His namsmarana still I
am not feeling His presence as I used to do in the past.I want His assurance
like He used to give me before,there is nothing but silence.Please help.
Baba's assurances cover this ,"If you take one step towards Me,I will take
ten steps towards you".Baba 's love never stops or changes with situations.He
is constantly there with you.Your faith is being tested.Very soon He will
assure you in a certain way provided you are honest and steadfast in your
prayer.Don't worry over temprory
I feel
that smoking is not all that bad.Am I correct?
Baba
was in the Beyond state whom no material aspect including smoking affected.If
he offered Chillum to any one ,he saw to it that it did not adversely affect
the person.Rather ,some people got cured of disease as it is mentioned
in Shri Satcharitra.Through group Chillum habits, he tried to breakdown
the barriers of high,low castes and religions.An ordinary person knowing
the hazards of smoking cannot afford to continue because this habit is
for his pleasure and does not have a greater social significance.Pray to
Baba to get you out.
What
should be our prayer towards Baba?
We
should pray to Baba that first of all ,He should free us from the bad actions
I.e paap,and the debts generated through many of our past lives.Before
we ask for Baba's grace we should say that "O Baba make us worthy of your
grace".It is necessary to become worthy of His grace before receiving it,
no matter how much one has to suffer for it.
Please
teach me how to do prayers to Shirdi Sai Baba?
Begin
by concentrating on His photograph from feet to head and vice versa as
Baba has told in Shri Sai Satcharitra.Either pray through your normal language,or
Aarti of Baba or through any Mantra you know.What is necessary is a feeling
of love towards Him.Silent and concentrated prayer is the best.
I very
much want to get closer to Baba ,both through prayers and meditation.Although
,things go smoothly at most of the times, Living amidst the worldly situations
termed as Maya ,one cannot avoid this situation unless one decides to leave
the worldly activities. I am often afflicted by attacks of Maya ,and this
repeatedly disheartens me because I feel that all the progress that I have
made upto that point is lost.What is the way to be more steadfast inone's
principles?
Totally
and become a yogi or Sanyasi.Simultaneously ,if one holds on to Baba always
in some form say,taking His name,speaking about Him to others, reading
about Him ,thinking about Him etc,the mind gets His support to sustain
or develop the inner power to resist the attacks of Maya.More strong the
attraction towards Baba develops less strong will be the attraction towards
the illusory worldly aspects.
What
is the best method of praying?Is it the mental prayer conducted silently
before Lord Sai or praying aloud to the Lord?
Mental
Prayer with concentration is better,in case mind has developed that capacity
or otherwise, pray aloud individually or in congregations.
What
does Shri Sai Baba require of His devotees,does He expect them to sing
His Aartis etc or are the Those who remember Him with equanimity both in
happiness and sorrow ,thinking Him to be the only refuge in their life
will be closer to Him.Keeping devotees like us who keep remembering Him
in both happiness and sorrow,are also dear to Him?
Him
in conciousness always by singing Aarti or remembering Him in happiness
and sorrow or even while doing any kind of service ,these are all interlinked
spontaneosly.
While
praying I go into a tunnel ,some forces try to stop me while others help
me to continue going further. Is it coming from within you,your imagination
or having read anywhere about it?
If
it is coming from within you ,such a tunnel means one is going in the correct
path.Analyse your At the end of this tunnel I see bright light.What is
the significance of this? mind to find the origin of this thought.Many
questions will get answered if we analyse and understand our own thought.
disturbances.
I want
to perform pooja two or three times a day for Baba ,which I was doing till
some months back when I was not working?
Do
not worry if you cannot do formal pooja .If a small pooja before going
out and before sleep is done it is fine.You can even do mental pooja.
I want
Baba to be in each and every activity of mine?
Though
at the back of mind He is always there but still I 'm not satisfied,I want
to do much more.I am working married woman through concentration.Constant
and loving rememberance of Baba through whatever support system is the
best path.Read Sai Satcharitra regularly. and remain at work most of the
times.
How
do I manage my time for Baba's worship?
It
is said that all prayers reach Baba and Sadgurus.Many times in my life
Baba listened to my prayers instantly and has been helping me in various
forms.Though I firmly believe that all my prayers and feelings reach Baba
and Guru,sometimes I feel like having a feedback whether God and my Guru
received my prayers.
How
do I know their response?
All
prayers even the unspoken ones,the moment they are thought reach Baba instantly.Continue
to remember Him and pray to Him.Be patient and pray Him continuously.You
will get what you call 'feedback' in some manner some day.Thousands of
devotees of Baba experience Baba's grace.
May
I know the meaning of 'OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI'?
'Hail
Sai,Oh Sai ,Let you be there always!'
Schedule of daily program at Shirdi
1. Kakad Arati 5:15 a.m.
2. Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba 6:00 a.m.
3. Darshan Begins 7:00 a.m.
4. Satyanarayana Pooja 9:00 a.m.
5. Abhishek 9:00 a.m.
6. Noon Arati 12:00 Noon
7. Pravachan or Pujan 4:00 p.m.
8. Dhuparati Sunset
9. Bhajan, Keertan, Vocal Music, etc 9:00 p.m.
10. Shejarati 10:00 p.m. |
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