Thursday, December 31, 2009

Om Sai Ram - New Year Message From Sathy Sai Baba

Dear One
Be Blessed
Om Sai Ram

From the new year, you have to understand the true meaning of humanness and transform your life. You will then be true servants of the nation. Play your part in every field of public life, keeping your heart pure and unsullied.
Students! Remember that you are in a "golden age" in your lives. Do not waste it. Do your duty. Love and revere your parents. Serve society. Adhere to the good qualities associated with right education. Be happy and make others happy (This is my New Year's Resolution).
From this new year onward, when students cultivate humility, reverence for elders, and love toward all, I shall feel very happy.
This is New Year Day, according to the Gregorian calendar. We have other New Year days according to the practice in different parts of the country. There is no need to bother about the year as such. Devote every moment to actions that will please God. Develop love for God, which will confer every blessing on you. This is exemplified by the life of Harischandra. He sacrificed everything in the cause of truth, and ultimately he got back everything by the grace of God.
On this New Year Day, I wish you all every happiness and prosperity. The ancients used to bless those who came to them with long lives of 100 years and good health. They wished the people long life so that they may lead worthy lives. Lead a long life, happy life, peaceful life, loving life, and divine life. Redeem your lives by practicing Divine Love.
www.sathyasai.org/calendar/ny.html

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sai in My Life

Regarding Sai in my life - Written on July 28, 2006
My Mother had nurtured my spiritual life at a early age. She was a devotee of "Rama". My Dad worshiped "Shiva". Between ages 5 to 10, I was made to take part in all religious activity at a local Rama temple in my rural town near Mysore. Then, betwee ages 10 to 20 mostly I had to lead solitude life because, I had to help with various household chores, attend to farming work plus studies, drop my sister and brother to school (train journey from village to Mysore) no time for friends or sports. Age 20, in 1973 I ended up in Ann Arbor, USA staying for 1 year with my Brother and Sister-in-law. I met PRABHUPADA (founder of ISKON-Hare Krishna Movement).
From 1974, I am on my own, working and studying, shaping my destiny. During my Undergraduate Studies at Eastern Michigan University, I got exposed to Christian and Islamic faith, western life style, Swami Muktananda, Swami Chidvilasanada and finally Memorial Day weekend in 1979 SAI BABA entered my life at a Sai Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri.
From 1979 -1980 attended Sai Bhajans in Ann Arbor. In June 1980, I visited India first in 7 years. Visited Whitefiled--Sai Baba gave me interview, along with my Sister-in-law. I offered Garland to Sai. I sat next to Swami. Baba materialized Vibhuthi and Blessed me. This is the turning point in my life. From then on Swami has officially taken charge of my life. Returned from trip, passed C.P.A. exam, moved to Oklahoma. October 1980 to September 1992 lived in Oklahoma--Working full-time, Night Law School (daily driving 100 miles over 4 years), Marriage, 3 Children, became a Lawyer at age 33, worked as company lawyer for a fortune 100 company, President of Washington County Bar Association, Active in Jaycees, Toast Masters, C.P.A. Association, Board of Director of Young Lawyers Division of Oklahoma Bar Association --
In Summer 1981, I visited Swami in Puttaparthi and again on January 1, 1991 I visited Sai in Puttapathi. No Sai contact for next 10 years till 1991. November 1991, layoff, no job prospects. Started praying to Sai. Mailed more than 5,000 resumes. No Luck. September 1992, I and my son, Natraj, attended Sai Retreat in Dallas, TX. Theme "LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL". This message had profound impact on my life. In October 1992, I moved to New York. 1992-1993, I was attending Sai Bhajans 4 to 5 times per week. In November 1992, I got a job at Resoration Corporation (founded by Senator Bobby Kennedy). In 1993, family joined me. Another lay-off. Law parctice started in November 1993. February 1994, visited my mom, took her Kashi (Varanasi). Went to Puttaparthi and had Swami's darshan on Shivarathri. From 1995 to 1999, I was visiting Swami twice a year. In 1995 visit to Swami's hospital, I saw "Paropakar Idam Shariram" (this body is give to serve others). Huge impact on me. Visited Kanyakumari. In 1995, I attended 70th Birthday of Baba. Major transformation in my life. Another visit in 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Realization that we are not this body, but Atma. God lives within us as consciousness. Now, looking back, I realize how Swami has changed different events in my life especially beginning with his blessings in June 1980. Any good you see in me is owed to Swami. Bad qualities still in me is my fault, I am working on it. Day by day, my faith in Sai is growing. More you pray, More you play.
All the best,
Raj

Monday, January 19, 2009

Our Goal of Life is to Expereince and Share God's Love

Dear One:

Painful or Difficult Situation is a Fact of Life:

Our Life is a product of our actions, reactions and inactions. "As we sow, so we reap". "With every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction", Swami says, "present is the result of our past" (not only this life, but many, many lives we have lived). So, do not focus on painful or difficult situation, but pray to God for strength and courage to cope with painful or difficult situation.

Death is a Fact of Life:

Death is a fact of life. At death, we cannot take anything with us. People, Property, Position all ends at death. At death, Life force (referred to as Light, Atma, Energy etc., ) leaves the body and goes to join another life. After death, Body is either cremated or buried. We never receive a call from the departed as to where they went and how they are doing. So, what is the Goal of Life?

Goal of Human Life:

Goal of human life is not Eating, Drinking, Sleeping, and Dying. Animals also lead same life. As Humans, God has given mind and thinking power, which make us unique from all of his creations. God says that Humans are his crow jewel in his creation.

As we began asking the question, who am I? Why am I put in this universe? All spiritual seekers have found the answer that we are not this body but Soul (i.e. Atma, Light, energy)that leaves the body at death.

At birth, we do not know where we came from and why we are born in a particular family with unique, geographical, social and economic situation.

As we progress from childhood, adult life and and old age, we become gradually attached to our family and surroundings. "Me and Mine" overpowers our existence. "Me and Mine" feelings lead to pain and pleasure.

Search for permanent Happiness continues. Then, we come to realization as to what Swami has said that "Happiness is Union with God". This is because, our Soul is yearning to merge with Super Soul (i.e., merging of Atma with Paramata).

Life Force is a Gift of God:

Life force makes us function this body identified by a name given to us by our parents - unseen force make us think, act, move around, communicate, digest food, keep heart beating etc., Life Force is a gift from God ( referred as Super Power, Major force behind Life force, Big man upstairs etc.,) given to us to experience ONENESS since Life Force is present in all God's creation.

Goal of Life is to Experience and Share God's Love:

Since God has given us Life Force, we are part of GOD. That is why Swami tells us "Divine Embodiment of Love", "You are God, I am God, you do not know it, I know that I am God".

So, Goal of Life, is to offer immense Thanks to GOD. This is done by constantly remembering God - Listening, Singing, Chanting and Serving. Goal of Life is to Experience God's Love and Share His LoveGod is our true friend.

Power, Position, Property, Fame, Fortune, and Family all Fade's away over time. So, Constantly remember GOD. Thank God Profusely.

Think of God, anywhere, everywhere, and all the time.

With intense Love of God, we experience his LOVE (i.e., his Gift of Life Force to us and ability to experience LOVE). Then, "Contentment" feeling takes over and "Me and Mine" feelings subside.

As we experience GOD's LOVE, we have to share it with all who come in our path (i.e., Family, Friends, Neighbors, Co-workers, and Strangers).

We share God's Love by listening, giving, forgiving, accepting, and sharing.

May You Experience God's Love and Share His Love.

THANK GOD ALWAYS.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU
SaiRajSai
January 19, 2009

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Early Morning Prayers

Oh Lord,
I am born from the womb of sleep.
I am determined to carry out all tasks this day as offering to Thee ever present before my mind's eye.
Make my words, thoughts and deeds sacred and pure.
Let me not inflict pain on anyone; let no one inflict pain on me.
Direct me, guide me this day.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, SSS, 2 p. 71

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Prayers Work

Re: [SBOI-post] Nama Smaraan.. Really worked
Sai Ram Mohit:
You have shared a remarkable experience about power of Nama Smaran.
Swami always comes to rescue.
Praying to Swami is the best way to get help and it is 100% guaranteed.
Absolutely free.
No service charge.
Just help someone in need. Then you build deposit in Swami's account. Swami's grace will flow.
Swami is available 24/7. Just call his name or remember him, help is on the way.
Baba is always ready to help.
Through prayers, we let him help us.
I know that prayer works. I use to all the time.
Swami's name is my 911 service.
Keep up Sai Namasmaran - Anytime, Every time and All the Time.
Through intense prayers Develop Love towards all. Swami will make you do wonders.
Sairajsai
New York
August 18, 2007

Sairajsai's 2009 New Year's Resolution

2009 New Year’s Resolution –

A. Spiritual – Spend More time with Sai (i.e., God Consciousness)

1. Think of Swami anytime, anywhere and everywhere.
2. Think of Swami at least 1 time during the hour.
3. Write Sai Ram at least 12 times in a day.
4. Listen to Radio Sai at least 1 hour/day.
5. Visit Baba in India for at least 1 week.
6. Attend Sai Center Meeting at least 1 time/week.
7. Attend Sai Retreat/Silent Retreat/Satsangh.
8. Listen to Sai Experiences.
9. Send positive/uplifting message via email.
10. Practice more Silence and Contemplate on Sai’ Unconditional Love.

B. Spiritual - Practice Swami’s Teachings

1. Fulfill my Personal and Professional Obligations with more Love.
2. Avoid Gossip at all times and Stop commenting on people.
3. Radiate Swami’s Love – Smile often, Look in the Eye, Listen more and talk less, and give Hugs (if appropriate).
4. Pray for others.
5. Avoid complaining and Maintain Attitude of Gratitude (say Thanks more often) (Always re-count Blessings).

B. Financial

1. Meet my expenses.
2. Live within my means.
3. Save some money for rainy day/old age.

C. Health

1. Walk at least ½ hour/day.
2. Eat small portions.